HIF-1α knockdown attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in ischemic stroke male rats via CXCR4/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a sensitive indicator of oxygen homeostasis, of which the expression elevates following hypoxia/ischemia. This study reveals the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of HIF-1α on ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-modeled male rats and oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-treated mice hippocampal cells HT22, followed by the silencing of HIF-1α and the overexpression of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Following the surgery, Garcia's grading scale was applied for neurological evaluation. Cerebral infarcts and injuries were visualized using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, were calculated via ELISA. MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were adopted to determine the viability and cytotoxicity of OGD/R-modeled cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated using a 2'-7'dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe. The levels of HIF-1α, CXCR4, and NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS: HIF-1α knockdown improved Garcia's score, attenuated the cerebral infarct, inflammation, and ROS generation, and alleviated the levels of inflammatory cytokines and CXCR4/NF-κB p65 in MCAO-modeled rats. Such effects were reversed following the overexpression of CXCR4 and NF-κB. Also, in OGD/R-treated HT22 cells, HIF-1α silencing diminished the cytotoxicity and ROS production and reduced the expressions of CXCR4/NF-κB p65, while promoting viability. However, CXCR4/NF-κB p65 overexpression did the opposite. CONCLUSION: HIF-1α knockdown alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress in IS through the CXCR4/NF-κB pathway.

Development of an AIE-active fluorescent probe for the simultaneous detection of Al3+ and viscosity and imaging in Alzheimer's disease model.

Alzheimer's disease is associated both with imbalances in Al3+ production and changes in viscosity in cells. Their simultaneous measurement could therefore provide valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease pathology. Their simultaneous measurement would therefore be of great value in investigating the pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease. We designed a fluorescent probe YM2T with AIE effect that is capable of selectively responding to Al3+ by fluorescence colormetrics and to viscosity by fluorescence "turn on" modes. Additionally, Al3+ and viscosity were simultaneously detected in PC12 cells using the low cytotoxic probe YM2T via blue and green fluorescence channels. More importantly, the YM2T probe was used to image mice with AD. Hence, the YM2T probe shows potential as a useful molecular instrument for studying the pathological impact of Al3+ and viscosity.

Effects of light qualities on growth and physiological-biochemical traits of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Canopy spectral composition significantly affects growth and functional traits of understory plants. In this study, we explored the optimal light condition suitable for enhancing Scutellaria baicalensis's yield and quality, aiming to provide scientific reference for the exploitation and utilization of medicinal plant resources in the understory of forests. We measured the responses of growth, morphology, biomass allocation, physiological traits, and secon-dary metabolites of S. baicalensis to different light qualities. S. baicalensis was cultured under five LED-light treatments including full spectrum light (control), ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation, blue, green, and red light. Results showed that UV-A significantly reduced plant height, base diameter, leaf thickness, leaf area ratio, and biomass of each organ. Red light significantly reduced base diameter, biomass, effective quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ (ФPSⅡ), and total flavonoid concentration. Under blue light, root length and total biomass of S. baicalensis significantly increased by 48.0% and 10.8%, respectively, while leaf number and chlorophyll content significantly decreased by 20.0% and 31.6%, respectively. The other physiological and biochemical traits were consistent with their responses in control. Our results suggested that blue light promoted photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and secondary metabolite synthesis of S. baicalensis, while red light and UV-A radiation negatively affected physiological and biochemical metabolic processes. Therefore, the ratio of blue light could be appropriately increased to improve the yield and quality of S. baicalensis.

Progress in the study of reproductive toxicity of platinum-based antitumor drugs and their means of prevention.

Platinum-based antitumor drugs are broad-spectrum agents with unique mechanisms of action. Combination chemotherapy regimens based on platinum drugs are commonly used in cancer treatment. However, these drugs can cause various adverse reactions in the human body through different routes of administration, including reproductive toxicity, genetic toxicity, and embryonic developmental toxicity. Preventing adverse effects is crucial to enhance patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. This article discusses the types and developmental history of antitumor active platinum compounds, their mechanisms of action, routes of administration, and their potential reproductive, genetic, and embryonic developmental toxicity. This text explores preventive measures based on animal experimental results. Its aim is to provide references for personalized treatment and occupational protection when using platinum drugs. The continuous progress of science and technology, along with the deepening of medical research, suggests that the application of platinum drugs will broaden. Therefore, the development of new platinum drugs will be an important direction for future research.

Long non-coding RNA NBR2 suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer by downregulating miR-19a to regulate M2 macrophage polarization.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that significantly impacts the health of patients and lacks promising methods of diagnosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are involved in CRC progression, and their function is regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The lncRNA NBR2 was recently reported as an oncogene, whose function in CRC remains uncertain. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function of lncRNA NBR2 in the progression of CRC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Ten pairs of clinical CRC and para-carcinoma tissues were collected to determine the expression levels of lncRNA NBR2 and miR-19a, and the polarization state of TAMs. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-19a, and western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, human leukocyte antigen-DR, arginase-1, CD163, CD206, interleukin-4, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), protein kinase B (AKT), p-AKT, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR in TAMs. The proliferative ability of HCT-116 cells was detected using the CCK8 assay, and the migratory ability of HCT-116 cells was evaluated using the Transwell assay. The interaction between lncRNA NBR2 and miR-19a was determined using the luciferase assay. The lncRNA NBR2 was downregulated and miR-19a was highly expressed in CRC cells, accompanied by a high M2 polarization. Downregulated miR-19a promoted M1 polarization, activated AMPK, suppressed HIF-1α and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and promoted antitumor properties in NBR2-overexpressed TAMs, which were all reversed by the introduction of the miR-19a mimic. LncRNA NBR2 was verified to target miR-19a in macrophages according to the results of the luciferase assay. Collectively, lncRNA NBR2 may suppress the progression of CRC by downregulating miR-19a to regulate M2 macrophage polarization.

Nesfatin-1 alleviates hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn mice by inhibiting oxidative stress through regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a pulmonary disease commonly observed in premature infants and it is reported that oxidative stress is a critical induction factor in BPD and is considered as a promising target for treating BPD. Nesfatin-1 is a brain-gut peptide with inhibitory effects on food intake, which is recently evidenced to show suppressive effect on oxidative stress. The present study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Nesfatin-1 in BPD mice. AECIIs were extracted from newborn rats and exposed to hyperoxia for 24 h, followed by treatment with 5 and 10 nM Nesfatin-1. Declined cell viability, increased apoptotic rate, upregulated Bax, downregulated Bcl-2, increased release of ROS and MDA, and suppressed SOD activity were observed in hyperoxia-treated AECIIs, which were extremely reversed by Nesfatin-1. Newborn rats were exposed to hyperoxia, followed by treated with 10 µg/kg Nesfatin-1 and 20 µg/kg Nesfatin-1. Severe pathological changes, elevated MDA level, and declined SOD activity were observed in lung tissues of BPD mice, which were rescued by Nesfatin-1. Furthermore, the protective effect of Nesfatin-1 on hyperoxia-challenged AECIIs was abolished by silencing SIRT1. Collectively, Nesfatin-1 alleviated hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn mice by inhibiting oxidative stress through regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway.

The effect of varied exercise intensity on antioxidant function, aortic endothelial function, and serum lipids in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / El efecto del ejercicio de intensidad variada sobre la función antioxidante, la función endotelial aórtica y los lípidos séricos en ratas con enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of diet and exercise of different intensities on antioxidant function, aortic endothelial cell function and serum lipids in NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) rats. Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (180-220g) were randomly divided into two experimental groups and fed either a standard rodent chow diet (CON; n=10) or a high-fat diet (HFD; n=40). After 16 weeks, the animals that received the HFD were randomly separated into a high-fat control group (HFC; n=10) or three exercise training groups: HFD and low-intensity exercise (LE; n=10), HFD and moderate-intensity exercise (ME; n=10), and HFD and incremental intensity exercise (IE; n=10). These experimental rats keep sedentary or trained for the next six weeks. A detection kit was used to detect nitric oxide synthase (NOs), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and other markers of aortic oxidative stress. The expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry. TC, TG, and other lipid metabolism parameters were detected by an automatic analyzer. Exercise with different intensities could improve lipid metabolism, enhance antioxidant function, reduce MDA (P<0.01), increase NO (P<0.01), and improve the expression of e-NOS and ET-1 (P<0.01) protein levels in NAFLD rats. Decreased blood lipids were exhibited in all exercise groups. Notably, the moderate-intensity exercise demonstrated more effect on increasing glutathione (GSH) contents (P<0.01) and decreased the expression of ET-1 protein levels (P<0.01). The results showed that exercise at different intensities improved lipid metabolism and enhanced anti-oxidation function. Moderate exercise could improve the function of aortic endothelial cells.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los efectos de la dieta y el ejercicio a diferentes intensidades sobre la función antioxidante, la función de las células endoteliales aórticas y los lípidos séricos en ratas NAFLD (con enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico) y alimentados con una dieta estándar para roedores (CON; n = 10) o con una dieta alta en grasas (HFD; n = 40). Después de 16 semanas, los animales que recibieron HFD se separaron aleatoriamente en un grupo de control alto en grasas (HFC; n=10) o tres grupos de entrenamiento físico: HFD y ejercicio de baja intensidad (LE; n=10), HFD y ejercicio de intensidad moderada (ME; n=10), y HFD y ejercicio de intensidad incremental (IE; n=10). Estas ratas experimentales se mantuvieron sedentarias o entrenadas durante las próximas seis semanas. Se utilizó un kit de detección para determinar óxido nítrico sintetasa (NO), óxido nítrico (NO), malondialdehído (MDA) y otros marcadores de estrés oxidativo aórtico. Los niveles de expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial (e-NOS) y endotelina-1 (ET-1) se detectaron mediante inmunohistoquímica. El analizador automático detectó TC, TG y otros parámetros del metabolismo de los lípidos. El ejercicio con diferente intensidad mejoró el metabolismo de los lípidos, mejoró la función antioxidante, redujo la MDA (P <0,01), aumentó el NO (P <0,01) y mejoró la expresión de los niveles de proteína e-NOS y ET-1 (P <0,01) en ratas NAFLD. Se observó una disminución de los lípidos en sangre en todos los grupos de ejercicio. En particular, el ejercicio de intensidad moderada demostró un mayor efecto en el aumento del contenido de glutatión (GSH) (P<0,01) y disminuyó la expresión de los niveles de proteína ET-1 (P<0,01). Los resultados mostraron que el ejercicio a diferentes intensidades mejoró el metabolismo de los lípidos y mejoró función antioxidante. El ejercicio moderado podría mejorar la función de las células endoteliales aórticas.

Wandering small intestinal stromal tumor: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in the small intestine is rare, and a case of wandering small intestinal stromal tumor has been rarely reported to date. Dissemination of this case can help inform future diagnosis and effective treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old patient presented to us with tarry stools. Computed tomography showed a mobile tumor moving widely within the abdominal cavity. As the laboratory data showed a low range of red blood cells and an immediate surgery was not indicated, we performed digital subtraction angiography and embolization to achieve hemostasis. Surgical resection was performed after the patient's condition improved. The tumor was successfully removed laparoscopically. Histological examination revealed submucosal GIST with infarction, which was of intermediate-risk, with mitotic count < 1 per 10 high-power field. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the following: CD117+, Dog1+, CD34+, SMA+, S100-, CK-, Des-, SOX-11-, STAT6-, Ki67 Hotspots 10%+. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with wandering small intestinal stromal tumor. CONCLUSION: When a highly vascularized tumor is clinically encountered in the small intestine, the possibility of stromal tumors should be considered. However, when the tumor cannot be visualized at its original location, the possibility of tumor migration is considered.

Sinomenine promotes differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into immature dendritic cells with high induction of immune tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) play an important role in the induction of donor-specific transplant immunotolerance. However, these cells have limitations, such as rapid maturation and a short lifespan in vivo. In previous studies, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into imDCs, and sinomenine (SN) was used to inhibit the maturation of imDCs. AIM: To study the capacity of SN to maintain iPSC-derived imDCs (SN-iPSCs-imDCs) in an immature state and the mechanism by which SN-iPSCs-imDCs induce immunotolerance. METHODS: In this study, mouse iPSCs were induced to differentiate into imDCs in culture medium without or with SN (iPSCs-imDCs and SN-iPSCs-imDCs). The imDC-related surface markers, endocytotic capacity of fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dextran and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of iPSCs-imDCs and SN-iPSCs-imDCs on T-cell stimulatory function, and regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferative function in vitro were analyzed by mixed lymphocyte reaction. Cytokine expression was detected by ELISA. The apoptosis-related proteins of iPSCs-DCs and SN-iPSCs-DCs were analyzed by western blotting. The induced immunotolerance of SN-iPSCs-DCs was evaluated by treating recipient Balb/c skin graft mice. Statistical evaluation of graft survival was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Both iPSCs-imDCs and SN-iPSCs-imDCs were successfully obtained, and their biological characteristics and ability to induce immunotolerance were compared. SN-iPSCs-imDCs exhibited higher CD11c levels and lower CD80 and CD86 levels compared with iPSCs-imDCs. Reduced major histocompatibility complex II expression, worse T-cell stimulatory function, higher Treg cell proliferative function and stronger endocytotic capacity were observed with SN-iPSCs-imDCs (P < 0.05). The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon-γ in SN-iPSCs-imDCs were lower than those in iPSCs-imDCs, whereas IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß levels were higher (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of these cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of cleaved caspase3, Bax and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase were higher after treatment with lipopolysaccharides, but Bcl-2 was reduced. In Balb/c mice recipients immunized with iPSCs-imDCs or SN-iPSCs-imDCs 7 d before skin grafting, the SN-iPSCs-imDCs group showed lower ability to inhibit donor-specific CD4+ T-cell proliferation (P < 0.05) and a higher capacity to induce CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cell proliferation in the spleen (P < 0.05). The survival span of C57bl/6 skin grafts was significantly prolonged in immunized Balb/c recipients with a donor-specific pattern. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that SN-iPSCs-imDCs have potential applications in vitro and in vivo for induction of immunotolerance following organ transplantation.

[Clinical application of acromion radiological classification in diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff injury].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new classification of acromion based on the subacromial impingement theory and the Rockwood tilt view. And explore the application value of the new classification in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tear. METHODS: The clinical data of 101 patients underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery for impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear from January to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 34 males and 67 females, aged from 34 to 76 years with an average of (56.31±9.63) years old, course of disease from 2 to 12 months with average of 6 months. Preoperative radiographs of the routine anteroposterior view, Rockwood tilt view and the supraspinatus outlet view were obtained. Based on the subacromial impingement theory and Rockwood radiographs, the morphology of the acromion can be divided into three types:typeⅠ(flat type), typeⅡ(bump type), and type Ⅲ (impingement type). Two observers classified 101 shoulder Rockwood radiographs according to the new classification method and the supraspinatus Outlet radiographs according to the traditional acromial morphological classification method. Supraspinatus tendon injuries were classified into no tear, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear according to the arthroscopic findings. Concordance test (Kappa value) between the inter-observer and intra-observer was carried out for the new classification method and the traditional classification method respectively. The rank sum test was used to compare the mean acromiohumeral distance(AHD) of the three acromion forms in the new acromion classification method. Spearman rank correlation test and Gamma method were used to analyze the correlation between the new acromion classification method and the degree of supraspinatus tendon tear. RESULTS: The inter-observer consistency analysis of the new classification system was significantly better than that of the traditional classification (0.827 vs 0.278), the intra-observer consistency analysis of the new classification system were also significantly better than that of the traditional classification (0.921 vs 0.448, 0.890 vs 0.539). There was no statistical significance in the AHD among three types of the new classification(H=2.186, P>0.05). In all 101 patients, the highest proportion of impingement type acromion was 45.5% (46 cases), followed by bump type acromion was 36.6% (37 cases), and flat type acromion was 17.8% (18 cases). The incidence of supraspinatus tendon tear in the patients with impingement type acromion was significantly higher than that of the other two types of acromion, there was a spearman rank correlation between the new acromion type and the degree of the supraspinatus tendon tear(rs=0.719, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Rockwood radiographs of the shoulder can well display the anterolateral osteophytes of the acromion. The new acromion classification method based on Rockwood radiographs has high reliability and good reproducibility, in which impingement type of acromion is closely related to supraspinatus tendon tear. Compared with the traditional classification and AHD, the new classification method has more diagnostic value than for rotator cuff injury.

Actinidia chinensis Planch. root extract inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via the AKT/GSK-3ß signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Actinidia chinensis Planch. root extract (acRoots), known as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has shown antitumor efficacy in various types of human cancers. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in breast cancer (BCa) have not been elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the effects of acRoots on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were analyzed by MTT assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assay in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cell lines. The expression levels of relevant proteins were determined by Western blot assay. RESULTS: The results revealed that acRoots inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of BCa cells. Moreover, acRoots decreased the expression of cyclin D1, survivin, Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Snail and increased the expression of Bax and E-cadherin in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells. AcRoots inhibited the AKT/GSK-3b pathway by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated GSK-3b and b-catenin. CONCLUSIONS: The described effects of acRoots on the cultured BCa cells suggest that they may be mediated by the inhibition of the AKT/GSK-3b signaling pathway. Thus, further studies are warranted to test the possibility that AcRoots may be used as a promising anticancer agent for breast cancer treatment.

Long-term outcomes of arthroscopic debridement of the knee in adults with Kashin-Beck disease: an 18-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic degenerative joint disease with a high disability rate. We retrospectively evaluated the 18-year clinical follow-up outcomes of adult patients with KBD who underwent arthroscopic debridement for knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with KBD (31 knees) underwent arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, walking distance, knee mobility, and patients' self-evaluated improvement in clinical symptoms were retrospectively evaluated before and 18 years after the operation. RESULTS: The patients' self-evaluated clinical symptoms showed considerable improvement at 2, 6, and 8 years after surgery but deteriorated at 10 and 18 years after surgery. Knee mobility was greater after than before arthroscopy but decreased from 6 to 18 years postoperatively. The VAS score for knee pain was high before the operation, decreased at 2 years postoperatively, increased at 6 years postoperatively, and was significantly lower at 18 years postoperatively than before surgery. The walking distance was significantly longer at 2, 6, and 8 years postoperatively than preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic treatment may be an effective therapy for adult patients with KBD who develop knee osteoarthritis. In this study, arthroscopy had a long-term effect on patients with KBD who had Kellgren-Lawrence grade

[Arthroscopic treatment for the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and clinical effects of arthroscopic treatment for the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip. METHODS: A total of 16 patients diagnosed as the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip from May 2013 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 16 patients received arthroscopic procedures. There were 10 males and 6 females with an average age of 35 to 63 (44.50±6.67) years old and 9 left hips, 6 right hips were involved. The course of disease were 1 to 8(3.18±1.97) days. Clinical effects were evaluated with visual analogue scale(VAS), modified Harris hip scores (HHS), nonarthritic hip score (NAHS) and imaging examinations before operation, 1 day after operation and the final follow-up. RESULTS: All 16 patients successfully finished the arthroscopic procedures in 0.5 to 1.2 (0.75±0.21) hours. Primary healing of incision were obtained without any complications of infection, wound hematocele and neurovascular injury. All 16 patients received an average postoperative follow-up of 6 to 12 (9.6±2.3) months. Before operation, the VAS were 7.88±0.72, modified HHS were 29.25±3.23, NAHS were 27.42±3.08. The 1st day postoperative VAS were 2.19±0.66, modified HHS were 82.56± 5.64, NAHS were 82.11±2.94, all the difference were statistically significant between before and 1 day after operation (P< 0.05). At the final follow-up, the VAS were 0.38±0.50, modified HHS were 94.31±2.82, NAHS were 94.84±2.85, all the scores were improved significantly compared to that before operation (P<0.05). At final follow-up, there was no recurrence and the calcification disappeared in all patients, there was one patient feel sourness around the hip. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment for the calcific tendinitis at soft tissues around hip is effective.It has advantages of minimal invasive, rapid pain relief, rapid hip joint function recovery and definite clinical effects.

Response surface optimization of the water immersion extraction and macroporous resin purification processes of anhydrosafflor yellow B from Carthamus tinctorius L.

In this study,based on a developed high performance liquid chromatographic quantitative method, the suitable extraction and purification conditions of anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) from safflower were determined by response surface methodology. The optimal water immersion extraction parameters were as follows: liquid to solid ratio of 22:1; extraction temperature of 75 °C; extraction time of 35 min. Under these conditions, the maximum extraction yield of AHSYB reached 0.465%. The aqueous extract was further purified by HPD-300 macroporous resin. The optimum adsorption conditions were: pH 2.8; adsorption flow rate of 1.9 mL/min; solution concentration of 0.06 g/mL. The optimum desorption conditions were: ethanol concentrations of 74%; desorption flow rate of 1.6 mL/min; elution volume of 4.4 BV. Under these conditions, the maximum adsorption ratio and desorption ratio reached 1.095 and 0.906 mg/g, respectively. The content of AHSYB reached 6.83%, which was 2.91 times higher than that before purification. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The suitable conditions for water immersion extraction and macroporous resin purification of AHSYB are first determined, which facilitates the further utilization of AHSYB as a food and drug.

Clinical Study of the Prediction of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules: Modified Score versus 2017 American College of Radiology's Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Ultrasound Lexicon.

The clinical importance of thyroid nodules rests with the need to exclude thyroid cancer. In the present study, we developed a modified Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) score using gray-scale ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) images to predict malignancy of thyroid nodules and compared this modified score system with the subjective scoring criteria based on the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS, 2017 edition). The results revealed that by using SWE and CEUS (enhanced pattern) to downgrade TI-RADS category 4 and 5 nodules, the malignancy rate for TI-RADS category 4 and 5 nodules increased from 47.6% with American College of Radiology (ACR) TI-RADS assessment alone to 49.4% with ACR TI-RADS combined with shear wave elastography (SWE) and CEUS (enhanced pattern). Likewise, by using the modified TI-RADS to adjust TI-RADS category 3 nodules, the malignancy rate for TI-RADS category 3 nodules increased from 13.9%-20.0%. The discriminating power for detection of malignancy of the variable score 2 (ACR TI-RADS + SWE + CEUS), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.1%-93.6%), was higher than that of score 1 (ACR TI-RADS), with an AUC of 0.862 (95% CI: 81.9%-90.6%; p > 0.05). With a point 4.5 as the optimal cutoff value, a score of 1 predicted malignancy with an accuracy of 75.6%, sensitivity of 85.0% and specificity of 71.6%. However, with a point 5.5 as the optimal cutoff value, a score of 2 predicted malignancy with an accuracy of 84.9%, sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 86.6%. The modified TI-RADS based on ACR TI-RADS + SWE + CEUS (enhanced pattern) could contribute to a reduction in the number of biopsies performed on benign nodules and the implementation of consistent follow-up in clinical practice.

Clinical application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for benign breast lesions: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Background: Benign breast lesions are the most common diseases in adult women, which have been treated with minimally invasive therapies in recent years. Little is known about the feasibility of Microwave ablation (MWA) for benign breast lesion treatment. The primary aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of MWA as a potential therapeutic option for benign breast lesions in a single-center cohort study. METHODS: Women with possibly benign breast lesions based on an ultrasound (US) assessment who were scheduled to undergo MWA between November 2014 to July 2018 were included in the study. The patients underwent conventional US to measure the size of the lesion, Doppler US to assess the vascularity of the lesion, elastography to evaluate the stiffness of the mass, core needle biopsy of suspicious lesions, contrast-enhanced US to help determine the treatment plan and eventually MWA of the lesion. Lesions were followed at one, three, six, twelve and eighteen months after treatment to with the same imaging modalities. RESULTS: A total of 314 women aged 17 to 69 years old (mean = 36.9 ± 9.9 years) with 725 benign breast lesions (mean of maximum diameter = 10.86 ± 5.40 mm) were included. The frequency of palpable mass, pain and nipple discharge significantly decreased after treatment. Complete ablation rate was 97.8%, immediately after ablation, which increased to 100% after supplementary ablation of the 15 cases with incomplete ablation. Blood flow classification and lesion's volume also showed a significant decrease, while both volume reduction ratio and disappearance rate significantly increased following treatment. The elasticity score of the lesions showed fluctuations across different follow-up intervals. None of the patients experienced major complications and the 1% who had mild symptoms were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: MWA treatment is shown to be safe and efficient and has the potential to be considered as an alternative first line treatment for benign breast lesions.

High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation with Phosphorus-Doped and Metal Phosphide Cocatalyst-Modified g-C3 N4 Formation Through Gas Treatment.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ) has been widely explored as a photocatalyst for water splitting. The anodic water oxidation reaction (WOR) remains a major obstacle for such processes, with issues such as low surface area of g-C3 N4 , poor light absorption, and low charge-transfer efficiency. In this work, such longtime concerns have been partially addressed with band gap and surface engineering of nanostructured graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ). Specifically, surface area and charge-transfer efficiency are significantly enhanced through architecting g-C3 N4 on nanorod TiO2 to avoid aggregation of layered g-C3 N4 . Moreover, a simple phosphide gas treatment of TiO2 /g-C3 N4 configuration not only narrows the band gap of g-C3 N4 by 0.57 eV shifting it into visible range but also generates in situ a metal phosphide (M=Fe, Cu) water oxidation cocatalyst. This TiO2 /g-C3 N4 /FeP configuration significantly improves charge separation and transfer capability. As a result, our non-noble-metal photoelectrochemical system yields outstanding visible light (>420 nm) photocurrent: approximately 0.3 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V and 1.1 mA cm-2 at 2.0 V versus RHE, which is the highest for a g-C3 N4 -based photoanode. It is expected that the TiO2 /g-C3 N4 /FeP configuration synthesized by a simple phosphide gas treatment will provide new insight for producing robust g-C3 N4 for water oxidation.

Neuroprotective effects of genistein on SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing A53T mutant α-synuclein.

Genistein, a potent antioxidant compound, protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism underlying this action remains unknown. This study investigated human SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing the A53T mutant of α-synuclein. Four groups of cells were assayed: a control group (without any treatment), a genistein group (incubated with 20 µM genistein), a rotenone group (treated with 50 µM rotenone), and a rotenone + genistein group (incubated with 20 µM genistein and then treated with 50 µM rotenone). A lactate dehydrogenase release test confirmed the protective effect of genistein, and genistein remarkably reversed mitochondrial oxidative injury caused by rotenone. Western blot assays showed that BCL-2 and Beclin 1 levels were markedly higher in the genistein group than in the rotenone group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling revealed that genistein inhibited rotenone-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of NFE2L2 and HMOX1 was significantly increased in the genistein + rotenone group. However, after treatment with estrogen receptor and NFE2L2 channel blockers (ICI-182780 and ML385, respectively), genistein could not elevate NFE2L2 and HMOX1 expression. ICI-182780 effectively prevented genistein-mediated phosphorylation of NFE2L2 and remarkably suppressed phosphorylation of AKT, a protein downstream of the estrogen receptor. These findings confirm that genistein has neuroprotective effects in a cell model of Parkinson's disease. Genistein can reduce oxidative stress damage and cell apoptosis by activating estrogen receptors and NFE2L2 channels.

[Prospective cases-control study on arthroscopic for the treatment of ischial tuberosity cyst].

OBJECTIVE: To compare technique and clinical effect of arthroscopic and conventional sectional therapy for the treatment of ischial tuberosity cyst. METHODS: From May 2014 and September 2016, 49 patients with symptomatic ischial tuberosity cyst were randomized divided into arthroscopic group and conventional section group by envelope method. There were 24 patients in arthroscopic group, including 16 males and 8 females aged from 42 to 81years old with an average age of (64.1±9.3) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 36 months with an average of (17.0±9.1) months;treated with removing cyst wall under arthroscopic and build artificial lacuna around cyst. There were 25 patients in conventional section group, including 11 males and 14 females aged from 47 to 79 years old with an average of (61.2±10.6) years old; the courses of disease ranged from 4 to 36 months with an average of (17.5±8.5) months;treated with cutting off lump with transverse incision. Operative time, blood loss, fluid volume, hospital stays and postoperative complication were observed and compared, VAS score were applied to evaluate pain degree. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were followed up from 6 to 18 months with an average of (11.3±3.3) months. In conventional group, 2 patients occurred incision infection, 1 case reoccurred. All patients in arthroscopic group were healed at stage I. Operative time, blood loss, fluid volume, and hospital stays in arthroscopic group were (54.7±7.7) min, (20.8±3.5) ml, (20.3±5.6) ml, (2.8±0.6) d respectively and better than that of conventional group(71.8±8.8) min, (67.3±12.0) ml, (103.6±20.3) ml, (7.8±2.9) d. Postoperative VAS score in arthroscopic group on the first day, seventh days and first month were 2.6±0.7, 0.5±0.6, 0.3±0.5, and significantly lower than that of conventional group 6.0±0.7, 3.0±1.0, 1.1±1.0 respectively(P<0.05). There were no statistical difference in postoperative complications between two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional group, arthroscopic for ischial tuberosity cyst has advantages of minimal invasive, less blood loss during perioperative period, less pain degree after surgery, safety and rapid recovery. But arthroscopic skills are needed for surgeons. It should be recommended in clinical practice.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for benign breast lesions: evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive ablative techniques in the treatment of breast tumor has become popularly in recent years. METHODS: We analyzed gray-scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of 205 microwave ablated breast benign lesions from 182 consecutive patients, compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology findings. The follow-up was implemented at 3, 6 and 12 months after the ablation treatment. RESULTS: Before the MWA, the mean of largest diameter and volume of the lesions were 14.41±6.54 and 3,224±961 mm3, respectively. However, those of the lesions respectively were 8.48±6.30 and 2,116±732 mm3 one year after the treatment. The longest diameter and the volume of the ablative lesions were gradually decreased 3, 6 or 12 months after the MWA. 44 (/205, 21.5%) ablative lesions were disappeared one year after the MWA. One hundred and forty-two (/205, 69.3%) ablative lesions presented a hypoechoic halo surrounding it on gray-scale US after the MWA. The success rate of the MWA treatment in the benign breast lesion was 87.32% and 82.93% evaluated by CEUS and enhanced MRI, respectively. During the ablation, no patient had serious complications, such as hemorrhage, serious pain and fat necrosis, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Microwave ablation was a safe and efficient method in the treatment of the benign breast tumors. CEUS and enhanced MRI could accurately assess whether the MWA treatment is effective.