Foreign direct investment and employments in Asia Pacific nations: The moderating role of labor quality.

This study analyzes the impact of Foreign Direct Investment and labor quality on employment in 29 Asia-Pacific nations from 1990 to 2020. We employ the Dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments to estimate the results. This study finds that a ten percent increase in Foreign Direct Investment creates an additional 0.890 % in employment, and a percent increase in labor quality increases employment by 0.0021 %. Our study also figures a moderating role of labor quality and FDI on employment in Asia Pacific countries. Our findings are robust before and after the recent financial crisis and alternative regression method. Finally, the findings are robust even if we employ an alternative estimation method. Our results are consistent with the Traditional FDI, the Neo-classical, and Resource-Based View theories. Our research generates practical policy implications to develop employment sustainably in Asia-Pacific nations.

[Analysis of Plasma Metabolic Profile in Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the plasma metabolomic characteristics of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT), and reveal the changes of metabolic pattern in children with TDT. METHODS: 23 children with TDT who received regular blood transfusion in Ganzhou Women and Children's Health Care Hospital in 2021 were selected, and 11 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The routine indexes between children with TDT and the control group were compared, and then the metabolic composition of plasma samples from children with TDT and the control group was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. An OPLS-DA model was established to perform differential analysis on the detected metabolites, and the differential metabolic pathways between the two groups were analyzed based on the differential metabolites. RESULTS: The results of routine testing showed that the indexes of ferritin, bilirubin, total bile acid, glucose and triglycerides in children with TDT were significantly higher than those in healthy controls, while hemoglobin and total cholesterol were significantly lower (all P <0.05). However there was no significant difference in lactate dehydrogenase between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with the control group, 190 differential metabolites (VIP>1) were identified in TDT children. Among them, 168 compounds such as arginine, proline and glycocholic acid were significantly increased, while the other 22 compounds such as myristic acid, eleostearic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid were significantly decreased. The metabolic pathway analysis showed that the metabolic impact of TDT on children mainly focused on the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and downregulation of lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: The amino acid and lipid metabolism in children with TDT were significantly changed compared with the healthy control group. This finding is helpful to optimize the treatment choice for children with TDT, and provides a new idea for clinical treatment.

The trilogy between CEO overpower, green credit, and core competence: Evidence from commercial banks in Vietnam.

This paper investigates the interconnection between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) power, green credit, and core competence of commercial banks in Vietnam. Our data sample consists of 373 annual observations from 2010 to 2021. We employ a dynamic system Generalized Method of Moments to analyze an unbalanced panel comprised of 373 annual observations from 2010 to 2021. The findings indicate an inverse U-shape relationship between CEO overpower and commercial banks' core competence. Moreover, the study reports that banks with green lending activities reduce core competence by about 0.1598 points more than other banks. In addition, the results indicate that CEO power moderates the relationship between green credit and core competence. Our findings align with stewardship, management entrenchment, first-mover advantage, stakeholder theories, and prior literature. The study has practical implications for policymakers to develop the banking system sustainably in emerging markets.

Mechanism of TLR4 mediated immune effect in transfusion-induced acute lung injury based on Slit2/Robo4 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the infusion of blood or blood system. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of TLR4-mediated T cell immune effect in TRALI. METHODS: In this animal study, a mouse model of LPS-induced TRALI was established. Sixty adult C57/BL6 mice (wild-type, WT) were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) normal WT type, 2) LPS control group of WT type lipopolysaccharide, 3) WT type TRALI group (LPS + MHC-I mAb), 4) (TLR4 antibody) lipopolysaccharide LPS control group, 5) (TLR4 antibody) TRALI group (LPS + MHC-I mAb). Mice were injected with LPS (0.1 mg/kg) and MHC-I mAb (2 mg/kg) into the tail vein. H&E staining was performed to detect pathological features. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the level of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue homogenate supernatant were measured. Blood, spleen single-cell suspension, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected to detect the ratio of Treg and Th17 cells by flow cytometry. RT-PCR and WB were used to detect mRNA or protein expression. RESULTS: TLR4 mAb treatment alleviated the pathogenesis of LPS-induced TRALI in vivo, the MPO activity, and the level of proinflammatory factors in lung tissues. TLR4 exerted its function by changing of Treg/Th17 ratio via the SLIT2/ROBO4 signaling pathway and downregulating CDH5 and SETSIP. CONCLUSION: TLR4 mediates immune response in the LPS-induced TRALI model through the SLIT2/ROBO4 signaling pathway.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of T2DM patients with OTUD3 gene rs78466831 SNP at a single academic center in China.

Background: A novel, rare OTUD3 c.863G>A (rs78466831) in humans has been reported associated with diabetes, but the prevalence and clinical characteristics of T2DM patients with rs78466831 have not been reported before. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of T2DM patients with rs78466831 and provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: OTUD3 gene rs78466831 SNP was detected by Sanger sequencing in all the collected specimens of laboratory-confirmed T2DM patients and healthy people. Clinical characteristics indexes inconsisting of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and a body mass index (BMI), T2DM-associated chronic complications (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, retinopathy, arterial plaque, peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy) were obtained from the clinical laboratory information systems and electronic medical record system. Clinical characteristic indicators were compared between the wild-type and variant (rs78466831) patients with T2DM. Results: The prevalence of rs78466831 in the T2DM patients group was significantly higher than the healthy control in our academic center. The general characteristic indicators were not significantly different between the wild-type and rs78466831 patients with T2DM, except the family history of diabetes. Clinical laboratory indicators including HbA1c, FBG, OGTT, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and CP had no significant difference between the two groups. The therapeutic drug and target achievement rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of diabetic retinopathy in the variant group was significantly higher than the wild-type group. Conclusions: The OTUD3 gene rs78466831 was associated with T2DM and may be a biological risk factor of diabetes retinopathy.

A pretest-posttest design to assess the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Stigma and discrimination are important barriers to HIV epidemic control. We implemented a multi-pronged facility-level intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination at health facilities across three high-burden provinces. Key components of the intervention included measurement of stigma, data review and use, participatory training of healthcare workers (HCWs), and engagement of people living with HIV and key populations in all stigma reduction activities. METHODS: From July 2018 to July 2019, we assessed HIV-related stigma and discrimination among patients and HCWs at 10 facilities at baseline and 9 months following an intervention. A repeated measures design was used to assess the change in stigma and discrimination among HCWs and a repeated cross-sectional design assessed the change in stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV. HCWs at target facilities were invited at random and PLHIV were recruited when presenting for care during the two assessment periods. McNemar's test was used to compare paired proportions among HCWs, and chi-square test was used to compare proportions among PLHIV. Mixed models were used to compare outcomes before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 649 and 652 PLHIV prior to and following the intervention, respectively. At baseline, over the previous 12 months, 21% reported experiencing discrimination, 16% reported self-stigma, 14% reported HIV disclosure without consent and 7% had received discriminatory reproductive health advice. Nine months after the intervention, there was a decrease in reported stigma and discrimination across all domains to 15%, 11%, 7% and 3.5%, respectively (all p-values <0.05). Among HCWs, 672 completed the pre- and post-intervention assessment. At baseline, 81% reported fear of HIV infection, 69% reported using unnecessary precautions when caring for PLHIV, 44% reported having observed other staff discriminate against PLHIV, 54% reported negative attitudes towards PLHIV and 41% felt uncomfortable working with colleagues living with HIV. The proportions decreased after the intervention to 52%, 34%, 32%, 35% and 24%, respectively (all p-values <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A multi-pronged facility-level intervention was successful at reducing healthcare-associated HIV-related stigma in Vietnam. The findings support the scale-up of this intervention in Vietnam and highlight key components potentially applicable in other settings.

A Systematic Review of the Cost of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically summarize the evidence on costs related to chronic pelvic pain (CPP) for women. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) were searched for English and French articles published from 1990 to January 2021 STUDY SELECTION: Of 1304 articles screened, 67 were screened in full-text form, and a total of 13 articles were included in the final analysis. Articles included involved cost studies that estimated hospital or health system costs for pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, endometriosis with pain, interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: A standardized form was created to extract study setting, design, and population; patient demographics; study duration; and reported costs of CPP components and amounts. Two independent reviewers completed the data extraction, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. CONCLUSION: Estimated health care costs ranged from US$1367 to US$7043 per woman per year. Prescription costs ranged from US$193 to US$2457 per woman per year. Indirect costs ranged from US$4216 to US$12 789 per woman per year. Combined costs ranged from US$1820 to US$20 898 per woman per year. The yearly costs of CPP varied according to country; yearly costs were estimated to be $2.8 billion, ¥191,680 to ¥246,488, and $16 970 to $20 898 per woman per year in the United Sates, Japan, and Australia, respectively. The literature suggests that CPP represents a considerable economic burden on women and health care systems internationally, with indirect costs contributing a significant portion of total costs.

Acceptability and Usability of HCV Self-Testing in High Risk Populations in Vietnam.

HIV self-testing has emerged as a safe and effective approach to increase the access to and uptake of HIV testing and treatment, especially for key populations. Applying self-testing to hepatitis C virus (HCV) may also offer an additional way to address low coverage of HCV testing and to accelerate elimination efforts. To understand the potential for HCV self-testing (HCVST), an observational study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usability of the OraQuick® HCV Self-Test (prototype) among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thai Nguyen, a province in northern Vietnam. A total of 105 PWID and 104 MSM were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. Acceptability, defined as the proportion of participants among eligible subjects who agreed to participate in the study, was 92.9% in PWID and 98.6% in MSM. Compared to MSM, PWID were older (median age: 45 vs. 22 years; p < 0.0001) and had a lower education level (high school and college: 38.1% vs. 100%; p < 0.0001). HCVST usability was high among MSM with fewer observed mistakes, difficulties, or participants requiring assistance (33.7%, 28.8%, and 17.3%, respectively) compared to PWID (62.9%, 53.3%, and 66.7%, respectively; all p < 0.0001)). Inter-reader and inter-operator agreement were good in both groups (Kappa coefficient range: 0.61-0.99). However, the concordance between HCVST and study staff -read or performed HCV testing was lower among PWID than MSM (inter-reader concordance 88.6% vs. 99.0% and inter-operator concordance 81.9% vs. 99%). Overall, HCVST was highly acceptable with moderate to high usability among PWID and MSM in Thai Nguyen. Efforts to provide support and assistance may be needed to optimize performance, particularly for PWID populations and for those who are older and with lower literacy or education levels.

Feasibility, benefits, and cost-effectiveness of adding universal hepatitis B and syphilis testing to routine antenatal care services in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam.

Pregnant women in Vietnam have a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis. This study aims to assess the feasibility and benefit of universal testing for HIV, HBV and syphilis in antenatal care (ANC) services. A pilot project was conducted in the Thai Nguyen province of Vietnam between 2012 and 2014. HIV, HBV and syphilis testing were offered to pregnant women. Interventions to eliminate mother-to child-transmission (MTCT) of the three pathogens were provided to infected mothers and their infants. Descriptive analysis was conducted, and the number of infections averted from integrating hepatitis B tests into ANC was estimated. Testing coverage for HIV, HBV and syphilis for the cohort of pregnant women during the pilot project was 98%. Prevalence of HIV, HBV and syphilis infections in this cohort was 0.14%, 7.8%, and 0.03%, respectively. No infant was infected with HIV or syphilis, while HBV infection was diagnosed in 27 infants (13.9%). An estimated 23 mother to child HBV infections were prevented by integrated interventions. The triple prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis is feasible. Investment in the expansion of the integrated approach is required to achieve the goal of eliminating MTCT.

Community-led HIV testing services including HIV self-testing and assisted partner notification services in Vietnam: lessons from a pilot study in a concentrated epidemic setting.

INTRODUCTION: The HIV epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated in key populations and their partners - people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers and partners of people living with HIV. These groups have poor access to and uptake of conventional HIV testing services (HTS). To address this gap, lay provider- and self-testing and assisted partner notification (aPN) were introduced and delivered by the community. We explored the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing aPN as part of community testing services for key populations. METHODS: Lay provider testing and self-testing was started in January 2017, and targeted key populations and their partners. Since July 2017, aPN was introduced. HTS was offered at drop-in houses or coffee shops in Thai Nguyen and Can Tho provinces. All self-testing was assisted and observed by peer educators. Both in-person and social network methods were used to mobilize key populations to test for HIV and offer HTS to partners of people living with HIV. Client-level data, including demographic information and self-reported risk behaviour, were collected on site by peer educators. RESULTS: Between January 2017 and May 2018, 3978 persons from key populations were tested through community-led HTS; 66.7% were first-time testers. Of the 3978 clients, 3086 received HTS from a lay provider and 892 self-tested in the presence of a lay provider. Overall, 245 (6.2% of tested clients) had reactive results, 231 (94.3%) were confirmed to be HIV positive; 215/231 (93.1%) initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). Of 231 adult HIV-positive clients, 186 (80.5%) were provided voluntary aPN, and 105 of their partners were contacted and received HTS. The ratio of partners who tested for HIV per index client was 0.56. Forty-four (41.9%) partners of index clients receiving HTS were diagnosed with HIV, 97.7% initiated ART during the study period. No social harm was identified or reported. CONCLUSIONS: Including aPN as part of community-led HTS for key populations and their partners is feasible and effective, particularly for reaching first-time testers and undiagnosed HIV clients. Scale-up of aPN within community-led HTS for key populations is essential for achieving the United Nations 90-90-90 targets in Vietnam.

ALS/FTD-Linked Mutation in FUS Suppresses Intra-axonal Protein Synthesis and Drives Disease Without Nuclear Loss-of-Function of FUS.

Through the generation of humanized FUS mice expressing full-length human FUS, we identify that when expressed at near endogenous murine FUS levels, both wild-type and ALS-causing and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)-causing mutations complement the essential function(s) of murine FUS. Replacement of murine FUS with mutant, but not wild-type, human FUS causes stress-mediated induction of chaperones, decreased expression of ion channels and transporters essential for synaptic function, and reduced synaptic activity without loss of nuclear FUS or its cytoplasmic aggregation. Most strikingly, accumulation of mutant human FUS is shown to activate an integrated stress response and to inhibit local, intra-axonal protein synthesis in hippocampal neurons and sciatic nerves. Collectively, our evidence demonstrates that human ALS/FTD-linked mutations in FUS induce a gain of toxicity that includes stress-mediated suppression in intra-axonal translation, synaptic dysfunction, and progressive age-dependent motor and cognitive disease without cytoplasmic aggregation, altered nuclear localization, or aberrant splicing of FUS-bound pre-mRNAs. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Prokaryotic expression and preparation of the polyclonal antibodies of E protein and domain Ⅲ in Zika virus / 中国人兽共患病学报

To clone,express and purify the E Protein and EDⅢ of Zika virus in E.coli and prepare two kinds of polyclonal antibodies,the virus was amplified by Vero E6 cell culture.Total RNA was extracted by RT-PCR and reverse transcribed into cDNA.The prokaryotic expression vectors pET32a/E and pET28a/EDⅢ were constructed by cDNA sequence of E and EDⅢ gene.Then,recombinant plasmids were transformed into E.coli BL21 and induced by IPTG,and purified by Ni+ column affinity chromatography.BALB/C mice were immunized with purified recombinant proteins.Antiserum was collected and titer was determined by indirect ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the specificity.Results showed that the recombinant proteins were successfully expressed and purified.The titer of the polyclonal antibodies both reached 1:409 600.Western Blot analysis showed that the polyclonal antibodies could specifically recognize the recombinant proteins.Thus,the specific polyclonal antibody were successfully prepared,laying a foundation for further study on the pathogenesis,detection methods and immune strategies of Zika virus.

Vasodilation effect and mechanism of extraction of Tongmai Yangxin Pills (TMYX) on isolated rat mesenteric artery / 中国中药杂志

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the vasodilation effects of Tongmai Yangxin Pills (TMYX) on rat mesenteric artery as well as its mechanism of action. The relaxation effects of TMYX extracts with different concentrations were determined on isolated rat mesenteric artery in normal condition as well as pretreating by phenylephrine and KCl. Vascular relaxation effects of TMTX were also determined in mesenteric artery preincubated with L-ANME and indomethacin or in endothelium denuded mesenteric artery. Moreover, effects of TMYX by 50 mg·L⁻¹ on NO secretion and the phosphorylation of eNOS in a cellular model of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) pretreated with or without L-NAME were also observed. The experimental results showed that TMYX has no obvious effect on vasodilation of arteries in normal or KCl pretreated condition, while it can dose-dependently relax the rat mesenteric artery with intact endothelium stimulated with phenylephrine at a maximal diastolic rate of (64.71±10.03)%. After preincubating with L-NAME for 15 min or removal of mesenteric artery endothelium, the maximal diastolic rate was decreased to (35.77±8.93)% and (25.85±10.84)% respectively. However, preincubating with indomethacin had no inhibitory effect on TMYX induced vascular relaxation. Meanwhile, TMYX at 50 mg·L⁻¹ could increase the expression of P-eNOS and the secretion of NO in HUVEC. L-NAME significantly inhibited NO release and phosphorylation of eNOS induced by TMYX. The results suggested TMYX exerted endothelium-dependent relaxation effects against PE-induced contractions of isolated rat mesenteric artery through NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

Monitoring Prevention Impact of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Concentrated Epidemics With Program and Survey Data.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program was introduced in Vietnam in 2005. Despite the scaling up of PMTCT programs, the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Vietnam was estimated as high as 20% in 2013. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of PMTCT and identified factors associated with mother-to-child transmission and infant survival using survey and program data in a high HIV burden province in Vietnam. METHODS: This community-based retrospective cohort study observed pregnant women diagnosed with HIV infection in Thai Nguyen province from October 2008 to December 2012. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and through reviews of log books and medical charts in antenatal care and HIV clinics. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used to analyze data using Stata (StataCorp). RESULTS: A total of 172 pregnant women living with HIV were identified between 2008 and 2012. Most of these women had acquired the HIV infection from their husband (77/119, 64.7%). Significant improvement in the PMTCT program was documented, including reduction in late diagnosis of HIV for pregnant women from 62.5% in 2008 to 30% in 2012. Access to antiretrovirals (ARVs) improved, increasing from a rate of 18.2% (2008) to 70.0% (2011) for mothers and from 36.4% (2008) to 93.3% (2012) for infants. For infants, early diagnosis within 2 months of birth reached 66.7% in 2012 compared with 16.7% in 2009. Transmission rate reduced from 27.3% in 2008 to 6.7% in 2012. Late diagnosis was associated with increased risk for HIV transmission (odds ratio [OR] 14.7, 95% CI 1.8-121.4, P=.01), whereas ARV therapy for mother and infant in combination with infant formula feeding were associated with reduced risk for HIV transmission (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.001-0.1; P<.001). Overall survival rate for HIV-exposed infants at 12 months was 97.7%. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of program and survey data measured the impact of prevention of HIV transmission from mother-to-child interventions. Significant improvement in access to the interventions was documented in Thai Nguyen province. However, factors that increased the risk of HIV transmission, such as late diagnosis, remain to be addressed.

Nostoc calcicola extract improved the antioxidative response of soybean to cowpea aphid.

BACKGROUND: Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. "Nam Dan") is one of the most valuable crops in agricultural production in Nghe An province (Vietnam). Our previous study revealed that extract of the cyanobacterium strain Nostoc calcicola HN9 expressed positive effect on growth and development, and raised soybean productivity (Tran et al. in Proceeding of Vietnam national conference of research on biology, Da Nang, 2016). We hypothesized that N. calcicola HN9 would improve the defense responses of G. max cv. "Nam Dan" to cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch)-a serious pest of leguminous crops. RESULTS: Infestation of A. craccivora caused oxidative stress in leaves of G. max cv. "Nam Dan". A strong generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion radical (O 2·- ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in the cellular damages in the aphid-infested leaves through high levels of injury percentage and lipid peroxidation. To protect from aphid attack themselves, soybean plants triggered the antioxidant defense systems, in which, enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6) and GPx (EC 1.11.1.9) were strongly accumulated to reduce the toxic effects of ROS. Components of N. calcicola HN9 extract might strengthen the defensive capability of G. max cv. "Nam Dan" to cowpea aphid infestation via establishing the chemical constraints on oxidative stress. Under effect of cyanobacteria extract, generation of O 2·- and H2O2 was strictly limited, activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were remarkably accumulated in the aphid-infested leaves leading to a significant reduction of oxidative damages. CONCLUSIONS: Nostoc calcicola HN9 extract probably not only controlled the generation and effects of O 2·- and H2O2 but also augmented the accumulated activity of SOD, CAT and GPx in soybean leaves that allowed them to control oxidative stress, contributed to increase the resistance of G. max cv. "Nam Dan" to A. craccivora. The improvement of cyanobacteria extract on the antioxidative response of soybean "Nam Dan" to cowpea aphid can be a novel aspect to contribute to current knowledge regarding the soybean-aphid interaction.

[Experimental Study on Neonatal ABO or RhD Compatible Blood Transfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of neonatal ABO or Rh(D) by using compatible blood transfusion through retrospective analysis of data from cases received compatible blood transfusion and type matched blood transfusion. METHODS: The clinical data of 26 cases of neonatal compatible blood transfusion in Chinese Nanchang area from January 2014 to October 2016 were collected, and 26 cases of neonatal type-matched blood transfusion were selected according to ratio of 1:1 cases. The efficiency and safety index of 26 patients compatible blood transfusion were compared with that of type-matched blood transfusion. The efficiency indexes included: patients' basic characteristics, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) level, hematocrit (Hct), and the safety indexes contain Hb level and indirect bilirubin (IBiL) value before and after blood transfusion, irregular antibody screening, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results and the adverse reactions of blood transfusion. RESULTS: The age, sex, days of hospitalization between compatible blood transfusion and type matched blood transfusion were not statistically significantly different (P>0.05). The Hb level before transfusion, blood transfusion volume and the increase of Hb, Hct and RBC were not statistically significantly different between two groups (P>0.05). The values of Hb, Hct and RBC in 2 groups significantly increased at the day 1 after blood transfusion (P<0.05). No blood transfusion adverse reaction occurred in 2 groups. The IBiL value significantly decreased in compatible blood transfusion patients at the day 1 after blood transfusion (P<0.05). No new irregular antibodies had been detected after transfusion in all patients, and the others' DAT and screening for irregular antibodies were negative except 22 patients with neonatal hemolysis. The values of Hb and IBiL statistically significantly differenence were not in 12 patients between 1d, 3d, 7d after blood transfusion (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficiency and safety between compatible blood transfusion and type matched blood transfusion are the same in neonatal blood transfusion. Compatible blood transfusion is a safe and effective in clinical blood transfusion.

Cantharidin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of cantharidin on cell proliferation, ability of selfrenewal, cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells (HCSCs). It was observed that cantharidin treatment exhibited dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of HCSCs. The inhibition of cell viability by cantharidin in HepG2 CD133+ and parental cells was significant at the concentration 5 and 15 µM, respectively after 48 h. Cantharidin treatment inhibited the self-renewal ability of the HCSCs and the expression of ß-catenin and cyclin D1. Flow cytometry revealed that cantharidin treatment at 5 µM concentration significantly increased the cell population in G2/M phase and decreased the population in the G1 phase. Cantharidin treatment in the HCSCs for 48 h increased expression of histone H2AX, Myt1, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, p53 and cdc2 (Tyr15) phosphorylation significantly compared to the parental cells. Exposure of the HCSCs to cantharidin for 48 h at a concentration of 5 µM caused a significant increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells. Therefore, cantharidin is a promising agent for the hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

A study on the estrogen receptor α gene polymorphism and its expression in thin endometrium of unknown etiology.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the relationship between the estrogen receptor α (ERa) gene polymorphism and expression in thin endometrium. METHODS: We chose 120 unknown thin endometrium patients as the case group and another 112 normal endometrium women as the control group. Methods in molecular biology were used to analyze restriction fragment length polymorphism of PvuII and XbaI in the ERa gene. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the expressions of the ERa at mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: P genotypic frequency was 47.1% in the case group and 30.0% in the control group; the OR was 2.076. X genotypic frequency in the case group was 20.8%, and 30.4% in the control group; the OR was 0.602. Restriction fragment length polymorphism of PvuII and XbaI in the two groups were distributed with polymorphisms. The mRNA and protein expressions of ERa decreased compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ERa gene polymorphism is related to unknown thin endometrium, in which P allele may be the risk and X allele may be its guard factor. The expression of ERa decreases in thin endometrium compared with normal endometrium, and ERa may be related to the unknown etiological thin endometrium.