Hyperspectral imaging technology distinguishes between Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Caulis / 中国中药杂志

Puerariae Lobatae Radix, the dried root of Pueraria lobata, is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Puerariae Lobatae Caulis as an adulterant is always mixed into Puerariae Lobatae Radix for sales in the market. This study employed hyperspectral imaging(HSI) to distinguish between the two products. VNIR lens(spectral scope of 410-990 nm) and SWIR lens(spectral scope of 950-2 500 nm) were used for image acquiring. Multi-layer perceptron(MLP), partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), and support vector machine(SVM) were employed to establish the full-waveband models and select the effective wavelengths for the distinguishing between Puerariae Lobatae Caulis and Puerariae Lobatae Radix, which provided technical and data support for the development of quick inspection equipment based on HSI. The results showed that MLP model outperformed PLS-DA and SVM models in the accuracy of discrimination with full wavebands in VNIR, SWIR, and VNIR+SWIR lens, which were 95.26%, 99.11%, and 99.05%, respectively. The discriminative band selection(DBS) algorithm was employed to select the effective wavelengths, and the discrimination accuracy was 93.05%, 98.05%, and 98.74% in the three different spectral scopes, respectively. On this basis, the MLP model combined with the effective wavelengths within the range of 2 100-2 400 nm can achieve the accuracy of 97.74%, which was close to that obtained with the full waveband. This waveband can be used to develop quick inspection devices based on HSI for the rapid and non-destructive distinguishing between Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Lobatae Caulis.

AKR1C2 Promotes Metastasis and Regulates the Molecular Features of Luminal Androgen Receptor Subtype in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have an increased risk of distant metastasis compared to those with other subtypes. In this study, we aimed to identify the genes associated with distant metastasis in TNBC and their underlying mechanisms. @*Methods@#We established patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models using surgically resected breast cancer tissues from 31 patients with TNBC. Among these, 15 patients subsequently developed distant metastases. Candidate metastasis-associated genes were identified using RNA sequencing. In vitro wound healing, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays and in vivo tumor xenograft and metastasis assays were performed to determine the functional importance of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C2 (AKR1C2). Additionally, we used the METABRIC dataset to investigate the potential role of AKR1C2 in regulating TNBC subtypes and their downstream signaling activities. @*Results@#RNA sequencing of primary and PDX tumors showed that genes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, including AKR1C2, were significantly upregulated in patients who subsequently developed metastasis. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that silencing of AKR1C2 resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth, and incidence of lung metastasis. AKR1C2 was upregulated in the luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype of TNBC in the METABRIC dataset, and AKR1C2 silencing resulted in the downregulation of LAR classifier genes in TNBC cell lines. The androgen receptor (AR) gene was a downstream mediator of AKR1C2-associated phenotypes in TNBC cells. AKR1C2 expression was associated with gene expression pathways that regulate AR expression, including JAK-STAT signaling or interleukin 6 (IL-6). The levels of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription and IL-6, along with secreted IL-6, were significantly downregulated in AKR1C2-silenced TNBC cells. @*Conclusion@#Our data indicate that AKR1C2 is an important regulator of cancer growth and metastasis in TNBC and may be a critical determinant of LAR subtype features.

Acoustic and Magnetic Stimuli-Based Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Platform for Tissue Engineering

In a conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture method, cells are attached to the bottom of the culture dish and grow into a monolayer. These 2D culture methods are easy to handle, cost-effective, reproducible, and adaptable to growing many different types of cells. However, monolayer 2D cell culture conditions are far from those of natural tissue, indicating the need for a threedimensional (3D) culture system. Various methods, such as hanging drop, scaffolds, hydrogels, microfluid systems, and bioreactor systems, have been utilized for 3D cell culture. Recently, external physical stimulation-based 3D cell culture platforms, such as acoustic and magnetic forces, were introduced. Acoustic waves can establish acoustic radiation force, which can induce suspended objects to gather in the pressure node region and aggregate to form clusters. Magnetic targeting consists of two components, a magnetically responsive carrier and a magnetic field gradient source. In a magnetic-based 3D cell culture platform, cells are aggregated by changing the magnetic force. Magnetic fields can manipulate cells through two different methods: positive magnetophoresis and negative magnetophoresis. Positive magnetophoresis is a way of imparting magnetic properties to cells by labeling them with magnetic nanoparticles. Negative magnetophoresis is a label-free principle-based method. 3D cell structures, such as spheroids, 3D network structures, and cell sheets, have been successfully fabricated using this acoustic and magnetic stimuli-based 3D cell culture platform. Additionally, fabricated 3D cell structures showed enhanced cell behavior, such as differentiation potential and tissue regeneration. Therefore, physical stimuli-based 3D cell culture platforms could be promising tools for tissue engineering.

Advance in research on genetic polymorphisms associated with athletic ability / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Genetic factors play a key role in human athletic ability, and endurance quality and explosive power quality are the important components of athletic ability. In this review, we aimed to reveal the biological genetic mechanism of human athletic ability at the molecular level through summarizing the relationship between genetic variants and human athletic ability, including endurance quality related genetic markers angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, creatine kinase MM (CKMM) gene and explosive power quality related genetic markers alpha actinin 3 (ACTN3) gene, angiotensinogen (AGT) gene and interleukin6 (IL6) gene. Meanwhile, we also summarized the distribution of allele frequencies among various populations.

Progress of research on polymorphisms of common drug metabolism related genes among various populations in China / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Genetic background can lead to differences in drug effects among different populations when they use the same drug. To delineate the pharmacogenomics and population genetic differences may help to clarify the role of polymorphisms of drug metabolism-related genes in drug effect heterogeneity among different populations. This article has summarized the latest progress on the polymorphisms of drug metabolism-related genes among different populations in China.

The characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD) and provide the basis for the psychosomatic comprehensive treatment.@*Methods@#Cartel Personality Test (16PF), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), HAMA, HDMD, SAS and SDS were used to evaluate personality and mental state in patients with PPPD(PPPD group, n=65) and control group(n=63). Dizziness handicap inventory(DHI) was used to evaluate the degree of vertigo.The correlation analysis was carried out between the DHI scores and 16-PF, SCL-90 factor scores.@*Results@#(1)16PF factor scores: the factor scores of assertiveness(8.50±1.84), excitability (6.59±1.73), boldness (7.46±1.78), sensitivity (7.25±1.79), doubtfulness (6.55±1.74), fantasy(6.20±1.60), anxiety(7.67±1.61) and tension(6.81±1.67)in PPPD group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The gregariousness (4.38±1.65), intelligence (4.51±1.67), stability (3.51±1.75), independence (4.39±1.56) and self-discipline (4.70±1.82) factor scores in PPPD group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2)SCL-90 factor scores: the factor scores of somatization(1.62±0.40), anxiety (1.64±0.56), interpersonal sensitivity (1.79±0.42), terrifying(1.71±0.53), total points(150.77±21.60), total average score (1.62±0.51) in PPPD group were higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). There were no differences in obsessive-compulsive (1.50±0.55), depression (1.45±0.44), hostility (1.69±0.60), paranoia (1.76±0.53), somatization (1.42±0.49) and psychotic (1.29±0.35) between PPPD group and the control group (all P>0.05). (3)The factor scores of HAMA(9.08±1.77) and SAS(37.88±2.96)in patients with PPPD were higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in HAMD (6.19±2.82) and SDS (36.36±4.71) scores between PPPD group and control group (all P>0.05). (4)The DHI scores were positively correlated with assertiveness, sensitivity, tension and doubtfulness factors of 16PF.The DHI scores were positively correlated with somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety and terrifying factors of SCL-90.@*Conclusion@#Patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness suffer from personality changes, mental disorders and anxiety disorder.

The characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD) and provide the basis for the psychosomatic comprehen-sive treatment. Methods Cartel Personality Test (16PF),Symptom Checklist 90 ( SCL-90),HAMA,HD-MD,SAS and SDS were used to evaluate personality and mental state in patients with PPPD(PPPD group,n=65) and control group(n=63). Dizziness handicap inventory(DHI) was used to evaluate the degree of ver-tigo. The correlation analysis was carried out between the DHI scores and 16-PF,SCL-90 factor scores. Re-sults (1)16PF factor scores:the factor scores of assertiveness(8. 50±1. 84),excitability (6. 59±1. 73), boldness (7. 46±1. 78),sensitivity (7. 25±1. 79),doubtfulness (6. 55±1. 74),fantasy(6. 20±1. 60),anxie-ty(7. 67±1. 61) and tension(6. 81±1. 67) in PPPD group were higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant ( all P<0. 05). The gregariousness (4. 38± 1. 65), intelligence (4. 51±1. 67),stability (3. 51±1. 75),independence (4. 39±1. 56) and self-discipline (4. 70±1. 82) fac-tor scores in PPPD group were lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically sig-nificant (all P<0. 05). ( 2) SCL-90 factor scores:the factor scores of somatization ( 1. 62 ± 0. 40),anxiety (1. 64±0. 56),interpersonal sensitivity ( 1. 79 ± 0. 42),terrifying ( 1. 71 ± 0. 53),total points ( 150. 77 ± 21. 60),total average score (1. 62±0. 51) in PPPD group were higher than those in control group (all P< 0. 05). There were no differences in obsessive-compulsive (1. 50±0. 55),depression (1. 45±0. 44),hostility (1. 69±0. 60),paranoia (1. 76±0. 53),somatization (1. 42±0. 49) and psychotic ( 1. 29±0. 35) between PPPD group and the control group (all P>0. 05). ( 3) The factor scores of HAMA( 9. 08±1. 77) and SAS (37. 88±2. 96)in patients with PPPD were higher than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in HAMD (6. 19±2. 82) and SDS (36. 36±4. 71) scores between PPPD group and control group (all P>0. 05). (4)The DHI scores were posi-tively correlated with assertiveness,sensitivity,tension and doubtfulness factors of 16PF. The DHI scores were positively correlated with somatization,interpersonal sensitivity,anxiety and terrifying factors of SCL-90. Con-clusion Patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness suffer from personality changes,mental disor-ders and anxiety disorder.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominal plane and posterior rectus sheath block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing radical resection for gastric cancer / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominal plane (TAP) and posterior rectus sheath (PRS) block for postoperative analgesia in the patients undergoing radical resection for gastric cancer.Methods One hundred twenty patients of both sexes,aged 18-64 yr,with body mass index of 19-25 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ,scheduled for elective radical resection for gastric cancer,were divided into 2 groups (n =60 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and ultrasound-guided TAP and PRS block group (group T+R).Bilateral TAP (0.375％ ropivacaine 0.5 ml/kg was injected) and PRS block (0.375％ ropivacaine 0.3 ml/kg was injected) were performed before induction of general anesthesia in group T+R.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was provided to all the patients after surgery in the two groups,and the visual analog scale score at rest and during activity was maintained less than 4 within 48 h after surgery.The requirement for rescue analgesia within 48 h after surgery and occurrence of adverse reactions during the analgesia period were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the requirement for rescue analgesia within 48 h after surgery and incidence of nausea and vomiting were significantly decreased in group T+R (P＜0.05).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided TAP and PRS block provides better efficacy for postoperative analgesia with less adverse reactions in the patients undergoing radical resection for gastric cancer.

Effect of Huangjiao Granule on Inflammatory Factors and Apoptosis-related Proteins in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of Huangjiao granule on inflammatory factors and apoptosis-related proteins in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham operation group, model group and Huangjiao granule group, with ten rats in each group, and ten rats standby. The cerebral ischemia for two hours and reperfusion model was established by suture method. The sham operation group and the model group were given saline 10 ml/kg intragastrically 30 minutes before operation. The Huangjiao granule group was given Huangjiao granule solution 10 ml/kg (the content of crude drug was 1 g/ml) intragastrically 30 minutes before ischemia-reperfusion. Longa scoring method was used to evaluate the neurological function score 24 hours after reperfusion, while the percentage of cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining, the pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed by HE staining, the cell apoptosis of brain tissue was detected with TUNEL, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum were detected by ELISA, the expression of cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 9, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins of brain tissue was evaluated by Western blotting.Results Compared with the model group, the neurological score decreased, the percentage of cerebral infarction volume and the apoptosis rate of the brain tissue decreased in Huangjiao granule group (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and the expression of cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 9 and Bax proteins of brain tissues significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of Bcl-2 protein of brain tissues inreased in Huangjiao granule group (P<0.05).Conclusion The protective effect of Huangjiao granule on rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response and the reduction of apoptosis.

Bilateral transversus abdominis plane block combined with bilateral rectus sheath block ofpatients under-going laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB)combined with bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB)in abdominal surgery. Methods Ninety ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,35 males,55 females,aged 19-79 years,with body mass index 18-30 kg/m2 ,scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups(n=30):ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB combined with bilateral RSB group (group TR),ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB group (group T),patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA)group (group P).In group TR,ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB were performed with 20 ml of 0.22% ropivacaine mesylate injection in each side and ultrasound-guided bilateral RSB were per-formed with 10 ml of 0.22% ropivacaine mesylate injection in each side before surgery.In group T, ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB were performed with 20 ml of 0.22% ropivacaine mesylate injection in each side and ultrasound-guided bilateral RSB were performed with 10 ml of NS in each side before surgery.In group P,ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB were performed with 20 ml of NS in each side and ultrasound-guided bilateral RSB were performed with 10 ml of NS in each side before surgery, and PCIA was applied in group P.BP,HR,SpO2 were observed when patients were sent into the op-erating room, 2 minutes before trocar puncture, and 2 minutes after trocar puncture, the consumption of propofol and remifentanil used during the surgery were recorded.The score of visual analogue scale (VAS)during rest and movement were recorded at 2,6,12,24 h after surgery.The patient analgesia satisfaction and the adverse reactions were recorded.Results Compared with group T and group P,group TR had less change of BP before and after trocar puncture(P <0.05).The VAS score was significantly lower in group TR after operation(P <0.05).There were no statistical significant differences of VAS score at 24 h after operation among the three groups.The patient anal-gesia satisfaction was significantly better in group TR than other two groups (P < 0.05 ). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block combined with bilateral rectus sheath block is of safety and much efficacy of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Expression, purification of recombinant cationic peptide AIK in Escherichia coli and its antitumor activity / 生物工程学报

AIK is a novel cationic peptide with potential antitumor activity. In order to construct the AIK expression vector by Gateway technology, and establish an optimal expression and purification method for recombinant AIK, a set of primers containing AttB sites were designed and used to create the AttB-TEV-FLAG-AIR fusion gene by overlapping PCR. The resulting fusion gene was cloned into the donor vector pDONR223 by attB and attP mediated recombination (BP reaction), then, transferred into the destination vector pDESTl 5 by attL and attR mediated recombination (LR reaction). All the cloning was verified by both colony PCR and DNA sequencing. The BL21 F. coli transformed by the GST-AIR expression plasmid was used to express the GST-AIK fusion protein with IPTG induction and the induction conditions were optimized. GST-AIR fusion protein was purified by glutathione magnetic beads, followed by rTEV cleavage to remove GST tag and MTS assay to test the growth inhibition activity of the recombinant AIR on human leukemia HL-60 cells. We found that a high level of soluble expression of GST-AIK protein (more than 30% out of the total bacterial proteins) was achieved upon 0.1 mmol/L ITPG induction for 4 h at 37 °C in the transformed BL21 F. coli with starting OD₆₀₀ at 1.0. Through GST affinity purification and rTEV cleavage, the purity of the resulting recombinant AIK was greater than 95%. And the MTS assays on HL-60 cells confirmed that the recombinant AIK retains an antitumor activity at a level similar to the chemically synthesized AIK. Taken together, we have established a method for expression and purification of recombinant AIK with a potent activity against tumor cells, which will be beneficial for the large-scale production and application of recombinant AIK in the future.

Three-dimensional motion analysis of dominant and nondominant hands under weight-bearing conditions in health elderly people / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Differences exist between the action execution of the dominant hand and the nondominant hand during daily lives. With the increasing of the age, the dominant hand and the nondominant hand play an equaly important role in the action execution and implementation during daily lives. Previous studies mainly focus on the muscle strength of upper limbs. However, studies on the influence of joint dynamic characteristics and trajectory deviation on the occupational activities have been increased gradualy. The three-dimension motion capture and analysis have become the reliable and valid standard of the assessment of the upper limb movement. OBJECTIVE:By using the three-dimensional kinematic analyze method, to colect the data of the healthy elderly people using the upper limbs to drink water respectively with the cups of different weights and to investigate whether there is a difference between dominant and nondominant hands under different weight-bearing conditions based on upper limb kinematics METHODS: Sixteen right-handed elder people were chosen to be the experimental subjects. The upper limb motion of drinking water with different weight was captured by Vicon Nexus. By Data modeling and trajectory filtering with pipeline and data normalizing with the Matlab, the three-dimensional angle and peak value of the velocity of the should, elbow and wrist joint in the bilateral upper limbs were analyzed and compared when lifting the cups of 100, 200 and 500 g. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The most significant difference could be found in the three-dimensional movement angle of the elbow joint when holding the weights: there were significant differences in 100 g horizontal plane (X axis) and sagittal plane (Z axis), 200 g frontal plane (Y axis) and sagittal plane (Z axis), and 500 g three-dimensional plane (P 0.05). These results show that there is a difference in the movement angle and angular velocity between the dominant hand and the nondominant hand when drinking water. A great change of movement angle could be found in the X axis of the elbow joint in the dominant hand, and a great change of the movement angle could be found in the Z axis of the elbow joint in the nondominant hand. The angluar velocity in the Y axis has better changes than in the Z axis. The size of the weights has no effect on the movement of bilateral upper limbs.

Effect of dicoumarol on expression of serum TNF-αin patients with acute cerebral infarction / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate effect of dicoumarol on the expression of serum tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α) in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods Eighty cases patients with acute cerebral infarction were admitted and randomly divided into two groups by digital draw:control group and observation group, 40 cases in each group.The control group were given conventional therapy for treatment of acute cerebral infarction, and observation group were given dicoumarol thrombolysis on the basis of control group.The serum TNF-αlevel and neurologic impairment score were compared between two groups pre-and post-treatment.Results After treatment of 6 h, the serum TNF-αlevel in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05).After treatment of 24 h, 48 h and 30 d, there were no significant differences of serum TNF-αlevels between two groups.After treatment of 5 d, 14 d and 28 d, the neurological deficit scores in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Dicoumarol could effectively reduce TNF-αlevels in serum and extent of cerebral cell damage in patients.

Overexpression of p-Stat3 and Mcl-1, and their correlation with differentiation and apoptotic resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-Stat3) and myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) as well as their correlation, and to investigate the functional role of Stat3 and Mcl-1 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Stat3 activity in ESCC cells was inhibited with JAK/Stat3 inhibitors (AG490 or JSI-124). Specific siRNA was used to inhibit the Stat3 expression. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of Mcl-1 protein was determined by Western blotting. Expression of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) and myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) proteins in ESCC tissues was detected by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between p-Stat3 or Mcl-1 aberrant expression and clinicopatholohical features of ESCC was analyzed. The correlation of their expression was also analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Suppression of the Stat3 signaling activation in ESCC cells led to marked apoptosis, and dramatic reduction of Mcl-1 protein. The positive rate of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705) expression was 45.0% in 50/111 of the ESCC tissue samples. The lower the degree of tumor differentiation, the higher the positive rate of phospho-Stat3 (Tyr705), showing a significant difference (P = 0.018). The positive rate of Mcl-1 protein expression was 72.1% (80/111), and the lower the degree of tumor differentiation was, the higher there was the positive rate of Mcl-1, with a significant difference (P = 0.026). There was a positive correlation between the expressions of p-Stat3 and Mcl-1 proteins (P = 0.012).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In a subset of ESCC tissues, p-Stat3 (Tyr705) and Mcl-1 are overexpressed and positively correlated with each other, and both are correlated with tumor differentiation. Persistent activation of Stat3 contributes to apoptotic resistance in ESCC cells, and may be at least partly mediated through upregulation of Mcl-1.</p>

Establishment and practice of the national excellent courses of medical genetics / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In this paper,a number of valuable experiences focusing on teaching idea,cultivation of high-quality teachers and deepening of teaching content and method reform were summarized through exploring the construction and practice of the national excellent course-medical genetics. Aim of the ex-ploration is provide references for the construction and application of national excellent course and its sus-tainable development.

Change of plasma resistin concentration in patients with traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To determine plasma resistin level in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluate its correlations with outcome and inflammatory reaction. Methods Fiftyfour patients with moderate TBI, 71 patients with severe TBI and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were obtained from the healthy controls on physical examination and from the TBI patients on admission. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) was used to determine the plasma resistin concentrations. Results Twenty patients (37.0% ) and 53 patients (74.6% ) with moderate and severe TBI suffered from an unfavorable outcome (defined as GOS score for 1-3 points) three months after TBI respectively. Plasma resistin levels in the patients with moderate and severe TBI were substantially higher than that in the healthy controls ((21. 9 ± 8. 4) ng/ml and (29. 2 ± 9. 6) ng/ml vs (9. 3 ± 2.6) ng/ml, both P ＜0. 01] by using covariance analysis. By using the multivariate linear regression analysis, plasma C-reactive protein level (t =2.212,P =0.035; t =2. 274,P =0. 014) and GCS scores (t =3. 120,P =0.007; t=3.986,P=0.003) were associated with the plasma resistin levels. Logistic regression analysis selected plasma resistin level as an independent predictor for 3-month unfavorable outcome of the patients with moderate and severe TBI (odds ratio = 1. 124, 95% CI = 1. 040-1. 221, P = 0.011; odds ratio = 1. 145, 95% CI = 1. 044-1. 232, P = 0. 009). A receiver operating characteristic curve identified cutoff levels of plasma resistin (22.4 ng/ml and 30.5 ng/ml) that predicted 3-month unfavorable outcome of moderate and severe TBI patients with the high sensitivity (70. 0% and 79. 2% ) and specificity (70.6% and 72.2% ) ( area under curve = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.642-0.829, P = 0.000;area under curve =0.735, 95% CI =0. 671-0. 893, P = 0.000). Conclusions Plasma resistin level is increased after TBI and may be involved in inflammatory response of brain injury. Clinical detection of this indicator can help early determine the prognosis of the TBI patients.

Effects of arsenic trioxide on E2F- 1 and EMAP-Ⅱ of smooth muscle cells of human coronary artery in vitro / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the apoptotic effects of arsenic trioxide on E2F-1 and EMAP-Ⅱ of hu-man coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs). Method HCASMCs proliferated after culturing cells.Cells were divided into 4 groups: control group and arsenic trioxide (4.0μmol/L) 12 h group, 24 h group and 48 h group. Flow cytometry was used for counting number of apoptotic cells, RT-PCR was used for detecting the ex-pression of E2F-1 mRNA and Western blot was employed to get the level of EMAP-Ⅱ. Results Arsenic trioxide inhibited the proliferation of HCASMCs (living cells in 4.0 μmol/L arsenic trioxide were (8.44±0.10)×10~5/mL vs. control (16.44±1.34)×10~5/m (P <0.05), and the 4.0μmol/L arsenic trioxide inhibited proliferation cy-cle via affecting S and G2M phases, while those were not found in control group. E2F-1 mRNA expression was de-creased in 4.0 μmol/L arsenic trioxide group. Western blot test showed EMAP- Ⅱ level was also decreased in 4.0 μmol/L arsenic trioxide group. Conclusions Arsenic trioxide has apoptotic effect on smooth muscle cells of hu-man coronary artery and decrease the expression of E2F-1 mRNA and the level of EMAP- Ⅱ.

Apoptostic effect of arsenic trioxide on human coronary smooth muscle cells in vitro / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of arsenic trioxide on human coronary smooth muscle cells(HCSMCs). Method After the subculture of HCASMCs, cells were divided into 4 groups: control group and three arsenic trioxide (4.0 μmol/L) groups as the arsenic agent co-cultured with cells for 12,24 and 48 h. Flow cytometry and TUNEL were used for counting the ntmnber of cell apoptosis. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of E2F-1 mRNA and Western blot was used to measure the levels of Bcl-2 ond Bax. Results Arsenic trioxide inhibited the proliferation of HCASMCs. When arsenic trioxide was 4.0 μmol/L, the living cells were ( 8.44 ±0.10) × 105/mL,signifiantly than that of control group (16.44 ± 1.34) × 105/mL, P ＜ 0.05. This inhibition of proliferation cycle was produced by affecting S and G2-M phase, which did not appear in the control group. Apoptotic cells increased from 16.0% ± 3.1% to 38.7% ± 2.7% (P ＜ 0.05) detected by TUNEL. The arsenic agnet decreased the Bcl-2 level and increased Bax. The expression of E2F-1 mRNA was decreased in 4.0 μmol/L arsenic trioxide group. Conclusions Arsenic trioxide exerts the apoptotic effect on human coronary smooth muscle cells.

Inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor-β(1) on oral squamous cell carcinoma brain metastasis Tb cell line / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₁ on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) Tb cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cell counting method was used to examine the inhibitory effect of TGF-β₁ on Tb cell and flow cytometry (FCM) assay performed to measure the changes of cell cycle. Superarray was used to screen the changing expression of genes in TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway.RT-PCR method was used to detect the results of Superarray.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TGF-β₁ showed significant inhibiting effect on OSCC Tb cell line. TGF-β₁ blocked the cell cycle at G₁ phase. The expression level of activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ACVRL-1), anti-mullerian hirmine (AMH), cyclim-dependent kinase inhibitor-2B (CDKN-2B) and transforming growth factor-beta-indnced factor (TGIF) was higer in the cells treated with TGF-β₁ than in control, while TDGF-1 expression was down-regulated. ACVRL-1 and CDKN-2B gene expression was consistent with the results of Superarray.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TGF-β₁ can inhibit the growth of OSCC Tb cell line. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of cell cycle and the expression of ACVRL-1 and CDKN-2B in TGF-β₁-Smads signaling pathway.</p>

Y Chromosomal STR Polymorphism in Northern Chinese Populations

Y chromosomal STRs show sufficient variability among individduals in a population and a high degree of geographical differentiation, such that their polymorphic character makes them especially suited for population genetic studies. To investígate the polymorphism of a set of 17 Y-STR loci in northern China, we genotyped the 17 Y chromosomal STR loci in a population sample of 377 unrelated males from eight ethnic populations in northern China. We calculated the haplotype frequencies, Rst value and carried out the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). We then drew the multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) plot and phylogenetic tree based on the Rst value. All populations showed a high level of haplotype diversity, with low inter-population variance as measured by an analysis of molecular variance. However, the genetic distances were significant when the eight populations were compared to other populations. By MDS and the phylogenetic tree, we found that the eight populations had a close relationship and Xibo had a northeast origination.