S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A8 Functions as a Tumor-Promoting Factor in Renal Cell Carcinoma via Activating NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), arising from the renal tubular epithelium, is one of the most common types of genitourinary malignancies. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE100666), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) was highly expressed in RCC tissues. S100A8, an inflammatory regulatory factor, has emerged as an important mediator associated with the occurrence and development of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to identify the key genes and investigate the main signaling pathways in RCC. Human RCC samples and corresponding adjacent normal tissues were collected in our hospital. The expression of S100A8 in human RCC samples was detected using western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. S100A8 overexpression or knockdown was mediated by using Lipofectamine 3000 in human renal cell carcinoma cell line 786-O and ACHN cells. Basic experiments, including MTT and cell apoptosis assays, were utilized for investigating the function of S100A8 in RCC. Furthermore, the levels of inflammation were also evaluated in 786-O and ACHN cells. RESULTS: In the current study, we found that downregulation of S100A8 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in 786-O and ACHN RCC cells. Of note, S100A8 silencing downregulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, thereby decreasing the levels of TNF-α, cleaved caspase1, and MMP9. By contrast, S100A8 upregulation could increase these expressions. CONCLUSION: Overall, S100A8 knockdown restrained RCC malignant biological properties, which was associated with the deactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This present study demonstrates new insights that S100A8 may be a potential therapeutic target in RCC.

Velopharyngeal function change after two-jaw orthognathic surgery in patients with cleft: A study on 162 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is a common intervention used to correct midfacial hypoplasia in patients with cleft. Previous studies have reported that LeFort I maxillary advancement may impact velopharyngeal function, but similar investigations focusing on two-jaw OGS have not been conducted. METHODS: A total of 162 consecutive patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent two-jaw OGS between 2015 and 2020 were enrolled. Clinical data were collected, and preoperative and postoperative skeletal measurements were obtained from cephalometric images. Velopharyngeal function was evaluated using perceptual analysis and nasopharyngoscopy. A logistic regression model was employed for the risk factors associated with changes in velopharyngeal function. RESULTS: After two-jaw OGS, 82.1% of patients showed no change in velopharyngeal function, while 3.7% experienced improvement and 14.2% exhibited worsening of function. In addition, the changes in velopharyngeal function were statistically significant comparing to the pre-OGS velopharyngeal status. A multivariable logistic regression revealed that the amount of maxillary advancement independently predicted the deterioration of post-OGS velopharyngeal function (odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-2.52, p = 0.004). The receiver operating characteristic curve based on maxillary advancement demonstrated good discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.727 (95% CI = 0.62-0.83, p = 0.001). The Youden index was 4.27 mm. CONCLUSION: Despite the risk of velopharyngeal function deterioration in patients with cleft palate undergoing OGS, some individuals have experienced improved function following two-jaw OGS. The extent of maxillary advancement has a negative impact on the velopharyngeal function.

Two pyrrole acids isolated from Phyllanthus emblica L. and their bioactivities.

An undescribed pyrrole acid, 1-(4'-methoxy-4'-oxobutyl)-1 H-pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (1) and one known pyrrole acid (2) were isolated from the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica. The structures of these compounds were elucidated via the comprehensive analyses of IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D spectroscopic data. A series of biological assays revealed that compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit LPS-induced over-production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by reducing the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 were found to reduce lipid deposition and increase the mRNA expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-treated RAW264.7 macrophages.

The caspase-1 inhibitor VX765 upregulates connexin 43 expression and improves cell-cell communication after myocardial infarction via suppressing the IL-1ß/p38 MAPK pathway.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most important protein in the gap junction channel between cardiomyocytes. Abnormalities of Cx43 change the conduction velocity and direction of cardiomyocytes, leading to reentry and conduction block of the myocardium, thereby causing arrhythmia. It has been shown that IL-1ß reduces the expression of Cx43 in astrocytes and cardiomyocytes in vitro. However, whether caspase-1 and IL-1ß affect connexin 43 after myocardial infarction (MI) is uncertain. In this study we investigated the effects of VX765, a caspase-1 inhibitor, on the expression of Cx43 and cell-to-cell communication after MI. Rats were treated with VX765 (16 mg/kg, i.v.) 1 h before the left anterior descending artery (LAD) ligation, and then once daily for 7 days. The ischemic heart was collected for histochemical analysis and Western blot analysis. We showed that VX765 treatment significantly decreased the infarct area, and alleviated cardiac dysfunction and remodeling by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome/caspase-1/IL-1ß expression in the heart after MI. In addition, VX765 treatment markedly raised Cx43 levels in the heart after MI. In vitro experiments were conducted in rat cardiac myocytes (RCMs) stimulated with the supernatant from LPS/ATP-treated rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCFs). Pretreatment of the RCFs with VX765 (25 µM) reversed the downregulation of Cx43 expression in RCMs and significantly improved intercellular communication detected using a scrape-loading/dye transfer assay. We revealed that VX765 suppressed the activation of p38 MAPK signaling in the heart tissue after MI as well as in RCMs stimulated with the supernatant from LPS/ATP-treated RCFs. Taken together, these data show that the caspase-1 inhibitor VX765 upregulates Cx43 expression and improves cell-to-cell communication in rat heart after MI via suppressing the IL-1ß/p38 MAPK pathway.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor SB216763 improves Kir2.1 expression after myocardia infraction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal ion channel currents caused by myocardial electrical remodeling is one of the main causes of malignant arrhythmias. Glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) is the main therapeutic target following ischemia as it regulates nerve cell channels. However, few studies have investigated its role in myocardial electrical remodeling. The present study aimed to investigate the role of GSK-3ß in a rat myocardial infarction (MI)-induced electrical remodeling and potential effects on cardiac ionic channels including KCNJ2/Kir2.1/IK1. METHODS: Ligation of the left anterior descending artery in rats was performed to establish a MI model. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, the sham, MI, and MI + SB group. The animals in the latter group were administered SB216763 (GSK-3ß inhibitor) at a dose of 0.6 mg·kg-1·day-1. The ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography, electrocardiography, and histological analysis 7 days post-surgery. Serum was collected to measure lactate dehydrogenase and cardiac troponin I levels, and the mRNA and protein levels of the KCNJ2/Kir2.1/IK1 channel in the heart tissues were assessed. H9c2 cells were cultured to examine the effects of SB216763 on the protein expression of Kir2.1 channel under hypoxic conditions. RESULTS: The results revealed that SB216763 ameliorated acute cardiac injury and improved myocardial dysfunction. Moreover, SB216763 increased the mRNA and protein expression of Kir2.1 during MI. Furthermore, SB216763 treatment abrogated the decreased expression of Kir2.1 in H9c2 cells under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: GSK-3ß inhibition upregulates Kir2.1 expression in a rat model of MI.

Automatic discrimination of different sequences and phases of liver MRI using a dense feature fusion neural network: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a dense feature fusion neural network (DFuNN) to automatically recognize different sequences and phases of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 3869 sequences and phases from 384 liver MRI examinations, divided into training/validation (n = 2886 sequences from 287 patients) and test (n = 983 sequences from 97 patients) sets, were used in this retrospective study. Ten unenhanced sequences and enhanced phases were included. Manual sequence recognition, performed by two radiologists (20 and 10 years of experience) in a consensus reading, was used as the reference standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate the performance of the DFuNN on an identical unseen test set. Finally, we evaluated the factors impacting the model precision. RESULTS: A fusion block improved the performance of the DFuNN. DFuNN with a fusion block achieved good recognition performance for both complete and incomplete sequences and phases in the test set. The average sensitivity of recognition performance for complete sequence and phase inputs ranged from 88.06 to 100%, the average specificity ranged from 99.12 to 99.94%, and the median accuracy ranged from 98.02 to 99.95%. The DFuNN prediction accuracy for patients without cirrhosis were significantly higher than those for patients with cirrhosis (P = 0.0153). No significant difference was found in the accuracy across other factors. CONCLUSION: DFuNN can automatically and accurately identify specific unenhanced MRI sequences and enhanced MRI phases.

Exploring the Use of Helicogenic Amino Acids for Optimising Single Chain Relaxin-3 Peptide Agonists.

Relaxin-3 is a highly conserved two-chain neuropeptide that acts through its endogenous receptor the Relaxin Family Peptide-3 (RXFP3) receptor. The ligand/receptor system is known to modulate several physiological processes, with changes in food intake and anxiety-levels the most well studied in rodent models. Agonist and antagonist analogues based on the native two-chain peptide are costly to synthesise and not ideal drug leads. Since RXFP3 interacting residues are found in the relaxin B-chain only, this has been the focus of analogue development. The B-chain is unstructured without the A-chain support, but in single-chain variants structure can be induced by dicarba-based helical stapling strategies. Here we investigated whether alternative helical inducing strategies also can enhance structure and activity at RXFP3. Combinations of the helix inducing α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) were incorporated into the sequence of the relaxin-3 B-chain. Aib residues at positions 13, 17 and 18 partially reintroduce helicity and activity of the relaxin-3 B-chain, but other positions are generally not suited for modifications. We identify Thr21 as a putative new receptor contact residue important for RXFP3 binding. Cysteine residues were also incorporated into the sequence and cross-linked with dichloroacetone or α, α'-dibromo-m-xylene. However, in contrast to previously reported dicarba variants, neither were found to promote structure and RXFP3 activity.

Exploring Potential Proteomic Biomarkers for Prognosis of Infective Endocarditis through Profiled Autoantibodies by an Immunomics Protein Array Technique.

Though infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening cardiac infection with a high mortality rate, the effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for IE are still lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the potential applicable proteomic biomarkers for IE through the Immunome™ Protein Array system. The system was employed to profile those autoantibodies in IE patients and control subjects. Our results showed that interleukin-1 alpha (IL1A), nucleolar protein 4 (NOL4), tudor and KH domain-containing protein (TDRKH), G antigen 2B/2C (GAGE2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and X antigen family member 2 (XAGE2) are highly differentially-expressed among IE and non-IE control. Furthermore, bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI), drebrin-like protein (DBNL), signal transducing adapter molecule 2 (STAM2), cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16), BAG family molecular chaperone regulator 4 (BAG4), and nuclear receptor-interacting protein 3 (NRIP3) are differentially-expressed among IE and healthy controls. On the other hand, those previously identified biomarkers for IE, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, procalcitonin, and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide demonstrated only minor significance. With scientific rationalities for those highly differentially-expressed proteins, they could serve as potential candidates for diagnostic biomarkers of IE for further analysis.

Low molecular weight heparin for prevention of microvascular occlusion in digital replantation.

BACKGROUND: The success of digital replantation is highly dependent on the patency of the repaired vessels after microvascular anastomosis. Antithrombotic agents are frequently used for preventing vascular occlusion. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been reported to be as effective as unfractionated heparin (UFH) in peripheral vascular surgery, but with fewer adverse effects. Its benefit in microvascular surgery such as digital replantation is unclear. This is an update of the review first published in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To assess if treatment with subcutaneous LMWH improves the salvage rate of the digits in patients with digital replantation after traumatic amputation. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and CINAHL databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers, to 17 March 2020. The authors searched PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services (CEPS) on 17 March 2020 and sought additional trials from reference lists of relevant publications. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing treatment with LMWH versus any other treatment in participants who received digital replantation following traumatic digital amputation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors (PL, CC) independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included trials using Cochrane's 'Risk of bias' tool. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included two new randomised trials in this update, bringing the total number of included trials to four. They included a total of 258 participants, with at least 273 digits, from hospitals in China. Three studies compared LMWH versus UFH, and one compared LMWH versus no LMWH. The mean age of participants ranged from 24.5 to 37.6 years. In the studies reporting the sex of participants, there were a total of 145 men and 59 women. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded to low or very low because all studies were at high risk of performance or reporting bias (or both) and there was imprecision in the results due to the small numbers of participants. The three studies comparing LMWH versus UFH reported the success rate of replantation using different units of analysis (participant or digit), so we were unable to combine data from all three studies (one study reported results for both participants and digits). No evidence of a benefit in success of replantation was seen in the LMWH group when compared with UFH, regardless of whether the outcomes were reported by number of participants (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 1.10; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence); or by number of digits (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.04; 200 digits, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). No studies reported the incidence of compromised microcirculation requiring surgical or non-surgical therapy, or any systemic/other causes of microvascular insufficiency. There was no evidence of a clear difference between the LMWH and UFH groups in occurrence of arterial occlusion (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.16 to 7.10; 54 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence) or venous occlusion (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.20 to 3.27; 54 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported adverse effects. The LMWH and UFH groups showed no evidence of a difference in wound bleeding (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.23; 130 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence), haematuria (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.11; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), ecchymoses (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.21 to 3.19; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), epistaxis (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.32; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), gingival bleeding (RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.43; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), and faecal occult blood (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.31; 130 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). We could not pool data on coagulation abnormalities as varying definitions and tests were used in the three studies. One study compared LMWH versus no LMWH. The success rate of replantation, when analysed by digits, was reported as 91.2% success in the LMWH group and 82.1% in the control group (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.33; 73 digits, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). Compromised microcirculation requiring surgical re-exploration, analysed by digits, was 11.8% in the LMWH group and 17.9% in the control group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.21 to 3.58; 73 digits, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). Compromised microcirculation requiring incision occurred in five out of 34 digits (14.7%) in the LMWH group and eight out of 39 digits (20.5%) in the control group (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.98; 73 digits; very low-certainty evidence). Microvascular insufficiency due to arterial occlusion, analysed by digits, was 11.8% in the LMWH group and 17.9% in the control group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.05; 73 digits, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence), and venous occlusion was 14.7% in the LMWH group and 20.5% in the control (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.98; 73 digits, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not report complications or adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently low to very low-certainty evidence, based on four RCTs, suggesting no evidence of a benefit from LMWH when compared to UFH on the success rates of replantation or affect microvascular insufficiency due to vessel occlusion (analysed by digit or participant). LMWH had similar success rates of replantation; and the incidence rate of venous and arterial microvascular insufficiency showed no evidence of a difference between groups when LMWH was compared to no LMWH (analysed by digit). Similar rates of complications and adverse effects were seen between UFH and LMWH. There was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on any effect on coagulation when comparing LMWH to UFH or no LMWH. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to performance and reporting bias, as well as imprecision in the results. Further adequately powered studies are warranted to provide high-certainty evidence.

Isolation of two rare N-glycosides from Ginkgo biloba and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Two rare N-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid conjugates, N-[2-(1-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetyl]-L-glutamic acid (1) and N-[2-(1-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)acetyl]-L-aspartic acid (2) were isolated from Ginkgo biloba. The structures were elucidated by analyses of HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data. In addition, a simplified and efficient synthetic route for compounds 1 and 2 is also disclosed to determine the absolute configurations of them. This concise syntheses of compounds 1 and 2 may facilitate studies of the biology of this type alkaloids. Compounds 1 and 2 were also tested for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. The biological evaluation showed that compounds 1 and 2 led to the decrease of interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 at mRNA level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells.

Lifestyle changes for treating psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that presents with itching, red, scaling plaques; its worsening has been associated with obesity, drinking, smoking, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle. Lifestyle changes may improve psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of lifestyle changes for psoriasis, including weight reduction, alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, dietary modification, exercise, and other lifestyle change interventions. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to July 2018: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Airiti Library, and five trials registers up to July 2018. We checked the references of included trials for further relevant trials, and we asked the authors of the included trials if they were aware of any relevant unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of lifestyle changes (either alone or in combination) for treating psoriasis in people diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Treatment had to be given for at least 12 weeks. Eligible comparisons were no lifestyle changes or another active intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcome measures were 'Severity of psoriasis' and 'Adherence to the intervention'. Secondary outcomes were 'Quality of life', 'Time to relapse', and 'Reduction in comorbidities'. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included 10 RCTs with 1163 participants (mean age: 43 to 61 years; 656 men and 478 women were reported). Six trials examined the effects of dietary intervention (low-calorie diet) in 499 obese participants (mean age: 44.3 to 61 years; where reported, 395 had moderate-to-severe psoriasis). One trial assessed a combined dietary intervention and exercise programme in 303 obese participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who had started a systemic therapy for psoriasis and had not achieved clearance after four weeks of continuous treatment (median age: 53 years). Another trial assessed a walking exercise and continuous health education in 200 participants (mean age: 43.1 years, severity not reported). Finally, two trials included education programmes promoting a healthy lifestyle in 161 participants (aged 18 to 78 years), with one trial on mild psoriasis and the other trial not reporting severity.Comparisons included information only; no intervention; medical therapy alone; and usual care (such as continuing healthy eating).All trials were conducted in hospitals and treated participants for between 12 weeks and three years. One trial did not report the treatment period. Seven trials measured the outcomes at the end of treatment and there was no additional follow-up. In two trials, there was follow-up after the treatment ended. Five trials had a high risk of performance bias, and four trials had a high risk of attrition bias.We found no trials assessing interventions for alcohol abstinence or smoking cessation. No trials assessed time to relapse. Only two trials assessed adverse events; in one trial these were caused by the add-on therapy ciclosporin (given in both groups). The trial comparing two dietary interventions to a no-treatment group observed no adverse events.The results presented in this abstract are based on trials of obese participants.Outcomes for dietary interventions versus usual care were measured 24 weeks to six months from baseline. Compared to usual care, dietary intervention (strict caloric restriction) may lead to 75% or greater improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) (risk ratio (RR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 2.58; 2 trials, 323 participants; low-quality evidence). Adherence to the intervention may be greater with the dietary intervention than usual care, but the 95% CI indicates that the dietary intervention might also make little or no difference (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.09; 2 trials, 105 participants; low-quality evidence). Dietary intervention probably achieves a greater improvement in dermatology quality-of-life index (DLQI) score compared to usual care (MD -12.20, 95% CI -13.92 to -10.48; 1 trial, 36 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and probably reduces the BMI compared to usual care (MD -4.65, 95% CI -5.93 to -3.36; 2 trials, 78 participants; moderate-quality evidence).Outcomes for dietary interventions plus exercise programme were measured 16 weeks from baseline and are based on one trial (303 participants). Compared to information only (on reducing weight to improve psoriasis), combined dietary intervention and exercise programme (dietetic plan and physical activities) probably improves psoriasis severity, but the 95% CI indicates that the intervention might make little or no difference (PASI 75: RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.98). This combined intervention probably results in a greater reduction in BMI (median change -1.10 kg/m², P = 0.002), but there is probably no difference in adherence (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.01; 137/151 and 145/152 participants adhered in the treatment and control group, respectively). There were no data on quality of life. These outcomes are based on moderate-quality evidence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intervention may reduce the severity of psoriasis (low-quality evidence) and probably improves quality of life and reduces BMI (moderate-quality evidence) in obese people when compared with usual care, while combined dietary intervention and exercise programme probably improves psoriasis severity and BMI when compared with information only (moderate-quality evidence). None of the trials measured quality of life.We did not detect a clear difference in treatment adherence between those in the combined dietary intervention and exercise programme group and those given information only (moderate-quality evidence). Adherence may be improved through dietary intervention compared with usual care (low-quality evidence). Participants generally adhered well to the lifestyle interventions assessed in the review.No trials assessed the time to relapse. Trial limitations included unblinded participants and high dropout rate.Future trials should reduce dropouts and include comprehensive outcome measures; they should examine whether dietary intervention with or without an exercise programme is effective in non-obese people with psoriasis, whether an additional exercise programme is more effective than dietary intervention alone, whether the time to relapse prolongs in people who receive dietary intervention with or without exercise programme, and whether smoking cessation and alcohol abstinence are effective in treating psoriasis.

Au@SiO2@CuInS2-ZnS/Anti-AFP fluorescent probe improves HCC cell labeling.

BACKGROUND: Clear tumor imaging is essential to the resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to create a novel biological probe to improve the HCC imaging. METHODS: Au nano-flower particles and CuInS2-ZnS core-shell quantum dots were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Au was coated with porous SiO2 and combined with anti-AFP antibody. HCC cell line HepG2 was used to evaluate the targeting efficacy of the probe, while flow cytometry and MTT assay were used to detect the cytotoxicity and bio-compatibility of the probe. Probes were subcutaneously injected to nude mice to explore light intensity and tissue penetration. RESULTS: The fluorescence stability of the probe was maintained 100% for 24 h, and the brightness value was 4 times stronger than that of the corresponding CuInS2-ZnS quantum dot. In the targeting experiment, the labeled HepG2 emitted yellow fluorescence. In the cytotoxicity experiments, MTT and flow cytometry results showed that the bio-compatibility of the probe was fine, the inhibition rate of HepG2 cell with 60% Cu-QDs/Anti-AFP probe and Au-QDs/Anti-AFP probe solution for 48 h were significantly different (86.3%±7.0% vs. 4.9%±1.3%, t = 19.745, P<0.05), and the apoptosis rates were 83.3%±5.1% vs. 4.4%±0.8% (P<0.001). In the animal experiment, the luminescence of the novel probe can penetrate the abdominal tissues of a mouse, stronger than that of CuInS2-ZnS quantum dot. CONCLUSIONS: The Au@SiO2@CuInS2-ZnS/Anti-AFP probe can targetedly recognize and label HepG2 cells with good bio-compatibility and no toxicity, and the strong tissue penetrability of luminescence may be helpful to surgeons.

The effects of aromatherapy massage on improvement of anxiety among patients receiving palliative care: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety in patients receiving palliative care is a noteworthy concern because it may affect their quality of life. Aromatherapy has been widely utilized to improve anxiety among patients receiving palliative care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of anxiety improvement in patients receiving palliative care by comparing the intervention group (aromatherapy massage) with the control group (common massage alone). METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for all related studies from inception through November 30, 2018 without restriction on language. A quantitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the difference in effectiveness scores between the aromatherapy massage and only common massage groups by employing a random-effect model. RESULTS: We included three RCTs with a total of 160 participants (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the control group) in our systematic review and conducted a quantitative synthesis. The secondary data from the reviewed trials were then pooled using a random-effect model. Anxiety (mean difference = -2.60 [95% confidence interval: -7.82, 2.63], P = .33) was assessed using anxiety scores from the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. CONCLUSION: Compared with common massage alone, aromatherapy massage does not provide significant effectiveness of anxiety improvement among patients receiving palliative care.

[Current situation and prospect of resource evaluation and sustainable utilization on Bletilla].

The plants of Bletilla are one of the groups in Orchidaceae with the highest economic value. As the traditional Chinese medicinal material, Bletillae Rhizoma exhibits excellent efficacy in hemostatic, antibiosis, detumescent, anticancer activities and regenerating tissue to heal wound, which has great development potential. However, Bletillae Rhizoma is mainly collected from wild resources. At present, the quantity of wild resources of Bletilla plants has sharply decreased and is far from meeting the needs. Resource appraisal and breeding and cultivation of excellent germplasms of Bletilla plants are important for scientific utilization of the resources of the genus. This paper reviewed the following researches of Chinese Bletilla resources: species and distribution, genetic diversity, active ingredient evaluation, breeding, as well as seeding production and cultivation techniques. Suggestions were also provided in further researches on the resources evaluation, sustainable development and efficient utilization of Chinese Bletilla plants.

[Research on quality standard of processed Cinnamomi Cortex decoction pieces containing volatile oil].

To build the quality standard of processed Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction and provide quality reference for Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules. Fourteen batches of Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction pieces were prepared according to the preparation requirements for standard decoction of Chinese herbal medicine containing volatile oil. With cinnamaldehyde as the quantitative index, the transfer rate and extraction rate were calculated; pH value was determined and HPLC fingerprint analysis method was established. By the measurement of 14 batches of standard decoction, the transfer rate ranged from 25.0% to 68.4%; the extraction rate was at a range of 3.7% to 10.1% and pH was 3.72 to 5.48. Then the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012A) was used to analyze and compare the fingerprints. Four common peaks were determined and three were identified including coumarin (peak 1), cinnamic acid (peak 2) and cinnamaldehyde (peak 3). Moreover, the similarity was 1.0. This study established an HPLC fingerprint analysis method of processed Cinnamomi Cortex standard decoction. The method showed good precision, stability and repeatability in fingerprint analysis, with significance in identification.

Concomitant modulation of PTEN and Livin in gastric cancer treatment.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and Livin are important in the development of gastric cancer (GC). PTEN and Livin are involved in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The modulation of PTEN or Livin has been investigated extensively in various cancer models. However, no studies have been performed to evaluate the combined effect of concurrently modulating these two genes on the development of GC. In the present study, the BGC823 human gastric carcinoma cell line was transfected with a dual gene modified vector (pCL-neo-PTEN-siLivin) in parallel with single gene modified vectors (pCL­neo­PTEN or pRNAT­U6.1­siLivin), and an empty control vector. Dual gene modulation (pCL­neo­PTEN­siLivin) had a more marked effect on the inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and reduction of cell penetration in Matrigel, compared with either single gene alone or empty vector transfection. In a xenograft nude mouse model, the inoculation of pCL­neo­PTEN­siLivin­transfected BGC823 cells led to a markedly reduced tumor burden, compared with that in all other inoculation groups. In conclusion, the overexpression of PTEN concomitant with Livin gene silencing was confirmed as a feasible and effective in vitro and in vivo gene modulation method, which may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GC.

Characterization of cluster of differentiation 47 expression and its potential as a therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell cancer.

The increased expression of cluster of differentiation (CD)47 has been identified in a number of different tumor types and is recognized as an adverse prognostic factor that indicates an increased risk of mortality in patients. The binding of CD47 to signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) inhibits the macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells by triggering an inhibitory 'do not eat me' signal. This is one of the mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. In the present study, CD47 levels and macrophage infiltration were assessed in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). CD47-overexpressing ESCC cell lines were selected and human M2 macrophage phagocytic activity was measured. The results revealed that CD47 is highly expressed and macrophages are markedly infiltrated in cancerous tissue compared with non-cancerous tissue. High CD47 expression was detected in ESCC cell lines and the results of a phagocytosis assay indicated that human M2 macrophages phagocytized tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner following the blocking of CD47-SIRPα signaling by anti-CD47 antibodies. The results of the present study therefore support the use of anti-CD47 immunotherapy to treat patients with ESCC.

Risk of Second Primary Cancer in People with Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Previous western studies have found Caucasians with skin cancer, either melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), have an elevated risk of second primary cancer. Our objective was to assess the risk of second primary cancer in Taiwanese with NMSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a population-based cohort study to assess the risk of incident second primary cancer in Taiwanese affected by NMSC. RESULTS: We identified 505 subjects with NMSC and 2,020 matched controls. After adjustment for potential confounders including age, sex, urbanization, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, people who had NMSC had a 1.43-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.96) risk for the development of second primary cancer as comparedwith control group. Menwith NMSC had a 2.99-fold (95% CI, 1.00 to 9.10) risk for second primary cancer involving the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx and a 3.51-fold (95% CI, 1.21 to 10.17) risk for second primary cancer involving the genitourinary organs when compared to the control group. By contrast, women with NMSC did not have an increased risk of second primary cancer. CONCLUSION: This study revealed Asians with NMSC have an increased risk of second primary cancer. Our findings can be a useful reference for health care for people diagnosed with NMSC.

Triterpenoid Saponins from the Seeds of Aesculus chinensis and Their Cytotoxicities.

Six new triterpenoid saponins, aesculusosides A-F (1-6), together with 19 known ones, were isolated from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis. The new structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with previously reported data. Some of the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 cell line by an MTT assay, and compounds 15, 16, 19, and 23-25 exhibited inhibitory activities against MCF-7 with IC50 values ranging from 7.1 to 31.3 µM.

[Establishment of quality standard and discussion on standard decoction containing volatile oil pieces-Cinnamomi Ramulus pieces].

To prepare Cinnamomi Ramulus pieces standard decoction and establish its quality standard, provide quality reference for formula granules and other clinic non-traditional forms of medicines, and lay a foundation for standard decoction research for the pieces containing essential oil. 14 batches of Cinnamomi Ramulus pieces with different quality were collected from market and their extraction process was further improved based on the preparation principle of standard decoction to prepare the standard decoction of Cinnamomi Ramulus pieces. Then its transfer rate of Cinnamaldehyde, dry extract rate and pH value were calculated to evaluate its process stability; and a method for chromatographic fingerprint and content determination was also established. Results revealed that the dry extract rate for standard decoction of Cinnamomi Ramulus pieces was from 6.06%-8.95%, with an average value of 7.18%; the transfer rate of cinnamaldehyde was at the range of 29.6%-54.3%, with an average of 43.2%; and the pH value was at the range of 4.33-4.82. The fingerprint similarities between 14 batches of standard decoction of Cinnmomi Rammulus pieces and reference fingerprint were all>0.9. The established method for standard decoction was stable and its quality standard was perfect, suitable for evaluating the quality of standard decoction of Cinnanomi Ramulus pieces.