Cholesterol paradox in the community-living old adults: is higher better? / 老年心脏病学杂志（英文版）

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the associations of lipid indicators and mortality in Beijing Elderly Comprehensive Health Cohort Study.@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort was conducted based on Beijing Elderly Comprehensive Health Cohort Study with 4499 community older adults. After the baseline survey, the last follow-up was March 31, 2021 with an average 8.13 years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI for cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and all-cause death in associations with baseline lipid indicators.@*RESULTS@#A total of 4499 participants were recruited, and the mean levels of uric acid, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed an upward trend with the increasing remnant cholesterol (RC) quarters (Ptrend < 0.05), while the downward trend was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). During the total 36,596 person-years follow-up, the CVD mortality and all-cause mortality during an average 8.13 years of follow-up was 3.87% (95% CI: 3.30%-4.43%) and 14.83% (95% CI: 13.79%-15.86%) with 174 CVD death participants and 667 all-cause death participants. After adjusting for confounders, the higher level of TC (HR = 0.854, 95% CI: 0.730-0.997), LDL-C (HR = 0.817, 95% CI: 0.680-0.982) and HDL-C (HR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.271-0.724) were associated with lower risk of CVD death, and the higher level of HDL-C (HR = 0.637, 95% CI: 0.501-0.810) were associated with lower risk of all-cause death. The higher level of RC (HR = 1.276, 95% CI: 1.010-1.613) increase the risk of CVD death. Compared with the normal lipid group, TC ≥ 6.20 mmol/L group and LDL-C ≥ 4.10 mmol/L group were no longer associated with lower risk of CVD death, while RC ≥ 0.80 mmol/L group was still associated with higher risk of CVD death. In normal lipid group, the higher levels of TC, LDL-C and HDL-C were related with lower CVD death.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In community older adults, higher levels of TC and HDL-C were associated with lower CVD mortality in normal lipid reference range. Higher RC was associated with higher CVD mortality, which may be a better lipid indicator for estimating the CVD death risk in older adults.

Accuracy analysis of full-arch implant digital impressions when using a geometric feature / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding a geometric feature on the accuracy of digital impressions obtained by intraoral scanners for implant restoration of edentulous jaw quantitatively. Methods: A dentiform model of the maxilla of completely edentulous arch with 6 implant analogs+scan bodies (No. 1-6) was selected as the reference model. Without geometric feature, the dentiform model was scanned by dental model scanner and repeated for 5 times as true value group. Before and after adding the geometric feature, the same operator used intraoral scanner A (Trios 3) and B (Aoralscan 2) to scan the dentiform model with the same scanning path. Each type of intraoral scanner scanned 10 times and ".stl " datas were obtained. The results were imported into reverse engineering software (Geomagic Studio 2015). The linear distances of center point of upper plane between sacn body 1 to 6 was calculated, denoted as D12, D13, D14, D15 and D16. Trueness was the absolute value subtracted from the measured value of the intraoral scanner groups and true value; precision was the absolute value of pairwise subtraction of the measured values in the intraoral scanner groups.The smaller the value, the better the accuracy or precision.With or without the feature, all scan data were statistically analyzed, and the effect of adding geometric feature on the trueness and precision of the two intraoral scanners were evaluated. Results: As for intraoral scanner A, with the feature in place, significant differences were found in D14, D15, D16 for tureness(t=2.66, 2.75, 2.95, P<0.05); the trueness for D16 decreased from (101.9±47.1) μm to (49.6±30.3) μm. On the other hand, with features on the edentulous area, the precision was significantly increased in D15 and D16 (U=378.00, 672.00, P<0.05); the precision for D15 decreased from 40.8 (45.1) μm to 13.1 (17.0) μm. As for intraoral scanner B, the trueness of D12, D13 and D14 after adding geometric features was significantly better than before (t=3.02, 2.66, U=22.00, P<0.05). With feature on the edentulous area, the trueness for D13 decreased from (116.6±41.2) μm to (70.8±35.5) μm. There was no statistical significance in the trueness of D15 and D16 with or without geometric feature (P>0.05), however, the precision of D15 and D16 after adding geometric feature was significantly better than before (U=702.00, 489.00,P<0.05). The precision of D16 decreased from 112.5 (124.7) μm to 35.9 (85.8) μm. Conclusions: The use of geometric feature in edentulous space improves the trueness and precision of the different principle intraoral scanners tested.

Accuracy of three intraoral scans for primary impressions of edentulous jaws / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To provide a reference for using intraoral scanners for making clinical diagnostic dentures of edentulous jaws by comparing the accuracy of three intraoral scanners for primary impression and jaw relation record of edentulous jaws.@*METHODS@#This study contained 6 primary impressions of the edentulous patients. Each of the impressions consisted of the maxillary primary impression, the mandibular primary impression and the jaw relation record. For each of them, a dental cast scanner (Dentscan Y500) was used to obtain stereolithography (STL) data as reference scan, and then three intraoral scanners including i500, Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan were used for three times to obtain STL data as experiment groups. In Geomagic Studio 2013 software, trueness was obtained by comparing experiment groups with the reference scan, and the precision was obtained from intragroup comparisons. Registered maxillary data of the intraoral scan with reference scan, the morphological error of jaw relation record was obtained by comparing jaw relation record of the intraoral scan with the reference scan. Registered mandibular data with jaw relation record of intraoral scan and the displacement of the jaw position were evaluated. Independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test in the SPSS 20.0 statistical software were used to statistically analyze the trueness, precision and morphological error of jaw relation record of three intraoral scanners. The Bland-Altman diagram was used to evaluate the consistency of the jaw relationship measured by the three intraoral scanners.@*RESULTS@#The trueness of i500, Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan scanners was (182.34±101.21) μm, (145.21±71.73) μm, and (78.34±34.79) μm for maxilla; (106.42±21.63) μm, and 95.08 (63.08) μm, (78.45±42.77) μm for mandible. There was no significant difference in trueness of the three scanners when scanning the maxilla and mandible(P>0.05). The precision of the three scanners was 147.65 (156.30) μm, (147.54±83.33) μm, and 40.30 (32.80) μm for maxilla; (90.96±30.77) μm, (53.73±23.56) μm, and 37.60 (93.93) μm for mandible. The precision of CEREC Primescan scanner was significantly better than that of the other two scanners for maxilla (P<0.05). Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan scanners were significantly better than i500 scanner for mandible (P<0.05). The precision of the i500 and Trios 3 scanners for mandible was superior to maxilla (P<0.05). The upper limit of 95% confidence intervals of trueness and precision of three scanners for both maxilla and mandible were within ±300 μm which was clinically accepted. The morphological error of jaw relation record of the three scanners was (337.68±128.54) μm, (342.89±195.41) μm, and (168.62±88.35) μm. The 95% confidence intervals of i500 and Trios 3 scanners were over 300 μm. CEREC Primescan scanner was significantly superior to i500 scanner(P<0.05).The displacement of the jaw position of the three scanners was (0.83±0.56) mm, (0.80±0.45) mm, and (0.91±0.75) mm for vertical dimension; (0.79±0.58) mm, (0.62±0.18) mm, and (0.53±0.53) mm for anterior and posterior directions; (0.95±0.59) mm, (0.69±0.45) mm, and (0.60±0.22) mm for left and right directions. The displacement of the jaw position of the three scanners in vertical dimension, anterior and posterior directions and the left and right directions were within the 95% consistency limit.@*CONCLUSION@#Three intraoral scanners showed good trueness and precision. The i500 and Trios 3 scanners had more errors in jaw relation record, but they were used as primary jaw relation record. It is suggested that three intraoral scanners can be used for obtaining digital data to make diagnostic dentures and individual trays, reducing possible deforming or crack when sending impressions from clinic to laboratory.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of aminoalcohol rheinate as anti-osteosarcoma agents / 药学学报

Rhein (4,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid) is the primary anthraquinone in the roots of rhubarb. A recent study showed that rhein can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human tumor cells. However, the clinical application of rhein has been hampered by its poor bioavailability, low aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal disorders. In current study, twenty-four target compounds were designed and synthesized by coupling various hydrophilic alkanolamines to the 2-carboxyl of rhein, and their structures were established by IR, HR-MS, 1H NMR spectra. Solubility test showed that all compounds were 10.04 to 15.08 mg·mL-1 in water, which was 220 to 330-fold better than that of rhein (0.045 6 mg·mL-1). All of rhein derivatives displayed more potent anti-tumor activity than rhein, and most of them were comparable to adriamycin, particularly, compound 4t exhibited IC50 value of 2.08 μmol·L-1, more effective than adriamycin (IC50=2.35 μmol·L-1). Hydroxyapatite adsorption experiment suggests that compound 4t has a better bone affinity than that of tetracycline.

Effects of total flavonoids in Astragali Complanati Semen on liver lipid level and ERα expression on liver in hyperlipidemia rats with kidney-Yang deficiency pattern / 中国中药杂志

Menopausal women appear lipid metabolism disorder with the ovarian function decline and the estrogen levels decreased. Modern clinical usually use estrogen replacement therapy and with long time application with lots of side effect appear. Traditional Chinese medicine has more secure and effective methords,using warming Yang drugs and methods. And the previous study proves the Chinese medicine Astragali Complanati Semen water extraction has a good role in regulation of blood lipids. Because of the liver is the most important organ on regulating metabolism, therefore this study aimed to evaluate the effects of total flavonoids in Astragali Complanati Semen(TFS)on liverlipid level and ERα expressionon liver in hyperlipidemia rats with kidney-Yang deficiency pattern to explore the substance basis and mechanism of Astragali Complanati Semen in regulate lipid effect and clarify traditional Chinese medicine advantages and features. This experiment uses hyperlipidemia rats with kidney-Yang deficiency pattern with bilateral ovariectomized and fed with high fat diet for 6 weeks. And rats of sham operation group and model group rats were intragastrilly(ig) with saline, estrogen group were intragastrilly with estrogen(0.2 mg·kg⁻¹). And three TFS group were intragastrilly with TFS at dose 28.5, 57, 114 mg·kg⁻¹ for 8 weeks. At the same time, TC, TG, LDL-C,HDL-C liver weight, liver index, uterine weight, uterine index, serum estrogen level, FSH levels and liver pathology, liver estrogen receptor expression were detected, weighting and calculating their organ index. The experimental results compared with the model group, TFS 114 mg·kg⁻¹ decreased the level of liver TG (<0.05), TC (<0.001) and LDL-C (<0.001) and increased the level of HDL-C (<0.05). Compared with the model group, estrogen group increased the level of blood serum (<0.001) and decreased the level of FSH (<0.001). In addition, compared with sham operation group,model group decreased the protein expression of ERα（<0.01）. Compared with the model group, estrogen group increased the protein expression of ERα significantly（<0.001）.TFS mid-dose group and TFS high-dose group is increased the protein expression of ERα（<0.01, <0.001）.In a conclusion,Flavonoids is the main active ingredient of Astragali Complanati Semen. The mechanism of it maybe is enhancing the estrogen receptor sensitivity or the number of estrogen receptors, amplifying the signal after the receptor conduction, which could result in lipid-lowering effect.

Safety evaluation and risk control measures for Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix / 中国中药杂志

Through the comprehensive and systematic research of domestic and overseas literature and information, we studied ancient original records on Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix and its toxicity, analyzed related adverse cases and the animal toxicity experiments in recent years, then systematically analyzed the safety of Aconitum and its preparations, and finally we summarized the clinical characteristics and potential risk factors related to the safety of Aconitum. A report on adverse events of Aconitum in 76 patients with myocardial damage and renal damage accounting for 53.9% and 42.1% respectively, indicated that the safety problems of Aconitum may be related to heart toxicity and liver-kidney toxicity. Aconitum had complex compositions, and based on the animal experiments, Aconitum decoction had the highest toxicity at 2 h, and it reduced significantly at 4 h, which showed that the toxic components mainly depend on the hydrolysis or the decomposition degree of diester diterpenoid alkaloids. According to the toxicity study, Aconitum toxicity might occur in cardiovascular system, nervous system, kidney, embryo, reproductive system, and it was contraindicated in pregnant women. So far, specific antidote for aconitine poisoning is still a blank. The key for treatment is to correct arrhythmia timely and effectively, maintain stable vital signs, and meanwhile, give gastric lavage, intravenous fluid infusion and other therapies. So we suggest that the basic study for Aconitum toxicology should be strengthened, and the pharmacology and mechanism of toxicity, as well as the mechanism of processing for raising efficiency and reducing toxicity, should be further clarified to determine the quantity-effect relationship and eliminate safety hazards in using Aconitum.

Advances in the Avellino corneal dystrophy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Avellino corneal dystrophy(ACD) is an autosomal dominant eye disorder caused by mutation of R124H in the transforming growth factor-beta induced gene (TGFBI) on chromosome 5,which was responsible for accumulating of abnormal TGFBI.Although the underlying mechanism by which mutations cause abnormal TGFBI deposition is not yet clear,but we have a better understanding of the etiology and possible pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy with the rapid development of human genetics and molecular biology,and summarizes the current achievement of this disease and understand the roles of TGFBI and its interaction with Periostin,which may contribute to further research in ACD.

Safety evaluation of Sophora tonkinensis and risk control / 中国中药杂志

The aim is to systemically review and evaluate the safety of Sophora tonkinensis from the literature on the herbal origin, toxicity record in modern literature and toxicological studies and publications in recent years. By systematic review and analysis, the results showed that its toxicity mainly involved the nervous system, the digestive system and the respiratory system, and respiratory failure may be the direct cause of death. The main symptoms included headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, limbs weakness, palpitation, and chest distress; as well as pale complexion, limbs trembling, convulsions, chills, high heart rate, fall of blood pressure, shock, and respiratory failure to death in severe cases. High dose and long term medication may cause serious brain damage, especially in adolescents and children. The authors have proposed to use rationally under guidance of physician and strictly according to the dosage recommended by pharmacopoeia. The patients shall not be credulous about the folk prescriptions and test recipes to use it for,prevention of colds and treatment of sore throat at will. In addition, the researches on the conventional treatment methods for S. tonkinensis poisoning, the toxic substance basis, and toxicity mechanism shall be strengthened in further studies. These efforts will play important role in exerting the drug effect and avoiding side effect.

MicroRNA-20a Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 Cells through Regulating CKIP-1 Expression / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of microRNA-20a(MiR-20a) on osteogenic differentiation of mouse C3H/10T1/2 cells and its regulatory mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Osteogenic differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells were identified by ALP staining and qRT-PCR. MiR-20a mimics and CKIP-1 siRNA were transfected into C3H/10T1/2 cells respectively with lipo3000. The expression of osteoblast marker genes, miR-20a and CKIP-1 were quantitatively assessed by qRT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>miR-20a expression was up-regulated during osteoblast differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells. Overexpression of miR-20a promoted osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, miR-20a inhibited the expression of bone formation negative regulator CKIP-1. Additionally, CKIP-1 knockdown promoted osteogenic differentiation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MiR-20a promotes osteogenic differentiation of C3H/10T1/2 cells possibly through inhibiting the expression of CKIP-1.</p>

Dosage-toxicity-efficacy relationship of Kansui Radix in malignant pleural effusion models based on Walker 256 analysis / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the dosage-toxicity-efficacy relationship of Kansui Radix, explore its regularity of the toxicity and efficacy change, and provide scientific basis for its clinical rational application, the malignant pleural effusion models were used to observe the effect of Kansui Radix with larger dose range (0.045-1.620 g•kg•d⁻¹ for Kansui Radix) on biochemical indexes and hydrothorax volume in experimental animals. Factor analysis method was also used to comprehensively assess the dosage-toxicity-efficacy relationship of Kansui Radix. The results showed that the rats in model group had larger hydrothorax volume, and ALT, AST, LDH, HBDH, IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while TP and ALB levels were decreased (P<0.05) as compared with the blank group. After drug administration, various treatment groups decreased hydrothorax volume, IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and increased TP and ALB levels as compared with model group, indicating certain therapeutic effect; and increased ALT, AST, LDH and HBDH levels, indicating certain liver and cardiac toxicity. In the factor analysis, two common factors were extracted from nine indexes, explaining 89.1% of the information. The analysis results suggested that there was no obvious toxicity in case of independent use of Kansui Radix within the dosage range set in pharmacopeia, while it would produce liver toxicity and cardiac toxicity upon 3 times of the dosage set in pharmacopeia, and the toxicity was increased with the increase of dose. At the same time, Kansui Radix can decrease the hydrothorax volume in malignant pleural effusion models and improve relevant physical indexes in a dose-dependent manner. Comprehensive analysis results of its toxic effect characteristics indicated that the upper-limit dose of Kansui Radix in pharmacopeia shall be regarded as the relatively optimal therapeutic dose.

Comparison of Medication Adherence and Treatment Persistence between New Oral Anticoagulant and Warfarin among Patients

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study aimed to compare medication adherence and treatment persistence of patients on warfarin versus rivaroxaban in Singapore. A secondary objective was to identify significant covariates influencing adherence.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A retrospective cohort study was conducted where data from September 2009 to October 2014 was retrieved from the hospital electronic databases. Prescription records of rivaroxaban patients with 3 months or more of continuous prescription were extracted and compared against those of patients on warfarin. Primary outcome of adherence was determined based on the medication possession ratio (MPR), while treatment persistence was determined by outpatient clinic appointment gaps.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 94 rivaroxaban and 137 warfarin users were analysed by complete case analysis. The MPR of warfarin patients was lower than rivaroxaban patients by 10% (95% CI, 6.4% to 13.6%; P <0.0001). Also, there were more warfarin patients who had gaps in treatment persistence compared to those prescribed rivaroxaban (8.0% vs 1.1%; P = 0.03). Significant factors affecting medication adherence were age and duration of anticoagulant use. For every 10-year increase in age, MPR increased by 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7% to 2.8%). Similarly, for every year increase in duration of use, MPR increased by 1.8% (95% CI, 0.6% to 3.0%). Race, gender, concomitant medication and type of residence were not found to be significant covariates in the multivariable analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients on rivaroxaban are likely to be more adherent to their prescribed oral anticoagulant with increasing age and duration of treatment influencing adherence.</p>

Inhibitory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on alveolar epithelial to mesenchymal transition / 中国中药杂志

In the study, the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on alveolar epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix degradation were observed in a type of human alveolar epithelial cell, A549 cells, stimulated by TGF-beta1. Firstly, MTT method was applied to evaluation of cellular proliferation and found that PNS from 12.5 mg x L(-1) to 200 mg x L(-1) dosage could not inhibit significantly cellular proliferation. Then, cells were divided into five groups, normal group, TGF-beta1 group, TGF-beta1 + 50 mg x L(-1) PNS group, TGF-beta1 + 100 mg x L(-1) PNS group and TGF-beta1 + 200 mg x L(-1) PNS group. Normal cells were not stimulatec by TGF-beta1; TGF-beta1 cells were only stimulated by TGF-beta1 and the other cells were stimulated by TGF-beta1 with different doses of PNS, respectively. After stimulation, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cellular roundness was applied to quantitative evaluation of morphological change. Immunocytochemistry was applied to examine E-cadherion, a-SMA and FN proteins expression in the cells. Enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay was applied to MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. The results showed that EMT of A549 cells was induced by TGF-beta1, showing significant change of roundness, E-cadherion, alpha-SMA and FN (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared to TGF-beta1, PNS significantly inhibited the changes of roundness (P < 0.05), FN and alpha-SMA (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and not significantly inhibited the change of E-cadherion. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels were significantly increased by TGFbeta1 stimulation (P < 0.05), without significant change of TIMP-1. Compared with TGF-beta1, PNS could significantly increase MMP-9 level (P < 0.05) and decrease TIMP-1 levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, PNS could inhibit alveolar epithelial cell EMT induced by TGF-beta1, with increase of extracellular matrix degradation ability, which showed anti-fibrosis of lung ability.

Application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April 2005 to June 2011, 79 cases (48 males and 31 females) of intermediate risk PADUA score (range from 8 to 9 score) renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age was (54 ± 9) years, mean tumor size was (2.8 ± 0.8) cm in diameter, with 37 cases on the left side and 42 cases on the right side. Tumor located anteriorly in 35 cases, and 44 cases were located posteriorly. Preoperative imaging examinations showed tumor invasion of the collecting system was dislocated or infiltrated by tumor invasion were in 13 cases, renal sinus were involved in 5 cases, tumor located near the renal hilum were in 10 cases. All of the 79 patients received retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 79 cases were operated successfully without conversion to open surgery, no severe perioperative complications. The mean operation time was (105 ± 24) minutes, and the median of operation time was 115 minutes (range from 80 - 180 minutes), and mean warm ischemia time (WIT) was (20 ± 5) minutes, and mean blood loss was (24 ± 8) ml; mean postoperative hospital stay was (5.2 ± 1.5) days. Postoperative urinary leakage in 3 cases, symptoms disappeared one week after indwelling catheterization and ureteral catheter. Serum creatinine transient increased in 7 cases after surgery, and fell to normal range within 6 weeks. In a mean follow up for (34 ± 12) months (range from 10 to 84 months), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 6 months after operation was no statistical significance compared with preoperation in 77 cases, another 2 patients' eGFR decreased by 30% and 35%. Postoperative renal function remained in CKD3 period and CKD2 period were in 2 cases respectively, none of these cases were treated with hemodialysis, and the remaining patients with normal renal function after surgery, no tumor recurrence and metastasis during follow-up in all cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Treatment of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score is safe and effective, but its long-term effects still need to study with large samples compare and long-term follow-up.</p>

Evaluating the oncologic outcomes in 152 patients undergoing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Although many midterm oncologic data have been reported for extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (ELRP) in western countries, few oncologic data of the extraperitoneal procedure was published in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients treated with ELRP in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2005 to March 2010, a total of 152 consecutive patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer were included in this study and treated with ELRP. The patients were staged according to the TNM (tumor, nodes, metastases) system. Median and mean postoperative follow-up were 28.1 months and 27.0 months, respectively. The patients were retrospectively analyzed for progression-free survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One hundred and twelve cases (73.7%) were postoperatively diagnosed as pT2 in, and 40 cases (26.3%) as pT3. Positive lymph nodes were shown in 5 patients (3.3%). Gleason score was < 7 in 49 men (32.2%), 7 in 69 men (45.4%), and > 7 in 34 men (22.4%). Positive surgical margins (PSM) were observed in 15 patients (9.9%), which included 32.0% of all pT3a cases and 46.7% of all pT3b cases, respectively. The overall prostate-specific antigen recurrence-free survival rate was 86% in all patients. The recurrence-free survival rates were 91.8% and 62.2% in pT2N0 patients and pT3N0 patients, respectively. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen, surgical margins, tumor stage, and lymph nodal status were identified as independent predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ELRP is a precise, safe and effective procedure at this particular Chinese institution. The prognostic power of prostate-specific antigen relapse after ELRP is not identical to that described previously with transperitoneal or open retropubic approaches.</p>

Aging performances for resisting low-temperature of three dental Yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic core materials / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The low-temperature resistance aging performance of Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) is the key effective factor that influences the long-term success rate of prosthesis. The objective of this study was to test and compare the aging performances for resisting low temperature of Lava Frame, Cercon Smart, and Upcera Yttria-stabilized zirconia core materials, via analyzing the micro and the crystal phases of the materials, and measure the three-point bending strength and the fracture toughness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The three zirconia green bodies were prepared as 60 test samples for three-point bending strength and as 60 test samples for fracture toughness. The test samples for three-point bending strength and fracture toughness were assigned to five groups and were treated respectively for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 hours to observe the micro and the crystal phases of the test samples. Then the three-point bending strength and fracture toughness were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The m phase content of Lava Frame was raised from 7.70% to 13.01%; the m phase content of Cercon Smart was raised from 4.95% to 8.53%; and Lava Frame is raised from 10.84% to 35.18%. The three-point bending strengths of the three zirconia core materials were higher than 1100 MPa and the fracture toughness was higher than 3 MPa·m(1/2). The three-point bending strength and the fracture toughness of Upcra zirconia decreased the most, followed by Lava Frame, and then by Cercon Smart.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The aging resistance sequences of the three zirconia core materials are, from strong to weak, Cercon Smart, Lava Frame, and Upcera.</p>

Determination of serusn leptin level in erectile dysfunction patients and its clinical significance / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the association of serum leptin level with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: A total of 38 out-patients complaining ED were graded by using IIEF-5 questionnaire. The mean IIEF-5 score of the patients was (12.3±2.4)and no one was higher than 21. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their scores. The fasting serum leptin levels were determined by ELISA in 38 patients (patient group) and 15 healthy controls (control group). Their body weights and heights were measured for body mass index(BMI). Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly correlated with BMI in both groups, regardless of patient ages and history. The mean leptin level in patients was (10.16±8.67) μg/L, which was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls ([4.81± 3.66] μg/L, P<0.05) after adjusting the effect of BMI. The leptin levels in the mild, moderate, and severe ED groups were (6.98±4.99) μg/L, (10.3±9.51) μg/L and (13.1±10.02) μg/L, respectively, with that of the mild group being significantly lower than those of the latter two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is indicated that human serum leptin level may have a potential value in diagnosing ED.

Experiment on inducing human periodontal ligament stem cells into adipose cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the capability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) differentiating into adipose cells in vitro and to determine their changes in cell morphology, structure and function during differentiation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PDLSCs isolated by magnetic-activated cell selection were treated continuously with adipogenic medium for 21 d. Then the cell morphology, ultrastructure, adipose specific markers of low density lipoprotein (LPL) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) were analyzed by inverted contrast microscope, trans mission electron microscope (TEM), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. These adipose-like cells were also identified by oil red O staining to determine the formation of lipid droplet, and the non-induced cells were used as control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After continuous induction, the treated cells differentiated into adipose-like cells with round shape, and large amount of lipid drop in cytoplasm. 96.54% of the PDLSCs were found to differentiate into adipose cells as showed by flow cytometry, the specific markers of LPL mRNA and PPAR-gamma mRNA, and oil red O staining, respectively. Further, PPAR-gamma protein was detected in the induced cells in a time-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Human PDLSCs have the potential of differentiating into adipose cells under appropriate condition, and the differentiated cells exhibited characteristics of adipose cells both from cell morphology and from their functions.</p>

Proteomic analysis of the testis and differential expression of Annexin A3 in hypospadiac rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the protein expression in the penile tissue of hypospadiac rats, isolate and identify differentially expressed proteins, and determine the role of the differential expression of Annexin A3 in the development of hypospadia in the rat offspring after maternal exposure to DBP.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty pregnant SD rats were randomly assigned to an experimental group, intragastrically administered DBP at 800 mg/kg, and a control group, given soybean oil at 5 ml/kg, both for 5 days. Three days after birth, the penises of the newborn rats were removed, and the total protein extracted for 2D-electrophoretic separation and image analysis. Differentially expressed protein spots were screened and identified by mass spectrometry, and the changes in the expression of Annexin A3 detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-one differentially expressed protein spots were screened, of which 17 were identified by mass spectrometry and the SwissProt database, including pyruvate kinase M2, alpha-enolase, and Annexin A3. Western blot showed that Annexin A3 was mainly located in the urethral epithelia and had a lower expression in the hypospadiac rats (1.851 +/- 0.014, n = 10) than in the controls (2.603 +/- 0.012, n = 10) (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A pedigree of differentially expressed proteins in the penises of DBP-induced hypospadia and normal rats was established by the proteomic method. The differential expression of Annexin A3 may play an important role in the development of hypospadia.</p>

Expression of HER-2/neu oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma and the clinical implications / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of HER-2/neu were detected by SP immunohistochemistry method in 30 patients with HCC, 10 with portal cirrhosis of the liver and 10 with normal liver.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positivity rate of HER-2/neu was markedly higher in HCC patients than in those with portal cirrhosis and normal liver (Chi(2)=6.482, P=0.032). The expression of HER-2/neu was closely correlated to portal cirrhosis of the liver (P=0.041), tumor invasion (P=0.028) and Edmondson grades (P=0.012). The average survival time was significant shorter in patients with HER-2/neu-positive tumor than in those with HER-2/neu-negative tumor (P=0.036).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of HER-2/neu may play a role in the invasion, metastasis and progression of HCC. The patients positive for HER-2/neu in the HCC tissues have generally poor prognosis.</p>

Hypothalamus may be involved in psychogenic erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes of hypothalamus metabolism in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) so as to get some clues to the possible pathogenic factors and pathophysiological mechanism of the problem.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six cases of psychogenic ED and 4 normal volunteers were studied by positron emission tomography (PET) for the characteristics of hypothalamus glucose metabolism. Following audiovisual sexual stimulation, the concentration of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) was determined and the ratio of the left (right) hypothalamus count to the cerebrum count was calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Audiovisual sexual stimulation significantly increased 18F-FDG in the volunteers (left: 1.026 +/- 0.115 vs 2.400 +/- 0.210; right: 1.003 +/- 0.187 vs 2.389 +0.196, P < 0.05) as compared with the psychogenic ED patients (left: 2.781 +/- 0.156 vs 2.769 +/- 0.223; right: 2.809 +/- 0.129 vs 2.793 +/- 0.217, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Psychogenic ED may not be simply a functional disease; the hypothalamus may be involved in the pathophysiology of the problem.</p>