Development of antibacterial ε-polylysine/chitosan hybrid films and the effect on citrus.

In this study, the ε-polylysine (PL)/chitosan (CS) composite films with the PL concentration of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% were prepared via casting method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical and antibacterial properties of PL/CS composite films, as well as the effect of PL/CS coatings on citrus were observed. FTIR spectra suggested that there was no strong hydrogen bond between CS and PL. SEM images indicated that the film surface was smooth and the addition of PL to chitosan lead to more holes. The tensile strength was deceasing and the elongation at break of the films was elevating with the increase of PL content. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of PL/CS composite films was enhanced with increasing of PL content. Furthermore, it was found that the PL/CS coatings inhibited efficiently the decline of total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid content and reduced the disease incidence of citrus, compared with the control. Also the disease incidence of citrus was decreasing with the increase of PL content. However, the weight loss did not show significant differences between the coated citrus and control during the whole storage period.

[Transdermal characteristics and mechanism of asiaticoside nanoemulsions and asiaticoside nanoemulsions-based gels].

To prepare the asiaticoside nanoemulsions (ASI-NEs) and asiaticoside nanoemulsions-based gels (ASI-NBGs), compare them with the commercial cream of asiaticoside (ASI-C) in terms of transdermal characteristics, and investigate the transdermal mechanism of ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs. Their transdermal characteristics were studied by using Franz diffusion cells. The effect of topical ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs on ultrastructure of rabbit skin was evaluated by using HE staining method. The localization and the permeation pathway of asiaticoside were visually investigated by using laser scanning confocal microscope (CLSM). The transdermal studies in vitro showed that the cumulative amount of ASI permeated from ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs at 12 h after application were (3 504.30±180.93), (1 187.40±128.88) µg·cm⁻² respectively, 6.57, 2.23 times of that in the control group of ASI-C; the drug deposition of ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs in skin was (159.48±7.47), (120.53±5.71) µg·cm⁻² respectively, 5.93, 4.48 times of that of ASI-C. HE staining of the rabbit skin after application of ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs showed that the epidermis structure was basically intact; stratum corneum was loosed and the keratin fragment was increased; at the same time, the gap of prickle cell was increased and the basal cells were arranged loosely. The study of CLSM showed that significant percutaneous enhancer effect was observed for ASI-NEs after the topical application of 6 h, as the fluorescent compound was penetrated in the dermis and diffused uniformly. The fluorescence area and the integral optical density (IOD) were 28.81, 32.51 times of that in the FITC aqueous solution group, respectively. The fluorescent preparations showed strong fluorescence in the epidermis, but weak in deeper layers; with the increase of treatment time, the fluorescence in deeper layer was increased and stronger in skin appendages. The prepared ASI-NEs and ASI-NBGs have good transdermal characteristics and the transdermal mechanism is related to breaking the ultrastructure of stratum corneum and penetrating by the path of skin adnexa.

Expression and possible role of IGF-IR in the mouse gastric myenteric plexus and smooth muscles.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptor (IGF-IR) have tremendous trophic effects on the central, peripheral and enteric neurons. The loss of IGF-IR contributes to the development of diabetic gastroparesis. However, the nature and the function of the IGF-IR(+) cells in the gastric myenteric plexus remain unclear. In this study, anti-ChAT, anti-S100ß or anti-c-KIT antibodies were used to co-label IGF-IR(+) cells and neurons, glial cells or interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), respectively. We also generated type 1 diabetic mice (DM) to explore the influence of impaired IGF-I/IGF-IR in the myenteric neurons. Results showed that IGF-IR was expressed in the epithelium, smooth muscles and myenteric plexi of the mouse stomach. Most of the IGF-IR(+) cells in the myenteric plexi were ChAT(+) cholinergic neurons, but not enteric glial cells and there were more IGF-IR(+) neurons and fibers in the gastric antrum than in the corpus. The IGF-IR(+)/ChAT(+) neurons and ICCs were closely juxtaposed, but distinctly distributed in the myenteric plexus, indicating a possible role for the IGF-IR(+)/ChAT(+) neurons in the mediation of gastric motility through ICCs. Moreover, the decrease of IGF-IR and cholinergic neurons in the myenteric plexi and smooth muscles of DM mice suggested that IGF-I/IGF-IR signaling might play a role in neuron survival and neurite outgrowth, as well as stem cell factor (SCF) production, which is required for the development of ICCs. Our results provide insights into the effects of IGF-I/IGF-IR signaling on the development of gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Sonographic classification of draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe and propose a sonographic classification of the blood-draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome. METHODS: This retrospective study included 206 patients with hepatic vein obstructions who underwent sonographic examination. We evaluated the afflicted hepatic veins, as well as the course, orifice, blood flow direction of draining veins, and communicating branches. Results were classified and compared with digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography. RESULTS: Of 618 hepatic veins in 206 patients, 542 were obstructed. The blood-draining pathways were classified as hepatic vein-accessory hepatic vein (131/206), hepatic vein-hepatic vein/accessory hepatic+hepatic vein (49/206), and, less frequently, collateral pathways (26/206). Blood was drained from obstructed hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava, right atrium, para-umbilical veins, or hepatic subcapsular veins through communicating branches of various number and diameters. Doppler signals were obtained from the draining veins. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography provides accurate information regarding the blood-draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome, which may be helpful for treatment and follow-up.

4D-CT reconstruction based on pulmonary average CT values.

To date, commercial 4D-CT systems typically depend on an external respiratory monitoring device. Immobilizing patients in a thermoplastic mask while receiving radiotherapy may result in a failure of 4D-CT reconstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of 4D-CT reconstruction based on a method using pulmonary average CT values (ACV) without an external respiratory monitoring device. The ACV of the whole lung assumes cyclical variation during respiration. Phases of CT images were identified by calculating the ACV over time. Subsequently, five sets of 4D-CT images based on a Real-time Position Management (RPM) system were selected to verify the ACV method. The entire lung CT datasets of another sixteen free-breathing patients were acquired in Cine scan mode for multiple couch positions. The phase of every CT image was identified and re-sorted into different phase 4D-CT volumes by analyzing the time dependence of the corresponding ACVs. This paper demonstrates the ACV method using the 4D-CT data sets based on the RPM system. Convenient and reliable 4D-CT reconstruction can be accomplished without any external respiratory monitoring device using ACVs.

The distribution of HCN2-positive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of mice.

HCN2 channels are involved in the spontaneous rhythmic activities of some CNS neurons and act by generating I(f) current. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is known to be capable of spontaneous rhythmic activity; however, the possible role of HCN2 channels in this organ has not yet been elucidated. This study investigated the distribution of HCN2-positive cells in the mouse GI tract using immunohistochemistry. To identify the nature of these HCN2 cells, anti-ChAT and anti-Kit antibodies were used to co-label neurons and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), respectively. Additionally, differences in the distribution of HCN2-positive cells within the GI tract were also analyzed. Our results showed that HCN2 channels were mainly located within the myenteric neurons of the enteric nervous system in the GI tract. Double-staining revealed that HCN2-positive neurons were labeled by ChAT, indicating that these HCN2-positive cells are also cholinergic neurons. Although the HCN2-positive cells were not stained by the anti-Kit antibody, their processes were in close proximity to ICCs around the myenteric plexus region. Moreover, several differences in the distribution of HCN2 in the stomach, small intestine and colon were partly consistent with the regional differences in the spontaneous rhythmic activities of these organs. Basing on the role HCN2, we suggested that HCN2 channels facilitate the release of Ach from cholinergic neurons to affect the GI peristalsis by acting on M receptors on the ICCs. However, the HCN2 channels are not directly involved in spontaneous slow-wave initiation by ICCs.

PB/PANI-modified electrode used as a novel oxygen reduction cathode in microbial fuel cell.

This study focuses on the preparation of a new type of Prussian Blue/polyaniline (PB/PANI)-modified electrode as oxygen reduction cathode, and its availability in microbial fuel cell (MFC) for biological power generation. The PB/PANI-modified electrode was prepared by electrochemical and chemical methods, both of which exhibited good electrocatalytical reactivity for oxygen reduction in acidic electrolyte. The MFC with PB/PANI-modified cathode aerated by either oxygen or air was shown to yield a maximum power density being the same with that of the MFC with liquid-state ferricyanide cathode, and have an excellent duration as indicated by stable cathode potential for more than eight operating circles. This study suggests a promising potential to utilize this novel electrode as an effective alternative to platinum for oxygen reduction in MFC system without losing sustainability.

[Effect of BMI and WHR on lumbar lordosis and sacrum slant angle in middle and elderly women].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) on lumbar lordosis and sacrum slant angle in the patients with low back pain, and to discuss the theory of low back pain induced by obesity. METHODS: The Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) was answered by 98 middle and elderly women with low back pain, whose body height, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured and used to calculate their MBI and WHR. According to BMI, all the cases were divided into normal, overweight and obesity groups. These cases were also divided into noncentral and central obesity groups according to WHR. The lateral X-ray films of the lumbar spine were studied by measuring LCI, Cobb angle, and SSA. The data of all groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: LCI, Cobb angle, SSA and RDQ scores in the overweight and obesity groups are significantly higher than those in the normal group. LCI, Cobb angle, SSA, and RDQ scores in the central obesity group are significantly higher than those in the noncentral obesity group. CONCLUSION: BMI exceeding 24 kg/m2 or WHR exceeding 0.85 may increase the measurements of Cobb angle, SSA and RDQ scores. Low back pain may occur because of overweight, obesity, or central obesity. The anatomy foundation of the increasing lumbar lordosis and sacrum slant angle may be the one of reasons of low back pain in obese person.

[Experimental study of delayed implantation on bone grafts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible with delayed implantation. METHODS: Operations were performed to create two defects in the bilateral mandible of 16 dogs. The left defect was grafted by composite transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible (immersed in -196 degrees C liquid nitrogen) with fresh cancellous ilium (composite transplantation group, CTG). The right defect was grafted by fresh ilium (iliac transplantation group, ITG). Three months after transplantation one IMZ TPS dental implant was placed into the graft of each side. At 3, 6, 9, 12 weeks postoperatively, 4 animals were sacrificed respectively and the grafts with dental implant were harvested for gross observation, X-Ray examination and histological evaluation to compare peri-implant bone healing between composite transplantation group and iliac transplantation group. RESULTS: There was no absorbing bone density reducing image of peri-implant at each stage. The quantified X-Ray gray extent displayed obvious variation of interfacial bone density between two kinds of grafts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks after implantation. The composite transplantation group obviously surpassed the iliac transplantation group. At 12 weeks after the implantation, there was no significant difference between the peri-implant bones of both sides. There was satisfactory osseointegration between the implants and the two kinds of grafts. The healing style of peri-implant bone was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Good osseointegration was performed between the implant and the composite transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible following delayed implantation.

[Clinical application of sural neurocutaneous island flaps].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application characteristics of sural neurocutaneous island flaps. METHODS: Sural neurocutaneous island flaps were used to repair the skin defect accompanied bone and tendon exposure in the lower leg, around the ankle and foot in 21 cases, including 4 cases to repair the foreside of the foot back . Direct flap was used in 5 cases and reverse flap in 16 cases. Meanwhile the coverage and formation of sural nerve were surveyed together with the starting point of peroneal perforator. RESULTS: All the 21 sural flaps were survived, including sural nerve (18 cases) anastomose 12 cases, single trunk 4 cases, double trunk 2 cases. The anastomose site of medial sural cutaneous nerve and the communicating branch of lateral sural cutaneous nerve was at the point of 11 - 14 cm above the ankle in 12 cases. The lower was the anastomose site, the shorter was the sural nerve. The site is 4 - 7 cm above the ankle in 15 out of 18 sural nerve perforator branch cases, and the other 3 cases is 10, 11, 11.5 cm above the ankle respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sural neurocutaneous island flaps are easy to separate. Major arteries are not injured. It is the ideal flap to repair the skin defect accompanied by bone and tendon exposure in lower leg, around ankle and foot. The nerve must be anastomosed when repairing the heel.

[The expanded cross-leg flap for repairing the soft tissue defects of the instep].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of the expanded cross-leg flap for repairing instep soft tissue defects with bone exposure. METHODS: The expanded cross-leg flap was used to repair instep defects in 10 patients. After flap transferring the donor site was closed directly without skin grafting. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were achieved in all the cases. The flaps survived well. The donor site had less scar and kept good appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The expanded cross-leg flap is a better choice for repairing the soft tissue defects of the instep. It is simple and easy with less trauma to the donor site. After the operation, both the recipient and the donor areas had good appearance.

Use of monoclonal antibodies for analyses of Coxiella burnetii major antigens.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to major antigens of Coxiella burnetii were produced. Some of the MAbs to a 62-kDa protein antigen, peptidoglycan protein complex and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-chains reacted with other bacteria whereas none of the MAbs to outer membrane proteins and LPS outer-core did. The LPS outer-core and OMPs may be useful antigens for specifically detecting antibodies to C. burnetii.

Long-term effect of stent placement in 115 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

AIM: To report the long-term effect of stent placement in 115 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients with BCS were treated by percutaneous stent placement. One hundred and two patients had IVC stent placement, 30 patients had HV stent placement, 17 of them underwent both IVC stent and HV stent. All the procedures were performed with guidance of ultrasound. RESULTS: The successful rates in placing IVC stent and HV stent were 94% (96/102) and 87% (26/30), respectively. Ninety-seven patients with 112 stents (90 IVC stents, 22 HV stents) were followed up. 96.7% (87/90) IVC stents and 90.9% (20/22) HV stents remained patent during follow up periods (mean 49 months, 45 months, respectively). Five of 112 stents in the 97 patients developed occlusion. Absence of anticoagulants after the procedure and types of obstruction (segmental and occlusive) before the procedure were related to a higher incidence of stent occlusion. CONCLUSION: Patients with BCS caused by short length obstruction can be treated by IVC stent placement, HV stent placement or both IVC and HV stent placement depending on the sites of obstruction. The long-term effect is satisfactory. Anticoagulants are strongly recommended after the procedure especially for BCS patients caused by segmental occlusion.

Studies on the amino acid and mineral content of buckwheat protein fractions.

Protein fractions were extracted by successive extraction and analysis method in four buckwheat varieties including Japanese spring buckwheat, Japanese summer buckwheat, Yuqiao No. 1 and Yuqiao 6-21. The amino acid and the mineral content of each protein fraction were also analyzed in this paper. The basis for the data on the experiment was the relationship between protein fractions and amino acids, and the mineral contents of protein fractions. The distribution and proportion of amino acids and the minerals in each protein fraction in the buckwheat kernel as well as the nutritional value of buckwheat kernel were discussed. The results showed that there is a high amount of soluble protein and very low amount of prolamin in the buckwheat kernel. Leucine is the first limited amino acid in buckwheat, and buckwheat protein is only a seminutritional protein. The buckwheat kernel is rich in K, Zn in the albumin, Ca, Mg and Mn in the globulin, Na in the prolamin and glutelin.