Novel Mutation of SLC26A3 Gene Observed in Congenital Chloride Diarrhea

Congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene on chromosome 7q31. Affected neonates are vulnerable to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance in the form of hyponatremia, metabolic alkalosis, failure to thrive, or even death if left untreated. Genetic testing for mutations should be considered if the clinical diagnosis remains uncertain because early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical to the disease course in CLD. Several mutations have been reported in Korean patients with CLD, with the most common being the c.2063-1G>T mutation. Here, we report the case of a neonate with prenatally suspected CLD with confirmed novel mutations in the SLC26A3 gene (c.2147C>G; p.Ala716Gly).

Association between early-life factors and pubertal timing in girls / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the association between early-life factors (including birth weight, method of birth, gestational age, and history of gestational metabolic disorders) and pubertal timing in girls.@*METHODS@#The stratified cluster sampling method was used to select the girls in grades 2-3 and 7-8 from three primary schools and three middle schools in Guangzhou, China from March to December, 2019, and breast development was examined for all girls. A questionnaire survey was performed to collect the information on early-life factors. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of gestational metabolic disorders, birth weight, method of birth, and gestational age with pubertal timing in girls. The Bootstrap method was used to assess the mediation effect of body mass index (BMI) (Z score) between high birth weight (≥4 000 g) and pubertal timing.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1 665 girls were enrolled, among whom 280 (16.82%) were judged to have early pubertal timing. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high birth weight was associated with the increased risk of early pubertal timing (OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.19-3.66, P=0.008). Nevertheless, no significant association was observed between other early-life factors and pubertal timing (P>0.05). The OR for the mediation effect of BMI (Z score) between high birth weight and early pubertal timing was 1.25 (95%CI: 1.09-1.47), accounting for 29.33% of the total effect of high birth weight on early pubertal timing.@*CONCLUSIONS@#High birth weight is associated with the increased risk of early pubertal timing in girls, and overweight/obesity may play a partial mediating role in the association between high birth weight and early pubertal timing in girls.

Evolution Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Blood Separation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the evolution of blood separation results by gel extraction of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and to evaluate the clinical value of abnormal blood separation results for the evaluation of disease and prognosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 5 patients diagnosed newly MM patients with abnormal blood separation of gel collection vessels in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the changes of blood separation results and blood index levels were followed up with the improvement of treatment effect, and the correlation of different blood index levels was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#In 5 patients with newly diagnosed MM, the blood separation result showed floating phenomenon after centrifugation, which divided into three layers and the order from top to bottom is separator gel, serum, and red blood cells(RBC). With partial remission of clinical symptoms, the blood separation results were still abnormal, which were divided into three layers from top to bottom: serum, RBC and separator gel. Finally, with complete remission of the disease, blood separation results returned to normal, from top to bottom: serum, separator gel, RBC. With the blood separation results from abnormal to normal, the blood routine indicators: Hb, Hct levels gradually increased, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) gradually decreased; biochemical indexes: TP, GLB, Ig and β2-MG levels gradually decreased. Tumor load related indicators: serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17 levels gradually decreased, and IL-35 levels gradually increased; and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum β2-MG was positively correlated with IL-6, TNF-α and IL-17 levels (r=0.710, 0.756, 0.581, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with IL-35 level (r=-0565, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Abnormal blood separation exists in MM patients, and there are significant differences in blood, tumor load and immune balance related indexes in patients with different blood separation results, which provides partial experimental basis for evaluation of disease, efficacy and prognosis with different blood separation results.

Detection of drug-resistance genes of / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the drug resistance of @*METHODS@#BALF specimens were collected from 245 children with RMPP who were admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from March 2016 to December 2020. A rapid cultured drug sensitivity assay was used to detect the resistance of MP isolates to nine commonly used antimicrobial drugs. The real-time PCR was used to measure MP DNA. The direct sequencing was used to detect gene mutations in MP 23SrRNA V region central ring.@*RESULTS@#Among the 245 BALF specimens, 207 tested positive for MP DNA, with a positive rate of 84.5%. The results of drug susceptibility test showed that the children with RMPP had a resistance rate of > 70% to macrolide antimicrobial drugs, with the highest resistance rate to clarithromycin, followed by roxithromycin, clindamycin, acetylspiramycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin, and these children had a resistance rate of < 5% to quinolone antimicrobial drugs. Among the 207 MP DNA-positive specimens, 41 (19.8%) had no drug-resistance gene mutations and 166 (80.2%) had drug-resistance gene mutations, among which 154 (74.4%) had an A→G mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring, 7 (3.4%) had an A→G mutation at 2064 locus, and 5 (2.4%) had mutations in both 2063 and 2064 loci. Among the 166 specimens with point mutations of the MP 23SrRNA gene, 159 (95.8%) had point mutations at 2063 locus. The A→G point mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring had a great impact on resistance to macrolide antimicrobial drugs. There was a significant difference in the distribution of alleles at 2063 locus between the children with resistance to clarithromycin, roxithromycin, clindamycin, acetylspiramycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin (@*CONCLUSIONS@#MP in the BALF of children with RMPP has a relatively high resistance rate to macrolide antimicrobial drugs. Resistance to macrolide antimicrobial drugs is closely associated with the A→G point mutation in the 23SrRNA gene, and the point mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring may affect the drug-resistance mechanism of MP.

Imported falciparum malaria in Suzhou City: a report of two cases in 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

The demographic features, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of two cases with falciparum malaria imported into Suzhou City in 2019 were reported. These findings indicate a risk of imported malaria in visitors besides high prevalence in migrant labors, and much attention should be paid to children that are at a high risk of infections.

Clinical Observation of Puncturing Sifeng Points (EX-UE10) plus Pricking Back-Shu Points for Dyspepsia Due to Chemotherapy for Triple-negative Breast Cancer / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To assess the effectiveness of puncturing Sifeng points (EX-UE10) and pricking Back-Shu points in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Method Sixty patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The observation group was intervened by puncturing Sifeng points and pricking Back-Shu points, once a week. The selected Back-Shu points included bilateral Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21) and Geshu (BL17). The control group was treated by promoting gastrointestinal motility (itopride hydrochloride 50 mg) and supplementing digestive enzymes (compound azintamide tablets). The two groups were observed before and after treatment in terms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, nutritional status score and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). The therapeutic efficacies were also assessed. Result The total effective rate was 93.3％ (28/30) in the observation group versus 70.0％ (21/30) in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The TCM symptom score showed significant improvement in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and the improvement in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the score of Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in the score between the two groups (P>0.05). The KPS score increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), indicating a more significant improvement of KPS score in the observation group. Conclusion Puncturing Sifeng plus pricking Back-Shu points is effective in treating dyspepsia due to chemotherapy for TNBC. It can improve patient's appetite and quality of life.

Genomewide DNA Methylation Responses in Patients with β-Thalassemia Treated with Yisui Shengxue Granules () / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the clinical effects of Yisui Shengxue Granules () in the treatment of β-thalassemia and explore its mechanism on DNA methylation levels.@*METHODS@#A randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded trial was conducted. Forty patients with β-thalassemia were recruited and distributed randomly by envelope method into an experimental group and a control group, 20 patients in each group. The patients were given Yisui Shengxue Granules in the experimental group and placebo in the control group (12 g/bag three times a day) during a 3-month intervention. Before and after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment, peripheral intravenous blood was sampled, and blood parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), reticulocytes (Ret), and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) were analyzed. Mononuclear cells from 5 patients, who showed an obvious treatment effect, were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. DNA methylation was analyzed using an Affymetrix USA GeneChip Human Promoter 1.0 Array and Input-promoter 1.0.@*RESULTS@#Compared with pre-treatment, there was an obvious increase in Hb and RBCs counts after 1, 2, and 3 months in the experiment group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Meanwhile, HbF increased from the 2nd to the 3rd month (P<0.05). In the control group, Hb and RBCs showed no obvioas change. After 3-month treatment, DNA methylation results from 5 patients revealed that there were 24 hypomethylated genes and 3,685 hypermethylated genes compared with pre-treatment. Genes of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) revealed the most relations with other genes (degree: 21) and genes of 1-phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase gamma 2 (PLCG2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) showed a stronger intermediary role (betweenness centrality=0.04).@*CONCLUSIONS@#JAK3 and MAPK10 are two key genes in bone marrow and the lymphatic system, and JAK3 is likely to be related to hematopoietic cytokines in the process of early hematopoiesis. (Registration No. NCT01549080).

Predictive Factors for Severe Thrombocytopenia and Classification of Causes of Thrombocytopenia in Premature Infants

PURPOSE: This study investigated predictive factors for severe neonatal thrombocytopenia, which greatly increases the need for intensive care and is associated with a high mortality rate in premature infants. Factors adopted for prompt identification of at-risk newborns include blood test results and birth history. This study analyzed the relationship between the presence of severe neonatal thrombocytopenia and the mortality rate. The causes of thrombocytopenia in premature infants were also examined. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 625 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Chung-Ang University Medical Center. The neonates were classified into 3 groups according to the severity of thrombocytopenia: mild (100×10⁹/L≤platelet < 150×10⁹/L), moderate (50×10⁹/L≤platelet < 100×10⁹/L), or severe (platelet < 50×10⁹/L). Analysis of blood samples obtained at the onset of thrombocytopenia included platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, absolute neutrophil count, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level. RESULTS: Of the 625 premature infants admitted to our NICU, 214 were detected with thrombocytopenia. The mortality rate in thrombocytopenic neonates was 18.2% (39/214), whereas a mortality rate of only 1.0% was observed in non-thrombocytopenic neonates. The major causes of thrombocytopenia were perinatal insufficiency and sepsis in premature infants. Severe thrombocytopenia was noted more frequently in premature infants with higher WBC counts and in those with a younger gestational age. CONCLUSION: Platelet count, WBC count, and gestational age are reliable predictors for severe neonatal thrombocytopenia. The major causes of thrombocytopenia were perinatal insufficiency and sepsis in premature infants.

Clinical features and MYO5B mutations of a family affected by microvillus inclusion disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the MYO5B or STX3 gene. Refractory diarrhea and malabsorption are the main clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and MYO5B gene mutations of an infant with MVID. A 21-day-old female infant was referred to the hospital with the complaint of diarrhea for 20 days. On physical examination, growth retardation of the body weight and length was found along with moderately jaundiced skin and sclera. Breath sounds were clear in the two lungs and the heart sounds were normal. The abdomen was distended and the veins in the abdominal wall were observed. The liver and spleen were not palpable. Biochemical analysis revealed raised serum total bile acids, bilirubin, transaminases and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase while decreased levels of serum sodium, chloride, phosphate and magnesium. Blood gas analysis indicated metabolic acidosis. The preliminary diagnosis was congenital diarrhea, and thus parenteral nutrition was given along with other symptomatic and supportive measures. However, diarrhea, metabolic acidosis and electrolyte disturbance were intractable, and the cholestatic indices, including transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin and total bile acids, remained at increased levels. One month later, the patient was discharged and then lost contact. On genetic analysis, the infant was proved to be a compound heterozygote of the c.310+2Tdup and c.1966C>T(p.R656C) variants of the gene MYO5B, with c.310+2Tdup being a novel splice-site mutation. MVID was thus definitely diagnosed.

Relationship of job stressors,the coping styles and social supports among medical workers in primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou City / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of job stressors,the coping styles and social supports among medical workers in primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou City. METHODS: A total of 211 medical workers from 168 primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou City were selected as study subjects by random sampling method. The relationship of job stressors,the coping styles and social supports were investigated by the Scale for Occupational Stressors in Clinical Medical Workers,the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and Social Support Questionnaire. RESULTS: The total scale score of job stressors was( 90. 5 ± 16. 7),medium level and above of stress scale( total score≥95. 0) accounted for 41. 2%( 87 /211). The median scores of positive coping dimension score and negative coping dimension score were 2. 0 and 1. 0,the total score of social support was( 41. 2 ± 9. 8). The medium level and above of social support scale( total score ≥32. 0)accounted for 86. 3%( 182 /211). The multiple stepwise regression analysis results showed that the clinicians and the parttime school doctors had higher job stress than those medical workers who were not majored in clinic and full-time school doctors( P < 0. 05). The medical workers with higher monthly income and higher score of social support showed higher job stress( P < 0. 05). The medical workers with higher social support had lower job stress( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: High job stress was found in the medical workers in primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou City. Positive coping styles and social supports has important role in relieving job stress of school medical workers.

Spectrophotometric determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

A new, simple and sensitive method was developed for the determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace in this study. The alkaline resin-based spherical activated carbon was used to collect sample of silicon tetrahydride at workplace. Silicon tetrahydride was then desorbed from active carbon in 100°C hot water. After reacting with ammonium molybdate, oxalic acid and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene alpha-naphthol amino sulfonic acid under acid condition, silicon tetrahydride was transformed into silicon molybdenum blue. The absorbance of silicon molybdenum blue was quantitatively measured at the wavelength of 680 nm. The results showed that the average sampling efficiency and desorption efficiency were 97.53% and 94.94%, respectively by this method. Detection limits were 0.054 μg/mL for the spectrophotometric method and 0.14 mg/m(3) for the determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace (sampling volume was 7.5 L). The conversion rate of silicon tetrahydride gradually decreased when storage time of samples was extended. The descent rate of sample was less than 10% when the sample was sealed for 7 days in the room temperature. It was concluded that this spectrophotometric method can be successfully used to determine silicon tetrahydride in the worksites.

Relationship of socioeconomic status and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The medical records of Tianjin Third Central Hospital were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who had been hospitalized for treatment of T2DM but without diagnosis of NAFLD between 2007 and 2012 and who had required a second hospitalization during this same period. Each patient was contacted by telephone for self-reporting of SES. Analysis was carried out with patients grouped according to SES (high vs. low) to determine association of SES with incidence of NAFLD at the second hospitalization; the relative risk (RR), attributable risk (AR) and attributable risk percent (ARP) were calculated. Furthermore, the correlation of SES with other clinical and socio-psychological variables was assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients in the high and low SES groups showed no significant differences at baseline. For development of NAFLD by the time of the second hospitalization, the low SES group had an RR of 2.19, an AR of 20.74%, and an ARP of 54.39%. Correlation analysis showed that SES was positively correlated with body mass index (r=-0.582) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (r=-0.421), fasting serum insulin (r=-0.570), insulin resistance (as assessed by the HOMA method) (r=-0.487), low-density lipopmtein (r=-0.396) and C-reactive protein (r=-0.353) (all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with high-density lipopmtein (r =0.539) and with the scores for physical functioning (r =0.241), general health (r=0.234), social functioning (r =0.286), emotional health (r=0.251), and mental health (r=0.215) (all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SES is an influencing factor of NAFLD in patients with T2DM and is closely related to obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolic disorder, chronic inflammation and life quality in patients with NAFLD and T2DM.</p>

Spectrophotometric determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

A new, simple and sensitive method was developed for the determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace in this study. The alkaline resin-based spherical activated carbon was used to collect sample of silicon tetrahydride at workplace. Silicon tetrahydride was then desorbed from active carbon in 100°C hot water. After reacting with ammonium molybdate, oxalic acid and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene alpha-naphthol amino sulfonic acid under acid condition, silicon tetrahydride was transformed into silicon molybdenum blue. The absorbance of silicon molybdenum blue was quantitatively measured at the wavelength of 680 nm. The results showed that the average sampling efficiency and desorption efficiency were 97.53% and 94.94%, respectively by this method. Detection limits were 0.054 μg/mL for the spectrophotometric method and 0.14 mg/m(3) for the determination of silicon tetrahydride in the air of workplace (sampling volume was 7.5 L). The conversion rate of silicon tetrahydride gradually decreased when storage time of samples was extended. The descent rate of sample was less than 10% when the sample was sealed for 7 days in the room temperature. It was concluded that this spectrophotometric method can be successfully used to determine silicon tetrahydride in the worksites.

Role of adrenal venous sampling in differential diagnosis of subtypes in primary aldosteronism / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To evaluate the role of adrenal venons sampling (AVS) in differential diagnosis of subtypes in primary aldosteronism.Methods Twenty-two patients diagnosed as primary aldosteronism in the Third Central Hospital of Tianjin from November 201 1 to July 2014, were undergone AVS for measurement of plasma aldosterone and cortisol levels in each adrenal vein and infrarenal inferior vena cava.The data were compared with the results of the thin slice incremental scanning in adrenal and postoperative pathologic diagnosis.Other 8 patients, whose screening test and confirmed diagnosis did not support the primary aldosteronism, with nodule larger than 4 cm pathologically confirmed as non-functioning adrenal adenoma, were also recruited.Results Among all the 22 patients with primary aldosteronism, the incidence rate of hypertention was 95.4％, and the incidence of hypokalemia was 81.8％.Compared with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism patients, the patients with aldosterone producing adenoma had higher blood pressure and aldosterone level in plasma, but lower plasma potassium, while the clinical and biochemical index of the non-functioning adrenal adenoma group were within the normal range.The overall accuracy rate of adrenal CT in the diagnosis of subtypes of primary aldosteronism was 77.27％ (17/22), and the accuracy rates were 78.95％ (15/19) in aldosterone producing adenoma and 66.7％ (2/3) in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, respectively.The accuracy rate of AVS was 100％ with the ratio of aldosterone to cortisol as the criterion.Conclusions Misdiagnose may occur when using CT scan only to differentially diagnose primary aldosteronism.Compared with CT imaging of the adrenal glands, AVS has higher coincidence rate and is an elective approach to establish the subtype diagnosis of questionable primary aldosteronism.

The role of interleukin-1β on the pulmonary fibrosis in mice exposed to crystalline silica / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was designed to evaluate the role of interleukin (IL)-1β in the development of fibrosis in mice exposed to silica.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The total of 96 Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. (1) blank control group, (2) PBS group in which mice were instilled with PBS only, (3) silica + IL-1β mAb group in which mice were instilled with 2.5 mg silica dust and 40 µg anti-IL-1β mAb, (4) silica group in which mice were instilled with 2.5 mg silica dust and 40 µg IgG. The final volume of suspension or PBS instilled into the mouse was 50 µl. At 7, 28 and 84 days after treatment, 8 mice were sacrificed in each group. Then BALF was collected for the count of inflammatory cells and cytokines determination. The lung tissues were collected for the detecting of mRNA levels of fibrogenic molecules.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The collagen deposition induced by silica in the lung tissues was partly inhibited by anti-IL-1β. A intensely pulmonary cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 were induced by crystalline silica exposure, and partly inhibited by anti-IL-1β. The levels of TGF-β and fibronectin in silica exposed mice were significantly elevated than those in control mice at days 28 and 84 after treatment (P < 0.01). And the mRNA levels of TGF-β, collagen I and fibronectin were significantly decreased in silica+IL-1β mAb group when compared with those in silica group at days 7, 28 and 84 (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease of the ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 in both silica+anti-IL-1β mAb and silica groups when compared with those in control mice at the above three time points (P < 0.01). However, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios in silica+anti-IL-1β group were significantly higher than those in silica group at 7, 28 and 84 days (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IL-1β may promote the pulmonary fibrosis in mice exposed to silica.</p>

Effect of berberine on expressions of uncoupling protein-2 mRNA and protein in hepatic tissue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of berberine on uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) mRNA and protein expressions in the hepatic tissue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats, and to explore the molecular mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To establish the NAFLD rat model; the rats were fed by high fat forage and were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, berberine high-dose group (324 mg/kg), and berberine low-dose group (162 mg/kg). After treatment for 12 weeks, the expression of UCP2 mRNA in the liver tissue was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-RTPCR). The expression level of UCP2 protein in the liver tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry. Total PCR). cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contents in blood serum, and TG and TC contents in the liver were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The other is to observe the axungia degree of the liver.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of UCP2 mRNA and positive cell numbers in the liver tissue were dramatically increased in the model group (P<0.01). Lipid in the serum and hepatic tissues increased significantly, and the liver was fatty. But in the treatment groups, the expression levels of mRNA and UCP2 proteins were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Liver steatosis was improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Berberine can down-regulate the expression levels of UCP2 mRNA and UCP2 proteins of hepatic tissue in NAFLD rats. It can promote the recovery of hepatocyte steatosis and improve lipid metabolism disorder in NAFLD rats. Berberine shows a potential therapeutic effect on NAFLD.</p>

Construction of Medieval Skeleton Collections with Human Remains from Tombs of Goryeo Dynasty, Korea / 체질인류학회지

Skeletal remains collected from the archaeological fields must be maintained carefully, for being used in scientific studies on the physical characteristics, health status, and pathological disease of the ancient or medieval human populations. Even if Joseon Dynasty Human Sample Collection might be a good example for such studies, few of bone collections predated the Joseon Age (e.g. Goryeo Dynasty) have been established until now, possibly owing to poor preservation condition of archaeological sites in Korea. In this study, we performed anthropological studies on a few cases of Goryeo skeletons, which have been rarely reported by anthropologists in Korea. Judging from the preservation status of bones found in various types of Goryeo graves (e.g. earthen- or stone-chambered tombs), many cases seem to be cremated in accordance with Buddhist funeral rites. Goryeo bone collections must be constructed with the bones identified in the earthen tombs, which were preserved much perfectly than those of any other types of Goryeo tombs.

Anthropological Study on Ancient Human Skull and Teeth Discovered from Urn Coffin of Proto-Three Kingdoms Period in Korea / 체질인류학회지

Increase in agricultural production or steel manufacturing during Proto-Three Kingdoms Period enabled ancient people to establish well-organized ancient kingdoms in Korean peninsula. A pottery in which human skeletons were buried, the urn coffin, has been regarded as one of the frequently used burial system in ancient Korean society. Among them, the small-sized urn coffin was thought to be used for reburial of adult skeleton or burial for infants and children. In this report, we showed that the human adult bones were buried in a very unique pattern. Based on anthropological study, the dead person buried in the urn coffin died in his/her 30s; and every bone fragment belonged to human skull without exception. The dead person might be a warrior killed in action because there have been reports on exclusive burial of skull in a small-sized, ancient urn coffin in Japan, that was commonly interpreted as the burial of ancient warrior's heads decapitated during ancient battle, and were reburied in the burial ground. Nevertheless, considering that the cervical bones were not found along with the skull bone fragments, the tell tale sign of decapitation, more future studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis. However, even so, it could not be easily denied that very unique funeral customs: burial of human adult skull in a small-sized urn coffin, prevailed in the ancient Korean societies in certain regions.

PolyQ-expanded ataxin-3 interacts with full-length ataxin-3 in a polyQ length-dependent manner / 神经科学通报·英文版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is a dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in MJD-1 gene product, ataxin-3 (AT3). This disease is characterized by the formation of intraneuronal inclusions, but the mechanism underlying their formation is still poorly understood. The present study is to explore the relationship between wild type (WT) AT3 and polyQ expanded AT3.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells or HEK293 cells were co-transfected with WT AT3 and different truncated forms of expanded AT3. The expressions of WT AT3 and the truncated forms of expanded AT3 were detected by Western blotting, and observed by an inverted fluorescent microscope. The interactions between AT3 and different truncated forms of expanded AT3 were detected by immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Using fluorescent microscope, we observed that the truncated forms of expanded AT3 aggregate in transfected cells, and the full-length WT AT3 is recruited onto the aggregates. However, no aggregates were observed in cells transfected with the truncated forms of WT AT3. Immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down analyses indicate that WT AT3 interacts with the truncated AT3 in a polyQ length-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>WT AT3 deposits in the aggregation that was formed by polyQ expanded AT3, which suggests that the formation of AT3 aggregation may affect the normal function of WT AT3 and increase polyQ protein toxicity in MJD.</p>