Label-free-based proteomic analysis reveals differential whey proteins of porcine milk during lactation.

In this study, label-free proteomic technology was applied to analyze and compare the whey proteomes of porcine colostrum and mature milk. In total, 2993 and 2906 whey proteins were detected in porcine colostrum and mature milk, respectively. A total of 2745 common proteins were identified in the two milk samples, and 280 proteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed whey proteins in porcine milk. Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed whey proteins were primarily enriched in lipid homeostasis, oxidoreductase activity, and the collagen trimer. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis suggested that the phagosome and endocytosis were the crucial pathways. This study provides systematic and in-depth insight into the compositions and functional properties of whey proteins in porcine milk during different periods of lactation, which may be beneficial for the development of porcine whey proteins in the future.

Characterization and Comparison Analysis of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteins between Human and Porcine Milk.

This study aimed to explore the differences in milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins between human milk (HM) and porcine milk (PM) using a label-free quantitative proteomic approach. A total of 3920 and 4001 MFGM proteins were identified between PM and HM, respectively. Among them, 3520 common MFGM proteins were detected, including 956 significant differentially expressed MFGM proteins (DEPs). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the DEPs were highly enriched in the lipid metabolic process and intrinsic component of membrane. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways suggested that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was the most highly enriched pathway, followed by peroxisome, complement, and coagulation cascades. This study reflects the difference in the composition of MFGM proteins between HM and PM and provides a scientific and systematic reference for the development of MFGM protein nutrition.

Flavor Characterization of Traditional Fermented Soybean Pastes from Northeast China and Korea.

This study compares the physicochemical properties, taste, and volatile compounds of Northeastern Chinese dajiang (C) and Korean doenjang (K) and distinguishes the discriminant volatile metabolites between them. The result revealed that compared to group C, group K exhibited more similar physicochemical properties and had lower pH, moisture, and amino acid nitrogen content, while demonstrating higher titratable acidity, salt content, and reduced sugar content. The electronic tongue analysis showed that the saltiness and umami of soybean pastes had high response values, enabling clear differentiation of the overall taste between the two types of soybean pastes. A total of 71 volatile substances from the soybean pastes were identified through solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed 19 volatile compounds as differentially flavored metabolites. Our study provides a basis for explaining the differences in flavor difference of Northeastern Chinese dajiang and Korean doenjang from the perspective of volatile metabolites.

Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of milk fat globule membrane proteins in porcine colostrum and mature milk.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins are nutritional components with various biological functions. This study aimed to analyze and compare MFGM proteins in porcine colostrum (PC) and porcine mature milk (PM), via label-free quantitative proteomics. In total, 3917 and 3966 MFGM proteins were identified in PC and PM milk, respectively. A total of 3807 common MFGM proteins were found in both groups, including 303 significant differentially expressed MFGM proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the differentially expressed MFGM proteins were mainly related to the cellular process, cell, and binding. The dominant pathway of the differentially expressed MFGM proteins was related to the phagosome according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. These results reveal crucial insights into the functional diversity of MFGM proteins in porcine milk during lactation and provide theoretical guidance for the development of MFGM proteins in the future.

Self-Efficacy, Exercise Anticipation and Physical Activity in Elderly: Using Bayesian Networks to Elucidate Complex Relationships.

Aim: To explore the correlation of exercise anticipation, self-efficacy and lower limb function in the elderly, and identify active predictors of exercise. The time up and go (TUG) has been used to access basic mobility skills, as well as strength, balance and agility, which is used in a range of population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey approach was employed in this study, assessing the functional relationship of the level of exercise anticipation, modified gait efficacy scale (mGES), self-efficacy for exercise scale (SEE), perceived efficacy of patient-physician interactions (PEPPI-10), behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire (BREQ), and the time up and go (TUG) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Consequently, we constructed the Bayesian network model utilizing Genie 2.3, in order to effectively determine clear negative and positive correlations. Results: This investigation incorporated a total of 285 patients. The results of Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that the TUG effectively correlated with age (r = 0.158, P < 0.01), drinking (r=-0.362, P < 0.01), mGES (r=-0.254, P < 0.01), PEPPI (r=-0.329, P < 0.01), SEE (r =-0.408, P < 0.01), BREQ (r = 0.676, P < 0.01), EA (r =-0.688, P < 0.01) and IPAQ (r =-0.742, P < 0.01). TUG can be used as the direct influencing factor of IPA, and five nodes in the model can be considered the primary indirect influencing factors of TUG, such as drinking, EA, age, sex and mGES in Bayesian network. The sensitivity analysis of the model confirmed that TUG (0.059), drinking (0.087), EA (0.335), age (0.080), sex (0.164), mGES (0.028) and hypertension (0.030) can become the sensitivity evaluation indicators of IPAQ in the elderly community population, in which the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 59.6% (2207/3705), indicating a suitable prediction performance. Conclusion: Exercise anticipation and life behavior habit can effectively predict physical activity capability in the elderly. These findings can help clinicians establish effective intervention to improve the physical activity regularly of the elderly.

Whey protein and xylitol complex alleviate type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6 mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that has become a major threat to public health. Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that whey protein isolate (WPI) and xylitol (XY) play an important role on T2D. This manuscript hypothesizes the supplementation of whey protein and xylitol complex (WXY) has the hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemia effect of T2D mice induced by the conjoint action of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) by modulating of intestinal microbiota. The mice with diabetes displayed higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and other serum parameters than the normal mice. Treatment with WXY for 6 weeks significantly modulated the levels of FBG and insulin, improved insulin sensitivity, pancreas impairment and liver function in T2D mice, and the effect was better than that observed with WPI and XY groups. Moreover, supplementation with WXY significantly changed the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota in T2D mice and restored the intestinal bacteria associated with T2D (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus). This may be a potential mechanism for alleviating T2D symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundances of specific genera (Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Faecalibaculum and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002) were correlated with the levels of blood glucose and serum parameters. Therefore, WXY may be considered a promising dietary supplement for T2D treatment in the future.

Validation of the Chinese Version Community's Self-Efficacy Scale in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background: The original study confirmed that the Japanese version of the community's self-efficacy scale (CSES) may help to promote health policies, practices and interventions in the community. In China, research on the self-efficacy of community's life is in its infancy. The aim of this study was to assess the validity, the reliability and the predictors of the Chinese version CSES in the aging population. Methods: (1) Translation of the original Japanese version CSES into Chinese; (2) validation of the Chinese version in the aging population. Instrument measurement included reliability testing, item generation, construct validity and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to determine construct validity and internal consistency. Meanwhile, we built the Bayesian network model of the Chinese version of CSES and determined target variables. Results: Finally, 143 sample individuals have been included in this research. By confirmatory factor analysis, we confirmed that the Chinese version CSES fits a two-dimensional model. Additionally, this scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.900) and test-retest reliability (kappa coefficient 0.754). The results of the Bayesian network model showed that the education (0.3278) and the perceived efficacy patient-physician interactions scale (0.2055) are important predictors of the CSES. Conclusion: This is the first study to validate the Chinese version of CSES in older people. Our research confirmed that the Chinese version CSES has good internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. Meanwhile, patient's confidence in communication with a physician and the patient's educational level were the important predictors of community self-efficacy.

The Protective Effects of γ-Tocotrienol on Muscle Stem Cells Through Inhibiting Reactive Oxidative Stress Production.

Pseudotrophic muscular dystrophy is a common clinical skeletal muscle necrotic disease, among which Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the predominant. For such diseases, there is no clinically effective treatment, which is only symptomatic or palliative treatment. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are common pathological features of DMD. In recent years, it has been found that the pathophysiological changes of skeletal muscle in DMD mice are related to muscle stem cell failure. In the present study, we established a DMD mice model and provided tocotrienol (γ-tocotrienol, GT3), an antioxidant compound, to explore the relationship between the physiological state of muscle stem cells and oxidative stress. The results showed that the application of GT3 can reduce ROS production and cellular proliferation in the muscle stem cells of DMD mice, which is beneficial to promote the recovery of muscle stem cell function in DMD mice. GT3 treatment improved the differentiation ability of muscle stem cells in DMD mice with increasing numbers of MyoD+ cells. GT3 application significantly decreased percentages of CD45+ cells and PDGFRα+ fibro-adipogenic progenitors in the tibialis anterior of DMD mice, indicating that the increased inflammation and fibro-adipogenic progenitors were attenuated in GT3-treated DMD mice. These data suggest that increased ROS production causes dysfunctional muscle stem cell in DMD mice, which might provide a new avenue to treat DMD patients in the clinic.

Polystyrene nanoplastics penetrate across the blood-brain barrier and induce activation of microglia in the brain of mice.

Microplastics (MPs) have been well demonstrated as potential threats to the ecosystem, whereas the neurotoxicity of MPs in mammals remains to be elucidated. The current study was designed to investigate whether 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) could pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the following neurotoxic manifestation. In vivo study showed that PS-NPs (0.5-50 mg/kg. bw PS-NPs for 7 days) significantly induced the increase of permeability of BBB, and dose-dependently accumulated in the brain of mice. In addition, PS-NPs were found to be present in microglia, and induced microglia activation and neuron damage in the mouse brain. In vitro studies using the immortalized human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell (hCMEC/D3), the most commonly used cell model for BBB-related studies, revealed that PS-NPs could be internalized into cells, and caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation, tumor necrosis factors α (TNF-α) secretion, and necroptosis of hCMEC/D3 cells. Furthermore, PS-NPs exposure led to disturbance of the tight junction (TJ) formed by hCMEC/D3, as demonstrated by the decline of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and decreased expression of occludin. Lastly, PS-NPs exposure resulted in the activation of murine microglia BV2 cells, and the cell medium of PS-NPs-exposed BV2 induced obvious damage to murine neuron HT-22 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that PS-NPs could pass through BBB and induce neurotoxicity in mammals probably by inducing activation of microglia.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Patient's Communication Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (PCSS) in Outpatients After Total Hip Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Among older people in the world, older patients' communication has become a public health issue of vital importance. Such communication could be improved by different interventions. However, a means of measuring patient's communication confidence in these measures has not been established in China. This study is aimed at translating and introducing the Patient's Communication Self-Efficacy Scale for communication between doctors and patients after total hip replacement. METHOD: (1) A questionnaire was completed after a consultation by 167 patients (mean age = 70.04 years; SD: 6.3 years; females/males: 94/73). Translation of the original English version PCSS into the Chinese; (2) Validation of the final Chinese version of the PCSS. Measurement indexes included item generation, reliability testing, construct validity and test-retest reliability. To actualize the above test, we used SPSS 19.0 software and LISREL 8.7. We build the Bayesian Network Model of the Chinese version of the PCSS and determined predictive variables. RESULT: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Chinese version of the PCSS has fit a three-dimensional model. Meanwhile, the Chinese version of the PCSS has high internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.929) and test-retest reliability (Kappa coefficient 0.761). Analysis using Bayesian networks shows that the important predictors are education (0.4207), PEPPI 3(0.3951), and PCSS 1(0.1139). The connections between PCSS 3 and other variables do not indicate causality, conditional dependencies or inter-relatedness. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to validate the Chinese version of the PCSS in outpatients after total hip replacement. Our results confirmed that the Chinese version of the scale has high internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. And the patient-doctor interaction and education are important predictors of patient's communication self-efficacy.

Multiple mechanisms drive genomic adaptation to extreme O2 levels in Drosophila melanogaster.

To detect the genomic mechanisms underlying evolutionary dynamics of adaptation in sexually reproducing organisms, we analyze multigenerational whole genome sequences of Drosophila melanogaster adapting to extreme O2 conditions over an experiment conducted for nearly two decades. We develop methods to analyze time-series genomics data and predict adaptive mechanisms. Here, we report a remarkable level of synchronicity in both hard and soft selective sweeps in replicate populations as well as the arrival of favorable de novo mutations that constitute a few asynchronized sweeps. We additionally make direct experimental observations of rare recombination events that combine multiple alleles on to a single, better-adapted haplotype. Based on the analyses of the genes in genomic intervals, we provide a deeper insight into the mechanisms of genome adaptation that allow complex organisms to survive harsh environments.

Anthocyanin supplementation at different doses improves cholesterol efflux capacity in subjects with dyslipidemia-a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Numerous clinical trials have confirmed that supplementation with purified anthocyanins has favorable effects on metabolic diseases, but the dose-response of dyslipidemia to anthocyanin supplementation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anthocyanin supplementation in different doses on lipid profile. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We randomly assigned 176 dyslipidemic subjects aged 35-70 to three purified anthocyanin groups (40 mg/day, n = 45; 80 mg/day, n = 42; 320 mg/day, n = 43) and a placebo group (n = 46). Anthropometric parameters, serum lipid profiles, and cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) were measured at baseline, and at the end of 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of supplementation, significant differences in CEC (P = 0.033), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.043), and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) (P = 0.022) were observed between four groups. Compared with placebo, 320 mg/day anthocyanin significantly increased CEC (35.8%, 95% CI: 11.5-60.2%; P = 0.004), HDL-C (0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.01-0.14; P = 0.003), and ApoA-I (0.07 g/L, 95% CI: 0.01-0.12; P = 0.008). Linear trend analysis showed that anthocyanin supplementation has a strong dose-response relationship with CEC (P = 0.002), HDL-C (P = 0.038), and ApoA-I (P = 0.023). Moreover, the enhancement of CEC showed positive correlations with the increase in HDL-C (r = 0.215, P < 0.01) and APOA-I (r = 0.327, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Anthocyanin supplementation at 0-320 mg/day for 12 weeks enhances CEC in a dose-response manner in dyslipidemic subjects. Anthocyanin supplementation doses of 80-320 mg/day can improve serum HDL-C levels and HDL-induced CEC.

Effects of a Four-Day Mindfulness Intervention on Teachers' Stress and Affect: A Pilot Study in Eastern China.

Stress is becoming increasingly prevalent among teacher groups, and this is problematic for education. Mindfulness training (MT) is a well-supported way to help various populations cope with and reduce stress. In this study, a 4-day intensive MT program that aimed to increase teachers' emotional health was developed and implemented into the existing post-service education for teachers in eastern China. A total of 161 teachers voluntarily enrolled in the course and were assigned to either the mindfulness group or the waitlist group. Participants completed measures of mindfulness, positive affect, negative affect, and perceived stress before and after the program. The results showed that MT had statistically significant positive effects on mindfulness, negative affect, and stress. The present findings indicate that a 4-day intensive MT program is a promising way to decrease teachers' stress and improve their emotional health. The practical meaning of the short-term intensive MT program for teachers is discussed. It is easier for teachers to enroll such a short-term training program, as it may have higher acceptance and feasibility than an 8-week training program in some areas. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2000029653.

Anthocyanin supplementation improves anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity in a dose-response manner in subjects with dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins, one of the major plant bioactive substances, possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity. However, their dose-response relationship has remained unclear. The present study investigated the dose-response relationship of anthocyanins with oxidative stress and inflammation in subjects with dyslipidemia. DESIGN: and Participants: A total of 169 participants with dyslipidemia were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 43), anthocyanins 40 mg/day (n = 44), 80 mg/day (n = 40), or 320 mg/day (n = 42) groups. Urine 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and serum malonaldehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), UA (uric acid), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at baseline, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Anthocyanin supplementation (320 mg/day) for 6 weeks significantly improved T-SOD versus baseline (P < 0.05). A slight reduction in serum IL-6, TNF-α, and urine 8-iso-PGF2α from the baseline was observed at 12 weeks in the group receiving 40 mg/day anthocyanins. Anthocyanins (80 mg/day) significantly reduced serum IL-6 (-20%), TNF-α (-11%) and urine 8-iso-PGF2α (-27%) versus baseline (P < 0.05). Moreover, 320 mg/day anthocyanin supplementation reduced serum IL-6 (-40%), TNF-α (-21%), MDA (-20%) and urine 8-iso-PGF2α (-37%) and 8-OHdG (-36%) than 80 mg/day and 40 mg/day anthocyanins, P value < 0.05. Anthocyanin supplementation has dose-response relationships with decreased inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and oxidative stress biomarkers 8-iso-PGF2α, 8-OHdG and MDA (P for trend, <0.05). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between the changes in the urine 8-iso-PGF2α , 8-OHdG levels and serum IL-6 levels in subjects from anthocyanin groups after 12 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of anthocyanins for 12 weeks positively improved the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity in a dose-response manner in individuals with dyslipidemia.

Comparative metabolomics analysis of donkey colostrum and mature milk using ultra-high-performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Donkey milk has been widely shown to be an ideal substitute for human milk because of its similar composition. However, alterations to the composition of donkey milk during lactation have not been well studied. In this study, untargeted metabolomics with ultra-high-performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to analyze and compare the metabolites in donkey colostrum (DC) and mature milk (DMM). Two hundred seventy metabolites were characterized in both DC and DMM. Fifty-two of the metabolites in the DC were significantly different from those in the DMM; 8 were downregulated and 44 were upregulated. This demonstrated that the composition of the donkey milk changed with lactation. Additionally, the interactions and metabolic pathways were further analyzed to explore the mechanisms that altered the milk during lactation. Our results provide comprehensive insights into the alterations in donkey milk during lactation. The results will aid in future investigations into the nutrition of donkey milk and provide practical information for the dairy industry.

Cross-cultural validation of the educational needs assessment tool into Chinese for use in severe knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patient education is an integral part of the management of osteoarthritis. The educational needs assessment tool (ENAT) was developed in the UK to help direct needs-based patient education in rheumatic diseases. AIM: The aim of the study was to adapt and validate the ENAT into Chinese, for use in severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: This cross-cultural validation study took two phases: 1) adaptation of the ENAT into Chinese (CENAT) and 2) validation of the CENAT. The Construct validity was determined using factor analysis and criterion-related validity by comparing data from CENAT with data from different self-efficacy scales: patient-physician interactions scale (PEPPI-10), self-efficacy for rehabilitation outcome scale (SER), and the self-efficacy for exercise scale (SEE). RESULTS: The sample comprised 196 patients, with mean age 63.6±8.7 years, disease duration was11.5 years, and 57.1% were female. The CENAT was found to have high internal consistency. The CENAT had weak correlations with the Chinese versions of PEPPI r=0.40, SER r=0.40, and SEE r=0.39. There were no correlations with age r=-0.03 or disease duration r=-0.11. CONCLUSION: The ENAT translated well into Chinese and has evidence of validity in KOA. Future studies will further inform its usefulness in clinics, community, and online settings.

Senp1 drives hypoxia-induced polycythemia via GATA1 and Bcl-xL in subjects with Monge's disease.

In this study, because excessive polycythemia is a predominant trait in some high-altitude dwellers (chronic mountain sickness [CMS] or Monge's disease) but not others living at the same altitude in the Andes, we took advantage of this human experiment of nature and used a combination of induced pluripotent stem cell technology, genomics, and molecular biology in this unique population to understand the molecular basis for hypoxia-induced excessive polycythemia. As compared with sea-level controls and non-CMS subjects who responded to hypoxia by increasing their RBCs modestly or not at all, respectively, CMS cells increased theirs remarkably (up to 60-fold). Although there was a switch from fetal to adult HgbA0 in all populations and a concomitant shift in oxygen binding, we found that CMS cells matured faster and had a higher efficiency and proliferative potential than non-CMS cells. We also established that SENP1 plays a critical role in the differential erythropoietic response of CMS and non-CMS subjects: we can convert the CMS phenotype into that of non-CMS and vice versa by altering SENP1 levels. We also demonstrated that GATA1 is an essential downstream target of SENP1 and that the differential expression and response of GATA1 and Bcl-xL are a key mechanism underlying CMS pathology.

Validation of the Chinese version 10-item Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interactions scale in patients with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the 10-item Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interaction (PEPPI-10) scale in hospitalized patients with severe knee osteoarthritis in the People's Republic of China. METHODS: Between January and March 2015, the Chinese versions of PEPPI, self-efficacy for exercise scale, osteoporosis self-efficacy scale, and modified fall efficacy scale were applied to assess 110 severe knee osteoarthritis patients who were hospitalized in the second ward of the department of arthroplasty surgery of Tianjin Hospital. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the PEPPI-10 scale had a high coefficient of internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient, 0.907). The score of the Chinese version of PEPPI was weakly correlated with the scores of the Chinese versions of self-efficacy for exercise scale, osteoporosis self-efficacy scale, and modified fall efficacy scale. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the PEPPI-10 scale exhibits sufficient internal consistency and convergent validity in hospitalized patients with severe knee osteoarthritis in the People's Republic of China.

The Na+/HCO3- co-transporter is protective during ischemia in astrocytes.

The sodium bicarbonate co-transporter (NBC) is the major bicarbonate-dependent acid-base transporter in mammalian astrocytes and has been implicated in ischemic brain injury. A malfunction of astrocytes could have great impact on the outcome of stroke due to their participation in the formation of blood-brain barrier, synaptic transmission, and electrolyte balance in the human brain. Nevertheless, the role of NBC in the ischemic astrocyte death has not been well understood. In this work, we obtained skin biopsies from healthy human subjects and had their fibroblasts grown in culture and reprogrammed into human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). These hiPSCs were further differentiated into neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) and then into human astrocytes. These astrocytes express GFAP and S100ß and readily propagate calcium waves upon mechanical stimulation. Using pH-sensitive dye BCECF [2',7'-bis-(carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein] and qPCR technique, we have confirmed that these astrocytes express functional NBC including electrogenic NBC (NBCe). In addition, astrocytes exposed to an ischemic solution (IS) that mimics the ischemic penumbral environment enhanced both mRNA and protein expression level of NBCe1 in astrocytes. Using IS and a generic NBC blocker S0859, we have studied the involvement of NBC in IS-induced human astrocytes death. Our results show that a 30µM S0859 induced a 97.5±1.6% (n=10) cell death in IS-treated astrocytes, which is significantly higher than 43.6±4.5%, (n=10) in the control group treated with IS alone. In summary, a NBC blocker exaggerates IS-induced cell death, suggesting that NBC activity is essential for astrocyte survival when exposed to ischemic penumbral environment.

[SEMITENDINOUS AND GRACILIS TRANSFER FOR TREATMENT OF MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY CAUSED BY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of semitendinous and gracilis transfer for the treatment of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury caused by total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Between March 2009 and May 2014, 11 patients (11 knees) with MCL injuries caused by primary TKA were treated by semitendinous and gracilis transfer in primary TKA (injury group). Another 18 patients (21 knees) without MCL injury were included as the control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury sides, disease duration, body mass index, knee varus deformity, and preoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) between 2 groups (P>0.05), with comparability. KSS score was used to evaluate the function after operation. RESULTS: Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients, and no complications of joint instability and pain occurred. The follow-up time was-6-29 months in injury group and was 7-34 months in control group. At last follow-up, the KSS clinical score and ftinctional score were significantly increased to 89.82 +/- 3.76 and 89.54 +/- 3.50 in the injury group (P<0.05) and were significantly increased to 90.19 +/- 3.39 and 90.00 +/- 3.53 in the control group (P<0.05) respectively, but no significant difference was shown between 2 groups (t=0.158, P=0.877; t=0.820, P=0.432). X-ray films showed no prosthetic loosening or subsidence during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The semitendinous and gracilis transfer is reliable for the treatment of MCL injury caused by TKA. The insertions of semitendinous tendon and gracilis are close to that of the knee MCL, which can effectively improve knee function.