Research progress on stable gene transfection methods of Plasmodium falciparum / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Transfection of Plasmodium falciparum is helpful to study the function of its genes, such as drug resistance. However, transgenic manipulation has been very challenging, mainly due to the high A/T base sequence structure (A+T content of about 82%) and low transfection efficiency of the Plasmodium genome. Electroporation-based transfection of Plasmodium falciparum has been successfully applied in the study of certain genes, and electroporation by preloading is currently the preferred method for introducing foreign DNA into Plasmodium falciparum. The site-directed editing of Plasmodium genes mostly adopts the method of two-plasmid transfection. It is generally believed that successful transfection of Plasmodium requires a large amount of high-purity plasmid DNA and an accurate transfection system. In addition to the evaluation of the current commonly used electrotransfection methods, this paper also introduces a new transfection method, namely lyse-reseal erythrocytes for transfection (LyRET). This paper also review the role of factors such as plasmid DNA concentration, the use of transfection reagents, the setting of transfection parameters, the addition of fresh red blood cells, and the markers of successful transfection in improving the success rate and efficiency of Plasmodium transfection, in the hope of providing a reference for study in this field.

Treatment of abduction and insertion femoral neck fracture with closed reduction technique / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore feasibility of closed reduction technique under monitoring of C-arm and three screws in the fixation of abduction and insertion femoral neck fracture.@*METHODS@#Seventeen patients with abduction and insertion femoral neck fracture operated from January 2014 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 10 males and 7 females, aged from 21 to 59(42.09±7.30) years old. According to preoperative X-ray and CT data, angle of retroversion and abduction displacement of femoral head were determined. Two 2 mm diameter Kirschner wires crossed and gently knocked into the bone of the acetabular roof from outside and front of femoral head. The proximal fracture segment was fixed on the acetabulum. Under the monitoring of C-arm, lower limb (distal fracture segment) was gradually rotated inward and retracted against direction of fracture displacement, three cannulated screws were used for internal fixation after anatomical reduction of the distal fracture end and the proximal fracture end. Garden index was evaluated, postoperative complications were observed, and Harris functional score was performed.@*RESULTS@#All 17 cases of femoral neck fracture with abduction and insertion were successfully completed closed reduction and internal fixation. The operation time was 36 to 68(43.87±7.63) min and intraoperative bleeding was 15 to 50(28.36±5.93) ml. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by garden index during operation. There were 12 cases of anatomical reduction, 5 cases of acceptable reduction, and no cases of unsuccessful reduction were changed to open reduction. 17 cases were followed up for 3 to 41(27.5±8.4) months. There were no complications such as femoral head necrosis, fracture nonunion, hip impingement and femoral neck shortening. MR examination showed no femoral head necrosis and articular cartilage injury. Two years after operation, Harris score of hip joint was excellent in 13 cases and good in 4 cases.@*CONCLUSION@#Closed reduction and three screws internal fixation can obtain good anatomical reduction rate and therapeutic effect in the treatment of abduction and insertion femoral neck fracture.

Da Vinci robot-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of Da Vinci robot-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: In this study, descriptive case series method was used to retrospectively analyze the data of 3 patients with gastric cancer who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving partial gastrectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from December 2020 to February 2021. The linear layout was adopted for the setting of trocar, and the co-axial direction was the line connecting the umbilicus and splenic hilum. The inferior pyloric arteries and veins need to be preserved. The center was the bifurcation of the right gastroepiploic vessel and the inferior pyloric vessel. Dissection and exposure were performed from the upper, lower, right and left sides, and ventral and dorsal sides to complete the dissection of the inferior pyloric lymph nodes. The superior border of the pancreas was treated by the right diaphragmatic crus approach, the left retroperitoneal approach and the esophageal approach to determine the distribution of the posterior vagal trunk and its branches, and to determine the anatomical relationship with the left gastric artery. The left gastric artery was cut off while the celiac branch of vagus nerve and cardia branch of left gastric artery were preserved. Lymph node dissection was performed on the lateral side of nerve fibers around the blood vessels. Result: All the 3 patients successfully completed the robotic surgery without conversion to laparoscopy or laparotomy. The operation time was (340.0±26.4) (300-390) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (13.3±3.3) (10-20) ml, the number of dissected lymph nodes was 26.7±3.9 (19-32), the length of pylorus canal preserved was (3.3±0.3) (3-4) cm, the distal margin was (2.3±0.3) (2-3) cm, and the proximal margin was (3.0±0.6) (2-4) cm. No postoperative complications occurred in all the 3 patients. The first flatus time was 2-3 days after operation, and the postoperative hospital stay was 6-7 days. The operation cost of the 3 patients was (40±7) (33-53) thousand yuan. Conclusion: Da Vinci robot-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving partial gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Protective effect of total triterpenoids from Chaenomeles speciosa against Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in mice / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the protective effect of total triterpenoids from Chaenomeles speciosa against Helicobacter pylori(Hp)-induced gastritis in mice and explored its possible mechanism. The chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) model mice were randomly divided into four groups of model, total triterpenoids from C. speciosa(50 and 100 mg·kg~(-1)) and triple therapy, with C57 BL/6 J mice without Hp infection taken as the normal group. Mice in the treatment groups were given corresponding drugs once a day for 4 weeks. Then the following indexes were detected: the contents of reactive oxygen species(ROS), monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1), keratinocyte chemokines(KC), TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-4 and IL-10 in blood and gastric tissue, the activities and contents of LDH, MPO, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and MDA in gastric tissue and the activities of β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsins B and D in blood, gastric tissue and lysosome. Besides, the mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax and Bad in gastric tissue were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, NOD-like receptor 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP), pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax, Bad, cytochrome C, apoptotic protease-activating factor-1(Apaf-1), pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1(PARP-1), cleaved-PARP-1 and cytosol and nucleus NF-κB p65 in gastric tissue. The results indicated that the total triterpenoids from C. speciosa significantly suppressed Hp proliferation, alleviated the damage to gastric mucosa and improved lymphocyte infiltration and gland atrophy. They were also effective in reducing the activities of β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsins B and D in blood and gastric tissue, elevating the activities of β-glucuronidase and cathepsin D in lysosomal organelles, decreasing the contents of ROS, MCP-1, KC, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 in blood, MDA content and MPO and LDH activities in gastric tissue and increasing the contents of IL-4 and IL-10 in blood and activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in gastric tissue. Other phenomena were also observed after the treatment with total triterpenoids from C. speciosa, including the down-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, Bax and Bad, the protein expression levels of p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, TXNIP, pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, cytochrome C, Apaf-1, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP-1 and nuclear NF-κB p65, reduction of p-IKKβ/IKKβ and p-IκBα/IκBα ratios and up-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, up-regulation of pro-caspase-9, pro-caspace-3, cytosol NF-κB p65 protein expression levels and Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xl/Bad ratios in gastric tissue. These aforementioned results suggest that the total triterpenoids from C. speciosa have significant protective effects against CAG induced by Hp, and its mechanism may be related to enhancing the function of endogenous antioxidant system, suppressing the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction induced by Hp, correcting lysosomal dysfunction and inflammatory activation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and thus inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Utility and Safety of Tolvaptan in Cirrhotic Patients with Hyponatremia: a Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract: Introduction and aim. Hyponatremia is common in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and is associated with increased mortality. Tolvaptan, a vasopressor V2 receptor antagonist, can increase free wáter excretion, but its efficacy and safety in cirrhotic patients remain unclear. Material and methods. We studied the usage and safety of tolvaptan in cirrhotic patients in a real-life, non-randomized, multicenter prospective cohort study. Forty-nine cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia were treated with tolvaptan 15 mg daily, and 48 patients not treated with tolvaptan in the same period served as controls. Improvement in serum sodium level was defined as an increase in serum sodium from < 125 to ≥ 125 mmol/L or from 125-134 to ≥ 135 mmol/L on day 7. Results. Twenty-three (47%) patients in the tolvaptan group and 17 (35%) in the control group had normal serum sodium on day 7 (p = 0.25). Serum sodium improved in 30 (61%) patients in the tolvaptan group and 17 (35%) patients in the control group (p = 0.011). Adverse events occurred in 46-47% of patients in both groups, and tolvaptan was not associated with worsened liver function. No patient with normal serum sodium on day 7 died within 30 days of treatment, whereas 16% of those with persistent hyponatremia died (p = 0.0019). Conclusion. In conclusion, short-term tolvaptan treatment is safe and can improve serum sodium level in cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia. Normalization of serum sodium level is associated with better survival.

A network meta-analysis of treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma based on radiotherapy plus temozolomide

Background & Objective: Radiotherapy and temozolomide are the standard therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, it is unclear whether adding another agent to the commonly used radiotherapy-temozolomide (RT + TMZ) benefits newly diagnosed GBM patients. The present network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of combining other agents with RT + TMZ for GBM treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE.com, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 23, 2014, to include all randomized controlled trials of RT + TMZ-based therapy in GBM patients. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to compare the therapeutic regimens. Results: Seventeen studies involving 4,148 patients were identified. The results of pairwise meta-analysis indicated no significant differences among most comparison groups, except for bevacizumab + RT + TMZ versus RT + TMZ for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.86; P = 0.000) and RT + TMZ versus RT alone for overall survival (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.88; P = 0.001). The results of network meta-analysis also showed no significant differences in most comparisons; however, adverse events were more common among patients receiving additional therapeutic agents other than RT + TMZ. The ranking probability analysis indicated that bevacizumab + RT + TMZ and nimustine + cisplatin + RT + TMZ were associated with the best progression-free and overall survival, but they also caused the most adverse events in GBM patients. RT + bevacizumab + irinotecan had the highest probability of being the best regimen for minimizing adverse events. Conclusions: The addition of other targeted agents, particularly bevacizumab and nimustine, to RT + TMZ could be slightly effective for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM patients; however, adverse events remained common.

Study of the correlation between NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in Tibetan people in Qinghai / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis ( TB) in Tibetan people in Qinghai. Methods A case-control study was con-ducted in this study, involving 99 Tibetan patients with TB and 89 healthy Tibetans. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of NRAMP1 gene at rs17235409 and rs3731865 sites were detected by using TaqMan probe method. Gene cloning and sequencing typing were performed to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphisms of NRAMP1 gene at the rs17235416 site. SPASS20. 0 software was used to statistically analyze the correla-tion between NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to TB in Tibetan people. Results No signifi-cant difference in the genotype frequencies of rs3731865 and rs17235409 was found between the two groups (χ2=0. 852, P=0. 356;χ2=0. 279, P=0. 597). The genotype frequencies of TGTG/TGTG and TGTG/del+del/del at the rs17235416 site were 70. 7% ( 70/99 ) and 29. 3% ( 29/99 ) in patients with TB and 86. 5% (77/89) and 13. 5% (12/89) in healthy subjects. There were significant differences in the geno-type frequencies of TGTG/TGTG and TGTG/del+del/del between the two groups (χ2=6. 870, P=0. 009). The genotypes of TGTG/del and del/del at rs17235416 were risk factors for TB ( OR=0. 376; 95%CI:0. 178-1. 794 as compared with the TGTG/TGTG genotype in Tibetan people in Qinghai. Conclusion This study suggested that the NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms at rs3731865 and rs1723409 sites had no correlation with the susceptibility to TB in Tibetans in Qinghai. However, the NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms at rs17235416 site were correlated with the susceptibility to TB. The TGTG/del alleles at the rs17235416 site might be the risk factors for tuberculosis in Tibetans in Qinghai.

Effective Ingredients of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction Regulated Androgen Biosyntheses by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Porcine Granulose Cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the molecular mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YZD) n-butanol extracts (ZDC) and ethyl acetate extracts (YSYZ) in reducing androgen in porcine granulose cells by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Porcine granulose cells were isolated and cultured. They were inoculated by MAPK inhibitor PD98059 at different concentrations, and then they were divided into the blank control group (0), 1, 3, 10, and 25 micromol/L groups. After 24-h culture the cytochrome P450c17a (CYP17) mRNA expression level was detected using Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Contents of androgen (testosterone) in the supernate were detected using RIA and optimal PD98059 concentration screened. After intervened by 10 micromol/L PD98059 for 24 h, the culture solution was intervened by effective ingredients of with or without YZD or YSYZ at various concentrations (0, 1 , 5, 25, 50 mg/mL) at various time points (3, 6, 18, 24 h). Expression levels of p-ERK1/2, c-Fos and CYP17 were detected by Western blot. Testosterone content in the supernate was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten pLmol/L PD98059 could obviously decrease p-ERK1/2 protein expression and increase CYP17 mRMA expression, and elevate testosterone content in the supernate (P < 0.05). ZDC and YSYZ at 25 ng/mL could increase p-ERK1/2 protein expression and c-Fos levels, and reduce CYP17 protein expression, and lower testosterone content in the supernate after 6-h intervention (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Effective ingredients of YZD could reduce androgen production in porcine granulose cells through increasing activities of MAPK.</p>

Diversity and distribution of host animal species of hantavirus and risk to human health in Jiuhua mountain area, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the diversity and the distribution of host animal species of hantavirus and the effect on human health in Jiuhua Mountain area, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The host animal species of hantavirus was surveyed by using the trap method and the species diversity was evaluated by using the Simpson, Shannon-Weaner, and Pielou indices. Hantavirus antigens or antibodies in lung and blood samples of all the captured host animals were detected by direct or indirect immunofluorescence.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine animal species of hantavirus were distributed in the forest ecosystem of Jiuhua Mountain. Of these, Niviventer confucianus and Apodemus agrarius were predominant, and N. confucianus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus had relatively large niche breadth index values. The host animals in the eastern and western mountain regions shared similar biodiversity index characteristics, predominant species, and species structures. Hantavirus was detected in 5 host animal species in Jiuhua Mountain area, the carriage rate of hantavirus was 6.03%. The average density of host animals in forest areas of the mountainous area was only 2.20%, and the virus infection rate in the healthy population was 2.33%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The circulation of hantavirus was low in the forest areas of Jiuhua Mountain and did not pose a threat to human health.</p>

Case-control study on local injection of autoallergic platelet rich plasma or whole blood for the treatment of tennis elbow / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare therapeutic effects of local injection with autoallergic platelet rich plasma (PRP) or autoallergic whole blood (AWB) for the treatment of chronic tennis elbow.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2011 to January 2014, 40 patients with chronic tennis elbow were divided into 2 groups, 20 cases in each group: PRP group and AWB group. There were 20 patients in PRP group treated with local injection of autoallergic platelet rich plasma, including 5 males and 15 females, with an average age of (47.50 ± 9.86) years old; and the average course of disease was (4.67 ± 3.27) months. Among the 20 patients in AWB group treated with local injection of autoallergic whole blood, 3 patients were male and 17 patients were female, with an average age of (46.50 ± 9.96) years old;and the average course of disease was (4.53 ± 2.27) months. The elbow joint was fixed with elastic stockings after injection. All the patients were guided to do strengthening and extension exercises during the follow-up period. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo scores for elbow and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were used to evaluate clinical effects after injection immediately and 4,8 weeks after treatment. Results:All the patients were followed up,there were no infections and swelling occurred. The VAS, Mayo and PPT scores of patients in PRP group were improved from pre-therapy 7.22 ± 1.32, 56.71 ± 10.90 and 17.47 ± 4.62 to 2.73 ± 1.00, 91.59 ± 6.95 and 21.35 ± 4.80 respectively 8 weeks after treatment. The VAS, Mayo and PPT scores of patients in AWB group were improved from pre-therapy 7.16 ±1.27, 54.72 ± 8.36 and 17.06 ± 4.83 to 3.81 ± 1.36, 82.06 ± 7.89 and 20.12 ± 4.97 respectively 8 weeks after treatment. All the pain and functional variables including VAS, PPT, and Mayo scores were improved significantly in both groups 4 weeks after injection. On the 4th week after injection, there was no statistically significant difference in PPT between two groups; while the VAS and Mayo score of AWB group were lower than those of PRP group. On the 8th week after injection, the VAS of AWB group was higher than that of PRP group; but the Mayo and PPT scores of AWB group were lower than those of PRP group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PRP and AWB injections are both effective to treat chronic lateral epicondylitis. Compared with AWB injection, PRP injection may be more effective in releasing pain and improving function for a longer time.</p>

Feasibility of the aging males' symptoms scale for the male population of Shanghai / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the reliability and validity of the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale in the male population of Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We enrolled 973 males aged 40 years and over in a community of Shanghai, China. Using the AMS scale, we calculated the split-half reliability coefficient and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, assessed the validity through confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis, and obtained the domain scores of different people by analysis of variance and independent sample test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The split-half reliability was > 0.78 (P < 0.01) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients of all the dimensions > 0.82 (P < 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis showed 3 domains in the AMS scale, Pearson correlation coefficients of all the items to their domains were > 0.49 (P < 0.01), and the total testosterone level was not correlated with AMS scores, with Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.04 (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in AMS scores among different age groups as well as among those with different chronic disease histories, but not in the psychological domain among different age groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The reliability and validity of the AMS scale are acceptable in assessing aging males'symptoms among the male population of Shanghai, but further studies are needed to determine whether it could be used as a tool for screening late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in males.</p>

Effects of quercetin on serum levels of resistin and IL-18 and on insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of quercetin on serum levels of resistin and interleukin (IL)-18 and incidence of insulin resistance (IR) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using a rat model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NAFLD was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by administering a high-fat diet for four weeks. The model rats were then treated with quercetin (oral gavage administration; low dose group: 75 mg/kg/day, high dose group: 300 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks. Untreated model rats served as controls. Serum levels of resistin, triglyceride (TG), IL-18, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by standard biochemical assays before and after the quercetin administration. In addition, the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated and pathological changes in liver were observed by histological analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the untreated model rats, the quercetin treated model rats showed significantly lower serum resistin (5.98 vs. 2.70), serum IL-18 (10.93 vs. 8.21), FPG (7.45 vs. 4.99), FINS (12.69 vs. 8.59), and HOMA-IR (4.22 vs. 1.87) (all P less than 0.01). Compared to the untreated model group, the high dose group showed significantly lower TG (t = 4.70) and MDA (t = 5.14) (both P less than 0.01). Serum levels of resistin and IL-18, and levels of TG, FPG and FINS were found to be positively correlated with HOMA-IR and the degree of liver disease (r more than 0, all P less than 0.05). The degree of degeneration was decreased in accordance with the dosages of quercetin, as compared to the untreated model group (U = 4.41 and 2.19, both P less than 0.05), and the pathological degree was less extensive in the high dose group than in the low dose group (U = 2.44, P less than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Quercetin treatment reduces levels of inflammatory cytokines and improves lipid peroxidation and IR in NAFLD rats, and its beneficial effects appear to increase with higher dosage.</p>

Therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of quercetin in a rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the efficacy of the plant-derived bioflavonoid, quercetin, for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by using a rat model, and to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One-hundred Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into the normal control group (normal group), untreated NAFLD model control group (model group), 75 mg/kg/day quercetin treatment group (low-dose group), and 300 mg/kg/day quercetin treatment group (high-dose group). The NAFLD rat model was established by providing four weeks of a high-fat diet; the normal group received normal rat chow diet. The quercetin treatments were administered for eight weeks after model establishment and control groups received simultaneous gavages of isotonic saline, with continuation of the respective diets. At the end of the eight weeks (experimental week 12), the rats were sacrificed for liver and serum collection. Intergroup differences in liver index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), interleukin (IL)-18, IL-10, malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological features were assessed by independent samples t-test (normal vs. model), one-way ANOVA (model vs. treatments), and least significant difference t-test (pairwise comparisons); correlations were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly higher liver index (t=-2.327), FBG (t=-3.482), TG (t=-0.302), and serum IL-18 (t=-2.704) (all P less than 0.05), but significantly lower IL-10 (t=2.622, P less than 0.05); the MDA level was also higher in the model group, but the difference was not significant (t=-1.083, P less than 0.05). Livers from the model group showed obvious histological features of inflammation (lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration) and steatosis (cytoplasmic lipid droplets). Inflammation was positively correlated with IL-18 (P less than 0.05), but negatively correlated with IL-10 (P less than 0.05), while steatosis was negatively correlated with IL-10 (P less than 0.05). Compared to the model group, quercetin treatment (both low- and high-dose) led to significant decreases in the liver index, FBG and IL-18 (all, P less than 0.01), and significant increase in IL-10 (P less than 0.05); however, the changes in liver index, FBG and IL-10 were not significantly different between the low- and high-dose treatment groups, but the high-dose of quercetin did induce a significantly greater decrease in IL-18 than the low-dose (P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NAFLD rats have higher serum levels of IL-18 but lower levels of IL-10 than their healthy counterparts, and these differential cytokine expressions may be related to liver inflammation and steatosis. Quercetin treatment may help to delay the progression of NAFLD, possibly by adjusting the balance of inflammatory cytokines.</p>

Effects of Yangling Zhongyu Decoction on the secretion of ovarian granule cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YJZYD) on the serum estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), steroid hormone acute regulator protein (StAR) mRNA expressions in female rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty PCOS rats were equally divided into 5 groups, i. e., the control group (C, normal PNA rats), the model group (M), the low dose YJZYD group (Y1), the medium dose YJZYD group (Y2), and the high dose YJZYD group (Y3), 10 in each. The levels of serum hormones were detected using radioimmunoassay. The morphological changes of the ovary were observed using HE method. The expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA were detected using RT PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with Group C, serum T and 17-OHP significantly increased (P < 0.01), E2 significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA significantly decreased in Group M (P < 0.01). Compared with Group M, the serum T level significantly decreased (P < 0.01), 17-OHP decreased (P < 0.05), and E2 significantly increased in Group Y3 (P < 0.01). The expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA increased in Group Y1, Y2, and Y3. The increase was most obvious in Group Y3 (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>YJZYD could lower the hyperandrogenemia of PCOS rats. It also could increase the ovarian expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA, improve the ovarian functions, and promote the follicular development.</p>

Detection of NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood of patients with cGVHD and its significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). 64 patients undergoing allo-HSCT in Guangdong Provincial People Hospital were studied retrospectively. Among 64 cases, 21 cases were did not develop with cGVHD, 43 cases (mild 15, moderate 18, severe 10) were recorded with cGVHD. The frequency of NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood of patients were measured by flow cytometry. The counts of NK and NKT cells were measured by automatic five sort hematology cyto-analyser (LH-750). The frequency and counts of NK and NKT cells between patients with non-cGVHD and patients with different status of cGVHD were analysed. The results indicated that as compared with the non-cGVHD patients, the frequency and counts of NK cells in patients with cGVHD obviously reduced (P < 0.05), the frequency and count of NKT cells were did not changed significantly. The frequency and counts of NK cells gradually decreased within the different status of cGVHD, the frequency and counts of NK cells in severe-cGVHD were significantly lower than that in mild-cGVHD. It is concluded that NK cells may play an important role in the incidence and development of cGVHD. The detection of frequency and counts of NK cells should be helpful to early diagnose cGVHD and provide valuable clues for assessing the severity of illnesses. NKT cells may have little effect on the incidence and development of cGVHD.

Analysis of treatment of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture of femur with the locking compression plate (LCP) / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effect and operating technique on the treatment of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture of femur with the locking compression plate (LCP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Feb. 2006 to Oct. 2009, 49 patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture of femur were treaded with different internal fixation methods, concluded 22 males and 27 females with an average age of (74.68 +/- 5.94) years old ranging from 63 to 90 years. Among them, 29 patients were treaded with LCP, and the other 22 cases with DHS. According to X-ray and Ultrasound bone mineral desity, all cases were diagnosed in osteoporosis. The operative time, blood loss, fluoroscopy exposure frequency, bone healing time and the time of first away from bed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 6 to 35 months. The operative time, fluoroscopy exposure frequency, the bone healing time and the time of being away from bed were compared between two groups, there were no statistical differences (t=1.347, 1.603, 1.973, 1.032, P>0.05). As compared with DHS group, the intraoperative blood loss in LCP group was less than that of DHS group, there were statistical differences (t=2.14, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The LCP is an effective method in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur. The method has the advantages such as small wound and early recovery, especially appropriate for older patients. But the procedure as well should be demanded strictly.</p>

Tolterodine tartrate combined with alpha-receptor blocker for benign prostatic hyperplasia with detrusor overactivity / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tolterodine Tartrate combined with the alpha-receptor blocker in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with detrusor overactivity (BPH-DO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 113 patients with BPH-DO were randomly assigned to receive Tolterodine Tartrate combined with Cardura (Group A) and Cardura alone (Group B), both for 12 weeks. Then we recorded and compared their average 24 h urinary frequency, IPSS and QOL score, maximum urinary flow rate, residual urine volume and urinary retention times before and after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the treatment, Group A showed significantly better improvement in the average 24 h urinary frequency and scores on IPSS and QOL than Group B. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the maximum urinary flow rate and residual urine volume. No acute urinary retention occurred in either group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined use of Tolterodine Tartrate and the alpha-receptor blocker can effectively relieve the symptoms of dysuria, urinary frequency and urinary urgency in patients with BPH-DO, with neither significant adverse effects on the maximum flow rate and residual urine volume nor increase in the incidence of acute urinary retention.</p>

Study on the setting property and compressive strength of β-TCP/α-CSH combined bone graft / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the setting property and compressive strength of β-TCP (β-tricalcium phosphate)/α-CSH (α-calcium sulphate hemihydrate) combined bone graft. Method β TCP/α CSH combined bone graft and distilled water were mixed with different ratio: 1 g∶0.1 mL、1 g∶0.2 mL、1 g∶0.3 mL、1 g∶0.4 mL、1 g∶0.5 mL, respectively. The initial setting time (Ti), final setting time (TF), compressive strength were recorded, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) were examined. Results The initial and final setting time of combined bone graft increased along with the increase of solid/liquid ratio. The Ti and TF were (4.6±1.3) min and (13.1±2.9) min respectively when the solid/liquid ratio was 1 g∶0.2 mL. The average compressive strength was 7.86 MPa in one day after setting, which was about two times higher than that of β-TCP alone. The XRD results showed that no other materials were produced except that α-CSH was transformed to CSD in the setting process. The SEM results indicated that thick CSD granules were adhered to the porous surfaces of β-TCP granules after setting. Conclusions The setting time and compressive strength of β-TCP/α-CSH combined bone graft could be adjusted by the different solid/liquid ratio.

A related heredity epidemiological research on allergic rhinitis and asthma in Nantong region / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the related impact of genetic factors in the incidence of bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) in Nantong region, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By random sampling method, investigation and research on the incidence of genetic epidemiology were carried out in the population of 95 300 on AR and BA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of patients with allergic rhinitis with asthma was 25.92% (296/1142), the rate of asthma patients with allergic rhinitis was 40.49% (296/731). The prevalences of AR complicated with BA were 8.19% (280/3418), 3.08% (154/5002) and 3.16% (85/2687) in the first-, second-and third-degree relatives of the probands respectively, while the prevalences of BA complicated with AR were 15.81% (466/2947), 4.61% (229/4967) and 2.51% (134/5345) in the first-, second- and third-degree relatives of the probands respectively, higher than those in the controls (P < 0.05). The weighted mean heritability of AR in BA patients was 94.2% ± 1.9%, while the weighted mean heritability of BA in AR patients was 81.8% ± 2.1%, more than 60%, suggesting that both AR and BA were relevant with genetics.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The incidence of BA and AR has obvious relevance, supporting the theory that the two diseases are an united airway disease and relevant with polygene heredity.</p>

Evaluation of immunohistochemistry staining and cytologic diagnosis by using cell block sections prepared with effusion fluid cytology specimens / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the values of immunohistochemistry staining and cytological diagnosis by using cell block sections prepared with the effusion fluid cytology specimens.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-nine effusion cytology specimens with the diagnoses of reactive mesothelial hyperplasia, atypical cells and metastatic carcinoma were enrolled into the study. The cytospin preparations/smears, cell block sections and immunohistochemical study were performed and correlated with the clinical findings and follow-up data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Amongst the 99 cases studied, the percentage with positive diagnosis using cytospin preparations/smears was 68.7% (68/99). The percentages with negative and equivocal diagnoses were 16.2% (16/99) and 15.1% (15/99), respectively. As for cell block sections, the percentages were 71.7% (71/99), 16.2% (16/99) and 12.1% (12/99), respectively. On the other hands, the percentages became 76.8% (76/99), 20.2% (20/99) and 3.0% (3/99), respectively, when coupled with immunohistochemical findings. The overall percentages of positive, negative and equivocal diagnoses were 77.8% (77/99), 17.2% (17/99) and 5.0% (5/99), respectively, upon clinicopathologic correlation. The difference between cytospin preparations/smears and cell block sections was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). When coupled with immunohistochemical findings or clinicopathologic correlation, the difference in rates of equivocal diagnosis however carried statistical significance (P < 0.05). The false-negative rate of immunohistochemical study applied on cell block sections was 1.0% (1/99).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Immunohistochemistry, when applied on cell block sections, is useful in delineation of the primary origins of the tumor cells in effusion fluid cytology specimens. Combination of morphologic examination, immunohistochemical findings and clinicopathologic correlation can further improve the rate of positive diagnosis.</p>