Comparison of hamstring and quadriceps strength after anatomical versus non-anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Strength recovery of injured knee is an important parameter for patients who want to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Comparison of muscle strength between anatomical and non-anatomical ACLR has not been reported. PURPOSE: To evaluate the difference between anatomical and non-anatomical single-bundle ACLR in hamstring and quadriceps strength and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients received unilateral primary single-bundle hamstring ACLR between January 2017 to January 2018 were recruited in this study. Patients were divided into anatomical reconstruction group (AR group) and non-anatomical reconstruction group (NAR group) according to femoral tunnel aperture position. The hamstring and quadriceps isokinetic strength including peak extension torque, peak flexion torque and H/Q ratio were measured at an angular velocity of 180°/s and 60°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. The isometric extension and flexion torques were also measured. Hamstring and quadriceps strength were measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Knee stability including Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 measurement and subjective knee function including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores were evaluated during the follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with an average follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 24-35 months) were included in this study. Thirty-three were in AR group and 39 in NAR group. The peak knee flexion torque was significant higher in AR group at 180°/s and 60°/s (P < 0.05 for both velocity) at 6 months postoperatively and showed no difference between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively. The isometric knee extension torque was significant higher in AR group at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05) and showed no difference between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively. No significant differences between AR group and NAR group were found regarding knee stability and subjective knee function evaluations at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with non-anatomical ACLR, anatomical ACLR showed a better recovery of hamstring and quadriceps strength at 6 months postoperatively. However, the discrepancy on hamstring and quadriceps strength between the two groups vanished at 1 year postoperatively.

Synthesis of Spiro 3,3'-Cyclopropyl Oxindoles Via N-Bromosuccinimide-Mediated Ring-Closing and Contraction Cascade.

An N-bromosuccinimide-mediated cascade reaction involving the cyclization/oxygen-migration/ring-contraction process of 3-(ß, ß-diaryl) indolylethanol was disclosed. A variety of spiro 3,3'-cyclopropyl oxindole derivatives were efficiently synthesized in good yields under mild reaction conditions. A possible mechanism was suggested based on intermediate isolation and computational studies.

Physicochemical measurements of Japonica rice cultivars in Heilongjiang Province.

We here characterized 27 japonica rice cultivars grown in Heilongjiang province and evaluated the relationship among their iodine absorption curve, physical properties, and ratio of 13 kDa prolamin. We developed the novel estimation formulae for ratio of 13 kDa prolamin and overall hardness (H2) with the use of Aλmax and λmax.

Sonic hedgehog signaling regulates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9C2 myocardial cell apoptosis.

The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway has been reported to protect cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury; however, the role of Shh and relevant molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9C2 was subjected to hypoxia and serum-starvation for 4 h. Cells were subsequently reoxygenated using 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify the expression of Shh mRNA, while cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity and p53 expression were measured by western blotting and an MTT assay was subsequently used to assess cell viability. In addition, reactive oxygen species levels were measured using dichlorofluorescein and H/R-induced changes in the activation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, phosphorylated-endothelial nitric oxide synthase, phosphorylated-protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin activation were assessed using western blotting. H/R treatment decreased the cell viability of H9C2 cells, but activated endogenous Shh signaling. The activation of Shh signaling protected H9C2 myocardial cells from H/R-induced apoptosis and restored cell viability. In the present study, Shh signaling was demonstrated to serve a protective role against H/R by activating the phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and promoting the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes to ameliorate oxidative stress. In summary, Shh signaling attenuated H/R-induced apoptosis through via the PI3K/Akt pathway.

InAs/GaAs Quantum Dot Dual-Mode Distributed Feedback Laser Towards Large Tuning Range Continuous-Wave Terahertz Application.

In this paper, a laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser based on modulation p-doped multiple InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) structures has been fabricated. The device exhibits a high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of > 47 dB and a high thermal stability of dλ/dT = 0.092 nm/K under continuous-wave (CW) operation, which is mainly attributed to the high material gain prepared by modulation p-doping and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process, and the significantly reduced waveguide losses by shallow-etched gratings and its close proximity to the laser ridge feature in the LC-DFB laser. With this superior performance of the DFB laser, the wide tunable dual-wavelength lasing operation has been obtained by delicately defining different periods for the grating structures on the two sides of the laser ridge or combining the reduced laser cavity length. The wavelength spacing between the two lasing modes can be flexibly tuned in a very wide range from 0.5 to 73.4 nm, corresponding to the frequency difference from 0.10 to 14 THz, which is the largest tuning range by the utilization of single device and hence providing a new opportunity towards the generation of CW THz radiation.

[Therapeutic Effect of Recombinant Human Stem Cell Factor on Rhesus Monkeys with Severe Acute Radiation Sickness].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of rhSCF early administration on rhesus monkeys with severe acute radiation sickness(ARS). METHODS: Twelve adult monkeys totally exposed to 7.0 Gy 60Co were divided into radiation control and SCF groups, and monkeys in SCF group were subcutaneously injected recombinant human SCF(rhSCF) 200 µg/kg at half an hour and 24 hour after irradiation, while the radiation control monkeys were injected physiological saline. Survival was monitored and hematopoiesis was evaluated at 40 days following early treatment. RESULTS: 6 animals treated with rhSCF all survived, while 2 in irradiated controls survived on 40 day after radiation. rhSCF treatment promoted hematopoiesis recovery significantly, increased the nadir of white blood cells, neutrophils and platelets, and simplified supportive care in ARS rhesus monkeys. CONCLUSION: RhSCF injection soon after TBI taken shows an significant therapeutic efficiency on rhesus monkeys with severe acute radiation sickness.

Correlation between the trajectory of systolic blood pressure and new renal damage in a nonhypertensive population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the correlation between the trajectory of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and new renal damage in a nonhypertensive population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included a total of 14 382 nonhypertensive individuals, employees of Kailuan Group of Companies, who took part in five healthy examinations in 2006-2007, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2013, and 2014-2015, and had complete data. These individuals were divided into four groups according to the different trajectories of SBP: low-low, low-stable, middle-high, and high-high groups. The correlation between the trajectory of SBP and new renal damage in a nonhypertensive population was analyzed using a multivariate Cox's proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: (a) A total of 14 382 individuals had complete data and the average age of these individuals was 44.6±10.8 years. Among these, 10 888 (75.7%) individuals were men and 3494 (24.3%) individuals were women. (b) These individuals were divided into four groups according to different trajectories of blood pressure: low-low group, accounting for 13.15% (blood pressure was <106 mmHg); low-stable group, accounting for 53.91% (blood pressure was between 115 and 116 mmHg); middle-high group, accounting for 28.77% (blood pressure was between 125 and 131 mmHg); and high-high group, accounting for 4.6% (blood pressure was between 126 and 151 mmHg). (c) With the increase in the trajectory of SBP, the detection rate of renal damage increased gradually. From the low-low group to the high-high group, the detection rates of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m were 2.3, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.3%, respectively; the positive rates of urinary protein were 1.7, 2.9, 3.8, and 5.5%, respectively; and the detection rates of eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m or positive urinary protein were 4, 5.2, 7.3, and 9.3%, respectively (P<0.05). (d) After adjustment for other confounding factors, multivariate Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis showed that compared with the low-low group, the risk of eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m increased by nearly 1.5 times in the high-high group and in the low-stable, middle-high, and high-high groups, the risks of positive urinary protein, eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m, or positive urinary protein increased by 1.48-2.34 and 1.20-1.70 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: In a nonhypertensive population, the high trajectory of SBP is a risk factor for kidney damage.

Factors influencing gelation properties of corn germ proteins.

BACKGROUND: As a by-product of the oil industry, corn germ meal is mainly applied as a high-protein ingredient in animal feeds, without any application of the specific functional properties of corn germ protein (CGP). Factors influencing the gelation properties of CGP in relation to its dynamic rheology are still unclear owing to limited information. RESULTS: CGP concentrate was recovered by the isoelectric precipitation method, and factors affecting its gelation properties were investigated using a rheometer. A weak gel formed at natural pH with 0.3 mol L-1 NaCl, and the minimum gel-forming concentration was observed at 150 g kg-1 . Higher CGP protein concentrations induced stiffer gels, and linear relationships were found between protein concentration and gel stiffness (G') as well as between protein concentration and gel viscosity (G″). Lower heating and cooling rate promoted the formation of stiffer gels. CGP gelation was both NaCl- and pH-dependent. Sodium tripolyphosphate significantly increased gel stiffness with increasing concentration. No difference in gel elasticity (tanδ) was observed with the inclusion of various concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate or sodium polyphosphate. CONCLUSION: Heating and cooling rate, NaCl, protein concentration, pH and phosphates all impact the gel-forming ability of CGP concentrate. Desired gel properties can be obtained through adjustment of these factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of prostate cancer LncRNAs by RNA-Seq.

PURPOSE: To identify prostate cancer lncRNAs using a pipeline proposed in this study, which is applicable for the identification of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed in prostate cancer tissues but have a negligible potential to encode proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used two publicly available RNA-Seq datasets from normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer. Putative lncRNAs were predicted using the biological technology, then specific lncRNAs of prostate cancer were found by differential expression analysis and co-expression network was constructed by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,080 lncRNA transcripts were obtained in the RNA-Seq datasets. Three genes (PCA3, C20orf166-AS1 and RP11-267A15.1) showed a significant differential expression in the prostate cancer tissues, and were thus identified as prostate cancer specific lncRNAs. Brown and black modules had significant negative and positive correlations with prostate cancer, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The pipeline proposed in this study is useful for the prediction of prostate cancer specific lncRNAs. Three genes (PCA3, C20orf166-AS1, and RP11-267A15.1) were identified to have a significant differential expression in prostate cancer tissues. However, there have been no published studies to demonstrate the specificity of RP11-267A15.1 in prostate cancer tissues. Thus, the results of this study can provide a new theoretic insight into the identification of prostate cancer specific genes.

Effect of VEGF, P53 and telomerase on angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), P53 and telomerase on angiogenesis in gastric carcinoma tissue. METHODS: A total of 95 surgical resection samples of gastric cancer tissue after pathological diagnosis are collected to observe the VEGF, P53 and telomerase expression using immunohistochemical methods. Relationship between their expression and its influence on angiogenesis in gastric carcinoma tissue were analyzed. RESULTS: Microvascular density (MVD) and the expression of VEGF, P53 and telomerase were positively correlated. Expression of VEGF and P53 protein were related to tumor type and lymph metastasis, and also a correlation was observed between P53 and VEGF. The telomerase expression had no correlation with VEGF, and P53. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF angiogenesis has a angiogenesis promoting effect on gastric cancer tissue development and plays an important role in tumor generation and metastasis. Mutant P53 promotes the tumor angiogenesis generation by adjusting VEGF. Telomerase has a certain role in promoting activity of angiogenesis through different way rather than P53.

Transcriptional regulation of a chitinase gene by 20-hydroxyecdysone and starvation in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.

Insect chitinases are hydrolytic enzymes that are required for the degradation of glycosidic bonds of chitin. In this study, we identified and characterized a full-length cDNA of the chitinase gene (BdCht2) in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. The cDNA contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1449 bp that encodes 483 amino acid residues and 126- and 296-bp non-coding regions at the 5'- and 3'-ends, respectively. The BdCht2 genome has four exons and three introns. The predicted molecular mass of the deduced BdCht2 is approximately 54.3 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 5.97. The 977 bp 5' flanking region was identified and the transcription factor binding sites were predicted. Bioinformatic analyses showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of BdCht2 had 34%-66% identity to that of chitinases identified in other insect species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analyses indicated that BdCht2 was mainly expressed during the larval-pupal and pupal-adult transitions. The tissue-specific expression showed that the highest expression was in the integument, followed by the fat body and other tissues. Moreover, the expression of BdCht2 was upregulated significantly upon 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) at different dose injections after 8 h compared to that of the control. Starvation also increased the expression of BdCht2 in the third-instar larvae and was suppressed again by re-feeding the insects. These results suggest that BdCht2 plays an important role in the molting process of B. dorsalis larvae and can be regulated by 20E.

A novel aspartic protease with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity from fresh fruiting bodies of the wild mushroom Xylaria hypoxylon.

A novel aspartic protease with HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity was isolated and characterized from fruiting bodies of the wild mushroom Xylaria hypoxylon. The purification protocol comprised distilled water homogenization and extraction step, three ion exchange chromatographic steps (on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and CM-cellulose in succession), and final purification was by FPLC on Superdex 75. The protease was adsorbed on all the three ion exchangers. It was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 43 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE and FPLC. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was HYTELLSQVV, which exhibited no sequence homology to other proteases reported. The activity of the protease was adversely affected by Pepstatin A, indicating that it is an aspartic protease. The protease activity was maximal or nearly so in the pH range 6-8 and in the temperature range 35-60°C. The purified enzyme exhibited HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 8.3 µM, but was devoid of antifungal, ribonuclease, and hemagglutinating activities.

[Effects of Trimetazidine upon ventricular remodeling and GLUT4 in diabetic rats after myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study is to investigate the changes of structure and function of heart in diabetic rat after myocardial infarction, and to study the expression of the GLUT4 and the effects of trimetazidine on the ventricular remodeling. METHODS: Type 2 diabetes rat was made by feeding with a diet enriched with sucrose, fat and cholesterol for six weeks and then injecting streptozocin intraperitoneally, then the myocardial infarction by ligating coronary artery. The living rats were randomly divided into three groups twenty-four hours after operation: placebo; trimetazidine and sham operated with diabetes. And other rats which was fed with normal diet were divided into myocardial infarction group without diabetes and sham operated group without diabete. The treat group was intragastric administrated with trimetazidine which was solved in distilled water (30 mgxkg(-1) 1xd(-1)), and others were poured with parts aequalis distilled water. After six weeks, echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies were performed, ventricular were weighed, myocardial infarct size and myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) of non-infarction area were detected also. GLUT4 mRNA in the myocardium away from infarction region were measured with fluorescent quantitation RT-PCR and GLUT4 protein were measured with Western blot. RESULTS: Six weeks after diabetes complicating with myocardial infarction, comparing with sham operated group without diabete, diabetes sham operated group and myocardial infarction group without diabete, LVDd of diabetes complicating with myocardial infarction group was increased significantly; the systolic and diastolic function with left ventricular were decreased significantly, VWI and CVF were increased significantly; comparing with placebo group, diastolic function of left ventricular in trimetazidine group was improved significantly (4.7 +/- 1.7 vs 6.8 +/- 1.6, P < 0.05); CVF (3.9 +/- 0.2)% vs (6.3 +/- 0.4)%, (P < 0.05) was decreased significantly, but LVDd, VWI and the systolic function was not chang significantly. The expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein in sham operated with diabetes and diabetic with myocardial infarction descended significantly compared with sham operated group without diabete (P < 0.01). And in trimetazidine group, GLUT4 protein moderately increased (P < 0.05) compared with placebo group. CONCLUSION: Trimetazidine could improve the diastolic function of left ventricular. The expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein in type 2 diabetes complicating with myocardial infarction decreased. Trimetazidine could improve the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein in diabetes complicating with myocardial infarction and inhibited myocardial fibrosis.

Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II type I receptor blocker and their combination on postinfarcted ventricular remodeling in rats.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta(1)-Smads signal plays an important role in cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI). In addition, both angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin II type I receptor blocker (ARB) can effectively prevent left ventricular remodeling. The current study focused on whether the combination of ACEI and ARB is more beneficial for preventing ventricular remodeling and whether Smad proteins mediate this beneficial effect. METHODS: MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. Twenty-four hours after ligation, the survived rats were randomly divided into five groups and treated for 8 weeks: placebo group, ACEI group (benazepril 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)), ARB group (irbesartan 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)), ACEI + ARB group (benazepril 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) + irbesartan 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) and control group (sham-operated rats). After 8 weeks, we examined the following indexes: the ratio of ventricular weight to body weight (VW/BW), left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVDd), ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), ratio of E-wave to A-wave velocity, collagen of noninfarcted zone, the mRNA expression of TGFbeta(1), Smad 2, and Smad 3 by RT-PCR in noninfarcted zone, the protein expression of Smad 2 and Smad 3 in noninfarcted zone by Western blot. RESULTS: VW/BW significantly increased in the placebo groups compared with that in the control group (P < 0.01). This increase was limited in ACEI, ARB, and combined groups (P < 0.01 compared with placebo group). There was no significant difference among the three actively treated groups. Collagen was increased in placebo group (5.68 +/- 0.5)% compared with that in control group (P < 0.01). ACEI, ARB and combined treatment attenuated this increase of collagen [(4.3 +/- 0.5)%, (3.5 +/- 0.5)%, (3.2 +/- 0.4)%] in comparison with that in placebo group (P < 0.01 respectively). Combined treatment showed more significant effect on collagen deposition. EF and FS significantly decreased, LVDd and E/A significantly increased in placebo group compared with that in control group (P < 0.01 respectively). ACEI, ARB and combined treatment ameliorated these indexes (P < 0.01 compared with placebo group). The mRNA expression of TGFbeta(1), Smad 2, and Smad 3 (0.700 +/- 0.045, 0.959 +/- 0.037 and 0.850 +/- 0.051) increased in placebo group compared with that in control group (P < 0.01). ACEI, ARB and combined treatment normalized the increase (P < 0.01). Furthermore, ARB and combined treatment proved to be more effective in decreasing TGF beta(1) and Smad mRNA expression than ACEI treatment (P < 0.01). The expression of Smad 2 and Smad 3 protein increased in placebo group compared with that in control group (P < 0.01). ACEI, ARB and combined treatment normalized the increase (P < 0.01). Furthermore, ARB and combined treatment proved to be more effective than ACEI alone (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TGFbeta(1)-Smads signal activation is correlated with ventricular remodeling following MI. ACEI and ARB treatment prevents ventricular remodeling by inhibiting expression of Smad 2 and Smad 3. ARB and combined treatment are more effective than ACEI alone.

[Relationship between expression of Smad and ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between expression of Smad3, Smad7 and ventricular remodeling in rats after myocardial infarction. METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in rats (n = 11) and sham-operated rats were used as control (n = 10). The rats were sacrificed 8 weeks later. Heart weight/body weight (HW/BW), mean blood pressure, left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), collagen content in the un-infarcted area were examined. The mRNA levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)beta(1), Smad 3, Smad7 were determined by RT-PCR. RESULT: Compared with controls, the level of HW/BW, LVEDP and collagen content were significant increased. The mRNA expression of TGFbeta(1) and Smad3 was significantly increased in areas of myocardial infarction, border of the infarction, interventricular septum and right ventricle. The expression of Smad7 mRNA in these areas was decreased. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that TGFbeta(1)-Smads signaling was correlated to the ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Smad3 might promote the process while Smad7 inhibit the process.

[Effects of combination therapy with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin 1 receptor antagonist on ventricular remodeling and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ACEI, AT1 receptor antagonism, and combination of these two drugs on ventricular remodeling, and the vary of eNOS in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Eighty-six rats were randomly divided into four groups at twenty-four hours after MI, and treated for 2 weeks and 6 weeks. (1) MI-placebo (n = 22); (2) MI-Fosinopril (n = 20, 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)); (3) MI-Irbesartan (n = 23, 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)); (4) MI-Fosinopril + Irbesartan (n = 21, 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) + 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)); and sham-ligation. Mean blood pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were evaluated, as well as ventricular weight (VW)/body weight (BW) ratio. The total collagen was quantified by histomorphometry. The expressions of eNOS mRNA and protein within the noninfarction zone were determined by RT-PCR and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant increase of LVEDP (P < 0.05), LVDd (P < 0.01), and VW/BW (P < 0.01), and total collagen (at 2 weeks 6.1 +/- 0.7 vs 3.6 +/- 0.5 and at 6 weeks 5.1 +/- 0.8 vs 3.6 +/- 0.4, P < 0.01) in noninfarcted region. Treatment with fosinopril, irbesartan and combination of these two drugs improved them. At the sixth week, irbesartan and combination therapy decreased more significantly total collagen compared with fosinopril (3.4 +/- 0.7 and 3.3 +/- 0.7 vs 4.2 +/- 0.6, P < 0.05). The level of eNOS mRNA expression increased more significantly in combination therapy group than in fosinopril or irbesartan group alone (at 2 weeks 1.55 +/- 0.17, at 6 weeks 1.61 +/- 0.16, P < 0.01). eNOS protein increased. CONCLUSION: Fosinopril or irbesartan alone, and combination of these two drugs can improve hemodynamics, limited myocardial hypertrophy, attenuated the development of myocardial interstitial fibrosis in the noninfarcted left ventricule. The use of irbesartan, especially combined with fosinopril was more effective than fosinopril alone in the suppression interstitial fibrosis. Combination therapy was more effective than fosinopril and irbesartan alone in enhancing eNOS mRNA and protein expression.