LAFEM: A Scoring Model to Evaluate Functional Landscape of Lysine Acetylome.

Protein lysine acetylation is a critical post-translational modification involved in a wide range of biological processes. To date, about 20,000 acetylation sites of Homo sapiens were identified through mass spectrometry-based proteomic technology, but more than 95% of them have unclear functional annotations because of the lack of existing prioritization strategy to assess the functional importance of the acetylation sites on large scale. Hence, we established a lysine acetylation functional evaluating model (LAFEM) by considering eight critical features surrounding lysine acetylation site to high-throughput estimate the functional importance of given acetylation sites. This was achieved by selecting one of the random forest models with the best performance in 10-fold cross-validation on undersampled training dataset. The global analysis demonstrated that the molecular environment of acetylation sites with high acetylation functional scores (AFSs) mainly had the features of larger solvent-accessible surface area, stronger hydrogen bonding-donating abilities, near motif and domain, higher homology, and disordered degree. Importantly, LAFEM performed well in validation dataset and acetylome, showing good accuracy to screen out fitness directly relevant acetylation sites and assisting to explain the core reason for the difference between biological models from the perspective of acetylome. We further used cellular experiments to confirm that, in nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1, acetyl-K35 with higher AFS was more important than acetyl-K9 with lower AFS in the proliferation of A549 cells. LAFEM provides a prioritization strategy to large scale discover the fitness directly relevant acetylation sites, which constitutes an unprecedented resource for better understanding of functional acetylome.

[Cholesterol 7α-Hydroxylase Gene-204A/C Polymorphism in Normal and Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies].

Objective: To investigate the cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase gene ( CYP7A1)-204A/C single nucleotide polymorphism and its relationship with the blood lipid levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal pregnant women. Methods: The genotype and allele frequencies of CYP7A1-204A/C gene polymorphism of 1037 normal pregnant women, the normal controls, and 627 pregnant women with GDM were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood glucose (Glu) were measured by enzymatic assay. Chemiluminescence determination of plasma insulin (Ins) was conducted. Apolipoproteins A1 (apoA1) and B (apoB) were measured by the turbidimetric immunoassay. Results: Allele frequencies of A and C at the CYP7A1-204A/C polymorphic locus were 0.586 and 0.414, respectively, in the GDM group and 0.557 and 0.443, respectively in the control group. The distribution of genotype frequencies in both groups showed conformity with the Hardy-Weinberg principle. There was no significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies between the GDM group and the control group. In the control group, carriers of the genotype AA were associated with significantly higher concentrations of apoA1 and lower levels of Ins and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with those with genotype CC (all P<0.05). In the non-obese subgroup of the control subjects, carriers of the genotype CC were associated with significantly higher plasma TG or apoA1 levels compared with those with genotype AA ( P<0.05). In the GDM group, carriers with genotype AA of CYP7A1-204A/C polymorphism had elevated levels of gestational weight gain (GWG) compared with those with genotype CC ( P<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that 204A/C polymorphism in the CYP7A1 gene is not associated with GDM, but may be closely associated with gestational weight gain in pregnant women with GDM. Variants in this locus are strongly associated with plasma apoA1, Ins, and HOMA-IR levels in the controls and elevated plasma TG levels in non-obese controls.

[Difference of lipid-lowering efficacy of "Xinjianqu" before and after fermentation and its mechanism based on LKB1-AMPK pathway and 16S rDNA sequencing technology].

On the basis of establishing the prescription of Xinjianqu and clarifying the increase of the lipid-lowering active ingredients of Xinjianqu by fermentation, this paper further compared the differences in the lipid-lowering effects of Xinjianqu before and after fermentation, and studied the mechanism of Xinjianqu in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups, including normal group, model group, positive drug simvastatin group(0.02 g·kg~(-1)), and low-dose and high-dose Xinjianqu groups before and after fermentation(1.6 g·kg~(-1) and 8 g·kg~(-1)), with ten rats in each group. Rats in each group were given high-fat diet continuously for six weeks to establish the model of hyperlipidemia(HLP). After successful modeling, the rats were given high-fat diet and gavaged by the corresponding drugs for six weeks, once a day, to compare the effects of Xinjianqu on the body mass, liver coefficient, and small intestine propulsion rate of rats with HLP before and after fermentation. The effects of Xinjianqu before and after fermentation on total cholesterol(TC), triacylglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(Cr), motilin(MTL), gastrin(GAS), and the Na~+-K~+-ATPase levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The effects of Xinjianqu on liver morphology of rats with HLP were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O fat staining. The effects of Xinjianqu on the protein expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK), liver kinase B1(LKB1), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate monoacyl coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR) in liver tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry. The effects of Xinjianqu on the regulation of intestinal flora structure of rats with HLP were studied based on 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group had significantly higher body mass and liver coefficient(P<0.01), significantly lower small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.01), significantly higher serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, and AQP2(P<0.01), and significantly lower serum levels of HDL-C, MTL, GAS, Na~+-K~+-ATP levels(P<0.01). The protein expression of AMPK, p-AMPK, and LKB1 in the livers of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), and that of HMGCR was significantly increased(P<0.01). In addition, the observed＿otus, Shannon, and Chao1 indices were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01) in rat fecal flora in the model group. Besides, in the model group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was reduced, while that of Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria was increased, and the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Ligilactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae＿NK4A136＿group was reduced. Compared with the model group, all Xinjianqu groups regulated the body mass, liver coefficient, and small intestine index of rats with HLP(P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, and AQP2, increased the serum levels of HDL-C, MTL, GAS, and Na~+-K~+-ATP, improved the liver morphology, and increased the protein expression gray value of AMPK, p-AMPK, and LKB1 in the liver of rats with HLP and decreased that of LKB1. Xinjianqu groups could regulate the intestinal flora structure of rats with HLP, increased observed＿otus, Shannon, Chao1 indices, and increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Ligilactobacillus(genus), Lachnospiraceae＿NK4A136＿group(genus). Besides, the high-dose Xinjianqu-fermented group had significant effects on body mass, liver coefficient, small intestine propulsion rate, and serum index levels of rats with HLP(P<0.01), and the effects were better than those of Xinjianqu groups before fermentation. The above results show that Xinjianqu can improve the blood lipid level, liver and kidney function, and gastrointestinal motility of rats with HLP, and the improvement effect of Xinjianqu on hyperlipidemia is significantly enhanced by fermentation. The mechanism may be related to AMPK, p-AMPK, LKB1, and HMGCR protein in the LKB1-AMPK pathway and the regulation of intestinal flora structure.

A comparison between the low back pain scales for patients with lumbar disc herniation: validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

BACKGROUND: Although the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) has shown a preferable psychometric properties in patients with low back pain (LBP), but no study has yet determined these in conservative treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Thus the current study aimed to compare those scales in LDH patients receiving conservative treatment to select the better option to assess the severity of disease. METHODS: LDH patients were invited to complete the JOABPEQ, NPRS, ODI, RMDQ, and SF-36 twice. The internal consistency was evaluated by the Cronbach's α. Test-retest reliability was tested by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The relationships of these scales were evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficients (r). The responsiveness was operationalised using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, as well as the comparison of smallest detectable change (SDC), minimum important change (MIC). RESULTS: A total of 353 LDH patients were enrolled. Four subscales of the Chinese JOABPEQ were over 0.70, then the ICCs for the test-retest reliability were over 0.75. For functional status, remarked negative correlations could be seen between JOABPEQ Q2-Q4 and ODI, as well as RMDQ (r = - 0.634 to - 0.752). For general health status, remarkable positive correlations could also be seen between Q5 Mental health and SF-36 PCS (r = 0.724) as well as SF-36 MCS (r = 0.736). Besides, the area under of the curves (AUC) of the JOABPEQ ranged from 0.743 to 0.827, indicating acceptale responsiveness, as well as the NPRS, ODI, and RMDQ. CONCLUSION: NPRS, and ODI or RMDQ is recommended in studies related to LDH patients, while if the quality of life also is needed to observe, the NPRS, and JOABPEQ would be more appropriate rather than SF-36.

Influences of Schneiderian membrane conditions on the early outcomes of osteotome sinus floor elevation technique: a prospective cohort study in the healing period.

OBJECTIVES: To radiographically investigate early outcomes of osteotome sinus floor elevation in the healing phase utilizing cone beam computed tomography and evaluate influences of Schneiderian membrane conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred patients were consecutively recruited for osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) surgery using deproteinized bone mineral. CBCT was taken prior to (T0), immediately post-operatively (T1), and after the healing period (T2). Linear and volumetric measurements of the elevated region from T0 to T1 were performed for evaluation on computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Osteotome sinus floor elevation were performed in 100 patients. One implant of each patient was selected. Mean residual bone height (RH) was 7.21 ± 1.12 mm. Mean sinus floor elevation height (SE) was 4.81 ± 0.75 mm. The mean endo-sinus bone gain after the healing period was 3.25 ± 0.83 mm. Pre-opterative CBCT scans revealed that 72 patients had a normal sinus membrane in osteotome region, 13 patients presented with flat thickened mucosa and 15 patients with antral pseudocysts. There is no significant difference in sinus mucosa elevation height, bone graft volume and new bone formation in group of Thickening membrane and Antral pseudocysts compared with normal. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographical results show that OSFE is a safe and predictable surgical procedure in residual bone height of 7.21 ± 1.12 mm. Mild flat thickening (>2 and <5 mm) and antral pseudocysts in a small size without clinical symptoms may not be contraindications to OSFE surgery.

Subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy during cementless total hip arthroplasty in young patients with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was designed to determine complications, functional and radiographic results of transverse subtrochanteric osteotomy during cementless, modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a series of active patients younger than 45 years with Crowe Type-III or IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: We followed 49 patients (56 hips) with DDH who were treated with cementless THA, where the acetabular cup was positioned in the anatomic hip center and where a simultaneous transverse femoral osteotomy was performed. Complication rate evaluation and clinical outcomes were measured by validated clinical scores and radiographic evaluation were performed at a mean follow up of 10 years (range, 4.8-14.3 years). RESULTS: The mean limb-length discrepancy was reduced from 4.2 cm to 1.1 cm (P < 0.01). The mean Harris hip score (HSS) significantly improved from 40.6 points to 87.4 points (P < 0.01). Similarly, severity of low back pain, modified MAP, HOOS, and SF-12 also showed significant improvement (P < 0.01). There were 3 cases of postoperative dislocation, 3 cases of transient nerve palsy, 2 cases of nonunion, and 4 cases of intraoperative fracture. At 10 years follow-up, the estimated survival rate with any component revision as end points was 92%. CONCLUSION: The cementless THA combined with transverse subtrochanteric osteotomy is a reliable technique with restoration of a more normal limb, satisfactory clinical outcomes, and mid-term survival of components.

[DNA Repair Function and Mutation of an H2B Monoubiquitination Factor WDR70 in Ovarian Cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of enzyme DCAF proteinDNA damagebinding protein 1 (DDB1)/cullin4 (CRL4) complex family members CRL4WD40 repeat domain protein 70 (WDR70) in DNA repair process and its mutation in ovarian cancer. METHODS: Immunofluorescent assay was employed to measure H2AX (γH2AX) and phosphorylated replication protein A2 (RPA32) formed in siDDB1 or siWDR70 ovarian cancer cells after the treatments of chemical medicine and radioactive threapy. 5Brdu immunohistochemical staining was used to explore the function of WDR70 in DNA replication. The expressions of WDR70 and histone protein H2B monoubiquitination (uH2B) was measured by immunohistochemistry,the function of DNA repair,expression and mutations of CRL4 in ovarian cancer were detected by semiquantitative PCR and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent assay indicated that distinct subunits of CRL4 played different roles in checkpoint activation and H2Bmonoubiquitinationdepedendent homologous recombination,while the scaffold subunit DDB1 participated in both processes,WDR70 was only required for DNA end resection,chromatin loading of RPA32 and HR. The dose of WDR70 was not effect on DNA replication. Ovarian cancer had different expression of WDR70 and uH2B compared with normal tissue,transcripts of WDR70 was diminished or truncated in 50% of ovarian cancer,which corresponded to multiple mutations. CONCLUSION: CRL4 ubiquitin ligase plays multiple roles in DNA repair and is critical for genome stability. It may be an potential anticancer barrier against ovarian malignancies.

Longitudinal response of membrane thickness and ostium patency following sinus floor elevation: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of sinus floor elevation (SFE) on sinus physiology, including Schneiderian membrane thickness (MT) and ostium patency, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on pre-established selection criteria, 53 patients in combination with 53 sinuses were referred for SFE with a lateral approach using deproteinized bone mineral. CBCT was performed prior to, immediately after surgery and before staged implant placement. The Schneiderian MT of the elevated region, ostium patency, and other clinical data was evaluated. RESULTS: The two-stage sinus augmentation technique was applied in 33 males and 20 females. Four membrane perforations were observed during the surgical procedure. The Schneiderian membrane exhibited significant swelling immediately after augmentation (P < 0.0001), but this difference disappeared after a mean healing period of 7.51 months. The corresponding changes were also observed for ostium patency with a tendency of transient obstruction after surgery. Sinuses with flat mucosal thickening or pseudocysts did not present a liability of perforation compared to the normal cases, and the augmentation procedure was not likely to deteriorate the pathology of mucosal thickening or pseudocysts. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that SFE with a lateral approach has no significant influence on MT and ostium patency after the healing period except for postoperative transient swelling and obstruction. Thickened membranes and antral pseudocysts in a small size might not be contraindications to SFE from the standpoint of the surgical impact on the Schneiderian membrane.

Femtosecond pulse generation with an a-cut Nd:CaYAlO4 disordered crystal.

We experimentally demonstrated a diode-pumped 587 fs ultrafast laser by using an a-cut Nd:CaYAlO4 crystal. Pumped by an 808 nm fiber-coupled laser diode, a stable continuous-wave mode-locked ultrafast laser was achieved with a semiconductor saturable absorber. The ultrafast pulses had a repetition rate of 75 MHz at the center wavelength of 1080.8 nm. A maximum average output power of the mode-locked laser reached 375 mW delivering a slope efficiency of 9%.

[Associations Between Stress Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support in Young Patients with Gynecologic Cancers].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations between stress coping strategies and perceived social support in young patients with gynecologic cancers. METHODS: The study was conducted in young patients with gynecologic cancers who were admitted to the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2014 to January 2015. Data were collected using three questionnaires, tapping into clinical features, multidimensional scales of perceived social support (MSPSS), and coping strategies with stress [including effective coping ways (ECW) and ineffective coping ways (ICW)]. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients completed the questionnaires. Those with a job, fare incomes, or higher levels of education were more likely to get higher total MSPSS scores and lower ICW scores compared with those unemployed, less than expenditures or primary school level (P < 0.05). ECW scores increased with increasing levels of total MSPSS scores (r = 0.247, P < 0.05) and support from family (r = 0.324, P < 0.05), friends (r = 0.172, P < 0.05), and significant others (r = 0.183, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Social support from family members is the main source of young women with gynecologic cancers in coping with stress.

Effect of Carvedilol on Serum Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein, Brain Natriuretic Peptide, and Cardiac Function in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of serum heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in children with chronic heart failure (CHF) and evaluate the effects of carvedilol. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with CHF, including 17 of endocardial fibroelastosis and 19 of dilated cardiomyopathy, were enrolled and were randomly divided into a carvedilol treatment group (group A) and a conventional treatment group (group B). Group A (n = 16) was treated with carvedilol and conventional treatment and group B (n = 20) was managed with conventional treatment only. Thirty healthy children were enrolled as controls. The concentrations of serum h-FABP and BNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), and cardiac index (CI) were measured by echocardiography. RESULTS: The concentrations of serum h-FABP and BNP in patients with CHF were significantly higher than in the control group (21.7 ± 4.3 ng/mL vs. 6.3 ± 1.7 ng/mL, 582.4 ± 180.6 pg/mL vs.31.2 ± 9.8 pg/mL, all P < 0.01), positively correlated with the degree of heart failure (all P < 0.01), and were both higher in groups endocardial fibroelastosis and dilated cardiomyopathy than in the control group (all P < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). h-FABP concentration in patients with CHF was positively correlated with BNP (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) but negatively correlated with LVEF, LVFS, and CI (r = -0.65, -0.64, and -0.71, respectively; all P < 0.01). BNP concentration was also negatively correlated with LVEF, LVFS, and CI (r = -0.75, -0.61, and -0.79, respectively; all P<0.01). After treatment with carvedilol, the serum concentrations of h-FABP and BNP in group A were lower than in group B, and the magnitude of heart rate reduction, improvement of LVEF, LVFS, and CI, and reduction of left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in group A were all greater than in group B (all P < 0.01). Treatment with carvedilol had no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentrations of h-FABP and BNP can be used as biomarkers to evaluate the severity of heart failure, and carvedilol can significantly improve heart function in children with CHF.

Torsional resonance frequency analysis: a novel method for assessment of dental implant stability.

OBJECTIVES: To establish and experimentally validate a novel resonance frequency analysis (RFA) method for measurement of dental implant stability by analyzing torsional resonance frequency (TRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A numerical study and in vitro measurements were performed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the method of torsional RFA (T-RFA) using a T-shaped bilateral cantilever beam transducer. The sensitivity of this method was assessed by measuring the TRFs of dental implants with 8 sizes of T-shaped transducers during polymerization, which simulated the process of bone healing around an implant. The TRFs of the test implants detected using this new method and the bending resonance frequencies (BRFs) measured by Osstell(®) ISQ were compared. TRFs and BRFs on implant models in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks with three exposure heights were also measured to assess the specificity of this method. RESULTS: Finite element analysis showed two bending modes (5333 and 6008 Hz) following a torsional mode (8992 Hz) in the lower rank frequency. During in vitro measurements, a bending formant (mean 6075 Hz) and a torsional formant (mean 10225 Hz) appeared, which were verified by multipoint measurement with invariable excitation frequency in the laboratory. In the self-curing resin experiments, the average growth rate at all time points of TRFs using the new method with Transducer II was 2.36% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 1.97%. In the implant exposure height tests, the mean declined rate of TRFs was 2.06% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 12.34%. CONCLUSION: A novel method for assessment of implant stability through TRF was established using a T-shape transducer, which showed high reliability and sensibility. The method alleviated the effects of implant exposure height on the measurements compared with Osstell(®) ISQ. The application of T-RFA represents another way in the investigation of dental implant osseointegration.

Ridge expansion alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration to facilitate implant placement in narrow alveolar ridges: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of ridge expansion technique in dealing with horizontal bony insufficiency of alveolar ridges for implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period 2004-2009, 168 patients with width insufficiency of alveolar ridges were treated using the ridge expansion technique to obtain an improved bony base for implant placement. Depending on the severity of width insufficiency, the surgical procedures were classified into two groups: ridge expansion alone (Group 1) and ridge expansion in combination with guided bone regeneration (Group 2). After 4-6 months of unloaded healing, the implants were restored. The patients were followed up until 2013 with clinical and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: Among the 168 patients, 11 patients underwent a fracture of labial/buccal bony plate during surgery, which was corrected by changing the procedure into bone grafting, yielding a surgical failure rate of 6.5%. In the remaining 157 patients successfully treated by ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR, 226 implants were simultaneously placed as planned. No implant failed over 2.8 years (6 months to 8 years) of follow-up, yielding a cumulative implant survival rate of 100% in each group. Six implants in Group 1 and 4 implants in Group 2, although osseointegrated and in function, did not fulfill success criteria: Cumulative implants' success rates were 93.2% in Group 1 and 95.6% in Group 2. The mean marginal bone losses during the first year in Group 1 and Group 2 were 0.69 and 0.43 mm, respectively, followed by an annual loss of ~ 0.06 and 0.07 mm, respectively, in the following years. No clinical parameter was abnormal. Twenty-two (10.4%) implants were exposed to peri-implant mucositis, whereas 19 (11.0%) implant-supported restorations were involved in prosthetic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of this retrospective study indicate that ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR can be considered an effective and safe procedure for treatment of width insufficiency of alveolar ridges on the purpose of implant application.

Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua attenuates postpartum depression in rat model by regulating monoamines and hormones.

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese medicinal food herb which can regulate the liver and Qi, nourish the heart and blood, moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys with the potential to treat emotional diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on postpartum depression. Therefore, we investigated whether processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua could improve postpartum depression in rat models by regulating monoamines and hormones. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control (0.9%Nacl), Sham operation (0.9%Nacl), postpartum depression model (0.9%Nacl), fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg Fluoxetine), low, medium and high dose of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) groups. Rats in these groups received drug intervention, and then subjected to Open-field test and Forced swimming test. Brain tissues and serum samples were collected and used to quantify levels of monoamines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum Estradiol. The status of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 region was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas expression of estrogen receptor α and ß was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Rats in the model group showed decreased mobility time, the disorder of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 area, and decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in brain tissue, norepinephrine and estradiol in serum as well as estrogen receptor α and ß expression. They also exhibited increased adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and corticotropin releasing hormone in serum. However, the treatment with processed Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua or fluoxetine reversed the above abnormalities. Conclusion: The H group showed significant improvement in postpartum depression in rats, and processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua can be used as a developing drug for the prevention or treatment of depression.

Evaluation of fixation of expandable implants in the mandibles of ovariectomized sheep.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an expandable implant (EI) in ovariectomized sheep. METHODS: The EI and taper implant (control group) were produced and placed in mandibles of ovariectomized sheep. Twelve weeks after implantation, resonance frequency analysis, biomechanical tests, histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography were applied to detect the osseointegration in the 2 groups. RESULTS: The implant stability quotient values, maximal pullout forces, and bone-implant contact (BIC) were 60.3 ± 7.9, 511.0 ± 18.7 N, and 53.14% ± 4.56%, respectively, in the EI group and 58.3 ± 8.9, 394.5 ± 54.5 N, and 46.85% ± 5.04%, respectively, in the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in implant stability quotient values (P > .05); however, in the EI group the maximal pullout force and BIC were increased significantly (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Micro-computed tomography analysis showed that the bone volume/total volume ratio and trabecular number increased significantly (P < .01) and trabecular separation decreased significantly (P < .05) in the EI group. CONCLUSIONS: EI could improve osseointegration in osteoporosis after 12 weeks of implantation by increasing BIC around the implant and by supplying an extra osseointegration surface.

[Professor LI De-hua's experience in treating facial nerve injury after total parotidectomy with blade needle based on jingjin theory].

The paper summarizes the academic thought and clinical experience of professor LI De-hua in treatment of facial nerve injury after total parotidectomy with blade needle based on jingjin (muscle region of meridian, sinew/fascia) theory. This disease is located at muscle regions of hand-/foot-three yang meridians; and the sinew/fascia adhesion is its basic pathogenesis, manifested by "transversely-distributed collaterals" and "knotted tendons". In treatment, the knotted tendons are taken as the points. Using the relaxation technique of blade needle, the lesions of sinews/fascia are dissected and removed to release the stimulation or compression to the nerves and vessels so that the normal function of sinews/fascia can be restored.

A novel technique for implant-supported fixed complete rehabilitation based on a dynamic virtual patient.

BACKGROUND: A digital workflow for implant-supported fixed complete prostheses (ISFCP) using photogrammetry (PG), virtual articulator (VA), and virtual facebow (VF) data remains a challenge. METHODS: The novel ISFCP technique included four steps: (1) formation of a dynamic virtual patient, (2) integration of PG data, (3) fabrication of a diagnostic ISFCP, and (4) fabrication of a definitive ISFCP and test of the deviation. RESULTS: Dynamic virtual patients were formed by integrating PG, VA, and VF data. The cumulative root mean square deviation between the designed data and actual definitive prosthesis was 140.4 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The novel technique for ISFCP fabrication described in this paper can help optimise the clinical efficiency and quality of ISFCP but requires an initial learning curve. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This technique provides a direct workflow, using PG, VA, and VF data, to fabricate ISFCP based on the provisional restoration.

Method to eliminate the zero spectra in Fourier transform profilometry based on a cost function.

To increase the accuracy, speed, and robustness of 3D measurements in Fourier transform profilometry (FTP), this paper introduces a cost function according to the intrinsic features of the amplitude and frequency modulated (AF/M) signal and proposes two new algorithms to eliminate the background components of the fringe pattern based on the proposed cost function. Finally, the standard Fourier transform (FT) is used to calculate the phase of the pattern, which no longer contains background components. The two proposed methods are both data-driven and require no parameter adjustments in advance. Theoretical analysis and 80 experimental results show that the proposed cost function is valid. The results of more than 80 experiments with different types of fringe patterns, different carrier frequencies, and different noise variances with frequency overlap and sudden phase variation show that the proposed two methods are more accurate and robust than the 2D Gabor wavelet transform, the 2D Fan wavelet transform, and the 1D complex Morlet wavelet transform profilometry, and they are approximately 70 times faster than the 1D complex Morlet wavelet transform profilometry.

[Determination of heavy metal by AAS in railway rock-cut slope soil].

Heavy metal contents in railway rock-cut slope soil have directly influenced ecosystem on rock-cut slope and eco-envi- ronment safety of farmland nearby. In the study heavy metal Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Mn was determined by AAS in railway rock-cut slope and control soil samples on Cheng-Da Railway crossing purple soil in Sichuan province. The results showed that Pb and Mn were significantly higher in rock-cut soil than in control soil, that is 29.7%-35.4%, while Cd, Zn and Cu were similar in both soils.

[Construction and expression of recombinant human serum albumin-EPO fusion protein].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To construct the recombinant plasmid pCI-HLE encoding human serum album-EPO (HSA-EPO) fusion protein and to express it in CHO cell. METHODS: The cDNA encoding human serum album and EPO were amplified by PCR, and then spliced with the synsitic DNA fragment encoding GS (GGGGS), by overlap PCR extension to form LEPO. After BamH I digestion, the HSA and LEPO was ligated to generate the fusion HSA-EPO gene and was then cloned into the expression vector pCI-neo to generate the recombinant plasmid pCI-HLE. The plasmid pCI-HLE was transfected into CHO cell by liposome protocol. Then, the recombinant cells were screened by G418 and identified by PCR and Western blot. Expression of fusion protein was evaluated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Restrictive enzymes digestion and DNA sequencing revealed that HSA-EPO fusion gene was cloned into expression vector pCI-neo successfully. PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed that the fusion gene was integrated in the genome of CHO cells and expressed successfully. The HSA-EPO production varied from 86 Iu/(mL x 10(6) x 72 h) to 637 IU/(mLx 10(6) x 72 h). CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that HSA-EPO fusion gene can be expressed in the CHO cells, with EPO immunogenicity, which could serve as foundation for the development of long-lasting recombinant HSA-EPO protein.