Association of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway autophagy-related gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility in a Chinese population

ABSTRACT Background: Autophagy can inhibit the survival of intracellular microorganisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role. This study investigated the association between PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway autophagy-related gene polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility. Methods: KEGG pathway and gene ontology (GO) databases were searched for genes belonging to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and autophagy pathways. Thirty SNPs in nine genes were identified and tested for their associations with tuberculosis in 130 patients with PTB and 271 controls. We constructed genetic risk scores (GRSs) and divided the participants into 3 subgroups based on their GRSs:0-5, 6-10, and 11-16. Results: This analysis revealed that the AKT1 (rs12432802), RPTOR (rs11654508, rs12602885, rs2090204, rs2589144, and rs2672897), and TSC2 (rs2074969) polymorphisms were significantly associated with PTB risk. A decreasing trend was observed (P trend 0.020), in which a lower GRS was associated with a higher risk of PTB ([6-10] vs. [0-5]: OR (95%CI) 0.590 (0.374-0.931); [11-16] vs. [0-5]: OR (95%CI) 0.381 (0.160-0.906)). Conclusions: Polymorphisms in AKT1, RPTOR, and TSC2 may influence susceptibility to PTB.

Death of HIV/AIDS cases within 1 year in Jingzhou City from 1996 to 2021 / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the characteristics of dead HIV/AIDS cases within 1 year after confirmatory testing in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province from 1996 to 2021, so as to provide the evidence for facilitating early identification and treatment of AIDS.@*Methods@#The basic and follow-up data of HIV/AIDS cases were retrieved from the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and mortality density and its trend were evaluated within 1 year after confirmatory testing. The factors affecting death within 1 year after confirmatory testing were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model, and the demographics, detection, treatment and cause of death were analyzed among dead HIV/AIDS cases within 1 year after confirmatory testing.@*Results@#A total of 3 304 HIV/AIDS cases were included, with 508 deaths within 1 year after confirmatory testing. The overall mortality density was 17.43 per 100 person-years, and the mortality density appeared a tendency towards a reduction from 1996 to 2021 (χ2trend=21.053, P<0.001). Of all dead HIV/AIDS cases within 1 year after confirmatory testing, 77.76% were men, 67.72% at ages of 45 years and older, 83.86% with transmission by heterosexual contact, 83.66% identified in medical institutions, 62.20% without antiretroviral therapy, and 47.83% without detection of CD4+T cell count. Mortality that was not associated with AIDS was the predominant cause of death among dead HIV/AIDS cases within 1 year after confirmatory testing (58.86%). Age of 30 years and older (HR: 1.781-4.644, 95%CI: 1.073-7.784), identification in medical institutions (HR=2.130, 95%CI: 1.306-4.474), initial CD4+T cell count of <200 cells/μL (HR: 2.649-12.879, 95%CI: 1.669-19.189), no antiretroviral therapy (HR=7.945, 95%CI: 5.743-10.993) and initiation of antiretroviral therapy 4 to 12 months after confirmatory testing (HR=1.636, 95%CI: 1.005-2.662) resulted in a higher risk of mortality within 1 year after confirmatory testing.@*Conclusions@#The mortality density appeared a tendency towards a reduction among cases within 1 year after confirmatory testing in Jingzhou City from 1996 to 2021. Mortality within 1 year after confirmatory testing was associated with advanced age, heterosexual contact transmission, identification in medical institutions, low CD4+T cell counts, and delay or absence of antiretroviral therapy.

Milk consumption behavior and its impact on bone mineral density among 696 pupils in Hainan Province / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the milk drinking behavior and bone mineral density level of pupils in Hainan Province, and to explore the correlation between bone mineral density and milk drinking behavior, in order to provide scientific basis for promoting the healthy development of bones in children and adolescents.@*Methods@#In November 2021, a cross sectional survey including demographic characteristics, milk intake, unhealthy eating behavior, physical activity and sleep was conducted among 696 students from grades 3 to 5 in Sanya and Baisha, Hainan by stratified cluster random sampling, and bone mineral density at the distal 1/3 of the right forearm was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. t-test was used to compare the differences in bone mineral density among different milk drinking behaviors of pupils, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between milk consumption and bone mineral density.@*Results@#About 25.3% students consumed milk daily and 13.9% consumed ≥ 300 g of milk daily. The mean bone mineral density at the distal 1/3 of the right forearm was (0.237±0.041)g/cm 2. The bone mineral density was greater in the group with daily milk intake than in the group without daily milk intake [(0.250± 0.037 )(0.204±0.034) g/cm 2 , t=15.00, P <0.01], and the bone mineral density was greater in the group with daily average milk intake ≥300 g than in the group with daily average milk intake <300 g [(0.284±0.036)(0.229±0.037)g/cm 2, t=13.48, P < 0.01 ]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that daily average milk intake was positively correlated with bone mineral density, with a correlation coefficient ( β=0.020, t=21.46, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#Milk consumption among pupils is inadequate, and milk drinking behavior has a positive impact on bone mineral density, so effective milk drinking intervention should be carried out to promote children s bone development.

Trends in age-, period- and cohort-specific incidence of hepatitis C in Jingzhou City from 2008 to 2022 / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the trend in incidence of hepatitis C in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province from 2008 to 2022, and to examine the age-period-cohort effect, so as to provide the basis for the formulation of hepatitis C prevention strategies. @*Methods@#Demographic data and incidence data of hepatitis C in Jingzhou City from 2008 to 2022 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the trend in incidence of hepatitis C was analyzed using average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC). The effects of age, period and cohort on the incidence of hepatitis C were examined with an age-period-cohort model. @*Results@#The average annual incidence of hepatitis C in Jingzhou City from 2008 and 2022 was 20.26/105, with a male incidence of 20.04/105 and a female incidence of 20.47/105. The incidence of hepatitis C initially rose and then fell (AAPC=5.375%, P<0.05), with a rising trend from 2008 to 2018 (APC=13.370%, P<0.05) and a decreasing trend from 2018 to 2022 (APC=-12.231%, P<0.05). The incidence of hepatitis C appeared a tendency towards a rise with age, and the 80-84 age group had the highest risk (RR=11.420, 95%CI: 7.631-17.090) in relative to the 45-49 age group. The incidence of hepatitis C appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a decline with time, and an increased risk of hepatitis C was seen from 2013 to 2017 (RR=1.393, 95%CI: 1.272-1.525) and a decreased risk was seen from 2018 to 2022 (RR=1.237, 95%CI: 1.072-1.428) in relative to the period from 2008 to 2012. The incidence of hepatitis C appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a decline with the cohort, and a higher risk was found in the 1965-1984 cohort (all RR>1.300) in relative to the 1960-1964 cohort. The incidence of hepatitis C, the age and period effects in men and women, and the cohort effects in men were consistent with the whole population. In addition to the 1965-1984 cohort, a higher risk was found in the 2000-2014 cohort in women (all RR>1.250).@*Conclusions@#From 2008 to 2022, the incidence of hepatitis C in Jingzhou City experienced a notable rise and subsequent decline. The incidence of hepatitis C increased with age, with higher risks seen among middle-aged and elderly people.

Polymorphisms of the BCL2 gene associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Although tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health concern, we still don't understand why only 10% of people infected will develop the disease. Apoptosis plays a role in the interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with the human host and it may be modified by subtle alterations in the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) gene, an anti-apoptotic regulatory element. Therefore, we investigated whether there is an association between BCL2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to TB by analyzing 130 TB cases, 108 subjects with latent TB infection (LTBI), and 163 healthy controls (HC). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (95% CIs) for possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BCL2 and the risk of tuberculosis. We found that the G allele of rs80030866 (OR=0.62, 95%CI:0.42-0.91, P=0.015), and also the G allele of rs9955190 (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.38-0.88, P=0.011) were less frequent in the TB group compared with the LTBI group. In addition, individuals with rs2551402 CC genotype were more likely to have LTBI than those with AA genotype (OR=2.166, 95%CI:1.046-4.484, P=0.037). Our study suggests that BCL2 gene polymorphisms may be correlated with susceptibility to both TB and LTBI.

Correlation between proteoglycan and alveolar bone resorption in a mouse periodontitis model / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To analyze changes in proteoglycan and its correlation with alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. @*Methods @#Twelve eight-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were selected, and the periodontitis model was established by ligating the right maxillary second molar with 6-0 silk thread. The nonligated part of the left maxilla was used as the control. The mice were killed 14 days after the operation. Micro-CT was used to assess alveolar bone resorption. HE staining was used to observe the alveolar bone profile, and TRAP staining was conducted to examine the positive rate of osteoclasts. The expression of proteoglycan-related genes, such as aggrecan (ACAN), biglycan (BGN), versican (VCAN), decorin (DCN), osteoclast-related genes, such as cathepsin K (CTSK), matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and inflammation-related genes, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, the correlation of the expression of proteoglycans with osteoclast-related genes and inflammation-related genes was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.@* Results@#The resorption of alveolar bone on the periodontitis side increased. TRAP staining showed that the number of osteoclasts was substantially increased in the maxilla with periodontitis. Real-time quantitative PCR demonstrated that compared with the control side, the expression of proteoglycan-related genes, such as ACAN, BGN, and DCN, was decreased, whereas the expression of the VCAN gene was significantly increased in the periodontitis side. Meanwhile, the expression of osteoclast-related genes, such as CTSK, MMP-9, and RANKL, and inflammation-related genes, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, was markedly increased in the periodontitis side (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between the expression of proteoglycans and the mRNA levels of osteoclast-related genes and inflammation-related genes (P<0.05). @*Conclusion @#The expression of proteoglycan was closely related to alveolar bone resorption in a periodontitis model.

Increased elastic modulus of the synovial membrane in a rat ACLT model of osteoarthritis revealed by atomic force microscopy

This study aimed to explore changes in nanoscale elastic modulus of the synovium using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in addition to investigate changes in synovial histomorphology and secretory function in osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham control and ACLT OA groups. All right knee joints were harvested at 4, 8, or 12 weeks (W) after surgery for histological assessment of cartilage damage and synovitis in both the anterior and posterior capsules. AFM imaging and nanoscale biomechanical testing were conducted to measure the elastic modulus of the synovial collagen fibrils. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the synovium. The OA groups exhibited progressive development of disease in the cartilage and synovium. Histopathological scores of the synovium in the OA groups increased gradually. Significant differences were observed between all OA groups except for the posterior 4W group. The synovial fibril arrangement in all OA groups was significantly disordered. The synovial fibrils in all ACLT OA groups at each time point were stiffer than those in the sham controls. OA rats displayed a significantly higher expression of IL-1β and MMP3 in the anterior capsule. In summary, synovial stiffening was closely associated with joint degeneration and might be a factor contributing to synovitis and increased production of proinflammatory mediators. Our data provided insights into the role of synovitis, particularly stiffening of the synovium, in OA pathogenesis.

Application of mixed reality in oromaxillofacial head and neck oncology surgery: a preliminary study / 华西口腔医学杂志

Mixed reality (MR), characterized by the ability to integrate digital data into human real feeling, is a new technique in medical imaging and surgical navigation. MR has tremendous value in surgery, but its application in oromaxillofacial head and neck oncology surgery is not yet reported. This paper reports the application of MR in oromaxillofacial head and neck oncology surgery. The merits, demerits, and present research situations and prospects of MR are further discussed.

Kaempferol suppresses human gastric cancer SNU-216 cell proliferation, promotes cell autophagy, but has no influence on cell apoptosis

Gastric cancer remains a serious threat to human health worldwide. Kaempferol is a plant-derived flavonoid compound with a wide range of pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of kaempferol on gastric cancer SNU-216 cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, as well as underlying potential mechanisms. Viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of SNU-216 cells after kaempferol treatment were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-btomo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, and annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expressions of cyclin D1 and microRNA-181a (miR-181a) in SNU-216 cells. Cell transfection was used to down-regulate the expression of miR-181a. The protein expression levels of cyclin D1, bcl-2, bax, caspase 3, caspase 9, autophagy-related gene 7, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-I (LC3-I), LC3-II, Beclin 1, p62, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) in SNU-216 cells were detected using western blotting. Results showed that kaempferol significantly suppressed SNU-216 cell viability and proliferation but had no influence on cell apoptosis. Further results suggested that kaempferol significantly induced SNU-216 cell autophagy. The expression of miR-181a in SNU-216 cells after kaempferol treatment was enhanced. Kaempferol significantly inactivated MAPK/ERK and PI3K pathways in SNU-216 cells. Suppression of miR-181a significantly reversed the kaempferol-induced MAPK/ERK and PI3K pathways inactivation in SNU-216 cells. This research demonstrated that kaempferol suppressed proliferation and promoted autophagy of human gastric cancer SNU-216 cells by up-regulating miR-181a and inactivating MAPK/ERK and PI3K pathways.

Relationship between drug resistance andABCB1 gene in pancreatic cancer / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the relationship between drug resistance and expression of ABC-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) as well as its promoter methylation in pancreatic cancer. Methods: Fifteen pairs of pancreatic cancerous tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues, which were pathologically verified in Fujian Cancer Hospital from August 2015 to August 2018, were collected for this study; in addition, 3 cases of normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990 were also collected. Gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990/GZ was induced by intermittent concentration gradient multiplication method. The expression level ofABCB1 in SW1990 cells, SW1990/GZ cells, pancreatic cancer tissues and apara-cancerous tissues was detected by qPCR. Methylation of ABCB1 promoter region in SW1990 cells, SW1990/GZ cells and pancreatic cancerous tissues was determined by MSP-PCR. Results: Compared with SW1990 cells, the morphology of SW1990/GZ cells showed more vacuoles, more mitotic images, clumpy growth and increased drug resistance (P<0.05). ABCB1 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (P<0.01). The expression of ABCB1 in SW1990 and SW1990/GZ cells was significantly higher than that in normal pancreatic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the expression of ABCB1 in SW1990/GZ cells was higher than that in SW1990 cells (P<0.05). ABCB1 promoters in SW1990, SW1990/GZ cells and normal pancreatic tissues were hypomethylated. Rate of methylation in pancreatic can cerous tissues and normalpancreatic tissues was 6.7%(1/15) and 0.00%(0/3) respectively,and the difference was statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Increased ABCB1 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells is associated with drug resistance, but its gene expression does not depend on promoter methylation regulation.

The management of dental fear symptoms in children in a coparticipation model / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the impact of procedural behavior management on children with dental fear (DF) using the interactive mode of coparticipative doctor-patient interactions.@*Methods@#Ninety-eight children with dental fear and aged 3-6 years were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. Dental treatment was performed on the observation group under the coparticipation model, while the control group adopted the traditional tell-show-do (TSD) operation. The entire process of diagnosing and treating each child was recorded, and the degree of dental fear was assessed using a behavioral grading method as the standard.@*Results@#The degrees of fear in the children in the observation group and the control group were 3.571 ± 0.913 and 3.857 ± 1.000. The two groups showed no significant difference in the degree of fear (t=1.477, P > 0.05). During the treatment, the fear scores of the children in the observation group and the control group were 1.428 ± 1.061 and 3.286 ± 0.707. The two groups showed statistically significant differences in fear scores (t=10.198, P < 0.001).@*Conclusion @#In the coparticipative model, the fear level of DF children was significantly reduced by process-based behavior management, which helped to improve the dental fear of the children.

Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of face with seizures: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face is a rare disorder resulting from overgrowth of adipose tissues. This condition presents gradually with swelling along with age, hypertrophy of adjacent bones, and tooth abnormalities. This study reports a case of congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of face with seizures and reviews relevant literature on the etiology, clinical symptom, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

Transcriptome analysis of phosphorus stress responsiveness in the seedlings of Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)

Abstract Background: Low phosphorus availability is a major factor restricting rice growth. Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) has many useful genes lacking in cultivated rice, including stress resistance to phosphorus deficiency, cold, salt and drought, which is considered to be a precious germplasm resource for rice breeding. However, the molecular mechanism of regulation of phosphorus deficiency tolerance is not clear. Results: In this study, cDNA libraries were constructed from the leaf and root tissues of phosphorus stressed and untreated Dongxiang wild rice seedlings, and transcriptome sequencing was performed with the goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in phosphorus stress response. The results indicated that 1184 transcripts were differentially expressed in the leaves (323 up-regulated and 861 down-regulated) and 986 transcripts were differentially expressed in the roots (756 up-regulated and 230 down-regulated). 43 genes were up-regulated both in leaves and roots, 38 genes were up-regulated in roots but down-regulated in leaves, and only 2 genes were down-regulated in roots but up-regulated in leaves. Among these differentially expressed genes, the detection of many transcription factors and functional genes demonstrated that multiple regulatory pathways were involved in phosphorus deficiency tolerance. Meanwhile, the differentially expressed genes were also annotated with gene ontology terms and key pathways via functional classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway mapping, respectively. A set of the most important candidate genes was then identified by combining the differentially expressed genes found in the present study with previously identified phosphorus deficiency tolerance quantitative trait loci. Conclusion: The present work provides abundant genomic information for functional dissection of the phosphorus deficiency resistance of Dongxiang wild rice, which will be help to understand the biological regulatory mechanisms of phosphorus deficiency tolerance in Dongxiang wild rice.

Clinical Value of Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Inhibin B in Prediction of Ovarian Response in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical value of serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB) in predicting the ovarian response of patients with polyeystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).A total of 120 PCOS patients were enrolled and divided into three groups in terms of the ovarian response:a low-response group (n=36),a normal-response group (n=44),and a high-response group (n=40).The serum AMH and INHB levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The follicle stimulating hormone （FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),and estradiol (E2) levels were determined by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay.The correlation of the serum AMH and INHB levels with other indicators was analyzed.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to analyze the prediction of ovarian response by AMH and INHB.The results showed that there were significant differences in age,body mass index (BMI),FSH,total gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH),LH,E2,and antral follicle counts (AFCs) between the groups (P＜0.05).The serum AMH and INHB levels were increased significantly with the ovarian response of PCOS patients increasing (P＜0.05).The serum AMH and INHB levels were negatively correlated with the age,BMI,FSH level,Gn,and E2 levels (P＜0.05).They were positively correlated with the LH levels and AFCs (P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis of serum AMH and INHB in prediction of a low ovarian response showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of the serum AMH level was 0.817,with a cut-off value of 1.29 ng/mL.The sensitivity and specificity were 71.2％ and 79.6％,respectively.The AUC value of serum INHB was 0.674,with a cut-off value of 38.65 ng/mL,and the sensitivity and specificity were 50.7％ and 74.5％,respectively.ROC curve analysis showed when the serum AMH and INHB levels were used to predict a high ovarian response,the AUC value of the serum AMH level was 0.742,with a cut-off value of 2.84 ng/mL,and the sensitivity and specificity were 72.7％ and 65.9％,respectively;the AUC value of the serum INHB level was 0.551 with a cut-off of 45.76 ng/mL,and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.3％ and 40.2％,respectively.It was suggested the serum AMH and INHB levels have high clinical value in predicting the ovarian response of PCOS patients.

A treatment method for chronic suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis using chalazion forceps.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chronic suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis treatment using chalazion forceps. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was performed on consecutive patients who accepted the aid of chalazion forceps to treat chronic suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis. Two different treatment methods using chalazion forceps were performed according to the degree of lacrimal canaliculitis. Postoperatively, the patients received 0.5% levofloxacin eye drops four times per day and 0.5 g oral levofloxacin tablets once per day for 4 days. The follow‑up period was more than 3 months. Lacrimal irrigation, the condition of the lacrimal punctum, and patients’ symptoms were carefully evaluated. Results: In total, 32 patients met the criteria for chronic suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis. Included were 6 males and 26 females. Their average age was 51.7 ± 14.9 years (range; 19–80 years), and all had unilateral canaliculitis. The mean duration of the symptoms was 18.9 ± 9.8 months (range; 3–48 months). The mean follow‑up time was 14.7 ± 7.8 months. The signs and symptoms resolved completely in all patients within 15 days, and no recurrence was observed. No patients reported epiphora after the treatment. Conclusions: The use of chalazion forceps is effective in treating chronic suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis. The forceps may offer an alternative treatment technology in the management of suppurative lacrimal canaliculitis.

Therapeutic strategy for different types of epicanthus / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the reasonable therapeutic strategy for different types of epicanthus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with epicanthus were classificated according to the shape, extent and inner canthal distance and treated with different methods appropriately. Modified asymmetric Z plasty with two curve method was used in lower eyelid type epicanthus, inner canthus type epicanthus and severe upper eyelid type epicanthus. Moderate upper epicanthus underwent '-' shape method. Mild Upper epicanthus in two conditions which underwent nasal augumentation and double eyelid formation with normal inner canthal distance need no correction surgery. The other mild epicanthus underwent '-' shape method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 66 cases underwent the classification and the appropriate treatment. All wounds healed well. During 3 to 12 months follow-up period, all epicanthus were corrected completely with natural contour and unconspicuous scars. All patients were satisfied with the results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Classification of epicanthus hosed on the shape, extent and inner canthal distance and correction with appropriate methods is a reasonable therapeutic strategy.</p>

Susceptibility to prostate cancer in Han Chinese: single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of 1 667 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Prostate cancer (PCa) has the highest incidence among male malignancies in Western industrialized countries and, as a most common malignant disease in urology, its incidence has been increasing in recent years in Chinese men. This study was to investigate the risk loci associated with PCa susceptibility in Han Chinese by analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected peripheral blood samples from 1 667 PCa patients and 1 525 healthy men, and detected 40 loci associated with PCa susceptibility by analyzing SNPs using Sequenom technology.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 40 known loci, 16 were confirmed to be significantly associated with PCa susceptibility (P < 0.05). The loci 1, 2 and 5 at 8q24, 10q11 and 22q13.2 also contributed to PCa susceptibility in different ethnic groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCa susceptibility is obviously associated with the risk loci rs1465618, rs721048, rs12621278, rs7679673, rs12653946, rs339331, rs1512268, rs10086908, rs16901979, rs1447295, rs10993994, rs10896449, rs902774, rs9600079, rs11649743 and rs5759167 in Chinese Han population.</p>

Influence of β-catenin Small Interfering RNA on Human Osteosarcoma Cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study examined the effect of small interfering RNA-mediated β-catenin knockdown on the survival,invasion and chemosensitivity of human osteosarcoma cells (U2-OS cells).The siRNA against β-catenin was constructed and transfected into U2-OS cells.The expression of β-catenin was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Cell growth and apoptosis was detected in the presence or absence of doxorubicin by MTT and flow cytometry,respectively.Cell invasion ability was measured by transwell assay.The results showed that the transfection of β-catenin siRNA resulted in decreased expression of β-catenin,suppression of invasion and motility of U2-OS cells,reduced chemosensitivity to doxorubicin in vitro,and little change in cell growth and apoptosis.Additionally,down-regulated MT1-MMP expression was found after transfection.It was concluded that knockdown of β-catenin gene may decrease the invasive ability of human osteosarcoma cells through down-regulated MT1-MMP expression,and the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells against doxorubicin.

Changes of High Mobility Group box 1 in Serum of Pig Acute Hepatic Failure Model and Significance / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The role of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) in acute hepatic failure and the ef- fect of artificial liver support system treatment on HMGB-1 level were investigated. Pig models of acute hepatic failure were induced by D-galactosamine and randomly divided into two groups with or without artificial liver support system treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were detected by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the expression of HMGB-1 by Western blot, and serum levels of HMGB-1, liver function and hepatic pathology were observed after artificial liver support system treatment. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased and reached the peak at 24th h in the acute hepatic failure group, then quickly decreased. The serum level of HMGB-1 was increased at 24th h in the acute hepatic failure group and reached the peak at 48th h, then kept a stable high level. Significant liver injury appeared at 24th h and was continuously getting worse in the pig models of acute hepatic failure. In contrast, the liver injury was significantly alleviated and serum level of HMGB-1 was significantly decreased in the group treated with artificial liver support system (P＜0.05). It was suggested that HMGB-1 may participate in the inflammatory response and liver injury in the late stage of the acute liver failure. Artificial liver support system treatment can reduce serum HMGB-1 level and relieve liver pathological damage.