Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection using methylene-blue guidance for cardial subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) of subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer in the cardia is rarely performed due to the difficulty of creating a submucosal tunnel for resection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of STER using methylene-blue guidance for SETs originating from the MP layer in the cardia. From January 2012 to December 2014, 56 patients with SETs originating from the MP layer in the cardia were treated with STER using methylene-blue guidance. The complete resection rate and adverse event rate were the main outcome measurements. Successful complete resection by STER was achieved in all 56 cases (100%). The median size of the tumor was 1.8 cm. Nine patients (15.3%) had adverse events including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. These nine patients recovered successfully after conservative treatment without endoscopic or surgical intervention. No residual or recurrent tumors were detected in any patient during the follow-up period (median, 25 months). The adverse event rate was significantly higher for tumors originating in the deeper MP layers (46.7%) than in the superficial MP layers (4.9%) (P < 0.05), differed significantly according to tumor size (5.4% for tumors < 2.0 cm vs. 36.8% for tumors ≥ 2.0 cm; P < 0.05), and also differed significantly in relation to the tumor growth pattern (4.1% for the intraluminal growth vs. 100% for the extraluminal growth; P < 0.001). STER using methylene-blue guidance appears to be a feasible method for removing SETs originating from the MP layer in the cardia.

[Advancements and current research in orofacial tissue regeneration].

The orofacial system, an intricate assembly of diverse tissues that underpin the unique biologic and morphological identity of an individual, presents a formidable challenge in the realm of tissue regeneration within oral and maxillofacial surgery. This review conducts a retrospective appraisal of advancements in the field of orofacial tissue regeneration, elucidating the current research landscape while critically addressing the persisting challenges. It underscores the pivotal roles of orofacial mesenchymal stem cells in orchestrating regenerative processes, offering an insightful outlook on future developments. The objective is to demarcate innovative therapeutic avenues and clinical implications by fostering a comprehensive understanding of this domain among dental practitioners. As such, it aspires to serve as a valuable reference for prospective investigations and to elevate the knowledge base pertaining to orofacial tissue regeneration.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Singapore grouper iridovirus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

AIMS: The aim of this paper was to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive detection of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) in grouper (GP), Epinephelus sp. METHODS AND RESULTS: A set of six specific primers was designed by targeting the SGIV ORF-014L. With Bst DNA polymerase large fragment, the target DNA can be amplified as early as 20 min at 65 degrees C in a simple water bath. The detection limit is about 0.02 fg (equivalent to 6.3 copies) of plasmid ORF-014L. LAMP products could be judged with three different methods. There were no cross-reactions with seven other aquatic animal viruses indicating high specificity of the LAMP. The LAMP method was applied to detect SGIV in virus-infected GP cells and GP tissues effectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LAMP described in this study is a cheap, sensitive, specific and rapid protocol for the detection of SGIV in cells and in GP tissues. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The developed LAMP method can be simply applied both in field condition and in laboratory operation for specific detection of SGIV infection.

MiR-214 protects MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts against H2O2-induced apoptosis by suppressing oxidative stress and targeting ATF4.

OBJECTIVE: Fragility fracture is one of the common complications of osteoporosis. Elevated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is thought to be one of the unfavorable factors to osteoblastic dysfunction, which increased the risk of bone fracture. However, the molecular mechanisms for oxidative stress-induced osteoblast cells apoptosis still need to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the protective function of miR-214 in H2O2-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with 400 µM H2O2. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the apoptosis rate; malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) levels were used to determine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to test the expression level of miR-214 and ATF4. After transfected MC3T3-E1 cells with miR-214 mimics and inhibitor, RT-PCR was used to detect activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression level. RESULTS: H2O2 treatment increased ROS induced intracellular oxidative injury. Flow cytometry showed that 400 µM H2O2 induced the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, RT-PCR showed decreased expression level of MiR-214. Furthermore, the apoptosis induced by high ROS level was reversed by increased miR-214 expression level. The regulatory ability of MiR-214 to apoptosis is by regulating ATF4 expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-214 plays a protective role in H2O2 induced MC3T3 osteoblasts apoptosis and its protective effect is proceeded by regulating ROS level and ATF4 expression level.

[Mechanism of urinary erythrocyte deformity in glomerular diseases].

We developed an in vitro model to produce urinary dysmorphic RBCs and to investigate the influence of pH and osmolality. The pH and osmolality of the RBCs suspension was made to change systematically within a range of pH 5-8 and 200-800 mOsm/kg, and at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min through a polycarbonate filter (Calif., USA) with pore diameter of 3 mu. Then the samples were examined with phase-contrast microscopy. Our data showed that: (1) The formation of glomerular RBCs depends on their passage through a narrow pore and the presence of certain suspension, which is also present in glomerulonephritis. Suspension of RBCs in urine with the same osmolality and pH, but without filtration did not produce glomerular shapes. (2) Urine facilitated the production of glomerular shapes. Filtration of RBCs suspension in physiological buffer instead of urine produce less dysmorphic shapes than filtration in urine of various pH and osmolality. (3) Certain types of urinary RBCs shapes occurring predominantly at specific conditions of pH and osmolality (< 400 mOsm/kg) produced glomerular shapes most frequently, e.g. doughnut-like RBCs were produced by urine with pH 7. Our data suggested that the mechanism of glomerular RBCs formation might result from the passage of RBCs through narrow defects in the ruptured glomerular capillary wall and a chemical injury to the RBCs in the tubular lumen induced by urinary constituents.

[Optimization of the solvent system used for thin layer chromatography. VI. Furthering of the uniform design method].

In this paper, we optimized the solvent systems of sulfa drugs and five traditional Chinese medicines for thin layer chromatography by means of uniform design method. The optimal system for the eleven sulfa drugs is benzene-n-butanol-n-hexane (5.71:2.86:1.43). The optimal systems for Mu Xiang and Jiu Li Xiang are all absolute chloroform. The optimal systems for Liang Mian Zhen and San Cha Ku are all acetonitrile-ethyl ether-methyl chloride-cyclohexane (0.05:0.3:0.1:0.55). The optimal system for Jin Yin Hua is ethyl acetate-methyl chloride-formic acid (1:1:1). The method has been born out to be theoretical, simple and practical. In our opinion, it is an effective systematic method.

A novel xylene substitute for histotechnology and histochemistry.

Propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME) exhibits excellent solvent and coupling properties. A toxicity database provided evidence suggesting that PGME might be a useful substitute for xylene in histotechnology and histochemistry applications. Tissue specimens were fixed, cleared in either PGME or xylene, embedded in paraffin wax, then dewaxed in either PGME or xylene. Sections were treated with the following stains: hematoxylin & eosin (H & E), three special stains of the Gordon/Sweet silver staining method, PAS, and Masson's trichrome, and immunostains including actin, CD3, CD34, CK, CK7/CK9, Ki-67, and ER/PR. The sections were mounted in a resinous medium consisting of PGME and pinene copolymer, then examined under a microscope. Variables such as water tolerance, dimension change, organic solvency, and anti-fading efficacy also were assessed. Depending on the application, PGME performance was equal to or exceeded that of xylene. PGME provided better optical clarity and nuclear detail, did not harden the tissue samples, conserved tissue antigenicity, and was amenable to resinous mounting. Tissues not dehydrated with absolute ethanol also were processed properly. Tissues treated with PGME did not warp or contract compared to those treated with xylene (p < 0.0001). PGME, however, exhibited less organic solvency than xylene. There was no discernible change in the colors of stains in sections processed with PGME even after storage for two years. These results suggest that PGME is a novel xylene substitute for applications in histotechnology and histochemistry.

[Capillary electrophoresis and chip capillary electrophoresis of carbohydrate].

Carbohydrate has many important functions in various biologic processes. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is one of the key tools of carbohydrate analysis. Chip CE is a new but efficient technique in the study of life science. Carbohydrate analysis with CE and Chip CE are reviewed. Separation strategies and detection of CE for various carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates are described. The application and potential ability of Chip CE in carbohydrate research are reviewed as well.

[Insulin and hyperosmotic glucose solution external used for treating pressure sore].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of insulin and hyperosmotic glucose solution for treating pressure sore. METHODS: Using moist burn ointment as the control drug, comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of average healing time. RESULTS: In trial group the average healing time of II degree pressure sore was 11.6 +/- 2.7 days, while in the control group 12.9 +/- 3.4 days, The difference was not statistically significant. The average healing time of III degree pressure sore in trial group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (22.3 +/- 4.3 days vs 24.8 +/- 3.9 days, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin and hyperosmotic glucose solution is effective in treating pressure sore.

Nanosecond and femtosecond laser ablation of brass: particulate and ICPMS measurements.

Femtosecond and nanosecond lasers were compared for ablating brass alloys. All operating parameters from both lasers were equal except for the pulse duration. The ablated aerosol vapor was collected on silicon substrates for particle size measurements or sent into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The diameters and size distribution of particulates were measured from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the collected ablated aerosol. SEM measurements showed that particles ablated using nanosecond pulses were single spherical entities ranging in diameter from several micrometers to several hundred nanometers. Primary particles ablated using femtosecond ablation were approximately 100 nm in diameter but formed large agglomerates. ICPMS showed enhanced signal intensity and stability using femtosecond compared to nanosecond laser ablation.