Casticin Attenuates Stemness in Cervical Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Regulating Activity and Expression of DNMT1 / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore whether casticin (CAS) suppresses stemness in cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) obtained from human cervical cancer (CCSLCs) and the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#Spheres from HeLa and CaSki cells were used as CCSLCs. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity and mRNA levels, self-renewal capability (Nanog and Sox2), and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and CD44), were detected by a colorimetric DNMT activity/inhibition assay kit, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sphere and colony formation assays, and immunoblot, respectively. Knockdown and overexpression of DNMT1 by transfection with shRNA and cDNA, respectively, were performed to explore the mechanism for action of CAS (0, 10, 30, and 100 nmol/L).@*RESULTS@#DNMT1 activity was increased in CCSLCs compared with HeLa and CaSki cells (P<0.05). In addition, HeLa-derived CCSLCs transfected with DNMT1 shRNA showed reduced sphere and colony formation abilities, and lower CD133, CD44, Nanog and Sox2 protein expressions (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of DNMT1 in HeLa cells exhibited the oppositive effects. Furthermore, CAS significantly reduced DNMT1 activity and transcription levels as well as stemness in HeLa-derived CCSLCs (P<0.05). Interestingly, DNMT1 knockdown enhanced the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness. As expected, DNMT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness in HeLa cells.@*CONCLUSION@#CAS effectively inhibits stemness in CCSLCs through suppression of DNMT1 activation, suggesting that CAS acts as a promising preventive and therapeutic candidate in cervical cancer.

Comparison of pathogenicity and gene expression profiles between adult Schistosoma japonicum isolated from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the differences in pathogenicity and gene expression profiles between adult Schistosoma japonicum isolated from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the precise schistosomiasis control strategy in different endemic foci. Methods C57BL/6 mice were infected with cercariae of S. japonicum isolates from Shitai County (hilly regions) and Susong County (marshland and lake regions) of Anhui Province in 2021, and all mice were sacrificed 44 days post-infection and dissected. The worm burdens, number of S. japonicum eggs deposited in the liver, and the area of egg granulomas in the liver were measured to compare the difference in the pathogenicity between the two isolates. In addition, female and male adult S. japonicum worms were collected and subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and the gene expression profiles were compared between Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Results The total worm burdens [(14.50 ± 3.96) worms/mouse vs. (16.10 ± 3.78) worms/mouse; t = 0.877, P = 0.392], number of female and male paired worms [(4.50 ± 0.67) worms/mouse vs. (5.10 ± 1.45) worms/mouse; t = 1.129, P = 0.280], number of unpaired male worms [(5.50 ± 4.01) worms/mouse vs. (5.60 ± 1.69) worms/mouse; t = 0.069, P = 0.946], number of eggs deposited in per gram liver [(12 116.70 ± 6 508.83) eggs vs. (16 696.70 ± 4 571.56) eggs; t = 1.821, P = 0.085], and area of a single egg granuloma in the liver [(74 359.40 ± 11 766.34) µm2 vs. (74 836.90 ± 13 086.12) µm2; t = 0.081, P = 0.936] were comparable between Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. Transcriptome sequencing identified 584 DEGs between adult female worms and 1 598 DEGs between adult male worms of Shitai and Susong isolates of S. japonicum. GO enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs between female adults were predominantly enriched in biological processes of stimulus response, cytotoxicity, multiple cell biological processes, metabolic processes, cellular processes and signaling pathways, cellular components of cell, organelles and cell membranes and molecular functions of binding and catalytic ability, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism. In addition, the DEGs between male adults were predominantly enriched in biological processes of signaling transduction, multiple cell biological processes, regulation of biological processes, metabolic processes, development processes and stimulus responses, cellular components of extracellular matrix and cell junction and molecular functions of binding and catalytic ability, and these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of Wnt signaling, Ras signaling, natural killer cells-mediated cytotoxicity, extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and arginine biosynthesis. Conclusions There is no significant difference in the pathogenicity between S. japonicum isolates from hilly and marshland and lake regions of Anhui Province; however, the gene expression profiles vary significantly between S. japonicum isolates.

Molluscicidal effect of immersion with 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt against Oncomelania hupensis on the soil surface and inside the soil layer in winter / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of 50% wettable powder of niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPNES) against Oncomelania hupensis on the soil surface and inside the soil layer by immersion method in winter. Methods O. hupensis snails were placed on the soil surface and 2, 5 cm and 10 cm under the soil layer outdoors in winter, and then immersed in 50% WPNES at concentrations of 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L for 1, 3 d and 7 d, while dechlorinated water served as controls. Snail mortality was observed following immersion with 50% WPNES on the soil surface and inside the soil layer. Results Following immersion with 50% WPNES at concentrations of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L outdoors in winter, the 3-day corrected snail mortality rates were 98.0% and 76.0% on the soil surface, and the 7-day corrected snail mortality rate was both 100.0%. Following immersion with 50% WPNES at concentrations of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L outdoors in winter, the 7-day corrected snail mortality rates were 95.5% and 85.6% 2 cm below the soil layer, 66.0% and 6.4% 5 cm below the soil layer. However, the 7-day snail mortality rate swere comparable between the 50% WPNES treatment group (at 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L) and controls 10 cm below the soil layer (both P > 0.05). Conclusion Immersion of 50% WPNES at a concentration of 2 mg/L for 7 days presents a high molluscicidal efficacy against O. hupensis on the soil surface and 5 cm within the soil layers in winter.

Proximal femoral nail anti rotation under local anesthesia for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in high-risk patients / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy under local anesthesia and general anesthesia proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA) fixation for intertrochanteric fracture of femur in high risk patients.@*METHODS@#From February 2018 to February 2019, 32 patients underwent PFNA operation due to intertrochanteric fracture of femur, including 16 patients undergoing PFNA operation under local anesthesia, 9 males and 7 females, aged 54 to 98 (82.43±9.30) years and hospitalized for (10.94±5.30) days;16 patients undergoing PFNA operation under general anesthesia, 6 males and 10 females, aged 51 to 83 (72.69±9.48) years and hospitalized for (12.88±4.12) days. The patients' gender, age, fracture AO classification, preoperative VAS (visual analogue score), preoperative ASA condition grade, postoperative 1st day resting state VAS, hospitalization cost and length of stay were recorded.@*RESULTS@#All patients recovered well, the wound healed well, and the ability of lower limb activity was restored. The average follow-up time was 4.6 months. There was significant difference in age between two groups (0.05). There was no significant difference on ASA between two groups (>0.05), but there was significant difference on ASA≥grade Ⅲ between two groups (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Under the multi-disciplinary diagnosisand treatment mode, the method of PFNA operation is safe and feasible, the patients with local anesthesia are older, and the proportion of patients with ASA≥grade Ⅲ is higher, which is better for some elderly high-risk patients than general anesthesia.

Design of schistosomiasis surveillance sites based on Spatial Kluster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method: an exploratory study / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To develop a method for designing schistosomiasis surveillance sites, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of schitsosomiasis surveillance. Methods By using the minimum spanning tree-based Spatial Kluster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method, spatially constrained clustering was performed upon 31 historical schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in Anhui Province. A surveillance site was selected from each cluster to evaluate the representativeness and surveillance efficiency of these cluster-based surveillance sites for the endemic situation of schistosomiassi in Anhui Province, and to compare the surveillance efficiency with local national schistosomiasis surveillance sites. Results There was no significant difference in the environmental factors between the cluster-based schistosomiasis surveillance sites and the whole region, showing a high homogeneity. If the same number of schistosomiasis surveillance sites was selected, there was no significant difference between the cluster-based surveillance sites and national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in the efficiency of the mean risk and long-term trend of schistosomiasis surveillance in Anhui Province; however, the cluster-based surveillance sites were superior to the national schistosomiasis surveillance sites for the prediction and estimation of the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in the unmonitored areas. Conclusion The SKATER-based selection of schistosomiasis surveillance sites may better represent the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province, which may serve as an effective supplement for the conventional method of selecting schistosomiasis surveillance sites.

Design of schistosomiasis surveillance sites based on Spatial Kluster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method: an exploratory study / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To develop a method for designing schistosomiasis surveillance sites, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of schitsosomiasis surveillance. Methods By using the minimum spanning tree-based Spatial Kluster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method, spatially constrained clustering was performed upon 31 historical schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in Anhui Province. A surveillance site was selected from each cluster to evaluate the representativeness and surveillance efficiency of these cluster-based surveillance sites for the endemic situation of schistosomiassi in Anhui Province, and to compare the surveillance efficiency with local national schistosomiasis surveillance sites. Results There was no significant difference in the environmental factors between the cluster-based schistosomiasis surveillance sites and the whole region, showing a high homogeneity. If the same number of schistosomiasis surveillance sites was selected, there was no significant difference between the cluster-based surveillance sites and national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in the efficiency of the mean risk and long-term trend of schistosomiasis surveillance in Anhui Province; however, the cluster-based surveillance sites were superior to the national schistosomiasis surveillance sites for the prediction and estimation of the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in the unmonitored areas. Conclusion The SKATER-based selection of schistosomiasis surveillance sites may better represent the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province, which may serve as an effective supplement for the conventional method of selecting schistosomiasis surveillance sites.

Rehabilitation intervention modes for children with autism spectrum disorder / 中国实用儿科杂志

fication of intervention modes,and introduce some methods and their progress in China based on the evidence-based practice(EBP)and mixing methodologies.

Advance in Trunk Control Measurement Scale for Patients with Cerebral Palsy (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Complex physical activity is a prerequisite for the completion of advanced sports skills, while trunk control is a prerequisite for complex physical activity. Cerebral palsy is often characterized by poor trunk control and poor balance response. An accurate measurement for trunk control function of patients is of great guiding significance for clinical treatment. Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) is applied to children with neuromotor dysfunction aged five years and above. TCMS has high reliability and validity, and high test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability in evaluating spastic cerebral palsy, and it is a reliable, effective and appropriate measurement tool in evaluating the trunk control ability. It can combine with other functional scales to provide more valuable information for the function of patients with cerebral palsy because of its high correlation with other types of scales.

Inhibition of in vitro carcinogenicity by 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin mediated by modulating miR-519d/TWIST1 axis in liver cancer stem-like cells from SMMC-7721 cell line / 中国药理学通报

Aim To determine whether 8-bromo-7-me-thoxychrysin ( BrMC) inhibits in vitro carcinogenicity via up-regulating miR-519d expression and down-regu-lating Twist1 expression in liver cancer stem-like cells ( LCSLCs) derived from SMMC-7721 cell line. Meth-ods The second generation spheroids derived from SMMC-7721 cell line were obtained by sphere-forming assay and were considered as LCSLCs . Then LCSLCs were treated with various concentrations ( 1.0, 3.0, 10.0 μmol·L-1) of BrMC. The expression level of miR-519d was detected using real-time PCR. And in vitro carcinogenicity was investigated by sphere-forming assay and clone-forming assay in agar. The transcrip-tional activity and protein expression of Twist1 were an-alyzed using luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of BrMC was elucidated via miR-519 mimic transfection and Twist1 gene transduction, respectively. Results Compared with SMMC-7721 cells, miR-519d-3p was low-ex-pressed and Twist1 was over expressed in LCSLCs. And the sphere-forming ratio and the clone-forming ra-tio decreased by treatment with BrMC ( 1.0, 3.0, 10.0 μmol·L-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Fur-thermore, luciferase reporter assay demonstrated miR-519d could directly target the 3′ untranslated region of Twist1 mRNA and regulate protein expression. miR-519d mimic enhanced the effects of BrMC (3.0 μmol ·L-1) . However, Twist1 gene transduction effective-ly reversed the effects of BrMC ( 3.0 μmol·L-1) . Conclusion BrMC inhibits in vivo carcinogenicity via regulating miR-519/Twist1 signal axis in LCSLCs de-rived from SMMC-7721 cell line.

Precise laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of 140 patients with obesity and metabolic diseases / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy and safety of precise laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(LRYGB) in the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical and follow-up data of obese patients underwent precise LRYGB in our department between June 2011 and April 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 140 obese patients were included in this study. All the precise LRYGB procedures were successfully performed with no conversion to open surgery or perioperative death. Average operation time was (138.0±21.3) min, postoperative hospital stay was (5.2±1.2) d. No severe complications was observed. The percentages of excess weight loss in 1, 3, 6, and 12 month after operation were (26.4±8.6)%, (53.3±6.7)%, (75.3±7.9)%, (78.5±8.5)%, respectively. The improvement rates of fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were 84.6%(33/39), 92.3%(12/13), 77.3%(17/22) and 82.4%(14/17).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Precise LRYGB is a modified and optimized traditional surgical technique which does not significantly increase the operative time. It is safe and feasible. The postoperative weight loss effect is significant and it can effectively improve the related co-morbidities.</p>

Effect of overexpression of LYRM1 gene on reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle cells / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the effect of LYRM1 overexpression on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle cells.Methods Rat myoblasts(L6) were transfected with either an empty vector or a LYRM1 expression vector.Cells were screened and the expression of LYRM1 protein in cells was identified.L6 cells were incubated in culture solution with H2-DCFDA after they were differentiated.Then fluorescence intensity of ROS in L6 was observed by fluorescence microscope,and the content of ROS was determined by flow cytometry.Results The relative fluorescence intensity of ROS in L6 overexpressing LYRM1 was 24.8933 ± 4.4574,while that in contrast cells was 13.1512 ± 0.7347,the difference between them was significant(t =24.12,P =0.00).Conclusions Overexpression LYRM1 can increase the production of ROS in skeletal muscle cells.LYRM1 overexpression may be influence the mitochondrial function and induce the mitochondrial damage of skeletal muscle cells.

Treatment of super obesity by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: experience of 42 cases / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(LRYGB) for super obesity(BMI≥50 kg/m(2)).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Clinical data of 42 patients undergoing LRYGB in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University between 2004 and 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the LRYGB procedures were successfully performed with no conversion to open surgery. Average operation time was 145.1 minutes, volume of blood loss during the surgery was 25.0 ml, and length of postoperative hospital stay was 9.9 days. The cases were followed up for 1 month to 30 months. Body weight and BMI decreased significantly 1 month after the operation and reached a minimum level after 2 years then became stable while excess body weight loss rate(EWL) increased(P<0.05). All the obese-related symptoms were relieved significantly. Four cases(9.5%) showed complications during perioperative period including 1 case of respiratory failure, 2 cases of gastrojejunal anastomotic bleeding, 1 case of umbilical wound infection, and 11 developed long-term complications. All of them were cured by conservative treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Treatment of super obesity by LRYGB is feasible with significant short-term results. But due to the difficulty of the operation and postoperative complications, comprehensive treatment from experienced bariatric surgical team is needed. The long-term outcome needs for further observation.</p>

Dentin matrix protein 1 and phosphate homeostasis are critical for postnatal pulp, dentin and enamel formation / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Deletion or mutation of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) leads to hypophosphatemic rickets and defects within the dentin. However, it is largely unknown if this pathological change is a direct role of DMP1 or an indirect role of phosphate (Pi) or both. It has also been previously shown that Klotho-deficient mice, which displayed a high Pi level due to a failure of Pi excretion, causes mild defects in the dentinal structure. This study was to address the distinct roles of DMP1 and Pi homeostasis in cell differentiation, apoptosis and mineralization of dentin and enamel. Our working hypothesis was that a stable Pi homeostasis is critical for postnatal tooth formation, and that DMP1 has an antiapoptotic role in both amelogenesis and dentinogenesis. To test this hypothesis, Dmp1-null (Dmp1(-/-)), Klotho-deficient (kl/kl), Dmp1/Klotho-double-deficient (Dmp1(-/-)/kl/kl) and wild-type (WT) mice were killed at the age of 6 weeks. Combinations of X-ray, microcomputed tomography (μCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, apoptosis and immunohistochemical methods were used for characterization of dentin, enamel and pulp structures in these mutant mice. Our results showed that Dmp1(-/-) (a low Pi level) or kl/kl (a high Pi level) mice displayed mild dentin defects such as thin dentin and a reduction of dentin tubules. Neither deficient mouse line exhibited any apparent changes in enamel or pulp structure. However, the double-deficient mice (a high Pi level) displayed severe defects in dentin and enamel structures, including loss of dentinal tubules and enamel prisms, as well as unexpected ectopic ossification within the pulp root canal. TUNEL assay showed a sharp increase in apoptotic cells in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Based on the above findings, we conclude that DMP1 has a protective role for odontoblasts and ameloblasts in a pro-apoptotic environment (a high Pi level).

Evaluation on the effect of comprehensive control strategy of schistosomiasis with emphasis on infection source control in Anhui province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of comprehensive control strategy of schistosomiasis with emphasis on infection source control in Anhui province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty endemic villages in Guichi district, Chizhou city, Anhui province were selected as national pilot villages in the years from 2006 to 2008, and another 10 provincial pilot villages were respectively selected from 10 highly endemic villages in 7 cities in 2007. The comprehensive infection source control measures, including "replace cattle with machines", "raise livestock in pens", "improve the sanitary toilets", "supply safe water " and so on were carried out among the above pilot villages. At the end of 2008, 13 national pilot villages and 6 provincial pilot villages were selected to investigate the popularity of schistosomiasis, and the effect of the comprehensive control strategy in those villages were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After implementing the comprehensive control strategy, the infectious rate of schistosomiasis in national pilot villages decreased from 4.57% (487/10 659) to 1.76% (147/8370), with the reduction rate at 61.49%, whose difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 115.16, P < 0.01); and the density of infected snails decreased from 0.0067/0.1 m(2) to 0.0008/0.1 m(2), the infectious rate of snails decreased from 0.28% to 0.04%, whose reduction rates were 88.06% and 85.71% respectively. While as to the provincial pilot villages, the infectious rate of schistosomiasis decreased from 1.27% (54/4254) to 0.21% (14/6592), with the reduction rate at 83.46%, whose difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 94.57, P < 0.01); and the density of infected snails decreased from 0.0025/0.1 m(2) to 0.0003/0.1 m(2), the infection rate of snails decreased from 0.13% to 0.05%, whose reduction rates were 88.00% and 61.54% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The comprehensive control strategy with emphasis on infection source control implemented in marshland and lake regions can effectively control the transmission of schistosomiasis.</p>

Construction of eukaryotic expression vector of LYRM1, a novel gene related with human obesity, and establishment of its stable transfected 3T3-L1 cell line / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct the eukaryotic expression vector of LYRM1 and to transfect it to preadipocytes cell line 3T3-L1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The complete coding sequence of LYRM1 gene was amplified by RT-PCR from human omental adipose tissue and was subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA(TM)3.1/myc-His B. The recombinant plasmid was then transfected into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by liposome. After screening culture by G418, stable transfected 3T3-L1 cell line was established. The expression of LYRM1 protein was identified by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The recombinant plasmid was confirmed by PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. The stable transfected 3T3-L1 cell line was established and the LYRM1 protein was expressed successfully.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The eukaryotic expression vector of LYRM1 has been successfully established and the stably transfected 3T3-L1 cell line also established.</p>

Holmium laser urethrotomy for male urethral stricture / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate transurethral holmium laser incision, its safety and effect in the treatment of male urethral stricture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-eight males with urethral stricture were treated by 1045 W holmium laser urethrotomy, 18 with the stricture length shorter than 1.0 cm, 9 between 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm, 7 longer than 1.5 cm , 4 with occlusive stricture and 6 companies with bladder calculus. The average peak urinary flow rate (Q(max)) was (5.6 +/- 2.3) ml/s.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Successful surgery was achieved in 36 of the cases, with no complications and the average Q(max) increased to (17.5 +/- 3.4) ml/s. Two cases were converted to open surgery. Thirty-two cases were followed up for 3-18 months, of whom 4 received urethral dilation and 2 underwent a second holmium laser urethrotomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Holmium laser urethrotomy is a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapeutic modality for male urethral stricture.</p>

Protective effect of baicalin on experimental periodontitis in rats and its possible mechanisms / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of baicalin on the experimental periodontitis in rats, as well as the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-seven adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, with 9 rats in each group. A nylon thread was placed around the lower first molars of rats, which were sacrificed after 7 days. Baicalin (200 mg/kg) was administered to the experimental group by oral gavage, starting one day before the induction of periodontitis. The negative control group received vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) alone. The blank control group did not get induction of periodontitis. The alveolar bone loss (ABL) and the area fraction (AA% ) occupied by collagen fibers were assessed. MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions in the gingiva were detected by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Baicalin treatment significantly decreased ABL compared with the negative control group (P = 0.009). AA% of collagen fibers was significantly higher in baicalin-treated group than in the negative control group (P = 0.047). Baicalin treatment significantly down-regulated the protein expression for MMP-1 (P = 0.023) and MMP-9 (P = 0.042) and decreased the expression for MMP-2 (P = 0.099) compared with the negative control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Baicalin protects against tissue damage in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats, which might be mediated in part by its inhibitory effect on the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9.</p>

Small interfering RNA inhibits the expression of connexin43 in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To inhibit the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and detect the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), and to investigate the application of siRNA technology in the gap junction of corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells and its role in the penile erection process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With the help of the software of Ambion Corporation, the specific recombinant plasmids with siRNA targeting human Cx43 gene were constructed. The recombinant plasmids having been stably transferred into human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells for 48 hours, semi-quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting techniques were used to examine the inhibitory effects of siRNA on the expressions of the Cx43 gene and protein, in comparison with the siRNA negative control and the blank control group, respectively. The GJIC was detected by scrape-loading and fluorescence dye transfer experiments through the fluorescence microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing showed that the recombinant plasmid pSilencer 1.0-U6-siRNA-Cx43 was successfully constructed. The relative levels of Cx43 mRNA and protein expression in the smooth muscle cells were (0.45 +/- 0.08)% and (0.56 +/- 0.06)% after successful transfer of the recombinant plasmid. However, the expression levels of mRNA and protein were (0.72 +/- 0.04)% and (0.80 +/- 0.08)% in the negative siRNA transfer group, and (0.74 +/- 0.09)% and (0.77 +/- 0.11)% in the blank control, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The GJIC also decreased significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>siRNA can significantly inhibit the expression of Cx43 and block the GJIC in the human corpus cavernosum penis smooth muscle cells. siRNA technology plays an important role in penile erection and flaccidity.</p>

Evaluation of preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in sphincter preservation for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy on the sphincter preservation and local tumor control as well as survival for the patient with locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>121 locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer patients were treated with preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery after rest of 4 to 6 weeks. 103 of these patients who underwent radical surgery were finally included in this study. The irradiation regimen was: 40 Gy/4 - 5 weeks, whereas 57 of these 103 patients received concurrent chemotherapy of 5-Fu or Xeloda. Sphincter-preserving surgery was performed in 59 patients and abdominoperineal resection in 44 patients. The survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier model, and the differences between groups were compared using Log rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox's model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten patients (9.7%) achieved a complete pathological response (pCR) to preoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The sphincter preservation rate was 57.3%. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was 66.3% and 59.5%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that pCR and postoperative pTNM stage were prognostic factors affecting survival, whereas, only pTNM stage was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003) by multivariate analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Neoadjuvant preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy is effective in local tumor control and improving survival for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer, which can raise the rate of sphincter-preserving surgery, and achieve comparable result to abdominoperineal resection.</p>

Expression of connexin43 and its correlation with the expression of bcl-2 and bax protein in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder / 肿瘤

Objective: To study the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) gene and its correlation with the expression of apoptosis related genes bcl-2 and bax in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (BTCC), and to investigate the role of Cx43 in the BTCC. Methods: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Cx43 mRNA and immunocytochemistry technique was used to detect the expression of bcl-2 and bax proteins in 60 cases of BTCC tissue, and compared with that of 15 cases of pericancerous tissue and 15 cases of normal bladder tissue. Results: The positive rate of Cx43 mRNA expression in 60 cases of BTCC tissues was 43.33% which was significantly lower than that in pericancerous tissues (73.33% ) and normal tissues (100%) (x2 = 17.58, P 0.05). Expression of Cx43 negatively correlated with bcl-2 protein (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with bax protein (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The down-regulated expression of Cx43 gene was closely associated with the development, invasion and metastasis of BTCC. It could be used a prognostic indicator for BTCC. Cx43 gene may have antagonistic effects with bcl-2 gene and synergistic effects with bax gene in the initiation and progression of BTCC.