Patent-based technological developments and surfactants application of lithium-ion batteries fire-extinguishing agent

While newer,more efficient Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)and extinguishing agents have been developed to reduce the occurrence of thermal runaway accidents,there is still a scarcity of research focused on the application of surfactants in different LIBs extinguishing agents,particularly in terms of patented technologies.The aim of this review paper is to provide an overview of the technological progress of LIBs and LIBs extinguishing agents in terms of patents in Korea,Japan,Europe,the United States,China,etc.The initial part of this review paper is sort out LIBs technology development in different regions.In addition,to compare LIBs extinguishing agent progress and challenges of liquid,solid,combination of multiple,and microencapsulated.The subsequent section of this review focuses on an in-depth analysis dedicated to the efficiency and challenges faced by the surfactants corresponding design principles of LIBs extinguishing agents,such as nonionic and anionic surfactants.A total of 451,760 LIBs-related patent and 20 LIBs-fire-extinguishing agent-related patent were included in the analyses.The extinguishing effect,cooling performance,and anti-recombustion on different agents have been highlighted.After a comprehensive comparison of these agents,this review suggests that temperature-sensitive hydrogel extinguishing agent is ideal for the effective control of LIBs fire.The progress and challenges of surfactants have been extensively examined,focusing on key factors such as surface activity,thermal stability,foaming properties,environmental friendliness,and electrical conductivity.Moreover,it is crucial to emphasize that the selection of a suitable surfactant must align with the extinguishing strategy of the extinguishing agent for optimal firefighting effectiveness.

Phosphatidylserine:An overview on functionality,processing techniques,patents,and prospects

Phosphatidylserine(PS)is the part of cell structure in the body and has many beneficial functions especially in brain-related aging diseases.Although daily foods can provide PS to human body,the amount is very limited due to its poverty in most foods.To overcome the issue,numerous studies based on PS have been reported to develop PS-related supplements.In this review,PS was comprehensively and critically reviewed from the view of resources,functions,processing techniques,patents,and prospects.For resources,animal,plant,and microorganism origins were all covered with their differences in composition profiles.For functions,benefits regarding memory,cognitive enhancement,exercise performance,reducing Alzheimer’s disease,and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms were covered as well as the functional differences among animal-,plant-,and microorganism-based PS-related supplements.For processing techniques,traditional extracting methods from animal,plant,and microorganism tissues were comparatively discussed with enzymatic synthesis based on different reaction systems.Finally,patents of PS-related supplements were evaluated as well as their applications.This review could provide scientific and valuable support for PS industry.

Trends in in ovo sexing technologies:insights and interpretation from papers and patents

Numerous researchers and institutions have been developing in ovo sexing technologies to improve animal welfare by identifying male embryos in an early embryonic stage and disposing of them before pain perception.This review gives a complete overview of the technological approaches reported in papers and patents by performing a thorough search using Web of Science and Patstat/Espacenet databases for papers and patents,respectively.Based on a total of 49 papers and 115 patent families reported until May 2023 worldwide,11 technology categories were defined:6 non-optical and 5 optical techniques.Every category was described for its characteristics while assessing its potential for application.Next,the dynamics of the publications of in ovo sexing techniques in both paper and patent fields were described through growth curves,and the interest or actual status was visualized using the number of paper citations and the actual legal status of the patents.When comparing the reported technologies in papers to those in patents,scientific gaps were observed,as some of the patented technologies were not reported in the scientific literature,e.g.,ion mobility and mass spectrometry approaches.Generally,more diverse approaches in all categories were found in patents,although they do require more scientific evidence through papers or industrial adoption to prove their robustness.Moreover,although there is a recent trend for non-invasive techniques,invasive methods like analyzing DNA through PCR or hormones through immunosensing are still being reported(and might continue to be)in papers and patents.It was also observed that none of the technologies complies with all the industry requirements,although 5 companies already entered the market.On the one hand,more research and harmony between consumers,industry,and governments is necessary.On the other hand,close monitoring of the market performance of the currently available techniques will offer valuable insights into the potential and expectations of in ovo sexing techniques in the poultry industry.

Comparative efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia(IDA)is a prevalent nutritional disorder during pregnancy.Clinical studies indicate that incorporating Chinese patent medicines(CPMs)with oral iron(OI)in treating IDA in pregnancy can reduce adverse effects and improve clinical outcomes.Nonetheless,the comparative efficacy of different CPMs remains unclear.AIM To assess the safety and effectiveness of different CPMs for treating IDA during pregnancy using network meta-analysis.METHODS We conducted a search for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that combined CPM and OI for IDA treatment in pregnancy,spanning from 2013 to the present.Data analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 and Stata 14.0 on literature that satisfied the quality criteria.RESULTS The analysis included 45 RCTs,encompassing 4422 pregnant patients with IDA.Six CPMs were examined,including Shengxuebao Mixture,Shengxuening Tablets(SXN),Yiqi Weixue CPMs(YQWX),Jianpi Shengxue CPMs(JPSX),Yiqi Buxue Tablets,and Compound Hongyi Buxue Oral Liquid(FFHY).Findings indicated that FFHY+OI significantly improved the clinical effective rate.SXN+OI was most effective in boosting red blood cells counts and hemoglobin levels.YQWX+OI showed superior results in improving serum ferritin,and SXN+OI was most effective in increasing serum iron levels.JPSX+OI was optimal in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes,while YQBX+OI effectively minimized adverse events.A cluster analysis suggested that SXN+OI could be the potentially optimal therapeutic regimen for IDA in pregnancy.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the combination of OI with CPMs offers better outcomes than OI alone.Based on clinical efficacy and other measured outcomes,SXN+OI emerges as the most effective treatment modality for improving the health of pregnant patients with IDA.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus via selective apoptosis modulation by Chinese patent medicine Liuweiwuling Tablet

BACKGROUND Liuweiwuling Tablet(LWWL)is a Chinese patent medicine approved for the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.Previous studies have indicated an anti-HBV effect of LWWL,specifically in terms of antigen inhibition,but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism of action of LWWL against HBV.METHODS In vitro experiments utilized three HBV-replicating and three non-HBV-replicating cell lines.The in vivo experiment involved a hydrodynamic injectionmediated mouse model with HBV replication.Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of LWWL.RESULTS In HepG2.1403F cells,LWWL(0.8 mg/mL)exhibited inhibitory effects on HBV DNA,hepatitis B surface antigen and pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)at rates of 51.36%,24.74%and 50.74%,respectively.The inhibition rates of LWWL(0.8mg/mL)on pgRNA/covalently closed circular DNA in HepG2.1403F,HepG2.2.15 and HepG2.A64 cells were 47.78%,39.51%and 46.74%,respectively.Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that the anti-HBV effect of LWWL was primarily linked to pathways related to apoptosis(PI3K-AKT,CASP8-CASP3 and P53 pathways).Apoptosis flow analysis revealed that the apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group was significantly higher than in the control group(CG)among HBV-replicating cell lines,including HepG2.2.15(2.92%±1.01%vs 6.68%±2.04%,P<0.05),HepG2.A64(4.89%±1.28%vs 8.52%±0.50%,P<0.05)and HepG2.1403F(3.76%±1.40%vs 7.57%±1.35%,P<0.05)(CG vs LWWL-treated group).However,there were no significant differences in apoptosis rates between the non-HBV-replicating HepG2 cells(5.04%±0.74%vs 5.51%±1.57%,P>0.05),L02 cells(5.49%±0.80%vs 5.48%±1.01%,P>0.05)and LX2 cells(6.29%±1.54%vs 6.29%±0.88%,P>0.05).TUNEL staining revealed a significantly higher apoptosis rate in the LWWL-treated group than in the CG in the HBVreplicating mouse model,while no noticeable difference in apoptosis rates between the two groups was observed in the non-HBV-replicating mouse model.CONCLUSION Preliminary results suggest that LWWL exerts a potent inhibitory effect on wild-type and drug-resistant HBV,potentially involving selective regulation of apoptosis.These findings offer novel insights into the anti-HBV activities of LWWL and present a novel mechanism for the development of anti-HBV medications.

White Matter Lesions in Young-Middle Aged Migraineurs with Patent Foreman Ovale: A Case-Control Study

Background:White matter lesion(WML)is common in aging brain and is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.However,recent studies reported an association between patent foramen ovale(PFO)and WML in migraineurs,especially in young,middle-aged migraineurs.Our retrospective,case-control study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of WML in this population and to explore potential risk factors.Methods:226 patients with migraine and PFO were consecutively initially screened.Relevant factors were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and multivariable logistic regression model.A Nomogram was employed to visualize the prediction model conveniently.The discrimination and calibration abilities were evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve,the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and calibration curves.Results:One hundred and nineteen participants were ultimately enrolled in our study,with a median age of 36.9±12.7 years and 80.7%of females.Brain magnetic resonance imaging MRI showed 67(56.3%)patients had WML,whereas 52(43.7%)patients were categorized into the non-WML group.LASSO regression screened out potential variables and subsequent multivariate analysisfinally identified age,mean platelet volume,andfibri-nogen(FIB)as independent predictive factors of WML.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.807.Hos-mer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve verified a consistency between the predicted and actual probability.Conclusion:The predictive nomogram established and validated in our study may assist clinicians in screening WML among young middle-aged migraineurs with PFO and developing individualized preventive and treatment strategies.

Multiple paradoxical embolisms caused by central venous catheter thrombus passing through a patent foramen ovale: A case report

BACKGROUND To date,this is the first case of a paradoxical embolism(PDE)that concurrently manifested in the coronary and lower limb arteries and was secondary to a central venous catheter(CVC)thrombus via a patent foramen ovale(PFO).CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of simultaneous coronary and lower limb artery embolism in a PFO patient carrier of a CVC.The patient presented to the hospital with acute chest pain and lower limb fatigue.Doppler ultrasound showed a large thrombus in the right internal jugular vein,precisely at the tip of the CVC.Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the existence of a PFO,with inducible right-to-left shunting by the Valsalva maneuver.The patient was administered an extended course of anticoagulation therapy,and then the CVC was successfully removed.Percutaneous PFO closure was not undertaken.There was no recurrence during follow-up.CONCLUSION Thus,CVC-associated thrombosis is a potential source for multiple PDE in PFO patients.

Simultaneous type III congenital esophageal atresia and patent ductus arteriosus in a low-weight patient: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a low-birth-weight child(1.8 kg)with neonatal type III congenital esophageal atresia(CEA)combined with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus(PDA).After comprehensive evaluation,esophageal anastomosis was performed on postnatal day 11 after excluding surgical contraindications,and arterial catheter ligation was performed at the same time.Concurrent surgery for CEA combined with PDA has not been clearly reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 6-day-old female child with type III CEA and PDA.The patient presented with foam at the mouth after birth,cough and shortness of breath after feeding.At another hospital,she was considered to have neonatal pneumonia,neonatal jaundice and congenital heart disease and transferred to our hospital.After iodine oil radiography of the esophagus and echocardiography we con-firmed diagnosis of CEA and PDA.The diameter of the PDA was 8 mm,with obvious left to right shunting.We performed right rear extrapleural orificium fistula ligation and esophageal anastomosis,and ligation of PDA via left axilla straight incision after 5 d of hospitalization.The operations were successful,and the incision healed after 12 d,and the patient was discharged.We re-examined the patient 1 mo after surgery.She did not vomit when she ate rice flour.Esophageal angiography showed no stricture of the anastomotic stoma.The patient weighed 3.2 kg.CONCLUSION For CEA patients with multiple risk factors,comprehensive,timely and accurate diagnosis and evaluation,and early treatment may improve prognosis.

Exploring the Relationship Between Patent Forward Citation and Stock Return Rate Using Empirical Data of China Stock Market

A novel indicator called price-citation was proposed.Based on the company integrated patent database of China listed companies of common stocks(A-shares)with the stock price and the stock return rate data,more than two thousand of A-shares from 2017 to 2020 were selected.The effect of the traditional patent forward citation and the price-citation for discriminating the stock return rate was thoroughly analyzed via ANOVA.The A-shares of forward citation counts above the average showed higher stock return rate means than the A-shares having patents but receiving no forward citations.The price-citation,combining both the financial and patent attributes,defined as the multiplication of the current stock price and the currently receiving forward citation count,showed its excellence in discriminating the stock return rate.The A-shares of higher price-citation showed significantly higher stock return rate means while the A-shares of lower price-citation showed significantly lowest stock return rate means.The price-citation effect had not been changed by COVID-19 though COVID-19 affected the social and economic environment to a considerable extent in 2020.

The Advancements of Medical Textiles:A Patent Perspective

The healthcare sector is advancing in many aspects,including smart devices,surgical robots,AR/VR consultation,etc.Medical textiles are one such aspect where we have observed tremendous growth in innovation.Before the pandemic,the CAGR of patent filing in medical textiles was~12.5%.Postpandemic,it increased to 42.6%.From the patent publishing data,we saw that the US,Japan,India,and Germany are the top four countries in which innovations in medical textiles are on the rise.The extent of the growth is due to the constant improvements and innovations in both textile technology and medical materials.

Analysis of Patent Application Status of Scutellaria Barbata Industrial Chain Based on Patent Data

Objective To analyze patent application status of Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain and provide some suggestions for its patent application and product development.Methods Patent data were collected through IncoPat patent analysis system.Meanwhile,the patent analysis method combined with text mining method was adopted to analyze the situation and development trend of patent application in China’s Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain by using pie chart,bubble chart,trend chart and other visual charts to display the results.Results and Conclusion The patent application of Scutellaria Barbata in China mainly experienced three stages:Slow development,rapid development,and recession period.The number of patents is large,but the authorization rate is low.Individuals and enterprises are the main applicants for patent applications.Product development is involved in the whole industrial chain,but it basically focuses on its efficacy in downstream drugs,health food and other aspects.Therefore,government should enhance the awareness of patent protection,encourage collaborative innovation in industry-university-research to promote the combination of basic research and market application.Besides,it should provide theoretical support to tackle the problem of short board products,which can promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and contribute to the upgrading of Scutellaria Barbata industrial chain.

Analysis of Technical Intelligence of Tumor Cell Therapy Based on Patent Map

Objective To analyze the technical information in the field of tumor cell therapy in China,and to provide reference for identifying technical trends and predicting technical opportunities.Methods Based on the patent data in the field of tumor cell therapy in China,the patent map method was used to construct a scientific technical information analysis model.Then,the technical status of new drug research and development in this field was explored to identify technical opportunities.Results and Conclusion Studies have found that China’s tumor immunotherapy is in the growth stage.The technical innovation regions are mainly distributed in the east and innovative entities are enterprises.Technology hotspots are concentrated in areas such as A61P35,C12N5,and the patented technical efficacy is high.Besides,the technical research and development opportunities identified are closely related to the background in this field.To better promote the development of the industry,enterprises and research institutions should strengthen cooperation in technological innovation Meanwhile,they should pay attention to technical efficacy analysis to identify more technical opportunities,thereby effectively guiding innovation strategic decisions.

Electroacupuncture at Fengchi(GB20) inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in the trigeminovascular system of a rat model of migraine

Most migraine patients suffer from cutaneous allodynia; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP） plays an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine, and it is therefore, a potential therapeutic target for treating the pain. In the present study, a rat model of conscious migraine, induced by repeated electrical stimulation of the superior sagittal sinus, was established and treated with electroacupuncture at Fengchi（GB20）（depth of 2–3 mm, frequency of 2/15 Hz, intensity of 0.5–1.0 m A, 15 minutes/day, for 7 consecutive days）. Electroacupuncture at GB20 significantly alleviated the decrease in hind paw and facial withdrawal thresholds and significantly lessened the increase in the levels of CGRP in the trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus caudalis and ventroposterior medial thalamic nucleus in rats with migraine. No CGRP-positive cells were detected in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis or ventroposterior medial thalamic nucleus by immunofluorescence. Our findings suggest that electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates migraine pain and associated cutaneous allodynia by modulating the trigeminovascular system ascending pathway, at least in part by inhibiting CGRP expression in the trigeminal ganglion.

Preliminary study on androgen dependence of calcitonin gene-related peptide in rat penis

Aim: To study the androgen dependence of the neurotransmitter, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rat penis. Methods: Forty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Group A (intact controls), Group B (castrated) and Group C (gavaged with finasteride 4.5 mg·kg^(-1).day^(-1)). Four and ten weeks later respectively, half of rats in each group were anaesthetized. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by means of radioimmunoassay. Penile samples were harvested for the investigation of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers with immunohistochemistry. The computer-assisted imaging analysis system was applied to calculate the area proportion of the CGRP-positive nerve fibers (CGRP-PNF) in each group. Results: 1) Both 4 and 10 weeks later, testosterone and DHT levels in Group B decreased significantly compared with those in Group A, (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively); DHT level in Group C was also significantly decreased in comparison with that in Group A for both 4- and 10- week animals (P < 0.05); 2) There was no significant differences in area proportion of CGRP-PNF among Groups A, B and C 4 weeks after treatments (P > 0.05); However, 10 weeks later, the proportion of CGRP-PNF in Groups B and C was significantly less than that in Group A (P < 0.01);3) The proportion of CGRP-PNF of 4-week animals in Groups B and C was significantly higher than that of 10-week animals (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The expression of neurotransmitter, CGRP may depend on androgens, including testosterone and DHT in rat penis.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and traumatic brain injury

Dear editor,It is with great interest that we read the article“Relationship of calcitonin gene-related peptide with disease progression and prognosis of patients with severe traumatic brain injury”(Chen et al.,2018).In this study,the authors evaluated 121 patients who were divided into mild/moderate traumatic brain injury(TBI)(n=61),severe TBI(n=35)and control(n=25)groups,and measured serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and serum endothelin-1(ET-1).They found that low levels of CGRP and high levels of ET-1 were associated with high mortality at 6 months.Identification of morphological abnormalities on CT scans is very important for evaluating patients with TBI because different diagnoses are made based on different imaging findings(Maas et al.,2005).

Effect of warm acupuncture on nitric oxide synthase and calcitonin gene-related peptide in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression

BACKGROUND： Varying degrees of inflammatory responses occur during lumbar nerve root compression. Studies have shown that nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） are involved in secondary disc inflammation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of warm acupuncture on the ultrastructure of inflammatory mediators in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, including NOS and CGRP contents. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled study, with molecular biological analysis, was performed at the Experimental Center, Sixth People＇s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, between September 2006 and April 2007. MATERIALS： Acupuncture needles and refined Moxa grains were purchased from Shanghai Taicheng Technology Development Co., Ltd., China; Mobic tablets were purchased from Shanghai Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., China; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kits for NOS and CGRP were purchased from ADL Biotechnology, Inc., USA. METHODS： A total of 50, healthy, adult Sprague-Dawley rats, were randomly divided into five groups normal, model, warm acupuncture, acupuncture, and drug, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the four groups, excluding the normal group, were used to establish models of lumbar nerve root compression. After 3 days, Jiaji points were set using reinforcing-reducing manipulation in the warm acupuncture group. Moxa grains were burned on each needle, with 2 grains each daily. The acupuncture group was the same as the warm acupuncture group, with the exception of non-moxibustion. Mobic suspension （3.75 mg/kg） was used in the oral drug group, once a day. Treatment of each group lasted for 14 consecutive days. Modeling and medication were not performed in the normal group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The ultrastructure of damaged nerve roots was observed with transmission electron microscopy; NOS and CGRP contents were measured using ELISA. RESULTS： The changes of the radicular ultramicrostructure were characterized by Wallerian degeneration; nerve fibers were clearly demyelinated; axons collapsed or degenerated; outer Schwann cell cytoplasm was swollen and its nucleus was compacted. Compared with the normal group, NOS and CGRP contents in the nerve root compression zone in the model group were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）. Nerve root edema was improved in the drug, acupuncture and the warm acupuncture groups over the model group. NOS and CGRP expressions were also decreased with the warm acupuncture group having the lowest concentration （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： In comparison to the known effects of Mobic drug and acupuncture treatments, the warm acupuncture significantly decreased NOS and CGRP expression which helped improve the ultrastructure of the compressed nerve root.

The anti-inflammatory regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide in mouse Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

AIM:To analyze the impact of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)in mouse keratitis after Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus)infection.METHODS:C57 BL/6 mice were treated subconjunctivally with different concentrations of exogenous CGRP,and BALB/c mice were treated with CGRP8-37(a CGRP antagonist)before corneas were infected with A.fumigatus.The cornea was assessed under the slit-lamp and the clinical score was recorded.The mRNA levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,and MIP-2 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR),while the protein level of IL-1βwas determined by Western blotting.In vitro,RAW264.7 cells were used to investigate NLRP3 and IL-1βexpression induced by A.fumigatus after the pretreatment of exogenous CGRP or CGRP8-37.Cytokines expression in RAW264.7 cells was evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS:Using exogenous CGRP resulted in downregulated synthesis of IL-1βand MIP-2 stimulated by A.fumigatus in C57 BL/6 mice keratitis,and the synthesis of IL-1β,MIP-2 and IL-6 was up-regulated in BALB/c mice corneas after the pretreatment with CGRP8-37.Pretreatment with exogenous CGRP and CGRP8-37 did not influence TNF-αmRNA levels either in BALB/c or C57 BL/6 mice keratitis.The levels of NLRP3 and IL-1βwere both reduced in A.fumigatus stimulated-macrophages after treatment with exogenous CGRP.And CGRP8-37 pretreatment would increase NLRP3 and IL-1βlevels.CONCLUSION:CGRP may alleviate the inflammatory reaction in mice keratitis after infection with A.fumigatus.The anti-inflammatory effect may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 expression by CGRP.

Expression and role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in mouse Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

AIM: To investigate the expression and role of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) in the mouse models induced by Aspergillus fumigatus(A. fumigatus). METHODS: C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into a control group and A. fumigatus keratitis group. The cornea photography was assessed under the slit lamp and the clinical score was recorded after infection. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and immunohistofluorescence analysis were applied to detect CGRP expression in cornea of both groups. In vitro, tests were conducted with C57 BL/6 mice macrophages to investigate CGRP expression after interaction with A. fumigatus. Cytokines expression induced by exogenous CGRP and the antagonist CGRP8-37 in A. fumigatus-exposed macrophages was evaluated by real-time PCR and ELISA.RESULTS: The cornea expression of CGRP was significantly elevated in C57 BL/6 mice corneas and macrophages after A. fumigatus infection. After treatment with exogenous CGRP, the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and IL-6 were reduced, and IL-10 level was increased in the A. fumigatus stimulatedmacrophages. However, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were upregulated after pretreatment of CGRP8-37. But the m RNA levels of MIP-2, TGF-β and IL-10 were not changed. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that A. fumigatus increased CGRP expression. CGRP may play a protective role against inflammation in A. fumigatus keratitis.

Relationship among plasma endothelin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and blood flow rate of bilateral vertebral arteries in patients with cervical vertigo

Objective： To investigate the relationship among plasma endothelin（ET）, calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP） and blood flow rate of bilateral vertebral arteries in patients with cervical vertigo（CV） and to assess the effect of ET and CGRP on the onset of CV. Methods：The concentration of ET and CGRP in 64 patients with CV and 30 controls was determined by radioimmunity method. The average blood flow velocity （Vm） of bilateral vertebral arteries was detected by Transcranial Doppler（TCD）. Results：Plasma concen- tration ofET（91.48 ± 9.08 pg/ml） and ET/CGRP ratio value（2.88 ± 0.52） in vertebrobasilar arteriospasm group were both higher than those in vertebrobasilar non-arteriospasm group and in controls, while CGRP concentration（30.66 ± 6.05 pg/ml） in vertebrobasilar arteriospasm group was lower than that in vertebrobasilar non-arteriospasm group and controls respectively. The Vm of bilateral verte- bral arteries in vertebrobasilar arteriospasm group（67.97 ± 11.64 cm/s ） was higher than that in vertebrobasilar non-arteriospasm group and controls respectively, having a positive correlation with ET concentration and ET/CGRP ratio value（r1=0.52, P 〈 0.05; r2=0.59, P 〈 0.05）, but a negative correlation with CGRP concentration（r3=-0.54, P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in ET and CGRP concentration, ET/CGRP ratio value and the Vm of bilateral vertebral arteries between vertebrobasilar non-arteriospasm group and the control group. Conclusion： All the results indicate that ET and CGRP are possibly the most important substance factors at the onset of CV with vertebrobasilar arteriospasm, and their imbalance of regulating vertebrobasilar arterial contraction and relaxation may play an important role in the onset of CV with vertebrobasilar arteriospasm.

Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in dorsal root ganglia in sciatic nerve injury rats

The neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, have been shown to be involved in pain transmission and repair of sciatic nerve injury. A model of sciatic nerve defect was prepared by dissecting the sciatic nerve at the middle, left femur in female Sprague Dawley rats. The two ends of the nerve were encased in a silica gel tube. L5 dorsal root ganglia were harvested 7, 14 and 28 days post sciatic nerve injury for immunohistochemical staining. Results showed that substance P and cal- citonin gene-related peptide expression increased significantly in dorsal root ganglion of rats with sci- atic nerve injury. This increase peaked at 7 days, declined at 14 days, and reduced to normal levels by 28 days post injury. The findings indicate that the neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene- related peptide, mainly increased in the early stages after sciatic nerve injury.