Quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with target-enhanced orthogonal double-pulse LIBS combined with variant one-point calibration.

Self-absorption and unknown transition probabilities of the analytical lines hinder the accurate quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with conventional calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In this work, target-enhanced orthogonal double-pulse LIBS combined with a variant one-point calibration method was used to solve this problem and realize quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass with a relative error of less than 4%. This approach is able to reduce the influence of self-absorption and capable of using analytical lines with unknown transition probabilities while using a calibration-free algorithm, which is helpful for accurate quantitative elemental analysis of bismuth brass and other samples.

[Application of liver venous deprivation in secondary hepatic resection of primary liver cancer].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of liver venous deprivation (LVD) before secondary resection of primary liver cancer. Methods: 56 patients with advanced primary liver cancer who were not suitable for primary resection in Liver Surgery Department of Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into liver vein deprivation group (LVD group: LVD+ PVE, n=26) and portal vein embolization group (PVE group, n=30). The dynamic changes of liver reserve function and future liver remnant volume (FLR-V), R0 resection rate, surgical complications, postoperative recurrence rate and overall survival rate of two groups before and after LVD/PVE were compared. Results: The success rate of puncture and embolization in LVD group and PVE group was 100%. There were no grade Ⅳ complications, and there was no significant difference of grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ complications between the groups (P=0.808). The FLR-V of LVD group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization was (493.1±25.8), (673.2±56.1), (779.5±81.6) and (853.3±85.2) cm(3), respectively. The FLR-V of PVE group before embolization, 7, 14 and 21 days after embolization were (502.4±20.1), (688.6±43.9), (656.8±73.7) and (563.5±69.1) cm(3), respectively. There was no significant difference in FLR-V between the two groups before and 7 days after embolization (P>0.05). The FLR-V of LVD group was higher than that of PVE group at 14 and 21 days after embolization (P<0.01). The preparation time of LVD group was (20.4±6.3) days, which was shorter than that of PVE group [(31.5±8.8) days, P=0.045]. The rate of secondary hepatectomy was 92.3% (24/26), which was higher than that of PVE group [70.0% (21/30), P=0.036]. The R0 resection rate was 87.5% (21/24), which was higher than that of the PVE group [57.1% (12/21), P=0.022]. However, there were no significant differences in surgical methods, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After hepatectomy, the median recurrence time and median survival time of LVD group were 12.6 months and 21.3 months, respectively, which were longer than those of PVE group (9.4 months and 13.5 months, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: For patients with advanced liver cancer who are not suitable for primary hepatectomy, preoperative LVD can significantly increase FLR-V, improve the resection rate of secondary surgery, shorten the preparation time of two operations, and do not increase surgical complications. Moreover, patients with LVD can improve the R0 resection rate of secondary surgery. The postoperative recurrence time and overall survival rate of patients with LVD are better than those of patients with PVE, and LVD has a good long-term effect.

[The status and significance of Paracelsus in the Modern Medical Revolution].

Paracelsus, the first person in the history of modern Western medicine, specified to break the shackles of the traditional medical system thoroughly and revolutionise the classical medical system completely. He introduced traditional alchemy into medicine, and changed it from making gold into producing drugs which were helpful to human health. He believed that nature and human were made by God with "three principles" - sulphur, salt and hydrargyrum. He also believed that human body, as a "chemical system", was full of a variety of chemical reactions. His ideas brought a new worldview, a chemical one, to the medical field influenced by the concept of"Humorism" for ages. The chemical worldview laid the foundation for "iatrochemistry" and channelled a path for the following medical development. The "three principles" of Paracelsus did not surpass the "Humorism" proposed by Galen in terms of underlining the balance of human health. However, the idea, that the mineral substances in nature in the "three principles" could be taken as medicines to help the recovery of human body, broke through the traditional medical system proposed by Galen, offered valuable ideological resources and experience for the following expansion and development of medicines.

[The history of post-anesthesia care units].

Post anesthesia care units (PACU) are designed to handle the utilization of the operating rooms and provide a place for postoperative patients to recover consciousness. PACU first appeared in the 1940s, prevailed in the United States in the 1950s, and expanded gradually to Canada, South Africa and other places, and were popularized in the UK and other European countries in the 1960s. PACU were developed widely in China after 1990 and expanded rapidly after the 21st century. It is now taken as an assessment indicator for evaluating hospitals. A set of management systems for PACU was gradually regulated and established, such as anesthesia record sheets, equipment and personnel training in the process of PACU development. It is currently evolving towards centralization, economization and specialization.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity in tibial nerves with carbon nanotube yarn electrodes.

BACKGROUND: Reliable interfacing with peripheral nervous system is essential to extract neural signals. Current implantable peripheral nerve electrodes cannot provide long-term reliable interfaces due to their mechanical mismatch with host nerves. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns possess excellent mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. It is of great necessity to investigate the selectivity of implantable CNT yarn electrodes. NEW METHOD: Neural interfaces were fabricated with CNT yarn electrodes insulated with Parylene-C. Acute recordings were carried out on tibial nerves of rats, and compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) were electrically evoked by biphasic current stimulation of four toes. Spatiotemporal characteristics of neural activity and spatial selectivity of the electrodes, denoted by selectivity index (SI), were analyzed in detail. RESULTS: Conduction velocities of sensory afferent fibers recorded by CNT yarn electrodes varied between 4.25 m/s and 37.56 m/s. The SI maxima for specific toes were between 0.55 and 0.99 across seven electrodes. SIs for different CNT yarn electrodes are significantly different among varied toes. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Most single CNT yarn electrode with a ∼ 500 µm exposed length can be sensitive to one or two specific toes in rodent animals. While, it is only possible to discriminate two non-adjacent toes by multisite TIME electrodes. CONCLUSION: Single CNT yarn electrode exposed ∼ 500 µm showed SI values for different toes comparable to a multisite TIME electrode, and had high spatial selectivity for one or two specific toes. The electrodes with cross section exposed could intend to be more sensitive to one specific toe.

LncRNA MALAT1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporosis rats through MAPK signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore whether long non-coding ribonucleic acid metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lncRNA MALAT1) could lead to osteoporosis (OP) by stimulating the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OP model was first successfully established in rats. The expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in OP rats and normal rats was detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured and transfected to establish the MALAT1 knockdown model. Subsequently, the apoptosis of mesenchymal stem cells in MALAT1 siRNA group and NC siRNA group was detected via flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the expressions of the MAPK signaling pathway proteins related to OP were detected via Western blotting. After alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining in cells of both groups, early osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was observed. RESULTS: The results of qPCR showed that the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in OP rats was significantly lower than that of normal rats. It was observed under a fluorescence microscope that there were a large number of siRNA particles in BMSCs. The expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in cells was detected via Real Time-fluorescence qPCR as well. The results indicated that siRNA transfection could effectively inhibit the expression of lncRNA MALAT1, indicating successful transfection. Flow cytometry revealed that no significant difference was observed in the apoptosis of BMSCs between the MALAT1 siRNA group and NC siRNA group. Besides, the results of Western blotting showed that the expression levels of the MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and P38 in MALAT1 siRNA group were significantly higher than those of the NC siRNA group. This indicated that inhibiting the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 might promote the activation of the OP-related MAPK pathway. According to the results of ALP staining, the depth of staining in MALAT1 siRNA group was markedly declined when compared with the NC siRNA group. Quantification of ALP activity demonstrated that ALP activity in the MALAT1 siRNA group was markedly declined compared with the NC siRNA group. The above results suggested that suppressing the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 could reduce the ALP activity of BMSCs. Furthermore, lncRNA MALAT1 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA MALAT1 was lowly expressed in OP rats. Moreover, it inhibited osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by enhancing the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby promoting OP progression.

Over-expression of both VEGF-C and Twist predicts poor prognosis in human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is an indispensable step in the growth and invasiveness of breast cancers involving a series of exquisite molecular steps. Pro-angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have been recognized as pivotal therapeutic targets in the treatment of breast cancer. More recently, a highly conserved transcription factor Twist has been reported to be involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. METHODS: The expression of VEGF-C and Twist was immunohistochemically determined in tissue samples of primary tumors from 408 patients undergoing curative surgical resection for breast cancer. The correlations of VEGF-C and Twist expressions with clinicopathologic parameters as well as survival outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 408 patients evaluated, approximately 70% had high expression of VEGF-C which was significantly associated with advanced tumor stages (P = 0.019). Similarly, VEGF-C expression was associated with the proliferation index Ki67, N3 lymph node metastasis, and D2-40-positive lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) in a univariate analysis. Furthermore, patients with high expressions of VEGF-C and Twist (V + T+) had significantly increased lymph node metastasis, higher clinical stage, and worse disease-free survival, DFS (P = 0.001) and overall survival, OS (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that co-expression of VEGF-C and Twist was associated with larger tumor size, higher numbers of lymph node involvement, D2-40-positive LVI, higher risk of distant metastasis, and worse DFS or OS in breast cancer patients.

Downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and skin inflammation in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The extensive involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is well documented. However, little is known about the contribution of specific miRNAs to the prevalence of this disease. OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of miR-145-5p in psoriasis. METHODS: miRNA microarray analysis was performed in four patients with psoriasis and four controls. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to identify the dysregulated miRNAs. Luciferase assays were performed to determine whether miR-145-5p targets mixed-lineage kinase (MLK)3. CCK-8 assay and Magnetic Luminex Assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and chemokine secretion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the protein levels of MLK3 and its downstream effectors. Mouse models of psoriasis were established for in vivo experiments. RESULTS: miR-145-5p was downregulated in psoriatic lesional skin. Luciferase assays showed that MLK3 is a direct target of miR-145-5p. Overexpression of miR-145-5p in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) suppressed cell proliferation and secretion of chemokines. In contrast, silencing miR-145-5p promoted NHEK proliferation and increased chemokine secretion. Silencing MLK3 abrogated miR-145-5p inhibitor-induced promotion of cell proliferation and chemokine expression. miR-145-5p regulates nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by targeting MLK3. Delivery of agomiR-145-5p into the skin decreased epidermal hyperplasia and ameliorated psoriasis-like dermatitis. Delivery of antagomiR-145-5p led to the opposite effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that miR-145-5p negatively regulates proliferation and chemokine secretion of NHEKs by targeting MLK3, and downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to skin inflammation in psoriasis lesions.

Surface elemental microanalysis with submicron lateral resolution by the laser-ablation laser-induced fluorescence technique.

In order to realize surface elemental microanalysis of solid samples with submicron lateral resolution, laser-ablation (LA) combined with high sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection was investigated. A 532 nm or 266 nm nanosecond laser pulse with low pulse energy was used to realize submicron laser-ablation on the surface of a copper alloy, and LIF technique was used to sensitively detect a minor lead element in the ablated samples. ~344 nm and ~267 nm lateral resolutions could be achieved experimentally under 532 nm and 266 nm laser ablations under the current experimental condition, respectively. This demonstrated the feasibility of using a LA-LIF technique for surface elemental microanalysis of solid samples with submicron spatial resolution. The potentials of continually improving the spatial resolution of this technique to nanoscale were discussed.

[Anxiety and depression status of coal miners and related influencing factors].

Objective: To analyze the anxiety and depression status of coal miners and related influencing factors, and to provide justifications for occupational health protection. Methods: From April 2017 to June 2017, a total of 650 coal miners in a mining area in Shanxi, China were enrolled; The coal miners were evaluated for their anxiety and depression status using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (14 items) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items) , respectively. The related influencing factors for anxiety and depression of the coal miners were analyzed with nonparametric test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rates of anxiety and depression were 51.1% and 60.5%, respectively. As suggested by the scores and detection rates of anxiety and depression, males had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores than females (P<0.05) ; subjects in older-age groups and those working in shifts had significantly higher anxiety scores (P<0.05) ; subjects with higher education degrees and smokers had significantly higher depression scores (P<0.05) ; while subjects with longer length of service, those with poor sleep quality, and those working in the underground mines had both significantly higher anxiety and depression scores (P<0.05) . The detection rate of anxiety was significantly higher in subjects with a drinking habit than in those who did not drink (P<0.05) . The detection rate of depression was significantly higher in subjects with hypertension than in those with normal blood pressure (P<0.05) . A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that work type and length of service were related to anxiety; gender and length of service were related to depression; length of service was positively correlated with both anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The anxiety and depression in coal miners and related influencing factors should be taken seriously. Gender, age, length of service, working in shifts, education degree, smoking, sleep quality, underground working environment, and hypertension may be risk factors for anxiety and depression in coal miners.

Relationship between transmembrane serine protease expression and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in Eastern Europe and Asia, being the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of transmembrane serine protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and to correlate it with the clinical biological features of esophageal cancer. The expression of transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) mRNA and protein in carcinoma tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues and non-tumorous esophageal tissues was determined using PCR (qRT-PCR). The results show that both TMPRSS4 mRNA and protein expression were remarkably lower in adjacent normal tissues than in tumorous tissues. TMPRSS4 protein expression in esophageal carcinoma was correlated with patient demographic characteristics, tumor type, high TNM stages and overall survival (OS). Based on the experimental results, we conclude that TMPRSS4 is closely related to the occurrence, development and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Independent prognostic Factor of low-expressed LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 for cervical cancer and inhibitory function on the proliferation of cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA ZNF667-AS1 in cervical cancer and its effect on the proliferation of cervical cancer cell line, SiHa cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression level of ZNF667-AS1 from two microarray datasets (GSE63514 and GSE6791) and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) were selected to analyze the difference between cervical cancer tissues and normal cervical tissues with bioinformatics methods. Then, the prognosis of ZNF667-AS1 was calculated in TCGA. The expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 in 30 normal cervical tissues and 60 cervical cancer tissue samples was explored using qRT-PCR. In addition, analysis of the clinical data found that the expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 was correlated with the total survival, tumor size and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. At last, the proliferative ability was detected by CCK8 and colon formation assay. RESULTS: Search the relevant microarray datasets using the keywords "cervical cancer" and "GPL570" from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Afterwards, two microarray datasets (GSE63514 and GSE6791) were selected to analyze the differentially expressed genes in cervical cancer tissues and normal cervical tissues using bioinformatics methods. The results showed that the expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 in cervical cancer was significantly lower than that in normal cervical tissues. 30 normal cervical tissues and 60 cervical cancer tissue samples were selected to extract total RNA for qRT-PCR experiment, and found that the expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 in cervical cancer tissues was lower than that in normal cervical tissues, which was consistent with that of TCGA. Analysis of the clinical data found that the expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 was correlated with the total survival, tumor size and FIGO stage. Compared with the negative control group, the proliferation ability and cell cloning ability of cells with over-expressed LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 were significantly decreased (p<0.001), indicating that overexpression of ZNF667-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of LncRNA ZNF667-AS1 was significantly lower in cervical cancer tissues, and its expression was negatively correlated with the overall survival, tumor size and FIGO stage. ZNF667-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cells and was expected to be the biomarker and potential therapeutic target for predicting cervical cancer and determining its prognosis.

[MicroRNA-30a inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeted regulation of forkhead-box protein A1].

Objective: To investigate the expression of microRNA-30a (miR-30a) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and related molecular mechanisms in regulating HCC cell proliferation. Methods: A total of 30 pairs of HCC and adjacent tissue samples were collected, and quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of forkhead-box protein A1 (FOXA1). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of HCC cells, luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the target relationship between miR-30a and FOXA1, and MTT assay and Western blot were used to measure the proliferation of HepG2 cells and the protein expression of FOXA1 after miR-30a transfection. The t-test was used for comparison of data between two groups, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of data between multiple groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: HCC tissue had significantly lower relative expression of miR-30a than adjacent tissue (1.049 ± 0.380 vs 1.982 ± 1.013, t = 3.985, P < 0.001). At 72 hours after miR-30a overexpression, there was a significant difference in the proliferative capacity of HepG2 cells between the blank control group, the miR-30a-NC group, and the miR-30a group (0.821 ± 0.006 vs 0.816 ± 0.013 vs 0.546 ± 0.020, F = 3.396, P < 0.05), suggesting that miR-30a overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. FOXA1 was a target gene of miR-30a and its protein expression was negatively regulated by miR-30a, and there was a significant difference in luciferase activity between wild-type and mutant FOXA1-3'UTR vectors (1.221 ± 0.024 vs 2.658 ± 0.031, F = 6.737, P < 0.05). In HepG2 cells, miR-30a overexpression significantly inhibited the protein expression of FOXA1, and there was a significant difference in the relative expression of FOXA1 between the blank control group, the miR-30a-NC group, and the miR-30a group (1.019 ± 0.016 vs 1.022 ± 0.017 vs 0.227 ± 0.021, F = 45.43, P < 0.05). Upregulating the protein expression of FOXA1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-30a on the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and there was a significant difference in the proliferative capacity of HepG2 cells between the miR-30a group and the miR-30a+FOXA1 group (0.524 ± 0.023 vs 0.843 ± 0.019, t = 2.507, P < 0.05). Conclusion: MiR-30a exerts its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HCC cells by negatively regulating the expression of FOXA1.

[Expression of serum interleukin-13 and significance of gene polymorphism on the patients with bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period].

Objective: To explore the expression of serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) and significance of its gene polymorphism on the patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period. Methods: Forty-three patients with bronchiectasis in acute exacerbation period admitted into the respiratory ward of Fujian Provincial Hospital from December, 2014 to March, 2016 were included as bronchiectasis group. Thirty-three healthy controls from normal people of health examination were included as control group during the corresponding period. A total of 5 ml fasting peripheral blood sample was extracted from each individual. The IL-13 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-13 gene polymorphisms in+ 1923 C/T site and+ 2044 site were genotyped in these two groups by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with gene sequencing methods. About 7 days after admission, thirty patients with improved condition among the 43 patients were included as bronchiectasis improvement group, all had the extraction of 3 ml peripheral blood for IL-13 detection determined by ELISA. The expression of serum IL-13 and gene polymorphisms between bronchiectasis group and control group were analyzed statistically. The changes of serum IL-13 between bronchiectasis group and bronchiectasis improvement group were also analyzed statistically. Results: The serum IL-13 level was lower in the bronchiectasis group in acute exacerbation period than that of the healthy controls [(31.1±26.3) vs (70.6±53.6) µg/L, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference of the genotype distribution in + 1923C/T site of IL-13 gene between the two groups (χ(2)=0.915, P>0.05). In the bronchiectasis group, the C and T allele frequencies at+ 1923 site of IL-13 gene were 79.1% and 20.9%, respectively, and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was in strong linkage disequilibrium with the SNP IL-13+ 2044G/A site (R(2)=0.835, P<0.001). There was no significant difference of the serum IL-13 between allele T_ groups and allele CC group, and also no significant difference between allele A_ groups and allele GG group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The IL-13 levels decreased specifically in the bronchiectasis group in acute exacerbation period, but IL-13+ 1923C/T and+ 2044G/A polymorphisms are not significantly related to the susceptibility of bronchiectasis.

Platelet Activation and Clopidogrel Effects on ADP-Induced Platelet Activation in Cats with or without the A31P Mutation in MYBPC3.

BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed to cats with perceived increased risk of thromboembolic events, but little information exists regarding its antiplatelet effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of clopidogrel on platelet responsiveness in cats with or without the A31P mutation in the MYBPC3 gene. A secondary aim was to characterize variability in feline platelet responses to clopidogrel. ANIMALS: Fourteen healthy cats from a Maine Coon/outbred mixed Domestic cat colony: 8 cats homozygous for A31P mutation in the MYPBC3 gene and 6 wild-type cats without the A31P mutation. METHODS: Ex vivo study. All cats received clopidogrel (18.75 mg PO q24h) for 14 days. Before and after clopidogrel treatment, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced P-selectin expression was evaluated. ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry (OA). Platelet pVASP and ADP receptor response index (ARRI) were measured by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Platelet activation from cats with the A31P mutation was significantly (P = .0095) increased [35.55% (18.58-48.55) to 58.90% (24.85-69.90)], in response to ADP. Clopidogrel treatment attenuated ADP-induced P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation. ADP- and PGE1 -treated platelets had a similar level of pVASP as PGE1 -treated platelets after clopidogrel treatment. Clopidogrel administration resulted in significantly lower ARRI [24.13% (12.46-35.50) to 11.30% (-7.383 to 23.27)] (P = .017). Two of 13 cats were nonresponders based on OA and flow cytometry. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Clopidogrel is effective at attenuating platelet activation and aggregation in some cats. Cats with A31P mutation had increased platelet activation relative to the variable response seen in wild-type cats.

Industrial scale garage-type dry fermentation of municipal solid waste to biogas.

The objectives of this study was to through monitoring the 1st industrial scale garage-type dry fermentation (GTDF) MSW biogas plant in Bin County, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China, to investigate its anaerobic digestion (AD) performance and the stability of process. After a monitoring period of 180days, the results showed that the volumetric biogas production of the digesters and percolate tank was 0.72 and 2.22m(3) (m(3)d)(-1), respectively, and the specific biogas yield of the feedstock was about 270m(3)CH4tVS(-1), which indicated that the GTDF is appropriate for the Chinese MSW. This paper also raised some problems aimed at improving the process stability and AD efficiency.

Randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of topical lidocaine gel and intrauterine lidocaine infusion for pain relief during saline contrast sonohysterography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of topical lidocaine gel and intrauterine lidocaine infusion administered prior to saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) in reducing pain level during the procedure. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. We recruited 120 women scheduled to undergo SCSH and randomized them into one of three groups according to administration of gel and intrauterine infusion immediately prior to the procedure: (1) the 'lidocaine gel' group received 3 mL 2% lidocaine gel applied to the cervix and intrauterine infusion, using an infant feeding tube without balloon, of 5 mL normal saline; (2) the 'lidocaine infusion' group received 3 mL gel lubricant applied to the cervix and intrauterine infusion of 5 mL 2% lidocaine; (3) the placebo group received 3 mL gel lubricant applied to the cervix and intrauterine infusion of 5 mL normal saline. The tube was left in place for the SCSH procedure. The primary outcome measure was the overall pain level (on a scale of 0-100) reported by the women during the SCSH procedure. Women also rated their pain levels at various other time points and an observer assessed visible signs of the women's discomfort during the procedure, producing a distress score. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three groups in baseline characteristics, volume of saline solution infused, tenaculum use and duration and difficulty level of the SCSH procedure. The median (range) pain scores during normal saline infusion for the SCSH procedure were 0 (0-65) in the placebo group, 2.5 (0-80) in the lidocaine gel group, and 0 (0-70) in the lidocaine infusion group. The pain scores at other time points, the overall pain score and the distress score were also comparable for the three groups. No significant adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: SCSH performed with an infant feeding tube without balloon is associated with very low pain levels. Topical lidocaine gel application and intrauterine lidocaine infusion do not further reduce pain levels during SCSH.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel Y-box gene from Sepiella maindroni.

Y-box proteins are a family of highly conserved nucleic acid binding proteins that interact with genome and transcription product to modulate the transcriptional and translational processes. In the present study, a complete mRNA of Y-box binding protein (designated SmYB) was obtained from Sepiella maindroni by amplification of flanking sequences. The full size of SmYB cDNA was 1502 bp, including 99 bp at the 5ꞌ untranslated region (UTR), a 3ꞌ UTR of 821 bp with a poly (A) tail, and an open reading frame of 582 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 193 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 16.48 kDa. The conserved cold-shock domain and two known RNA binding motifs identified in SmYB strongly suggested that SmYB was a new member of Y-box proteins. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to examine the expression of SmYB mRNA in various tissues, embryos, and its temporal expression in liver after cold shock. The mRNA transcript of SmYB was detected in all examined tissues, with the highest expression level in testis and ovary. SmYB was abundant in early developmental stages of S. maindroni embryos but diminished in the late post-embryonic development. In addition, cold-shock treatment upregulated the transcription of SmYB mRNA in liver. These results demonstrated that SmYB is involved in embryonic development of S. maindroni and its tolerance to acute low temperatures.