[The efficacy analysis of neurosurgical robot-assisted DBS in the treatment of elderly Parkinson's disease].

Objective: To investigate the surgical efficacy of neurosurgery robot deep brain stimulation(DBS) in the treatment of elderly Parkinson's disease(PD). Methods: The clinical data of elderly patients (≥75 years) with PD who underwent neurosurgical robot-assisted DBS surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from September 2016 to September 2022 were collected retrospectively. Operation time, electrode implantation duration, postoperative pneumocephalus volume, electrode implantation accuracy, the Tao's DBS surgery scale, perioperative complications were analyzed.The unified Parkinson's disease rating scales (UPDRS), UPDRS-Ⅲ, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, axial, Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL-Barthel), Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores and mortality were assessed respectively before operation, 6, 12 and 24 months after operation and last follow-up. Results: A total of 25 elderly patients were enrolled, including 14 males and 11 females, aged(78.3±3.2) years. Nine patients had underlying diseases. Nine patients (36%) underwent bilateral Globus Pallidus pars Interna deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) and 16 patients (64%) underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS).The operation time was (1.56±0.19) hours, the electrode implantation duration was (1.01±0.19) hours, the pneumocephalus volume was 9.8(4.7, 23.3) cm3, and the electrode implantation accuracy was (0.84±0.24) mm, the Tao's DBS surgery scale was (80.2±6.2).The follow-up time [M(Q1, Q3)] was 57.3(27.9, 75.7) months. No serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage, infection or poor wound healing occurred during the perioperative period. The improvement rate of UPDRS, UPDRS-Ⅲ, rigidity, bradykinesia, and LEDD at 6 months after surgery was significantly higher than that at 24 months after surgery and at the last follow-up (all P<0.05); the improvement rate of axial symptoms, ADL-Barthel score, and MoCA score at 6 months after surgery was significantly higher than that at the last follow-up (P<0.05). HAMD and HAMA scores showed no significant improvement during follow-up after surgery (both P>0.05). At the last follow-up, 12 patients died, with death time of (35.1±20.2) months after operation, and the death age of [M(Q1, Q3)] 80(79, 83)years. Conclusions: Robot-assisted DBS surgery for elderly patients with PD is accurate and safe, and the postoperative symptoms are significantly improved, and they can benefit from neuromodulation for long term, and the risks are controllable.

[Role of pyroptosis pathway related molecules in acute lung injury induced by gas explosion in rats].

Objective: To explore the role and significance of pyroptosis in gas explosion-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats. Methods: In February 2018, 126 SPF male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into blank control group (18 rats) and experimental group (40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m, 200 m and 240 m, 18 per group) . The experimental group carried out gas explosion in the roadway to build the ALI model, the control group did not carry out gas explosion, and other conditions were consistent with the experimental group. Respiratory function indexes such as respiratory frequency (f) , tidal volume (TV) , minute ventilation (MV) and airway stenosis index (Penh) were measured 24 hours after the explosion. 5 rats in each group were sacrificed after anesthesia, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of lung tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the content of Caspase-1. Western blotting was used to detect the content of cell pyroptosis including nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) , Caspase-1, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in lung tissue related protein expression. Results: The f and MV of rats in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Except for the 40 m and 80 m groups, the TV of rats in the other experimental groups were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Except for the 40 m group, the Penh of rats in the experimental groups were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) . HE staining showed that the lung tissue of the experimental groups at different distance points showed obvious edema of the pulmonary interstitium and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells and inflammatory cells exuded in the alveolar space, thickening of the pulmonary interstitium, and increased lung injury score (P<0.05) . The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of Caspase-1 in each experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . Western blotting results showed that the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in each experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Pyroptosis is involved in the pathophysiological process of gas explosion-induced ALI in rats.

[Study on serum metabolomics of combined injury induced by gas explosion in rats].

Objective: To analyze the changes of serum metabolomics in rats with combined injuries caused by gas explosion and explore its possible mechanism. Methods: In April 2018, the large coal mine gas explosion test roadway and explosion test system were used to simulate the gas explosion experiment. All 32 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group (not involved in the explosion) , close range (40 m) group, medium range (160 m) group and long range (240 m) group, 8 in each group. The respiratory function at 2 hours and the neural behavior at 48 hours were detected after the explosion. The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed after 48 hours, and the serum, lung, liver and other tissues of the rats were isolated and histopathological changes of lung and liver tissues were observed by HE staining. Serum samples were detected by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap Elite/MS) , and metabolic spectrum differences between groups were evaluated by principal component analysis. Differential metabolites were screened and identified, and metabolic pathways were analyzed. Results: Compared with control group, respiratory function indexes (respiratory frequency, minute ventilation, peak inspiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate and 1/2 tidal volume expiratory flow) of rats in different explosion groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05) , but respiration pause, inspiratory time and 2/3 tidal volume required time were significantly increased (P<0.05) in 2 hours after the explosion. However, the residence times of the neurobehavioral indicators of the 40 m group and 160 m group were significantly increased (P<0.05) , and the movement distances were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in 48 hours after the explosion. HE staining results showed that the lung and liver tissues of the rats in the gas explosion group structurally damaged, and the cells were disordered, with inflammatory cell infiltration, bleeding and edema. Metabonomics analysis showed that there were significant differences in metabolic profiles between groups. A total of 18 differential metabolites were identified in serum samples, including aconitum acid, citric acid, niacinamide and pyruvate, which involved in 12 major metabolic pathways, including the glutamic acid and glutamine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) . Conclusion: Gas explosion can cause multi-organ system damage in rats, the mechanism of which may be related to the biosynthesis of alanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, metabolism of niacin and niacinamide, metabolism of acetaldehyde and dicarboxylic acid, and TCA cycle, etc.

[Changes and significance of autophagy in rat lung injury induced by gas explosion].

Objective: To explore the changes and significance of autophagy in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by gas explosion in rats. Methods: In February 2018, the gas explosion in underground coal mine was simulated by large tunnel explosion experiment system, SD rats were randomly divided into control group and 6 distance groups (40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m, 200 m, 240 m) with 18 rats in each group. The respiratory function of rats 24 h before and after explosion was detected. Post-explosion rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, histopathological changes of lung were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the in situ expression of autophagy marker protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3B) . The expression levels of autophagy related gene 12 (Atg12) , LC3B, P62, lysosomal associated membrane protein 2 (Lamp2) , B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl2 interaction protein (Beclin-1) were detected by Western blot. Results: After gas explosion, the rats in 80 m distance point group had the hightest mortality (n=13, 72.22%) and the most severe lung injury degree, and the histopathological scores was (4.00±0.00) point. After gas explosion, the minute ventilation volume (MVb) , maximum inspiratory flow rate (PIFb) and maximum expiratory flow rate (PEFb) of rats were lower than before the gas explosion (P<0.05) . The respiratory frequency of rats in 80 m, 200 m, and 240 m distance point groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The expression levels of LC3B in 40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m, and 200 m distance point groups were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Atg12 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ in lung tissues of rats in different distance point groups were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Beclin1 in 40 m, 80 m, 120 m, and 160 m distance point groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of P62 in 80 m, 160 m and 200 m distance point groups were lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) . The relative expression levels of Lamp2 and Bcl-2 in lung tissues of rats in all distance groups except 240 m distance group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Gas explosion could induce increased autophagy in lung tissues of ALI rats. Autophagy-related signaling pathway could be involved in the pathophysiological process of ALI in rats caused by gas explosion, then the autophagy and the severity of the lesion showed a significant positive correlation.

[Influences of gas explosion on acute blast lung injury and time phase changes of pulmonary function in rats under real roadway environment].

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of gas explosion on rats and to explore the pulmonary function alterations associated with gas explosion-induced acute blast lung injury (ABLI) in real roadway environment. Methods: In April 2018, the large coal mine gas explosion test roadway and explosion test system were used to simulate the real gas explosion roadway environment, fixed the cage and set the explosion parameters. 72 SD rats, male, SPF grade, were randomly divided into nine groups by completely random grouping method according to their body weight: control group, close range group (160 m) , and long range group (240 m) . In each group, there were wound groups (24 h group and 48h group, 8/group, total 48 in six groups) and no wound groups (8/group, total 24 in three groups) . Except for the control group, the other groups were placed in cages at different distances under anesthesia, the experiment of gas explosion was carried out by placing the rats in a position that could force the lungs. The changes of respiratory function of the rats in the non-invasive group were monitored with pulmonary function instrument at 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 168h after the explosion, and were killed under anesthesia 7 days later; the rats in invasive groups were anesthetized and killed at 24 h, 48 h and 168 h, respectively. Gross observation, lung wet-dry ratio and lung histopathology were performed. Results: Compared with the control group, f (respiratory frequency, f) , MV (minute ventilation, MV) , PEF (peak expiratory flow rate, PEF) , PIF (peak inspiratory flow rate, PIF) and EF50 (1/2 tidal volume expiratory flow, EF50) of rats in the close and long range groups decreased significantly after gas explosion 2 h. PAU (respiration pause, PAU) , Te (expiratory time, Te) , Ti (inspiratory time, Ti) and Tr (relaxation time, Tr) were significantly increased (P<0.05) . After 48 h, TV (tidal volume, TV) , Penh (enhanced respiration pause, Penh) , PAU, and PIF of rats in the long range group were significantly increased (P<0.05) . After 72 h, MV in the long range group was significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, Penh, PAU, Ti and Te were significantly decreased after 168 h in the close and long range groups, with statistical significance (P<0.05) . At the same time, the body weight of rats in different range groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05) . In addition, both HE staining and routine observation of lung tissues of rats in different range groups showed that gas explosion caused pulmonary edema, obviously congested pulmonary capillaries, a large number of inflammatory cells and infiltrated red blood cells. Conclusion: Gas explosion in real roadway environment can cause the change of respiratory function phase and lung tissue damage in rats, suggesting that the model of gas explosion-induced ABLI has been initially established successfully, which would provide a basis for further study on the pathogenesis of ABLI.

MicroRNA-15a inhibits inflammatory response and apoptosis after spinal cord injury via targeting STAT3.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the function of microRNA-15a in the spinal cord injury (SCI) and its potential mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The plasma levels of microRNA-15a and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in SCI patients were determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between the expressions of microRNA-15a and STAT3 was analyzed. The in vitro SCI model was established in H2O2-induced C8-D1A and C8B4 cells, and in vivo SCI model was established in mice by hitting T10. The mRNA and protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were detected in the SCI model. The apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry or TUNEL staining, respectively. The motor function of mouse hindlimb was evaluated using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) standard scale. The target gene of microRNA-15a was predicted by bioinformatics and further verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression changes of target genes in C8-D1A and C8B4 cells with microRNA-15a overexpression or knockdown were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Finally, rescue experiments were performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of microRNA-15a and STAT3 on cell apoptosis. RESULTS: MicroRNA-15a was lowly expressed in plasma of SCI patients, while STAT3 was highly expressed with a negative correlation to microRNA-15a. Identically, microRNA-15a was lowly expressed in H2O2-induced C8-D1A and C8B4 cells, and STAT3 was highly expressed. MicroRNA-15a overexpression downregulated mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in C8-D1A and C8B4 cells. BBB score was markedly low in SCI mice relative to controls. SCI mice injected with microRNA-15a mimics had higher BBB score than those injected with negative control. Besides, SCI mice with microRNA-15a overexpression had downregulated expressions of STAT3, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the impaired spinal cord tissues, as well as lower apoptotic rate. Through bioinformatics, we found binding sites between STAT3 and microRNA-15a. Their binding conditions were further verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, STAT3 expression was negatively regulated by microRNA-15a. Finally, rescue experiments showed that STAT3 overexpression could reverse the regulatory effects of microRNA-15a on expressions of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-15a expression decreases in the SCI model, which participates in the process of SCI by regulating inflammatory response and cell apoptosis via targeting STAT3.

LINC00511 promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer through downregulating LATS2 and KLF2 by binding to EZH2 and LSD1.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with extremely high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have identified the vital role of LINC00511 (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this research, we aim to explore the biological function of LINC00511 in the development and metastasis of NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LINC00511 expression in 57 paired NSCLC patients' tissues and matched normal tissues were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were conducted to observe the biological behavior changes of NSCLC cells through the influence of LINC00511. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) and, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed to discover the potential targets of LINC00511 in NSCLC cells. RESULTS: LINC00511 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines compared with controls. LINC00511 expression was positively correlated with tumor size, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, but negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves suggested that LINC00511 could be an effective indicator to distinguish NSCLC patients from normal people. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and transwell assay showed that knockdown of LINC00511 in A549 cells decreased viability, accelerated apoptosis and inhibited invasive and migratory abilities. Overexpression of LINC00511 in PC9 cells obtained the opposite biological effects. Chromatin fractionation predicted that LINC00511 was mainly distributed in the nucleus. RIP and ChIP assay showed that LINC00551 directly bound to lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). It inhibited expressions of LATS2 and KLF2 by binding to their promoter regions. CONCLUSIONS: LINC00511 is upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. It is closely related to tumor size, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and, distant metastasis of NSCLC patients. Knockdown of LINC00511 attenuates proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities, but induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells. LATS2 and KLF2 are target genes of LINC00511, which are regulated by LINC00511 through binding to EZH2 and LSD1, thus influencing the progression of NSCLC.

MicroRNA-615-3p promotes the osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether microRNA-615-3p participates in the development and progression of osteoarthritis by regulating chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from rat bone marrow and identified by flow cytometry. After chondrogenic differentiation was induced in BMSCs, expression levels of chondrogenic-specific genes were then detected by quantitate Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression of SOX9 after overexpression or knockdown of microRNA-615-3p was detected by Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: MicroRNA-615-3p was down-regulated in the process of chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The mRNA expressions of chondrogenic-specific markers, COL2A1, COL10A1, ACAN and MATN3 were decreased after microRNA-615-3p overexpression in BMSCs. Overexpressed microRNA-615-3p down-regulated protein expression of SOX9. Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-α (IL-α) were increased after overexpression of microRNA-615-3p, while inhibition of microRNA-615-3p expression obtained the opposite result. In addition, overexpression of SOX9 rescued the effect induced by microRNA-615-3p on inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-615-3p participates in the development and progression of osteoarthritis by increasing the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Cisplatin induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma LM3 cells via down-regulation of XIAP.

OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin is an important anti-cancer drug. However, the molecular mechanism of cisplatin on inhibition of the proliferation of liver cancer cells is unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the regulatory role of cisplatin on the growth and apoptosis of hepatoma LM3 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LM3 cells were treated with cisplatin (2 µmol/L) for 48 h. MTT assay, flow cytometry, and caspase-3 activity assay were used to detect the growth, proliferation and apoptosis of LM3 cells. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein, XIAP. siRNA was used to knockdown the level of XIAP followed by cisplatin (2 µmol/L) treatment, and then the apoptosis of LM3 cells was measured. RESULTS: The treatment of cisplatin significantly inhibited the growth but induced the apoptosis of LM3 cells. Cisplatin also downregulated the expression of XIAP. The downregulation of XIAP by using siRNA enhanced the apoptosis of LM3 cells induced by cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of XIAP enhanced the proapoptotic effect of cisplatin on LM3 cells, suggesting that XIAP might be used as a potential target in the treatment of liver cancer.

[The role of Hong's single-stitch duct to mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy].

Objective: To investigate the role of "Hong's single-stitch duct to mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy(HSDMP)" in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: The clinical data including perioperative and short-term outcomes of 51 cases of LPD with HSDMP which performed in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(33 cases) and Frist Clinical Hospital of Jilin University(18 cases) between April and October 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 31 male patients and 20 female patients. The mean age was(59±11)years. Body mass index (BMI) was 18 to 28 kg/m(2) and the average BMI was (23.2±4.4)kg/m(2). Preoperative diagnosis: 18 cases with pancreatic mass, 26 cases with peri-ampullary tumor, 3 cases with intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, 2 cases with duodenal carcinoma, 2 cases with serous cystadenoma. Results: Fifty-one patients accepted LPD using HSDMP. One patient underwent LPD combined with resection of superior mesentery vein. The mean operation time was (307±69)minutes, the mean diameter of pancreatic duct for reconstruction was (3.1±1.1)mm.The mean operation time for HSDMP was (34±5) minutes, the estimated blood loss was (170±127)ml. Twelve cases(23.5%) had pancreatic fistula according to International Study Group definition, including 9 cases(17.6%) of grade A and 3 cases (5.9%) of grade B. Five cases(9.8%) had delayed gastric empty, 5 cases(9.8%) had bile leakage and 2 cases(3.9%) had pulmonary infection postoperative.All these complications were treated by non-surgical strategies. One patient(2.0%) suffered from postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding and recovered after reoperation. Pathologic results showed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas in 20 cases(39.2%), non-pancreatic original peri-ampullary tumors in 23 cases(45.1%), intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in 3 cases(5.9%), duodenal carcinoma in 2 cases(3.9%), serous cystadenoma in 2 cases(3.9%) and neuroendocrine tumors in one case(2.0%). Conclusions: HSDMP could not only reduce the incidence of clinical pancreatic fistula, but also save operation time. It is a feasible and safe method for pancreaticojejunostomy.

[Effect and mechanism of interleukin-8 expression induced by wood smoke particles in primary human airway epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of interleukin-8 expression induced by wood smoke particles (WSP) in primary human airway epithelial cells. METHODS: Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were collected through fiberbronchoscopic brushing and incubated with different concentration of WSP (0, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0, 100.0 µg/ml). Levels of IL-8 protein in cell culture supernatant were measured using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The specific inhibitors for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p38 kinase signaling pathways were employed to pretreat HBEC, respectively, prior to incubation with 100 µg/ml WSP to investigate the mechanism of IL-8 expression induced by WSP. RESULTS: The expression of IL-8 was significant increased in a dose-dependent manner after exposure HBEC to different concentration of WSP for 24h. The levels of IL-8 expression were (4546.67±1421.42) ρg/ml in (PD153035+WSP) group and (2803.33±865.00) ρg/ml in (SB203580+WSP) group respectively, which were significant decreased compared with the level of (12896.67±1373.11) ρg/ml in WSP group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: WSP could induce IL-8 expression by means of EGFR and p38 signaling pathways.

FBXL5 attenuates RhoGDI2-induced cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: The hemerythrin-like domain of F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 5 (FBXL5), an E3 ubiquitin ligase subunit, has critical roles in the regulation of cancer cells metastasis and chemoresistance by targeting diverse substrates for ubiquitin-mediated destruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we report that FBXL5 interacts with Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) and attenuates RhoGDI2-induced cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells. By utilizing immunoprecipitation (IP) coupled with mass spectrometry assay, we found that FBXL5 regulated gastric cancers migration via cortactin destruction. RESULTS: Depletion of FBXL5 enhances cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells through Erk and p38 activation. However, FBXL5 did not affect the abundance and stability of RhoGDI2. Instead, FBXL5 was rapidly degraded in response to cisplatin treatment in RhoGDI2-overexpressing gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our data suggested the existence of a FBXL5-RhoGDI2 negative feedback loop in RhoGDI2-induced cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells, implicating FBXL5 as a novel and promising therapeutic target for RhoGDI2-induced cisplatin resistance gastric cancers.

Impact of pedicle-lengthening osteotomy on spinal canal volume and neural foramen size in three types of lumbar spinal stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Pedicle-lengthening osteotomy is a novel surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which achieves substantial enlargement of the spinal canal by expansion of the bilateral pedicle osteotomy sites. Few studies have evaluated the impact of this new surgery on spinal canal volume (SCV) and neural foramen dimension (NFD) in three different types of LSS patients. METHODS: CT scans were performed on 36 LSS patients (12 central canal stenosis (CCS), 12 lateral recess stenosis (LRS), and 12 foraminal stenosis (FS)) at L4-L5, and on 12 normal (control) subjects. Mimics 14.01 workstation was used to reconstruct 3D models of the L4-L5 vertebrae and discs. SCV and NFD were measured after 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm pedicle-lengthening osteotomies at L4 and/or L5. One-way analysis of variance was used to examine between-group differences. RESULTS: In the intact state, SVC and NFD were significantly larger in the control group compared with the LSS groups (P<0.05). After lengthening at L4, the percentage increase in SCV (per millimetre) was LRS>CCS>FS>Control. After lengthening at L5 and L4-L5, the percentage increase in SCV (per millimetre) was LRS>FS>CCS>Control. After lengthening at L4 and L4-L5, the percentage increase in NFD (per millimetre) was FS>CCS>LRS>Control. After lengthening at L5, the percentage increase in NFD (per millimetre) was CCS>LRS>control>FS. CONCLUSIONS: LRS patients are the most suitable candidates for treatment with pedicle-lengthening osteotomy. Lengthening L4 pedicles produced larger percentage increases in NFD than lengthening L5 pedicles (p < 0.05). Lengthening L4 pedicles may be the most effective option for relieving foraminal compression in LSS patients.Cite this article: P. Li, L. Qian, W. D. Wu, C. F. Wu, J. Ouyang. Impact of pedicle-lengthening osteotomy on spinal canal volume and neural foramen size in three types of lumbar spinal stenosis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:239-246. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.56.2000469.

Gas chromatograph-surface acoustic wave for quick real-time assessment of blood/exhaled gas ratio of propofol in humans.

BACKGROUND: Although pilot studies have reported that exhaled propofol concentrations can reflect intraoperative plasma propofol concentrations in an individual, the blood/exhaled partial pressure ratio RBE varies between patients, and the relevant factors have not yet been clearly addressed. No efficient method has been reported for the quick evaluation of RBE and its association with inter-individual variables. METHODS: We proposed a novel method that uses a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor combined with a fast gas chromatograph (GC) to simultaneously detect propofol concentrations in blood and exhaled gas in 28 patients who were receiving propofol i.v. A two-compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model was established to simulate propofol concentrations in exhaled gas and blood after a bolus injection. Simulated propofol concentrations for exhaled gas and blood were used in a linear regression model to evaluate RBE. RESULTS: The fast GC-SAW system showed reliability and efficiency for simultaneous quantitative determination of propofol in blood (correlation coefficient R(2)=0.994, P<0.01) and exhaled gas (R(2)=0.991, P<0.01). The evaluation of RBE takes <50 min for a patient. The distribution of RBE in 28 patients showed inter-individual differences in RBE (median 1.27; inter-quartile range 1.07-1.59). CONCLUSIONS: Fast GC-SAW, which analyses samples in seconds, can perform both rapid monitoring of exhaled propofol concentrations and fast analysis of blood propofol concentrations. The proposed method allows early determination of the coefficient RBE in individuals. Further studies are required to quantify the distribution of RBE in a larger cohort and assess the effect of other potential factors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-ONC-13003291.

A randomized comparison of target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol with desflurane and fentanyl for laryngeal surgery.

AIMS: To compare the clinical profile of target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil (REM) + propofol (PRO) with fentanyl (FEN) bolus infusion with desflurane (DES) inhalation in direct laryngoscopic surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients who were scheduled to undergo laryngoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30, respectively). One group of patients received a TCI of REM + PRO anesthetic treatment, while the patients in the other group received a bolus infusion of FEN and DES inhalation treatment. The hemodynamics, recovery profiles and unexpected events that occurred in both groups were recorded. RESULTS: The hemodynamics of the patients in the TCI group was more stable during tracheal intubation, direct laryngoscope insertion and extubation. The mean arterial pressure was also significantly lower in the TCI group compared with the FEN/DES group. The TCI group also showed faster recovery profiles (e.g. a shorter time needed for response to verbal commands, autonomous breathing, tracheal extubation and orientation recovery). The FEN/DES group had lower Stewart recovery scores during the first 15 min determined at the postanesthesia care unit. However, there were no significant differences regarding the occurrence of unexpected events and postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: TCI of REM + PRO anesthesia appears to be a reasonable alternative to FEN bolus infusion combined with DES inhalation during direct laryngoscopic surgery.

Biological effects of man-made mineral fibers (I)--Reactive oxygen species production and calcium homeostasis in alveolar macrophages.

10 types of standard mineral fiber samples (JFM fibers) were tested for their cytotoxicity in alveolar macrophages (AM) in vitro experiments, in which UICC chrysotile B was used as a positive control. The cytotoxicity included the production of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide, depletion of glutathione (GSH) and increase of intracellular free calcium. The results showed that chrysotile and most of the 10 mineral fibers could increase the production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, deplete the concentration of GSH and increase the level of free intracellular Ca2+ in AM. But all the effects of JFM fibers were lower than that induced by UICC chrysotile B. Although the cytotoxicity of JFM fibers were lower than that of asbestos, these mineral fibers should be used with highly care for workers in industries.

[Effects of chrysotile on the conformation of membrane protein and the antagonistic action of aluminum citrate].

Effects of Mangai and Laiyuan chrysotile on the conformation of membrane protein and the antagonistic action of aluminum citrate to them were studied with circular dichroism. Results showed that these two kinds of chrysotile could significantly reduce the amount of alpha-helix in membrane protein of human erythrocytes in 20 minutes with a dose-dependent manner. Effect of Mangai chrysotile was stronger than that of Laiyuan one. It suggested the changes in the conformation of membrane protein were the key link in chrysotile-caused hemolysis. After treatment with aluminum citrate, these effects weakened. It provided important information for elucidating the mechanism of aluminum citrate in antagonism to cytotoxicity of chrysotile.

[Studies on generation and inhibition of active oxygen in alveolar macrophage by chrysolite and aluminum citrate].

Chrysolite-induced generation and aluminum citrate-induced inhibition of active oxygen in alveolar macrophage were studied with ESR spin-trapping technique, cytochrome C reduction and phenol red oxidation assays. Results showed, under certain conditions, Mangya and Laiyuan chrysolite fiber could stimulate macrophage to generate OH., O2-. and H2O2 in a dose-dependent manner. But such an induced-generation of active oxygen would be inhibited by the treatment of chrysolite with aluminum citrate solution at room temperature for one hour.

[The first record of human natural infection of Echinochasmus liliputanus].

Human natural infection with Echinochasmus liliputanus was found for the first time from the inhabitants of Hexian county of Anhui Province in Spring, 1991. Sixty worms collected from 3 infected persons were studied morphologically. The adult worms are leaf-shaped, 1519.4-2056.3 x 466.4-564.0 microns in size. The width of the collar is 235.8-297.3 microns. A row of 24 collar spines with size of 22.5-35.6 x 8.8-10.6 microns is arranged on the collar symmetrically with dorsal and ventral interruption. The oral sucker is terminal, 107.6-148.6 x 102.5-148.6 microns. The length of the prepharynx is 25.6-66.7 microns, the pharynx, 97.3-127.8 microns and the oesophagus 117.9-205.0 microns. The caeca 764.3-1,248.8 x 21.0-39.0 microns extends to the distal end of the body. The acetabulum is anterior to the middle level of the body, 205.0-240.9 x 205.0-235.8 microns in size. Two testes, situated in the posterior one third of the body, is slightly oval, in tandem; the anterior one is 133.3-199.9 x 199.9-256.4 microns in size, and the posterior one, 178.9-251.3 x 164.0-246.0 microns. The Cirrus pouch is kidney-shaped, 211.5-248.5 x 112.8-194.8 microns in size, located between the bifurcation of the intestine and the acetabulum, containing the seminal vesicle and cirrus. The ovary is oval in shape, 71.8-92.3 x 76.8-97.4 microns in size, situated in the middle of the body. The vitellaria are distributed on each side from the acetabulum to subterminal, consisting of many follicles. The uterus is short, convoluted between the anterior testis and the acetabulum, containing 0-6 eggs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased immune response and increased incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia caused by fusaria grown on sterile corn.

Corn, feed, and litter samples reported to be associated with feed refusal, diarrhea, leg weakness, and mortality were evaluated for the presence of toxic substances. Intubated residues of ethyl acetate extracts of these samples did not cause gross lesions, diarrhea, or mortality in young New Hampshire x Single Comb White Leghorn crossbred chicks. Fusarium moniliforme was the predominant fungal species found in unpelleted feed and corn samples. Young broiler chicks, fed diets supplemented with 2 or 8% corn cultures of selected F. moniliforme isolates from a suspected toxic corn sample, failed to develop clinical signs of mycotoxicosis. However, some isolates resulted in decreased antibody responses to SRBC. Corn cultures of some Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium semitectum strains also decreased the immune response. Cultures of three F. equiseti strains from barley and potato induced tibial dyschondroplastic lesions in young broiler chicks. Other F. equiseti strains and strains of other Fusarium species did not cause this skeletal abnormality.