Research progress on bone metabolism and molecular mechanisms in accelerated aging SAMP6 mice / 中国药理学通报

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is a systemic bone disease characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures. The pathogenesis of SOP is complex and not well understood. Currently, the rapid aging model mouse, senescence accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6), is an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of SOP development and exploring its prevention and treatment. This model exhibits characteristics including increased bone fragility, degradation of bone microstructure, loss of bone matrix, and abnormal metabolism and dysfunction of bone cells, faithfully replicating the process of SOP occurrence and progression at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Pharmacokinetic comparison between Tanreqing Capsules Substitute and Tanreqing Capsules in rats by LC-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

Due to the limited resource of bear bile powder, the major raw material of Tanreqing Capsules(TRQ), cultured bear bile powder is used as a replacement to develop the Tanreqing Capsules Substitute(TRQS). An LC-MS/MS method was established in this study for simultaneous quantitation of 8 compounds from TRQS in rat plasma: tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA), taurocheno-deoxycholic acid(TCDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA), chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA), ferulic acid, wogonoside, baicalin, and forsythoside A. Thereby, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of TRQ and TRQS were evaluated. Concentration of endogenous compounds TUDCA, TCDCA, UDCA, and CDCA was determined with the stable isotope surrogate analytes: D4-TUDCA, D4-TCDCA, D4-UDCA, and D4-CDCA. Plasma samples were extracted by acetonitrile-induced protein precipitation. The LC conditions are as follows: Waters BEH C_(18) column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm), mobile phase of 10 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate aqueous solution(containing 0.01% formic acid) and acetonitrile-methanol mixture(1∶5). MS conditions are as below: multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), ESI~(+/-). Concentration of UDCA, CDCA, TUDCA, and TCDCA was corrected with a response factor, which is the ratio between the responses recorded for the surrogate and the authentic analyte at the equal concentration. Each of the plasma components showed good linearity(r > 0.995 1). Accuracy and precision met the criteria(inter-day RSD<7.0%, RE 89.98%-112.0%; intra-day RSD<12%, RE 90.41%-111.2%). The recovery was 64.83%-119.9% and matrix effect was 87.15%-113.8%. The validated method was applied for pharmacokinetic study of TRQS and TRQ(po, 0.94 g·kg~(-1)). There was no significant difference in C_(max) and AUC_(0-24 h) of baicalin, UDCA, TUDCA, and TCDCA between the two groups, indicating similar pharmacokinetic behaviors between TRQS and TRQ in rats.

Molecular mechanism of icariin effects on articular chondrocytes, subchondral bone and synovium in the treatment of osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Icariin is the main effective component of Epimedium, which functions to tonify the kidney, and strengthen tendons and bones. In recent years, a large number of studies have found that icariin plays a significant role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress in the molecular mechanism of icariin in the treatment of osteoarthritis. METHODS: The first author used “Icariin, Osteoarthritis, Cartilage, Subchondral bone, Synovial membrane, synovium, Inflammation" as search words in English and Chinese to search PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases. According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, 42 articles were included for final analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Icariin can promote the cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and enhance the proliferation of cartilage cells and osteoblasts, to inhibit the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix, reduce the activity of osteoclasts and alleviate synovial inflammation caused by inflammatory factors. It is an effective treatment for osteoporosis. However, the optimal effective dose and concentration safety of icariin still need a large number of experimental studies. Currently, most of the experiments are still in animal and tissue cell experiments. Numerous clinical studies are needed to continue to explore its specific mechanism in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for icariin in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Atomization Characteristics of Baicalin， Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Caffeic Acid in Tanreqing Inhalation Solution / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of different angles of atomizer on the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of Tanreqing inhalation solution， so as to provide reference for the clinical use of this preparation. Method:Taking baicalin， ursodeoxycholic acid， caffeic acid as indexes， PARI Boy SX compression atomization inhaler （equipped with red core atomizing cup） and BRS2000 respiratory simulator were used， the effects of different angles of the atomizer （upper 15 degree， lower 15 degree， upper 30 degree， lower 30 degree， partial 15 degree， partial 30 degree， vertical） on the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of Tanreqing inhalation solution were investigated. The respiratory patterns of adults， children， infants and young children were selected to determine the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of three components in Tanreqing inhalation solution. Result:In the same atomization time， the delivery rates and the total delivery quantities of caffeic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid in Tanreqing inhalation solution were not significantly affected by the atomizer from different angles， but significantly affected baicalin. At the vertical angle， the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of baicalin were higher than the other angles. Under different respiratory modes， there were significant differences in the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of these three components in the inhalation solution. Compared with other respiratory modes， the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of baicalin， ursodeoxycholic acid and caffeic acid were the highest in the adult respiratory mode， with delivery rates of （555.5±16.61）， （226.3±6.54）， （26.1±0.32） μg·min-1 and total delivery quantities of （4 001.1±82.97）， （1 754.9±63.73）， （167.6±1.42） μg， respectively. Conclusion:The use angle of atomizer has a certain effect on the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of Tanreqing inhalation solution， so it is suggested that the vertical angle should be kept as far as possible in clinical use. Under the four respiratory patterns， the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of Tanreqing inhalation solution are different， suggesting that the atomization dose or atomization time should be adjusted according to the respiratory characteristics of the patients to ensure the safety and effectiveness of clinical medication.

Molecular mechanism of icariin in the treatment of bone nonunion / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Nonunion is a common clinical complication in orthopedics, which seriously impacts the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients. In recent years, a large number of studies have found that icariin plays a significant role in promoting fracture healing and treating bone defects. Bone nonunion and fracture healing coexist, and the research on the mechanism of fracture healing actually focuses on the treatment of bone nonunion. OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress in the molecular mechanism of icariin in the treatment of bone nonunion. METHODS: The first author used “icariin, bone nonunion, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, periosteal cell, osteoblasts, osteoclast” as key words in English and Chinese to search PubMed, CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases. A total of 542 articles were retrieved and screened manually according to the selection criteria and exclusion criteria. Finally, 44 articles were included for result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Icariin can effectively promote fracture healing and treat bone nonunion by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and periosteal cells, promoting the proliferation and maturation of osteoblasts and inhibiting the osteoclast effect of osteoclasts. However, most of the experiments are still in the basic experimental research, and there is still a need for a large number of clinical studies as well as studies on related proteins and genes, to provide a new idea for the clinical use of Chinese herbs in the treatment of bone nonunion.

Clinical Efficacy of ALL-2005 and ALL-2009 Regimen and Factors Influencing Prognosis of Newly Diagnosed ALL Patients Aged between 10-18 Years Old / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy of ALL-2005 and ALL-2009 regimen and factors influencing prognosis of newly diagnosed ALL patients aged between 10-18 years old to provide some reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*METHODS@#The clinical data including baseline clinical characteristics, induction chemotherapy effect, long-term clinical efficacy, recurrence rate and mortality of induction therapy of 119 newly diagnosed ALL patients aged between 10-18 years old from January 2008 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively, and the influencing factors of clinical prognosis were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.@*RESULTS@#The complete remission rate at the 5th week after induction therapy was not significantly different between ALL-2005 and ALL-2009 regimen groups (P＞0.05). The cumulative event-free survival rate and overall survival rate of 119 cases after 5-year follow-up were (63.41±3.65)% and (68.95±4.01)% respectively, and after 7-year follow-up were (61.86±3.72)% and (67.22±3.59)% respectively. The cumulative event-free survival rate and overall survival rate were not significantly different between ALL-2005 and ALL-2009 regimen groups (P＞0.05). The total recurrence rate, extramedullary recurrence rate, recurrence time and survival rate were not significantly different between ALL-2005 and ALL-2009 regimen groups (P＞0.05). The survival rate of extramedullary recurrence group was significantly higher than bone marrow recurrence group (P＜0.05). The survival rate in late term recurrence group was significantly higher than in early term recurrence group (P＜0.05). The mortality of ALL-2005 regimens was not significantly different from that of ALL-2009 regimen group (P＞0.05). Univariate analysis showed that age, sex, induction therapy, risk and fusion gene all were the factors influencing clinical prognosis (P＜0.05). Multivariate analysis by Cox regression model showed that male, non-remission after induction therapy and high risk were the independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients (P＜0.05). The survival rate of patients with BCR-ABL@*CONCLUSION@#The survival rate of newly diagnosed ALL patients aged between 10-18 years old treated with ALL-2009 regimen was slightly higher than that of ALL-2005 regimen, it is more suitable for the ALL patients with BCR-ABL

Relations of neuropeptide Y and heme oxygenase-1 expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the relations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Sixty rats pregnant for 15 days were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The ICP model was established in experimental group. On the 21st day, the blood biochemical test, histopathological examination of pregnant rat liver and fetal brain tissues and immunohistochemical analysis of fetal rat brain tissues were performed. Results: On the 21st day, the alanineaminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bile acid levels in experimental group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). Compared with control group, there was obvious vacuolar degeneration in pregnant rat liver tissue and fetal brain tissue in experimental group. NPY expression in fetal brain tissue was negative in control group and positive in experimental group. HO-1 expression in fetal brain tissue was strongly positive in control group and positive in experimental group. There was significant difference of immunohistochemical staining optical density between two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: In fetal brain of ICP rats, the NPY expression is increased, and the HO-1 expression is decreased, which may be related to the fetal brain injury.

Limited external fixation of plastic cardboard for the treatment of senile comminuted humeral fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical efficacy of limited external fixation with plastic paperboard in treating senile proximal comminuted humeral fracture.@*METHODS@#From June 2015 to December 2017, 32 senile patients with proximal comminuted fracture of humerus were treated with plasticized cardboard after manual external fixation. Among them, including 13 males and 19 females aged from 55 to 85 years old with an average of(68.22±8.36) years old; 18 patients on the left side and 14 patients on the right side; all patients were regularly review shoulder X-rays and performed appropriate functional exercises. Constant-Murley shoulder joint scoring was used to evaluate clinical effects.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-two patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with an average of (4.97±2.39) months. All patients were underwent functional exercise under guidance of physicians. Nine patients were treated with topical Chinese herbal moist heat compresses to promote shoulder function recovery. Thirty-one patients were obtained fracture healing, the time ranged from 5 to 12 weeks with an average of(7.44±1.72)weeks. One patient was not healed due to comminuted fracture of fracture end and the separation was large, the blood supply to humeral head was insufficient for necrosis absorption. Postoperative Constant-Murley shoulder score at 3 months was 87.56±6.93; 15 patients got excellent results, 14 good, 2 fair and 1 poor.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Limited external fixation with plastic paperboard for the treatment of senile proximal comminuted humeral fracture could ensure biomechanical stability of fracture, promote early recovery of shoulder joint function and shorten recovery time.

Genetic diversity of natural Gardenia jasminoides populations based on EST-SSR analysis / 中草药

Objective The genetic diversity of the natural populations of Gardenia jasminoides were investigated to provide scientific basis for its resources protection and rational utilization. Methods Fourteen pairs of EST-SSR primers were screened in 19 natural populations of 573 individuals to calculate the genetic parameters of G. jasminoides, and further cluster analysis was then carried out. Results Fourteen pairs of EST-SSR primers generated 75 loci, which showed high genetic diversity maintained in natural populations of G. jasminoides (He = 0.703). Mean population gene diversity (Nei) within populations was 0.603, the Shannon’s diversity index (I) was 1.10. Moderate genetic differentiation (Fst= 0.141) and high gene flow (Nm = 1.523) among populations have been showed too. AMOVA analysis revealed that genetic variation within populations was the main sources of total variation. The Mantle test showed there was no significant correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances. Moreover, significant bottlenecks effects in two-phased model of mutation (TPM) test in 73.7% populations were detected in recent history. Conclusion The results in this study indicated that high level genetic diversity were existed in the natural G. jasminoides populations.

Identification of bear bile powder and its adulterants by using DNA barcoding technology / 中国中药杂志

To identify the precious bile powder and its adulterants by DNA barcoding, and establish its standard experimental process to ensure the safe and effective utilization. Total twelve sequences from samples of bear bile powder which come from Ursus thibetanus for DNA extraction, PCR(polymerase chain reaction) and sequence, then using CodonCode Aligner V 7.0.1 shear primer region to obtain COI sequence. The COI sequences of U. arctos and their adulterants were obtained from GenBank. MEGA7.0 software was applied for analyzing mutation, calculating intraspecific and interspecific K2P(Kimura 2-Parameter) genetic distance and constructing the Neighbor-joining tree(NJ). The results showed that the maximum K2P genetic distance of bear bile powder of U. thibetanus and U. arctos are far less than minimum K2P genetic distance within its adulterants species, and the results of NJ tree demonstrated that each species could be distinguished from the counterfeits obviously. DNA barcoding is a safe, convenient and reliable technique for species identification, and it is important to establish the standard sequence of COI sequences for animal medicines.

The mechanism of active ingredients in Salicornia europaea in treatment of diabetes based on pharmacological network / 中成药

AIM To develop a pharmacological network screening method in predicting the potential target,active ingredients and pathway of Salicornia europaea L.for the treatment of diabetes,and to uncover its underlying multi-component,multi-target,multi-pathway mechanism.METHODS Information about fifteen kinds of bioactive chemical constituents of Salicornia europaea L.acquired from a large amount of literature were used to predict the targets according to PharmMapper Server,and such a prediction was also subjected to the screening of the antidiabetes drug targets approved by FDA in the DrugBank database.The relevant information of potential target and pathway was obtained by MAS 3.0 biomolecule function software.Cytoscape software was used to construct the Salicornia europaea L.ingredients-targets-pathways network.RESULTS Fifteen major active ingredients of Salicornia europaea L.affecting in a total of 86 pathways (VEGF signaling pathway,Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway,T cell receptor signaling pathway,etc),including the 30 particular diabetes-related pathways of MAP2K1,MAPK,GSK3B,AKT,etc.,fully demonstrated the multi-component,multi-target,multi-pathway mechanism of Salicornia europaea L.in the treatment of diabetes and its complications,through regulating immune,lipid metabolism,inflammation,apoptosis and other processes.CONCLUSION Given the new understanding in analyzing the scientific connotation of anti-diabetes effect,and the complex system of Salicornia europaea L.,this paper highlights the direction for the next step in the validation experiment of its target and mechanism.

Systematical analysis of multiple components in drainage bear bile powder from different sources / 中国中药杂志

Bear Bile Powder contains bile acids, protein, amino acids, bilirubin and microelements and other compounds. Among them, the bile acids are the most active components. Currently, there are many studies on bile acids, but few reports on other components. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to carry out a systematical analysis of multiple components in drainage Bear Bile Powder from different sources. Bilirubin and protein were quantified by microplate spectrophotometer. The contents of bile acids and amino acids were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The contents of microelements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) The result indicated that among 20 batches of bear bile powder from different sources there is high similarity (0.922-0.977). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) were the two most abundant components. The total contents of them were 41%-59% and met the current standard for quality control of bear bile powder. However, significant differences were found in their contents among samples from different sources. Besides, bilirubin, protein, amino acids and microelements also contributed to the differentiation of samples from different sources. The main components of bear bile powder from the different sources were with satisfactory similarity. But bile acids, bilirubin, protein, amino acids and microelements all contributed to the different among samples. Our present study provided a systematical approach for the better quality control and evaluation of bear bile powder.

Manual reduction and traction fixation for the treatment of metacarpal neck fractures under ultrasound-guided / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study clinical efficacy of manual reduction and traction fixation for the treatment of metacarpal neck fracture under ultrasound-guided.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April 2013 to August 2016, 30 patients with metacarpal neck fractures were treated with manual reduction and traction fixation under ultrasound-guided, including 26 males and 4 females aged from 14 to 56 years old with an average of (25.6±1.6) years old, the courses of diseases ranged from 7 h to 5 d with an average of (2.7±0.6) d. Twenty patients were the fifth metacarpal neck fracture, 7 patients were the 4th and 5th metacarpal neck fractures, 3 patients were the second metacarpal neck fracture. Fracture healing, angle of bilateral head shaft angle and active range of metacarpophalangeal joints was measured, and DASH score was applied to evaluate function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-seven patients were followed up from 6 to 11 months with an average of(7.2±0.8) months. Fracture were healed from 5 to 8 weeks with an average of (5.6±0.4) weeks. The affected shaft angle was (15.1±1.8)°, and health head shaft angle was (13.5±2.8)°, while there was no significant difference (=1.54, >0.05). The affected range motion of metacarpophalangealjoint was(86.3±2.6)°, health active range motion of metacarpophalangeal joint was(91.8±1.6)°, and no significant difference between both side (=1.16, >0.05). DASH score was 4.3±1.5 at 7 months after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Manual reduction and traction fixation for the treatment of metacarpal neck fracture under ultrasound-guided could dynamic observe fracture position in time, high patients' acceptability and is a feasible method for the treatment of metacarpal neck fracture.</p>

Primary exploration of key influential factors recognization method of Tanreqing injection / 中国中药杂志

To recognize the key influential factors during the liquid preparation process of Tanreqing injection, the near infrared(NIR) spectra of the raw materials and the operating parameters of 24 batches of physical manufacturing were recorded as independent variables, and the total soluble solids contents and the light inspection acceptance rate of the final products were collected as dependent variables. The calibration models were developed using the partial least-square regression (PLSR) method, and the correlation coefficients between the independent variables and the dependent variables were calculated. For the quantitative models, the correlation coefficients for the calibration and inner cross validation of total soluble solids contents and the light inspection acceptance rate reached 0.911 9, 0.724 2 and 0.873 8, 0.795 9, respectively. Using the correlation coefficients diagrams, several key influence factors were preliminarily determined, and the physical significance were analyzed combined with production experience. This work demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy with PLSR algorithm could be used for the key influential factors recognization during the liquid preparation process of Tanreqing injection and can be popularized to solve similar problems..

Role of Diffusion-weighted and Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiating Activity of Ankylosing Spondylitis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies showed that combining apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value with the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) index value might provide a reliable evaluation of the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and that contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unnecessary. However, the results were based on confirming only a small random sample. This study aimed to assess the role of CE-MRI in differentiating the disease activity of AS by comparing ADC value with a large sample.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 115 patients with AS were enrolled in accordance with Bath AS Disease Activity Index and laboratory indices, and 115 patients were divided into two groups, including active group (n = 69) and inactive group (n = 46). SPARCC, ΔSI, and ADC values were obtained from the short tau inversion recovery (STIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and CE-MRI, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed for all parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The optimal cutoff values (with sensitivity, specificity, respective area under the curve, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio) for the differentiation between active and inactive groups are as follows: SPARCC = 6 (72.06%, 82.61%, 0.836, 4.14, 0.34); ΔSI (%) = 153 (80.6%, 84.78%, 0.819, 5.3, 0.23); ADC value = 1.15 × 10-3 mm2/s (72.73%, 81.82%, 0.786, 4, 0.33). No statistical differences were found among the predictive values of SPARCC, ΔSI, and ADC. Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference between the combination of SPARCC and ADC values with and without ΔSI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Using large sample, we concluded that the combination of STIR and DWI would play significant roles in assessing the disease activity, and CE-MRI sequence is not routinely used in imaging of AS to avoid renal fibrosis and aggravation of kidney disease.</p>

Magnetic resonance imaging versus DR for whole spine imaging in patients with degenerative spinal disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the quality of whole spine images obtained by DR and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analyze the whole spinal imaging sagittal parameters for standing DR and supine MRI.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-one patients aged 49.9∓17.6 years with degenerative spinal disease underwent both standing DR and supine MRI of the whole spine from November, 2010 to March, 2016. The image quality was retrospectively reviewed, and the cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured on the whole spinal lateral DR and middle sagittal MR images.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the DR and MR whole spine images had a high quality (100%). The CL, TK, LL, SS, and SVA measured were 28.37mnplus;10.91 °, 29.98mnplus;8.96 °, 45.61mnplus;12.46 °, 34.38mnplus;9.05 °, and 17.20mnplus;26.39 mm on DR images and were 24.34mnplus;9.01 °, 21.22mnplus;8.13 °, 41.45mnplus;12.17 °, 37.45mnplus;8.19 °, and 36.51mnplus;12.44mm on MR images, respectively, showing significant differences in the measurements between the two modalities (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, and 0.007, respectively). The correlation coefficient between DR and MR images for CL, TK, LL, SS, and SVA were 0.69, 0.68, 0.72, 0.51, and 0.27 (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.034, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both standing DR and supine MR whole spine imaging can provide high-quality images. The CL, TK, LL, SS, and SVA measured on supine MR whole spine images are correlated with those on standing DR images but differ obviously. Supine MR imaging can not substitute standing DR examinations, and comprehensive assessment of degenerative spinal disease needs the combination of the two imaging techniques.</p>

Impacts of Chk1 and Chk2 gene expressions on sperm concentration and motility / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To study the correlation of the gene expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 with sperm concentration and motility.@*METHODS@#According to sperm concentration and motility (percentage of progressively motile sperm), we divided 80 semen samples into four groups of equal number: normal control, oligozoospermia (OS), asthenospermia (AS), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS). We detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and viability and determined the expressions of Chk1 and Chk2 in the sperm by RT-PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Statistically significant differences were not found in sperm DFI among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups (21.24±6.93, 19.67±7.64, 21.52±6.92, and 19.28±11.55, P>0.05), but observed in sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability between the DFI >30% and DFI ≤30% groups (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control, sperm viability was remarkably decreased in the OS, AS, and OAS groups (［83.48±9.87］% vs ［63.86±9.16］%, ［50.45±16.99］%, and ［39.21±15.74］%, P<0.05). RT-PCR showed remarkable differences among the control, OS, AS, and OAS groups in the relative expression level of Chk1 mRNA (0.73±0.22, 0.62±0.14, 1.03±0.39, and 0.92±0.071, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 80.661, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b = －19.275, P < 0.01), as well as in that of Chk2 mRNA (0.66±0.30, 0.27±0.09, 0.59±0.19, and 0.42 ± 0.11, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b = －90.809, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 27.507, P <0.01). The relative expression levels of the Chk1 protein were significantly different among the four groups (0.63±0.05, 0.42±0.03, 1.13±0.08, and 0.87±0.07, P<0.01), which was correlated positively with sperm concentration (b = 55.74, P<0.01) but negatively with sperm motility (b =－22.649, P<0.01), and so were those of the Chk2 protein (1.23±0.36, 0.37±0.16, 0.87±0.08, and 0.68±0.12, P<0.01), which was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (b =－53.001, P<0.01) but positively with sperm motility (b = 16.676, P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Chk1 and Chk2 are significantly expressed in human sperm. In case of sperm DNA damage, up-regulated Chk1 expression may enhance sperm apoptosis and lead to asthenospermia, while increased Chk2 expression may inhibit spermatogenesis and result in oligospermia.

Comparison of the atrial electro-mechanical function after successful cardioversion as a result of radiofrequency ablation and drug therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To compare the change in atrial electro-mechanical function after successful cardioversion treated by radiofrequency ablation or antiarrhythmic drug therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Methods Sixty patients with PAF and 20 patients with sinus rhythm (control group), admitted or receiving physical examination at the Air Force General Hospital from Jan. 2011 to Jul. 2014, were consecutively enrolled in the present study. Thirty PAF patients were assigned to either the ablation group or drug treatment group according to their own intention. All the subjects received the baseline electrocardiogram and echocardiography, and the same examinations were repeated in all PAF patients in follow up period. P wave duration and amplitude, atrial volume and strain rate were analyzed, and these parameters were compared between the two treatment groups at follow-up. Results No significant difference was detected in baseline parameters of the P wave duration and amplitude, atrial volume, and the strain rate between two PAF groups (P>0.05). However, these parameters were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Three months after treatment, these atrial parameters were found to be improved, and atrial mechanical parameters including the strain rate was improved obviously (P<0.05). At six-month follow up, atrial parameters of the two PAF groups were further improved. Compared with patients of drug treatment group, the results in patients of ablation group were significantly better (P<0.05). Conclusions The P wave duration and amplitude, atrial volume and strain rate can be used as suitable parameters to evaluate the atrial electro-mechanical function. The atrial conduction and mechanical function of PAF patients can be improved by radiofrequency ablation or by drug therapy. Compared with drug therapy, ablation is more effective in improving the atrial parameters. The improvement of mechanical parameters is earlier than that of electrical conductivity, and it can be used as a sensitive parameter to evaluate atrial function improvement after cardioversion in patients with PAF.

Tea polyphenols reduces the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats with experimental varicocele / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of tea polyphenols (TP) on the apoptosis of germ cells in rats with experimental varicocele.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two adolescent male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into groups A (sham-operation), B (high-dose TP), C (low-dose TP), and D (experimental left varicocele). Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in the latter three groups of rats. The animals in groups A and D were fed with normal saline, while those in B and C with TP at 40 and 10 mg per kg per d, respectively, all for 4 weeks. Then, all the rats were sacrificed and the left testes harvested for determination of the expression of HIF-1, Bcl-2, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry and measurement of the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of Bcl-2 was higher in groups B and C than in D but lower than in A (P < 0.05), and lower in C than in B (P < 0.05). However, the expressions of HIF-1, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 were lower in groups B and C than in D but higher than in A (P < 0.05), and higher in C than in B (P < 0.05). The AI of spermatogenic cells was the lowest in group A, higher in D than in the other groups but lower in B than in C (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TP can reduce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in a dose-dependent manner in varicocele rats.</p>

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with combined thoracoabdominal injuries: Difference between penetrating and blunt injuries / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) needs early diagnosis and operation. However, the early diagnosis is usually difficult, especially in the patients without diaphragmatic hernia. The objective of this study was to explore the early diagnosis and treatment of TDR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of 256 patients with TDR treated in our department between 1994 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively regarding to the diagnostic methods, percentage of preoperative judgment, incidence of diaphragmatic hernia, surgical procedures and outcome, etc. Two groups were set up according to the mechanism of injury (blunt or penetrating).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 256 patients with a mean age of 32.4 years (9-84), 218 were male. The average ISS was 26.9 (13-66); and shock rate was 62.9%. There were 104 blunt injuries and 152 penetrating injuries. Preoperatively diagnostic rate was 90.4% in blunt injuries and 80.3% in penetrating, respectively, P < 0.05. The incidence of diaphragmatic hernia was 94.2% in blunt and 15.1% in penetrating respectively, P < 0.005. Thoracotomy was performed in 62 cases, laparotomy in 153, thoracotomy plus laparotomy in 29, and combined thoraco-laparotomy in 12. Overall mortality rate was 12.5% with the average ISS of 41.8; and it was 21.2% in blunt injuries and 6.6% in penetrating, respectively, P < 0.005. The main causes of death were hemorrhage and sepsis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Diagnosis of blunt TDR can be easily obtained by radiograph or helical CT scan signs of diaphragmatic hernia. For penetrating TDR without hernia, "offside sign" is helpful as initial assessment. CT scan with coronal/sagittal reconstruction is an accurate technique for diagnosis. All TDR require operation. Penetrating injury has a relatively better prognosis.</p>