Interactive effect of thermal and hypoxia on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) gill and liver: Aggravation of oxidative stress, inhibition of immunity and promotion of cell apoptosis.

High temperatures and low oxygen in aquatic environments, such as intensive aquaculture or in natural watersheds, inevitably cause stress in fish. Fish are exposed to high temperatures during the summer, which exacerbates hypoxia. Hypoxia (1.2 ± 0.2 mg/L) under 20 °C (20 HG) and 26 °C (26 HG) was simulated to induce stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Related enzymes and genes involved in antioxidant, immune, and apoptotic responses were selected to explore the interactive effects of temperature and hypoxia on largemouth bass. The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma, gill, and liver increased in the 26 HG (p < 0.05). Liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in the 26 HG. Peak SOD (SOD1, SOD2, SOD3a, and SOD3b), CAT, and GSH-Px mRNA levels in the gill and liver were observed at 12-24 h of stress. The levels of gill and liver total antioxidant capacity, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and other enzyme activities and genes in the 26 HG were higher than those in the 20 HG (p < 0.05). The gill and liver acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities increased with time in the 26 HG (p < 0.05), while gill and liver lysozyme activities in the 26 HG were lower than those in the 20 HG (p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA level was upregulated in the gill and downregulated in the liver at 24 h in the 26 HG. Interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-8 mRNA levels were upregulated in the gill and liver in the 26 HG at 24 h, whereas IL-15 mRNA level was downregulated in the 26 HG at 12 h. Transforming growth factor-ß1 mRNA level was upregulated in the gill in the 20 HG at 24 h, but downregulated in gill and liver in the 26 HG at 24 h. Similarly, IL-10, Hepcidin-1, and Hepcidin-2 showed lower expression levels in the 26 HG. Gill and liver caspase-3 activities were higher in the 26 HG (p < 0.05), and gill caspase-3 activity was higher than that in the liver. The mRNA levels of proapoptotic genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9) were higher in the 26 HG. The present study demonstrates the interactive effects of temperature and hypoxia on stress in largemouth bass gill and liver. These results will be helpful to understand the mechanisms of stress induced by temperature and hypoxia in fish and provide a theoretical basis for aquaculture management.

Single-Injection Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block versus Local Anesthetic Infiltration in Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (US-TPVB) is generally used for postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that single-injection US-TPVB could be used as the principal anesthetic technique for a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) procedure (implantation or removal). The anesthetic effect and venous ropivacaine level after a TPVB would be compared with that after local anesthetic infiltration (LAI). METHODS: Patients undergoing PDC procedures were randomized into Group LAI or TPVB. In Group LAI, 40 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine were used. In Group TPVB, single-injection of US-TPVB at T10-T11 level was performed with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine. The quality of anesthesia, visual analogue scale of pain, and venous total plasma ropivacaine level were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four eligible patients were enrolled and 38 in Group TPVB. Thirty patients in Group TPVB and 26 patients in Group LAI underwent PDC procedures successfully. Higher satisfaction rates by nephrologists and patients (76.3 and 78.9%) were reported in Group TPVB (44.4 and 44.4% in Group LAI, respectively). The peak venous total plasma ropivacaine concentrations were below the reported toxic threshold in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single-injection US-TPVB with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine at T10-T11 could be the principal anesthetic technique for PDC procedures, which provided a comparable anesthetic effect to that of LAI with 40 mL ropivacaine. Higher satisfaction rates by nephrologists and patients were observed in Group TPVB. The 20 mL dose of 0.25% ropivacaine used for an US-TPVB was safe in end-stage renal diseases patients.

Regulator of G protein signalling 14 attenuates cardiac remodelling through the MEK-ERK1/2 signalling pathway.

In the past 10 years, several publications have highlighted the role of the regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) family in multiple diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. As one of the multifunctional family members, RGS14 is involved in various biological processes, such as synaptic plasticity, cell division, and phagocytosis. However, the role of RGS14 in cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. In the present study, we used a genetic approach to examine the role of RGS14 in pathological cardiac remodelling in vivo and in vitro. We observed that RGS14 was down-regulated in human failing hearts, murine hypertrophic hearts, and isolated hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the extent of aortic banding-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis was exacerbated in RGS14 knockout mice, whereas RGS14 transgenic mice exhibited a significantly alleviated response to pressure overload. Furthermore, research of the underlying mechanism revealed that the RGS14-dependent rescue of cardiac remodelling was attributed to the abrogation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 signalling. The results showed that constitutive activation of MEK1 nullified the cardiac protection in RGS14 transgenic mice, and inhibition of MEK-ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed RGS14 deletion-related hypertrophic aggravation. These results demonstrated that RGS14 attenuated the development of cardiac remodelling through MEK-ERK1/2 signalling. RGS14 exhibited great potential as a target for the treatment of pathological cardiac remodelling.

Metoprolol restores expression and vasodilatation function of AT2R in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) is thought as an important regulatory target during antihypertensive treatment but its role in vasomotor regulation remains controversial. The interactional relationship between the sympathetic nervous systems and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) has been revealed but poorly investigated. This work was designed to explore the effect of metoprolol (MET) treatment on the RAS, especially the expression and vasomotor function of AT2R, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The results showed that upregulated renin activity and Ang II concentration of plasma in SHR were inhibited by MET treatment. In isolated superior mesenteric arteries from both Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHR, Ang II perfusion induced vasodilatation after AT1R inhibition by telmisartan, although the vasodilatation was harmed in SHR. Furthermore, AT2R inhibitor PD123319 arrested the vasodilatation induced by Ang II. SHR received MET exerted improved vasodilatation mediated by AT2R (47.29% ± 5.16% vs. 24.99% ± 4.93% for MET and SHR, respectively; P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that MET restored expression of AT2R in SHR, which may contribute to MET's antihypertensive effect. These results suggested an impact of ß-adrenergic blocker on RAS and supported an important role of AT2R in antihypertensive treatment.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß inhibition prevents remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating the expression and function of AMPA receptors.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have confirmed that brief remifentanil exposure can enhance pain sensitivity. We previously reported that activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) contributes to remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia via regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn. In this study, we demonstrated that GSK-3ß inhibition prevented remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) expression and function in the spinal dorsal horn. METHODS: Using a rat model of remifentanil-induced incision hyperalgesia, mechanical and thermal pain was tested 1 day before infusion and 2 hours, 6 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days after infusion. Western blot analysis was used to detect AMPAR subunit (GluR1 and GluR2) trafficking, AMPAR phosphorylation status, and GSK-3ß activity in the spinal dorsal horn. Furthermore, whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to analyze the effect of GSK-3ß inhibition on AMPAR-induced current in the spinal dorsal horn. RESULTS: Membrane AMPAR subunit GluR1 was upregulated in the spinal cord in remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia rats (275 ± 36.54 [mean ± SD] vs 100 ± 9.53, P = 0.0009). Selective GSK-3ß inhibitors, LiCl and TDZD, treatment ameliorates remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia, and this was associated with the downregulated GluR1 subunit in the membrane fraction (254 ± 23.51 vs 119 ± 14.74, P = 0.0027; 254 ± 23.51 vs 124 ± 9.35, P = 0.0032). Moreover, remifentanil incubation increased the amplitude and the frequency of AMPAR-induced current in dorsal horn neurons (61.09 ± 9.34 pA vs 32.56 ± 6.44 pA, P = 0.0009; 118.32 ± 20.33 milliseconds vs 643.67 ± 43.29 milliseconds, P = 0.0002), which was prevented with the application of LiCl and TDZD, respectively. Remifentanil-induced postoperative pain induced an increase in pGluR1 Ser845 and Rab5, which was prevented with the application of LiCl and TDZD. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that amelioration of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia by GSK-3ß inhibition is attributed to downregulated AMPAR GluR1 expression in the membrane fraction and inhibition of AMPAR function via altering pGluR1 and Rab5 expression in the spinal dorsal horn.

Downregulation of uncoupling protein-2 by genipin exacerbates diabetes-induced kidney proximal tubular cells apoptosis.

Renal tubular epithelial cell injury is a major pathological event that contributes to the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), a mitochondrial membrane protein, has been reported to participate in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which contributes to tubular cell apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia. In this study, we found that genipin, a UCP2 inhibitor, dramatically boosted oxidative stress, attenuated antioxidative capacity, and exacerbated cell apoptosis accompanied with caspase-3 activation in rat renal proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E) incubated with high glucose. The present study results suggest that manipulation of UCP2 could be important in the prevention of oxidative stress damage in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by hyperglycemia in vitro.

[Effect of renal sympathetic denervation on left ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of renal sympathetic denervation on left ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats. METHODS: Thirty six spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into 3 groups with 12 animals in each group: SHR control group,operation group and sham operation group. Bilateral renal sympathectomy or sham operation were performed in operation and sham groups,respectively; another 12 WKY rats served as normal controls. The blood pressure and body weight were examined weekly. The animals were sacrificed at w1 and w6, rat hearts were collected and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated. The expression of TLR4,TNF-α and IL-6 in heart tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: The systolic blood pressure [(201.67 ± 11.09) mmHg compared with (140.0 ± 10.86)mmHg,P<0.05],diastolic blood pressure [(144.50 ± 10.48)mmHg compared with (78.50 ± 7.32)mmHg,P<0.05], LVMI (2.44 ± 0.05 compared with 1.93 ± 0.05,P<0.05),the expression of TLR4 (0.298 ± 0.004 compared with 0.126 ± 0.004, P<0.05), NF-κB (0.249 ± 0.006 compared with 0.195 ± 0.005, P<0.05),TNF-α(0.323 ± 0.004 compared with 0.146 ± 0.004,P <0.05), IL-6 (0.283 ± 0.005 compared with 0.207 ± 0.006, P<0.05) in SHR control group were significantly higher than those in WKY group. Compared to sham operation group,the systolic blood pressure (157.30 ± 9.35 compared with 197.30 ± 11.5, P<0.05),diastolic blood pressure (112.50 ± 6.25 compared with 146.80 ± 7.6, P<0.05),LVMI (2.32 ± 0.04 compared with 2.57 ± 0.09, P<0.05, TLR4 (0.198 ± 0.006 compared with 0.317 ± 0.008, P<0.05), NF-κB (0.208 ± 0.006 compared with 0.332 ± 0.007, P<0.05), TNF-α(0.27 ± 0.009 compared with 0.375 ± 0.004,P<0.05), IL-6 (0.218 ± 0.004 compared with 0.376 ± 0.009, P<0.05) in operation group were all decreased at w1 after sympathectomy. Six weeks after the operation,there were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure (197.50 ± 12.13 compared with 208.83 ± 10.23,P>0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (150.33 ± 7.74 compared with 151.50 ± 8.22, P>0.05) between denervated and sham-operated SHRs; however,the LVMI (2.46 ± 0.07 compared with 2.81 ± 0.05,P<0.05) and the expression of TLR4(0.301 ± 0.009 compared with 0.567 ± 0.006, P<0.05), NF-κB (0.251 ± 0.004 compared with 0.476 ± 0.009,P<0.05),TNF-α(0.324 ± 0.005 compared with 0.535 ± 0.006, P<0.05,IL-6 (0.285 ± 0.009 compared with 0.549 ± 0.007, P<0.05) in operation group were still significantly lower than those in sham operation group. CONCLUSION: Renal sympathetic denervation can significantly delay the progression of LVH in SHR, which may associated with lowering blood pressure and decreasing expression of TLR4, NF-κB,TNF-α, IL-6 in myocardial tissue.

Achieving Free-Standing PEDOT:PSS Solar Generators with Efficient All-in-One Photothermoelectric Conversion.

Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has attracted widespread attention in solar generation due to its unique all-in-one photothermoelectric effect. However, the poor photothermal conversion, low conductivity, and unsatisfied mechanical properties limit its practical application. Herein, ionic liquids (IL) were first used to improve the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS through ion exchange, then surface-charged nanoparticles SiO2-NH2 (SiO2+) were added to promote the dispersion of IL and as a thermal insulator to decrease thermal conductivity. It resulted in a largely enhanced electrical conductivity and decreased thermal conductivity of PEDOT:PSS simultaneously. The obtained PEDOT:PSS/Ionic Liquid/SiO2+ (P_IL_SiO2+) film generated an excellent photothermal conversion of 46.15 °C, which improved ∼134 and ∼82.3% compared with PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Ionic Liquid (P_IL) composites, respectively. In addition, the thermoelectric performance increased by ∼270% more than P_IL films. As a result, the photothermoelectric effect for the self-supported three-arm devices produced an enormous output current and power of ∼50 µA and 13.57 nW, respectively, which showed significant improvement compared with other PEDOT:PSS films reported in the literature. Furthermore, the devices demonstrated outstanding stability with an internal resistance variation of less than 5% after 2000 cycles of bending. Our research offered significant insights into the flexible, high-performance, all-in-one photothermoelectric integration.

Physiological responses to acute hypoxia in the liver of largemouth bass by alteration of mitochondrial function and Ca2+ exchange.

Oxygen is a critical factor for most organisms and this is especially true for aquatic animals. Unfortunately, high-density aquaculture farming practices and environmental degradation will inevitably lead to hypoxic stress in fishes such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Thus, characterizing the physiological responses during acute hypoxia exposure is extremely important for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of largemouth bass to hypoxia. The present study aimed to investigate mitochondrial function and Ca2+ exchange in largemouth bass under hypoxic conditions. Largemouth bass were subjected to hypoxia (1.2 ± 0.2 mg/L) for 24 h Liver mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) parameters were analyzed. We used Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to further elucidate the pattern of energy metabolism. Changes of Ca2+ concentrations were observed in primary hepatocytes of largemouth bass under hypoxic conditions. Our results indicate that the morphology and function of the mitochondria and ER were altered under hypoxia. First, the occurrence of autophagy was accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and electron transport chain (ETC) activity modulation under hypoxia. Second, hypoxia enhanced mitochondrial fusion and fission, mitochondrial biosynthesis, and ER quality control in the early stages of hypoxic stress (before 8 h). Third, hypoxia modulated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux and caused the accumulation of TCA intermediate metabolites (citric acid and oxoglutaric acid). Additionally, Ca2+ efflux in the ER was observed., and the genes for Ca2+ transporters presented high expression levels in cellular and mitochondrial membranes. Collectively, the above physiological responses of the mitochondria and ER contributed to maintaining energy production to withstand the hypoxic stress in largemouth bass. These results provide novel insights into the physiological and metabolic changes in largemouth bass under hypoxic conditions.

[Blood pressure variation of hypertensive diabetic nephropathy patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variance of blood pressure of hypertensive diabetic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). METHODS: Twenty hypertensive CAPD patients older than 40 years with diabetic nephropathy (DN-PD group) and twenty patients with chronic glomerular nephritis (CGN-PD group) were recruited. Peritoneal status and dialysis adequacy of the patients in the two groups were calculated using PD Adequest. All patients were given 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Parameters of blood pressure variation were calculated and compared between the two groups, which included 24 h systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (24 h SBPV/DBPV) and coefficient of variation (24 h SBPCV/24 h DBPCV), daytime systolic anid diastolic blood pressure variability (dSBPV/ DBPV) and coefficient of variation (dSBPCV/dDBPCV), and night time systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (nSBPV/ DBPV) and coefficient of variation (nSBPCV/nDBPCV). RESULTS: No significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between the two groups of patients except for fast glucose. No significant differences in average systolic and diastolic blood pressures, average piulse pressure and mean 24 h, daytime, and nighttime arterial pressures were found between the two groups. However, the DN-PD group had significantly higher 24 h SBPV, 24 h SBPCV, dSBPV and dSBPCV than the CGN-PD group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypertensive diabetic nephropathy patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis have greater blood pressure variance than those with hypertensive chronic glomerular nephritis, despite a similar result of blood pressure control.

[A comparison of clinical characteristics and survival between diabetic nephropathy patients and non-diabetic nephropathy patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical characteristics and survival of diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: The clinical data were collected from the patients who initiated PD in our PD Center from Jan, 2009 through Aug, 2011. The patients were divided into diabetic group and non-diabetic group, the survival of patients and risk factors of death were analyzed and compared between the two groups by using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 460 PD patients included in this study, 64 (13.9%) of them were diabetic and 396 (86.1%) were non-diabetic. Compared with non-diabetic PD patients, the PD patients with diabetes were older [(63 +/- 13) yr. versus (45 +/- 16) yr. , P < 0.001], while had higher level of high sensitive C reaction protein (hsCRP), lower levels of serum albumin and prealbumin, as well as lower levels of triglyceride and nPCR. There was no statistical difference in serum concentrations of hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, cholesterol, and Kt/V and residual renal function between the two groups. The survival rates of PD patients with diabetics versus non-diabetics were 73.3% versus 90.7% at 1 year, and 61.8% versus 82.5% (P < 0.05) at 2 years. Mean survival time of diabetic PD patients (24.6 months) was significantly inferior to non-diabetic PD patients (30.1 months) (P < 0.05). The relative risk of mortality in diabetic PD patients was 2. 449 times of that in non-diabetic patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, indicated that serum albumin level and patient age were significant risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients tended to be elderly, malnutrition and microinflammation at the beginning of PD. The survival of diabetic PD patients is inferior to non-diabetic PD patients on CAPD. Age and albumin level were risk factors for mortality in PD patients.

The Role of ADAM17 in Inflammation-Related Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that poses a huge economic burden due to its extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore potential mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is a cell membrane-bound protein that performs a range of functions through membrane protein shedding and intracellular signaling. ADAM17-mediated inflammation has been identified to be an important contributor to atherosclerosis; however, the specific relationship between its multiple regulatory roles and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unclear. Here, we reviewed the activation, function, and regulation of ADAM17, described in detail the role of ADAM17-mediated inflammatory damage in atherosclerosis, and discussed several controversial points. We hope that these insights into ADAM17 biology will lead to rational management of atherosclerosis. ADAM17 promotes vascular inflammation in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages, and regulates the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Comparison of single-injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block with transversus abdominis plane block in peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous study indicated that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could be the principal anesthetic technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) implantations. However, a TAP block could not provide an optimal anesthetic effect on catheter exit site during PDC implantation. We hypothesized that single-injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (US-TPVB) could be the principal anesthetic technique with better pain relief at catheter exit site during PDC implantation, compared to a TAP block. And anesthesia quality of a single-injection US-TPVB was compared with that of a TAP block and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI). METHODS: Patients undergoing PDC implantations were randomized into groups TPVB or TAP or LAI. In group TPVB, single-injection US-TPVB at T10-T11 level was performed with 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. In group TAP, oblique subcostal TAP block was performed with 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. In group LAI, 40 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine was used. Anesthesia quality was compared among the three groups, including general anesthesia conversion rate, cumulative rescuing sufentanil consumption, and satisfaction rate by nephrologists and patients. RESULTS: Eighty-eight eligible patients were enrolled. Visual analogue scale (VAS) at most time points (except for the catheter exit site) were lower in group TAP, compared with group TPVB. VAS at parietal peritoneum manipulation was 6 (5, 7), 3 (0, 6), and 7 (4.75, 9) in groups TPVB, TAP, and LAI, respectively (P < 0.001). VAS at catheter exit site was 4 (3, 4), 5.5 (4, 8), and 5 (3, 7.25) in groups TPVB, TAP, and LAI, respectively (P = 0.005). Lower general anesthesia conversion rate, less cumulative rescuing sufentanil consumption, and higher satisfaction rates by nephrologists and patients were recorded in group TAP, compared with groups TPVB and LAI. CONCLUSIONS: Single-injection US-TPVB provided a better pain relief at catheter exit site. The quality and reliability of anesthesia after a single-injection US-TPVB was comparable to that of LAI, but not better than that of an oblique subcostal TAP block for PDC implantation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR20160911002 . Registered on 8 September 2016.

Constructing nanopores in poly(oxymethylene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposites via poly(l-lactide) assisting for improving electromagnetic interference shielding.

Lightweight and high-performance conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have attracted much attention for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Herein, the porous structure was constructed in poly(oxymethylene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube (POM/MWCNT) nanocomposites via assisting by poly(l-lactide) (PLLA). First, the POM/PLLA/MWCNT (S-PMLNT) nanocomposites were obtained by melt mixing and compression molding. Second, the nanoporous POM/MWCNT (P-PMNT) nanocomposites were fabricated by selectively dissolving PLLA, solvent exchanging and freeze-drying. Because of well miscible between PLLA and POM, the homogeneous nanopores could be successfully fabricated in the P-PMNT composites by removing the PLLA phase. The multiple reflections and scattering of microwaves happened on the walls of these nanopores, which endowed the P-PMNT nanocomposites having higher EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) in comparison of the S-PMLNT nanocomposites, although the P-PMNT nanocomposites exhibited the lower electrical conductivity. For example, the S-PMLNT samples with 10 wt% MWCNTs showed an EMI SE of 48.1 dB and an electrical conductivity of 333 S/m, which changed to 58.6 dB in EMI SE and 125 S/m in electrical conductivity after removing PLLA phase. Furthermore, the P-PMNT10 nanocomposites had outstanding the EMI normal SE (SE/d) of 29.3 dB mm-1 and the EMI specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/d) of 344.4 dB cm2 g-1 because of their low density. In addition, the P-PMNT nanocomposites maintained high compression and tensile strength simultaneously.

[Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on the expression of TGF-beta 1 and COL-I in rat model of peritoneal dialysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and collagen I (COL-I )in rat model of peritoneal dialysis, which may relate to the prevention peritoneal fibrosis. METHODS: Peritoneal dialysis model was established in rats, and then the rats were given ATRA 2 mg/kg (small dose group) or 5 mg/kg (large dose group) by the way of intraperitoneal injection once a day. All the rats were sacrificed on day 28. TGF-beta 1 and COL-I protein expression of peritoneum were measured by immunohistochemistry. TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression were examined with real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Masson stain showed that the peritoneum thickness was significantly increased in the rats model, and collagen deposition was evident in the thickened submesothelial compact zone. With the treatment of ATRA, either in small or large dose, pathological changes were significantly lessened. The expression of TGF-beta 1 and COL-I of peritoneum was increased significantly in the rats model, but the levels in the two ATRA treated groups were lower than those of the untreated group. CONCLUSION: ATRA could decrease the experession of TGF-beta 1 and COL-I in peritoneum and delay the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.

Ultrasound-Guided Oblique Sub-Costal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as the Principal Anesthesia Technique in Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation and Plasma Ropivacaine Concentration Evaluation in ESRD Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is generally used for analgesia but not for anesthesia. A TAP block has a partial analgesic effect on the parietal peritoneum in abdominal surgeries. We hypothesized that an ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAP block, used as the principal anesthesia technique, could provide a better anesthetic effect on peritoneum stimulation in peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) implantation in end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients than local anesthetic infiltration (LAI). METHODS: End-stage renal disease patients undergoing PDC implantation were randomized into 3 groups: LAI Group, unilateral TAP group (Uni-TAP Group) and bilateral TAP group (Bi-TAP Group). A 40-mL dose of 0.25% ropivacaine was used for the regional block (LAI or TAP). The quality of anesthesia, visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, cumulative rescuing sufentanil consumption, and venous plasma ropivacaine concentrations were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, and higher 'Satisfied' anesthesia rates from nephrologists and patients were recorded in the 2 TAP groups, compared with the LAI Group. Significantly lower VAS scores were observed in the Uni-TAP Group at a majority of time points compared with the LAI Group. Less cumulative rescuing sufentanil was used in the 2 TAP groups (2.5 ± 2.7 and 3.0 ± 2.8 µg, respectively) compared with the LAI Group (5.8 ± 2.6 µg, p < 0.05). The median peak venous plasma ropivacaine concentrations were below the reported toxic threshold in all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: As the principal anesthesia technique, an ultrasound-guided unilateral oblique subcostal TAP block with 40 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine provided better anesthetic effect in PDC implantations in ESRD patients than LAI.

Neuroprotective effect of angiotensin-(1-7) against rotenone-induced oxidative damage in CATH.a neurons.

There is evidence to support that ROSs are increased in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our recent research showed that angiotensin II (Ang II) participated in the pathogenesis of PD by triggering oxidative stress. Angiotensin-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)] has been shown to moderate the adverse effects of the Ang II in many diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the Ang-(1-7) could have similar effects in CATH.a neurons. We used rotenone-induced neuron injury models to evaluate changes in cultured CATH.a cell lines levels of SOD, GSH and ROS. We also evaluated the expression of AT1, AT2, Mas receptors and Nox1, Nox2, P47phox, Hsp70 in treated with PBS, rotenone, Ang-(1-7), or Mas receptor antagonist A-779, alone and combined. The qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein levels of the AT1, AT2, Mas receptors and Nox1, Nox2, P47phox, Hsp70. The levels of SOD and GSH were determined by using commercial kits. The ROS generation was measured by the fluorescent probe assay. Ang-(1-7) in our current study significantly decreased rotenone-induced oxidative damage and increased the SOD and GSH generation. In addition, Ang-(1-7) significantly elevated Mas receptor expression and reduced NADPH oxidase activation, and these effects were completely eliminated by the A-779. Our findings suggest that Ang-(1-7) attenuates rotenone-induced oxidative damage in CATH.a neurons by activating the Mas receptor expression and inhibiting NADPH oxidase.