Periodontium-Mimicking, Multifunctional Biomass-Based Hydrogel Promotes Full-Course Socket Healing.

Preserving stable tooth-periodontal tissue integration is vital for maintaining alveolar bone stability under physiological conditions. However, tooth extraction compromises this integration and impedes socket healing. Therefore, it becomes crucial to provide early stage coverage of the socket to promote optimal healing. Drawing inspiration from the periodontium, we have developed a quaternized methacryloyl chitosan/dopamine-grafted oxidized sodium alginate hydrogel, termed the quaternized methacryloyl chitosan/dopamine-grafted oxidized sodium alginate hydrogel (QDL hydrogel). Through blue-light-induced cross-linking, the QDL hydrogel serves as a comprehensive wound dressing for socket healing. The QDL hydrogel exhibits remarkable efficacy in closing irregular tooth extraction wounds. Its favorable mechanical properties, flexible formability, and strong adhesion are achieved through modifications of chitosan and sodium alginate derived from biomass sources. Moreover, the QDL hydrogel demonstrates a superior hemostatic ability, facilitating swift blood clot formation. Additionally, the inherent antibacterial properties of the QDL hydrogel effectively inhibit oral microorganisms. Furthermore, the QDL hydrogel promotes angiogenesis, which facilitates the nutrient supply for subsequent tissue regeneration. Notably, the hydrogel accelerates socket healing by upregulating the expression of genes associated with wound healing. In conclusion, the periodontium-mimicking multifunctional hydrogel exhibits significant potential as a clinical tooth extraction wound dressing.

Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular disease: an evidence mapping study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of existing meta-analyses (MA) and the quality of evidence for outcome indicators to provide an updated overview of the evidence concerning the therapeutic efficacy of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for various types of CVD. DESIGN: We conducted comprehensive searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The quality of the MA was assessed using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) checklist, while the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence evaluation system was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence for significant outcomes. SETTING: The CVD remains a significant contributor to global mortality. Multiple MA have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of medical interventions in managing CVD. However, due to variations in the scope, quality and outcomes of these reviews, definitive conclusions are yet to be established. PARTICIPANTS: This study included five randomized trials and twelve non-randomized studies, with a combined participant population of 716 318. RESULTS: The AMSTAR 2 checklist revealed that 54·55 % of the studies demonstrated high quality, while 9·09 % exhibited low quality, and 36·36 % were deemed critically low quality. Additionally, there was moderate evidence supporting a positive correlation between MD and CHD/acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular events, coronary events and major adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that although recognizing the potential efficacy of MD in managing CVD, the quality of the methodology and the evidence for the outcome indicators remain unsatisfactory.

The accuracy of cup anteversion measurement on postoperative pelvic radiographs: A comparative retrospective cohort study between DDH and non-DDH patients.

Rationale and objectives: Postoperative pelvic radiographs remain a vital tool for assessing cup orientation after total hip arthroplasty (THA), with the accuracy influenced by various factors. The objective of this study is to investigate the accuracy of cup anteversion measurement in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients and others based on postoperative pelvic radiographs conducted under the current heavy workload conditions. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent THA at our hospital with both postoperative X-ray and CT images from January 2020 to December 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Virtual X-ray films were generated using digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) technology from CT images, with pelvic position perfectly controlled. Radiographic anteversion (RA) was measured on 3D-CT, virtual X-rays, and actual postoperative X-rays, abbreviated as RA_3D, RA_DRR, and RA_Xray, respectively. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized to evaluate the variations in RA within and between different groups across three methods. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed the variations among methods in DDH and non-DDH patients, setting a clinically acceptable limits of agreement (LOA) at ±5°. Results: This study included 154 hip cases, with 63 DDH and 91 other diseases. Repeated-measures ANCOVA revealed a descending trend in RA across three methods, with differences of 2.64° (DDH) vs. 2.74° (others) from 3D to DRR, and 4.89° (DDH) vs. 1.07° (others) from DRR to X-ray. The group by methods interaction effect were significant (p = 0.002). Significant statistical differences in RA_Xray (P = 0.035) were observed between DDH and non-DDH patients, but not in RA_3D and RA_DRR. Bland-Altman plots showed 71.4 % of DDH patients exceeded the clinically acceptable LOA, compared to 36.3 % of other patients. Conclusion: Our study indicated that under the current intense workload, the reliability of assessing cup anteversion using postoperative pelvic radiographs is challenged, especially in patients with DDH.

Construction of Shale Gas Oil-Based Drilling Cuttings Degrading Bacterial Consortium and Their Degradation Characteristics.

Oil-based drilling cuttings (OBDCs) contain petroleum hydrocarbons with complex compositions and high concentrations, which have highly carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties. In this study, three highly efficient petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were screened from OBDCs of different shale gas wells in Chongqing, China, and identified as Rhodococcus sp. and Dietzia sp. Because of their ability to degrade hydrocarbons of various chain lengths, a new method was proposed for degrading petroleum hydrocarbons in shale gas OBDCs by combining different bacterial species. Results showed that the bacterial consortium, consisting of the three strains, exhibited the highest degradation rate for petroleum hydrocarbons, capable of degrading 74.38% of long-chain alkanes and 93.57% of short-chain alkanes, respectively. Moreover, the petroleum hydrocarbon degradation performance of the bacterial consortium in actual OBDCs could reach 90.60% in the optimal conditions, and the degradation kinetic process followed a first-order kinetic model. This study provides a certain technical reserve for the bioremediation of shale gas OBDCs.

Investigating the potential of mineral precipitation in co-pyrolysis biochar: Development of a novel Cd (II) adsorption material utilizing dual solid waste.

Ionic cadmium (Cd (II)) in water is a significant threat to ecosystems, the environment, and human health. Research is currently focused on developing efficient adsorption materials to combat Cd (II) pollution in water. One promising solution involves co-pyrolyzing solid residue from anaerobic digestion of food waste with oil-based drill cuttings pyrolysis residue to create a biochar with high organic matter content. This biochar has a lower heavy metal content and leaching toxicity compared to China's national standards, making it both safe and resourceful. It exhibits a high adsorption capacity for Cd (II) in water, reaching up to 47.80 ± 0.37 mg/g. Raising the pyrolysis temperature above 600 °C and increasing the amount of pyrolysis residue beyond 30 % enhances the biochar's adsorption capacity. The adsorption process is primarily driven by mineral precipitation, offering a promising approach for dual waste resource management and reducing heavy metal pollution.

Baduanjin is Better Balance Training Compared to Walking: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Center of Gravity Trajectories.

BACKGROUND:  It has already been demonstrated by previous studies that Baduanjin training can improve the body's balance. However, its biomechanical mechanism remains unknown. Center of gravity (COG) trajectory analysis is an essential biomechanical test to explore the balance ability of the human body. Previous studies have not used the COG trajectory analysis technique to research Baduanjin training. The study utilizes COG trajectory analysis to analyze the trajectory of COG during Baduanjin training and compare it with that of walking, which is a common exercise for improving balance and aerobic ability, to determine if Baduanjin exercises affect the COG more than walking. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Eight healthy female college students performed the walking and the eight forms of Baduanjin, a total of nine motions. The lower body kinematics were captured by the Vicon Motion Capture and Analysis System, while the kinetic data were acquired by the Kistler 3D Force Platform. The data were imported into Visual 3D to process the trajectory of the COG displacement amplitude, velocity, and acceleration of each motion. The COG horizontal envelope areas were calculated by Origin 9.0 Software (Origin Lab, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA) . RESULTS: Specific motions of Baduanjin provided significantly higher COG displacement amplitude, velocities, and acceleration training than walking. The F2 and F5 motions could provide a larger COG horizontal envelope area than walking. On the x-axis, F2 provided a greater COG displacement amplitude than walking, F1, F2, and F5 provided greater velocities, while all the motions provided greater accelerations. On the y-axis, all the motions except F2 provided greater COG displacement velocities and accelerations than walking. On the z-axis, F1-7 provided a greater COG displacement amplitude than walking, all the motions provided greater velocities, while all the motions except F2 provided greater accelerations. CONCLUSION: Baduanjin training provides a more intense COG perturbation than walking, which may be a more challenging balance training than walking.

Matrix stiffness aggravates osteoarthritis progression through H3K27me3 demethylation induced by mitochondrial damage.

Abnormal epigenetics is the initial factor of the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA), and abnormal mechanical load is a key pathogenic factor of OA. However, how abnormal mechanical load affects chondrocyte epigenetics is unclear. Chondrocytes reportedly respond to mechanics through the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has a role in regulating epigenetics in various diseases, and mitochondria are potential mediators of communication between mechanics and epigenetics. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the matrix mechanics of cartilage regulates their epigenetics through mitochondria and leads to OA. The matrix stiffness of OA cartilage on the stress-concentrated side increases, mitochondrial damage of chondrocyte is severe, and the chondrocyte H3K27me3 is demethylated. Moreover, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opens to increase the translocation of plant homeodomain finger protein 8 (Phf8) into the nucleus to catalyze H3K27me3 demethylation. This provides a new perspective for us to understand the mechanism of OA based on mechanobiology.

The outcome and related risk factors of unvaccinated patients with end-stage kidney disease during the Omicron pandemic: a multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to identify the outcome and the related factors of unvaccinated patients with end-stage kidney disease during the Omicron pandemic. DESIGN: A multicentre retrospective study of patients with end-stage kidney disease undergone maintenance haemodialysis (HD) in China. SETTING: 6 HD centres in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 654 HD patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were ultimately included in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes of interest were adverse outcomes, including hospitalisation due to COVID-19 and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 57 years, with 33.6% of them being over 65 years. Among the patients, 57.5% were male. During the follow-up period, 158 patients (24.2%) experienced adverse outcomes, and 93 patients (14.2%) died. The majority of patients (88/158) developed adverse outcomes within 30 days, and most deaths (77/93) occurred within 1 month. An advanced multivariable Cox regression analysis identified that adverse outcomes were associated with various factors while all-cause mortality was related to advanced age, male gender, high levels of C reactive protein (CRP) and low levels of prealbumin. The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher all-cause mortality rates in the older, male, high CRP and low prealbumin subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Among unvaccinated HD patients with confirmed Omicron infections, various factors were found to be linked to adverse outcomes. Notably, age, sex, CRP and prealbumin had a substantial impact on the risk of all-cause mortality.

Guideline for the cognitive assessment and follow-up in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2024 edition).

This practice guideline focuses on the cognitive assessment for mild cognitive impairment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. To achieve the standardization and normalization of its clinical practice and generate individualized intervention, the National Core Cognitive Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the Cognitive Disorders Branch of Chinese Geriatic Society, the Dementia Group of Neurology Branch of Guangdong Medical Association and specialists from Hong Kong and Macao developed guidelines based on China's actual conditions and efficiency, economic cost and accuracy. The article addresses the significance, background, and the process of the assessment and follow-up to realize the promotion and dissemination of cognitive assessment.

Experts' consensus on perioperative management of tooth extractions in patients receiving oral antithrombotic treatment.

Thromboembolic diseases, which comprise venous thromboembolic diseases and arterial thromboembolic diseases, have become the number one cause of death worldwide. To prevent or treat thrombosis, patients with thromboembolic diseases need to take antithrombotic drugs, which would increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Tooth extraction is the most common operation in oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics. Although patients given oral antithrombotic drugs do not need to undergo drug withdrawal, the perioperative management of such patients remains confusing to most clinicians. Moreover, the potential risk factors for bleeding warrant further study. To improve the clinicians' knowledge of perioperative management for patients subjected to tooth extractions with oral antithrombotic drugs, experts have drafted this consensus focusing on preoperative bleeding risk assessment, intraoperative operating norms, and postoperative care to summarize the points needing attention.

Feline mammary carcinoma‑derived extracellular vesicle promotes liver metastasis via sphingosine kinase‑1‑mediated premetastatic niche formation / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies of female cats. FMC is highly metastatic and thus leads to poor disease outcomes. Among all metastases, liver metastasis occurs in about 25% of FMC patients. However, the mechanism underlying hepatic metastasis of FMC remains largely uncharacterized. @*Results@#Herein, we demonstrate that FMC-derived extracellular vesicles (FMC-EVs) promotes the liver metastasis of FMC by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to prime a hepatic premetastatic niche (PMN). Moreover, we provide evidence that sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) delivered by FMC-EV was pivotal for the activation of HSC and the formation of hepatic PMN. Depletion of SK1 impaired cargo sorting in FMC-EV and the EV-potentiated HSC activation, and abol‑ ished hepatic colonization of FMC cells. @*Conclusions@#Taken together, our findings uncover a previously uncharacterized mechanism underlying liver-metas‑ tasis of FMC and provide new insights into prognosis and treatment of this feline malignancy.

Systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy for bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in children and their risk factors / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the incidence of systemic reactions (SR) to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in children and their risk factors.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 198 children with bronchial and/or allergic rhinitis. According to the presence or absence of SR and local reactions (LR) during SCIT, the patients were divided into two groups: SR (with SR and LR, n=31) and control (without SR or LR, n=142). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with SR.@*RESULTS@#Among the 198 patients who received 8 157 injections of SCIT, 25 (12.6%) experienced SR (31 times, 0.38%), including grade I SR (18 times, 58%), grade II SR (10 times, 32%), grade III SR (3 times, 10%), and no grade IV SR. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple sensitization with both food and inhaled allergens, specific IgE to dust mites (grade 6), total IgE (grade 6), and a history of LR were independent risk factors for SR (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SCIT is a safe treatment for bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in children, with a low incidence of SR. Children with multiple sensitization with both food and inhaled allergens, a hypersensitive state (specific IgE to dust mites, grade 6; total IgE, grade 6), and a history of LR have an increased risk of SR to SCIT.

miRNA -100 promotes proliferation of human leukemia cells HL -60 by targeting carboxy -terminal domain small phosphatase-like protein / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of miRNA -1 00 on the proliferation of human leukemia cells HL -60,and to explore the mechanism of this action.Methods The bioinformatics software and database were applied to predict and analyze target genes of miRNA -1 00.The vector contained the target gene 3′UTR portion cloned into a luciferase reporter construct.A luciferase reporter assay was performed following co -transfection of small molecular miRNA -1 00 mimics and target gene wild -type or mutant plasmid into HEK -293T cells.HL -60 cells were trans-fected with miRNA -1 00 mimics or anti -miRNA -1 00.After transfection,Western blot was applied to validate the expression of carboxy -terminal domain small phosphatase -like protein (CTDSPL),and the viability of HL -60 was measured by using cell counting kit (CCK -8)assay at 24 h,48 h,72 h,96 h.Results Online software predicted that CTDSPL was likely to be the target gene of miRNA -1 00.Dual luciferase reporter gene assay system showed that miRNA -1 00 could significantly suppress the activity of reporter gene containing CTDSPL 3′-UTR which decreased by about 57.1 %(P =0.000 7).Western blot showed that the expression of CTDSPL was increased after being trans-fected with miRNA -1 00 antisense oligonucleotides and decreased after being transfected with miRNA -1 00 mimics.At the same time,the growth rate of cells treated with miRNA -1 00 mimics or CTDSPL miRNA -1 00 was increased com-pared with that in control by CCK -8 test (P <0.05 ).Conclusions CTDSPL is a downstream target gene of miRNA -1 00.miRNA -1 00 can promote leukemia cell proliferation by inhibiting the expression of CTDSPL.

The expression and functional study of miR-181a in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of miR-181a in bone marrow (BM) samples of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and explore the mechanism of miR-181a on ALL cell line CCRF-CEM and drug resistance cell line CEM-C1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BM samples were obtained from 18 patients where matched samples at initial diagnosis and first BM relapse or complete remission were available. BM samples and cord blood samples (normal controls) were used to confirm the differential expression of miRNA-181a by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expressions of miR-181a in both CCRF-CEM and its mutidrug-resistant counterpart CEM-C1 cells were also detected. Then, CCK-8 assay was performed to quantify the effects of miR-181a on CEM-C1 and CCRF-CEM cells growth and viability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Up-regulated miR-181a with higher fold changes in both initial diagnosis (4.84 ± 2.71, 7.58 ± 2.50) and relapsed samples (6.53 ± 2.20) compared to normal controls (1.41 ± 0.53) (P=0.017, 0.000, 0.001, respectively) were observed, whereas the miR-181a expression in the samples of CR (1.35 ± 0.35) compared to normal control showed no significant difference (P=0.863). The miR-181a expression level was higher in CEM-C1 cells (-4.39 ± 0.08) than of in CCRF-CEM cells (-2.32 ± 0.03) (P=0.000). CCK-8 assay revealed that suppression of miR-181a in CEM-C1 cells by transfecting the specific inhibitor of miR-181a led to significantly higher cellular proliferation inhibition rate than negative control cells (P<0.05), IC50 were 30.61 ng/ml and 2 255.00 ng/ml with RI as 73.67. While increased miR-181a in CCRF-CEM cells led to significantly lower CPIR than negative control cells (P<0.01), IC50 were 126.60 ng/ml and 1.34 ng/ml with RI as 94.26.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Upregulation of miR-181a might play an important role in the development of drug resistance in CEM-C1 cells, and knockdown of miR-181a could sensitize CEM-C1 cells to camptothecin; Meanwhile increased expression of miR-181a could promote CCRF-CEM drug resistance. These results suggested that suppression of miR-181a expression might provide a promising therapeutic in drug resistance of leukaemia.</p>

Expression of EB virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in children with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To discuss the role of EB virus (EBV)in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) in children through investigating the copies of EBV DNA and expression of EBV genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).Methods (1)PBMCs were isolated from 30 patients with SLE and 12 healthy normal controls respectively and DNA was extracted from PBMCs.(2) PBMCs were co-cultured with EBV for 12 days and RNA was extracted from PBMCs.(3)Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(Real-time PCR) was applied to detect the copies of EBV DNA in PBMCs.(4)Reverse transcription PCR was applied to detect expression of EBV genes.Results (1) Compared with the healthy control group [(40.1 ± 11.6) copies/μg],a significant increase of EBV DNA copies was observed in SLE group[(658.6 ± 183.6) copies/μg] (P ＜0.05).The EBV DNA copies in the active SLE group [(785.2 ± 179.2) copies/μg] were significantly higher than those in the non-active SLE group [(586.0 ± 193.1) copies/μg] (P ＜ 0.05).(2)There was no correlation between EBV DNA copies and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (r =0.03,P ＞ 0.05).(3) After PBMCs got co-cultured with EBV,expression of latent EBV genes and lytic genes were both increased in the patients and healthy controls.The latent EBV genes including latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1),LMP2,EBV nuclear antigen 1 and the lytic genes including BCRF1,BLLF1 were all increased significantly in the patients compared with the healthy controls (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is a significant increase of EBV DNA copies and aberrant expression of EBV genes in SLE patients,which suggests that EBV may contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE.

Aberrant expression of Epstein-Barr virus genes in children with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genes in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 20 children with SLE and 12 healthy human controls.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect anti-EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG/IgM antibodies.The culture supernatants of cells from patients with anti-EBV VCA IgG/IgM antibodies were collected,and PBMCs from the patients and controls were co-cultured with the supernatants respectively for 12 days.RNA was extracted from PBMCs before and after the coculture,and reverse transcription-PCR was performed to detect the expression of EBV genes,including LMP1,LMP2,EBNA1,BCRF1,BLLF1 and BILF1 genes.Results LMP1 gene was detected in fresh PBMCs from 10 out of 20 patients and 1 out of 12 controls (P ＜ 0.05).No significant differences were observed between the patients and controls in the detection rate of LMP2 gene (4/20 vs.1/12),EBNA1 gene (13/20 vs.3/12),BCRF1 gene (3/20 vs.1/12) or BLLF1 gene (5/20 vs.2/12) in fresh PBMCs.After co-culture with the supernatants of cells from patients with anti-EBV VCA IgG/IgM antibodies,the expressions of EBV genes in these PBMCs were increased to different degrees,and there was a significant difference in the expressions of EBV latent genes LMP1,LMP2 and EBNA-1 as well as EBV replicative genes BCRF1 and BLLF1 between the patient-derived and control-derived PBMCs (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is an aberrant expression of EBV genes in children with SLE,and EBV genes may contribute to the development of SLE.

Elucidating the role of ApxI in hemolysis and cellular damage by using a novel apxIA mutant of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10

Exotoxins produced by Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae (Apx) play major roles in the pathogenesis of pleuropneumonia in swine. This study investigated the role of ApxI in hemolysis and cellular damage using a novel apxIA mutant, ApxIA336, which was developed from the parental strain A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 that produces only ApxI in vitro. The genotype of ApxIA336 was confirmed by PCR, Southern blotting, and gene sequencing. Exotoxin preparation derived from ApxIA336 was analyzed for its bioactivity towards porcine erythrocytes and alveolar macrophages. Analysis results indicated that ApxIA336 contained a kanamycin-resistant cassette inserted immediately after 1005 bp of the apxIA gene. Phenotype analysis of ApxIA336 revealed no difference in the growth rate as compared to the parental strain. Meanwhile, ApxI production was abolished in the bacterial culture supernatant, i.e. exotoxin preparation. The inability of ApxIA336 to produce ApxI corresponded to the loss of hemolytic and cytotoxic bioactivity in exotoxin preparation, as demonstrated by hemolysis, lactate dehydrogenase release, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis assays. Additionally, the virulence of ApxIA336 appeared to be attenuated by 15-fold in BALB/c mice. Collectively, ApxI, but not other components in the exotoxin preparation of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 10, was responsible for the hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on porcine erythrocytes and alveolar macrophages.

Vibroacoustography for the assessment of total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES: This paper proposes imaging with 3-dimensional vibroacoustography for postoperatively assessing the uncovered cup area after total hip arthroplasty as a quantitative criterion to evaluate implant fixation. METHODS: A phantom with a bone-like structure covered by a tissue-mimicking material was used to simulate a total hip arthroplasty case. Vibroacoustography images of the uncovered cup region were generated using a two-element confocal ultrasound transducer and a hydrophone inside a water tank. Topological correction based on the geometry of the implant was performed to generate a 3-dimensional representation of the vibroacoustography image and to accurately evaluate the surface. The 3-dimensional area obtained by the vibroacoustography approach was compared to the area evaluated by a 3-dimensional motion capture system. RESULTS: The vibroacoustography technique provided high-resolution, high-contrast, and speckle-free images with less sensitivity to the beam incidence. Using a 3-dimensional-topology correction of the image, we accurately estimated the uncovered area of the implant with a relative error of 8.1% in comparison with the motion capture system measurements. CONCLUSION: Measurement of the cup coverage after total hip arthroplasty has not been well established; however, the covered surface area of the acetabular component is one of the most important prognostic factors. The preliminary results of this study show that vibroacoustography is a 3-dimensional approach that can be used to postoperatively evaluate total hip arthroplasty. The favorable results also provide an impetus for exploring vibroacoustography in other bone or implant surface imaging applications. .

miR-125b promotes proliferation of human acute myeloid leukemia cells by targeting Bak1 / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate miR- 125b regulation mechanism by identifying miR-125b target genes and its function in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The bioinformatics software and database were applied to predict and analyze target genes of miR-125b. The vector contained the target gene 3'-UTR portion cloned into a luciferase reporter construct. A luciferase reporter assay was performed following co-transfection of small molecular miR-125b mimics and target gene wild-type or mutant plasmid into HEK-293T cells. Further in leukemia cell lines NB4 and HL-60, the protein level of target gene was measured by Western blot after overexpression miR-125b. Finally, the viabilities of NB4 and HL-60 cells were measured by CCK-8 assay at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h after electroporation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bcl-2-antagonist/killer 1 (Bak1), a pro-apoptotic gene, was a target gene of miR-125b by software predicts. Reporter vector containing the 3'-UTR Bak1 wild and mutation sites were co-transfected with small molecule analogues of miR-125b in HEK-293T cells. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay system showed that miR-125b significantly suppresses the reporter gene activity containing Bak1 3'-UTR by about 53.8% (P<0.05), but it didn't suppresses the reporter gene activity containing 3'-UTR Bak1 mutation. Western blot showed that miR-125b mimics significantly down-regulated the expression of Bak1 in human leukemia cell lines NB4 and HL-60. Meanwhile, the growth rate of cells treated with miR-125b obviously increased compared with that in control by CCK-8 test (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings strongly indicated that BAK1 was a downstream target gene of miR-125b, and miR-125b promoted proliferation in human AML cells at least partially by targeting Bak1, so we speculated that miR-125b as an oncogene could be a potential therapeutic target for treating AML.</p>