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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Novel and effective therapy is needed to prevent the secondary spread of damage beyond the initial injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether berberine has a neuroprotective effect on secondary injury post-TBI, and to explore its potential mechanism in this protection. The mice were randomly divided into Sham-saline, TBI-saline and TBI-Berberine (50 mg/kg). TBI was induced by Feeney’s weight-drop technique. Saline or berberine was administered via oral gavage starting 1 h post-TBI and continuously for 21 days. Motor coordination, spatial learning and memory were assessed using beam-walking test and Morris water maze test, respectively. Brain sections were processed for lesion volume assessment, and expression of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. There were statistically significant improvement in motor coordination, spatial learning and memory in the TBI-Berberine group, compared to the TBI-saline group. Treatment with berberine significantly reduced cortical lesion volume, neuronal loss, COX-2, iNOS and 8-OHdG expression in both the cortical lesion border zone (LBZ) and ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 region (CA1), compared to TBI-saline. Berberine treatment also significantly decreased Iba1- and GFAP-positive cell number in both the cortical LBZ and ipsilateral CA1, relative to saline controls. These results indicated that berberine exerted neuroprotective effects on secondary injury in mice with TBI probably through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

There is an increasing interest in the development of cholesterol-free mayonnaise through the strategy to use food-grade polymeric emulsifiers to substitute or partially substitute egg yolk. In addition, mayonnaise-type emulsions or mayonnaise are usually susceptible to freezing. The work reported that a heated soy protein isolate (SPI) could perform as an effective sole stabilizer for mayonnaise-type high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) with an outstanding freeze-thaw stability. Such HIPEs with a self-supporting morphology could be stabilized using the heated SPI at a protein concentration (c) as low as 0.3 wt.%. Increasing the c from 0.3 to 4.0 wt.% resulted in a progressive strengthening of gel network for the mayonnaise-type HIPEs, and the formation of finer droplets. All the as-formed HIPEs exhibited an elasticity-dominated rheological behavior, with the stiffness increasing the c. The elasticity of the gel-like HIPEs at low c values (e.g., 0.3 wt.%) was mainly associated with the formation of bridged emulsions, while that at high c values was more associated with the inter-droplet hydrophobic interactions between protein-coated droplets. All the mayonnaise-type HIPEs, formed even at a c value of 0.3 wt.%, were extremely stable against the freeze-thaw treatment. The high freeze-thaw stability seemed to be unrelated to the formation of ice crystals during the freezing. All the freeze-thawed HIPEs still exhibited a high long-term storage stability against coalescence, and their elasticity on the contrary became strengthened after the long-term storage. The findings have great implications for the development of cholesterol-free mayonnaise with a high freeze-thaw stability, suitable for food formulations.

To date, knowing how to identify the location of chemotherapeutic agents in the human body after injection is still a challenge. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a drug delivery system with molecular imaging tracking ability to accurately understand the distribution, location, and concentration of a drug in living organisms. In this study, we developed bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) with dual magnetic resonance (MR) and fluorescence imaging modalities (fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]-BSA-Gd/1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea [BCNU] NPs) to deliver BCNU for inhibition of brain tumor cells (MBR 261-2). These BSA-based NPs are water dispersible, stable, and biocompatible as confirmed by XTT cell viability assay. In vitro phantoms and in vivo MR and fluorescence imaging experiments show that the developed FITC-BSA-Gd/BCNU NPs enable dual MR and fluorescence imaging for monitoring cellular uptake and distribution in tumors. The T1 relaxivity (R1) of FITC-BSA-Gd/BCNU NPs was 3.25 mM(-1) s(-1), which was similar to that of the commercial T1 contrast agent (R1 =3.36 mM(-1) s(-1)). The results indicate that this multifunctional drug delivery system has potential bioimaging tracking of chemotherapeutic agents ability in vitro and in vivo for cancer therapy.

PmrA, an OmpR/PhoB family response regulator, manages genes for antibiotic resistance. Phosphorylation of OmpR/PhoB response regulator induces the formation of a symmetric dimer in the N-terminal receiver domain (REC), promoting two C-terminal DNA-binding domains (DBDs) to recognize promoter DNA to elicit adaptive responses. Recently, determination of the KdpE–DNA complex structure revealed an REC–DBD interface in the upstream protomer that may be necessary for transcription activation. Here, we report the 3.2-Å-resolution crystal structure of the PmrA–DNA complex, which reveals a similar yet different REC–DBD interface. However, NMR studies show that in the DNA-bound state, two domains tumble separately and an REC–DBD interaction is transiently populated in solution. Reporter gene analyses of PmrA variants with altered interface residues suggest that the interface is not crucial for supporting gene expression. We propose that REC–DBD interdomain dynamics and the DBD–DBD interface help PmrA interact with RNA polymerase holoenzyme to activate downstream gene transcription. PmrA is a regulator of genes that are associated with antibiotic resistance. Here, the authors report the structure of the protein bound to DNA, and use NMR data to propose a mechanism for the regulation of gene transcription.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of berberine chloride on secondary damage (inflammation, oxidative damage and neuron loss) in bilateral thalami of traumatic brain injury (TBI) model mice. Methods Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (N = 6), TBI group (N = 6) and berberine group (N = 6). TBI model was established by a free-falling hitting device. In control group, mice were not given free-falling hitting. Mice in berberine group were given a gavage of berberine chloride [50 mg/（kg·d)] for 21 d, while mice in TBI group were given the same dosage of normal saline for 21 d. Immunohistochemistry was used to count the number of neurons or gliocytes positive for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN), the number of astrocytes positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the number of microglias positive for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1). Results The number of neurons or gliocytes positive for iNOS (P = 0.015), COX-2 (P = 0.022), 8-OHdG (P = 0.000) and NeuN (P = 0.000), the number of astrocytes positive for GFAP (P = 0.024) and microglias positive for Iba1 (P = 0.000) in TBI ipsilateral thalamus were significantly different among 3 groups. In TBI group, the number of neurons or gliocytes positive for iNOS (P = 0.005), COX-2 (P = 0.011) and 8-OHdG (P = 0.000), the number of astrocytes positive for GFAP (P = 0.011) and microglias positive for Iba1 (P = 0.000) were significantly higher than those in control group, while the number of neurons positive for NeuN (P = 0.000) was significantly lower than that in control group. In berberine group, the number of neurons or gliocytes positive for iNOS (P = 0.031), COX-2 (P = 0.024) and 8-OHdG (P = 0.008), the number of astrocytes positive for GFAP (P = 0.031) and microglias positive for Iba1 (P = 0.012) were significantly lower than those in TBI group, while the number of neurons positive for 8-OHdG (P = 0.014) and microglias positive for Iba1 (P = 0.024) were significantly higher than those in control group. The number of neurons positive for NeuN in berberine group was significantly higher than that in TBI group (P = 0.016), while lower than that in control group (P = 0.027). Additionally, number of neurons or gliocytes positive for COX-2 (P = 0.029) and 8-OHdG (P = 0.000) in TBI contralateral thalamus were significantly different among 3 groups. The number of neurons or gliocytes positive for COX-2 (P = 0.011) and 8-OHdG (P = 0.000) in TBI group was significantly higher than that in control group, while the number of neurons or gliocytes positive for COX-2 (P = 0.047) and 8-OHdG (P = 0.010) in berberine group was significantly lower than that in TBI group. The number of neurons positive for 8-OHdG in berberine group was significantly higher than that in control group (P = 0.004). Conclusions TBI could cause secondary damage of bilateral thalami, especially in ipsilateral thalamus, but only cause inflammation and oxidative damage in contralateral thalamus. Berberine chloride might exert neuroprotective effect on bilateral thalami after TBI by significantly suppressing inflammation and oxidative damage.

[ Objective ] To establish a real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method with SYBR Green I for the detection of porcine circovirus type 2 （PCV2）. [Methods] Specific primers were designed to amplify the conserved gene segments of PCV2 with a size of 177 bp by PCR. The ampli- fied gene was cloned into the vector of pMD 18-T and transformed into DHSct to screen positive clones. After being extracted and purified, the recombinant plasraids pMD 18-T-177 were taken as the standard DNA templates to establish the fluorescence quantitative PCR method for the detection of PCV2, and the PCR re- action conditions were optimized. [ Results] Ct value of the established PCR method showed a good linear relationship with the standard DNA templates within a viral load of 3.21 × 100 -4.16 × 108 copies/μL , the correlation coefficient was O. 998 8 and the slope was - 3.286. The method did not show any cress-reactions with the genomes of PRRSV, PCV1, CSFV, PRV, PPV and Escherichia coli. Sensitivity of this method was proved to be 3.21 × 10 copies/μL, which was 1 000 times higher as conventional PCR method. Variation coefficients of the repeated trims among same batch or different batches were both less than 3.00%. Positive rate of clinical samples detected by the established PCR method was 58.94%, which was significantly higher than the detection rate by conventional PCR. [ Conclusions ] A reM-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method with SYBR Green I for the detection of PCV2 was established, which was better for conducting the quan- titative analysis and the early diagnosis of PCV2 infection.

Objective Combined fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus and the ipsilateral ulnar olecranon are rarely seen in children. Therefore, the mechanism and suitable treatments remain debatable. This study describes the possible mechanism of combined humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateral ulnar olecranon fractures and presents the treatment results. Methods Children diagnosed with combined fractures of the humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateralulnar olecranon from July 2010 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Humeral lateral condyle fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bioabsorbable pins. Ulnar olecranon fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with K‐wires for Mayo type IA fractures and with tension‐band wiring or a locking plate for Mayo type IIA fractures. The postoperative function and appearance of the elbow were evaluated using the Flynn criteria and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at follow‐up. Results The cohort comprised 19 patients aged from 4 to 11 years. Bony compression and avulsion by attached muscles and ligaments may be the leading factors causing the combined injuries, as the children fell with an outstretched and supinated elbow. The average follow‐up time was 33 months. High MEPS of >90 indicated that good to excellent results were obtained without complications. Conclusions This study proposed a reasonable hypothesis for the mechanism of combined humeral lateral condyle and ipsilateral ulnar olecranon fractures in children. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved with bioabsorbable pins for lateral condyle fractures and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with K‐wires, tension‐band wiring, or locking plate for olecranon fractures. Hypothetical diagram of the mechanism of combined fractures of lateral condyle of the humerus and ipsilateral olecranon. This fracture occurs as the children fall on an outstretched and supinated elbow. An upward cubits varus stress is transmitted axially through the elbow joint to the lateral condyle. The olecranon is compressed and levered by the distal humerus during the process, resulting in fractures. Alternatively, the olecranon may be fractured as the forearm externally rotates against the distal humerus and pulls off the lateral condyle through tensed lateral collateral ligament complex. Contracted triceps muscle and arm extensors may also be important contributors.

Objective Proximal humeral fracture combined with contralateral midshaft clavicle fracture is an extremely rare injury in children. Few studies focus on the injury mechanism and treatment scheme. The aim of this study is to propose the possible mechanism of this injury and present the treatment results. Methods This retrospective study included children diagnosed with proximal humeral fractures combined with contralateral midshaft clavicle fractures from August 2016 to March 2019 in the corresponding author's institution. The patients received elastic stable intramedullary nails and external fixation as treatment. The radiological and clinical outcomes of treatments were evaluated using the imaging and the Constant–Murley score (CMS) in follow up. Results Twelve patients (eight males and four females) with an average age of 7.83 years old (age 5–12) were included in this research. All the patients had suffered a side impact in a road traffic accident or outdoor environment. Hypothesis about the mechanism was the proximal humerus was directly impacted at first and caused the surgical neck fracture, then the contralateral shoulder hits the solid object and the contralateral midshaft clavicle was fractured. During the average 45.2 months (range 36–57) follow‐up, all the patient's fractures achieved clinical and radiological union before 14 weeks without complications. Every patient had a satisfactory score (range from 92 to 100) on the CMS criteria for both shoulders. Conclusion The hypothesis about the mechanism of this combined injury in this study sounds reasonable. It highlights the need for safety‐related education about using a safety seat or wearing a seat belt to parents and caregivers, so as to avoid such injury even if the treatment with external fixation (EF) and proximal humeral and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) showed good results. Hypothesis about the mechanism of proximal humeral fractures combined with contralateral midshaft clavicle fractures: The proximal humerus is directly impacted by a strong lateral force, which leaves the surgical neck vulnerable to damage. The impact force causes the body to rush towards the opposite side until the contralateral shoulder hits the solid object. Due to the lack of muscle and ligament protection, the contralateral midshaft clavicle is prone to fracture when both ends are subjected to strong compression.

Background： Hypertrophic scar is one of the most common complications and often causes the disfigurement or deformity in bum or trauma patients. Therapeutic methods on hypertrophic scar treatment have limitations due to the poor understanding of mechanisms of hypertrophic scar formation. To throw light on the molecular mechanism of hypertrophic scar formation will definitely improve the outcome of the treatment. This study aimed to illustrate the negative role of eukaryotic initiation factor 6 （elF6） in the process of human hypertrophic scar tbrmation, and provide a possible indicator of hypertrophic scar treatment and a potential target molecule for hypertrophic scar. Methods： In the present study, we investigated the protein expression of elF6 in the human hypertrophic scar of different periods by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results： In the hypertrophic scar tissue, elF6 expression was significantly decreased and absent in the basal layer of epidermis in the early period, and increased slowly and began to appear in the basal layer of epidermis by the scar formation time. Conclusions： This study confirmed that elF6 expression was significantly related to the development of hypertrophic scar, and the elF6 may be a target molecule for hypertrophic scar control or could be an indicator of the outcomes for other treatment modalities.

Background： The prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip （DDH） is unknown in China. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DDH in Chinese adults. Methods： In this study, we performed a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of Chinese adults. All participants underwent questionnaire investigation, physical examination, and X-ray examination. Factors associated with DDH were analyzed with logistic regression. Results： We invited 29,180 individuals aged 18 years and over to participate, randomly selected from 18 primary sampling units （street districts in urban areas and townships in rural areas）. The survey and examination were completed in 25,767 people （I 0,296 men and 15,471 women）. DDH was diagnosed in 391 people, yielding an overall DDH prevalence of 1.52%. Based on this information, we estimate the number of individuals with DDH in China to be approximately 16.05 million. DDH prevalence increased with age （odds ratio = 1.53 [1 .03-2.27], P = 0.036）, was significantly higher among women than men （2.07% vs. 0.75%, P 〈 0.001）, and was higher among rural residents than urban residents （1.75% vs. 1.29%, P 〈 0.001）. Economic development was independently associated with the presence of DDH. There was no evidence of an association between body mass index alone, education~ or current smoking or drinking and risk of DDH （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusions： DDH has become an important public health problem. Special attention should be paid to residents with DDH. Screening for DDH should be performed in China.