Laparoscopic resection of focal nodular hyperplasia in the hepatic caudate lobe.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic resection of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the hepatic caudate lobe. METHODS: The clinical data of eight patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatic caudate lobe FNH resection at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The laparoscopic procedures were successful in all eight patients, and no patients required conversion to open surgery. Five patients underwent partial caudate lobe resection, one patient underwent caudate lobe resection, and two patients underwent combined left hemihepatectomy with caudate lobe resection. Tumor resection was performed using the left approach in five cases, the right approach in one case, the middle hepatic fissure approach in one case, and the left and right combined approach in one case. The operation time ranged from 120 to 360 min, with a mean of 225 min. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 50 to 600 ml, with a mean of 235 ml. No postoperative bleeding, bile leakage or abdominal infection occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of hepatic caudate lobe FNH was safe and feasible in appropriate patients. Skilled laparoscopic hepatectomy techniques, adequate preoperative evaluation, appropriate choice of surgical approach and the control of intraoperative bleeding are critical to perform this surgery.

Non-invasive brain stimulation for treating psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), especially repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is a promising therapeutic tool for managing the psychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This meta-analysis aims to assess the effect of NIBS on psychiatric symptoms in patients with PD. METHODS: Several electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant literature from inception to October 18, 2021. The therapeutic effects of NIBS were evaluated using a random-effects meta-analysis based on the standard mean difference (SMD) and multivariable-adjusted effect estimates and subgroup analyses. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Finally, 57 and 15 studies with 4,010 participants were obtained from the meta-analysis and systematic review, respectively. Significant differences were found between NIBS and sham-stimulation/placebo participants for depression (SMD = -0.75, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.99 to -0.50, I2 = 79 %), and rTMS combined with antidepressant therapy and antidepressant alone for depression (SMD = -0.98, 95 % CI: -1.37 to -0.59, I2 = 87 %) and anxiety (SMD = -1.46, 95 % CI: -2.44 to -0.48, I2 = 95 %). Meanwhile, lower risks were observed for post-treatment compared with pre-treatment for depression (relative risk [RR] = 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.57-0.76, I2 = 96 %) and anxiety (RR = 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.60-0.73, I2 = 67 %). CONCLUSIONS: NIBS can be considered an effective non-pharmacological option for treating PD depression; moreover, rTMS combined with antidepressants was demonstrated to be a useful tool against depression and anxiety in PD.

Determination of volatile flavor compounds in raw and treated duck meats of different body parts.

The compounds in volatile flavor substances in duck meats of three different body parts (breast, leg, and wing) were extracted by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 16 main volatile compounds including 4 hydrocarbons, 4 alcohols, 2 acids, 3 aldehydes, and 3 others (N-containing, S-containing) were identified in raw duck meats from three different body parts. The hydrocarbon compounds account for more than 50% of all volatile substances in all three body parts. And the percentage of hydrocarbon compounds in raw duck breast meat reaches 82.76%. A total of 81 volatile compounds including 15 hydrocarbons, 10 alcohols, 7 acids, 12 aldehydes, 4 esters, 19 S-containing and N-containing compounds, and 14 others were isolated and identified in 1 hr-marinated and cooked duck meats. A total of 101 kinds of volatile flavor compounds including 13 hydrocarbons, 14 alcohol, 7 acids, 8 aldehydes, 12 esters, 23 S-containing and N-containing compounds, and 24 others were detected in 3 hr-marinated duck meats of the three body parts. It was proved in this study that under the same conditions, the volatile compounds in duck legs are more than those in duck breasts and wings, and the types of volatile flavor substances increase significantly in duck meats after cooked. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Prepared and cooked duck meat, especially wings and legs are popular food in China. The results suggest that Pickling makes duck meat more flavory while proper pickling time is less than 3 hr. Duck wings are better for marinating and cooking compared with duck breasts and legs. The acceptance study of duck meat from different body parts and the analysis of volatile flavor compounds are beneficial for optimizing utilization of whole parts of duck meat.

Pharmacodynamic elucidation of glutamate & dopamine in ketamine-induced anaesthesia.

General anaesthetics are some of the most widely used and essential therapeutic agents. However, despite over a century of research, the molecular mechanisms of general anaesthesia in the central nervous system remain elusive. Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) has been approved for use in general anaesthesia either alone or in combination with other medications. It is a superb drug for use in short-term medical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation, and it has approval for the induction of general anaesthesia as a pre-anaesthetic to other general anaesthetic agents. However, Several questions remain unsolved, including the exact identification of the neural substrate of consciousness and its components, the pharmacodynamic interactions between anaesthetic agents, the mechanisms of cognitive alterations that follow an anaesthetic procedure, the identification of an eventual unitary mechanism of anaesthesia-induced alteration of consciousness, the relationship between network effects and the biochemical targets of anaesthetic agents, leading to difficulties in between-studies comparisons. Thus, the glutamate and dopamine systems play distinct roles in terms of neuronal signalling, yet both have proposed to contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Imaging of the glutamate system and other aspects of research on the dopamine system have produced less consistent findings, potentially due to methodological limitations and the heterogeneity of the disorder. In this review, we discuss the neural circuits through which the two systems interact and how their disruption may cause psychotic symptoms. We also summarize from a molecular perspective of mechanisms of action of ketamine as general anaesthetics on ligand-gated ion channels mediated modulation of dopamine in the brain region.

Increase of SOX9 promotes hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury by activating TGF-ß1.

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury causes damage in aerobically metabolizing organs or tissues, which is an essential injury mechanism in various clinical settings. SRY-related high mobility group-Box gene 9 (SOX9) is a transcription factor of the SRY family, modulating various cellular processes, including fibrosis formation and tumor growth. However, the effects of SOX9 on hepatic IR injury have not been explored. In the present study, a hepatic IR injury model was established, supported by a significant histological alteration with high Suzuki scores, and a remarkable up-regulation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Importantly, we found that SOX9 was over-expressed in liver of mice after IR operation. Suppressing SOX9 markedly reduced inflammatory response, as evidenced by the reduced mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß and inactivation of inhibitor of κBα (IκBα)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. In addition, SOX9 suppression alleviated apoptosis in liver of mice after IR injury, as supported by the reduced number of terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferse (TdT)-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL)-staining cells and decreased expression of Caspase-3 in liver tissue sections. The role of SOX9 in accelerating hepatic IR injury was further confirmed in primary hepatocytes under hypoxiaand reoxygenation (HR) treatment by enhancing inflammatory response and apoptosis. Of note, we found that transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was highly induced in liver of mice after IR injury. HR treatment also stimulated TGF-ß1 expressions in vitro. Significantly, SOX9 over-expression-induced inflammation and apoptosis were obviously reduced by pirfenidone (Pirf), TGF-ß1 inhibitor. In contrast, TGF-ß1 exposure to cells further enhanced inflammation and apoptosis in HR-operated cells either with SOX9 knockdown or over-expression. Therefore, we identified a novel SOX9-dependent pathway that contributed to hepatic IR injury through enhancing inflammation and apoptosis by activating TGF-ß1.

Valproic acid, targets papillary thyroid cancer through inhibition of c-Met signalling pathway.

Tyrosine kinase receptors such as c-Met and its ligands are interesting therapeutic targets that have been reported to be involved in the progression of several types of cancers. Histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA) is one such compound with promising anti-cancer properties. The current study was designed to evaluate the c-Met activity of VPA in thyroid carcinoma. A total 36 nu/nu mice with SW1736 cells-induced tumours were randomised into three treatment groups (5, 15, 30 mg/kg/day p.o. VPA; n = 9/group). Various cellular and enzymatic assays were performed to evaluate the dose-response relationship of VPA in c-Met inhibition. In vitro assays revealed that VPA (IC50, 5-26 nmol/l) shows c-Met phosphorylation and c-Met-dependent inhibition of cellproliferation. This causes inhibition of downstream signalling pathways in human thyroid cancer cell lines (SW1736, WRO). Additionally, VPA also showed anti-angiogenetic activity in HGF-stimulated endothelial cell. VPA showed significant reduction in tumour size in xenograft model (P = 0.023) with high levels of c-Met expression. The anticancer activity was found to be dose dependent and strongly correlated with c-Met expression. Thus, this novel finding paves way for investigation of new mechanism of action and its validation in clinical settings.

[Genetic structure of X-STR loci in Bai, Dai and Yi ethnic groups and their affinity with five major populations of China].

To determine the genetic polymorphism of three X-STR loci for Bai, Dai, Yi ethnic groups from Yunnan Province, DXS6804, DXS6799 and DXS7132 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and Genscan. Eighteen alleles and thirty-eight genotypes were detected in 89 Bai unrelated persons. The gene frequencies ranged from 0.0200 to 0.6400, and the geno-types frequencies ranged from 0.0256 to 0.3333. Seventeen alleles and twenty-four genotypes were detected in 100 Dai unrelated persons, with the gene frequencies ranging from 0.0135 to 0.7500 and the genotypes frequencies ranging from 0.0385 to 0.5769 respectively. There were 20 alleles and 35 genotypes detected in 88 Yi unrelated persons. The gene frequencies ranged from 0.0125 to 0.5875, and the genotypes frequencies ranged from 0.0250 to 0.3500. The genetic information demonstrated that the three loci are highly polymorphisms in Bai, Dai, Yi ethnic groups. Cluster analysis and phylogenic tree showed the genetic affinity between Bai, Dai, Yi, and Tibet populations.

[Genetic polymorphisms of X-STR loci in Chinese Yugur ethnic group and its application].

To study the genetic polymorphism of nine short tandem repeats (STRs) loci (DXS7130, DXS7132, DXS6804, DXS7423, DXS7424, DXS6789, DXS6799, DXS8378, and HPRTB) on X chromosome in Chinese Yugur ethnic group. The allele and genotype frequency of nine X-STR loci among 120 unrelated individuals (55 female, 65 male) from Yugur ethnic group were analyzed using PCR and followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The numbers of alleles in the nine X-STR loci were 8, 6, 6, 5, 6, 7, 6, 4, and 6, respectively; the numbers of genotypes in the nine loci were 16, 14, 13, 6, 13, 20, 11, 6, and 12, respectively. The genotype frequencies in females were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). The nine X-STR loci were relatively abundant in polymorphic information for individual identification, paternity testing and population genetics. A total of 15 haplotypes were detected in DXS7130 and DXS8378 loci, and 55 haplotypes were detected in DXS6789, DXS6799, DXS7424, and DXS6804 loci. The haplotype diversity reached 0.8212 and 0.9947, respectively. Phylogeny tree and cluster analysis based on X-STR allele frequencies in genesis showed that Yugur ethnic group share a close relationship with Mongolian ethnic group and Chinese Han, Tibetan population and far from Hui and Uygur ethnic group, who dwell in the northwest of China.

[Sequence polymorphism of mtDNA HVR Iand HVR II of Oroqen ethnic group in Inner Mongolia].

Venous blood samples from 50 unrelated Oroqen individuals living in Inner Mongolia were collected and their mtDNA HVR I and HVR II sequences were detected by using ABI PRISM377 sequencers. The number of polymorphic loci, haplotype, haplotype frequence, average nucleotide variability and other polymorphic parameters were calculated. Based on Oroqen mtDNA sequence data obtained in our experiments and published data, genetic distance between Oroqen ethnic group and other populations were computered by Nei's measure. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by Neighbor Joining method. Comparing with Anderson sequence, 52 polymorphic loci in HVR I and 24 loci in HVR II were found in Oroqen mtDNA sequence, 38 and 27 haplotypes were defined herewith. Haplotype diversity and average nucleotide variability were 0.964+/-0.018 and 7.379 in HVR I, 0.929+/-0.019 and 2.408 in HVR II respectively. Fst and dA genetic distance between 12 populations were calculated based on HVR I sequence, and their relative coefficients were 0.993(P < 0.01). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on genetic distances and included Oroqen, Taiwan and South Han population in a clade, which indicated near genetic relation between them, and far relation with northern Han, Mongolian and other foreign populations. The genetic polymorphism of mtDNA HVR I and HVR II in Oroqen ethnic group has some specificities compared with that of other populations. These data provide a useful tool in forensic identification, population genetic study and other research fields.

[The role of dopamine D3 receptor in the amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of dopamine D3 receptor involved in the amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice. METHODS: The CPP was observed in D3 receptor knock-out (D3RKO) mice and C57BL/6 wild-type control mice after administration of amphetamine. The data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA using the SPSS 13.0 software. RESULTS: D3RKO mice showed a significant amphetamine-induced CPP (P<0.001), compared with the ones administered with saline in C57BL/6 control mice. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that amphetamine can produce significant CPP in dopamine D3 receptor knock-out mice, suggesting that amphetamine-induced addiction can be inhibited by dopamine D3 receptor.

[Preparation and characterization of anti-morphine vaccine antibody].

AIM: To prepare anti-morphine vaccine antibody with high titer and good specificity and to identify its properties. METHODS: Chemically synthesized 6-succinylmorphine (M-6-S) was cross-linked to BSA in pH 9.0 carbonate buffer. After being purified by gel filtration and (NH4)2SO4 salting out, the immunogen was used to immunize BALB/c mice and SD rats. The titer and specificity of antisera were identified by ELISA and neutralization inhibition test, respectively. The effect of the immunization was examined by the radiant heat tail-flick (TF) reflex test. RESULTS: The titers of antiserum from immunized BALB/c mice and SD rats were up to 1:200,000 and over 1:20,000, respectively. Neutralization inhibition test proved that the anti-morphine vaccine antibody had the cross-reactions to following drugs with analogous structure as morphine: 6-monoacetylmorphine, heroin and codeine. The TF reflex test showed: (1) TF reflexes were notable inhibited after intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg morphine, and (2) percentage of the maximum possible effect (% MPE) reduced 74.7%, (3) the TF latency recovered to the baseline level much more rapidly compared with the control rats. CONCLUSION: The M-6-S-BSA vaccine has been prepared successfully. The BALB/c mice and SD rats immunized with the vaccine can produce anti-morphine antibody with high titer and satisfactory specificity, which may significantly reduce rats' antinociception against morphine.

[The genetic polymorphism of 9 short tandem repeat loci in Yi ethnic group of Yunnan in China].

OBJECTIVE: To study the short teadem repeat(STR) genetics structure of a Chinese Yunnan Yi racial group. METHODS: Genetic distributions for nine STR loci were determined based on STR gene scan marked by fluorescence. RESULTS: Sixty-nine alleles and 164 kinds of genotypes were detected and identified from 84 unrelated Yi racial individuals. The corresponding gene and genotype frequencies were in 0.0060-0.5060 or 0.0119-0.4167 respectively. The expected and observed genotype frequencies of nine STR loci were in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(P>0.05). The statistical analyses of nine STR loci showed that PIC was distributed in 0.5804-0.8777, H was in 0.6507-0.8002, DP was in 0.7976-0.9558, EPP was in 0.5207-0.8386, except TPOX and THO1 loci. CONCLUSION: Above research data enrich the Chinese genetic database, and play an important role in Chinese genetic study and in forensic application.

[Genetic structure of STR in Naci ethnic group in China].

STR is a universal genetic marker that has changeable polymorphism and stable heredity in human genome. It is a specific DNA segment composed of 2-7 base pairs as its core sequence, and is formed through the repeated connection of the same one. Since it has the characteristics such as numerous allelic genes, highly heterozygosity and easy recognition and short PCR segment, it is employed as an ideal DNA marker in such practical fields as human genetics and forensic medicine. In this study, we investigated the polymorphism of STR of Naci minority with STR genescan marked by fluorescence. Seventy-two alleles of 9 STR in Naci were detected with their frequency 0.0052-0.5208 and 165 genotypes were found out with frequency 0.0104-0.3021. Hi-Square test indicated the distribution of genotypes agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Statistical analysis showed the followings: the heterozygosity (H) > 0.6 in each locus, the average polymorphism information content (PIC) > 0.7, Mean discrimination power (DP) > 0.8, probability of paternity exclusion (EPP) > 0.5, indicating that the STR markers used in the study were of great value in the researches of minority genetics. This not only founds the base for genetic structures of STR of Chinese but also provides valuable information for anthropology, forensic medicine and ethnology.

[STR polymorphisms in four Xinjiang ethnic groups in China].

Population genetic studies were performed in Xinjiang's Uygur, Sibe, Ozbek and Kirgiz. Allele frequency distributions were analyzed for ten loci, i.e., D3S1358, VWA, CSF1PO, FGA, THO1, TPOX, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820 by GeneScan. The results showed that there were 66 STR alleles and 148 genotypes in Uygur; 72 STR alleles and 163 genotypes in Sibe; 65 STR alleles and 168 genotypes in Ozbek; 71 STR alleles and 191 genotypes in Kirgiz. Significant differences were identified among ethnic groups (African-American, US-Caucasian and Chinese-Oriental), but similarity was found among the four Xinjiang population. These findings indicated that the nine STR loci and Amelogenin locus were very useful for individual identification in forensic science. It is further certified that Chinese nationality is a whole.

[Genetic polymorphism of 9 STR loci in Chaoxian National Minority of China].

In order to enrich the Chinese genetic database,nine polymorphic loci of STR,such as D3S1358,vWA,FGA,TH01,TPOX,CSF1PO,D5S818,D13S317 and D7S820 were studied. Based on STR gene scan marked by fluorescence,91 unrelated Chinese Chaoxian individuals were observed.81 alleles and 196 genotypes were found. The corresponding gene frequency and genotype frequency were 0.0055-0.4615 and 0.0110-0.9890 respectively. The genogypes frequency of nine STR loci was good with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P approximately 0.05). The statistical analysis of nine STR loci showed the following: PIC (polymorphic information content) >or=0.6863, H (heterozygosity) >or=0.6919, DP (discrimination power) >or=0.8301, EPP (probability of paternity exclusion) >or=0.8590. The data studied can be used in Chinese population genetic studies and forensic medicine applications.

[Polymorphism of nine STR locus in Nu population from Yunnan Province].

In this study,blood samples were randomly drawn from 84 unrelated Nu individuals. The polymorphism of nine STR loci and Amelogenin locus were determined by DNA GeneScan. The genetic database on the distribution of gene frequency on the nine STR loci was established, statistical results showed that the genotype distributions were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equation. Compared with other population,the results in our study were of great value in human DNA genetic data instant method with the characteristics of precision and sensitivity.

[Genetic polymorphisms of 9 STR loci in Dongxiang ethnic group of China].

Genetic distribution for nine STR loci was determined in a Chinese Dongxing ethnic group based on STR genescan marked by fluorescence. Seventy-two alleles and 182 genotypes were observed in 94 unrelated Chinese Dongxiang individuals,with the corresponding gene frequency and genotype frequency being 0.0053-0.5825 and 0.0106-0.2660 respectively. The genotypes of nine STR loci were in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). The statistical analysis of nine STR loci showed PIC (polymorphism information content, PIC) = or > 0.6378, H(heterozygosity, H) = or > 0.6500, DP (discrimination power, DP) = or > 0.8216, PPE (probabilities of paternity exculation, PPE) = or > 0.4903. The result indicated that there was a significant difference between Dongxiang ethnic group and the white and the black. There was no significant difference in Han nationality. These result filled the Dongxiang ethnic group-a specific group of Chinese into the genetic database and played an important role in Chinese population genetic study and forensic medicine application.

[Studies of STR polymorphisms in Pumi and Lisu minorities in China].

In this study, we investigated the polymorphisms of STR of Pumi and Lisu minorities with STR genescan marked by fluorescence. Eighty-five alleles of 9 STR in Pumi were detected with the frequency 0.0050-0.5250 and 194 genotypes were found with frequency of 0.0098-0.3235. Sixty three alleles with their frequency of 0.0050-0.4802 and 145 genotypes were found out with frequency of 0.0099-0.3664 in Lisu population. Hi-Square test indicated the distribution of genotypes agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Statistical analysis showed the followings: H > 0.6 in each locus, the average PIC > 0.7, mean DP > 0.8, EPP > 0.5, indicating the STR markers used in the study were of great value in the researches on minority genetics.