Genetic Analysis of a Family with Mohr-Tranebjaerg Syndrome / 罕见病研究

  Objective  Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome (MTS) is a rare X-linked neurodegenerative disorder which usually involving hearing impairment, gradual dystonia, and other symptoms. In this study, we perform analyzed the genetic makeup of a family with this rare Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome.  Methods  We collected the clinical data of the family, did the whole exome sequencing on the proband Ⅲ6 with a rare mutation, and verified the mutation in another affected family member Ⅲ5 and unaffected members Ⅰ1, Ⅰ2, Ⅱ1, Ⅱ5, Ⅱ7, Ⅱ8, Ⅲ7.  Results  The patients in the family all showed early-onset deafness. More than a couple of affected male members have dystonia with/without mental disorders. Genetic testing results showed the proband Ⅲ6 had a c.133-2delA in TIMM8A (NM_ 004085.3, DDP1), highly likely pathogenic(LP). This variation was detected in affected Ⅲ5 as well as the unaffected females Ⅰ1, Ⅱ5, Ⅱ7.  Conclusions  MTS caused by the rare TIMM8A mutation, the molecular etiology of the family with this rare disease, is highly consistent with the clinical manifestations and segregation. Other than the deafness, other symptoms varied among the affected family members. Genetic diagnosis for such X-linked diseases can also identify female heterozygotes. Genetic and reproduction counseling can help families in the family planning.

Acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression disease based on data mining technology / 中国针灸

Based on data mining technology, the acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression diseases were explored. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles regarding acupuncture for depression diseases published from establishment of database to September 2nd, 2022 were searched in CNKI database, Wangfang database, VIP database, SinoMed database, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The use frequency of acupoints, meridian tropism, selection of special acupoints and acupoint association rules for five common depression diseases, including primary depression, post-stroke depression, menopausal syndrome, psychoneurosis and anxiety disorder, were analyzed by Python programming language. Cytoscape software was used to analyze the acupoint association and the disease-acupoint co-occurrence network. As a result, totally 387 articles were included, and 319 acupoints prescriptions for the above five common depression diseases were extracted, involving 159 acupoints. The use frequency of acupoints was 2 574 times in total. The frequently-used acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Yintang (GV 24+), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Taixi (KI 3), etc. The frequently involved meridians were the governor vessel, foot-taiyang bladder meridian, foot-taiyin spleen meridian, and foot-jueyin liver meridian. The frequency of the special acupoints from high to low was crossing points, five-shu points, yuan-primary points, back-shu points, luo-connecting points, and eight confluent points, etc, which were often used in combination with "Baihui (GV 20)-Yintang (GV 24+)" (the highest degree of association). At the same time, the analysis of the co-occurrence network of depression diseases and acupoints showed that the core acupoints group of acupuncture for depression diseases were Baihui (GV 20), Taichong (LR 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In conclusion, acupuncture treatment for depression diseases has gradually formed a rule of acupoint compatibility, with special acupoint as the main body and "unblocking the governor vessel, and regulating the spirit and qi " as the main therapeutic principle.

Geranylated or prenylated flavonoids from Cajanus volubilis / 中国天然药物

Five new flavonoid derivatives, cajavolubones A-E (1-5), along with six known analogues (6-11) were isolated from Cajanus volubilis, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Cajavolubones A and B (1 and 2) were identified as two geranylated chalcones. Cajavolubone C (3) was a prenylated flavone, while cajavolubones D and E (4 and 5) were two prenylated isoflavanones. Compounds 3, 8, 9 and 11 displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cancer cell line.

Clinical study of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomic variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is often associated with right subclavian artery variation on the right side and more rare on the left side, usually accompanied with visceral inversion. Injury will lead to permanent paralysis of the vocal cord, bilateral nerve injury will even contribute to dyspnea in patients, breathing only with the aid of ventilator, in which case postoperative tracheotomy treatment is needed, leading to obvious influence on the daily life of patients. We reviewed the progress of NRLN in terms of histology and embryology development, anatomical classification, improvement and identification of related preoperative examination, intraoperative nerve identification, exploration and protection, and postoperative injury response, with the aim to provide some reference for improvement of thyroid surgery in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Geranyl phenyl ethers from Illicium micranthum and their anti-HBV activity / 中国天然药物

Fourteen new geranyl phenyl ethers (1-14) along with three known compounds (15-17) were isolated from Illicium micranthum, and their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Illimicranins A-H (1-8) were characterized as geranyl vanillin ethers, while 9 and 10 were dimethyl acetal derivatives. Illimicranins I and J (11 and 12) were rare geranyl isoeugenol ethers. Illimicranins K and L (13 and 14) represented the first example of geranyl guaiacylacetone ether and geranyl zingerone ether, respectively. Compounds 1, 2 and 15 exhibited anti-HBV (hepatitis B virus) activity against HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) and HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen) secretion, and HBV DNA replication.

Resibufogenin suppresses human hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro / 药学学报

This manuscript aims to investigate the effects of resibufogenin on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its related mechanisms. MTT assay was used to determine the inhibitory effect of resibufogenin on the growth of four hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were used to evaluate the migration and invasion ability of resibufogenin on MHCC-97H cells. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of migration and invasion related proteins in MHCC-97H cells treated with different concentrations of resibufogenin. The results showed that resibufogenin significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values on MHCC-97H, HepG2, SK-Hep-1 and Huh-7 cells were 0.55 ± 0.06, 2.83 ± 0.24, 5.25 ± 0.49, 14.89 ± 2.28 μmol·L-1, respectively. Resibufogenin also suppressed the migration and invasion of MHCC-97H cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The protein expression of integrin α2, integrin α6, integrin β1, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and transcription factor Twist in MHCC-97H cells were decreased significantly with the increase of the concentration of resibufogenin, while the protein expression of E-cadherin increased. In addition, we found that p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios were significantly reduced after treatment with resibufogenin. In conclusion, resibufogenin can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC-97H cells in vitro, which is related to the regulation of intracellular migration and invasion protein expression and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Optimization of formulation of paclitaxel nanosuspension encapsulated by erythrocyte membrane based on Box-Behnken method / 中国中药杂志

In view of the longevity and innate immune escape of red blood cells, this study designed the red blood cell membrane-coated paclitaxel nanosuspension [RBC-(PTX)NS] and investigated its physicochemical properties and antitumor effect in vitro. Paclitaxel nanosuspension [(PTX)NS] was prepared by ultrasonic precipitation and then RBC-(PTX)NS by ultrasonic coating. The formulation of(PTX)NS was optimized with Box-Behnken method and indexes of particle diameter, zeta potential, and stability. The morphology, particle diameter, stability, in vitro dissolution, and antitumor effect of(PTX)NS and RBC-(PTX)NS were characterized. The results showed that the particle diameter and zeta potential were(129.38±0.92) nm and(-22.41±0.48) mV, respectively, for the optimized(PTX)NS, while(142.5±0.68) nm and(-29.85±0.53) mV, respectively, for RBC-(PTX)NS. Under the transmission electron microscope,(PTX)NS was spherical and RBC-(PTX)NS had obvious core-shell structure. RBC-(PTX)NS remained stable for 5 days at 4 ℃. The in vitro dissolution test demonstrated that the cumulative release rate of RBC-(PTX)NS reached 79% within 20 min, which was significantly higher than that(25%) of(PTX)NS(P<0.05). As evidenced by MTT assay, RBC-(PTX)NS highly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cell membrane-coated nano-preparation preparation method is simple and reproducible. It improves the solubility of PTX and endows RBC-(PTX)NS with higher stability and stronger cytotoxicity. Thus, it is a new method for the delivery of PTX via nanocrystallization.

Comparative analysis of the detection and control standards for quinolone residues in animal-derived foods and supervision among multiple regulatory sectors / 上海预防医学

In order to compare the standards for quinolone residues in animal-derived food in China and supervision among multiple regulatory sectors， we summarized and compared the current standards for the limits of quinolone residues in animal-derived food in China and sampling examination strategy among regulatory sectors. There were defects in the standard limits of lomefloxacin， pefloxacin， ofloxacin， and norfloxacin which have been banned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. In addition， the determination limits of those indexes in the supervision remain inconsistent across multiple regulatory sectors. Multiple regulatory sectors on food safety should perform further risk assessment on the above problems and formulate the standards for the limits of quinolone residues in animal-derived food that may be applicable in China.

Research advances on the chemical components and pharmacological activities of Zanthoxyli Radix / 药学学报

Zanthoxyli Radix is a traditional Chinese medicine. It can be used for the treatment of wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, muscle and bone pain, fall fracture, hernia, sore throat, toothache and other diseases. Due to possessing many excellent and mild pharmacological properties, there are lots of reports about Zanthoxyli Radix worldwide. At present, more than 100 bioactive components have been extracted and purified from Zanthoxyli Radix. Nitidine chloride (NC), one of the most important alkaloids in Zanthoxyli Radix, has the activities of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, etc. In this review, we summarize the chemical components of Zanthoxyli Radix, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of NC to provide references for further research and utilization of Zanthoxyli Radix.

Bruceantin inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer H1299 cells by up-regulating miR-29a-3p / 药学学报

We investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of bruceantin (BCT) on the proliferation, invasion and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The cytotoxic activity of BCT was measured by MTT assay; a colony forming assay, wound healing assay, and a Transwell assay were used to investigate the anti-proliferative, anti-migration, and anti-invasion effects, respectively; immunoblotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of related proteins, miRNA, and mRNA, respectively, that were involved in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Two gene prediction websites were used to predict the downstream target gene of miRNA. Our results show that BCT has a potent cytotoxic effect on NSCLC cell lines, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BCT against H1299, PC-9, and A549 of 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.31 ± 0.20, and 2.07 ± 0.70 μmol·L-1, respectively. When H1299 cells were treated with 0.03, 0.15, and 0.75 μmol·L-1 BCT for 24 h, the proliferation, migration, and invasive ability were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. It is worth noting that the expression level of miRNAs related to cell migration and invasion, such as miR-29a-3p, miR-21-3p, miR-183-5p, and miR-34b-5p increased with the concentration of BCT, especially for miR-29a-3p. Using the two gene prediction websites, we predict that integrin β1 (ITGB1) may be the target gene of miR-29a-3p; immunoblot results further show that a variety of proteins related to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, such as various proteins of the integrin family, β-catenin, p-Src, and vascular endothelial growth factor, all decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, among which the reduction of ITGB1 protein was the most obvious. RT-qPCR results showed that there was no change in ITGB1 mRNA expression. We speculate that BCT might inhibit the expression of ITGB1 protein by up-regulating miR-29a-3p independent of its mRNA level. The in-depth mechanism needs to be further explored. This study suggests that BCT has the potential for further development in the treatment of NSCLC.

Evaluation of unilateral and bilateral bimodal bone conduction hearing intervention in patients with bilateral microtia-atresia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of unilateral/bilateral bone conduction hearing rehabilitation in patients with bilateral microtia accompanied with severe conductive hearing loss following staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation. Methods: Thirty-two patients, including 20 males and 12 females, with an average age of 11.8, who received surgical treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from March, 2016 to January, 2020 with bilateral microtia-atresia were included. Hearing thresholds, speech perception and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone were evaluated prior to surgery and individualized surgery plans (staged auricle reconstruction and bonebridge implantation) were made. Hearing thresholds and speech perception in quiet and noise (SNR = 5 dB) using unilateral Bonebridge were tested two weeks after the implantation surgery when the Bonebridge was activated and at 3th, 6th, 12th month after activation. Hearing thresholds and speech perception were also tested at least three months after the activation of the Bonebridge under three conditions: unaided, unilateral Bonebridge, and bilateral bone conduction hearing devices (Bonebridge plus contralateral ADHEAR). The international hearing aid assessment questionnaire (IOI-HA) and Glasgow children's benefit questionnaire were used to evaluate the subjective benefits of the patients. SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among these 32 patients, nine were conducted Bonebridge implantation surgery before auricle reconstruction, six were simultaneously with auricle reconstruction and 17 were implanted after auricle reconstruction surgery. Compared with unaided, the mean hearing thresholds (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and speech perception following unilateral BCHD and bilateral BCHD attachment were improved significantly (P<0.05 each). The speech perceptin in noise of bilateral BCHD was better than unilateral (P<0.05 each). The modified questionnaire revealed high levels of patient satisfaction following use of both unilateral and bilateral devices. Conclusions: Individulized surgical procedures involving auricle reconstruction and Bonebridge implantation are safe and effective for patients with bilateral microtia-atresia, solving both appearance and hearing problems. Speech perception in noise is better following bilateral BCHD than unilateral BCHD attachment.

Analysis on material basis and efficacy network of Huopo Xialing Decoction in treating damp pathogen stagnation of lung syndrome of early COVID-19 / 中草药

Objective: To screen the material basis of Huopu Xialing Decoction in the treatment of damp pathogen stagnation of lung syndrome of early COVID-19 and predict its mechanism. Methods: Literatures and clinical reports were reviewed to analyze the relationship between Huopu Xialing Decoction and damp pathogen stagnation of lung syndrome of early stage of COVID-19. TCMSP database was used to screen the potential active components in Huopo Xialing Decoction. Molecular docking of the active components with SARS-CoV-2 hydrolase and ACE2 was also carried out. According to the binding ability, the core components with both were screened. The interaction network of key components target proteins was constructed by using the software of Cytoscape to screen the main targets; The GO analysis of the main targets was carried out by using the STRING database, and the Pathway and KEGG enrichment analysis was carried out by using the plug-in of the software ClueGO of Cytoscape. Results: The Huopo Xialing Decoction was used to treat the early coronavirus pneumonia with damp pathogen and lung depression syndrome in the relationship analysis between prescriptions and syndrome, and the potential components of the 12 ingredients in Huopo Xialing Decoction were selected, with 67 core targets. Among them, paryriogenin I from Tetrapanax papyrifer, ergosterol peroxide from Poria cocos and Polyporus umbellatus, baicalin from Pinellia ternata had good binding activity with SARS-CoV-2 3CL hydrolase and ACE2. The results of enrichment analysis of GO, Pathway and KEGG showed that 12 potential components in Huopo Xialing Decoction were involved in regulating the biological processes such as stimulation response, signal transduction, cell death and the related signaling pathways including interleukins, EGFR in cancer, tyrosine kinases, programmed cell death and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: For the early COVID-19 patients with the syndrome of damp pathogen stagnation of lung, Huopo Xialing Decoction was used to resolve dampness and detoxification, and ventilate lung and promote pathogenic penetration. Phenanthrone, baicalin, jujuboside_qt, cerevisterol, hederagenin, ergosterol peroxide, citrostadienol, ergosterol-7,22-diene-3-one, paryriogenin I, alisol B,23-acetate, alisol B, neohesperidin may be the main material basis, and play a role by blocking the protein synthesis of SARS-CoV-2 virus, preventing the virus from entering the host cells, regulating the IL signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of related inflammatory factors.

Molecular simulation and spectroscopic studies on the interaction between perfluorohexadecanoic acid and human serum albumin

In the present study, the interaction between Perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA) and human serum albumin (HAS) was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking, dynamic simulation and circular dichroism (CD). The interaction character and the effect on human serum albumin conformation were measured by simulating the physiological condition (pH= 7.4). Experiments and simulation results revealed that PFHxDA molecules and HSA have regular fluorescence quenching, and the quenching mechanism is static quenching and non-radiative energy transfer. Thermodynamic analysis revealed the binding behavior was mainly governed by hydrophobic forces. Specific binding site experiments showed that the binding site of PFHxDA was a site I of HSA. The results from the CD spectrum demonstrated that PFHxDA changed the molecular conformation of HSA, which is consistent with the results obtained by molecular docking and dynamic simulation.

Diagnostic value and patient compliance of a pancreas-oriented multidisciplinary clinic: a retrospective analysis from a Chinese pancreatic disease center / 中华外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and patient compliance with MDT advice in the current medical system.@*Methods@#The study included 512 patients that had visited the pancreas-oriented MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital between May 2015 and May 2019.The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. Compliance was determined according to whether a patient received corresponding therapies or undergoing further checks or follow-ups.@*Results@#Among the 512 patients that had visited the MDT clinic, 121 patients were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. Classified according to the final diagnosis, the rate of undetermined diagnosis in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas (75.0%, 24/32), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), pancreatic cystic lesions (19.1%,17/89), pancreatic carcinomas (18.3%,48/262) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN)(10.2%,9/88). The MDT clinic made diagnosis to 68 patients directly with an accuracy of 89.7%. The rate of compliance in the entire cohort was 63.4%. The rate of compliance of patients from June 2017 to May 2019 (68.4%) was higher than that of patients from May 2015 to May 2017(59.6%). The compliance rate of patients in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas(84.4%, 27/32), pancreatic carcinomas (67.9%, 178/262), pNEN(60.2%,53/88), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), and pancreatic cystic lesions(49.4%, 44/89). The compliance rate of patients with different MDT advice from high to low in order was best supportive care(78.6%,22/28), antitumor approaches beyond surgery(71.6%,159/222), further tests(62.6%, 77/123), surgery(53.7%, 65/121) and follow-up(49.2%, 31/63). In patients suggested for surgery, the compliance rate of patients with carcinomas(67.4%, 33/49) was higher than patients with other kinds of neoplasms.@*Conclusions@#MDT clinic could facilitate the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases conveniently and inexpensively. The overall compliance rate of MDT clinic patients is rather low, and patients with carcinomas have a relative high rate of compliance with the suggestion of surgery.

Observational Study of Chinese Medicine Syndrome Distribution in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Impact on Prognosis / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the distribution of Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on admission and its impact on prognosis.@*METHODS@#A total of 525 AMI patients were prospectively recruited and classifified into 4 groups based on their clinical characteristics: excess-heat, excess-cold, deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndromes. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were followed up.@*RESULTS@#The excess syndrome was more common than deficiency syndrome (72.95% vs. 27.05%; P<0.05). Totally 495 (94.29%) of 525 AMI patients were followed up (median 277 days). There were 59 (11.92%) MACEs. After adjusted with confounding factors in Cox regression models, the hazard ratio (95% confifidence interval) of excess-heat, excess-cold, defificiency-heat and defificiency-cold syndrome groups were 1, 1.25 (0.63, 2.49; P<0.05), 2.37 (1.14, 4.94; P<0.05), 3.76 (1.71, 8.28; P<0.05), respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Excess syndrome was more common in AMI patients and had better prognosis, while defificiency-cold syndrome had the poorest prognosis. CM syndrome was of value in predicting long-term outcomes in AMI patients.

MicroRNA-3963 Promotes Adipogenic Differentiation of Mouse-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of MicroRNA-3963(miR-3963) on the adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells(MSC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice bone fragment and transfected with miR-3963 mimic, miR-3963 inhibitor and negative control. The expression of miR-3963 and transfection efficiency were detected by q-PCR. These transfected cells were induced to adipocytes and stained with oil red O after 14 days culture. q-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of adipogenic differentiation marker genes C/EBPα and PPARγ at transcriptional level and protein level.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of q-PCR revealed that miR-3963 expression level was up-regulated after transfection with miR-3963 mimic (P<0.0001), and down-regulated after transfection with miR-3963 inhibitor (P<0.0001). After oil red staining, overexpression of miR-3963 in MSCs could promote the formation of lipid droplet. The q-PCR and Western blot analyses showed the significant increase of expression of adipogenic marker genes C/EBPα and PPARγ in MSC transfected with miR-3963 mimic. Additionally, compared with the control group, miR-3963 inhibitor could decrease adipogenic differentiation of MSC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>miR-3963 can regulate and promote adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone-derived MSC.</p>

Effects of Plasma Lipids and Statins on Cognitive Function / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Objective:</b>Dementia is the fourth most common cause of death in developed countries. The relationship between plasma lipids and cognitive function is complex and controversial. Due to the increasing life expectancy of the population, there is an urgent need to control vascular risk factors and to identify therapies to prevent and treat both cognitive impairment and dementia. Here, we reviewed the effects of plasma lipids and statins on cognitive function.</p><p><b>Data Sources:</b>We searched the PubMed database for research articles published through November 2017 with key words including "plasma lipids," "hyperlipidemia," "hypercholesterolemia," "statins," and "cognition function."</p><p><b>Study Selection:</b>Articles were retrieved and reviewed to analyze the effects of plasma lipids and statins on cognitive function and the mechanisms underlying these effects.</p><p><b>Results:</b>Many studies have examined the relationship between plasma lipids and cognitive function, but no definitive conclusions can be drawn. The mechanisms involved may include blood-brain barrier injury, the influence on small blood vessels in the brain, the influence on amyloid deposition, and a neuroprotective effect. To date, most studies of statins and cognition have been observational, with few randomized controlled trials. Therefore, firm conclusions regarding whether mid- or long-term statin use affects cognition function and dementia remain elusive. However, increasing concern exists that statins may be a causative factor for cognitive problems. These adverse effects appear to be rare and likely represent a yet-to-be-defined vulnerability in susceptible individuals.</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b>The association between plasma lipids and cognition, the mechanism of the influence of plasma lipids on cognitive function, and the association between statins and cognitive function are complex issues and currently not fully understood. Future research aimed at identifying the mechanisms that underlie the effects of plasma lipids and statins on cognition will not only provide important insight into the causes and interdependencies of cognitive impairment and dementia, but also inspire novel strategies for treating and preventing these cognitive disorders.</p>

Effects of Breathing Exercise on Nonspecific Low Back Pain / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of breathing exercise based on core strength training on nonspecific low back pain (NLBP). Methods From January to June, 2017, 60 patients with NLBP were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and ob-servation group (n=30). The control group accepted core strength training, and the observation group accepted breathing exercise in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswes-try Disability Index (ODI) before and after treatment, and their efficiency was compared. Results The scores of VAS decreased in both groups after treatment (t>4.173, P<0.001), and the scores of ODI de-creased in the observation group (t=3.875, P<0.01). The scores of both VAS and ODI were less in the observa-tion group than in the control group (t>2.595, P<0.05). The efficiency was better in the observation group than in the control group (χ2=3.874, P<0.05). Conclusion Breathing exercise based on core strength training can further improve function and relieve pain in patients with NLBP.

Impact of GOLPH3 expression in cumulus granulosa cells on outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the impact of GOLPH3 expression in cumulus granulosa cells on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 119 women receiving ICSI due to male infertility at our center between April, 2012 and June, 2014 were enrolled in the study. Cumulus granulosa cells were collected from the women for detection of GOLPH3 expressions using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. GOLPH3 expression rate was compared between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI, and the associations of GOLPH3 expression with the laboratory indicators of ICSI outcomes were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunocytochemistry showed that GOLPH3 expression was located mainly in in the plasma of the cumulus granulosa cells. The rate and intensity of GOLPH3 expression in the cumulus granulosa cells differed significantly between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI (P<0.05). GOLPH3 expression was found to positively correlate with the numbers of punctured follicles, grade III oocyte cumulus complex, ICSI oocytes, fertilized oocytes, cleavage, high quality embryos, blastocysts, high quality blastocysts, and frozen embryos (all P<0.01). The results of RTPCR and Western blotting revealed significant differences in GOLPH3 expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels in the cumulus granulosa cells between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups after ICSI (t=14.560, P=0.000). Western blot analysis revealed significant difference of GOLPH3 protein expression in cumulus granulosa cells between women with and without clinical pregnancy following ICSI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GOLPH3 expression in the cumulus granulosa cells plays an important role in the development of oocytes and promotion of conception to affect the outcomes of ICSI.</p>

Effect of air pollution on respiratory health in school-aged children in the main urban area of Chongqing, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of air pollution on respiratory health in school-aged children in the main urban area of Chongqing, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The main urban area of Chongqing was divided into polluted area and clean area according to the air pollution data shown on the Environmental Protection Agency Website of Chongqing between 2010 and 2015. A cluster sampling method was used to select 695 third- or fourth-grade children from 2 primary schools in the clean or polluted area as study subjects, with 313 children from the clean area and 382 children from the polluted area. Pulmonary function was examined for all children and a standard American epidemiological questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78-C) was used to investigate the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the clean area, the polluted area had significantly higher concentrations of inhalable particles (PM), fine particulate matter (PM), and nitric oxide (NO) (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed after adjustment for confounding factors, and the results showed that compared with those in the clean area, the children in the polluted area had significantly higher risks of cough (OR=1.644), cough during cold (OR=1.596), expectoration during cold (OR=2.196), persistent expectoration (OR=1.802), and wheezing (OR=2.415). The boys and girls in the clean area had significantly higher forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second than those in the polluted area (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Air pollution in the main urban area of Chongqing is associated with the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in school-aged children and has certain effect on children's pulmonary function.</p>