[Analysis of curative effects of chemoembolization with drug-loaded microspheres of different particle sizes for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To compare and analyze the clinical curative effect and safety of chemoembolization with drug-loaded microspheres of different particle sizes (D-TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 281 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-loaded microspheres-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different particle sizes of drug-loaded microspheres, they were divided into 100~300 µm (small particle size) and 300~500 µm (large particle size) group. Tumor response rate and complication conditions at 1, 3, and 6 months after chemoembolization were compared. The overall survival time of the two groups were analyzed. Quantitative data conformed to normal distribution and homogeneity of variance were compared using t-test, while other with Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Qualitative data were compared using χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the differences in survival were analyzed using Log-rank test. P＜0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Survival curves and histograms were drawn using GraphPad Prism9.1 software. Results: The complete remission rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery in the small and large particle size groups were 31.25%, 30.15%, and 42.45% and 18.25%, 15.79% and 24.74%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant between groups (P1 month=0.012, P3 month=0.009, P6 month=0.008, P＜0.05). The objective remission rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery in the small and large particle size groups were 88.19%, 76.99%, and 70.75% and 81.02%, 72.81% and 53.60%, respectively. Six months after surgery, the small particle size group (objective response rate = 70.75%) was significantly higher than the large particle size group (objective response rate=53.6%, P=0.012). The disease control rates of the small particle size group were 95.14%, 83.33%, and 74.53%, while large particle size group were 91.24%, 81.58%, and 64.95%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, the incidence of postoperative biliary tumors (6.20%) was significantly higher in the small-size than large-size group (0.70%), and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05, P=0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between other adverse events such as post-embolization syndrome, liver abscess, and myelosuppression. The median survival time of the small and large particle size groups was 31.8 months and 20.5 months, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.182). Conclusions: In the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with D-TACE, the short-term curative effect of the small particle size group was better than large particle size group, but the incidence of biliary tumors was high, and D-TACE of different particle sizes had no significant effect on long-term survival.

Hemorrhagic patterns and their risk factors in patients with moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to describe the profiles of hemorrhagic patterns of moyamoya disease (MMD) and analyze the risk factors in a large population. METHODS: A total of 335 conservatively managed MMD patients with hemorrhage in our hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. The correlation between clinical and angiographic characteristics and hemorrhagic patterns (anterior or posterior hemorrhage) was assessed in the hemorrhagic hemisphere by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. In addition, stratified analysis was performed. RESULTS: The 335 hemorrhagic hemispheres (patients) comprised 179 (53.4%) anterior and 156 (46.6%) posterior hemorrhages. For all cases, age at onset [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.00; P = 0.048] and choroidal anastomosis (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.19-2.94; P = 0.007) were found by multivariate regression analysis to be negatively and positively associated with a significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage, respectively. After stratified analysis, hypertension (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14-0.97; P = 0.043) was identified by multivariate regression analysis as a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without dilation of choroidal anastomosis. On the other hand, choroidal anastomosis (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.02-6.72; P = 0.045) and involvement of the posterior cerebral artery (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.20-9.63; P = 0.022) were associated with significantly increased risk of posterior hemorrhage in children and young adults (<30 years of age). CONCLUSIONS: A dynamic change in hemorrhagic patterns in MMD patients with increasing age at onset was observed. Choroidal anastomosis is a predictor of posterior hemorrhage. Hypertension is a risk factor for anterior hemorrhage in patients without extreme dilation of choroidal anastomosis.

Angiographic characteristics in Moyamoya disease with the p.R4810K variant: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The p.R4810K variant was identified as a strong susceptibility in patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD). The aim of this study was to investigate the angiographic characteristics in MMD with the p.R4810K variant. METHODS: Angiographic characteristics were compared between patients with wild-type p.R4810K variant (GG) and patients with heterozygous p.R4810K variant (GA) after 1:1 propensity score matching, including Suzuki stage, collateral circulation and external carotid artery (ECA) collateral. Collateral circulation was graded with scores ranging from 0 to 12: posterior collateral circulation from the posterior cerebral artery to the middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery was scored from 0 to 6; anterior collateral circulation was scored as 6 to 0 corresponding to Suzuki stages 0 to 6. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were screened; 133 pairs were obtained after 1:1 propensity score matching. Compared with the patients in the GA group, unilateral MMD was more frequent in the GG group (P = 0.026). Hemispheres in the GA group (86/266) had more posterior cerebral artery involvement than hemispheres in the GG group (48/266) (P < 0.001). Hemispheres in the GA group had a lower grade in collateral circulation than hemispheres in the GG group (P = 0.011), but ECA collateral was more frequently observed in the GA group than in the GG group (53.4% vs. 39.8%, P = 0.002). Superficial temporal artery and occipital artery collateral was more frequently observed in the GA group than in the GG group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the GA group had lower grades in collateral circulation than patients in the GG group, but ECA collateral was more frequently observed in the GA group than in the GG group.

[The application of amodified scalp retractor in the craniotomy for intracranial aneurysms].

Objective: To investigate the application of a modified scalp retractor in the craniotomy for intracranial aneurysms withlateral supraorbital approach. Methods: From January 2019 to April 2020, a total of 32 patients with anterior circulation aneurysms clipping by superior lateral orbital approach were selected from Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Peking University International Hospital. The subjects were randomly divided into the traditional scalp retractor group and the modified scalp retractor group utilizing a random number table, with 16 patients in each group. The number of intraoperative retractor adjustment, incision length, postoperative scalp necrosis rate, postoperative wound healing grade, postoperative neurosurgical satisfaction score and patients' satisfaction score for incision were compared between the two groups. Results: The number of retractor adjustment in the modified scalp retractors group was significantly less than that in the traditional scalp retractor group (10.1±2.2 vs 14.2±3.6, P<0.05) . Incision length was also significantly shorter than that of the conventional scalp retractor group ( (10.1±1.0) cm vs (13.9±0.9) cm, P<0.05) .Neurosurgeons were significantly more satisfied with modified scalp retractors than the traditional scalp retractors (8.1±0.9 vs 6.0±0.9, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative scalp necrosis rate between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The modified scalp retractor group is superior to the traditional scalp retractor group in the craniotomy for intracranial aneurysms with later supraorbital approach, with shorter in cision, less retractor adjustment and shorter surgical time.

[Clinical observation of the low back pain and posterior thigh pain in the early stage after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence, causes and prognosis of the low back pain and posterior thigh pain in the early stage after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Methods: A total of 88 patients who underwent PELD from December 2017 to June 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were enrolled in this study. PELD was performed by posterior-lateral approach and the interlaminar approach in 44 cases, respectively. During the 3-month of follow-up post PELD, the number of cases who suffered low back pain and posterior thigh pain, complications and postoperative treatments were all followed and evaluated. Results: All the 88 cases underwent PELD successfully. Twelve cases (27.3%) suffered low back pain after PELD by posterior-lateral approach totally, 4 patients (9.1%) were new cases and the low back pain aggravated after PELD in the other 8 cases (18.2%). The posterior thigh pain occurred in 9 cases (20.4%) after PELD in posterior-lateral approach group, of them, 5 patients (11.4%) were new cases and it was aggravated in 4(9.1%) cases after the surgery. As for the low back pain after PELD performed by the interlaminar approach, 7(15.9%) cases suffered low back pain and 1 case (2.3%) occurred after surgery. The posterior thigh pain happened in 5 cases (11.4%) after PELD in the interlaminar approach group, 2 cases (4.6%) were new cases and the pain was aggravated in 3 cases (6.8%) after surgery. According the classification of MacNab, 42 of 88 cases were classified excellent, 25 cases good, 17 cases fair and 4 cases poor after PELD. Totally 18 cases were classified into fair and poor because of the low back pain or the posterior thigh pain during the follow-up. Furthermore, none of 88 cases had infection or nerve root injury after surgery. All cases suffering the low back pain or the posterior thigh pain treated conservatively and no one needed surgery again. Conclusions: The pain in low back or posterior thigh may be one of the complications after PELD, and it can be treated conservatively. Incidence of the low back pain or the posterior thigh pain after PELD with posterior-lateral approach is higher than that in patients with interlaminar approach, and it may affect the efficacy of PELD.

A study of predictors for hyponatraemia in patients with cervical spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to investigate the predictors for hyponatraemia in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCIs) and to define the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and hyponatraemia. SETTING: The study was carried out at The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. METHODS: A total of 292 patients with CSCIs were retrospectively reviewed to determine the predictors of hyponatraemia. Fourteen variables were extracted from the medical records: age, sex, blood pressure (BP), tracheostomy, serum potassium, serum chloride, serum bicarbonate, serum albumin, intravenous fluid intake and urine volume for 24 h, haematocrit, haemoglobin, neurological assessment and four MRI signal patterns. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the effect of each variable on hyponatraemia. RESULTS: Eighty-two of the 270 patients (30%) developed hyponatraemia. Univariate analyses indicated that the following variables were significant predictors of hyponatraemia: tracheostomy; the initial American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A assessment; and haemorrhage changes on T2-weighted MRI scans, and low BP. Multivariate regression analyses revealed two variables were significant predictors of hyponatraemia: haemorrhage changes on T2-weighted MRI scans and low BP. CONCLUSIONS: Haemorrhage changes on MRI scans were closely associated with the onset of hyponatremia and could provide objective data for forecasting hyponatraemia in CSCI patients. Low BP was also a reasonable predictor of hyponatremia.

Clinical features and surgical outcomes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients of different ages: a retrospective study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart audit. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical features and surgical outcomes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) among different age groups. SETTING: The first Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China. METHODS: A total of 460 patients with CSM who were surgically treated over the period of 1995-2009 were investigated. Considering the peak age (40-60 years old) for the onset of symptoms, we divided the patients into three groups by age: young (<40), middle-aged (40-60), and old (>60). The differences in symptoms, symptom durations, involved levels, surgical approaches and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of symptoms and involved levels, symptom duration and posterior approach significantly increased with increasing age, whereas preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score decreased among the three groups. Spinal cord function improved after surgery in all groups. The highest degree of recovery occurred during the first 6 months after surgery, especially within the first week, and then reached a plateau. After 6 months, however, recovery continuously improved, stabilized and declined in the young, middle-aged, old groups, respectively. The recovery rate was not significantly different at an immediate period (1 week) after operation among the three groups, but was significantly different at later periods (3 or more months postoperatively). Three groups showed no difference in postoperative complication rates. CONCLUSION: The severity of CSM increased with increasing age. Age was inversely correlated with recovery, and recovery decreased as age increased. Six months post operation was the prime time for the recovery of spinal cord function.

[Radical cystectomy in patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Carcinoma of bladder is the most common malignancy in the urinary system in China. Most patients with this disease had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at the time of diagnosis. Radical cystectomy was indicated for patients with high risk or refractory NMIBC. We aimed to investigate the overall survival and disease-specific survival and related influence factors in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2012, a total of 164 patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively collected.Incidence of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence were calculated. The risk factors of disease recurrence were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to estimate the overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Of all the patients included, 159 had T1 disease, and 5 had CIS only. The median follow-up duration was 46.5 months (range: 7-99 months). Fourteen patients were lost during the follow-up. Lymph node metastasis was noted in 6 patients (3.7%), 4 patients had N1 disease, one patient had N2 disease, and one patient had N3 disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 patients (9.8%).The most common recurrence sites were the liver, bones, and lungs. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival for all the patients were 85% and 91%, respectively. The patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection showed a better prognosis in terms of disease-specific survival than those without (P=0.012). Patients with recurrence harbored a significant poorer survival (P<0.001). According to univariate Cox regression analysis, whether lymph node dissection was performed was an independent risk factor of disease recurrence (P=0.050, OR=2.695, 95%CI 0.999-7.271). In COX regression model, age (P=0.008, OR=1.071, 95%CI 1.018-1.126) and whether lymph node dissection was performed (P=0.011, OR=3.385, 95%CI 1.329-8.621) were related to disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent early radical cystectomy have a favorable prognosis, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is essential for this procedure as it gains a survival benefit for the patients.

[Radical cystectomy in patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer].

OBJECTIVE: Carcinoma of bladder is the most common malignancy in the urinary system in China. Most patients with this disease had non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at the time of diagnosis. Radical cystectomy was indicated for patients with high risk or refractory NMIBC. We aimed to investigate the overall survival and disease-specific survival and related influence factors in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2012, a total of 164 patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy in Peking University First Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively collected.Incidence of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence were calculated. The risk factors of disease recurrence were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to estimate the overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: Of all the patients included, 159 had T1 disease, and 5 had CIS only. The median follow-up duration was 46.5 months (range: 7-99 months). Fourteen patients were lost during the follow-up. Lymph node metastasis was noted in 6 patients (3.7%), 4 patients had N1 disease, one patient had N2 disease, and one patient had N3 disease. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 patients (9.8%).The most common recurrence sites were the liver, bones, and lungs. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival for all the patients were 85% and 91%, respectively. The patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection showed a better prognosis in terms of disease-specific survival than those without (P=0.012). Patients with recurrence harbored a significant poorer survival (P<0.001). According to univariate Cox regression analysis, whether lymph node dissection was performed was an independent risk factor of disease recurrence (P=0.050, OR=2.695, 95%CI 0.999-7.271). In COX regression model, age (P=0.008, OR=1.071, 95%CI 1.018-1.126) and whether lymph node dissection was performed (P=0.011, OR=3.385, 95%CI 1.329-8.621) were related to disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with pathological non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent early radical cystectomy have a favorable prognosis, and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is essential for this procedure as it gains a survival benefit for the patients.

Effect of MPO/H2O2/NO(-) system on nitric oxide-mediated modification of TTR amyloid and serum TTR in FAP ATTR Val30Met patients.

Amyloid deposits consist of protein fibrils and amorphous material, and this deposition is related to oxidative stress. Previously, we demonstrated the presence of high-density lipoproteins and/or lipids in amyloid deposits of familial amyloid polyneuropathy patients. In this study, the presence of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in amyloid deposits was demonstrated using immunohistochemical staining. In contrast, normal surrounding tissues were consistently negative for MPO. Nitrotyrosine was present in amyloid deposits after being exposed to the MPO/H2O2/NO(-) system by immunohistochemical staining, and the oxide mediated modification of serum transthyretin (TTR) was observed upon exposure to the MPO/H2O2 system using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and TTR Western blotting. This observation revealed that the TTR amyloid deposits and serum TTR were oxidized by the MPO/H2O2/NO(-) system. Nitric oxide-mediated modification of TTR may play a role in amyloidogenesis in vivo.

Different outcomes of infection of chickens and ducks with a duck-origin H9N2 influenza A virus.

As the major aquatic and terrestrial hosts for avian influenza viruses (AIVs), ducks and chickens play a critical role in the evolution and spread of the H9N2 virus. However, the outcomes of infection of ducks and chickens with the H9N2 virus are not sufficiently documented. In this study, we compared the outcomes of infection of chickens and Peking ducks with a duck-origin H9N2 virus. The results showed that this virus caused more pronounced clinical signs and histological lesions in chickens. As for the virus shedding, chickens shed more virus in the trachea and less virus in the cloaca in levels of interferon (IFN) γ were found in the trachea of ducks compared with chickens, while comparison with ducks. As for cytokines, namely IFNs and interleukins (IL), higher higher levels of IFN-ß, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were observed in the ileum of chickens compared with ducks. Eventually, serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titers were higher in chickens than in ducks. Taken together, ducks and chickens use different strategies in response to the H9N2 virus infection in tissues representing main replication sites of low-pathogenic AIVs. Given the different outcomes of the H9N2 virus infection in ducks and chickens, different measures should be taken in vaccination and treatment.

Comparative proteomic analysis of grain development in two spring wheat varieties under drought stress.

Two spring wheat varieties Ningchun 4 and Chinese Spring with good and poor resistance to abiotic stress, respectively, were used to investigate proteomic changes in the developing grains under drought stress by a comparative proteomics approach. A total of 152 protein spots showed at least twofold differences in abundance on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) maps, of which 28 and 68 protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, respectively. Of the 96 identified protein spots, six different expression patterns were found and they were involved in stress/defense/detoxification, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, storage proteins and some other important functions. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that under the drought conditions the decreased degree of ascorbate peroxidases was more significant in Chinese Spring than in Ningchun 4 during grain development whereas translationally controlled tumor protein, which was significantly upregulated at 14 DAF, was present in Ningchun 4 and absent in Chinese Spring. The Rubisco large subunit displayed an upregulated expression pattern in Ningchun 4. In addition, two drought-tolerant proteins, triosephosphate isomerase and oxygen-evolving complex showed B and F type expression patterns in Chinese Spring, but D and B types in Ningchun 4, respectively. These differentially expressed proteins might be responsible for the stronger drought resistance of Ningchun 4 compared to Chinese Spring.

[Prediction of perioperative hyperkalemia in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism].

Objective: To explore the influencing factors for serum potassium >4.4 mmol/L in the morning of parathyroidectomy in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: The clinical data of 72 patients with SHPT who received regular hemodialysis and underwent parathyroidectomy in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 37 males and 35 females, aged from 25 to 69 years, and the dialysis timespan was from 0.5 to 11 years. The levels of parathyroid hormone, serum potassium and serum calcium before hemodialysis were examined one day before operation, and hemodialysis time and dewatering volume after hemodialysis without heparin were recorded, and also the level of serum potassium in the morning of parathyroidectomy was detected. The occurrences of hyperkalemia during and after operation were studied. The factors related to hyperkalemia in the morning of parathyroidectomy were evaluated by Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, and the cut-off values of risk factors were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Serum potassium >4.4 mmol/L in the morning of parathyroidectomy existed in 23 of 72 patients. Correlation analysis showed that serum potassium one day before operation ((4.93±0.56)mmol/L, r=0.656, P<0.001) and dehydration volume ((2.37±0.75)L, r=0.261, P=0.027) were positively correlated with serum potassium in the morning of parathyroidectomy((4.16±0.54)mmol/L). Serum potassium before hemodialysis one day before operation was a main predictor for serum potassium in the morning of parathyroidectomy (AUC=0.791, P<0.001). The cut-off value of serum potassium before hemodialysis one day before operation was 5.0 mmol/L. Conclusion: Serum potassium before hemodialysis one day before operation in patients with SHPT can predict serum potassium in the morning of parathyroidectomy, offering imformation for the safety of operation.

WAPL maintains a cohesin loading cycle to preserve cell-type-specific distal gene regulation.

The cohesin complex has an essential role in maintaining genome organization. However, its role in gene regulation remains largely unresolved. Here we report that the cohesin release factor WAPL creates a pool of free cohesin, in a process known as cohesin turnover, which reloads it to cell-type-specific binding sites. Paradoxically, stabilization of cohesin binding, following WAPL ablation, results in depletion of cohesin from these cell-type-specific regions, loss of gene expression and differentiation. Chromosome conformation capture experiments show that cohesin turnover is important for maintaining promoter-enhancer loops. Binding of cohesin to cell-type-specific sites is dependent on the pioneer transcription factors OCT4 (POU5F1) and SOX2, but not NANOG. We show the importance of cohesin turnover in controlling transcription and propose that a cycle of cohesin loading and off-loading, instead of static cohesin binding, mediates promoter and enhancer interactions critical for gene regulation.

[The surgical effectiveness of montgomery thyroplasty implant on patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of type I thyroplasty with Montgomery prosthesis implantation for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Methods: From May 2015 to March 2019, 46 patients (24 males, 22 females, with age range of 23-77) with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent thyroplasty with Montgomery prosthesis implantation in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in both the First Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University and Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. The assessment methods included GRBAS auditory perception assessment, acoustic analysis such as Jitter, Shimmer, NHR and maximum phonation time (MPT). Results: Postoperative videostroboscopy observed the displacement of paralyzed vocal fold to the midline in 44 cases as well as significantly reduced glottic fissures during phonation. In the other 2 cases, glottic fissure did not reduce significantly. Compared with preoperative data, the scores of all parameters in GRBAS auditory perception assessment were lower except the parameter S, and the acoustic analysis parameters (jitter, shimmer, NHR) were smaller, and MPT was longer. All the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Revision surgery was performed in 2 patients with poor results. No serious complications occurred in all the cases. Conclusions: For the patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who are not suitable for the laryngeal reinnervation surgery due to old age or long course of denervation, thyroplasty with Montgomery prosthesis implantation can effectively improve the voice of patients with high safety,which is worthy of promotion.

Higher frequency electrical stimulation enhanced myloglossus satellite cell differentiation by upregulating expression of Pax7 mRNA, MyoD, myogenin and MyHC protein.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) of varying pulse frequency on differentiation and proliferation of canine myloglossus satellite cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cellular viability and proliferation were assayed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Cellular differentiation and expression of mark molecule were assayed by Real Time-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: With increasing frequency ES, we found a significant increase in Myod (r=0.988, p<0.0001), myogenin (r=0.988, p<0.0001), MyHC-slow (r=0.988, p<0.0001), MyHC-fast (r=0.875, p<0.0001) protein expression, and Pax7 mRNA expression (r=0.712, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pax7 mRNA expression and MyoD, myogenin, and MyHC protein expression were increased with increment of electrical stimulation frequency in myloglossus muscle satellite. Higher frequency ES enhanced myloglossus satellite cell differentiation, not proliferation and viability.

Inactivation of the mouse Huntington's disease gene homolog Hdh.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in the gene encoding huntingtin, a protein of unknown function. To distinguish between "loss of function" and "gain of function" models of HD, the murine HD homolog Hdh was inactivated by gene targeting. Mice heterozygous for Hdh inactivation were phenotypically normal, whereas homozygosity resulted in embryonic death. Homozygotes displayed abnormal gastrulation at embryonic day 7.5 and were resorbing by day 8.5. Thus, huntingtin is critical early in embryonic development, before the emergence of the nervous system. That Hdh inactivation does not mimic adult HD neuropathology suggests that the human disease involves a gain of function.

Therapeutic effect of interleukin-10 in keloid fibroblasts by suppression of TGF-ß/Smad pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Keloids are a skin disorder where the skin goes beyond the original border of the wound or trauma, resulting in functional and cosmetic deformities, displeasure, itching, pain, psychological stress, and patient dissatisfaction. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Keloid fibroblasts were isolated, primarily cultured, and treated with IL-10 at different concentrations. Normal skin fibroblasts were used as normal control. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to identify the establishment of keloid, as well as normal skin fibroblast. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was carried out to monitor the proliferative variation, while Western blot was conducted to detect the expression variation of key members involved in the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. RESULTS: Identified by the IF staining of Vimentin, a classical biomarker of fibroblast, both primary culture of keloid and normal skin fibroblasts have been established. Compared with control, the proliferation of Keloid fibroblasts was shown to be significantly suppressed on treatment with IL-10 in a time and dose-dependent manner. Expression of P-Smad2/3 and Smad4 were increasingly down-regulated, whereas Smad-7 was up-regulated with the increasing concentration of IL-10. By contrast, the variation of Smad 2/3 expressions was hardly influenced. Furthermore, the Collagen Type I and Collagen Type II were found to be markedly decreased after treatment with IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 was shown to be able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, which was explicitly and strongly suggestive of its potential therapeutic effect in the management of keloid.

Four weeks of hypoxia training improves cutaneous microcirculation in trained rowers.

Hypoxia training can improve endurance performance. However, the specific benefits mechanism of hypoxia training is controversial, and there are just a few studies on the peripheral adaptation to hypoxia training. The main objective of this study was to observe the effects of hypoxia training on cutaneous blood flow (CBF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), nitric oxide (NO), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Twenty rowers were divided into two groups for four weeks of training, either hypoxia training (Living High, Exercise High and Training Low, HHL) or normoxia training (NOM). We tested cutaneous microcirculation by laser Doppler flowmeter and blood serum parameters by ELISA. HHL group improved the VO(2peak) and power at blood lactic acid of 4 mmol/l (P(4)) significantly. The CBF and the concentration of moving blood cells (CMBC) in the forearm of individuals in the HHL group increased significantly at the first week. The HIF level of the individuals in the HHL group increased at the fourth week. The NO of HHL group increased significantly at the fourth week. In collusion, four weeks of HHL training resulted in increased forearm cutaneous blood flow and transcutaneous oxygen pressure. HHL increases rowers' NO and VEGF, which may be the mechanism of increased blood flow. The increased of CBF seems to be related with improving performance.