[Neuroprotective effect of tetramethylpyrazine on mice after spinal cord injury].

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of tetramethylpyrazine on mice after spinal cord injury and its mechanism. Seventy-five female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely, a sham operation group, a model group, a tetramethylpyrazine low-dose group(25 mg·kg~(-1)), a tetramethylpyrazine medium-dose group(50 mg·kg~(-1)), and a tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group(100 mg·kg~(-1)), with 15 mice in each group. Modified Rivlin method was used to establish the mouse model of acute spinal cord injury. After 14 d of tetramethylpyrazine intervention, the motor function of hind limbs of mice was evaluated by basso mouse scale(BMS) and inclined plate test. The levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), and interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) in the spinal cord homogenate were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histology of the spinal cord, and Nissl's staining was used to observe the changes in the number of neurons. Western blot and immunofluorescence method were used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and C3 protein. Tetramethylpyrazine significantly improved the motor function of the hind limbs of mice after spinal cord injury, and the BMS score and inclined plate test score of the tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the model group(P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in spinal cord homogenate of the tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). After tetramethylpyrazine treatment, the spinal cord morphology recovered, the number of Nissl bodies increased obviously with regular shape, and the loss of neurons decreased. As compared with the model group, the expression of GFAP and C3 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01) in tetramethylpyrazine high-dose group. In conclusion, tetramethylpyrazine can promote the improvement of motor function and play a neuroprotective role in mice after spinal cord injury, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and improving the hyperplasia of glial scar.

[Continuous expression of miR-431 during lung development in Sprague-Dawley rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of miR-431 in lung development and morphology. METHODS: According to the stage of lung development in rats, Sprague-Dawley rats at embryonic day 16 (E16), embryonic day (E19), embryonic day (E21), postnatal day 1 (P1), postnatal day 3 (P3), postnatal day 7 (P7), postnatal day 14 (P14) and 10 weeks after birth (P10 weeks) were selected, and lung tissue samples were collected for observation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the morphology of lung tissue. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR were used to measure the expression of miR-431 during the critical stages of lung development (E19, E21 and P3). RESULTS: The E19 group had the formation of the lamellar body and type II alveolar epithelial cells in the fetal lung tissue. The number of lamellar bodies increased with the increasing gestational age, with aggregation and excretion. Pulmonary alveoli formed rapidly, the lung interstitium became thinner, and the microvascular system became mature after birth. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR showed that the expression of miR-431 gradually decreased with the increasing gestational age (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic and continuous morphological data of lung development is obtained in this experiment. In addition, miR-431 may play an important role in the negative regulation of lung development, which provides basis and direction for further research on the mechanism of lung development and related diseases.

Reference values for serum cystatin C in very low-birthweight infants: From two centres of China.

AIM: To determine the level of cystatin C (Cys-C) values in preterm babies for the purpose of becoming a good endogenous marker of renal function. METHODS: A total of 366 very low-birthweight infants (including 70 extremely low-birthweight babies) with gestational age <37 weeks born in two centres were studied. RESULTS: In very low-birthweight infants, the mean level of Cys-C was 1.96 ± 0.44 mg/L in blood samples taken on day 1, 1.78 ± 0.49 mg/L on day 7 and 1.71 ± 0.47 mg/L on day 28. In extremely low-birthweight infants, the mean level of Cys-C was 2.00 ± 0.49 mg/L on day 1, 1.63 ± 0.38 mg/L on day 7 and 1.62 ± 0.55 mg/L on day 28, respectively. Compared to serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, Cys-C level was independent of birthweight and gestational age. CONCLUSION: Cys-C is regarded as an alternative for assessing renal function in very low-birthweight infants, but its advantages over serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen has not been fully proved yet. Hence, larger sample study is still necessary.

Sulforaphane Attenuates Muscle Inflammation in Dystrophin-deficient mdx Mice via NF-E2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Inflammation is widely distributed in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ultimately leads to progressive deterioration of muscle function with chronic muscle damage, oxidative stress, and reduced oxidative capacity. NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a critical role in defending against inflammation in different tissues via activation of phase II enzyme heme oxygenase-1 and inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the role of Nrf2 in the inflammation of dystrophic muscle remains unknown. To determine whether Nrf2 may counteract inflammation in dystrophic muscle, we treated 4-week-old male mdx mice with the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN) by gavage (2 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 4 weeks. The experimental results demonstrated that SFN treatment increased the expression of muscle phase II enzyme heme oxygenase-1 in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Inflammation in mice was reduced by SFN treatment as indicated by decreased infiltration of immune cells and expression of the inflammatory cytokine CD45 and proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 in the skeletal muscles of mdx mice. In addition, SFN treatment also decreased the expression of NF-κB(p65) and phosphorylated IκB kinase-α as well as increased inhibitor of κB-α expression in mdx mice in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Collectively, these results show that SFN-induced Nrf2 can alleviate muscle inflammation in mdx mice by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Job satisfaction and work related variables in Chinese cardiac critical care nurses.

AIM: To explore critical care nurses' views of their job satisfaction and the relationship with job burnout, practice environment, coping style, social support, intention to stay in current employment and other work-related variables. BACKGROUND: Nurse shortage is a global issue, especially in critical care. Job satisfaction is the most frequently cited factor linked to nurses' turnover. METHOD: A convenience sample of cardiac critical care nurses (n = 215; 97.7% response rate) from 12 large general hospitals in Shanghai was surveyed from December 2010 to March 2011. RESULT: Over half of the sample reported satisfaction with their jobs. Nurses with 10-20 years of professional experience and those who had taken all their holiday entitlement reported higher levels of job satisfaction. The independent variables of practice environment, intention to stay, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment and positive coping style explained about 55% of the variance in job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Chinese cardiac critical care nurses' job satisfaction was related to work related variables, which are amenable to managerial action. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Our findings highlight the imperative of improving intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, together with the flexibility of work schedules to promote job satisfaction and staff retention. A clinical ladder system is needed to provide promotion opportunities for Chinese nurses.

Analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets and risk factors in children with tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is not only related to infection but also involves immune factors. This study explores the changes in T-lymphocyte subsets in children with TB who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative and examines their relationship using chest computed tomography (CT) scans. Additionally, the study identifies risk factors for severe TB (STB) in children and establishes relevant risk prediction models. METHODS: We recruited 235 participants between 2018 and 2022, comprising 176 paediatric patients with TB who were HIV-negative and 59 age-matched children with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We quantitatively analysed and compared T-lymphocyte subsets between the two groups and among different types of TB infection. Both univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical and laboratory characteristics were conducted to identify independent risk factors for STB in children and to establish a risk prediction model. RESULTS: The absolute counts of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cells in children with TB infection decreased significantly compared with bacterial CAP. The percentage of CD8 T-cells increased, whereas the percentage of CD4 T-cells did not change significantly. The absolute count of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cells in extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) was significantly higher than in extra-respiratory TB, with unchanged subset percentages. According to chest CT lesion classification, CD4 T-cell counts decreased significantly in S3 compared with S1 or S2, with no significant change in CD3 and CD8 T-cell counts and percentages. No significant differences were observed in lymphocyte subset counts and percentages between S1 and S2. Univariate analyses indicated that factors such as age, symptom duration, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, prealbumin level, albumin level, globulin level, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) level and CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts are associated with STB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, Hs-CRP level, NLR, symptom duration and A/G ratio are independent risk factors for STB in children. Increased age, Hs-CRP levels and NLR, along with decreased A/G, correlate with increased susceptibility to STB. A nomogram model, based on these independent risk factors, demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.867 (95% CI: 0.813-0.921). Internal verification confirmed the model's accuracy, with the calibration curve approaching the ideal and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showing consistent results (χ2 = 12.212, p = 0.142). CONCLUSION: In paediatric patients with TB, the absolute counts of all lymphocyte subsets were considerably reduced compared with those in patients with bacterial CAP. Clinicians should consider the possibility of EPTB infection in addition to respiratory infections in children with TB who have higher CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-cell counts than the ERTB group. Furthermore, CD4 T-cell counts correlated closely with the severity of chest CT lesions. Age, symptom duration, A/G ratio, Hs-CRP level and NLR were established as independent risk factors for STB. The nomogram model, based on these factors, offers effective discrimination and calibration in predicting STB in children.

Correlation of vitamin A levels in umbilical cord blood with neonatal pulmonary diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between umbilical cord blood vitamin A (VA) and neonatal lung diseases and explore the impact of umbilical cord blood VA on neonatal lung diseases. METHOD: Umbilical vein blood was collected at birth, and its VA content was measured. According to the VA levels in umbilical cord blood, a VA deficiency (VAD) group, a marginal deficiency group and a normal group were created and followed up until 28 days after birth. RESULTS: The umbilical cord blood VA level in the neonatal group with lung disease was 0.13 ± 0.05 mg/L, while the result for the VA level in the non-lung disease group was 0.15 ± 0.05 mg/L. The umbilical cord blood VA levels in the neonatal lung disease group were significantly lower than those in the non-lung disease group. The incidence of neonatal pulmonary diseases was highest in the VAD group, and the incidence decreased as the level of VA in umbilical cord blood increased. Umbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth were found to be independent risk factors for neonatal respiratory disease. CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord blood VAD and premature birth are independent risk factors for neonatal pulmonary diseases. The lower the level of VA in umbilical cord blood, the more susceptible infants will be to neonatal respiratory infections in the neonatal period.

HMGB1 induces an inflammatory response in endothelial cells via the RAGE-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

The high mobility group 1B protein (HMGB1) mediates chronic inflammatory responses in endothelial cells, which play a critical role in atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. The goal of our study was to identify the effects of HMGB1 on the RAGE-induced inflammatory response in endothelial cells and test the possible involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. Our results showed that incubation of endothelial cells with HMGB1 (0.01-1 µg/ml) for 24h induced a dose-dependent activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress transducers, as assessed by PERK and IRE1 protein expression. Moreover, HMGB1 also promoted nuclear translocation of ATF6. HMGB1-mediated ICAM-1 and P-selectin production was dramatically suppressed by PERK siRNA or IRE1 siRNA. However, non-targeting siRNA had no such effects. HMGB1-induced increases in ICAM-1 and P-selectin expression were also inhibited by a specific eIF2α inhibitor (salubrinal) and a specific JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Importantly, a blocking antibody specifically targeted against RAGE (anti-RAGE antibody) decreased ICAM-1, P-selectin and endoplasmic reticulum stress molecule (PERK, eIF2α, IRE1 and JNK) protein expression levels. Collectively, these novel findings suggest that HMGB1 promotes an inflammatory response by inducing the expression of ICAM-1 and P-selectin via RAGE-mediated stimulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

Targeted introduction of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) at the AAVS1 locus in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its stable and effective expression.

Thrombolytic therapy using tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is an effective method for treating acute myocardial infarction. However, the systemic administration of TPA is associated with the risk of hemorrhage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow are characterized by low immunogenicity and homing toward damaged tissues and are therefore ideal cell carriers to achieve lesion-targeting medication. In this article, TPA gene was integrated into the AAVS1 of mesenchymal stem cells, which has been confirmed to be a safe chromosomal locus. The targeting efficiency was 83%. The clones with the site-specific integration retained the stem cell traits of MSCs, displayed a normal karyotype and could persistently and effectively express TPA, as demonstrated by an average expression activity of 1.5 units/mL (3.4-fold that of the control group). After subculture and subsequent growth for two weeks, the clones showed an average TPA activity of 1.43 units/mL and exhibited no significant differences among the individual clones. In summary, the foreign TPA gene can be specifically introduced to the AAVS1 locus, whereby it can be stably and effectively expressed. MSCs can serve as cell carriers for the targeted treatment of a thrombus using TPA.

The efficacy of haemoperfusion combined with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration in the treatment of severe viral encephalitis in children.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the efficacy of the integrated blood purification mode of early haemoperfusion (HP) combined with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) in children with severe viral encephalitis, and evaluated the correlation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neopterin (NPT) levels with prognosis. METHODS: The records of children with viral encephalitis who received blood purification treatment in the authors' hospital from September 2019 to February 2022 were retrospectively analysed. According to the blood purification treatment mode, they were divided into the experimental group (HP + CVVHDF, 18 cases), control group A (CVVHDF only, 14 cases), and control group B (16 children with mild viral encephalitis who did not receive blood purification treatment). The correlation between the clinical features, severity of the disease and the extent of lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the CSF NPT levels was analysed. RESULTS: The experimental group and control group A were comparable with respect to age, gender and hospital course (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in speech and swallowing functions between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05) and no significant difference in 7 and 14-day mortality (P > 0.05). The CSF NPT levels in the experimental group before treatment were significantly higher compared with control group B (P < 0.05). The extent of brain MRI lesions correlated positively with CSF NPT levels (P < 0.05). In the experimental group (14 cases), the serum NPT levels decreased after treatment, whereas the CSF NPT levels increased after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Dysphagia and motor dysfunction correlated positively with CSF NPT levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early HP combined with CVVHDF in the treatment of severe viral encephalitis in children may be a better approach than CVVHDF only for improving prognosis. Higher CSF NPT levels indicated the likelihood of a more severe brain injury and a greater possibility of residual neurological dysfunction.

[The anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture in mice with spinal cord injury and molecular mechanism based on transcriptome sequencing technology].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on neural function and spinal cord pathological morphology in spinal cord injury(SCI) mice and investigate the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of EA on SCI mice from the aspects of gene by using bioinformatics. METHODS: Seventy-two female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into sham operation, model and EA groups, with 24 mice in each group. The SCI model was established by clamping the spinal cord with a serrefine after laminectomy at the 1st lumbar vertebra(L1). EA(1.5 Hz/7.5 Hz, 1.0 mA) was applied to bilateral "Jiaji"(EX-B2) and "Zusanli"(ST36) for 10 min, once a day for 14 consecutive days. Basso Mouse Scale(BMS) score was used to assess the hindlimb locomotor function of mice. Histopathological changes of the injured area of the spinal cord were determined by HE staining. The spinal cord RNA was sequenced by using RNA-Seq technology. The bioinformatic analysis was then performed to detect the diffe-rential genes between groups, and the function classification and the involved pathways were enriched. The mRNA and protein expressions of differential genes were detected and verified by using qRT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, BMS score of the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), while that of EA group was increased relevant to the model group (P<0.05). HE staining showed loose and disordered structure and arrangement, cavitation, more inflammatory infiltration, nucleus pycnosis, and neuronal necrosis in the model group, which was alleviated in the EA group. Compared with the sham operation group, 565 differential genes were detected in the model group, including 545 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated, while 41 were detected between the EA and the model group, including 2 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated in the EA group. Fifteen genes that were all up-regulated after modeling and down-regulated after EA intervention were detected by using Venn plot, which are Retn, Adipoq, Myh1, Actn2, Pck1, Klhl41, Fabp4, Hspb7, Myot, Ankrd2, Hrc, Cox6a2, Obscn, Col2a1, Mybpc1, and 3 inflammation-related genes(Fabp4, Adipoq and Pck1) were finally acquired. The 15 differential genes were annotated into main biological processes, cell composition and molecular function in the GO function classification analysis. The 15 differential genes were then enriched into different KEGG pathways, including the peroxisome proliferatorsactivated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, Adipocytokine signaling pathway. The mRNA and protein expressions of Fabp4, Adipoq and Pck1 in spinal cord detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.001, P<0.01), while these were significantly decreased in the EA group relevant to the model group(P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can promote the repair of nerve function and improve inflammatory infiltration in SCI mice. The mechanism may be closely related to the down-regulation of inflammatory factors Fabp4, Adipoq and Pck1 expression, and the regulation of PPAR and Adipocytokine signaling pathways.

Changes in coagulation markers in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their predictive value for Mycoplasma severity.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the correlation between coagulation levels and the severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children. In addition, the study analyses the predictive value of coagulation abnormalities in MPP combined with necrotising pneumonia (NP). METHODS: A total of 170 children with MPP who underwent treatment between June 2021 and February 2022 were selected for this study. The study population was divided into groups according to the severity of the disease to compare differences in the incidence of coagulation abnormalities between the groups. The participants were also divided into groups according to imaging manifestations to compare the differences in coagulation function among the different groups. All data information was processed for statistical analysis using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 7.0 statistical analysis software. RESULTS: The incidence of coagulation abnormalities in the children in the severe MPP (SMPP) group was significantly higher than that in the normal MPP (NMPP) group (P < 0.05). The multi-factor logistic regression analysis revealed that the D-dimer level is an independent risk factor for the development of NP in SMPP (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in D-dimer, fibrinogen degeneration products (FDP), neutrophils, lactate dehydrogenase and serum ferritin for predicting SMPP combined with NP. Bronchoscopic manifestations of coagulation indicators (D-dimer and FDP levels) were significantly higher in the mucus plug group than in the non-mucus plug group, while the activated partial thromboplastin time levels were lower in the former than in the latter (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The degree of elevated D-dimer and FDP levels was positively correlated with the severity of MPP, with elevated serum D-dimer levels (> 3.705 mg/L) serving as an independent predictor of MPP combined with NP in children.

Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation of NAT10 promotes cancer metastasis in an ac4C-dependent manner.

Posttranslational modifications add tremendous complexity to proteomes; however, gaps remain in knowledge regarding the function and regulatory mechanism of newly discovered lysine acylation modifications. Here, we compared a panel of non-histone lysine acylation patterns in metastasis models and clinical samples, and focused on 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) due to its significant upregulation in cancer metastases. By the integration of systemic Khib proteome profiling in 20 paired primary esophageal tumor and metastatic tumor tissues with CRISPR/Cas9 functional screening, we identified N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) as a substrate for Khib modification. We further showed that Khib modification at lysine 823 in NAT10 functionally contribute to metastasis. Mechanistically, NAT10 Khib modification enhances its interaction with deubiquitinase USP39, resulting in increased NAT10 protein stability. NAT10 in turn promotes metastasis by increasing NOTCH3 mRNA stability in an N4-acetylcytidine-dependent manner. Furthermore, we discovered a lead compound #7586-3507 that inhibited NAT10 Khib modification and showed efficacy in tumor models in vivo at a low concentration. Together, our findings bridge newly identified lysine acylation modifications with RNA modifications, thus providing novel insights into epigenetic regulation in human cancer. We propose that pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 K823 Khib modification constitutes a potential anti-metastasis strategy.

N4-acetylcytidine modification of lncRNA CTC-490G23.2 promotes cancer metastasis through interacting with PTBP1 to increase CD44 alternative splicing.

Although N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification affects the stability and translation of mRNA, it is unknown whether it exists in noncoding RNAs, and its biological function is unclear. Here, nucleotide-resolution method for profiling CTC-490G23.2 ac4C sites and gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is responsible for ac4C modification of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). NAT10-mediated ac4C modification leads to the stabilization and overexpression of lncRNA CTC-490G23.2 in primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its further upregulation in metastatic tissues. CTC-490G23.2 significantly promotes cancer invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CTC-490G23.2 acts as a scaffold to increase the binding of CD44 pre-mRNA to polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), resulting in a oncogenic splicing switch from the standard isoform CD44s to the variant isoform CD44v(8-10). CD44v(8-10), but not CD44s, binds to and increases the protein stability of vimentin. Expression levels of CTC-490G23.2 and CD44v(8-10) can predict poor prognosis in cancer patients. Furthermore, the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)/SV40-LAH4-L1 peptide self-assembled nanocomplexes targeting CTC490G23.2 exerts a significantly suppressive effect on cancer metastasis. The outcome of this study will provide new mechanistic insight into the ac4C modification of lncRNAs and useful clues for the development of novel systemic therapies and prognostic biomarkers.

Lysine butyrylation of HSP90 regulated by KAT8 and HDAC11 confers chemoresistance.

Posttranslational modification dramatically enhances protein complexity, but the function and precise mechanism of novel lysine acylation modifications remain unknown. Chemoresistance remains a daunting challenge to successful treatment. We found that lysine butyrylation (Kbu) is specifically upregulated in chemoresistant tumor cells and tissues. By integrating butyrylome profiling and gain/loss-of-function experiments, lysine 754 in HSP90 (HSP90 K754) was identified as a substrate for Kbu. Kbu modification leads to overexpression of HSP90 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its further increase in relapse samples. Upregulation of HSP90 contributes to 5-FU resistance and can predict poor prognosis in cancer patients. Mechanistically, HSP90 K754 is regulated by the cooperation of KAT8 and HDAC11 as the writer and eraser, respectively; SDCBP increases the Kbu level and stability of HSP90 by binding competitively to HDAC11. Furthermore, SDCBP blockade with the lead compound V020-9974 can target HSP90 K754 to overcome 5-FU resistance, constituting a potential therapeutic strategy.

Polymorphisms in chicken extracellular fatty acid binding protein gene.

In this study, we report the investigation of extracellular fatty acid binding protein gene (Ex-FABP) genetic polymorphism in a sample of 360 chicken individuals. The screening of the coding regions with their intron-exon boundaries and the proximal flanking regions was performed through a PCR-SSCP strategy. Following sequence analysis revealed 35 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of chicken Ex-FABP gene. Among the 35 SNPs, twenty-five were found in the introns. And the remaining seven and three SNPs were in the coding region and the 5'UTR, respectively. Two SNPs in the coding region caused two missense mutants and the other five did not result in any amino acid changes. The nature and the distribution of Ex-FABP mutations in three chicken breeds were analyzed. Variations detected here might have an impact on Ex-FABP activity and function and underpin the development of gene markers for chicken fatty deposition and metabolism. The polymorphism, generated by C4715T mutation in exon5, was significantly associated with thickness of subcutaneous fat plus skin in cocks. Subcutaneous fat plus skin of cocks was more thick in TT genotype than in CC genotype (P < 0.05). The Ex-FABP gene could be a candidate locus or linked to a QTL that significantly affects fatty deposition and metabolism in chicken.

A study of low elastic modulus expandable pedicle screws in osteoporotic sheep.

STUDY DESIGN: Low elastic modulus expandable pedicle screw (L-EPS) was inserted into osteoporotic sheep. Biomechanical tests, micro-CT analysis and histologic observation were performed. OBJECTIVE: To find out whether the L-EPS can further improve fixation strength compared to the expandable pedicle screws (EPS) in osteoporotic sheep spine. The screw-bone interface is also detected by micro-computed tomography (CT) and histologic techniques. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are some studies on EPS in vivo; however, no earlier study has focused on the elastic modulus of EPS, especially in osteoporosis. METHODS: Twelve months after ovariectomy, bilateral pedicles of lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5) of 4 female sheep were fixed with EPSs. The L-EPS and EPS were randomly placed into each pedicle and then were expanded. Six months later, the sheep were sacrificed and biomechanical tests, micro-CT analysis, and histologic observation were conducted on the isolated specimen vertebrae. RESULTS: Twelve months after ovariectomy, animal model of osteoporosis was established successfully. The axial pull-out strength in L-EPS group was significantly enhanced compared with that in the EPS group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT reconstruction and analysis showed that there was more bone around the L-EPS group compared with those in EPS group (P < 0.05), meanwhile the more homogeneous bone formation distribution around the screws was found in the L-EPS group. Histologic observation showed that newly formed bone extended along the expandable fissures and grew into the center of EPS; meanwhile, the more direct contact and the less fibrous tissue on the screw-bone interface were observed in the L-EPS group. CONCLUSIONS: The L-EPS can further improve the biomechanical fixation strength of EPS in the osteoporotic sheep. The screw elastic matching with surrounding bone is helpful to distribute stress uniformly, relieve the stress shielding effect, and strengthen the screw-bone interface. Although the experience with the L-EPS is very limited and preliminary, results to date indicate that it is of value in treating patients with osteoporosis and warrants further study.