Analysis of lung cancer screening through low-dose spiral computed tomography among petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area in 2020 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To provide scientific evidence for early lung cancer screening, to analyze the incidence of pulmonary nodules among petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area. Methods: In January 2021 , 6002 petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area which scanned by low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) of chest in medical examination center in 2020 were retrospectively collected as objects. Their imaging and clinical data were collected. χ(2) test was used to analyze the differences in the detection rates of lung nodules and suspected lung cancer nodules among workers in petroleum company staffs of different genders, ages and types of work. Results: Among the 6002 objects, 3853 (64.2%) were male and 2149 (35.8%) were female, with an average age of (47.25±12.13) years old. A total of 431 cases (7.2%) of pulmonary nodules and 57 cases (0.9%) of suspected lung cancer nodules were detected. 45 cases were followed up with surgical treatment, and 41 cases (91.1%) of lung cancer were diagnosed by postoperative pathology. There were significant differences in the detection rates of pulmonary nodules and suspected lung cancer nodules between different age groups (χ(2)=51.23, 18.81 , P<0.001). The detection rates of pulmonary nodules in the age groups 51-60 years old and ≥61 years old were higher than those in the age groups≤40 years old and 41-50 years old (P<0.05). The detection rate of suspected lung cancer nodules in the age group≥ 61 years old was higher than those in the age groups≤40 years old, 41-50 years old and 51-60 years old (P< 0.05) . And the detection rate of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that of ordinary workers (P<0.05) . Among female objects, the detection rate of pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that in ordinary workers (χ(2)=8.09, P=0.004) . The detection rate of pulmonary nodules in oil workers aged ≥61 years old was higher than ordinary workers (χ(2)=37.94, P<0.001) . Among male objects, the detection rate of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that in ordinary workers (χ(2)=8.42, P=0.004) . The detection rates of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers aged 51-60 years old and ≥61 years old groups were higher than those of ordinary workers (χ(2)=4.70, 8.74; P=0.030, 0.003) . Conclusion: LDCT is suitable for early lung cancer screening for petroleum company staffs. During the clinical screening process, LDCT should be used as a routine physical examination item for petroleum workers older than 51 years old.

Optimization of Extraction and Purification Process of Total Iridoids and Total Crocins in Gardeniae Fructus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo optimize the extraction and purification process of Gardeniae Fructus for industrial production， and to obtain the total iridoid and total crocin extracts. MethodOrthogonal test was used to optimize the water extraction process by taking contents of geniposide， genipin gentiobioside， gardenoside， crocin-1 and crocin-2 as indicators and the decocting time， decocting times and water amount as factors. The purification process was optimized by single factor test， and four different types of macroporous adsorption resins were screened. The process conditions such as resin type， maximum loading amount， water washing amount， ethanol concentration， ethanol dosage， and flow rate of sample loading were mainly investigated. In addition， the drying methods （vacuum drying and spray drying） of the extract were investigated， and a pilot scale-up verification test was carried out. ResultThe optimal water extraction process of Gardeniae Fructus was to add 15， 10 times the amount of water for decocting twice， 1 h each time. The optimal purification process was as follows：the water extract through SP825L macroporous resin column， the amount of crude drug-the amount of resin （1∶1.5）， the sample loading flow rate of 3 BV h-1， adding 2 BV of water to remove impurities， adding 4 BV of 30% ethanol to obtain the iridoid part， then adding 3 BV of 70% ethanol to obtain the crocin part， collecting the ethanol lotion， and drying at 70 ℃. Under these conditions， the extraction amount of total iridoids was 590.75 mg·g-1 with the transfer rate of 70.48%， and the yield of dry extract was 8.89%. The extraction amount of total crocins was 83.37 mg·g-1 with the transfer rate of 22.20%， and the dry extract yield was 2.60%. ConclusionThe optimized extraction and purification process is stable and feasible with high extraction rate of active components， which is suitable for the industrial extraction and purification of active parts of Gardeniae Fructus.

Research Status of Zexietang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Zexietang is derived from Jingui Yaolue （《金匮要略》）， which is composed of Alismatis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， and has the effect of inducing diuresis and invigorating the spleen to produce water. Compared with western medicine in the treatment of related diseases， Zexietang can not only improve the curative effect， but also reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions， so as to achieve long-term stable administration. The authors sorted out and analyzed the chemical composition， pharmacological effect and clinical application of Zexietang in recent years. It was found that the main active components of Zexietang were alismol A and B， 23-acetyl-alismol B and C， atractylenolides （atractylenolide Ⅰ， Ⅱ， Ⅲ） and polysaccharides. Pharmacological experiments showed that they had diuretic， hypolipidemic， anti-inflammatory and others. And it can be used in the treatment of hypertension， hyperlipidemia， vertigo， cerebral vascular insufficiency and other diseases combined with other Chinese materia medica， and the curative effect is obvious. By summarizing the research status of Zexietang in recent years， its active components and pharmacological mechanism can be further clarified， which provides the basis for the clinical application of Zexietang and guides the direction of its further research.

Research Progress of Targeted Drug Delivery Nanocarriers Through Blood-brain Barrier / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The small size， moderate drug loading， and targeting properties of nano-preparations make them can be excellent delivery tools for drugs， genes or proteins crossing the cell or blood-brain barrier （BBB）. Currently， facilitating drug crossing BBB with innovative nano-drug delivery systems is considered as a strategic approach for the prevention， diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system （CNS） diseases. However， with the deepening of the research， the adverse reactions and toxicity of nanocarriers have gradually attracted the attention of researchers. Based on this， this paper summarized the situation of BBB-penetrating targeted nano-preparations at home and abroad in recent years from the perspective of classification of types and properties of nanocarriers， and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each carrier. The results showed that nano-preparations with active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） as carriers have become a promising way of cancer treatment， but the complexity and diversity of TCM components limited its application to a certain extent. Further studies should be strengthened to lay a foundation for the application and development of TCM nano-preparations in the field of CNS diseases.

Preparation of paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles and in vitro anticancer effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells / 中国中药杂志

The paclitaxel-loaded and folic acid-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-micelles(PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs) were prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the parameters of paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were optimized with the particle size and PDI as evaluation indexes. The morphology of the nano-micelles was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and the stability, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were systematically investigated. In vitro experiments were performed to study the cytotoxic effects of nano-micelles, apoptosis, and cellular uptake. Under the optimal parameters, the nano-micelles showed the particle size of(125.3±1.2) nm, the PDI of 0.086±0.026, the zeta potential of(-20.0±3.8) mV, the drug loading of 7.2%±0.75%, and the encapsulation efficiency of 50.7%±1.0%. The nano-micelles were in regular spherical shape as observed by TEM. The blank FA-PLGA-NMs exhibited almost no inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of tumor cells, while the drug-loaded nano-micelles and free PTX exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The IC_(50) of PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs and PTX was 0.56 μg·mL~(-1) and 0.66 μg·mL~(-1), respectively. The paclitaxel-loaded nano-micelles were potent in inhibiting cell migration as assessed by the scratch assay. PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs had good pro-apoptotic effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells and significantly promoted the uptake of HeLa cells. The results of in vitro experiments suggested that PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs could target and treat cervical cancer HeLa cells. Therefore, as nanodrug carriers, PTX@FA-PLGA-NMs with anti-cancer activity are a promising nano-system for improving the-rapeutic effects on tumors.

Screening and bioinformatic analysis of serum microRNA expression profiles in patients with Pi-deficiency syndrome / 第二军医大学学报

ObjectiveTo explore the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation of Pi-deficiency syndrome (PDS) from microRNA (miRNA) levels through screening and bioinformatic analysis of serum miRNA expression in PDS patients. MethodsFour hyperlipemia patients with PDS, 4 hyperlipemia patients with Pi-Wei damp-heat syndrome (PWDS) and 5 healthy volunteers were recruited. Their serum RNA was used in miRNA quantitative PCR array experiment. Serum miRNA expression profiles in PDS patients were screened to perform bioinformatic analysis. ResultsNine candidate miRNAs (6 upregulated and 3 downregulated) were screened from PDS patients. These miRNAs were able to clearly distinguish among PDS patients, PWDS patients and healthy volunteers. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed 83 target genes controlled by 6 up-regulated miRNAs were significantly enriched in 7 pathways, which were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, pathogens of infectious diseases, immune/inflammatory-related signaling pathway and pancreatic cancer; and 365 target genes controlled by 3 down-regulated miRNAs were significantly enriched in 5 pathways, which were mainly involved in signaling pathways of neurotrophin and phosphatidylinositol, RNA transport, and metabolisms of inositol phosphate and amino acid. ConclusionOur findings provide potential miRNA biomarkers for clinical syndrome differentiation of PDS patients, as well as information for understanding and studying the pathogenesis of PDS patients.

Potential protective effects of red yeast rice in endothelial function against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease / 中国天然药物

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the deadliest disease in the world, with endothelial injury occurring throughout the course of the disease. Therefore, improvement in endothelial function is of essential importance in the prevention of ASCVD. Red yeast rice (RYR), a healthy traditional Chinese food, has a lipid modulation function and also plays a vital role in the improvement of endothelial reactivity and cardiovascular protection; thus, it is significant in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of RYR and its related products in the improvement of endothelial function in terms of endothelial reactivity, anti-apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells, oxidative stress alleviation and anti-inflammation.

Research Outlook of Short-chain Fatty Acids Detected by Ultra Performance Convergence Chromatography / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Gas chromatography (GC) is mainly used to detect the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), but with the deepening of research,the drawbacks of GC have become more and more obvious in the fields of food,chemical engineering and clinical application. The analysis on existing research results showed that ultra performance convergence chromatography (UPC2) was appropriate for the analysis of lipid metabolism. The UPC2 is a new kind of chromatographic separation technology developed in recent five years and the level of SCFAs is associated with the research on multiple diseases. Therefore,application of UPC2 in the detection of SCFAs would be helpful for the scholars at home and abroad to carry out deeper researches,and also helpful to guide the treatment for various metabolic disorders. In this paper,the researches on SCFAs in recent ten years were reviewed; the shortcomings of GC and liquid chromatography (LC) in the detection of SCFAs were reviewed; the development process,basic characteristics and research status of UPC2 at home and abroad were introduced; feasibility and innovation of UPC2 in the detection of SCFAs were summarized. Pretreatment methods for UPC2 application to the detection of SCFAs in feces or serum were collected; the problems that should be noticed during the process of sample pretreatment were pointed out; meanwhile, an research outlook on methodology of UPC2 application in the detection of SCFAs was conducted. The effects of extracting solvent,mobile phase,and auxiliaryt solvent on chromatographic behavior as well as the physicochemical property, type and choice of UPC2 chromatographic column were mainly discussed in this paper. In addition, the choices of basic modifier,acid modifier,and salinity modifier were briefly outlined, in order to provide efficient,simple,environmental,and economic detection technologies for the research on SCFAs, and provide better reference solutions for the rapid detection of massive clinical samples.

Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharide on Sweet Taste Receptor Pathway in Intestine of Rat Model Induced by High-sugar and High-fat Diet / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on taste receptor 1 member 2 (T1R2)/taste receptor 1 member 3 (T1R3) sweet taste receptor pathway in intestine of rat model induced by high-sugar and high-fat diet. Method:SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, high-sugar and high-fat group and astragalus polysaccharide group. Rats in high-sugar and high-fat group and astragalus polysaccharide groups were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet for 16 weeks, while rats in astragalus polysaccharide group were fed with APS (0.7 g·kg-1, per day) for 8 weeks during this period. Serum samples were collected to determine the levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Intestinum tenue was collected to determine mRNA expressions of T1R2/T1R3, α-gustducin (Gα gust), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily member 5 (TRPM5) and proglucagon (PG) gene by Real-time PCR, and protein expressions of T1R2, Gα gust and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) protein by Western blot. Result:Rats in high-sugar and high-fat group had significantly higher levels of TC, TG and LDL-C, and lower HDL-C level in serum than those in normal group (Pα gust and PG genes in intestine, were significantly down-regulated in high-sugar and high-fat group (PPα gust, TRPM5 and PG genes in intestine were significantly up-regulated in astragalus polysaccharide group (Pα gust and GLP-1 protein expressions was consistent with that of T1R2, Gα gust and GLP-1 mRNA expressions. Protein expressions of T1R2, Gα gust and GLP-1 and mRNA expression of T1R3 were significantly lower in astragalus polysaccharide group than those of control group (PConclusion:APS could improve disturbance of lipid metabolism and impairment of intestinal sweet taste receptor pathway for rat model induced by high-sugar and high-fat diet.

Tumor-suppressor microRNA-139-5p restrains bladder cancer cell line ECV-304 properties via targeting Connexin 43 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#In our previous paper, we demonstrated that Connexin 43 (CX43) was highly expressed in bladder cancer (BC) tissues. But the molecular mechanism about microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation upstream of CX43 in BC has not been well elucidated and remains to be further studied. MicroRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) is a tumor suppressor in progression of multifarious cancers including BC. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of CX43/miR-139-5p in tumorigenesis of BC are still not well illustrated. The specific objective of our study was to inquiry the effect of CX43/miR-139-5p on BC progression and its underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#The bioinformatics analysis softwares were applied to predict the miRNAs in the upstream of CX43. First, the expression levels of miR-139-5p in BC tissues (tumor) and paracancer tissues (normal) were investigated using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of miR-139-5p in three human BC cell lines 5637, T24, ECV-304 and a human bladder epithelial immortalized cell line SV-HUC-1 (normal control). Then si-CX43, si-control, miR-139-5p mimic, and its negative control (NC) were transfected into BC cell line ECV-304. The relationship of miR-139-5p and CX43 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to test the mRNA and protein expression level of CX43. The proliferation of ECV-304 and T24 cells were examined by cell counting kit-8. The migration and invasion of ECV-304 cells were tested by transwell assay. To determine whether miR-139-5p would affect cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting CX43, we executed the rescue assay. The comparison between two groups was analyzed by Student's t test, and comparisons among multiple samples were performed by one-way analysis of variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test.@*RESULTS@#The expression of miR-139-5p was remarkably down-regulated in BC tissues (tumor vs. normal, 2.286 ± 0.017 vs. 3.211 ± 0.034, t = 11.540, P < 0.0001) and cell lines (P < 0.01 in all BC cell lines). Besides, we also indicated that over-expression of miR-139-5p reduced the proliferation of ECV-304 (P = 0.001) and T24 cells (P = 0.005). Moreover, miR-139-5p over-expression weakened the invasion (P = 0.001) and migration (P = 0.001) of ECV-304 cells. Furthermore, the relative luciferase activity of CX43-wild type construct was distinctly lessened by up-regulation of miR-139-5p (miR-139-5p mimic NC vs. miR-139-5p mimic, 0.916 ± 0.063 vs. 0.356 ± 0.048, t = 7.085, P = 0.002), nevertheless the activity of CX43-mutant type construct was untouched (miR-139-5p mimic NC vs. miR-139-5p mimic, 0.918 ± 0.057 vs. 0.878 ± 0.039, t = 0.577, P = 0.595). Finally, the rescue assay revealed that CX43 deletion enhanced the depressor effect of miR-139-5p on ECV-304 cell proliferation (P < 0.01), invasion (P = 0.028), and migration (P = 0.014).@*CONCLUSION@#MiR-139-5p, as a tumor-suppressor, repressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in BC, which might be achieved by regulating CX43.

Tumor-suppressor microRNA-139-5p restrains bladder cancer cell line ECV-304 properties via targeting Connexin 43 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#In our previous paper, we demonstrated that Connexin 43 (CX43) was highly expressed in bladder cancer (BC) tissues. But the molecular mechanism about microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation upstream of CX43 in BC has not been well elucidated and remains to be further studied. MicroRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) is a tumor suppressor in progression of multifarious cancers including BC. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of CX43/miR-139-5p in tumorigenesis of BC are still not well illustrated. The specific objective of our study was to inquiry the effect of CX43/miR-139-5p on BC progression and its underlying mechanism.@*Methods@#The bioinformatics analysis softwares were applied to predict the miRNAs in the upstream of CX43. First, the expression levels of miR-139-5p in BC tissues (tumor) and paracancer tissues (normal) were investigated using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of miR-139-5p in three human BC cell lines 5637, T24, ECV-304 and a human bladder epithelial immortalized cell line SV-HUC-1 (normal control). Then si-CX43, si-control, miR-139-5p mimic, and its negative control (NC) were transfected into BC cell line ECV-304. The relationship of miR-139-5p and CX43 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to test the mRNA and protein expression level of CX43. The proliferation of ECV-304 and T24 cells were examined by cell counting kit-8. The migration and invasion of ECV-304 cells were tested by transwell assay. To determine whether miR-139-5p would affect cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting CX43, we executed the rescue assay. The comparison between two groups was analyzed by Student’s t test, and comparisons among multiple samples were performed by oneway analysis of variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test.@*Results@#The expression of miR-139-5p was remarkably down-regulated in BC tissues (tumor vs. normal, 2.286 ± 0.017 vs. 3.211 ± 0.034, t= 11.540, P < 0.0001) and cell lines (P < 0.01 in all BC cell lines). Besides, we also indicated that over-expression of miR-139-5p reduced the proliferation of ECV-304 (P = 0.001) and T24 cells (P = 0.005). Moreover, miR-139-5p over-expression weakened the invasion (P = 0.001) and migration (P = 0.001) of ECV-304 cells. Furthermore, the relative luciferase activity of CX43-wild type construct was distinctly lessened by up-regulation of miR-139-5p (miR-139-5p mimic NC vs. miR-139-5p mimic, 0.916 ± 0.063 vs. 0.356 ± 0.048, t = 7.085, P = 0.002), nevertheless the activity of CX43-mutant type construct was untouched (miR-139-5p mimic NC vs. miR-139-5p mimic, 0.918 ± 0.057 vs. 0.878 ± 0.039, t= 0.577, P = 0.595). Finally, the rescue assay revealed that CX43 deletion enhanced the depressor effect of miR-139-5p on ECV-304 cell proliferation (P < 0.01), invasion (P = 0.028), and migration (P = 0.014).@*Conclusion@#MiR-139-5p, as a tumor-suppressor, repressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in BC, which might be achieved by regulating CX43.

Rhabditis axei found in urine routine examination: a case report / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Rhabditis axei is a free-living nematode, which can occasionally invade into humans through drinking and contacting wastewater. It is usually parasitic in the digestive and urinary systems, causing the disease of rhabditelliasis axei. This paper reports a case of R. axei infection found in the urine routine examination.

Rhabditis axei found in urine routine examination: a case report / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Rhabditis axei is a free-living nematode, which can occasionally invade into humans through drinking and contacting wastewater. It is usually parasitic in the digestive and urinary systems, causing the disease of rhabditelliasis axei. This paper reports a case of R. axei infection found in the urine routine examination.

Effect of 0.9-ms 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser combined with itraconazole for treatment of toenail onychomycosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.9-ms 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser alone or combined with itraconazole for treatment of toenail onychomycosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 37 patients with onychomycosis (178 toenails) were randomly assigned to groups A and B, and each group was further divided into different subgroups according to the Scoring Clinical Index of Onychomycosis (SCIO) and Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI) scoring. All the patients were treated with 0.9-ms Nd:YAG laser once a week for 8 times. The patients in group A were treated with laser alone, and those in group B were treated with laser combined with itraconazole. The clinical effect, clinical scores, appearance of the toenails and adverse reactions in the two groups were analyzed, and the patients' satisfaction rate was also investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the 12th months of follow-up, the clinical response rate and mycological cure rate in group A were 31.33% and 30.00%, respectively, similar to the rates in group B (35.79% and 41.18%, respectively) (P>0.05). After the treatments, the SCIO and OSI scores showed no significant changes in group A (P>0.05) but both increased significantly in group B (P<0.05). The response rates did not differ significantly among the subgroups with SCIO<12 or with OSI<16 (P>0.05), but showed significant differences among the subgroups with SCIO≥12 or with OSI≥16 (P<0.05). Of the total of 178 toenails, 33.71%, 74.72% and 70.79% toenails showed improvements in terms of clear nail growth, shape and color, respectively. The overall patients' satisfaction rate was 62.16%, and no adverse reactions related with the therapy were recorded in these patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For treatment of toenail onychomycosis, 0.9-ms 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser can effectively improve the aesthetic appearance of the toenails, and a combined treatment with Nd:YAG laser and itraconazole can be better option in severe cases of onychomycosis.</p>

Expression characterization of MANF during course of rat adjuvant arthritis and its relationship with inflammation / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the expression of mesen-cephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor(MANF) in synovial membrane and serum of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) and to analyse the relationship between MANF expression and arthritis. Methods AA models were prepared by injecting Freund complete adjuvant (FCA) into SD rats. The swelling of the secondary joint was measured by foot volume measurement. The severity of AA was recorded by arthritis index (AI). Synovial pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The protein and mRNA levels of MANF,BiP and CHOP extracted from synovial tissues in different periods of AA rats were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The levels of MANF, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and then the relationship between MANF level and inflam-matory factors were explored. Results AA rat model was established successfully. The expression of BiP significantly increased in synovial tissue on d 2 after CFA injection,and decreased until d 28. The expres-sion of MANF slightly increased on d 2,then remained stable,and significantly increased on d 14, and then decreased gradually. The expression of CHOP kept to rise slowly at a low level. The level of MANF in serum markedly increased on d 14,then gradually decreased, but it was still higher than the normal level on d 28. The level of CRP exhibited similar trend with MANF. Correlation analysis showed that MANF had a negative correlation with arthritis symptoms, IL-1β and TNF-α in the secondary inflammatory period of AA rats. Con-clusions Arthritis induces the expression and secre-tion of MANF,and the level of MANF is closely relat-ed to the progression and severity of arthritis.

Association of Bone Turnover Levels with MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms among Pregnant Women in Wuhan, China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption.We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women.Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too.In this article,we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women.The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012.A total of 1000 participants,including 250 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women,were enrolled in the study.Finally,after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples,973 eligible participants (i.e.,234,249,and 248 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters,respectively,and 242 non-pregnant women)were included in the research.The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers,with standardized coefficients of 0.086 (P＜0.05) and 0.104 (P＜0.01) of all the participants and the pregnant women,respectively.The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels (standardized β=0.091,P＜0.01) than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects.Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 (P＜0.01) and 0.179 (P＜0.01),respectively.Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 (P＜0.05) and 0.125 (P＜0.01),respectively.In conclusion,homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women.The MTHFR gene A 1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.

Association of Bone Turnover Levels with MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms among Pregnant Women in Wuhan, China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption.We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women.Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too.In this article,we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women.The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012.A total of 1000 participants,including 250 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women,were enrolled in the study.Finally,after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples,973 eligible participants (i.e.,234,249,and 248 pregnant women in the first,second,and third trimesters,respectively,and 242 non-pregnant women)were included in the research.The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers,with standardized coefficients of 0.086 (P＜0.05) and 0.104 (P＜0.01) of all the participants and the pregnant women,respectively.The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels (standardized β=0.091,P＜0.01) than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects.Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 (P＜0.01) and 0.179 (P＜0.01),respectively.Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 (P＜0.05) and 0.125 (P＜0.01),respectively.In conclusion,homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women.The MTHFR gene A 1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.

Effects of different concentrations of irbesartan on the differentiation and mineralization of preosteoblasts / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Angiotensin II receptor antagonists have been found to exerct a stronger protective effect on bone than angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of different concentrations of irbesartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) on the differentiation and mineralization of mouse preosteoblasts. METHODS:Mouse preosteoblast cel lines MC3T3-E1 in logarithmic phase were selected and cultured in the osteogenic induction medium containing 0 (control group), 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 mmol/L irbesartan, respectively. Ten days later, the cel differentiation was observed by alkaline phosphatase staining. The mineralization was observed by alizarin red staining after 21 days of culture. mRNA expressions of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and Runt-associated transcription factor 2 in osteoblasts were detected by real-time PCR at 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 days of culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activity of alkaline phosphatase in al the irbesartan groups (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1) was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), which was the most obvious in 0.01 mmol/L. The number and area of calcium nodules in each irbesartan group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), especial y in 0.01 mmol/L. Compared with the control group, 0.01 mmol/L irbesartan significantly upregulated the mRNA expressions of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and Runt-associated transcription factor 2 (P<0.05). These results suggest that 0.01 mmol/L irbesartan significantly promotes the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts.

Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth: A Population-based Case-control Study in Wuhan, China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PB) are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension (OR=6.78,95％ CI:2.27-20.29,P=0.001),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=1.53,95％ CI:1.06-2.21,P=0.022),and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester (OR=1.70,95％ CI:1.17-2.45,P=0.005) were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.48,95％ CI:0.32-0.74,P=0.001) and gestation ≥37 weeks (OR=0.01,95％ CI:0.00-0.02,P＜0.034) were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension (OR=3.36,95％ CI:1.26-8.98,P=0.016),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=4.38,95％ CI:3.26-5.88,P＜0.001),maternal meal intake of only twice per day (OR=1.88,95％ CI:1.10-3.20,P=0.021),and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt (OR=1.60,95％ CI:1.02-2.51,P=0.040) were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.66,95％ CI:0.47-0.93,P=0.018),distance of house from road ≥36 meters (OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.53-0.97,P=0.028),and living in rural area (OR=0.60,95％ CI:0.37-0.99,P=0.047) were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.

The simulation analysis on biomechanical responses of human head under different loading conditions / 医用生物力学

Objective To construct a three-dimensional finite element model of human skull with anatomic structure and to study biomechanical responses of the head under various loading conditions. Methods The finite element model of high-precision human head with anatomic structure was reconstructed with the constitutive skull made from elastic-plastic material to simulate the fracture. This model was used to simulate frontal impact intracranial pressure testing, dynamic skull fracture testing and head drop testing reported by the literature, and the simulation reproduced the experimental process of head subjected to impact loads, skull fractures, and biomechanical responses of head fall at different speed. Results Under frontal impact loading, the model showed hedge-side positive-negative intracranial pressure distributions, and the occipital deformation was more serious than that in prefrontal, parietal under similar loading. The faster falling speed would cause more serious injuries. Conclusions To establish the accurate anatomic finite element model of human head can preferably simulate biomechanical responses of the head under the loading of impact and fall. Through quantifying parameters such as contact force and intracranial pressure, injury risks can be assessed to provide scientific references for design of protective devices.