Quality of life outcomes after deep brain stimulation in acquired dystonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dystonia is a condition that affects the ability to control the movement and function of the body's muscles. It can cause not only physical problems, but also mental problems, resulting in impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the effect of deep brain stimulation on quality of life in acquired dystonia remains unclear. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review from January 2000 to October 2022，determined the eligible studies, and performed a meta-analysis of HRQoL outcomes based on the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) after DBS to evaluate the effects of DBS on physical and mental QoL. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed for 9 studies that reported physical and psychological data or physical component summary (PCS), or mental component summary (MCS) for SF-36. The mean (SD) age at DBS implantation was 34.29 (10.3) years, and the follow-up period after implantation was 2.21 (2.80) years. The random effects model meta-analysis revealed that both physical and mental domains of the SF-36 improved following DBS. There was no statistically significant difference between the physical domains (effect size=1.34; p<0.0001) and the mental domains (effect size=1.38; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This is the first meta-analysis that demonstrates significant benefits in HRQoL following DBS in patients with acquired dystonia. There were significant improvements in both physical QoL and mental QoL.

Multiple Diagnostic Indicators in the Development of Chronic Hepatitis B, Liver Cirrhosis, and Liver Cancer.

Context: Hepatitis B can develop into cirrhosis, and most liver cancers evolve on the basis of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Many patients are already at an advanced stage when diagnosed. In recent years, clinicians have advocated detection of liver cancer using multiple markers in combination to improve the sensitivity and specificity of testing. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of using four tumor indicators-urea, alpha L-fucosidase (AFU), carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and comparing the use of combined indicators to use of a single indicator for the diagnosis of liver cancer. Design: The research team performed a prospective study. Setting: The study took place at Clinical Laboratory, Baoding People's Hospital, Baoding City, Hebei Province, China. Participants: Participants were 98 patients with chronic hepatitis B, who became the CHB group; 102 patients with liver cirrhosis, who became the cirrhosis group, and 100 patients with liver cancer, who became the liver cancer group. They all had been admitted to the hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Outcome Measures: The research team measured the urea, AFU, CA153, CA125, and AFP levels of the three groups, constructed an ROC curve, and analyzed the diagnostic values of the indicators singly and in combination for liver cancer. Results: For the levels of urea, AFU, CA153, CA125, and AFP, the CHB group's levels were significantly lower than those of the cirrhosis and liver cancer groups (both P < .001), and the cirrhosis group's levels were significantly lower than those of the liver cancer group (P < .001). In the CHB group, the compensatory group's levels were significantly lower than those of the decompensated group (P < .05). In the cirrhosis group, no significant differences existed between the levels of the grade A and grade B groups (P < .001), between those of the grade A and grade C groups (P < .001), or between those of the grade B and grade C groups (P < .001). In the cirrhosis group, the levels of the no ascites group were significantly lower than those of the ascites group (P < .05). In the liver cancer group, the levels of the stage I-II group were significantly lower than those of the stage III and stage IV groups (both P < .05), and those of the stage IV group were significantly lower than those of the stage Ⅳ group (P < .05). The levels of the <5cm group were significantly lower than those of the ≥5cm group (P < .001). The value of using a combination of indicators for diagnosis was significantly higher than that of a single indicator (P < .001). Conclusions: Urea, AFU, CA153, CA125, and AFP all have diagnostic value in the evaluation of chronic hepatitis B-cirrhosis and liver cancer, with the highest efficacy, sensitivity and specificity from a combined test and diagnosis.

Retrospective Clinical Analysis of Epilepsy Treatment for Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (A Single-Center Experience).

Objectives: This retrospective cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics and seizure outcomes of patients aged 1−14 years with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who were treated by different typologies of therapy. Methods: Four hundred and eighteen children with DRE were recruited from Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University from April 2008 to February 2015. The patients were divided into three groups: medication (n = 134, 32.06%), resection surgery (n = 185, 44.26%), and palliative surgery (n = 99, 23.68%) groups. Demographic characteristics were attained from medical records. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years, with seizure outcomes classified according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria. The psychological outcome was evaluated with the development quotient and Wechsler Intelligence Quotient Scale for children (Chinese version). Results: The most frequent seizure type was generalized tonic seizure in 53.83% of patients. Age at seizure onset in 54.55% of patients was <3 years. The most frequent etiologies were focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). West syndrome was the most common epilepsy syndrome. Favorable seizure outcomes at the 5-year follow-up in the medication, resection surgery, and palliative surgery groups were 5.22%, 77.30%, and 14.14%, respectively. The patients showed varying degrees of improvement in terms of developmental and intellectual outcomes post-treatment. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with DRE were characterized by frequent seizures, a variety of seizure types, and complex etiology. Recurrent seizures severely affected the cognitive function and development of children. Early surgical intervention would be beneficial for seizure control and prevention of mental retardation. Palliative surgery was also a reasonable option for patients who were not suitable candidates for resection surgery.

Long-Term Seizure Outcomes and Predictors in Patients with Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors Associated with Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors and the long-term outcomes of patients with seizures following surgery for dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs); Methods: Clinical data were collected from medical records of consecutive patients of the Department of Neurosurgery of Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University with a pathological diagnosis of DNT and who underwent surgery from January 2008 to July 2021. All patients were followed up after surgery for at least one year. We estimated the cumulative rate of seizure recurrence-free and generated survival curves. A log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test and a Cox proportional hazard model were performed for univariate and multivariate analysis to analyze influential predictors; Results: 63 patients (33 males and 30 females) were included in this study. At the final follow-up, 49 patients (77.8%) were seizure-free. The cumulative rate of seizure recurrence-free was 82.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 71.8-91.3%), 79.0% (95% CI 67.8-88.6%) and 76.5% (95% CI 64.8-87.0%) at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The mean time for seizure recurrence-free was 6.892 ± 0.501 years (95% CI 5.91-7.87). Gross total removal of the tumor and a short epilepsy duration were significant predictors of seizure freedom. Younger age of seizure onset, bilateral interictal epileptiform discharges, and MRI type 3 tumors were risk factors for poor prognosis; Conclusions: A favorable long-term seizure outcome was observed for patients with DNT after surgical resection. Predictor analysis could effectively guide the clinical work and evaluate the prognosis of patients with DNT associated with epilepsy.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis and Immunofixation Electrophoresis Detection in Multiple Myeloma.

The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic significance of serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis detection in diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). One hundred and five patients were investigated. The detection rate of M protein by immunofixation electrophoresis detection was better (105 cases, 100%) than that of serum protein electrophoresis (101 cases, 96.19%, p<0.001). The M band was not detected by serum protein electrophoresis in four cases (3.81%), among which one case (0.95%) was identified as IgA type and 3 cases (2.86%) as light chain type after immunoglobulin analysis. Immunofixation electrophoresis detection technique can be used for screening M protein in patients with atypical MM; and immunofixation electrophoresis detection technique can increase the diagnosis accuracy in patients with atypical MM. Key Words: Multiple myeloma (MM), Serum protein electrophoresis, Immunofixation electrophoresis, Monoclonal immunoglobulin.

Cast-In-Situ, Large-Sized Monolithic Silica Xerogel Prepared in Aqueous System.

This paper reports the preparation of cast-in-situ, large-sized monolithic silica xerogels by a two-step acid⁻base catalyzed approach under ambient pressure drying. Low-cost industrial silica sol and deionized water were used as the silicon source and the solvent, respectively. Hexadecetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a modification agent. Different amounts of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) was added as a pore-forming agent. The prepared silica xerogels under ambient pressure drying have a mesoporous structure with a low density of 221 mg·cm-3 and a thermal conductivity of 0.0428 W·m-1·K-1. The low-cost and facile preparation process, as well as the superior performance of the monolithic silica xerogels make it a promising candidate for industrial thermal insulation materials.

A novel method for testing accelerometer transverse sensitivity.

This paper presents a flexure-based compliant mechanism for testing accelerometer transverse sensitivity. The definition of transverse sensitivity is first described. Subsequently, the detailed structure of the developed mechanism is introduced. The principle of this method and the corresponding theoretical model are analyzed. Based on the principle, a prototype is manufactured and an experimental platform is set up. The circular trajectory tests are carried out to verify the feasibility of this method. It shows that the precision of the circular trajectory can be guaranteed. Finally, a three-axis piezoelectric accelerometer is tested. The maximum transverse sensitivity is below 5%, and its maximum measurement uncertainty is 0.15%, while the maximum measurement uncertainty of the corresponding direction angle is 0.79°. It demonstrates that the proposed method is reasonable and accurate.

Long non-coding RNA CCAL promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating AP-2α and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding RNAs are emerging as key molecules in cancer progression. LncRNA-CCAL has shown to be highly expressed and important in regulating CRC and osteosarcoma development. Nevertheless, the expression and mechanism of CCAL in HCC is still not well understood. METHODS: qRT-PCR and ISH were used to evaluate CCAL expression in HCC tissues and cell lines. Histone H3 methylation and acetylation levels across CCAL promoter region were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Transfection of Lv-CCAL-shRNAs into HCC cell lines was used to evaluate cellular invasion and proliferation. The influence of CCAL depletion on AP-2α expression and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was analyzed by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Higher expression of CCAL was found in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues, and was associated with tumor metastasis and TNM stage. Furthermore, the decreased histone H3 methylation and increased histone H3 acetylation across CCAL promoter region contributed to the upregulation of CCAL in HCC. Moreover, the depletion of CCAL inhibited HCC cellular invasion and proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, CCAL depletion up-regulated AP-2α expression and inhibited Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS: CCAL has an important role in hepatic carcinogenesis and may serve as a new target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

Efficient preparation of crack-free, low-density and transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels via ambient pressure drying and surface modification.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels have gained considerable attention due to their high transparency, good mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity. However, low-density PMSQ aerogels are difficult to obtain by ambient pressure drying due to irreversible shrinkage. Inspired by previous research, we speculate that reducing surface silanol groups could reduce irreversible shrinkage along with the skeleton-strengthening effect. In addition, extending the ageing process is expected to lead to increased density. Thus, in this paper, we applied a mature technique to modify the surfaces of PMSQ gels with terminal silane groups to reduce hydrophilic surface silanol groups without strengthening the skeletons. This surface modification process greatly reduced irreversible shrinkage and allowed the PMSQ gels to return to their original sizes, in accompany with the decrease of silanol group (NMR results as the direct evidence). This method exhibits extremely high efficiency in the preparation of crack-free, low-density and transparent PMSQ aerogels. The PMSQ aerogels dried at ambient pressure had a low density of 48 mg cm-3, low thermal conductivity (21.1 mW m-1 K-1), high transparency (81.3% at 550 nm), super-hydrophobicity (contact angle of 155°) and excellent mechanical properties. The proposed method will be useful for the industrial production of transparent insulating materials and has potential applications in space exploration.

Long noncoding RNA PCAT-14 induces proliferation and invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing methylation of miR-372.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate oncogenesis by inducing methylation of CpG islands to silence target genes. Here we show that the lncRNA PCAT-14 is overexpressed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is associated with a poor prognosis after surgery. Our results demonstrate that PCAT-14 promotes proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells. In addition, PCAT-14 inhibits miR-372 expression by inducing methylation of the miR-372 promoter. Simultaneously, miR-372 eliminates the effects of PCAT-14 on proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle in HCC cells. Moreover, PCAT-14 regulates expression of ATAD2 and activation of the Hedgehog pathway via miR-372. These findings indicate that PCAT-14 plays an important role in HCC, and may serve as a novel prognostic factor and therapeutic target.

Stiffness modeling of compliant parallel mechanisms and applications in the performance analysis of a decoupled parallel compliant stage.

This paper investigates the stiffness modeling of compliant parallel mechanism (CPM) based on the matrix method. First, the general compliance matrix of a serial flexure chain is derived. The stiffness modeling of CPMs is next discussed in detail, considering the relative positions of the applied load and the selected displacement output point. The derived stiffness models have simple and explicit forms, and the input, output, and coupling stiffness matrices of the CPM can easily be obtained. The proposed analytical model is applied to the stiffness modeling and performance analysis of an XY parallel compliant stage with input and output decoupling characteristics. Then, the key geometrical parameters of the stage are optimized to obtain the minimum input decoupling degree. Finally, a prototype of the compliant stage is developed and its input axial stiffness, coupling characteristics, positioning resolution, and circular contouring performance are tested. The results demonstrate the excellent performance of the compliant stage and verify the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical model. The general stiffness models provided in this paper will be helpful for performance analysis, especially in determining coupling characteristics, and the structure optimization of the CPM.

[CRISPR-Cas system and coevolution of bacteria and phages].

In response to the challenge from phages, bacteria evolve a number of defense systems against phage invasion. Meanwhile, the phages evolve multiple counter-defense mechanism as well under the selection pressure from bacteria. The evolution relationship between bacteria and phages, as well as the functional mechanism, still remains to be uncovered. A novel immune system, CRISPR-Cas system, has been found in bacteria and archaea recently. With deeply research of the function and mechanism of CRISPR-Cas system, the coevolution relationship between bacteria and phages is becoming clear. In this review, the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas system-mediated immunity in prokaryotes is introduced. In particular, the progress on the role of CRISPR in the coevolution of bacteria and phage is reviewed.

[Analysis of bacterial immune system--a review].

In the battle to phages, bacteria have evolved many immune mechanisms involved in the prevention of phage DNA entry, the degradation of entered DNA, and the limitation of the phage spreading at the cost of host cell death. An immune system in bacteria is formed by the collaboration of multiple immune mechanisms. In this paper, we reviewed the latest research progress of bacterial immune system and focused on the analysis of the operation mode of bacterial immune system and the evolution relationship between this system and phages.

[Dynamic study on effect of Chinese medicine compound Yiliuyin on angiogenesis in transplanted S180 tumor of mouse].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic changes in angiogenesis within the tumor tissue of mice bearing S180 tumor at different day-points of oral administration with a Chinese medicine compound "Yiliuyin" (YLY) and to explore the anti-tumor mechanisms of YLY in vivo. METHOD: Fifty-six BALB/c mice were divided into YLY group and control group (28 mice/group) and each group was divided into four subgroups (7 mice/subgroup), randomly. After 24 hrs of inoculation with S180 tumor cells subcutaneously in the right axilla, YLY in the mice of YLY group and equal volume of cold boiled-water in the mice of control group were administered orally twice every day, 0.5 mL each time. The mice of one subgroup from the two groups apiece were killed at 10, 20, 30 th and 40 th day-point of oral administration, respectively. The tumors were isolated and were made into paraffin embedded sections. The dynamic changes of the angiogenesis (CD34 staining), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and endostatin (ES) in tumor tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry staining, and the results were shown as PED (positive enzyme dot). RESULT: YLY could remarkably decrease the angiogenesis within tumor tissues. The PED of CD34 in control group at 10, 20, 30 th and 40 th day-point was 392.86+/-42.01, 481.49+/-58.34, 386.31+/-54.91 and 376.69+/-28.71, and that in YLY group was 334.46+/-33.38, 289.34+/-39.63, 257.09+/-40.00 and 246.57+/-36.78, respectively. The PED of CD34 in YLY group at each day-point was lower than that in control group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively). The PED of VEGF in control group at 10, 20, 30 th and 40 th day-point was 852.63+/-81.65, 1168.40+/-96.69, 1292.60+/-147.54 and 1124.74+/-139.64, and that inYLY group was 718.40+/-94.94, 866.54+/-72.40, 859.31+/-74.02 and 753.34+/-72.95, respectively. The PED of VEGF in YLY group at each day-point was lower than that in control group (P <0.05, P <0.01, P <0.01 and P <0.01, respectively). The PED of VEGFR-2 in control group at 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th day-point was 618.63+/-59.08, 750.09+/-56.72, 684.91+/-72.86 and 644.06+/-60.25, and that in YLY group was 523.91+/-64.66, 449.03+/-46.85, 400.06+/-60.12 and 339.89+/-45.39, respectively. The PED of VEGFR-2 in YLY group at each day-point was lower than that in control group (P <0.05, P <0.01, P <0.01 and P <0.01, respectively). The PED of ES in control group at 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th day-point was 250.26+/-36.27, 298.60+/-44.41, 450.86+/-38.95 and 398.43+/-34.19, and that in YLY group was 249.57+/-40.23, 350.03+/-40.92, 499.40+/-40.29 and 497.94+/-42.76, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups at 10th day-point.The PED of ES in YLY group was higher than that in control group at 20, 30, 40 th day-point (P <0.05, P <0.01 and P <0.01, respectively) . CONCLUSION: YLY could exert the anti- tumor role by down-regulating the expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2, up-regulating the expression of ES and inhibiting the angiogenesis within tumor tissue.

[Phage resistance of Corynebacterium crenatum conferred by the restriction and modification system cglI].

In order to prevent phage contamination in amino acid fermentation, we introduced the restriction and modification system cglI gene complex into Corynebacterium crenatum and studied their phage-resistance. The cglI gene complex was amplified from Corynebacterium glutamicum by PCR and constructed into pJL23 vector. The recombinant strains were obtained by transformation of the recombinant plasmid pJL23-cglI into C. crenatum. Results showed that the recombinant strains possessed strong phage-resistance activity and broad phage-resistance spectrum, demonstrating the feasibility of using cglI gene complex for construction of phage-resistance recombinant C. crenatum strains and presenting a powerful way to solve the problem of phage contamination in amino acid fermentation industry.

Protective effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on pancreas transplantation in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine, on pancreas transplantation in rats. METHODS: A model of pancreas transplantation was established in rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sham-operation control group (n = 6), transplant control group (n = 6), and aminoguanidine (AG) treatment group (n = 18). In the AG group, aminoguanidine was added to intravascular infusion as the onset of reperfusion at the dose of 60 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Serum nitric oxide (NO) level, blood sugar and amylase activity were detected. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) test kit was used to detect the pancreas cNOS and inducible NOS (iNOS) activity. Pancreas sections stained with HE and immunohistochemistry were evaluated under a light microscope. RESULTS: As compared with the transplant control group, the serum NO level and amylase activity decreased obviously and the evidence for pancreas injury was much less in the AG group. The AG (80 mg/kg body weight) group showed the most significant difference in NO and amylase (NO: 66.0 +/- 16.6 vs 192.3 +/- 60.0, P < 0.01 and amylase: 1426 +/- 177 vs 4477 +/- 630, P < 0.01). The expression and activity of tissue iNOS, and blood sugar in the AG (80 mg/kg body weight) group were much lower than those in the transplant control group (iNOS: 2.01 +/- 0.23 vs 26.59 +/- 5.78, P < 0.01 and blood sugar: 14.2 +/- 0.9 vs 16.8 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine as a free radical, has a protective effect on pancreas transplantation in rats by inhibiting NO and reducing its toxicity.

Elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor production and its effect on revascularization and function of graft islets in diabetic rats.

AIM: To determine whether the elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression produced by the transfected vascular endothelial cells (VECs) could stimulate angiogenesis of the graft islets and exert its effect on the graft function. METHODS: Thirty diabetic recipient rats were divided into three groups (n=10 per group). In the control group, 300 IEQ islets were transplanted in each rat under the capsule of the right kidney, which were considered as marginal grafts. In the VEC group, VEC together with the islets were transplanted in each rat. In the VEGF group, VEC transfected by pIRES2-EGFP/VEGF165 plasmid and the islets were transplanted in each rat. Blood glucose and insulin levels were evaluated every other day after operation. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed 10 d after the transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histological features of the graft islets. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect insulin-6, VEGF and CD34 (MVD) expression in the graft islets. RESULTS: Blood glucose and insulin levels in the VEGF group restored to normal 3 d after transplantation. In contrast, diabetic rats receiving the same islets with or without normal VECs displayed moderate hyperglycemia and insulin, without a significant difference between these two groups. IVGTT showed that both the amplitude of blood glucose induction and the kinetics of blood glucose in the VEGF group restored to normal after transplantation. H&E and immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of a large amount of graft islets under the capsule of the kidney, which were positively stained with insulin-6 and VEGF antibodies in the VEGF group. In the cell masses, CD34-stained VECs were observed. The similar masses were also seen in the other two groups, but with a fewer positive cells stained with insulin-6 and CD34 antibodies. No VEGF-positive cells appeared in these groups. Microvessel density (MVD) was significantly higher in the VEGF group compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated VEGF production by transfected vascular endothelial cells in the site of islet transplantation stimulates angiogenesis of the islet grafts. The accelerated islet revascularization in early stage could improve the outcome of islet transplantation, and enhance the graft survival.

[Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B attenuates multiple organ injury following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: an experiment with rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B on multiple organ injury following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: Forty-five Wistar rats underwent catheterization to observe the intestinal microcirculation blood flow, and were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Rats of the ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) group underwent laparotomy and extraction of blood to cause hemorrhage shock for 1 h (hemorrhagic shock phase), by the end of this phase normal saline at the dose of 50 ml/kg was injected intravenously, after that the abdominal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries were blocked with artery clamps for 45 min so as to cause lower torso ischemia, and then the extracted blood was reperfused. The lungs, small intestine were taken out to undergo histological examination, and examination of lung polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte (PMN) sequestration, lung wet tissues/dry (W/D) tissues ratio, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The rats of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group were perfused with PDTC, a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), by the end of the hemorrhagic shock phase. And the rats of the sham operation group were perfused of normal saline. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of NF-kappaB p65 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-kappaB p65 and ICAM-1. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NF-kappaB p65 and ICAM-1 in the lung and small intestine tissues. RESULTS: Histological examination showed that severe damage could be found in the lung and small intestine of the RAAA group, and damages were significantly mild in the PDTC group. Lung PMN sequestration, W/D ratio, MPO activity were significantly increased in the RAAA group and these changes were relatively mild in the PDTC group (all P < 0.01). The intestinal microcirculation blood flow was 0.25 +/- 0.04 mlxmin(-1)xg(-1) in the RAAA group, significantly less than that of the sham operation group (0.71 +/- 0.11 mlxmin(-1)xg(-1), P < 0.01), and was 0.64 +/- 0.06 mlxmin(-1)xg(-1) in the PDTC group, significantly higher than that of the RAAA group (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the lung of the RAAA group was 0.68 +/- 0.22, significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (0.11 +/- 0.02, P < 0.01) and that of the PDTC group (0.23 +/- 0.07, P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the intestine of the RAAA group was 0.48 +/- 0.10, significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (< 0.20 +/- 0.05, P < 0.01) and that of the PDTC group (0.27 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of ICAM-1 in the lung of the RAAA group was 0.92 +/- 0.31, significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (0.07 +/- 0.02, P < 0.01) and that of the PDTC group (0.21 +/- 0.04, P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of ICAM-1 in the intestine of the RAAA group was 0.74 +/- 0.15, significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (0.14 +/- 0.05, P < 0.01) and that of the PDTC group (0.25 +/- 0.08, P < 0.01). The protein expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the lung of the RAAA group was 1.04 +/- 0.26, significantly higher than that of the PDTC group (0.52 +/- 0.13, P < 0.01). The protein expression of NF-kappaB p65 in the intestine of the RAAA group was 1.20 +/- 0.30, significantly higher than that of the PDTC group (0.64 +/- 0.21, P < 0.01). The protein expression of ICAM-1 in the lung of the RAAA group was 0.40 +/- 0.12, significantly higher than that of the PDTC group (0.18 +/- 0.06, P < 0.01). The protein expression of ICAM-1 in the intestine of the RAAA group was 0.46 +/- 0.15, significantly higher than that of the PDTC group (0.22 +/- 0.05, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed that NF-kappaB p65 and ICAM-1 positive cells were widely distributed in the lungs and intestine of the RAAA group and were rarely distributed in the sham operation group. CONCLUSION: PDTC attenuates the multi-organ injury by inhibiting the expression of NF-kappaB p65, thus reducing the mRNA and protein expression of its downstream gene ICAM-1 gene.

Islet transplantation for diabetic rats through the spleen.

BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation is considered a potentially curative treatment for diabetic mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of islet transplant through the spleen. METHODS: Both donor and recipient Wistar rats (BW150+/-20 g) were provided by the Animal Center of China Medical University, Shenyang, China. Islets were isolated and purified with the modified Minnesota program. 600-800IE graft islets were handpicked and transplanted through the spleen of diabetic recipients. Blood glucose and insulin were evaluated after operation every other day. IVGTT was performed 10 days after transplantation. RESULTS: 300-400IE islet was procured from one donor rat. Secretion index (SI) of the glucose stress was 5.59+/-0.62, showing the graft functioning well. The diabetic rats restored normal blood glucose levels of 3.4-5.4 mmol/L (mean 4.8 mmol/L). Their insulin levels were as normal as 8.5-12.2 microIU/ml. The K value of IVGTT in the rats after transplantation was similar to the normal one. CONCLUSIONS: The islets can be transplanted successfully through the spleen, while avoiding the complications caused by traditional transplantation through the portal vein, such as bleeding and portal vein hypertension. The graft islets loss can be reduced because of less centrifugation and mechanic pressure. In conclusion, transplantation through the spleen is a simple and feasible method.