Long Noncoding RNA Cytoskeleton Regulator RNA Suppresses Apoptosis in Hepatoma Cells by Modulating the miR-125a-5p/ HS1-Associated Protein X-1 Axis to Induce Caspase-9 Inactivation

Background/Aims@#The involvement of long noncoding RNAs in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well documented by substantial evidence. However, whether cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR) could affect the progression of HCC remains unclear. @*Methods@#The relative expression of CYTOR, miR-125a-5p and HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) mRNA in HCC cells were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The viability of treated HCC cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was estimated by flow cytometry analysis, assessment of caspase-9 activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, and Western blot of apoptosisrelated proteins. The interplay between CYTOR or HAX-1 and miR-125a-5p was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. @*Results@#CYTOR was upregulated and miR-125a-5p was downregulated in HCC cells. CYTOR silencing inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells.miR-125a-5p was sponged and negatively regulated by CYTOR, and HAX-1 was directly targeted and negatively modulated by miR-125a-5p. Overexpression of miR-125a-5p enhanced the repressive effects of CYTOR knockdown on HCC cells, and knockdown of HAX-1 enhanced the inhibitory effects of miR-125a-5p mimics on HCC cells. @*Conclusions@#CYTOR silencing facilitates HCC cell apoptosis in vitro via the miR-125a-5p/HAX-1 axis.

Research progress on the biological regulatory function of lysophosphatidic acid in bone tissue cells / 华西口腔医学杂志

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small phospholipid that is present in all eukaryotic tissues and blood plasma. As an extracellular signaling molecule, LPA mediates many cellular functions by binding to six known G protein-coupled receptors and activating their downstream signaling pathways. These functions indicate that LPA may play important roles in many biological processes that include organismal development, wound healing, and carcinogenesis. Recently, many studies have found that LPA has various biological effects in different kinds of bone cells. These findings suggest that LPA is a potent regulator of bone development and remodeling and holds promising application potential in bone tissue engineering. Here, we review the recent progress on the biological regulatory function of LPA in bone tissue cells.

In Vivo Detection of Lipid-Core Plaques by Coronary CT Angiography: A Head-to-Head Comparison with Histologic Findings

200 µm, a circumference > 60 degrees, and a cap thickness < 450 µm. The percentage distributions of CT pixel attenuation ≤ 20, 30, 40, and 50 HU were calculated using quantitative histogram analysis.RESULTS: A total of 271 transverse sections were co-registered between CCTA and pathological analysis. Overall, 26 lipid cores and 16 fibrous plaques were identified by pathological analysis. There was no significant difference in median CT attenuation between the lipid and fibrous plaques (51 HU [interquartile range, 46–63] vs. 57 HU [interquartile range, 50–64], p = 0.659). The median percentage of CT pixel attenuation ≤ 30 HU accounted for 11% (5–17) of lipid-core plaques and 0% (0–2) of fibrous plaques (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the method for diagnosing lipid plaques by the average CT pixel attenuation ≤ 30 HU were 80.8% and 87.5%, respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve was 0.898 (95% confidence interval: 0.765–0.970; 3.0% was the best cut-off value). The diagnostic performance was significantly higher than those of the average pixel CT attenuation percentages ≤ 20, 40, and 50 HU and the mean CT attenuation (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: In in vivo conditions, with the pathological lipid core as the gold standard, quantification of the percentage of average CT pixel attenuation ≤ 30 HU in the histogram can be useful for accurate identification of lipid plaques.

The efficacy and safety of ciclesonide for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Eficácia e segurança da ciclesonida no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects 1 out of 6 individuals. Perennial allergic rhinitis accounts for 40% of AR cases. Ciclesonide is one of the relatively new intranasal steroid for allergic rhinitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase, Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find out the randomized controlled Trial comparing ciclesonide with placebo for PAR. Results: Eight studies were included. In comparison with placebo groups, ciclesonide groups significantly decreased Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.56; 95% CI −0.72 to 0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.19, I2 = 24%), Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.57; 95% CI −0.75 to −0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.34, I2 = 11%). A significant effect for Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (MD = −0.15; 95% CI −0.18 to −0.13, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.12, I2 = 24%) was also demonstrated. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score (RQLQs) (MD = −0.27; 95% CI −0.39 to −0.15, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.58, I 2 = 0%) in the treatment of ciclesonide was also significantly reduced. In addition, the difference in Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: Ciclesonide can improve perennial allergic rhinitis without increasing adverse events. Ciclesonide may be another valuable choice for perennial allergic rhinitis in the future.

Resumo Introdução: A rinite alérgica é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta um a cada seis indivíduos. A rinite alérgica perene é responsável por 40% dos casos de rinite alérgica. A ciclesonida é um dos corticosteroides intranasais mais novos para o tratamento dessa condição clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança da ciclesonida no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Método: Uma busca foi feita nos bancos de dados Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase e Clinical Trial Registries por ensaios clínicos randomizados e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials por estudos controlados randomizados que comparassem ciclesonida com placebo no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Resultados: Oito estudos foram incluídos. Em comparação com os grupos placebo, os grupos ciclesonida mostraram diminuição significante no escore do Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,56; IC 95%: −0,72 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,19, I2 = 24%), do Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,57; IC95%: −0,75 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,34, I2 = 11%). Um efeito significante no escore do Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (DM = −0,15; IC 95%: −0,18 a −0,13, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,12, I2 = 24%) também foi demonstrado. O escore do Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (RQLQs) (DM = −0,27; IC 95%: −0,39 a −0,15, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,58, I2 = 0%) também foi significantemente reduzido no tratamento com ciclesonida. Além disso, a diferença em relação aos eventos adversos emergentes do tratamento entre os dois grupos não foi significante. Conclusão: A ciclesonida pode melhorar a rinite alérgica perene sem aumentar os eventos adversos. Esse fármaco pode ser outra opção valiosa para a rinite alérgica perene no futuro.

Curcumin reduces the invasion and migration abilities of papillary thyroid carcinoma TPC1 cells / 医学研究生学报

Objective Comparatively few studies are reported on the invasion and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) TPC1 cells. This study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on the invasion and migration abilities of TPC1 cells and its possible action mechanisms.MethodsWe treated TPC1 single cell suspension with curcumin at the concentrations of 0 (DMSO solvent), 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μmol/L. At 24 and 48 hours after exposure, we examined the inhibitory effect of curcumin on the cells by CCK8 assays, detected the migration and invasion abilities of the TPC1 cells by Transwell and wound healing assay, and determined the gene and protein expressions Glut1 and MT1MMP by RTPCR and Western blot, respectively.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the cell viability among different groups of the TPC1 cells (P<0.05) as well as in the cell migration ability at 24 hours between any two groups of the cells treated with curcumin at 0 μmol/L (\[0.842±0.096\] mm), 10 μmol/L (\[0.911±0.049\] mm), 20 μmol/L (\[0.926±0.107\] mm) and 40 μmol/L (\[1.076±0.093\] mm) (P<0.05) and at 48 hours (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed between any two of the 0, 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L groups in the number of migrated cells (196, 142, 57, and 17/100x visual field) (P<0.05) as well in the protein expression of Glut1 (0.786±0.112, 0.518±0.106, 0.359±0.121, and 0.266±0.087) (P<0.05) and the mRNA and protein expressions of MT1MMP (P<0.05).ConclusionCurcumin can inhibit the invasion and migration of thyroid papillary carcinoma TPC1 cells, which may be associated with the decreased expressions of Glut1 and MT1MMP.

Expression of phosphatidic acid phosphatase type 2 domain containing 1A in different human colorectal cancer cells / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To investigate the significance of the expression of phosphatidic acid phosphatase type 2 domain containing 1A(PPAPDC1A) in human colorectal cancer cell lines.Methods The high metastatic potential cells LOVO,SW620 and low metastatic potential cells SW480,RKO,HCT116 and DLD-1 were cultured,the expression of PPAPDC1A mRNA and protein in different colorectal cancer cells in logarithmic growth period was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results There were significant differences in the expressions of PPAPDC1A mRNA and protein among the six human colorectal cancer cells (F =41.213,344.1 16;P ＜ 0.05).The expression of PPAPDC1 A mRNA and protein in highly metastatic potential cells LOVO and SW620 was significantly higher than that in DLD-1,HCT116,RKO and SW480 cells (P ＜0.05).The expression of PPAPDC1A protein in LOVO cells with high metastatic potential was significantly higher than that in SW620 cells(P ＜ 0.05).The expression of PPAPDC1A protein in DLD-1 cells was significantly higher than that in HCT116,RKO and SW480 cells (P ＜0.05).The expression of PPAPDC1 A protein in HCT116 cells with low metastatic potential was significantly higher than that in RKO and SW480 cells (P ＜ 0.05).The expression of PPAPDC1 A protein in RKO cells was significantly higher than that in SW480 cells (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the expression of PPAPDC1A mRNA between LOVO and SW620 cells (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the expression of PPAPDC1A mRNA between SW480,RKO,HCT116 and DLD-1 cells (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion PPAPDC1A expresses differentially in colorectal cancer cell lines,which may be involved in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Efficacy of ropivacaine injection at acupoints for labor analgesia and its effect on cortisol level in parturients / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine injection at the acupoints Hegu and Sanyinjiao for labor analgesia and its effects on cortisol level in parturients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 120 ASA class I-II nulliparous women undergoing spontaneous term labor (37 to 41 weeks of gestation) with a live, singleton fetus in the occiput anterior position and requiring labor analgesia with acupuncture were enrolled in this study. These women were randomized into study group and control group and received injections of 1 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and normal saline, respectively, at each of the acupoints of bilateral Sanyinjiao and Hegu in the first stage of labor. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and at 30, 60 and 120 min after analgesia, the time of labor, delivery outcome and cortisol levels were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The VAS was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). At 120 min after injections of ropivacaine or saline, serum cortisol level was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group (P<0.05). The rates of cesarean section and instrumental delivery and the time of labor were all similar between the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ropivacaine injection at Hegu and Sanyinjiao is effective for labor analgesia and does not prolong the process of labor or increase the rates of cesarean section or instrumental delivery.</p>

facile method for the synthesis of 2-[3-hydroxy-1-adamantyl]-2-oxoacetic acid and it’s optimization

2-[3-hydroxy-1-adamantyl]-2-oxoacetic acid [IV], a key intermediate of saxagliptin for type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], was prepared from 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid[I] via oxidation by potassium permanganate[KMnO4] to afford 3-hydroxy-1-adamantanecarboxylic acid [II], which was treated with a one-pot method to give 1-acetyl-3-hydroxyadamantane [III] followed by oxidation. Some key steps were optimized and the overall yield was about 51%

Effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for brachial plexus nerve block in children undergoing polydactyly surgery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the anesthetic effect and safety of different doses of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for brachial plexus nerve block in children undergoing polydactyly surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty children undergoing polydactyly surgery were randomized into 4 groups to receive brachial plexus nerve block with dexmedetomidine at 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 µg/kg combined with 0.25% ropivacaine (0.20 mL/kg) (D1, D2, and D3 groups, respectively) or with 0.25% ropivacaine (0.20 mL/kg) only (control group). The onset time, duration of brachial plexus nerve block, awakening time, success rate, and incidence of complications were compared among the groups. Results In D2 and D3 groups, the onset time and awakening time were shorter and anesthesia lasted longer than those in the control group. The onset time and awakening time were shorter and anesthesia maintenance time was longer in D3 group than in D1 group. The success rates of brachial plexus nerve block were significantly higher in D1-3 groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Hematoma was found in one of the patients. In each of the 4 groups, laryngeal nerve block occurred in 1 child and respiratory depression in another; 2 or 3 patients had Horner syndrome, and 1 patient in D3 group experienced an episode of lowered heart beat to below 70 min. All the complications were managed properly and the patients all recovered uneventfully.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Brachial plexus nerve block with 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with 0.25% ropivacaine (0.20 mL/kg) is safe for effective anesthesia in children undergoing surgery for polydactyly.</p>

Influences of Gender and Age on the Prevalence and Complications of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the effects of gender and age on the prevalence and complications of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Methods A total of 8429 NAFLD patients were selected from the Health Check-up Center and Outpatient Departments of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University(Qingdao).The questionnaire-based survey,physical examinations,biochemical tests,and liver ultrasonography were performed for all cases.Patients were divided into young group(<45 years),middle aged group(45 years≤age<60 years),and old group(≥60 years)according to age,and the clinical features and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results The proportion of male patients gradually decreased with age,while the proportion of female patients increased(P<0.01);The incidences of metabolic diseases showed significant difference among young group,middle aged group,and old group(P<0.01).Except for hyperlipidemia,the proportion of male patients with NAFLD-accompanied metabolic symdrome was significantly higher than that of female patients in all three age groups(all P<0.01). Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD-accompanied metabolic syndrome disease is associated with age and gender.This finding is useful for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Application of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Analyzing B-vitamins in Human Milk / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine ten B-vitamins in human milk by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The pretreated human milk samples were adequately separated and quantified within 11 min by UPLC-MS/MS with an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1×100 mm, 1.8 µm). The mobile phase was a gradient of 2.5 mmol/L ammonium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Stable isotope internal standards were used in the analysis, to correct for the method variability, including matrix and ionization effects. The homogenized human milk samples were deproteinzed using methanol, unknown contaminants were extracted with diethyl ether and hydrophobic phase was discarded. The analytes were monitored via ESI+ionization and detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with three acquisition functions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Calibration curves ranged from 0.5-160 ng/mL (thiamin, riboflavin, biotin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal), and 2.5-800 ng/mL (pantothenic acid, FAD and nicotinamide) (R2=0.990-0.999). The relative recovery ranged from 80.1% to 120.2%; accuracy was determined to be 98.3% to 108.0%. Intra-day and inter-day variation were 3.4%-19.9% and 5.9%-18.1%, respectively. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for all vitamins was between 0.25 and 3 µg/L.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method was successfully applied for simultaneous analysis of ten B-vitamins in human milk.</p>

Liuwei dihuang pills enhance the effect of Western medicine in treating type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy of adding Liuwei Dihuang Pills (, LDP) to Western medicine in improving treatment outcomes for type 2 diabetes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases, including the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to identify eligible studies; i.e., if the study involved a randomized clinical trial in which the experimental group combined LDP with Western drugs and the control group used the corresponding Western drugs alone to treat type 2 diabetes. Outcomes were measured in terms of fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) and HbA1c level. Efficacy was also measured by using control and response rates. The combined odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Studies included in the analysis were less adequate than expected in terms of methodological quality. A total of 1,609 patients from 18 studies were included. We found that adding LDP can lower patients' FBG (MD=0.54 mmol/L, 95% CI [0.15, 0.93], P=0.007), 2hPG (MD=1.05 mmol/L, 95% CI [0.29, 1.81], P<0.01) and HbA1c (MD=0.23, 95% CI [0.02, 0.45], P=0.008). There were also improvements in treatment response rates (OR=3.41, 95% CI [2.38, 4.90], P<0.01) and control rates (OR=2.47, 95% CI [1.91, 3.20], P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Adding LDP to Western medicine might improve treatment outcomes of diabetes, including FBG, 2hPG, response rates and control rates.</p>

Influence of extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves tablets on the aquaporin-1 expression in isolated lung ischemia reperfusion / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves tablets, ginaton, is widely used in treating ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the clinic. This study aimed to investigate the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) in rat lung with ischemia/reperfusion injury after pretreatment with ginaton, and whether the pretreatment with ginaton reduces the acute lung injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Some rats were used as donors (n = 20), the others as recipients (n = 20). Left lungs of donor rats were used for the isolated lung reperfusion model, which perfused only with low potassium dextran (LPD) solution as group A (n = 10); the others were pretreated with ginaton before reperfusion as group C (n = 10). Right lung of donor rat without any treatment was used as a control group (group B and group D, n = 10 for each group). After the model was established, the expression of AQP-1 in the lung tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunohistochemical examination revealed that AQP-1 was expressed in endothelia. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the relative gray values of AQP-1 protein in groups A and C were 0.65±0.06, 0.88±0.11, respectively. The relative gray values of the mRNA expression in groups A and C were 0.30±0.08, 0.49±0.11, respectively. The expression of AQP-1 protein and mRNA in group C was significantly higher than in group A (P < 0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pretreatment with ginaton can reduce the acute lung injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion.</p>

Expression of ERCC1 mRNA and its impact on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the level of ERCC1 mRNA expression in non-small cell lung cancer and analyze the influencing factors of the survival of patients after operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The level of ERCC1 mRNA expression was quantified in sixty pairs of non-small cell lung cancer tissue and their matched normal lung tissues by real-time PCR assay. The survival of patients was analyzed by univariate Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of ERCC1 mRNA expression in cancer tissues (-7.85 ± 3.86) was significantly higher than that in matched normal ones (-11.19 ± 5.03;t = 3.973, P = 0.000). Up-regulation of ERCC1 mRNA was found in 43 of 60 (71.7%) lung cancer tissues compared with that in the matched normal lung tissues (17 of 60, 28.3%). The univariate survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier method showed that the survival rate of patients with high ERCC1 mRNA expression was lower than that in the patients with low expression of ERCC1 mRNA (P = 0.000). Patients with lymph node metastasis, smoking, cancer family history, or high pathological grade had significantly shorter survaival time than those without lymph node metastasis, smoking, cancer family history, or with low pathological grade. Cox regression survival analysis showed that the level of ERCC1 mRNA expression, lymph node metastasis, smoking, and pathological grade were significant independent factors affecting the survival rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Non-small cell lung cancer patients with up-regulated ERCC1 expression have a poor survival. The expression of ERCC1 mRNA, lymph node metastasis, pathological grade, cancer family history and smoking can be used as prognostic indicator of non-small cell lung cancer.</p>

Rapid and high-throughput multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification for diagnosis of chromosome aneuploidy / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the diagnostic value of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for detection of common chromosome aneuploidy in amniotic fluid (AF) cells in order to obtain an accurate, rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput method in routine prenatal clinical practice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The MLPA test was performed on 500 AF samples by using kit P095 and the results were obtained by using analysis software RH-MLPA-v511. The results were compared with that from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and traditional karyotyping (TK). The technical critical issues were analyzed in routine diagnostic application.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The absolute specificity and sensitivity of the MLPA test to detect the aneuploidy were 100%. For the 500 AF samples, the success rate of the MLPA tests was 97%. Among them 92% were finished within three working days and 5% required more days for repeating. The test failure rate was 3%. The results confirmed that for the 38 detectable aneuploid samples, the probe reliability weighted mean ratio values were more than 4SD compared to normal diploids and the 2 suspected trisomy samples were more than 2SD. In this study, authors analyzed hybridization efficiencies of 8 probes for chromosome 21, and the presence of a trisomy was considered if at least 4 of the 8 probes gave probe ratio of >1.3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Thedata suggested that MLPA is a rapid, simple and reliable method for large scale testing for aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, or Y in AF. The MLPA technology is complementary to AF culture and valuable for prenatal diagnosis.</p>

Autologous grafts of double-strut fibular cortical bone plate to treat the fractures and defects of distal femur: a case report and review of literature / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

We reported a 23-year-old man who was involved in a high-speed motorcycle accident. He sustained a closed fracture at the right distal femur. The primary fracture happened on February 2008. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation with cloverleaf plate. And one hundred days after the surgery, the proximal screws were pulled-out, but the bone union was not achieved. Treatment consisted of exchanging the cloverleaf plate with a locking compression plate and using an auto-iliac bone graft to fill the nonunion gap. In July 2009, the patient had a sharp pain in the right lower limb. The X-ray revealed that the plate implanted last year was broken, causing a nonunion at the fracture site. Immediately the plate and screws were removed and an intramedullary nail was inserted reversely from the distal femur as well as a 7 cm long bone from the right fibula was extracted and longitudinally split into two pieces to construct cortical bone plates. Then we placed them laterally and medially to fracture site, drilled two holes respectively, and fastened them with suture. We carried on auto-iliac bone grafting with the nonunion bone grafts. The follow-up at 15 months after operation showed that the treatment was successful, X-ray confirmed that there was no rotation and no angular or short deformity. We briefly reviewed the literature regarding such an unusual presentation and discussed in details the possible etiology and the advantages of autologous double-strut fibular grafts to cope with such an intractable situation.

Effect of concanavalin A on expression of MAPEG mRNA in Balb/c mouse brain / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the gene expression of MAPEG in the cortex of concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mouse immune inflammatory model and the effect of cyclosporine A (Cs A).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male Balb/c mouse immune inflammation model was developed by intravenous injection of Con A (20 mg/kg). Cs A (150 mg/kg) was intravenously infected prior to Con A administration. The MAPEG expressions were determined by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>mGST1, mGST3, LTC(4)S, FLAP and mPGES-1 were detected by RT-PCR but not mGST2. Eight hours after Con A treatment, mGST1 level was up-regulated to 1.2 approximately 1.5 folds of control with or without Cs A treatment. mGST3ìLTC(4)S, FLAP and mPGES-1 mRNA levels were not influenced by Con A administration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Immune mechanism may be not involved in mGST1 up-regulation in this model and Con A does not alter arachidonic acid metabolism in cortex.</p>

Oncosis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with apoptosis and microvessel density / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies have shown that oncosis in malignant tumors might be related to cellular energy supply. The aim of this study was to detect oncosis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to investigate its relationship with apoptosis and microvessel density (MVD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ESCC specimens were obtained from 30 patients with ESCC after surgery. Transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect oncosis, apoptosis, and MVD. The relation of oncosis to apoptosis and MVD was analyzed by ANOVA, t test, and q test using SPSS 10.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Transmission electron microscopy revealed both oncosis and apoptosis in the ECSS tissues. About 10% of the TUNEL-positive cells, which were considered apoptotic cells, showed the characteristics of oncosis. In the areas, where oncotic cells accumulated, apoptotic cells were rare; contrarily, where apoptotic cells gathered, oncotic cells were sparse. Compared with the tissues with a high MVD, the number of oncotic cells was increased and that of apoptotic cells was decreased in the tissues with a low MVD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cellular oncosis can be detected in human ESCC tissues. The distribution of oncotic cells presents a close relationship with cellular apoptosis and MVD. Oncosis might be induced by poor blood supply.</p>

Directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into neuronal cells induced by icaritin in vitro / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the inductive effects of icaritin (ICT) on the directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into neuronal cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ES cells were cultured with embryoid body (EB) formation cultures, ICT in different concentrations was added in the cultural media and the cells were harvested in several differentiation phases. The expression spectrums of neuronal cell-specific genes and proteins were verified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry analysis, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Differentiation of neurocyte phenotype from ES cells was promoted by ICT in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. ICT at 10(-7)mol/L significantly enhanced the differentiation toward neuronal cells, and up to 80 % of EBs outgrowth in d 8+8 incubation. The gene expressions of beta-tubulin III in neuron and GFAP in glial cells were detected in neuronal cell phenotype derived from EBs. Furthermore, nestin was detected in precursor cells, beta-tubulin III and GFAP were detected in the generated precursor neurocytes immunocytochemically.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Directed differentiation of neurons is facilitated by ICT in EB formation culture, which is associated with the expression of developmental-dependent gene and protein.</p>

Protective effect of icaritin on apoptosis of primarily cultured rat neurons induced by Abeta25-35 peptide / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of icaritin (ICT) on apoptosis of primarily cultured rat neurons induced by Abeta(25-35) peptide and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cortical neurons from rat embryonic cortical on d17 pregnancy were cultured in neural basal medium for 7 days. Icaritin (ICT) was pre-incubated for 24 h before adding Abeta(25-35) peptide and then the cells were incubated for 72 h. Neuroprotective effects of ICT were evaluated by MTT assay, LDH level in medium and cell morphological observation. Meanwhile, apoptosis was determined by JC-1 staining for mitochondria membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and AO/EB double staining for genetic damage of nucleoli in monolayer cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>0.1 micromol.L(-1) ICT pre-incubation for 24 h prevented rat neurons from Abeta(25-35) peptide induced apoptosis significantly as demonstrated by MTT, LDH assay and morphological observation. AO/EB double staining also indicated that ICT prevented neurons from apoptosis. JC-1 staining further showed that ICT prevented decreasing of mitochondrial DeltaPsim induced by Abeta(25-35) peptide.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ICT could protect primarily cultured rat neurons from Abeta(25-35) peptide induced apoptosis.</p>