The concept and important role of associative memory neural network are introduced.The development of associative memory neural network is also summarized along with other neural networks such as the Hopfield neural network,the neural network composed of FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron model,the neural network composed of Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model.

We studied the influence of electrode array parameters on temperature distribution to the retina during the use of retinal prosthesis in order to avoid thermal damage to retina caused by long-term electrical stimulation. Based on real epiretinal prosthesis, a three-dimensional model of electrical stimulation for retina with 4 X 4 microelectrode array had been established using the finite element software (COMSOL Multiphysics). The steady-state temperature field of electrical stimulation of the retina was calculated, and the effects of the electrode parameters such as the distance between the electrode contacts, the materials and area of the electrode contact on temperature field were considered. The maximum increase in the retina steady temperature was about 0. 004 degrees C with practical stimulation current. When the distance between the electrode contacts was changed from 130 microm to 520 microm, the temperature was reduced by about 0.006 microC. When the contact radius was doubled from 130 microm to 260 microm, the temperature decrease was about 0.005 degrees C. It was shown that there were little temperature changes in the retina with a 4 x 4 epiretinal microelectrode array, reflecting the safety of electrical stimulation. It was also shown that the maximum temperature in the retina decreased with increasing the distance between the electrode contacts, as well as increasing the area of electrode contact. However, the change of the maximum temperature was very small when the distance became larger than the diameter of electrode contact. There was no significant difference in the effects of temperature increase among the different electrode materials. Rational selection of the distance between the electrode contacts and their area in electrode design can reduce the temperature rise induced by electrical stimulation.
Electric Stimulation ; Finite Element Analysis ; Microelectrodes ; Models, Theoretical ; Retina ; physiology ; Software ; Temperature ; Visual Prosthesis

Objective To observe the clinical effects and safety of Angongniuhuang Pill (a traditional Chinese medical preparation)adjuvant to haloperidol for the treatment of Intensive Care Unit (ICU)patients in postoperative delirium.Methods A prospective study of 243 postoperative patients with delirium adimitted in Intensive Care Unit of Xinjiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital (January 2013-December 2014),by using confusion assessment method of Intensive Care Unit (CAMICU).All of 243 patients with delirium were randomly divided into two groups by computer randomization software (SAS 9.1):group A in which patients were treated with Angongniuhuang Pill adjuvant to haloperidol and group Fin which patiets were treated with haloperidol alone.The end of two intervention methods was determined by two consecutive CAMICU showing negative or the treatment were ended up at seven days treatment.The data of general information,and the results of treatment were recorded and analized by statistical software SPSS 19.0.The measurement data was expressed as mean ±standard deviation;the comparision between two groups was tested by t test;and repeated measurement was analised by variance.Count data was described as number and constitution ratio;and intergroup comparision was tested by Chi-square test. Results There was no significant difference in general information between two groups.The delirium duration and ICU treatment time in group A were shorter than those in group F [(3.0 ±0.9)d vs.(3.8 ±1.0) d,P =0.010; (6.2 ± 1.4) d vs.(6.7 ± 1.5) d,P = 0.008].When delirium was diagnosed (T0),all patients had EEG abnormalities.As treatment went on,EEG abnormal rate gradually declined.At day one (T1),there was no statistically significant difference in EEG findings between group A and group F (95.7% vs.97.5%,P = 0.045 ).At day two (T2 )and day three (T3 ),there was statistically significant difference in EEG findings between group A and group F (65.5% vs.77.7%,P =0.038;42.2% vs.56.2%,P = 0.032).The levels of S100βprotein,interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in two groups at T0 were all elevated without noticeable difference.These markers were all deceased at T1,T2,T3,but the speed of descend in group A was relatively faster than that in group F.The differences were statistically significant (S100β:time effect P <0.01,inter-group effectp =0.002,interaction effectp =0.686;IL-6:time effect P <0.01,inter-group effectp =0.034,interaction effectp =0.01;TNF-α:time effect P <0.01,inter-group effectp =0.003,interaction effectp =0.516). The discharge rate in group A after improvement of general condition was higher than that in group F (89.7% vs.79.3%,P =0.029).The incidence of postoperative complications and mortality 28 days after operation in group A were lower than those in group F (45.7% vs.58.7%P =0.045;12.9% vs. 24.0%,P =0.028).Conclusion During the treatment of delirium,Angongniuhuang pill adjuvant to haloperidol was a better method compared with using haloperidol alone in respect of effectiveness and safety perspectives.It may be a novel approach to the treatment for delirium by the combination of Chinese and Western medicine.

Objective To investigate the relationship between chronic prostatitis (CP) and male infertility. Methods 120 cases of male infertility patients with chronic prostatitis and 120 cases of male infertility patients with-out chronic prostatitis were analyzed. Results The differences of sperm quality、sperm movement function, partial bio-chemical indicator in semen and sperm aggregation in the two groups are significant (P<0.05). Conclusion CP plays an important negative role in male infertility.

Objective:To observe the changes of the structure and visual function of the retina in patients with or without the ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFL) and to explore the factors influencing the recovery of visual function in patients with idiopathic epimacular membrane (IMEM).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From March 2015 to June 2019, 90 patients with MEM who were diagnosed by Ophthalmic Center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were enrolled in the study. All patients were examined by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and frequency domain optical coherence scan. BCVA was recorded by Snellen vision table, and it was converted into the minimum resolution angle logarithm (logMAR) vision. Among 90 eyes, IMEM grade 2-4 was 68 (75.6%, 68/90), 18 (20.0%, 18/90), 4 (4.4%, 4/90), respectively. According to this, the grade 2 was set as group A, and the grade 3 and grade 4 were combined to group B. There was no significant difference in age ( t=0.015), sex composition ratio of patients between two groups ( χ2=0.060) and the average of central macular thickness (CMT) ( F=2.277) ( P=0.904, 0.809, 0.141). The difference of average logMAR and BCVA was statistically significant ( F=35.913, P=0.000). All patients underwent 25G pars plana three channel vitrectomy with simultaneous removal of epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. BCVA, CMT and improvement of IMEM grading were observed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. BCVA, EIFL thickness and CMT were compared before and after operation by single factor repeated variance analysis; Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the changes of the anatomical structure of the eyes in the two groups at 12 months after operation. Results:1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation, the average eyes of logMAR BCVA in group A were 0.50±0.13, 0.38±0.12, 0.27±0.12, 0.19±0.10. The patients in group B were 0.66±0.14, 0.60±0.13, 0.54±0.14, 0.52±0.14. CMT in group A were 364.82±81.29, 281.65±72.45, 228.55±55.34, 182.84±56.13 μm. The patients in group B were 455.88±69.60, 440.18±68.65, 383.76±65.38, 371.39±66.60 μm. The difference was statistically significant in the two groups (BCVA: F=37.913, 11.479, 24.250, 39.013; P=0.000, 0.002, 0.000, 0.000. CMT: F=10.987, 39.610, 55.789, 79.987; P=0.002, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000). In group A, IMEM was improved to 57 eyes of grade 1 on 12 months after operation. Among the 18 eyes in group B, IMEM was improved to 1 and 3 eyes in level 1 and level 2, respectively, and no improvement was found in 4 eyes in grade 4. The difference was statistically significant ( P=0.000) in the improvement of the number of eyes in the two groups. Conclusions:The patients with IMEM without EIFL have better visual prognosis and reversible anatomical changes. EIFL is an important factor affecting the visual function and anatomical structure recovery after operation.

Objective To construct human lung cancer cell model with human MutS homologous protein 2 (hMSH2) overexpression for exploring the effect of hMSH2 molecule in the cytotoxicity of γδ T cell against lung cancer cells.Methods hMSH2 coding sequence was cloned by PCR for construction of recombinant vector which over expressed hMSH2-EGFP fusion protein using homologous recombination.The recombinant vector was transfected to lung cancer cell line NCI-H520 to construct human lung cancer cell model overexpressing hMSH2 molecule.The expression of hMSH2 molecule in NCI-H520 was detected by Western blot.The expression of hMSH2 on the cell membrane was measured by flow cytometry.Cytotoxicity of expanded γδ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells against NCI-H520 cells was detected by LDH release assay in vitro.Results hMSH2 coding sequence (2805 bp) was cloned and the result of restriction endonuclease digestion of Fugw-hMSH2 recombinant vector was accordance with the anticipated objective strip size.Exogenous hMSH2-EGFP fusion protein was expressed in NCIH520 cells.The level of hMSH2 molecule on the surface of NCI-H520 cells with overexpression of hMSH2 was significantly increased (P＜0.001).Cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against NCI-H520 cells with overexpression of hMSH2 was significantly increased compared to the wild type NCI-H520 cells (P＜0.05).Conclusions Lung cancer cell model that overexpresses hMSH2 molecule is successfully constructed,hMSH2 molecule on the cell membrane is increased and the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against lung cancer cells is enhanced.

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for strengthening the safety of the combination use of CYP3A4 inhibitors with statins in clinical treatment. METHODS:30 cases per month(totally 300 cases)(the hospitalization time was more than 10 days) discharged from the cardiology department of a third-level class A hospital during Jan. to Oct. 2013 were selected randomly,and statistical analysis was made into general information of patients,whether to use statins and CYP3A4 inhibitor,and whether to monitor safety indicators of liver and kidney function and creatine kinase. RESULTS:Totally 291 patients were treated with statins with a total use rate of 97%,including 265 cases of atorvastatin and 11 cases of simvastatin. The CYP3A4 inhibitors were com-bined with amlodipine,diltiazem,verapammy,amiodarone,Ginkgo biloba leaf,fenofibrate and clarithromycin,etc.,and 162 (59%) patients were given the combination use of simvastatin or atorvastatin with CYP3A4 inhibitors. But the liver and kidney function,creatine kinase and other safety indicators were not monitored by laboratory examination during medication. CONCLU-SIONS:Atorvastatin and simvastatin are used commonly in patients with cardiovascular disease,and the combination use rate with CYP3A4 inhibitor is relatively higher and needs long-term medication,drug dosage should be limited according to the direction of instructions and the adverse reactions induced by drug interactions should be noticed to strengthen medication monitor and education for patients.

Objective To observe if fluoxetine has a potency to inhibit the progression of Lewis lung cancer by combining the fluoxetine and cisplatin to treat the mice bearing Lewis lung cancer with depression .Methods We devel-oped a mouse model of Lewis lung cancer with depression which was intervened with cisplatin and fluoxetine , and the indi-cators related to cancer and depression were tested .Social interaction test was used to measure the behavioral changes of the depressed model mice .The serum cortisol and IL-6, BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus , and NF-κB and VEGF in the tumor tissue were selected for investigation and comparison .Results The mice which were induced by social defeat exhib-ited social avoidance behavior in the social interaction test .The cortisol and IL-6 level in both combination groups was de-creased compared with that in the model group (P<0.05), and the cortisol and BDNF mRNA in the combination group in-creased signifuicantly ( P <0.05 ) .There were no statistically significant differences in the tumor weight , NF-κB and VEGF in tumor tissues between the single and combination groups (P>0.05).Conclusions Fluoxetine has antidepres-sant effect by decreasing the high level of serum cortisol and promoting the BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus . However , fluoxetine is not found to have the potency to inhibit the expression of NF -κB related with the progression of tumor.

To determine the inhibition of IL-13 by recombinant sIL-13Rα2 in NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells for its potential therapeutic value in hepatic fibrosis caused by Schistosoma japanicum in mice . IL-13 and sIL-13Rα2 from liver of BALB/c mice infected with S.japonicum at different infection time (weeks 0,6,8,10 and 12) were analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR. The recombinant sIL-13Rα2 expression plasmidwas constructed, followed by transfection into NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. TypeⅠcollagen produced by NIH-3T3 cells were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. It was demonstrated that the expression of IL-13 increased gradually after infection, reached peak density (16.1586 pg/mL)at week 8 and then reduced but was still higher than the level of control mice(3.4146 pg/mL;P =0.017 ). The secretion of sIL-13R α2 reached to its peak 10 weeks after infection(4827.426 pg/mL)and then reduced slowly but still higher than normal(4057.112 pg/mL; P=0.021). Meanwhile, the changes in mRNA level of IL-13 and sIL-13R α2 were coincided with that examined by ELISA. Both IL-13 and sIL-13Rα2 reached their peak density (P=0.033) at week 8 and 10 (P=0.025) respectively, and they were followed by a slower degree of decrease. The sIL-13Rα2 could significantly inhibit the effect of IL-13 on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, showing decreased mRNA level(P =0.012)and protein level of typeⅠcollagen compared with normal groups(P =0.031). It is concluded that the sIL-13Rα2 can inhibit the effect of IL-13 on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells which leads to a reduced production of typeⅠcollagen, demonstrating its potential therapeutic value in hepatic fibrosis of schistosomiasis.

The importance of chitinases in the physiological and developmental processes of fungi and insects makes themselves and their inhibitors important targets for biological pesticides. A chitinase was isolated from Bombyx mori and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-150 column chromatography. The molecular mass was estimated to be about 88 kDa by SDS-PAGE, while the K(m) was calculated to be 22.3 micromol/L. Moveover, the optimal reaction temperature was 45 degrees C, and the optimum pH was 6.0. The effect of metal ions and organic reagents on chitinase activity was investigated. The activity was enhanced by high concentration of Mn2+, while was strongly inhibited by Cu2+ and SDS. These results provide a basis for screening the chitinase-based biological pesticide.
Animals ; Bombyx ; enzymology ; Chitinases ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Enzyme Stability ; Insect Proteins ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Temperature