Lateral septum adenosine A2A receptors control stress-induced depressive-like behaviors via signal-ing to hypothalamus and habenula / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Depressive disorder ranks as a major bur-den of disease worldwide,yet the current antidepressant medications are limited by frequent non-responsiveness and significant side effects.The lateral septum(LS)is thought to control of depression,however,the cellular and circuit substrates are largely unknown.Here,we identified a subpopulation of LS GABAergic adenosine A2A receptors(A2AR)-positive neurons mediating depres-sive symptoms via direct projects to the lateral habenula(LHb)and the dorsomedial hypothalamus(DMH).Activa-tion of A2AR in the LS augmented the spiking frequency of A2AR-positive neurons leading to a decreased activation of surrounding neurons and the bi-directional manipula-tion of LS-A2AR activity demonstrated that LS-A2ARs are necessary and sufficient to trigger depressive pheno-types.Thus,the optogenetic modulation(stimulation or inhibition)of LS-A2AR-positive neuronal activity or LS-A2AR-positive neurons projection terminals to the LHb or DMH,phenocopied depressive behaviors.Moreover,A2AR are upregulated in the LS in two male mouse mod-els of repeated stress-induced depression.This identifica-tion that aberrantly increased A2AR signaling in the LS is a critical upstream regulator of repeated stress-induced depressive-like behaviors provides a neurophysiological and circuit-based justification of the antidepressant poten-tial of A2AR antagonists,prompting their clinical transla-tion.

Jiedu Huoxue Prescription Regulates NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 to Promote Vascular Reendothelialization in Rat Model of Injured Thoracic Aorta / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Huoxue prescription in promoting the reendothelialization of injured vessels by regulating the nuclear factor （NF）-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine-aspartic acid protease （Caspase）-1-mediated pyroptosis. MethodA rat model of injured thoracic aorta was established by balloon injury， and 36 rats were assigned into shame surgery， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose Jiedu Huoxue prescription， and atorvastatin calcium tablet groups. The injured aortic segment was collected 28 days after surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Evans blue staining were conducted to reveal the changes of vascular structural morphology and the reendothelialization of blood vessels， respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and nitric oxide （NO） in the serum. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）， NF-κB p65， phospho-NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the vascular tissue. ResultThe model group showed thickened endovascular membrane， proliferation and disarrangement of smooth muscle cells of the artery wall， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration， and narrowed luminal area. Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets mitigated the pathological changes of the thoracic aorta in different degrees. After balloon injury， the endothelial coverage rate of the model group decreased significantly， while Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets increased the reendothelialization rate （P<0.05）. Compared with the shame surgery group， the model group showed elevated levels of TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β （P<0.01） and lowered NO level （P<0.01） in the serum. In addition， the model group presented down-regulated protein level of eNOS （P<0.01） and up-regulated phosphorylation of pyroptosis-associated proteins NLPR3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 in the vascular tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets lowered TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） and elevated the NO level in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the drugs up-regulated the expression of eNOS （P<0.01） and down-regulated the expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the vascular tissue. ConclusionJiedu Huoxue prescription can promote the reendothelialization and inhibit the intimal hyperplasia of vessels after balloon injury by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway to inhibit pyroptosis and reduce endothelial inflammatory injury.

Research progress on the correlation between vasomotor symptoms of menopause and cardiovascular disease / 中华老年医学杂志

Vasomotor symptoms(VMS)are among the typical manifestations in perimenopausal and menopausal women, with a high incidence and prolonged duration, and have long been afflicting many menopausal women.Cardiovascular disease has become one of the main causes of death in postmenopausal women.Previous studies suggest that postmenopausal VMS are related to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, but the view is controversial.There have been many studies on the association of VMS in menopausal women with the risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease risk factors and subclinical indicators, and the results suggest that menopausal VMS may predict the occurrence of cardiovascular disease after menopause.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram Prediction Model for Endometrial Malignancy in Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Purpose@#This study aimed to identify the risk factors and sonographic variables that could be integrated into a predictive model for endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 1837 patients who presented with AUB and underwent endometrial sampling. Multivariable logistic regression was developed based on clinical and sonographic covariates [endometrial thickness (ET), resistance index (RI) of the endometrial vasculature] assessed for their association with EC/AEH in the development group (n=1369), and a predictive nomogram was proposed. The model was validated in 468 patients. @*Results@#Histological examination revealed 167 patients (12.2%) with EC or AEH in the development group. Using multivariable logistic regression, the following variables were incorporated in the prediction of endometrial malignancy: metabolic diseases [odds ratio (OR)=7.764, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 5.042–11.955], family history (OR=3.555, 95% CI 1.055–11.971), age ≥40 years (OR=3.195, 95% CI 1.878–5.435), RI ≤0.5 (OR=8.733, 95% CI 4.311–17.692), and ET ≥10 mm (OR=8.479, 95% CI 5.440–13.216). :A nomogram was created using these five variables with an area under the curve of 0.837 (95% CI 0.800–0.874). The calibration curve showed good agreement between the observed and predicted occurrences. For the validation group, the model provided acceptable discrimination and calibration. @*Conclusion@#The proposed nomogram model showed moderate prediction accuracy in the differentiation between benign and malignant endometrial lesions among women with AUB.

Upregulation of h-TERT and Ki-67 in ectopic endometrium is associated with recurrence of endometriosis / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

At present, endometriosis remains a worldwide health burden, with the main symptoms of dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, markedly reducing the quality of life (de Ziegler et al., 2010). Although there is no proof that the disease is associated with high mortality, this disorder can significantly contribute to the deterioration of women's general well-being (McPeak et al., 2018). The main current treatment for endometriosis is surgery to remove endometriotic lesions; however, the recurrence rate following surgical treatment is as high as 21.5% at two years and 40.0%‍-‍50.0% at five years post-surgery (Koga et al., 2015). To prevent recurrence, adjuvant treatment with drugs after surgery is recommended to prolong relapse-free intervals. However, it is inconvenient for patients to continuously use such medications in terms of adverse effects and cost (Turk, 2002).

Coverage of rotavirus vaccination among children under fivein Xiuzhou District / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the coverage of rotavirus vaccination among children under five years in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide insights into rotaviral diarrhea control.@*Methods@#The rotavirus vaccination data of children aged two months to five years were extracted from the vaccination clinics of eight township hospitals and community health service centers through the Zhejiang vaccination information system. The coverage of rotavirus vaccination was analyzed among children with different genders, ages, types of vaccines and doses of vaccination.@*Results@#Totally 32 752 children were included, and the coverage of rotavirus vaccination was 47.09%. The coverage of rotavirus vaccination was significantly higher in boys than in girls ( 47.65% vs. 46.46%, P<0.05 ), and a higher vaccination rate was seen in children with local household registration than in those without ( 56.76% vs. 38.75%, P<0.05 ). The vaccination rates of monovalent and pentavalent rotavirus vaccines were 36.90% and 10.18%, respectively. Totally 26 982 doses of rotavirus vaccines were vaccinated, with a mean dose of ( 0.84±1.02 ) per capita, and the vaccination rates of one, two and three doses were 20.75%, 17.37% and 8.96%, respectively. The median age was 6.00 months ( interquartile range, 3.00 months ) among children vaccinated with the first dose.@*Conclusions@#The coverage of rotavirus vaccination and full-dose vaccination are low among children under five in Xiuzhou District, with monovalent rotavirus vaccines predominant. Intensified rotavirus vaccination is therefore recommended.

Research progress on the impact of menopause on adipose tissue and related mechanisms / 中华老年医学杂志

Adipose tissue is not only involved in energy metabolism, but also recognized as an important endocrine organ.With declining ovarian function, endogenous estrogen levels decrease, leading to body fat mass accumulation and centripetal redistribution in postmenopausal women.Furthermore, energy metabolism, adipokine levels, local estrogen synthesis and the expression of estrogen receptors in adipose tissue also undergo changes, which may induce adipose tissue dysfunction.Changes in body fat mass and fat distribution and adipose tissue dysfunction are associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women, which have a negative impact on their health and quality of life.In this paper, the impact of menopause on body fat mass, regional distribution and adipose tissue functions and the underlying mechanisms are reviewed.

Changes of vaginal microecology and related research progress in postmenopausal women / 中华老年医学杂志

Pathophysiological changes, such as the vulvovaginal atrophy, reduction in the proportion of lactobacilli, unbalance of the vaginal flora and impaired vaginal immune barrier, can result in a series of symptoms, signs and diseases affecting the health and quality of life in postmenopausal women.This article reviews the change characteristics and related mechanisms of the microbial flora in postmenopausal women in terms of the type, quantity and proportion of vaginal flora, and clarifies efficacy and its mechanisms of systemic and topical estrogen therapy on the improvement of intravaginal environment and urogenital symptoms, in order to improve the quality life in postmenopausal women.

Practice of communication strategies of health scientific popularization of menopausal women / 中华医院管理杂志

This paper aims to push health scientific popular knowledge and carry out targeted patient health education for certain patients, based on the demand of health education for specific diseases and population. Taking the female climacteric health scientific popularization as an example, the authors summarized the practice of popularizing scientific education in a tertiary specialized hospital based on the cognitive level and health education needs of outpatients and the general public. A multidisciplinary health scientific popularization team was set up to communicate popular science knowledge to patients and other menopausal women in need through multi-channel and multi-platform forms. Such means include online ones, offline ones, and cooperation with various social organizations. The implementation of health scientific popularization mode meets the needs of patients and the general public. The implementation of this mode of health popularization could improve their self-health management ability and health accomplishment. It provides a good reference for public hospitals to carry out health science popularization.

The Amygdala Responds Rapidly to Flashes Linked to Direct Retinal Innervation: A Flash-evoked Potential Study Across Cortical and Subcortical Visual Pathways / 神经科学通报·英文版

Rapid detection and response to visual threats are critical for survival in animals. The amygdala (AMY) is hypothesized to be involved in this process, but how it interacts with the visual system to do this remains unclear. By recording flash-evoked potentials simultaneously from the superior colliculus (SC), lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus, AMY, lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and visual cortex, which belong to the cortical and subcortical pathways for visual fear processing, we investigated the temporal relationship between these regions in visual processing in rats. A quick flash-evoked potential (FEP) component was identified in the AMY. This emerged as early as in the LGN and was approximately 25 ms prior to the earliest component recorded in the SC, which was assumed to be an important area in visual fear. This quick P1 component in the AMY was not affected by restraint stress or corticosterone injection, but was diminished by RU38486, a glucocorticoid receptor blocker. By injecting a monosynaptic retrograde AAV tracer into the AMY, we found that it received a direct projection from the retina. These results confirm the existence of a direct connection from the retina to the AMY, that the latency in the AMY to flashes is equivalent to that in the sensory thalamus, and that the response is modulated by glucocorticoids.

Knowledge,attitude and practice of influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine among primary healthcare workers / 预防医学

Objective@#To learn the knowledge,attitude and practice（KAP）of primary healthcare workers on influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing,and to provide basis for vaccination of influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine.@*Methods@#From November 2018 to January 2019,the primary healthcare workers from eight community health service centers in Xiuzhou District were selected by multi-staged random sampling method. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the KAP of influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine among primary healthcare workers. Logistic regression analysis was employed to select the influencing factors for vaccination and recommendation behaviors of primary healthcare workers. @*Results@# Totally 105 healthcare workers（95.45%）completed the survey. Among them,86（81.90%）and 76（72.38%）workers believed influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine effective;87（82.85%）and 88（83.81%）workers believed the two vaccines safe;82（78.10%）and 58（55.24%）workers knew the vaccination procedures;58（55.24%）and 34（32.38%）workers knew the key recommended population of vaccines;77（73.33%）workers knew that the vaccine costs could be paid by medical insurance. The vaccination rate of influenza or（and）pneumococcal vaccine among the respondents was 27.62%,and the recommendation rate was 46.67%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that healthcare workers who were female（OR=7.250,95%CI：1.388-37.883）,believed the two vaccines effective（OR=4.390,95%CI：1.167-16.515）,believed the two vaccines safe（OR=11.977,95%CI：2.417-59.343）and knew the payment method of vaccine cost（OR=11.945,95%CI：2.924-48.793）were more likely to vaccinate;healthcare workers who majored in public health（OR=2.641,95%CI：1.338-5.214）,believed the two vaccines effective（OR=6.944,95%CI：1.655-29.134）,knew the key recommended population of vaccines（OR=4.380,95%CI：1.125-17.053）,had vaccinated the two vaccines（OR=7.902,95%CI：1.693-36.877）were more likely to recommend. @*Conclusion@#Primary healthcare workers in Xiuzhou District have less awareness of influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumonia vaccine,then have lower vaccination rate（27.62%）and recommendation rate（46.67%）.

Effect evaluation of the low-dose hormone replacement therapy on menopausal-related symptoms of young patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma / 预防医学

Objective@#To evaluate the effect of low-dose hormone replacement therapy（HRT）on menopausal-related symptoms in young patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma.@*Methods@#From March 2016 to September 2018,eighty patients aged 45 years below with cervical squamous cell carcinoma of stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and iatrogenic menopause were recruited,who were diagnosed at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital and Women's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University. Fourty of them performed low dose HRT（1 mg estradiol valerate a day or 1.25 mg tibolone a day）,twenty performed standard dose HRT（1 mg estradiol valerate and 1.25 mg tibolone a day）,another twenty do not perform HRT as a control group. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）,estradiol（E2）,menopausal symptoms（the improved Kupperman score）and incidence of side effects were assessed before and 1,3,6 months after the intervention. @*Results@#There were significant differences in E2 levels,FSH levels and improved Kupperman scores among the low dose group,the standard dose group and the control group（all P<0.05）. With the extension of intervention time,E2 levels in the low dose group and the standard dose group increased first and then decreased,FSH levels and improved Kupperman scores decreased（all P<0.05）. Compared with the control group,E2 levels,FSH levels and improved Kupperman scores in the standard dose group changed more significantly（all P<0.05）. E2 and FSH levels in the low dose group changed less than that in the standard dose group（all P<0.05）,while improved Kupperman scores was close to that in the standard dose group. The incidence rate of side effects in the low dose group was 2.50%,which was lower than 20.00% in the standard dose group（P<0.05）. @*Conclusion@#For young patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma,using low dose HRT may less affects E2 and FSH levels than using the standard dose,but could achieve similar effects in treatment of menopausal-related symptoms.

Analysis of influencing factors of endometrial disease of patients with breast cancer after operation / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To study influencing factors which cause the endometrial diseases in patients with breast cancer after operation. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 212 breast cancer post-operation patients with endometrial diseases between June 2006 and January 2018 in Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University to analyse the factors which influenced the endometrial diseases. Results The abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial thickness were related to the severity of endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer, and they were independent risk factors for breast cancer patients to have endometrial cancer (P<0.05). When the diagnostic cut off value of endometrial thickness was ≥0.49 cm, the sensitivity and specificity to endometrial cancer were 78% and 25%, respectively. The average endometrial thickness was (0.56 ± 0.39) cm in patients who were treated by selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) after gynecological surgery, which was significantly thicker than that of aromatase inhibitor (AI) group [(0.33 ± 0.23) cm] and no treatment group [(0.44 ± 0.28) cm, P<0.05]. The endometrial disease recurrent rate and reoperation rate in SERM group were (26.2%, 14.3%) slightly higher than that of AI group (9.5%, 4.8%) and no treatment group (21.6%, 4.9%), but there were not significant differences (all P>0.05). Conclusions The clinical symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding and thickening endometrium are risk factors for breast cancer patients to have endometrial cancer. The endometrial thickness has high predictive value for breast cancer patients to diagnose endometrial cancer. The SERM treatment increases the endometrial thickness, recurrent rate and reoperation rate in post-operation patients.

Analysis of influencing factors of endometrial disease of patients with breast cancer after operation / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective@#To study influencing factors which cause the endometrial diseases in patients with breast cancer after operation.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was performed on 212 breast cancer post-operation patients with endometrial diseases between June 2006 and January 2018 in Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University to analyse the factors which influenced the endometrial diseases.@*Results@#The abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial thickness were related to the severity of endometrial disease in patients with breast cancer, and they were independent risk factors for breast cancer patients to have endometrial cancer (P<0.05) . When the diagnostic cut off value of endometrial thickness was ≥0.49 cm, the sensitivity and specificity to endometrial cancer were 78% and 25%, respectively. The average endometrial thickness was (0.56±0.39) cm in patients who were treated by selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) after gynecological surgery, which was significantly thicker than that of aromatase inhibitor (AI) group [ (0.33±0.23) cm] and no treatment group [ (0.44±0.28) cm, P<0.05]. The endometrial disease recurrent rate and reoperation rate in SERM group were (26.2%, 14.3%) slightly higher than that of AI group (9.5%, 4.8%) and no treatment group (21.6%, 4.9%), but there were not significant differences (all P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#The clinical symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding and thickening endometrium are risk factors for breast cancer patients to have endometrial cancer. The endometrial thickness has high predictive value for breast cancer patients to diagnose endometrial cancer. The SERM treatment increases the endometrial thickness, recurrent rate and reoperation rate in post-operation patients.

Clinical value of serum new molecular markers in the early diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical value of the serum new molecular markers, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)and soluble hemoglobin scavenger receptor(sCD163), in the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns.@*Methods@#A total of 58 inpatients with burns from Jun 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled in the study.Patients were divided into three groups: the sepsis group(n=12), the localized infection group(n=21)and the non-infection group(n=29). The levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISAs). The clinical diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and sCD163 was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.@*Results@#There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 at day 1 between the three groups(F=20.994 and 38.363, P<0.01). Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the sepsis group than in the localized infection group and the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the localized infection group than in the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were lower at day 7 than those at day 1 in all groups(F=21.242 and 41.035, P<0.01). Serum sTREM-1 levels were positively correlated with serum sCD163 levels(r=0.609, P=0.000). The AUC of sTREM-1 and sCD163 for the diagnosis of sepsis was 0.880(95%CI: 0.816~0.926).@*Conclusions@#Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 are elevated with increasing degrees of infection.Monitoring serum sTREM-1 and sCD163 levels is helpful for the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns.

Clinical value of serum new molecular markers in the early diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of the serum new molecular markers,soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1)and soluble hemoglobin scavenger receptor(sCD163),in the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns.Methods A total of 58 inpatients with burns from Jun 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled in the study.Patients were divided into three groups:the sepsis group(n=12),the localized infection group(n=21)and the non-infection group (n=29).The levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISAs).The clinical diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and sCD163 was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results There was a statistically significant difference in thelevels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 at day 1 between the three groups(F =20.994 and 38.363,P＜0.01).Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the sepsis group than in the localized infection group and the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the localized infection group than in the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were lower at day 7 than those at day 1 in all groups(F=21.242 and 41.035,P＜0.01).Serum sTREM-1 levels were positively correlated with serum sCD163 levels (r =0.609,P =0.000).The AUC of sTREM-1 and sCD163 for the diagnosis of sepsis was 0.880(95％CI:0.816～0.926).Conclusions Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 are elevated with increasing degrees of infection.Monitoring serum sTREM-1 and sCD163 levels is helpful for the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns.

Applied anatomical study of the gracilis muscle flap for tongue reconstruction / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the anatomic features of the gracilis muscle flap and its clinical application in tongue reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty gracilis muscles in 15 cadavers were dissected, and the morphometric parameter of the gracilis muscle and the origin, length, diameter of the vascular and nerve pedicle were observed and measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The length of the total gracilis and the muscle belly was 41.8±3.9 cm and 31.0±3.6 cm respectively, and the width and thickness of the muscle was 3.2±0.7 cm and 1.7±0.2 cm respectively. The blood supply to the gracilis originated from multiple source vessles, and two to five pedicles supplied the gracilis from its deep surface and entered the muscle near its anterior border, of which the dominant pedicle and the first distal pedicle were consistent in their anatomy which originated from the profunda femoris vessels and the femoris vessels respectively. The length and external diameter of these vessels were suitable for microvascular anastomosis, while other vessel pedicles were neither consistent in their anatomy nor the length and external diamiter suitable for microvascular anastomosis. The nerve to the gracilis arose from the anterior division of the obturator nerve consistently and its length and external diameter was suitable for anastomosis with the hypoglossal nerve.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Because of superficial location, excellent morphological match for tongue, consistency in its vascular and neural pedicle's anatomy and suitability of neurovascular pedicle's length and external diameter for microsurgical anastomoses, possibility of regaining tongue movements, the gracilis flap is a ideal option for tongue reconstruction.</p>

Changes of microRNA Expression During Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Induced by Plastrum Testudinis Extract / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To explore the changes of microRNA expression during the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) induced by Plastrum testudinis extract (PTE) . Methods NSCs were isolated from the hippocampus of 14-day SD rat fetus and were obtained after primary culture. The abilities of NSCs differenting into neurons were identified by immunofluorescent staining. NSCs were randomly divided into three groups, blank control group, and low- and high-dose PTE groups ( 3, 30 μg/mL PTE) . After the cells were incubated with PTE for 7 days, total RNA was isolated and then the expression of miR-124 and miR-9 was observed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction ( qRT-PCR) . Results Compared with the blank control group, the expression of miR-124 and miR-9 remained unchanged in low-dose PTE group, but was significantly increased in high-dose PTE group ( P<0.05). Conclusion PTE promotes NSCs differentiating into neurons, which might be associated with the up-regulation of miR-124 and miR-9.

The Hepatotoxicity and Testicular Toxicity Induced by Arecoline in Mice and Protective Effects of Vitamins C and E

Arecoline is a major alkaloid of areca nuts which are widely chewed by southeast Asian and it manifests various toxic effects in different organs of human and animals. In this work, mature mice were treated by vitamins C plus E, arecoline, or both daily for four weeks. The results showed that arecoline significantly increased the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and significantly decreased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the liver tissues. Additionally, the body weight, testis weight, sperm counts, motility and normal sperms also were significantly decreased. The supplement of vitamins C and E can bring the activities of ALP and GPT to normal levels and partially restore the sperm counts compared to the arecoline-treated group but have no other positive effects. In conclusion, the vitamins C and E partially attenuated the arecoline-induced hepatotoxiciy but basically had on protective effects against the arecoline-induced testicular toxicity.

Construction of Luciferase Reporter Vector Containing High-mobility Group Box 1 Promoter in Mice and Characterization of Its Transcriptional Activity / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To construct luciferase reporter vector containing full-length high-mobility group box 1 ( HMGB1, GenBank NM-010439) promoter for the screening of medicine. Methods The full-length HMGB1 promoter was amplified by polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) , and then was inserted into GV238 vector to construct plasmid GV238-HMGB1-P-Luc. GV238-HMGB1-P-Luc combined with internal reference plasmid pRL was co-transfected into Hela cells ( GV238-HMGB1-P-Luc group, which served as positive control group) . Plasmid pGL3-basic combined with pRL was co-transfected into Hela cells (pGL3-basic group, which served as negative control group) . Additionally, lipopolysaccharides ( LPS, 0.2 μg/mL) was used as the activator for the positive control group (LPS group), and then sodium butyrate (SB, 10 mmol/L) was used as the inhibitor for LPS group ( SB group) . At the end of experiment hour 24, luciferase activity was detected. Results The results of digestion, amplification, sequencing and identification showed that the full length of HMGB1 promoter was 2 140 bp, and the DNA sequence was correct, without mutation. Luciferase activity in GV238-HMGB1-P-Luc group was increased as compared with that of the pGL3-basic group ( P<0.05) . Luciferase activity in the LPS group was increased ( P<0.01, compared with that of GV238-HMGB1-P-Luc group) , and then was decreased after the administration of SB ( P<0.01, compared with that of the LPS group) . Conclusion A model of luciferase reporter vector containing HMGB1 promoter has been successfully constructed. Its activity can be increased by LPS, and then is in hibited by SB. The model can be used for further screening of medicine with the activities of regulating HMGB1 promoter.