Improved unilateral puncture PVP based on 3D printing technology for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with 3D printing technology for the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture.@*METHODS@#A total of 77 patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fractures from October 2020 to April 2022 were included in the study, all of which were vertebral body compression fractures caused by trauma. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into experimental group and control group. Thirty-two patients used 3D printing technology to improve unilateral transpedicle puncture vertebroplasty in the experimental group, there were 5 males and 27 females, aged from 63 to 91 years old with an average of (77.59±8.75) years old. Forty-five patients were treated with traditional bilateral pedicle puncture vertebroplasty, including 7 males and 38 females, aged from 60 to 88 years old with an average of(74.89±7.37) years old. Operation time, intraoperative C-arm X-ray times, anesthetic dosage, bone cement injection amount, bone cement diffusion good and good rate, complications, vertebral height, kyphotic angle (Cobb angle), visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and other indicators were recorded before and after surgery, and statistically analyzed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 6 to 23 months, with preoperative imaging studies, confirmed for thoracolumbar osteoporosis compression fractures, two groups of patients with postoperative complications, no special two groups of patients' age, gender, body mass index (BMI), time were injured, the injured vertebral distribution had no statistical difference(P>0.05), comparable data. Two groups of patients with bone cement injection, bone cement dispersion rate, preoperative and postoperative vertebral body height, protruding after spine angle(Cobb angle), VAS, ODI had no statistical difference(P>0.05). The operative time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times and anesthetic dosage were statistically different between the two groups(P<0.05). Compared with the traditional bilateral puncture group, the modified unilateral puncture group combined with 3D printing technology had shorter operation time, fewer intraoperative fluoroscopy times and less anesthetic dosage. The height of anterior vertebral edge, kyphosis angle (Cobb angle), VAS score and ODI of the affected vertebrae were statistically different between two groups at each time point after surgery(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fractures, 3D printing technology is used to improve unilateral puncture PVP, which is convenient and simple, less trauma, short operation time, fewer fluoroscopy times, satisfactory distribution of bone cement, vertebral height recovery and kyphotic Angle correction, and good functional improvement.

Point-of-care ultrasound for monitoring catheter tip location during umbilical vein catheterization in neonates: a prospective study.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can guide umbilical vein catheter placement in real time and monitor catheter tip position, allowing avoidance of severe complications due to catheter malposition. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of POCUS in guiding venous catheter insertion and monitoring complications. Methods: Sixty-eight neonates with ultrasound-guided venous catheter insertion at the Neonatal Department of Dongguan Children's Hospital between December 2020 and February 2022 were included. POCUS was applied to monitor catheter tip location daily until catheter removal. A displacement range exceeding the intersection of the inferior vena cava and right atrium by ±0.5 cm was considered misalignment. Results: Sixty-four neonates had a displaced catheter tip (94.1%, 64/68), with a median displacement distance of 0.4 cm (minimum -0.2 cm, maximum 1.2 cm). Ten neonates had a misalignment (14.7%, 10/68) caused by displacement. Displacement usually occurs within 2-4 days after placement, with displacement rates of 94.1% (64/68), 90.6% (58/64), and 98.3% (59/60) on days 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and could still occur on day 9 post-placement. In addition, misalignment mainly occurs on the second day after placement. During the monitoring process, 58 neonates had catheter tip displacement ≥2 times, resulting in 252 displacement and 22 misalignment incidents. Among them, the catheter tip migrated outward from the inferior vena cava seven times, all of which were removed in time. Ultrasound was used for positioning 486 times, and x-ray was indirectly avoided 486 times. Conclusion: The catheter tip is prone to displacement and misalignment after umbilical vein catheterization, which most commonly occurs on days 2-4. POCUS is recommended for daily monitoring of the tip location during umbilical vein catheterization until catheter removal.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-8 induces sorafenib resistance via binding with c-Rel to mediate NF-κB signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Sorafenib is the important first-standard drug for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A major obstacle to successful treatment is sorafenib resistance. However, the mechanism of sorafenib resistance is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the involvement of dipeptidyl peptidase-8 (DPP8) in sorafenib resistance. DPP8 expression was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot analysis. The effect of DPP8 on sorafenib resistance was examined using terminal deoxynulceotidyl transferase nick-end-labeling (TUNEL), colony formation, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays. We found that DPP8 mRNA and protein levels were dramatically upregulated in HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) illustrated that DPP8 might be involved in apoptosis regulation. Downregulation of DPP8 substantially promoted the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Further analysis showed that DPP8 might regulate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, which was confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. Downregulation of DPP8 decreased the expression levels of downstream genes of the NF-κB pathway. IP showed that DPP8 can interact with NF-κB subunit c-Rel, an important protein of NF-κB signaling. Finally, a drug combination of sorafenib and Val-boroPro induced higher mortality of HCC cells than sorafenib alone in DPP8-upregulated cells. Our findings indicated that using the inhibitor Val-boroPro might be a promising method to enhance sorafenib sensitivity in advanced HCC.

A review on clinical application of high frequency traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of coronavirus pneumonia 2019 / 中草药

Since December 2019, there has been a sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in China, which has caused great concern around the world. In face of severe epidemic, no specific drugs have been found in clinical practice. However, some Chinese medicine compounds have shown obvious clinical efficacy, and it is feasible to find and develop natural drugs for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia from these compounds. In this paper, based on the recommends of new type of coronavirus infection pneumonia diagnosis and treatment scheme (trial version 6), the use frequency of Chinese herbal medicines was calculated. The antiviral reports of high frequency Chinese herbal medicines were reviewed, in order to provide the reference for screening the active components against SARS-CoV-2 from traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemerin in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Patients' Pharyngeal Fat Deposition / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To analyze the effect of chemerin on the pharyngeal fat deposition by comparing the level of chemerin of fat tissue in pharynx between the patients with OSAHS and non-snorer. Methods OSAHS patients finished PSG and non-snoring patients with tonsillitis as controlled group were examined to observe their chemerin level of space veli palatine. Comparisons of the chemerin level and the indexes of MS were made to analyze the relationship between chemerin and MS. Results The level of chemerin of space veli palatine in OSAHS patients was higher than that of the control groups. And the level of chemerin within the OSAHS patients also had positive correlation with TG、HOMA-IR and uric acid. We also found that the TG, HDL-C, FINS, HOMA-IR and the uric acid had statistical differences ( <0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion The level of chemerin of OSAHS group is exceed the control group and positively related with indexes of MS. Chemerin may take part in the development of fat deposition in pharynx of OSAHS patients , which may be through MS pathway.

The Application of 256-Slice Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To measure the upper airway of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome by 256 slice spiril CT, and to access the airway obstruction plane with the airway plane data in OSAHS patients.Through these measurements, we can provide assistance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods This study randomly selected 178 patients diagnosed with OSAHS and 110 cases non-snoring healthy people as the control group by the Philips 256 slice CT.Under the nasopharyngeal area, velopharyngeal area, glossopharyngeal area, epiglottis area, we measured the cross-sectional area and volume of the narrowest plane in the two groups of quiet respiration and Müller status.Results The OSAHS group underwent quiet respiration and Müller status during CT scanning, and the two states about epiglottis area in cross-sectional area and volume had no significant difference, Other groups had differences between the parameters.There was a significant difference in the volume about velopharyngeal area and glossopharyngeal area. In the control group undergoing quiet respiration and Müller status during CT scanning, there was difference in velopharyngeal cross-sectional area.Other parameters had no significant difference.Conclusions The obstruction plate of OSAHS patients with 256-slice spiril CT measurement is mostly in the velopharyngeal area and glossopharyngeal area. The volume measurement of upper airway by CT can predict airway obstruction plate in patients with OSAHS.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of structural hemoglobin variants in the Dongguan region of Guangdong province, southern China.

The aim of the present study was to find the most prevalent structural hemoglobin (Hb) variants in southern China and to present hematological and molecular data of abnormal Hbs in the population from southern China. The type and frequency of structural Hb variants and their hematological and molecular characteristics were identified in 131 individuals from 30,848 unrelated partners who were referred to the prenatal clinic of Dongguan Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China (PRC) from 2011 to 2013. α-Globin or ß-globin chain variants were screened using a capillary electrophoresis (CE) system, and α-globin or ß-globin gene mutations were confirmed using sequencing techniques. The gene frequency of Hb variants was 0.4% (131/30,848). The most common α-globin variants were Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.427T > C) (0.2%), followed by Hb Q-Thailand (HBA1: c.223G > C) and Hb G-Honolulu (HBA2: c.91G > C). The most common ß-globin variant was Hb E (HBB: c.79G > A) (0.09%), followed by Hb New York (HBB: c.341T > A). Our results provide a detailed prevalence and molecular characterization of abnormal Hbs in the population of the Dongguan region. These findings have important implications for a region with a high frequency of α- and ß-thalassemias.

[CT and MRI findings in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). METHODS: The imaging findings of pancreas and extra-pancreas in 24 patients with AIP were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, CT scan was performed in 18 patients, MRI in 11, and bGth CT and MRI in 10. RESULTS: The pancreas showed diffuse enlargement (25%, 6/24), focal enlargement (37. 5%, 9/24), combined enlargement (25%, 6/24) ,and no enlargement (12. 5%, 9/24). Unenhanced CT showed hypoattenuation in AIP area (n = 2) . After intravenous injection of contrast medium, 17 patients showed abnormal contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma, including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (50%, 9/18) and hyper attenuation during the delayed phase (94. 4%, 17/18). Precontrast MRI showed abnormal signal intense (n =9), including hypointense on T1-weight images (T1 WI) (n = 7), hyperintense (n = 7) and hypointense (n = 2) on T2-weight images (TIWI). Enhanced MRI demonstrated abnormal contrast enhancement within lesions (n = 11), including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (81. 8%, 9/11) and good enhancement during the delayed phase (100%, 11111). A capsule-like rim was seen around pancreas (37. 5%, 9/24), among which CT detected in 6 out of 18 patients and MRI found in 7 out of 11 patients.The main pancreatic duct lumen within lesions has no visualization (100%, 24/24) and upstream dilation of the main pancreatic duct (n = 8) , ranging from 2. 2 to 4. 5 mm(mean 3. 1 0. 47 mm) in diameter. Narrowing of the common bile duct was shown in 14 patients. Miscellaneous findings were: infiltration of extrapancreatic vein (n = 9) and artery (n = 1); mild fluid collection around pancreas (n = 2); pseudocysts (n = 3). Fourteen patients also presented one or more of the following extrapancreatic imaging findings: narrowing of the intra-hepatic bile duct or hilar duct (n = 5); thickening of gallbladder wall (n = 5); fibrosis in mesenteric (n = 2), in retroperitoneal (n = 2) and in ligamentum teres hepatis (n = 1); renal involvement (n = 3); peri-pancreatic or para-aortic lymphadenopathy (n = 10); and ulcerative colitis (n = 3). CONCLUSION: AIP display some characteristic CT and MRI imaging features: sausage-like change of the pancreas; capsule-like rims around lesions; delayed contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma; segment or diffuse pancreatic duct stenosis but mild upstream dilation and extrapancreatic organs involvement. CT and MRI findings combining with serological tests and pancreas biopsy can assist physicians to make accurate and timely diagnosis.

Detection of Hb anti-Lepore Hong Kong (NG_000007.3: g.63154_70565dup) in Chinese individuals.

We have identified four Chinese individuals from three unrelated families with raised Hb A2 levels. The anti-Lepore hybrid hemoglobin (Hb) variant was amplified using a pair of primers, 5' to the ß-globin gene Cap site and 3' to the δ-globin gene polyadenylation site (polyA) region, respectively. Direct sequencing of the ßδ fusion products confirmed the anti-Lepore Hong Kong (NG_000007.3: g.63154_70565dup) variant. We found that this anti-Lepore variant is positioned in zone 3 on the capillary electrophoresis system. It may help in differential diagnosis of Hb variants and providing better information in clinical counseling.

The speed CT measurement of the airway in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To measure the upper airway of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome by speed CT. We can predict the airway obstruction plane with the airway plane data and compliance in OSAHS patients. Through this measurement, we can provide assistance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*METHOD@#This study randomly selected 82 patients diagnosed with OSAHS and 45 cases non-snoring healthy people as control group by the PHILIPS 256-slice CT. The zone volume, sagittal diameter, coronary diameter and cross-sectional area of the narrowest plane in nasopharyngeal area, velopharyngeal area, glossopharyngeal area, hypopharynx area in two groups of quiet respiration and Müller's status were measured.@*RESULT@#In the OSAHS group underwent quiet breathing and Müller movement during CT scanning, the two states about nasopharyngeal coronary diameter, the hypopharynx sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area showed no significant difference, while other groups showed differences between the parameters (P<0.05). There was significant difference (P<0.01) in the velopharyngeal volume, tongue sagittal diameter and volume. Under Müller movement in the OSAHS group and the control group, the hypopharynx volume showed no significant difference. The nasopharyngeal coronary diameter and volume, velopharyngeal cross-sectional area and tongue sagittal diameter were different (P<0.05). The remaining set of parameters showed significant differences (P<0.01). Compared the airway compliance (Müller phase) of the OSAHS group and the control group,the parameters of each group were different (P<0.05), of which the nasopharyngeal sagittal diameter, velopharyngeal volume showed significant difference (P<0.01). Meanwhile, in the same plane, coronary diameter was greater than sagittal diameter (P<0.05) in both the OSAHS group and the control group. The pharyngeal volume measurement was basically consistent to the fiber endoscopy.@*CONCLUSION@#The obstruction plate of OSAHS patients is mostly in the velopharyngeal area and glossopharyngeal area measured with a high speed CT. The volume measurement of upper airway with speed CT can predict airway obstruction plate in patients with OSAHS.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism and haplotypes of TNIP1 associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the TNIP1 gene and compare the expression of this gene in cases and controls from a Chinese Han population in this replication study. METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to genotype 19 SNP in TNIP1 in Chinese Han patients with SLE (n = 341) and controls (n = 356). Genotypes were analyzed by codominant, dominant, and recessive models. Analysis of allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium was also performed. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure the expression of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SLE cases and controls. RESULTS: Seven SNP loci were significantly associated with SLE in our population (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Two TNIP1 gene haplotypes (ATTGCGC and GTCCTAT) were associated with SLE (p = 0.0246 and p = 0.0024, respectively). Western blotting and qRT-PCR results provide evidence that patients with SLE had significantly reduced expression of TNIP1/ABIN-1 relative to controls. CONCLUSION: Analysis of SNP in the TNIP1 gene and expression of this gene in peripheral blood lymphocytes indicated these SNP were associated with the occurrence of SLE in Han Chinese patients. Future studies should examine the roles of these SNP in the pathogenesis of SLE.

The Clinical Effect of Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor in Treatment of Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforation / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on the treatment of chronic tympanic membrane perforation and the function of inner ear. Methods From 2005 to 2008, the outpatients were randomly divided into three groups (A:control group, B:kangfuxin group, C:rhEGF group) . The patients were also divided into three groups (small, medium and large) . The hearing level and the function of inner ear in three groups were compared. Results The hearing level of rhEGF group was 4.5, which was significantly than that of other groups (7.3 and 9.4 respectively, 0.05) . Conclusion rhEGF can decrease the healing time significantly and increase the healing rates in the treatment of chronic tympanic membrane perforation, and it has no obvious adverse effects on the inner ear.

The changing trends of HIV/AIDS in an ethnic minority region of China: modeling the epidemic in Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan Province / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was to investigate the HIV current situation in Liangshan prefecture, in order to predict prevalence and transmission trends.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Region-specific population, behavior, serosurveillence, and policy/program data (from 1995 to 2010) were gathered from various local and national organizations and applied to the Asian Epidemic Model (AEM) and used to derive estimates of future HIV prevalence, epidemic trends, and outcomes of intervention strategies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The AEM projections for 2020 included increased number of people living with HIV (PLHIV; to 136 617), increased HIV prevalence (2.51%), and 8037 deaths from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in this region. However, the overall HIV incidence rate (per 10 000) was projected to decline from 27 in 2015 to 22 in 2020, largely due to a predicted decrease in HIV infection rate (per 10 000) from 658 in 2013 to 621 in 2020 among intravenous drug users. In contrast, the cases of HIV infection per 10 000 was projected to increase from 420 in 2010 to 503 in 2020 among men who have sex with men, and from 8 in 2010 to 15 in 2020 among the general population. The predominant risk factor for HIV transmission over the next decade in Liangshan was casual sex. Community-based outreach strategies to reduce injected drug use and casual sex, and to promote condom use, were predicted as effective interventions to decrease HIV transmission.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Implementation of a comprehensive public health program, with targeting to the region-specific at-risk populations, will help to mitigate HIV/AIDS spread in Liangshan.</p>

Cardiac adaptive mechanisms of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) at high altitudes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify cardiac mechanisms that contribute to adaptation to high altitudes in Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii). ANIMALS: 9 male Tibetan antelope and 10 male Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries). PROCEDURES: Tibetan antelope and Tibetan sheep inhabiting a region with an altitude of 4,300 m were captured, and several cardiac variables were measured. Expression of genes for atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ was measured via real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: Ratios of heart weight to body weight for Tibetan antelope were significantly greater than those of Tibetan sheep, but ratios of right-left ventricular weights were similar. Mean ± SD baseline heart rate (26.33 ± 6.15 beats/min) and systolic arterial blood pressure (97.75 ± 9.56 mm Hg) of antelope were significantly lower than those of sheep (34.20 ± 6.57 beats/min and 130.06 ± 17.79 mm Hg, respectively). The maximum rate of rise in ventricular pressure in antelope was similar to that in Tibetan sheep, but after exposure to air providing a fraction of inspired oxygen of 14.6% or 12.5% (ie, hypoxic conditions), the maximum rate of rise in ventricular pressure of the antelope increased significantly to 145.1% or 148.1%, respectively, whereas that of the sheep decreased to 68.4% or 70.5%, respectively. Gene expression of calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ and atrial natriuretic peptide, but not brain natriuretic peptide, in the left ventricle of the heart was significantly higher in antelope than in sheep. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hearts of the Tibetan antelope in this study were well adapted to high-altitude hypoxia as shown by higher heart weight ratios, cardiac contractility in hypoxic conditions, and expression of key genes regulating cardiac contractility and cardiac hypertrophy, compared with values for Tibetan sheep.

Detection of invasive Candida albicans infection using a specific (99m)Tc-labeled monoclonal antibody for the C. albicans germ tube.

Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment of the invasive infection by Candida albicans. Here, we investigated whether a (99m) technetium (Tc)-labeled Fab' fragment of the monoclonal antibody specific for the C. albicans germ tube could specifically identify an invasive C. albicans infection. The germ tube of C. albicans was used as an immunogen to obtain monoclonal antibodies and the Fab' fragment of MAb03.2 C1-C2 with highest affinity and specificity was labeled with (99m)Tc. In vitro binding assays showed that the labeled Fab' preferentially bound to the germ tubes of C. albicans (4.23 ± 0.17 × 10(2) Bq per 1 × 10(7) cells). These values were significantly higher than those for blastospores of C. albicans, blastospores of heat-killed C. albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli (P < 0.05). By using in vivo biodistribution and planar imaging with single photon emission computed tomography, we demonstrated a significant specific accumulation of radioactivity in C. albicans-infected tissues. In summary, (99m)Tc-MAb03.2 C1-C2 Fab' is able to specifically accumulate in C. albicans-infected tissues, but not in tissue infected with A. fumigatus or bacteria or in a sterile inflammation. This study provides a new and specific radiopharmaceutical for the diagnosis of invasive C. albicans infections.

Energy power in mountains: difference in metabolism pattern results in different adaption traits in Tibetans / 中国应用生理学杂志

Energy metabolism plays an important role in life survival for species living in high altitude hypoxia condition. Air-breathing organisms require oxygen to create energy. Tibetans are the well-adapted highlanders in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. It was thought that different metabolic approaches could lead to different adaptation traits to high altitude hypoxia. Recently identified hypoxia inducible factors pathway regulators, endothelial PAS domain protein1 (EPAS1)/HIF-2a and PPARA, were involved in decreasing hemoglobin concentrations in Tibetans. Because EPAS1 and PPARA also modulated the energy metabolism during hypoxia, we hypothesized that positive selected EPAS1 and PPARA genes were also involved in unique energy metabolisms in Tibetans. In this brief review, we take a look into genetic determinations to energy metabolisms for hypoxia adaptations traits in Tibetans and mal-adaptive conditions such as high altitude diseases.

Neurological adaptations to hypoxia in Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) with a view of molecular biology of respiratory globin-neuroglobin / 中国应用生理学杂志

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a respiratory protein that is preferentially expressed in brain of mouse and man. In this article, Tibetan antelope, living at altitude of 3 000-5 000 m for millions of years, was selected as the model of hypoxia-tolerant adaptation species. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot techniques, expression of Ngb gene was amplified and analyzed in antelope brain tissue. Our results showed that Ngb homology protein in Tibetan antelope was identified with more sequence similarity with cattle (96%), sheep (95%), and human (95%). We detected that there were some mutations occurred in the Open Reading Frame of Ngb in Tibetan antelope compared with sheep. Phylogenetic analysis of Ngb chain showed that it was closer to cattle than the others. This study suggests possible roles of central nervous system enriched Ngb in adaptation of Tibetan antelope to extremely high altitude.

Study of the biological function and penetration pathways of the mouse epidermal growth factor ethosomal delivery system.

Biological agents are becoming increasingly popular for therapeutic applications in epidermal diseases. Ethosomes facilitate the transdermal/topical delivery of biological macromolecules. The mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) was selected as the model biological agent. The aim of this experiment was to determine the penetration pathways and biological functions of the mEGF ethosomal delivery system after its topical application. The mEGF ethosomal delivery system was topically applied on the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice at different time points. Freshly excised skin samples were obtained by skin biopsies and shock-frozen, and immunofluorescence was performed. The results showed that penetration of mEGF ethosomes was mainly through the pilosebaceous unit and partly through the intercellular domain. Biological agents encapsulated in the ethosomal delivery system could reach each site of the pilosebaceous unit. We also found that mEGF ethosomes had caused successful transition of the hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase of the hair cycle.