Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis on the Effects and Mechanism of the Wang-Bi Capsule for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Wang-Bi capsule (WB) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based herbal formula, and it has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China for many years. Additionally, WB is also used as a supplement to the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in clinical practice. Our research aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects and underling mechanism of WB on RA and OA through computational system pharmacology analysis and experimental study. Based on network pharmacology analysis, a total of 173 bioactive compounds interacted with 417 common gene targets related to WB, RA, and OA, which mainly involved the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the serine-threonine protein kinase 1 (AKT1) might be a core gene protein for the action of WB, which was further emphasized by molecular docking. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of WB in vitro was confirmed by reducing NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. The anti-RA and OA effects of WB in vivo were confirmed by ameliorating the disease symptoms of collagen II-induced RA (CIA) and monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA (MIA) in rats, respectively. Furthermore, the role of the PI3K-Akt pathway in the action of WB was preliminarily verified by western blot analysis. In conclusion, our study elucidated that WB is a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of RA and OA, which might be achieved by regulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. It provides us with systematic insights into the effects and mechanism of WB on RA and OA.

Preoperative Anxiety and Postoperative Pain in Patients With Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate preoperative anxiety situations and postoperative pain degree in Chinese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy and to analyze the related factors of preoperative anxiety and the correlation between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain to provide a reference for effective postoperative analgesia management. Methods: A total of 100 female patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups (n = 50, each). In group A, the patients were treated with dexmedetomidine and sufentanil for postoperative analgesia. In group B, the patients were treated with sufentanil alone for postoperative analgesia. All patients were evaluated with a self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) 1 day before the operation. The patients' pain was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) 1 day after the operation, and data were recorded. Results: In these 100 patients, the highest preoperative SAS score was 48, and the average score was 40.99 ± 4.55 points, which is higher than the norm in China. There were significant differences in preoperative SAS scores among patients with different occupations and previous surgical experience (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in SAS scores among patients with different education levels (P > 0.05). The postoperative NRS score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between SAS scores and NRS scores in groups A and B were 0.836 and 0.870, respectively, presenting with a significantly positive correlation. Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety is an important predictor of postoperative pain. Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy have preoperative anxiety. The degree of anxiety is influenced by the occupation and previous operation experience of the patients, and patients with higher preoperative anxiety have greater postoperative pain. In addition, we should not neglect the management of postoperative pain because of the small trauma of laparoscopic surgery, and dexmedetomidine combined with sufentanil can improve the postoperative analgesic effect.

Subclavian steal syndrome associated with Sjogren's syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) caused by Sjogren's syndrome is rare, especially for elderly patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis. The current report presents the uncommon etiology and treatment of SSS, aiming to improve doctor's clinical experience. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with hypertension and acute cerebral infarction presenting with left upper limb weakness and pain even gradually aggravating to left limb hemiplegia 30 years ago. He was managed with antihypertensive and antithrombotic therapy; however, his condition was recurrent, and he never had any further examination. It was found that the difference of the bilateral upper arm systolic pressure was over 20 mmHg, and Doppler examination showed that the blood flow of the left vertebral artery was reversed, suggesting SSS. Further tests revealed a benign lymphoepithelial lesion in salivary gland tissue, confirming the Sjogren's syndrome. CONCLUSION: The patient was found to have hypertension when he was 33 years old, and the blood pressure of both sides was asymmetric, which was ignored. The patient's symptoms of dizziness and upper limb weakness were misdiagnosed as general cerebral infarction. It is necessary to test the aorta computed tomography angiography to prove secondary hypertension factors such as Sjogren's syndrome.

[Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biochar, and Combined Amendment on Sandy Soil Improvement Driven by Microbial Community].

Sandy soils are considered as a significant transition phase to desertification. The effective recovery of sandy soils is of great significance to mitigate the desertification process. Some studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and biochar improved the sandy soil, but there have been very few studies regarding the combined effects of AM fungi and biochar amendments on sandy soil improvement. Additionally, the roles of the bacterial and fungal community during the process of sandy soil improvement remain unclear. A greenhouse pot experiment with four treatments, including a control (CK, no amendment), single AM fungi-assisted amendment (RI), single biochar amendment (BC), and combined amendment (BC_RI, biochar plus AM fungi), was set up. This study investigated the effects of different amendment methods on the Nitrariasi birica mycorrhizal colonization, biomass, nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) content, soil organic carbon, soil nutrient (TN, TP, and TK) content, and soil water-stable aggregate composition. High throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the roles of the bacterial and fungal communities during the process of sandy soil improvement. Combined with multiple analysis methods, the improvement mechanisms of different amendment methods were explored. The aim was to provide basic data and scientific basics for reasonably and effectively improving sandy soils. The results indicated that a significant mycorrhiza colonization was observed in the inoculation (RI and BC_RI) treatments, but there was no substantial difference in the mycorrhiza colonization with the RI and BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the shoot biomass and shoot element (N, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the RI, and the shoot element (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the BC and BC_RI; compared with the RI and BC, the root biomass and the root element (P, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the soil organic carbon contents were significantly increased in the BC and BC_RI, the soil TN contents were significantly increased by 152.54%, and the soil TP and TK contents were significantly decreased by 12.5% and 18.8%, respectively. The proportion of soil aggregates with particle sizes of 0.25-0.05 mm was the highest in each treatment, and the large particle size (>0.25 mm) soil aggregate was significantly increased in the BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the Sobs and Shannon indices of the bacterial/fungal community were significantly decreased in the RI and BC_RI. There was a difference in the microbial community compositions and abundance in the various treatments. The results of the RDA and network analysis were as follows:the effects of AM fungi, biochar, and combined amendment on the soil environment and microbial community structure were significant; in the different amendment treatments, the relationship of the microbial molecular ecological network was significantly changed, and the composition of the core species varied; compared with the RI, there was a higher network connection degree and a richer core species composition in the BC and BC_RI; moreover, the essential role of Rhizophagus intraradices was weaken and the core roles of the other microorganisms (especially bacterial species) were enhanced under the combined effects of biochar and AM fungi. The SEM results demonstrated that the application of AM fungi and biochar could directly affect the bacteria/fungi community structure, and further affect the plant growth and soil properties. The differences in the microbial community structure (especially the change in the microbial interaction) were the key driving factors that led to the difference in the soil improvement effectiveness. In summary, the effects of the different amendment methods on the improvement effectiveness of sandy soils varied. The microbial community played key roles in the process of sandy soil improvement, and there were potential advantages and applications in accelerating the ecological restoration of sandy soils under the combined AM fungi and biochar amendment.

[Therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points on diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)- eight-diagram points on diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as compared with oral administration of pinaverium bromide tablets and Chinese herbal decoction, tongxieyaofang. METHODS: A total of 126 patients with IBS-D of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency were randomized into a herb-separated moxibustion group (moxibustion group), a western medication group and a Chinese herbal medication group, 42 cases in each one. In the moxibustion group, the herb-separated moxibustion was applied to Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points. The herbs in tongxieyaofang (fried rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae, fried radix paeoniae alba, pericarpium citri reticulatae and radix saposhnikoviae) were ground into herbal paste and the paste was put on Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points. The suspending moxibustion was exerted over the points for 40 min, once daily. In the western medication group, pinaverium bromide tablets were taken orally, 50 mg each time, three times a day. In the Chinese herbal medication group, the decoction of tongxieyaofang was taken orally, one dose a day, taking separately in two times. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks in each group. Before and after treatment, the symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), gastrointestinal (GI) symptom score, the score of IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) and the score of IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) scale were observed in patients of each group separately. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms, GI symptom scores and IBS-SSS scores were all obviously reduced in each group (P<0.05). Each of the scores in the moxibustion group was lower than the western medication group and the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of each of eight subscale structures of IBS-QOL scale, named dysphoria, interference with activity, body image, health worry, food avoidance, social reaction, sexual intercourse and relationship, were all increased obviously in each group (P<0.05). The scores of each of eight subscale structures in the moxibustion group were higher than the western medication group and the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 92.9% (39/42) in the moxibustion group, higher than 71.4% (30/42) in the western medication group and 73.8% (31/42) in the Chinese herbal medication group respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Herb-separated moxibustion at Jinsuo (GV 8)-eight-diagram points remarkably relieves gastrointestinal symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients of diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, and its clinical therapeutic effect is superior to oral administration of either pinaverium bromide tablets or tongxieyaofang.

Chinese herbal medicine resources: Where we stand.

In recent years, the development of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been challenged by shortages of CHM resources and drug safety concerns related to end products. There have been significant efforts by Chinese scholars to tackle these challenges, which are revealed by analyzing the research trend of CHM resources via surveying Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs (Zhong Cao Yao), a representative journal in CHM. Our study focused on 781 articles in CHM resources from 2013 to 2018 and included four subject areas: germplasm resources, quality analysis and evaluation, cultivation, and bioengineering of CHM. Discussion and prospective for future investigations were also presented, including: construct the core germplasm of medicinal plants and expand germplasms; combine molecular research with field experiments and promote the deeper study of cultivation of CHM plants; improve the quality evaluation method of CHM and strengthen the identification of Chinese patented medicines; promote the sustainable development of CHM resources by utilizing bioengineering and synthetic biology. This study helps international scholars understand the status quo of CHM research and provides theoretical support for the healthy, modern, and international development of CHM, and it will facilitate the sustainable development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

SIRT3 promotes the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by regulating fatty acid synthase.

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) modulates mitochondria-localized processes and is implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, especially fatty acid (FA) synthesis. However, the relationship between SIRT3 and aberrant lipid synthesis in cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance of SIRT3 expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and normal tissues. To analyze the role of SIRT3 in CCSC in vitro, endogenous SIRT3 levels were up- and down-regulated in SiHa and C33a cells, respectively, via lentiviral-based transfection. Levels were quantified using qRT-PCR. Acetylation levels for acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC1) were measured with the anti-acetyllysine antibody. Knockdown of SIRT3 reduced levels of cellular lipid content in cells. To investigate the role of SIRT3 in cell proliferation, nude mice were xenografted with SIRT3-overexpressing or SIRT3-knockdown CCSC cells. Overall, the results demonstrate that SIRT3 significantly contributed to the reprogramming of FA synthesis in CCSC by up-regulating ACC1 to promote de novo lipogenesis by SIRT3 deacetylation. Moreover, the findings show that the SIRT3-mediated regulation of FA synthesis played a critical role in the proliferation and metastasis of CCSC cells, suggesting that SIRT3 has therapeutic potential in CCSC treatment.

[Influence of general anesthetic exposure in developing brain on cognition and the underlying mechanisms].

With the evolution of medical techniques and technology, an increasing number of infants, neonates, and fetuses are exposed to general anesthesia for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic process. The neurotoxic effects of general anesthetics on developing brain have been a subject of concern and considerable research interest. Population-based study confirmed that single short-term general anesthetic exposure does not affect nervous system function, but multiple exposures to general anesthesia could damage cognitive function. Animal studies further discovered the underlying mechanisms. Nervous system is most susceptible to general anesthetics during the brain growth spurt. The time-point is more critical than the duration of exposure to general anesthetics. General anesthetics can induce intracellular calcium overload, disturb energy metabolism, promote cell apoptosis and lead to cell loss. General anesthetics can damage synaptic structure, transmission and plasticity, and impair brain function. High throughput omics technologies have been used to screen the differentially expressed genes induced by general anesthetics, which provide further understanding of the mechanism of general anesthetics affecting cognitive function. This review provides an update on the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the anesthesia-neurotoxicity, which will be helpful to provide instructions for the clinical use of general anesthesia in children.

Lycodine-type alkaloids and their glycosides from Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides.

Thirteen previously undescribed lycodine-type Lycopodium alkaloids, namely, five alkaloids (lycocasuarines D-H) each possessing an uncommon five-membered C ring and eight Lycopodium alkaloid glycosides (casuarinosides A-H), together with a known analog, were isolated from the aerial parts of Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides (Spring) Holub ex R.D.Dixit (Lycopodiaceae). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and chemical methods. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated.

[Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on mRNA expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 in intestinal epithelial cells after Escherichia coli LF82 infection].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change in the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 in intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells) and the protective effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) after adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (E.coli) LF82 infection. METHODS: The Caco-2 cell line was used to establish an in vitro model of tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells. Caco-2 cells were divided into EPA treatment groups (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L EPA) and EPA (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L EPA)+E.coli LF82 treatment (0, 6, and 12 hours) groups. A microscope was used to observe the morphological characteristics of the cells. MTT assay was used to determine the cell growth curve. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at both sides of the cell membrane was compared to evaluate the Caco-2 cell model. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effects of different concentrations of EPA on the survival rate and apoptosis rate of Caco-2 cells. RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of ZO-1 in Caco-2 cells after EPA and/or E.coli LF82 treatment. ELISA was used to measure the change in the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in culture supernatant. RESULTS: After EPA treatment (25 and 50 µmol/L), the proliferation of Caco-2 cells was induced in a dose-dependent manner. The survival rates of the cells were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The EPA treatment (100 and 200 µmol/L) groups had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The survival rates of the cells were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The EPA treatment (100 and 200 µmol/L) groups had a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate compared with the control group (P<0.05). The 6- and 12-hour E.coli LF82 treatment groups had decreasing mRNA expression of ZO-1 in Caco-2 cells over the time of treatment and had significantly lower mRNA expression of ZO-1 than the untreated group (P<0.05). The Caco-2 cells treated with E.coli LF82 and 25 or 50 µmol/L EPA for 6 or 12 hours showed an increase in the mRNA expression of ZO-1 with the increasing concentration of EPA, as well as significantly higher mRNA expression of ZO-1 than the Caco-2 cells treated with E.coli LF82 alone (P<0.05). The Caco-2 cells treated with E.coli LF82 alone for 6 or 12 hours had increasing secretion of TNF-α over the time of treatment and had significantly higher secretion than the untreated Caco-2 cells (P<0.05). The Caco-2 cells treated with E.coli LF82 and 25 or 50 µmol/L EPA for 6 or 12 hours showed a reduction in the secretion of TNF-α with the increasing concentration of EPA and had significantly lower secretion than the Caco-2 cells treated with E.coli LF82 alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EPA can effectively prevent the destruction of tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells induced by E.coli LF82 infection and inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors. Therefore, it has a certain protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier.

Identification of 3-substituted-6-(1-(1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline derivatives as highly potent and selective mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) inhibitors via metabolite profiling-based structural optimization.

c-Met/HGF signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer progression, and it was considered to be related to poor prognosis and drug resistance. Based on metabolite profiling of (S)-7-fluoro-6-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline (1), a series of 2-substituted or 3-substituted-6-(1-(1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline derivatives was rationally designed and evaluated. Most of the 3-substituted derivatives not only exhibited potent activities in both enzymatic and cellular assays, but also were stable in liver microsomes among different species (human, rat and monkey). SAR investigation revealed that introducing of N-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl group at the 3-position of quinoline moiety is beneficial to improve the inhibitory potency, especially in the cellular assays. The influence of fluorine atom at 7-position or 5, 7-position of quinoline moiety and substituents at the 6-position of triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine core on overall activity is not very significant. Racemate 14, an extremely potent and exquisitely selective c-Met inhibitor, demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties in rats, no significant AO metabolism, and effective tumor growth inhibition in c-Met overexpressed NSCLC (H1993 cell line) and gastric cancer (SNU-5 cell line) xenograft models. Docking analysis indicated that besides the typical interactions of most selective c-Met inhibitors, the intramolecular halogen bond and additional hydrogen bond interactions with kinase are beneficial to the binding. These results may provide deep insight into potential structural modifications for developing potent c-Met inhibitors.

Protective effect of omeprazole on gastric mucosal of cirrhotic portal hypertension rats.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effect of omeprazole on gastric mucosal of cirrhotic portal hypertension rats. METHODS: All rats were randomly divided into normal control group, cirrhosis and treatment group. Thioacetamide was used to establish rat model of cirrhotic portal hypertension. The necrotic tissue of gastric mucosa ulcer focus, degree of neutrophils infiltration at the ulcer margin, portal pressure, portal venous flow, abdominal aortic pressure, abdominal aortic blood flow at front end, gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF), glycoprotein (GP) of gastric mucosa, basal acid secretion, H(+)back -diffusion, gastric mucosal damage index, NO, prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined respectively, and the pathological changes of gastric mucosa were also observed by microscope. RESULTS: Compared with cirrhosis group and the control group, the ulcer bottom necrotic material, gastric neutrophil infiltration and UI of the treatment group were all decreased significantly (P<0.01), GMBF value, GP values, serum NO, PGE2, TNF-α were all significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Omeprazole has an important protective effect on gastric mucosal and it can increase gastric mucosal blood flow and related to many factors.

Biodistribution and preparation of technetium-99m-labeled D-D3 monoclonal antibody against pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (31₋98) in mice.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that iodine-131((131)I)-labeled anti-pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP(31-98)) monoclonal antibody D-D3 could selectively accumulate in the tumor sites of nude mice bearing small cell lung cancer (SCLC) xenografts. However, (131)I-D-D3 was cleared slowly from the body, and the best radioimmunoimaging time for SCLC was 72 - 96 hours after injection. The aims of this study were to radiolabel anti-ProGRP(31-98) D-D3 monoclonal antibody with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) and to investigate the biodistribution of this antibody in healthy ICR mice. METHODS: D-D3 was labeled with (99m)Tc via the 2-mercaptoethanol reduction method. (99m)Tc-D-D3 was purified by the gel column separation method. The labeling efficiency and radiochemical purity were measured by thin-layer chromatography. The immunological activity of (99m)Tc-D-D3 was determined with cell conjugation assays. (99m)Tc-D-D3 was injected into healthy ICR mice via a tail vein, and all the healthy ICR mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at a designated time. Then, the blood and major organs were removed and weighed, and counted in a gamma scintillation counter to determine the percentage of the injected dose per gram (%ID/g). RESULTS: The labeling rate and the radiochemical purity of (99m)Tc-D-D3 were (73.87 ± 2.89)% and (94.13 ± 4.49)%, respectively. The immunobinding rates of (99m)Tc-D-D3 to the human small cell lung cancer NCI-H446 cell line and lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line were (81.2 ± 2.37)% and (24.3 ± 1.46)%, respectively. The distribution data of normal ICR mice demonstrated that (99m)Tc-D-D3 was mainly distributed in the liver, kidney and lung, and less in the brain tissue and muscle. CONCLUSIONS: (99m)Tc-D-D3 antibody not only had high radiochemical purity, but also had good stability both in vitro and in vivo, and maintained good immunological activity. (99m)Tc-D-D3 was metabolized mainly in the kidney and liver, and the blood radioactivity decreased rapidly. Thus, (99m)Tc-D-D3 is conducive to the radioimmunoimaging of SCLC.

Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive Chitosan-based hydrogel: application for prevention of capsular contracture.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture has become the most common complication associated with breast implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) is well known for a prominent role in fibrotic diseases. Due to the critical role of TGF-ß in pathogenesis of capsular formation, we utilized thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel to controlled release of TGF-ß receptor kinase inhibitor (SD208) and investigated their effects on capsular contracture. METHODS: In vitro degradation and drug release of C/GP hydrogel were performed. Twenty-four rabbits underwent subpanniculus implantation with 30 ml smooth silicone implants and were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 received saline solution; Group 2 received SD208; Group 3 received SD208-C/GP; Group 4 received C/GP. At 8 weeks, the samples of capsular tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistological staining. The mRNA expression of collagen III and TGF-ß1 was detected by RT-PCR assay. RESULTS: C/GP hydrogel could be applied as an ideal drug delivery vehicle which supported the controlled release of SD208. SD208-C/GP treatment showed a significant reduction in capsule thickness with fewer vessels. The histological findings confirmed that the lower amounts of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrate in SD208-C/GP group. In contrast, typical capsules with more vessel predominance were developed in control group. We did not observe the same inhibitory effect of SD208 or C/GP treatment on capsular contracture. Moreover, SD208-C/GP therapy yielded an evident down-regulation of collagen III and TGF-ß1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that controlled release of TGF-ß receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel could significantly prevent capsule formation after mammary implants.

[Values of (99m)TcO(-)(4)thyroid imaging plus ultrasonography in the differential diagnoses of thyroid nodules].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic values of (99m)TcO(-)(4) thyroid imaging plus ultrasonography in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: (99m)TcO(-)(4) thyroid imaging and ultrasonography were performed for 114 patients with 125 thyroid nodules. And the examination results were compared with the post-operative pathological findings. RESULTS: (1) Among 125 thyroid nodules, there were thyroid adenoma (n = 64, 51.2%), thyroid cancer (n = 30, 24.0%) and other thyroid diseases (n = 31, 24.8%). On thyroid images, 73.6% of them were of cold nodules. And among these cold nodules, 25.0% were of thyroid cancer. Among the ultrasonic results, 125 nodules were predominantly of solid nodules and mixed solid and cystic nodules while the malignant rate of solid nodules was the highest. (2) The malignant rate of solid cool or cold nodules was greater than those of mixed solid and cystic cool or cold nodules (P < 0.005). (3)In solid cool or cold nodules with a diameter of ≥ 2.0 cm, thyroid cancer accounted for 62.5%. CONCLUSION: The combination of (99m)TcO(-)(4) thyroid imaging and ultrasonography may help to evaluate the (99m)TcO(-)(4) uptaking functions of thyroid nodules so that it plays an important role in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

[Protective effect of limb ischemic preconditioning against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of limb ischemic preconditioning against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): (1) Sham group (S group), rats without ischemic preconditioning (IPC), (2) Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) without IP (I/R group); (3) Rats with 5 min IPC (IPC group); (4) Rats with lower limbs IPC and repeated three times (remote ischemic preconditioning, RPC group); The rats were subjected to 60-min sustained liver ischemia followed by 180-min reperfusion except S group. All ischemia rats were only subjected to 70% liver ischemia. Finally, blood and liver samples were obtained to determine the activity of ALT and AST, liver wet/dry weight (W/D), PMN counts and pathology. RESULTS: All IPC group and RPC group had obviously lower levels of ALT, AST, W/D, PMN counts than that of the I/R group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The limb ischemic preconditioning has a protective effects against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat, possibly are due to suppression of liver inflammatory reaction, improvement of liver microcirculation.

[3D reconstruction based on sub-pixel points of structured light].

In this paper, a method for detecting sub-pixel points based on zero-crossing detection combined with Steger's curvilinear detector has been presented. Finally, the feasibility and validity of this method has been confirmed by the experiment.

[Analysis of an AZFc deletion family with natural transmission].

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare family of AZFc deletion with natural transmission and explore the potential mechanism by which identical microdeletions cause different phenotypes. METHODS: Chromosomal quantity and construction were detected by G-band, Y-chromosomal microdeletions by multiple PCR amplification for 12 sequence tagged sites (STSs, and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the DAZL gene, the autosomal homologue of deleted-in-azoospermia (DAZ) gene by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Chromosome analysis revealed a normal karyotype 46, XY in the father and both of his two sons and microdeletions of the full AZFc region were identical, including sY152, sY157, sY242, sY254, sY255, sY239 locus. However, the phenotypes of the affected patients were different: the father had normal fertility, but the sperm density of his two sons deteriorated age-dependently, and the younger one suffered from left cryptorchidism. SNP analysis demonstrated that two polymorphisms in exon 2 and 3 of the DAZL gene were identical in both the father and his sons. CONCLUSION: Identical Y-chromosomal microdeletions causing different phenotypes in this family is not associated with the polymorphisms of DAZL gene and may be related to other genes or environmental factors.