Group C2 Research Articles

Phenolic-Rich Baccaurea angulata Modulates Inflammatory Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis.

Purpose Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading and the most critical type of chronic disease. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CVD. Inflammation has been progressively acknowledged as a vital and central player in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Baccaurea angulata is an underutilized fruit of the island of Borneo. It was obtained from Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia. In our previous studies, B. angulata did not only increase antioxidant enzyme activities, but also slowed the lipid peroxidation process in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. It was hypothesized that B. angulata fruit would exert an anti-inflammatory effect. This study, therefore, aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of three different B. angulata whole fruit (WF) juice doses on 11 serum inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Methods Thirty-five male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into seven groups (n=5). Group CH was fed 1% cholesterol diet only, group C1 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C2 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C3 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group N was fed standard pellet only, group N1 was fed standard pellet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, and group N2 was fed standard pellet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice for 12 weeks. Results The administration of the various juices reduced the concentrations of induced serum inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusion This protective effect of B. angulata fruit against cardiovascular risk might be due to its polyphenol content.

Not Just Par for the Course: 73 Quaternary Germanides RE4 M2 XGe4 ( RE = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu; M = Mn-Ni; X = Ag, Cd) and the Search for Intermetallics with Low Thermal Conductivity.

A total of 73 new quaternary rare-earth germanides RE4 M2 XGe4 ( RE = rare-earth metal; M = Mn-Ni; X = Ag, Cd) were prepared through reactions of the elements. The solid solution Nd4Mn2Cd(Ge1- ySi y)4 was also prepared under the same conditions and found to be complete over the entire range. All of these compounds adopt the monoclinic Ho4Ni2InGe4-type structure (space group C2/ m, a = 14.2-16.7 Å, b = 4.0-4.6 Å, c = 6.8-7.5 Å, β = 106-109°), as revealed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis on selected members. The structure determination of Nd4(Mn0.78(1)Ag0.22(1))2Ag0.83(1)Ge4 disclosed disorder of Mn and Ag atoms within the tetrahedral site and Ag deficiencies within the square planar site. Within the solid solution Nd4Mn2Cd(Ge1- ySi y)4, the end-members and two intermediate members were structurally characterized; as the Si content increases, the Cd sites become less deficient and the individual [Mn2 Tt2] layers contract but become further apart from each other. Electronic band structure calculations confirm that the Ag-Ge or Cd-Ge bonds are the weakest in the structure and thus prone to distortion. Thermal property measurements confirm expectations from machine-learning predictions that these quaternary germanides should exhibit low thermal conductivity, which was found to be <10 W m-1 K-1 for Nd4Mn2AgGe4.

Cr2.37Ga3Se8: A Quasi-Two-Dimensional Magnetic Semiconductor.

We present a novel magnetic semiconductor, Cr2.37Ga3Se8, synthesized by partially replacing magnetic Cr3+ in antiferromagnetic Cr5+δSe8 with nonmagnetic Ga3+. The crystal structure of Cr2.37Ga3Se8 was determined by both powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound crystallizes in a monoclinic structure with space group C2/ m (No. 12). In Cr2.37Ga3Se8, the Cr atoms are surrounded by 6 Se atoms and form filled octahedral clusters, while Ga atoms are centered in the Se4 tetrahedral clusters. The two kinds of clusters pack alternatingly along the c-axis, which results in a quasi-two-dimensional layered structure. The magnetization ( M) measurement shows the development of short-range ferromagnetic coupling below the Curie-Weiss (CW) temperature θCW ∼ 92 K, evidenced by the nonlinear field dependence of M. However, the magnetic susceptibility exhibits a peak at low fields at ∼18 K, indicating the existence of an antiferromagnetic interaction as well. Electronic structure calculations using the WIEN2k program in the local spin density approximation indicate that the magnetism arises exclusively from local moments of the Cr atoms. The electrical resistivity measurement of the Cr2.37Ga3Se8 sample confirms that this material is a semiconductor with the band gap ∼0.26 eV. Meanwhile, the experimental band gap (∼0.26 eV) is close to the theoretical prediction using the WIEN2k program (∼0.35 eV).

Nonlinear optical single crystal of l-Cystine hydrochloride: Insights into the crystalline perfection, thermal, mechanical and optical properties for device fabrication

Now days, nonlinear optical materials are subjected to extensive research owing to their versatility towards various photonic applications. In the present article, twin free l-Cystine hydrochloride single crystals were grown using conventional slow evaporation solution technique. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that the titled compound belongs to monoclinic crystal system having space group C2. Using FWHM of each diffracting peak, the strain present within the lattice was calculated. Through High Resolution XRD, the crystal quality was scrutinized and found that the grown single crystal is free from any type of defects and grain boundaries. For examination of optical homogeneity of the crystal, birefringence studies were conducted which revealed that there is only one fringe in the interferogram suggesting a good optical homogeneity. Further, various thermal transport parameters were calculated using Photopyroelectric technique. Apart from that, its mechanical strength was assessed at nanoscale through Nano indentation technique. Piezoelectric and ferroelectric studies were also carried out on the titled compound.

Effect of reduction quality on post-operative outcomes in 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures following intramedullary fixation: a retrospective study based on computerised tomography\xa0 findings

PurposeTo determine how the reduction of medial and anteromedial cortices using CT findings in 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures treated with the intramedullary nail could affect the clinical outcomes and complication rates of the fractures.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 43 patients with 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures who underwent closed reduction and intramedullary internal fixation (CRIF) between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients were classified into two groups based on the post-operative CT scans taken from the sagittal and coronal planes, respectively. Five radiographic parameters and three clinical parameters were used to evaluate the post-operative functional states and mobilization levels in this study. Post-operative complications were also recorded.ResultsThe mean loss of the femoral neck-shaft angle (FNSA) was significantly smaller in Group C1 than that in Group C2. There were significant differences in the sliding distance of the cephalic nail and the loss of femoral head height between the two groups. In terms of the reduction conditions shown on the sagittal planes, the FNSA, sliding distance of the cephalic nail, and the loss of FHH were significantly different, although differences in TCD were not significant. Patients in groups C1 (3.6%) and S1 (0.0%) had lower complication rates compared to patients in groups C2 (26.7%) and S2 (27.8%).ConclusionPatients with good reduction quality of the medial and anteromedial sustainable cortices had better clinical outcomes and lower complication rates. The sustainable stability and anti-rotational function of these validated reductions might play a critical role in maintaining the fragment positions and reducing the incidence of complications in patients.

Ternary Suboxides Ti7Ga2O6, Ti3GaO, and Ti5Ga3O.

Single crystals of the new suboxides Ti7Ga2O6 and Ti3GaO were prepared using a Bi flux. Ti7Ga2O6 has a novel monoclinic crystal structure ( a = 17.3111(8) Å, b = 2.97660(10) Å, c = 7.2563(3) Å, β = 105.836(2)°, space group C2/ m), in which three O sites and one Ga site are separately coordinated by Ti atoms. Ti3GaO crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell ( a = 3.0952(2) Å, b = 10.6440(7) Å, c = 8.3206(5) Å, space group Cmcm) with a filled-Re3B type (anti-CaIrO3 type or antipost-perovskite type) structure. The electrical resistivities of a single crystal of Ti3GaO as measured in the c-axis direction were 1.6 × 10-6 Ωm at 300 K and 0.15 × 10-6 Ωm at 10 K. Single crystals of Ti5Ga3O x ( x = 1) with a filled-Mn5Si3 type structure (hexagonal, a = 7.5882(2) Å, c = 5.30170(10) Å, space group P63/ mcm) were also obtained.

Structural, optical and piezoelectric investigation on new Brucinium Chlorate di-hydrate NLO single crystal for optoelectronic, piezo-sensor, transducer and OLED applications

A new and optically good transparent Brucinium Chlorate di-hydrate (BCDH) single crystal was grown from aqueous solution by the slow evaporation technique at a pH of 5 with dimension 11 × 4 × 2 mm3 over a period of 40–45 days. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with non-centrosymmetric space group C2 which is identified by single crystal XRD analysis. Percentage of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are confirmed by chemical CHN analysis. The development faces were identified by morphological studies. The BCDH crystal possesses 78% transmittance which is confirmed by UV–Visible analysis. The presences of various functional groups were confirmed by vibrational analysis. Piezoelectric charge co-efficient (d33) of BCDH crystal was found to be 4 p C/N. The frequency doubling ability of title compound was analyzed using Kurtz and Perry powder method and its output were compared with standard materials. The LDT value of the BCDH crystal was found to be 3.51 GW/cm2. The electron excitation and life time measurements of the molecules in grown BCDH crystal was studied by Fluorescence spectral analysis. The stability and various decomposition stages of BCDH crystal were scrutinized by different thermal analysis.

Cavity Preparation by Laser in Primary Teeth: Effect of 2 Levels of Energy Output on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Restoration to Dentin.

Introduction: One of the main applications of laser in dentistry is the removal of dental caries and preparation of restorative cavities. The morphology and wettability of laser prepared surfaces are different from that of those prepared with conventional method which may affect the quality of the adhesive potential of bonding agents in these surfaces. This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength of a total-etch and self-etch adhesive system to primary tooth dentin prepared by two different energy densities of Er:YAG laser in comparison with surfaces prepared by bur. Methods: A total of 60 human primary second molars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected and randomly divided into 3 main groups of equal (n=20). Group A: Preparation of dentin surface by bur; group B: Preparation of dentin surface by laser with 300 mJ energy level; group C: Preparation of dentin surface by laser with 400 mJ energy level. In each of the main groups, the teeth were randomly assigned to 2 subgroups. Composite resin material was bonded with the total-etch adhesive system in subgroups A1, B1, and C1 and with the self-etch adhesive system in subgroups A2, B2, and C2. The samples were thermo-cycled, and composite restorations shear bond strength was measured in MPa. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The highest and the lowest shear bond strength values were observed in group A2 (Preparation by bur- Composite resin material bonded by Clearfil SE Bond) and group C2 (Preparation by laser with 400 mJ energy level - Composite resin material bonded by Clearfil SE Bond), respectively. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the study subgroups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that in terms of shear bond strength to dentin, Single Bond and Clearfil SE Bond adhesive agents adequately perform in primary tooth dentin prepared by Er: YAG laser with energy levels of 300 and 400 mJ and frequency of 10 Hz.

Chirality‐Induced Variation in Interaction of Two Similar Copper(II) Coordination Polymers with Calf Thymus DNA: Exploration of Their Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity

AbstractTwo polynuclear end‐to‐end dicyanamide (dca) bridged copper(II) Schiff base complexes [Cu(L1)(μ1,5‐dca)]n (1) and [Cu(L2)(μ1,5‐dca)]n (2) {[HL1=(1‐(2‐(diethylamino)ethylimino)ethyl) naphthalene‐2‐ol] and [HL2=(1‐(2‐(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl) naphthalene‐2‐ol]} were synthesized and X‐ray characterized. Complex 1 crystallizes in chiral space group C2 and complex 2 crystallizes in achiral space group P21/c. Interactions of both complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) were studied by UV‐vis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies were also carried out for both complexes to find their binding affinity using Alpha PMI as the placement methodology. Although docking studies indicated that the binding constants of both complexes with CT DNA were more or less same, UV‐Vis spectral data indicated that the binding constant of complex 1 with CT DNA is considerably large compared to that of complex 2. As complex 1 is chiral and complex 2 is achiral, it may be concluded that the chirality of complex 1 played very significant role to binding of chiral DNA molecule. The antimicrobial activity were estimated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution method. The complexes showed high in vitro cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB 468 cells.

Abstract 4045: A novel transcriptomic-based immune classification of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and its association with molecular characteristics, clinical outcome and response to therapy

Abstract Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) form a group of rare cancers which accounts for around 1% of non-pediatric solid tumors. Recent clinical trials with check-point blockade immunotherapies reported a response in up to 15% of patients, but there are no biomarkers predicting response of STS to checkpoint blockade therapies yet. We analyzed transcriptomic data of publicly available cohorts, accounting for more than 600 complex genomic STS, including leiomyosarcoma (LMS, 35.4%), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS, 33.9%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS, 30.8%). Using a deconvolution method to estimate the tumor microenvironment composition with accurate scores depicting the immune profile of tumors, we established a robust immune classification that is consistent through different datasets. We divided the patients into 5 Sarcoma Immune Classes, labelled A1, A2, B, C1 and C2, which exhibit different extents and composition of immune infiltrate. Two groups (A1: 23.3% and A2: 27.1% of all tumors) exhibit a very low to low immune infiltrate for all cell types. Another class (B: 14.5% of all tumors) displays moderate immune infiltrate and a strong presence of endothelial cells. Finally, the remaining two groups (C1: 19.4% and C2: 15.6%) are highly infiltrated by all immune cell types. All histologies were found in all five immune classes, although LMS were enriched in classes A1 and A2. The immune-high groups exhibit a significantly prolonged overall survival compared to the other groups. Notably, the immune high group C2 is characterized by an extremely rich immune infiltrate containing both lymphocytes and myeloid cells, and is associated with a striking overexpression of several immune checkpoints genes: PDCD1 (PD-1), CD274 (PD-L1), PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2), LAG3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), CTLA4. This group also contains tumors with a strong expression of the B cell attractant chemokine CXCL13, often associated with the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). We validated the relevance of TLS as a biomarker of this group by quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) using stainings for CD3, DC-Lamp, CD8, and CD20 on a 95-patient STS cohort (LMS, 34%; DDLPS, 33%; UPS, 34%). Tumors with visible TLS had a higher density of CD3+, CD8+ and CD20+ cells in the tumor core and the invasive margin, hence showing the possibility to identify the immune-high group by using IHC. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules was also detected by multiplex immunofluorescence for CD3, CD20, PD-1 and Lag3 in these tumors, confirming the presence of checkpoint molecules in the immune-high group. To check whether the immune-high group C2 was associated with enhanced response to checkpoint blockade therapy, we intend to analyze tumors from a recently published phase 2 clinical trial in which patients underwent treatment with anti-PD-1 pembrolizumab. Citation Format: Florent Petitprez, Tom Wei-Wu Chen, Cheng-Ming Sun, Julien Calderaro, Li-Ping Hsiao, Laetitia Lacroix, Ivo Natario, Maud Toulmonde, Carlo Lucchesi, Yec'han Laizet, Antoine Italiano, Aurélien de Reyniès, Catherine Sautès-Fridman, Wolf H. Fridman. A novel transcriptomic-based immune classification of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and its association with molecular characteristics, clinical outcome and response to therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4045.

Ag2Se to KAg3Se2: Suppressing Order-Disorder Transitions via Reduced Dimensionality.

We report an order-disorder phase transition in the 2D semiconductor KAg3Se2, which is a dimensionally reduced derivative of 3D Ag2Se. At ∼695 K, the room temperature β-phase (CsAg3S2 structure type, monoclinic space group C2/ m) transforms to the high temperature α-phase (new structure type, hexagonal space group R3̅ m, a = 4.5638(5) Å, c = 25.4109(6) Å), as revealed by in situ temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction. Significant Ag+ ion disorder accompanies the phase transition, which resembles the low temperature (∼400 K) superionic transition in the 3D parent compound. Ultralow thermal conductivity of ∼0.4 W m-1 K-1 was measured in the "ordered" β-phase, suggesting anharmonic Ag motion efficiently impedes phonon transport even without extensive disordering. The optical and electronic properties of β-KAg3Se2 are modified as expected in the context of the dimensional reduction framework. UV-vis spectroscopy shows an optical band gap of ∼1 eV that is indirect in nature as confirmed by electronic structure calculations. Electronic transport measurements on β-KAg3Se2 yielded n-type behavior with a high electron mobility of ∼400 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 300 K due to a highly disperse conduction band. Our results thus imply that dimensional reduction may be used as a design strategy to frustrate order-disorder phenomena while retaining desirable electronic and thermal properties.

Stability of FeVO4 under Pressure: An X-ray Diffraction and First-Principles Study.

The high-pressure behavior of the crystalline structure FeVO4 has been studied by means of X-ray diffraction using a diamond-anvil cell and first-principles calculations. The experiments were carried out up to a pressure of 12.3 GPa, until now the highest pressure reached to study an FeVO4 compound. High-pressure X-ray diffraction measurements show that the triclinic P1̅ (FeVO4-I) phase remains stable up to ≈3 GPa; then a first-order phase transition to a new monoclinic polymorph of FeVO4 (FeVO4-II') with space group C2/ m is observed, having an α-MnMoO4-type structure. A second first-order phase transition is observed around 5 GPa toward the monoclinic ( P2/ c) wolframite-type FeVO4-IV structure, which is stable up to 12.3 GPa in coexistence with FeVO4-II'. The unit cell volume reductions for the first and second phase transitions are Δ V = -8.5% and -13.1%. It was observed that phase transitions are irreversible and both high-pressure phases remain stable once the pressure is released. Calculations were performed at the level of the generalized gradient approximation plus Hubbard correction (GGA+ U) and with the hybrid Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) exchange-correlation functional in order to have a good representation of the pressure behavior of FeVO4. We found that theoretical results follow the pressure evolution of structural parameters of FeVO4, in good agreement with the experimental results. Also, we analyze FeVO4-II (orthorhombic Cmcm, CrVO4-type structure) and -III (orthorhombic Pbcn, α-PbO2-type structure) phases and compare our results with the literature. Going beyond the experimental results, we study some possible post-wolframite phases reported for other compounds and we found a phase transition for FeVO4-IV to raspite (monoclinic P21/ c) type structure (FeVO4-V) at 36 GPa (Δ V = -8.1%) and a further phase transition to the AgMnO4-type (monoclinic P21/ c) structure (FeVO4-VI) at 66.5 GPa (Δ V = -3.7%), similar to the phase transition sequence reported for InVO4.

Theoretical Prediction and Synthesis of (Cr2/3Zr1/3)2AlC i-MAX Phase.

Guided by predictive theory, a new compound with chemical composition (Cr2/3Zr1/3)2AlC was synthesized by hot pressing of Cr, ZrH2, Al, and C mixtures at 1300 °C. The crystal structure is monoclinic of space group C2/ c and displays in-plane chemical order in the metal layers, a so-called i-MAX phase. Quantitative chemical composition analyses confirmed that the primary phase had a (Cr2/3Zr1/3)2AlC stoichiometry, with secondary Cr2AlC, AlZrC2, and ZrC phases and a small amount of Al-Cr intermetallics. A theoretical evaluation of the (Cr2/3Zr1/3)2AlC magnetic structure was performed, indicating an antiferromagnetic ground state. Also (Cr2/3Hf1/3)2AlC, of the same structure, was predicted to be stable.

Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on minimum alveolar concentration values of sevoflurane and desflurane in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with jaundice.

The effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) values of sevoflurane and desflurane in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with jaundice were investigated. Eighty patients with HCC complicated with jaundice were selected. Forty patients underwent the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and were grouped into the desflurane group (Group D) and the sevoflurane group (Group S). Patients in all chemotherapy groups received 2 cycles of chemotherapy prior to surgery and underwent surgical treatment 3 weeks after chemotherapy. The remaining 40 patients in the control group were divided into the desflurane group (Group C1) and the sevoflurane group (Group C2). Changes in MAP, HR and BIS at different time points before and after anesthesia induction and skin incision were compared among the groups. Results showed that there were no significant differences in MAP, HR and BIS before anesthesia induction (T0) (P>0.05); at each time point from T1 to T6, MAP, HR and BIS of Group D were significantly lower than those of Group C1 (P>0.05). Furthermore, MAP, HR and BIS of Group S were significantly lower than those of Group C2 (P>0.05). The MACMean of sevoflurane and desflurane were compared among all patient groups using the mean method. MACMean values of Group D were significantly lower than those of Group C1 (P<0.05). Notably, MACDixon values of sevoflurane and desflurane were compared among all patient groups using the Dixon method and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses were conducted, respectively, which revealed that the MAC of sevoflurane and desflurane were associated with whether patients received the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MACLog of sevoflurane and desflurane were decreased in patients receiving the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The results suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce MAC values of sevoflurane and desflurane in HCC patients complicated with jaundice and may improve these patients' sensitivity to sevoflurane and desflurane.

Superimposure of M6X5 Superstructures in Ordered Niobium Carbide NbC0.83

A new model of defect structure for ordered niobium carbide is proposed. The model is a superimposure of two partially disordered M6X5 superstructures. The first of these is an energetically advantageous low-temperature ordered phase (spatial group C2), while the other is an auxiliary superstructure (space group C2/m) that serves to increase the contribution from configurational entropy to the free energy as the temperature rises. The superimposure of superstructures is due to an incomplete order–order phase transition and explains the reasons for the discrepancy between the experimental and calculated intensities of superstructure reflexes in the neutron diffraction patterns of the ordered phase.

Effects of Indigenous Enterococci on the Intestinal Microbiota and the Behavior of Rats on Correction of Experimental Dysbiosis

Autoprobiotic (indigenous) strains of Enterococcus faecium used in the correction of experimental intestinal dysbiosis, in contrast to probiotic E. faecium strain L-3, had a marked bifidogenic effect, preserved the populations of Escherichia, and inhibited the growth of Proteus, but had a relatively low antagonistic activity in relation to Klebsiella. Administration of autoprobiotics (A) and probiotic (P) led to faster disappearance of the symptoms of dyspepsia as compared with the control group of rats (C1) in which dysbiosis was not corrected. Animals from subgroup A1 were given A, whose genomes contained a large number of pathogenicity genes, including cytolysins and hyaluronidase. Investigations using the open field test identified various behavioral reactions to correction of dysbiosis. Animals of subgroup A1 showed suppression of movement and orientational-investigative activity. In the second group of rats (subgroup A2), movement and orientational-investigative activity was comparable with that in control group C2 (without induction of dysbiosis), as after use of P. These characteristics of the effects of autoprobiotic enterococci on the intestinal microbiota and the body support the existence of an intestinal microbiome–brain axis.

Association between activities of SOD, MDA and Na+-K+-ATPase in peripheral blood of patients with acute myocardial infarction and the complication of varying degrees of arrhythmia

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of ambulatory electrocardiography and peripheral blood SOD, MDA and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes in patients of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with arrhythmia. MethodsFrom January 2012 to March 2015, 135 cases AMI complicated with arrhythmia in our hospital were divided into 2 groups: 70 cases in the AMI uncomplicated with arrhythmia and 65 cases in the AMI complicated with arrhythmia. 62 cases volunteers accepted physical examination in our hospital in the same period were collected as the control group. 24 hour-electrocardiogram detected by ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG), SOD and MDA in peripheral blood detected by diagnostic reagent kit and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes in peripheral blood detected by malachite green Kit Method phosphate determination method were collected. ROC curve was used to evaluate the prognostic value of SOD, MDA and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes in AMI patients. ResultsCompared with the control group, the patients had unusual ambulatory electrocardiography had increased (P <0.05), peripheral blood SOD and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes had decreased, peripheral blood MDA had increased in 2 AMI groups (P <0.05). Compared with AMI uncomplicated with arrhythmia group, the patients had unusual ambulatory electrocardiography had increased (P <0.05), peripheral blood SOD and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes had decreased, peripheral blood MDA had increased in AMI complicated with arrhythmia group (P <0.05). Among 135 cases AMI patients, 120 (88.9%) survived and 15 (11.1%) died, of whom 11 cases were AMI complicated with arrhythmia group, 4 cases were AMI uncomplicated with arrhythmia group. Compared with the AMI uncomplicated with arrhythmia group, the dead patients were more in the AMI complicated with arrhythmia group (c2 = 4.287, P = 0.038). Compared with the survival group, the SOD and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes were significantly lower (P <0.05) and MDA significantly higher (P <0.05) in the death group. The area under the ROC curve of SOD, MDA and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes were 0.958, 0.954 and 0.993 respectively, and the cut-off values were 30.66 ng/ml, 576.70 nmol/ml and 57.42 nmol/mgh, respectively. ConclusionAmbulatory electrocardiography has a close relationship with the peripheral blood SOD, MDA and Na+-K+-ATP enzymes in AMI patients complicated with arrhythmia, which might predict AMI condition.

Effect of intraoperative blood salvage on related indexes of erythrocyte in orthopedic surgery of diabetic patients

Objective To explore the effect of intraoperative blood salvage on indexes of erythrocyte in orthopedic surgery of diabetic patients. Methods A total of 70 patients undergoing selective orthopaedics surgery were included in this study. They were divided into 7 groups with 10 patients each. Non-diabetes patients served as control group(group D). The others were divided into 6 groups according to the history of diabetes and the level of hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c). 0 to 5 y diabetics whose HbA1c level <7% were incorporated into group A1, while those whose HbA1c level ≥7% belong to group A2, 6 to 10 y diabetics were assigned into group B1 (HbA1c level <7%) and B2 (≥7%). More than 10 years diabetics were incorporated into group C1(HbA1c level <7%) and C2(≥7%). The amount of bleeding, blood salvage and erythrocyte recovery rates were compared among the 7 groups. 5 ml blood samples were drawn at three time points including preoperation(T0), after blood collection(T1) and washing(T2). Subsequently, blood gas analysis and erythrocyte related index were tested. Results Regarding BMI compared with group D, all the groups except A1 were significantly higher. The BMI of group A2, B2, C1 and C2 was higher than group A1 while that of group B2 and C2 higher than B1(P<0.05). The red blood cell recovery of group B2 and C2 dpressed as compared with control(P<0.05). Hct, Hb and the red blood cell count of group B2 and C2 were lower than group D and A1 at T0. The three indicators above of all the same group were all reduced significantly at T1 and exceeded the level of T0 at T2(P<0.05). At T0, the erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume of group B2, C1 and C2 rised compared with group D, and goup C2 was higher than group A1(P<0.05). The mean corpuscular hemoglobin content(MCH) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) of group B2 and C2 were significantly greater compared with group D and A1.The MCH of all the 7 groups was raised at T1 and reduced to the level of T0 at T2. There were statistical differences of MCHC in the same groups at the three time points. The red blood cell distribution width in group A2, B2, C1 and C2 were evidently broadened than group D at T0 and T1. And group B2 and C2 showed increased width compared with group A1(P<0.05). The levels of pH and Na+ of each group increased quite significantly at T1 and T2 as compared with T0(P<0.05). The K+ concentrations of each group were increased significant at T1 and reduced below the level of T0 at T2(P<0.05). There was no difference among all the erythrocyte related index, pH, Na+ and K+ at T2. Conclusions The recovery rates of erythrocyte in diabetic patients whose HbA1c were poorly controlled were declined. But the salvaged blood could be retransfused safely. Key words: Intraoperative blood salvage; Hematologic stests; Diabetes; Orthopedic surgery

Effect of miR-21 down-regulated by H 2O 2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells

To explore the effect and mechanism of miR-21 down-regulated which was induced by H 2O 2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured and passaged, and the 7th generation cells were harvested to use in experiment. The MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μmol/L) of H 2O 2. The expression of miR-21 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and the cell viability was determined by MTS. Then the appropriate concentration of H 2O 2 was obtained. To analyze the effect of H 2O 2 on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group (group A), H 2O 2 group (group B), osteogenic induction group (group C), and H 2O 2+osteogenic induction group (group D). The expression of miR-21 and the osteogenesis related genes expressions of Runx2, osteopontin (OPN), and collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1a1) were detected by RT-PCR. The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was detected by Western blot. The extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining. To analyze the effect on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells after the transfection of miR-21 inhibitor and siRNA-PTEN, the MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into H 2O 2 group (group A1), H 2O 2+osteogenic induction group (group B1), H 2O 2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor group (group C1), and H 2O 2+osteogenic induction+miR-21 inhibitor negative control group (group D1); and H 2O 2 group (group A2), H 2O 2+osteogenic induction group (group B2), H 2O 2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN negative control group (group C2), and H 2O 2+osteogenic induction+siRNA-PTEN group (group D2). The osteogenesis related genes were detected by RT-PCR and the extracellular calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining. The results of MTS and RT-PCR showed that the appropriate concentration of H 2O 2 was 160 μmol/L. The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group B than in group A at 1 and 2 weeks ( P<0.05). The expression of miR-21 was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks ( P<0.05). The expression of PTEN protein was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and D ( P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2, OPN, and Col1a1 were significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 and 2 weeks ( P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D was obviously less than that in group C. The expression of PTEN protein was significantly higher in group C1 than in group D1 ( P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of Runx2 and OPN were significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 1 and 2 weeks ( P<0.05). The mRNA expression of Col1a1 was significantly lower in group C1 than in groups B1 and D1 at 2 weeks ( P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group C1 was obviously less than those in groups B1 and D1. The mRNA expressions of OPN and Col1a1 were significantly higher in group D2 than in groups B2 and C2 at 1 week ( P<0.05). The extracellular calcium deposition in group D2 was obviously more than those in groups B2 and C2. H 2O 2 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, which may be induced by down-regulating the expression of miR-21.

The potential effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on lumbar disc degeneration: a retrospective single-center study

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) and low back pain which is mainly caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) both are major public health problem worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and severity of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with low back pain visiting our spine clinic in 2014. Low back pain patients all have the lumbar MRI imaging and no previous treatment. One hundred fifty patients without T2D (group A) and 622 patients with T2D meeting the criteria were included. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure (HBP), history of smoking, alcohol use, and duration of T2D were recorded. Patients with T2D were assigned to a well-controlled group (group B, n = 380) and a bad-controlled group (group C, n = 242). In group B, T2D duration of 148 patients was ≤ 10 years (group B1) and 232 patients > 10 years (group B2). In group C, T2D duration of 100 patients was ≤ 10 years (group C1) and 142 patients > 10 years (group C2). The severity of LDD was evaluated using the five-level Pfirrmann grading system. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0.ResultsDemographic data except age showed no difference among groups (P > 0.5). Compared to patients without T2D, patients with T2D showed more severe disc degeneration after removal of age effects (P < 0.05). From L1/2 to L5/S1, the average Pfirrmann scores between groups A and B1 showed no difference(P > 0.05); groups B2, C1, and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than group A (P < 0.05). Groups B2 and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than groups B1 and C1 (P < 0.05). Groups C1 and C2 showed higher average Pfirrmann scores than groups B1 and B2 (P < 0.05). From L1/2 to L5/S1, the severity of LDD was highly positively related to T2D duration both in groups B and C (P < 0.05).ConclusionsT2D duration > 10 years and a bad control of T2D were risk factors for LDD. The longer T2D duration was, the more severe disc degeneration would be.