Probing the Cr3+ luminescence sensitization in ß-Ga2O3 with ion-beam-induced luminescence and thermoluminescence.

Ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) measurements were performed in Cr-doped ß-Ga2O3 using both protons and helium ions, showing a strong enhancement of the Cr3+ luminescence upon ion irradiation. Theoretical modelling of the IBIL intensity curves as a function of the fluence allowed estimating the effective cross-sections associated with the defect-induced IBIL enhancement and quenching processes. The results suggest that sensitizing the Cr3+ luminescence is more efficient for H+ than for He+ irradiation. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies were performed in the pristine sample, with no TL signal being observed in the spectral region corresponding to the Cr3+ emission. In agreement with the IBIL study, upon ion irradiation (with either protons or helium ions), this TL emission is activated. Moreover, it can be quenched by annealing at 923 K for 10 s, thus revealing the role played by the defects induced by the irradiation. These results show that the irradiation-induced defects play a major role in the activation of the Cr3+ luminescence, a fact that can be exploited for radiation sensing and dosimetry.

ApoA-I mimetics favorably impact cyclooxygenase 2 and bioactive lipids that may contribute to cardiometabolic syndrome in chronic treated HIV.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptides 4F and 6F can be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce blood and gut bioactive lipids, proinflammatory effects of endotoxin (LPS) and aberrant activation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) as instigators of increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in chronic treated HIV. METHODS: We used two humanized murine models of chronic treated HIV infection (n = 109 mice) and gut explants from HIV infected (n = 10) persons to determine whether Tg6F and 4F attenuate in vivo and ex vivo increased blood and gut bioactive lipids (measured by mass spectrometry) and intestinal protein levels of COX-2 (measured by immunoassays) in chronic treated HIV. RESULTS: In these models of HIV, when compared to HIV-1 infected mice on antiretroviral therapy (ART) alone, oral Tg6F in combination with ART attenuated increases in plasma and gut bioactive lipids (and particularly COX lipids) and intestinal COX-2. 4F and Tg6F also reduced ex vivo production of COX-2 protein and associated secretion of bioactive lipids in gut explants from HIV-1 infected persons treated with LPS. CONCLUSION: ApoA-I mimetics favorably impact the proinflammatory effects of LPS, COX-2 and production of bioactive lipids that collectively drive gut and systemic inflammation in chronic treated HIV. Given prior experimental evidence that the proinflammatory effects of LPS, COX-2 and gut dysfunction contribute to cardiometabolic syndrome in chronic HIV, apoA-I mimetic peptides may be a novel therapy to treat cardiometabolic syndrome in chronic HIV.

CircVCAN regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocyte through NF-κB signaling pathway.

This paper presents both inaccuracies and mistakes. Therefore, the article "CircVCAN regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocyte through NF-κB signaling pathway, by H.-R. Ma, W.-B. Mu, K.-Y. Zhang, H.-K. Zhou, R.-D. Jiang, L. Cao, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (12): 6517-6525-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202006_21635-PMID: 32633338" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/21635.

TGF-ß1/WISP1/Integrin-α interaction mediates human chondrocytes dedifferentiation.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the interaction between TGF-ß1 and WISP1, and the effect of Integrin α5/V subunits on the WISP1 caused chondrocyte (CH) dedifferentiated phenotype. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The knee joint cartilage from the trauma and osteoarthritis (OA) patients were collected. The patients of trauma group were confirmed to have no OA history. The protein level of WISP1, Integrin-α5/V, and type II/I collagen were analyzed by Western blotting. Besides, we isolated the CHs from the cartilage without OA and treated CHs with exogenic TGF-ß1 and WISP1 protein. In addition to this, to regulate the α5 and αV subunits expression of CHs, we silenced two genes by siRNA transfection and upregulated them by exogenic protein supplement. Then, the CHs with different α5 and αV expression were treated with WISP1. To value the chondrogenic gene expression, we determined the type II collagen and SOX9 gene expression by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR, respectively. Meanwhile, the dedifferentiation markers of CH, type I collagen, and Runx2 expression was also analyzed. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. RESULTS: The OA cartilage contains a higher level of type I collagen, WISP1, Integrin α5, and Integrin αV, but low type II collagen. The upregulation of TGF-ß1 caused the increase of WISP1, as well as the high level of Integrin α5/V, and dedifferentiated gene. Besides, the upregulation of WISP1 also contributed to the TGF-ß1 expression and CHs dedifferentiation. Apart from this, the silencing of the α5 subunit of Integrin aggravated the WISP1 induced CHs dedifferentiation, which was reversed by α5 upregulation. However, the αV subunit played an opposite role that mediated the WISP1-induced CHs dedifferentiation. Additionally, the interaction between TGF-ß1 and WISP1 promoted the CHs proliferation, which was not affected by the Integrin-α5/V expression. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-ß1 and WISP1 interact to induce CHs dedifferentiation, which was mainly by the mediation of the Integrin-αV subunit. On the contrary, Integrin-α5 shows a protective effect during the WISP1 caused CHs dedifferentiation.

CircVCAN regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis chondrocyte through NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is one of the chronic diseases with a high incidence. CircRNA is a circular non-coding RNA. Studies show that CircRNA is closely relevant to the pathogenesis of OA chondrocytes. However, the specific principle is still unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 38 patients with OA tissues and 38 patients with normal knee cartilage in our hospital were selected, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of CircVCAN were measured by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was detected by the Cell Counting Kit (CCK8). Cell cycle and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes were measured by flow cytometry. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to detect PCNA, p50, p52, p65 mRNA and protein expression levels. RESULTS: CircVCAN was highly expressed in OA tissues and OA chondrocytes. Cell proliferation and PCNA expression levels decreased significantly after transfection with si-CircVCAN in OA-chondrocytes. However, there was a significant increase on OA chondrocytes after transfection with LV-CircVCAN. Compared with the si-NC group, the apoptosis rate of OA chondrocytes was significantly increased after transfection with si-CircVCAN. The proportion of G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle was significantly reduced and the proportion of S phase was significantly increased. On the contrary, the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced after transfection with LV-CircVCAN. The proportion of G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle was significantly increased and the proportion of S phase was significantly reduced. The mRNA and protein levels of p50, p52 and p65 were significantly increased after transfection of LV-CircVCAN in OA-chondrocytes. Furthermore, PDTC (NF-κB inhibitor) transfection can significantly reverse the effect of overexpression of CircVCAN on the proliferation and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: CircVCAN is overexpressed in OA tissues and cells. CircVCAN can affect the proliferation and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes by blocking the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, CircVCAN may be an important target molecule for OA treatment.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression in an Immune Microenvironment.

Increasing evidence has revealed a significant association between microorganisms and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Porphyromonas gingivalis, the keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, is considered an important potential etiologic agent of OSCC, but the underlying immune mechanisms through which P. gingivalis mediates tumor progression of the oral cancer remain poorly understood. Our cohort study showed that the localization of P. gingivalis in tumor tissues was related to poor survival of patients with OSCC. Moreover, P. gingivalis infection increased oral lesion multiplicity and size and promoted tumor progression in a 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO)-induced carcinogenesis mouse model by invading the oral lesions. In addition, CD11b+ myeloid cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) showed increased infiltration of oral lesions. Furthermore, in vitro observations showed that MDSCs accumulated when human-derived dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) were exposed to P. gingivalis, and CXCL2, CCL2, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 may be potential candidate genes that facilitate the recruitment of MDSCs. Taken together, our findings suggest that P. gingivalis promotes tumor progression by generating a cancer-promoting microenvironment, indicating a close relationship among P. gingivalis, tumor progression of the oral cancer, and immune responses.

Effect of Application Rate and Timing on Residual Efficacy of Pyraclostrobin in the Control of Pepper Anthracnose.

Anthracnose is a devastating disease that seriously affects pepper production worldwide. Anthracnose management is currently a major problem because of the widespread and long period of infection of this disease. Therefore, determination of the optimal fungicide application timing is important for controlling anthracnose in a timely manner . In vitro sensitivity tests showed no significant difference in the pyraclostrobin sensitivity of Colletotrichum scovillei collected from 2016 and 2017, with mean half maximal effective concentration values of 0.349 to 0.542 and 0.0475 to 0.0639 mg/liter for the inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination, respectively. Fungicide application initiated at the full-bloom stage could significantly delay anthracnose disease onset, decrease anthracnose incidence and development (23.67 to 89.80%), and increase pepper yield by 10.7 to 29.2%. In addition, the application dosage was decreased by >50%. BF-500-3, the main metabolite of pyraclostrobin, was detected in pepper fruit and exhibited high inhibitory activity against C. scovillei. The final residues of all fungicides at different application timing were below maximum residue limits. Moreover, structural equation modeling indicated that application timing plays the most important role in anthracnose disease inhibition. The tank mixtures of pyraclostrobin with tebuconazole and fludioxonil showed more satisfactory efficacy (69.87 to 78.36%) against anthracnose than did pyraclostrobin alone under field conditions. This study is the first to determine the best fungicide application timing for anthracnose management. These results establish the basis for sustainable development of the pepper industry.

Effect of Pyrisoxazole on Colletotrichum scovillei Infection and Anthracnose on Chili.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum scovillei is one of the most destructive diseases affecting chili production. Disease control mainly relies on conventional fungicides, and repeated exposure to single-site mode-of-action fungicides may pose a risk for the development of resistant isolates within the population. Our previous study suggested that pyrisoxazole has strong inhibitory activity against C. scovillei in vitro. However, the effects of pyrisoxazole on the C. scovillei infection process and the performance of pyrisoxazole in the field remain unclear. In this study, pyrisoxazole exhibited strong inhibitory activity against the mycelial growth, appressorium formation, and appressorium diameter of C. scovillei, with half maximal effective concentration values of 0.1986, 0.0147, and 0.0269 µg/ml, respectively, but had no effect on sporulation, even at the highest concentration of 1.6 µg/ml. The baseline sensitivity curves were unimodal with a long right-hand tail. The in vivo data showed that pyrisoxazole provided both preventive and curative activity against anthracnose on chili. Pyrisoxazole decreased the incidence of anthracnose and reduced disease progress. The results of electron microscopy showed that pyrisoxazole can affect the C. scovillei infection process by altering mycelial morphology, degrading conidia and germ tubes, suppressing conidial germination and appressorium formation, and enhancing conidiophore production. Pyrisoxazole can be used to effectively control anthracnose under field conditions and increase chili yield; moreover, no phytotoxicity symptoms were observed after treatment. These results provide new insight into the mechanisms by which pyrisoxazole controls disease and suggest that pyrisoxazole is a feasible alternative for the management of anthracnose in chili.

[Efficacy evaluation of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular injection of antifungal agents in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic fungal infection].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular injection of antifungal agents in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic fungal infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 11 patients(4 hips, 7 knees) admitted with chronic periprosthetic fungal infection at Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2004 to April 2016.There were males and females with an age of 67 years (range:47-77 years). Each patient underwent single-stage revision including aggressive soft-tissue debridement. Liquid samples and tissue samples were immediately sent to the microbiology laboratory for drug sensitivity testing and histological analysis. Removed the infected components and cement thoroughly, pouring powdered vancomycin into the medullary cavity and direct intra-articular injection of fungussensitive antibiotics. The patients with infected hips received an uncemented prosthesis and 0.5 g of gentamicin loaded commercial cement was received by the patients with infected knee.After that, a new prosthesis was implanted.Long-term combination therapy of antibacterial agents and antifungal agents were given after operation. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The follow-up period was 5 years (range: 2-12 years). Results: One patient died of acute heart failure on the eighth postoperative day.Three infection cases were recurred.Eight cases had satisfactory outcomes and required no additional surgical or medical treatment for recurrence of infection. The Harris hip score assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up was increased from 39.25±5.12 to 79.50±4.79, the difference was statistically significant (t=-11.356, P=0.001).The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score was improved from preoperative 46.25±5.61 to final follow-up 80.50±5.06, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-9.930, P=0.002). Conclusion: Treatment of chronic fungal periprosthetic joint infection with single-stage revision can be fairly effective for achieving acceptable functional outcomes.

[Effect of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and severe length discrepancy].

Objective: To observe the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy and to explore the strategy for balance recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients who had stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy treated with unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017.There were 18 male and 12 female patients aging of (43.5±9.7)years (range, 30-68 years). All patients had different degrees of pelvic tilt and scoliosis. In operation, contractured soft tissues were released, periarticular osteophytes were removed thoroughly and the center of ratation was restablished without femoral shortening osteotomy.Patient satisfaction, Harris hip score, perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD), true LLD and functional LLD were collected.Data were analyzed by paired-samples t-test. Results: The mean follow-up duration was (17.6±7.6)months (range, 12-30 months). The Harris hip score was improved from 37.6±5.7 preoperatively to 84.3±5.2 at last follow-up (t=-57.54, P=0.000). The preoperative and last follow-up data of true LLD((3.19±0.82)cm vs.(0.70±0.71)cm), functional LLD((4.36±1.72)cm vs.(0.46±0.53)cm) and perceived LLD((7.74±2.01)cm vs.(0.98±0.79)cm) was significantly difference(t=26.47, t=15.05, t=26.9, P<0.01). Twenty-seven patients were restored to normal level (LLD≤10 mm ) and there was no sciatic nerve injury observed after surgery. 90.0% (27/30) patients were satisfied by the outcome. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty have satisfactory effect in correcting leg-length discrepancy of stiff hip patients. Preoperative assessment, individualized surgical methods and soft tissue releasing are important for balance recovery of affected limbs.

MicroRNA-214 functions as an oncogene in human osteosarcoma by targeting TRAF3.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor with high incidence. The prognosis of osteosarcoma is very poor when it is diagnosed with metastasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that aberrant expressions of microRNAs are involved in cancer initiation and development. However, the potential role of miR-214 in osteosarcoma remains largely unrevealed. The current study investigated the relationship between the miR-214 and TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. We also aimed to evaluate the potential roles of miR-214 on the occurrence and metastasis in osteosarcoma and verify its effect on the regulation of TRAF3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The miR-214 expression and TRAF3 expression in osteosarcoma tissue samples and cell line were measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Followed by transfection assays, transwell assay was conducted to detect the migration and invasion abilities of osteosarcoma cells. Subsequently, Western blotting and luciferase reporter assay were performed in osteosarcoma cells to confirm the target of miR-214. RESULTS: The results showed that miR-214 expression levels were significantly increased not only in osteosarcoma tissues but also in osteosarcoma cell lines as compared with adjacent normal tissues and matched cell lines, respectively. On the contrary, the TRAF3 expression levels in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines were frequently decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, TRAF3 was identified as a direct target of miR-214 and the inverse relationship between them was also observed in osteosarcoma tissues. Additionally, we found that miR-214 restoration could significantly promote osteosarcoma cell invasion and migration via targeting TRAF3. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-214 functioned as an oncogene in osteosarcoma via targeting TRAF3, which may provide new insights into osteosarcoma prevention and treatment.

FV3-like ranavirus infection outbreak in black-spotted pond frogs (Rana nigromaculata) in China.

In April 2016, an outbreak emerged in a cultured population of black-spotted pond frog tadpoles in Shuangliu County, China, whereas tadpoles were suffering from substantial mortality (90%). Principal clinical signs of diseased tadpoles were comprised haemorrhage on their body surface, swollen abdomen with yellow ascites, congestion and swelling of the liver. The diseased tadpole's homogenates tissue were inoculated into epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells at 25 °C for 4 days which caused typical cytopathic effect, and the viral titer TCID50 reached 107/0.1 mL. In pathogenicity tests, tadpoles were immersed in 2‰ virus fluid for 8 h, the clinical signs were observed similar to those recognized in naturally infected tadpoles and mortality rate were reached up to 80%, which affirms that the virus was the main cause for this disease. In addition, transmission electron microscopy of EPC cells infected with isolated virus reflected that the virus was in a regular hexagon way (shape) with capsule like structure. The diagonal diameter was recorded 135 ±â€¯8 nm, wherever virus particles were arrayed in crystalline manner in the cytoplasm. The electrophoresis of MCP gene PCR-product showed that the samples of diseased tadpoles, aquaculture water source and isolated virus were all positive. The sequence of the isolate revealed more than 99% similarities to ranavirus based on homology and genetic evolution analysis of the whole MCP gene, and the isolate belongs to FV3-like virus group. This study confirmed that ranavirus was the causative agent of this outbreak, and named the virus as Rana nigromaculata ranavirus (RNRV).

Simvastatin induces osteogenic differentiation of MSCs via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway to promote fracture healing.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate whether Simvastatin could facilitate osteogenic differentiation of rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by modulating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, thus promoting fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow specimens and their purity was identified. The third generation of MSCs was cultured in osteoinduction medium containing simvastatin of gradient concentration, and the highest dose of simvastatin that did not cause cell proliferation was determined by the result of the CCK8 assay. The effects of simvastatin on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs were evaluated by ALP activity, Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and osteoblast-specific gene expression. Finally, Wnt pathway antagonist DKK1 and ß-catenin disturbing agent were added to MSCs to detect the ALP activity, Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and osteoblast-specific genes of MSCs respectively, and to evaluate whether simvastatin promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. RESULTS: After osteoinduction, simvastatin of 0.3 nmol/L was found to be the highest dose that did not induce the proliferation of MSCs. After treated with 0.3 nmol/L simvastatin for 7 days, the ALP activity of cells and the number of cell calcified nodules significantly increased. Meanwhile, the expression of osteoblast-related genes, including ALP, Runx2, OCN, and OPN, were clearly up-regulated. However, when the MSCs were treated with DKK1 for 7 days, the ALP activity and the expression of osteoblast-related genes, including ALP, Runx2, OCN, and OPN, were found decreased. Simvastatin markedly up-regulated the expression of the ß-catenin protein, while transfection of ß-catenin shRNA inhibited the expression of osteoblast-related genes including ALP, Runx2, OCN, and OPN. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin can promote the differentiation of rat MSCs into osteoblast-like cells, and its mechanism may be related to the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

[Influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration on outcome of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty].

Objective: To evaluate the influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration and pre-operative pain location on the outcome of medial Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: A total of 58 patients (58 knees) with medial Oxford UKA had been performed for medial osteoarthritis from March 2013 to July 2014 in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at First Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospective reviewed. There were 24 males and 34 females, the age from 43 to 87 years with the mean age was 68.5 years. The mean body mass index was 25.2 kg/m(2) ranging from 19.7 to 31.5 kg/m(2). Patients were divided into anterior-medial pain group (35 knees), anterior knee pain group (17 knees) and general knee pain group (6 knees) according to pre-operative pain location. Pre-operative radiological statuses of the patellefemoral joint were defined by Ahlback system and divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (16 knees) and normal group (42 knees). Patients were also divided into medial patellofemoral degeneration group (20 knees), lateral patellofemoral degeneration group (12 knees) and normal group (26 knees) according to Altman scoring system. Outerbridge system was used intraoperatively and the patients were divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (21 knees) and normal group (37 knees). Pre- and post-operative outcomes were evaluated with Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and MacMaster (WOMAC) and patellofemoral score system of Lonner. T test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: The average duration of follow-up was 33 months (from 26 to 42 months). There were no patients had complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis, dislocation or loosing at the last follow-up. Compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.9±3.5 vs. 38.9±4.7, 19.3±4.2 vs. 39.6±4.6, 18.1±3.2 vs. 38.1±3.7)(t=5.64 to 7.08, all P<0.01) and WOMAC (10.9±2.3 vs.53.2±4.5, 10.4±2.1 vs.54.6±3.4, 11.7±1.8 vs.52.8±3.7)(t=14.50 to 19.16, all P<0.01) decreased, and the Lonner score (88.9±3.4 vs.38.6±2.8, 87.5±4.1 vs.38.2±2.3, 88.2±3.2 vs. 37.6±3.5)(t=-19.78 to -18.16, all P<0.01) increased significantly in anterior-medial pain group, anterior knee pain group and general knee pain group. According to Ahlback scoring system, compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.3±2.4 vs. 38.7±4.4, 19.6±1.8 vs. 38.4±3.1)(t=7.05, 9.08, both P<0.01) and WOMAC (10.6 ±2.6 vs.53.2±4.5, 12.1±1.4 vs.52.4±3.3)(t=14.21, 19.52, both P<0.01) decreased, the Lonner score (88.1±3.1 vs.38.3±3.3, 86.9±2.6 vs.39.1±2.4)(t=-18.90, -23.40, both P<0.01) increased significantly in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group, the outcomes were the same according to Altman and Outerbridge scoring system. There was no significant difference between patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group based on Ahlback grading system. According to Altman classification, compared to normal group, there was no statistically differences in OKS, WOMAC and Lonner scoring system between patients with degeneration in the medial patellofemoral joint group, OKS and WOMAC increased (20.2±1.4 vs.18.2±2.7, 12.5±1.7 vs.10.5±2.5) (t=-4.30, P=0.03; t=-4.80, P=0.02), the Lonner score decreased (84.3±2.8 vs.87.4±3.2) (t=-6.20, P=0.01) in lateral patellofemoral degeneration group. According to Outerbridge scoring system, there were no statistically differences in patients in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group. Conclusions: There is a good evidence that neither mild to moderate degree of patellofemoral joint degeneration nor pre-operative pain location will compromise the short-term outcome of medial Oxford UKA, and should not be considered as contraindications. The situation is less clear for lateral patellofemoral degeneration, and more cautious option is advised.

Akirin2 expression in response to vaccine-induced immunity in chicken.

Akirin2 is a nuclear factor that plays an important role in the development and regulation of innate immune response. In this study, akirin2 gene expression in several primary immune organs (liver, thymus, and bursa) of Hi-Line Brown chicken administered with the LoSota vaccine was analyzed during the various stages of increase in Newcastle disease virus antibody titer. The results revealed that akirin2 expression was significantly higher in the liver (P < 0.01) and bursa (P < 0.05) of vaccinated chicken 7 and 14 days post-immunization, respectively. These results could serve as a foundation for further studies on the functions of akirin2 in immune response.

CT-guided radioactive ¹²5I seed implantation treatment of multiple pulmonary metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the clinical value of computed tomography (CT)-guided radioactive (125)I seed implantation for the treatment of multiple pulmonary metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to August 2010, 27 HCC patients with pulmonary metastases who had received computed tomography (CT)-guided radioactive (125)I seed implantation were enrolled in the study. All patients had ≥ 2 metastatic lesions (mean diameter 2 ± 0.6 cm). Under CT-guidance, (125)I seeds were implanted into the pulmonary metastases using the plane implantation technique. RESULTS: Among 27 cases, complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were observed in four, 15, six, and two cases, respectively, during 6-48 months (mean 20.1 ± 2.2 months) of follow-up CT. The response rate was 92.6%. The mean follow-up time after (125)I implantation was 20.1 months (range 6-48 months). The survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 67% and 30.8%, respectively, with a median survival of 13.5 months. Side effects during the procedure included minor pulmonary effusions and pneumothorax. Pulmonary haemorrhage was observed in 18 cases and haemoptysis occurred in five patients. Radial shadows were observed in three cases on follow-up CT images, and seed migration in two cases on follow-up spiral CT images. CONCLUSION: CT-guided radioactive (125)I seed implantation may be a safe and effective treatment option for HCC patients with multiple pulmonary metastases.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of estrogen receptor betas (ERß1 and ERß2) during gonad development in the Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli.

Estrogen receptors (ER) play a crucial role in mediation of estrogen activities. Here we report the isolation and expression analysis of ERß1 and ERß2 from ovary Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli). were isolated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends procedures. The cDNA of this study, ERß1 (588 amino acids) and ERß2 (659 amino acids) were identified using reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends procedures. Structural analysis showed both ERßs contain six typical nuclear receptor-characteristic domains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Korean rockfish ERßs were highly conserved among teleost. RT-PCR confirmed that the ERßs were widely distributed in both gonads and extra gonadal tissues. Further, we analyzed the expression patterns of male and female S. schlegeli during the reproductive cycle using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the highest expression levels were observed in testis at immature sperm stage for both of KrERß1 and KrERß2. For female, the expressions of KrERß1 and KrERß2 were significantly higher in the ovary at the early-oocyte stage. Cloning these two ERß subtypes in the Korean rockfish, together with the information on expression levels in adult fish has given us the foundation to investigate their possible role in brain-pituitary-gonad neuroendocrine axis in future studies.

Cloning and expression analysis of the cytochrome P450c17s enzymes during the reproductive cycle in ovoviviparous Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli).

Cytochrome P450c17 (CYP17, 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase) plays a critical role in the production of androgens and estrogens in vertebrates. We isolated the full length cDNAs of P450c17-I and P450c17-II from Sebastes schlegeli. The cDNA sequences of P450c17-I and P450c17-II encoded 515 and 533 amino acid residues respectively. The putative P450c17-I and P450c17-II enzymes of Korean rockfish share high sequence identity with that of Japanese flounder (92% and 81%) respectively. Our current study describes that P450c17s of Korean rockfish are mainly expressed in gonads, head kidney and kidney by RT-PCR. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression patterns of Korean rockfish P450c17s were developmental stage-dependency. In addition, the testosterone (T) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) levels further support the important role of P450c17-I during shift in steroidogenesis. Taken together, this study provides information about the Korean rockfish P450c17s characterization and mRNA expression as such helps in further understanding of its function in gonadal development.

Polymorphysims of CYP17-I Gene in the Exons Were Associated with the Reproductive Endocrine of Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

The cytochrome P450c17-I (CYP17-I) is one of the enzymes critical to gonadal development and the synthesis of androgens. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected within the coding region of the CYP17-I gene in a population of 75 male Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). They were SNP1 (c.C445T) located in exon2 and SNP2 (c.T980C (p.Phe307Leu)) located in exon5. Four physiological indices, which were serum testosterone (T), serum 17ß-estradiol (E2), Hepatosomatic index (HSI), and Gonadosomatic index (GSI), were studied to examine the effect of the two SNPs on the reproductive endocrines of Japanese flounder. Multiple comparisons revealed that CT genotype of SNP1 had a much lower T level than CC genotype (p<0.05) and the GSI of individuals with CC genotype of SNP2 was higher than those with TT genotype (p<0.05). Four diplotypes were constructed based on the two SNPs and the diplotype D3 had a significantly lower T level and GSI. In conclusion, the two SNPs were significantly associated with reproductive traits of Japanese flounder.

Long-range surface plasmon polaritons propagating on a dielectric waveguide support.

In the traditional long-range surface plasmon geometry, an ultrathin metal film is sandwiched between two layers having identical dielectric constants. Here we demonstrate the long-range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPP) properties for a new structure where a thin layer with a dielectric constant exceeding that of the surroundings is inserted within the sandwich, provided the layer thickness d satisfies the condition k(⊥)d=mπ where k(⊥) is the component of the guide wavevector perpendicular to the layer and m is an integer. The resulting plasmon modes have smaller losses and nearly the same phase velocity as the original LRSPP. This provides a strategy to support silver films having thicknesses of 10's of nanometers to create plasmonic devices for sensor applications.