Expression of CTRP9 in serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the expression and correlation of C1q/tumor necrosis factor related protein 9(CTRP9)levels in the serum of patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy(DR)and diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS: A total of 135 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital from April 2021 to April 2022 were selected as the experimental group. According to the results of non-mydriatic fundus photography, they were divided into non-DR(NDR)group(n=45), non-proliferative DR(NPDR)group(n=45), proliferative DR(PDR)group(n=45); according to the results of optical coherence tomography, DR patients were divided into DME group(n=51), non-DME group(n=39). In addition, other 45 healthy subjects who matched the age and sex of the experimental group were selected as normal control group. The clinical data and biochemical index test results of subjects in each group were recorded and compared, the correlation between serum CTRP9 level and other biochemical indexes was analyzed, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of DR and DME were explored.RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum CTRP9 levels among subjects in normal control group, NDR group, NPDR group and PDR group(P<0.001), and normal control group > NDR group > NPDR group > PDR group. There was significant difference in serum CTRP9 level between DME group and non-DME group(P<0.001), and non-DME group > DME group. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the level of serum CTRP9 in DR patients was negatively correlated with the course of diabetes(rs=-0.251, P<0.05), the level of serum CTRP9 in DME patients was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)(rs=-0.370, P<0.05)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)(rs=-0.421, P<0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the course of diabetes(OR=1.194, 95%CI: 1.068～1.335,P=0.002)and the level of serum CTRP9(OR=0.936, 95%CI: 0.907～0.966,P<0.001)were risk factors for DR. The level of serum CTRP9 was a risk factor affecting the occurrence of DME(OR=0.838, 95%CI: 0.778～0.903, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The reduction of CTRP9 level is a risk factor for the occurrence of DR and DME, which may be of great significance to the risk assessment of both DR and DME.

Incidence of gastric cancer and risk factors in Suzhou cohort / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To describe gastric cancer incidence in Suzhou cohort, explore the environmental risk factors of gastric cancer in Suzhou, and provide appropriate suggestions for gastric cancer prevention and control. Methods: The participants were from the Suzhou cohort of China Kadoorie Biobank. Baseline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2008, followed by long-term follow-up until December 31, 2013. After the exclusion of those who had been previously diagnosed with peptic ulcer and malignant tumor reported at baseline survey and gastric cancer within six months after enrollment, a total of 50,136 participants were included. Cox proportional risk models were used to identify risk factors of gastric cancer and their hazard ratios in Suzhou. The effect modifications of gender on the association between risk factors and gastric cancer were analyzed. Results: In the follow-up of 7.19 years (median), 374 gastric cancers cases occurred. The standardized incidence was 94.57 per 100 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis found that age (10 years old as a age group, HR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.92-2.53, P<0.001), current smoking (HR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.10-3.07 P=0.020), consumption of preserved vegetables weekly (HR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.28-4.07, P=0.005) and daily (HR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.16-3.61, P=0.013) were risk factors for gastric cancer. Female (HR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.25-0.76, P=0.003) and refrigerator use (10 years as a limit, HR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.74-0.97, P=0.016) were protective factors for gastric cancer. Further analysis showed that there was heterogeneity between males and females in the association between refrigerator use years and the incidence of gastric cancer (P=0.009), and there was an interaction effect between gender and refrigerator use on the incidence of gastric cancer (P=0.010). Conclusions: The incidence of gastric cancer in Suzhou cohort was high. The risk factors of gastric cancer varied. There was a synergistic interaction effect between gender and refrigerator use years on the incidence of gastric cancer.

Application value of imaging examination in the diagnosis of Muller-Weiss disease / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze radiological characteristics of Muller-Weiss disease, evaluate the clinical value of the imaging examination in diagnosis of Muller-Weiss disease.@*METHODS@#The imaging data of 26 patients with Muller-Weiss disease were collected from September 2015 to August 2020, including 7 males and 19 females, aged 43 to 68 years old with an average of (52.7±4.6) years old. In the X-ray examination observed the shape and position of the navicular bone. The talar-first metatarsal angle(TFM) was measured on the weight-bearing anteroposterior radiograph. The arch angle and angle between mid-axis of talus and mid-axis of the first metatarsal(Meary angle) were measured on the weight-bearing lateral radiographs. The morphology, density, adjacent joint space and position of the navicular bone were evaluated by computed tomography(CT), and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was used to observe the shape, signal, cartilage and surrounding soft tissue changes of the navicular bone.@*RESULTS@#Among 26 patients, 21 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral;X-ray examination showed that the lateral part of navicular bone of foot was compressed and flattened, showing"comma like"or"drop like", navicular moved to the medial side, partial fragmentation of bone, peripheral articular hyperplasia, uneven density and narrowing of relationship gap. According to Meary angle and deformity degree of the affected foot on the lateral X-ray of the load-bearing foot, Maceira staging was performed. There were 0 cases in stageⅠ, 2 cases in stage Ⅱ, 11 cases in stage Ⅲ, 9 cases in stage Ⅳand 4 cases in stage Ⅴ. CT examination showed bone fragmentation, medial displacement of navicular bone and formation of the talocalcaneal joint. MRI examination showed the irregular shape and uneven signal of navicular bone, narrowing of joint space, talocalcaneal joint surface hyperplasia and cartilage destruction, tarsal joint effusion and swelling of surrounding soft tissue.@*CONCLUSION@#Muller-Weiss disease has specific imaging manifestation, and an accurate diagnosis can be made based on the patient's age, gender, and clinincal history. Preoperative imaging examination can stage the disease, help clinicians to formulate better surgical plans, and postoperative imaging examination can better evaluate the surgical effect.

Research on the major problems and countermeasures in the development of clinical research teams in specialized hospitals / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveThe clinical research team is the key to improving clinical research ability. The purpose of this study is to identify the main problems with the development of clinical research teams in specialized hospitals， and to explore countermeasures. MethodsOn the basis of literature review and consultation with experts， a self-made questionnaire was distributed online to survey 300 relevant staff engaged in clinical research in 10 tertiary specialized hospitals in Shanghai. The severity of existing problems was analyzed from four aspects： clinical research personnel planning， recruitment and allocation； training and development； evaluation and performance management； career management. Then in-depth personal interviews were conducted with the main heads of clinical research departments in some hospitals. ResultsFour problems have relatively high severity scores， with 3.65±1.0， 3.43±1.0， 3.53±1.0， and 3.44±1.0 points， respectively. They are： “The development of the clinical research team is incomplete， and there is a lack of stable multidisciplinary and multi-level talent teams”， “A systematic and continuous clinical research training system has not been established”， “An objective and fair evaluation index system has not yet been established”， and “There are obstacles in the career development and promotion path of clinical research professionals”. ConclusionTo further enhance the clinical research capabilities of hospitals， we urgently need to establish multidisciplinary and multi-level clinical research teams， strengthen the training of clinical researchers on their clinical research capabilities， establish a scientific evaluation index system and incentive methods， and explore career development that meets the characteristics of clinical researchers.

Research on the major problems and countermeasures in the development of clinical research teams in specialized hospitals / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveThe clinical research team is the key to improving clinical research ability. The purpose of this study is to identify the main problems with the development of clinical research teams in specialized hospitals， and to explore countermeasures. MethodsOn the basis of literature review and consultation with experts， a self-made questionnaire was distributed online to survey 300 relevant staff engaged in clinical research in 10 tertiary specialized hospitals in Shanghai. The severity of existing problems was analyzed from four aspects： clinical research personnel planning， recruitment and allocation； training and development； evaluation and performance management； career management. Then in-depth personal interviews were conducted with the main heads of clinical research departments in some hospitals. ResultsFour problems have relatively high severity scores， with 3.65±1.0， 3.43±1.0， 3.53±1.0， and 3.44±1.0 points， respectively. They are： “The development of the clinical research team is incomplete， and there is a lack of stable multidisciplinary and multi-level talent teams”， “A systematic and continuous clinical research training system has not been established”， “An objective and fair evaluation index system has not yet been established”， and “There are obstacles in the career development and promotion path of clinical research professionals”. ConclusionTo further enhance the clinical research capabilities of hospitals， we urgently need to establish multidisciplinary and multi-level clinical research teams， strengthen the training of clinical researchers on their clinical research capabilities， establish a scientific evaluation index system and incentive methods， and explore career development that meets the characteristics of clinical researchers.

Ferruginol alleviates inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibiting COX-2, MMP-9 and NF-κB signaling

Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ferruginol on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) stimulated ulcerative colitis mice. Methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by administering 2% of DSS through drinking water for 7 d. The mice in the treatment group were treated with DAA+50 mg/kg/day ferruginol orally. In the positive control group, sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg/day) was used alongside with DSS. After induction, the bodyweight, character of stool and feces occult blood were recorded daily, the disease activity index was calculated, and the colon length, colon weight, and spleen weight were recorded. The myeloperoxidase activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-a were determined by ELISA method, and nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by Western blotting assays. Results: Ferruginol significantly increased the bodyweight, colon weight, colon length, and decreased disease activity index and spleen weight. It exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing the activities of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κβ, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions: Ferruginol could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by attenuating the inflammation in colon cells and maintaining colonic mucosal barrier integrity.

Effect of long-snake moxibustion on nonspecific low back pain with symptom of cold and dampness / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of long-snake moxibustion and ginger-partitioned moxibustion at point on nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) with symptom of cold and dampness.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients were randomized into a long-snake moxibustion group, an ashi point group and a waiting for treatment group, 40 cases in each one. Ginger-partitioned moxibustion was applied from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) of governor vessel in the long-snake moxibustion group, and was applied at point of affected area in the ashi point group, 40 min each time, once every other day and totally 8 times were required. No intervention was adopted in the waiting for treatment group, and after the trial, long-snake moxibustion was applied. Before and after treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of rest and activity, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and the score of cold and dampness symptom were observed in the 3 groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores of rest and activity, the ODI scores and the scores of cold and dampness symptom after treatment were decreased in the long-snake moxibustion group and the ashi point group (<0.05). After treatment, the variations of the above indexes in the long-snake moxibustion group and the ashi point group were larger than those in the waiting for treatment group (<0.05), and the variations of the above indexes in the long-snake moxibustion group were larger than those in the ashi point group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Long-snake moxibustion can effectively improve the pain, dysfunction and the symptom of cold and dampness in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and the improvement is superior to the ginger-partitioned moxibustion at point.

Ferruginol alleviates inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibiting COX-2, MMP-9 and NF-κB signaling

Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ferruginol on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) stimulated ulcerative colitis mice. Methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by administering 2％ of DSS through drinking water for 7 d. The mice in the treatment group were treated with DAA+50 mg/kg/day ferruginol orally. In the positive control group, sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg/day) was used alongside with DSS. After induction, the bodyweight, character of stool and feces occult blood were recorded daily, the disease activity index was calculated, and the colon length, colon weight, and spleen weight were recorded. The myeloperoxidase activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were determined by ELISA method, and nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by Western blotting assays. Results: Ferruginol significantly increased the bodyweight, colon weight, colon length, and decreased disease activity index and spleen weight. It exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing the activities of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions: Ferruginol could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by attenuating the inflammation in colon cells and maintaining colonic mucosal barrier integrity.

Identification of two imperatae rhizoma based on pcr-rflp / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To identify two different characters of Imperatae Rhizoma on a molecular level. METHODS: A total of 30 samples of Imperatae Rhizoma were analyzed using DNA barcoding method based on ITS1, ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, and rbcL genes. The DNA sequences were further used for site difference analysis. RESULTS: There is no site difference on psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL of two different characters of Imperatae Rhizoma, three key site differences on ITS1, and one key site difference on ITS2. The key site difference on ITS2 among two different characters of Imperatae Rhizoma can be recognized by the restriction enzyme HpyCH4III. CONCLUSION: ITS2 /ITS1 regions can accurately and efficiently identify two different characters of Imperatae Rhizoma, and PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS2 region with HpyCH4III is a method to distinguish two different characters of Imperatae Rhizoma.

Effect of urolithin A on autophagy of myocardial cells in diabetic mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To explore the effect of urolithin A (UA) on autophagy of cardiomyocytes in diabetic mice. Methods: Glucose (5. 5, 20, 33, 47 mmol · L-1) and UA at different concentrations were used to stimulate the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 48 h. MTT assay was used to detect the survival rate of cardiomyocytes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of autophagy proteins LC3 and p62. Healthy male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ for 6 days to establish diabetic mouse model. UA was given by intragastric administration for 10 weeks and the cardiac function indicators were detected by ultrasound. Masson staining was used to observe the myocardial pathological sections. Results: After treatment with 33 mmol · L-1 of high glucose for 48 h, the survival rate of cardiomyocytes decreased, and autophagy protein p62, LC3 II, the ratio of LC3 II/I increased, which were reduced with UA treatment. Compared with the control mice, the cardiac function of diabetic cardiomyopathy mice showed decreased ratio of E/A peak. Masson showed that cardiac fibrosis expression decreased after UA administration. Conclusion UA can protect diabetic cardiomyopathy by affecting myocardial autophagy.

Expression and prognostic value of metastasis-associated protein 2 in epithelial ovarian cancer / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To analyze the expression and prognostic value of metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Methods The expression of MTA2 protein was examined in 91 paraffin-embedded specimens by immunohistochemical SP method, and in fresh specimens by Western blot, and then combined with follow-up data for prognosis analysis. Results There was an increasing tendency in positive rate of MTA 2 expression from benign ovarian cysts (17.5％) to epithelial ovarian cancers (78.43％), and there were significant difference (χ2=33.328, P<0.001). The expression of the MTA2 was significantly correlated to FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis (both P<0.05). The relative expression of MTA2 in benign ovarian cysts and epithelial ovarian cancers was 0.58±0.05, and 1.22±0.10, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-22.274, P<0.001). The survival curve of patients with MTA2 (+) differed from the survival curve of patients with MTA2 (-) and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=10.203, P<0.05). The multiple factor analysis revealed that the expression of MTA2, FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for clinical outcome of epithelial ovarian cancer. Conclusion MTA2 may be involved in the progression and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer as an oncogene. Overexpression of the marker indicates poor prognosis of patients.

The roles of microRNA-22 in myocardial infarction / 生理学报

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The regeneration capacity of the adult mammalian heart is very limited, so that the lost cells are replaced by fibrotic scar. This is followed by remodeling of the surrounding myocardium, which includes cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and makes the ventricular wall thicken and stiffen. This adverse cardiac remodeling leads to impaired cardiac function and eventually leads to heart failure. Extensive studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in cardiovascular diseases. microRNA-22 (miR-22) is one of the most abundant miRNA in the heart. Many studies have demonstrated that miR-22 plays critical roles in MI and subsequent cardiac remodeling. In this review, we summarized the recent research progresses, including the regulatory effects of miR-22 in oxidative stress, cardiac apoptosis, autophagy, hypertrophy, fibrosis and regeneration.

Effects of stem cell therapy on dilated cardiomyopathy

To perform a meta-analysis of clinical trials and investigate the effect of stem cell therapy on dilated cardiomyopathy. A systematic literature search was carried out between May 2012 and July 2013 in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica Database [EMBASE]. The study took place in the Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. The weighted mean difference [WMD] was calculated for left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [LVEDD], mortality and heart transplantation, and the 6-minute walk test [6-MWT] distance using the RevMan 5.0 software. Seven trials with 599 participants evaluated the association between the stem cell therapy and control groups. Compared with the control group, stem cell therapy group improved the LVEF [WMD: 3.98%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55 - 7.41%, p=0.02] and the 6-MWT distance [WMD: 132.12 m, 95% CI: 88.15-176.09 m, p<0.00001], and reduced mortality and heart transplantation [odds ratio [OR]: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29-0.80, p=0.005]. However, the LVEDD showed no significant difference between the 2 groups [WMD: -1.53 mm, 95% CI: -1.15-0.10 mm, p=0.10]. This meta-analysis demonstrated that stem cell therapy improves cardiac function and reduces mortality in dilated cardiomyopathy patients, which suggested that stem cell therapy may represent a new therapy option for dilated cardiomyopathy.

The Expression of Programmed Death-1 in Circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells during Hepatitis B Virus Infection Progression and Its Correlation with Clinical Baseline Characteristics

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression was investigated in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients at the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stages. METHODS: PD-1 expression in circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was detected by flow cytometry. The correlations between PD-1 expression and HBV viral load, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5.0. RESULTS: PD-1 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly increased in both the CHB group and advanced-stage group (LC plus HCC). In the CHB group, PD-1 expression in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was positively correlated with the HBV viral load, ALT, and AST levels. However, in the LC plus HCC group, significant correlations between PD-1 expression and the clinical parameters were nearly absent. CONCLUSIONS: PD-1 expression in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is dynamic, changes with HBV infection progression, and is related to HBV viral load and liver function, especially in CHB. PD-1 expression could be utilized as a potential clinical indicator to determine the extent of virus replication and liver injury.

The safety and slow-release effect of chitosan-nanoparticle on the transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅱ aptamer / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Our previous study demonstrated that the aptamer S58 specifically targeted transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅱ (TβRⅡ) and inhibited the transdifferentiation of human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).Chitosan-nanoparticles (CS-NP) are good drug carriers,but the efficacy and safety of CS-NP/aptamer complexes deserve attention.Objective The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel CS-NP/aptamer complex called CS (S58)-NP and investigate its properties and applicability.Methods Human Tenon capsule tissue was obtained from patients during strabismus surgery,and HTFs were cultured and passaged using the explant culture method.The fourth to tenth generations of cells were used in the experiment.Different concentrations of CS-NP were used to prepare the CS(S58)-NP by the ionic cross-linking method with a surface charge rate (N/P) for S58 of 10,20,30 or 40.The particle size and Zeta potential were measured by the Zeta analyzer.The shape and distribution of CS (S58)-NP particles were examined under the scanning electron microscope.The binding of CS-NP with S58 and resistance of CS (S58)-NP to DNase Ⅰ were examined by agarose gel eletrophoresis.The release rate of S58 from CS (S58)-NP in PBS was quantitatively analyzed by a ultraviolet spectrophotometer.The cytotoxicity of CS(S58)-NP to HTFs was evaluated by detecting the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).Results The Zeta analyzer showed that the particle size of CS (S58)-NP was 130-270 nm and its electric potential ranged from + 16 to +28 mV.The CS (S58)-NP particles appeared spherical with an even distribution under the scanning electron microscope.The mean encapsulation efficiency of CS(S58)-NP was 88.9％,89.3％,91.7％ or 90.5％,respectively,when the N/P was 10,20,30 or 40.After being encapsuled by CS-NP,S58 could resist the degradation from DNase I.Its total releasing level in PBS increased with the lapse of time,with a maximum releasing speed at 24 to 36 hours.The total releasing level reached 100％ at 96 hours.With increaseing concentrations of CS(S58)-NP,the relative releasing level of LDH in HTFs suspension gradually elevated with a significant difference among the groups (F =588.018,P =0.000),with the highest released LDH level at 50 nmol/L of CS(S58)-NP (12.853％ ±0.375％).Conclusions CS-NP provides a protective and slow-releasing effect on the S58 aptamer.CS (S58)-NP shows a good biocompatibility with HTFs with a low cytotoxicity at a concentration of ＜50 nmol/L.CS(S58)-NP could be used to inhibit TGF-β induced transdifferentiation of HTFs in the future.

Effects of transforming growth factor-β2 on human Tenon fibroblasts transformation and scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Research showed that transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) promotes scar formation.But its mechanism in scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery is worthy of studying.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β2 on myofibroblast transition of human Tenon fibroblasts (HTFs) and scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery.Methods Tenon capsular tissue was obtained from 3 patients with strabismus during the surgery and was incubated in DMEM with 10％ fetal bovine serum (FBS).The cells were collected and passaged in the free-serum medium for 24 hours,and then 1,2,5,10,20 μg/L TGF-β2 was added into the medium respectively,to induce the transformation of HTFs,and 2 μg/L or 5 μg/L TGF-β2 was used to treat the HTFs for 6,24,48 and 72 hours.The control group was not treated with TGF-β2.The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and phosphorylation of the signaling proteins (pSmad2) in HTFs were detected by Western blot assay.The expressions of α-SMA and F-actin were located by cell immunofluorescine technique under the confocal immunofluorescence microscopy.Cell contractility was determined by collagen gel contraction assays.This study was approved by Ethic Committee of Institute of Surgery Research of Daping Hospital,and informed consent was obtained from each patient or custodian initial of the study.Results The expression of α-SMA protein in the HTFs was increased significantly after the treatment of TGF-β2 in comparison with the control group and reached a peak at 24-48 hours.The α-SMA expression was gradually weakened in the 10 μg/L TGF-β2 groups.Little of α-SMA and F-actin were expressed in the control group.However,strong staining for α-SMA and F-actin were observed in the 1,2 and 5 μg/L TGF-β2 groups and then the staining weakened at the concentration of 10 μg/L.In addition,pSmad2 showed a stronger expression in the 2 μg/L TGF-β2 group than that in the PBS group and FBS group,with the strongest expression in 30 minutes through 2 hours.The untreated gel contracted (78.00±3.13)％ from its initial size,and contraction in the 1,2,5,10 μg/L TGF-β2 group were (63.88±1.78)％,(20.69±0.65)％,(19.49-±0.54)％,(16.24±0.84) ％,respectively,TGF-β2 increased HTFs contraction significantly (Fgroup =859.400,P =0.000).Conclusions TGF-β2 can induce transdifferentiation of Tenon fibroblast into myofibroblast and increase cell contractility,with a concentration-dependent and time-dependent pattern to an extent.It may be the mechanism of scar formation after glaucoma filter surgery.

Analysis of condom use and its factors on female sex workers in Shandong province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was to investigate the condom use and its factors on sex workers in Shandong province, and to provide effective suggestions for AIDS prevention strategies and interventions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April to July in 2009, 4732 female sex workers were investigated through anonymous questionnaires from 11 cities which were selected based on the AIDS epidemic, geographic location, economic conditions in Shandong province. Serum samples were collected and antibodies were tested by ELISA and TPPA from 4641 people.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>4732 female sex workers who were 15 - 58 years old were investigated and the majority belonged to the low age group (≤ 24 years old) which accounted for 61.5% (2912/4732). Among the 4732 female sex workers, the unmarried, the divorced, or the widowed females accounted for 72.8% (3441/4725) and 72.0% (3403/4726) of them were poorly educated.42.3% (1994/4719) of them were found from other provinces. The right answers for knowledge of AIDS accounted for 45.7% (2164/4732). 80.6% (3416/4236) of these females were found to used condoms in the most recent commercial sex activity. The rate of consistently using condoms in sex activity during the last month was 58.4% (2467/4221). In this survey, 7.3% (337/4637) of investigated females had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, 30.7% (1449/4726) of them had received HIV antibody test, 70.4% (3323/4732) of these people had received the AIDS intervention services, and 3.6% (167/4668) of them had ever used drug. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high education level (junior high school or lower vs senior high school or higher, adjusted OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.67 - 0.90), having received the HIV intervention (received vs unreceived, adjusted OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.17 - 1.58), antibody detection (done vs not done, adjusted OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.15 - 1.55), and good knowledge about AIDS (low score group vs high score group, adjusted OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.32 - 0.44) were independent factors that increased safe sex behavior; while using drug (drug vs not drug, adjusted OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.15 - 0.31) was a negative factor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence rate of HIV infection among female sex workers was low in Shandong province. However, the low rate of condom use and the high prevalence of self-reported STD-related symptoms suggested that more attentions should be paid to the factors of risk behaviors, and more targeted interventions are critically needed.</p>

Association of APOA5 gene polymorphism with levels of lipids and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction in Chinese / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5) -12238 T>C and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and forty-one subjects (170 ACI patients and 171 healthy controls) were collected to determine the genotypes by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>APOA5 allele frequencies of T/C were 0.588/0.412 and 0.424/0.576 in ACI group and control group respectively. There was significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies between ACI group and control group (P < 0.05). The levels of plasma triglyceride in ACI patients with TT genotype were higher than those in patients with CC genotypes (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The relationship is found between the site of APOA5 gene -12238 T>C and ACI. There is a significant correlation between TT genotype of APOA5 and the levels of plasma triglyceride in patients with ACI.</p>

The relationship between the exon 10 of the p47(phox) polymorphism and stroke and the effect of the polymorphism on plasma lipid / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism in exon 10 of protein 47000 phagocyte oxidase(p47(phox)) gene and stroke and to evaluate the effect of C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism on plasma lipid levels in Hunan Hans population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hunan Han population C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism in p47phox gene was determined by PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing in 100 healthy controls, 220 patients with stroke, and 10 stroke pedigrees. Plasma lipid levels were measured by routine methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No statistically significant differences were found in frequencies of genotypes and alleles of C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism between the controls and stroke patients (P > 0.05). The serum levels of triglyceride in cerebral infarction patients and controls with CT genotype were markedly higher than those with CC genotype (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no association between C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism and stroke in Hunan Hans; C923T (Ala308Val) polymorphism is associated with plasma lipid metabolism in Hunan Han population with cerebral infarction.</p>

Pharmacokinetics of triptolide in Beagle dogs / 药学学报

The aim of this paper is to develop and validate a rapid and sensitive LC-APCI/MS method for the determination of triptolide (TP) in plasma and to study the pharmacokinetic properties of TP in Beagle dogs. Sample preparation consisted of liquid-liquid extraction of interests. with ethyl acetate from dog plasma. The analytes and internal standard prednisolone were well separated on a Zorbax Extend-C18 analytical column. Plasma TP was detected by selected-ion monitoring (SIM) of LC-APCI/MS as its deprotonated molecular ions [M - H] - at m/z 358.9. Pharmacokinetic studies were undertaken in dogs following an iv dose of 0.05 mg x kg(-1) of TP or an ig dose of 0.05, 0.08, 0.1 mg x kg(-1), separately. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS software. Calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 1 - 200 ng x mL(-1) of TP with the within- and between-batch precisions less than 10%. The within and between-batch accuracy was 95.0% to 105.0%. Recovery of LC-MS method for TP in plasma was over 75%. The T1/2beta was (2.5 +/- 0.8) h after intravenous administration of TP at the dose of 0.05 mg x kg(-1). There were no significant differences in T(max), T1/2 alpha and T1/2 beta among the three ig dosage groups. AUC and C(max) increased proportionally with doses. The absolute bioavailability of TP after ig administration of 0.05 mg x kg(-1) was (75 +/- 17)%. The LC-MS method for determination of triptolide in dog plasma was sensitive and rapid. It was showed that the elimination of triptolide was rapid. The absolute bioavailability of triptolide given orally was high.