Biological Mechanism of Specific Relationship between Gan (Liver) Meridian of Foot-Jueyin and Genitals / 中国结合医学杂志

From the perspective view of Chinese medicine, the Gan (Liver) meridian of Foot-Jueyin starts from the great toe, running upward along the medial side of the thigh to the perineal area, where it curves around the external genitalia and goes up to the lower abdomen. In clinical practice, acupoints in the feet of the Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin are used to treat the genitourinary and external genitalia diseases. Studies have shown that reproductive system diseases have specific pathological reactions in the places (radial side of tibia and foot) where Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin passes by. Why does this happen? In this article, we begin by briefly reviewing the evidences linking foot and genitalia. We then explore the potential mechanism of the relationship between genitals and the Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin. The brain cerebral cortex is characterized by cortical interactions. Numerous studies show that different cerebral cortex function areas (especially the adjacent areas) are overlapping and interact with each other. Finally, we presume that there is a specific connection between the feet and the genitals. Physiologically in the cortical homunculus, the genital area lies adjacent or overlapped to the foot areas, the two areas may interact with each other. The functional reorganization between different areas of the cerebral cortex under pathological conditions may be the underlying mechanism of the relationship between the feet and the genitals.

HBV induces liver fibrosis through regulating TGF-β1/Nur77 pathway / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of TGF-β1/Nur 77 in HBV-induced liver fibrosis.MethodsHE, Masson's and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were used to detect Nur 77 expression in liver tissue. NTCP-Huh7.5.1 was constructed by transfecting pCMV6-NTCP into Huh 7.5.1 cells to explore effects of HBV replication and TGF-β1 expression. LX-2 cells was incubated with TGF-β1 in the presence of Nur 77 gRNA. QPCR was used to observe the effect of TGF-β1/Nur 77 on LX-2 activation and liver fibrosis. Our study engaged a co-culture system in the presence of Nur 77 gRNA to observe the relationship between HBV replication andα-SMA, TIMP-1 and CoL1A1 expression.ResultsIHC showed a higher Nur 77 level in severe fibrosis liver (≥S2) than in mild fibrosis liver (≤S1). Western blot showed that pCMV6-NTCP could express in Huh 7.5.1 cells. At 3 days after infection, HBV DNA level in supernatant of NTCP-Huh 7.5.1 cells was 5.39±0.96×103 copies/ml (P<0.01), HBV infection enhanced TGF-β1 mRNA expression in NTCP-Huh 7.5.1 cells (1.94 vs 1.00，P<0.01). At 72 h after TGF-β1 incubation, mRNA expression of Nur 77, α-SMA, TIMP-1 and CoL1A1 expression was up-regulated significantly compared to control group (P<0.05), which can be inhibited by Nur 77 gRNA (P<0.05). Co-cultured with HBV infected NTCP-Huh 7.5.1 cells for 72 h, mRNA expression of Nur 77, α-SMA, TIMP-1 and CoL1A1 expression in LX-2 cells was up-regulated significantly compared to control group (P<0.05), which can be inhibited by Nur 77 gRNA (P <0.05).ConclusionHBV contributes to liver fibrosis through up-regulating TGF-β1/Nur 77 signaling pathway. Our study provides a new target for the treatment of HBV induced liver fibrosis.

Analysis on clinical laboratory indicators of different prognostic patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome / 中华疾病控制杂志

@#Objective To analyze the clinical laboratory indicators of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome( SFTS) patients caused by novel Bunyavirus infection，and focus on comparing the indicators of severe patients with different prognosis． The findings may help to predict poor prognosis for severe patients in the early stage． Methods The clinical laboratory indicators of all diagnosed confirmedly patients in two Hospitals，from January 2011 to December 2018，and the differences between groups were analyzed．Ｒesults A total of 168 clinically diagnosed SFTS cases ( 117 cases of non－severe cases and 51 cases of severe cases) were included in this study． In the severe cases，the prognosis was improved in 30 cases and the prognosis was poor in 21 cases． The laboratory indicators of severe patients with different prognosis were compared． The data showed that the levels of several indicators in patients with poor prognosis were statistically different with these in patients with better prognosis． In addition，the proportion of coma，diffuse intravascular coagulation and heart failure in patients with poor prognosis was significantly higher than that in patients with improved prognosis ( all P＜0. 05) ． Conclusion Differentiated prevention and treat- ment strategies should be developed for severe patients with possible poor prognosis．

Characteristic and clinical significance of microRNA expression between 144 Uygur and Han women with endometrial carcinoma / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the expression patterns of microRNA (miRNA) between 144 Uygur and Han women with endometrial carcinoma and to investigate their clinical significance.@*METHODS@#Taqman miRNA low-density array was used to compare miRNA profiles between Uygur and Han women with non-endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (NEEC). Five miRNAs were further analyzed in the 144 endometrial cancers including 62 Uygur and 82 Han samples via real-time PCR to determine their expression patterns.@*RESULTS@#MiRNA expression profiles revealed that many miRNAs overexpressed or downregula-ted in one ethnic group, but did not express or changed slightly in the other ethnic group. Further detection in the 144 endometrial cancers showed that miR-141, miR-200a, and miR-205 overexpressed in both ethnic groups. In Uygur endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), tumors with miR-141/200a overexpression tended to be more aggressive in behavior, whereas in the Han group, EEC with miR-200a overexpression was relative mild. However, the NEEC with miR-200a overexpression also had aggressive clinicopathologic features in the Han women. MiR-145 and miR-143 expressed differentially between Uygur and Han groups, they overexpressed in the former and decreased in the latter (P<0.05). In the Uygur women miR-145/143 increased significantly in NEEC and there was a trend that NEEC exhibiting favorable clinicopathologic factors had higher miR-145 expression, and was statistically significant in tumors with myometrial invasion less than 1/2 thickness (P=0.042). By contrary, miR-145/143 decreased in Han group and EEC with worse clinicopathologic variables had lower expression although without statistical significance. NEEC in Han group had no such tendency.@*CONCLUSION@#Uygur and Han women might have different miRNA expression profiles. MiR-141/200a/205 overexpressed in endometrial carcinomas and miR-141/200a might behave differently between these two ethnic groups as well as in EEC and in NEEC. Although miR-145/143 showed inverse expression patterns between Uygur and Han women with endometrial cancer, they all exerted tumor suppression effect on endometrial cancer.

Sports Injury-Related Fingers and Thumb Deformity Due to Tendon or Ligament Rupture / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Hand injuries are very common in sports, such as skiing and ball sports. One of the major reasons causing hand and finger deformity is due to ligament and tendon injury. The aim of this study was to investigate if the high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can demonstrate the complex anatomy of the fingers and thumb, especially the tendons and ligaments, and provide the accurate diagnosis of clinically important fingers and thumbs deformity due to ligamentous and tendinous injuries during sport activities.</p><p><b>Methods</b>Sixteen fresh un-embalmed cadaveric hands were harvested from eight cadavers. A total of 20 healthy volunteers' hands and 44 patients with fingers or thumb deformity due to sports-related injuries were included in this study. All subjects had MR examination with T1-weighted images and proton density-weighted imaging with fat suppression (PD FS) in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane, respectively. Subsequently, all 16 cadaveric hands were sliced into 2-mm thick slab with a band saw (six in coronal plane, six in sagittal plane, and four in axial plane). The correlation of anatomic sections and the MRI characteristics of tendons of fingers and the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCPJ) of thumb between 20 healthy volunteers and 44 patients (confirmed by surgery) were analyzed.</p><p><b>Results</b>The normal ligaments and tendons in 16 cadaveric hands and 20 volunteers' hands showed uniform low-signal intensity on all the sequences of the MRI. Among 44 patients with tendinous and ligamentous injuries in the fingers or thumb, 12 cases with UCL injury at MCPJ of the thumb (Stener lesion = 8 and non-Stener lesion = 4), 6 cases with the central slip injury, 12 cases with terminal tendon injury, and 14 cases with flexor digitorum profundus injury. The ligaments and tendons disruption manifested as increased signal intensity and poor definition, discontinuity, and heterogeneous signal intensity of the involved ligaments and tendons.</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>Sports injury-related fingers and thumb deformity are relatively common. MRI is an accurate method for evaluation of the anatomy and pathologic conditions of the fingers and thumb. It is a useful tool for accurate diagnosis of the sports-related ligaments and tendons injuries in hand.</p>

High-resolution 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Chinese Wrists: Correlation with Cross-sectional Anatomy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The aim of this study was to investigate if the high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could demonstrate the detailed complex anatomy of TFCC in Chinese.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourteen Chinese cadaveric wrists (from four men and three women; age range at death from 30 to 60 years; mean age at 46 years) and forty healthy Chinese wrists (from 20 healthy volunteers, male/female: 10/10; age range from 21 to 53 years with a mean age of 32 years) in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from March 2014 to March 2016 were included in this study. All cadavers and volunteers had magnetic resonance (MR) examination of the wrist with coronal T1-weighted and proton density-weighted imaging with fat suppression in three planes, respectively. MR arthrography (MRAr) was performed on one of the cadaveric wrists. Subsequently, all 14 cadaveric wrists were sliced into 2 mm thick slab with band saw (six in coronal plane, four in sagittal plane, and four in axial plane). The MRI features of normal TFCC were analyzed in these specimens and forty healthy wrists.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Triangular fibrocartilage, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the meniscal homolog could be best observed on images in coronal plane. The palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments were best evaluated in transverse plane. The ulnotriquetral and ulnolunate ligaments were best visualized in sagittal plane. The latter two structures and the volar and dorsal capsules were better demonstrated on MRAr.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High-resolution 3T MRI is capable to show the detailed complex anatomy of the TFCC and can provide valuable information for the clinical diagnosis in Chinese.</p>

Vγ1+γδT Cells Are Correlated With Increasing Expression of Eosinophil Cationic Protein and Metalloproteinase-7 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Inducing the Formation of Edema

PURPOSE: We have found that expression of γδT cells is increased in pathological mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) compared with normal nasal mucosa. This increase is correlated with the infiltration of eosinophils in CRSwNP. Here, we investigated the expression of γδT cells, inflammation and tissue remodeling factors as well as their probable relationships in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in China. METHODS: A total of 76 surgical tissue samples that included 43 CRSwNP samples (15 eosinophilic and 28 non-eosinophilic), 17 CRS samples without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 16 controls were obtained. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of Vγ1⁺γδT cells, Vγ4⁺γδT cells, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), interleukin (IL)-8, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2, metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-4 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the protein level of ECP and MMP-7 in CRSwNP. The eosinophils were counted and the level of edema was analyzed with HE staining. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of the Vγ1 subset, ECP and MMP-7 were significantly increased in CRSwNP with histological characteristics of eosinophilic infiltration and edema. The expression of the Vγ1 gene in CRSwNP correlated positively with the expression of both ECP and MMP-7. No significant decreases in the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β2, TIMP-4 or HIF-1α were observed in the CRSwNP samples. The expression levels of Vγ1 gene, ECP and MMP-7 were significantly increased in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared to non-eosinophilic CRSwNP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the associations between Vγ1⁺γδT cells, ECP and MMP-7 in CRSwNP, indicating that Vγ1⁺γδT cells can induce the eosinophilic inflammation, which has a further effect on the formation of edema.

γδ T cell expression and significance in chronic rhinosinusitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression of γδ T cells in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and its potential significance in pathogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>γδ T cell expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (Envision method). From polyps (25 CRS patients with nasal polyps, CRSwNP), inferior turbinate mucosa (13 CRS patients without nasal polyps, CRSsNP), and 16 inferior turbinate mucosa from patients with deviation of nasal septum served as control. The infiltration of eosinophils in eosinophilic CRSwNP was observed by HE staining. The differences of expression of γδ T cells between each groups were compared, meanwhile the relationship between γδ T cells and eosinophils were analyzed. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive range of γδ T cells in CRSwNP group and CRSsNP group was 88.0% and 84.6%, respectively, both higher than 37.5% in control group (χ(2) = 13.413, P < 0.01, χ(2) = 6.564, P < 0.05, respectively), CRSwNP group had no statistical significance compared with CRSsNP group (χ(2) = 0.086, P > 0.05). The expression of γδ T cells in CRSwNP group was stronger than CRSsNP group and control group (U = 596, P < 0.01, U = 296, P < 0.01, respectively); CRSsNP group was stronger than control group (U = 216, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between γδ T cells and eosinophils (r = 0.579, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of γδ T cells was increased in nasal mucosa of CRS. γδ T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS.</p>

Anatomic study of anterolateral thigh perforators flap and its clinical significance in reconstruction of head and neck defects / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the anatomy of the anterolateral thigh perforators flap and explore its clinical application in the reconstruction of head and neck defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five adult fresh cadavers were prepared, and morphosis and blood supply of anterolateral thigh flap perforators were examined by microsurgery anatomy. During dissections, the following parameters were recorded: number and type of perforators vessels, diameter of perforators, pedicle length, diameter of the original vessels, route (infra fascia and supra fascia); its position were located by anatomical landmark.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were an average of (4.4 +/- 1.8) anterolateral thigh perforators flaps (ALTP flap) in each specimen with 68.2% musculocutaneous perforator and 31.8% septocutaneous perforator. The mean pedicle length of the largest perforator was (10.86 +/- 1.18) cm (8.29-14.44) cm, and its location was constantly concentrated in the superolateral region of the midpoint of the line linking the anterosuperior iliac spine and superolateral border of the patella. The distance between surface location of the largest perforator and the midpoint was (3.25 +/- 0.69) cm. Original vessel was mostly descend branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery/vein with average diameter of (3.16 +/- 0.59) / (3.08 +/- 0.02) mm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ALTP flap has constant position, large caliber, and long pedicle and therefore is useful for operation and option in reconstruction of head neck defects.</p>

The effects of different PAP domains on hepatitis B virus replication / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of different PAP domains on hepatitis B virus replication.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The full length and two truncated PAP mutants were cloned into a eukaryotic expression plasmid, and were transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells using lipofectamine 2000. 3 days after transfection, the medium and cells were collected. HBsAg and HBeAg were measured using ELISA. The titers of HBV DNA were quantified using fluorogenic quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR). HepG2 cells were used to determine the cytotoxicity of the plasmids transfection by MTT assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inhibitory effect on HBV replication of the C-terminal 25 amino acids deleted PAP mutant (pXF3H-PAP14) was not significantly different from that of the full length PAP (pXF3H-PAP12) (Chi-square test = 0.5, 2.0, 0.02, probability value more than 0.05), however, the cytotoxicity of pXF3H-PAP14 was lower than that of pXF3H-PAP12 (Chi-square test = 7.7, probability value less than 0.01). Both N-terminal 69 amino acids deleted mutant and C-terminal 25 amino acids deleted mutant had no cytotoxicity and no antiviral activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>C-terminal 25 amino acid of PAP is related to cytotoxicity but not related to antiviral activity of PAP. N-terminal 69 amino acid of PAP is related to the anti-HBV effect of PAP.</p>

Application of four-dimensional computed tomography angiography in the study of vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator with the four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>10 abdominal specimens harvested from fresh cadavers were cannulated with trocar and injected with contrast medium in the deep inferior epigastric artery at different levels, including the deep inferior epigastric artery, its bifurcations, the lateral or medial large perforators. During the perfusion of the contrast medium in the flap, the flap was scanned by three-dimensional CT (four-dimensional defined as three dimensional CT plus time). The CT data were sent to CT workstation and the images were processed and reformatted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator terminates in the subdermal vascular plexus, with bifurcating superior to the Scarpa fascia and under the skin. The anastomosis in the abdominal midline occurs in the subdermal vascular plexus. The blood flow distributes in two ways, one is the subdermal vascular plexus, the other is the existed vascular structure. The zone overlying the rectus muscle in the pedicle side has the best blood supply, the other adjacent zone on the ipsilateral side of the abdomen, the zone overlying the contralateral rectus muscle and the zone lateral to the contralateral rectus muscle has declining perfusion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The four-dimensional CT is a useful method to study the vascular structure of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator in the superficial fascia.</p>

Effect of beta-catenin on the activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of beta-catenin on the activation of hepatic fibrosis by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFbeta1).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant expression plasmids pcDNA3.1(+)-beta-catenin and pEGFP-N1 were cotransfected into cultured HSC-T6 cells. The expression of smad3, beta-catenin and alpha-SMA, beta-catenin protein in TGFbeta1 treated HSC-T6 cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of smad3 and beta-catenin in the co-transfected cells was higher than that in the untransfected cells (smad3 mRNA were 0.642 +/- 0.011, 0.501 +/- 0.021, 0.511 +/- 0.019, 0.356 +/- 0.017, respectively, F = 135.304, P < than 0.05. beta-catenin mRNA were 0.783 +/- 0.021, 0.543 +/- 0.033, 0.538 +/- 0.024, 0.212 +/- 0.019, respectively, F = 267.340, P < than 0.05. smad3 protein were 0.892 +/- 0.012, 0.124 +/- 0.011, 0.130 +/- 0.021, 0.003 +/- 0.001, F = 2823.813, P < l than 0.05. beta-catenin protein were 0.921 +/- 0.020, 0.210 +/- 0.010, 0.208 +/- 0.008, 0.002 +/- 0.001, respectively, F = 3440.982, P < than 0.05). The expression of beta-catenin and smad3 protein had a positive correlation with the level of alpha-SMA protein in cells (r = 0.901, P < than 0.01; r = 0.939, P < than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Expression of smad3/alpha-SMA/beta-catenin is increased in the cultured HSC-T6 cells transfected by beta-catenin gene, especially when the transfected cells are stimulated by TGFbeta1. Our data suggest that beta-catenin could aggravate hepatic fibrosis induced by TGFbeta1.</p>

Anatomic study on internal mammary artery perforator flap / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the anatomy of internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five fresh cadavers were used, the morphology and blood supply of IMAP flap were examined by the method of microsurgical anatomy. During dissections, following parameters were recorded: number, type and diameter of perforators vessels, course (infra fascia and supra fascia) and location of perforators vessels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 1st-4th IMAPs were found in 10 specimen. Average diameter of 1st-4th IMAP artery/vein was as follows (x +/- s): (1.29 +/- 0.28) mm, (1.46 +/- 0.22) mm; (1.1 +/- 0.27) mm, (1.41 +/- 0.39) mm; (0.87 +/- 0.23) mm, (1.17 +/- 0.15) mm; (0.92 +/- 0.22) mm, (1.12 +/- 0.14) mm. The largest perforator was mostly first or second IMAP. The angiosomal territory of IMAPs extended from the clavicle superiorly to the xiphisternum inferiorly, from the midline medially to anterior axillary fold laterally.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IMAP flap offers an option in reconstruction of head neck defects and should be considered as an alternative to the deltopectoral flap and pectoralis major flap in some patients.</p>

Correlation between HLA-DRB1*0901 and 1501, HLA-DQB1*0301 and 0602 alleles and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma of Kazakh in Xinjiang, China / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the polymorphism of HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 allele in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas of Kazakh in Xinjiang, and to characterize susceptible genes for the family of Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HLA-DRB1*0901, DRB1*1501, DQB1*0301, DQB1*0602 alleles were genotyped by sequence specific primers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) in 200 Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 177 normal esophageal mucosa.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequency of HLA-DRB1*1501, HLA-DQB1*0301, HLA-DQB1*0602 alleles in 200 Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (0.455, 0.760 and 0.690) were significantly higher than that of 177 normal esophageal mucosa (0.232, 0.520, 0.554; OR = 2.78, 2.93, 1.80; P < 0.05). The frequency of HLA-DRB1*0901 between the carcinoma (0.105) and control groups (0.102) had no association (OR = 1.036, P > 0.05); The frequency of HLA-DQB1*0602 was higher in poor-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (0.742) than that of well-differentiated tumors (0.597, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HLA-DRB1*1501, HLA-DQB1*0301, HLA-DQB1* 0602 may be susceptible to Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. HLA-DQB1*0602 correlates with well-differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.</p>