Expression and significance of miR-223 in rats with pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and significance of miR-223 in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were separated into a control group (n=15), a sham operation group (n=15), and a model group (n=45) (which was then divided into a 3-day group, a 7-day group, and a 14-day group, with 15 rats in each group). The rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established. The rats in the model group were injected with bleomycin solution, while those in the control group and sham operation group were given the same operation and injected with the same amount of normal saline. After observing the pulmonary function indexes of the rats on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis of the rats were observed, and the HYP (hydroxyproline) content and miR-223 expression level were determined. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to analyze the correlation between miR-223 and HYP. RESULTS: The pulmonary inflammation score of the model group was significantly higher than that of the sham group and the control group, and the pulmonary inflammation of the model group significantly increased with the increase of time (p<0.05). The pulmonary fibrosis score in the model group was markedly higher than that in the rest two groups, and the pulmonary fibrosis in the model group elevated significantly with the passage of time (p<0.05). The relevant pulmonary function indexes of the model group rats were significantly lower than those of the other two groups, and the pulmonary function of the model group rats gradually decreased with time (p<0.05). As to the HYP, it presented notably higher content in the model group than in the remaining two groups, and its content in the model group rats increased significantly with time (p<0.05). The expression of miR-223 decreased with the increase of fibrosis (p<0.05), and the expression level of miR-223 was negatively correlated with the HYP content (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-572 targeted CDH1 to promote cell metastasis in WT by suppressing EMT.

PATCHING RETINAL BREAKS WITH HEALAFLOW IN 27-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repaired by 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with Healaflow patch and air tamponade. METHODS: In an initial vitro experiment, we observed and compared the dissolution and displacement of the dispersion spots of 0.05-mL Healaflow and sodium hyaluronate. We then performed a prospective, interventional cohort study on 38 eyes in 37 consecutive patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with Healaflow patch and air tamponade; the postoperative period did not involve prone positioning. The primary and final anatomical attachment rate, best-corrected visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: In the in vitro experiment, the viscoelastic Healaflow remained adherent with no change in the size of the area; however, the control dissolved completely in the balance solution. The patient study included 16 women (43.2%) and 21 men (56.8%) (mean age, 59.5 ± 9.5 years; mean follow-up period, 8.9 ± 3.8 months). A single break was present in 21 (55.3%) and 2 to 5 breaks in 17 cases (44.8%). The macula was involved in 25 (65.8%) and attached in 13 cases (34.2%) intraoperatively. Initial reattachment was achieved in 37 (97.4%) and final reattachment in 38 cases (100%). In one case (2.6%), the macula redetached because of failure of the chorioretinal scar to develop around the treated break. Mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities were 1.02 ± 0.82 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/125, range: 20/20,000-20/20) and 0.23 ± 0.17 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/32, range: 20/100-20/20), respectively (P < 0.001). Intraocular pressure was elevated transiently in 28 eyes (73.7%). There were no other intraoperative complications or postoperative scleral incision leakage. CONCLUSION: A 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with Healaflow patch, and air tamponade results in a high reattachment rate in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Thus, patients can benefit from early visual recovery and less complications.

Clinically significant food preferences of patients with atrial fibrillation: a nosological and regional peculiarities.

AIM: The aim of the investigation was to study the peculiarities of food consumption in patients with atrial fibrillation, capable of influencing the anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, in comparison with healthy volunteers and taking into account geographical specifics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an open cohort study, 196 respondents (88 men, 108 women) evaluated food preferences using a questionnaire survey. The quantitative evaluation of adherence to lifestyle modification was studied by QAA-25. Statistical data processing was performed by parametric (Student's t-test) and nonparametric (Wald-Wolfowitz, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson) analysis methods. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in food rations between the studied categories of respondents, both increasing [37.0±19.5 points versus 37.3±17.98 points; Wald-Wolfowitz (Z), p=0.16] and reducing the activity of warfarin [62.2±26.3 points versus 63.4±23.8 points; Wald-Wolfowitz (Z), p=0.95]. The absence of differences remained in the evaluation, taking into account regional characteristics of nutrition. The respondents were taking warfarin, there is no relationship between the level of commitment to the modification of lifestyle and diet modification. CONCLUSION: it is shown that medical recommendations aimed at correcting the eating behavior of respondents taking warfarin are not effective, which can be an independent risk factor for complications of both warfarin therapy and the underlying disease.

Quantitative assessment of adherence to treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation in real clinical practice.

AIM: To quantitatively evaluate features of adherence to treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Omsk region in conditions of real clinical practice. Materials and methods: in a prospective controlled study in 137 patients with AF 35-85 years quantitatively examined adherence to treatment and its structure. Statistical processing of data were performed using parametric (Student's t-test) and nonparametric (Wald-Wolfowitz, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective controlled study in 137 patients with AF 35-85 years quantitatively examined adherence to treatment and its structure. Statistical processing of data were performed using parametric (Student's t-test) and nonparametric (Wald-Wolfowitz, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson) analysis. RESULTS: The most committed to treatment of AF patients older than 65 years. Regardless of age women are more committed to treatment than men. With increasing severity of AF symptoms in men, reduced adherence to treatment, in women is increasing commitment to the modification of lifestyle and drug therapy. In patients with paroxysmal AF adherence to drug therapy is higher than with a constant form. The increase in the number of comorbidities in men and women accompanied by a growing commitment to the modification of lifestyle and drug therapy, with a decrease in women adherence to medical support. If patients with AF the amount of medication increases, reduced adherence to medical support. CONCLUSION: Quantitative structural analysis of adherence to treatment in patients with AF identified previously do not consider the characteristics associated with gender, age, disease and drug therapy significantly influence treatment outcome.

[The peculiar features of the sidewise collision involving a pedestrian and an automobile moving in the reverse gear along an arc of a circle]. / Osobennosti kraevogo naezda na peshekhoda avtomobilem, dvigaiushchimsia zadnim khodom po duge.

This article was designed to report the results of the analysis of the consequences of a real case of the sidewise collision and run-over involving a pedestrian and an automobile moving in the reverse gear along an arc of a circle. Special attention was given to the mechanism behind the collision, its peculiar features, and characteristic damages inflicted to the pedestrian's body and clothes.

Quantitative ultrasound measurements of bone quality in female adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis compared to normal controls.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to compare the speed-of-sound (SOS) between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and controls using quantitative ultrasound examination and to further analyze the relationship between the SOS and curve type, curve magnitude, maturation status and Risser's sign in AIS patients compared to controls. METHODS: Seventy-eight female AIS patients and 58 healthy female controls 10 to 16 years of age were recruited to participate. Quantitative ultrasound measurements were performed at the non-dominant distal end of the radius. The standard method for estimating the SOS and z-score was used. Comparisons were made between the SOS values and z-score in AIS patients and age-matched Asian adolescents. RESULTS: The SOS values of the patients were significantly lower than the controls (P < .01). The percentage of cases with low bone quality was 25% in the entire AIS sample. The prevalence of low bone quality in AIS patients was 20.5%. However, there were no correlations between the SOS and types of scoliosis (P > .05). The SOS values among different severity groups were significant, particularly between the 10° to 19° and 20° to 39° groups as well as between 10° to 19° and ≥40° groups. However, there was no significant correlation between the SOS and Cobb angles. Significant correlations were also found between the pre- and post-menarchy status in patients. There was a significant difference in the SOS values for different Rissers' signs (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to nonscoliotic controls, subjects with AIS had a generally lower SOS, indicating lower bone quality. The age, Risser's sign, or maturation status, may have an effect on the bone quality; however, the curve type and magnitude do not affect the bone quality. The results of this study indicate that slower bone maturation may affect the bone quality in adolescents with AIS.

[Postmortem forensic medical diagnostics of fulminant sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacterium (Capnocitophaga canimorsus) following a dog bite].

This article provides the example of postmortem forensic medical diagnostics of fulminant sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacterium (Capnocitophaga canimorsus) following a dog bite. In order to identify the etiological factor of fulminant sepsis, the expert carried out the study of the autopsy materials with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method has only recently been introduced into postmortem diagnostics of fulminant sepsis in this country; it has no analogs abroad and can be employed for the purpose of forensic medical expertise and pathological anatomic studies.

Effects of electrical stimulation of the hunger center in the lateral hypothalamus and food reinforcement on impulse activity of the mylohyoid muscle in rabbits under conditions of hunger and satiety.

Effects of electrical stimulation of the hunger center in the lateral hypothalamus and food reinforcement on impulse activity of mylohyoid muscle were studied in chronic experiments under conditions of hunger and satiety. Threshold stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in starving and satiated rabbits in the absence of food induced searching behavior associated with burst-like impulse activity with a bimodal distribution of interpulse intervals. Regular spike burst in the mylohyoid muscle during stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in the absence of food serves as an example of the anticipatory type reaction. Increased food motivation during threshold stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in starving and satiated rabbits with food offered led to successful food-procuring behavior, during which the frequency of spike bursts in the mylohyoid muscle became comparable with that under conditions of natural foraging behavior stimulated by the need in nutrients. Our results suggest that temporal structure of mylohyoid muscle impulse activity reflects convergent interactions of food-motivation excitation with reinforcement excitation on neurons of the masticatory and deglutitive centers.

Method of evaluation of dynamic changes in food motivation in rabbits during successful food-procuring behavior.

We developed a method for evaluation of dynamic changes in the level of food motivation in rabbits during successful food-procuring behavior. Quantitative and temporal parameters of food consumption over each successive cycle of food-procuring behavior were used. The amount of consumed food was converted into electrical signal using an electronic balance incorporated into a hardware-software complex. Temporal parameters of food-procuring activity were determined by changes in electric signal in real-time mode. This method makes it possible to record simultaneously food-procuring activity and impulse activity of masticator muscles and esophageal muscles, which enables parallel analysis of rhythms of food consumption, mastication, and swallowing.

Effects of electrical stimulation of the hunger center in the lateral hypothalamus and food reinforcement on impulse activity of the proper masticatory muscle in rabbits under conditions of hunger and satiation.

Threshold stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in starving and preliminary fed (satiated) rabbits in the absence of feed induces searching behavior associated with burst-like impulse activity of proper masticatory muscle with a bimodal distribution of interpulse intervals, what represents an anticipatory type of reaction. The increase in the level of food motivation during threshold stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus in starving and satiated rabbits with the food offered led to successful food-procuring behavior, during which the frequency and amplitude of spike bursts in the proper masticatory muscle become comparable with those under conditions of natural foraging behavior stimulated by the need in nutrients. Motivational excitation and backward afferentation from food reward are addressed to the same neurons of the masticatory center in the medulla oblongata.

Hunger and satiation in the structure of temporal organization of impulse activity of masticatory muscles in rabbits.

Impulse activity of masticatory muscles, jaw elevators and depressors, during hunger, eating, and satiation was studied in chronic experiments on rabbits. The state of hunger is specifically reflected in the structure of temporal organization of impulse activity of proper masticatory muscles as a monomodal distribution of interpulse intervals and in activity of the mylohyoid muscle as bimodal distributions. Food intake induces reorganization of the temporal structure of impulse activity in both muscles manifesting in the form of similar bimodal patterns of distributions of interpulse intervals.

Metal-free PPi activates hydrolysis of MgPPi by an Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase.

Soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase from Escherichia coli (E-PPase) is a hexamer forming under acidic conditions the active trimers. We have earlier found that the hydrolysis of a substrate (MgPP(i)) by the trimers as well as a mutant E-PPase Asp26Ala did not obey the Michaelis-Menten equation. To explain this fact, a model has been proposed implying the existence of, aside from an active site, an effector site that can bind PP(i) and thus accelerate MgPP(i) hydrolysis. In this paper, we demonstrate that the noncompetitive activation of MgPP(i) hydrolysis by metal-free PP(i) can also explain kinetic features of hexameric forms of both the native enzyme and the specially obtained mutant E-PPase with a substituted residue Glu145 in a flexible loop 144-149. Aside from PP(i), its non-hydrolyzable analog methylene diphosphonate can also occupy the effector site resulting in the acceleration of the substrate hydrolysis. Our finding that two moles of [32P]PP(i) can bind with each enzyme subunit is direct evidence for the existence of the effector site in the native E-PPase.

[Service station established at villages and towns in Fufeng County pushed forward the family planning program there].

PIP: In 1985 the 15 villages and towns of Fufeng County, Shanxi Province, established service stations to promote family planning. The County invested over 90,000 yuan in an x-ray machine, operation table and necessary medical supplies. The service stations provided fluoroscopy, surgical and propaganda rooms. The purpose of each station, staffed by female physicians and family planning cadres, was to develop contraceptive birth control, teach eugenics, and counsel women. The establishment of service stations obviously proved significant and useful, as seen from the following data: for the years 1983-85, the county birth rate fell 2%; the multiple child rate dropped 7.7%; the birth control rate rose by 12.6%; the sterilization rate rose by 1.3%. By October 1986, these figures showed even more improvement. The success of the service stations was also due to: taking its services to the people, their homes, and their workplace; making family planning work a service, rather than a management; systematizing family planning work and making it available at all times.^ieng