Study on the antifungal activity and mechanism of Huangqin decoction against Trichophyton mentagrophytes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the antifungal activity of Huangqin decoction （HQD） against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and explore its mechanism. METHODS Minimal inhibitory concentration （MIC）， minimal fungicidal concentration （MFC）， mycelial length， spore germination rate， biomass and mycelium ultrastructure observation were performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of HQD against T. mentagrophytes. The effects of HQD on the cell wall of T. mentagrophytes were detected through sorbitol protection experiment. By measuring the content of ergosterol and the activities of squalene epoxide （SE） and lanosterol 14α-demethylase （CYP51）， the activity of HQD on the cell membrane of T. mentagrophytes was investigated. The effects of HQD on T. mentagrophytes mitochondria were investigated by determining the activities of malate dehydrogenase （MDH）， succinate dehydrogenase （SDH）， and ATPases （including sodium potassium ATPase， calcium magnesium ATPase， and total ATPase）. RESULTS HQD exhibited significant antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes with MIC of 3.13 mg/mL and MFC of 25 mg/mL. After intervention with HQD， the mycelial length of T. mentagrophytes was significantly shortened （P＜0.05）； spore germination rate， biomass， the content of ergosterol in the cell membrane， the activities of SE and CYP51 in the cell membrane and MDH， SDH and ATPase in mitochondria were all decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； cell structure had been ；damaged to a certain extent， but the integrity of the cell wall had not been affected. CONCLUSIONS HQD shows significant antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes， the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the 0791- content of ergosterol in the cell membrane and the activities of SE， CYP51， and mitochondria-related enzymes.

Polymeric photothermal nanoplatform with the inhibition of aquaporin 3 for anti-metastasis therapy of breast cancer.

Metastasis, as one of major challenges in the cancer treatment, is responsible for the high mortality of breast cancer. It has been reported that breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis are related to aquaporin 3 (AQP3), which is the transmembrane transport channel for H2O2 molecules. Moreover, there is agreement that preventing the metastasis of breast tumor cells in combination with inhibiting the tumor growth is a promising strategy for cancer chemotherapy. Herein, we constructed a flexible photothermal crosslinked polymeric nanovehicle for the delivery of the AQP3 inhibitor, [AuCl2(phen)]+Cl- (Auphen). The polymeric nanovehicle (pOMPC-Dex) is comprised of three modules: 1) pOEGMA-co-pMEO2MA serves as the temperature-responsive segment; 2) pCyanineMA acts as the near-infrared (NIR) optical absorbing motif for photothermal therapy and is conjugated with pOEGMA-co-pMEO2MA to obtain NIR light stimuli-responsive drug release; and 3) pPBAMA-Dex functions as an acidic tumor microenvironment-responsive unit. Auphen was encapsulated into a nanovehicle (Auphen@pOMPC-Dex) through electrostatic interactions. The designed nanoplatform showed a pH- and NIR light stimuli-responsive drug release profile and exhibited the strong inhibition of intracellular H2O2 uptake by breast cancer cells, which led to the inhibition of breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. In a breast cancer mouse model, Auphen@pOMPC-Dex markedly reduced the number of lung metastases in tumor-bearing mice due to the combined suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. Consequently, the fabricated Auphen@pOMPC-Dex may provide a new strategy for the development of comprehensive oncotherapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: High mortality due to metastasis-induced breast cancer has been a key issue that needs to be addressed. It has been reported that aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a transmembrane transport channel for H2O2 molecules was found to have an accelerated effect on breast cancer cell migration. Hence, a flexible crosslinked polymeric nanoplatform with the inhibition of AQP3 was designed to inhibit metastasis of breast cancer cells. At the same time, we combined suppression of tumor growth with photothermal therapy to enhance the anticancer therapy effect.

UAV and IoT-Based Systems for the Monitoring of Industrial Facilities Using Digital Twins: Methodology, Reliability Models, and Application.

This paper suggests a methodology (conception and principles) for building two-mode monitoring systems (SMs) for industrial facilities and their adjacent territories based on the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twin (DT) technologies, and a set of SM reliability models considering the parameters of the channels and components. The concept of building a reliable and resilient SM is proposed. For this purpose, the von Neumann paradigm for the synthesis of reliable systems from unreliable components is developed. For complex SMs of industrial facilities, the concept covers the application of various types of redundancy (structural, version, time, and space) for basic components-sensors, means of communication, processing, and presentation-in the form of DTs for decision support systems. The research results include: the methodology for the building and general structures of UAV-, IoT-, and DT-based SMs in industrial facilities as multi-level systems; reliability models for SMs considering the applied technologies and operation modes (normal and emergency); and industrial cases of SMs for manufacture and nuclear power plants. The results obtained are the basis for further development of the theory and for practical applications of SMs in industrial facilities within the framework of the implementation and improvement of Industry 4.0 principles.

Pathogen-Host Adhesion between SARS-CoV-2 S Proteins from Different Variants and Human ACE2 Probed at Single-Molecule and Single-Cell Levels

Pathogen-Host adhesion is considered the first step of infection for many pathogens such as bacteria and virus. The binding of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S protein) onto human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is considered as the first step for the SARS-CoV-2 to adhere onto the host cells during the infection. Within three years, a number of variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been found all around the world. Here, we investigated the adhesion of S Proteins from different variants and ACE2 using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) and single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS). We found that the unbinding force and binding probability of the S protein from Delta variant to the ACE2 was the highest among the variants tested in our study at both single-molecule and single-cell levels. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that ACE2-RBD (Omicron) complex is destabilized by the E484A and Y505H mutations and stabilized by S477N and N501Y mutations, when compared with Delta variant. In addition, a neutralizing antibody, produced by immunization with wild type RBD of S protein, could effectively inhibit the binding of S proteins from wild type, Delta and Omicron variants onto ACE2. Our results provide new insight for the molecular mechanism of the adhesive interactions between S protein and ACE2 and suggest that effective monoclonal antibody can be prepared using wild type S protein against the different variants.

Analysis of middle ear function of the patients with cleft palate after palatoplasty / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the middle ear function of the patients with cleft palate pre and post palatoplasty. Methods: 76 patients with cleft palate were investigated by clinical history and audiology examinations including electric otoscopy,tympanometry and click-ABR threshold. Results: The risk for middle ear function decreased with advancing age in the first 5 years. It was noticed that the otologic outcomes was related to the CP type. During long time follow-up, the frequency with the middle ear function disorder was always high within the CP patients but the proportion of the patients received tympanostomy tubes was low relatively. The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction did not differ with the time of cleft palate repair. Conclusion: The patients with cleft palate have middle ear function dysfunction in a long period of time,therefore a standard long-time follow-up system is necessary.

[Study on molecular target of Taohong Siwu Decoction in delaying growth of fibroblasts based on network pharmacology].

As a prescription for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, Taohong Siwu Decoction(THSWD) has certain effects in delaying the progression of renal fibrosis. However, as a traditional Chinese medicine compound containing many monomer components, it has been a research hotspot in the field of exploring the research methods and targets for the complex pathological process. The method of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis has certain clinical effect in retarding the process of IgA nephropathy(IgAN) fibrosis, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, the network pharmacology method was used to investigate the active ingredients, targets and molecular mechanisms of THSWD in the intervention of IgAN fibrosis. On this basis, in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effect of THSWD on the expression of ERK factor in BALB/c 3 T3 cells. The active ingredients and targets in THSWD were collected through the TCMSP. Sixty-one active ingredients and 240 targets including luteolin and quercetin were screened, and 185 targets were obtained by intersecting with CTD database to search IgAN related targets. Cytoscape software and STRING database were used to construct "THSWD-active ingredients-targets" network and protein-protein interaction network, and 69 core targets were screened. In DAVID's GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of the core targets and cell experiments, the results showed that ERK was an important factor for THSWD to interfere with IgAN fibrosis, and THSWD intervention could significantly decrease cell activity, ERK1/2 mRNA expression, and p-ERK1/2 protein expression. This study preliminarily revealed that THSWD may delay the growth of fibroblasts by affecting ERK factor and its phosphorylation level.

Evidence for the Presence of Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Nasal Polyps

PURPOSE: Plasma cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ig production are regulated by the local environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and specific survival niches for LLPCs in human nasal polyps.METHODS: Nasal mucosal samples were cultured with an air-liquid interface system and the Ig levels in culture supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of LLPCs in nasal polyps were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression of neurotrophins as well as their receptors was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.RESULTS: The numbers of CD138⁺ total plasma cells and BCL2⁺ plasma cells were increased in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with those in normal tissues. The production of IgG, IgA, and IgE was detected in culture supernatants even after a 32-day culture of nasal polyps. Although the total numbers of plasma cells were decreased in nasal polyps after culture, the numbers of BCL2⁺ plasma cells remained stable. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, a high-affinity receptor for NGF, was upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. In addition, BCL2⁺ plasma cell numbers were positively correlated with NGF and TrkA mRNA expression in nasal mucosal tissues. Polyp plasma cells had the expression of TrkA.CONCLUSIONS: Human nasal polyps harbor a population of LLPCs and NGF may be involved in their prolonged survival. LLPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing the local Ig production in nasal polyps.

A location-aware feature extraction algorithm for image recognition in mobile edge computing.

With the explosive growth of mobile devices, it is feasible to deploy image recognition applications on mobile devices to provide image recognition services. However, traditional mobile cloud computing architecture cannot meet the demands of real time response and high accuracy since users require to upload raw images to the remote central cloud servers. The emerging architecture, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) deploys small scale servers at the edge of the network, which can provide computing and storage resources for image recognition applications. To this end, in this paper, we aim to use the MEC architecture to provide image recognition service. Moreover, in order to guarantee the real time response and high accuracy, we also provide a feature extraction algorithm to extract discriminative features from the raw image to improve the accuracy of the image recognition applications. In doing so, the response time can be further reduced and the accuracy can be improved. The experimental results show that the combination between MEC architecture and the proposed feature extraction algorithm not only can greatly reduce the response time, but also improve the accuracy of the image recognition applications.

Functional slit lamp biomicroscopy detects hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessel in normal adults and its clinical values / 眼科新进展

Objeetive To investigate the detection of hemodynamiCS parameters of conjunctival microvessels by functional slit lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB) in normal adult and its clinical application values.Methods Randomly selected 16 postgraduate students aged 21 to 25 years from the Nanchang University and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,including 8 males and 8 females.The density,length and diameter of conjunctival microvessel and the flow velocity of arteriolar and venular blood were measured by FSLB and software program (BenoitTM,TruSoft Inc,St.Petersburg,FL,USA),as well as the indicators' characteristics of the subjects' were analyzed.Results As for subjects' right eyes,the microvascular density,length,diameter,and the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity were no significant difference between the upper,and lower sides,as well as between nasal and temporal sides (all P ＞ 0.05);meanwhile the microvascular density,length and diameter of the upper and lower sides were both lower than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05),while the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity of the upper and lower sides were both significantly higher than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the changes in hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels of the left eyes and total eyes in subjects were consistent with the right eyes.Conclusion FSLB can clearly obtain hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels in healthy grown-ups,and has a promising clinical value.

Functional slit lamp biomicroscopy detects hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessel in normal adults and its clinical values / 眼科新进展

Objeetive To investigate the detection of hemodynamiCS parameters of conjunctival microvessels by functional slit lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB) in normal adult and its clinical application values.Methods Randomly selected 16 postgraduate students aged 21 to 25 years from the Nanchang University and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,including 8 males and 8 females.The density,length and diameter of conjunctival microvessel and the flow velocity of arteriolar and venular blood were measured by FSLB and software program (BenoitTM,TruSoft Inc,St.Petersburg,FL,USA),as well as the indicators' characteristics of the subjects' were analyzed.Results As for subjects' right eyes,the microvascular density,length,diameter,and the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity were no significant difference between the upper,and lower sides,as well as between nasal and temporal sides (all P ＞ 0.05);meanwhile the microvascular density,length and diameter of the upper and lower sides were both lower than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05),while the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity of the upper and lower sides were both significantly higher than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the changes in hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels of the left eyes and total eyes in subjects were consistent with the right eyes.Conclusion FSLB can clearly obtain hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels in healthy grown-ups,and has a promising clinical value.

Toxicity of 1,2-dichloroethane and its metabolites on human astrocytes / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the toxicity of 1,2-dichloroethane( 1,2-DCE) and its metabolites on human astrocytes( HAs). METHODS: Different doses of 1,2-DCE( 5. 00,10. 00,25. 00,50. 00 and 100. 00 mmol/L),2-chlorohydrins( 5. 00,25. 00,50. 00,100. 00 and 200. 00 mmol/L),2-chloroacetaldehyde( 1. 00,5. 00,10. 00,20. 00 and 50. 00 mmol / L) and chloroacetic acid( 0. 01,0. 05,0. 10,0. 50 and 1. 00 mmol / L) were used for treating HAs in vitro during their logarithmic phase. After 24 hours of culture,the morphology of HAs was observed by fluorescent inverted phase contrast microscope. The survival rate and the inhibition ratio of HAs were detected by CCK-8 colorimetry to estimate the50% inhibiting concentration in 24 hours( 24 h-IC50). The apoptosis of HAs was tested by double-labeling and flow cytometry using Annexin Ⅴ-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide. RESULTS: The morphology of HAs changed in varying degrees after 24 hours exposure to 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins,2-chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid. The changes included smaller size of cells,pseudopodia tapering,increased intracellular particles and suspension of circular cells and decreased transparency of cells. With the increasing does of 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins,2-chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid exposure,the survival rates of HAs decreased( P < 0. 01),while its inhibition ratios increased( P <0. 01). They all showed dose-effect relationship. 24 h-IC50 of the above 4 chemicals were 56. 25,235. 00,26. 43 and1. 38 mmol / L,respectively. The 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins and chloroacetic acid could induce the apoptosis of HAs and the apoptosis rate of HAs was positively correlated with the 3 kinds of chemicals( P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: 1,2-DCE and its metabolites 2-chloroacetaldehyde,2-chlorohydrins and chloroacetic acid can lead to toxic damage and induce the apoptosis of HAs. Chloroacetic acid has the strongest toxicity among the metabolites.

Improved neurite outgrowth on central nervous system myelin substrate by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nogo receptor / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>To investigate the in vitro effect of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against Nogo receptor (NgR) on neurite outgrowth under an inhibitory substrate of central nervous system (CNS) myelin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three siRNA sequences against NgR were designed and transfected into cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to screen for the most effcient sequence of NgR siRNA by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. NgR siRNA sequence 1 was found the most efficient which was then transfected into the CGCs grown on CNS myelin substrate to observe its disinhibition for neurite outgrowth.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the scrambled control sequence of siRNA, the NgR siRNA sequence 1 significantly decreased NgR mRNA level at 24 h and 48 h (p <0.05), which was recovered by 96 h after transfection. NgR immunoreactivity was also markedly reduced at 24 and 48 h after the transfection of siRNA sequence 1 compared with that before transfection (p<0.05). The NgR immunoreactivity was recovered after 72 h post-transfection. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth on the myelin substrate was greatly improved within 72 h after the transfection with siRNA sequence 1 compared with the scrambled sequence-transfected group or non-transfected group (p<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>siRNA-mediated knockdown of NgR expression contributes to neurite outgrowth in vitro.</p>

An improved clustering algorithm of tunnel monitoring data for cloud computing.

With the rapid development of urban construction, the number of urban tunnels is increasing and the data they produce become more and more complex. It results in the fact that the traditional clustering algorithm cannot handle the mass data of the tunnel. To solve this problem, an improved parallel clustering algorithm based on k-means has been proposed. It is a clustering algorithm using the MapReduce within cloud computing that deals with data. It not only has the advantage of being used to deal with mass data but also is more efficient. Moreover, it is able to compute the average dissimilarity degree of each cluster in order to clean the abnormal data.

Radiological characteristics of leg length discrepancy and knee varus/valgus deformity among unilateral developmental hip dislocation patients / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the leg length discrepancy and accompanied knee varus/valgus deformity in matured patients with unilateral dislocation of the hip.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2011 to December 2012, 28 patients who had unilateral dislocation of hip (Hartofilakidis classification II 17 cases and III 11 cases) were involved in this study.There were 6 male patients and 22 female patients, the age of the patients were 13.4-66.2 years, with mean age of 29.8 years. The standing anteroposterior full leg length X-ray films were obtained. Leg length discrepancy, the length of the femur, the length of the tibia and identified the varus/valgus knee deformities were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. A student's t test for paired samples was done for comparison of the parameters in the same patient between dislocated and undislocated leg, and the χ(2) test were used to assess valgus and varus knees, leg length discrepancy in high dislocation and low dislocation groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventeen (60.7%) cases had longer femur length on the dislocated side than that on the undislocated side (t = 1.328, P = 0.197), with the maximum lengthening of 32.7 mm and a mean lengthening of 9.5 mm. Twenty-one (75.0%) cases had longer tibia length on the dislocated side (t = 3.039, P = 0.006), with a maximum lengthening of 10.9 mm and a mean lengthening of 4.5 mm. Twenty (71.4%) cases had longer relative leg length on the dislocated side (t = 2.451, P = 0.022), with a maximum lengthening of 25.0 mm and a mean lengthening of 9.4 mm. On the dislocated side of the leg, the degree of valgus angle was 3° ± 4°,while on the undislocated side, that was -3° ± 4°(t = 5.642, P = 0.000). On the dislocated side, 12 cases (42.9%) were of valgus deformities and 1 case was of varus deformity. On the contralateral side, 15 cases of varus deformities (53.6%) and 1 case of valgus deformity were observed(χ(2) = 18.139,P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most dislocated legs are longer in length than the contralateral side, both femur and tibia have also lengthened accordingly. Many knees on the dislocated side present valgus deformity, half of the knees on the contralateral side present varus deformity.</p>

Case-control studies on therapeutic effects of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with preservation of remnant through outside-in and transtibial tunel / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the properties and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with preservation of remnant through outside-in and transtibial tunel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2005 to January 2012, 145 patients were treated with arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with preservation of remnant. Among the patients, 88 patients were treated with outside-in techniques (outside-in group), including 55 males and 33 females, ranging in age from 18 to 52 years, with a mean of (29.22 +/- 7.31) years; 57 patients were treated with transtibial technique (transtibial group), including 35 males and 22 females, ranging in age from 18 to 51 years, with a mean of (29.28 +/- 8.07) years. The Lysholm, VAS and IKDC scores were compared between two groups before operation, after operation and at the latest follow-up time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average operation time was (76.94 +/- 10.83) min in the outside-in group, and (70.35 +/- 10.11) min in the transbibial group, there was a significant difference between two groups. There was no significant difference of hydrops articuli scores at the early stage between the two groups (P = 0.065). At follow-up from 18 to 60 months, there were great improvements in the knee stabilities in each group compared with the preoperative data respectively. The Lysholm score improved from 54.75 +/- 10.58 preoperatively to 95.80 +/- 5.16 at the follow-up in the outside-in group; and improved from 52.51 +/- 11.38 preoperatively to 94.86 +/- 5.50 at follow-up in the transtibial group. Additionally, IKDC grades also improved in both groups. However, no significant differences were seen in stabilities shown by pivot shift test, Lachman test and anterior drawer test. And there also no significant differences of Lysholm scores and IKDC grades between two groups after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The outside-in technique has advantages to create an anatomical femoral tunnel easily with minimal intra-articular interference, and disadvantages of complicated manipulation. The transtibial technique is easy to operate and gain time. Using either of responding technique according to the actual situation, satisfactory outcome could be archived.</p>

Treatment of chronic primary glomerulopathy patients of Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome by yishen qingli granule combined low-dose Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside tablet: a clinical efficacy observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of treatment of chronic primary glomerulopathy (CPG) patients of Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome (SDDHS) by Yishen Qingli Granule (YQG) combined with low-dose Tripterygium Wilfordii multiglycoside Tablet (TWT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 231 CPG patients of SDDHS were enrolled in this study (including 60 patients from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 58 from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 46 from Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University, 35 from First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 14 from First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and 18 from Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). They were randomly assigned to the control group (116 cases) and the trial group (115 cases) according to block group method. There were 217 cases in the safety analysis set (109 cases in the trial group vs 108 cases in the control group), and 203 cases in the full analysis set (99 cases in the trial group vs 104 cases in the control group). All patients received basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB. Furthermore, YQG (consisting of raw astragalus 10 g, prepared Polygonum Multiflorum 10 g, Pyrrosia 10 g, 1.5 g each package, containing 10 g of crude drugs) was additionally given to patients in the trial group, each package, twice daily. The TWT (10 mg) was given, twice a day. The TWT dose was adjusted according to 24 h urinary total protein (UTP). The placebos of YQG and TWT were administered to those in the control group. The treatment course consisted of 24 weeks and the follow-up visit lasted for 24 weeks. The biochemical indices were observed before and after treatment including 24 h UTP, urine red cell count (U(RBC)), renal functions (BUN, SCr), blood routine test (WBC), and liver functions (SGPT, SGOT). Reverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, and irregular menstruation were also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the total effective rate was better in the trial group (82.83% vs 61.54%, P < 0.01). Results of stratified comparison of UTP showed better efficacy in the trial group (0.8-3.0 g/24 h, P < 0.01). The UTP decline occurred in the trial group after 8 weeks of treatment, with stable action, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the trial group, U(RBC) level decreased after treatment but changed more significantly. But there was no statistical difference in the changes when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). After treatment, there were no statistical difference in safety indicators such as WBC, SGPT, and SGOT between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>On the basis of basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB, application of YQG combined with low-dose TWT had better effect in controlling proteinuria of CPG patients, and could help stabilizing their conditions with less adverse reactions.</p>

Correlation between Chinese medicine syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease (MCD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 94 MCD patients were recruited, including 58 steroid-sensitive nephritic syndrome (SSNS) patients and 36 steroid-resistant nephritic syndrome (SRNS) patients. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes and sequence analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The SNPs of G349A-3 in NPHS1 gene was found in MCD, but the SNPs of G686A-5 and C695T-5 in NPHS2 gene were not discovered in MCD. (2) When comparing the frequency of genotype AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene (G349A-3), genotype AA and allele A were higher in the SRNS group than in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). (3) When compared with the SRNS group, qi yang deficiency syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group, and yin deficiency syndrome and qi-yin deficiency syndrome had a less incidence in the SSNS, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The rheumatism syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). The blood stasis syndrome had a lower incidence in the SSNS with statistical difference (P < 0.05). (4) There was no statistical difference in the correlation between GG, AA, GA and CM syndromes (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Homozygous mutations of AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene were correlated to SRNS patients of MCD. Rheumatism syndrome patients were prone to be sensitive to corticosteroids, while patients of blood stasis syndrome were prone to be insensitive to corticosteroids. We didn't discover the correlation between NPHS1 gene polymorphism and CM syndrome distribution.</p>

Both the medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by arthroscopic surgical technique / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the minimal invasive arthroscopic surgery technique and clinical results of both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with double bundles and bone tunnels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In August 2008 a minimal invasive surgery of both the medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was preformed for 1 case with both the medial and lateral meniscectomy by arthroscopic surgery. The method of two bone plugs attached on tibial plateau was employed for medial meniscal allograft transplantation and the technique the bridge in slot for lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. The VAS, Lysholm score and IKDC rating were recorded before and after operation. The stability of knee was assessed by Lachman test, drawer sign and pivot shift test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was followed up 26 month after the operations. The degrees of knee flexion, extension and function of walk were normal. The Lachman test, drawer sign and pivot shift test were nearly normal. The VAS after operation was 2 points lower than that before operation. The Lysholm score post-operation was 20 points higher than pre-operation. The IKDC became B degree in late following-up from C degree before the operation. MRI revealed anterior cruciate ligament graft was continuous and the meniscal allograft was normal shape on year 1 after the operation. The posterior horn of medial meniscal allograft and anterior corner of lateral meniscal allograft showed slightly shrunk. The second-look arthroscopy showed that the healing occurring between meniscal allograft and the capsule and meniscal allograft was normal shape on month 18 after the operation. The anterior horn of medial and lateral meniscus was slightly worn.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in appropriately selected patients with the medial and lateral meniscus-deficient knee may recover the knee mechanic balance and stability, which is a option of treatment for that young and activity patients. It is proposed that the medial and lateral meniscal grafts harvested from a single donator. Attention should be paid to the direction of the bone tunnels fixing the horns of the meniscus in order to avoid communication with the tunnels of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.</p>

Effect of miR-221 on the viability and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

To investigate the effect of microRNA-221 (miR-221) on cell viability and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. MiR-221 inhibitors and mimics were transfected into HepG2 cells. The expression of miR-221 was detected by real time quantitative RT-PCR. CellTiter-blue cell viability kit, Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) double staining assay, flow cytometry and Apo-ONE homogeneous caspase-3/7 kit were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis. MiR-221 inhibitors significantly inhibited the cell growth and miR-221 mimics increased cell viability 48 hours post-transfection measured by both CellTiter-blue cell viability kit and Hoechst 33342/PI assay (P is less than to 0.05). There was a positive correlation between these two assays (r = 0.993, P is less than to 0.01). With miR-221 mimics, the number of G1 stage cells (47.67%+/-1.53%) was significantly reduced as compared to the blank control (59.00%+/-1.00%) and the negative control (58.00%+/-1.00%, F = 81.77, P is less than to 0.01), and it was significantly raised in S stage (20.33%+/-1.15%) than in blank control (11.00%+/-1.00%) and negative control (12.00%+/-1.00%, F = 70.9, P is less than to 0.01) with flow cytometry analysis. More cell apoptosis and necrosis were significantly induced by miR-221 inhibitors 48 hours post-transfection detected by both Hoechst 33342/PI assay and flow cytometry PE Annexin V kit (P is less than to 0.05). The result from Apo-ONE homogeneous caspase-3/7 kit was consistent with the above two apoptotic assays, which showed that with miR-221 inhibitors, the activity of caspase-3/7 was significantly enhanced (P is less than to 0.05). MiR-221 contributes to the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and miR-221 inhibition can induce cell apoptosis. miR-221 has the potential to become one of the new molecular targets for liver cancer therapy.

The expression of B-cell translocation gene 2 in diethylnitrosamine-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma rat model / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and role of B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2) in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Modified Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma rat model was established. The expression of BTG2, p53 and cyclinD1 was detected by RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BTG2 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with faint cytoplasmic staining in normal liver cells; however, it is mainly a cytoplasmic protein in HCC cells. BTG2 was over-expressed during the early stage after DEN treatment, the expression level peaked at 5 weeks and then it gradually decreased to the normal level after 16 weeks. The expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E was increased gradually after DEN treatment, and peaked at 16 weeks and 5 weeks respectively. A significant increase in p53 was not observed until 5 weeks after DEN treatment, and it gradually decreased after 16 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decreased expression of BTG2 may be an important step in carcinogenesis of HCC. BTG2 may positively regulate p53 expression and negatively regulate cyclin D1 expression in the carcinogenesis of HCC.</p>