Effects of shikonin on the development of ovarian follicles and female germline stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of action of shikonin (SHK) on the development of ovarian follicles and female germline stem cells (FGSCs). METHODS: Female Kunming adult mice were administered SHK (0, 20 and 50 mg/kg) by oral gavage. Cultures of FGSCs were treated with SHK 32 µmol/l for 24 h. The ovarian index in mouse ovaries was calculated. Numbers of primordial, primary and atretic follicles were counted. Germline stem cell markers and apoptosis were examined. Levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. RESULTS: Both doses of SHK significantly decreased the ovarian index, the numbers of primordial follicles, primary follicles and antral follicles in mice. SHK significantly increased the numbers of atretic follicles and atretic corpora lutea. SHK promoted apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. SHK significantly decreased the levels of the germline stem cell markers. SHK significantly lowered GSH levels and the activity of SOD in the peripheral blood from mice, whereas SHK significantly elevated cellular ROS content in FGSCs. CONCLUSIONS: These current results suggested that follicular development and FGSCs were suppressed by SHK through the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress might be involved in this pathological process.

Effect Mechanism of Total Flavonoid of Mori Cortex Combined with Total Saponins of Anemarrhenar Rhizoma on Hyperlipidemia Rats with Osteoporosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the improvement effect of total flavonoids of Mori Cortex combined with total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide on hyperlipidemia rats with osteoporosis and its possible mechanism. Method:The 40 SPF male SD rats were adaptively fed for 7 days， and then randomly divided into normal group， model group， calcitriol group （45 ng·kg^-1）， total flavonoids of Mori Cortex and total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide 1∶2 group （0.6 g·kg^-1+0.4 g·kg^-1） and 2∶1 group （1.2 g·kg^-1+0.2 g·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in the other groups were fed with high fat for 9 weeks， the normal group and the model grouotal flavonoids of total flavonoids of Mori Cortex and total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloip were given normal saline by gavage， and the other groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage， after 12 weeks of administration， except for the normal group ， the other groups were given intramuscular injection of glucocorticoids at the same time. After 22 weeks of administration， the weight of rats with total flavonoids from Mori Cortex combined with total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide was measured. Serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， osteocalcin （BGP） and bone alkaline phosphatase （BALP） were determined by biochemical assay. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining to observe the pathological changes of rat tibia. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expression levels of peroxisomal proliferators activate the receptor gamma（PPAR<italic>γ</italic>） and Runt-related transcription factor 2 （Runx2） mRNA in rat bone tissue， immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of PPAR<italic>γ</italic> and Runx2 in rats. Result:Compared with normal group， the body mass of rats in model group was significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the contents of TC， TG， and LDL-C in the serum were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， the body weight of rats in thet total flavonoids of Mori Cortex and total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide 1∶2 group and 2∶1 group were significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the contents of TC， TG， and LDL-C in the serum were significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the content of BGP and BALP increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. HE staining results showed that compared with the normal group， the tibia fat vacuoles of the model group increased， and the number of osteoblasts decreased， compared with the model group， the total flavonoids of the Mori Cortex and the flavonoids-total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide 1∶2 group and 2∶1 group decreased in tibia fat vacuoles and increased the number of osteoblasts， the results of immunofluorescence and Real-time PCR showed that， compared with normal group， the expression of Runx2 in the model group decreased and the expression of PPAR<italic>γ</italic> increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， the total flavonoids of Mori Cortex-total saponins 1∶2 group and the total flavonoids of Mori Cortex-total saponins 2∶1 Group up-regulated the expression of Runx2 and down-regulated the expression of PPAR<italic>γ </italic>（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:The total flavonoids of Mori Cortex combined with the total saponins of Anemarrhena Asphodeloide up-regulated Runx2 and down-regulated the expression of PPAR<italic>γ</italic> mRNA and protein， thereby affecting the metabolism of TG and TC in the blood， achieving a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis， provides experimental basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia with osteoporosis.

Quantifying the impacts of human mobility restriction on the spread of coronavirus disease 2019: an empirical analysis from 344 cities of China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), human mobility restriction measures have raised controversies, partly because of the inconsistent findings. An empirical study is promptly needed to reliably assess the causal effects of the mobility restriction. The purpose of this study was to quantify the causal effects of human mobility restriction on the spread of COVID-19.@*METHODS@#Our study applied the difference-in-difference (DID) model to assess the declines of population mobility at the city level, and used the log-log regression model to examine the effects of population mobility declines on the disease spread measured by cumulative or new cases of COVID-19 over time after adjusting for confounders.@*RESULTS@#The DID model showed that a continual expansion of the relative declines over time in 2020. After 4 weeks, population mobility declined by -54.81% (interquartile range, -65.50% to -43.56%). The accrued population mobility declines were associated with the significant reduction of cumulative COVID-19 cases throughout 6 weeks (ie, 1% decline of population mobility was associated with 0.72% [95% CI: 0.50%-0.93%] reduction of cumulative cases for 1 week, 1.42% 2 weeks, 1.69% 3 weeks, 1.72% 4 weeks, 1.64% 5 weeks, and 1.52% 6 weeks). The impact on the weekly new cases seemed greater in the first 4 weeks but faded thereafter. The effects on cumulative cases differed by cities of different population sizes, with greater effects seen in larger cities.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Persistent population mobility restrictions are well deserved. Implementation of mobility restrictions in major cities with large population sizes may be even more important.

Genome-wide identification of the Sec-dependent secretory protease genes in Erwinia amylovora and analysis of their expression during infection of immature pear fruit / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The general secretory (Sec) pathway represents a common mechanism by which bacteria secrete proteins, including virulence factors, into the extracytoplasmic milieu. However, there is little information about this system, as well as its associated secretory proteins, in relation to the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora. In this study, data mining revealed that E. amylovora harbors all of the essential components of the Sec system. Based on this information, we identified putative Sec-dependent secretory proteases in E. amylovora on a genome-wide scale. Using the programs SignalP, LipoP, and Phobius, a total of 15 putative proteases were predicted to contain the N-terminal signal peptides (SPs) that might link them to the Sec-dependent pathway. The activities of the predicted SPs were further validated using an Escherichia coli-based alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) gene fusion system that confirmed their extracytoplasmic property. Transcriptional analyses showed that the expression of 11 of the 15 extracytoplasmic protease genes increased significantly when E. amylovora was used to inoculate immature pears, suggesting their potential roles in plant infection. The results of this study support the suggestion that E. amylovora might employ the Sec system to secrete a suite of proteases to enable successful infection of plants, and shed new light on the interaction of E. amylovora with host plants.

Effect of Juantong Decoction on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Proteins in Rats with Endometriosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To discuss the effect of Juantong decoction on phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway proteins in rats with endometriosis (EMS). Method: The EMS Rat model was established by autologous endometrial transplantation. And 48 rats were randomly divided into 6 group, namely the sham operation group, the model group, the low-dose Juantong decoction group, the middle-dose Juantong decoction group, high-dose Juantong decoction group, and the PI3K pathway blocker group (LY294002). Then, the high-dose Juantong decoction group, the middle-dose Juantong decoction group and the low-dose Juantong decoction group were given different doses (42.9,14.3,4.8 g·kg-1). The pathway blocker group (LY294002) was given LY294002 (0.04 g·kg-1) through peritoneal injection weekly. The sham operation group and the model group were given saline irrigation (10 mL·kg-1). The administration lasted for 28 days. At last, the ectopic endometrial tissues in rats were observed by transmission electron microscope, the proteins of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in the tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method, and the p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) mRNA expression of ectopic endometrial tissue was tested by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) method. Result: Compared with the normal group, the protein expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR and the mRNA expression of p70S6K of ectopic endometrium in the model group increased significantly (PPConclusion: The proteins of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway participate in the occurrence of endometriosis. Juantong decoction can inhibit the activity of epithelial mesenchymal cells and promote apoptosis by reducing the protein expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR and the mRNA expression of P70S6K in endometriotic tissues of model rats, thus inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of endometriosis.

Effect of Huangqisan on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway in Liver Tissues of High-fat Diet-induced Obese Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of Huangqisan on endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway in liver tissues of high-fat diet-induced obese rats and its mechanisms. Method: Male SD rats were selected and fed with high-fat diet for 7 weeks continuously to establish an obese rat model. Then, the rats were randomly divided into model group, low and high-dose Huangqisan group (1.2, 2.4 g·kg-1), and Lipitor group (2 mg·kg-1), and orally administered with drugs for 15 consecutive weeks. The control group and the model group were perfused with the same volume of normal saline. The body weight, epididymal fat coefficient and liver coefficient of each group were determined separately. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined by biochemical reagent method. The epididymal visceral adipose tissue and liver pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. And the protein expression levels of sterol regulation element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1c), protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1α), p-inositol requiring enzyme 1 (p-IRE1α) in liver tissues were detected by Western blot methods. Result: Compared with the control group, the body weight, epididymal fat coefficient and liver coefficient of the model group were significantly increased(PPPα/p-IRE1α were increased(PPPPα/p-IRE1α protein expression levels to different degrees(PPConclusion: Huangqisan could regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism, alleviate liver pathology and reduce body weight, and its mechanism was probably related to reduction of SREBP-1c, PERK, IRE1α/p-IRE1α proteins expression levels.

Lung cancer and respiratory comorbidities / 中国实用内科杂志

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. The prevention and treatment of lung cancer has become an important public health problem. With the aggravation of population aging, the incidence of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and interstitial lung disease, is increasing, and theyoften coexist with lung cancer. It is of great significance to explore the correlation between respiratory comorbidities and lung cancer systematically and its role in the prevention and treatment. In this article research progress on the relationship between lung cancer and respiratory comorbidities has been reviewed to provide new insights into the precise prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

Effect of Huangqi San on AMPK/ACC/CPT1 pathway in hyperlipidemia rats / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the mechanism of the treatment of hyperlipidemia rats induced by Huangqi San. The 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Huangqi San low and high dose group (1, 2 g·kg⁻¹), and positive lipitor group (2 mg·kg⁻¹). The normal group feeds on base feed, and other groups feed on high-fat feed. After 8 weeks, the hyperlipidemia model was successful. After intervention by drugs for 13 weeks, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol content of all rats were measured. The pathological changes of liver and skeletal muscle of rats were observed in rats. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of AMPK signaling pathway in the liver and skeletal muscles (AMPK, ACC, CPT1A, SREBP2, HMGCR). The degree of FPG, TC, TG and LDL-C were the highest in the model group, and the liver and skeletal muscle pathology were the most obvious. After intervention by Huangqi San and lipitor, a significant reduction in the blood sugar blood fat, liver, and skeletal muscle injury has improved significantly, except SREBF2 and HMGCR mRNA and protein expression of this enzyme is reduced, other AMPK pathway related mRNA and protein expression increased significantly. Huangqi San effect is superior to lipitor. Huangqi San may improve hyperlipidemia by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway, increasing the oxidation of fatty acids and inhibiting cholesterol synthesis.

A novel endogenous badnavirus exists in Alhagi sparsifolia / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

We report the recovery of a 7068-nt viral sequence from the "viral fossils" embedded in the genome of Alhagi sparsifolia, a typical desert plant. Although the full viral genome remains to be completed, the putative genome structure, the deduced amino acids and phylogenetic analysis unambiguously demonstrate that this viral sequence represents a novel species of the genus Badnavirus. The putative virus is tentatively termed Alhagi bacilliform virus (ABV). Southern blotting and inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data indicate that the ABV-related sequence is integrated into the A. sparsifolia genome, and probably does not give rise to functional episomal virus. Molecular evidence that the ABV sequence exists widely in A. sparsifolia is also presented. To our knowledge, this is the first endogenous badnavirus identified from plants in the Gobi desert, and may provide new clues on the evolution, geographical distribution as well as the host range of the badnaviruses.

Presence of Severe Stenosis in Most Culprit Lesions of Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies revealed that culprit vessels of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were often related to mild or moderate stenosis. However, recent studies suggested that severe stenosis was primarily found in culprit lesions. The objective of this study was to analyze the stenosis severity of culprit lesions in STEMI patients and to clarify the paradoxical results.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 489 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were retrospectively studied from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients were divided into three groups based on stenosis severity using quantitative coronary analysis: Group A, 314 cases, stenosis ≥70%; Group B, 127 cases, stenosis 50-70%; and Group C, 48 cases, stenosis ≤50%. The clinical, demographic, and angiographic data of all groups were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients in Group A exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of history of angina pectoris (95.9% vs. 62.5%, P< 0.001), multivessel disease (73.2% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.007), and lower cardiac ejection fraction (53.3 ± 8.6 vs. 56.8 ± 8.4, P= 0.009) than those in Group C. Multivariable analysis revealed that history of angina pectoris (odds ratio [OR]: 13.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.21-31.11) and multivessel disease (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.25-4.31) were correlated with severe stenosis of the culprit lesion in Group A.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most culprit lesions in STEMI patients were severe stenosis. These patients exhibited a higher prevalence of angina history and multivessel diseases.</p>

Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF for the Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

We evaluate the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in China. The performance of Xpert was evaluated compared to the composite reference standard (CRS), drug susceptibility testing (DST), and imaging examination. The overall sensitivity and specificity of Xpert were 64.1% (195/304) and 100% (24/24), respectively, using CRS as the gold standard. The sensitivity was significantly higher than that of culture for pus (P<0.05). The proportion of EPTB-positive cases diagnosed by imaging was two times more than that diagnosed using Xpert; however, 6 out of 19 cases may have been overdiagnosed by imaging. Compared to phenotypic DST, the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert were 80% (12/15) and 100% (75/75), respectively. Considering its high sensitivity and specificity, Xpert MTB/RIF may be used as a rapid initial test for EPTB diagnosis, and may also support a quicker decision on the treatment regimen. The combination of imaging and Xpert testing could provide high efficiency and accurate diagnosis of suspected EPTB.

Expression of IL-37 contributes to the immunosuppressive property of human CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells.

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) possesses the function of down-regulate systemic and local inflammation. It is unknown whether IL-37 is expressed in human regulatory T cells (Tregs) and its role in modulating the immune response of Tregs. In the present study, cell surface molecules and secretory cytokines were analyzed in order to determine the function of IL-37 in regulating inhibitory effect of human CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs. Meanwhile, the effects of IL-37 on T cell differentiation and proliferation as co-culture of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg/CD4(+)CD25(-)T cell were also investigated. It was showed that IL-37 was expressed in cytoplasm of CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs, and the levels of IL-37 were gradually elevated with the enhanced activity of CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs. Secretory cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and interleukin (IL)-10, and expressions of cell surface molecules, including forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (FOXP3) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen (CTLA)-4, were significantly decreased when IL-37 gene was silenced by siRNA. Furthermore, down-regulation of IL-37 expression in human CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs obviously promoted proliferation of co-cultured T cell and differentiation, together with observably enhancement of IL-2 formation. These results demonstrated that IL-37 might manifest as a critical protein involving in immunosuppression of human CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs.

The Epidemiological Characteristics of Beijing Lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a National Referral Center in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Our study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of M.tuberculosis from a national tuberculosis referral center in China. All strains isolated from TB patients, were genotyped by the RD105 deletion, 8 and 51 SNP loci and VNTR. The high differentiation SNPs of modern Beijing strains were analyzed for protein function and structure. 413 M. tuberculosis were included. Of 379 Beijing lineage M. tuberculosis, 'modern' and 'ancient' strains respectively represented 85.5% (324/379) and 14.5% (55/379). Rv2494 (V48A) and Rv0245 (S103F) were confirmed as high differentiation SNPs associated with modern strains. In a word, Modern Beijing lineage M.tuberculosis was dominant and the structural models suggested that modern sub-lineage may more easily survive in 'extreme' host condition.

Effects of beta3-adrenergic receptor antagonist on myocardial UCP2 expression and energy metabolism in chronic heart failure rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of beta3-adrenergic receptor(beta3-AR) antagonist on myocardial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression and energy metabolism in chronic heart failure rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven weight-matched normal adult rats (control group), 18 isoproterenol (ISO) induced heat failure (HR) rats (ISO group) and 21 ISO induced heart failure rats but received specific beta3-AR inhibitor SR59230A (ISO+ SR59230A group) for 6 weeks were included in this research. At the end of the study, echocardiography was performed, the ratio of left ventricular weight and body weight (LVW/BW) was calculated. The expression of beta3-AR ad UCP2 mRNA in myocardium were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the UCP2 protein in myocardium were detected by Western blot. The myocardial contents of creatine phosphate (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, the cardiac function was significantly reduced and myocardial beta3-AR mRNA significantly increased, UCP2 mRNA and protein were also significantly increased in ISO group, this change could be attenuated by the treatment with SR59230A, and the expression of myocardial UCP2 protein negatively correlated with the ratio of PCr/ATP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In the chronic stage of HF, the expression of UCP2 increases, which causes myocardial energy shortage, SR59230A improves myocardia energy efficiency and cardiac function by means of suppressing the expression of UCP2.</p>

Origin, phylogeny, and spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing lineage in the five provinces of northern China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective Using methodology of molecular genetics to explore the origin,phylogen,and gene flow of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Beijing lineage in the five provinces from northern China,including Heilongjiang,Jilin,Liaoning,Neimenggu and Ningxia.Methods 234 MTB Beijing lineage strains were genotyped by 24 Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR),and the h (the allelic diversity) value of each VNTR locus was calculated.On individual level of phylogeny,it was constructed Neighbor-Joining (N-J) tree and minimum spanning tree (MST).Phylogenetic tree was built at the population level,and the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA)was estimated through Bayesian model.Molecular variance (AMOVA) was used to understand the gene flow among strains discovered from the five provinces.Results Allelic diversities of the 24VNTR loci were low (h:0.000-0.744).234 strains of MTB Beijing lineage were dispersed in individual branch of the N-J tree,with 62.0％ (145) of them grouped to the same "colonial complexes" in MST.At the population level,the evolution relationship of 234 strains appeared the closest to Beijing lineage,which was from MIRU-VNTRplus database,and the bootstrap was 100.The TMRCA was 5308 (95％ CI:4263-6470) years.Differences of pairwise Fst values acquired by AMOVA between Jilin and Heilongjiang,Liaoning,Neimenggu and Ningxia,were not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Conclusion The genetic similarity of Beijing lineage MTB from the five provinces of northern China was high.The phylogeny branches had no characteristic dispersal in each province.It was speculated that these strains showed an evolution from a clone of MTB Beijing lineage (about 5000 years ago).The gene flow was taking place between neighboring zones.

Effects of comprehensive therapy on serum SPARC levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients accompanied with osteoporosis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of comprehensive therapy on serum secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients accompanied with osteoporosis (OP), and to explore the possible mechanisms for SPARC in AS patients accompanied with osteoporosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 48 AS patients accompanied with OP (Group A) were treated with massage, intravenous infusion of Cervus and Cucumis Polypeptide Injection, and Bushen Quhan Zhiwang Decoction (BQZD) for 3 months. At the same time, 45 normal healthy subjects were recruited as the normal control group (Group B). Serum SPARC levels were measured by ELISA in Group A before and after comprehensive therapy and in those of Group B. The levels of bone mineral density of femoral neck (FN BMD), bone mineral density of 2 -4 lumbar spine (L2-4 BMD), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) were detected. Meanwhile, Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and Bath AS functional index (BASFI) were detected in Group A before and after treatment. The correlations between the aforesaid indices and serum SPARC levels were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum SPARC levels were significantly lower in those of Group A than in those of Group B (175. 30 +/- 72.04 micro/L vs 190. 52 +/- 86. 13 microg/ L, P <0. 01). Serum SPARC levels in those of Group A were negatively correlated with TNF-alpha (r = -0.261, P <0.01), positively with L2-4 BMD, TGF-beta1, and BSAP (r =0.437,0.256, 0.385, P <0.05, P <0.01). L2-4BMD and BSAP were independently predictors of serum SPARC in patients of Group A. After comprehensive therapy, the levels of TNF-alpha, BASDAI, and BASFI obviously decreased, TGF-beta1, BSAP, L2-4 BMD, and FN BMD obviously increased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). The serum SPARC levels also significantly increased (188.32 +/- 87.50 microg/L, P <0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Comprehensive therapy could effectively improve the bone metabolism, clinical symptoms and the activity function of joints, and elevate serum SPARC levels.</p>

Endovascular interventions for TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus II C and D femoropopliteal lesions / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Peripheral artery disease accounts for more than 400 000 hospitalizations in the USA and results in symptoms ranging from claudication to gangrene. Recent advances in endovascular techniques have led to a more aggressive approach for treating peripheral artery disease. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular interventions on TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus (TASC) II C and D femoropopliteal occlusive disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data for all patients undergoing endovascular interventions for femoropopliteal occlusive disease from December 2007 through December 2010 were reviewed. Demographic data, risk factor data, preprocedural and postprocedural ankle-brachial indices, technical success rates, and complication rates were obtained. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors adversely affecting primary patency.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The study group included 52 TASC II C and 106 TASC II D limbs in 126 patients (mean age, (68.0 ± 18.0) years). The technical success rate was 91.1%. Complications occurred in 19 limbs (12.0%), including 8 (5.1%) major complications. The mean follow-up period was (17.6 ± 5.1) months (range, 12.0 - 48.0 months). Primary patency rates at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were 95%, 78%, 74%, and 74% in TASC II C lesions and 89%, 62%, 52%, and 52% in TASC II D lesions, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were 97%, 94%, 94%, and 94% in TASC II C lesions and 97%, 95%, 83%, and 83% in TASC II D lesions, respectively. It is significantly different between primary patency rates (P < 0.05) but not secondary patency rates of TASC II C and D groups (P > 0.05). Predictors of restenosis/occlusion included hyperlipidemia, lesion length, and popliteal artery involvement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Endovascular treatment of TASC II C and D femoropopliteal artery occlusion has a high technical success rate with favorable mid-term secondary patency rate. Hyperlipidemia, lesion length, and popliteal artery involvement were independent risk factors for in-stent restenosis.</p>

Differences in the population of genetics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between urban migrants and local residents in Beijing, China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Currently, migration has become one of the risk factors of high burden of tuberculosis in China. This study was to explore the influence of mass migration on the dynamics of Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis in Beijing, the capital and an urban area of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and thirty-six M. tuberculosis strains from the Changping district, where the problem of urban migrants was more pronounced than in other Beijing regions, were genotyped by Spoligotyping, large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs 105 and 181), and variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing. Based on the genotype data, the phylogeny of the isolates was studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In Changping district, the proportion of Beijing lineage M. tuberculosis isolates amounted to 89.0% (299/336), among which 86.6 % (252) belonged to the modern lineage. The frequency of modern Beijing lineage strains is so high (around 75% (252/336)) that associated risk factors affecting the tuberculosis epidemic cannot be determined. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the Beijing lineage strains was estimated to be 5073 (95% CI: 4000-6200) years. There was no significant difference in the genetic variation of Beijing isolates from urban migrants and local residents.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The clone of modern Beijing lineage M. tuberculosis, which is dominant in the Beijing area, most likely started to expand with the five thousand-year-old Chinese civilization. In the future, with the urbanization in the whole of China, modern Beijing lineage M. tuberculosis may gain the larger geographical spread.</p>

Technology of ultrasound-enhanced supercritical extraction for magnolol and honokiol / 中草药

Objective: To explore the enhanced role of ultrasound on supercritical fluid extraction. Methods: With stability parameters of supercritical fluid extraction of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, taking magnolol and honokiol contents and extraction rate as the reference indicators, the extraction effect between ultrasonic and supercritical fluid and ultrasound-enhanced supercritical fluid was compared. Rusults: Ultrasound-enhanced supercritical fluid extraction is superior to the others. Conclusion: Ultrasound could strengthen the supercritical fluid extraction of active ingredients from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex.

A prospective multicenter parallel-controlled trial of TIVOLI biodegradable-polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stent compared to ENDEAVOR zotarolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of coronary artery disease: 8-month angiographic and 2-year clinical follow-up results / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Available drug-eluting stents (DES) have achieved great success in reducing restenosis rates. Recently, investigators have demonstrated that the durable polymer carrier plays a significant role in DES-related hypersensitive reaction and delays vessel healing. TIVOLI stent is a novel sirolimus-eluting coronary stent with biodegradable coating containing sirolimus and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer. The present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the TIVOLI biodegradable-polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stent in treating patients with coronary artery disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective, multicenter clinical trial comparing TIVOLI biodegradable coated sirolimus-eluting stent with ENDEAVOR zotarolimus-eluting stent was conducted in 324 patients (TIVOLI group: 168 patients; ENDEAVOR group: 156 patients) at 12 centers in China to demonstrate the non-inferiority of in-stent late loss with TIVOLI stent compared to ENDEAVOR stent in subjects with a maximum of two de novo native coronary artery lesions (lesion length ≤ 40 mm, reference vessel diameter 2.25-4.00 mm). The primary end point was angiographic in-stent late loss at 8-month. The secondary end points were clinical outcomes at 2 years, including major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or target-lesion revascularization) and stent thrombosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Angiographic late lumen loss at 8 months in the TIVOLI group was superior to the ENDEAVOR group (in-stent (0.25 ± 0.33) mm vs. (0.57 ± 0.55) mm, diff (95%CI) -0.23 (-0.32, -0.14), P < 0.0001; in-segment (0.25 ± 0.33) mm vs. (0.42 ± 0.55) mm, diff (95%CI) -0.13 (-0.23, -0.02), P = 0.0083). The rate of in-stent binary restenosis at 8 months was reduced from 8.6% in the ENDEAVOR group to 2.9% in the TIVOLI group (P = 0.0229). Compared to ENDEAVOR stent, TIVOLI stent resulted in a significant reduction in target-lesion revascularization (4.2% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.0495) at 2 years. The two-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was lower for the TIVOLI group, but not significantly different (6.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.1630).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TIVOLI was superior to ENDEAVOR stent with respect to late lumen loss at 8 months, and it yielded both lower rates of angiographic binary restenosis at 8 months and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 2 years. The MACE rate at 2 years was comparable in both groups.</p>