Using the computer to imitate the neural oscillations of the brain is of great significance for the analysis of brain functions. Thalamocortical neural mass model (TNMM) reflects the mechanisms of neural activities by establishing the relationships between the thalamus and the cortex, which contributes to the understanding of some specific cognitive functions of the brain and the neural oscillations of electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms. With the increasing complexity and scale of neural mass model, the performance of conventional computer system can not achieve rapid and large-scale model simulation. In order to solve this problem, we proposed a computing method based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware in this study. The Altera's DSP Builder module combined with MATLAB/Simulink was used to achieve the construction of complex neural mass model algorithm, which is transplanted to the FPGA hardware platform. This method takes full advantage of the ability of parallel computing of FPGA to realize fast simulation of large-scale and complex neural mass models, which provides new solutions and ideas for computer implementation of neural mass models.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between genotype and phenotype in children with CRB1 mutated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early onset retinal dystrophy (EOSRD).MethodsA retrospective clinical study. From January 2013 to December 2019, 10 children with CRB1 mutated LCA/EOSRD were enrolled in the study. The patients were identified as CRB1 mutation by the second generation targeted capture sequencing, Sanger sequencing and the family segregation analysis. All children underwent electroretinogram (ERG) and fundus examination. At the same time, 6 cases were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT); 1 case was examined by fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), 7 cases were examined by wide-angle laser scanning ophthalmoscope (UWF SLO).ResultsThere were 6 cases of LCA and 4 cases of EOSRD in 10 patients with CRB1 gene mutations. The average age of first visit was 3.61 years old. The light and dark wave of ERG was flat in 6 cases, and decreased in 4 cases. A total of 19 pathogenic mutations were detected. There were 1 homozygous mutation and 9 compound heterozygous mutations. There were 4, 2 and 1 cases of “copper-coin” like, “salt and pepper” like and “osteocyte” like pigment changes in retina, 1 case of “crystalline pigment” change and 2 cases of macular pigment scar. In 7 cases of UWF SLO examination, different degrees of para-arteriolar pigment epithelium retention (PPRPE) were found in the middle and peripheral fundus. In 6 cases examined by OCT, the outer layer of retina atrophied and the band of ellipsoid disappeared. Symmetrical cystoid macular edema, splitting cystoid macular degeneration and adhesion of epi-macular membrane to optic disc and macular area were found in 1 case, respectively, the retinal structure was rough and thickened, and the fovea became thinner in 3 cases. In FFA examination, 1 case showed uveitis-like changes with late optic disc fluorescein staining, macular fluorescence accumulation, strong fluorescence diffusing along the blood vessels in each quadrant, peripheral PPRPE of “frost-branch” like strong fluorescence.ConclusionThe relationship between genotype and phenotype of CRB1 mutation is complex, and PPRPE is a common characteristic change.
The AC impedance of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells were measured in our laboratory by Agilent 4294A impedance analyzer in the frequency range of 0.01-100 MHz. And then the effect of hematocrit on electrical impedance characteristics of hepatoma cells was observed by electrical impedance spectroscopy, Bode diagram, Nyquist diagram and Nichols diagram. The results showed that firstly, there is a frequency dependence, i.e., the increment of real part and the imaginary part of complex electrical impedance (ΔZ', ΔZ″), the increment of the amplitude modulus of complex electrical impedance (Δ|Z*|) and phase angle (Δθ) were all changed with the increasing frequency. Secondly, it showed cell volume fraction (CVF) dependence, i.e., the increment of low-frequency limit (ΔZ'0, Δ|Z*|0), peak (ΔZ″p, Δθp), area and radius (Nyquist diagram, Nichols diagram) were all increased along with the electric field frequency. Thirdly, there was the presence of two characteristic frequencies: the first characteristic frequency (fC1) and the second characteristic frequency (fC2), which were originated respectively in the polarization effects of two interfaces that the cell membrane and extracellular fluid, cell membrane and cytoplasm. A conclusion can be drawn that the electrical impedance spectroscopy is able to be used to observe the electrical characteristics of human hepatoma cells, and therefore this method can be used to investigate the electrophysiological mechanisms of liver cancer cells, and provide research tools and observation parameters, and it also has important theoretical value and potential applications for screening anticancer drugs.
Objective To explore the operative methods and effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation for Bosworth fracture. Methods Between January 2005 and January 2012, 6 patients with Bosworth fractures caused by sprain were treated. There were 4 males and 2 females with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 24-73 years). The time from injury to operation was 1-5 days (mean, 1.8 days). They were all closed fractures. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, 6 cases were classified as supination-external rotation type. The surgical treatments included open reduction and internal fixation by plate and screws. Results Infection occurred in 1 case and was cured after dressing changing; primary healing of incision was obtained in the other 5 cases. Six patients were followed up 15 months on average (range, 12-24 months). The X-ray films showed fracture healing in all cases, with an average healing time of 9.5 weeks (range, 8-13 weeks). No loosening or breaking of internal fixator was observed during follow-up. The average full load-walking time was 12 weeks (range, 10-17 weeks). According to the ankle and hindfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the average score was 89.5 (range, 81-94). Conclusion For Bosworth fractures, good results can be achieved by early diagnosis, open reduction and internal fixation.
Objective To study the effect of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) on human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Methods Human primary RPE cells were cultured in basal and different concentrations of AGEs with different times. The cells were divided into several groups as follows: group C (control): bovine serum albumin 0.1 g/L, 24 hours (C1) and 48 hours (C2); group NC (normal control): basal culture medium with 5.6 mmol/L of glucose, 24 hours (NC1) and 48 hours (NC2); group A (AGEs): 0.1 g/L, 24 hours and 48 hours, A1 and A4; 0.2 g/L, 24 hours and 48 hours, A2 and A5; 0.4 g/L, 24 hours and 48 hours, A3 and A6. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to study the protein expression of receptor for AGEs (RAGE), peroxisome proliferativeactivated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PCG -1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein. The activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by confocal microscope. Software IPP6.0 and SPSS 17.0 were used to analyze the quantitation data. Results Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that RAGE protein, PGC-1α protein and VEGF protein were basally secreted in RPE cells, but AGEs can obviously increases the expression level of these proteins (F=294.5, 228.3, 241.5; P＜0.05). Confocal microscope demonstrated that AGEs increased the activation of NF-κB significantly. Conclusion Accumulation of AGEs can stimulate the expression of RAGE protein, PGC-1α protein and VEGF protein, activation of NF-κB and induce apoptosis of RPE cells.
Objective To review researches of BMSCs in tumor therapy. Methods The recent relevant l iterature was extensively reviewed. The tropism of BMSCs to cancer, the effect of BMSCs on tumor growth and the appl ication of BMSCs in tumor therapy were summarized. Results BMSCs has the tropism to tumor and may inhibit or enhance growth of tumor. BMSCs as gene-del ivery vehicle for gene therapy had obtained certain therapeutic efficacy. However, BMSCs can become tumorigenic. Conclusion BMSCs is a good gene-del ivery vehicle for gene therapy. The relationship of BMSCs and tumorcells should be studied deeply for enhance the safety of BMSCs in gene therapy of tumor.
Objective To introduce growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) gene into hBMSCs using recombinant adenovirus vector and to investigate the effect of GDF-5 gene expression on hBMSCs osteogenic differentiation. Methods Recombinant adenovirus GDF-5 (Ad-GDF-5) containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Ad-GFP were amplifiedand tittered. hBMSCs at passage 3 were infected with two viruses at different titers. At 2 days after intervention, GFP expression was observed using fluorescence microscope, and GDF-5 expression in hBMSCs was detected by RT-PCR. Adherent hBMSCs at passage 3 were randomly divided into 4 groups: experimental group (GDF-5 gene transfection), osteogenic induction group, Ad- GFP infection group, and control group. Cell differentiation was detected by inverted phase contrast microscope observation, fluorescence microscope observation, reverse transcription fluorescence quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and von Kossa staining at different time points after intervention. Results The titer of Ad-GDF-5 and Ad-GFP was 1.0 × 109 pfu/mL and 1.2 × 109 pfu/mL, respectively. hBMSCs was efficiently infected by Ad-GDF-5 and Ad-GFP, and expressed target gene and GFP gene. At 1-7 days after intervention, morphology and growth pattern of the hBMSCs in the experimental group and the osteogenic induction group were transformed into osteoblast-l ike cells, whereas the cells in the other two groups were still maintained their original morphology and growth pattern. Reverse transcription fluorescence quantitative PCR detection: at 4 days after intervention, GDF-5 expression in the experimental group was obviously higher than that of other groups (P lt; 0.05); ALP, Col I, and OC gene expression in the experimental and the osteogenic induction group were superior to those of theAd-GFP infection and the control group (P lt; 0.05); Col I gene expression in the osteogenic induction group was greater than that of the experimental group (P lt; 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining: at 4 days after intervention, the cells in the osteogenic induction group and the experimental group expressed and secreted Col I, and no expression of Col I was evident in the other two groups. At 10 days after intervention, the cells in the osteogenic induction and the experimental group were positive for von Kossa staining, and the results of the other two groups were negative. Conclusion GDF-5 gene can be transferred into hBMSCs via adenovirus vector and be expressed stably. It can facil itate the osteogenic differentiation of the hBMSCs and lay a foundation for the further study of this kind of gene transferred hBMSCs effect on bone tissue repair.
Objective To reveal the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (MAFB) gene rs17820943 locus and non-syndromic cleft l ip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in the southern Chinese Han population. Methods Genotyping of MAFB gene rs17820943 polymorphism was carried out in 300 patients with NSCL/P, 354 normal controls, and an additional 168 case-parent trios with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-fl ight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Then based on the genotypingresults, both a case-control association study and a case-parent trio association study were performed. Results Significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies of rs17820943 locus between case and control groups (Pallele=0.001 and Pgenotype=0.002, respectively). To be specific, the odds radio (OR) values and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of allele T (frequencies of cases ∶ controls = 0.358 ∶ 0.448) and genotype TT (frequencies of cases ∶ controls = 0.110 ∶ 0.195) were ORT = 0.69 (95%CI: 0.55-0.86) and ORTT = 0.43 (95%CI: 0.26-0.70), respectively. Subsequent case-parent trio analysis also indicated an association between MAFB rs17820943 variant and the risk of NSCL/P (ORT vs. C = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.41-0.75, P value of transmission disequilibrium test was 0.000). Conclusion Polymorphism of MAFB gene rs17820943 locus is associated with NSCL/P in the southern Chinese Han population; MAFB rs17820943 variant may be a susceptible gene of NSCL/P.
Objective To observe the protective effect on rat lung by using N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC) a inhibiter of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the period of reperfusion. Methods Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into a control group and a trail group.The harvested lung blocks of 12 rats were flushed with and stored in the low-potassium-dextran (LPD) solution at 4℃ for 16 hours. The isolated rat lung reperfusion models were established and the donor lungs were perfused for 1 hour. NAC was used in the trail group but normal saline was used in control group. Partical pressure of oxygen in artery (PaO2), peak airway pressure (PawP) were measured at every 15 min intervals during reperfusion. After reperfusion, the lung tissue wet-to-dry(W/D)ratio, and myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity were obtained. The protein and mRNA expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), NF-κB were also observed by using immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR at the end of reperfusion. Results The level of decreased PaO2 and increased PawP in trail group were lower than those in control group at every interval time the sample obtained after reperfusion in 60 min. (Plt;0.01 or lt;0.05). After reperfusion the W/D,MPO, the protein and mRNA expressions of ICAM-1, NF-κB were decreased evidently in trail group than those in control group(Plt;0.01 or lt;0.05). Conclusion Using NAC in the period of reperfusion, can effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1,further improve lung respiratory functions.