Spontaneous spheroids from alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cells maintain pluripotency of stem cells by regulating hypoxia-inducible factors

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spheroid culture is a novel three-dimensional (3D) culture strategy for the rapid and efficient selection of progenitor cells. The objectives of this study are to investigate the pluripotency and differentiation capability of spontaneous spheroids from alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AB-MSCs); compare the advantages of spontaneous spheroids to those of mechanical spheroids; and explore the mechanisms of stemness enhancement during spheroid formation from two-dimensional (2D) cultured cells. METHODS: AB-MSCs were isolated from the alveolar bones of C57BL/6 J mice. Spontaneous spheroids formed in low-adherence specific culture plates. The stemness, proliferation, and multi-differentiation capacities of spheroids and monolayer cultures were investigated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and oil-red O staining. The pluripotency difference between the spontaneous and mechanical spheroids was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIFs) inhibition experiments were performed to explore the mechanisms of stemness maintenance in AB-MSC spheroids. RESULTS: AB-MSCs successfully formed spontaneous spheroids after 24 h. AB-MSC spheroids were positive for MSC markers and pluripotency markers (Oct4, KLF4, Sox2, and cMyc). Spheroids showed higher Ki67 expression and lower Caspase3 expression at 24 h. Under the corresponding conditions, the spheroids were successfully differentiated into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. AB-MSC spheroids can induce neural-like cells after neurogenic differentiation. Higher expression of osteogenic markers, adipogenic markers, and neurogenic markers (NF-M, NeuN, and GFAP) was found in spheroids than in the monolayer. Spontaneous spheroids exhibited higher stemness than mechanical spheroids did. HIF-1α and HIF-2α were remarkably upregulated in spheroids. After HIF-1/2α-specific inhibition, spheroid formation was significantly reduced. Moreover, the expression of the pluripotency genes was suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous spheroids from AB-MSCs enhance stemness and pluripotency. HIF-1/2α plays an important role in the stemness regulation of spheroids. AB-MSC spheroids exhibit excellent multi-differentiation capability, which may be a potent therapy for craniomaxillofacial tissue regeneration.

Effects of basketball on the health of chinese people / Efeitos do basquete na saúde do povo chinês / Efectos del baloncesto en la salud del pueblo chino

ABSTRACT Objective: With the development of the economy, people's awareness of health care has been continuously improved. The concept of fitness has constantly been expanded by the population, propitiating the development of this industry. Methods: As an essential part of the development strategy of a modern and powerful country, the two national strategies of National Fitness and Healthy China provide guarantees to meet people's needs for a better life in the new era. Results: Basketball is rich in diversity; its intensity and load are also suitable for people of different ages. Therefore, basketball plays an active and effective role in realizing the national physical fitness program, improving the overall level of Chinese basketball, and improving the physical and mental health of the masses. Appropriate and reasonable exercise is the basis for ensuring physical health; thus, national physical fitness has become an essential prerequisite for national health, closely related and feasible to be integrated. Conclusions: Starting from the significance of the integration of physical fitness and national health, this paper analyzes the effects of basketball on people's health at different ages and presents corresponding guidance strategies. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Com o desenvolvimento da economia, a conscientização das pessoas sobre os cuidados com a saúde tem sido continuamente melhorada. O conceito de fitness tem sido continuamente expandido pela população, propiciando o desenvolvimento dessa indústria. Métodos: Como parte importante da estratégia de desenvolvimento de um país moderno e poderoso, as duas estratégias nacionais da National Fitness e da Healthy China oferecem garantias para atender às necessidades das pessoas para uma vida melhor na nova era. Resultados: O basquetebol é rico em diversidade, sua intensidade e carga também são adequadas para pessoas de diferentes idades. Portanto, o basquetebol desempenha um papel ativo e eficaz na realização do programa nacional de aptidão física, melhorando o nível geral do basquetebol chinês e melhorando a saúde física e mental das massas. Exercício apropriado e razoável é a base para assegurar a saúde física, assim a aptidão física nacional se tornou um importante pré-requisito para a saúde nacional, que está intimamente relacionada e é viável de ser integrada. Conclusões: Partindo do significado da integração da aptidão física e saúde nacional, este documento analisa os efeitos do basquetebol na saúde das pessoas em diferentes idades, e apresenta estratégias de orientação correspondentes. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Con el desarrollo de la economía, la conciencia de la gente sobre los cuidados con la salud ha sido continuamente mejorada. El concepto de fitness ha sido ampliado continuamente por la población, propiciando el desarrollo de esta industria. Métodos: Como parte importante de la estrategia de desarrollo de un país moderno y poderoso, las dos estrategias nacionales de Acondicionamiento Físico Nacional y China Saludable ofrecen garantías para satisfacer las necesidades de la gente para una vida mejor en la nueva era. Resultados: El baloncesto es rico en diversidad, su intensidad y carga también son adecuadas para personas de diferentes edades. Por lo tanto, el baloncesto desempeña un papel activo y eficaz en la realización del programa nacional de acondicionamiento físico, en la mejora del nivel general del baloncesto chino y en la mejora de la salud física y mental de las masas. El ejercicio adecuado y razonable es la base para garantizar la salud física, por lo que la aptitud física nacional se ha convertido en un importante prerrequisito para la salud nacional, que está estrechamente relacionada y es factible de ser integrada. Conclusiones: Partiendo de la importancia de la integración de la aptitud física y la salud nacional, este documento analiza los efectos del baloncesto en la salud de las personas a diferentes edades y presenta las correspondientes estrategias de orientación.Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Micro ribonucleic acid-448 regulates zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and increase their sensitivity to chemotherapy

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) regulation by Micro Ribonucleic acid (miR)-448 on Breast Cancer (BC) cells and their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Methods: miR-448 and ZEB1 mRNA levels in BC and normal tissues were detected by qPCR, and ZEB1 protein was detected by Western Blotting (WB). The correlation between miR-448 and tumor metastasis, clinical staging, and ZEB1 expression was analyzed. MCF-7 cells were transfected or co-transfected with the miR-448 mimic, oe-ZEB1, or their negative controls. Changes in miR-448 and ZEB1 expression were detected by qPCR and WB. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assays, invasion changes were analyzed by Transwell assays, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results: miR-448 expression in BC tissues was lower than that in normal tissues, while ZEB1 expression was increased in the former. ZEB1 expression was lower in BC patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without. In patients with clinical stage I-III BC, miR-448 expression decreased with an increase in tumor stage, which was negatively correlated with ZEB1 expression. Upregulation of miR-448 expression can suppress MCF-7 cell proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis. Upregulation of ZEB1 expression in cells overexpressing miR-448 can partially reverse the inhibition of BC cell growth induced by miR-448. miR-448 can enhance the sensitivity of cells toward paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil. Conclusions: miR-448 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion and promotes apoptosis by targeting ZEB1. Moreover, it can increase the sensitivity of cells toward paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil.

Identification of potential genes involved in biosynthesis of flavonoid and analysis of biosynthetic pathway in Fagopyrum dibotrys / 中国中药杂志

In order to enrich the transcriptome data of Fagopyrum dibotrys plants, analyze the genes encoding key enzyme involved in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, and mine their functional genes, in this study, we performed RNA sequencing analysis for the rhizomes, roots, flowers, leaves and stems of F. dibotrys on the BGISEQ-500 sequencing platform. After de novo assembly of transcripts, a total of 205 619 unigenes were generated and 132 372 unigenes were obtained and annotated into seven public databases, of which, 81 327 unigenes were mapped to the GO database and most of the unigenes were annotated in cellular process, biological regulation, binding and catalytic activity. Besides, 86 922 unigenes were enriched in 136 pathways using KEGG database' and we identified 82 unigenes that encodes key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Comparing rhizome with root, flower, leaf or stem in F. dibotrys, 27 962 co-expressed differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were obtained. Among them, 23 515 DEGs of rhizome tissue-specific were enriched into 132 pathways and 13 unigenes were significantly enriched in biosynthesis of flavone and flavonol. In addition, we also identified 3 427 unigenes encoding 60 transcription factor(TFs) families as well as four unigenes encoding bHLH TFs were enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis. Our results greatly enriched the transcriptome database of plants, provided a reference for the analysis of key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants, and will facilitate the study of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in F. dibotrys at the genetic level.

Identification of key enzyme genes involved in biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and analysis of biosynthesis pathway in Polygonatum cyrtonema / 中国中药杂志

Steroidal saponins, which are the characteristic and main active constituents of Polygonatum, exhibit a broad range of pharmacological functions, such as regulating blood sugar, preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and anti-tumor. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) analysis for the flowers, leaves, roots, and rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema using the BGISEQ-500 platform to understand the biosynthesis pathway of steroidal saponins and study their key enzyme genes. The assembly of transcripts for four tissues generated 129 989 unigenes, of which 88 958 were mapped to several public databases for functional annotation, 22 813 unigenes were assigned to 53 subcategories and 64 877 unigenes were annotated to 136 pathways in KEGG database. Furthermore, 502 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of steroidal saponins were identified, of which 97 unigenes encoding 12 key enzymes. Cycloartenol synthase, the first key enzyme in the pathway of phytosterol biosynthesis, showed conserved catalytic domain and substrate binding domain based on sequence analysis and homology modeling. Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were identified in rhizomes as compared to other tissues(flowers, leaves or roots).The 2 437 unigenes annotated by KEGG showed rhizome-specific expression, of which 35 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins. Our results greatly extend the public transcriptome dataset of Polygonatum and provide valuable information for the identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and other important secondary metabolites.

Next generation sequencing in early diagnosis of pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after chemotherapy: a case report

The incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia is increasing in immunosuppressive patients. How to diagnose and treat Pneumocystis pneumonia in the early stage has become an important issue for clinicians. The development of Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) provides technical support for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Case report: A 14-year-old male patient was diagnosed with T lymphoblastoma and treated with chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the patient developed bone marrow suppression and was complicated with severe pneumonia. He was given endotracheal intubation and ventilator assisted respiration. Samples of patients' alveolar lavage fluid were obtained, and Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) was used for diagnosis, confirming the pathogen as Pneumocystis jiroveci, which was treated by TMP/SMX. The patient's condition gradually improved, and was finally removed from ventilator and endotracheal tube. Pneumocystis jiroveci is a common opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressive patients, and Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) can be used for rapid diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia, thus improving the clinical therapeutic effect.

Role of NOX4⁃related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis / 医学研究生学报

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NDAPH oxidase, NOX) is a complex composed of multiple protein subunits and the main enzyme produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been confirmed that NOXs-mediated oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis, and its subunit NOX4 plays a key role. Nox4-derived ROS can not only directly affect the main cell of liver fibrosis ells (HSCs) with significant activation effects but also participate in the continuous activation of HSCs, abnormal proliferation of extracellular matrices(ECMs), apoptosis of hepatocytes, and migration of myofibroblasts(MFBs) by mediating a variety of intracellular signaling pathways including HSCs, which ultimately lead to the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. This article reviews the role of NOX4-related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

Cloning and characterization of chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase genes in Arisaema heterophyllum / 中国中药杂志

Chalcone synthase( CHS) and chalcone isomerase( CHI) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. In this study,unigenes for CHS and CHI were screened from the transcriptome database of Arisaema heterophyllum. The open reading frame( ORFs) of chalcone synthase( Ah CHS) and chalcone isomerase( Ah CHI) were cloned from the plant by RT-PCR. The physicochemical properties,expression and structure characteristics of the encoded proteins Ah CHS and Ah CHI were analyzed. The ORFs of Ah CHS and Ah CHI were 1 176,630 bp in length and encoded 392,209 amino acids,respectively. Ah CHS functioned as a symmetric homodimer. The N-terminal helix of one monomer entwined with the corresponding helix of another monomer. Each CHS monomer consisted of two structural domains. In particular,four conserved residues define the active site. The tertiary structure of Ah CHI revealed a novel open-faced β-sandwich fold. A large β-sheet( β4-β11) and a layer of α-helices( α1-α7) comprised the core structure. The residues spanning β4,β5,α4,and α6 in the three-dimensional structure were conserved among CHIs from different species. Notably,these structural elements formed the active site on the protein surface,and the topology of the active-site cleft defined the stereochemistry of the cyclization reaction. The homology comparison showed that Ah CHS had the highest similarity to the CHS of Anthurium andraeanum,while Ah CHI had the highest similarity to the CHI of Paeonia delavayi. This study provided the basis for the functional study of Ah CHS and Ah CHI and the further study on plant flavonoid biosynthesis pathway.

Effects of ursolic acid on activation of NOX2/ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome in liver fibrosis rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of ursolic acid(UA) on NOX2/ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome activation in carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis SD rat,and to observe the improvement of collagen deposition in liver tissues. Methods All rats were randomly divided into 3 group:control group,CCl4model group,UA treatment group. Liver fibrosis model SD rats was established by the CCl4-induced method and half of them was used as UA treatment group. Serum ALT was detected by ALT detection kit.The liver pathology and collagen deposition were ob-served by HE and Sirius-red staining. The mRNA expression of Nox2,Nlrp3,Caspase1,IL-1β in liver tissues was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of NOX2,NLRP3,caspase-1 and IL-1β in liver tissues was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry and the ROS generation in liver tissues was detected by DCFH-DA fluores-cence probe. Results Compared with control group,in the CCl4model group,the serum ALT was much higher (P<0.05);the Ishak's fibrosis score and collagen deposition was significantly increased(P<0.05) and mRNA of Nox2, Nlrp3,Caspase1,IL-1β was increased.In addition,both the NOX2,NLRP3,caspase-1 p10 and IL-1β protein expres-sion and ROS level (P<0.05) of CCl4model group were significant increased.Compared with CCl4model group,in the UA treatment group Ishak's fibrosis score,collagen deposition and ALT decreased.Both mRNA expression of the Nox2, Nlrp3,Caspase1,IL-1β and protein expression of NOX2,NLRP3,caspase-1 p10 and IL-1β as well as ROS were signif-icant decreased,but the caspase-1 p45 protein level has no difference among all these groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Ursolic acid attenuates the liver injury and reduces the collagen deposition,which may relate to its inhibitory effects on NOX2/ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome activation to reduce IL-1β releasing.

Influence of luteolin on the invasion and migration of an human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of luteolin on the invasion and migration of the human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line SCCl5. @*Methods @#SCC15 cells were treated with various concentrations of luteolin (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 and 60 μg/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 h. The MTT assay was then carried out to estimate the proliferation of SCC15 cells treated with various concentrations of luteolin. SCC15 cells were treated with various concentrations of luteolin (1, 5 and 10 μg/mL), and the migration of SCC15 cells was examined in wound healing assays. SCC15 cells were treated with various concentrations of luteolin (5 and 10 μg/mL) for 24 h, and the migration and invasion of the cells were examined in Transwell migration/invasion assays. SCC15 cells were treated with various concentrations of luteolin (10, 20 and 40 μg/mL) for 24 h, and the conditioned medium was collected. The levels of the gelatinases matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) in the conditional medium were detected by gelatin zymography assays.@*Results @#The MTT assay showed that luteolin had a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SCC15 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The migration, invasion and proliferation of the SCCl5 cell lines were significantly lower after treatment with luteolin than in the control. The numbers of migrating and invading SCCl5 cells were 340.00 ± 22.94, 52.67 ± 6.94 and 6.57 ± 0.80 versus 85.67 ± 5.18, 39.67 ± 4.63 and 2.67 ± 0.29, respectively (P < 0.01). The enzyme activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased significantly in response to luteolin treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01). @*Conclusion @# Luteolin inhibited the invasion and migration of SCC15 cells by reducing the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Effects of CO2 pretreatment on the volatile compounds of dried Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Miller)

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate whether anaerobic metabolites could induce volatile compounds and improve aroma of dried jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Miller). Jujube fruits were incubated in a polyvinyl chloride bag containing 5% CO2 and 95% N2 for up to 168 h at 25 °C and 3 samples were randomly removed every 6 h and oven dried to a moisture content of ≅ 20%. The volatile compounds of control and 5% CO2-pretreated Chinese jujube fruits were extracted by simultaneous distillation extraction and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The acetaldehyde and ethanol contents were determined by gas chromatography (GC). The results indicated that a large accumulation of acetaldehyde and ethanol caused changes in aroma composition of dried jujube products and 5% CO2 pretreatment led to an increase in the levels of some compounds, particularly esters, acetaldehydes, and ethanol, whereas the amount of acids were decreased significantly. Principal component analysis showed that integrative scores of 5% CO2 pretreatment at 120 h were the highest, and aroma quality was better than that of the control. Relatively low concentrations of anaerobic respiration metabolites are good for jujube fruit aroma composition.

Relationship between Placenta Location and Resolution of Second Trimester Placenta Previa / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This prospective study was conducted to assess the rate of resolution of second trimester placenta previa in women with anterior placenta and posterior placenta,and that in women with and without previous cesarean section.In this study,placenta previa was defined as a placenta lying within 20 mm of the internal cervical os or overlapping it.We recruited 183 women diagnosed with previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks.They were grouped according to their placenta location (anterior or posterior) and history of cesarean section.Comparative analysis was performed on demographic data,resolution rate of previa and pregnancy outcomes between anterior group and posterior group,and on those between cesarean section group and non-cesarean section group.Women with an anterior placenta tended to be advanced in parity (P=0.040) and have increased number of dilatation and curettage (P=0.044).The women in cesarean section group were significantly older (P=0.000) and had more parity (P=0.000),gravidity (P=0.000),and dilatation and curettage (P=0.048) than in non-cesarean section group.Resolution ofprevia at delivery occurred in 87.43％ women in this study.Women with a posterior placenta had a higher rate of resolution (P=0.030),while history of cesarean section made no difference.Gestational age at resolution was earlier in posterior group (P=0.002) and non-cesarean section group (P=0.008) than in anterior group and cesarean section group correspondingly.Placenta location and prior cesarean section did not influence obstetric outcomes and neonatal outcomes.This study indicates that it is more likely to have subsequent resolution of the previa when the placenta is posteriorly located for women who are diagnosed with placenta previa in the second trimester.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented mustard on immunopotentiating activity

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented mustard on immunopotentiating activity METHODS: One hundred and fifty nine strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional Taiwan fermented mustard were evaluated for their immunopotentiating activity on a murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. RESULTS: Of the strains, pronounced increases in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were observed in strains B0040, B0110 and B0145. Among them, strain B0145 had the highest NO and tumor necrosis factor-α generation in RAW 264.7 cells; strains B0040 and B0110 were also superior to that of Lactobacillus casei. These results demonstrated that NO and cytokines were effectively induced when the bacterial stimulants were treated with macrophages. In addition, strains B0040 and B0110 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, and B0145 as Weissella cibaria using 16S rDNA analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results implicated selected strains may be regarded as a biological response modifier and had a broad application prospects in exploiting new functional food or as a feed additive.

Production and characterization of algae extract from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Background: Algae offer many advantages as biofuel sources including: high growth rates, high lipid content, the ability to grow on non-agricultural land, and the genetic versatility to improve strains rapidly and produce co-products. Research is ongoing to make algae biofuels a more financially attractive energy option; however, it is becoming evident that the economic viability of algae-based fuels may hinge upon high-value co-products. This work evaluated the feasibility of using a co-product, algae extract, as a nutrient source in cell culture media. Results: Algae extract prepared from autolysed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was found to contain 3.0% protein, 9.2% total carbohydrate, and 3.9% free α-amino acid which is similar to the nutrient content of commercially available yeast extract. The effects of algae extract on the growth and metabolism of laboratory strains of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were tested by substituting algae extract for yeast extract in LB and YPAD growth media recipes. Complex laboratory media supplemented with algae extract instead of yeast extract showed markedly improved effects on the growth and metabolism of common laboratory microorganisms in all cases except ethanol production rates in yeast. Conclusions: This study showed that algae extract derived from C. reinhardtii is similar, if not superior, to commercially available yeast extract in nutrient content and effects on the growth and metabolism of E. coli and S. cerevisiae. Bacto™ yeast extract is valued at USD $0.15-0.35 per gram, if algae extract was sold at similar prices, it would serve as a high-value co-product in algae-based fuel processes.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented mustard on lowering cholesterol

Objective: To evaluate the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from fermented mustard to lower the cholesterol in vitro. Methods: The ability of 50 LAB strains isolated from fermented mustard on lowering cholesterol in vitro was determined by modified o-phtshalaldehyde method. The LAB isolates were analyzed for their resistance to acid and bile salt. Strains with lowering cholesterol activity, were determined adherence to Caco-2 cells. Results: Strain B0007, B0006 and B0022 assimilated more cholesterol than BCRC10474 and BCRC 17010. The isolated strains showed tolerance to pH 3.0 for 3 h despite variations in the degree of viability and bile-tolerant strains, with more than 10

Effects of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented mustard on lowering cholesterol

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from fermented mustard to lower the cholesterol in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The ability of 50 LAB strains isolated from fermented mustard on lowering cholesterol in vitro was determined by modified o-phtshalaldehyde method. The LAB isolates were analyzed for their resistance to acid and bile salt. Strains with lowering cholesterol activity, were determined adherence to Caco-2 cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Strain B0007, B0006 and B0022 assimilated more cholesterol than BCRC10474 and BCRC 17010. The isolated strains showed tolerance to pH 3.0 for 3 h despite variations in the degree of viability and bile-tolerant strains, with more than 10(8) CFU/mL after incubation for 24 h at 1% oxigall in MRS. In addition, strain B0007 and B0022 identified as Lactobacillus plantarum with 16S rDNA sequences were able to adhere to the Caco-2 cell lines.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These strains B0007 and B0022 may be potential functional sources for cholesterol-lowering activities as well as adhering to Caco-2 cell lines.</p>

Desenho de placa em forma de borboleta para tratamento de fraturas do calcâneo / Design of butterfly-shaped plate and its application in treatment for calcaneal fractures

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um desenho de placa em forma de borboleta e sua aplicação no tratamento de fraturas do calcâneo e discutir suas indicações clínicas, vantagens e desvantagens. MÉTODOS: De fevereiro de 2008 a abril de 2010, 22 pacientes com 26 fraturas intra-articulares do calcâneo foram tratados com redução a céu aberto e fixação interna com placa em forma de borboleta. Dezesseis pacientes eram homens e 6 eram mulheres, com média de idade de 36,8 anos. Onze eram pés esquerdos e 15, direitos. De acordo com a classificação de Sanders, 12 eram fraturas de calcâneo Tipo II (inclusive 3 Tipo IIa, 7 Tipo IIb e 2 Tipo IIc) e 14 eram Tipo III (inclusive cinco do Tipo IIIab, 7 Tipo IIIac e duas do Tipo IIIbc). RESULTADOS: Dezessete pacientes (21 pés) foram submetidos a acompanhamento por em média 19,2 meses. Os desfechos funcionais foram avaliados com o sistema Maryland Foot Score. Entre os nove pés com fraturas Tipo II, sete receberam escore excelente e dois, bom. Entre as 12 fraturas Tipo III, seis tiveram escore excelente, cinco, bom e uma, razoável. CONCLUSÃO: A placa em forma de borboleta é aplicável ao tratamento de fraturas do calcâneo do Tipo II e Tipo III de Sanders, com a vantagem de garantir fixação confiável, facilitar a cirurgia, produzir menos complicações pós-operatórias e produzir melhores desfechos clínicos gerais. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the design of butterfly-shaped plate and its application in treatment for calcaneal fractures, and to discuss its clinical indications, advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: From February 2008 to April 2010, 22 patients with 26 intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with butterfly-shape plate. Sixteen patients were male and 6 patients were female, with a mean age of 36.8 years. Eleven were left feet and 15, right. According to Sanders classification, 12 were Type II (including 3 Type IIa, 7 Type IIb and 2 Type IIc) and 14 were Type III (including 5 Type IIIab, 7 Type IIIac and 2 Type IIIbc). RESULTS: Seventeen patients (21 feet) were followed-up for an average of 19.2 months. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Maryland Foot Score system. Among the 9 feet with Type II fractures, 7 feet were scored excellent, 2 were good. Among the 12 Type III fractures, 6 were scored excellent, 5 were good, and one was fair. CONCLUSION: The butterfly-shaped plate is applicable to treatment for Sanders Type II and Type III calcaneal fractures, with advantages of ensuring reliable fixation, easier operation, fewer post-operative complications, and better clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Evaluating the Growth of Pulmonary Nodular Ground-glass Opacity on CT: Comparison of Volume Rendering and Thin Slice Images / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study examined the value of volume rendering (VR) interpretation in assessing the growth of pulmonary nodular ground-glass opacity (nGGO).A total of 47 nGGOs (average size,9.5mm; range,5.7-20.6 mm) were observed by CT scanning at different time under identical parameter settings.The growth of nGGO was analyzed by three radiologists by comparing the thin slice (TS) CT images of initial and repeat scans with side-by-side cine mode.One week later synchronized VR images of the two scans were compared by side-by-side cine mode to evaluate the nGGO growth.The nodule growth was rated on a 5-degree scale:notable growth,slight growth,dubious growth,stagnant growth,shrinkage.Growth standard was defined as:Density increase ≥ 30 HU and (or) diameter increase (by 20％ in nodules ≥10 mm,30％ in nodules of 5-9 mm).Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was performed.The results showed that 32 nGGOs met the growth criteria (29 nGGOs showed an increase in density; 1 nGGO showed an increase in diameter; 2 nGGOs showed an increase in both diameter and density).Area under ROC curve revealed that the performance with VR interpretation was better than that with TS interpretation (P＜0.01,P＜0.05 and P＜0.05 for observers A,B and C respectively).Consistency between different observers was excellent with both VR interpretation (κ=0.89 for observers A&C,A&B,B&C) and TS interpretation (κ=0.71 for A&B,κ=0.68 for A&C,κ=0.74 for B&C),but time spending was less with VR interpretation than with TS interpretation (P＜0.0001,P＜0.0001 and P＜0.05for observers A,B and C,respectively).It was concluded that VR is a useful technique for evaluating the growth of nGGO.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation with gemcitabine after first-line intravesical chemotherapy failure in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation with gemcitabine after first-line intravesical chemotherapy failure, including mitomycin (MMC), epirubicin (EPB) and camptothecin (CPT), in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2007 to October 2008, 72 patients with NMIBC, who had tumor recurrence within one year of first-line intravesical chemotherapy, were assigned to 3 groups (24 cases each). Group A received intravesical gemcitabine in a dose of 1000 mg, Group B received 2000 mg gemcitabine, and Group C received original intravesical chemotherapy. The time of reccurrence and adverse effects were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 2-year tumor free survival rates of the 3 groups were 66.7%, 75.0% and 45.8%, respectively. The 2-year TFS rate of the patients who received gemcitabine was 70.8%, significantly higher than 45.8% of the patients treated by original chemotherapy. There was one case with renal function impairement in the groups A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference between the rates of low urinary tract symptoms in the 3 groups. No severe hematological side effects were observed in this study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The intravescal chemotherapy with gemcitabine in patients with recurrent bladder tumor after first-line intravesical chemotherapy is effective and well tolerated, however, renal function should be routinely assessed.</p>

Co-metabolism of DDT by the newly isolated bacterium, pseudoxanthomonas sp. wax

Microbial degradation of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) is the most promising way to clean up DDT residues found in the environment. In this paper, a bacterium designated as wax, which was capable of co-metabolizing DDT with other carbon sources, was isolated from a long-term DDT-contaminated soil sample by an enrichment culture technique. The new isolate was identified as a member of the Pseudoxanthomonas sp., based on its morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, as well as by 16S rRNA gene analysis. In the presence of 100 mg l-1 glucose, the wax strain could degrade over 95 percent of the total DDT, at a concentration of 20 mg l-1, in 72 hours, and could degrade over 60 percent of the total DDT, at a concentration of 100 mg l-1, in 144 hours. The wax strain had the highest degradation efficiency among all of the documented DDT-degrading bacteria. The wax strain could efficiently degrade DDT at temperatures ranging from 20 to 37ºC, and with initial pH values ranging from 7 to 9. The bacterium could also simultaneously co-metabolize 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichlorethylene (DDE), and other organochlorine compounds. The wax strain could also completely remove 20 mg kg-1 of DDT from both sterile and non-sterile soils in 20 days. This study demonstrates the significant potential use of Pseudoxanthomonas sp. wax for the bioremediation of DDT in the environment.