Effect of caloric restriction on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice and its mechanism / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effect of caloric restriction(CR)on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)in mice and its mechanism.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into normal diet group(AL group,free feeding)and CR group(diet decreased by 10% every 2 weeks)for 8 weeks and monitored for weight changes.Each group was divided into sham operation group and MI/RI group,total 4 groups,AL + Sham group,AL + I/R group,CR + Sham group and CR + I/R group).The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 24 hours in mice of MI/RI group and mice in Sham group were only threaded but not ligated.The mice were determined for myocardial ischemia and infarct size by Evans blue/TTC staining,observed for the pathology of myocardium by HE staining,determined for the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the contents of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and malondialdehvde(MDA)in myocardium by the corresponding kits,determined for serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 by ELISA and detected for the expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins in myocardium by Western blot.Results After 8weeks,the weights of mice in CR group[(24.54 ± 0.41)g]were significantly lower than those in AL group[(31.46 ±0.25)g](t = 14.34,P<0.05).Compared with those in AL + I/R group,the area of myocardial ischemia in CR + I/R group showed no significant difference(t = 0.783 0,P>0.05),while the area of myocardial infarction decreased significantly(t = 7.250,P<0.01);The myocardial arrangement was relatively neat,and the degree of pathological changes was obviously reduced;LDH activity,CK-MB and MDA contents decreased significantly(t = 4.331,2.875 and 5.343 respectively,each P<0.05),while SOD activity increased significantly(t = 4.211,P<0.05);Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 decreased significantly(t = 3.375 and 4.266 respectively,each P<0.05);The expression levels of nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),gasdermin D(GSDMD),apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein(ASC)and caspase-1 significantly decreased(t = 3.412,3.420,3.480 and 2.585 respectively,each P<0.05).Conclusion CR alleviated MI/RI in mice,and its mechanism was related to the inhibition of cardiac pyroptosis.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) with thyroid dysfunction: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that two common methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) might correlate with thyroid dysfunction, but the results remain inconsistent. We carried out a meta-analysis aiming to assess the relationship of both polymorphisms with thyroid dysfunction. The PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), CBMdisc (China Biology Medicine disc), WeiPu and Wanfang databases were searched up to September 2021. Case-control and cohort studies on MTHFR polymorphism and thyroid dysfunction were identified. Eight studies from six publications were finally included in our meta-analysis, including 817 patients and 566 controls. After pooled analysis, we found that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism (TT vs. CC+CT/recessive model: OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.02-4.20, P = 0.04; TT vs. CC/homozygote model: OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.13-4.86, P = 0.02), while trial sequential analysis (TSA) revealed that it could be a false positive result. The MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was related to a decreased risk of hypothyroidism (C vs. A/allele model: OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.92, P = 0.02; CC vs. AC+AA/recessive model: OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22-0.79, P = 0.007; CC vs. AA/homozygote model: OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25-0.85, P = 0.02), which was conclusive according to TSA. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that MTHFR A1298C seems to be a protective factor for hypothyroidism, while the MTHFR C677T polymorphism may be a risk factor. However, more well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed to obtain more reliable results of the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and hypothyroidism.

Investigation of the frequency of kdr mutation of voltage-gated sodium channel in Anopheles sinensis in Yunnan Province / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To understand the kdr (knockdown resistance, kdr) gene mutation of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) of Anopheles sinensis in Yunnan Province. Methods　From 2018 to 2019, mosquitoes were collected in Luoping County, Suijiang County, Tengchong City, Yingjiang County, Yuanjiang County and Mengla County in Yunnan Province. The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified as Anopheles sinensis and genomic DNA was extracted by kits. The DNA templates were sequenced after PCR amplification and the sequencing results were identify as Anopheles sinensis by homology alignment in NCBI. After the ⅡS5 and ⅡS6 fragments of the sodium channels in Anopheles sinensis were amplified and sequenced, the sequencing results were multiple aligned by DNAMAN software, and the mutations were analyzed one by one with BioEdit software to determine the kdr allele types and genotypes, and the frequencies were calculated. Results This survey amplified 287 sequences, and the sequence maps showed that 1014 loci had three alleles, including wild type TTG/L (89.20%), mutant type TTT/F (9.76%) and TCG/S (1.04%). Five genotypes: homozygous wildtype L/L (85.02%), homozygous mutant F/F (6.27%) and S/S (0.35%), heterozygous mutant L/F (6.97%) and L/S (1.39%). The wild type allele TTG/L was the main allele in six sampling sites except Suijiang County. The frequency of wild type allele in Tengchong City was the highest (100.00%). That is, no mutation was detected, while the rest of counties occurred different degrees of mutation at 1014 loci. The frequency of mutant allele in Suijiang County was the highest, reaching 55.68%. Luoping County, Mengla County and Suijiang County had two mutant types. Yingjiang County and Yuanjiang County had one heterozygous mutant L/F. Conclusion　Wild type L1014 (TTG/L) is still dominant in most areas of Yunnan Province. The kdr mutation type is mainly L1014F, followed by L1014S, and the mutation frequency is lower than that in central provinces of China.

Functional relationship between photosynthetic leaf gas exchange in response to silicon application and water stress mitigation in sugarcane

BACKGROUND: Water stress is one of the serious abiotic stresses that negatively influences the growth, development and production of sugarcane in arid and semi-arid regions. However, silicon (Si) has been applied as an alleviation strategy subjected to environmental stresses. METHODS: In this experiment, Si was applied as soil irrigation in sugarcane plants to understand the mitigation effect of Si against harmful impact of water stress on photosynthetic leaf gas exchange. RESULTS: In the present study we primarily revealed the consequences of low soil moisture content, which affect overall plant performance of sugarcane significantly. Silicon application reduced the adverse effects of water stress by improving the net photosynthetic assimilation rate (Anet) 1.35-18.75%, stomatal conductance to water vapour (gs) 3.26-21.57% and rate of transpiration (E) 1.16-17.83%. The mathematical models developed from the proposed hypothesis explained the functional relationships between photosynthetic responses of Si application and water stress mitigation. CONCLUSIONS: Silicon application showed high ameliorative effects on photosynthetic responses of sugarcane to water stress and could be used for mitigating environmental stresses in other crops, too, in future.

Exploration of silicon functions to integrate with biotic stress tolerance and crop improvement

In the era of climate change, due to increased incidences of a wide range of various environmental stresses, especially biotic and abiotic stresses around the globe, the performance of plants can be affected by these stresses. After oxygen, silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. It is not considered as an important element, but can be thought of as a multi-beneficial quasi-essential element for plants. This review on silicon presents an overview of the versatile role of this element in a variety of plants. Plants absorb silicon through roots from the rhizospheric soil in the form of silicic or monosilicic acid. Silicon plays a key metabolic function in living organisms due to its relative abundance in the atmosphere. Plants with higher content of silicon in shoot or root are very few prone to attack by pests, and exhibit increased stress resistance. However, the more remarkable impact of silicon is the decrease in the number of seed intensities/soil-borne and foliar diseases of major plant varieties that are infected by biotrophic, hemi-biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens. The amelioration in disease symptoms are due to the effect of silicon on a some factors involved in providing host resistance namely, duration of incubation, size, shape and number of lesions. The formation of a mechanical barrier beneath the cuticle and in the cell walls by the polymerization of silicon was first proposed as to how this element decreases plant disease severity. The current understanding of how this element enhances resistance in plants subjected to biotic stress, the exact functions and mechanisms by which it modulates plant biology by potentiating the host defence mechanism needs to be studied using genomics, metabolomics and proteomics. The role of silicon in helping the plants in adaption to biotic stress has been discussed which will help to plan in a systematic way the development of more sustainable agriculture for food security and safety in the future.

Five-year recurrence rate of tuberculosis and its influencing factors among successfully treated patients in Yunnan Province / 预防医学

Objeetive@#To understand the recurrence of tuberculosis patients in Yunnan Province and its influencing factors,so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.@*Methods@#Through the tuberculosis management information system, the data of successful treatment of tuberculosis cases in Yunnan Province in 2013 and the data of recurrent tuberculosis cases in Yunnan Province in 2014-2018 were collected. The recurrence rate,recurrence proportion and recurrence time of tuberculosis were analyzed, and the influencing factors of tuberculosis recurrence were analyzed by Cox multi factor proportional risk model. @*Results @#A total of 9787 cases of tuberculosis were investigated. 385 cases recurred in 5 years, accounting for 3.94%. The recurrence rate was 0.73/100 person years. The recurrence interval [M （QR）] was 35.12 （28.57） months. The following are the risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis recurrence：male（HR=1.297,95%CI：1.031~1.631）,secondary tuberculosis(HR=2.000,95%CI：1.088~3.676) in the 40-59 age group（HR=1.618,95%CI：1.036-2.528）, the retreatment（HR=1.566,95%CI：1.040-2.356）,positive of sputum culture（HR=4.048,95%CI：1.795-9.129）and sputum?smear positive（HR=1.569,95%CI：1.266-1.945）, cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis（ HR=1.382,95%CI：1.112-1.716）.@*Conclusion@#The recurrence rate of tuberculosis is low in Yunnnan province, and the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis recurrence is high in male, in the 40-59 age group,retreatment,positive of sputum culture only and sputum smear positive,patients with cavitary tuberculosis.

Id-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and its clinical significance

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the expression of Id-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and explore its correlation with the clinical pathological parameters of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The Id-1 mRNA and protein expression levels of 50 specimens of normal colorectal tissues and 50 specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were detected using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Furthermore, Id-1 protein was detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of Id-1 and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA expression level of Id-1 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and normal colorectal tissues was 0.96 ± 0.03 vs. 0.20 ± 0.04, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.011). Furthermore, Id-1 protein expression was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (0.82 ± 0.04 vs. 0.31 ± 0.02, P=0.020). In addition, the positive protein expression rate of Id-1 was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (72.00% vs. 24.00%, X2=23.431, P=0.000). The expression of Id-1 was correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and liver metastasis (P<0.01). However, this expression was not correlated with tumor size and differentiation degrees (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high Id-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues play an important role in the process of cancer, and is expected to become a new tumor monitoring indicator for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis judgment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal em humanos e investigar sua correlação com os parâmetros patológicos clínicos de câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: Os níveis de expressão de proteína e mRNA Id-1 em 50 amostras de tecido colorretal normal e 50 amostras de tecido de adenocarcinoma colorretal foram detectados através de reação em cadeia de polimerase precedida de transcrição reversa e western blot. Além disso, a proteína Id-1 foi detectada através de imuno-histoquímica. A correlação entre a expressão de Id-1 e características clínico-patológicas foi analisada. RESULTADOS: O nível de expressão de mRNA Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal e tecidos colorretais normais foi de 0,96 ± 0,03 versus 0,20 ± 0,04, respectivamente; a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P= 0,011). Além disso, a expressão da proteína Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (0,82 ± 0,04 versus 0,31 ± 0,02, P= 0,020). Além disso, a taxa de expressão positiva de proteínas Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (72,00% vs. 24,00%, X2=23,431, p=0,000). A expressão de Id-1 foi correlacionada com a profundidade da invasão tumoral, estágio TNM, metástases linfonodais, invasão vascular e metástase hepática (P<0,01). Todavia, essa expressão não se correlacionou com o tamanho do tumor e graus de diferenciação (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A alta expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal desempenham um importante papel no processo do câncer, e é esperado que se torne um novo indicador de monitoramento de tumores para o diagnóstico clínico, tratamento e estimativa de prognóstico.

Genetic diversity and population structure of two endemic Cupressus (Cupressaceae) species on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Cupressus gigantea and C. torulosa are ecologically and economically important endemic species of the conifer family Cupressaceae on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. C. gigantea was previously classified as a subspecies of C. torulosa because of their similar morphological characteristics and close distribution. In this study, 401 individuals were sampled from 16 populations of the two Cupressus species. The specimens were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci through fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic diversity of C. gigantea and C. torulosa populations was generally low, with the highest genetic diversity detected in the population LLS of C. gigantea. Distance-based phylogenetic and principal co-ordinates analyses indicated a clear genetic structures for the 16 populations of the two Cupressus species. Moreover, Mantel test results showed indistinctive correlations between population-pairwise Fst values and geographic distances, as well as between genetic distances and geographic distances in C. gigantea and C. torulosa, respectively. AMOVA suggested that genetic variation mostly resided within populations. Sixteen naturalpopulations were evidently clustered into two major groups in the constructed neighbour-joining tree. The results demonstrated that C. gigantea and C. torulosa are different Cupressus species. The genetic information provided important theoretical references for conservation and management of the two endangered Cupressus species.

Clinical application of an interaction retention method for multi-implant-supported fixed bridges in posterior teeth / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To research the feasibility and preliminary clinical effect of an implant-supported fixed bridge based on interactions with the posterior interocclusal space deficiency. @*Methods@#Four patients with multiple implant-supported fixed-bridge restorations for interocclusal space deficiency in posterior teeth were included in this study. The 8 total implant sites had an average interocclusal space size of 3.3 mm. Two abutments with an undercut area were performed, the fixed bridge was placed by rotating it without a common path of insertion, and the abutment screw was then tightened. In the production process, the interaction retention concept and methods were fully communicated to the technician. The abutments and bridges on the implants were placed, and the clinical effect was observed. @*Results@#The prosthesis was fixed well and presented appropriate functioning. At the 3-month and 18-month follow-up examination, the prosthesis and abutments were not loose, and the abutments did not release or break. No swelling or tenderness was observed in the margin of the implants.@*Conclusion @#The interaction retention is a good method of resolving the problem of interocclusal space deficiencies in the posterior teeth.

Relationship between Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-analysis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).VEGF-related articles that had been published until August 2016 were searched from the PubMed,EMBASE,and MEDLINE to identify the risk factors of LNM in PTC.RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis.Finally,9 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in our meta-analysis.LNM was found to be present in 176 of 318 patients (57.8％) with high VEGF expression and in 71 of 159 patients (47.0％) with low VEGF expression.The overall OR was 2.81 (95％ confidence interval,1.49-5.29).LNM occurred more frequently in patients with high VEGF expression than in those with low VEGF expression (P=0.001).Heterogeneity was markedly decreased in the subgroup analyses of LNM in terms of the patients' country of origin and the detection methods.Our meta-analysis concluded that the VEGF protein expression is associated with LNM in PTC.

Clinical Study on Mind-regulating Acupuncture in Treating Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of mind-regulating acupuncture in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia.Method Sixty-one patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were randomized into a treatment group of 31 cases and a control group of 30 cases by using random number table method. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Carbamazepine, while the treatment group was additionally given mind-regulating acupuncture. The pain intensity, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life in the two groups were evaluated before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared.Result The total effective rate was 90.3％ in the treatment group, versus 70.0％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The pain score, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life score after the treatment were significantly different from those before the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); there were no significant between-group differences in comparing the pain score and flare-up frequency after the treatment (P>0.05); there was significant between-group difference in comparing the quality of life score after the treatment(P<0.05). The pain score, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life score at the 6-month follow-up were significantly different from those before and after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); there were significant between-group differences in comparing the pain score, flare-up frequency and the quality of life score at the 6-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion Mind-regulating acupuncture can produce a significant efficacy in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia and obviously enhance the quality of life.

Clinical application of custom all-ceramic crown based on CT data in maxillary anterior implant tooth / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To evaluate the clinical outcomes of custom all-ceramic crown fabricated in zirconia based on CT data in maxillary anterior implant tooth. @*Methods@#15 patients with single anterior tooth missing were applied to this treatment. Crown remodeling according to the opposite tooth, fabrication of the all-ceramic crown was finished based on the data capture via CT scan. The observation period extended 2-7 years on average.@*Results@#The survival and success rates were 100%. Soft tissue was stabile in follow up photos. All of the patients were satisfied with the restorations. @*Conclusion @#The custom all-ceramic crown based on CT data showed good interface friendship with both of the hard and soft tissues and the aesthetics result is predictable.

Effect of simvastatin on phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten and β-catenin of rabbits with chronic heart failure / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To study the effect of simvastatin on the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and β-catenin in myocardial cells of rabbits with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group,CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group,with 8 rabbits in each group.The rabbits in CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group were injected with adriamycin (2.0 mg · kg-1) ria ear rein once a week for six weeks,and from the seventh week were injected with adriamycin (1.5 mg · kg-1)once a week for another six weeks to establish the CHF model;the rabbits in control group were injected with the same volume saline.The rabbits in simvastatin treatment group were given simvastatin (1.5 mg · kg-1 · d-1) by intragastric administration at the time point of first injection of adriamycin for 12 weeks;the rabbits in CHF model group and control group were given the same volume saline for 12 weeks.The left ventricular structure and function were determined by color doppler uhrasonography after the modeling.Then the rabbits were sacrificed and the left ventricular walls were taken to observe the changes of myocardial cell structures by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The positive expression rate of PTEN and β-catenin protein was calculated by immunohistochemistry staining.The expression of PTEN and β-catenin mRNA was detected real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results Compared with the control group,the left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD),left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(LVEDD) were increased and the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was decreased in the CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group(P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the CHF model group,the LVESD,LVEDD were decreased and the LVEF was increased in the simvastatin treatment group(P ＜ 0.05).The positive expression rate of PTEN protein in myocardial cells of rabbits in control group,CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group was (16.36 ± 0.54) ％,(41.63 + 0.72) ％ and (24.17 ± 0.51) ％ respectively;the positive expression rate of β-catenin protein in myocardial cells of rabbits in control group,CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group was (21.73 ± 0.46)％,(52.26 ±+ 0.72) ％ and (38.42 + 0.56) ％ respectively.The positive expression rates of PTEN and β-catenin protein in myocardial cells of rabbits in CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group were significanlty higher than those in the control group(P ＜ 0.05);the positive expression rates of PTEN and β-catenin protein of myocardial cell in simvastatin treatment group were significantly lower than those in the CHF model group (P ＜ 0.05).The epression of PTEN mRNA and β-catenin mRNA in myocardial cells of rabbits in control group,CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group was 1.91 ± 0.30,4.61 ± 0.71,3.49 ± 0.64 and 1.51 ± 0.21,2.48 ± 0.34,1.51 ±+ 0.25.The expression of PTEN and β-catenin mRNA in myocardial cells of rabbits in CHF model group and simvastatin treatment group were significanlty higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05);the expression of PTEN and β-catenin mRNA in myocardial cells of rabbits in simvastatin treatment group were significantly lower than those in the CHF model group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Simvastatin can inhibit myocardial apoptosis,improve cardiac function of CHF rabbits.It may be related to inhibiting the expression of PTEN and β-catenin.

Clinical Study on Mind-regulating Acupuncture in Treating Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of mind-regulating acupuncture in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia.Method Sixty-one patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were randomized into a treatment group of 31 cases and a control group of 30 cases by using random number table method. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Carbamazepine, while the treatment group was additionally given mind-regulating acupuncture. The pain intensity, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life in the two groups were evaluated before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared.Result The total effective rate was 90.3％ in the treatment group, versus 70.0％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The pain score, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life score after the treatment were significantly different from those before the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); there were no significant between-group differences in comparing the pain score and flare-up frequency after the treatment (P>0.05); there was significant between-group difference in comparing the quality of life score after the treatment(P<0.05). The pain score, pain flare-up frequency and quality of life score at the 6-month follow-up were significantly different from those before and after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05); there were significant between-group differences in comparing the pain score, flare-up frequency and the quality of life score at the 6-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion Mind-regulating acupuncture can produce a significant efficacy in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia and obviously enhance the quality of life.

Early predictive efficacy of core antigen on antiviral outcomes in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infected patients

Response-guided therapy is of limited use in developing countries because hepatitis C virus RNA detection by sensitive molecular methods is time- and labor-consuming and expen- sive. We evaluated early predictive efficacy of serum hepatitis C virus core antigen kinetics on sustained virologic response in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus during pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment. For 478 patients recruited, hepatitis C virus RNAs were detected at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 using Cobas TaqMan. Architect hepatitis C virus core antigen was performed at baseline, and weeks 4 and 12. Predictive values of hepatitis C virus core antigen on sustained virologic response were compared to hepatitis C virus RNA. In the first 12 weeks after treatment initiation the dynamic patterns of serum hepatitis C virus core antigen and hepatitis C virus RNA levels were similar in sustained virologic response, relapse, and null response patients groups. Although areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves of hepatitis C virus core antigen were lower than those of hepatitis C virus RNA at the same time points, modeling analysis showed that undetectable hepatitis C virus core antigen (rapid virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen) had similar positive predictive value on sustained virologic response to hepatitis C virus RNA at week 4 (90.4% vs 93.3%), and hepatitis C virus core antigen decrease greater than 1 log10 IU/mL (early virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen) had similar negative predictive value to hepatitis C virus RNA at week 12 (94.1% vs 95.Z%). Analysis on the validation group demonstrated a positive predictivevalue of 97.5% in rapid virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen and a negative predictive value of 100% in early virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen. In conclusion, hepatitis C virus core antigen is comparable to hepatitis C virus RNA in predicting sustained virologic response of chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infected patients, and can be used to guide anti-hepatitis C virus treatment, especially in resource-limited areas.

Effects of Dangguibuxue Tang, a Chinese herbal medicine, on growth performance and immune responses in broiler chicks

The effects of Dangguibuxue Tang (DBT) on growth performance and immunity response in immunosuppressed broiler chicks were investigated in this study. 240 one-d-old broiler chicks (DaHeng S01) were randomly divided into 4 groups, 2.0% DBT-treatment (A), 0.5% DBT-treatment (B), cyclophosphamide-control (C), and control group (D). From 4 d to 7 d of age, chicks in group A, B and C were given cyclophosphamide (CY) at a dosage of 100mg/kg body weight (BW) daily by intraperitoneal injection to induce immunosuppression. Chicks in group D were given an equal volume of physiological saline daily by intraperitoneal injection and considered normal chicks. Groups A and B were supplemented with 2.0% or 0.5% of DBT in the drinking water from 8 d to 42 d of age. Groups C and D did not receive any additional medication. The results revealed that chicks from group B had lower feed:gain rate (FGR), lower total mortality, higher immunity organ indexes, higher levels of Newcastle disease (ND) antibody and infectious bursal disease (IBD) antibody, higher interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 levels, and greater lymphocyte proliferative responses to concanavalin A (ConA) during the experiment than those from group C. However, no significant difference in the immunity status in the two levels of DBT-treatment was observed. These results indicate that supplementation of 0.5% of DBT can improve both cellular immunity and humoral immunity in immunosuppressed broiler chicks.

NF-E2: a novel regulator of alpha-hemoglobin stabilizing protein gene expression / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether α-hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP), the α-globin-specific molecular chaperone, is regulated by erythroid transcription factor NF-E2.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We established the stable cell line with NF-E2p45 (the larger subunit of NF-E2) short hairpin RNA to silence its expression. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis were performed to detect the expression of AHSP, the histone modifications at AHSP gene locus, and the binding of GATA-1 at the AHSP promoter with NF-E2p45 deficiency. ChIP was also carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-induced DS19 cells and estrogen-induced G1E-ER4 cells to examine NF-E2 binding to the AHSP gene locus and its changes during cell erythroid differentiation. Finally, luciferase assay was applied in HeLa cells transfected with AHSP promoter fragments to examine AHSP promoter activity in the presence of exogenous NF-E2p45.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We found that AHSP expression was highly dependent on NF-E2p45. NF-E2 bound to the regions across AHSP gene locus in vivo, and the transcription of AHSP was transactivated by exogenous NF-E2p45. In addition, we observed the decrease of H3K4 trimethylation and GATA-1 occupancy at the AHSP gene locus in NF-E2p45-deficient cells. Restoration of GATA-1 in G1E-ER4 cells in turn led to increased DNA binding of NF-E2p45.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NF-E2 may play an important role in AHSP gene regulation, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the erythroid-specific expression of AHSP as well as new possibilities for β-thalassemia treatment.</p>

Regulation of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase 2 expression by saturated fatty acids / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the regulation of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT 2), which is associated with cholesterol metabolism, by saturated fatty acids (SFAs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Palmitic acid (PA), the most abundant saturated fatty acid in plasma, and oleic acid (OA), a widely distributed unsaturated fatty acid, were used to treat hepatic cells HepG2, HuH7, and mouse primary hepatocytes. In addition, PA at different concentrations and PA treatment at different durations were applied in HepG2 cells. In in vivo experiment, three-month male C57/BL6 mice were fed with control diet and SFA diet containing hydrogenated coconut oil rich of SFAs. The mRNA level of ACAT2 in those hepatic cells and the mouse livers was detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the three types of hepatic cells treated with PA, that SFA induced significant increase of ACAT2 expression (Pü0.01), whereas treatment with OA showed no significant effect. That effect of PA was noticed gradually rising along with the increase of PA concentration and the extension of PA treatment duration (both Pü0.05). SFA diet feeding in mice resulted in a short-term and transient increase of ACAT2 expression in vivo, with a peak level appearing in the mice fed with SFA diet for two days (Pü0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SFA may regulate ACAT2 expression in human and mouse hepatic cells and in mouse livers.</p>

Relationship between Acquired Deficiency of Vitamin K-dependent Clotting Factors And Hemorrhage / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study examined the changes of activities of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (VKDCF)under various pathological conditions and explored the relationship between acquired deficiency of VKDCFs and hemorrhage.Clinical data of 35 patients who were diagnosed as having acquired deficiency of VKDCF were retrospectively analyzed.Coagulation factors involved in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were detected in these patients and 41 control subjects.The results showed that the average activities of VKDCFs were decreased in the patients in comparison to the control subjects and significantly increased after treatment of these patients with vitamin K and blood products.Multivariate regression analysis indicated that decreased activity of VKDCF was not an independent risk factor for bleeding disorders owing to deficiency or metabolic disturbance of vitamin K.It was concluded that acquired deficiency of VKDCF occurs under a variety of pathologic conditions and is closely associated with hemorrhagic events.Administration of vitamin K and transfusion of blood products containing high concentrations of VKDCFs helps alleviate the hemorrhagic diseases.

Genetic diversity and phylogeny in Hystrix (Poaceae, Triticeae) and related genera inferred from Giemsa C-banded karyotypes

The phylogenetic relationships of 15 taxa from Hystrix and the related genera Leymus (NsXm), Elymus (StH), Pseudoroegneria (St), Hordeum (H), Psathyrostachys (Ns), and Thinopyrum (E) were examined by using the Giemsa C-banded karyotype. The Hy. patula C-banding pattern was similar to those of Elymus species, whereas C-banding patterns of the other Hystrix species were similar to those of Leymus species. The results suggest high genetic diversity within Hystrix, and support treating Hy. patula as E. hystrix L., and transferring Hy. coreana, Hy. duthiei ssp. duthiei and Hy. duthiei ssp. longearistata to the genus Leymus. On comparing C-banding patterns of Elymus species with their diploid ancestors (Pseudoroegneria and Hordeum), there are indications that certain chromosomal re-arrangements had previously occurred in the St and H genomes. Furthermore, a comparison of the C-banding patterns of the Hystrix and Leymus species with the potential diploid progenitors (Psathyrostachys and Thinopyrum) suggests that Hy. coreana and some Leymus species are closely related to the Ns genome of Psathyrostachys, whereas Hy. duthiei ssp. duthiei, Hy. duthiei ssp. longearistata and some of the Leymus species have a close relationship with the E genome. The results suggest a multiple origin of the polyploid genera Hystrix and Leymus.