First-principles study of the structures and superconductivity of H-S-La systems under high pressure.

Recent experimental and theoretical studies have shown that a La-H system displays remarkable superconducting properties, and it is also possible to improve the superconducting state by introducing other elements into this system. In this study, we systematically investigated the crystal structures and physical properties of an H-S-La system by using first-principles calculations combined with the CALYPSO structure exploration technique. We predicted four stable stoichiometries containing H2SLa, H3SLa, H4Sla, and H6SLa. These compounds undergo a series of phase transitions under 50-300 GPa. The bonding characters and electronic properties were calculated. It was found that Cm-H2SLa, C2/c-H2SLa, and Cmcm-H6SLa exhibit good metallic nature, which stimulates us to further study their superconducting properties. The calculated superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) of Cm-H2SLa, C2/c-H2Sla, and Cmcm-H6SLa are 15.0 K at 200 GPa, 6.9 K at 300 GPa, and 23.6 K at 300 GPa, respectively.

[Early results of left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure].

Twenty-four male patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation due to advanced heart failure in Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively included. The age of patients was 32-61 (48.4±8.4) years. Everheat-Ⅰ, HeartCon and Corheart 6 left ventricular assist systems were used in 10, 6 and 8 cases, respectively. All patients were discharged successfully without mechanical failure, thrombosis or secondary thoracotomy for hemostasis. Early postoperative hemodynamics were significantly improved, left ventricular systolic diameter was reduced, left ventricular ejection fraction was gradually improved, and no hemolysis occurred. The patients were followed up for 3 to 39 (17.9±8.6) months, the cardiac function was restored to grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ, and the 6-minute walking test distance increased significantly. Therefore, satisfactory early results can be achieved with left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure.

[Application and value of intravascular ultrasound for excimer laser ablation combined with drug-coated balloon in the treatment of lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans].

Objective: To examine the value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for excimer laser ablation (ELA) combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) in treating lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans (ASO). Methods: As a prospective case series study, patients who underwent ELA combined with DCB for lower limb ASO with the guidance of IVUS from September 2021 to March 2022 at Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were enrolled prospectively. Lesion characteristics, procedure-related outcomes and complications were collected. The therapy outcomes were compared with baseline data by paired t test. Results: There were 8 males and 2 females, aged (72.0±5.9) years (range: 61 to 81 years). Of all the 11 lesions, there were 8 lesions in superficial femoral artery and 3 in popliteal artery. The lesion length was (7.0±2.4) cm (range: 3.2 to 9.8 cm). There were 4 chronic totally occlusion and 7 severe stenosis. All patients underwent the operation successfully. The technical success rate was 10/11. Bailout stenting was performed in one lesion because of flow-limiting dissection. Four lesions were grade 3 to 4 in peripheral artery calcium score system, and 9 lesions with calcification arc≥180°. Larger diameter drug-coated balloons were selected in 5 lesions after measurement of intravascular ultrasound. The follow-up time was (6.0±1.9) months (range: 3 to 9 months). The ankle-brachial index of the patient was significantly improved immediately after surgery (0.97±0.13 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.60, P<0.01) and at 3 months after surgery (0.95±0.12 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.17, P<0.01). The 3-month primary patency rate was 11/11, the target lesion reintervention was 0 and ulcer healing rate was 3/4. Conclusion: IVUS assisted ELA in the treatment of lower limb artery lesions is safe and effective in early stage.

[Application value of excimer laser ablation combined with drug-coated balloon in non-stent atherosclerotic lesions of lower extremity arteries].

Objective: To examine the effect of excimer laser ablation (ELA) combining with drug-coated balloon (DCB) for atherosclerotic lesions in no-stenting zones (NSZ) of the lower extremity. Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, 46 patients who underwent ELA combining with DCB in lesions of NSZ at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively enrolled, including 29 males and 17 females. The age was (72.5±11.7) years (range: 42 to 93 years). Among them, 44 lesions (95.7%, 44/46) were in popliteal artery and 2 lesions (4.3%, 2/46) were in common femoral artery. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) was observed in 31 patients (76.4%, 31/46), and stenotic lesions were observed in 15 patients (32.6%, 15/46). The length of lesions was (7.3±2.7) cm (range: 3.0 to 13.2 cm). Patients were followed at 6, 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter, and they underwent Doppler and CT angiography examination at each follow-up point. The primary endpoint was primary patency. The secondary endpoints included major amputation-free survival (MAFS) rate, technical success, bailout stent, ankle-brachial index (ABI), target lesion reintervention (TLR). Student t test was applied to compare the difference between ABI of 6 or 12 months after surgery and the baseline. Primary patency, freedom from TLR, and MAFS rate were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The technical success rate was 91.3% (42/46). The rate of procedure-related complication was 6.5% (3/46), and all the complications were distal embolization. The rate of flow-limiting dissection was 8.7% (4/46). ABI was significantly increased at 6 and 12 months compared to preoperatively (0.90±0.10 vs. 0.42±0.10, t=-4.48, P<0.01; 0.87±0.12 vs. 0.42±0.10, t=-5.21, P<0.01). The follow-up time[M(IQR)] was 22.5 (8.8) months (range: 6 to 32 months). TLR was performed in 4 patients (4/46, 8.7%). The 2-year primary patency was 86.2% (95%CI: 71.8% to 93.5%). The 2-year freedom from TLR and MAFS rate were 90.7% (95%CI: 77.0% to 96.4%) and 97.8% (95%CI: 85.6% to 99.7%), respectively. Conclusion: ELA combining with DCB can be applied to treat atherosclerotic lesions in NSZ.

Structural transitions for 2D systems with competing interactions in logarithmic traps.

We propose a confinement model and study numerically the structural properties of particles with competing interactions in logarithmic traps (i.e., the confinement potential is a logarithmic function). A rich variety of cluster structures are observed as a function of trap steepness, trap size, and particle density. In addition to the consistent results with previous studies for a harmonic confinement, we observe some new stable structures, including a hybrid cluster structure consisting of clumps surrounded by a circular stripe, parallel stripes, or homogeneous voids surrounded by a ringlike arrangement of clumps, and a gear-like cluster with fringed outer rims evenly arranged along the circumference. Our work reveals that such self-organized structures arise due to the radial density reconfiguration in a finite confined system corresponding to the unconstrained systems, which is controlled by the interplay between the long-range repulsions and the attractions to the minimum of the confinement potential. Such results are likely relevant in understanding the structural properties of confined mermaid systems.

Prediction of malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma transformation by preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative prediction of the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is essential for radical resection of tumours and prevention of recurrence. We here explored the predictive value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on 268 patients with SNIP with (n = 78) or without (n = 190) coexistent malignant transformation. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis method to screen for independent risk factors, and established a nomogram model. Finally, using receiver operating characteristic curves, we assessed the diagnostic value of the independent risk factors for malignant transformation of SNIP. RESULTS: We identified bone erosion on CT, change in convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP) on MRI, and washout-type time intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI were independent predictors of malignant transformation of SNIP. The scores of these three independent risk factors from the nomogram model were 10, 7 and 8, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting SNIP malignancy was 0.954 for the nomogram model, 0.826 for bone erosion, 0.776 for washout-type TIC, and 0.810 for CCP mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Of the independent risk factors and related combination identified, the nomogram model based on bone destruction on CT, CCP mutation on MRI, and washout-type TIC of DCE-MRI had the best predictive value for malignant transformation of SNIP.

Pathological changes from the originating to the peripheral sites of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma are the underlying mechanisms of preoperative MRI-tumor origin prediction.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP)-based reverse tracing method in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable tool in predicting originating site of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). This study aimed to determine the underlying pathological mechanism of the preoperative MRI-CCP reverse tracing method by assessing the histopathological changes from the origin to the peripheral sites of SNIP. METHODOLOGY: The originating site of SNIP was predicted by preoperative MRI in 30 consecutive patients suspected to have primary SNIP. Samples of SNIP originating and peripheral sites were processed by pathological staining for evaluation of stroma score, micro-vessel density (MVD), and tight junction proteins (claudin-5, zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin) expression. RESULTS: The originating site of SNIP was accurately predicted by preoperative MRI in all patients. Stroma scores, and MVD were significantly greater in the periphery of SNIP than in the originating site. In contrast, Claudin-5 expression in micro-vessels was greater at the originating site than the periphery. CONCLUSIONS: More edematous stroma and intensive micro-vessels with defective tight junction in periphery of SNIP result in more contrast agent diffusing and CCP that can only be observed at the periphery of SNIP on T2 and contrast-enhanced T1 weighted MR images, which may be the mechanisms underlying the CCP reverse tracing method.

Delayed cerebellar infarction after a slight electric injury.

Electrical injury causes direct damage to nerves. It may manifest as peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord damage, cerebellar ataxia, hypoxic encephalopathy, or intracerebral hemorrhage. Various factors determine the severity of electric injury, including type of current, amperage, voltage, tissue resistance, pathway of the current, and duration of contact with the body. However, the severity of the electrical injury is not proportional to the source voltage, visible burns, loss of consciousness, or neuroimaging findings. While most neurologic aftereffects due to electric injuries are immediate and transient, delayed and permanent manifestations are also known. We report a case of a middle-aged man who accidentally sustained cerebellar infarction without burns, which occurred 4 days after a slight electrical injury. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed an acute infarct in the bilateral cerebellar and left occipital regions. The exact mechanism of the delayed cerebellar infarction after a slight electric injury still remains unknown. The initial electrical injury might result in a transient neurapraxia-like situation, but progressive cellular damage and death accounts for the evolution of delayed-onset symptoms. We learned from this case that we should not underestimate any potential risk of electrical injury; continuous observation should be made in case of subsequent neurologic dysfunction.

[HIV and syphilis infection and related medical treatment status of low-fee female sex workers in three provinces of China, 2012-2015].

Objective: To understand the HIV and syphilis infection and related treatment status of low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) in 3 provinces of China. Methods: Four cross-sectional survey data of low-fee FSWs from six cities (counties) in Guangxi, Yunnan and Hunan Province between October 2012 and July 2015 were obtained from the national science and technology major special project intervention study for reducing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in low-fee FSWs' database, which included social demographic characteristics, sexual service characteristics and related medical care seeking behaviors, etc. A total of 2 050 subjects were included in the database. Results: The age of the subjects was (35.16±9.76) years old, with a minimum age of 15 and a maximum age of 67. Those who use condoms every time in commercial sex accounted for 58.9% (n=1 206). Among the reasons of not using condom, the proportion of client reluctant to use was the highest (81.0% (n=682)). Only 38.1% (n=782) was tested for HIV in the last six months. HIV confirmed positive rate was 6.8% (n=139), previous positive accounts for 76.3% (n=106). Rate of antiviral therapy was 55.4% (n=77). By the end of 2015, the loss rate of antivirus treatment was 18.2% (n=14). Those who self-reported symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in the last 6 months accounted for 9.4% (n=191). 50.3% (n=96) of reporters chose to go to formal hospitals, 23.0% (n=44) chose to go to private clinics and 20.4% (n=39) chose their own medication. The syphilis infection rate was 13.5% (n=277), among them, 91.3% (n=253) were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Among low-fee FSWs, the rates of HIV and syphilis infection are higher, the condom consistent use rate, HIV antibodies and syphilis test rate are lower. In this group, active seeking medical idea is poor, the rate of anti-virus treatment and the rate of seeking medical treatment in formal medical institutions is low.

Basolateral amygdalar D2 receptor activation is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine conditioning.

The presence of companions renders decreases in cocaine-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) magnitude. Limbic systems are widely believed to underlie the modulation of accumbal dopamine release and cocaine conditioning. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether intact basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA), dorsal hippocampus (DH), and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Three cage mates, serving as companions, were arranged to house with the experimental mice in the cocaine conditioning compartment throughout the cocaine conditioning sessions. Approximately 1week before the conditioning procedure, intracranial ibotenic acid infusions were done in an attempt to cause excitotoxic lesions targeting bilateral BLA, DH and DLS. Albeit their BLA, DH, and DLS lesions, the lesioned mice exhibited comparable cocaine-induced CPP magnitudes compared to the intact and sham lesion controls. Bilateral BLA, but not DH or DLS, lesions abolished the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Intact mice receiving intra-BLA infusion of raclopride, a selective D2 antagonist, 30min prior to the cocaine conditioning did not exhibit the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Intra-BLA infusion of Sch23390, a selective D1 antagonist, did not affect the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the CPP. These results, taken together, prompt us to conclude that the intactness of BLA is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Importantly, activation of D2 receptor in the BLA is required for such suppressive effect on the CPP.

Phenotypic differences in hiPSC NPCs derived from patients with schizophrenia.

Consistent with recent reports indicating that neurons differentiated in vitro from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are immature relative to those in the human brain, gene expression comparisons of our hiPSC-derived neurons to the Allen BrainSpan Atlas indicate that they most resemble fetal brain tissue. This finding suggests that, rather than modeling the late features of schizophrenia (SZ), hiPSC-based models may be better suited for the study of disease predisposition. We now report that a significant fraction of the gene signature of SZ hiPSC-derived neurons is conserved in SZ hiPSC neural progenitor cells (NPCs). We used two independent discovery-based approaches-microarray gene expression and stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) quantitative proteomic mass spectrometry analyses-to identify cellular phenotypes in SZ hiPSC NPCs from four SZ patients. From our findings that SZ hiPSC NPCs show abnormal gene expression and protein levels related to cytoskeletal remodeling and oxidative stress, we predicted, and subsequently observed, aberrant migration and increased oxidative stress in SZ hiPSC NPCs. These reproducible NPC phenotypes were identified through scalable assays that can be applied to expanded cohorts of SZ patients, making them a potentially valuable tool with which to study the developmental mechanisms contributing to SZ.

The minimum effective concentration (MEC90 ) of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum effective concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Fifty-one patients undergoing arm surgery received double-injection ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using ropivacaine 40 ml. The concentration of ropivacaine administered to each patient started at 0.225% and then depended on the response of the previous one, based on a biased coin design up-and-down sequential method. In case of failure, the ropivacaine concentration was increased by 0.025% w/v in the next subject. In the case of a successful block, the next patient was randomised to the same concentration or a concentration 0.025% w/v less. Success was defined as complete sensory blockade of the brachial plexus 30 min after the block together with pain-free surgery. The minimum effective ropivacaine concentration in 90% of subjects was 0.257% w/v (95% CI 0.241-0.280%).

Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces atherosclerosis by NF-κB-dependent mechanisms.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) causes atherosclerosis in mice fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD). The mechanisms by which CIH promotes atherosclerosis are incompletely understood. This study defined the mechanistic role of NF-κB pathway in CIH+HCD induced atherosclerosis. Wild type (WT) and mice deficient in the p50 subunit of NF-κB (p50-KO) were fed normal chow diet (ND) or HCD, and exposed to sham or CIH. Atherosclerotic lesions on the en face aortic preparation and cross-sections of aortic root were examined. In WT mice, neither CIH nor HCD exposure alone caused, but CIH+HCD caused evident atherosclerotic lesions on both preparations after 20weeks of exposure. WT mice on ND and exposed to CIH for 35.6weeks did not develop atherosclerotic lesions. P50 gene deletion diminished CIH+HCD induced NF-κB activation and abolished CIH+HCD induced atherosclerosis. P50 gene deletion inhibited vascular wall inflammation, reduced hepatic TNF-α level, attenuated the elevation in serum cholesterol level and diminished macrophage foam cell formation induced by CIH+HCD exposure. These results demonstrate that inhibition of NF-κB activation abrogates the activation of three major atherogenic mechanisms associated with an abolition of CIH+HCD induced atherosclerosis. NF-κB may be a central common pathway through which CIH+HCD exposure activates multiple atherogenic mechanisms, leading to atherosclerosis.

Increased nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) transcriptional activity links the regulation of insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The protein nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) has been recently identified as a novel satiety regulator. However, its pathophysiological role in humans remains unknown. The aims of the present study are to explore whether plasma NUCB2-1 and NUCB2 transcription activity are increased in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) and, if so, whether changing NUCB2-1 level is a physiologic response or a compensatory mechanism for impaired insulin action. The nT2DM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and healthy people (NGT, normal glucose tolerance) groups were enrolled in this study. The peripheral and hepatic insulin actions in rats with intracerebroventricular (ICV) NUCB2-1 administration were examined by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. Plasma NUCB2-1 levels were elevated in subjects with both nT2DM and IGT compared with normal controls. NUCB2 mRNA and protein contents of muscle and adipose tissues in T2DM patients were also significantly increased compared to controls. ICV NUCB2-1 infusion in rats inhibited hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity, and this was sufficient to induce insulin sensitivity in the liver and peripheral tissues during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. In T2DM patients, there were increases in plasma NUCB2-1 levels and increases in NUCB2 mRNA and protein contents in muscle and adipose tissues. These increases are presumably a compensatory response to defective insulin action.

Endothelial progenitor cells are influenced by serum of patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiple organ dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To investigate the effects of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) on human peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients admitted to Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, from February, 2011 to November, 2011 were recruited consecutively. The serum samples were collected from the twenty patients who were divided into four groups as following: normal group, post-traumatic group without SIRS, post-traumatic group with SIRS, and post-traumatic group with MODS. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy subjects by using density gradient centrifugation and the effect of the serum on EPCs was detected after stimulating by the serum samples for 0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the proliferation of EPCs was significantly increased in a time-independent manner in the other three groups, especially in the SIRS serum treated group. The expression of pro-inflammation cytokines was increased in the other three groups compared with the normal group, but the expression of IL-10 in the normal group was higher than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress balance was also broken as the disease progressed. Serum from patients with sepsis could influence proliferation and the inflammation and oxidative stress states of EPCs.

Perception of medical care systems and stress responses in preschoolers' caregivers at a pediatric emergency department in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to understand caregivers' perception of medical care systems and their stress responses throughout their stay with preschoolers at a pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS: Overall, 201 preschoolers' caregivers in pediatric ED were recruited in this study. They were asked to answer self-made questionnaires regarding the perception of medical care systems and their stress responses immediately before preschoolers' release. RESULTS: The results show that caregivers with a low education or low income level were prone to exhibit greater appreciation for the efficiency of medical care systems and greater degree of anxiety for their lack of treatment and care knowledge than those of caregivers with a high education or high income level. Interestingly, caregivers older than 38 years reported greater emotional responses and physical exhaustion than did younger caregivers. Immigrant caregivers had higher emotional reaction and lower concentration than did Taiwanese caregivers. Paradoxically, caregivers undergoing over 3-time pediatric ED visits for observation expressed stronger stress reactions as compared with caregivers with less observation experiences. Not surprisingly, caregivers reported the highest emotional responses when their preschoolers were diagnosed as having very urgent degree in triage classification. Finally, caregivers' perception of "lack of family support" and "lack of treatment and care knowledge" correlated positively with all aspects of the stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that attention should be paid to the specific psychological weakness and need for the caregivers with certain demographic characteristics by the medical team in pediatric ED.

Differential regulation of STP, LTP and LTD by structurally diverse NMDA receptor subunit-specific positive allosteric modulators.

Different types of memory are thought to rely on different types of synaptic plasticity, many of which depend on the activation of the N-Methyl-D Aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in the possibility of using positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) as cognitive enhancers. Here we firstly review the evidence that NMDA receptor-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity: short-term potentiation (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) can be pharmacologically differentiated by using NMDAR ligands. These observations suggest that PAMs of NMDAR function, depending on their subtype selectivity, might differentially regulate STP, LTP and LTD. To test this hypothesis, we secondly performed experiments in rodent hippocampal slices with UBP714 (a GluN2A/2B preferring PAM), CIQ (a GluN2C/D selective PAM) and UBP709 (a pan-PAM that potentiates all GluN2 subunits). We report here, for the first time, that: (i) UBP714 potentiates sub-maximal LTP and reduces LTD; (ii) CIQ potentiates STP without affecting LTP; (iii) UBP709 enhances LTD and decreases LTP. We conclude that PAMs can differentially regulate distinct forms of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity due to their subtype selectivity.

Accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein downregulation is associated with cocaine-conditioned memory.

Cocaine-conditioned memory has been known to cause cocaine craving and relapse, while its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We explored accumbal protein candidates responsible for a cocaine-conditioned memory, cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in conjunction with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was utilized to identify accumbal protein candidates involved in the retrieval of cocaine-induced CPP. Among the identified candidate proteins, a downregulated 14-3-3ζ protein was chosen and confirmed by Western immunoblotting. A polymer-mediated plasmid DNA delivery system was then used to overexpress 14-3-3 protein in mouse nucleus accumbens before the CPP retrieval tests. Overexpression of accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein was found to diminish conditioned cue/context-mediated cocaine-induced CPP. In contrast, another isoform of 14-3-3 protein, 14-3-3ε protein, did not affect conditioned cue/context-mediated cocaine-induced CPP. Overexpression of accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein did not produce motor activity-impairing effect or alter local dopamine metabolism. Moreover, overexpression of accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein did not affect food-induced CPP. These results, taken together, indicated that overexpressed accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein specifically decreased conditioned cue/context-mediated cocaine memory. Further understanding of the function of accumbal 14-3-3ζ protein may shed light on the treatment of cocaine craving and relapse.

PCR-mediated recombination: a general method applied to construct chimeric infectious molecular clones of plasma-derived HIV-1 RNA.

A PCR-based approach was developed that provides a powerful tool for engineering recombinant molecules without reliance on restriction sites. DNA sequences were first amplified by high-fidelity PCR using Pfu polymerase; they were then used both as 'megaprimers' and templates in subsequent asymmetric long PCR amplifications to form chimeric clones. To demonstrate the technique, we constructed chimeric full-length HIV-1 clones derived from reverse-transcribed plasma viral RNA and proviral LTRs. Biologic characterization of these clones showed that most were infectious in tissue culture and sequence analysis demonstrated an error rate of only one base change in 20 kb of DNA sequence. For PCR-mediated recombination, it is necessary to know the sequence of the 3' and 5' overlapping regions of the desired PCR products. This method may be extended to include construction of chimeras between any DNA fragments lacking sequence homology. Such chimeras may be constructed by introducing overlapping sequences to one of the fragments. To ensure that unwanted mutations have not been introduced into the clones constructed by this method, each clone should be sequenced. Our results demonstrate that by using a high-fidelity polymerase and highly controlled PCR conditions, the PCR-introduced error rate can be greatly minimized. This new procedure may be used to construct infectious chimeras of HIV or SIV for studies of vaccines and pathogenesis. Moreover, the method is designed to exchange viral genes at precise boundaries to study individual gene products from different HIV genomes. It can also be used to construct expression vectors for production of specific proteins or delivery vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy. Finally, the technique described here provides a versatile tool to transfer genes or gene fragments from different sources for genetic investigation and engineering.

Pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. / Entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico en el tratamiento del prolapso de órganos pélvicos: un metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the overall effect of pelvic muscle training (PFMT) on patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) based on eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT). METHODS: We searched the following databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, to identify eligible RCT based on the index words updated to December 2018. We also searched the publications related to the present study. Odds rations (OR), and mean difference (MD) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to analyze the main outcomes. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, 15 RCTs were included with a total of 1309 patients in the PFMT group and a total of 1275 patients in the control group. The overall results showed no significant difference in the incidence of add 2 POP-Q stages (RR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.19-1.63), add 1 POP-Q stages (RR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.69-1.57), no POP-Q stages change (RR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.81-1.09), reduce 2 POP-Q stages (RR: 1.72, 95%CI: 0.79-3.76), self-reported same symptom change (RR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.45-1.09), and self-reported worse symptom change (RR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.22-2.03) between the 2groups. Besides, the incidence of reduce 1 POP-Q stages was significantly higher in the PFMT group than that of the control group (RR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.20-2.69), and the PFMT significantly changed the self-reported symptoms with better outcomes when compared with the control group (RR: 2.90, 95%CI: 1.72-4.89). However, after the therapy, the PFMT group decreased the POP-SS (SMD: -0.24, 95%CI: -0.71-0.22), POPDI-6 (SMD: -0.14, 95%CI: -0.43-0.15), CRADI-8 (SMD: -0.03, 95%CI: -0.16-0.11), and UDI-6 (SMD: -0.17, 95%CI: -0.43-0.10) versus the control group, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PMFT showed better effect in reducing 1 POP-Q stages, changing the self-reported symptoms with better outcomes, decreasing the score of POP-SS, POPDI-6, CRADI-8, and UDI-6 in women with POP versus the control group. However, more high-quality multicenter RCTs with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present conclusions.