Effect of MXRA7 on the Biological Functions of Acute B Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Line REH / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To discover the relationship between matrix remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) and acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and explore the effect of MXRA7 on the biological functions of B-ALL cell line REH.@*METHODS@#The expression of MXRA7 in blood diseases was searched and analyzed through BloodSpot database. Real-time qPCR was used to detect the expression level of MXRA7 in B-ALL cell line 697 and REH cells. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference technology was utilized to knock down the expression of MXRA7 in REH cells. The effects of MXRA7 on the biological functions of REH cells were studied by in vitro experiments. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay, cell cycle was detected by PI staining, cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V and 7-AAD staining, and the expression of apoptosis pathway related proteins was detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Database analysis showed that MXRA7 was highly expressed in B-ALL patients, and real-time qPCR results showed that MXRA7 was also highly expressed in cell lines 697 and REH cells. Knockdown of MXRA7 in REH cells inhibited the cell proliferation and increased the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells. After treatment with cytarabine, the apoptotic ratio was increased in MXRA7-impaired REH cells, and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also increased.@*CONCLUSION@#Knockdown of MXRA7 can reduce the malignancy of REH cells by inhibiting the cell proliferation and increasing the sensitivity of REH cells to cytarabine. These results indicate MXRA7 may be as a novel target for the treatment of B-ALL, and the potential usefulness of MXRA7 in B-ALL deserves further investigation.

Ancient DNA Damage Analysis of Late Quaternary Mammalian Fossil Samples in Northeast China / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

The advancement of the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has promoted the development of ancient DNA research. Ancient DNA has made outstanding contributions in various fields such as human origin, animal evolution, etc. How to effectively extract and mine the genetic information from fossil and sub-fossil remains excavated from specific locations is a prerequisite for optimizing their important roles in many fields. In this study, we correlated the two main indicators of DNA damage (terminal base replacement rate, average fragment length) with the possible factors such as the burial time, geological epochs, tissue types, and sequencing library construction methods. The results show that the end base replacement rate of ancient DNA from Northeastern China is positively correlated with the water content of the environment and the ages of the samples. Among samples of different geological epochs, ancient DNA end base replacement rates have significant differences. On the contrary, different tissue types of the remains have no significant effects on the end base replacement rate of ancient DNA. The average fragment size of the molecules has no obvious correlation with the factors mentioned above. The results provide both solid data for investigating the characteristics of ancient DNA from specimens collected in Northeastern China, and valuable information for collecting appropriate samples from different geographical locations and the downstream storage before wet lab procedures after excavation.

The application of system epidemiology theory and methodology in occupational epidemiology / 中国职业医学

@#Abstract: Occupational epidemiology aims to explore the effect of occupational hazards on the health of workers and understand ， their mechanisms. It plays an important role in occupational health and occupational medicine.Currently occupational ， ， exposures in the workplace are complex and diverse and multiple factors affect workers´ health at the same time. Therefore it is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of occupational disease caused by occupational hazards and implement early - - intervention. System epidemiology collects data on multi level exposure and multi omics information to conduct network analysis - on the relationship amongrisk factors. and to study the mechanisms of exposures and health outcomes based on multi level data. ， ， ， ， Using the study design of system epidemiology occupational environmental lifestyle and social factors are combined as a ， system to evaluate the health of workers which can better evaluate the adverse health effects caused by occupational hazards. - ， ， The studies base on multi omics design will explore the pathogenesis of occupational diseases at the molecular cellular and tissue levels to evaluate the impact of occupational hazards on workers´ health and to explore interventions from multiple - perspectives to reduce the occurrence of occupational or work related diseases.

The Effect of Matrix Remodeling Associated 7 (MXRA7) Expression on the Biological Function of SHI-1 Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To express matrix remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) in the human acute myeloid leukemia SHI-1 cell line and to assess the role of MXRA7 in the biological function of SHI-1 cells.@*METHODS@#The full-length cDNA sequence of human MXRA7 was synthesized and subcloned into the lentivirus shuttle vector pRRL-Venus. SHI-1 cells were transfected with the lentivirus which was packaged with 293T cells. The YFP-positive cells were sorted by flow cytometry and the stable cell lines were obtained by expanded culture. The expression and distribution of MXRA7 in SHI-1 cells were verified by real-time qPCR, Western blot and laser confocal techniques. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry, and apoptosis was determined by Annexin V and 7-AAD staining. The expression of apoptosis related proteins were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The stable SHI-1 cell line overexpressing MXRA7 was established successfully. Laser confocal analysis confirmed that MXRA7 was expressed in the cytoplasm of SHI-1 cells. Compared with the control cell line, the overexpression of MXRA7 showed no effect on the cell proliferation and cell cycle, but reduced the percentage of apoptosis cells induced by methotrexate. Moreover, the expression of BCL-2 protein was increased by overexpression of MXRA7, which can inhibit cell apoptosis.@*CONCLUSION@#The SHI-1 stable cell line overexpressing MXRA7 was established successfully, and MXRA7 could inhibit drug-induced apoptosis through increasing the expression of BCL-2 protein.

Development and validation of a nomogram including lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio for initial prostate biopsy: a double-center retrospective study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Here, we developed a prostate cancer (PCa) risk nomogram including lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) for initial prostate biopsy, and internal and external validation were further conducted. A prediction model was developed on a training set. Significant risk factors with P < 0.10 in multivariate logistic regression models were used to generate a nomogram. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model were assessed using C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The nomogram was re-examined with the internal and external validation set. A nomogram predicting PCa risk in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 4-10 ng ml

Study on finite element modeling approach of mandible with full dentition based on CBCT images / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To explore an efficient method for the establishment of 3D finite element model based on CBCT images. Methods: Mandible of a male volunteer was scanned by CBCT, and the resulting DICOM data was used for 3D reconstruction in Mimics17 software. Then with the. stl format file, the result of 3D reconstruction was imported into Geomagic Warp 2015, in which 3D models consisting of triangular patches for dentition, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone were created. With free meshing algorithm, the 3D finite element model of mandible with full dentition consisting of 10-node tetrahedron elements was obtained under the constraint that the maximum inner angle was set to be 25°. Results: The 3D finite element model for human mandible with full dentition was established. The total number of nodes is 299286, the elements number for dentition, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone are105805, 122427 and 577529, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed method can be used for the establishment of 3D finite element model of mandible with full dentition based on CBCT images, and it has the merits of good stability, high precision and wide application compared with the traditional modeling method.

Effect of emodin on gut microbiota of rats with acute kidney failure / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of emodin on gut microbiota in acute kidney injury rats( AKI). Rats were randomly divided into several groups: normal group,model group,low-dose of emodin group( 10 mg·kg~(-1)),medium-dose of emodin group( 25 mg·kg~(-1)),high-dose of emodin group( 50 mg·kg~(-1)) and control group( 5 mg·kg~(-1) of benazepril hydrochloride).The AKI model rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of small dose of gentamicin sulfate for 7 days. Two hours after intraperitoneal injection,except for the normal group and the model group,the other groups were given corresponding doses of drugs for 15 days. The serum levels of serum creatinine( SCr),urea nitrogen( BUN),plasma endotoxin level,24 h urinary protein and D-lactate in the plasma were determined by sarcosine oxidase,urease method,tal reagent method,bromo cresol chloroform method and double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay,respectively. Gut microbial communities were assayed by fluorescent quantitative PCR methods. HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of the kidneys. Compared with the normal group,there were significant differences in body weight,urinary protein( UTP),bacterial endotoxin,urea nitrogen,creatinine,D-lactate in the plasma and four bacterial contents in the model group( P<0. 05). The urinary protein,urea nitrogen,D-lactate,creatinine and plasma bacterial endotoxin in control group and each emodin group were lower than those in model group,especially for high-dose of emodin( P<0. 01). Moreover,pathology resolution in high-dose emodin was better than other groups. Except for low-dose of emodin group,qRT-PCR data suggested that the amounts of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus in medication administration group were increased,while the amounts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium were reduced compared with model group( P<0. 05),especially for high-dose of emodin( P<0. 01). There is a clear imbalance of gut microbiota in rats with AKI. Emodin could regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota,which might be one of the mechanisms of its effects on AKI rats.

Effect of nonoperative periodontal treatment on changes of schneiderian membrane thickness of maxillary sinus in the chronic periodontitis patients using cone-beam CT / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective@#To analysis the effect of nonoperative periodontal treatment on morphological changes of the schneiderian membrane of maxillary sinus in the chronic periodontitis patients by using oro-maxillaofacial cone-beam CT (CBCT) in order to provide the foundation in the diagnosis and treatment of maxillary sinusitis caused by chronic periodontitis.@*Methods@#Totally 30 chronic periodontitis patients with schneiderian membrane thickening [(40.0±5.6) years old (ranged 26-55 years old), 18 males and 12 females] were randomly recruited in Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University from June 2014 to December 2016. All patients were scanned by CBCT. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PLI) and bleeding index (BI) of the maxillary first and second premolars and molars were recorded. All patients received systematic nonoperative periodontal treatment. After six months, patients were reviewed, periodontal indexes and CBCT scanning were recorded. The thickness of the schneiderian membrane of maxillary sinus were analyzed by the software of CBCT. The changes of clinical parameters, parameter dimensional values of membrane thickness before and after treatment were statistically compared by t test.@*Results@#In 30 chronic periodontitis patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the dimension and length of the maxillary sinus mucosa between the right and the left (P>0.05). The dimension of the mucosal thickening was positively correlated with PD and CAL values, and the correlation was statistically significant (P<0.05). Totally 58 maxillary sinus showed mucosal thickening. There were 20 mild thickening cases, and the dimension of mucosal thickening 6 months after treatment [(1.1±0.6) mm] was significantly lower than that before treatment [(2.5±0.7) mm] (P<0.05). There were 30 moderate thickening cases and the dimension of mucosal thickening 6 months after treatment [(2.3±0.6) mm] was significantly lower than that before treatment [(5.8±0.5) mm] (P<0.01). There were 8 severe thickening cases and the dimension of mucosal thickening 6 months after treatment [(4.2±0.4) mm] was also significantly lower than that before treatment [(11.2±1.8) mm] (P<0.01). The periodontal indexes of patients with mild, moderate and severe mucosal thickening in maxillary sinus showed statistically significant difference after treatment compared with before treatment (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Nonoperative periodontal treatment has a positive therapeutic significance for improving the schneiderian membrane thickening of maxillary sinus.

Influence of three-wall osseous defects on periodontal ligament stress with three-dimensional finite element analysis / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to explore the influence of three-wall osseous defects on periodontal ligament stress under normal occlusal forces.@*METHODS@#A finite element model for mandibular total dentition, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone was created based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) DICOM images. Mesial or distal proximal three-wall osseous defects at varying depths (namely, 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 of the root) were simulated by modifying the elastic modulus of elements within the defects area. Occlusal forces with an angle of 45° to the long axis of the tooth were applied to the finite element model. In addition, the equivalent stresses of the periodontal ligament were analysed.@*RESULTS@#In the case of no bone defect, the mean value of the periodontal ligament equivalent stress of 14 teeth was 5.71 MPa. The equivalent stresses of the periodontal ligament at different depths (namely, 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 of the root) were 6.61, 7.14 and 7.42 MPa, respectively. With increasing depth of the osseous defects, stress on the periodontal ligament increased considerably, and the initial stress increment was greater than that of a later stage. Periodontal ligament stresses with mesial proximal three-wall osseous defects (at depths of 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 of the root) were 6.62, 7.19 and 7.51 MPa respectively. Periodontal ligament stresses with distal proximal three-wall osseous defects (at depths of 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 of the root) were 6.60, 7.10 and 7.33 MPa, respectively. For three-wall osseous defects located in the mesial surface and distal surface, a significant difference in periodontal ligament stress was lacking. In the case of the same absorption depth, the size relationship of periodontal ligament stress was in the following order: premolars>molars>incisors>canines.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Shallow three-wall osseous defects will likely cause a notable loss in strength of the periodontal ligament. Therefore, teeth with three-wall osseous defects should become the focus of clinical research. Treatment for these teeth should be administered as early as possible.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in Patients over 50 Years Old / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome(FAI) for patients over 50 years old,and explore the occurrence regularity and treating rules for such a disease.Methods The clinical data of 71 patients(78 hips with FAI) over 50 years old who underwent arthroscopic treatment for FAI in our department between May 2012 and May 2017 were studied retrospectively.Physical examination,X-ray and CT 3D scans were made preoperatively for explicit diagnosis.The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 66 months,with an average of 31.78 ± 18.07 months.Every patient had a joint space greater than 2 mm,and a grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ hip osteoarthrosis according to the Trnnis scale.Under the hip arthroscopy the synovial hyperplasia was cleaned,the damaged labrum and cartilage were repaired,and the femoroacetabular hyperplasia and the impingement factors were removed to restore the normal shape of femoroacetabular.The joint clearance,changes ofthe alpha angle when at Dunn position and centre edge(CE) angle at normotopia on the X-ray,the intraoperative injuries of cartilages and glenoid labrum and surgical satisfaction and complications were measured and recorded.The modified Harris hip score(mHHS) and visual analogue scale(VAS) were used to evaluate the hip function recovery and pain relief of patients.Results The average age of the patients was 55.15 ± 5.02 years old,ranging from 50 to 69.Among the 23 males and 48 females,there were 33 left hips with FAI and 45 right hips with FAI.The average preoperative joint clearance was 4.81 ± 0.87 mm,and all incisions were healed by first intention after the treatment.The average α angle of the patients decreased from 50.11 ± 4.75 to 42.72 ± 4.7 degrees after the treatment,with the α angle of 7 patients(8.97％) bigger than 55 degree,and that of 40 patients(51.28％) smaller than 50 degree.The average CE angle decreased from 36.54 ± 9.14 degrees to 35.19 ± 8.55 degrees after the treatment,with that of 27 patients(34.62％) bigger than 40 degrees.Before the treatment,the main clinical manifestations were hip pain and swelling,including 36 cases(46.15％) with hip joint lock,70 (89.74％) with groin tenderness.Moreover,75 cases(96.15％) were positive in hip adduction internal rotation test(FADIR) and 64 cases(83.33％) were positive in the hip abduction and external rotation impingement test.However,the pain was relieved or disappeared after the treatment.The average VAS score decreased significantly from preoperative 4.42 ± 1.42 points to 1.31 ± 1.28 at the last follow-up,while the average mHHS score increased significantly from preoperative(52.4 ± 19.38) points to(81.72 ± 10.82) during the last follow-up,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01).Significant improvement was observed in the mHHs and VAS scores of 89％ patients(P＜0.01).1 patient(1.28％) underwent hip replacement during the follow-up period.No serious complications occurred.Conclusion In most cases,arthroscopic treatment of FAI in old patients(over 50 years old),who were with osteoarthrosis and hip labrum injury,can significantly improve the joint function and relieve pain.It is a treatment with safety.

Autophagy plays a protective role in advanced glycation end products- induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α , nuclear factor-κ B and reactive oxygen species

Objective:To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process.Methods:Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissues in surgery. AGEs were administered during chondrocytes culture. The rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. The cell viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- a ) and nuclear factor- κ B (NF- κ B) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis of the chondrocytes were determined by fluorescent probe and flow cytometer, respectively.Results:The chondrocytes viability was significantly reduced after 12 h incubation with AGEs (P<0.01)). In contrast, rapamycin pretreatment increased the chondrocytes viability through autophagy. AGEs increased TNF- α and NF- κ B mRNA expression of chondrocytes and autophagy receded or proceeded the change. AGEs increased intracellular ROS accumulation and autophagy reversed the change. AGEs accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis and autophagy suspended apoptosis.Conclusions:Accumulation of AGEs may have an adverse role for chondrocytes by increasing TNF- α and NF- κ B expression, ROS accumulation and apoptosis; meanwhile, autophagy ameliorates the AGEs- induced adverse effects.

Influence of proximal two-wall bone defect on periodontal ligament stresses under normal occlusal forces / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective@#To study the influence of two-wall bone defect on periodontal ligament stresses under normal occlusal forces, and to analyze the influence of depth and width of bone defect to periodontal ligament stresses.@*Methods@#Three-dimensional finite element models of teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone were created based on cone beam CT images. Proximal two-wall bone defect with different depths (bone defect occupies one third, two thirds, and full length of root) and widths (bone defect occupies one fourth, two fourths, three fourths and full width of buccal lingual width) were simulated by modifying the elastic modulus of elements within defect areas. Occlusal forces with magnitudes of half of the maximum occlusal forces were applied to the model at an angle of 45° to the long axis of tooth, and equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament were analyzed.@*Results@#In the model of no bone defect, the equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament of incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 2.88, 2.31, 8.67 and 7.53 MPa respectively. The equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament increased with the enlargement of depth and width of bone defect. The equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament with maximum bone defect in both depth and width for incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 4.47, 3.62, 11.66 and 8.72 MPa respectively. In the model of width of bone defect was consistent and bone defect develops vertically, the increments of equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament were significantly greater in the early stage bone defect model (from no defect to one third of root length bone defect) than that in the later stage bone defect model (from two thirds to full length of root length bone defect). In the model of bone defect depth was consistent and bone defect develops transversely, the increments of equivalent stresses of periodontal ligament in the early stage bone defect model (from no defect to one fourth of buccal lingual width bone defect) were significantly smaller than that in the later stage bone defect model (from three fourths to full width of buccal lingual width bone defect).@*Conclusions@#Bone defect with shallow depth and that with large width would increase periodontal ligament stresses. Therefore, more attention should be paid to occlusion evaluation and adjustment for teeth with shallow and wide two-wall bone defect.

Autophagy plays a protective role in advanced glycation end products-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via regulation of tumor necrosis factor-

Objective: To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process. Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissues in surgery. AGEs were administered during chondrocytes culture. The rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. The cell viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?) and nuclear factor-?B (NF-?B) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis of the chondrocytes were determined by fluorescent probe and flow cytometer, respectively. Results: The chondrocytes viability was significantly reduced after 12 h incubation with AGEs (P<0.01)). In contrast, rapamycin pretreatment increased the chondrocytes viability through autophagy. AGEs increased TNF-? and NF-?B mRNA expression of chondrocytes and autophagy receded or proceeded the change. AGEs increased intracellular ROS accumulation and autophagy reversed the change. AGEs accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis and autophagy suspended apoptosis. Conclusions: Accumulation of AGEs may have an adverse role for chondrocytes by increasing TNF-? and NF-?B expression, ROS accumulation and apoptosis; meanwhile, autophagy ameliorates the AGEs-induced adverse effects.

Expression of nNOS and ultrastructural changes in the penile tissue of rats with prolactinoma-induced erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of nNOS and ultrastructural changes in the penile tissue of rats with prolactinoma-induced erectile dysfunction (ED).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We established the model of prolactinoma in 20 male Westar rats by peritoneal injection of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and treated the control rats with normal saline (n = 10) or sterilized arachis oil (n = 10). After 8 weeks, we performed the apomorphine test and measured the weight of the pituitary gland and the levels of serum prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) to confirm the successful construction of the prolactinoma-induced ED model. Then we determined the expression of nNOS in the penile tissue by immunohistochemistry and examined the ultrastructural changes of the penile cavernosum under the transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prolactinoma-induced ED model was successfully established in 15 rats. The weight of the pituitary gland was significantly increased in the rats treated with DES as compared with the normal saline and sterilized arachis oil controls ([46.7 ± 15.5] vs [11.7 ± 2.4] and [12.4 ± 2.3] mg, both P < 0.05). The level of serum PRL was markedly higher while that of T remarkably lower in the former than in the latter two groups ([1,744.9 ± 304.5] vs [11.5 ± 2.4] and [10.6 ± 1.9] ng/ml, both P < 0.0l; [1.54 ± 0.46] vs [3.11 ± 1.08] and [3.04 ± 1.11] ng/ml, both P < 0.05). The rate of penile erection was significantly reduced in the prolactinoma-induced ED model rats in comparison with the normal saline and arachis oil controls (16.7% vs 100% and 87.5%, both P < 0.05), and so was the expression of nNOS in the penile tissue (0.024 ± 0.011 vs 0.066 ± 0.019 and 0.058 ± 0.021, both P < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy manifested significant ultrastructural changes in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the cavernous tissue in the prolactinoma-induced ED models.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The ultrastructural changes of the penile cavernous tissue and the reduced expression of nNOS in penile tissue may be the most important mechanisms of prolactinoma-induced ED in rats.</p>

Improving effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its mechanism / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its action mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD male rats were equally randomized to groups A (sham operation), B (control), C (low-dose Shengjingsan), D (medium-dose Shengjingsan) and E (high-dose Shengjingsan). The model of testicular torsion was established by 720 degrees clockwise torsion of the left testis for 4 hours. An hour before operation, the rats of group B received daily gavage of normal saline at 1 ml per kg per d, while those in groups C, D and E that of Shengjingsan at 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 g per kg per d, all for 35 days. Then all the rats were sacrificed for measuring the semen parameters by CASA and detecting the expression of the CatSper1 gene in the sperm by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group A, Sperm concentration, the percentage of grade a + b sperm, sperm vitality and CatSper1 expression were significantly lower in group B ([15.30 +/- 6.30] %, [44.42 +/- 6.36] %, [21.00 +/- 6.14] x 10(6)/ml and 1.12 +/- 0.50) than in A ([51.30 +/- 6.60]%, [69.01 +/- 7.20]%, [40.53 +/- 7.01] x 10(6)/ml and 2.04 +/- 0.77) (P < 0.01). Compared with group B, the four parameters were increased remarkably in groups D ([51.63 +/- 3.20] %, [72.09 +/- 2.20]%, [55.30 +/- 5.90] x10(6)/ml and 2.11 +/- 0.20) andE ([55.93 +/- 3.17]%, [73.01 +/- 2.11]%, [58.33 + 4.90] x 10(6)/ml and 2.31 +/- 0.17) (P < 0.01), but not significantly in C ([18.02 +/- 0.23]%, [48.04 +/- 7.01]%, [22.87 +/- 2.10] x 10(6)/ml and 1.19 +/- 0.51) (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shengjingsan can improve sperm parameters following testicular torsion/ detorsion in male rats by regulating their spermatogenic function and improving the expression of CatSper1 in the sperm.</p>

Associations of MRI-lesions and clinical features with disability in Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective: To analyze associations of MRI-lesions and clinical features with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Shanghai, China. Methods: We studied patients with MS, identified from a survey in Shanghai, whose sites of lesions in the CNS was based on the MRI examinations. Associations between MRI-lesions, various clinical variables and the severity of disability were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 210 patients in this study. The disability of the patients with lesions confined to the spinal cord was significantly more severe than those with lesions in the brain (p < 0.008). Current age (OR: 1.041, 95% CI: 1.007~1.077), MS duration (OR: 1.082, 95% CI: 1.011~1.159) and MRI-lesions in the spinal cord (OR: 2.441, 95% CI: 1.039~5.737) were significantly associated with severity of disability on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: MRI-lesions in the spinal cord, older age, a longer MS duration were significantly associated with a more severe disability in this MS study in Shanghai China.

Prospective comparative study of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament construction with autograft and allograft / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) construction with different transplants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2006 to April 2009, 86 patients including 60 male and 26 female undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were prospectively randomized consecutively into autograft group (44 patients, using autogeneic hamstring tendons) and allograft group (42 patients, using allogenic lower extremity tendons). The age of those patients were 22 - 56 years, averaging (32 ± 7) years. The operations were made by the same doctor with the standard technology. The postoperative effects were assessed by the range of motion and tibia forward distance, Lachman test, pivot shift test, Daniel test, IKDC scores systems, Lysholm-Tegner scores.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventy-nine patients were followed up, 41 patients in autograft groups averaged 39.6 months and 38 patients in allograft group averaged 37.4 months. The operation time of autograft group was (87 ± 11) minutes, that of allograft group was (55 ± 10) minutes (t = 15.732, P < 0.05). The time of postoperative fever of autograft group was (3.2 ± 1.4) days, that of allograft groups was (7.6 ± 5.3) days (t = 5.740, P < 0.05). The Lysholm scores of autograft group was 42 ± 7 before operation, and 89 ± 8 at final follow-up. The Lysholm scores of allograft group was 44 ± 6 before operation, and 87 ± 9 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 13.534 and 17.768, P < 0.05).But no statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Tegner scores of autograft group was 2.9 ± 2.1 before operation, and 7.7 ± 1.2 at final follow-up. The Tegner scores of allograft group was 2.7 ± 1.4 before operation, and 7.1 ± 1.6 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 16.004 and 12.338, P < 0.05).No statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The KT2000 results showed that the anterior displacement of autograft groups was (10.7 ± 3.5) mm before operation and (5.0 ± 2.7) mm at final follow-up, the anterior displacement of allograft groups was (10.9 ± 2.9) mm before operation and (6.5 ± 2.4) mm at final follow-up, there was statistic difference between before and after operation in anterior displacement in two groups (t = 16.354 and 13.296 P < 0.05). There was no difference between two groups before operation and at final follow-up. Compared to before operation, the IKDC scores were improved greatly after operation (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical effect of arthroscopic ACL construction with allograft transplants is near to autograft.</p>

Changes in plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, endothelin-1 and von Willebrand factor among newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), and their significance among newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-six newborns with PPH (case group) (mild: 26 cases; moderate: 21 cases; severe: 19 cases), as well as 40 newborns without PPH (control group) who were hospitalized in the same period, were enrolled. The control group underwent echocardiography on admission. The case group underwent echocardiography before treatment (with refractory hypoxemia) and after 7 days of treatment for measurement of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Meanwhile, plasma levels of ANP, ET-1 and vWF were measured using ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment, the case group had significantly higher plasma levels of ANP, ET-1 and vWF than the control group (P<0.05), and these indices increased as PASP rose. After 7 days of treatment, the children with mild or moderate PPH showed normal PASP, and their plasma levels of ANP, ET-1 and vWF were not significantly different from those of control group. The children with severe PPH had significant decreases in all indices, but they were significantly higher than those of the control group. Plasma levels of ANP, ET-1 and vWF were significantly positively correlated with PASP before and after treatment (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Changes in plasma levels of ANP, ET-1 and vWF can reflect PASP in newborns with PPH during treatment. Dynamic monitoring of these indices can help to judge the severity of PPH and guide treatment.</p>

Effect of CYP11B2 gene -344T/C polymorphism on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity and blood pressure response to hydrochlorothiazide / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of CYP11B2 gene -344T/C polymorphism on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity and blood pressure in response to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) treatment in Han Chinese patients with essential hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients with mild/moderate essential hypertensive were enrolled. All subjects had their antihypertensive medications withdrawn. After two weeks of wash-out period with placebo, each patient was given 12.5 mg of HCTZ per day for the next six weeks. Physical, biochemical measurements, and the activity of RAAS were taken at the end of the wash-out period (baseline) and 6-week diuretic therapy period. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were analyzed for association with interaction between genotypes at CYP11B2 -344T/C polymorphism and gender.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 776 patients completed the study. 17.5% of subjects have achieved blood pressure normalization after six weeks treatment. For male patients, the aldosterone level with CC genotype was significantly higher than that of those with TT or TC genotype. Following the HCTZ treatment, the blood pressure response in patients with CC genotype was less obvious than that in others, whilst the increase of aldosterone level was greater. For female patients, no association was found between CYP11B2 -344T/C polymorphism and aldosterone level. Following the HCTZ treatment, the blood pressure response in patients with CC genotype was greater than others, whilst the increase of aldosterone activity was less apparent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In males, the -344T/C polymorphism of CYP11B2 gene is associated with aldosterone level, and the change of aldosterone level was greater, the blood pressure response was weaker after HCTZ treatment. In females, there was no association between this polymorphism and aldosterone level. The change of aldosterone level and blood pressure response to HCTZ were different from that in males.</p>

Protective effect of exogenous IGF-I on the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with severe acute pancreatitis / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can result in intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB) dysfunction. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the effect of IGF-I on the intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with SAP and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a sham operation (SO group,n=24), a SAP group not treated with IGF-I (SAP group,n=24), and a SAP group treated with IGF-I (IGF-I group,n=24). SAP was induced in the rats by injecting 5.0％ sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct. The SO rats were given an infusion of normal saline instead. The rats in the IGF-I group underwent the SAP procedure and were given a subcutaneous injection of IGF-I at 30 minutes before the operation and at 3 hours after the operation. Eight rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 12 and 24 hours after operation. Apoptosis of mucosal cells in the small intestine was determined by TUNEL. The levels of endotoxin and DAO and serum amylase were also measured. Pathologic changes in the small intestine were monitored. Changes of bax and bcl-2 mRNA expression in the small intestine were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The levels of serum amylase were lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group at all three time points (P<0.05). The levels of endotoxin in the IGF-I group were higher than those in the SAP group at 6 hours, but lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group at 12 and 24 hours (P<0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase were higher in the IGF-I group at 6 hours but lower than those in the SAP group at 12 and 24 hours. The pathological score of the small intestine was lower in the IGF-I group than in the SAP group, and the difference was statistically significant at 12 and 24 hours. The pathologic changes observed under electron microscopy were better in the IGF-I group than those in the SAP group. The apoptosis index of intestinal epithelial cells was significantly decreased in the IGF-I group compared with the SAP group. Compared with the SO group, the mRNA expression levels of bax were increased at each time point in the SAP group, and were significantly decreased in the IGF-I group as compared with the SAP group at each time point (P<0.05). The expression levels of bcl-2 were weak and not different between the SO group and the SAP group (P>0.05). They were significantly increased in the IGF-I group versus the SO and SAP groups (P<0.05). The ratio of bax and bcl-2 mRNA expression levels at each time point in the SAP group were significantly higher than those in the SO group, but they were obviously decreased in the IGF-I group. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous IGF-I seems to protect mucosal cells in the small intestine against SAP-induced apoptosis and could alleviate SAP-induced injury of the intestinal mucosa. The underlying mechanisms include enhanced mRNA expression of bcl-2 and inhibition of bax mRNA expression.