Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in adult patients receiving gastrectomy/colorectal resection: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and provides analgesia after major abdominal surgery. The effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) remain unclear. AIM: To explore the potential effects of TEAS on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrectomy and colorectal resection. METHODS: Patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colorectal resection were randomized at a 2:3:3:2 ratio to receive: (1) TEAS at maximum tolerable current for 30 min immediately prior to anesthesia induction and for the entire duration of surgery, plus two 30-min daily sessions for 3 consecutive days after surgery (perioperative TEAS group); (2) Preoperative and intraoperative TEAS only; (3) Preoperative and postoperative TEAS only; or (4) Sham stimulation. The primary outcome was the time from the end of surgery to the first bowel sound. RESULTS: In total, 441 patients were randomized; 405 patients (58.4 ± 10.2 years of age; 247 males) received the planned surgery. The time to the first bowel sounds did not differ among the four groups (P = 0.90; log-rank test). On postoperative day 1, the rest pain scores differed significantly among the four groups (P = 0.04; Kruskal-Wallis test). Post hoc comparison using the Bonferroni test showed lower pain scores in the perioperative TEAS group (1.4 ± 1.2) than in the sham stimulation group (1.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.04). Surgical complications did not differ among the four groups. CONCLUSION: TEAS provided analgesic effects in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, and it can be added to clinical practice as a means of accelerating postoperative rehabilitation of these patients.

Dual Recycling of Depolymerization Catalyst and Biodegradable Polyester that Markedly Outperforms Polyolefins.

Chemically recyclable, circular polymers continue to attract increasing attention, but rendering both catalysts for depolymerization and high-performance polymers recyclable is a more sustainable yet challenging goal. Here we introduce a dual catalyst/polymer recycling system in that recyclable inorganic phosphomolybdic acid catalyzes selective depolymerization of high-ceiling-temperature biodegradable poly(δ-valerolactone) in bulk phase, which, upon reaching suitable molecular weight, exhibits outstanding mechanical performance with a high tensile strength of ≈66.6 MPa, fracture strain of ≈904 %, and toughness of ≈308 MJ m-3 , and thus markedly outperforms commodity polyolefins, recovering its monomer in pure state and quantitative yield at only 100 °C. In sharp contrast, the uncatalyzed depolymerization not only requires a high temperature of >310 °C but is also low yielding and non-selective. Importantly, the recovered monomer can be repolymerized as is to reproduce the same polymer, thereby closing the circular loop, and the recycled catalyst can be reused repeatedly for depolymerization runs without loss of its catalytic activity and efficiency.

LncRNA EBLN3P attributes methotrexate resistance in osteosarcoma cells through miR-200a-3p/O-GlcNAc transferase pathway.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is highly malignant. The migration, invasion, and chemoresistance contribute to poor prognosis of osteosarcoma. Research reported that endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein 3 pseudogene (EBLN3P) promotes the progression of osteosarcoma. METHODS: In this study, the expression of EBLN3P in osteosarcoma tissue with different methotrexate (MTX) treatment responses was measured. Osteosarcoma cell lines with MTX resistance were constructed, and bioinformatic analysis was performed to explore the potential involved targets and pathways. RESULTS: Higher EBLN3P was associated with MTX resistance. Downregulation of LncEBLN3P decreased the MTX resistance of osteosarcoma cells by sponging miR-200a-3p, an important microRNA that affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The decreased miR-200a-3p resulted in the upregulation of its target gene O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which in turn promoted the EMT process of osteosarcoma cells. Further analysis confirmed that the loss of OGT and over-expression of miR-200a-3p could partly abolish the MTX resistance induced by LncEBLN3P. CONCLUSION: LncEBLN3P is upregulated in osteosarcoma and increases the MTX resistance in osteosarcoma cells through downregulating miR-200a-3p, which in turn promoted the EMT process of osteosarcoma cells by increasing the OGT.

Delirium in Older Patients after Combined Epidural-General Anesthesia or General Anesthesia for Major Surgery: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common and serious postoperative complication, especially in the elderly. Epidural anesthesia may reduce delirium by improving analgesia, reducing opioid consumption, and blunting stress response to surgery. This trial therefore tested the hypothesis that combined epidural-general anesthesia reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients recovering from major noncardiac surgery. METHODS: Patients aged 60 to 90 yr scheduled for major noncardiac thoracic or abdominal surgeries expected to last 2 h or more were enrolled. Participants were randomized 1:1 to either combined epidural-general anesthesia with postoperative epidural analgesia or general anesthesia with postoperative intravenous analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium, which was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit twice daily during the initial 7 postoperative days. RESULTS: Between November 2011 and May 2015, 1,802 patients were randomized to combined epidural-general anesthesia (n = 901) or general anesthesia alone (n = 901). Among these, 1,720 patients (mean age, 70 yr; 35% women) completed the study and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Delirium was significantly less common in the combined epidural-general anesthesia group (15 [1.8%] of 857 patients) than in the general anesthesia group (43 [5.0%] of 863 patients; relative risk, 0.351; 95% CI, 0.197 to 0.627; P < 0.001; number needed to treat 31). Intraoperative hypotension (systolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg) was more common in patients assigned to epidural anesthesia (421 [49%] vs. 288 [33%]; relative risk, 1.47, 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.65; P < 0.001), and more epidural patients were given vasopressors (495 [58%] vs. 387 [45%]; relative risk, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.41; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients randomized to combined epidural-general anesthesia for major thoracic and abdominal surgeries had one third as much delirium but 50% more hypotension. Clinicians should consider combining epidural and general anesthesia in patients at risk of postoperative delirium, and avoiding the combination in patients at risk of hypotension.

Long-term Survival after Combined Epidural-General Anesthesia or General Anesthesia Alone: Follow-up of a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and observational research suggests that combined epidural-general anesthesia may improve long-term survival after cancer surgery by reducing anesthetic and opioid consumption and by blunting surgery-related inflammation. This study therefore tested the primary hypothesis that combined epidural-general anesthesia improves long-term survival in elderly patients. METHODS: This article presents a long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in a previous trial conducted at five hospitals. Patients aged 60 to 90 yr and scheduled for major noncardiac thoracic and abdominal surgeries were randomly assigned to either combined epidural-general anesthesia with postoperative epidural analgesia or general anesthesia alone with postoperative intravenous analgesia. The primary outcome was overall postoperative survival. Secondary outcomes included cancer-specific, recurrence-free, and event-free survival. RESULTS: Among 1,802 patients who were enrolled and randomized in the underlying trial, 1,712 were included in the long-term analysis; 92% had surgery for cancer. The median follow-up duration was 66 months (interquartile range, 61 to 80). Among patients assigned to combined epidural-general anesthesia, 355 of 853 (42%) died compared with 326 of 859 (38%) deaths in patients assigned to general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.24; P = 0.408. Cancer-specific survival was similar with combined epidural-general anesthesia (327 of 853 [38%]) and general anesthesia alone (292 of 859 [34%]): adjusted hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.28; P = 0.290. Recurrence-free survival was 401 of 853 [47%] for patients who had combined epidural-general anesthesia versus 389 of 859 [45%] with general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.12; P = 0.692. Event-free survival was 466 of 853 [55%] in patients who had combined epidural-general anesthesia versus 450 of 859 [52%] for general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.12; P = 0.815. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients having major thoracic and abdominal surgery, combined epidural-general anesthesia with epidural analgesia did not improve overall or cancer-specific long-term mortality. Nor did epidural analgesia improve recurrence-free survival. Either approach can therefore reasonably be selected based on patient and clinician preference.

Impact of CYP3A4*1G Polymorphism on Fentanyl Analgesia Assessed by Analgesia Nociception Index in Chinese Patients Undergoing Hysteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of fentanyl for pain control differs greatly across individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CYP3A4*1G polymorphism including wild-type homozygote (CYP3A4*1/*1, GG), mutant heterozygote (CYP3A4*1/*1G, GA), and mutant homozygote (CYP3A4*1G/*1G, AA) on fentanyl analgesia in Chinese patients undergoing hysteroscopy by the assessment of analgesia nociception index (ANI). METHODS: A total of 200 gynecologic patients scheduled for elective hysteroscopy under general anesthesia at Peking University People's Hospital from May to December in 2017 were enrolled in this study. Venous blood was withdrawn for genotyping of CYP3A4*1G before operation. Fentanyl 1 µg/kg was administered preoperatively followed by target-controlled infusion of propofol for induction and maintenance. Intraoperative analgesic efficacy of fentanyl was assessed by ANI monitoring at T0 (entering room), T1 (cervical dilation), T2 (start of cervical aspiration), and T3 (end of cervical aspiration) time points. The duration of propofol infusion and total dosage of propofol were recorded as well. RESULTS: The patients were divided into three groups according to CYP3A4*1G polymorphism, including 143 in GG group, 47 in GA group, and 10 in AA group. There was no significant difference in clinical demographics among three groups. The frequency of CYP3A4*1G variant alleles accounted for 16.8% and the distribution of variant alleles was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Using a multilevel model, ANI values at T1 (63.81 ± 19.61), T2 (63.63 ± 17.82), and T3 (65.68 ± 17.79) were significantly lower than that at T0 (77.16 ± 12.93) in the study population (F = 23.50, P < 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of pain at T1, T2, and T3 than T0. Patients with GG genotype showed significantly lower ANI than those with GA or AA genotypes during hysteroscopy under the same dose of fentanyl. CONCLUSION: CYP3A4*1G polymorphism associated with the analgesic efficacy of intraoperative fentanyl in the patients undergoing hysteroscopy under general anesthesia.

Renoprotective Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Tongluo Formula against Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic nephropathy is developed in 20-40% of patients with diabetes mellitus, and patients with diabetic nephropathy require dialysis and renal transplantation. Traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used in treating patients with diabetic nephropathy in China. However, the detailed mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine remain unclear. Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Tongluo formula (ZY formula) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula. Here, we demonstrated kidney protective effect of ZY formula on the rats with diabetic nephropathy. The therapeutic effect of ZY formula on the diabetic nephropathy was almost the same as that of Irbesartan, which proved to have excellent curative effects on diabetic nephropathy. We also demonstrated the mechanism of ZY formula effect on the diabetic nephropathy. First, we validated that the activation of ROS-JNK signaling pathway in diabetic rats could be reduced by ZY. Furthermore, collagen I expression could be downregulated by ZY formula treatment. Meanwhile, cell apoptosis in the kidney of diabetic rats could be alleviated by ZY formula.

Pyrolytic in situ magnetization of metal-organic framework MIL-100 for magnetic solid-phase extraction.

In this study, we report a facile, environmental friendly fabrication of a type of magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-100 that can be used for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The magnetic MOF composites were fabricated using in situ calcination method. The as-synthesized materials exhibited both high porosity and magnetic characteristics. They used for the MSPE of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples. Such MOF-based magnetic solid-phase extraction in combination with gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID), exhibited wide linearity (0.02-250µgL-1), low detection limits (4.6-8.9ngL-1), and high enrichment factors (452-907) for PAHs. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra- and inter-day extractions of PAHs were ranging from 1.7% to 9.8% and 3.8% to 9.2%, respectively. The recoveries for spiked PAHs (1µgL-1) in water samples were in the range of 88.5% to 106.6%. The results showed that the special anion-π orbital (electron donor-acceptor) interaction and π-π stacking between magnetic MIL-100 and PAHs play an important role in the adsorption of PAHs.

[Inhibitory effect of Biejiajian pills on HepG2 cell xenograft growth and expression of ß-catenin and Tbx3 in nude mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism by which Biejiajian pills inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma in a nude mouse model bearing HepG2 cell xenograft. METHODS: The inhibitory effect of Biejiajian pills on the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice was observed. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in HepG2 cell xenograft, and TUNEL method was employed to detect the cell apoptosis; the expression levels of ß-catenin and Tbx3 were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Biejiajian pills significantly suppressed the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice treated with a high and a moderate dose of Biejiajian pills showed significantly increased apoptosis rate of the tumor cells [(22.9±1.220)% and (14.7±0.50)%, respectively] compared with the control group [(5.5±0.90)%, P<0.05]. Treatment with Biejiajian pills significantly decreased the expressions of PNCA, ß-catenin, and Tbx3 in the cell xenograft (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biejiajian pills can inhibit the growth of HepG2 cell xenograft in nude mice and promote tumor cell apoptosis possibly by inhibiting PNCA expression and the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

[Value of cerebral spinal fluid measurement of hypocretin-1 in the diagnosis of Chinese patients with narcolepsy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) measurement of hypocretin-1 (hcrt-1) in Chinese patients with narcolepsy. METHODS: A total of 139 narcoleptic patients, including 111 narcolepsy with typical cataplexy (NC) and 28 narcolepsy without cataplexy (NWC), were diagnosed at the sleep centre of Peking University People's Hospital from April 2003 to March 2012. And 64 non-narcoleptic controls were recruited. CSF hcrt-1 levels were measured in all subjects.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to determine the cutoff value of hcrt-1 for Chinese narcoleptic patients. The diagnostic utility of hcrt-1 ≤ 110.0 ng/L and hcrt-1 ≤ 30% of mean normal level defined by International Classification of Sleep Disorders-II and the new Chinese cutoff value were evaluated respectively. RESULTS: The level of hcrt-1 in narcolepsy patients was significantly lower than that of normal controls and the NC group was even lower than NWC group (20 (13, 36) vs 319 (244, 379) and 36 (15, 114) ng/L) (all P < 0.01).Using the international criteria of CSF hcrt-1 ≤ 110.0 ng/L or a level of 1/3 of mean normal control values, a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 90.6% were generated.ROC curve indicated that CSF hcrt-1 level of 138.0 ng/L was the best cutoff value for the diagnosis of narcolepsy in Chinese narcoleptic patients. There were a specificity of 100%, a sensitivity of 92.8% and the area under the ROC curve of 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: CSF hcrt-1 measurement with high specificity and sensitivity is a useful diagnostic tool for Chinese narcoleptics. And the level of 138.0 ng/L may be the optimal cutoff for the diagnosis of narcolepsy in this group of patients.

[Effect of flurbiprofen combined different concentrations of ropivacaine local infiltration on postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using intravenous flurbiprofen combined with different concentrations of ropivacaine incision infiltration. METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy received standard general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, patients were randomly divided into four groups: group Con (control group: no analgesics was administered, n=20); group F (flurbiprofen group: 100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously with no incision infiltration, n=20); group FR(0.25) (100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously, combined with 0.25% ropivacaine incision infiltration, 2 mL per incision, 6 mL in total, n=20) and group FR(0.5) (100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously, combined with 0.5% ropivacaine incision infiltration, 2 mL per incision, 6 mL in total, n=20). The intensity of postoperative pain was evaluated using numeric rating scale (NRS) in a double-blinded manner. Intramuscularly 50 mg of meperidin was administered as rescue medication when NRS was above 4. The NRS and the associated side effects were observed and recorded at the end of 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively (T(0 h)h,T(2 h),T(6 h),T(12 h),T(24 h),and T(48 h)). RESULTS: There was no obvious difference among the four groups in respect of gender, age, body weight, baseline blood pressure, heart rate(HR), and total doses of sufentanil and remifentanil during operation and surgical time(P>0.05).There were significant differences among group FR(0.25)(2.34 ± 0.89,3.01 ± 1.27,2.79 ± 0.94), group FR(0.5)(2.42 ± 0.79, 2.69 ± 0.96, 2.03 ± 0.87)and group Con(3.42 ± 1.23, 5.98 ± 1.46, 4.53 ± 0.92)in NRS at T(2 h), T(6 h), and T(12 h)(P<0.05).Systolic blood pressures (SBP) of patients in group FR(0.25) [(114.19 ± .74) mmHg,(108.31 ± 7.62) mmHg) and group FR(0.5) [(115.26 ± 8.95) mmHg,(111.25 ± 9.12) mmHg] were significantly lower than those of patients in group Con [(137.11 ± 8.71) mmHg,(125.16 ± 8.92) mmHg] at T(2 h) and T(6 h)(P<0.05). Compared with group Con [(81.24 ± 6.64) beats/min], heart rate(HR) was also lower in patients of group FR(0.25) [(69.14 ± 5.92) beats/min] and group FR(0.5) [(70.16 ± 5.25) beats/min] at T(6 h)(P<0.05). There was no obvious adverse effect in all the four groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous flurbiprofen combined with ropivacaine infiltration could significantly reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, providing more stable hemodynamics. Compared with 0.25% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine infiltration combined with intravenous flurbiprofen has better and longer analgesic effects.

A 3D chiral porous In(III) coordination polymer with PtS topological net.

The solvothermal reaction of In(III) and 1,2,4,5-benzeneteracarboxylic acid with the presence of piperazine leads to the generation of a novel 3D chiral porous coordination polymer with PtS topological net. Interestingly, the resulting crystals were not a racemic mixture but enantiomeric excess, which was confirmed by the measurement of optical rotation of bulk samples using solid vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra and the solid circular dichroism (CD) spectra based on large crystals from one crystallization. High-pressure CO(2) and CH(4) adsorption measurement at 298 K reveals that activated 1 can absorb 45.8 cm(3) (STP)/g CO(2) at 22 atm and 22.5 cm(3) (STP)/g CH(4) at 25 atm.

Two 3D chiral coordination polymers with 4-connected 6(6) topological net: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties.

The hydrothermal reaction of Co(II)/Cu(II), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid and dipyridophenazine leads to the generation of two 3D chiral coordination polymers, [M(hip)(DPPZ)](n) (M = Co(), Cu(), H(2)hip = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, DPPZ = dipyridophenazine), which contain M-hip-M helical chains (M = Co, Cu) and possess a new four-connected 6(6) topological net. The resulting crystals were not a racemic mixture but an enantiomeric excess, which was confirmed by the measurement of optical rotation of the bulk samples using solid state vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and solid circular dichroism (CD) based on the large crystals from one crystallization. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 have been investigated by variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements, and the results reveal that antiferromagnetic interactions exist in 1 and 2.

Exceptional self-penetrating networks containing unprecedented quintuple-stranded molecular braid, 9-fold meso helices, and 17-fold interwoven helices.

Self-assembly of long V-shaped ligands and d10 metal salts in the presence of a linear bidentate ligand affords two unprecedented self-penetrating coordination networks {[Zn4(bptc)2(bpy)4].(C5H3N).4H2O}n (1) and {[Cd2(sdba)2(bpy)(H2O)2].2H2O}n (2) (bptc = 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylate, sdba = 4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoate, bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, X-ray powder diffraction, and TG analyses. 1 adopts a novel 3D framework containing three types of molecular braids, among which the quintuple-stranded molecular braid represents the highest-stranded molecular braid presently known for entangled systems. 2 is an uncommon self-penetrating 2D network containing pseudo-Borromean links and double-stranded helices. More interestingly, when the strong hydrogen bonds between layers are taken into account, the resulting net of 2 becomes an eight-connected 3D self-penetrating network with an unprecedented (421.67) topology, which represents the highest connected topology presently known in self-penetrating systems. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of 1 and 2 were studied.

[Effects of isoflurane on lung surfactant protein A in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of different concentrations of Isoflurane on the level of surfactant protein A(SP-A) and the expression of SP-A mRNA in the lung of rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group received 40% (volume fraction) O2 inhalation (40% O2, n=8); 0.7% isoflurane group (n=8), 1.5% isoflurane group (n=8), and 2.0% isoflurane group (n=8). They were treated with 40% O2 with 0.7%, 1.5% and 2.0% isoflurane respectively. In each group, the rats inhaled experimental gas for 8 hours, and then were put to death immediately. Morphological changes of type II pneumocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Surfactant protein content in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured with Western Blotting. The level of intracellular SP-A was examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC). To assess the relative levels of SP-A mRNA in lung tissue, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used with the co-amplification of the "housekeeping" gene GAPDH as internal control. RESULTS: Morphological changes of type II pneumocytes were distinct in 1.5% isoflurane and 2.0% isoflurane groups. Isoflurane, after three doses, significantly reduced the SP-A content in BALF. Control group, 437,112+/-25,654; 0.7% isoflurane group, 355,789+/-28,116; 1.5% isoflurane group, 238,554+/-31,531; 2.0% isoflurane group, 223,632+/-25,710 (P<0.01); Intracellular SP-A content of 1.5% and 2.0% isoflurane groups was less than that of the control, whereas 0.7% isoflurane groups did not show any significant difference from the control. RT-PCR indicated a reduced expression of SP-A mRNA in the lung after 1.5% and 2.0% isoflurane exposure. Control group, 1.47+/-0.18; 1.5% isoflurane group, 1.19+/-0.13; 2.0% isoflurane group, 1.13+/-0.12 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that 1.5% or more than 1.5% isoflurane exposure for eight hours could decrease the expression of the SP-A mRNA and synthesis of SP-A in rats, and maybe it could also affect the secretion and reuse.

A bridge between pillared-layer and helical structures: a series of three-dimensional pillared coordination polymers with multiform helical chains.

Rational self-assembly of a long V-shaped 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylate (bptc) ligand and metal salts in the presence of linear bidentate ligand yield a series of novel pillared helical-layer complexes, namely, [Cu2(bptc)(bpy)2] (1), [M3(Hbptc)2(bpy)3(H2O)4].2 H2O (M = Fe(2) and Ni(3)), [Co2(bptc)(bpy)(H2O)].0.5 bpy (4), [Cd2(bptc)(bpy)(H2O)2].H2O (5), [Mn2(bptc)(bpy)1.5(H2O)3] (6) and [M2(bptc)(bpy)0.5(H2O)5].0.5 bpy (M = Mn(7), Mg(8) and Co(9), bpy=4,4'-bipyridine). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. The structure of 1 consists of two types of chiral layers, one left-handed and the other right-handed, which are connected by bpy pillars to generate a novel 3D open framework featuring four distinct helical chains. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural and feature 3D structures formed from the interconnection of arm-shaped helical layers with bpy pillars. Compound 4 is a pillared helical double-layer complex containing four different types of helices, among which the nine-fold interwoven helices constructed from triple-stranded helical motifs are unprecedented. Compound 5 exhibits a novel 3D covalent framework which features nanosized tubular channels. These channels are built from helical layers pillared by bptc ligands. The structure of 6 is constructed from {Mn(bptc)(H2O)}n2n- layers, which consist of left- and right-handed helical chains, pillared by [Mn2(bpy)3(H2O)4]4+ complexes into a 3D framework. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1-6 are the first examples of pillared helical-layer coordination polymers. Compounds 7-9 are isostructural and exhibit interesting 2D helical double-layer structures, which are constructed from {M(bptc)(H2O)2}n2n- ribbons cross-linked by [M2(bpy)(H2O)6]4+ complexes. Furthermore, the 3D supramolecular structures of 7-9 are similar to the 3D structure of 6, and the 2D structure of 7 can be transformed into the 3D structure of 6 at higher reaction temperature. By inspection of the structures of 1-9, it is believed that the V-shaped bptc ligand and V-shaped phthalic group of the bptc ligand are important for the formation of the helical structures. The magnetic behavior of compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 was studied and indicated the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Moreover, compound 5 shows intense photoluminescence at room temperature.

Rationally designed, polymeric, extended metal-ciprofloxacin complexes.

Reactions of the antimicrobial fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (cfH) with metal salts in the presence of aromatic polycarboxylate ligands or under basic conditions produce fourteen new metal-cfH complexes, namely, [Ba2(cf)2(1,4-bdc)(H2O)2] x H2O (1), [Sr6(cf)6(1,4-bdc)3(H2O)6] x 2H2O (2), [M2(cfH)2(bptc)(H2O)2] x 8H2O (M = Mn3 and Cd4), [M(cfH)(1,3-bdc)] (M = Mn5, Co6, and Zn7), [Zn2(cfH)4(1,4-bdc)](1,4-bdc) x 13H2O (8), [Ca(cfH)2(1,2-Hbdc)2] x 2H2O (9) and [M(cf)2] x 2.5H2O (M = Mn10, Co11, Zn12, Cd13, and Mg14) (1,4-bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, bptc = 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylate, 1,3-bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate, 1,2-bdc = 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric analyses. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of unique two-dimensional arm-shaped layers. Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and feature one-dimensional structures formed from the interconnection of [M2(cfH)2(H2O)2] dimers with bptc ligands. Compounds 5-7 are isostructural and contain double-chain-like ribbons constructed from [M2(cfH)2(CO2)2] dimers and 1,3-bdc. Compound 8 consists of a pair of [Zn(cfH)2]2+ fragments bridged by a 1,4-bdc into a dinuclear dumbbell structure. Compound 9 is a neutral monomeric complex. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1-9 are the first examples of metal-quinolone complexes that contain aromatic polycarboxylate ligands. Compounds 10-14 are isostructural and exhibit interesting two-dimensional rhombic grids featuring large cavities with dimensions of 13.6x13.6 A. Up to now, polymeric extended metal-cfH complexes have never been reported.

[Postoperative analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of rofecoxib after total knee replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and systemic anti-inflammation of preoperative cyclooxygenase-2 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, rofecoxib, after total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: Thirty patients underwent elective knee replacement were randomly given oral rofecoxib 25 mg (group RE, n = 15) or placebo (group E, n = 15) 1 hour prior to surgery. All patients received epidural combined isoflurane anesthesia during surgery and patient-controlled epidural analgesia after surgery for 72 hrs (0.1 mg/ml morphine + 1.2 mg/ml bupivacaine + 0.02 mg/ml droperidol). Modified verbal rate scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain intensity. The outcomes included pain scores during rest and movement of knee joints and analgesia satisfaction. Daily morphine consumption was recorded. Circulation leucocyte and serum cytokine concentrations (including interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were determined before surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery in two groups using RIA. The amount of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage from the knees were measured. RESULTS: The pain scores were significantly less in the group RE than in group E during rest and knee joints movement on the first and second postoperative day, with an improvement in total analgesia satisfaction (P < 0.05). The mean dose of morphine for first 24 h was (8.1 +/- 1.5) mg in the E group and (6.8 +/- 0.7) mg in the RE group (t = -2.71, P < 0.01). Leucocyte and neutrophil counts were much higher in group E than in group RE at 12 h, 24 h post-operatively (P < 0.05). Serum TNF-alpha concentration was significantly lower in group RE than group E at the end of surgery, 6 h, 12 h postoperatively, as well as IL6 at 48 h, IL8 at 24h after surgery (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in respect to the amount of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative cyclooxygenase-2-specific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug rofecoxib increases analgesia satisfaction, reduces opioid requirement and demonstrates a systemic anti-inflammatory effect after TKR.

Construction of signal peptide-FRET fusion expression vectors and their expressions in NIH3T3 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To construct the fluorescence protein vector pairs with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal peptide, namely pECFP-C1-SP and pEYFP-C1-SP, therefore to make the application of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) possible in the study of the membrane protein interaction during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recognition. METHODS: pECFP-C1-SP and pEYFP-C1-SP were constructed by means of site-directed mutagenesis, and the constructed plasmids were transiently transfected into NIH3T3 cells via lipofectamin to observe their intracellular expressions under a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: DNA sequence analysis attested the validity of the constructed fluorescence vectors with signal peptide for FRET, and the expression of the vectors was located principally on the cell membrane as observed under fluorescence microscope. CONCLUSION: The constructed vectors TLR4 signal peptide are valid and capable of expressing on the cell membrane, therefore they can be effectively used in the study of the interaction between the membrane proteins.