Research progress of exosome delivery vehicles in tumor phototherapy / 药学学报

Exosome is a self-secreted phospholipid bilayer nanovesicles, and has shown great potential in drug delivery field due to the important advantages of low immunogenicity and homologous targeting. Phototherapy, mainly includes photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), utilize light to activate photoactive drug for tumor cell killing. The advanced therapeutic strategy shows low toxic side-effect and non-invasion precise advantages, and thus has made great progress in tumor treatment over the past few years. Therefore, using exosomes as a drug delivery system to deliver phototherapeutic agents can improve therapeutic performances with a reduced side-effect, and further enhance their application potential for clinical tumor therapy. This review focus on the rising cross-subjects field involving exosomes and phototherapy, and mainly introduce the research progress and relative case of exosomes-based delivery system for cancer phototherapy. Additionally, the advantages and challenges of exosome-based phototherapy are also discussed and proposed.

Effects of acupuncture on hemorrhagic transformation and motor function in stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA: a prospective cohort study / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of the Xingnao Kaiqiao (regaining consciousness and opening orifices) acupuncture on hemorrhagic transformation and limb motor function after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 130 stroke patients after rt-PA thrombolytic were divided into an acupuncture group (58 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a non-acupuncture group (72 cases, 7 cases dropped off) according to whether they received acupuncture treatment. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match each group, with 38 patients in each group. The patients in the non-acupuncture group received rt-PA thrombolytic therapy and western medical basic treatment. In addition to the basic treatment, the patients in the acupuncture group received Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), and ipsilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Chize (LU 5), once a day for 14 days. The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation within 30 days after onset was compared between the two groups. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score and activities of daily living (ADL) score were observed at baseline and 30 days, 6 months, 1 year after onset in the two groups. The disability rate at 6 months and 1 year after onset was recorded, and safety was evaluated in both groups.@*RESULTS@#The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation in the acupuncture group was 5.3% (2/38), which was lower than 21.1% (8/38) in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.05). At 30 days, 6 month, and 1 year after onset, the FMA and ADL scores of both groups were higher than those at baseline (P<0.01), and the scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.01). The disability rate in the acupuncture group at 1 year after onset was 10.5% (4/38), which was lower than 28.9% (11/38) in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture method could reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation in stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA, improve their motor function and daily living ability, and reduce the long-term disability rate.

Diagnosis of fetal closed spina bifida without subcutaneous mass with prenatal ultrasound / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the prenatal ultrasound findings and clinical prognosis in fetal closed spina bifida without subcutaneous mass.Methods:This retrospective study included nine fetuses diagnosed with closed spina bifida without subcutaneous mass by prenatal ultrasound in Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2016 to February 2022. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the ultrasonographic features, MRI findings, genetic testing results, pregnancy outcomes and follow-up data.Results:The diagnosis of fetal closed spina bifida without subcutaneous mass was confirmed in all cases by MRI, X-ray examination or ultrasound after termination or neonatal surgery. Four cases presenting with various degrees of sacral vertebra defects had caudal regression syndrome complicated by other malformations. Two cases had dermal sinus, presenting with subcutaneous hypoechoic sinus tract connecting to the spinal canal. Lipoma terminalis were found in two fetuses who presented with intraspinal hyperechoic mass. One fetus with diastematomyelia showed short linear strong echoes and double spinal cord echoes in the spinal canal with butterfly vertebrae. The location of the conus medullaris was lower in seven cases and normal in one fetus. The other one case had unclear position of the conus medullaris. No postoperative complications occurred in the two cases (one with dermal sinus and one with lipoma terminalis) receiving postnatal surgery and both infants grew and developed normally. Fetal death occurred in one case and six pregnancies were terminated.Conclusions:Closed spina bifida without subcutaneous mass typically has ultrasonographic features. Detection of spinal cord echoes in the spinal canal can improve the prenatal detection rate. Whether it is complicated with malformation affects its prognosis. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis may provide information for prognosis consultation and postpartum treatment.

Clinical analysis of 31 lung metastases patients by percutaneous thermal ablation in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the factors that affect the accuracy of percutaneous thermal ablation of lung metastases and coping strategies. Methods    We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 31 patients who met the conditions for thermal ablation of lung metastases in Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between October 2019 and December 2020. There were 19 males and 12 females with a mean age of 40-81 (62.8±10.3) years. A total of 33 metastases tumors were thermally ablated, 12 were radiofrequency ablation and 19 were microwave ablation. Results    Of the 33 metastatic tumors, 5 targets showed significant puncture deviation, 4 of them completed the ablation after adjustment and 1 failed. The result of the univariate logistic regression showed the distance within the lung parenchyma (P=0.043) and the maximum diameter of the tumor (P=0.025) were independent risk factors for the accuracy of percutaneous thermal ablation. In terms of correlation, there was a positive correlation between the accuracy of percutaneous thermal ablation and the distance within the lung parenchyma (P=0.033), and a negative correlation between the maximum diameter of metastases tumor (P=0.004) and hemoptysis (P=0.015). Complete ablation rate was 87.8% (29/33). Conclusion    When we perform CT-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of lung metastases, we must fully prepare the deviation plan for the small diameter tumor, the long travel distance in the lung parenchyma, and hemoptysis during puncture. Complete ablation can be achieved by fully identifying the anatomical features of the tumor and its surrounding structures, shortening the travel distance in the lung parenchyma and increasing the ablation range.

Preliminary adipose removal did not prevent diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a fundamental factor in metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and atherosclerosis. However, effective preventive measures are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate different surgical protocols for removing partial adipose tissue before the onset of obesity and determine whether, and by which protocol, preliminary adipose removal could exert potent preventive effects against diet-induced metabolic disorders.@*METHODS@#Male low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) knockout (KO) mice were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to epididymal fat removal (Epi-FR) surgery, subcutaneous fat removal (suQ-FR) surgery, both subcutaneous and epididymal fat removal (Epi + suQ-FR) surgery, or sham-operation. After 1 week of recovery, all mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce metabolic disorders.@*RESULTS@#In the Epi-FR group and the sham-operated group, the mean numbers of the residual subcutaneous fat were 28.59 mg/g and 18.56 mg/g, respectively. The expression of relative genes such as Pparg, Cebpa, Dgat2, Fabp4 and Cd36 in the residual subcutaneous fat increased 2.62, 3.90, 3.11, 2.06, 1.78 times in the Epi-FR group compared with that in the sham-operated group. Whereas in the other fat-removal groups, the residual fat depots had no significant change in either size or gene expression, as compared with those of the sham-operated group. Plasma lipid and glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, as detected by the glucose tolerance test, were not significantly alleviated in the three fat removal groups. Liver mass or lipid content was not attenuated in any of the three fat removal groups. The atherosclerosis burdens in the entire inner aorta and aortic root did not decrease in any of the three fat removal groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our data suggest that removal of epididymal adipose or subcutaneous adipose alone or in combination before the onset of obesity did not protect against hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver, or atherosclerosis in LDL-R KO mice fed with a HFD. Hence, adipose removal possibly does not represent a potential approach in preventing obesity-related metabolic disorders in the obesity-susceptible population.

The mediating effect of depression and anxiety between objective cognitive function and subjective memory in patients with epilepsy / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between objective cognitive function and subjective memory in patients with epilepsy and the mediating effect of depression and anxiety.Methods:A total of 123 patients with epilepsy were included, and their basic information and clinical data were collected. The quality of life in epilepsy inventory-89 memory subscale, Beck depression inventory Ⅱ, Beck anxiety scale and repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status were used to evaluate the subjective memory, depression, anxiety and objective cognitive function of patients with epilepsy. SPSS 25.0 software was used for bivariate correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis, and PROCESS V3.5 macro program was used for Bootstrap mediating effect test.Results:(1)Correlation analysis showed that the objective cognitive function score of patients with epilepsy was negatively correlated with depression score ( r=-0.392, P<0.01) and anxiety score ( r=-0.310, P<0.01), while positively correlated with subjective memory score ( r=0.388, P<0.01). Subjective memory score was significantly negatively correlated with depression score ( r=-0.436, P<0.01) and anxiety score ( r=-0.395, P<0.01). (2)The mediating effects analysis showed that objective cognitive function of patients with epilepsy could affect the subjective memory through the mediating effects of depression and anxiety indirectly. The mediating effect accounted for 33.87% and 17.93% of the total effects respectively. Conclusion:Objective cognitive function, depression and anxiety are closely related to subjective memory in patients with epilepsy. Depression and anxiety play a mediating role between objective cognitive function and subjective memory in patients with epilepsy.

Research progress of the improvement of cognitive dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy by levetiracetam / 中华神经科杂志

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common refractory focal epilepsy and most patients have significant cognitive dysfunction. Not only can seizures cause cognitive impairment, but also many antiepileptic drugs can have adverse effects on cognition. So, it is very important to choose appropriate antiepileptic drugs for the prognosis of temporal lobe epilepsy patients. At present, some studies suggest that levetiracetam (LEV) can improve the cognitive function of temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the effect and mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy is not yet fully understood, so this review will focus on the effects of LEV on the cognitive dysfunction of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Effects of clopidogrel resistence and CYP2C19 genotype on the clinical prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of clopidogrel resistence and CYP2C19 genotype on the clinical prognosis of acute coronary syndrome(ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. ACS patients who underwent PCI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from October 2015 to January 2017 were recruited. The inhibition rate of adenosine diphosphate(ADP) was monitored by thromboelastography. All of these patients were divided into clopidogrel resistance and non-resistance group according to the monitoring results. CYP2C19 genotype was detected by TaqMan probe-based real-time quantitative PCR. Patients were divided into slow, medium and fast metabolic group, according to the CYP2C19 genotype. After 12 months of follow-up, the end points included all-cause death, cardiac death, angina, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, ischemic stroke and hemorrhage were collected. Combined thrombotic events were defined as a composite of angina, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The differences of the incidence of clinical events between groups were compared. Cox regression was used to analyze the effects of clopidogrel resistance and CYP2C19 genotype on the combined thrombotic events, cardiac death and hemorrhage. Results: A total of 1 696 patients were included, and the age was (59.4±9.6) years, with 1 280(75.5%) males. There were 471 cases(27.8%) in clopidogrel resistance group, and 1 225 cases(72.2%) in clopidogrel non-resistance group. There were 218 patients(12.9%) were in slow metabolic group, 668(39.4%) in medium metabolic group, and 810 (47.8%) in fast metabolic group. The median follow-up time was 13.3 months, and 131 cases were lost to follow-up, with a loss follow-up rate of 7.7%. Compared with the clopidogrel non-resistance group, the clopidogrel resistance group had a higher incidence of myocardial infarction(7.6%(36/471) vs. 5.1%(62/1 225), P=0.041), a lower incidence of hemorrhage (13.2%(62/471) vs. 17.9%(219/1 225), P=0.020) and minor hemorrhage(11.5%(54/471) vs. 15.8% (194/1 225), P=0.022). There were no statistically significant difference in all-cause death, cardiac death, angina, stent thrombosis, ischemic stroke and severe bleeding between clopidogrel resistance and non-resistance group(all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of endpoint events among different CYP2C19 genotypes (all P>0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that clopidogrel resistance was an independent factor of combined thrombotic events (OR=2.334, 95%CI 1.215-4.443, P=0.016) and bleeding events (OR=0.481, 95%CI 0.174-0.901, P=0.023). While CYP2C19 genotype was not independent factor for combined thrombotic events, cardiac death and hemorrhage (all P>0.05). Conclusion: For ACS patients after PCI, clopidogrel resistance can increase the risk of combined thrombotic events, but also reduce the risk of bleeding; while CYP2C19 genotype is not an independent factor for clinical prognosis.

Observation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Oxcarbazepine Combined with Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Adult Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To observe therapuetic effica cy of oxcarbazepine combined with levetiracetam in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. METHODS ：According to inclusion and exclusion criteria ，83 adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were collected from neurology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University during January 2018 to October 2019，and then divided into control group （39 cases）and observation group （44 cases）. Control group was given Oxcarbazepine tablet with initial dose of 8-10 mg/（kg·d），morning and night ，increased by 5-10 mg/（kg·d）each week according to patient ’s condition ，the maximal dose was 45 mg/（kg·d），lasting for 3 months with the lowest effective treatment dose. Based on treatment of control group ，observation group was additionally given Levetiracetam tablet with initial dose of 5-10 mg/（kg·d），morning and night ，increased by 5-10 mg/（kg·d）each week according to the severity of disease，the total dose was not more than 2 000 mg/d，lasting for 3 months with the lowest effective treatment dose. The event-related potential P 300 at Pz site in 2 groups was measured before and after treatment （including the incubation period of N 1， P2，N2 and P 3 waves，amplitude of P 3 wave）. Webster ’s Adult Intelligence Scale [WAIS-RC ，including verbal IQ （VIQ）， performance IQ （PIQ），full scale IQ （FIQ）scores] and Clinical Memory Scale [CMS ，converting to memory quotient （MQ） score] were adopted. The occurrence of ADR was recorded. RESULTS ：Totally 5 patients of control group and 7 patients of observation group fell off. Finally ，a total of 71 patients participated in the entire study （34 cases in control group and 37 cases in observation group ）. Before treatment ，there was no statistical significance in P 300 at Pz site ，WAIS-RC and CMS between 2 groups （P＞0.05）. Compared with before treatment ，incubation period of N 2 and P 3 waves was shortenedsignificantly in 2 groups，and amplitude of P 3 wave wasincreased significantly after treatment （P＜0.05）；VIQ，FIQ and MQ scores were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. The incubation pe riod of P 2 wave was shortened significantly，and PIQ score was increased significantly in observation group （P＜ 0.05）. Compared with control group ，the shortening degree of incubation period of P 2，P3 waves，rising degree of amplitude of P 3 wave and rising degree of VIQ ，PIQ，FIQ，MQ scores were more bigger after treatment in observation （P＜0.05）. In the control group，there was 1 case of slight rash ，1 case of conscious asthenia ；in the observation group ，there was 1 case of nausea and vomiting，1 case of conscious asthenia ，and 1 case of emotional instability ；no serious ADR was found in 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS：Oxcarbazepine combined with levetiracetam can improve cognitive dysfunction in adult patients with temporal lobe epilepsy ，and the treatment effect is significantly better than oxcarbazepine monotherapy.

Down-regulated PTTG1 expression promotes the senescence of human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of the down-regulated expression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) on the senescence of human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells.@*METHODS@#Human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells were induced in vitro and transfected with siRNA targeting PTTG1 (the siRNA-PTTG1 group), the reagent lip3000 only (the mock group) or siRNA negative control vector (the NC group). All the cells were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) or charcoal-stripped bovine serum (CSS) and counted with the cell counting chamber. The senescence characteristics of the transfected LNCaP-AI cells were examined by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, and the expressions of the senescence-related β-galactosidase-1-like proteins (Glb1), the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p-21CIP1 and p-27Kip1, and the chromatin-regulating heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The expression of PTTG1 in the human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells was significantly reduced in the siRNA-PTTG1 group compared with those in the mock and NC groups (0.21 ± 0.01 vs 0.56 ± 0.02 and 0.61 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). Culture with FBS markedly increased while that with CSS decreased the number of LNCaP-AI cells transfected with siRNA, but both FBS and CSS enhanced the proliferation of the LNCaP-AI cells in the mock and NC groups. SA-β-Gal staining revealed that reducing the expression of PTTG1 induced a remarkably higher positive rate of the LNCaP-AI cells in the siRNA-PTTG1 than in the mock and NC groups (［63.5 ± 2.35］% vs ［11.3 ± 1.24］% and ［12.4 ± 1.15］%, P < 0.05). The siRNA-PTTG1 group, in comparison with the mock and NC groups, showed a significantly down-regulated expression of PTTG1 (0.21 ± 0.01 vs 0.56 ± 0.02 and 0.61 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), but up-regulated expressions of p-21CIP1 (0.32 ± 0.03 vs 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.21 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), p-27Kip1 (0.38 ± 0.02 vs 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.22 ± 0.01, P < 0.05), Glb1 (0.24 ± 0.01 vs 0.13 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.01, P < 0.05), and HP1γ (0.41 ± 0.01 vs 0.26 ± 0.01 and 0.27 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) in the LNCaP-AI cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Down-regulated expression of PTTG1 induces senescence of human castration-resistant prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells.

Comparison of curative effect of two spleen-pedicle regurgitation programs in patients with minimally invasive splenectomy / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To study the clinical effect of minimally invasive resection of spleen in the upper margin of the spleen pedicle. Methods 152 patients underwent splenectomy were enrolled in this study from June 2012 to June 2017. All patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. Among the 118 patients, the spleen pedicle was removed from the spine pedicle of the spleen pedicle and the spleen pedicle was taken as the control group. Comparison of the two groups of patients with perioperative period, 7 d postoperative hematological indicators and complications occurred. Results The intraoperative blood loss (51.85 ± 27.14) ml, the operation time (69.39 ± 19.34) min and the transfer rate (0.84%) were lower in the observation group than those in the control group (82.67 ± 36.29) ml, (119.44 ± 23.73) min and (8.82%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the time of first anal exhaust, food time and hospitalization time (P > 0.05). The levels of blood white blood cell count (WBC) (4.32 ± 1.14) ×109/L, hemoglobin (Hb) (125.37 ± 18.28) g/L and platelet (PLT) were significantly higher than those in the observation group (378.28±112.94) (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than those in the control group (3.28 ± 1.05) ×109/L, (97.23 ± 22.43) g/L and (239.42 ± 134.82) ×109/L, respectively. The incidence of pancreatic fistula, abdominal hemorrhage, portal vein thrombosis, infection and intestinal obstruction was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Splenectomy of splenic pedicle in spleen splenectomy can reduce the intraoperative blood loss and transfer rate, reduce the operation time and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. It can be further promoted in clinical and use.

Downregulation of PTTG1 expression inhibits the proliferation and invasiveness and promotes the apoptosis of human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effects of down-regulation of PTTG1 expression on the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of androgen-independent human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells and their sensitivity to androgen antagonists.@*METHODS@#Human prostate cancer LNCaP-AI cells were transfected with siRNA targeting the PTTG1 gene using the Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent. The proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of the cells were detected by MTT, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expressions of PTTG1, p-Akt, and p-ERK were determined by Western blot and the mRNA expression of PTTG1 measured by agarose gel electrophoresis.@*RESULTS@#The siRNA expression vector markedly down-regulated the expression of PTTG1, which effectively suppressed the proliferation of the LNCaP-AI cells, with the inhibition rates of (19.47 ± 2.12), (24.01 ± 2.13) and (48.02 ± 2.22)% at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively, after transfection, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (P <0.05). The number of the cells passing through the polycarbonate film was remarkably decreased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (74.67 ± 9.85, 56.44 ± 8.66 and 37.33 ± 6.14) as compared with the baseline (111.11 ± 13.47) (P <0.01), while the apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly increased at 24, 48 and 72 hours (18.32 ± 0.94), (19.94 ± 1.30) and (21.73 ± 1.88)% in comparison with the baseline (［2.17 ± 0.49］%)， (P <0.05). PTTG1 siRNA combined with androgen antagonist flumatide exhibited even more significant effects in inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of the LNCaP-AI cells than either used alone, and in a flumatide dose-dependent manner. The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the LNCaP-AI cells treated with 50 nmol/L flumatide were (27.13 ± 3.52) and (3.94 ± 0.48)%, and those treated with siRNA + 50 nmol/L flumatide were (67.51 ± 5.13) and (19.93 ± 1.72)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05). The inhibition and apoptosis rates of the cells treated with 100 nmol/L flumatide were (43.72 ± 3.90) and (5.33 ± 0.66)%, and those treated with siRNA + 100 nmol/L flumatide were (73.19 ± 4.78) and (23.43 ± 1.76)%, respectively, both with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The siRNA expression vector can down-regulate the expression of PTTG1, which can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of LNCaP-AI cells, promote their apoptosis, and increase their sensibility to androgen antagonists. Suppressing the expression of PTTG1 may enhance the effect of androgen-deprivation therapy on advanced prostate cancer.

Effect of hypoxia on the biological characteristics of human dental follicle cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia on the characteristics of human dental follicle cells (hDFCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The tissue explant collagenase method was used to isolate hDFCs from young permanent teeth. The immunofluorescence technique was used to detect cell surface markers, and the multi-differentiation potential was detected by multilineage differentiation induction assay. Then, the hypoxic microenvironment was physically mimicked, and the cells were divided into the normoxia group (20%O₂) and the hypoxia group (2%O₂). The effects of hypoxia on cell migration and proliferation were examined by Transwell chamber test and CCK-8 assay, respectively. The gene and protein expression levels of stemness-related markers at both oxygen concentrations were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. After osteogenic induction of both groups, qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate the osteogenesis-related gene, and alizarin red staining was used to assess the formation of mineralized nodules.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the multi-differentiation capacity of osteogenic cells, adipogenic cells, and nerves, hDFCs demonstrate strong stem cell characteristics and possess the criteria of mesenchymal stem cells, which can meet the requirements of seed cells in dental tissue engineering. Hypoxia was conducive to the maintenance of hDFC stemness. Hypoxia promoted the migration and proliferation of hDFCs. The hDFCs were induced to osteogenic differentiation under hypoxic conditions, thereby enhancing osteogenesis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hypoxic microenvironment plays an important role in maintaining the stemness and promoting the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of hDFCs. Thus, this microenvironment could also serve several important functions in future clinical applications.</p>

Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has caused several outbreaks in domestic poultry. Despite great efforts to control the spread of this virus, it continues to evolve and poses a substantial threat to public health because of a high mortality rate. In this study, we sequenced whole genomes of eight H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic poultry in eastern China and compared them with those of typical influenza virus strains. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all eight genomes belonged to clade 2.3.2.1 and clade 7.2, the two main circulating clades in China. Viruses that clustered in clade 2.3.2.1 shared a high degree of homology with H5N1 isolates located in eastern Asian. Isolates that clustered in clade 7.2 were found to circulate throughout China, with an east-to-west density gradient. Pathogenicity studies in mice showed that these isolates replicate in the lungs, and clade 2.3.2.1 viruses exhibit a notably higher degree of virulence compared to clade 7.2 viruses. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the biological characterization and pathogenicity of HPAI H5N1 viruses.

Survey regarding difficulties encountered by foreign medical postgraduates in China / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To investigate the general information such as study motivation, study de-mand, and encountered difficulties of foreign medical postgraduates in China. Methods 45 medical post-graduates in Chongqing Medical University participated in this survey in February 2014. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions, including study motivation, the reasons to learn in China, language proficiency, study expectation, satisfaction rate, and future career plan. In total, 45 questionnaires were handed out, and 42 (93%) were recovered. Results All respondents (42 persons) had already acquired medical license in their own countries. 45%of them (19 persons) had obtained bachelor’s degree in other university and were attracted by the reputation of Chongqing Medical University. 50% of respondents (21 persons) considered language barrier as the biggest problem in their learning process. 60%(25 persons) were generally satisfied with their postgraduate education in China. And lack of clinical practice opportunity was ranked as the No. 1 reason of dissatisfaction (54%, 23 persons). Conclusion Language barrier as well as lack of clinical practice opportunity is the biggest two problems encountered by foreign medical postgraduates in China. Although Chongqing Medical University has gained a lot of experience in foreign medical postgraduate education, improvements regarding training program and mentor selection should still be made.

Effects on the tumor specific growth factor and tumor necrosis factor α in rats' precancerous lesion of primary hepatocellular carcinoma by direct moxibustion at Ganshu (BL 18) acupoint / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of direct moxibustion at Ganshu (BL18) on the serum concentrations of tumor specific growth factor (TSGF) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in a rat model with precancerous lesion of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion underlying improvement of HCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (n=10), model group (n=20), prevention group 1 (n=15) and prevention group 2 (n=15). The normal rats were injected with physiological saline as blank control. At the same time, the rats of other three groups were injected with diethylnitrosamine to establish the HCC model. Direct moxibustion with grain-sized moxa was applied to bilateral Ganshu acupoint of the rats in the prevention group 1 (1 treatment course, 20 days) and prevention group 2 (2 treatment courses, 40 days), 5 doses for each acupoint, 0.5 mg/dose, once every other day. At each time point (before model establishment, the end of 1st course prevention, the end of 2nd course prevention and the end of model establishment), serum levels of TSGF and TNF-α were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, there was a remarkably increase of serum TSGF and TNF-α contents in the model group at the end of the experiment (P<0.05). At the end of the 1st course of direct moxibustion, the contents of serum TSGF and TNF-α of rats in the prevention group 1 were significantly increased compared with that of the model group (P<0.05). At the end of the 2nd course of direct moxibustion, serum TSGF and TNF-α levels of rats in the model group were higher than the normal group with significantly difference (P<0.05), and the levels of TSGF and TNF-α in the prevention group 2 were significantly reduced in comparison with the model group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It was possible that direct moxibustion could inhibit precancerous lesion and postpone hepatocarcinogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of two courses were better than one course.</p>

Expression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 during the development of androgen-independent prostate cancer / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To explore the expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) during the transformation of prostate cancer from androgen-dependent (ADPC) to androgen-independent (AIPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We established an AIPC cell model LNCaP-AI by culturing the androgen-dependent LNCaP cell line in the hormone-deprived medium for over 3 months. The cell model was verified and the PTTG1 expression in the LNCaP cells was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR during hormone deprivation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The AIPC cell model LNCaP-AI was successfully established. The PTTG1 expression was gradually increased in the LNCaP cells with the prolonged time of hormone deprivation and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and -9 were elevated at the same time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of PTTG1 is increased gradually in AIPC, which may be a target of gene therapy for advanced prostate cancer.</p>

Relationship between chronic hepatitis C virus genotype and thyroid function / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo preliminarily investigate the relationship between the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, 2a and 1b, and thyroid hormone levels and autoantibodies. MethodsIn patients who were admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C from October 2013 to December 2014, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the HCV genotype. A total of 196 patients with HCV genotype 2a or 1b were enrolled as subjects. The levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies were determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and the relationship between the HCV genotype and thyroid function was analyzed. Between-group comparison of continuous data was performed by t test, and the risk factors were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. ResultsIn the 196 patients with hepatitis C, 57.7% (n=113) were infected with HCV-2a, and 42.3% (n=83) were infected with HCV-1b. There were no significant differences in levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies between patients with HCV-2a and HCV-1b (P＞0.05). In the 92 patients who were treated with interferon, there were no significant differences in levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies between patients with HCV-2a and HCV-1b (P＞0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the genotype classification was not a risk factor for abnormal thyroid autoantibodies (OR=2.012, P＞0.05). ConclusionThere is no intrinsic link between chronic HCV genotype classification and thyroid function. The genotype classification has no substantial effect on thyroid function.

Use of atorvastatin in lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease in Chinese patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Statins are still underused for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China. Hence, we conducted a systemic review on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and adverse events of atorvastatin, as well as on patient adherence.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>We conducted a systemic search in PubMed with the following keywords: "atorvastatin" (Supplementary concept) or "atorvastatin" (All field) and ("China" [AD] or "China" [all field] or "Chinese" [All field]).</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Clinical or basic research articles on atorvastatin were included.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Atorvastatin is a reversible and competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, decreasing the de novo cholesterol synthesis. The pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin among Chinese is similar to those in Caucasians, and several gene polymorphisms have proved to be associated with the metabolism of atorvastatin in the Chinese population. Several international multiple-center randomized control trials have demonstrated the benefit of atorvastatin for primary and secondary prevention of CVD. None of them, however, included the Chinese, and current evidence in the population is still inadequate, due to the small sample size, low study quality, short study duration, and the use of surrogate endpoints instead of clinical endpoints. The overall incidence of adverse events observed with atorvastatin did not increase in the 10-80 mg dose range, and was similar to that observed with placebo and in patients treated with other statins, which makes atorvastatin well-tolerated in the Chinese population. Moreover, high patient adherence was observed in clinical studies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Based on the current available evidence, there is no significant difference between Chinese and non-Chinese population in term of pharmacology and clinical efficacy/safety. High-quality evidence is still needed to support the use of atorvastatin in high-risk Chinese population.</p>

Effects of three surgical modalities on ovarian reserve by assessing the serum level of anti-Mullerian hormone for uterine fibroids / 中华全科医师杂志

To compare the effects of laparoscopic total or subtotal hysterectomy and myomectomy on ovarian reserve by measuring the serum level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).A total of 96 patients with uterine fibroids underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH group,n =32),laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LSH group,n =31) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM group,n =33).Changes in ovarian reserve were examined by measuring the level of AMH pre-operation and at 1 and 4 months post-operation.No significant differences existed in AMH in LM group[(1.42 ±0.65),(1.31 ±0.53) & (1.33 ±0.61) μg/L,P ＞ 0.05].The levels of AMH in both groups were significantly lower than those at pre-operation [(1.17 ± 0.11),(1.01 ±0.10),(0.48±0.54) & (1.18±0.93),(0.45 ±0.39),(0.14±0.0) μg/L,P＜0.001].The mean percentage decrease in AMH was lower in TLH group than that in LSH group at 4-month follow-up [(-37.4 ± 37.6) ％ vs.(-27.0 ± 23.0) ％,P =0.017].The results showed that LM had no effect on ovarian reserve.Both LSH and TLH had adverse effects on ovarian reserve and TLH was more marked.