Application of dynamic contrast enhanced status in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for prostatic cancer with PI-RADS 4 lesion / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 4 lesion in prostate peripheral zone.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of patients with PI-RADS 4 lesion in prostate peripheral zone who underwent prostate biopsy from January 2018 to September 2021 in Peking University First Hospital were retrospectively included. According to DCE status, the patients were divided into the conventional group (4 points for diffusion-weighted imaging) and the comprehensive group (3 points for diffusion-weighted imaging + 1 point for DCE positive). Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for comparison was conducted between prostate cancer and non-cancer patients. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were performed to analyze the correlation of positive biopsy with age, total prostate specific antigen (PSA), free PSA/total PSA (f/tPSA), prostate volume (PV), PSA density (PSAD) and DCE status.@*RESULTS@#Among the 267 prostate biopsy patients, 217 cases were diagnosed as prostatic cancer (81.27%) and 50 cases were non-cancer (18.73%). Statistical analysis between the prostatic cancer group and the non-cancer group showed that there were significant differences in age, tPSA, PV and PSAD (all P < 0.05), but no significant differences in f/tPSA between the two groups. About different PI-RADS 4 lesion groups, the conventional group and the comprehensive group showed significant difference in biopsy results (P=0.001), and the conventional group had a higher positive rate. The PV of comprehensive group was larger than that of the conventional group. Among the prostate cancer patients diagnosed by biopsy, statistical analysis between the conventional group and comprehensive group showed that there were not significant differences in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade and distinguishing clinically significant prostate cancer (all P > 0.05). Logistic univariate analysis showed that the diagnosis of prostate cancer was related to age, tPSA, f/tPSA, PV and DCE group status (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, tPSA, PV and DCE group status (all P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of prostatic cancer.@*CONCLUSION@#tPSA, f/tPSA, PV and PSAD are the indicators to improve the diagnosis of prostatic cancer with PI-RADS 4 lesion in peripheral zone lesions. DCE status is worth considering, so that we can select patients for biopsy more accurately, reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of prostate cancer as well as avoid unnecessary prostate puncture.

Application of Rotarex catheter system in femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rotarex catheter system in treating femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis.@*METHODS@#From Jun. 2017 to Dec. 2019, the clinical data of 32 femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis cases treated with Rotarex catheter system were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 9 females aged from 50 to 89 years and the mean age was (70.7±10.3) years. Six cases had acute course of disease (≤2 weeks), 17 cases had subacute course of disease (>2 weeks, ≤3 months), and 9 cases had chronic course of disease (>3 months). Mean lesion length was (23.4±13.7) cm, mean occlusion length was (19.9±13.3) cm, and in-stent occlusion 7 cases. The superficial femoral artery (SFA) was involved in 13 cases, the popliteal artery (PA) was involved in 8 cases, and both SFA and PA were involved in the other 11 cases. All the cases were treated with Rotarex catheter system. When necessary, suction with large lumen catheter was enabled. Residual stenosis was treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Drug-coated balloon (DCB) was only used in patients with financial status, and stent was used only when it was necessary. Heparin was used for 24 h after procedures, and after that, antiplatelet agents were used. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the followed-up.@*RESULTS@#Technical success was 100%, and mean procedure time was (107.4±21.5) min. 8F (1F≈0.33 mm) and 6F Rotarex catheter were used in 27 and 5 cases respectively. In 27 cases, forward flow was obtained immediately after debulking with Rotarex catheter, and in the other 5 cases, suction with large lumen catheters were used. PTA was used in all 32 cases. DCB were used in 8 cases, of which 4 were used in in-stent stenosis. Twelve cases were implanted stents. There were no perioperative deaths. The only one procedure related complication was distal embolism. We took out the thrombus with guiding catheter. In all cases, mean hospital stay were (4.6±1.5) d. The ankle brachial index increased from 0.32±0.15 to 0.86±0.10 after treatment (t=-16.847, P < 0.001). The Rutherford stages decreased significantly (Z=-4.518, P < 0.001). All the patients were followed up for 6.0-36.0 months, and the median time was 16.0 months. 2 cases stopped antiplatelet agents, which resulted in acute thrombosis. Another percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and PTA were taken in one of them. Two cases died of cardiovascular disease during the follow-up, and no amputation was observed. Target lesion restenosis occurred in 7 cases during the follow-up, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) was taken in two of them.@*CONCLUSION@#In treating femoropopliteal artery stenosis accompanied with thrombosis, Rotarex catheter can remove thrombus effectively, and that can expose underlying lesions and reduce stent use and complications rates. It is a safe and effective method.

Consistency and influencing factors in parents knowledge, attitude and practice about early childhood sex education in rural areas / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the consistency and factors influencing rural parents knowledge, attitude and practice about early childhood sex education, so as to put forward effective suggestions and countermeasures for improving childhood sex education in rural areas.@*Methods@#A multi stage stratified sampling method was used to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of early childhood sex education among 1 015 parents in 16 kindergartens in rural areas of Sichuan from March to May 2019. Chi square text and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze factors affecting the consistency of parents knowledge, attitude and practice of childhood sex education.@*Results@#Nearly 64.9%, 85.9% and 44.7% of parents with sufficient knowledge, support, and implement of early children s sex education, respectively, and the consistency rate of knowledge, attitude and practice were 30.2%. The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that parents aged <31 years ( OR= 5.35 , 95%CI =2.93-9.77), 31-40 years ( OR=4.82, 95%CI =2.65-8.76) and 41-50 years ( OR=2.37, 95%CI =1.10-5.11), and the mother s education level being middle school ( OR=3.67, 95%CI =1.75-7.69), secondary/high school ( OR=2.83, 95%CI =1.32-6.05) and college/bachelor s degree and above ( OR=5.44, 95%CI =2.23-12.98), sex related questions asked by child ( OR=2.00, 95%CI =1.44-2.78), having sex education in the family ( OR=5.38, 95% CI =3.82-7.59), believing that parents should be responsible for sex education for young children ( OR=2.58, 95%CI =1.40-4.74) had a higher consistency rate of knowledge, attitude and practice in early childhood sex education ( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#In rural areas of Sichuan, although parents highly support early childhood sex education, the eligible rate of knowledge and the implementing rate are quite low, as well as the consistent rate of knowledge, attitude and practice. Relevant departments should pay attention to strengthen publicity and education, especially among older parents, low educated parents and those opposed to or not yet implementing child sex education.

Research progress of organophosphorus pesticides / organophosphorus nerve agents' protein adducts and formation mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Organophosphorus pesticides ( OPP) and organophosphorus nerve agents ( OPNAs) are both toxic organophosphorus compounds, which mainly exert toxic effects through irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase ( AChE).This paper takes protein adducts as the research objective, studying the covalent adducts formed by OPP/OPNAs and different target proteins:endogenous scavengers ( butyrylcholinesterase, albumin, transfer-rin) and low-dose toxicity related proteins ( Cytoskeleton pro- tein, neuropathic target esterase, ubiquitin ) .The formation mechanism of protein adducts and the structural characteristics of active sites are reviewed for providing new ideas to confirm the exposure, trace, and accurate treatment and reasonable prevention of OP poisons in the future.

Research progress on therapeutic strategies for improving pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension / 中国药理学通报

Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a chronic,progressive,high-mortality disease characterized by a continuous increase in pulmonary vascular pressure. All types of PH have the same characteristics,i.e.,the excessive proliferation,anti-apoptosis and inflammation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells,which leads to progressive thickening of pulmonary small vessels,resulting in pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary vascular resistance,ultimately leading to right ventricular hypertrophy,heart failure,and death. The drugs used to treat PH mainly include L-type calcium channel blockers,phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors,guanosine cyclase activators,endothelin receptor antagonists,and synthetic prostacyclin and its analogues. These drugs reduce pulmonary artery pressure by relaxing pulmonary blood vessels but do not cure the patient,and their prognosis remains poor. Therefore,the development of drugs that can effectively improve or even reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling is the key to treating PH. In recent years,studies on pulmonary vascular remodeling mainly included(1)the synthesis of new small-molecule compounds;(2)the transformation of mature drugs,such as the use of drug combinations and dosage form transformation,etc.;(3)the pharmacodynamic evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines and derived compounds based on the theory of "lung distension";(4)research into monomers of traditional Chinese medicine; and(5)research into new targets.

Application of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in acute lower limb ischemia / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating acute lower limb ischemia.@*METHODS@#From December 2017 to December 2019, the clinical data of 23 acute lower limb ischemia cases treated with Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 9 females from 53- to 84-year-old patients and the mean age was (69.1±9.1) years. Duration of symptoms was 6 hours to 14 days (median time 7 days). In the study, 8 acute thromboembolism cases and 15 acute thrombosis cases were included (In which, there was one thromboangiitis obliterans case and two in-stent restenosis cases). In 5 cases, the lesions were located above the groin; in 16 cases, the lesions were located below the groin, and in the other 2 cases, the lesions were located both above and below the groin. All the cases were treated with Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system. When residual stenosis was greater than 50%, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was used, and stent was used only when it was necessary. Heparin was used 24 h after the procedure, and after that, antiplatelet agents were used in acute thrombosis cases, and oral anti-coagulants were used in acute thromboembolism cases. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the follow-up.@*RESULTS@#In all the 23 cases, there were 22 successful cases and 1 unsuccessful case, the mean procedure time was (68.2±15.6) min. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used in 18 cases, 7 of which were implanted stents (3 stents were implanted in iliac artery and 4 in superficial femoral artery). There were 3 procedure related complications. The first one was arterial wall injury which resulted in contrast medium extravazation, and in this case, we solved it with prolonged balloon inflation. The second one was distal embolism. We took out the thrombus with guiding catheter. The last one was acute occlusion in a stent, and thrombectomy was applied urgently, and the result was good. Mean hospital stay were (3.6±1.7) days. The ankle brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.25±0.10 to 0.85±0.16 after treatment (t=12.901, P < 0.001). All the patients were followed up for 4.0-28.0 months, and the median time was 12.0 months. One patient stopped antiplatelet agents, which resulted in acute thrombosis 2 months later. Another percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and PTA were taken. In the failed case, the patient suffered amputation above the knee 3 months later and in another case, the patient died of heart failure 8 months after the procedure. Two target lesion restenosis occurred during the follow-up. Because the patients' symptom was not sever, no procedure was taken.@*CONCLUSION@#Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using Rotarex catheter is safe and effective in treating acute lower limb ischemia. For one side, it can restore blood flow to the affected limbs quickly, and for the other, it has the characteristics of minimally invasive and good repeatability. So it should be considered that this me-thod can be widely used for acute lower limb ischemia.

Application of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating in-stent restenosis of lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the role of Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system in treating instent restenosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 7 in-stent restenosis (ISR) cases of lower extremity PAD from June 2017 to Dec 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 2 females and the mean age was (70.0±7.6) years from 59.0 to 76.0 years. All the cases were treated by Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system. In the 7 cases, time interval from the previous stent implantation to ischemia recurrence was 1.0 to 72.0 months, and the median time was 6.0 months. The period from ischemia recurrence to endovascular therapy was 3 days to 2 years, and the median time was 62 days. Rotarex mechanical debulking catheter and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were used in all the cases, and the stent was used only when it was necessary. Anticoagulation was used for 24 hours after procedures and then antiplatelet agents were used as usual. Doppler ultrasonography was taken during the followed-up.@*RESULTS@#All the 7 cases were successful in technology, 3 of which were implanted with new stents for the fracture of the old ones. while for the other four cases, no new stent was implanted. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.31±0.08 to 0.86±0.08 after treatment (t=-12.84, P < 0.001). Thrombectomy was applied urgently in one case because of acute thrombosis in the stent, and the result was good. There was no other complications in hospital. All the patients were followed up for 5.0-22.0 months, and the median time was 14.0 months. No death and amputation occurred during the follow-up. One patient stopped antiplatelet agents because of gastrointestinal bleeding, which resulted in acute thrombosis. in-stent restenosis reappeared in 3 cases.@*CONCLUSION@#Debulking using Rotarex catheter is safe and effective in treating in-stent restenosis of PAD, especially in reducing stents implantation, but is not good at dealing with old thrombus and proliferating intima, and can do nothing about fractured stents and hyperplasia of intima, so it needs to be combined with stents and drug coated balloons.

EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation in non-small cell lung cancer: classification and clinical treatment research / 药学学报

In recent years, targeted therapy has become the standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but this treatment method has very limited effect on patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutation. This insertion mutation is the third most common mutation in EGFR. It shrinks the drug binding pocket and gives tumors inherent resistance to available EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), resulting in the limited efficiency of the first and second generation of EGFR tyrosine. So far, no targeted therapy has been approved for NSCLC patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, and there are still no drugs that have met clinical needs. In this case, new treatment strategies using new EGFR TKIs or bispecific antibodies may establish new treatment standards for these patients in the future. In this review, we will summarize all relevant exon 20 insertions reported so far on the structure of EGFR and its influence on EGFR inhibitor sensitivity, as well as the treatment strategies of exon 20 insertions in NSCLC patients, hoping to be a clinical treatment for reference.

Research advances on high-intensity interval training and cognitive function / 生理学报

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has proven to be a time-saving and efficient exercise strategy. Compared with traditional aerobic exercise, it can provide similar or even better health benefits. In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that HIIT could be used as a potential exercise rehabilitation therapy to improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity, diabetes, stroke, dementia and other diseases. HIIT may be superior to regular aerobic exercise. This article reviews the recent research progress on HIIT with a focus on its beneficial effect on brain cognitive function and the underlying mechanisms. HIIT may become an effective exercise for the prevention and/or improvement of brain cognitive disorder.

Analysis of key genes and their expression characteristics related to terpenoid biosynthesis in Tussilago farfara based on transcriptome sequencing / 中草药

Objective: To screen candidate genes involved in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway of Tussilago farfara. Methods: The transcriptome of buds and leaves of wild T. farfara were respectively sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput sequencing platform. The clean reads were de novo assembled by Trinity software, and the assembled sequences then followed by a series of bioinformatics analysis such as gene function annotation and differential expression gene. According to sequence annotation and differentially expressed genes analysis, the key enzyme genes related to the terpenoid biosynthesis were identified. Results: After high through-put sequencing, a total of 39 912 371 clean reads were obtained (SRA accession: SRR9113366, SRR9113367). The clean reads were then assembled into 91 118 unigenes. A total of 55 830 unigenes were annotated by a similarity search against NR, Swiss-Port, GO, COG, KEGG five public databases. Base on KEGG annotation and differentially expressed genes, totally 129 catalytic enzyme genes referring to the terpenoid biosynthesis were identified, including 91 terpenoid backbone biosynthesis genes, 32 terpene synthases, and 6 cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes. Among them, 25 genes were differentially expressed. The expression of four enzyme genes in MVA pathway in leaves were higher than that in buds, while the five enzyme genes in MEP pathway were lower in leaves than that in buds. In addition, 10 genes were highly expressed in leaves, and nine genes were highly expressed in buds. According to the high expression of differentially expressed HMGR, TPS, AS, CYP450 genes in buds, it was speculated that these genes may be related to the high content of terpenoids in flower buds. Conclusion: This work obtained candidate key enzyme genes that may be involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoid by transcriptome sequencing. The results laid a foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of terpenoid biosynthetic pathway in T. farfara.

A clinical analysis of 14 cases of prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and survival of prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential.@*METHODS@#Overall 14 patients with prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential were treated from October 2008 to April 2020, the patient age ranged from 27 to 78 years (mean 54 years). The disease duration was 1 to 180 months (mean duration of 46 months). The clinical manifestations mainly included urinary obstructive symptoms and urethral irritating symptoms. The tumors were located in the peripheral zone or the transition zone. Digital rectum examination indicated prostatic tumor. Serum prostatic specific antigen level was always normal or elevated. Transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated prostatic tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging in showed large, round, well-defined masses, which were diffusely heterogeneous signal on T2 weighted imaging. Following the administration of intravenous contrast medium, the lesion had diffuse and heterogeneous enhancement.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 3 cases underwent prostate biopsy, 2 cases underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, 9 cases underwent radical excision or transurethral resection of the prostate with definite diagnosis of pathologic features. Under the light microscope, the interstitial cells of stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential were overgrowth and fusiform cells showed some degree of pleomorphism, nuclei with few mitotic figures, and necrosis was not often seen. Immunohistochemical staining showed that prostate specific antigen was negative, while vimentin was positive in the tumor tissue, CD34, progesterone receptor and smooth muscle actin were positive in the majority, and Ki67 positive index was 1%-20% (mean 6%). Twelve cases were followed-up, and the time of survival varied from 10 to 96 months (mean 65 months), two cases were lost to the follow-up, one case died of disease at the end of 10 months, nine cases were free of disease recurrence after surgery, two cases underwent more transurethral resection of the prostate due to local recurrence.@*CONCLUSION@#STUMP is a very rare tumor of the specialized prostatic stroma with an unpredictable clinical behavior. The clinical manifestations, transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are valuable for the diagnosis of prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Its definite diagnosis depends on pathological examination. Up to now, early surgery and combined therapy are effective treatments for prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential.

Effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on gestational diseases and pregnancy outcomes / 上海预防医学

Objective To explore the effect of body mass index before pregnancy on various gestational diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods Related cohort studies at home and abroad from 2014 to 2019 in China, the United States, Canada, Vietnam and Indonesia were reviewed to evaluate the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on the risk of gestational disease and pregnancy outcomes.The number of 773 articles was collected and 8 cohort studies were selected in accordance with the inclusion criteria for this study. Results Low pre-pregnancy BMI could significantly increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (OR=7.1, 95%CI:2.7-13.6), acute renal failure (OR=1.6, 95%CI:0.1-5.3), low birth weight (OR=3.1, 95%CI:1.5-6.2), less than gestational age (OR=2.9, 95%CI: 1.9-4.5) and so on.High pre-pregnancy BMI could significantly increase the risk of preeclampsia (OR=1.09, 95%CI:1.04- 1.14), gestational hypertension (OR=5.49-11.42), cesarean section (OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.80-2.08), obstetric complications (OR=4.4-8.2), fetal macrosomia (OR=2.36, 95%CI:2.15-2.59) and other diseases.Spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy were significantly associated with abnormal pre-pregnancy BMI (too high or too low). Conclusion Pre-pregnancy BMI is significantly associated with severe maternal diseases such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes like premature birth, abnormal birth weight, cesarean section.It suggests that more population-based prospective cohort studies are needed in this field to provide stronger evidence for pre-pregnancy weight management.

Development and polymorphism analysis of SSR molecular markers in Tussilago farfara transcriptome / 中草药

Objective: The SSR loci information in the transcriptome of Tussilago farfara was analyzed and specific primers were designed, so as to provide powerful tools for molecular marker-assisted breeding in this plant. Methods: SSR loci in 18 938 unigenes with length of 1 kb or more obtained by transcriptome sequencing were searched by using MISA. SSR primers were designed by Primer3 and 55 pairs were randomly selected for the polymorphic analysis on 18 samples collected from different habitats. Results: A total of 4 688 SSRs were detected in the transcriptome of T. farfara, distributed in 3 844 unigenes with the distribution frequency of 24.75%. SSR loci occurred every 7 979 bp. Trinucleotide repeats appeared to be the most abundant SSRs with a frequency of 37.12%, followed by mononucleotide (32.36%) and dinucleotide (28.20%). Among all 60 repeat motifs, A/T (31.42%), AG/CT (12.80%), and ATC/ATG (9.62%) were the predominant repeat types. For validating the availability of the SSR primers, 55 pairs of primers were randomly selected for polymorphism analysis. Among them, 42 pairs (76.36%) produced clear and reproductive bands and 14 pairs showed polymorphism. Eighteen plants were divided into three groups by UPGMA. Conclusion: The SSR markers in the transcriptome of T. farfara show high frequency, rich type, and high polymorphism, which will provide the abundant candidate markers for genetic diversity, genetic mapping construction and marker-assisted breeding study for this plant.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physicaL activity in earLy pregnancy reduces risk of gestationaL diabetes meLLitus / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in early pregnancy on the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Sichuan Province. Methods A case-control study was performed on 1 508 gravidas at 8-14 gestational weeks in Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children from February to July, 2017. Baseline information during early pregnancy was collected through questionnaires. Information on time and intensity of physical activity were collected through pregnancy physical activity questionnaire. The time spent in MVPA was calculated and was categorized as active ( ≥ 3.5 h/week) or inactive MVPA (<3.5 h/week). Based on self-reported pre-pregnancy weights collected by questionnaire as well as the measured heights, body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was calculated. After a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 gestational weeks, all subjects were divided into GDM (n=561) or non-GDM group (n=947), according to the GDM diagnostic criteria of the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pregnancy Diabetes in China (2014). Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the time of MVPA in early pregnancy and GDM incidence. ResuLts The median time spent in MVPA [M(P25-P75)] in early pregnancy was 3.00 (0.50-3.12) h/week, and 345 gravidas (22.9%) were classified as active in MVPA. After the control of confounding factors such as age, gravidity and parity history, and pre-pregnancy BMI, the multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the inactive group, the risk of GDM of active MVPA gravidas was reduced by 26.1% (OR=0.739, 95%CI: 0.553-0.989, P=0.042). Among primigravidas and primiparae, the risk of GDM in active MVPA gravidas was decreased by 47.6% and 44.3% than the inactive ones, respectively (primigravidas: OR=0.524, 95%CI: 0.297-0.925, P=0.026; primiparae: OR=0.557, 95%CI: 0.357-0.868, P=0.010). ConcLusions Insufficient physical activity in early pregnancy is common in gravidas in Sichuan, China. The risk of GDM could be reduced if the frequency of MVPA during early pregnancy is no less than 3.5 h/week, especially in primigravidas and primiparae.

Saponins isolated from Schizocapsa plantaginea inhibit human hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in vivo and in vitro via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling / 中国天然药物

The underground cane of Schizocapsa plantaginea (Hance) has long been used by Chinese ethnic minority as a constituent of anti-cancer formulae. Saponins are abundant secondary metabolic products located in the underground cane of this plant. The potential therapeutic effects of total saponins isolated from Schizocapsa plantaginea (Hance) (SSPH) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were tested in vitro in human liver cancer cell lines, SMMC-7721 and Bel-7404. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined using flow cytometry, caspase activation was determined by ELISA, and PARP, cleaved PARP, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression and phosphorylation were measured using Western blotting analysis. In vivo anti-HCC effects of SSPH were verified in nude mouse xenograft model. SSPH exerted markedly inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation in time- and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, SSPH significantly induced apoptosis through caspase-dependent signaling and arrested cell cycle at G/M phase. These anti-proliferation effects of SSPH were associated with up-regulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (Erk1/2) and c-jun-NH2-kinase-1/2 (JNK1/2) and reduced phosphorylation of p38MAPK. Furthermore, inhibitors of ERK, UO126, and JNK, SP600125 inhibited the anti-proliferation effects by SSPH, suggesting that Erk and JNK were the effector molecules in SSPH induced anti-proliferative action. During in vivo experiments, SSPH was found to inhibit xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, with a similar mechanism in vitro. Our study confirmed that SSPH exerted antagonistic effects on human liver cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular mechanisms underlying SSPH action might be closely associated with MAPK signaling pathways. These results indicated that SSPH has potential therapeutic effects on HCC.

Analysis on SSR information in transcriptome of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and its polymorphism / 中国中药杂志

In order to enrich the library of SSR and provide more powerful tools for molecular marker-assisted breeding in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci in its transcriptome were searched in 18 040 unigenes (>=1 kb) by using MISA. SSR loci information was analyzed and SSR primers were designed by Primer 3. Furthermore, 110 pairs of primers were randomly selected for the polymorphic analysis on 20 plants collected from different habitats. A total of 5 640 SSRs were found in the transcriptome of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, distributed in 4 462 unigenes with the distribution frequency of 31.26%. SSR loci occurred every 6 514 bp. Mono-nucleotide repeat was the main type, accounted for as much as 36.72% of all SSRs, followed by tri-nucleotide(32.57%) and di-nucleotide(27.73%) repeat motif. Among all 75 repeat types, A/T(2 026) was the predominant one followed by AG/CT(1 179), AAG/CTT(477). For validating the availability of the SSR primers designed using Primer 3, 110 pairs of primers were randomly selected for PCR amplification. Among them, 97 pairs of primers (88.18%) produced clear and reproductive bands. Using 19 pairs of primers showed polymorphism, 20 plants were divded into two groups by UPGMA. There are numerous SSRs in A. membranaceus var. mongholicus transcriptome with high frequency and various types, this will provide the abundant candidate molecular markers for genetic diversity, molecular identification, and marker-assisted breeding study for this plant.

Analysis of genetic characteristics of BABL/c mutant curly mice by microsatellite DNA markers / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective BALB/c mutant curly mice and normal BALB/c mice were genetically detected by microsatellite DNA marker analysis to detect the differential microsatellite loci between BALB/c mutant curly mice and normal mice.Methods 38 microsatellite DNA loci were selected and their variation in the BALB/c mutant curly mice, BALB/c mutant hairless mice and normal BALB/c mice were detected by multiplex fluorescence PCR and STR scanning genotyping.Results There were 27 the same microsatellite loci between the 38 microsatellite loci in BALB/c mutant curly mice and normal mice,and there were 11 differential loci, with a mutation rate of 28.9%(11/38). There were 30 the same sites between BABL/c mutant hairless mice and normal mice,and there were 8 different loci,with a mutation rate of 21.1%(8/38). There were also 12 differential loci between BABL/c mutant curly mice and hairless mice. Conclusions BALB/c mutant curly mice have a higher mutation rate and are significantly higher than those of hairless mice,demonstrating that the mutations in curly mice and hairless mice are two completely different mutations. These results provide reliable theoretical data for the future study and development of BALB/c mutant curly mice.

Effects of portal hypertension on endotoxin levels in serum and intestinal mucosa in rats / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To study the effects of simple portal hypertension on the endotoxin levels in serum and intestinal mucosa of rats. Methods A total of 16 rats were divided into the blank control group (4 rats) and the model groups (3-day group, 7-day group and 10-day group, 4 rats in each group). The rat model of partial portal vein ligation was established in the model groups, and samples of blood and jejunum, ileum and colon of the rats were taken on the 3rd, 7th and 10th days, respectively. Changes in the serum endotoxin levels were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes of the intestinal tissues were examined by HE staining. Results The rat model of partial portal vein ligation was successfully established in all the model groups. The serum levels of endotoxin on the 3rd, 7th and 10th days in the model groups were not significantly different from that in the normal control group. Damages of different intestinal segments were not serious on the 3rd day after modeling. However, on the 7th day after modeling, there were some sowllen and damaged intestinal villi in the intestinal mucosa of each intestinal segment, and the connection between the epithelial cells and the lamina propria was broken, compared with that at 3 days after modeling. In addition, there were obvious damages in the intestinal mucosa and lamina propria on the 10th day, compared with that at 3 d and 7 d after modeling. Conclusions In the case of normal liver function, portal hypertension can cause intestinal mucosal damages within a short period of time, but the amount of endotoxin produced by intestine does not exceed the processing capacity of the liver and thus does not cause an increase in the serum endotoxin level.

Anti-influenza Virus Activity of Jin Qiao Tablets in Vivo / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To study the antiviral effect of Jin Qiao Tablets on influenza A H1N1 virus in vivo. Methods The mouse pneumonia model was established by nasal inhalation of 15 LD50 of influenza virus. After prophylactic or therapeutic medication for 5 d,mouse lung tissue was taken out and weighed. Viral load in lung tissue was measured by polymerse chain reaction(PCR),and the level of γ-interferon(γ-IFN)in rat serum and lung was detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)for evaluating the effect of Jin Qiao Tablets on lung index, viral load and γ-IFN in rats. After prophylactic or therapeutic medication for 7 d,morbidity and mortality within 14 d of mice with pneumonia induced by nasal inhalation of 3 LD50 were observed to evaluate the action of Jin Qiao Tablets for protecting against death and prolonging life span. Results Jin Qiao Tablets markedly decreased the increased lung index,promoted the death-protection rate and life-prolongation rate, decreased viral load, raised the level of γ-IFN in mice (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Experimental results in vivo showed that Jin Qiao Tablets had better anti-influenza virus activity than Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets and Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, and the effect of Jin Qiao Tablets was equivalent to that of Tamiflu. The prophylactic effect of Jin Qiao Tablets was stronger than the therapeutic effect, but there was no significant difference between them. Conclusion Jin Qiao Tablets have obvious effect against influenza A H1N1 virus in vivo.

Saponins isolated from Schizocapsa plantaginea inhibit human hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in vivo and in vitro via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling / 中国天然药物

The underground cane of Schizocapsa plantaginea (Hance) has long been used by Chinese ethnic minority as a constituent of anti-cancer formulae. Saponins are abundant secondary metabolic products located in the underground cane of this plant. The potential therapeutic effects of total saponins isolated from Schizocapsa plantaginea (Hance) (SSPH) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were tested in vitro in human liver cancer cell lines, SMMC-7721 and Bel-7404. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined using flow cytometry, caspase activation was determined by ELISA, and PARP, cleaved PARP, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression and phosphorylation were measured using Western blotting analysis. In vivo anti-HCC effects of SSPH were verified in nude mouse xenograft model. SSPH exerted markedly inhibitory effect on HCC cell proliferation in time- and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, SSPH significantly induced apoptosis through caspase-dependent signaling and arrested cell cycle at G/M phase. These anti-proliferation effects of SSPH were associated with up-regulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (Erk1/2) and c-jun-NH2-kinase-1/2 (JNK1/2) and reduced phosphorylation of p38MAPK. Furthermore, inhibitors of ERK, UO126, and JNK, SP600125 inhibited the anti-proliferation effects by SSPH, suggesting that Erk and JNK were the effector molecules in SSPH induced anti-proliferative action. During in vivo experiments, SSPH was found to inhibit xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, with a similar mechanism in vitro. Our study confirmed that SSPH exerted antagonistic effects on human liver cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular mechanisms underlying SSPH action might be closely associated with MAPK signaling pathways. These results indicated that SSPH has potential therapeutic effects on HCC.