Clinical application status of multiple localization methods in the treatment of pulmonary nodules by sub-lobectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#The precise localization of pulmonary nodules has become an important technical key point in the treatment of pulmonary nodules by thoracoscopic surgery, which is a guarantee for safe margin and avoiding removal of too much normal lung parenchyma. With the development of medical technology and equipment, the methods of locating pulmonary nodules are also becoming less trauma and convenience. There are currently a number of methods applied to the preoperative or intraoperative localization of pulmonary nodules, including preoperative percutaneous puncture localization, preoperative transbronchial localization, intraoperative palpation localization, intraoperative ultrasound localization, and localization according to anatomy. The most appropriate localization method should be selected according to the location of the nodule, available equipment, and surgeon鈥檚 experience. According to the published literatures, we have sorted out a variety of different theories and methods of localization of pulmonary nodules in this article, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages for references.

Deep learning-based automatic segmentation of the mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs: A multi-device study

Purpose@#The objective of this study was to propose a deep-learning model for the detection of the mandibular canal on dental panoramic radiographs. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 2,100 panoramic radiographs (PANs) were collected from 3 different machines: RAYSCAN Alpha (n=700, PAN A), OP-100 (n=700, PAN B), and CS8100 (n=700, PAN C). Initially, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist coarsely annotated the mandibular canals. For deep learning analysis, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) utilizing U-Net architecture were employed for automated canal segmentation. Seven independent networks were trained using training sets representing all possible combinations of the 3 groups. These networks were then assessed using a hold-out test dataset. @*Results@#Among the 7 networks evaluated, the network trained with all 3 available groups achieved an average precision of 90.6%, a recall of 87.4%, and a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 88.9%. The 3 networks trained using each of the 3 possible 2-group combinations also demonstrated reliable performance for mandibular canal segmentation, as follows: 1) PAN A and B exhibited a mean DSC of 87.9%, 2) PAN A and C displayed a mean DSC of 87.8%, and 3) PAN B and C demonstrated a mean DSC of 88.4%. @*Conclusion@#This multi-device study indicated that the examined CNN-based deep learning approach can achieve excellent canal segmentation performance, with a DSC exceeding 88%. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of considering the characteristics of panoramic radiographs when developing a robust deep-learning network, rather than depending solely on the size of the dataset.

Clinical and mutation analysis of a case of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair / 中华皮肤科杂志

To report a case of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair, and to detect gene mutations in the family. A 3-year-old female patient presented with a special facial appearance, short stature, deep palmar and plantar creases, and dark skin. The scalp hair was sparse and thin, dermoscopy showed black spot sign, single-hair follicular units, hair shafts varying in the diameter, upright hair and new vellus hair, and constriction of hair shafts and nodular hair were occasionally observed. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and her parents, and the genomic DNA was extracted for whole-exome sequencing. A heterozygous missense mutation c.4A>G was identified in exon 2 of the SHOC2 gene in the proband, resulting in the substitution of serine by glycine at amino acid position 2 (p.S2G) . The mutation was not identified in either of her parents. Combined with the clinical phenotype and gene mutation, the diagnosis of Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair was confirmed.

Glycan targeting nanoparticle for photodynamic immunotherapy of melanoma

Interaction between tumour cells and macrophages enables cancer cells to evade immune detection and clearance by interfering with macrophage phagocytosis. The anti-phagocytic signals regulated by anti-phagocytic proteins are termed "don't eat me" signals; these signals include sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin-10 (Siglec-10) and the recently revealed CD24 immune checkpoint (ICP). In this study, we demonstrate that targeting a specific glycan on CD24 exhibits the potential to inhibit ICP. Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), a sialic acid-binding lectin, was employed to block CD24 and to enhance phagocytosis in melanoma tumours. In addition, we prepared SNA-conjugated hollow gold-iron oxide nanoparticles for photothermal therapy of tumours. Our findings show that the combination treatment of SNA-conjugated photothermal nanoparticles and near-infrared exposure successfully augments tumour cell phagocytosis both in vitro and in vivo models.

Effects of praziquantel isomers on the proliferation and activation of the LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell line / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the effects of levo-praziquantel (L-PZQ) and dextro-praziquantel (D-PZQ) on the proliferation and activation of the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 in vitro. Methods LX-2 cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). LX-2 cell proliferation was measured using the CCK-8 assay after 24 h stimulation with 0 to 50 μg/mL concentrations of praziquantel, and the gene and protein expression of type Ⅰ collagen (collagen Ⅰ), type Ⅲ collagen (collagen Ⅲ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was quantified in LX-2 cells using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays 24 h and 48 h following stimulation with 15 μg/mL praziquantel to detect LX-2 cell activation. Results There were significant differences in the survival rate of LX-2 cells between L-PZQ and D-PZQ treatments at all concentrations (F = 6.119 and 79.180, both P values < 0.05). Either L-PZQ or D-PZQ at a concentration of < 30 μg/mL showed no remarkableeffectsonthe LX-2 cell proliferation (both P values > 0.05), and L-PZQ at a concentration of > 50 μg/mL and D-PZQ at a concentration of > 40 μg/mL inhibited the LX-2 cell proliferation (both P values < 0.05), while D-PZQ at concentrations of 40 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL showed greater inhibition on LX-2 cell proliferation than L-PZQ (t = 3.419 and 8.776, both P values < 0.05). There were significant differences in the collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and α-SMA expression in LX-2 cells at both transcriptional (F = 21.55, 79.99 and 46.70, all P values < 0.05) and translational levels (F = 20.12, 30.29 and 32.93, all P values < 0.05) among the blank control group, TGF-β stimulation group, L-PZQ treatment group and D-PZQ treatment group. L-PZQ treatment resulted in remarkable inhibition on collagen Ⅲ and α-SMA gene expression in LX-2 cells (both P values < 0.05); however, the treatment showed no remarkable inhibition collagen Ⅰ gene expression or collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ or α-SMA protein expression in LX-2 cells (all P values > 0.05). In addition, D-PZQ treatment resulted in significant inhibition on collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and α-SMA expression in LX-2 cells at both translational and transcriptional levels (all P values < 0.05), and D-PZQ showed higher inhibition on collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and α-SMA gene expression in LX-2 cells than L-PZQ (all P values < 0.05). Conclusions Both L-PZQ and D-PZQ inhibit the proliferation and activation of LX-2 cells, and D-PZQ shows a higher inhibitory activity than L-PZQ.

Compound oleum lithospermi in improving clinical symptoms of mild to moderate diaper dermatitis: a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled clinical study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of topical compound oleum lithospermi in the treatment of mild to moderate diaper dermatitis.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, positive-drug parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 19 hospitals from July 2019 to August 2020. Children aged 0 - 12 months with mild to moderate diaper dermatitis were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table: test group topically treated with compound oleum lithospermi, and control group topically treated with zinc oxide cream. The treatment was carried out 6 - 8 times a day for 7 days. Visits were scheduled on days 0 and 7, and total response rate and clinical healing time were evaluated. Changes in the dermatitis family impact (DFI) score were compared between the test group and control group, and adverse events were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out by using independent-sample t test for normally distributed continuous data, Wilcoxon rank sum test for non-normally distributed continuous data, and chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test for unordered categorical data; survival curves were drawn, and log-rank test was used for comparisons between two groups. Results:A total of 343 children with diaper dermatitis were enrolled in this study. Among them, 31 children violated the protocol, so 312 were included in the per protocol set, including 157 in the test group and 155 in the control group, and all completed the visits on days 0 and 7. The total response rate was significantly higher in the test group (87.26%, 137/157) than in the control group (78.71%, 122/155; χ2 = 4.04, P = 0.044) . The clinical healing time was significantly shorter in the test group (5.33 days) than in the control group (6.13 days; χ2 = 4.67, P = 0.025) . After 7-day treatment, the DFI score significantly decreased in both the 2 groups compared with that before the treatment, but there was no significant difference in the DFI score between the 2 groups (test group: 4.02 ± 6.96, control group: 3.58 ± 5.90, Z = -0.39, P = 0.686) . The incidence of adverse events was 2.92% (5/171) and 5.45% (9/165) in the test group and control group respectively, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups ( χ2 = 0.03, P = 0.865) . Conclusion:Compound oleum lithospermi can markedly reduce the clinical severity of diaper dermatitis, improve the total response rate, shorten the clinical treatment period, and improve the quality of life of children′s families with a favorable safety profile.

Molluscicidal activity of the secondary metabolites from Streptomyces nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 against Oncomelania hupensis and its preliminary mechanisms of molluscicidal actions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the storage stability of metabolites from actinomycetes Streptomyces nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 and the mollcuscicidal activity against Oncomelania hupensis in the laboratory, and to preliminarily explore the mechanisms of the molluscicidal activity.@*METHODS@#The fermentation supernatant of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 was prepared and stored at -20, 4 °C and 28 °C without light for 10 d; then, the molluscicidal effect was tested against O. hupensis following immersion for 72 h. The fermentation supernatant was boiled in a 100 °C water bath for 30 min and recovered to room temperature, and then the molluscicidal effect was tested against O. hupensis following immersion for 72 h. The pH values of the fermentation supernatant were adjusted to 4.0, 6.0 and 9.0 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, and the fermentation supernatant was stilled at room temperature for 12 h, with its pH adjusted to 7.0; then, the molluscicidal effect was tested against O. hupensis following immersion for 72 h. The fermentation product of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7was isolated and purified four times with macroporous resin, silica gel and octadecylsilane bonded silica gel. The final products were prepared into solutions at concentrations of 10.00, 5.00, 2.50, 1.25 mg/L and 0.63 mg/L, and the molluscicidal effect of the final productswas tested against O. hupensis following immersion for 72 h, while dechlorination water served as blank controls, and 0.10 mg/L niclosamide served as positive control. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels were measured in in O. hupensis soft tissues using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following exposure to the final purified fermentation products of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7.@*RESULTS@#After the fermentation supernatant of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 was placed at -20, 4 °C and 28 °C without light for 10 d, immersion in the stock solution and solutions at 10- and 50-fold dilutions for 72 h resulted in a 100% (30/30) O. hupensis mortality. Following boiling at 100 °C for 30 min, immersion in the stock solution and solutions at 10- and 50-fold dilutions for 72 h resulted in a 100.00% (30/30) O. hupensis mortality. Following storage at pH values of 4.0 and 6.0 for 12 h, immersion in the fermentation supernatant of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 for 72 h resulted in a 100.00% (30/30) O. hupensis mortality, and following storage at a pH value of 9.0 for 12 h, immersion in the fermentation supernatant of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 for 72 h resulted in a 33.33% (10/30) O. hupensis mortality (χ2 = 30.000, P < 0.05). The minimum concentration of the final purified fermentation products of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 was 1.25 mg/L for achieving a 100% (30/30) O. hupensis mortality. The ATP level was significantly lower in O. hupensis soft tissues exposed to 0.10 mg/L and 1.00 mg/L of the final purified fermentation products of S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 than in controls (F = 7.274, P < 0.05), while no significant difference was detected in the ADP level between the treatment group and controls (F = 2.485, P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The active mollcuscicidal ingredients of the S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 metabolites are maintained stably at -20, 4 °C and 28 °C for 10 d, and are heat and acid resistant but not alkali resistant. The metabolites from S. nigrogriseolus XD 2-7 may cause energy metabolism disorders in O. hupensis, leading to O. hupensis death.

Activity of aromatic pyrrole-based compounds against of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae and acute toxicity to fish / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To test the activity of aromatic pyrrole-based compounds against cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum and test their acute toxicity to fish. Methods A series of aromatic pyrrole-based compounds were synthesized using 4-benzyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-nitrile as the lead compound. The synthesized compounds were prepared into solutions at concentrations of 10.00, 1.00, 0.10, 0.01 mg/L, and the activity of these solutions against S. japonicum cercariae was tested in 30 min, while 0.10 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L niclosamide solutions served as a positive control and dechlorinated water with 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a negative control, with 10 to 30 cercariae of S. japonicum in each group. In addition, the compounds were prepared into solutions at concentrations of 0.50, 0.25, 0.12, 0.06, 0.03 mg/L, and their toxicity to zebrafish was tested in 72 h, while 0.15 mg/L and 0.30 mg/L niclosamide solutions served as a positive control and dechlorinated water with 1% DMSO was used as a negative control, with 10 zebrafishes in each group. Results A total of 7 aromatic pyrrole-based compounds were successfully synthesized. Treatment with compounds 102, 104 and 106 at a concentration of 0.01 mg/L for 30 min killed all S. japonicum cercariae, and compounds 105 and 107 showed no activity against cercariae. No death of cercariae was found in the blank control group, while treatment with 0.10 mg/L niclosamide for 10 min caused a 100% mortality rate of S. japonicum cercariae and 0.01 mg/L niclosamide failed to kill S. japonicum cercariae. No zebrafish death was found 72 h post-treatment with compounds 101, 104 and 105 at a concentration of 0.03 mg/L, and exposure to compounds 102, 103 and 106 at a concentration of 0.03 mg/L for 12 h resulted in a 100% mortality rate of zebrafish. No zebrafish death occurred 72 h post-treatment with 0.50 mg/L Compound 104, and no zebrafish death was found in the blank control group, while treatment with 0.30 mg/L niclosamide for 24 h resulted in a 100% mortality rate of zebrafish. Conclusions Compound 104 achieves a 100% mortality rate against S. japonicum cercariae at a concentration of 0.01 mg/L for 30 min, and causes no death of zebrafish at a concentration of 0.50 mg/L for 72 h, which may serve as a cercaricide candidate.

Surgical removal of a telemetry system in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis):a 12-month observation study / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Telemetry is a wireless implanted device that measures biological signals in conscious animals and usually requires surgery for its removal when the study is finished. After removing the device, the animals are either used for other studies or euthanatized.Case presentation: Herein, we report the case of a living cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) that was used for the entire experimental period, instead of euthanasia, after surgical removal of an implanted telemetry system.Radiography was used to determine the status of the implanted telemetry, following which, a repair surgery was performed for removing the system; clinical signs were used to preserve the life of the cynomolgus monkey. Postoperative clinical signs, food consumption, hematology, and serum biochemistry were examined during the 12-month observational period. No abnormal readings or conditions were observed in the subject after implant removal. @*Conclusions@#This study may be a useful case report for living cynomolgus monkeys in telemetry implantations used throughout the study period. We suggest minimizing the suffering and improving the welfare of these animals.

Effects of RablA on proliferation and apoptosis of multiple myeloma cell line 8226 / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of RablA on proliferation and apoptosis of multiple myeloma (MM) cell line 8226. Methods The siRNA interference was used to knockdown RablA gene. The multiple myeloma cell line 8226 was divided into blank control group, negative control group and RablA siRNA group. In the blank control group, the multiple myeloma cells were not treated. Multiple myeloma cells 8226 in the negative control group were transfected with negative control siRNA. The RablA siRNA group was transfected with Rabl A-targeted siRNA. The effect of RablA on multiple myeloma cell 8226 proliferation was analyzed by colony forming test and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The apoptosis of multiple myeloma cell 8226 was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting and Real-time PCR were used to observe the effect of RablA siRNA on the expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax. Results The expressions of RablA mRNA and RablA protein in the RablA siRNA group were significantly down-regulated compared with those in the negative control group. The result of colony formation and CCK-8 assay showed that RablA siRNA inhibit the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells 8226. The early and late apoptosis ratio of multiple myeloma cell 8226 in RablA siRNA group increased significantly compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). The expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 in the RablA siRNA group were significantly down-regulated compared with the negative control group (P<0.05), and the expression of c-Myc and Bax were significantly up-regulated compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). Conclusion RablA may promote the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells 8226 by regulating the expression of c-Myc, cyclin Dl, Bcl-2 and Bax, while RablA siRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of RablA in rpmi-8226 cells, thereby inhibiting its proliferation and promoting apoptosis.

Relationship of gender and age on thyroid hormone parameters in a large Chinese population

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to present the impact of age and gender on thyroid hormone levels in a large Chinese population with sufficient iodine intake. Subjects and methods A total of 83643 individuals were included and were stratified by age and gender. The median, 2.5th and 97.5th of thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and FT3/FT4 ratio were calculated for both genders for every decade from 18 to over 80 years. TSH, FT3, FT4, FT3/FT4 distribution in each age group was evaluated for females and males using smoothing splines in the generalized additive models (GAM). TSH concentrations were compared in the different age groups in gender. Results In the over 80s age group, the TSH level (median: 2.57 mIU/L, 2.5th-97.5th: 0.86-7.56 mIU/L) was significantly higher than other age groups, irrespective to gender (P<0.001). Females had a higher TSH value than males in all age groups (P<0.001). Results of the smoothing curves showed that TSH increased with age, FT3 concentration was higher in males than in females and the tendency of the FT3/FT4 ratio was basically similar to that of FT3. TSH concentration in the 50s age group (median 2.48 mIU/L for females versus 2.00 mIU/L for males) was significantly higher than that in the 30s age group (median 2.18 mIU/L for females versus median 1.85 mIU/L for males). Conclusions In accord with increasing TSH values during aging, females and older adults have lower FT3 values and lower FT3/FT4 ratios, while the FT4 values remain stable.

Effect of Icariin on Damaged Neurons Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the effect of icariin on damaged neurons from the perspective of endoplasmic reticulum stress, in order to explore some mechanisms for repairing damaged neurons. Method::PC12 cells were induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) to differentiate into neurons, and the positive rate of microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP2) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) expressions was determined by flow cytometry. The experiment was divided into 4 groups, blank control group: PC12 induced differentiation into neuronal cells, solvent control group: PC12 induced differentiation into neurons+ 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), thapsigargin group: PC12 induced differentiation into nerves Yuan+ 2 μmol·L-1 thapsigargin, and icariin group: PC12 induced differentiation into neurons+ 2 μmol·L-1 thapsigargin+ 0.1 μmol·L-1 icariin. The proliferation of the cells was detected by using cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method, the apoptosis of the cells was detected by flow cytometry, the protein expressions of CCAAT/enhace-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP) and glucoseregulated protein 78(Grp78) were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expressions of CHOP and Grp78 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Result::Compared with the solvent control group, the thapsigargin group inhibited the proliferation of neuron-like PC12 cells induced by NGF, promoted apoptosis, and up-regulated the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the thapsigargin group, the icariin group can alleviate the inhibition of neurotrophic activity by thapsigargin, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and down-regulate the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::Icariin can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress by down-regulating the expressions of CHOP and Grp78 and promote the repair of damaged neurons.

Training mode of robotic surgical system in thoracic surgery: A single-center study at Ruijin Hospital / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the training mode of robotic surgical system for thoracic surgeons. Methods    Thirteen surgeons enrolled in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital from May 2015 to December 2019 were targeted for training. Training methods included learning basic knowledge of Da-Vinci robotic system, simulation platform training, physical simulation training, training on animal models, practice of thoracic surgery and video analysis. Results    The robotic operation skills of the surgeons were improved. Currently 4 surgeons were qualified for using robotic system to do thoracic surgery, and 9 surgeons had assistant qualification. Conclusion    Multiple modes of training can help surgeons learn and master the techniques of robotic surgery, and will provide the basis for robotic training standard.

Positron emission computed tomography/single photon emission computed tomography in Parkinson disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder. Its main pathological mechanism is the selective degeneration and deletion of dopaminergic neurons in the dense part of the substantia nigra and the damage of dopaminergic neurons caused by the abnormal deposition of a Lewy body, leading to a decreased dopamine level. Positron emission computed tomography (PET)/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a molecular imaging technology that can directly or indirectly reflect changes in molecular levels by using a specific tracer. With the research and development on the tracers of related enzymes for labeling dopamine transporter and dopamine receptor and for being involved in dopamine formation, this imaging technology has been applied to all aspects of PD research. It not only contributes to clinical work but also provides an important theoretical basis for exploring the pathological mechanism of PD at a molecular level. Therefore, this review discusses the application value of PET/SPECT in PD in terms of early diagnosis, disease severity evaluation, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and pathological mechanism.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii infection among special populations in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among special populations in Nanjing City, so as to provide the reference for formulating the interventions for the prevention and control of T. gondii infections in this population. Methods The HIV/AIDS patients, tumor patients, pregnant women, and people with livestock and poultry breeding or processing works were selected as the study subjects from September to November 2015. The venous blood samples were collected from each participant for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA. Results The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection was 10.2% in the study subjects in Nanjing City. The T. gondii infection rates were 12.2%, 11.3%, 4.0%, and 13.0% among the HIV/AIDS patients, tumor patients, pregnant women, and people with livestock and poultry breeding or processing works, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference among the four groups (χ2 = 5.668, P = 0.130). The prevalence of T. gondii infection was higher in men than in women (15.3% vs. 5.8%; χ2 = 10.213, P = 0.001), and there were significant differences in the prevalence of T. gondii infection in terms of gender (χ2 = 9.501, P = 0.023), education levels (χ2 = 9.850, P = 0.043) or occupations (χ2 = 8.983, P = 0.062). Conclusions The infection rate of T. gondii among the special population in Nanjing City is high. Therefore, the health education intervention should be strengthened in the follow-up work for the special population.

Antioxidant effects of kimchi supplemented with black raspberry during fermentation protect against liver cirrhosis-induced oxidative stress in rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is a major effector of various diseases; accordingly, antioxidants are frequently ingested in order to prevent or alleviate disease symptoms. Kimchi contains various natural antioxidants, and it is known that the functional activity varies depending on the ingredients and fermentation state. Black raspberries (BR) contain various bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects. This study investigated the antioxidant and liver-protection effects of kimchi supplemented with black raspberry juice powder (BJP). MATERIALS/METHODS: BJP-added kimchi (BAK; at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of BJP) and control (without BJP) were prepared and fermented at 4℃ for 4 weeks. Changes in the antioxidant effects of BAK during fermentation were investigated. In addition, the protective activity of BAK against oxidative stress was investigated in a liver cirrhosis-induced animal model in vivo. RESULTS: BAK groups showed the acidity and pH of optimally ripened (OR) kimchi at 2 weeks of fermentation along with the highest lactic acid bacterial counts. Additionally, BAK groups displayed a higher content of phenolic compounds and elevated antioxidant activities relative to the control, with the highest antioxidant effect observed at 2 weeks of fermentation of OR 1% BAK. After feeding the OR 1% BAK to thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis rats, we observed decreased glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase activities and elevated superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings showed that the antioxidant effects of OR BAK and feeding of OR 1% BAK resulted in liver-protective effects against oxidative stress.

Toxoplasma gondii GRA8 induces ATP5A1–SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation: a potential therapy for sepsis

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has unique dense granule antigens (GRAs) that are crucial for host infection. Emerging evidence suggests that GRA8 of T. gondii is a promising serodiagnostic marker in toxoplasmosis. However, little is known about the intracellular regulatory mechanisms involved in GRA8-induced host responses. We found that GRA8 interacts with host proteins involved in mitochondria activation and might be useful as a therapeutic strategy for sepsis. Here, we show that protein kinase-Cα (PKCα)-mediated phosphorylation of T. gondii GRA8 (Thr220) is required for mitochondrial trafficking and regulates the interaction of C terminal of GRA8 with nucleotide binding domain of ATP5A1. Furthermore, GRA8 interacts with SIRT3 in mitochondria, facilitating ATP5A1 deacetylation (K506 and K531), adenosine triphosphate production and subsequent anti-septic activity in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate a new anti-sepsis therapeutic strategy using T. gondii GRA8-induced mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation. This strategy represents an urgently needed paradigm shift for therapeutic intervention.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii infection among special populations in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among special populations in Nanjing City, so as to provide the reference for formulating the interventions for the prevention and control of T. gondii infections in this population. Methods The HIV/AIDS patients, tumor patients, pregnant women, and people with livestock and poultry breeding or processing works were selected as the study subjects from September to November 2015. The venous blood samples were collected from each participant for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA. Results The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection was 10.2% in the study subjects in Nanjing City. The T. gondii infection rates were 12.2%, 11.3%, 4.0%, and 13.0% among the HIV/AIDS patients, tumor patients, pregnant women, and people with livestock and poultry breeding or processing works, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference among the four groups (χ2 = 5.668, P = 0.130). The prevalence of T. gondii infection was higher in men than in women (15.3% vs. 5.8%; χ2 = 10.213, P = 0.001), and there were significant differences in the prevalence of T. gondii infection in terms of gender (χ2 = 9.501, P = 0.023), education levels (χ2 = 9.850, P = 0.043) or occupations (χ2 = 8.983, P = 0.062). Conclusions The infection rate of T. gondii among the special population in Nanjing City is high. Therefore, the health education intervention should be strengthened in the follow-up work for the special population.

Osthol effects on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts based on endoplasmic reticulum stress / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Osthol has been reported to promote osteogenesis by increasing osteoblast proliferation, but the anti-osteoporosis mechanism underlying osthol is poorly understood.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of osthol on the proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts in vitro and to explore its mechanism of anti-osteoporosis effect. METHODS: Rat osteoblasts were isolated by secondary enzyme digestion and identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and mineralized nodule staining. There were five groups: blank control, solvent control, β-estradiol as well as low-, medium- and high-dose osthol groups. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay, and cell differentiation was evaluated by detection of alkaline phosphatase and mineralized nodule staining. The expression levels of GRP78, PDI and CHOP were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Osthol at the concentrations of 1x10-4and 1x10-5mol/L could inhibit osteoblast proliferation. 1x10-4mol/L osthol could increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase in osteoblasts and enhance osteoblastic mineralization. Meanwhile, 1x10-4mol/L osthol was able to down-regulate the expression level of GRP78 and up-regulate the expression levels of PDI and CHOP. To conclude, osthol can promote osteoblast differentiation and inhibit osteoblast proliferation probably by endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Effectiveness evaluation of dynamic automatic identification system(de-vice)of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To develop a dynamic automatic identification system(device)of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia to achieve the automatic detection and improve the detection rate and efficiency of schistosome miracidia.Methods The dynamic automatic identification system(device)of S.japonicum miracidia was composed of an optical stereoscope,a digital camera,dy-namic automatic tracking recognition software,and a computer.Under different conditions,the detection rates and efficiency of the system were compared with those of five professional persons.Results The basic function of the system was to identify,la-bel and warn the miracidia of S.japonicum,and the records could be saved automatically.The laboratory tests showed that the missing rate of the system was 0.The total consistent rates of the manual detection were 74.67% and 66.67% in the condition with and without water bug,while the total consistent rates of the system were 100.00% and 96.67%,respectively(χ2=9.634, 11.081,both P<0.01).Conclusions The system is much superior to manual detection in the accuracy and speed,and the sys-tem could completely replace the manual detection.Therefore,the system could be used in the field and basic research of schis-tosomiasis.