First-principles study of the structures and superconductivity of H-S-La systems under high pressure.

Recent experimental and theoretical studies have shown that a La-H system displays remarkable superconducting properties, and it is also possible to improve the superconducting state by introducing other elements into this system. In this study, we systematically investigated the crystal structures and physical properties of an H-S-La system by using first-principles calculations combined with the CALYPSO structure exploration technique. We predicted four stable stoichiometries containing H2SLa, H3SLa, H4Sla, and H6SLa. These compounds undergo a series of phase transitions under 50-300 GPa. The bonding characters and electronic properties were calculated. It was found that Cm-H2SLa, C2/c-H2SLa, and Cmcm-H6SLa exhibit good metallic nature, which stimulates us to further study their superconducting properties. The calculated superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) of Cm-H2SLa, C2/c-H2Sla, and Cmcm-H6SLa are 15.0 K at 200 GPa, 6.9 K at 300 GPa, and 23.6 K at 300 GPa, respectively.

[Early results of left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure].

Twenty-four male patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation due to advanced heart failure in Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively included. The age of patients was 32-61 (48.4±8.4) years. Everheat-Ⅰ, HeartCon and Corheart 6 left ventricular assist systems were used in 10, 6 and 8 cases, respectively. All patients were discharged successfully without mechanical failure, thrombosis or secondary thoracotomy for hemostasis. Early postoperative hemodynamics were significantly improved, left ventricular systolic diameter was reduced, left ventricular ejection fraction was gradually improved, and no hemolysis occurred. The patients were followed up for 3 to 39 (17.9±8.6) months, the cardiac function was restored to grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ, and the 6-minute walking test distance increased significantly. Therefore, satisfactory early results can be achieved with left ventricular assist device implantation for the treatment of heart failure.

[Application and value of intravascular ultrasound for excimer laser ablation combined with drug-coated balloon in the treatment of lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans].

Objective: To examine the value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for excimer laser ablation (ELA) combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) in treating lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans (ASO). Methods: As a prospective case series study, patients who underwent ELA combined with DCB for lower limb ASO with the guidance of IVUS from September 2021 to March 2022 at Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were enrolled prospectively. Lesion characteristics, procedure-related outcomes and complications were collected. The therapy outcomes were compared with baseline data by paired t test. Results: There were 8 males and 2 females, aged (72.0±5.9) years (range: 61 to 81 years). Of all the 11 lesions, there were 8 lesions in superficial femoral artery and 3 in popliteal artery. The lesion length was (7.0±2.4) cm (range: 3.2 to 9.8 cm). There were 4 chronic totally occlusion and 7 severe stenosis. All patients underwent the operation successfully. The technical success rate was 10/11. Bailout stenting was performed in one lesion because of flow-limiting dissection. Four lesions were grade 3 to 4 in peripheral artery calcium score system, and 9 lesions with calcification arc≥180°. Larger diameter drug-coated balloons were selected in 5 lesions after measurement of intravascular ultrasound. The follow-up time was (6.0±1.9) months (range: 3 to 9 months). The ankle-brachial index of the patient was significantly improved immediately after surgery (0.97±0.13 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.60, P<0.01) and at 3 months after surgery (0.95±0.12 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.17, P<0.01). The 3-month primary patency rate was 11/11, the target lesion reintervention was 0 and ulcer healing rate was 3/4. Conclusion: IVUS assisted ELA in the treatment of lower limb artery lesions is safe and effective in early stage.

[Application value of excimer laser ablation combined with drug-coated balloon in non-stent atherosclerotic lesions of lower extremity arteries].

Objective: To examine the effect of excimer laser ablation (ELA) combining with drug-coated balloon (DCB) for atherosclerotic lesions in no-stenting zones (NSZ) of the lower extremity. Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, 46 patients who underwent ELA combining with DCB in lesions of NSZ at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively enrolled, including 29 males and 17 females. The age was (72.5±11.7) years (range: 42 to 93 years). Among them, 44 lesions (95.7%, 44/46) were in popliteal artery and 2 lesions (4.3%, 2/46) were in common femoral artery. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) was observed in 31 patients (76.4%, 31/46), and stenotic lesions were observed in 15 patients (32.6%, 15/46). The length of lesions was (7.3±2.7) cm (range: 3.0 to 13.2 cm). Patients were followed at 6, 12 months after surgery and every year thereafter, and they underwent Doppler and CT angiography examination at each follow-up point. The primary endpoint was primary patency. The secondary endpoints included major amputation-free survival (MAFS) rate, technical success, bailout stent, ankle-brachial index (ABI), target lesion reintervention (TLR). Student t test was applied to compare the difference between ABI of 6 or 12 months after surgery and the baseline. Primary patency, freedom from TLR, and MAFS rate were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The technical success rate was 91.3% (42/46). The rate of procedure-related complication was 6.5% (3/46), and all the complications were distal embolization. The rate of flow-limiting dissection was 8.7% (4/46). ABI was significantly increased at 6 and 12 months compared to preoperatively (0.90±0.10 vs. 0.42±0.10, t=-4.48, P<0.01; 0.87±0.12 vs. 0.42±0.10, t=-5.21, P<0.01). The follow-up time[M(IQR)] was 22.5 (8.8) months (range: 6 to 32 months). TLR was performed in 4 patients (4/46, 8.7%). The 2-year primary patency was 86.2% (95%CI: 71.8% to 93.5%). The 2-year freedom from TLR and MAFS rate were 90.7% (95%CI: 77.0% to 96.4%) and 97.8% (95%CI: 85.6% to 99.7%), respectively. Conclusion: ELA combining with DCB can be applied to treat atherosclerotic lesions in NSZ.

Differential regulation of STP, LTP and LTD by structurally diverse NMDA receptor subunit-specific positive allosteric modulators.

Different types of memory are thought to rely on different types of synaptic plasticity, many of which depend on the activation of the N-Methyl-D Aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in the possibility of using positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) as cognitive enhancers. Here we firstly review the evidence that NMDA receptor-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity: short-term potentiation (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) can be pharmacologically differentiated by using NMDAR ligands. These observations suggest that PAMs of NMDAR function, depending on their subtype selectivity, might differentially regulate STP, LTP and LTD. To test this hypothesis, we secondly performed experiments in rodent hippocampal slices with UBP714 (a GluN2A/2B preferring PAM), CIQ (a GluN2C/D selective PAM) and UBP709 (a pan-PAM that potentiates all GluN2 subunits). We report here, for the first time, that: (i) UBP714 potentiates sub-maximal LTP and reduces LTD; (ii) CIQ potentiates STP without affecting LTP; (iii) UBP709 enhances LTD and decreases LTP. We conclude that PAMs can differentially regulate distinct forms of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity due to their subtype selectivity.

Nonequilibrium pattern formation in circularly confined two-dimensional systems with competing interactions.

We numerically investigate the nonequilibrium behaviors of classic particles with competing interactions confined in a two-dimensional logarithmic trap. We reveal a quench-induced surprising dynamics exhibiting rich dynamic patterns depending upon confinement strength and trap size, which is attributed to the time-dependent competition between interparticle repulsions and attractions under a circular confinement. Moreover, in the collectively diffusive motions of the particles, we find that the emergence of dynamic structure transformation coincides with a diffusive mode transition from superdiffusion to subdiffusion. These findings are likely useful in understanding the pattern selection and evolution in various chemical and biological systems in addition to modulated systems, and add a new route to tailoring the morphology of pattern-forming systems.

Pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. / Entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico en el tratamiento del prolapso de órganos pélvicos: un metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the overall effect of pelvic muscle training (PFMT) on patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) based on eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT). METHODS: We searched the following databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, to identify eligible RCT based on the index words updated to December 2018. We also searched the publications related to the present study. Odds rations (OR), and mean difference (MD) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to analyze the main outcomes. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, 15 RCTs were included with a total of 1309 patients in the PFMT group and a total of 1275 patients in the control group. The overall results showed no significant difference in the incidence of add 2 POP-Q stages (RR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.19-1.63), add 1 POP-Q stages (RR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.69-1.57), no POP-Q stages change (RR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.81-1.09), reduce 2 POP-Q stages (RR: 1.72, 95%CI: 0.79-3.76), self-reported same symptom change (RR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.45-1.09), and self-reported worse symptom change (RR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.22-2.03) between the 2groups. Besides, the incidence of reduce 1 POP-Q stages was significantly higher in the PFMT group than that of the control group (RR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.20-2.69), and the PFMT significantly changed the self-reported symptoms with better outcomes when compared with the control group (RR: 2.90, 95%CI: 1.72-4.89). However, after the therapy, the PFMT group decreased the POP-SS (SMD: -0.24, 95%CI: -0.71-0.22), POPDI-6 (SMD: -0.14, 95%CI: -0.43-0.15), CRADI-8 (SMD: -0.03, 95%CI: -0.16-0.11), and UDI-6 (SMD: -0.17, 95%CI: -0.43-0.10) versus the control group, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PMFT showed better effect in reducing 1 POP-Q stages, changing the self-reported symptoms with better outcomes, decreasing the score of POP-SS, POPDI-6, CRADI-8, and UDI-6 in women with POP versus the control group. However, more high-quality multicenter RCTs with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present conclusions.

MiR-543 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cells by targeting PLAS3.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a very high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Related studies have shown that microRNA-543 (miR-543) is involved in the development of many cancers, including CRC. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanism of miR-543's involvement in the development of CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: QRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of proliferation and migration-related proteins, signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3 and protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 (PIAS3). Cell proliferation and metastasis were measured by MTT, transwell and Western blot. The binding sites of miR-543 and PIAS3 were predicted by TargetScan database and verified by double-luciferase report experiment. RESULTS: The expression of miR-543 was high in CRC tissues and cell lines, while the mRNA and protein levels of PIAS3 were decreased. Meanwhile, a negative correlation between miR-543 and PIAS3 was also observed in CRC tissues. Moreover, the downregulation of miR-543 led to the inhibition of viability and the expression of proliferation and migration related proteins. Subsequently, miR-543 depletion also blocked cell migration and invasion. MiR-543 inhibits the expression of PISA3. Furthermore, downregulation of PIAS3 undermined the miR-543 depletion-mediated suppression effect on SW480 and LOVO cells. Notably, loss of miR-543 downregulated STAT3 activity, which was rescued by PIAS3 ablation. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-543 participated in cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting PIAS3 in CRC.

Prediction of malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma transformation by preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative prediction of the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is essential for radical resection of tumours and prevention of recurrence. We here explored the predictive value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on 268 patients with SNIP with (n = 78) or without (n = 190) coexistent malignant transformation. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis method to screen for independent risk factors, and established a nomogram model. Finally, using receiver operating characteristic curves, we assessed the diagnostic value of the independent risk factors for malignant transformation of SNIP. RESULTS: We identified bone erosion on CT, change in convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP) on MRI, and washout-type time intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI were independent predictors of malignant transformation of SNIP. The scores of these three independent risk factors from the nomogram model were 10, 7 and 8, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting SNIP malignancy was 0.954 for the nomogram model, 0.826 for bone erosion, 0.776 for washout-type TIC, and 0.810 for CCP mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Of the independent risk factors and related combination identified, the nomogram model based on bone destruction on CT, CCP mutation on MRI, and washout-type TIC of DCE-MRI had the best predictive value for malignant transformation of SNIP.

Melatonin reduces OGD/R-induced neuron injury by regulating redox/inflammation/apoptosis signaling.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of melatonin in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-insulted SH SY5Y cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SH SY5Y cells were cultured for OGD/R stimulation. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Hoechst 33258/propidium iodide (PI) staining assays. The mRNA levels of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed by quantitative Real Time-PCR assays. Nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed by Griess reagent. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescent probe. Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were examined by commercial kits. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity. The protein levels were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Melatonin enhanced the viability and reduced the death and LDH release of OGD/R exposed SH SY5Y cells. Melatonin repressed the HMGB1, TNF-α, and iNOS mRNA expression, NO production, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation in OGD/R challenged SH SY5Y cells. Melatonin reduced the ROS, MDA, 4-HNE, and 8-OHdG contents but further enhanced the levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1). Melatonin-increased viability and melatonin-decreased LDH release were also mediated by the blockage of NF-κB or reversed by Nrf2 or HO-1 knockdown. Melatonin exerted antiapoptotic effect on OGD/R treated SH SY5Y cells partly by activating Akt signaling. OGD/R challenged SH SY5Y cell autophagy was also repressed by melatonin, as evidenced by the decreased levels of LC-II and beclin-1 and the increased phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP-1). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin protected SH SY5Y cells from OGD/R induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy by blocking NF-κB signaling and activating Nrf2/HO-1, Akt, and mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP-1 pathways, thereby indicating that melatonin is a potential and novel therapeutic drug for ischemic stroke.

Structural transitions for 2D systems with competing interactions in logarithmic traps.

We propose a confinement model and study numerically the structural properties of particles with competing interactions in logarithmic traps (i.e., the confinement potential is a logarithmic function). A rich variety of cluster structures are observed as a function of trap steepness, trap size, and particle density. In addition to the consistent results with previous studies for a harmonic confinement, we observe some new stable structures, including a hybrid cluster structure consisting of clumps surrounded by a circular stripe, parallel stripes, or homogeneous voids surrounded by a ringlike arrangement of clumps, and a gear-like cluster with fringed outer rims evenly arranged along the circumference. Our work reveals that such self-organized structures arise due to the radial density reconfiguration in a finite confined system corresponding to the unconstrained systems, which is controlled by the interplay between the long-range repulsions and the attractions to the minimum of the confinement potential. Such results are likely relevant in understanding the structural properties of confined mermaid systems.

Pathological changes from the originating to the peripheral sites of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma are the underlying mechanisms of preoperative MRI-tumor origin prediction.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP)-based reverse tracing method in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable tool in predicting originating site of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). This study aimed to determine the underlying pathological mechanism of the preoperative MRI-CCP reverse tracing method by assessing the histopathological changes from the origin to the peripheral sites of SNIP. METHODOLOGY: The originating site of SNIP was predicted by preoperative MRI in 30 consecutive patients suspected to have primary SNIP. Samples of SNIP originating and peripheral sites were processed by pathological staining for evaluation of stroma score, micro-vessel density (MVD), and tight junction proteins (claudin-5, zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin) expression. RESULTS: The originating site of SNIP was accurately predicted by preoperative MRI in all patients. Stroma scores, and MVD were significantly greater in the periphery of SNIP than in the originating site. In contrast, Claudin-5 expression in micro-vessels was greater at the originating site than the periphery. CONCLUSIONS: More edematous stroma and intensive micro-vessels with defective tight junction in periphery of SNIP result in more contrast agent diffusing and CCP that can only be observed at the periphery of SNIP on T2 and contrast-enhanced T1 weighted MR images, which may be the mechanisms underlying the CCP reverse tracing method.

[HIV and syphilis infection and related medical treatment status of low-fee female sex workers in three provinces of China, 2012-2015].

Objective: To understand the HIV and syphilis infection and related treatment status of low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) in 3 provinces of China. Methods: Four cross-sectional survey data of low-fee FSWs from six cities (counties) in Guangxi, Yunnan and Hunan Province between October 2012 and July 2015 were obtained from the national science and technology major special project intervention study for reducing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in low-fee FSWs' database, which included social demographic characteristics, sexual service characteristics and related medical care seeking behaviors, etc. A total of 2 050 subjects were included in the database. Results: The age of the subjects was (35.16±9.76) years old, with a minimum age of 15 and a maximum age of 67. Those who use condoms every time in commercial sex accounted for 58.9% (n=1 206). Among the reasons of not using condom, the proportion of client reluctant to use was the highest (81.0% (n=682)). Only 38.1% (n=782) was tested for HIV in the last six months. HIV confirmed positive rate was 6.8% (n=139), previous positive accounts for 76.3% (n=106). Rate of antiviral therapy was 55.4% (n=77). By the end of 2015, the loss rate of antivirus treatment was 18.2% (n=14). Those who self-reported symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in the last 6 months accounted for 9.4% (n=191). 50.3% (n=96) of reporters chose to go to formal hospitals, 23.0% (n=44) chose to go to private clinics and 20.4% (n=39) chose their own medication. The syphilis infection rate was 13.5% (n=277), among them, 91.3% (n=253) were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Among low-fee FSWs, the rates of HIV and syphilis infection are higher, the condom consistent use rate, HIV antibodies and syphilis test rate are lower. In this group, active seeking medical idea is poor, the rate of anti-virus treatment and the rate of seeking medical treatment in formal medical institutions is low.

Delayed cerebellar infarction after a slight electric injury.

Electrical injury causes direct damage to nerves. It may manifest as peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord damage, cerebellar ataxia, hypoxic encephalopathy, or intracerebral hemorrhage. Various factors determine the severity of electric injury, including type of current, amperage, voltage, tissue resistance, pathway of the current, and duration of contact with the body. However, the severity of the electrical injury is not proportional to the source voltage, visible burns, loss of consciousness, or neuroimaging findings. While most neurologic aftereffects due to electric injuries are immediate and transient, delayed and permanent manifestations are also known. We report a case of a middle-aged man who accidentally sustained cerebellar infarction without burns, which occurred 4 days after a slight electrical injury. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed an acute infarct in the bilateral cerebellar and left occipital regions. The exact mechanism of the delayed cerebellar infarction after a slight electric injury still remains unknown. The initial electrical injury might result in a transient neurapraxia-like situation, but progressive cellular damage and death accounts for the evolution of delayed-onset symptoms. We learned from this case that we should not underestimate any potential risk of electrical injury; continuous observation should be made in case of subsequent neurologic dysfunction.

A novel electrolyte additive for improving the interfacial stability of LiMn2O4 cathode lithium-ion batteries at elevated temperature.

Methanesulfonic acid 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl (TFPMS) is newly explored as a protection additive to improve the interfacial stability of LiMn2O4 cathode/electrolyte at an elevated temperature. At 1C rate, the addition of 0.5 vol% TFPMS improves the capacity retention of an LiMn2O4/Li cell from 56.9% to 72.9% after 200 cycles at 55 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results suggest that the electrolyte with 0.5 vol% TFPMS forms a thinner and less resistive interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the addition of TFPMS restrains the formation of LiF and Li2CO3. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis confirms the effectiveness of TFPMS-enhanced structural stability of LiMn2O4.

[Clinical observation of saccharomyces boulardii combined with cetirizine hydrochloride in children allergic rhinitis].

Objective:To study the treatment efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii combined with Cetirizine Hydrochloride of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and the influence of IFN-γ and interleukin-4 (IL-4) Level in serum.Method:Ninty cases of children were randomly divided into observation group and control group (both n=45).The control group with levocetirizine hydrochloride drops, 5 mL/time for 2-6 years old, 10 mL/time for >6 years old , qd oral. Group based on the combination of Saccharomyces boulardi, 0.25 g/time for <3 years old, qd, > 3 years old, 0.25 g, bid. Four weeks for a course of treatment, and set 30 cases for the health group.Result:The level of serum IFN-γ was significantly lower in the two groups than in the healthy group (P < 0.01), while the level of IL-4 was significantly higher than that of the healthy group (P < 0.01). After treatment, the levels of IFN-γ of both groups were up-regulated And the level of IL-4 were down-regulated , but the effect of the treatment group was more obvious (P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 91.11% in the observation group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (68.89%,χ2=6.94, P < 0.01). After treatment, the symptom scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment, but the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion:The combination of Saccharomyces boulardi and levocetirine hydrochloride in the treatment of children with AR has obvious clinical efficacy, and its mechanism may be related to the correction of interferon IFN-γ and IL-4.

Basolateral amygdalar D2 receptor activation is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine conditioning.

The presence of companions renders decreases in cocaine-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) magnitude. Limbic systems are widely believed to underlie the modulation of accumbal dopamine release and cocaine conditioning. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether intact basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA), dorsal hippocampus (DH), and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Three cage mates, serving as companions, were arranged to house with the experimental mice in the cocaine conditioning compartment throughout the cocaine conditioning sessions. Approximately 1week before the conditioning procedure, intracranial ibotenic acid infusions were done in an attempt to cause excitotoxic lesions targeting bilateral BLA, DH and DLS. Albeit their BLA, DH, and DLS lesions, the lesioned mice exhibited comparable cocaine-induced CPP magnitudes compared to the intact and sham lesion controls. Bilateral BLA, but not DH or DLS, lesions abolished the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Intact mice receiving intra-BLA infusion of raclopride, a selective D2 antagonist, 30min prior to the cocaine conditioning did not exhibit the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Intra-BLA infusion of Sch23390, a selective D1 antagonist, did not affect the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the CPP. These results, taken together, prompt us to conclude that the intactness of BLA is required for the companions-exerted suppressive effect on the cocaine-induced CPP. Importantly, activation of D2 receptor in the BLA is required for such suppressive effect on the CPP.

Familiar companions diminish cocaine conditioning and attenuate cocaine-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

This study aimed to assess the impact of companions on the rewarding effects of cocaine. Three cage mates, serving as companions, were housed with each experimental mouse throughout cocaine-place conditioning in a cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm using conditioning doses of 10 and 20mg/kg. The presence of companions decreased the magnitude of the CPP. At 20mg/kg, cocaine stimulated dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens as evidenced by a significant decrease in total (spontaneous and electrical stimulation-provoked) DA release in accumbal superfusate samples. The presence of companions prevented this cocaine-stimulated DA release; such a reduction in cocaine-induced DA release may account for the reduction in the magnitude of the CPP in the presence of the companions. Furthermore, cocaine pretreatment (2.5mg/kg) was found to prevent the companion-produced decreases in cocaine (10mg/kg/conditioning)-induced CPP as well as the cocaine (10mg/kg)-stimulated DA release. Moreover, the presence of methamphetamine (MA) (1mg/kg)-treated companions decreased cocaine (20mg/kg/conditioning)-induced CPP and prevented the cocaine (20mg/kg)-stimulated DA release. Finally, the presence of companions decreased the magnitude of the CPP could not seem to be accounted for by cocaine-stimulated corticosterone (CORT) release. Taken together, these results indicate that familiar companions, regardless of their pharmacological status, may exert dampening effects on CPP induced by moderate to high conditioning doses of cocaine, at least in part, by preventing cocaine-stimulated DA release in the nucleus accumbens.

The minimum effective concentration (MEC90 ) of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum effective concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Fifty-one patients undergoing arm surgery received double-injection ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using ropivacaine 40 ml. The concentration of ropivacaine administered to each patient started at 0.225% and then depended on the response of the previous one, based on a biased coin design up-and-down sequential method. In case of failure, the ropivacaine concentration was increased by 0.025% w/v in the next subject. In the case of a successful block, the next patient was randomised to the same concentration or a concentration 0.025% w/v less. Success was defined as complete sensory blockade of the brachial plexus 30 min after the block together with pain-free surgery. The minimum effective ropivacaine concentration in 90% of subjects was 0.257% w/v (95% CI 0.241-0.280%).

Cell therapy for bone nonunion: a retrospective study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to report our experience in augmenting nonunion both with bone marrow mononuclear cells/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and conventional surgical approaches; and for clinical applications, a simple, safe, and reproducible method to effectively treat bone mass loss disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on stem cell-treated bone nonunion patients from October 1, 2007 to October 1, 2009. Nine patients were categorized into two groups: group 1 consists of 3 patients who received autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells transplantation; group 2 consists of 6 patients who received umbilical cord MSCs (hUC-MSCs) transplantation. All patients accepted conventional surgical treatment and X-ray supervised at 3, 6, and 12 months or so after transplantation, while T cells' subtype was analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 36 months through recheck Out-patient Department and X-ray examination to observe the fracture healing. The mean time for clinical healing was comparable in both groups. The mean time of fracture lines blurred partly, continuous bone callus formation, marrow flow was 3.5M, 6.2M, and 9.1M, respectively, in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) treatment group. The compared healing times were 3.8 M, 7.1M and 10.6 months in autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells transplantation, respectively. The serum levels of CD4, CD56, and HLA-DR in hUC-MSCs graft group were negative, while the serum level of CD8 was 7.8% positive. Clearly, there was no significant difference in the percent of T subsets between the 2 groups of T cells' subtype. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients treated by allograft-augmentation had no complications, reduced treatment- dissatisfaction. The use of hUC-MSCs should be offered to suitable patients in the preoperative consultation as a valuable alternative for autologous grafting and larger clinical trials should be considered in the future.