A Pilot Study on Plasma and Urine Neurotransmitter Levels in Children with Tic Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Tic disorders (TDs), including Tourette syndrome, are childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by motor and/or vocal tics that commonly affect children's physical and mental health. The pathogenesis of TDs may be related to abnormal neurotransmitters in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuitry, especially dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitters. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the differences in the three types of neurotransmitters in plasma and urine between children with TD and healthy children. METHODS: We collected 94 samples of plasma and 69 samples of urine from 3-12-year-old Chinese Han children with TD before treatment. The plasma and urine of the same number of healthy Chinese Han children, matched for age and sex, participating in a physical examination, were collected. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the three types of neurotransmitters in the above samples. RESULTS: The plasma levels of norepinephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid, and the urine levels of normetanephrine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were higher in the TD children than in healthy children. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the above neurotransmitters in plasma and urine analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were all higher than 0.6, with significant differences. Among them, the combined AUC of dopamine, norepinephrine, normetanephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the 8-12-year-old subgroup was 0.930, and the sensitivity and specificity for TD were 0.821 and 0.974, respectively (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in plasma and urine neurotransmitters between TD children and healthy children, which lays a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of TD.

Knockdown of a ß-Adrenergic-Like Octopamine Receptor Affects Locomotion and Reproduction of Tribolium castaneum.

The neurohormone octopamine regulates many crucial physiological processes in insects and exerts its activity via typical G-protein coupled receptors. The roles of octopamine receptors in regulating behavior and physiology in Coleoptera (beetles) need better understanding. We used the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model species to study the contribution of the octopamine receptor to behavior and physiology. We cloned the cDNA of a ß-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor (TcOctß2R). This was heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and was demonstrated to be functional using an in vitro cyclic AMP assay. In an RNAi assay, injection of dsRNA demonstrated that TcOctß2R modulates beetle locomotion, mating duration, and fertility. These data present some roles of the octopaminergic signaling system in T. castaneum. Our findings will also help to elucidate the potential functions of individual octopamine receptors in other insects.

Selective Fabrication of Single-Molecule Junctions by Interface Engineering.

Recent progress in addressing electrically driven single-molecule behaviors has opened up a path toward the controllable fabrication of molecular devices. Herein, the selective fabrication of single-molecule junctions is achieved by employing the external electric field. For molecular junctions with methylthio (-SMe), thioacetate (-SAc), amine (-NH2 ), and pyridyl (-PY), the evolution of their formation probabilities along with the electric field is extracted from the plateau analysis of individual single-molecule break junction traces. With the increase of the electric field, the SMe-anchored molecules show a different trend in the formation probability compared to the other molecular junctions, which is consistent with the density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, switching from an SMe-anchored junction to an SAc-anchored junction is realized by altering the electric field in a mixed solution. The results in this work provide a new approach to the controllable fabrication and modulation of single-molecule junctions and other bottom-up nanodevices at molecular scales.

Effects of Tuina on Muscle-specific microRNA and Factors Related with Proliferation and Differentiation of Muscle Satellite Cells in Denervation-induced Atrophy in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of Tuina on denervation-induced atrophy. Methods:A total of 42 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 6), model group (n = 18) and Tuina group (n = 18). The model group and Tuina group freed and excised right tibia nerve about one centimeter, while the sham group freed the right tibia nerve only. From the second day after operation, Tuina group accepted Tuina on the injured area, while the sham group and the model group were only fixed without any intervention. Six rats were sacrificed on the 14th, 21st and 28th day after operation in the model and Tuina groups, and the sham group was sacrificed on the 28th day after operation. The gastrocnemius muscles were measured wet weight ratio. The diameter and area of muscle cells were measured under HE staining. The expression of Pax7, MyoD, MyoG, microRNA-1, microRNA-133a and microRNA-206 in the gastrocnemius muscles were detected with reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with the sham group, the wet weight ratio, the area of muscle cells (except the 14-day-Tuina group) and the diameter of muscle cells decreased at each time point in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the wet weight ratio, muscle cell diameter and muscle cell area increased at each time point in Tuina group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the expression of Pax7 increased in the 14-day-model group (P < 0.05) and decreased in the 28-day-model group (P < 0.05), and it increased at each time point (except 28-day) in Tuina group (P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the expression of Pax7 increased at each time point in Tuina group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the expression of MyoD and MyoG increased at each time point in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the expression of MyoD and MyoG increased at each time point (except 14-day) in Tuina group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the expression of microRNA-1 and microRNA-133a decreased, and microRNA-206 increased in the model group and Tuina group at 21-day (P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the expression of microRNA-1, microRNA-133a and microRNA-206 increased in Tuina group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Tuina may activate the Pax7/MyoD/MyoG pathway by increasing the expression of muscle-specific microRNA, to promote the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells, and delay denervation-induced atrophy.

Advance in Mechanism of microRNA Regulating Muscle Atrophy (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Muscle loses normal function after skeletal muscle atrophy that will greatly reduce the quality of personal life. There is no effective way to treat muscle atrophy currently. microRNA (miRNA) as a small molecule of non-coding RNA brings new hope for the treatment of muscular atrophy. The mechanism of miRNA regulating muscle atrophy mainly includes: regulating abnormal muscle protein metabolism by ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (IGF/PI3K/Akt/mTOR), inhibiting abnormal apoptosis of muscle cells by inhibiting the expression of apoptotic factors, promoting muscle regeneration by regulating myogenic factor expression, and promoting angiogenesis by promoting the expression of angiogenic factors, and so on.

Prepregnancy obesity status and risks on pregnancy outcomes in Shanghai: A prospective cohort study.

Obesity in women of reproductive age is not only associated with numerous adverse maternal and fetal effects prenatally but also exerts a negative influence on female fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the situation of prepregnant obesity in Shanghai and explore the impact of prepregnant obesity on gestational weight gain as well as other pregnancy outcomes. A prospective hospital-based pregnant women cohort was established in Shanghai since January 2015. All pregnant women who were registered and expected to deliver in this hospital were included in the cohort. Nearly one fourth of pregnant women in Shanghai were overweight/obese and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was more common among women with advancing age (P < .001). Women prepregnancy overweight/obesity was associated with 3.5-fold higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain (odds ratio, OR 3.58; 95% confidence interval, CI, 2.82-4.55; P < .001). Women prepregnancy BMI was statistically related to pregnancy outcomes as macrosomia (OR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.55-3.23; P < .001), cesarean delivery (OR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.60-2.62; P < .001), maternal complications (OR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.18-1.98; P < .001). Prepregnancy obesity is associated with a much higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in Shanghai. Further interventions targeting maternal obesity, especially prepregnancy obesity are required.

Genetic Screening of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Yuxi Yunnan / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective Through the screening of candidate pathogenic gene among family members of a family with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Yuxi, Yunnan Province, the study is designed to analyze the relationship between genotype and phenotype and to provide an important theoretical basis for the research of molecular genetic mechanism, early screening and early intervention of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods A detailed medical history was collected and physical examination and routine twelve lead electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasonography examination were performed among the family members. The peripheral venous blood samples were collected for genetic testing. The genetic map was drawn and the genetic characteristics, genotype and clinical phenotype were analyzed. Results In this family, the dominant inheritance mode of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is X- linked dominant inheritance. Candidate genes screening showed that a missense mutation was found in the GLA, ZFPM2, SCN5A genes and the translated amino acids were changed. Conclusion X- linked dominant inheritance is the main genetic mode of HCM in this family. GLA c.167G＞A (p. Cys56Tyr) heterozygous or hemizygous missense mutation may be the major pathogenic mutation in this family with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The clinical significance of ZFPM2 c.1332G＞ C (p.Lys444Asn) heterozygous missense mutation and SCN5A c.5216G＞A (p.Arg1739Gln) heterozygous missense mutation in this family is undetermined.

Consensus on the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine criteria of diagnostic classification in polycystic ovary syndrome (draft).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder of women, with complex pathogenesis and heterogeneous manifestations. Professor Jin Yu recently wrote an article entitled "Proposal of Diagnosis and Diagnostic Classification of PCOS in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine."From this, the Obstetrics and Gynecology branches of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine and the China Association of Chinese Medicine collaborated with the Gynecology branch of the Chinese Association for Research and Advancement of Chinese Medicine to draft a report on the consensus of criteria for the diagnosis and classification of PCOS in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The diagnosis for PCOS includes all three features: (1) oligo-ovulation or anovulation; (2) clinical and/or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism;(3) PCOS is classified into four types: types Ia,Ib, IIa, and IIb. Syndrome differentiation types for PCOS in traditional Chinese medicine are as follows: Kidney deficiency with phlegm blockage syndrome, Kidney Yin deficiency with phlegm blockage and blood stasis syndrome, and Kidney deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation syndrome.

[The prevalence and influencing factors of abuse and negligence against elderly in rural areas of Anhui province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors related to abuse and negligence against the elderly in the rural areas. METHODS: 975 elderly over 60 years from 41 counties in Anhui province were included. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire including items as: educational background, marital condition, income, child-discipline, rude action to parents, daily activities, physical functions, having chronic illness, abuse and negligence against the elderly, etc. RESULTS: In the last year, rates of common physical abuse, serious physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, negligence, overall abuse and negligence against the elderly were 4.5%, 1.5%, 26.9%, 4.9%, 7.2%, 29.9% respectively. Among the 281 victims, 80.4% reported that they were suffered more than 3 times of abuse and neglect episodes, and 34.9% reported that they were suffered more than 2 forms of abuse and negligence. The primary sadism was carried out by the daughter-in-law or son-in-law (43.2%) of the elderly. Low activity on daily life and having chronic illness were the risk factors causing common physical abuse while better education was the protective factor to it. Low ability in managing daily activity of living was the risk factor causing serious physical abuse. Less active on daily life and having rude action to parents were the risk factors to emotional abuse, but being strict with their children was the protective factor to emotional abuse. Less active on daily life, often beating their children and having rude action to parents were the risk factors related to financial exploitation. Less active on daily life, having rude action to parents and having bad physical functions were the risk factors causing negligence. Less active on daily life and having rude manner to parents were the risk factors of overall elderly abuse and negligence, but being strict with their children was protective factor to the abuse and negligence against the elderly. CONCLUSION: High prevalence on abuse and negligence against the elderly was seen in the rural areas of China. Different forms on elderly abuse and negligence were affected by different factors that called for more attention to be paid to those elderly with lower ability in managing their daily life.

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of combined hepatectomy and splenectomy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with hepatic cirrhosis and hypersplenism / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined hepatectomy and splenectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with hepatic cirrhosis and hypersplenism.Methods Medline (1966-August 2009), Embase (1974-August 2009), Cochrane Library, CBMdisc (1978-August 2009), and Wanfang Database were searched without language limitation. All relevant studies were screened and the data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and the methodological qualities of the included studies were evaluated by the Minors scale. The data were analyzed with the RevMan5 software. Results Five non-randomized comparative studies (NRCs) involving 476 patients (232 in HS group, 244 in control group) were enrolled into the analysis. There was no significant difference in the operative mortalities (OR=0. 57, 95%CI 0. 12-2. 66, P=0. 47) and postoperative morbidities (OR= 0. 93, 95 % CI 0.59- 1.46, P = 0.75) between the two groups. Compared with hepatectomy only, CD4+ T cell (WMD=7.90, 95%CI 7.01-8.79, P＜0.01), CD4+ T cell/CD8+ T cell ratio (WMD=0. 75, 95%CI 0. 70-0.80, P＜0.01), white blood cell count (WMD=5.47, 95%CI 5.13-5.82, P＜0.01) and platelet count (WMD=174.89, 95%CI 116.61-233.18,P＜0.01) were significantly higher, but CD8+ T cell (WMD = - 7.66, 95%CI - 8. 53～ - 6. 79,P＜0. 01) was lower compared with combined hepatectomy and splenectomy. There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rates (OR= 1.37, 95%CI 0.86-2.18, P=0. 18). Conclusion Combined hepatectomy and splenectomy did not increase the operative mortalities and postoperative morbidities in hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with hepatic cirrhosis and hypersplenism. The white blood cell and platelet counts markedly increased after surgery. There was no evidence to show any improvement in the 5-year survival.

[Prelimary exploration on Chinese medicine syndrome type distribution in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the Chinese medicine syndrome type distribution in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its relationship with sexual hormones. METHODS: Chinese medicine syndrome types of 212 PCOS patients were differentiated and sorted by adopting fuzzy mean C clustering method, and their relationship with the indices of sexual hormones detected on the 3rd to 5th day of menstrual cycle was analyzed, with the values got from 20 healthy women for controls. RESULTS: Intermingling syndromes were commonly seen in PCOS patients. Shen-deficiency syndrome (presented in 64 patients) and Gan-qi stagnancy syndrome (61 patients) were the dominance, accounting for 30.2% and 28.8% respectively, significantly higher than that of other syndromes (P < 0.05), which were Pi-deficiency syndrome (41 patients, 19.3%), phlegm-dampness syndrome (33 patients, 15.6%) and blood stasis syndrome (13 patients, 6.1%). Levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), luteinzing hormone (LH), dehydroiso-androsterone (DHEA-S) and prolactin (PRL) were higher, while the level of sexual hormone binding protein (SHBG) was lower in PCOS patients than those in control, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) level in patients of Shen-deficiency syndrome and phlegm-dampness syndrome was high than that in control (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in comparing the various sexual endocrinal indices between patients with different syndrome types (P > 0.05). Besides, the level of PRL was positively correlated with LH and E2 levels in patients. CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine syndromes presented in patients with PCOS are mostly intermingling, Shen-deficiency and Gan-stagnancy are the basic syndromes, and there is some correlation between syndrome type and sexual hormone levels.

Toll-like receptor and cancer of digestive system / 国际外科学杂志

Cancer of digestive system is one of the most common worldwidely cancers and seriously threats to human health. However its etiology and pathogenesis are still not clear. Toll-like receptor (TLR), a newly discovered transmembrane receptor, plays an important role in innate immunity. Recent researches suggested that TLRs had extensive relationship with inflammation, autoimmune diseases and cancer. A large number of researches indicated that TLRs not only participated in the occurrence, development and immune escape of cancer, but also acted in immunotherapy in digestive system. Further investigation of TLRs may re-veal the effects of TLRs in the development of malignant tumors of digestive system, moreover may find new therputic target for the treatment of cancers. We reviewed the relationship between TLRs and cancers of di-gestive system.

[Relationship between mitochondrial DNA and myelodysplastic syndromes - review].

Mitochondria is the main place of biological oxidation and energy transform. Mitochondrial DNA encodes the complex of respiratory chain in mitochondria and its mutation can cause a series of human disease. Mitochondrial DNA mutation which observed in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients cause the MDS by the mechanism of iron metabolism disorder, gene instability and hemopoietic progenitor cell apoptosis. In this review the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA structure, the mitochondrial DNA mutation and the possible mechanism of mitochondrial DNA mutation in pathogenesis of MDS were summarized.

Relationship between mitochondrial DNA and myelodysplastic syndromes - review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Mitochondria is the main place of biological oxidation and energy transform. Mitochondrial DNA encodes the complex of respiratory chain in mitochondria and its mutation can cause a series of human disease. Mitochondrial DNA mutation which observed in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients cause the MDS by the mechanism of iron metabolism disorder, gene instability and hemopoietic progenitor cell apoptosis. In this review the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA structure, the mitochondrial DNA mutation and the possible mechanism of mitochondrial DNA mutation in pathogenesis of MDS were summarized.