[Clinical value of prenatal MRI in the diagnosis of fetal simple expansion of lateral ventricle and follow-up after birth].

Objective: To explore the value of prenatal MRI in the diagnosis of fetal simple expansion of lateral ventricle (ventriculomegaly) , and follow up the nervous system development status after birth. Methods: Simple expansion of the lateral ventricle fetus by prenatal MRI examination were collected in Huzhou Maternal and Child Care Hospital from May 2013 to June 2015, 126 cases of live births in expansion group, 50 normal cases were recruited in the same period as the control group. In expansion group, fetal subgroup analysis was done: (1) unilateral or bilateral lateral ventricle expasion: one group was 98 cases was lateral ventricle expansion (77.8%, 98/126), expansion of bilateral ventricle group was 28 cases (22.2%, 28/126). (2) Prenatal MRI in the diagnosis of the lateral ventricle of expansion: expansion of the lateral ventricle width was greater than 10.0 mm, if both sides were expanding, the expand width was the heavier one side, divided into 3 subgroups: ①Expansion in group A (lateral ventricle width 10.0-12.0 mm) were 88 cases (69.8%, 88/126). ②Expansion in group B (lateral ventricle width 12.1-15.0 mm) were 29 cases (23.0%, 29/126). ③Expansion of group C (lateral ventricle width> 15.0 mm) were 9 cases (7.12%, 9/126). All 176 cases were followed up after birth at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th month (corrected age was used for premature babies), and Gesell developmental schedules (GDS) were used to evaluate the neurobehavioral development. Results: (1) The MRI results after birth: 21 cases were followed up by MRI after birth. In group A, 11 cases had MRI and 9 were normal (the ventricular width <10.0 mm after birth), the other 2 cases were stable (the ventricular width measured first time after birth was ≥10.0 mm, but the difference was within 2.0 mm from the MRI before birth). In group B, 4 cases had MRI, 1 was normal, 1 was stable, and 2 cases were getting better (the ventricular width measured first time after birth was ≥10.0 mm, but the width decreased more than 2.0 mm from the MRI before birth). In group C, 6 cases had MRI. 3 cases were getting better and 3 cases were stable. (2) Overall GDS results: expansion group after the birth of the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th month GDS evaluation results compared with control group, respectively, the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (3) The GDS results among the subgroups: in each evaluation after birth, there were no statistically significant differences between group A and the control group (all P>0.05). The GDS results of group B at the 3rd and 6th month were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05); while there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 goups at the 12th and 18th month (P>0.05). And for group C, statistically significant differences were found compared to the control group at each follow-up time (all P<0.05). (4) GDS results at different times after birth in the expansion group: there was no statistically significant difference between the results at the 3rd and 6th month (P>0.05). But when the result at the 3rd month was compared to the results of the 12th or 18th month, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). GDS result of 6th months after birth compared with 12th and 18th months, respectively, there were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the results at the 12th and 18th month (P>0.05). (5) The GDS results in unilateral and bilateral ventricle expansion: at the 18th month, among the 98 unilateral cases, 86 (87.8%, 86/98) had normal GDS results(>85 scores); 8 (8.2%, 8/98) had borderline results (75-85 scores); 4 (4.1%, 4/98) had delayed results (<75 scores). Among the 28 bilateral cases, 23 (82.1%, 23/28) had normal GDS results; 3 (10.7%, 3/28) had borderline results; 2 (7.1%, 2/28) had delayed results. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions: Among the simple expansion of lateral ventricle, those whose ventricular width are ≤12.0 mm may not need clinical treatment. If the width is between 12.1 to 15.0 mm, closely follow-up and targeted rehabilitation training after birth are recommended. When the width is more than 15.0 mm, the risk of the central nervous system function delay is significantly increased, and early intervention might improve the prognosis.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the LARS artificial ligament: thirty-six to fifty-two months follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the operating methods and fundamental clinical effects of the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with the Ligament Advancement Reinforcement System (LARS) artificial ligaments using an arthroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with ACL rupture who were treated using LARS artificial ligaments were enrolled in this retrospective study. The mean age at the time of reconstruction was 31.2 y (range, 22-51y). Average time from injury to surgery was 18 d (range, 5-51 d). Average follow-up period was 45 mo (range 36-52 months). Follow-up examinations included the Lysholm Knee Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. RESULTS: The average Lysholm Knee Score was 53.1±5.8 preoperatively (range, 47-76) versus 93.2±3.4 three years after operation (range, 80-100). Fifty-one of 53 patents (96.2%) showed good or excellent results at final assessment. The final IKDC score 3 years after operation were normal in 28 patients (52.8%), nearly normal in 23 patients (43.4%), and abnormal in 2 patients (3.8%). No postoperative complications, such as infection, ligament rupture, or ligament cinch occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that LARS artificial ligament appears to be an effective graft for ACL reconstruction leading to good knee function and stability. Long-term follow-up should be performed to confirm the durable stability of the knee and the tolerance of the knee to the LARS artificial ligament.

Taqman real-time quantitative PCR for identification of western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) for plant quarantine.

Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a major global pest of agricultural products. It directly damages crops through feeding, oviposition activity or transmission of several plant viruses. We describe a Taqman real-time quantitative PCR detection system, which can rapidly identify F. occidentalis from thrips larvae to complement the traditional morphological identification. The data showed that our detection system targeted on the ribosomal RNA gene regions of F. occidentalis has high sensitivity and specificity. The rapid method can be used for on-site testing of samples at ports-of-entry in the future.

Mechanism of RET gene mediated EGFR signaling pathway on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferation and apoptosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of RET gene mediated EGFR signaling pathway on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation and apoptosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PTC TPC-1 cells and human normal thyroid follicular epithelial cells Nthy-ori 3-1 were collected to identify the expression of RET in PTC. Seven groups were divided according to different transfection protocols, including blank group, negative control group, si-RET group, oe-RET group, AG-490 group, NSC 228155 group, and si-RET + NSC 228155 group. After transfection, qRT-PCR was used to identify whether the transfection was successful or not. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of RET, EGFR signaling pathway related genes, and EMT related genes. Cell migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis abilities were further detected by CCK8, cell scratch, transwell and flow cytometry assays, respectively. RESULTS: RET gene was highly expressed in PTC cells (p<0.05). Compared with blank group, oe-RET group and NSC 228155 group had activated EGFR signaling pathway manifesting in the increased expression of EGFR, p-Src, p-FAK, accelerated EMT showing in the increased expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin expression, but decreased E-cadherin expression, increased cell migration, invasion and proliferation, while decreased apoptosis (all p<0.05); si-RET group and AG-490 group had inhibited activation of EGFR signaling pathway, suppressed EMT, decreased cell migration, invasion and proliferation, while increased apoptosis (all p<0.05); while no evident difference was found in si-RET + NSC 228155 group (all p>0.05). Meanwhile, compared with si-RET group, si-RET + NSC 228155 group showed activated EGFR signaling pathway, accelerated EMT, increased abilities of cell migration, invasion and proliferation, while decreased apoptosis (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RET gene is highly expressed in PTC acting as an oncogene. Silencing RET gene expression may inhibit the invasion and promote the apoptosis of PTC cells by inhibiting the activation of EGFR signaling pathway and mediating the process of EMT. It suggests that RET may offer the possibility of a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of PTC on the basis of the explored mechanism.

Research on the correlation of diabetes mellitus complicated with osteoporosis with lipid metabolism, adipokines and inflammatory factors and its regression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated with osteoporosis with lipid metabolism, adipokines and inflammatory factors, and to define the risk factors via the multivariate regression analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients with DM admitted into our hospital from November 2015 to November 2016 were enrolled, including 40 patients complicated with osteoporosis and 40 patients not complicated with osteoporosis. The levels of blood lipid, adipokines and inflammatory factors were compared; the correlations between bone mineral density (BMD) and total cholesterol (TC), adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed; and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed for osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, abnormal adipokine levels and body's inflammatory response. RESULTS: The levels of serum lipid indexes, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), in patients without complicating osteoporosis were significantly lower than those in patients complicated with osteoporosis. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly higher than that in patients complicated with osteoporosis. The levels of adipokines, adiponectin and visfatin, in patients without complicating osteoporosis were significantly lower than those in patients complicated with osteoporosis. The levels of inflammatory factors, TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), in patients without complicating osteoporosis were significantly lower than those in patients complicated with osteoporosis. There were negative correlations between BMD and TC, adiponectin and TNF-α. Abnormal blood lipid, abnormal adipokine levels and elevated inflammatory factor levels were independent risk factors for osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced inflammatory response, abnormal blood lipid metabolism and abnormal changes in adipokines may increase the risk of osteoporosis in patients with diabetes mellitus.

A self-complementary, self-assembling microsphere system: application for intravenous delivery of the antiepileptic and neuroprotectant compound felbamate.

Felbamate (FBM) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) and neuroprotectant (NP) compound that interacts with strychnine-insensitive (SI) glycine receptors in brain (IC(50) = 374 microM). FBM concentrations required to interact with SI glycine receptors are consistent with brain levels following oral and intraperitoneal administration of AED and NP doses. Because of the solubility limits of FBM, an intravenous (iv) form has not been developed. Nevertheless, an iv form could be important for the treatment of disorders such as status epilepticus and neuronal damage due to hypoxic/ischemic events. Substituted diketopiperazines precipitate in acid to form microspherical particles of uniform size ( approximately 2 microm). The microsphere system entraps drugs on precipitation and dissolves near physiological pH to release the drug cargo. Therefore, microspheres were used to produce an iv formulation of FBM. Mice were administered the FBM/microsphere (20-60 mg/kg FBM) and tested for protection against tonic extension seizures using maximal electroshock. The FBM/microsphere was effective in a time- and dose-dependent manner following iv administration. The median effective dose (ED(50)) for protection against MES seizures at 30 min was 27.2 mg/kg [95% confidence interval (CI) = 20.8-33.4, slope = 6.5]. The ED(50) for minimal motor impairment at 30 min was 167 mg/kg (95% CI = 155-177, slope = 28.1). Thus, the feasibility of encapsulating FBM or similar aqueous insoluble compounds in a microsphere system with delivery by the iv route for treatment of epilepsy and various central nervous system disorders has been clearly demonstrated. Studies were performed in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

[Inhibitory action of intracerebroventricular injections of norepinephrine and clonidine on ventricular extrasystoles induced by stimulating hypothalamus in rabbits].

The effects of bilateral intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of norepinephrine (NE) and clonidine on hypothalamic stimulation-induced ventricular extrasystoles (VE) were investigated in alpha-chloralose and urethane anaesthetized rabbits. NE and clonidine reduced the number of HVE. The effects of NE were antagonized by pretreatment with phentolamine and yohimbine, but unaffected by pretreatment with prazosin. Pretreatment with yohimbine could also abolish the effects of clonidine. It is concluded that the effects of reduction in VE induced by NE and clonidine may be mediated by activating central alpha 2-adrenoceptors rather than alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

[Inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid and diazepam on ventricular arrhythmias induced by hypothalamic electric stimulation].

The experiments were carried out on rabbits with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) induced by hypothalamic electric stimulation. The effects of GABA or diazepam (Dz) and picrotoxin on VA were observed. After GABA 0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/rabbit were injected into cerebral ventricle (icv) or cisterna magna (icm), the VA was dose-dependently reduced, the similar effect was seen after Dz 0.1 mg was injected into subarachnoid cavity (sac) or icm. The effect was not induced by GABA sac or Dz icv. Picrotoxin 20 micrograms icv or 30 micrograms icm obviously increased VA, and this effect was partly antagonized by pretreatment with GABA 0.5 mg icv or icm and Dz 0.1 mg icm. The results suggest that central GABAergic system plays an important role in development of arrhythmias, and that increasing activity in this system may inhibit VA.

Flow dependence of metoprolol elimination in isolated perfused rat liver.

The effect of blood flow rates on hepatic elimination of metoprolol (Met) was studied in a recirculating isolated perfused rat liver system with a constant infusion of Met into the reservoir. This design ensures that, at a steady state, the elimination rate of Met is a constant. The results showed that at flow rates of 10, 20, and 30 ml.min-1, the concentrations of Met entering the liver (Cin) were 7.6, 5.0, and 3.4 micrograms.ml-1 and the concentrations leaving the liver (Cout) were 1.2, 2.0, and 2.7 micrograms.ml-1, while the logarithmic average concentrations in hepatocytes (C) were 3.4, 3.2, and 3.0 micrograms.ml-1, respectively. It is concluded that the hepatic elimination of Met is flow-dependent, which is in accordance with the 'parallel tube' model.

Effect of dose of metoprolol on its elimination by isolated perfused rat liver in vitro.

The effects of dose of metoprolol (Met) on hepatic elimination was studied in isolated rat liver perfused at a flow of 25 ml.min-1. The results showed that Met was eliminated by rat liver in accordance with one-compartment model. Linear kinetic eliminating processes (apparent first-order kinetics) were found in doses of Met 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg, T1/2 were 8.3, 8.8, 9.6, and 10.6 min and the clearance rate were 11.7, 11.8, 9.6, and 8.6 ml.min-1, respectively. Nonlinear eliminating processes were found in doses of Met 4, 8, and 12 mg. Vm and Km were 0.98, 1.05, and 0.94 microgram/min-1.ml-1 and 15.6, 16.9, and 14.6 micrograms.ml-1, respectively. It is concluded that hepatic Met elimination is independent on lower doses, but rested upon high doses.

NMR solution structure of alpha-conotoxin ImI and comparison to other conotoxins specific for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Alpha-Conotoxins, peptides produced by predatory species of Conus marine snails, are potent antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated ion channels involved in synaptic transmission. We determined the NMR solution structure of the smallest known alpha-conotoxin, ImI, a 12 amino acid peptide that binds specifically to neuronal alpha7-containing nAChRs in mammals. Calculation of the structure was based on a total of 80 upper distance constraints and 31 dihedral angle constraints resulting in 20 representative conformers with an average pairwise rmsd of 0.44 A from the mean structure for the backbone atoms N, Calpha, and C' of residues 2-11. The structure of ImI is characterized by two compact loops, defined by two disulfide bridges, which form distinct subdomains separated by a deep cleft. Two short 310-helical regions in the first loop are followed by a C-terminal beta-turn in the second. The two disulfide bridges and Ala 9 form a rigid hydrophobic core, orienting the other amino acid side chains toward the surface. Comparison of the three-dimensional structure of ImI to those of the larger, 16 amino acid alpha-conotoxins PnIA, PnIB, MII, and EpI-also specific for neuronal nAChRs-reveals remarkable similarity in local backbone conformations and relative solvent-accessible surface areas. The core scaffold is conserved in all five conotoxins, whereas the residues in solvent-exposed positions are highly variable. The second helical region, and the specific amino acids that the helix exposes to solvent, may be particularly important for binding and selectivity. This comparative analysis provides a three-dimensional structural basis for interpretation of mutagenesis data and structure-activity relationships for ImI as well other neuronal alpha-conotoxins.

Prostaglandin E and F2 alpha levels in plasma and amniotic fluid during mid-trimester abortion induced by trichosanthin.

This paper gives a brief account concerning the estimation of PGE and PGF2 alpha concentrations in both plasma and amniotic fluid by radioimmunoassay in mid-trimester abortion induced by Trichosanthin. The significant change in amniotic fluids as compared with that in plasma is brought out for discussion as an aid to the study of mechanism of abortion by Trichosanthin.

PIP: Trichosanthin, an abortifacient plant protein isolated from Radix Trichosanthes, has a success rate of approximately 98%. This paper examines changes in prostaglandin (PG) E and F2alpha levels in both plasma and amniotic fluid by radioimmunoassay in midtrimester abortion induced by Trichosanthin. Trichosanthin was given by transabdominal amniotic injection (average dosage, 8-11 mg) in 8 women (7 primigravidae and 1 secundigravida) of 17-24 weeks gestation. Venous blood and amniotic fluid samples were collected both before and after drug administration. PGE and F2alpha in plasma and amniotic fluid were measured by radioimmunoassay based upon a method described by the Pekin Institute of Zoology. Injection-abortion time ranged from 72-168 hours with a mean of 100 hours. No significant change was observed between concentrations of PGE and PGF2alpha in the plasma before and after drug administration, probably due to the fact that the 2 PGs were released in pulsatile fashion instead of continuous, and because PGs have short half-life in the circulating blood. In contrast, both PGE and PGF2alpha levels in the amniotic fluid were markedly increased after Trichosanthin administration, the increments amounting to 12.8 and 23.8 times the preinjection value respectively (p0.001). In midtrimester abortion, Trichosanthin exerts a selective action on the syncytiotrophoblasts as demonstrated by their degenerative and necrotic changes and simultaneous deciduitis. These injuries are followed by impairment of the endocrine functions of the placenta, a disintegration of lysosomes inside the decidual cells, and a decreased stability of the lysosomal membrane, an increase of synthesis of PGE and PGF2alpha both in the fetal membrane and decidua, and finally, complete abortion.