Correlation of diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules in conjunction with function training and VAS score after ankle fracture surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules combined with function training on functional recovery and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score after surgery for ankle fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 88 patients with ankle fractures who were surgically treated at our institution between October 2019 and October 2021. The individuals were randomized into experimental and control groups, with 44 patients in each group. Following their hospitalization, all patients had surgical therapy. After surgery, patients in the control group received conventional analgesics together with function training, whereas those in the experimental group received Diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules along with function training. The efficacy of the post-surgical treatment in the two groups was then evaluated using functional recovery and VAS scores. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the VAS score between the two groups before intervention (p>0.05). After treatment, both groups experienced pain relief, with the VAS score of the experimental group being significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). The number of patients in the experimental group who fully and partially complied with the study was 19 and 24, respectively, significantly higher than that of 15 and 20 in the control group. Only 1 patient in the experimental group was non-compliant, compared to 9 in the control group. The total compliance rate in the experimental group was 97.73%, much higher than that of 79.55% in the control group (p<0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the range of active ankle motion between the two groups (p>0.05). After treatment, there was an improvement in the range of active motion of the ankle in patients from both groups. CONCLUSIONS: After ankle fracture surgery, using Diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules in conjunction with function training successfully lowers postoperative pain. It also maintains emotional stability and ensures sleep, factors which are helpful in improving patient compliance to treatment and promoting functional recovery of the ankle. The clinical value of this treatment regimen is certain, and it deserves more widespread application.

How to recognize and respond to monkeypox 2022 outbreak in non-endemic countries: a narrative review.

In May 2022, cases of monkeypox were reported in non-monkeypox endemic countries such as Europe and the United States. As of 26 May, a cumulative total of 257 laboratory-confirmed cases and approximately 120 suspected cases had been reported to WHO from non-monkeypox endemic countries. This event immediately caused great concern and alarm to the WHO and national virologists. This paper aims to summarize the epidemiological and clinical features of previous monkeypox virus infections and the current local outbreaks in non-monkeypox endemic countries and propose countermeasures to control the current localized infections in non-monkeypox endemic areas as soon as possible. We reviewed the literature and websites related to monkeypox. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and African Journals Online using the medical subject terms "monkeypox", "monkeypox virus", "monkeypox outbreak", "non-monkeypox endemic areas", "clinical features", "epidemiology", "transmission", and "infection". We found that monkeypox is a zoonotic disease of forest animals that has occurred mainly in West and Central Africa since the first case was reported in the Congo in 1970, with occasional cases spreading to countries such as the United States and Europe. It is common among students, housekeepers, hunters, farmers and housewives. It is more common in males than females, occurs below middle age, and is more common in children under 10. The incubation period is 5 to 21 days, and the rash usually appears within 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. Clinical manifestations include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain and unusual weakness. Most patients have mild symptoms that last from 2 to 4 weeks. The source of the sudden outbreak in Europe and the United States is currently unknown and occurs mostly in homosexuals who have sex with men (MSM). Outbreaks of monkeypox virus infection in non-monkeypox endemic areas have received widespread attention and focus. We believe that a scientific response to the transmission route of monkeypox virus and, where necessary, vaccination of high-risk groups against the monkeypox smallpox will control infection in non-monkeypox endemic areas.

Ultrasonography in diagnosis and analysis of chronic pain following anterior open inguinal herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain as a complication following inguinal herniorrhaphy has attracted increasing attention in recent years. There is evidence that the chronic pain seriously affects patients' quality of life. However, there are few imaging studies and diagnostic techniques of the chronic pain. The aim of this study is to explore the etiology and to analysis ultrasonographic imaging description of chronic pain following anterior open inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: One hundred fifty two patients with the chronic pain following anterior open inguinal herniorrhaphy were performed by ultrasonography to identify the main causes of postoperative chronic pain. Positive ultrasonic diagnoses were confirmed to be correct by the pain relieved when the patients underwent re-operation and other clinical operations. Positive diagnoses which appeared simultaneously were grouped for pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: Two hundred sixteen positive ultrasonic diagnoses, 12 categories of postoperative chronic pain were found. They were encapsulated effusion, scrotal wall edema, testitis, hydrocele testis, restricted motion of spermatic cord at the reconstructed deep inguinal ring, varicocele, scar sutured into pubic tubercle, shrinking mesh, accumulational mesh or mesh plug, recurrent hernia, cyst of spermatic cord and epididymal cyst. In the pairwise comparison groups, encapsulated effusion with scrotal wall edema, varicocele with restricted motion of spermatic cord at the reconstructed deep inguinal ring, and shrinking mesh with recurrent hernia had significant differences in each intragroup comparisons(P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography provieds important value in the diagnosis of chronic pain following anterior open inguinal herniorrhaphy. Some positive diagnoses occur simultaneously, which is necessary for doctors to consider comprehensively.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Affected by Promoter Hypermethylation Induces Aberrant Gli2 Expression in Spina Bifida.

GLI2 is a key mediator of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway and plays an important role in neural tube development during vertebrate embryogenesis; however, the role of gli2 in human folate-related neural tube defects remains unclear. In this study, we compared methylation status and polymorphisms of gli2 between spina bifida patients and a control group to explore the underlying mechanisms related to folate deficiency in spina bifida. No single nucleotide polymorphism was found to be significantly different between the two groups, although gli2 methylation levels were significantly increased in spina bifida samples, accompanied by aberrant GLI2 expression. Moreover, a prominent negative correlation was found between the folate level in brain tissue and the gli2 methylation status (r = -0.41, P = 0.014), and gli2 hypermethylation increased the risk of spina bifida with an odds ratio of 12.45 (95 % confidence interval: 2.71-57.22, P = 0.001). In addition, we established a cell model to illustrate the effect of gli2 expression and the accessibility of chromatin affected by methylation. High gli2 and gli1 mRNA expression was detected in 5-Aza-treated cells, while gli2 hypermethylation resulted in chromatin inaccessibility and a reduced association with nuclear proteins containing transcriptional factors. More meaningful to the pathway, the effect gene of the Shh pathway, gli1, was found to have a reduced level of expression along with a decreased expression of gli2 in our cell model. Aberrant high methylation resulted in the low expression of gli2 in spina bifida, which was affected by the change in chromatin status and the capacity of transcription factor binding.

Connexin43 hemichannels mediate small molecule exchange between chondrocytes and matrix in biomechanically-stimulated temporomandibular joint cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: Connexin (Cx) 43 hemichannels play a role in mechanotransduction. This study was undertaken in order to determine if Cx43 hemichannels were activated in rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) chondrocytes under mechanical stimulation. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were stimulated dental-mechanically. Cx43 expression in rat TMJ cartilage was determined with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, and Cx43 hemichannel opening was evaluated by the extra- and intracellular levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Both primary rat chondrocytes and ATDC5 cells were treated with fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) to induce hemichannel opening. The Cx43 expression level was then determined by real-time PCR or Western blotting, and the extent of Cx43 hemichannel opening was evaluated by measuring both PGE2 release and cellular dye uptake. RESULTS: Cx43 expression and intra- and extracellular PGE2 levels were increased in mechanically-stimulated rat TMJ cartilage compared to the unstimulated control. The FFSS treatment increased Cx43 expression and induced Cx43 hemichannel opening in primary rat chondrocytes and ATDC5 cells indicated by enhanced PGE2 release and dye uptake. Furthermore, the Cx43 hemichannel opening could be blocked by the addition of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid, a Cx channel inhibitor, Cx43-targeting siRNA, or by withdrawal of FFSS stimulation. The migration of cytosolic Cx43 protein to the plasma membrane in ATDC5 cells was still significant after 8 h post 2-h FFSS treatment, and the Cx43 protein level was still high at 48 h, which returned to control levels at 72 h after treatment. CONCLUSION: Cx43 hemichannels are activated and mediate small molecule exchange between TMJ chondrocytes and matrix under mechanical stimulation.

Fine structure analysis and sintering properties of Si-doped hydroxyapatite.

Si-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) has been intensively investigated as a promising bone biomaterial because of the biomineralization and bone formation benefit from silicon addition. In the current work, Si-HA samples were synthesized by the aqueous precipitation method. The sintering property of Si-HA was studied in terms of phase composition and transition, which was influenced by the Si doping percentage and sintering temperature. The results indicate that all the as-prepared and sintered low Si doping samples (Si% ≤ 1.6 wt%) possess HA phases; while the high Si doping samples (Si% ≥ 2 wt%) present amorphous phases as prepared, and largely or even completely transform to ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) phase after sintering at 1250 °C. The Rietveld refinement on x-ray diffraction patterns was conducted to determine the particle sizes, microstrain factors and anisotropic distributions. According to the refined results, the calculated anisotropic particle sizes correspond to the observations made by transmission electron microscopy. The microstrains also present anisotropic distributions in all refinements. The accurate variation in the fine structure of Si-HA has been studied by the improved refinements after considering the anisotropic distribution.

Biomimetic fibronectin/mineral and osteogenic growth peptide/mineral composites synthesized on calcium phosphate thin films.

Composites of fibronectin/mineral and osteogenic growth peptide/mineral were synthesized on calcium phosphate coated substrates immersed in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline solution containing biomolecules. The kinetics of coprecipitation for two biomolecules was similar, and the biomolecules participated in the formation of the crystal latticework and influenced the mineral structure and composition.

Novel calcium silicate/calcium phosphate composites for potential applications as injectable bone cements.

Novel bone cements were developed by using a mixture of calcium silicate and calcium phosphate powder as the solid phase, and a solution of chitosan, sodium phosphate and methylcellulose as the liquid phase. Some characteristics and main parameters of the cements, such as setting time, rheological characteristics and morphology of the composites, were investigated. Range of the setting times is from 10 min to 18 min, which indicates that they are easy to operate in practical applications. As incubated in simulated body fluid, they were degradable and led to the formation of hydroxyapatite. Rheological results further suggest that the composites are injectable.

Levo-praziquantel versus praziquantel in experimental and clinical treatment of schistosomiasis japonica.

Levo-praziquantel is the left isomer of racemic praziquantel. Animal experiments showed that it is an active component of schistosomicidal activity, while dextro-praziquantel is almost ineffective. Clinical trials in three endemic areas of Schistosomiasis japonica indicated that the therapeutic efficacy of levo-praziquantel is superior to racemic praziquantel. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activities of the stereoselectivity of praziquantel isomers (enantiomers) are discussed.

[Effect of Schistosoma japonicum infection on liver drug-metabolizing enzymes of mice].

In this paper, the effect of Schistosoma japonicum infection on liver drug-metabolizing enzymes of mice was studied. The prolongation of hypnosis duration of sodium pentobarbital in vivo and the inhibition of liver aniline hydroxylase (AH), aminopyrine N-demethylase (APD) as well as cytochrome P-450 (Cyt P-450) in vitro were observed in mice infected with 20, 40 and 60 cercariae of S. japonicum after 6 weeks. Meanwhile, with 30 cercariae infection, no significant inhibition of the activity of AH, APD and Cyt P-450 was observed in mice 4 weeks after infection, but significant inhibition of these enzymes was shown by 8 weeks. As compared with control, the activity of AH, APD and Cyt P-450 decreased to 32.6%, 13.7% and 7.7% at 8 weeks. The results indicate that infection of S. japonicum can inhibit the liver drug-metabolizing capacity of mice, and the degree of inhibition depends on the infectivity and the duration of infection.

[Determination of the optical purity of praziquanamine by reversed phase HPLC after derivatization with GITC].

The enantiomers of praziquanamine were separated by reversed phase HPLC after derivatization with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylisothiocyanate (GITC). The determination of the optical purity of praziquanamine was successfully achieved. This method was applied to the determination of the optical purity of d- and l-praziquanamines.

[Study on toxicology of a new anthelmintic "85012"].

"85012", a new anthelmintic containing amidine synthesized in our laboratory, was experimentally effective against Nippostrongylus braziliensis and Ancylostoma caninum. In acute and subacute toxicity test, it was proved lowly toxic. There was no evidence that the drug induced any damages to main organs and tissues of animals. In order to evaluate its potential mutagenicity and teratogenicity, micronucleus test, bone marrow metaphase analysis, CHL cells chromosomal aberration assay, spermatic aberration test as well as teratogenicity test were performed. No mutagenic and teratogenic effects were observed.

Analysis of rubella virus E1 glycosylation mutants expressed in COS cells.

cDNA clones encoding the envelope glycoprotein E1 of rubella virus (RV) were altered by site-directed mutagenesis at consensus sites for addition of N-linked glycans. The resulting plasmids were introduced into COS cells and the mutant E1 proteins were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence, radioimmunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. We found that RV E1 contains three N-linked oligosaccharides, each approximately 2 kDa in size. Although lack of glycosylation did not appear to affect targeting of E1 to the Golgi region, mutants lacking N-linked glycans at Asn 177 and Asn 209 failed to bind anti-E1 antibodies under nonreducing conditions. Our results suggest that glycosylation may be important for expression of important immunologic epitopes on RV E1.

[The stereoselective binding of praziquantel enantiomers to plasma proteins].

The stereoselective binding of praziquantel (PQT) enantiomers to plasma proteins was studied by equilibrium dialysis. The binding of (+/-)-PQT and its enantiomers to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rabbit plasma was unsaturable when initial drug concentrations from 1 to 32 mumol/L were used. The binding capacity (nK) of (+/-)-PQT to BSA (1.47 or 5.88 x 10(-4) mol/L) was greater than that of (-)-PQT with a (+)-/(-)-PQT ratio of 1.25 or 1.26, respectively. However, the preferential binding of (-)-PQT to rabbit plasma was found to be 73.7 +/- 4.4% for (-)-isomer and 58.3 +/- 10.1% for (+)-isomer (n = 8, P less than 0.05). The binding of (+)- and (-)-PQT to human plasma was 81.9 +/- 4.2% and 83.2 +/- 6.9% (n = 10, P greater than 0.05) respectively, which seems to be not stereoselective. These results indicate that there are species differences in the stereoselective binding of PQT enantiomers to plasma proteins.

[The liver first pass effects and bile concentrations of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-praziquantel in rabbits].

Praziquantel (PQT) is a racemic mixture. Intragastric gavage of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-PQT 100 mg/kg were used to study the liver first pass effects in rabbits. HPLC was used to determine the concentration of each compound in the portal and systemic circulation, and in the bile within 4h. The results showed that all drugs were absorbed rapidly from the gut into the portal vein. The serum concentration in the portal vein were similar. However, over 90% of PQT and its enantiomers were extracted in the first passage through the liver. Intrinsic metabolic clearances of the liver of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-PQT were 50.3, 174.4 and 52.6 L/h, respectively. The serum concentrations of the three drugs markedly decreased in the systemic circulation, especially that of (+)-PQT. The AUC of (+)-PQT was apparently lower than that of (-)- or (+/-)-PQT. From these results, it is assumed that the first pass effects of PQT and its enantiomers in the liver are pronounced and most likely stereoselective. Also, unchanged PQT and its enantiomers were found in the bile of the rabbits.

Isoenzymes of phenol oxidase in adult female Schistosoma japonicum.

Isoelectric focusing was used to study the phenol oxidase isozymes in adult female worms of Schistosoma japonicum. More than one form of phenol oxidase has been demonstrated in extracts of female worms when incubated with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), catechol or cresol as substrates. DOPA is the best substrate among all of them. The 5-6 bands of phenol oxidase exhibit pI values in the range of 6.0-7.5, the major band is at pI 6.0.

Microbore packed-column anion-exchange liquid chromatography of nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides.

Low-capacity anion-exchange resin was packed into a 45 cm X 0.19 mm I.D. fused-silica tubing and applied to micro-column liquid chromatography of nucleobases, nucleosides and isomers of nucleotides. The effects of the chromatographic conditions on the elution behaviour of these compounds were studied. The efficiency of the microbore packed column was comparable with that of the conventional size column.