Electroacupuncture at Baliao points for erectile dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at Baliao points in patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 58 patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (29 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case discontinued) and a control group (29 cases, 1 case dropped off). Both groups were given basic treatment, including routine medical treatment, routine acupuncture treatment, rehabilitation training and pelvic floor biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment. The observation group was treated with electroacupuncture at Baliao points, and the control group was treated with shallow acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture at the control points (8 points at 20 mm horizontally beside Baliao points), continuous wave, frequency in 50 Hz, current intensity in 1-5 mA, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) score, erectile dysfunction effect on quality of life (ED-EQoL) score and pelvic floor muscle contraction amplitude were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the IIEF-5 scores and the contraction amplitude of fast muscle fiber, comprehensive muscle fiber and slow muscle fiber in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), the ED-EQoL scores were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the changes of above indexes in the observation group were larger than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at Baliao points can improve the erectile function of patients with erectile dysfunction after stroke, increase the contraction amplitude of pelvic floor muscles, and promote the quality of life of patients.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of anorectal melanoma: A report of 68 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of anorectal mucosal melanoma (ARMM), and to evaluate the prognostic factors.@*METHODS@#A total of 68 primary ARMM surgical specimens from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively studied. Slides were reviewed to evaluate pathological features. Slingluff staging method was used for staging.@*RESULTS@#(1) Clinical features: The median age at diagnosis in this group was 61.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio 1 ∶1.62. The most common complaint was blooding (49 cases). For anatomic site, anorectum was the prevalent (66.2%), followed by rectum (20.6%). At the time of diagnosis, 28 cases were stage Ⅰ (localized stage, 41.2%), 25 cases were stage Ⅱ (regional lymph node metastasis, 36.8%), and 15 cases were stage Ⅲ (distant metastasis, 22.1%). Five patients underwent wide local excision, the rest abdominoperineal resection, and 48 patients received adjuvant therapy after surgery. (2) Pathological features: Grossly 88.2% of the tumors were exophytic polypoid masses, with the median tumor size 3.5 cm and the median tumor thickness 1.25 cm. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae ranged from 0-5.00 cm (median 1.00 cm). The deepest site of tumor invasion reached muscular layer in 27 cases, and perirectal tissue in 16 cases. Melanin pigmentation was absent or not obvious in 67.6% of the cases. The predominant cytology was epithelioid (45 cases, 66.2%). The rate for ulceration, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion was 89.7%, 35.3%, 55.9%, and 30.9%, respectively. The median mitotic count was 18/mm2. The positive rate of S100, HMB-45 and Melan-A were 92.0%, 92.6% and 98.0%, respectively. The median of Ki-67 was 50%. The incidences of mutations within CKIT, BRAF and NRAS genes were 17.0% (9 cases), 3.8% (2 cases) and 9.4% (5 cases), respectively. (3) Prognosis: Survival data were available in 66 patients, with a median follow-up of 17 months and a median survival time of 17.4 months. The 1-year, 2-year and 5-year overall survival rate was 76.8%, 36.8% and 17.2%, respectively. The rate of lymphatic metastasis at diagnosis was 56.3%. Forty-nine patients (84.5%) suffered from distant metastasis, and the most frequent metastatic site was liver. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size (>3.5 cm), depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae (>1.0 cm), necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, BRAF gene mutation, lack of adjuvant therapy after surgery, deep site of tumor invasion, and high stage at diagnosis were all poor prognostic factors for overall survival. Multivariate model showed that lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation were independent risk factors for lower overall survival, and high stage at diagnosis showed borderline negative correlation with overall survival.@*CONCLUSION@#The overall prognosis of ARMM is poor, and lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation are independent factors of poor prognosis. Slingluff staging suggests prognosis effectively, and detailed assessment of pathological features, clear staging and genetic testing should be carried out when possible. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae of the tumor might be a better prognostic indicator than tumor thickness.

Effect of abdominal penetrating moxibustion on function of core muscle group in stroke patients based on surface electromyography / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of abdominal penetrating moxibustion on strength and endurance of core muscle group in patients with stroke.@*METHODS@#Sixty-two patients with stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with routine basic treatment, acupuncture treatment and rehabilitation training; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with abdominal penetrating moxibustion, approximately 50 min each time, once a day. The treatments in the two groups were given 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of bilateral transverse abdominis and multifidus of performing sitting-standing and making steps were measured by surface electromyography before and after treatment. The postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), Berg balance scale (BBS) and lower-limb Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) scores were observed before treatment, 2 weeks into treatment and 4 weeks into treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, when performing different postures, the RMS and MF of bilateral transversus abdominis and multifidus in the two groups were increased after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#The abdominal penetrating moxibustion could effectively improve the strength and endurance of core muscle group, improve the posture control, balance ability and lower-limb motor function in patients with stroke.

Effect of electronic moxibustion on activity of parapharyngeal wall in patients with achalasia of cricopharyngeus muscle after stroke based on musculoskeletal ultrasound / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electronic moxibustion on dysphagia in patients with achalasia of cricopharyngeus muscle after stroke.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with dysphagia of achalasia of cricopharyngeus muscle were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. One patient in the observation group and 2 cases in the control group dropped off. The patients in the control group were treated with routine medical treatment, acupuncture treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training; the patients in the observation group were additionally treated with electronic moxibustion at Lianquan (CV 23), Tiantu (CV 22), Tianding (LI 17) and Futu (LI 18), 30 min each treatment. Both groups were treated 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) was applied to test the activity of parapharyngeal wall and the dysphagia score of Ichiro Fujishima was compared before and after 4-week treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the activity of the parapharyngeal wall and the dysphagia score of Ichiro Fujishima were increased in both groups (<0.01, <0.05). The changes of activity of parapharyngeal wall and dysphagia score of Ichiro Fujishima in the observation group were greater than the control group (<0.05, <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Electronic moxibustion can improve the impaired swallowing function and reconstruct the normal swallowing process.

RAM study on general standard of maximum residue limits for pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia formula / 中国中药杂志

The excessive pesticide residues and heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicine seriously endanger human health and the sustainable development of Chinese medicine industry. In order to improve the quality of traditional Chinese medicine and establish a general standard for maximum residue limits(MRL) of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces, and to ensure the safety of clinical medication from its origin, MRLs were calculated based on the formula(MRL=A×W/100M) from Chinese Pharmacopeia, comparing it with the current Chinese and international standards as well as literature review, the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method(RAM) was applied to determine the categories and MRLs of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces. Two questionnaires were drafted for expert panel and appropriateness analysis was carried out with the 9-point Likert scale to determine the general standard for MRLs of pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine and decoction pieces. The results showed that a total of nine experts from different fields scored the necessity of standard-setting and 206 pesticide residue limits respectively. The appropriateness scores of 206 pesticides were greater than 7, and appropriateness rate was 100%, which signifies that the expert panel has reached consensus. In summary, based on the RAM, the general standard for maximum residue limits of pesticides in pollution-free Chinese medicines and decoction pieces has reached an expert consensus. Comparing with the MRLs of medicinal plants and plant-sourced food from CAC, Europe Union, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, 206 MRLs from this general standard share 88.8% in common, 4.4% of which is higher and 6.8% lower than those international standards. This has provided a basis for standardizing the use of pesticides in pollution-free traditional Chinese medicine.

Effect of 's external treatment combined with long-snake moxibustion at governor vessel on urodynamic for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of 's external treatment combined with long-snake moxibustion at the governor vessel for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with routine acupuncture and rehabilitation of bladder function; based on the treatment in the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with 's external treatment combined with long-snake moxibustion at the governor vessel, twice a week for 8 weeks. Urodynamic test, including residual urine volume (RUV), maximum flow rate of urination (Qmax), bladder pressure at filling phase (Pves), maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet-max) and maximum urinary bladder volume (VMCC), was performed before and after 8-week treatment.@*RESULTS@#The urodynamic indexes in the two groups were improved compared with before treatment (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on routine acupuncture and rehabilitation of bladder function, 's external treatment combined with long-snake moxibustion at the governor vessel could effectively improve urodynamic indexes, reduce residual urine, reduce bladder pressure and increase the maximum capacity of bladder, thereby improving bladder compliance and bladder function.

Study on foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins of lower extremities / 临床外科杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between recurrence rate and side effects of the treatment of varicose veins in lower extremity with lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent.Methods The data of 62 patients(98 limbs)with varicose veins was collected,including 27 males (41 limbs)and 35 females (57 limbs).They were treated with 1％ lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent combined with great saphenous vein high ligation and endovenous laser treatment.Statistical indicators included side effects such as pain,induration,hyperpigmentation,swelling,numbness and the recurrence rate.Results Two patients were lost,57 patients were injected once,further foam sclerotherapy was carried out again for 3 patients.Obvious abnormal varicose veins as well as the soreness and fatigue of lower extremity disappeared in all patients.Thirty-seven patients had pain and 43 patients developed superficial venous thrombotic sclerosis,among which 50 patients faded away after 1 to 3 months by taking diosmin.Thirty-one cases of pigmentation occurred and 20 disappeared after 1 to 3 months by applying the vitamin E whitening essence.Six patients with lower extremity ulcers recovered after 1 to 3 months.Through statistics analysis of the patients in 1-month follow-up,we found that the differences in recurrence rate after 6 months were statistically significant between group with pain induration reaction and group without (P ＜ 0.05).Among the patients without using the vitamin E whitening essence,there was a significant correlation between the duration of pigmentation and recurrence rate after 6 months.Conclusion In the process of foam sclerotherapy,the more pain induration reaction they had and the longer the duration of pigmentation sustained,the lower the recurrence rate would be accordingly.

Bone formation mediated by local administration of thymosin β4 in distraction osteogenesis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of local administration of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) on bone regeneration in a distraction osteogenesis model of rat fenur.Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups A,B and C in this study.A distraction osteogenesis model was established in the left femur after osteotomy.At the end of distraction period,the bone regeneration area in group A was subjected to no treatment,that in group B to injection of phosphate buffer saline (PBS),and that in group C to injection of Tβ4.On days 22,29 and 43 postoperatively,the rats from each group were randomly sacrificed and processed for observation of bone regeneration in the distraction osteogenesis area using radiography,Micro-CT,histology and immunohistochemical staining.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of related genes as well.Results Radiography revealed that the bone regeneration in group C was superior to that in groups A and B on days 22,29 and 43 postoperatively.Micro-CT examination showed significantly increased bone volume (BV),bone mineral density (BMD) and ratio of bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV) in group C on days 22,29 and 43 postoperatively,and significantly decreased ratio of bone surface area to bone volume on postoperative day 43 in comparison with groups A and B(P ＜ 0.05).HE staining indicated that local capillary density was significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B after local administration of Tβ4 in the distraction osteogenesis.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the capillary density and osteoblasts in group C were higher than in groups A and B.RT-PCR results revealed significantly higher expression of eNOS and Osterix mRNA in the local callus in group C on postoperative day 22 than in groups A and group B (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Local administration of thymosin β4 may promote bone formation,which is probably related to the increased expression of eNOS and Osterix.

Surgical treatment of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the treatment of azoospermia induced by iatrogenic injury to the bilateral vas deferens.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 11 cases of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens. The patients were aged 20－33 years, all diagnosed with azoospermia preoperatively and none with a history of pelvic operation. Seven of them had received bilateral inguinal hernia repair and the other 4 undergone bilateral orchidopexy in the childhood.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intraoperative exploration of the bilateral inguinal region was performed in all the patients. Bilateral vas deference atresia was found in the inguinal canal in 6 cases, which was treated by microscopic vasovasostomy following removal of the atresic segment. Vas deferens residual was observed in or near the deep inguinal ring in the other 5 cases, with the distal vas deferens inaccessible, which was treated by bilateral vasovasostomy in 3 cases and unilateral vasovasostomy in 2 (for longer defect segment than could be anastomosed) following combined laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity. The patients were followed up for 3－12 months postoperatively, during which sperm were detected in 7 cases, with sperm concentration ranging from 0.4×10⁶/ml to 35×10⁶/ml and grade a+b sperm from 15% to 46%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For the diagnosis of azoospermia, especially in patients with no history of pelvic operation, special attention should be paid to iatrogenic injury to the vas deferens. For the treatment of the disease, non-tension vasovasostomy is essential and, when necessary, the vas deferens can be reconstructed by changing its anatomical path and shortening its length.</p>

Overexpression of Sox9 gene by the lentiviral vector in rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for promoting the repair of cartilage defect / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the overexpression of Sox9 gene on rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for repairing articular cartilage injury in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were transduced with lentivirus vector containing Sox9 gene and then cartilage specific molecule was detected by RT-PCR in vitro. Total 48 knee joints of 24 mature New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups according to different defect treatment. After animals anesthesia,a full-thickness cylindrical cartilage defect of 4 mm diameter and 3 mm deep was created in the patellar groove using a stainlesssteel punch. Meanwhile, the transfected cells were implanted to repair the rabbit model with full-thickness cartilage defects. Cartilage defects tissue was observed with light microscope, electron microscope, HE and immunohistochemistry staining to assess the repair of defects by the complex at 6 weeks or 12 weeks after the implantation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 3 days after the transfection, Sox9 gene expression was highest and Sox9 gene expression decreased with the increase of time. At 3 days after the transfection, the expression of collagen type II began and reached the peak at 14 days. It showed that the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells went into chondrogenic differentiation after transfected by Sox9 gene. Histological observation showed that at 6 weeks after the operation, the defects in the experimental group was filled with hyaline like cartilage tissue, 12 weeks after operation,the defects of cartilage and subchondral bone had satisfactory healing. Both at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively, the defects were filled with fibrous tissues in control groups. Meanwhile, immunohistochemical staining of sections with type II collagen antibodies showed the proteins in the regenerated tissue stained positive for type II collagen and stronger than the control groups. The histological scoring system indicated that the cartilage repair of experiment groups were better than the two control groups with statistical significances.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Overexpression of Sox9 gene on rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promote the repair of cartilage defect.</p>

Comparative study on function and surface electromyograpgy in patients of lumbar disc herniation treated with acupunctrue and moxibustion / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the differences in the clinical function and lumbar and abdominal myodynamia in patiants of lumbar disc herniation treated with moxibustion at Dazhui (GV 14) and Guanyuan (CV 4) and acupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty cases were randomized into a moxibustion group and an acupuncture group, 20 cases in each group. In the moxibustion group, the warm moxibustion was applied alternatively at Dazhui (GV 14) and Guanyuan (CV 4) once every other day, 1 h each time, once every day. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to the corresponding acupoints based on the affected lumbar vertebras, such as Jiaji (EX-B 2), Shens-hu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Huantiao (GB 30), etc. , once evey day 30 min each time. The treatment for 3 weeks was taken as one session in each group. Totally, one session treatment was required. Surface electromyography (SEMG) of bilateral paraspinal muscle and rectus muscle, and JOA score of low back pain were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) JOA score: the score of subjective symptoms, score of activity of daily living (ADL) and total score were improved obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The results of subjective symptoms score, score of ADL and total score in the acupuncture group were superior to those in the moxibustion group after treatment (6.95+/-0.94 vs 5.50 +/-0.89,10. 90+/-1.86 vs 8.90+/- 1. 92,22.50 +/- 2.82 vs 19.35 +/- 2. 70, all P<0. 05). (2) SEMG comparison: root-mean-square value (RMS) was all reduced in SEMG of the anteflexion, rear protraction, orthostatism, bilateral bending and neck and leg rear flexion for strengthening lumbar muscle as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P< 0.05, P<0. 01). RMS of the anteflexion and bilateral bending in the acupunture group were reduced much obviously as compared with the moxibustion group. In terms of sitting position anteflexion, rear protraction, orthostatism, bilateral bending and neck and leg rear flexion for strengthening lumbar muscle, median frequency (MF) after treatment was all improved as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). In terms of anteflexion, the electrode MF after treatment was improved much obviously in the acupuncture group(P<0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Moxibustion at Dazhui (GV 14) and Guanyuan (CV 4) and conventional acupuncture all improve muscle function, relieve muscle fatigue, increase the ability of anti-muscle fatigue, strengthen lumbar vertebral stability, release subjective symptoms and improve ADL. But, the effects of moxibustion are slightly lower than those of acupuncture.</p>

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for refractory or recurrent hemospermia: clinical analysis of 162 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and effect of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory or recurrent hemospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 162 cases of refractory or recurrent hemospermia examined and treated by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. The patients ranged in age from 19 to 76 years and had a hemospermia history of 3 months to 11 years, admitted due to poor therapeutic results or recurrence after 4 weeks of antibiotic medication. All the patients underwent serum PSA examination, transrectal ultrasonography, seminal vesicle ultrasonography and pelvis CT or MRI before surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Wine- or magenta-colored colloid and inflammation were found in one or both sides of the seminal vesicle in all the cases. Pathological biopsy revealed chronic inflammatory mucosa of the seminal vesicle in all the patients, and even calculi in the ejaculatory duct or seminal vesicle in 15 cases. Postoperative follow-up averaged 21.7 (12 -29) months. Hemospermia disappeared or was alleviated in 150 (92.64%) of the cases after 1-15 ejaculations, in which 7 experienced recurrence 3 months later. Four cases failed to respond, and 1 developed acute bilateral epididymitis after surgery. No such complications as retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence or rectal injury were observed postoperatively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is a safe, effective and feasible new method for the treatment of refractory or recrudescent hemospermia.</p>

Gene expression of bone mesenchymal stem cells transduced by the lentiviral vector of SOX9 gene / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct one lentiviral vector containing mouse SRY-related high mobility group-box gene 9 (SOX9) and transfect the murine bone mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) in vitro and observe the expression of target gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>RNA from the vectors containing mouse SOX9 gene were extracted and SOX9 genes were amplified by reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The SOX9 genes were connected into lentiviral vectors pGC-FU. Then pGC-FU-SOX9 transduced into 293T cells to produce recombinant lentivirus called as Lenti-SOX9-EGFP. mBMSCs were transfected. The expression of target gene was detected by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western Blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lenti-SOX9-EGFP was recombined successfully and transduced efficiently into mBMSCs. The expression of SOX9 gene was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western Blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Lentiviral vector of mouse SOX9 gene can transfect successfully into mBMSCs. Meanwhile, SOX9 gene may be expressed in mBMSCs. This will provide the target cells for the following study about SOX9 gene repairing cartilage injury.</p>

Gene expression of bone mesenehymal stem cells transduced by the lentiviral vector of SOX9 gene knockdown / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct one lentiviral vector containing mouse SRY-related silencing group--box gene 9 (SOX9) and to transfect murine bone mesenehymal stem cells (mBMSCs) in vitro and observe the expression of target gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>RNA inteference target sequence was designed in connectin with mice SOX9 gene sequence. The double strands DNAoligo containing interference sequence were synthesized and cloned into lentivirus vector. The siRNA lentiviral vector with SOX9 gene silencing was constructed and identified, which was transfected into rat bone mesenehymal stem cells. The expression of target gene was detected by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lenti-SOX9-siRNA-EGFP was recombined successfully and transduced efficiently into mBMSCs. The expression of SOX9 gene silencing was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mouse SOX9 gene silencing by RNA interference and Lentiviral vector can transfected successfully into mBMSCs. Meanwhile,SOX9 gene may be silenced in SOX9 transduced mBMSCs. This will provide target cells for the following study about SOX9 gene respairing cartilage injury.</p>

Expression and prognostic significance of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in benign nevi and melanomas / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression and prognostic significance of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in different melanocytic lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in 39 cases of benign nevus, 58 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma, 24 cases of primary mucosal melanoma, 69 cases of melanoma with lymph node metastasis and 8 cases of melanoma with distant metastasis were studied by immunohistochemistry and tissue microarray.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 was higher in benign nevi than in melanomas (P < 0.01). The nuclear expression of galectin-3 was higher in primary cutaneous melanomas than in primary mucosal melanomas or melanomas with metastases (P < 0.01, respectively). The expression correlated with age of patients (P < 0.05), necrosis (P < 0.05) and survival time (P < 0.01). Clark's level also correlated with survival time in patients with cutaneous melanomas (P = 0.037). TNM staging was the only independent prognostic factor for melanomas (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 is decreased in melanomas. The decrease in nuclear expression of galectin-3 may represent a poor prognostic factor for melanomas. TNM staging is an independent prognostic factor which influences the survival time.</p>

Correlation between tumor cell proliferation and prognosis of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in 127 patients / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlations among Ki-67 expression, mitosis and other clinicopathological parameters of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma, and search for prognostic factors of malignant melanoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 127 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma were collected from Beijing Cancer Hospital. Immunohistochemical study for Ki-67 was performed, and the mitosis was calculated referring to "hot spot" method recommended by the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) melanoma staging system. The correlations of Ki-67 expression, mitosis and other clinicopathological parameters were analyzed, and the survival analysis of all these risk factors including TNM and Clark level was conducted based on follow up data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of Ki-67 was associated with necrosis and Breslow thickness (P < 0.05). Mitosis was correlated with Clark level and Ki-67 expression (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis indicated Ki-67 expression level (P = 0.043), mitosis (P = 0.030) and TNM stage (P < 0.001) might influence the survival of patients. However, multivariate analysis showed that the TNM staging was the only independent prognostic factor affecting survival.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The prognosis of patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma was closely related to the TNM staging at the fist examination. Ki-67 expression and mitosis are two important clinicopathological parameters of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma.</p>

Inhibition of SIRT1 increases EZH2 protein level and enhances the repression of EZH2 on target gene expression / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the regulatory rolesof SIRT1 on EZH2 expression and the further effects on EZH 2’ s repression of target gene expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The stable SIRT1 RNAi and Control RNAi HeLa cells were established by infection with retroviruses expressing shSIRT1 and shLuc respectively followed by puromycin selection. EZH2 protein level was detected by Western blot in either whole cell lysate or the fractional cell extract. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the mRNA level of EZH2. Cycloheximide was used to treat SIRT1 RNAi and Control RNAi cells for protein stability assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP) assay was applied to measure enrichment of SIRT1, EZH2, and trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) at SATB1 promoter in SIRT1 RNAi and Control RNAi cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Western blot results showed that EZH2 protein level increased upon SIRT1 depletion. Fractional extraction results showed unchanged cytoplasmic fraction and increased chromatin fraction of EZH2 protein in SIRT1 RNAi cells. The mRNA level of EZH2 was not affected by knockdown of SIRT1. SIRT1 recruitment was not detected at the promoter regionof EZH2 gene locus. The protein stability assay showed that the protein stability of EZH2 increases upon SIRT1 knockdown. Upon SIRT1 depletion, EZH2 and H3K27me3 recruitment at SATB1 promoter increases and the mRNA level of SATB1 decreases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Depletion of SIRT1 increases the protein stability of EZH2. The regulation of EZH2 protein level by SIRT1 affects the repressive effects of EZH2 on the target gene expression.</p>

Efficacy and safety of long-term small-dose tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is now recognized as a comorbid condition, especially in men with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of long-term small-dose tadalafil in the treatment of ED.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 98 men older than 18 years with at least a 6-month ED history were enlisted and divided into two groups to receive once-daily treatment with tadalafil at 5 mg (n = 60) and 20 mg (n = 38), respectively, for 12 months. The effects of medication were analyzed and compared using IIEF, Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP), and so were the safety and tolerance of the two doses.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no statistically significant differences in the therapeutical results between the 5 mg and 20 mg groups (P < 0.05). The IIEF-5 score was raised by 8.1 points in the former and 7.9 points in the latter; the YES answers to SEP2 in the two groups were 51.3% and 49.2% before the treatment and 82.6% and 84.9% after it. No serious adverse events were observed, except some common ones, such as rubeosis (11.9% vs 8.7%) and headache (5.3% vs 4.9%) in the 5 mg and 20 mg groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral tadalafil at 5 mg once daily is efficacious with good tolerance in the treatment of ED, and it can be an alternative to on-demand medication for some men to eliminate the inconvenience of planned intercourse within a limited timeframe.</p>

Prostate cancer cell line PC-3 conditioned medium promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of prostate cancer cell line PC-3 conditioned medium (PC- 3-CM) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow human basalis mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hBMSCs were isolated and culture-expanded by density gradient centrifugation from normal volunteers. PC-3 cells were cultured till the time of logarithmic growth and then transferred to a fresh medium, which, after 24 hours of incubation, was collected as PC-3-CM. Passage 3 hBMSCs were cultured in the fresh medium alone (the control group) or that with 50% PC-3-CM (the experimental group), and the effect of PC-3-CM on the proliferation activity of the hBMSCs was detected by WST-8 assay. Based on the types of medium used, the hBMSCs were divided into Groups I (control), II (50% PC-3-CM), III (osteoblast inducer) and IV (osteoblast inducer containing 50% PC-3 CM). The effects of PC-3-CM on the osteoblastic differentiation of the hBMSCs were determined by ALP staining, ALP activity detection, Von Kossa staining, and calcium quantitation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of incubation, the absorbance values of the cells in the experimental group were 0.4370 +/- 0.0285, 0.7980 +/- 0.0213, 1.9090 +/- 0.0612 and 2.3023 +/- 0.0610, and those in the control group were 0.4060 +/- 0.0223, 0.6643 +/- 0.0075, 1.3727 +/- 0.0176 and 1.7947 +/- 0.0115, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01) except on day 1 (P > 0.05). The positive rate and intensity of ALP staining were gradually increased in the four groups, with the ALP activities of 0.29 +/- 0.03, 1.30 +/- 0.03, 2.13 +/- 0.08, and 3.80 +/- 0.03, respectively (P < 0.01), and so was the intensity of Von Kossa staining, with the calcium depositions of 0.04 +/- 0.01, 0.44 +/- 0.05, 0.98 +/- 0.03, and 1.27 +/- 0.04, respectively (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PC-3- CM can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.</p>

Long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: data from China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Tamsulosin hydrochloride can significantly improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms after the first dose and achieve long-term efficacy in European and American populations; however, the corresponding studies from China are rarely seen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPH in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chinese patients with LUTS suggestive of BPH were enrolled in a 4-week placebo run-in period and subsequent 60-week open-label study. Tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg was administered daily during the period of the study. The efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated at the end of treatment period I (0 - 12 weeks) and period II (13 - 60 weeks). The BPH patients were divided into tamsulosin monotherapy group and combination therapy group which received concomitant medication of finasteride 5 mg once daily after the evaluation at the end of treatment period I.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 113 patients were recruited to the study. Eighty-two patients received tamsulosin monotherapy and twenty-nine received combination therapy during the treatment period II. Tamsulosin hydrochloride produced a great improvement in mean maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) (1.7 ml/s, 3 ml/s) and a significant decrease in mean international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (4.1, 6.4) after 12-week and 60-week treatments, respectively. At the end of treatment period II, there were significant improvement in IPSS, quality of life (QOL) score, Q(max) and average flow rate (Q(ave)) for combination therapy group compared with the treatment period I (all P < 0.05). No serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded during the study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Long-term tamsulosin hydrochloride therapy is a safe, effective and well-tolerated method for the treatment for LUTS suggestive of BPH in China.</p>