AMPK inhibitor BML-275 induces neuroprotection through decreasing cyt c and AIF expression after transient brain ischemia.

Stroke is a major public health problem with an imperative need for a more effective and tolerated therapy. Neuroprotective therapy may be an effective therapeutic intervention for stroke. The morbidity and mortality of stroke-induced secondary brain injury is mainly caused by neuronal apoptosis, which can be executed in a caspase-dependent or apoptosis inducing factor (AIF)-dependent manner. As apoptosis is an energy-dependent process with a relative time delay, abnormal energy metabolism could be a significant and fundamental pathophysiological basis of stroke. To our knowledge, convincible evidences that AMPK inhibition exerts neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury via anti-apoptosis remain to be investigated. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to investigate the protective effects of AMPK inhibitor BML-275 on cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Cerebral ischemia was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in male C57BL/6 mice. The therapeutic effects of BML-275 were evaluated by infarct sizes, neurological scores and the proportion of apoptotic neurons after 24 h of reperfusion. The cell apoptosis markers cyt c and AIF were also evaluated. The results showed that intraperitoneally administration of BML-275 alleviate the cerebral infarction, neurological deficit and neuronal apoptosis induced by MCAO. BML-275 simultaneously induces anti-apoptosis and decreases the expression of cyt c and AIF. This study supports the hypothesis that anti-apoptosis is one of potential neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of stroke.

Association between musculoskeletal ultrasonography and bone remodelling markers and its role in disease monitoring of gout and hyperuricaemia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations between bone destruction markers and musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MU) findings in patients with gout and hyperuricaemia and clarify the role of MU in treatment responsiveness. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty patients with gout and 100 patients with hyperuricaemia were divided into five groups according to MU manifestations. Circulating Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) levels were measured. Thirty patients from the gout group and 10 from the hyperuricaemia group, were treated for 1 year with urate-lowering therapy (ULT). RESULTS: Patients with gout and tophus and/or bone erosion had the highest DKK-1 and RANKL levels. Patients with gout and MU-evidenced aggregates and/or double-contour signs had higher DKK-1 and RANKL levels than the normal MU group (p<0.001). Patients with hyperuricaemia and abnormal MU findings had significantly higher DKK-1 and RANKL levels than those with normal MU findings. DKK-1 and RANKL levels positively correlated with disease duration in patients with gout (r=0.430, p<0.001; r=0.359, p<0.001, respectively) and hyperuricaemia (r=0.446, p<0.001; r=0.379, p<0.001, respectively). After ULT, MU abnormalities disappeared in 12 and 8 patients with gout and hyperuricaemia, respectively. The largest tophus diameter decreased in patients with gout (t=6.092, p<0.001). DKK-1 and RANKL concentrations significantly decreased in all patients. Lower serum urate levels corresponded with higher ratios of normal MU features in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gout and hyperuricaemia, MU manifestations were associated with DKK-1 and RANKL levels and were ameliorated after ULT. Thus, MU could be a useful tool in assessing bone remodelling and monitoring disease responsiveness.

Value of the Barthel scale in prognostic prediction for patients with cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the ADL(activity of daily living) of patients with acute cerebral infarction through BI scoring, in order to observe its predictive value in the prognosis of these patients. METHODS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients with acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction were included in the present study. Then, the BI scoring was analyzed through five grades, in order to further investigate the dose-response relationship between BI scoring and mortality risk in patients with cerebral infarction. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for BI-scored patients were drawn, and the predictive authenticity of the Barthel scale in prognostic prediction for patients with cerebral infarction was estimated. RESULTS: The difference in BI scores between the survival group and death group were statistically significant (t = 10.029, P < 0.05), in which the score was lower in the death group than in the survival group. According to the linear trend ×2-test, the decrease in BI score indicates an increase in mortality risk in patients with cerebral infarction. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was 0.794 with a P-value of < 0.05. CONCLUSION: BI scoring is a highly valuable scoring system for the prognostic prediction of patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect: 3 case reports.

Although various reconstruction surgery techniques are available to repair posterior heel defects, the compound defects reconstruction is an ongoing surgical challenge. Complex, free tissue flaps are often clinically used in this repair operation but the techniques have some disadvantages, including intraoperative tedious dissections, vascular anastomosis, and postoperative thrombogenesis. Here, we present a single-stage procedure for Achilles tendon and its overlying skin defects repair with a complex posterior tibial artery perforator-based tissue flap on 3 patients. This method can repair the Achilles tendon and the soft tissue defects simultaneously in a relatively short operative time. The prognosis of the 3 operative patients described here was great for participating in exercise and daily work unassisted 18 to 26 months after operation. Clinical results indicate that our operative method can be effective in repair of Achilles tendon and its overlying skin defects without major complications.

Thyroxine regulates pig Sertoli cell line proliferation and maturation through the IKK/NFκB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and differentiation of pig Sertoli cells (SCs) mediated by thyroid hormone (T3) to provide a theoretical and practical basis for enhancing pig semen production. The effects of different concentrations of T3 on the proliferation of pig SCs were evaluated using the CCK8 assay. The impact of T3 on the proliferation and differentiation of pig SCs was further examined using RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western Blotting techniques. Additionally, the involvement of the p38 MAPK and NFκB pathways in mediating the effects of T3 on SCs proliferation and differentiation was investigated. Our findings revealed a strong correlation between the dosage of T3 and the inhibition of pig SCs proliferation and promotion of maturation. T3 regulated the activation state of the NFκB signaling pathway by upregulating IKKα, downregulating IKKß, and promoting IκB phosphorylation. Furthermore, T3 facilitated SCs maturation by upregulating AR and FSHR expression while downregulating KRT-18. In conclusion, T3 inhibits pig SCs proliferation and promote pig SCs maturation through the IKK/NFκB and p38 MAPK pathways. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which T3 influences the proliferation and maturation of pig SCs.

[The prevalence and risk factors of bronchiectasis in residents aged 40 years old and above in seven cities in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchiectasis in urban city of China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 urban areas in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing cities, and Guangdong, Liaoning, Shanxi provinces. In this study, urban population-based cluster samples were randomly selected from each city/province. In the selected city communities, all residents at least 40 years old were recruited, interviewed with questionnaires and tested with spirometry. Each participant was asked whether he/she was ever diagnosed as bronchiectasis by physician, whether had symptoms of respiratory diseases and possible risk factors, etc. RESULT: Data of 10 811 participants was enrolled for analysis, with a response rate of 75.4% (10 811/14 337). The overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis was 1.2% (135/10 811), with 1.5% (65/4382) in male and 1.1% (70/6429) in female, without statistical difference in gender (χ² = 3.289, P = 0.070). Prevalence of bronchiectasis increased with age (χ² = 31.029, P < 0.001). There were no statistical significances in crude prevalences of bronchiectasis among cities (χ² = 10.572, P = 0.103), while there was a significant difference among cities after adjustment with confounders (Wald value = 22.116, P = 0.001), by using logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed, bronchiectasis was significantly associated with elder ( ≥ 70 years vs 40-49 years; OR = 4.11, 95% CI 2.29-7.36), the family history of respiratory diseases (having two subjects with respiratory diseases in family vs no suffered relatives; OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.06-3.94), respiratory infection during childhood (suffering two kinds of respiratory diseases vs never; OR = 4.89, 95% CI 2.03-11.81), exposure to coal (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.17-4.52), chronic pharyngitis (OR = 3.96, 95% CI 1.38-11.40) and pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 3.07, 95% CI 1.89-4.98), heart diseases (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.11-2.42) and lung cancer(OR = 18.61, 95% CI 7.67-45.18). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bronchiectasis in population aged 40 years old and above in urban area in China is high and associated with multiple factors such as age, family history of respiratory diseases, respiratory infection during childhood, exposure to coal, chronic pharyngitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, heart diseases, lung cancer and so on.

[Surgical treatment and prognostic analyses of bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the surgical treatment and prognostic factors of bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors (BPC). METHODS: The clinical data of 65 patients undergoing surgery for BPC from May 1999 to December 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The predictors of univariate and multivariate analyses included gender, age, smoking history, pathological type and tumor stage. RESULTS: The procedures included segmentectomy (n = 1), lobectomy (n = 36), bilobectomy (n = 6), sleeve resection (n = 4), pneumonectomy (n = 11), carinal resection (n = 2), bronchoplastic resection (n = 4) and exploratory thoracotomy (n = 1). The 1- , 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 86.2%, 73.8% and 64.6% respectively. Univariate analysis showed that gender (P = 0.029), age (P = 0.003), smoking history (P = 0.039), pathological type (P < 0.01), tumor stage (P < 0.01), postoperative radiochemotherapy (P < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01) and surgical type (P = 0.042) were prognostic factors. And multivariate analysis revealed that pathological type (P = 0.019) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Surgery remains a first-choice for BPC. The major resection procedure is anatomical lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Both pathological type and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors.

Targeted nutritional intervention with enhanced recovery after surgery for carotid endarterectomy: A prospective clinical trial.

Ischemic stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease, and vascular obstruction is an important cause of this disease. As the main method for the management of carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective and preventive treatment measure in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. This study aims to propose the application of a new enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nutritional support regimen in CEA, which can significantly improve the perioperative nutritional status of patients. A total of 74 patients who underwent CEA were included and randomly divided into two groups: 39 patients received nutritional therapy with the ERAS protocol (ERAS group) and 35 patients received routine perioperative nutritional support (control group). Our results showed that the levels of major clinical and biochemical parameters (albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, calcium and magnesium levels, etc.) in the ERAS group were significantly higher than those in the control group after surgery (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had dramatically shorter postoperative length of stay and reflected higher mean satisfaction at discharge (p < 0.001). Moreover, no statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rates and Mini-mental State Examination scores at discharge. The emergence of this neurosurgical ERAS nutritional support program can effectively intervene in perioperative nutritional status, and notably reduce postoperative hospital stays.

[Comparison of the short-term outcomes of surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer via video assisted thoracoscopic surgery and open thoracotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term outcomes of surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT). METHODS: Data of 737 consecutive NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 630 patients who underwent pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy (as controls) in Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2009 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors after lobectomy were also analyzed. RESULTS: In the 506 NSCLC patients who received VATS lobectomy, postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients (2.6%) and one patient died of acute respiratory distress syndrome (0.2%). In the 521 patients who received open thoracotomy (OT) lobectomy, postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients (4.0%) and one patient died of pulmonary infection (0.2%). There was no significant difference in the morbidity rate (P > 0.05) and mortality rate (P > 0.05) between the VATS group and OT group. In the 190 patients who received VATS wedge resections, postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (1.6%). One hundred and nine patients received OT wedge resections. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (3.7%). There were no significant differences for morbidity rate (P = 0.262) between these two groups, and there was no perioperative death in these two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that age (OR = 1.047, 95%CI: 1.004 - 1.091), history of smoking (OR = 6.374, 95%CI: 2.588 - 15.695) and operation time (OR = 1.418, 95%CI: 1.075 - 1.871) were independent risk factors of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: To compare with the NSCLC patients who should undergo lobectomy or wedge resection via open thoracotomy, a similar short-term outcome can be achieved via VATS approach.

[Effects of shadow boxing training on exercise endurance and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of shadow boxing training on the exercise endurance and quality of life of Chinese patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). METHODS: From May 2010 to March 2011, a total of 70 COPD patients in stable phases were recruited from Liwan, Yuexiu and Haizhu districts of Guangzhou. There were 35 patients in the shadow boxing exercise group and 35 patients in the control group. And they were matched by gender and age. The patients in the shadow boxing group exercised for 3 months while those in the control group received the conventional out-hospital management only. Their demographic, medical history, smoking status, medicinal use, spirometric data, clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ) scores, 6-minute walking distance and Borg scores were collected before and after trial. RESULTS: A total of 63 COPD patients (33 in shadow boxing group vs. 30 in control group) completed the study. There was an average dropout rate of 5.7% (2/35) in shadow boxing group and 14.3% (5/35) in control group. No differences existed between two groups in age (67 ± 8 vs 69 ± 9 yr), male proportion (84.8% vs 86.7%), body mass index (22.8 ± 2.6 vs 22.7 ± 3.0), usage proportion of medicine (42.4% vs 33.3%), duration of disease (4.0 ± 7.5 vs 5.5 ± 7.3), percentage of smokers (78.8% vs 80.0%), 6-minute walking distance (447 ± 94 vs 414 ± 100), CCQ total score (15.0 ± 9.4 vs 14.1 ± 8.8), CCQ symptom score (9.2 ± 5.6 vs 8.3 ± 5.0) and activity score (5.8 ± 4.5 vs 5.8 ± 4.4) at baseline (all P > 0.05). At the end of study, the 6-minute walking distance of patients had statistical differences between two groups (P < 0.01). The shadow boxing group increased by (51 ± 55) m while the control dropped by (19 ± 58) m. The total score, symptom score and activity score of clinical COPD questionnaire had statistical differences between two groups. They decreased significantly in the shadow boxing group as compared with the baseline data while there was no significant change in the control group. No statistical differences existed between two groups in the changes of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), FEV(1)% pred, Borg score and dyspnea scales. CONCLUSION: Capable of improving the exercise endurance and life quality of COPD patients, shadow boxing exercise may become one of effective rehabilitation programs for COPD patients in stable phases in communities.

[Influence of temperature on spermatogenesis-related genes in spermatogonia cultured in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of temperature on the expressions of c-kit and PI3K in spermatogonia cultured in vitro at 32 degrees C and 37 degrees C, and provide basic scientific data for the mechanism of spermatogenic impairment due to body temperature (37 degrees C). METHODS: Isolated spermatogenic cells were cultured in vitro at 32 degrees C and 37 degrees C, and their adherence, proliferation and morphologic changes were observed and recorded under the inverted phase contrast microscope. At 8 days, the spermatogonia were separated by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and the differential adhesion method. The expressions of c-kit and PI3K mRNA and proteins in the separated cells were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The c-kit gene was sequenced to identify the occurrence of mutations. RESULTS: Adherence, division and proliferation of the cells were observed in both the 32 degrees C and 37 degrees C groups. The expressions of c-kit and PI3K mRNA and proteins in the spermatogonia were significantly higher in the 32 degrees C group than in the 37 degrees C group (P < 0.05). The 32 degrees C group showed no mutation of c-kit in exon 9, 11 and 13; the 37 degrees C group exhibited no mutation in exon 11 and 13, but possible insertion or deletion mutations in exon 9. CONCLUSION: Culturing in vitro at 37 degrees C could inhibit the expression of proliferation- and differentiation-related genes in spermatogenic cells and lead to the mutation of the c-kit gene.

[Impact of the reconstruction of the scrotum with third-degree burns on spermatogenic function: experimental study of three different methods].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different methods of scrotal reconstruction on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and expression of the bcl-2 protein in patients with third-degree scrotal burns. METHODS: Forty male and 24 female 2-month-old Guizhou mini-pigs were used in this study, the former equally randomized to groups I (normal control), II (natural healing), III (skin grafting) and IV (skin flap grafting). Ten months after the establishment of the model of third-degree burns, 6 male pigs from each group were paired with the female pigs and fed for 3 weeks. Then the female pigs were fed for another 4 months, followed by observation of their reproductivity. At 12 months, the bilateral testes were taken from the male pigs for detection of the apoptosis index of spermatogenic cells by TUNEL and determination of the expression of the bcl-2 protein by immunohistochemistry. The data obtained were subjected to single factor analysis of variance. RESULTS: The apoptosis indexes of spermatogenic cells were (7.07 +/- 3.5), (40.34 +/- 4.85), (15.14 +/- 1.36) and (39.29 +/- 5.73)% in groups I , II, III and IV, respectively, significantly higher in groups II , III and IV than in I (P<0.05), with statistically significant differences between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05) but not between II and IV (P>0.05). The expression rates of the bcl-2 protein were (75.07 +/- 3.74), (54.93 +/- 4.03), (66.85 +/- 3.06) and (53.33 +/- 5.22)% in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, remarkably higher in I than in the other three (P<0.05), with significant differences between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05) but not between II and IV (P>0.05). Pregnancies were found in all the female pigs of group I with 10.0 +/- 1.18 newborns and in 4 of group III with 9.92 +/- 1.31 newborns, but in none of groups II and IV, with significant differences between group I and the other three (P<0.05) as well as between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05), but not between II and IV (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: All the three methods of reconstruction for the scrotum with third-degree burns can suppress spermatogenic function, increase the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and decrease the expression of the bcl-2 protein, among which, skin grafting least affects spermatogenic function.

[An experiment study and clinical observation of the influence of free-skin-grafted scrotal avulsion injuries on spermatogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of Free-skin-grafted penoscrotal avulsion injuries on spermatogenesis. METHODS: Forty-two male New Zealand albino rabbits during child-bearing period were divided into the experimental group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 18) using random digits table, and 24 female rabbits with reproductive history were used for mating experiment. The experimental group animal's scrotum skin were excised, and the split skin from abdominal region was used to repair the skin defect of scrotum. The control group did not any processing. Six rabbits were randomly chosen respectively in control group and on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group. The testicular surface temperature was measured in the eighteen rabbits using the method of burying thermometer, then the testicular biopsy were performed for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. On the 8(th) weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group, matched-pair feed was performed in the other 12 rabbits respectively in experimental group and in control group. Observation of corresponding mother rabbit fertility. Three patients of penoscrotal avulsion injuries were treated using split skin grafts, and the information of sex life and the quality of sperm were obtained by follow up. RESULTS: The testicular surface temperature was similar on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group [(36.15 ± 0.24)°C, (36.77 ± 0.42)°C] with that of the control group. Testis tissue (HE) staining showed the tier of spermatogenic cells was rule arrangement and lot of mature sperms were found in the convoluted seminiferous tubules in control group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was diminished and disposed derangement, the spermatozoa were not seen on the 3(th) weekend of the experiment group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was increased and some spermatozoa were seen on the 8th weekend of the experiment group. Male and female matched-pair feed showed the experimental group conception rate 8/12, and 4.1 ± 3.2 rabbit babies were born averagely, while that of was 12/12 and 6.0 ± 1.3 in control group (P > 0.05). The skin grafts there were some contracture in early stage (1 - 2 months) when the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in three patients. But the skin grafts became loose with downward sagging and there were the good cosmetic result in one year, and without any contracture. The sperm quality was normal after the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in the late stage. CONCLUSIONS: The skin grafting is little arrest the testicle spermatogenesis in the three methods (skin flap reconstruction scrotum, testicle buried, split skin grafting) that have usually been used to repair scrotum skin lose. For a young male, the best treatment for penoscrotal avulsion injuries is free skin grafting, while skin flaps are not recommended for reconstructing the scrotum.

Sciatic nerve schwannoma complicated by nerve bundle membrane effusion: Two case reports and a literature review.

Schwannoma is a benign tumor that originates from Schwann cells in the peripheral nerve tunica or bundle of nerves and grows along the longitudinal axis of the nerve. Schwannoma can occur in multiple anatomic locations but rarely in the sciatic nerve. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports in the literature related to schwannoma combined with effusion of the nerve bundle membranes. Here, we report two cases of sciatic nerve schwannoma combined with nerve bundle membrane effusion, and the relationship between them is uncertain. We have boldly speculated about this uncertain relationship by combining the two patients' imaging manifestations to help determine the mechanism of schwannoma or effusion generation as well as a clinical treatment.

Increased expression of Rho-associated protein kinase 2 confers astroglial Stat3 pathway activation during epileptogenesis.

Patients with TLE are prone to tolerance to antiepileptic drugs. Based on the perspective of molecular targets for drug resistance, it is necessary to explore effective drug resistant genes and signaling pathways for the treatment of TLE. We performed gene expression profiles in hippocampus of patients with drug-resistant TLE and identified ROCK2 as one of the 20 most significantly increased genes in hippocampus. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to identify the potential role of ROCK2 in epileptogenesis. In addition, the activity of Stat3 pathway was tested in rat hippocampal tissues and primary cultured astrocytes. The expression levels of ROCK2 in the hippocampus of TLE patients were significantly increased compared with the control group, which was due to the hypomethylation of ROCK2 promoter. Fasudil, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, alleviated epileptic seizures in the pilocarpine rat model of TLE. Furthermore, ROCK2 activated the Stat3 pathway in pilocarpine-treated epilepsy rats, and the spearman correlation method confirmed that ROCK2 is associated with Stat3 activation in TLE patients. In addition, ROCK2 was predominantly expressed in astrocytes during epileptogenesis, and induced epileptogenesis by activating astrocyte cell cycle progression via Stat3 pathway. The overexpressed ROCK2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of drug-resistant epilepsy. ROCK2 accelerates astrocytes cell cycle progression via the activation of Stat3 pathway likely provides the key to explaining the process of epileptogenesis.

[Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket, and to investigate their relationship. METHODS: We randomly divided 36 healthy male New Zealand white rabbits into an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). Models were established by burying testes in the inguinal pocket in the experimental group, while the controls were left untreated. At the end of the 8th week after surgery, 6 animals were randomly taken from each group for measurement of the testis surface temperature and testicular biopsy. The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the testis tissues was detected by TUNEL assay, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins determined by immunohistochemistry and imaging analysis. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket, the testicular surface temperature was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control ([ 38.02 +/- 0.36] degrees C vs [36.15 +/- 0.64 ] degrees C, P < 0.05), and so was the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells ([89.69 +/- 3.76] % vs [7.73 +/- 4.95 ] %, P < 0.05). The expression of the Bax protein in the testis was significantly increased, while that of the Bcl-2 protein remarkably decreased in the experimental group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The apoptotic cells were mostly primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. CONCLUSION: Elevated local temperature of the testis buried in the inguinal pocket increases the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and the spermatogenic cell apoptosis is highly correlated with the decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax. The changes in the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were a main mechanism behind the temperature elevation-induced apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors: An 18-year retrospective study of 31 cases.

ABSTRACT: To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics in patients with pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors (PIP).This retrospective study included 31 patients with PIP from 2001 to 2019. Preoperative computed tomography scan was performed in all patients. Clinical and pathological characteristics were collected and analyzed.Thirty-one patients (16 female and 15 male) were recruited, with a median age of 57 years (range, 11-72 years). Eight (25.8%) patients were asymptomatic, and the others had symptoms characterized by cough with sputum, chest and back pain, dry cough, fever and blood in sputum, or hemoptysis. All cases were single lesions, including 23 cases in the right lung, and 8 cases in the left lung. Computed tomography scan demonstrated irregular lobulated nodules or masses in 14 patients, and regular round or oval nodules or masses in 11 cases. The blurred edge of tumors and spiculation was found in 12 cases. Microscopic results were characterized by the collection of inflammatory mesenchymal cells. Immunohistochemical examination showed vimentin, smooth muscle actin, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive. Complete tumor resection was obtained in all cases. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period.PIP has a variety of manifestations. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult to reach. The final diagnosis still depends on the pathological and immunohistochemical examination. Complete surgical resection is the main treatment at present, and the overall prognosis is good.

Fabrication of polypyrrole nanowire arrays-modified electrode for point-of-use water disinfection via low-voltage electroporation.

Still ∼10% of world's population has no sustainable access to centralized water supply system, causing millions of deaths annually by waterborne diseases. Here, we develop polypyrrole nanowire arrays (PPyNWs)-modified electrodes by polymerization of pyrrole on graphite felt for point-of-use water disinfection via low-voltage electroporation. A flow-through mode is specially applied to alleviate diffusion barrier of pyrrole in the porous graphite felt for uniform PPyNWs growth. The flow-through disinfection device using the optimized PPyNWs electrode achieves above 4-log removal for model virus (MS2) and gram-positive/negative bacteria (E. faecalis and E. coli) at applied voltage of 1.0 V and fluxes below 1000 and 2500 L/m2/h. Electroporation is recognized as the dominant disinfection mechanism by using square-wave alternating voltage of ±1.0 V to eliminate the electrochemical reactions. In-situ sampling experiments reveal that anode acts as the main disinfection function due to its electric field attraction with negatively charged E. coli cells. The live/dead baclight staining experiments indicate an adsorption-desorption process of E. coli cells on anode, and the adsorption-desorption balance determines the disinfection abilities of PPyNWs anode. Under 1.0 V and 2000 L/m2/h, the disinfection device enables above 4-log E. coli removal in tap water within 7-day operation with energy consumption below 20 mJ/L, suggesting its sound application potential for point-of-use water disinfection.

Prediction of in-hospital recurrence and false-negative results in patients with COVID-19 by red blood cell values on admission.

The clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with re-positive or false-negative test results have so far remained to be determined. The present study provides a cross-sectional observational study on 134 hospitalized patients selected from Huoshenshan Hospital (Wuhan, China) using cluster sampling. A total of 68 patients had reduced red blood cell (RBC) counts, 55 a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration (HBC) and 73 a decline in hematocrit (HCT). The false-negative rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection in pharyngeal swab specimens was 18.7%. The absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), RBC, HBC and HCT levels in false-negative patients were significantly higher than those in patients who tested positive for viral nucleic acids. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that RBC [odds ratio (OR)=0.43, 95% CI: 0.18-0.99], HBC (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99) and ALC (OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.91) were the factors influencing the negative testing results for viral nucleic acid. The rate of re-positive patients was 16.4%. The white blood cell, RBC, HBC and HCT values in re-positive patients were lower than those in non-re-positive patients. The median (interquartile range) values for RBC, HBC and HCT of male re-positive patients were 3.95 (3.37, 4.2) x1012/l, 123 (103, 133) g/l and 36.6 (31.1, 39.2)%, respectively, while the RBC, HBC and HCT of female re-positive patients were 3.54 (3.13, 3.74) x1012/l, 115 (102, 118) g/l and 34.2 (28.5, 34.9)%, respectively. It was determined that RBC, HBC and HCT values had moderate accuracy in predicting SARS-CoV-2 recurrence in patients with COVID-19 using receiver operating curve analysis. The present study suggested that RBC may have an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Supplementation with asiatic acid during in vitro maturation improves porcine oocyte developmental competence by regulating oxidative stress.

Asiatic acid is a natural triterpene found in Centella asiatica that acts as an effective free radical scavenger. Our previous research showed that asiatic acid delayed porcine oocyte ageing in vitro and improved preimplantation embryo development competence in vitro; however, the protective effects of asiatic acid against oxidative stress in porcine oocyte maturation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of asiatic acid on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryonic development competence after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results of the present research showed that 10 µM asiatic acid supplementation did not affect the expansion of cumulus cells or polar body extrusion of porcine oocytes, while asiatic acid application significantly increased the subsequent blastocyst formation rate and quality of porcine PA and IVF embryos. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induces oxidative stress in porcine oocytes. As expected, asiatic acid supplementation not only decreased intracellular ROS levels but also attenuated H2O2-induced intracellular ROS generation. Further analysis revealed that asiatic acid supplementation enhanced intracellular glutathione production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP generation at the end of IVM. In summary, our results reveal that asiatic acid supplementation exerts beneficial effects on porcine oocytes by regulating oxidative stress during the IVM process and could act as a potential antioxidant in porcine oocytes matured in vitro production systems.