Trends in incidence of thyroid cancer in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2017 / 预防医学

Objective @#To analyze the trends in incidence of thyroid cancer in Huangpu District, Shanghai from 2002 to 2017, so as to provide insights into the management of thyroid cancer.@*Methods @#The incidence of thyroid cancer in Shanghai from 2002 to 2017 was collected from the cancer registration system created by Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude and standardized incidence of thyroid cancer were estimated by year, gender and age groups, and annual change percentage ( APC ) was calculated to analyze the trends in incidence of thyroid cancer.@*Results @#A total of 2 854 new cases of thyroid cancer were reported in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2017, and the crude and standardized incidence rates of thyroid cancer were 19.57/105 and 13.47/105, with APC of 18.15% and 17.93% ( P<0.05 ), respectively. The crude and standardized incidence rates of thyroid cancer were 10.02/105 and 7.06/105 in men, with APC of 19.58% and 19.04% ( P<0.05 ), and were 28.90/105 and 19.95/105 in women, with APC of 17.33% and 16.99% ( P<0.05 ), respectively. The crude incidence of thyroid cancer was higher in women than in men ( P<0.05 ). In addition, there were two peaks in the crude incidence of thyroid cancer in patients at age of 35 to 39 and 60 to 64 years, with crude incidence rates of 28.98/105 and 33.36/105, respectively. @*Conclusions @#The incidence of thyroid cancer appeared a tendency towards a rise in Huangpu District from 2002 to 2017, and much attention should be paid to females and patients aged 60 to 64 years.

Clinicopathological features of mature T/NK cell lymphoma with aberrant CD20 or CD79α expression / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of mature T/NK cell lymphomas with aberrant CD20 or CD79α expression. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 641 cases of mature T/NK cell lymphoma diagnosed from January 2014 to December 2020 was performed, and 14 cases of CD20-positive and one case of CD79α-positive mature T/NK-cell lymphoma were identified. Histological examination, immunohistochemical characterization, in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded early RNA (EBER), and PCR testing for immunoglobulin and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements were performed. Clinicopathological characteristics of these lymphomas were analyzed. Results: There were 13 males and 2 females, with a median age of 56 years. There were 8 cases of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), 3 cases of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL), 2 cases of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) and 2 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Twelve cases were stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ lymphomas. The prognosis was overall poor. The histology, immunophenotype and TCR gene rearrangement were not significantly different from the corresponding types of lymphoma. Ki-67 proliferation index was over 70% in all cases. The expression of CD20 or CD79α was weak and heterogeneous. All 15 case of Ig gene rearrangement were polyclonal. Conclusions: Mature T/NK cell lymphoma with abnormal expression of CD20 or CD79α is rare, commonly found in advanced stage, and associated with poor prognosis. The expression of CD20 or CD79α in these cases is weaker than the corresponding mature T/NK cell lymphomas, while its proliferation index is higher. Histomorphology, extensive immunoprofiling and molecular detection are required for accurate diagnosis.

Clinicopathological features and BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status of nodal marginal zone lymphoma / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features as well as BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status of nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma (NMZL). Methods: Thirty-two cases of NMZL were diagnosed from September 2009 to February 2021 at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences. The clinicopathologic characteristics were obtained and analyzed. BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status were identified using PCR and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results: There were 20 males and 12 females patients with a median age of 69 years (ranging 36-82 years). The most prevalent clinical manifestation was multiple lymph nodes enlargement in head and neck (22/32, 68.8%), followed by inguinal (12/32, 37.5%), axillary (11/32, 34.4%), mediastinum (5/32, 15.6%) and retroperitoneal lymph nodes (4/32, 12.5%). Most of the patients were in Ann Arbor stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (21 cases). The morphologic features included diffuse (24/32, 75.0%), nodular (5/32, 15.6%), interfollicular (2/32,6.3%) and perifollicular (1/32,3.1%) types. The tumor cells showed monocyte-like, centrocyte-like, small lymphocyte-like and plasma cell-like differentiation. Immunophenotyping revealed diffuse expression of CD20 in all tumor cells, whereas CD43 (11/32, 34.4%), bcl-2 (20/32, 62.5%), MNDA (13/32, 40.6%) and CD5 (2/32, 6.3%) were partially expressed. Ki-67 proliferation index varied from 10% to 40%. BRAF V600E mutation was found in two cases (2/32, 6.3%), but MYD88 L265P mutation was not detected. Eighteen patients survived and three died at the end of follow-up period which ranged 6 to 110 months. Conclusions: The morphologic features of NMZL varies across individuals, it should be differentiated from various B-cell lymphomas; however immunological biomarkers with high specificity for NMZL are still lacking. No MYD88 L265P mutation is found in NMZL. Some cases may harbor BRAF V600E mutation and yet the prevalence remains indeterminate; further researches are warranted.

Correlation analysis of temporomandibular joint changes after maxillary protraction in adolescent patients / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To study the effect of anterior traction on the temporomandibular joint in adolescent patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion.@*Methods@#Twenty-nine patients with early permanent dentition with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusions were measured by cephalometry and a coordinate system before and after maxillary protraction. The correlation between dentofacial structures and the temporomandibular joint was analyzed. @*Results @# After maxillary protraction, cephalometric measurements showed that the dentofacial structure changed significantly; ANB increased by 3.97° ± 2.32° (P<0.001); U1-SN increased by 4.97° ± 5.51° (P<0.001); L1-MP decreased by 1.26° ± 1.41° (P = 0.008); and MP-SN increased by 1.02° ± 3.90° (P = 0.003). The coordinate system measurement showed that the S-Fpx was decreased by 0.16 ± 1.52 mm (P = 0.041), the S-Ciy distance was significantly decreased by 0.09 ± 2.03 mm (P = 0.028), and there was no significant change in the temporomandibular joint spaces (A, P, and C) (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between the posterior margin of the temporomandibular joint fossa and U1-SN (r = -0.427, P = 0.042). There was a moderate positive correlation between the leading edge of the condyle and ANB (r = 0.425, P = 0.043); there was no correlation between the joint space and dentofacial changes. @* Conclusion@#After treatment with maxillary protraction for adolescent skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion, maxillary protraction had some effect on changes in the temporomandibular joint fossa and condyle and had no effect on the joint space.

Calcifying fibrous tumor: a clinicopathological analysis of 32 cases / 中华病理学杂志

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, histogenesis, immunophenotypes, molecular genetic characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of calcifying fibrous tumors (CFT). A total of 32 cases of CFT (22 cases from Henan Provincial People's Hospital and 10 cases from PLA Army Medical Center) diagnosed between June 2009 and February 2019 were reviewed. The clinical and pathologic data were analyzed. There were 12 male and 20 female patients, aged from 15 to 63 years (mean 40.8 years). Eleven cases occurred in stomach, four cases in retroperitoneum, four cases in ovary, two cases in scrotum, two cases in mediastinum, two cases in head and neck, one case each in thoracic cavity, lung, adrenal gland, kidney, sigmoid colon, epididymis and mesosalpinx. All the tumors were solid masses with clear boundaries. The maximal dimension of the tumors ranged from 0.6 to 10.0 cm. Microscopically, there was hypocellular stromal sclerosis and wavy storiform coarse collagen with superimposed scattered or patchy lymphocytes and plasma cells; calcification or gravel formation were also detected. Immunohistochemistry showed that spindle cells were positive for vimentin and some were positive for CD34; and they were negative for calponin, SMA, desmin, S-100 protein, SOX10, STAT6, β-catenin, ALK, CD117, DOG1, CKpan, and EMA. No ALK rearrangement was detected by FISH in all cases. No C-KIT and PDGFRA mutation was detected in all the tested 11 cases of stomach, four cases of retroperitoneal and one case of sigmoid colon CFT. MDM2 was not amplified by FISH in all four tested cases of retroperitoneal CFT. CFT is a rare benign tumor of fibroblastic cell origin. The diagnosis mainly depends on histomorphologic analysis and immunophenotyping. CFT should be differentiated from other benign and malignant spindle cell mesenchymal tumors.

Clinical significance of CEA mRNA expression in peritoneal lavage fluid for patients with gastric cancer after radical surgery / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of CEAmRNAin peritoneal lavage fluid for patients with gastric cancer after radical surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 139 gastric cancer patients, who underwent peritoneal lavage CEA mRNA detection after radical resection in the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Routine post-operative follow-up was conducted in all patients. The expression of CEA mRNA in peritoneal lavage fluid after radical resection of 139 gastric cancer patients was detected by RT-PCR. Chi-square test analysis was used to study the relationship between the expression of CEA mRNA in peritoneal lavage fluid and basic clinical features, histopathological data, hematological indicators and the recurrence pattern of GC patients. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to screen the influential factors affecting CEA mRNA expression. Results: CEA mRNA was positive in 44 (31.7%) of 139 patients. Analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between CEA mRNA expression and sex, age, pathological grade, Lauren type, HER2, EGFR, VEGFR and Ki67 (all P>0.05), but there was significant correlation between CEA mRNA expression and pathological type, vascular invasion, local invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and clinical AJCC stage (all P<0.05). The peritoneal recurrence rate of patients with positive CEA mRNA expression was significantly higher than that of patients with negative expression (P=0.012). Logistic univariate regression analysis showed that signet ring cell carcinoma (P=0.04, HR=2.810， 95% CI: 1.050-7.520), T stage (P=0.016，HR=6.329, 95% CI: 1.417-28.264), N stage (P=0.022，HR=3.068，95% CI: 1.172-8.027), AJCC stage (P=0.016，HR= 3.971, 95% CI: 1.295-12.173), nerve invasion (P=0.002, HR=6.738, 95% CI: 1.995-22.757) and vascular invasion (P<0.001, HR= 16.36, 95% CI: 3.85-69.512) were risk factors for positive CEA mRNA expression in peritoneal lavage fluid of patients with gastric cancer. Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that vascular invasion (P<0.001, HR=21.314，95% CI: 4.21-107.907) was an independent risk factor for positive CEAexpression in peritoneal lavage fluid of gastric cancer patients. Conclusion: Gastric cancer patients with positive CEA mRNA in peritoneal lavage fluid have higher risk of peritoneal recurrence or metastasis and poorer prognosis. So, more aggressive anti-tumor treatments including local abdominal cavity treatment should be considered.

Risk factors of new atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the risk factors of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods    From September 2011 to October 2013, 1 614 consecutive patients underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting in Fuwai Hospital. There were 1 281 males and 333 females at average age of 60.3±8.4 years. Holter data recorded for 5 days after operation were collected and analyzed. The risk factors associated with POAF were assessed according to the baseline and intraoperative data, and the positive variables were stratified. Results    A total of 314 patients (19.5%) developed new-onset POAF. The rate of POAF was elevating with the increase of age (P<0.001). Conclusion    Age was an independent risk factor for POAF in patients undergoing elective CABG alone.

Andrographolide protects mouse astrocytes against hypoxia injury by promoting autophagy and S100B expression

Andrographolide (ANDRO) has been studied for its immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection effects. Because brain hypoxia is the most common factor of secondary brain injury after traumatic brain injury, we studied the role and possible mechanism of ANDRO in this process using hypoxia-injured astrocytes. Mouse cortical astrocytes C8-D1A (astrocyte type I clone from C57/BL6 strains) were subjected to 3 and 21% of O2 for various times (0-12 h) to establish an astrocyte hypoxia injury model in vitro. After hypoxia and ANDRO administration, the changes in cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Expression changes in apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, main factors of JNK pathway, ATG5, and S100B were determined by western blot. Hypoxia remarkably damaged C8-D1A cells evidenced by reduction of cell viability and induction of apoptosis. Hypoxia also induced autophagy and overproduction of S100B. ANDRO reduced cell apoptosis and promoted cell autophagy and S100B expression. After ANDRO administration, autophagy-related proteins, S-100B, JNK pathway proteins, and ATG5 were all upregulated, while autophagy-related proteins and s100b were downregulated when the jnk pathway was inhibited or ATG5 was knocked down. ANDRO conferred a survival advantage to hypoxia-injured astrocytes by reducing cell apoptosis and promoting autophagy and s100b expression. Furthermore, the promotion of autophagy and s100b expression by ANDRO was via activation of jnk pathway and regulation of ATG5.

Dysregulation of NCAPG, KNL1, miR-148a-3p, miR-193b-3p, and miR-1179 may contribute to the progression of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicate that miRNAs play an important role on gastric cancer (GC) progression via regulating several downstream targets, but it is still partially uncovered. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of GC by comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and miRNA expression profiles. METHODS: The mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of GSE79973 and GSE67354 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DE-miRNAs among GC tissues and normal tissues. Then, targets genes of DE-miRNAs were predicted and the DE-miRNA-DEG regulatory network was constructed. Next, function enrichment analysis of the overlapped genes between the predicted DE-miRNAs targets and DEGs was performed and a protein-protein interactions network of overlapped genes was constructed. Finally, RT-PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of several key DEGs and DE-miRNAs. RESULTS: A set of 703 upregulated and 600 downregulated DEGs, as well as 8 upregulated DE-miRNAs and 27 downregulated DE-miRNAs were identified in GC tissue. hsa-miR-193b-3p and hsa-miR-148a-3p, which targeted most DEGs, were highlighted in the DE-miRNA-DEG regulatory network, as well as hsa-miR-1179, which targeted KNL1, was newly predicted to be associated with GC. In addition, NCAPG, which is targeted by miR-193b-3p, and KNL1, which is targeted by hsa-miR-1179, had higher degrees in the PPI network. RT-qPCR results showed that hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, and hsa-miR-1179 were downregulated, and NCAPG and KNL1 were upregulated in GC tissues; this is consistent with our bioinformatics-predicted results. CONCLUSIONS: The downregulation of miR-193b-3p might contribute to GC cell proliferation by mediating the upregulation of NCAPG; as additionally, the downregulation of miR-193b-3p might contribute to the mitotic nuclear division of GC cells by mediating the upregulation of KNL1.

Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis with a large number of crescents caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis has various pathological changes and relatively poor prognosis. It often occurs in children, barely in adults. Currently, no clear treatment guidelines have been established for its treatment using glucocor ticoid and immunosuppressive. In this study, we report an adult who admitted to our hospital due to fever and gross hematuria. The patient presented with nephritic syndrome and renal failure and confi rmed to have M. pneumoniae infection by serum detection and acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis with a large number of crescents by renal biopsy. He was given glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive agent combined with hemodialysis as well as other supportive treatment. Three months later, his renal function became normal, urine protein level decreased to 0.4 g/24 h, and the C3 complement increased to normal level. In conclusion, glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive treatment should be given to patients with M. pneumoniaeinfection induced glomerulonephritis after confi rmed to have a large number of crescents by renal biopsy and the treatment could improve the prognosis.

Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction ameliorates learning and memory defects in rats with vascular dementia by up-regulating the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway / 中国天然药物

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (TQHXD) on the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway and the memory and learning capacities of rats with vascular dementia (VD). The rat VD model was established by using an improved bilateral carotid artery ligation method. The Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate the ethology of the VD rats following treatments with TQHXD at 3.01, 6.02, and 12.04 g·kg(-1) per day for 31 days. At the end of experiment, the hippocampus were harvested and analyzed. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to measure the expression levels of calmodulin-binding protein kinase II(CaMKII), protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB), and three N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B). Our results revealed that TQHXD could alleviate the loss of learning abilities and increase the memory capacity (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs the model group, respectively). The treatment with 6.02 and 12.04 g·kg(-1) of TQHXD significantly up-regulated the Ca(2+)-CaMKII-CREB pathway in the hippocampus. In conclusion, TQHXD showed therapeutic effects on a bilateral carotid artery ligation-induced vascular dementia model, through the up-regulation of calcium signalling pathways.

Risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury after intracoronary stent implantation / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a worse outcome. However, the risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after intracoronary stent implantation are still unknown. METHODS: A retrospective case control study was done in 325 patients who underwent intracoronary stent implantation from January 2010 to March 2011 at the Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine. Those were excluded from the study if they had incomplete clinical data. The patients were divided into a normal group and a AKI group according to the standard of post-operation day 7 to identify AKI. The parameters of the patients included: 1) pre-operative ones: age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, left ventricular insufficiency, peripheral angiopathy, creatinine, urea nitrogen, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hyperuricemia, proteinuria, emergency operation, hydration, medications (ACEI/ARBs, statins); 2) intraoperative ones: dose of contrast media, operative time, hypotension; and 3) postoperative one: hypotension. The parameters were analyzed with univariate analysis and multivariate logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 325 patients, 51(15.7％) developed AKI. Hospital day and in-hospital mortality were increased significantly in the AKI-group. Univariate analysis showed that age, pre-operative parameters (left ventricular insufficiency, peripheral angiopathy, creatinine, urea nitrogen, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hyperuricemia, proteinuria, hydration), emergency operation, intraoperative parameters (operative time, hypotension) and postoperative hypotension were significantly different. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age (OR=0.253, 95％CI=0.088–0.727), pre-operative proteinuria (OR=5.351, 95％CI=2.128–13.459), pre-operative left ventricular insufficiency (OR=8.704, 95％CI=3.170–23.898), eGFR≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR=6.677, 95％CI=1.167–38.193), prolonged operative time, intraoperative hypotension (OR=25.245, 95％CI=1.001–1.034) were independent risk factors of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is a common complication and associated with ominous outcome following intracoronary stent implantation. Increased age, pre-operative proteinuria, pre-operative left ventricular insufficiency, pre-operative low estimated glomerular filtration rate, prolonged operative time, intraoperative hypotension were the significant risk factors of AKI.

Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and risk of early organ damage: a comparison between patients with primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare plasma concentrations of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction between patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and essential hypertension (EH), and to determine whether elevated levels of these biomarkers could predict development of early organ damage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six PA patients and 39 EH patients matched for age, sex, blood pressure and duration of hypertension were included in this study. Plasma levels of biomarkers reflecting endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor, vWF; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, sICAM-1; and oxidized low density lipoprotein, ox-LDL) were detected and compared between PA and EH patients. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) determined by echocardiography, 24-hour urinary protein quantitative determination and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were analyzed to evaluate early organ damage. Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined as LVMI > 125 g/m(2) in men and > 120 g/m(2) in women, and UAER between 20 µg/min and 200 µg/min was defined as microalbuminuria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>vWF [(122.3 ± 53.8)% vs. (113.1 ± 68.3)%], sICAM-1 [(401.0 ± 74.1) µg/L vs. (300.9 ± 87.0) µg/L], ox-LDL [(13.6 ± 10.0) U/L vs. (8.1 ± 5.9) U/L], LVMI [(124.7 ± 33.6) g/m(2) vs. (109.1 ± 25.7) g/m(2)], 24-hour urinary protein quantitation [24 h UPQ, (0.17 ± 0.10) g vs. (0.09 ± 0.04) g] and UAER [(25.9 ± 7.7) µg/min vs. (9.7 ± 5.9) µg/min] were significantly higher in PA group than in EH group (all P < 0.05). Elevated plasma vWF, sICAM-1 levels and plasma aldosterone concentration independently predicted microalbuminuria. Whereas, elevated plasma vWF and ox-LDL levels, plasma aldosterone concentration and systolic blood pressure independently predicted left ventricular hypertrophy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients with PA have severer endothelial dysfunction reflected by multiple biomarkers and earlier organ damage than patients with EH, and plasma aldosterone concentration and multiple endothelial dysfunction biomarkers could independently predict early organ damage.</p>

Molecular characteristics of the full-length genomes of Japanese encephalitis virus strains newly isolated in 2009, China / 病毒学报

To conduct sequencing of full-length genomes of two Japanese encephalitis virus strains (JEV) newly isolated in 2009 in China and analyze the characteristics of complete nucleotide sequences. The complete genomic sequences were obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing directly. Bioinformatics was used to analyze the nucleic acid data, deduced amino acid sequence and phylogenetic trees. The result of sequence analysis showed that the genomes of YN0911 and YN0967 strains were both 10965nt in length, which coded 3432 amino acid polyprotein. The homology of genome ranged from 83.3% to 98.9% in nt and from 94.8% to 99.7% in aa, respectively, when compared with selected JEV strains in GenBank. There were 13 amino acid divergences which were not the key virulence sites in E protein when compared with vaccine strain SA14-14-2. There were 11nt deletions in the 3' UTR region. Phylogenetic analyses based on C/ PrM, E gene and full-length genome all showed that YN0911 and YN0967 strains belonged to genotype I. The result also showed that two new JEVs had close phylogenetic relationship with the strains from Viet Nam, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, Guangxi Province, China. This study indicated that JEV strains newly isolated in 2009 in China were the members of JEV genotype I. The key virulence sites in E protein did not change.

Meta-analysis of calcineurin inhibitor in the treatment of lupus nephritis / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To systematically evaluate the clinical effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus, which are calcineurin inhibitors, on lupus nephritis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>In this study, the clinical trials on treatment of lupus nephritis with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus published until May 2010 were searched at www.guideline.gov, www.nice.org.uk, mdm.ca/cpgsnew/cpgs/index.asp, www.show.scot.nhs.uk, www.nzgg.org.nz, www.eguid elines.co.uk, www.gin.net, Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Wanfang database, Chinese Journal full-text Database, Chongqing Weipu Database by using the methods of Cochrane systematic review. At the same time the information from related journals, professional data and network were hand-searched. The homogeneous evaluation was performed by meta-analysis.Statistical analysis of clinical data was performed by using RevMan 4.2 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>A total of 214 reports were found, while only 7 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, 4 of them were on the treatment with CsA (treatment group) and cyclosporine (CTX) group (control group), and 3 of them were the on treatment with FK506 (treatment group) and CTX group (control group). There were 148 reports in the treatment of CsA and CTX group, while 185 reports in the treatment of FK506 and CTX group. Both CsA and tacrolimus group could decrease daily urinary protein. Tacrolimus group was good at reducing daily urinary protein as compared with CTX group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = 2.8, P = 0.005), but there was no significant difference between CsA and CTX groups (Z = 1.08, P = 0.28). Tacrolimus group was good at complete remission as compared with CTX group (Z = 3.64, P = 0.0003), partial remission was similar in both groups (Z = 0.53, P = 0.6), and tacrolimus group was good at total remission (Z = 2.2, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between CsA and CTX group in side effect within a short period, while FK506 had less side-effect than CTX group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with the treatment with CTX, tacrolimus was good at reducing daily urinary protein. CsA and CTX were similar in reducing daily urinary protein in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Tacrolimus resulted in better total remission than CTX and had less side effect. CsA and CTX groups were similar in side effect. On the whole, calcineurin inhibitor could significantly decrease daily urinary protein, and tacrolimus was better in treatment and had less side-effect than CTX. However, large scale, multicenter, well-designed clinical trials should be adopted to further confirm the conclusions.</p>

Antagonistic effects of vitamin E on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effects of vitamin E on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice, and the correlative mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty sexually mature male mice were randomly divided into five groups: the cyclophosphamide group (the CP group), the low-dose vitamin E group (the low-dose group), the middle-dose vitamin E group (the middle-dose group), the high-dose vitamin E group (the high-dose group), the matched control group (the control group). The first four groups were given cyclophosphamide by gavage at a dose of 5 mg/(kg x d). The low-dose group, the middle-dose group and the high-dose group were given vitamin E by subcutaneous injection at doses of 30 mg/(kg x d), 50 mg/(kg x d) , 70 mg/(kg x d) after 4 h of cyclophosphamide treatment. The control group was gavaged with equivalent normal saline. The treatment period for all groups was 28 days. The level of plasma FSH, LH, T and the activity of testicular SOD, GSHPx, CAT and the level of testicular MDA were detected. The histological structure and the ultrastructure of the testis were examined by light microscope and electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with the CP group, the plasma FSH, LH, T level and the SOD, GSHPx, CAT activity in the middle-dose group and the high-dose group were higher (P< 0.05, P< 0.01), MDA level significantly lower(P<0.01). The histological structure and the ultrastructure of the testis were in the normal range.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Vitamin E has protective effects on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice. The possible mechanism of vitamin E may be its scavenging free radical and antioxidant effects, as well as it may have some stimulatory effects on gonadotrophin releasing of pituitary anterior lobe.</p>

Expression of Helicoverpa armigera Cathepsin B in Pichia pastoris / 中国生物工程杂志

Cathepsin B from Helicoverpa armigera (HCB) belongs to the group of cysteine proteinases. HCB is proved being involved in the degradation of yolk proteins during embryonic development,which is an acidic preferring enzyme and is resistant to SDS. The expression of the proenzyme may offer a model for investigating the activation of the enzyme. The HCB gene was constructed into pPIC9K and expressed in Pichia pastoris KM71 strain . After induction by methanol, HCB was expressed and secreted into the medium. The molecular weight of the recombinant procathepsin B was determined as about 38 kDa. The expressed product was confirmed to be HCB by immunoblotting assay using specific rabbit anti-HCB polyclonal antibody. The activity of the product was assayed by in situ hydrolysis (gelatin-SDS-PAGE). These results showed that HCB with proteolytic activity was expressed in P. pastoris KM71. This proenzyme can be used for further research on the activation of the proenzyme or industrial production.