[Impact of inflammatory reaction levels and culprit plaque characteristics on preprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction].

Objective: To determine the impact of inflammatory reaction levels and the culprit plaque characteristics on preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The is a retrospective study. A total of 1 268 STEMI patients who underwent pre-intervention optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination of culprit lesion during emergency PCI were divided into 2 groups by preprocedural TIMI flow grade (TIMI 0-1 group (n =964, 76.0%) and TIMI 2-3 group (n =304, 24.0%)). Baseline clinical data of the 2 groups were collected; blood samples were collected for the detection of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myocardial injury marker, blood lipid, etc.; echocardiography was used to determine left ventricular ejection fraction; coronary angiography and OCT were performed to define the lesion length, diameter stenosis degree of the infarct-related arteries, presence or absence of complex lesions, culprit lesion type, area stenosis degree and vulnerability of culprit plaques. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent correlation factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of continuous independent correlation factors was analyzed, and the best cut-off value of TIMI 0-1 was respectively determined according to the maximum value of Youden index. Results: The mean age of 1 268 STEMI patients were (57.6±11.4) years old and 923 cases were males (72.8%). Compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the patients in TIMI 0-1 group were older and had higher N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, lower cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher hsCRP level (5.16(2.06, 11.78) mg/L vs. 3.73(1.51, 10.46) mg/L). Moreover, the hsCRP level of patients in TIMI 0-1 group was higher in the plaque rupture subgroup (all P<0.05). Coronary angiography results showed that compared with TIMI 2-3 group, the proportion of right coronary artery (RCA) as the infarct-related artery was higher, the angiographical lesion length was longer, minimal lumen diameter was smaller, and diameter stenosis was larger in TIMI 0-1 group (all P<0.05). The prevalence of plaque rupture was higher (75.8% vs. 61.2%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Plaque vulnerability was significantly higher in TIMI 0-1 group than that in TIMI 2-3 group with larger mean lipid arc (241.27°±46.78° vs. 228.30°±46.32°), more thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA, 72.4% vs. 57.9%), more frequent appearance of macrophage accumulation (84.4% vs. 70.7%) and cholesterol crystals (39.1% vs. 25.7%). Minimal flow area was smaller [1.3(1.1-1.7)mm2 vs. 1.4(1.1-1.9)mm2, all P<0.05] and flow area stenosis was higher (78.2%±10.6% vs. 76.3%±12.3%) in TIMI 0-1 group. Multivariable analysis showed that mean lipid arc>255.55°, cholesterol crystals, angiographical lesion length>16.14 mm, and hsCRP>3.29 mg/L were the independent correlation factors of reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients. Conclusions: Plaque vulnerability and inflammation are closely related to reduced preprocedural TIMI flow grade in STEMI patients.

Effects of inflammatory response on renal function and TGF-ß1 pathway of rats with aging-related kidney damage by upregulating the expression of CD36.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of inflammatory response on renal function and TGF-ß1 pathway of rats with aging-related kidney damage by upregulating the CD36 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 pathogen free (PF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were enrolled. The rats injected with normal saline and D-galactose were assigned to a control group and a model group, respectively. Those injected with both D-galactose and different concentrations of casein were assigned to casein A, B, and C groups accordingly, and 16 rats injected with D-galactose and with CD36 gene knocked out were assigned to a treatment group. The following methods were employed to determine the following factors of the rats: ELISA for serum inflammatory factors, Western blot for CD36 in kidney tissues, Real Time-PCR for TGF-ß1, and Smad (2, 3, and 7) mRNA, radioimmunoassay for hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN), and colorimetry for the expression quantity of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to determine blood, urine, and renal function indexes. RESULTS: After successful modeling, the model group showed significantly higher inflammatory indexes than the control group. The relative expression of CD36 in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group and treatment group, and significantly lower than that in the casein groups. Both inflammatory indexes and relative expression of CD36 increased with the increase of casein concentration in the casein groups. Groups with severer inflammatory response showed higher renal function indexes, and higher expression of TGF-ß1, Smad2, Smad3, HA, LN, and MDA, and those with decreased CD36 level showed lower renal function index levels. The Smad7 expression and SOD were contrary. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory stress can promote the CD36 expression in renal tissues of aging rats and oxidative stress and affect TGF-ß1/Smad pathway, thus aggravating renal fibrosis and renal damage in rats.

[Structural equation model analysis of infectious disease-specific health literacy scale in China].

Objective: To explore the relationship between different dimensions of infectious disease-specific health literacy scale in China. Methods: Structural equation model (SEM) was employed to assess the psychometric properties of the infectious disease-specific health literacy scale. Based on the database from a randomly selected sample of 4 499 adult residents in three provinces in China, from March to May 2015. AMOS 21.0 software was used to build the SEM for data analyses. Results: SEM analyses showed a good model fit of data, with the following satisfied parameters: goodness-of-fit index was 0.969, adjusted goodness-of-fit index was 0.962, root mean square residual was 0.038, root mean square error of approximation was 0.038, standardized root mean square residual was 0.032, Tacker-Lewis index/non-normed fit index was 0.926, comparative fit index was 0.934, normed fit index was 0.925, relative fit index was 0.915, incremental fit index was 0.934, parsimony goodness-of-fit index was 0.782, parsimony-adjusted normed fit index was 0.817, parsimony-adjusted comparative fit index was 0.825 and critical N was 702. The established SEM showed that the total influence path coefficient of "infectious disease-related knowledge and values" on the "infectious disease prevention" , "management or treatment of infectious diseases" and "identification of infection sources" were 0.771, 0.744 and 0.843, respectively. The total influence path coefficients of "identification of infection sources" , "infectious disease prevention" on "management or treatment of infectious diseases" were 0.164 and 0.535, respectively. The effect of "infectious disease-related knowledge and values" on "management or treatment of infectious diseases" appeared the greatest (55.4%), followed by "infectious disease prevention" (28.6%) and "identification of infection sources" (2.7%). Conclusion: This SEM could be optimistically used for planning and evaluation of health education and promotion programs on infectious diseases prevention.

[Clinical application of high frequency jet ventilation in cryotherapy for tracheo-bronchial carcinoma via rigid bronchoscopy].

Objective: To analyze the clinical applications of high frequency jet ventilation(HFJV) in cryotherapy of the trachea and bronchial neoplasms by the rigid bronchoscope. Methods: The clinical data of 35 patients who were treated with tracheal neoplasms cryotherapy by the rigid bronchoscopy under HFJV were collected in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2008 to February 2015.Under general anesthesia, HFJV was used in all patients. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rates (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), results of arterial blood gas analysis and the incidence of complications during the procedure were recorded. Results: In the 35 patients, one case had multiple operations experience, he had an airway spasm after HFJV 40 min during his second operation, and severe hypoxemia after HFJV 5 min during his third operation, endotracheal intubation was performed immediately. The patient has a serious accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) whose partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the artery (PaCO(2)) was up to 71 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Other patients had stable hemodynamics and no severe CO(2) accumulation. Conclusion: High frequency jet ventilation can provide satisfactory ventilation effect in cryotherapy of the trachea and bronchial end-stage neoplasms by the rigid bronchoscope.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated BMP-7 and SOX9 in vitro co-transfection of human degenerative intervertebral disc cells.

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) and SOX9 are important transcription factors in chondrogenesis. In this study, we examined the biological function of the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated BMP-7 and SOX9 double gene in vitro co-transfection of nucleus pulposus cells of human degenerative intervertebral disc. Human intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in vitro and subcultured for 5 generations. Using rAAV-BMP-7 and rAAV-SOX9 AAV2-type AAV viruses, the cells were divided into 4 groups: blank normal, BMP-7 transfection, SOX9 transfection, and BMP-7 and SOX9 co-transfection. After 48 h, expression of type II collagen and its mRNA in nucleus pulposus cells was determined. The expression of type II collagen in BMP-7 transfection, SOX9 transfection, and co-transfection groups was up-regulated to varying degrees compared to the blank control group. The type II collagen mRNA level expression in the co-transfection group was significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). AAV-mediated BMP-7 and SOX9 in vitro co-transfection can promote the synthesis of type II collagen in nucleus pulposus cells in the human degenerative intervertebral disc. Double-gene therapy has a synergistic effect in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

RLN2 regulates in vitro invasion and viability of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells via S100A4/MMP-9 signal.

OBJECTIVE: Relaxin-2 (RLN2) increases cell migration, invasiveness and proliferation in vitro of osteosarcoma cells, but the molecular mechanisms of this action are still unknown. In the present study, we identified S100A4 /MMP-9 signaling as a major mediator of the actions of RLN2 in osteosarcoma cells in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have established stable transfectants of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting RLN2. The stable transfectants (MG-63/RLN2 siRNA cells) were treated with 20 mM BB94 (a kind of MMP-9 activator) or 100 mM recombinant Human RLN2 (B-29/A-24) for 24 hs or transfected with S100A4 cDNA plasmid for 48 hrs or MMP-9 siRNA for 48 hrs then treated 100 mM recombinant Human RLN2 (B-29/A-24). Western blot assay was used to detect RLN2, S100A4 and MMP-9 expression. Matrigel invasion assay and wound healing assay was used to detect invasion in vitro. MTT was used to detect cell viability. RESULTS: Knockdown of RLN2 using small interfering RNA decreases S100A4 and MMP-9 expression and inhibits invasion and cell viability in vitro. in MG-63 cells. Treatment with 100 mM recombinant Human RLN2 (B-29/A-24) for 24 hrs in MG-63/ RLN2 siRNA cells increases S100A4 and MMP-9 expression, and increases the invasion and cell viability in vitro in MG-63 cells. Transfection with S100A4 cDNA plasmid in MG-63/RLN2 siRNA cells for 48 hrs increases MMP-9 expression, and increase the invasion and cell viability of MG-63/RLN2 siRNA cells. Treatment with 20 mM BB94 (MMP-9 activator) for 24 hrs in MG-63/RLN2 siRNA cells increases MMP-9 expression, and increases the invasion and cell viability in vitro. in MG-63 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that RLN2 regulats cell migration, invasiveness and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in vitro, which may be mediated through S100A4/MMP-9 signaling.

LY2109761 inhibits metastasis and enhances chemosensitivity in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) is associated with metastasis and chemoresistance of osteosarcoma. The TGF-ß kinase inhibitor LY2109761 could inhibits metastasis and enhances chemosensitivity in several cancers, but its role and mechanisms in osteosarcoma (OS) is unclear. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of LY2109761 on metastasis and chemosensitivity of OS MG-63 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MG-63 cells were treated with LY2109761 or/and cisplatin. The cell viability and apoptosis of MG-63 cells were detected by MTT and ELISA. Matrigel invasion assay was used to detect cell invasion in vitro. pSMAD2 and S100A4 was detected by western blot assay. Furthermore, the efficacy of LY2109761 combined with S100A4 cDNA plaismid transfection on cell viability, apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin in OS MG-63 cells was further examined. RESULTS: LY2109761 was sufficient to induce apoptosis and inhibited growth of MG-63 cells in vitro. Combination with LY2109761 significantly augmented the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in MG-63 cells. LY2109761 significantly inhibited invasion of MG-63 cells in vitro. The LY2109761-induced increase in cell apoptosis and the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, and decrease in cell invasion was blocked completely when S100A4 expression was restored in the MG-63 cells by S100A4 cDNA plasmid transfection. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that LY2109761 suppresses OS metastasis and enhanced chemosensitivity by targeting S100A4. LY2109761 may have important implications for the development of strategies for inhibiting metastasis and overcoming OS cell resistance to chemotherapy.

Molecular detection of QTL controlling plant height components in a doubled haploid barley population.

Yield losses caused by lodging in barley can be partially controlled by reducing plant height. In order to understand dwarfing mechanisms and efficiently use new dwarf germplasms for a breeding program, it is important to identify QTL of plant height components. QTL analysis was performed for seven plant height component traits using a DH population of 122 lines derived from the cross of Huaai 11 x Huadamai 6. Composite interval mapping procedures detected 20 QTL, which were mapped onto chromosomes 2H, 3H, 5H, 6H, and 7H. Eleven QTL were detected in 3 years and four QTL were detected in 2 years. QTL controlling all seven plant height component traits were found near the dwarfing gene btwd1 on chromosome 7H. These QTL accounted for 27.19 to 59.73% of phenotypic variation in seven plant height component traits. Positive transgressive segregation was found for all traits. Some of the QTL identified in this study will be useful for understanding the dwarfing mechanism and for developing new dwarf varieties using marker-assisted selection.

A strong two-photon induced phosphorescent Golgi-specific in vitro marker based on a heteroleptic iridium complex.

A new heteroleptic iridium complex demonstrated low cytotoxicity and near-infrared excitation (via two-photon absorption) for target-specific in vitro Golgi imaging in various cell lines (HeLa and A549 cells) with two-photon absorption cross section (~350 GM) in DMSO.

Broadband integrated polarization beam splitter with surface plasmon.

A broadband integrated waveguide polarization beam splitter consisting of a metal nanoribbon and two dielectric waveguides is proposed and numerically investigated. This surface plasmon based device provides a unique approach for polarization sensitive manipulation of light in an integrated circuit and will be essential for future classical and quantum information processes.

Differential effects of propofol and isoflurane on the activation of T-helper cells in lung cancer patients.

It is suggested that activation and differentiation of T-helper cells are required for peri-operative anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. The present study aimed to evaluate whether propofol stimulates the activation and differentiation of these cells in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to receive propofol or isoflurane throughout surgery. The CD4(+)CD28(+) percentage (p < 0.0001) and the ratio of interferon-gamma:interleukin-4 (p = 0.001) all increased with propofol but showed no change with isoflurane. In contrast, cortisol increased with isoflurane (p < 0.0001) but not with propofol over time (p = 0.06). We conclude that propofol promotes activation and differentiation of peripheral T-helper cells.

Intra-articular delivery of chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of joint defects in rabbit model.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is considered as a possible candidate for the treatment of joint defect. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular injection of CS carried by hydrogel in the treatment of chondral defects in adult rabbit models. Inclusion of CS (0-50 microg/ml) in in vitro chondrocyte culture exerts a dose-dependent increase in cell proliferation. To select for optimal carrier for in vivo study, the release kinetic of CS embedded in five types of hydrogel was studied using fluorescence technique and their biocompatibilities in vivo were investigated by injecting the CS-hydrogel into rabbit knees. alpha-CD-EG 4400 hydrogel was chosen as the carrier based on progressively released CS from the hydrogel, with 80% released by in one week while the remaining 20% was retained for 30 days. In vivo studies showed high biocompatibility of CS-hydrogel. To evaluate the efficacy of CS in the treatment of cartilage injury, chondral defects were created in femoral medial condyle (punch diameter 2.7 mm) or trochlea (punch diameter 3.5 mm) of the rabbits without damaging subchondral bone. CS (100 mg/ml) in 0.5 ml alpha-CD-EG 4400 hydrogel was then injected into the knee joint. Hydrogel and saline served as controls. On day 50 the chondral defect in the saline group showed no signs of healing and defect treated with hydrogel alone was covered with a thin and slightly irregular layer of fibrous tissue. The CS-hydrogel group showed a thicker layer composed of both hyaline and fibrocartilage. The modulus of elasticity was the highest in the CS-hydrogel group and lowest in the group injected with saline only. Our results suggest that intra-articular delivery of CS by alpha-CD-EG 4400 improved the biomechanical and histological properties of the repaired cartilage. It may be an effective treatment for cartilage injury.