Inverted U-Shaped Associations between Glycemic Indices and Serum Uric Acid Levels in the General Chinese Population: Findings from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and glycemic indices, including plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload glucose (2h-PG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the associations between glycemic indices and SUA levels in the general Chinese population.@*Methods@#The current study was a cross-sectional analysis using the first follow-up survey data from The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study. A total of 105,922 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years underwent the oral glucose tolerance test and uric acid assessment. The nonlinear relationships between glycemic indices and SUA levels were explored using generalized additive models.@*Results@#A total of 30,941 men and 62,361 women were eligible for the current analysis. Generalized additive models verified the inverted U-shaped association between glycemic indices and SUA levels, but with different inflection points in men and women. The thresholds for FPG, 2h-PG, and HbA1c for men and women were 6.5/8.0 mmol/L, 11.0/14.0 mmol/L, and 6.1/6.5, respectively (SUA levels increased with increasing glycemic indices before the inflection points and then eventually decreased with further increases in the glycemic indices).@*Conclusion@#An inverted U-shaped association was observed between major glycemic indices and uric acid levels in both sexes, while the inflection points were reached earlier in men than in women.

Correlation of liver enzymes with diabetes and pre-diabetes in middle-aged rural population in China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The survey aimed to explore the association of liver transaminases with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and pre-diabetes (pre-DM) in the middle-aged rural population in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 800 middle-aged subjects who lived in rural area of central China. The 75-g oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Participants were asked to complete physical examination and standard questionnaire. The serum liver transaminases (ALT and GGT), HbA1C and serum lipids were measured. In middle-aged rural population, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose combined with impaired glucose tolerance (IFG+IGT) and DM was 4.0%, 11.8%, 2.6% and 10.0%, respectively. Some measurements were higher in males than in females, such as waist hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and liver enzymes (ALT and GGT). Further, we found that elevated serum GGT and ALT levels were significantly positively correlated with the prevalence of DM, independent of central obesity, serum lipid and insulin resistance (IR) in both genders. However, the correlation of GGT and ALT with pre-DM was determined by genders and characteristics of liver enzymes. Higher serum GGT was indicative of IGT in both genders. The association of serum ALT with pre-DM was significant only in female IGT group. In conclusion, our present survey shows both serum GGT and ALT are positively associated with DM, independent of the cardiovascular risk factors in both genders.

Correlation of liver enzymes with diabetes and pre-diabetes in middle-aged rural population in China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The survey aimed to explore the association of liver transaminases with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and pre-diabetes (pre-DM) in the middle-aged rural population in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 800 middle-aged subjects who lived in rural area of central China. The 75-g oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Participants were asked to complete physical examination and standard questionnaire. The serum liver transaminases (ALT and GGT), HbA1C and serum lipids were measured. In middle-aged rural population, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose combined with impaired glucose tolerance (IFG+IGT) and DM was 4.0%, 11.8%, 2.6% and 10.0%, respectively. Some measurements were higher in males than in females, such as waist hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and liver enzymes (ALT and GGT). Further, we found that elevated serum GGT and ALT levels were significantly positively correlated with the prevalence of DM, independent of central obesity, serum lipid and insulin resistance (IR) in both genders. However, the correlation of GGT and ALT with pre-DM was determined by genders and characteristics of liver enzymes. Higher serum GGT was indicative of IGT in both genders. The association of serum ALT with pre-DM was significant only in female IGT group. In conclusion, our present survey shows both serum GGT and ALT are positively associated with DM, independent of the cardiovascular risk factors in both genders.

Effect of fluoxetine on the expressions of BDNF and Bcl-2 during fear memory formation / 药学学报

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fluoxetine (FLX) on the expressions of BDNF and Bcl-2 in the hippocampus, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex of conditioned fear (CF) model mice. Forty eight mice were randomly divided into three groups, normal control group, CF stress group and FLX-pretreated CF group. The FLX-pretreated CF group was given FLX (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) for 7 days before CF stress. After CF stress model was established, all mice were given behavioral experiments to test whether FLX impaired or improved the auditory and contextual fear conditioning. Then mice were sacrificed. The expressions of BDNF and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the freezing time of FLX-pretreated CF group was significantly lower than that of CF group; FLX pretreatment up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus at 1 d after CF stress (P < 0.001), but no significant differences was observed at 7 d; BDNF significantly increased in the hippocampus at 7 d (P < 0.001), but no differences at 1 d; the expressions of BDNF and Bcl-2 in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex were of no obvious differences between CF group and FLX-pretreated CF group at 1 d or 7 d after CF stress. Parallel to these changes, pretreatment with FLX could affect histopathologic changes induced by CF stress. Furthermore, the results indicated that FLX pretreatment could protect against CF stress-induced neurological damage via the activation of BDNF and Bcl-2 in hippocampus.

A meta-analysis of salicylates for type 2 diabetes mellitus / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study was to assess the effects and safety of salicylates on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We searched six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI and VIP) for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and self-control studies which investigated the effects of salicylates on T2DM. We included 34 RCTs and 17 self-control studies involving 13 464 patients with T2DM. It was demonstrated that salicylates had obvious effects on several parameters for patients with T2DM. (1) Any dose of salicylates could significantly reduce HbA1c level [mean difference (MD) -0.39%; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.32] in RCTs, but only high doses of salicylates (≥3000 mg/day) could effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level [standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.05; 95% CI -1.47 to -0.62] for patients with T2DM in both RCTs and self-control studies. Furthermore, high doses of salicylates could also increase plasma fasting insulin level (MD 12.20 mU/L; 95% CI 3.33 to 21.07); (2) In both RCTs and self-control studies, high doses of salicylates could significantly reduce plasma triglycerides concentration. The results for RCTs were MD -0.44 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.18, and those for self-control studies were 227±29 mg/dL (pre-treatment) and 117±8 mg/dL (post-treatment) (P=0.009); (3) All trials which reported cardiovascular events were RCTs using low doses (<1000 mg/day) of salicylates, and it was revealed that aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.92); (4) Two RCTs and two self-control studies with ≥3000 mg/day salicylates reported adverse effects, and the overall effects were mild, and tinnitus occurred most frequently. No evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was found in all these studies. In conclusion, from our systematic review, the anti-diabetic effect of salicylates is in a dose-dependent manner. High doses of salicylates may have beneficial effects on reducing FPG, HbA1c level and increasing fasting insulin concentration, and may also have some positive effects on lipidemia and inflammation-associated parameters for patients with T2DM, without serious adverse effects.

A meta-analysis of salicylates for type 2 diabetes mellitus / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study was to assess the effects and safety of salicylates on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We searched six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI and VIP) for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and self-control studies which investigated the effects of salicylates on T2DM. We included 34 RCTs and 17 self-control studies involving 13 464 patients with T2DM. It was demonstrated that salicylates had obvious effects on several parameters for patients with T2DM. (1) Any dose of salicylates could significantly reduce HbA1c level [mean difference (MD) -0.39%; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.32] in RCTs, but only high doses of salicylates (≥3000 mg/day) could effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level [standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.05; 95% CI -1.47 to -0.62] for patients with T2DM in both RCTs and self-control studies. Furthermore, high doses of salicylates could also increase plasma fasting insulin level (MD 12.20 mU/L; 95% CI 3.33 to 21.07); (2) In both RCTs and self-control studies, high doses of salicylates could significantly reduce plasma triglycerides concentration. The results for RCTs were MD -0.44 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.18, and those for self-control studies were 227±29 mg/dL (pre-treatment) and 117±8 mg/dL (post-treatment) (P=0.009); (3) All trials which reported cardiovascular events were RCTs using low doses (<1000 mg/day) of salicylates, and it was revealed that aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.92); (4) Two RCTs and two self-control studies with ≥3000 mg/day salicylates reported adverse effects, and the overall effects were mild, and tinnitus occurred most frequently. No evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was found in all these studies. In conclusion, from our systematic review, the anti-diabetic effect of salicylates is in a dose-dependent manner. High doses of salicylates may have beneficial effects on reducing FPG, HbA1c level and increasing fasting insulin concentration, and may also have some positive effects on lipidemia and inflammation-associated parameters for patients with T2DM, without serious adverse effects.

To improve the cognition about the carcinoma of esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Recently, the incidence of carcinoma at the esophagogastric junction (CEG), especially adenocarcinoma at esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing. AEG has obvious difference from other parts of stomach tumor in anatomy, physiology and pathology. The scholars have not made a consensus and standard about the treatment of AEG. It is necessary to improve the knowledge and cognition about AEG and find a feasible treatment strategy.

Value of nasogastric decompression tube in patients with gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of nasogastric decompression tube after gastric cancer operation on the postoperative recovery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 174 patients with gastric cancer were prospectively enrolled from December 2009 to March 2011 and randomly divided into non-nasogastric tube control group(n=88) and nasogastric tube group(n=86). Postoperative symptoms, complications, recovery time, and quality of life during hospital stay were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidences of nausea(14.8% vs. 47.7%, P<0.01), sore throat(6.8% vs. 38.4%, P<0.01), bucking and foreign body sensation(3.4% vs. 20.9%, P<0.01), expectoration obstruction(36.4% vs. 55.8%, P<0.05) were significantly lower in nasogastric tube group than those in the control group. The intervals to ambulation and flatus were(1.46±0.58) d and(3.11±0.77) d in the non-nasogastric tube group, significantly shorter those in nasogastric tube group[(1.68±0.61) d and(3.75±1.03) d]. There was no anastomotic leak or bowel obstruction. The difference in bleeding was not statistically significant[3.4%(3/88) vs. 5.8%(5/86), P>0.05] between the two groups. The quality of life differed between the two groups(mean score, 3.36 vs. 2.78, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Early removal of nasogastric decompression tube is safe and reasonable and can improve the quality of life during hospital stay.</p>

In-vivo targeted imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice using quantum dot probes / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore in-vivo targeted imaging techniques for liver cancer detection using quantum dots (QDs) labeled probes in a nude mouse model of human hepatocellular carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) modified QDs were linked to mouse-anti-human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) monoclonal antibody to form water soluble QD-AFP-Ab probes, which were validated by spectra analyses and transmission electron microscope. The probes were firstly used to detect AFP antigen in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM6 in-vitro by one-step immunofluorescence method. In-vivo tumor xenografts and lung metastases models were then established by inoculation of HCCLM6 cells subcutaneously and into the tail vein of nude mice, respectively. QD-AFP-Ab probes were injected into the tail vein of the tumor bearing mice for live animal fluorescence imaging. Spectra of tumor and normal tissue were analyzed under illumination of Ti: sapphire laser. Serum levels of alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were determined by conventional biochemical analysis. The liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain of the experimental nude mice were investigated for nonspecific uptake of the probes by confocal microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The QD-AFP-Ab probes had broad excitation spectra and high fluorescence intensity. They could specifically and efficiently recognize AFP antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Tumor targeting imaging using these probes were successful without any acute toxicity to the experimental animals. Spectra analysis showed that the probes per field were lower in the centre than the periphery of the tumor. Non-specific uptake of QD-AFP-Ab probes occurred mainly in the liver, spleen and lungs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>QD-AFP-Ab probes have good optical properties and biocompatibility for in-vivo targeted imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma. Such approach promises to be highly desirable for molecular targeted research of liver cancer.</p>