Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops(HY)for dry eye syndromes(DES).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang Database,CQVIP,and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023.Pooled standardized mean differences(SMD)or weighted mean difference(WMD)with 95%confidence intervals(CI)from RCTs evaluating Schirmer’s I test(SIT),corneal fluorescein staining score(CFS),tear breakup time(TBUT),DES score(DESS),and Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)were calculated.Sensitivity analysis,Egger’s test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators.RESULTS:We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria,involving 1796 cases.High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling(SMD,-3.37;95%CI,-5.25 to-1.48;P=0.0005).The rest of the results were not statistically significant,including indicators such as SIT,TBUT,DESS and OSDI.CONCLUSION:For dry eyes with positive corneal staining,a high concentration of HY is recommended,whereas in other cases,a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes.

Metagenomic analysis revealing the metabolic role of microbial communities in the free amino acid biosynthesis of Monascus rice vinegar during fermentation

Free amino acid(FAA)is the important component of vinegar that infl uences quality perception and consumer acceptance.FAA is one of the major metabolites produced by microorganisms;however,the microbial metabolic network on FAA biosynthesis remains unclear.Through metagenomic analysis,this work aimed to elucidate the roles of microbes in FAA biosynthesis during Monascus rice vinegar fermentation.Taxonomic profiles from functional analyses showed 14 dominant genera with high contributions to the metabolism pathways.The metabolic network for FAA biosynthesis was then constructed,and the microbial distribution in different metabolic pathways was illuminated.The results revealed that 5 functional genera were closely involved in FAA biosynthesis.This study illuminated the metabolic roles of microorganisms in FAA biosynthesis and provided crucial insights into the functional attributes of microbiota in vinegar fermentation.

Intra-articular interventions in osteoarthritis:Navigating the landscape of hyaluronic acid,mesenchymal stem cells,and plateletrich plasma

Osteoarthritis(OA)poses a substantial burden on patients,leading to pain,functional decline,and reduced quality of life.While conventional treatments focus on symptom management,disease-modifying interventions are yet to be established.This review explores the efficacy of intra-articular interventions,particularly hyaluronic acid(HA),mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and platelet-rich plasma(PRP),in the context of OA management.HA injections,with diverse formulations like Hylan G-F20,sodium hyaluronate,and hyaluronan,present varying outcomes,necessitating a nuanced understanding of their effectiveness and timing.MSC therapy,derived from adipose tissue,umbilical cord,or bone marrow,shows promising results in clinical improvement,with adipose-derived MSCs demonstrating efficacy in maintaining benefits over 6 mo.Conversely,bone-marrow-derived MSCs show limited effectiveness,highlighting the need for sourcespecific considerations.PRP has emerged as a superior option for long-term pain reduction and quality of life improvement,with leukocyte-poor formulations and a critical platelet count of 10 billion demonstrating optimal results.This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of intra-articular interventions in OA management,emphasizing the need for personalized and evidence-based approaches to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Impacts of mesenchymal stem cells and hyaluronic acid on inflammatory indicators and antioxidant defense in experimental ankle osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND No effective treatment guarantees full recovery from osteoarthritis(OA),and few therapies have disadvantages.AIM To determine if bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs)and hyaluronic acid(HA)treat ankle OA in Wistar rats.METHODS BMMSCs were characterized using flow cytometry with detection of surface markers[cluster of differentiation 90(CD90),CD105,CD34,and CD45].Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each:Group I,saline into the right tibiotarsal joint for 2 days;Group II,monosodium iodate(MIA)into the same joint;Groups III,MIA+BMMSCs;Group IV,MIA+HA;and Group V,MIA+BMMSCs+HA.BMMSCs(1×106 cells/rat),HA(75μg/rat),and BMMSCs(1×106 cells/rat)alongside HA(75μg/rat)were injected intra-articularly into the tibiotarsal joint of the right hind leg at the end of weeks 2,3,and 4 after the MIA injection.RESULTS The elevated right hind leg circumference values in the paw and arthritis clinical score of osteoarthritic rats were significantly ameliorated at weeks 4,5,and 6.Lipid peroxide significantly increased in the serum of osteoarthritic rats,whereas reduced serum glutathione and glutathione transferase levels were decreased.BMMSCs and HA significantly improved OA.The significantly elevated ankle matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP-13)mRNA and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)protein expression,and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-17(IL-17)serum levels in osteoarthritic rats were significantly downregulated by BMMSCs and HA.The effects of BMMSCs and HA on serum TNF-αand IL-17 were more potent than their combination.The lowered serum IL-4 levels in osteoarthritic rats were significantly upregulated by BMMSCs and HA.Additionally,BMMSCs and HA caused a steady decrease in joint injury and cartilage degradation.CONCLUSION BMMSCs and/or HA have anti-arthritic effects mediated by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on MIAinduced OA.MMP-13 and TGF-β1 expression improves BMMSCs and/or HA effects on OA in Wistar rats.

Use of hyaluronic acid for sperm immobilisation and selection before intracytoplasmic sperm injection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To appraise critically the published randomised controlled trials(RCTs)reporting on the effectiveness of using hyaluronic acid(HA)for sperm immobilisation and selection before intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI).METHODS:Two authors used the PICO Method in order to perform a comprehensive literature search of the standard medical databases in June 2015.Data from the included studies was extracted independently by two authors using a predefined pro-forma.Review Manager(RevM an)was used to calculate the combined outcomes where multiple studies contributed with their results.Risk ratio(RR)with a 95%CI using the Mantel-Haenszel method was calculated for binary data variables.Heterogeneity was measured using the χ2 test and quantified using I2.In case of substantial heterogeneity(P < 0.10 for χ2 test or I2 > 50%)the combined outcome was calculated using the random effects model.The results from the meta-analysis were displayed as forest plots.The guideline of the Cochrane Collaboration was used to assess the risk of bias and it was illustrated as a risk of bias graph.RESULTS:The systematic literature search identified 166 different studies related to sperm immobilisation and selection for ICSI.Eleven RCTs involving 13719 oocyte intracytoplasmatic injections with sperm immobilised and selected using HA or polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)were included in this systematic review and metaanalysis.There was low heterogeneity among the included trials(χ2 = 16.86,df = 11,P = 0.11; I2 = 35%).There was no statistical difference between HA and PVP groups in terms of fertilisation rate(RR = 1.01; 95%CI:0.99-1.03; z = 0.75; P = 0.45),good embryos rate(RR = 1.01; 95%CI:0.96-1.06; z = 0.30; P = 0.76),live birth rate(RR = 1.15; 95%CI:0.86-1.54; z = 0.92; P = 0.36),clinical pregnancy rate(RR = 1.04; 95%CI:0.92-1.17; z = 0.62; P = 0.53)and implantation rate(RR = 1.17; 95%CI:0.94-1.46; z = 0.40; P = 0.16).The quality of most of the included studies was moderate to poor because of unclear randomisation technique,inadequate allocation concealment and blinding.CONCLUSION:This systematic review and metaanalysis provides evidence of similar efficiency between using HA or PVP for sperm immobilisation and selection before ICSI.

A hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel nerve guidance conduit promotes regeneration and functional recovery of injured sciatic nerves in rats

A hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel can promote neuronal and astrocyte colony formation and axonal extension in vitro,suggesting that the hydrogel can simulate an extracellular matrix structure to promote neural regeneration.However,in vivo experiments have not been conducted.In this study,we transplanted a hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel nerve guidance conduit to repair a 10-mm long sciatic nerve gap.The Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale,sciatic nerve compound muscle action potential recording,Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing,growth related protein 43/S100 immunofluorescence staining,transmission electron microscopy,gastrocnemius muscle dry/wet weight ratio,and Masson’s trichrome staining results showed that the nerve guidance conduit exhibited similar regeneration of sciatic nerve axons and myelin sheath,and recovery of the electrophysiological function and motor function as autologous nerve transplantation.The conduit results were superior to those of a bulk hydrogel or silicone tube transplant.These findings suggest that tissue-engineered nerve conduits containing hyaluronic acid granular hydrogels effectively promote the morphological and functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve.The nerve conduits have the potential as a material for repairing peripheral nerve defects.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals,proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy:from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions.Several food including cow's milk,hen's eggs,soy,wheat,peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,hazelnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios),fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90%of food allergies.Here,we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis,comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios)and soybean.Additionally,we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw,boiled and dry-roasted.Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response.The results obtained from this study will direct future experimeantal and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPARisoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

Physicochemical Analysis of Locally Made Yoghurt (Kossam) Commercialised in the City of Douala-Cameroon

Yogurt is a traditional dairy product well known in all the regions of the world. In Cameroon, the most popularly known type is “kossam” also called curdled milk. Kossam is a set of milk based beverage from northern Cameroon presenting great symbolic, economic and social values for local population [1]. 150 Kossam samples were collected from neighborhoods of PK8, Bonamoussadi, Nyalla, cite des palmier, Deido and Bedi community and later on reconstituted into 50 different samples of 350 mL, each containing 1/3 of 3 individual samples. They were analyzed for their physiochemical properties such as: PH, titratable acidity, density, brix and dry matter using most at times the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods with slight modifications and results compared to a licensed brand sold in the Cameroonian market. The results of the study showed that, the physico-chemical properties of the locally made yogurts were different within the different samples. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the levels of the parameters analyzed in the different yogurt samples (p −1 Kg/L), Brix (8˚ - 24˚B), Dornic (23˚ - 160˚D). others contents per 100 g fresh matter are as follows: dry matter (average mean of 16.54%). Hence, the significant variations in the physico-chemical properties of kossam are a call for concern since as it impacts on the health of the population consuming this product.

Hyaluronic acid injection in the auricular base for the aesthetic correction of lying ears:A retrospective study

Background Ears play an important role in facial profiles.Lying ears are not perceived favorably in Asian cultures;therefore,surgical procedures are implemented to adjust this defect.However,surgery has complications and requires recovery time.We introduced a hyaluronic acid(HA)injection technique to aesthetically improve ear prominence.Methods This retrospective study examined 25 Chinese patients aged 20-47 years with congenital lying ears who received HA injections in the auricular base at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital and Hangzhou Yijie Medical Cosmetology Clinic between November 2019 and December 2022.The average injection volume was 6.32±1.22 mL in the auricular base unilaterally,and the follow-up time ranged from 6 to 24 months.Morphological measurement data were recorded.Two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)images were obtained to evaluate the effects.Results All patients showed improvements in ear prominence.The cranioauricular angle(CAA)increased from 22.24°±4.53°to 65.90°±5.38°immediately post-injection and was maintained at 49.18°±4.74°6 months later.The ear projection(EP)increased from 14.75±2.72 mm to 26.26±2.94 mm immediately post-injection and was 22.51±2.68 mm after 6 months.No serious complications were noted.Conclusion HA injection in the auricular base effectively corrected the lying ears and aesthetically optimized the facial profile.It also had a face-lift effect that made the face look younger and more compact.The injection procedure was minimally invasive and required no recovery period.The effect was maintained for a long time and was satisfactory.

Development of hyaluronic acid-based edible film for alleviating dry mouth

For alleviating dry mouth symptoms,edible films based on hyaluronic acid(HA)with 3 different m(800,1200 and 2300 kDa)were prepared(800 F,1200 F and 2300 F,respectively),and the properties as well as effectiveness were compared.The concentration of each HA dispersion for film forming was set as 3.0%,1.5%or 1.0%,for the m800,1200 and 2300 kDa,respectively,based on the solubility.The 800 F showed the highest thickness,tensile strength,and water vapor transparency,whereas obtained the lowest transparency and elongation at break among samples.All of the HA films showed safety against microorganism during 28 storage day at 40℃with 60%humidity.The optimum site for film attachment in mouth was the palate,and800 F was the most effective for stimulating saliva secretion,eliciting a 38%increase compared to control(without film),tested by the elderly over 65 years old.By the sensory test,800 F was also the most acceptable.Based on above results,the edible films effectively stimulating saliva secretion could be produced with HA,and the physical,sensory characteristics as well as disintegration times of the film could be controlled by mand the dissolution concentration of HA.

Histological Assessment and Transcriptome Analysis Provide Insights into the Toxic Effects of Perfluorooctanoic Acid to Juvenile Half Smooth Tongue Sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

Perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA)is a widespread synthetic persistent organic pollutant that may enrich along the food chain and affect the growth,development,reproduction,and lipid metabolism of aquatic organisms,particularly the benthic organisms.How-ever,the toxic effects of PFOA on the half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis,a commercial benthic fish in China,have rarely been reported.Because juvenile fish are sensitive to environmental pollutants,in the present study,histological assessment and tran-scriptome sequencing were performed to determine the short-term impact of PFOA on juvenile half-smooth tongue soles.Histologi-cal analysis showed that PFOA exposure caused hepatocyte rupture,intestinal villi breakage,increased goblet cell count,and brain ab-normal.Transcriptome results showed that some interesting signaling pathways,such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis,PPAR signaling pathway and GABAergic synapse signaling pathway,were enriched after PFOA exposure.In addition,some metabolic,immune and neural genes were differentially expressed,which including ependymin,hbb1-like and gad 1,and they were up-regulated after 14 days of exposure.Transcriptome results also indicated that half-smooth tongue sole might improve energy metabolism in response to PFOA toxicity after 7 days of exposure.These findings provide a basis for studying the ecological effects of PFOA on marine benthic fishes.

Carbon Chain Length Determines Inhibitory Potency of Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonic Acids on Human Placental 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 1:Screening,Structure-Activity Relationship,and In Silico Analysis

Objective This study aimed to compare 9 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids(PFSA)with carbon chain lengths(C4–C12)to inhibit human placental 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1(3β-HSD1),aromatase,and rat 3β-HSD4 activities.Methods Human and rat placental 3β-HSDs activities were determined by converting pregnenolone to progesterone and progesterone secretion in JEG-3 cells was determined using HPLC/MS–MS,and human aromatase activity was determined by radioimmunoassay.Results PFSA inhibited human 3β-HSD1 structure-dependently in the order:perfluorooctanesulfonic acid(PFOS,half-maximum inhibitory concentration,IC50:9.03±4.83μmol/L)>perfluorodecanesulfonic acid(PFDS,42.52±8.99μmol/L)>perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid(PFHpS,112.6±29.39μmol/L)>perfluorobutanesulfonic acid(PFBS)=perfluoropentanesulfonic acid(PFPS)=perfluorohexanesulfonic acid(PFHxS)=perfluorododecanesulfonic acid(PFDoS)(ineffective at 100μmol/L).6:2FTS(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)and 8:2FTS(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanesulfonic acid)did not inhibit human 3β-HSD1.PFOS and PFHpS are mixed inhibitors,whereas PFDS is a competitive inhibitor.Moreover,1–10μmol/L PFOS and PFDS significantly reduced progesterone biosynthesis in JEG-3 cells.Docking analysis revealed that PFSA binds to the steroid-binding site of human 3β-HSD1 in a carbon chain length-dependent manner.All 100μmol/L PFSA solutions did not affect rat 3β-HSD4 and human placental aromatase activity.Conclusion Carbon chain length determines inhibitory potency of PFSA on human placental 3β-HSD1 in a V-shaped transition at PFOS(C8),with inhibitory potency of PFOS>PFDS>PFHpS>PFBS=PFPS=PFHxS=PFDoS=6:2FTS=8:2FTS.

Identification and expression analysis of chlorogenic acid biosynthesis key gene PpHCT in peach

Shikimic acid/quinic acid hydroxy cinnamyl transferase(HCT)is one of the key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway.However,the role of the HCT gene in chlorogenic acid(CGA)biosynthesis in peach fruit remains unclear.For this,we identified the accumulation pattern of CGA in four peach cultivars,cloned and characterized 11 PpHCT gene members,and further analyzed the expression patterns of these PpHCT genes during fruit development.The contents of CGAs in the four peach cultivars all exhibited a trend of increasing and then decreasing during the fruit growth and development.Moreover,the contents of CGAs in the peel and flesh were tissue-specific.Gene structure analysis indicated that the PpHCT genes were highly conserved,containing two exons and one intron.The protein structure analysis demonstrated that the PpHCT proteins contained two conserved motifs(HXXXD,DFGWG)and a transferase domain(PF02458),which belonged to the BAHD acyltransferase family.The cis-acting element analysis suggested that the promoters of PpHCT genes contained many light-related,hormone-related,stress-related,tissue-specific,and circadian-related elements,and they could participate in a variety of biological processes.Phylogenetic analysis showed that the HCT proteins of peach were closely related to the HCT proteins of plum and had a close evolutionary relationship.The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of PpHCT1 and PpHCT2 showed an opposite trend to the accumulation of CGA,whereas the expression levels of PpHCT4,PpHCT5,PpHCT7,PpHCT8,and PpHCT11 demonstrated the same trend as CGA accumulation.It was worth noting that only PpHCT4 and PpHCT5 were highly expressed in the two high-CGA cultivars but showed low levels of expression in the two low-CGA cultivars.Therefore,it was hypothesized that these two genes might be key genes to the synthesis of CGA in peach fruit.Those findings provide a theoretical basis for further study on the biological functions of the HCT gene and help to reveal the molecular mechanism of CGA.

Transcriptome-based analysis of key genes and pathways affecting the linoleic acid content in chickens

Linoleic acid is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by humans or animals themselves and can only be obtained externally.The amount of linoleic acid present has an impact on the quality and flavour of meat and indirectly affects consumer preference.However,the molecular mechanisms influencing the deposition of linoleic acid in organisms are not clear.As the molecular mechanisms of linoleic acid deposition are not well understood,to investigate the main effector genes affecting the linoleic acid content,this study aimed to screen for hub genes in slow-type yellow-feathered chickens by transcriptome sequencing(RNA-Seq)and weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA).We screened for candidate genes associated with the linoleic acid content in slow-type yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 399 Tiannong partridge chickens were slaughtered at 126 days of age,fatty acid levels were measured in pectoral muscle,and pectoral muscle tissue was collected for transcriptome sequencing.Transcriptome sequencing results were combined with phenotypes for WGCNA to screen for candidate genes.KEGG enrichment analysis was also performed on the genes that were significantly enriched in the modules with the highest correlation.A total of 13310 genes were identified after quality control of transcriptomic data from 399 pectoral muscle tissues.WGCNA was performed,and a total of 26 modules were obtained,eight of which were highly correlated with the linoleic acid content.Four key genes,namely,MDH2,ATP5B,RPL7A and PDGFRA,were screened according to the criteria|GS|>0.2 and|MM|>0.8.The functional enrichment results showed that the genes within the target modules were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways.In this study,a large-sample-size transcriptome analysis revealed that metabolic pathways play an important role in the regulation of the linoleic acid content in Tiannong partridge chickens,and MDH2,ATP5B,RPL7A and PDGFRA were screened as important candidate genes affecting the linoleic acid content.The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for selecting molecular markers and comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism affecting the linoleic acid content in muscle,providing an important reference for the breeding of slow-type yellowfeathered broiler chickens.

Design of Novel Wound Dressing Composed of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Containing Epidermal Growth Factor

This research aims to develop a wound dressing composed of collagen (Col) and hyaluronic acid (HA) containing epidermal growth factor (EGF). First important issue is to contain EGF in the wound dressing in a stable state. The sheet-shaped sponge was manufactured by freeze-vacuum drying an aqueous solution of Col. Both sides of sponge were treated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to introduce intermolecular cross links between collagen molecules. This sponge was named Sponge-Col. Another sheet-shaped sponge was manufactured by freeze-vacuum drying an aqueous solution of HA containing EGF. This sponge was named Sponge-HA/EGF. The wound dressing was manufactured by laminating Sponge-Col on the top, Sponge-HA/EGF in the middle, and Sponge-Col on the bottom to create a sandwich structure. This method can prevent the reducing of EGF activity due to UV irradiation for intermolecular cross-linking. Second important issue is to enable gradual release of EGF from the wound dressing. The elution behavior of this wound dressing was investigated by measuring the weight change after immersion in water for a predetermined time. This wound dressing showed initially fast elution and subsequent very slow elution properties. The upper layer and lower layer Sponge-Col enabled gradual release of the middle layer Sponge-HA/EGF. This result suggests that EGF contained in the wound dressing is gradually released together with HA from the wound dressing. Third important issue is to provide moist wound-healing environment. The upper layer and lower layer Sponge-Col can provide the wound dressing with high water absorption and long-term water retention properties.

Analysis of the Temporal-spatial Distribution and Seasonal Variation of the Acid Rain in Guangxi Province

The temporal-spatial distribution and seasonal variation of the precipitation acidity in Guangxi Province were statistically analyzed by means of the data from 2003 to 2008 in 10 Stations of Acid Rain Observation in the province and the data from 1996 to 2008 in two Monitoring Spots in Nanning and Baise,respectively.The results showed that annual average pH value of precipitation was <5.6 based on the analysis of the data from 10 Stations of Acid Rain Observation in the province,among which,the data from 5 stations indicated that annual average pH value of precipitation was <4.5.Thus,it can be thought that the serious acid rain had appeared in the province.There was an obvious seasonal variation in the extent of the acidity in precipitation and the acidity of precipitation in spring and winter was heavier than that in summer and autumn.

The Value of the Measurement of Urinary Hyaluronic Acid Levels for the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

Objective To investigate the value of the measurement of urinary hyaluronic acid (HA) levels for the diagnosis of bladder cancer and the possibility of replacing ELISA-like assay with radioimmunoassay to detect the levels of urinary HA. Methods Using the ELISA-like assay and radioimmunoassay at the same time to measure the HA levels in the urine specimens from 49 bladder cancer patients, 12 benign bladder tumor patients, 30 other genitourinary disease patients and 20 normal controls. Results There is not much difference between the consequences of the urinary HA levels whether we used the ELISA-like assay or radioimmunoassay to detect every specimen (P>0.05). When we used the results with radioimmunoassay for analysis, we found the levels of urinary HA of bladder cancer patients were 2–4 times than those of the benign bladder tumor patients, other genitourinary disease patients or normal individuals (P<0.01); With 137.5 ngHA/mg protein (113.6±23.9 ng/mg) as a minimum cutoff limit, this assay had a good sensitivity (91.8%) and specificity (91.9%) for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Its difference in sensitivity meant a lot when compared with urine cytology (48.9%,P<0.01). Conclusion The urinary HA assay is a simple, convenient, noninvasive credible and cheap method with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma; radioimmunoassay is also a good means to measure the urinary HA levels. Key words Bladder carcinoma - Hyaluronic acid - Urine

Study on the Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristic of Acid Rain in Guangxi Based on EOF Analysis

Based on acid rain data from ten monitoring sites in Guangxi from 2003 to 2009,the temporal and spatial distribution characteristic of acid rain in Guangxi were analyzed by means of empirical orthogonal function resolution(EOF).The results showed that there was fluctuating change of acid rain frequency in Guangxi,and acid rain pollution became severer in 2004-2008;acid rain frequency changed conformably in the whole region and it was obviously higher in eastern and northwestern Guangxi,while acid rain pollution became severe in western Guangxi;acid rain frequency varied out of phase between northeastern and southwestern Guangxi in an individual year.

Intraarticular injections(corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma) for the knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a complex"whole joint"disease pursued by inflammatory mediators,rather than purely a process of"wear and tear".Besides cartilage degradation,synovitis,subchondral bone remodeling,degeneration of ligaments and menisci,and hypertrophy of the joint capsule take parts in the pathogenesis.Pain is the hallmark symptom of OA,but the extent to which structural pathology in OA contributes to the pain experience is still not well known.For the knee OA,intraarticular(IA)injection(corticosteroids,viscosupplements,blood-derived products)is preferred as the last nonoperative modality,if the other conservative treatment modalities are ineffective.IA corticosteroid injections provide short term reduction in OA pain and can be considered as an adjunct to core treatment for the relief of moderate to severe pain in people with OA.IA hyaluronic acid(HA)injections might have efficacy and might provide pain reduction in mild OA of knee up to 24 wk.But for HA injections,the costeffectiveness is an important concern that patients must be informed about the efficacy of these preparations.Although more high-quality evidence is needed,recent studies indicate that IA platelet rich plasma injections are promising for relieving pain,improving knee function and quality of life,especially in younger patients,and in mild OA cases.The current literature and our experience indicate that IA injections are safe and have positive effects for patient satisfaction.But,there is no data that any of the IA injections will cause osteophytes to regress or cartilage and meniscus to regenerate in patients with substantial and irreversible bone and cartilage damage.

Influence of BOL on hyaluronic acid,laminin and hyperplasia in hepatofibrotic rats

AIM: To study the anti-hepatofibrosis mechanism of Bie Jia Jian oral liquid (BOL). METHODS: The model was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl(4). BOL was administered and the change of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) was observed and the degeneration of liver cells and the degree of fibre hyperplasia analyzed. Changes of ultra micro-structure in liver cells were observed in some samples. RESULTS: HA was reduced in both the groups with low and high dosage of BOL, which showed a remarkable difference as compared with that of the model group (low dosage group: 376.15 microg/L+/-35.48 microg/L vs 806.07 microg/L+/-98.49 microg/L P【0.05; high dosage group: 340.14 microg/L+/-30.18 microg/L vs 806.07 microg/L+/-98.49 microg/L P【0.05). The LN content of low and high dosage group of BOL was lower than that of model group (low dosage group: 71.99 microg/L+/-8.15 microg/L vs 133.94 microg/L+/-14.45 microg/L P 【0.01; high dosage group: 71.68 microg/L+/-11.62 microg/L vs 133.94 microg/L+/-14.45 microg/L P【0.01) and colchicine group (low dosage group: 71.99 microg/L+/-8.15 microg/L vs 118.28 microg/L+/-16.13 microg/L P 【 0.05; high dosage group: 71.68 microg/L+/-11.62 microg/L vs 118.28 microg/L+/-16.13 microg/L P 【0.05). Examined by Ridit, BOL could reduce the degeneration and necrosis of liver cells (chi(2)=11.99 P【0.05), the degree of fibre hyperplasia (chi(2)=13.24 P【0.05) and the pathological change of ultra micro-structure as well. CONCLUSION: The BOL has certain therapeutic effect on the experiment hepatofibrosis. Its mechanisms might include: protecting the function of liver cells, inhibiting excessive synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix from hepatic stellate cells, relieving the capillarization of hepatic sinusoid, improving liver micro-circulation, and regulating immune function.