Tiaoshen acupuncture for primary insomnia: a pilot randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Tiaoshen (regulating the spirit) acupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia (PI).@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with PI were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case was excluded). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The patients in the control group were treated with shallow needling at non-effective points. Each treatment was provided for 30 min, once every other day, 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit span test (DST), trail making test (TMT)-A, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) were used to assess cognitive function and sleep quality before and after treatment, as well as in follow-up of 4-week after treatment completion. Correlation analysis was conducted between the differences in PSQI scores and differences in MoCA scores before and after treatment in the observation group.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the total score, visuospatial and executive function score and delayed memory score of MoCA as well as DST backward score were increased (P<0.01), while TMT-A time, PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment and in follow-up in the observation group. Compared with before treatment, the PSQI score in the control group was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, the observation group had significantly higher total score, visuospatial and executive function score, delayed memory score of MoCA, and DST backward score compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the observation group, the TMT-A time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, there was a negative correlation between the difference in PSQI scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.481, P<0.01). A similar negative correlation was found between the difference in PSQI scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.282, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tiaoshen acupuncture could improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate daytime fatigue in patients with PI. The improvement in cognitive function in patients with PI is correlated with the improvement in sleep quality.

Correlation of Plasma MiR-146a, MiR-223 Levels with the Prognosis of Childhood with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the expression of plasma microRNA (miR)-146a and miR-223 in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), so as to analyze the relationship between the two factors and the prognosis of children with ALL.@*METHODS@#100 children with ALL treated in the hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were selected, according to the standard of Chinese Children's Leukemia Group (CCLG)-ALL-2008 program, the children were performed standardized treatment in our hospital according to different risk degree, the follow-up results were obtained, the follow-up time was ≥36 months, and the follow-up time was till to March 2021, the recurrence and mortality of the children were used as prognostic indicators; the baseline data of the children at admission were inquired and recorded, the plasma miR-146a and miR-223 levels were analyzed at admission, and their correlation with the prognosis of children with ALL was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#During the follow-up period, 4 cases of children died while 18 cases recurred, which means 22(22.00%) children showed the poor prognosis; the plasma miR-146a level of the children in poor prognosis group at admission was higher than those in good prognosis group, while the plasma miR-223 level was lower than those in good prognosis group, the differences showed statistically significantly (P0.80); the results of correlation test showed that there was a negative correlation of plasma miR-146a with miR-223 levels at admission (r=-0.239, P=0.016).@*CONCLUSION@#Plasma miR-146a is overexpressed and miR-223 is low-expressed in children with ALL, the abnormal expression of the two factors is related to the prognosis of children with ALL.

Gene Cloning and Bioinformatics Analysis of Limonene-3-hydroxylase from Schizonepeta tenuifolia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:This paper aims to clone the cDNA sequence of<italic> limonene</italic>-3-<italic>hydroxylase</italic>（<italic>StL</italic>3<italic>OH</italic>） in <italic>Schizonepeta tenuifolia</italic> and analyze its sequence by bioinformatics. Method:Specific primers were designed based on sequences of<italic> StL</italic>3<italic>OH </italic>gene screened from transcriptome sequencing data of <italic>S. tenuifolia</italic> and the cDNA sequence of <italic>StL</italic>3<italic>OH </italic>gene was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and analyzed for its bioinformatics. Result:The <italic>StL3OH</italic> gene cDNA sequence length was 1 598 bp，containing a 1 497 bp long complete open reading frame which encoded 498 amino acids. StL3OH protein had a theoretical relative molecular mass of 56.40 kDa，with a hydrophilic and unstable nature. Bioinformatics analysis showed that StL3OH protein had no signal peptide but had a transmembrane domain which might be located in endoplasmic reticulum. Multiple sequence alignment and cluster analysis showed that the amino acid sequence of MsL3OH protein had a high similarity with StL3OH protein，both of which contained cytochrome P450 heme binding region，belonging to the D subfamily of cytochrome CYP71 family. Codon bias analysis showed that <italic>StL</italic>3<italic>OH</italic> gene preferred guanine/cytosine（G/C） ending codon，with 27 skewed codons， and Nicotiana benthamiana was proven to be the most suitable host for exogenous expression of <italic>StL</italic>3<italic>OH</italic> gene. Conclusion:The cDNA sequence of<italic> StL3OH</italic> gene was cloned from <italic>S. tenuifolia</italic> for the first time，which will provide a basis for further study on the structure and function of StL3OH protein and the regulation mechanism of <italic>StL3OH </italic>gene in the accumulation and biosynthesis of monoterpenes in<italic> S. tenuifolia</italic>.

Expression profiling and functional verification of flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase gene from leaves of Euryale ferox / 中国中药杂志

Leaves of Euryale ferox are rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanin synthesis is one of the important branches of the flavonoid synthesis pathway, in which flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase(F3'H) can participate in the formation of important intermediate products of anthocyanin synthesis. According to the data of E. ferox transcriptome, F3'H cDNA sequence was cloned in the leaves of E. ferox and named as EfF3'H. The correlation between EfF3'H gene expression and synthesis of flavonoids was analyzed by a series of bioinforma-tics tools and qRT-PCR. Moreover, the biological function of EfF3'H was verified by the heterologous expression in yeast. Our results showed that EfF3'H comprised a 1 566 bp open reading frame which encoded a hydrophilic transmembrane protein composed of 521 amino acid residues. It was predicted to be located in the plasma membrane. Combined with predictive analysis of conserved domains, this protein belongs to the cytochrome P450(CYP450) superfamily. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression level of EfF3'H was significantly different among different cultivars and was highly correlated with the content of related flavonoids in the leaves. Eukaryotic expression studies showed that EfF3'H protein had the biological activity of converting kaempferol to quercetin. In this study, EfF3'H cDNA was cloned from the leaves of E. ferox for the first time, and the biological function of the protein was verified. It provi-ded a scientific basis for further utilizing the leaves of E. ferox and laid a foundation for the further analysis of the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids in medicinal plants.

Early repetitive pain in preterm infants in relation to brain development / 国际儿科学杂志

With the improvement of medical care the survival rate of preterm infants (gestational age ＜ 37 weeks) increased dramatically,however long-term neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems are still a concern.During their stay in neonatal intensive care unit preterm patients suffer lots of repeated painful procedures while it's a period of rapid brain development.Preterm infants have the nociceptive circuitry to feel the pain,but this system is functionally immature.Because the spinal neuromodulation system is immature that repeated pain stimulation leads to increased nociceptive signaling in the central nervous system.Besides,specific cell populations in the central nervous system of preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation.Therefore,it is important that pain-related stress in preterm infants is appropriately managed.

Effect of Pomalidomide on Activity of Myeloma Cell Line MM1.S and Expression of CRBN / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of different concentration of pomalidomide on human multiple myeloma cell line MM1.S and the expression of CRBN.@*METHODS@#CCK-8 method was used for detecting inhibition effect of promalidomide on proliferation of MM1.S cells. Apoptosis rate of MM1.S cells was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine CRBN gene expression level. Western blot was used to detect the effect of pomalidomide on the protein expression of CRBN in MM1.S cells.@*RESULTS@#Pomalidomide has an inhibitory effect on MM1.S cells with time-and dose-dependent manners. Pomalidomide induced apoptosis in MM1.S cells. When the concentration of pomalidomide was 0, 40 and 80 μmol/L, the expression of CRBN gene after the treatment of MM1.S cells for 72 hours was 1.487±0.340, 0.211±0.054 and 0.055±0.005, by using actin as internal refereme. Pomalidomide significantly reduced CRBN protein expression in MM1.S cells.@*CONCLUSION@#Pomalidomide can inhibit the proliferation of MM1.S cells and promote its apoptosis. A certain concentration of pomalidomide can reduce the expression of CRBN gene and down-regulate its protein expression in MM1.S cells.

Diagnosis and management of hypotension in premature infants at early postnatal stage / 国际儿科学杂志

Hypotension is a common complication in preterrn infants during the first 2 weeks after birth.For preterminfants,the transition from fetal circulation to normal cycle in the early stage after birth is complex.The cardiovascular system is immature.Due to the early delivery,a sudden increase in vascular resistance let the premature to suffer from hypotension and circulatory insufficiency in the postnatal days.In the premature neonate,there is no consensus regarding normal blood pressure,while management and prognosis vary considerably in different neonatal institutions.The current clinical management involves volume expansion,inotropes (includes dopamine,dobutamine,epinephrine,etc.),glucocorticoid and closing the arterial catheter.Whether these treatments can improve the outcomes of premature infants need to be confirmed.This review summarizes the definition and management starus of hypotension in premature infants at transition period.

Hypobaric Hypoxia Induces Autophagy of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the autophagy activity changes of umbilical cord mesenchymal cells (MSC) under hypobaric hypoxia and the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on cell viability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Umbilical cord mesenchymal cells were cultured in the chamber of hypobaric hypoxia with an air pressure of 41.1 kPa and an oxygen density of 1%. At 0, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours, the cells were harvested for Western blot and real-time PCR to observe the expression level of the autophagy marker protein LC3B. And the cell viability under hypobaric hypoxia was evaluated after treatment with autophagy inhibitors HCQ (8 μg/ml) and 3MA (5 mmol/L).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LC3B expression in MSC at protein and mRNA levels were up-regulated significantly after being cultured under hypobaric hypoxia condition for 8 hours. And compared with the control group, inhibition of autophagy reduced cell viability while increased Caspase-3 expression and the incidence of apoptosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hypobaric hypoxia activates autophagy in MSC, and the activation of autophagy might play a protective role for cell survival.</p>

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution on the temporomandibular joint after single maxillary extraction orthodontics in adult patients with Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Clinical evaluation gives much attention to occlusion and improvement of soft tissue profile,while little is reported concerning the stress distribution on the temporomandibular joint in the treatment of Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion adult patients undergoing single maxillary extraction orthodontics.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the stress distribution on the temporomandibular joint in the treatment of Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion with single maxillary extraction orthodontics.METHODS:The three-dimensional finite element models of normal and Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion before and after single maxillary extraction orthodontics according to CT and MRI data.The stress distribution on the temporomandibular joint was analyzed after mechanical loading and boundary constraint.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion,the stress distribution on the temporomandibular joint after single maxillary extraction orthodontics had no significant stress concentration area,and the equivalent stress of the condyle was lower than that before treatment,and the equivalent stress of the articular disc and the glenoid fossa of temporal bone were larger than those before treatment.However,the stress was well-distributed,basically fulfilling the stress characteristics of normal occlusion.To conclude,single maxillary extraction orthodontics reduces the risk of temporomandibular joint disorder in the patients with Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion,which is balanced and stable in line with the goal of orthodontic treatment.

Experimental and clinical study on negative pressure suction combined with nano-silver dressing for promoting healing of infected incision / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the advantage of homemade negative pressure device combined with nano-silver dressing for promoting the healing of infected incision in rats,and explore its clinical curative effect.Methods In-fected incision model rats were randomly divided into conventional treatment group,and simple pressure suction group,pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing group.The healing time and healing area of rats in each group after treatment were evaluated,immunohistochemical and fluorescent quantitative analysis of inflammatory factors in incisional wound tissue were performed.Three methods were applied to patients with surgical site infec-tion(SSI),granulation coverage time,granulation recovery time,and incision healing time of three groups of pa-tients were compared.Results Immunohistochemistry and its IOD value,the relative mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-2,and IL-8 in rat wound tissue treated with pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing were all inferior to conventional treatment group and simple negative pressure suction group,difference was statistically sig-nificant (P < 0.05);in clinical application,wound healing time,postoperative C-reactive protein level,and pain as-sessment scores in patients treated with pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing were all superior to con-ventional treatment group and simple negative pressure suction group,difference were all statistically significant (all P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional treatment method,pressure suction with silver ions dressing treatment can more effectively control SSI,reduce local inflammation of incision,and promote incision healing.

Experimental and clinical study on negative pressure suction combined with nano-silver dressing for promoting healing of infected incision / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the advantage of homemade negative pressure device combined with nano-silver dressing for promoting the healing of infected incision in rats,and explore its clinical curative effect.Methods In-fected incision model rats were randomly divided into conventional treatment group,and simple pressure suction group,pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing group.The healing time and healing area of rats in each group after treatment were evaluated,immunohistochemical and fluorescent quantitative analysis of inflammatory factors in incisional wound tissue were performed.Three methods were applied to patients with surgical site infec-tion(SSI),granulation coverage time,granulation recovery time,and incision healing time of three groups of pa-tients were compared.Results Immunohistochemistry and its IOD value,the relative mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-2,and IL-8 in rat wound tissue treated with pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing were all inferior to conventional treatment group and simple negative pressure suction group,difference was statistically sig-nificant (P < 0.05);in clinical application,wound healing time,postoperative C-reactive protein level,and pain as-sessment scores in patients treated with pressure suction combined with silver ion dressing were all superior to con-ventional treatment group and simple negative pressure suction group,difference were all statistically significant (all P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional treatment method,pressure suction with silver ions dressing treatment can more effectively control SSI,reduce local inflammation of incision,and promote incision healing.

Effect of Shuwel Decoction on Enteric Nervous System-Interstitial Cells of Cajal-Smooth Muscle Network Structure Injury in Deep Muscle Nerve Plexus of Functional Dyspepsia Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe morphological changes of enteric nervous system (ENS)-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)-smooth muscle cell (SMC) structure injury in deep muscle nerve plexus offunctional dyspepsia (FD) rats, and the repair of Shuwei Decoction (SD) on it, and to explore its effecton FD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 72 rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the lowdose SD group, the medium dose SD group, and the high dose SD group, the Mosapride group, 12 ineach group. Rats in the low dose SD group, the medium dose SD group, and the high dose SD group were intragastrically fed with SD at 0.767, 1.534, 3.068 g/mL, respectively. Rats in the Mosapride group were intragastrically fed with Mosapride (1.37 mg/kg). FD rat model with Gan depression Pi deficiency syndrome (GDPDS) was established using complex pathogenic factors. Corresponding liquors were respectively administered to rats in corresponding groups from the 3rd day after modeling. Distilled water(10 mL/kg) was administered to rats in the control group and the model group, once per day for 14 successive days. Rats were sacrificed and small intestine tissues collected for observing ENS-ICC-SMC structure injury using immunofluorescence double labeling, laser scanning confocal microscope, and transmission electron microscope at day 15. Repair of SD on it was also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ENS-ICC SMC structure was incomplete, with obvious injury in mutual link of ICC, ICC, SMC, and connecting structure. ENS-ICC-SMC structure was more complete in high, medium, and low dose SD groups, with close link of ICC and SMO. Their connecting structures were in good conditions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SD could keep the integrity of ENS-ICC-SMC structure by promoting regeneration and morphology of ICC, thereby, improving gastrointestinal movement disorder and showing therapeutic effect on FD.</p>

Hepatitis B Immunoprophylactic Failure and Characteristics of the Hepatitis B Virus Gene in Mother-Infant Pairs in Parts of China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the hepatitis B immunoprophylactic failure rate in infants born to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected mothers and to characterize HBV genes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HBV-serological testing was conducted for pregnant women and infants. The complete genomes of 30 HBV isolates were sequenced, and genetic characteristics were analyzed using MEGA 5 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The immunoprophylactic failure rate for infants who had completed the scheduled hepatitis B vaccination program was 5.76% (32/556). High sequence homology (99.8%-100%) was observed in 8 of the 10 mother-infant pairs. We identified 19 subgenotype C2 strains, 9 subgenotype B2 strains, and 2 subgenotype C1 strains. Three serotypes were detected: adr (19/30), adw (9/30), and ayw (2/30). The frequency of amino acid mutation of the 'a' determinant region was 16.67% (5/30), including that of Q129H, F134Y, S136Y, and G145E. We detected 67 amino acid mutations in the basal core promoter, precore, and core regions of the genome.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The immunoprophylactic failure rate in infants born to HBV-infected mothers is low in the regions of China examined during this study. Moreover, HBV mutation in the 'a' determinant region could not account for immunoprophylactic failure for all infants.</p>

Effects of Mieyou Decoction on TLR2 and TLR4 in H. pylori-associated Gastritis Mice of / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the mechanisms of Mieyou Decoction in the treatment of Hp-associated gastritis of spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome. Methods Seventy BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, high concentration of Mieyou Decoction group, low concentrations of Mieyou Decoction group, and gastric triad group, with 14 rats in each group. BALB/c mice of Hp-associated gastritis of spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome models were established by composite factor. After the success of modeling and continuous 14-day administration, the expressions of TLR2, TLR4 protein, TLR2 mRNA, and TLR4 mRNA were detected by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. ELISA was used to detect the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 in the serum. Results Compared with control group, the expressions of TLR2, TLR4 protein, mRNA, IL-6, and IL-8 in model group significantly increased (P0.05). Conclusion Mieyou Decoction may play a role in the treatment of Hp-associated gastritis of spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome through intervention in the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4.

Establishment of a rotary aerobic culture system for in vitro culture of mouse testis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an in vitro model of cultured mouse testis using rotary aerobic culture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rotary aerobic incubation with optimized culture conditions was used for in vitro culture of mouse testis, and the morphology of the cultured testicular tissues was compared with that cultured in Transwell chambers. The changes in the testicular tissue structure were examined using HE staining, and the cell proliferation was assessed with BrdU staining. Testosterone concentrations in the culture medium were tested with radioimmunoassay and the expression of the functionally related proteins in the testis was detected using immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The testicular tissue cultured by optimized rotary aerobic culture presented with more intact histological structure with the size of the testis ranged from 0.3 to 0.8 mm(3). In the two culture systems, the prolifeation index of the spermatogonia increased and that of Sertoli cells decreased with time, and such changes in spermatogonia and Sertoli cell proliferation indices became statistically significant at 3 days (P<0.05) and 5 days (P<0.05) of culture, respectively, as compared with those at 1 day. The concentration of testoerone in the culture media decreased significantly with incubation time (P<0.05). At 3 days of culture, the protein expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme was detected in Leydig cell cytoplasm and vimentin expression in Sertoli cell cytoplasm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>An in vitro model of cultured mouse testis has been successfully established using rotary aerobic incubation.</p>

Effects of Mieyou Soup on HSP70 and AQP4 in H.Pylori-Associated Gastritis Mice of Pi-Wei Hygropyrexia Syndrome / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the expressions of HSP70 and AQP4 in the H.Pylori-associated gastritis mice of Pi-Wei hygropyrexia syndrome;To investigate the mechanism of Mieyou Soup. Methods The mice were randomly divided into high concentration of Mieyou Soup group, low concentration of Mieyou Soup group, gastric triad group, model group and control group. BALB/c mice of H.Pylori-associated gastritis mice of Pi-Wei hygropyrexia syndrome model was established by composite factor. After modeling, the mice were administered for of continuous 14 days. The drug dosage of high concentration of Mieyou Soup group, low concentrations of Mieyou Soup group, and gastric triad group were 12.4, 6.2 g/kg, and 0.279 8 mg/kg, respectively. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of HSP70 protein, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of AQP4 protein. Results Compared with control group, the expression of HSP70 and AQP4 in model group significantly increased (P<0.05);compared with the model group, the HSP70 in high concentration of Mieyou Soup group, low concentrations of Mieyou Soup group, gastric triad group increased, the AQP4 in high concentration of Mieyou Soup group, low concentrations of Mieyou Soup group, gastric triad group decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.01). Conclusion Mieyou Soup may play a role in treatment of H.Pylori-associated gastritis mice of Pi-Wei hygropyrexia syndrome by raising the expression of HSP70, and reducing the expression of AQP4 protein expression.

Effects and mechanisms of Qifu decoction ameliorating renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling pathway in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats with yang deficiency / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of Qifu decoction( QFD) on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in model rats with yang-deficiency syndrome.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the Sham group (Group A), the Model group (Group B), the Qifu decoction group (Group C) and the Enalapril group (Group D). The RIF model was established by adenine administrated and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) of the left ureter. After the model was successfully established, the rats in Group C and D were administrated with QFD or the Enalapril suspension,while the rats in Group A and B were administrated with distilled water. All rats were administrated for 3 weeks. Before administration and at the end of week 1, 2 and 3, the rats were weighted, and 24 h urinary protein excretion (Upro), urinary β2-microglobulin (Uβ2-MG) and urinary N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were examined, respectively. All rats were killed after administration for 3 weeks. Blood and renal tissues were collected, renal morphology and tubulointerstitial morphology were evaluated, respectively. Serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and uric acid (UA) were detected, respectively. The protein expressions of E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), onnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in kidney were evaluated, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>QFD ameliorated serum cAMP level and the rate of cAMP/cGMP, attenuated urinary β2-MG level, NAG level and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, increased E-cadherin protein expression, and reduced α-SMA, TGF-β1, CTGF and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions in the kidney. However, QFD had no influence on renal function in vivo. In addition, these effects were better than those of the model rats treated by Enalapril.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QFD could alleviate yang-deficiency parameters, as well as urinary β2-MG level and NAG level in model rats induced by adenine administration and UUO. Moreover, QFD could improve EMT and RIF by up-regulating E-cadherin protein expression, and down-regulating α-SMA, TGF-β1, CTGF and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions, the key molecular in ERK1/2 signaling pathway.</p>

Regulative mechanisms of tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition and interventional effects of Chinese herbal medicine / 中国中药杂志

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a key role leading to the progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis (TIF). The tubular EMT is an highly regulated process involving four key steps including: loss of epithelial cell adhesion, de novo smooth muscle actin expression and actin reorganization, disruption of tubular basement membrane,and enhanced cell migration and invasion. These crucial processes are closely connected to the relative actions on many signaling pathways in EMT. Additionally, increasing evidences suggest that some Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts, such as Astragali Radix, Cordyceps, Salvia miltiorrhiza, as well as Chinese. herbal prescriptions including Astragalus Angelica mixture and Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation decoction, could intervene the related events controlling EMT both in vitro and in vivo. Chinese herbal medicines could ameliorate TIF by intervening the course of EMT.

Repeatability of three-dimensional measurements based on cone-beam CT images / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the repeatability of three-dimensional (3-D) cephalometric measurements for the clinical application of 3-D cephalometry.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-nine measurements that widely used in traditional cephalometric analyses were defined in 3-D cone-beam CT (CBCT) images. Three examiners identified landmarks on CBCT images of 17 subjects with normal occlusion, respectively, and 3-D measurements were exported automatically by software SimPlant. Inter-examiner reliability correlation coefficients (ICC) were obtained for all measurements.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Repeatability of 36 measurements was high (ICC value greater than 0.9), including SNA, SNB. Repeatability of 11 measurements was moderate (ICC value between 0.8 and 0.9), including CoL-GoL, CoL-MSP. Repeatability of 2 measurements was low (ICC value lower than 0.8), including Gn-MSP and MPR-MSP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most 3-D cephalometric measurements based on CBCT had high repeatability. However, some 3-D cephalometric measurements had limited repeatability.</p>

Analysis of relationship of HBV PreS1 antigen, anti-HBc IgM, DNA load and genotypes in hepatitis B patients / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship of HBV PreS1 antigen, anti-HBc IgM, DNA load and genotypes, and the significance for clinical diagnosis and prognostic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay was used to test the HBV serum markers of HB patients; HBV-DNA copies was detected by time fluorescence quantitative PCR; using nested PCR to amplify the S fragment of HBV genome, then sequence and make blast with HBV standard sequences to ascertain genotypes. Make comprehensive analysis of these indexes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>355 serum specimens of acute or chronic HB patients were collected. The positive rates of HBV PreS1-Ag and HBV-DNA in model I (positive for HBeAg) were 80.2% and 73.7% respectively, which both higher than other models. The abnormal rate of ALT and AST were higher in PreS1-Ag positive group than negative, as well as in anti-HBc IgM positive group. There are 4 samples is genotype B (2.9%), 76 genotype C (55.9%) and 56 genotype D (41.2%). Positive rate of HBeAg and HBV-DNA of genotype C samples were both higher than which of genotype B and D.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PreS1-Ag and Anti-HBe-IgM indexes are of great value to viral hepatitis B early diagnosis, HBV replication surveillance and prognostic evaluation; the major HBV genotypes in Henan province are C and D, and the positive rate of HBeAg and HBV-DNA were both higher in genotype C HBV infection population than genotype B and D.</p>