Objective To investigate the possible regulating effect of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) towards matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1) ratio in the process of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells.Methods HK-2 cells were cultured and stimulated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1.Specific ILK-small interfering RNA (ILK-siRNA) was used to inhibit ILK expression.The characteristic epithelial marker (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal marker (α-SMA) of EMT were examined by Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blot.The expressions of ILK,MMP-9,and TIMP-1 were also examined,to determine the regulating effect of ILK towards MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio.Results In the HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β1,the expression of E-cadherin decreased,and α-SMA expression increased;overexpression of ILK and an abnormal changing of MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were observed.ILK inhibition by ILK-siRNA could adjust MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio to near normal.Meanwhile,the overexpressed ILK and α-SMA were decreased.Conclusions Our data indicates that ILK-siRNA successfully inhibits ILK expression,which regulates the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in HK-2 cells.The inhibition of ILK expression suppresses TGF-β1-induced EMT partially.

This paper is to report our study in which the differences between prosthetic restoration and surgical reconstruction using traditional clasp retention technology were analyzed based on three-dimensional finite element methods in our laboratory. Firstly, the maxillary unilateral defect model was developed using medical image processing software MIMICS. Secondly, the prosthesis was generated by mirroring technology. The clasp was designed according to the methods raised by Aramany. Then, the stress distribution of maxilla was calculated by simulating occlusion. According to the results, after osseointegration of surgical reconstruction, stresses of unaffected abutments were reduced significantly, and less stress of junction occurred near zygoma of affected side, which were all less than stresses of prosthesis restoration. Thus, removing the clasp of surgical reconstruction increased the stresses of unaffected abutments. The stress trends of maxillary components were different between prosthetic restoration and surgical reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction is better than prosthesis restoration in protection of the abutments. Clasp can alleviate the occlusal burden of maxilla. Varieties of retentive technologies can be considered in prosthesis restoration. The surgical reconstruction is more conducive to rehabilitate unilateral maxilla biomechanically in clinic.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Mandibular Reconstruction ; methods ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Maxillofacial Prosthesis ; Osseointegration ; Zygoma

Objective To study the effect of intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression(IPC)on patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.Methods Two hundred infertile patients to undergo exploratory laparotomy were randomized equally into the observation group and the control group.The patients in both groups were managed with laparoscopic operation at lithotomy position under general anaesthesia.During the operation,the control group was treated with nil intervention,while the observation group with IPC.The two groups were compared in terms of blood coagulation indexes before operation,days 1 and 3 after operation,blood flow rate of femoral vein before operation,30 mins and day 1 after the operation,and deep vein thrombosis(DVT) three months after operation.Results Three months after operation,12 cases of DVT occurred in the control group,and only 2 cases in the observation group.The difference was significant between the groups(χ2=6.22,P<0.05).The prothrombintime time and activated par-tialthrom boplastin time in the observation group were both longer than those of the control group,but the human fibrinogen was less(all P<0.05).The blood flow rate of femoral vein in the observation group was higher than that of the control group 30 mins and day 1 after operation(P<0.05),though the rates of femoral vein in the observation group showed insignificant differences between all the time points(F=1.94,P>0.05).Conclusion IPC used during laparoscopic surgery may be safe and effective as a result of improving blood circulation of lower limbs and preventing venothrombosis in lower limbs.

Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on behaviors and related products of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in the colon of mice with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the IBS treatment.Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, and a probiotic group, with 6 mice in each group. The visceral pain model of IBS was established by enema with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution. Mice in the moxibustion group were treated with mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and those in the probiotic group were treated with probiotics such as Bifidobacterium by gavage. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, and forced swimming test (FST) were performed after treatment. The expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in the colon were detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression levels of Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), and indole-2,3-oxygenase (IDO) in the colon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly in the model group under different pressure values (P<0.01), the open-arm staying time and open-arm entries in the EPM test were decreased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05), the motionless time in the FST was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression levels of colonic Trp, TPH1, IDO, 5-HT, and Kyn were increased significantly (P<0.01) in the models. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were differently decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the open-arm entries in the EPM test were increased (P<0.05), the motionless times in the FST were decreased (P<0.05), and the colonic expression levels of Trp, TPH1, IDO, and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the moxibustion and probiotic groups; the open-arm staying time was significantly increased in the moxibustion group (P<0.01), and the colonic expression level of Kyn was significantly decreased in the probiotic group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) improves visceral pain and pain mood and down-regulates the expression levels of colonic TPH1, IDO, Trp, 5-HT, and Kyn in IBS mice.

BACKGROUND: Recent experimental studies have found ultrasound mediated microbubbles potentiate stem cell therapy in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure, indicating a good application prospect. But whether ultrasound mediated nitric oxide (NO) microbubbles also have the same effect in the intracoronary transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for treatment of large animals with MI is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and possible mechanism of ultrasound mediated NO microbubbles in potentiating intracoronally transplanted BMSCs homing to the infarcted area in a MI pig model.METHODS: Density gradient centrifugation culture method was used in the isolation and cultivation of BMSCs. CM-Dil was used to label BMSCs in vitro. Twenty-four pigs were used to make MI models by blocking the left anterior descending coronary artery, and then were divided into PBS group, BMSCs group, ultrasound+microbubbles+BMSCs(MB) group, ultrasound+NO microbubbles+BMSCs (NO-MB) group(n=6 per group). In the PBS group, 10 mL of PBS was intracoronally injected. In the BMSCs group, about 1×107 BMSCs were diluted in 10 mL of PBS and then intracoronally infused. In the MB group, 0.1 mL/kg sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles (Sono Vue) was intracoronally injected together with ultrasound treatment (1 MHz, 2 W/cm2, 2 minutes), followed by intracoronary infusion of about 1×107 BMSCs that were diluted in 10 mL of PBS. In the NO-MB group, all methods and conditions were identical to those in the MB group except only 0.1 mL/kg of Sono Vue was replaced by 0.1 mL/kg NO microbubbles. Three pigs were sacrificed in each group 48 hours after CM-Dil positive BMSCs transplantation. The labeled BMSCs were observed and counted by fluorescent microscope after frozen sectioning of the infarct area. We assessed and compared left ventricular systolic function with M-mode ultrasound among groups at 4 weeks after intervention. After cardiac function test, the rest pigs were sacrificed and capillary density in the myocardial ischemic area was counted and compared after hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The number of CM-Dil positive cells in the area of MI in the NO-MB group was much more than that in the MB group and BMSCs group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). (2) The left ventricle systolic function was significantly improved in the NO-MB group as compared with the MB group (P < 0.05). The same trend was observed between NO-MB group and BMSCs group as well as between NO-MB group and PBS group (P < 0.05). (3) The density of capillaries increased significantly in the NO-MB group compared with the MB group, BMSCs group and PBS group, respectively. To conclude, ultrasound mediated NO microbubble combined with intracoronary BMSCs transplantation can improve the left ventricular systolic function. The possible mechanism could be that ultrasoundmediated NO mocrobubbles promote the homing of transplanted BMSCs to the myocardial ischemia area as well as improve local angiogenesis.

Objective To assess the effect of continuous early enteral nutrition(EEN)combined with intestinal mucosal protective agents on gut barrier function in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Methods A total of 79 patients with severe acute pancreatitis selected from four centers between May 2004 to June 2006 were enrolled and divided into EEN combined with intestinal mucosal protective agents group(combined group,n=39)and total parenteral nutrition(TPN)group(n=40).The patients were received either EEN or TPN when homeostasis were achieved within 72 hours after onset.The patients in combined group were administered pepti-2000 variant combined with glutamine,arginine and intestinal mucosal protective agents.The patients in TPN group were administered through a central vein.APACHE-Ⅱ score was recorded every week;The concentration of serum amylase,plasmic diamine oxi dase(DAO)and endotoxin were mesured on day 1,7,14 and 21 as well as urinary excretion of lactulose (L)and mannitol(M).Complications,lenth and charges of hospital stay were recorded.Results There was no death in both groups.The APACHE-Ⅱ score decreased on day 7,but lower in combined group (6.00±1.60)than that in TPN group(7.08±2.34)(P＜0.05).On day 7,14 and 21,the concentrations of endotoxin in combined group was(39.30±15.82),(22.64±14.31),(14.81±10.93)Eu/L,respectively,urinary L/M ratio was 0.28±0.25,0.21±0.18 and 0.08±0.04,respectively,IFABP-c was 15.62±5.26),(5.46±1.18)and(3.26±0.94)pg/ml,respectively.All of these parameters were significantly lower than those in TPN group(P＜0.05).The infectious rates including pancreatic,peritoneal and respiratory infection in TPN group were much higher than that in combined group(26.47% vs 3.44%,P＜0.01).The composition of flora fecal remained unchange in combined group rather than TPN group.The mean hospital stay was shorter in combined group[(20.0±5.7)days]compared to TPN groups[(34.5±12.9)days].The charges were also significantly lower in combined group,with average cost of RMB 25,900±14,200,while it was 46,800±4,030 in TPN group.Conclusions EEN combined with intestinal mucosal protective agents can improve gut barrier function via reducing the gut permeability,improving the hypoperfusion,maintaining the integrity and gut fecal flora.It might reduce the course and charges of hospital stay.

Objective:To observe the effect of emotional stimulation on the formation process of atherosclerosis ( AS) ,and explain the role of hydrogen sulfide ( H2 S) in atherosclerotic lesions. Methods:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into AS group, qi-stagnation and blood-stasis AS group and the control group. The AS group was fed with special diets, the qi-stagnation and blood-stasis AS group was fed with special diets and emotional stimulation, and the control group was fed with normal diets. During the experiment, the indicators including the characterization score, H2 S content, four items of the natural bleeding and blood coagula-tion, tissue blood flow and blood lipid were respectively detected in the 4 th, 8 th and 12 th week. Results:Compared with those in the AS group, since the 4 th week, the rats in qi-stagnation and blood-stasis AS group were with significantly decreased activity, slow re-sponse, lackluster fur and dark purple tongue (P<0. 01);the level of plasma lipid increased significantly, and increased further with time extension(P<0. 05 or P<0. 01);since the 8 th week, APTT and FIB changed significantly (P<0. 05),the blood flow to skin, liver and kidney decreased significantly (P<0. 05);the content of H2S was significantly higher in the 12 th week (P<0. 01). Con-clusion:Emotional stimulation promotes the formation of AS model,and the gas molecule system of H2 S plays a regulatory role in the qi-stagnation and blood-stasis AS animal model.

Objective:To investigate the self-perceived aging status of the elderly in Changsha and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From July to August in 2020, the convenient sampling method was used to select 402 elderly people in Changsha as the research object, the general data questionnaire, the elderly self-perceived aging questionnaire, the family care questionnaire and the positive psychological capital questionnaire were used to investigate them. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of self-perceived aging after logarithmic transformation.Results:The total score of self-perceived aging of the elderly was 109.00(102.00, 112.00), the total score of family care was 5.00(3.00, 8.00) and the total score of psychological capital was 80.00(66.00, 87.25). Regression analysis showed that the gender, educational level, age, the forms of health care, quarrels in family relationships, children visit frequency and the degree of family care were the important factors affecting the self-perceived aging of the elderly( P<0.05). Conclusions:The self-perceived aging level of the elderly is at a medium level, it is suggested that relevant departments take comprehensive measures to create positive self-aging environment.

Objective:To investigate the current application of colonoscopy at hospitals in China.Methods:From November 2019 to January 2020, an online questionnaire survey was conducted among gastroenterologists and colonoscopists in hospitals of different levels. The contents of questionnaire survey included basic information of colonoscopy at the respondent′s hospital, protocols and patient education of bowel preparation, implementation of colonoscopy quality control, and colonoscopists′ understanding of polypectomy techniques and post-polypectomy follow-up.Results:A total of 236 valid questionnaires were collected, involving 187 hospitals, and 143 (76.5%) had an annual operation capacity of more than 5 000 cases. In terms of bowel preparation, split-dosed polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (PEG) was the most commonly used (60.4%, 113/187) and the most common volume of PEG was 3 L (67.4%, 126/187). Verbal (90.9%, 170/187) and written (79.7%, 149/187) instructions were given more often than other methods for patient education of bowel preparation. Antifoaming agent was routinely used in 124 (66.3%) hospitals. In terms of quality control, only 11.5% (20/174) hospitals implemented all four measures. In terms of polypectomy techniques, 98.1% (203/207) colonoscopists chose hot snare polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection for lesions of diameter>1 cm, while options varied for lesions of diameter<1 cm. The interval of follow-up after polypectomy recommended by colonoscopists was shorter than that by guidelines.Conclusion:Several problems are found in the survey in the application of colonoscopy in China, i. e., patient education of bowel preparation is not diversified; quality control of colonoscopy still needs to be strengthened; polypectomy techniques and follow-up after polypectomy need to be further standardized.

Objective To establish a method for determining hydrogen sulfide(H2S)in blood and apply it to practical cases.Methods A delute solution was achieved by adding 0.8 mL saturated borax solution into 0.2 mL blood sample was diluted with.1 mL acetonitrile solution containing 0.1％formic acid was then taken in a test tube,followed by adding 0.1 mL dilute solution and 0.1 mL thiozine aqueous solution(1％).After thorough mixing,the mixture was left to stand for 30 minutes.Subsequently,the sample was subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)analysis after centrifugation and membrane filtration.Results The results showed that H2S exhibited good linearity within the concentration range of 10～2 000 ng/mL,with the R2 value of 0.998 5.The detection limit was 5 ng/mL,and the quantification limit was 10 ng/mL.In three cases of H2S poisoning,sulfur ions were detected in the blood of the deceased individuals,with concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 0.56 μg/mL.Conclusion For the first time,this study established a LC-MS/MS method for determining H2S in blood,which can meet the detection needs of H2S poisoning cases.