A chondroitin sulfate purified from shark cartilage and bovine serum albumin interaction activity.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was extracted and purified from shark cartilage, and its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied. The content of chondroitin sulfate in shark cartilage was 29.97 % using the 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue method. The molecular weight of CS was determined to be 62.464 kDa by high-performance gel permeation chromatography. UV and FT-IR spectroscopy identified the characteristics of CS and its functional group information. NMR spectroscopy and disaccharide derivatization revealed that CS was predominantly composed of disulfated disaccharides, specifically ΔDi4,6S. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the interaction between CS and BSA exhibited static quenching, with a binding site number of 1. The binding process was primarily mediated by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that CS had minimal impact on the polarity and hydrophobicity of the microenvironment surrounding Tyr and Trp residues. UV-vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy demonstrated the altered structure of BSA. The molecular docking analysis revealed that CS formed hydrogen bonds and salt bridges with BSA, predominantly binding to the IIA substructure domain of BSA. Investigating the interaction between CS and BSA holds the potential for enhancing its applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering endeavors.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of Exendin-4-IgG4-Fc in healthy subjects: A phase 1, single-centre, randomized, double-blind, dose escalation study.

AIM: Novel long-acting drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus may optimize patient compliance and glycaemic control. Exendin-4-IgG4-Fc (E4F4) is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. This first-in-human study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of a single subcutaneous injection of E4F4 in healthy subjects. METHODS: This single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 clinical trial included 96 subjects in 10 sequential cohorts that were provided successively higher doses of E4F4 (0.45, 0.9, 1.8, 3.15, 4.5, 6.3, 8.1, 10.35, 12.6 and 14.85 mg) or placebo (ChinaDrugTrials.org.cn: ChiCTR2100049732). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability of E4F4. Secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of E4F4. Safety data to day 15 after the final subject in a cohort had been dosed were reviewed before commencing the next dose level. RESULTS: E4F4 was safe and well tolerated among healthy Chinese participants in this study. There was no obvious dose-dependent relationship between frequency, severity or causality of treatment-emergent adverse events. Cmax and area under the curve of E4F4 were dose proportional over the 0.45-14.85 mg dose range. Median Tmax and t1/2 ranged from 146 to 210 h and 199 to 252 h, respectively, across E4F4 doses, with no dose-dependent trends. For the intravenous glucose tolerance test, area under the curve of glucose in plasma from time 0 to 180 min showed a dose-response relationship in the 1.8-10.35 mg dose range, with an increased response at the higher doses. CONCLUSION: E4F4 exhibited an acceptable safety profile and linear pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. The recommended phase 2 dose is 4.5-10.35 mg once every 2 weeks.

[Clinical study on the treatment of premature ejaculation with Nailifu Spray].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Nailifu Spray on the treatment of premature ejaculation. METHODS: A total of 90 patients were included in this study from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023. Nailifu spray was used to spray the surface of penile skin once a day, 2 sprays per session for 4 weeks.And the patients' premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) scores, intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), and international index of erectile function-5 (IIEF-5) scores were collected before and after treatment, respectively. RESUTS: The median (P25,P75) PEDT scores was 16.0(15.0,18.0) scores before treatment and 10.0(10.0,10.0) scores after treatment. The median (P25,P75) of IELT was 20.0 (10.0,30.0) s before treatment and 240.0 (180.0,300.0) s after treatment. The median (P25,P75) of IIEF-5 scores was 21.0 (21.0,22.0) scores before treatment and 21.0 (21.0,21.0) scores after treatment. Compared with baseline levels, IELT was significantly longer and PEDT scores were significantly lower, with statistically significant differences. No significant changes in IIEF-5 scores were seen. CONCLUSION: Nailifu spray treatment of premature ejaculation is accurate and effective, worthy of clinical promotion.

How to manage isolated tension non-surgical pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Tension pneumoperitonium is a rare complication during bronchoscopy that can cause acute respiratory and hemodynamic failure, with fatal consequences. Isolated pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy usually results from ruptures of the abdominal viscera that need surgical repair. Non-surgical pneumoperitoneum (NSP) refers to some pneumoperitoneum that could be relieved without surgery and only by conservative therapy. However, the clinical experience of managing tension pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy is limited and controversial. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for cough with bloody sputum of seven days. On the 8th day of her admission, a bronchoscopy was arranged for bronchial-alveolar lavage to detect possible pathogens in the lower respiratory tract, as oxygen was delivered via a 12 F nasopharyngeal cannula, approximately 5-6 cm from the tip of the catheter, with a flow rate of 5-10 L/min. After four minutes of bronchoscopy, the patient suddenly vomited 20 mL of water, followed by severe abdominal pain, while physical examination revealed obvious abdominal distension, as well as hardness and tenderness of the whole abdomen, which was considered pneumoperitonium, and the bronchoscopy was terminated immediately. A computer tomography scan indicated isolated tension pneumoperitonium, and abdominal decompression was performed with a drainage tube, after which her symptoms were relieved. A multidisciplinary expert consultation discussed her situation and a laparotomy was suggested, but finally refused by her family. She had no signs of peritonitis and was finally discharged 5 d after bronchoscopy with a good recovery. CONCLUSION: The possibility of tension pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy should be guarded against, and given its serious clinical consequences, cardiopulmonary instability should be treated immediately. Varied strategies could be adopted according to whether it is complicated with pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, and the presence of peritonitis. When considering NSP, conservative therapy maybe a reasonable option with good recovery. An algorithm for the management of pneumoperitonium during bronchoscopy is proposed, based on the features of the case series reviewed and our case reported.

Immunogenicity and safety of NVSI-06-07 as a heterologous booster after priming with BBIBP-CorV: a phase 2 trial.

The increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough cases pose the need of booster vaccination. We conducted a randomised, double-blinded, controlled, phase 2 trial to assess the immunogenicity and safety of the heterologous prime-boost vaccination with an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) followed by a recombinant protein-based vaccine (NVSI-06-07), using homologous boost with BBIBP-CorV as control. Three groups of healthy adults (600 individuals per group) who had completed two-dose BBIBP-CorV vaccinations 1-3 months, 4-6 months and ≥6 months earlier, respectively, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either NVSI-06-07 or BBIBP-CorV boost. Immunogenicity assays showed that in NVSI-06-07 groups, neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) against the prototype SARS-CoV-2 increased by 21.01-63.85 folds on day 28 after vaccination, whereas only 4.20-16.78 folds of increases were observed in control groups. For Omicron variant, the neutralizing antibody GMT elicited by homologous boost was 37.91 on day 14, however, a significantly higher neutralizing GMT of 292.53 was induced by heterologous booster. Similar results were obtained for other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs), including Alpha, Beta and Delta. Both heterologous and homologous boosters have a good safety profile. Local and systemic adverse reactions were absent, mild or moderate in most participants, and the overall safety was quite similar between two booster schemes. Our findings indicated that NVSI-06-07 is safe and immunogenic as a heterologous booster in BBIBP-CorV recipients and was immunogenically superior to the homologous booster against not only SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also VOCs, including Omicron.

Safety and immunogenicity of a hybrid-type vaccine booster in BBIBP-CorV recipients in a randomized phase 2 trial.

NVSI-06-08 is a potential broad-spectrum recombinant COVID-19 vaccine that integrates the antigens from multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains into a single immunogen. Here, we evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of NVSI-06-08 as a heterologous booster dose in BBIBP-CorV recipients in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, phase 2 trial conducted in the United Arab Emirates (NCT05069129). Three groups of healthy adults over 18 years of age (600 participants per group) who have administered two doses of BBIBP-CorV 4-6-month, 7-9-month and >9-month earlier, respectively, are randomized 1:1 to receive either a homologous booster of BBIBP-CorV or a heterologous booster of NVSI-06-08. The incidence of adverse reactions is low, and the overall safety profile is quite similar between two booster regimens. Both Neutralizing and IgG antibodies elicited by NVSI-06-08 booster are significantly higher than those by BBIBP-CorV booster against not only SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also multiple variants of concerns (VOCs). Especially, the neutralizing antibody GMT against Omicron variant induced by heterologous NVSI-06-08 booster reaches 367.67, which is substantially greater than that boosted by BBIBP-CorV (GMT: 45.03). In summary, NVSI-06-08 is safe and immunogenic as a booster dose following two doses of BBIBP-CorV, which is immunogenically superior to the homologous boost with another dose of BBIBP-CorV.

[Effect of dual sustained-release nanofiber scaffolds embedded with BMP-2 protein nanospheres on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells].

PURPOSE: Electrospinning technology was used to construct PCL composite nanofiber scaffold material of BMP-2 sustained-release nanospheres, and the effect of this nanospheres on proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated. METHODS: Solvent removal method and electrostatic self-assembly technology were used to prepare BMP-2 loaded chitosan nanospheres, the morphology, particle size and composition, BMP-2 protein encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro sustained release were tested. Electrospinning technology was ued to prepare PCL composite scaffold material containing BMP-2 nanospheres, and its morphology, hydrophilicity,and sustained release of BMP-2 protein were examined. In vitro cytology experiment was conducted to observe the growth of cells in the material, and the formation of ALP, related genes, and mineralized nodules during the process of osteogenic differentiation of the material were detected. SPSS 21.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The nanospheres structure with stable structure was successfully prepared, with a high drug loading rate and sustained release of BMP-2. The PCL/BNPs scaffold material group had good hydrophilic properties and was conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation. The results of in vitro cell experiments showed that the cells spread well on the scaffold and the number of adhesions increased. ALP and related osteogenic genes COL1, OPN, RUNX2 increased, and the size and number of calcium nodules increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The polycaprolactone composite fiber scaffold material of BMP-2 sustained-release nanospheres can provide a new choice for the development of bone tissue engineering.

Exploring the sulfate patterns of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate and keratan sulfate in human pancreatic cancer.

This study was designed to explore the sulfation patterns of chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS), and keratan sulfate (KS) and the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferases (CHSTs) in 26 pancreatic tumor and normal tissues. CS/DS and KS profiles were simultaneously determined. Pancreatic tumor tissues exhibited increased ΔDi-0S, ΔDi-4S, and ΔDi-6S levels, with absolute ΔDi-4S content being highest, followed by ΔDi-6S. However, as for the contents of KS-6S and KS-6S,6'S, there were no significant regular change. The expression levels of CHST1 and CHST4 were 37 and 15 times higher than those in normal tissues. PCA and OPLS-DA revealed that ΔDi-4S and ΔDi-6S levels could be reliably used to differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissues. The up-regulation of CHST3, CHST12, CHST13, and CHST15 was directly correlated with C-4 and C-6 sulfation. These data provide a foundation for future studies of the role of ΔDi-4S and ΔDi-6S in the progression of pancreatic cancer.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Fragaria orientalis (Rosaceae).

Fragaria orientalis Lozinsk. is valuable germplasm material for cross breeding in Fragaria. In this study, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of F. orientalis using a combination of Illumina data and Nanopore data. The mitochondrial genome was 275,143 bp in length, including 29 protein-coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes, with a total GC content 45.23%. Seven protein-coding genes contained introns, and three were trans-spliced. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that F. orientalis is making a sister clade to the Amygdaloideae species. The complete mitochondrial genome of F. orientalis reported in this study will improve our understanding of Fragaria evolution.

Application of machine learning models for predicting acute kidney injury following donation after cardiac death liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT) and is an indicator of poor prognosis. The establishment of a more accurate preoperative prediction model of AKI could help to improve the prognosis of LT. Machine learning algorithms provide a potentially effective approach. METHODS: A total of 493 patients with donation after cardiac death LT (DCDLT) were enrolled. AKI was defined according to the clinical practice guidelines of kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO). The clinical data of patients with AKI (AKI group) and without AKI (non-AKI group) were compared. With logistic regression analysis as a conventional model, four predictive machine learning models were developed using the following algorithms: random forest, support vector machine, classical decision tree, and conditional inference tree. The predictive power of these models was then evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was 35.7% (176/493) during the follow-up period. Compared with the non-AKI group, the AKI group showed a remarkably lower survival rate (P < 0.001). The random forest model demonstrated the highest prediction accuracy of 0.79 with AUC of 0.850 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.794-0.905], which was significantly higher than the AUCs of the other machine learning algorithms and logistic regression models (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The random forest model based on machine learning algorithms for predicting AKI occurring after DCDLT demonstrated stronger predictive power than other models in our study. This suggests that machine learning methods may provide feasible tools for forecasting AKI after DCDLT.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Study in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection after liver transplantation (LT). Improved understanding of the risk factors and outcomes of CRE infections can help us to develop effective preventive strategies and even guide early treatment of high-risk LT patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving all Chinese adult patients who underwent LT between December 2017 and September 2019 in our center. We analyzed the possible risk factors and outcomes associated with CRE infections in the first 30 days post-LT. RESULTS: A total of 387 patients underwent LT. Among them, 26 patients (6.7%) developed CRE infections within 30 days after transplantation. Patients with CRE infections had significantly lower 30-day and 180-day survival rates (80.8% vs 96.4%, p<0.001; 51.5% vs 92.4%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified that intraoperative blood loss equal to or more than 1500 mL (odds ratio [OR], 3.666; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.407-9.550; p=0.008), CRE rectal carriage within 30 days post-LT (OR, 5.516; 95% CI, 2.113-14.399; p=0.000), biliary complications (OR, 3.779; 95% CI, 1.033-13.831; p=0.045) and renal replacement therapy for more than 3 days (OR, 3.762; 95% CI, 1.196-11.833; p=0.023) were independent risk factors for CRE infections within 30 days post-LT. CONCLUSION: CRE infections within 30 days post-LT were associated with worse outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss equal to or more than 1500 mL, CRE rectal carriage within 30 days post-LT, biliary complications and renal replacement therapy for more than 3 days were independent risk factors of CRE infections after LT.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and heart failure tacrolimus-induced after liver transplantation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing liver transplantation can develop posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and acute heart failure (HF) in the post-operative period. But PRES with HF caused by tacrolimus has rarely been described. CASE SUMMAR: A 40-year-old female patient who had a normal preoperative cardiac and neural evaluation developed PRES with acute heart failure tacrolimus-induced after liver transplantation. The challenges associated with both diagnosis and management in the setting of a newly implanted graft are discussed. CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus can induce neurotoxicity and then cardiac toxicity. Magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and increased brain natriuretic peptide may be predictive of post-operative PRES with acute heart failure. Further investigations are necessary to verify this finding.

Clinical characteristics of 34 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit in Hangzhou, China.

OBJECTIVE: This study summarizes and compares clinical and laboratory characteristics of 34 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China from Jan. 22 to Mar. 5, 2020. METHODS: A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups, including those who required noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with additional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 11 patients. Clinical features of COVID-19 patients were described and the parameters of clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The rates of the acute cardiac and kidney complications were higher in IMV cases than those in NIV cases. Most patients had lymphocytopenia on admission, with lymphocyte levels dropping progressively on the following days, and the more severe lymphopenia developed in the IMV group. In both groups, T lymphocyte counts were below typical lower limit norms compared to B lymphocytes. On admission, both groups had higher than expected amounts of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), which over time declined more in NIV patients. The prothrombin time was increased and the levels of platelet, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IL-6 were higher in IMV cases compared with NIV cases during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Data showed that the rates of complications, dynamics of lymphocytopenia, and changes in levels of platelet, hemoglobin, BUN, D-dimer, LDH and IL-6, and prothrombin time in these ICU patients were significantly different between IMV and NIV cases.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals recovery strategies in strawberry roots after using a soil amendment in continuous cropping soil.

BACKGROUND: In strawberry cultivation, continuous cropping (CC) obstacles seriously threaten production. A patented soil amendment (SA) can effectively relieve the CC obstacles to strawberry cultivation, but knowledge of the recovery mechanisms underlying this phenomenon is limited. RESULTS: In this study, transcriptomic profiling of strawberry roots in soil with and without the SA was conducted using RNA-Seq technology to reveal gene expression changes in response to SA treatment. In total, 188 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 144 upregulated and 44 downregulated DEGs, were identified. SA treatment resulted in genotype-dependent responses, and the response pattern, including an overall increase in the expression of nutrient transport genes and a decrease in the expression of defense response genes, may be a possible mechanism underlying recovery strategies in strawberry roots after the application of the SA to CC soil. We also found that 9 Hsp genes involved in plant defense pathways were all downregulated in the SA-treated roots. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicated that strawberry plants reallocated defense resources to development when SA treatment alleviated the stress caused by a CC soil environment. The present study provides an opportunity to reveal the fundamental mechanisms of the tradeoff between growth and defense in strawberry.

[Effect of concentrated growth factor on the biological properties of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts].

PURPOSE: To observe the effect of concentrated growth factor(CGF) on the biological properties of osteoblasts. METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in CGF environment and a blank control group was established. The adhesion of osteoblasts to CGF surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity were detected at 1, 4 and 7 d by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Alkaline Phosphatase Assay Kit. The expression of mineralized nodules and osteogenesis-related gene Runx2 was observed by alizarin red staining. CGF extract was cultured for 24 h. Peptide staining was used to observe morphological changes in the cytoskeleton. SPSS 21.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CCK-8 showed cells incubated for 1, 4 and 7 d in the experimental group had a stronger proliferation ability compared with the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ALP activity test showed that there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05) at 1 d; but after 4 days of culture, cell in the experimental group had an increased ALP activity compared with the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The results of alizarin red staining showed that the number of calcified nodules in the CGF group increased and the area was larger. In the phalloidin staining and DAPI staining, the number of cells in the CGF group increased, the cell spreading surface increased, and the actin shape was clearer. CGF significantly promoted Runx2 mRNA expression(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High concentration of CGF can promote the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and the expression level of related osteogenic gene Runx2.

Study on cyanidin metabolism in petals of pink-flowered strawberry based on transcriptome sequencing and metabolite analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pink-flowered strawberry is a promising new ornamental flower derived from intergeneric hybridization (Fragaria × Potentilla) with bright color, a prolonged flowering period and edible fruits. Its flower color ranges from light pink to red. Pigment compounds accumulated in its fruits were the same as in cultivated strawberry fruits, but different from that in its flowers. However, the transcriptional events underlying the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway have not been fully characterized in petal coloration. To gain insights into the regulatory networks related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and identify the key genes, we performed an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome in petals of pink-flowered strawberry. RESULTS: The main pigments of red and dark pink petals were anthocyanins, among which cyanidins were the main compound. There were no anthocyanins detected in the white-flowered hybrids. A total of 50,285 non-redundant unigenes were obtained from the transcriptome databases involved in red petals of pink-flowered strawberry cultivar Sijihong at three development stages. Amongst the unigenes found to show significant differential expression, 57 were associated with anthocyanin or other flavonoid biosynthesis, in which they were regulated by 241 differentially expressed members of transcription factor families, such as 40 MYBs, 47 bHLHs, and 41 NACs. Based on a comprehensive analysis relating pigment compounds to gene expression profiles, the mechanism of flower coloration was examined in pink-flowered strawberry. A new hypothesis was proposed to explain the lack of color phenotype of the white-flowered strawberry hybrids based on the transcriptome analysis. The expression patterns of FpDFR and FpANS genes corresponded to the accumulation patterns of cyanidin contents in pink-flowered strawberry hybrids with different shades of pink. Moreover, FpANS, FpBZ1 and FpUGT75C1 genes were the major factors that led to the absence of anthocyanins in the white petals of pink-flowered strawberry hybrids. Meanwhile, the competitive effect of FpFLS and FpDFR genes might further inhibit anthocyanin synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented herein are important for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the petal pigmentation and will be powerful for integrating novel potential target genes to breed valuable pink-flowered strawberry cultivars.

[The effect of shifting of estrogen level on the expression of estrogen receptor and morphology of condyle in rat].

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of cinnamaldehyde(CA) on osteogenic function and BMP-2 expression of mice osteoblast. METHODS: MC3T3-E1 sub-clone 14 cells were cultured in the presence of CA at 0(control group), 10, 20, 40, 80, 160， 320 µg/mL. The cell proliferation rate was measured by MTT assay 1, 3, 5 d after exposure. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was detected at 3, 5, 7 d to observe the effect of 6 concentrations of CA on osteoblast function. The mRNA expression of BMP-2 was quantified by real-time PCR(RT-qPCR) 1, 3, 5 d after exposure to (10,20 µg/mL) CA. The data were analyzed by SPSS 17 software package. RESULTS: MTT assay showed that compared with the control group, when 10, 20 µg/mL of CA acted on MC3T3, the absorbance value decreased slightly but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05), while ALP activity increased significantly. CA increased the mRNA expression of BMP-2 at the concentration of 10, 20 µg/mL (P<0.05),decreased the osteoblast proliferation, ALP activity and the mRNA expression of BMP-2 at the concentration of 40, 80, 160， 320 µg/mL (P<0.05); as the concentration of CA increased, the effects became more significant. CONCLUSIONS: CA(10, 20 µg/mL) exerted positive effects on osteogenic function, increased the ALP activity and the mRNA expression of BMP-2. It is suggested that the activity of osteoblast differentiation and osteogenic function may be related to the expression of BMP-2.

[Effect of IL-1ß on inflammatory factors synthesis of human gingival fibroblasts attached to different titaniums].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of IL-1ß on inflammatory factors synthesis of human gingival fibroblasts on different surfaces of titaniums in vitro. METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured on 3 different kinds of titaniums. The cells were stimulated with IL-1ß, and the IL-6 and IL-8 production was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after 3, 6 and 24 h. The date was statistically analyzed with SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: A significant increase of the expression of gingival fibroblasts to inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8) after IL-1ß was noted; PCR results of the production of inflammatory factors in gingival fibroblasts with the intervention of IL-1ß showed that the production of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8) on titanium and titanium alloy were less than that on the titanium nitride. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ß can stimulate high expression of inflammatory factors; The production of IL-6 and IL-8 on titanium and titanium alloy are less, suggesting that implant made of titanium and titanium alloy can reduce the incidence of peri-implant inflammation, and improve the successful rate of implantation.

Transient cardiac injury during H7N9 infection.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have characterized virological and clinical features of the novel reassortant avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus. However, cardiovascular involvement during H7N9 infection is still unclear. In this study, we evaluate cardiac injury among H7N9-infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients who were laboratory-confirmed with H7N9 infection were retrospectively included and grouped by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score into four subgroups I(0-10), II(11-20), III(21-30) and IV(31-71). Cardiovascular complications and markers of cardiac injury including creatinine kinase (CK), CK iso-enzyme (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTNI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) were also performed. RESULTS: Half of patients manifested with cardiovascular complications, with hypotension (47.5%) and heart failure (40.0%) the most prevalent. CK, CK-MB and cTNI showed marked increase with H7N9 virus infection but significantly decreased after H7N9 viral tests turned negative. More than half of patients presented with an abnormal ECG, but most of them are benign changes. ECHO examination showed different degree of impairment of cardiac function. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was increased in all groups. Cardiac damage was more evident in patients with higher APACHE II score. CONCLUSIONS: H7N9 virus exerts a transient impairment on the cardiovascular system. Patients with a higher APACHE II score are more susceptible to cardiac damage.