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In this study, proteins were prepared from Schizochytrium pombe residue after oil extraction using isoelectric point precipitation, and their physicochemical and emulsifying properties were investigated. Our objective was to assess the suitability of these proteins for functional ingredient applications. Through a one-way experiment and optimization using response surface design, the effects of time, temperature, pH, and the material–liquid ratio of NaOH alkaline extraction were explored. The isoelectric point is verified by isoelectric point precipitation; the results revealed that crude protein from Schizochytrium (SCP) is minimally soluble at pH 4.2. Compared with whey protein (WP), it promotes better emulsion stability through the emulsification test. This study suggests that Schizochytrium oil-processing byproducts represent a promising source of protein, with potential applications as functional ingredients, offering implications for the usage of these byproducts in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgens are known to modulate the skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation processes. Recent in vitro studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone and anabolic steroids have functions in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the mouse skeletal muscle myoblast C2C12 cell line through the classical androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. But there are contradictory reports that androgen plays its roles through the membrane signaling pathways. In the present study, we show that there is no expression of the classical AR in L6 cells both at gene and protein levels. We then investigated the effects of testosterone (T) on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation. The results show that T promotes L6 cell proliferation after a 24 h treatment, which followed by enhancing L6 cell differentiation, but these effects are not inhibited by flutamide (F), an antagonist of intracellular AR. Further, we tested the effect of testosterone covalently bounding to albumin (T-BSA), which does not cross the plasma membrane. The results demonstrate that T-BSA and free T have similar effects on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation, and that these effects involve G protein-coupled receptors and different downstream pathways. The L6 cell proliferation induced by T involves PKC and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and cell differentiation happens via the PKA signaling pathway. These results suggest that T promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via G protein-coupled receptors and different downstream pathways in the L6 cell line, although the related molecular mechanisms need to be elucidated in future studies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 98-107, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and sensitive method was developed for the simutaneous quantitative determination of 16 sulfonamides in animal feeds using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS–MS). With the developed method, a feed sample can be analyzed in less than 2 h. A solid phase extraction method using acetonitrile and basic alumina column was developed to extract and purify sulfonamides from animal feeds. The analysis time can be greatly reduced with this method compared with previous reports. A linear range of 0.2∼40 ng/mL (R2> 0.996) were obtianed for most of the compounds. The limits of quantification for all sulfonamides were in the range of 0.5∼20 μg/kg. The high precision and accuracy of this method were represented by average recoveries ranging from 80% to 120% and coefficients of variation of less than 10% for spiked animal feed samples. The method is suitable for fast determination of sulfonamides in concentrates, premixes, and complete feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cimetidine (CIM) is a histamine H2 receptor inverse agonist used primarily as an anti-stomach acids drug, but recent studies showed that it may also modulate immune responses. To evaluate its potential usefulness as an adjuvant, we determined its immune modulating effects on subunit immunization using an HBV-derived recombinant protein antigen rHBsAg. CIM activated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in DCs. As an adjuvant, it activated immunogenic DCs, deactivated tolerogenic T cells (nTreg), and augmented both Th1- and Th2-polarlized immune responses to rHBsAg. As a result, it enhanced both antibody- and cytotoxic T cell-mediated immune responses. Importantly, in comparison with the FDA-approved human adjuvant alum, CIM is superior in its ability to block IL-10 up-regulation and potentiate Th1/Th2 dual polarization. These results suggest that CIM may be a better adjuvant for therapeutic vaccines against chronic viral infection, such as the HBV infection, where dual polarization should allow more effective elimination of infected host cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of hollow screw for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook., Methods: Five patients with basilar part fracture of hamate hook, aged 24-47 years (mean, 31 years) were treated with open reduction and hollow screw fixation between June 2015 and February 2019. There were 4 males and 1 female. The causes of injury were athletic injury in 3 cases, falling injury in 1 case, and crushing injury in 1 case. Among them, 1 case was combined with sensory disturbance of one and a half fingers on the ulnar side of the palm. The grip strength of the affected side was significantly decreased when compared with that of the healthy side in all patients. The intervals between injury and surgery were 3-8 days (mean, 4.2 days). Postoperative follow-up was conducted regularly to measure the grip strength of the affected and healthy fingers and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side. Darrow criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness., Results: All the incisions healed by primary intention. All the patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 16 months). X-ray films showed that the basilar part fracture of hamate hook reached bony union, and the healing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean, 2.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength of the affected side was (35.80±3.76) kg, showing no significant difference when compared with healthy side [(36.00±4.94) kg] ( t =0.094, P =0.930); and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side was (529.0±8.9)°, which was significantly different from that before operation [(232.0±34.7)°] ( t =18.108, P =0.000). In 1 patient with ulnar nerve injury, the two-point discrimination of the innervation area was 4 mm, and the pain sensation and temperature sensation returned to normal. Assessed by Darrow criteria, the results were excellent in 4 cases and good in 1 case., Conclusion: For the basilar part fracture of hamate hook, hollow screw fixation can obtain secure reduction and fixation and provide sustained compression and counter-rotation for the broken end of fracture, thus allowing early joint motion and promoting fracture healing and recovery of wrist function. It is a relatively good method for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of wrist tube inside and outside releasing for treating median nerve double entrapment at wrist., Methods: Thirty-one patients of median nerve double entrapment at wrist were treated between April 2011 and May 2014. There were 8 males and 23 females with an age of 33-69 years (mean, 56.4 years). In palm lateral three and a half finger, the two-point discrimination was 7-14 mm (mean, 9.5 mm), in which 24 cases were 4-10 mm and 7 cases were more than 10 mm. Carpal tunnel median nerve Tinel sign was positive; there was weak and acid swollen felling when press big thenar muscle on median nerve return branch palm surface projection points. Electromyography examination showed that median nerve endings movement incubation period was 4.5-10 ms in 22 cases, more than 10 ms in 9 cases; fibrillation potentials and positive phase voltage happened in 6 cases; the median nerve sensory conduction velocity of all patients was slow, and the motor conduction velocity also slowed down; the motor amplitude was 5-10 mV in 19 cases, less than 5 mV in 12 cases. The disease duration was 3-8 months (mean, 5.5 months). Surgical exploration of wrist median nerve in carpal tunnel and median nerve return branch outside carpal tunnel were performed in patients, especially completely released the variety entrapment factors such as thickening bow at starting point of short hallux flexor tendon, fiber bundles at ulnar side of short hallux flexor tendon, deep layer fiber of the palmar aponeurosis, and variant shallow head of short hallux flexor., Results: All the wounds healed by first intention without wound scar pain. The patients were followed up 24-59 months (mean, 33 months). Night numbness and pain disappeared, and weak and acid swollen feeling in big thenar muscle on median nerve return branch points also disappeared. The sensation recovered to S 4 in 28 patients in palm lateral three and a half finger, the index and middle fingertip sensation recovered to S3+ in 3 cases. In the median nerve innervation area, the two points discrimination was 4-6 mm (mean, 4.8 mm). The thumb opposition function returned to normal in 29 cases and mild confinement in 2 cases. The grip strength of all the 31 cases recovered, and 1 of them increased significantly. In preoperative big thenar muscle atrophy cases, muscle strength recovered to S 5 in 4 cases, S 4 in 2 cases. At 2 years after operation, according to the functional assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome recommend by GU Yudong, the results were excellent in 29 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%., Conclusion: When treating the nerve double entrapment in wrist using wrist tube inside and outside releasing method, the variety entrapment factors of return branch of median nerve should be completely released, so the effectiveness can be improved.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of the side island flap coinciding dorsal branch of the digital. nerve for repairing thumb pulp defects., Methods: Between May 2008 and July 2012, 36 cases of thumb pulp defects were treated with the side island flap coinciding dorsal branch of the digital nerve. There were 26 males and 10 females, aged 21-51 years (mean, 32.4 years). The injury causes included electric saw injury in 14 cases, punchpress injury in 8 cases, machine twist injury in 5 cases, door crushing injury in 5 cases, and glass cutting injury in 4 cases. The left hand was involved in 12 cases and the right hand in 24 cases. Combined injuries included tendon and bone exposure in all cases, fracture of the distal phalanx in 3 cases, and nail bed lacerations in 2 cases. The defect size ranged from 1.4 cm x 1.2 cm to 2.5 cm x 2.1 cm; and the flap size ranged from 1.8 cm x 1.4 cm to 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm., Results: Two flaps with distal skin flap tension blisters and skin scabbing, which were cured after dressing changes; the wound healed by first intension in the other 34 cases. The skin grafts at donor site survived, and primary healing of incision was obtained. The patients were followed up 3-15 months (mean, 8 months). The appearance and function restored well. Two-point discrimination of the flap was 5.2 mm on average (range, 4-8 mm) at last follow-up. The finger joint had no stiff. According to the upper extremity function evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the sensation was S4 in 33 and S3+ in 3 cases. No ectopic feeling was observed. The extension and flexion activity of fingers at donor site was normal, the sensation reached S4 with no atrophy of the finger., Conclusion: With constant anatomy, reliable blood supply, and safe operation, the anastomoses of the finger side island flap with dorsal branch of digital nerve is a better method to repair thumb pulp defects because it also effectively overcome the ectopic feeling with traditional methods and protect feel function of the fingers at donor site.

Objective: To analyze the therapy and effectiveness of ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury., Methods: Between October 2005 and October 2012, 16 cases of ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury were treated. There were 14 males and 2 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 22-58 years). Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, by mechanical crush in 5 cases, and by falling in 3 cases. According to the anatomical features of the ulnar styloid and imaging findings, ulnar styloid fractures were classified as type I (ulnar styloid tip fracture) in 1 case and type II (ulnar styloid base fracture) in 15 cases. The skin sensation of ulnar wrist was S0 in 5 cases, S1 in 1 case, S2 in 7 cases, and S3 in 3 cases according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Council in 1954 for the sensory functions of the ulnar wrist. The time from injury to operation was 6-72 hours (mean, 18 hours). Fracture was treated by operative fixation, and nerve was repaired by epineurium neurolysis in 13 cases of nerve contusion and by sural nerve graft in 3 cases of complete nerve rupture., Results: All incisions healed by first intention. Sixteen patients were followed up for an average time of 14 months (range, 6-24 months). The X-ray films showed that all of them achieved bone union at 4-10 weeks after operation (mean, 6 weeks). No patient had complications such as ulnar wrist chronic pain and an inability to rotate. According to Green-O'Brien wrist scoring system, the results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 3 cases; according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Council in 1954 for the sensory functions of the ulnar wrist, the results were excellent in all cases, including 11 cases of S4 and 5 cases of S3+. Two-point discrimination of the ulnar wrist was 5-9 mm (mean, 6.6 mm)., Conclusion: For patients with ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury, internal fixation and nerve repair should be performed. It can prevent ulnar wrist pain and promote sensory recovery.

Objective: To investigate a method of improving design of the skin flap pedicled with descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery, in order to increase the accuracy of preoperative Doppler location., Methods: Firstly, the interspace between rectus femoris and vastus lateralis was regarded as line A, and the point of intersection between line A and the vertical line through the midpoint of the line between anterior superior iliac spine and lateral margin of patella was point A. And then the line between the midpoint of groin and point A was regarded as line B. Based on this , the perforating point of cutaneous branch could be located by Doppler along the line B. From November 2001 to October 2004, this method was used in 38 skin flaps of 37 cases, being all males and 16-48 years old. The area of the flap ranged from 7 cm x 6 cm to 24 cm x 16 cm., Results: All the perforating point of cutaneous branch were located outward the line A. The rate that the preoperative Doppler location was consistent with the utility point of formatting skin flap was 97.4%. All the cases were followed up postoperatively 1-20 months. Among the cases, 36 skin flaps of 35 cases was successful and only 2 skin flaps partially necrosed, which healed after changing dressings or skin graft. Out of 35 cases, the sensation restoration of the skin flap was S2-S3 in 6 cases owing to the anastomosis of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and a skin nerve of the recipient site, while that of the other cases was S0-S1., Conclusion: Preoperative Doppler location and improving design of line B can be a useful instruction for the design of skin flap pedicled with descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery.

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of different types of free tissue transplantation on repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions., Methods: From November 2001 to September 2004, 14 types of free tissue transplantation and 78 free tissue flaps were applied to repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions in extremities and maxillofacial region in 69 cases. Of the 69 cases, there were 53 males and 16 females (their ages ranged from 18 to 56, 31 on average). Five cases were repaired because of skin defects in foot, 22 cases were repaired because of skin defects in leg, 36 cases were repaired as the result of skin defects in hand or forearm and finger reconstruction, 3 cases were restored by virtue of ulna or radius defects, and 3 cases were repaired in maxillofacial region. There were 55 cases of open wound, in which 16 cases were infectious wound, 6 cases were osteomyelitis or pyogenic arthritis. There were 14 cases of non-infectious wound. The area of these tissue flaps ranged from 2.0 cm x 1.5 cm to 43.0 cm x 12.0 cm. The length of bone transplantation ranged from 10 cm to 15 cm., Results: Arterial crisis occurred in 2 cases, venous crisis occurred in 2 cases. Seventy-six flaps survived completely and 2 flaps survived partially which were later healed. Fifty-two cases were healed at stage I, 13 cases were healed at stage I (healing time ranged from 20 to 30 days), purulent infection occurred to 4 cases(healing time ranged from 3 to 11 months). Bone healing time ranged from 6 to 8 weeks in finger reconstruction. Bone healing time ranged from 4 to 6 months in fibula transplantation. The function reconstruction and appearance were satisfying. The functions of all regions, where free tissues were supplied, were not disturbed., Conclusion: Tissue transplantation and composite tissue transplantation are effective in repairing tissue defects and reconstructing functions.

Objective: To repair defects at both ends of the blood vessels with a considerable disparity in the diameter of the both sides or with a large diameter in extremities by phleboplasty of branched and double autogenous veins., Methods: Three kinds of phleboplasty: funnel-shaped, raincape-shaped and transposed Y-shaped were designed. Experiments in fresh blood vessels in vitro were completed successfully. These methods were used clinically to repair injured external iliac veins, femoral arteries and veins, and popliteal arteries and veins, to replant severed fingers and to transplant toenail flaps on thumbs by harvesting autogenous great saphenous veins, small saphenous veins and forearm veins in 36 cases, including 35 cases in emergency operation and 1 case in selective operation. The length of The phleboplasty of funnel-shaped could enlarge the grafted blood vessels ranged from 1.0 cm to 15.0 cm., Results: The phleboplasty of funnel-shaped could enlarge the diameter by 1.0-1.25 times in anastomotic stomas. The phleboplasty of raincape-shaped could enlarge the diameter large enough to meet the demands for various blood vessels in extremities. The phleboplasty of transposed Y-shaped could provide large vein transplants. In 36 grafted veins, 35 were in patency. The blood supply in extremities was normal., Conclusion: The funnel-shaped and raincape-shaped phleboplasty of branched veins can enlarge the anastomotic stomas of grafted veins. The transposed Y-shaped phleboplasty of double femoral veins is an ideal way to repair injured primary blood vessels with a considerable disparity in the diameter of the both sides or with a large diameter in extremities.