[Synthesis and characterization of thermosensitive hydrogel based on PEG-PCL-PEG block copolymers].
In this paper, a series of low-molecular-weight PEG-PCL-PEG triblock copolymers were successfully synthesized by ring-opening polymerization method, and were characterized using 1H-NMR and FTIR. The aqueous solution displayed specific thermosensitive gel-sol transition when the concentration was above corresponding critical gel concentration (CGC). The gel-sol phase diagram was recorded using test tube-inverting method, which was depended on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in macromolecular structure, as well as heating history. As a result, the gel-sol transition temperature range could be altered, which might be very useful for its application as injectable drug delivery system.


Two-component atomic force microscopy recognition imaging of complex samples.
Biological complexes are typically multisubunit in nature and the processes in which they participate often involve protein compositional changes in themselves and/or their target substrates. Being able to identify more than one type of protein in complex samples and to track compositional changes during processes would thus be very useful. Toward this goal, we describe here a single-molecule technique that can simultaneously identify two types of proteins in compositionally complex samples. It is an adaptation of the recently developed atomic force microscopy (AFM) recognition imaging technique but involves the tethering of two different types of antibodies to the AFM tip and sequential blocking with appropriate antigenic peptides to distinguish the recognition from each antibody. The approach is shown to be capable of simultaneously identifying in a single AFM image two specific components, BRG1 and beta-actin, of the human Swi-Snf ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling complex and two types of histones, H2A and H3, in chromatin samples.


Serum neutralizing antibody after rabies postexposure prophylaxis.
One hundred seventy-seven persons submitted specimens for serum neutralizing antibody titer detreminations 30 to 90 days after starting postexposure rabies prophylaxis. Ninety-two percent of those who received duck embryo vaccine alone developed adequate antibody titers. However, 23% of those who received equine antirabies serum plus duck embryo vaccine failed to develop an adequate antibody titer; one of these inadequate responders subsequently died of rabies. Factors that increased the risk of a poor antibody response included the receipt of steroids during the course of postexposure prophylaxis, and the use of more than 55 lu/kg of equine antirabies serum. Many persons receiving postexposure rabies prophylaxis fail to develop adequate humoral immunity and may have an increased risk of developing rabies. We suggest that persons receiving postexposure rabies prophylaxis should have serum neutralizing antibody determinations 30 to 40 days after starting treatment.


Nuclear demethylation and C-24 alkylation during ergosterol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The role of 4,4-dimethylzymosterol (3), 4,4-dimethylfecosterol (4) and 31-norlanosterol (5) in the biosynthesis of ergosterol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been investigated. The synthesis of 4 and 5 coupled with the availability of 3 facilitated a search for these sterols in commercial yeast sterol concentrates, fresh laboratory grown yeast and fresh brewery grown yeast. Sterol 4 was not detected in any of these mixtures whereas 5 was found in the first and last and 3 was present in all three sources investigated. Investigation of incorporation of [2-3H]lanosterol into 3, 4 and 5 revealed significant incorporation into 3 but neither 4 nor 5. This observation suggests the principle pathway for ergosterol biosynthesis initially involved 1 leads to 3 leads to 7. Incubation of a mixture of [2,4-3H]zymosterol and [26,27-14C]lanosterol with S. cerevisiae revealed that during the initial phases of aerobic growth the major route from 7 to ergosterol involves zymosterol (11) but as 11 accumulates 4 alpha-methyl-24-methylenezymosterol (8) assumes equal importance.


Framing of mobility items: a source of poor agreement between preference-based health-related quality of life instruments in a population of individuals receiving assisted ventilation.
To explore the influence of descriptive differences in items evaluating mobility on index scores generated from two generic preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments. The study examined cross-sectional data from a postal survey of individuals receiving assisted ventilation in two state/province-wide home mechanical ventilation services, one in British Columbia, Canada and the other in Victoria, Australia. The Assessment of Quality of Life 8-dimension (AQoL-8D) and the EQ-5D-5L were included in the data collection. Graphical illustrations, descriptive statistics, and measures of agreement [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots] were examined using index scores derived from both instruments. Analyses were performed on the full sample as well as subgroups defined according to respondents' self-reported ability to walk. Of 868 individuals receiving assisted ventilation, 481 (55.4%) completed the questionnaire. Mean index scores were 0.581 (AQoL-8D) and 0.566 (EQ-5D-5L) with 'moderate' agreement demonstrated between the two instruments (ICC = 0.642). One hundred fifty-nine (33.1%) reported level 5 ('I am unable to walk about') on the EQ-5D-5L Mobility item. The walking status of respondents had a marked influence on the comparability of index scores, with a larger mean difference (0.206) and 'slight' agreement (ICC = 0.386) observed when the non-ambulant subgroup was evaluated separately. This study provides further evidence that between-measure discrepancies between preference-based HRQoL instruments are related in part to the framing of mobility-related items. Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine the responsiveness of preference-based HRQoL instruments in cohorts that include non-ambulant individuals.


Types of voltage-dependent calcium channels involved in high potassium depolarization-induced amylase secretion in the exocrine pancreatic tumour cell line AR4-2J.
In the perifused fura-2 loaded exocrine pancreatic acinar cell line AR4-2J pulses of high potassium induced repetitive increases in intracellular calcium. Attached cells when stimulated with high potassium secreted large amount of amylase. High potassium-induced secretion was dependent both on the concentration of potassium and duration of stimulation. High potassium induced increases in intracellular calcium were inhibited by voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists with an order of potency as follows: nifedipine > omega-agatoxin IVA > omega-conotoxin GVIA. In contrast, the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine almost completely inhibited potassium-induced amylase secretion, whereas the N-type channel antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA was without effect. The P-type channel antagonist omega-agatoxin IVA had a small inhibitory effect, but this inhibition was not significant at the level of amylase secretion. In conclusion, the AR4-2J cell line possesses different voltage-dependent calcium channels (L, P, N) with the L-type predominantly involved in depolarization induced amylase secretion.


[Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride injection on pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion in aortic dissection surgery].
Objective: To evaluate the effect of Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Injection on pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion in aortic dissection surgery. Methods: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Between September 2015 and October 2017 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 60 patients with aortic dissection underwent total arch replacement surgery were randomly divided into penehyclidine hydrochloride group (group A 30 cases) and control group (group B 30 cases). Patients in group A were infused with penehyclidine hydrochloride 0.05 mg/kg after entering the operating room. Patients in group B were infused with the same dose of 0.9% normal saline. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and oxygenation index (OI) before anesthesia (T1), before cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), 1 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (T3), the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (T4), 4 h after surgery (T5) and 24 h after surgery (T6) were measured. The time of postoperative ventilator support and ICU staywas recorded. Results: At the time of T4, T5 and T6, the serum levels of TNF-α[(0.10±0.08), (0.13±0.02), (0.23±0.17) mg/L], IL-6[(0.23±0.08), (0.34±0.07), (0.54±0.17) mg/L]and IL-1[(0.62±0.14), (1.02±0.27), (1.44±0.40) mg/L]in group A were significantly lower than those in group B[(0.30±0.09), (0.51±0.19), (0.86±0.02) mg/L; (0.73±0.19), (1.33±0.13), (1.98±0.13) mg/L; (0.93±0.19), (1.43±0.66), (2.04±0.45) mg/L]. The OI was higher in group A[(446.7±267.0), (386.7±169.5), (391.7±227.9) mmHg]than that of group B[(341.2±145.2), (299.5±98.7), (275.0±127.3) mmHg](P<0.05). The time of ventilator support and ICU stay after operation was (3.6 ±1.2)d, (8.4 ± 2.0) d in group A, which was shorter than that in group B[(4.3 ± 1.8), (10.0 ± 2.2) d], and there were statistical differences between the two groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions: In total arch replacement, intravenous penehyclidine hydrochloride injection may decrease the release of serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, improve oxygenation index, reduce lung ischemia-reperfusion injury, shorten the time of ventilator support and ICU stay after operation, and thus improve the prognosis of patients.


Graphite nanoplatelets produced by oxidation and thermal exfoliation of graphite and electrical conductivities of their epoxy composites.
Graphite nanoplatelets were produced by sonication of thermally reduced graphite oxide produced from three precursor graphites. The thicknesses of the resulting graphite nanoplatlets were measured by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The type and size of the precursor graphite plays an important role in the final graphite nanoplatelet quality. The thinnest graphite nanoplatelets (average thickness of 4-7 nm) were obtained from Sri Lankan powdered graphite (average particle size of 0.1-0.2 mm). Thicker graphite nanoplatelets (average thickness of 30-60 nm), were obtained from a Canadian graphite (with an average flake size of 0.5-2 mm). Graphite nanoplatelets obtained by acid intercalation of Sri Lankan graphite were much thicker (an average thickness of 150 nm). Graphite nanoplatelet/epoxy composites containing 4 wt.% graphite nanoplatelets derived from Canadian or Sri Lankan natural graphite have electrical conductivities significantly above the percolation conductivity threshold. In contrast, corresponding composites, produced with (4 wt.%) commercial graphite nanoplatelets, either as-received or re-exfoliated, were electrically insulating. This behaviour is attributed to the highly wrinkled morphology, folded edges and abundant surface functional groups of the commercial graphite nanoplatelets. Thermal reduction of graphite oxide produced from natural flake graphite is therefore a promising route for producing graphite nanoplatelets fillers for electrically-conducting polymer composites.


Changing trends in serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive diseases in Central Thailand, 2009-2012.
To describe the trends in serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. pneumoniae causing invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) we tested 238 pneumococci isolates from normally sterile sites between 2009 and 2012 and compared these findings with previous data collected within our network. Serotyping was performed for 15 serotypes contained in the 7-,10-, 13-, and experimental 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV). The most common serotypes found were 6B (13.9%), 19A (12.6%), 14 (8.0%), 18C (5.9%), and 6A (3.8%); and 39.9% were non-PCV15 serotypes. One of 81 patients with available data had breakthrough infection with vaccine serotype (19F). There was a significant increase of serotype 19A among children ≤5 years (5.6% in 2000-2009 vs 18.3% in 2009-2012, P = 0.003). The all-age serotype coverage was 36.4%, 41.5%, 59.3%, and 59.7% for PCV7, PCV10, PCV13, and PCV 15, respectively. The corresponding coverage in children ≤5 years were 46.4%, 48.8%, 73.2%, and 73.2% respectively. High susceptibilities to penicillin (89.7%), cefotaxime (95.7%), cefditoren (90.2% by Spanish breakpoints), ofloxacin (97.9%), and levofloxacin (100%), but low to cefdinir (50.0%), cefditoren (45.1% by US-FDA breakpoints), macrolides (<50%), clindamycin (67.7%), tetracycline (41.4%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (32.4%) were observed. Serotype 19A was less susceptible to penicillin (80.0 vs 91.2%, P = 0.046), cefditoren (66.7 vs 95.5% by Spanish breakpoints, P = 0.004), and tetracycline (9.1 vs 45.5%, P = 0.024) than non-19A isolates. These data emphasize the need for continued surveillance to monitor changes in serotypes as well as antimicrobial susceptibilities in order to guide strategies for prevention and treatment.


European AIDS Clinical Society Standard of Care meeting on HIV and related coinfections: The Rome Statements.
The objective of the 1st European AIDS Clinical Society meeting on Standard of Care in Europe was to raise awareness of the European scenario and come to an agreement on actions that could be taken in the future. Data-driven presentations were given on specific topics followed by interactive panel discussions. In Eastern European countries, the epidemic is largely driven by injecting drug use, in contrast with Western Europe where the infection mainly occurs through heterosexual contact. A high proportion of people living with HIV remain unaware of their infection. Substantial differences exist in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with respect to treatment coverage, regimen availability and continuity of drug supply. In 2012, tuberculosis case notification rates were 5-10 times higher in Eastern Europe compared with Western Europe, with an alarming proportion of newly diagnosed multi-drug-resistant cases. Hepatitis C is widespread in selected geographical areas and risk groups. The key conclusion from the meeting was that a high-priority group of actions could be identified, including: increasing HIV awareness and testing, improving training for health care providers, ensuring equitable patient access to treatments and diagnostics for HIV and comorbidities, and implementing best practices in infection control and treatment of HIV-infected patients coinfected with tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus, for whom direct acting antiviral treatment. should be considered.


Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on Na+/H(+)-exchange and Ca(2+)-efflux in human erythrocytes.
The effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, on Na+/H(+)-exchange activity and on Ca(2+)-ATPase mediated Ca(2+)-efflux was investigated in red blood cell membranes of patients with essential hypertension. The erythrocyte Na+/H(+)-exchange rate was measured as the difference in H(+)-efflux rate when measured in the presence or absence of Na+. The erythrocyte Ca(2+)-transport mediated by Ca(2+)-ATPase was assayed as the erythrocyte Ca(2+)-efflux rate. Our data show that captopril, in vitro and in vivo, inhibits the Ca(2+)-ATPase mediated Ca(2+)-efflux rate in human erythrocytes, while in vivo it stimulates the erythrocytes Na+/H(+)-exchange rate.