Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Medicine at Shenque (CV 8) for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common complaint associated with menstruation and affects up to three-quarters of women at some stage of their reproductive life. In Chinese medicine, navel therapy, treatment provided at Shenque (CV 8), is used as a treatment option for PD.@*OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of navel therapy on pain relief and quality of life in women with PD, compared with Western medicine (WM).@*METHODS@#China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), SinoMed and Wanfang Database, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and the International Clinical Trial Registry of the U.S. National Institutes of Health were searched from their inceptions to April 1, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing therapeutic effects of navel therapy on PD were eligible for inclusion. RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analyses. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the online GRADEpro tool.@*RESULTS@#Totally 24 RCTs involving 2,614 participants were identified. Interventions applied to acupuncture point CV 8 included: herbal patching, moxibustion or combined navel therapy (using at least 2 types of stimulation). Compared to placebo, there was a significant effect in favor of navel therapy on reducing overall menstrual symptom scores at the end of treatment [mean difference: -0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.00 to -0.64, n=90; 1 RCT]. As compared with Western medicine, navel therapy had a superior effect on pain intensity as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale at the end of treatment [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.64, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.06, I2=80%, n=262; 3 RCTs]; on symptom resolution rate at 3-month follow-up (risk ratio: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.56, n=1527, I2=38%; 13 RCTs); and on global menstrual symptoms score at the end of treatment (SMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.45, I2=63%, n=990; 12 RCTs). Subgroup analyses showed either a better or an equivalent effect comparing navel therapy with Western medicine. No major adverse events were reported. The methodological quality of included trials was poor overall.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Navel therapy appears to be more effective than Western medicine in decreasing menstrual pain and improving overall symptoms of PD. However, these findings need to be confirmed by well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample size (Systematic review registration at PROSPERO, No. CRD42021240350).

DNA Methylation and Transcription of HLA-F and Serum Cytokines Relate to Chinese Medicine Syndrome Classification in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular bases of Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome classification in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in terms of DNA methylation, transcription and cytokines.@*METHODS@#Genome-wide DNA methylation and 48 serum cytokines were detected in CHB patients (DNA methylation: 15 cases; serum cytokines: 62 cases) with different CM syndromes, including dampness and heat of Gan (Liver) and gallbladder (CHB1, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan stagnation and Pi (Spleen) deficiency (CHB2, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan and Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency (CHB3, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 16 cases), CHB with hidden symptoms (HS, serum cytokines:16 cases) and healthy controls (DNA methylation: 6 cases). DNA methylation of a critical gene was further validated and its mRNA expression was detected on enlarged samples. Genome-wide DNA methylation was detected using Human Methylation 450K Assay and furthered verified using pyrosequencing. Cytokines and mRNA expression of gene were evaluated using multiplex biometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based immunoassay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.@*RESULTS@#Totally 28,667 loci, covering 18,403 genes were differently methylated among CHB1, CHB2 and CHB3 (P<0.05 and |Δβ value| > 0.17). Further validation showed that compared with HS, the hg19 CHR6: 29691140 and its closely surrounded 2 CpG loci were demethylated and its mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in CHB1 (P<0.05). However, they remained unaltered in CHB2 (P>0.05). Levels of Interleukin (IL)-12 were higher in CHB3 and HS than that in CHB1 and CHB2 groups (P<0.05). Levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β were higher in CHB3 than other groups and leukemia inhibitory factor level was higher in CHB1 and HS than CHB2 and CHB3 groups (P<0.05). IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β concentrations were positively correlated with human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F) mRNA expression (R2=0.238, P<0.05; R2=0.224, P<0.05; R=0.447, P<0.01; respectively). Furthermore, combination of HLA-F mRNA and differential cytokines greatly improved the differentiating accuracy among CHB1, CHB2 and HS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Demethylation of CpG loci in 5' UTR of HLA-F may up-regulate its mRNA expression and HLA-F expression was associated with IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels, indicating that HLA-F and the differential cytokines might jointly involve in the classification of CM syndromes in CHB.@*REGISTRATION NO@#ChiCTR-RCS-13004001.

Review of systematic reviews of acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To review the systematic reviews of acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to provide evidence for clinical decisions. Methods: Published systematic reviews targeting acupuncture treatment of DPN were searched using computer through both Chinese and English databases till July 1, 2019. Two researchers screened the papers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and conducted report quality evaluation, methodological quality assessment and evidence quality grading using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), assessment of multiple systematic review 2 (AMSTAR 2) and grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE). Results: Ten systematic reviews were included, involving 11 outcome measures. According to PRISMA, 6 items were sufficiently reported while 1 item was not; AMSTAR 2 appraised that all the included systematic reviews were of low quality in the methodological evaluation; according to GRADE, of the 30 clinical evidences, only 5 were graded moderate while the remained were graded low or extremely low. Descriptive analysis showed that acupuncture can significantly improve DPN symptoms, accelerate the conduction velocities of sensory and motor nerves, and up-regulate the content of plasma nitric oxide (NO), while the adverse reaction rate was low. Conclusion: Acupuncture can produce satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating DPN, but the existing problems, such as low-quality evidence, unitary outcome measures, poor methodological quality of systematic reviews and nonstandard reporting, need to be treated cautiously; meanwhile, more high-quality clinical trials are required to elevate the level of evidence.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Compound Glycyrrhizin Injection in improving chronic hepatitis B liver damage / 中国中药杂志

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Compound Glycyrrhizin Injection(CGI) in improving liver damage in chronic hepatitis B(CHB). PubMed, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were retrieved from their inception to February 10, 2020. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of CGI in the treatment of CHB was included. Data were independently extracted by two authors, and the methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool by other two authors. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 18 two-armed RCTs were included, involving 1 915 participants. The methodological quality of all studies included was generally low. In the comparison between CGI and diammonium glycyrrhizinate, the results showed that CGI was superior to the control group in improving the overall clinical effectiveness, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups in increasing ALT normalization rate, reducing ALT and AST level. In the comparison between CGI and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+other general hepatoprotective drugs, the results showed that CGI was superior to the control group in reducing AST level, while there was no statistical difference between the two groups in reducing ALT level and increasing overall clinical effectiveness. In the comparison between CGI+other commonly used drugs(including energy mixture, glutathione, vitamins, potassium magnesium aspartate) and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+other commonly used drugs, the results showed that CGI combined with other commonly used drugs was better than the control group in reducing ALT and AST level and improving the clinical total effective rate, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups in increasing the rate of ALT normalization. In the comparison between CGI+other commonly used drugs and other commonly used drugs, the results showed that CGI combined with other commonly used drugs was superior to the control group in reducing ALT and AST level and improving the overall clinical effectiveness. In the comparison between CGI+vitamins and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+potassium magnesium aspartate+vitamins, the results showed no statistical difference between the two groups in reducing AST level. A small number of studies included reported that CGI caused mild adverse reactions when used alone or in combination with other drugs. Based on the results, CGI has a certain effect in improving CHB liver damage, but the evidence is not enough to prove that CGI would cause serious adverse events. In the future, more well-designed and strictly-enforced RCT with an adequate sample size are needed to further evaluate the effect CGI in alleviating CHB liver damage.

Relationship between high blood pressure and body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio among children and adolescents in Suzhou / 中国学校卫生

@#To assess the relationship between high blood pressure (HBP) and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-height ratio (WHtR) among children and adolescents in Suzhou.@*Methods@#A total of 3 150 children and adolescents aged 7-17 years were enrolled through stratified cluster sampling from September to October, 2019. Questionnaire survey was conducted, and height, weight, WC and BP were measured to calculate BMI and WHtR, relationship of HBP and adiposity indicators were evaluated.@*Results@#The prevalence of HBP was 11.3%, overweight/obesity rate was 28.5%, and centrality obesity based on WC and WHtR was 20.6% and 23.7%, respectively. There were significant relationships between HBP and BMI, WC, and WHtR (χ2=157.80,105.87,124.17,P<0.01). As Logistic regression showed, compared to normal weight group, overweight/obesity based on BMI had positive relation with HBP (OR=3.89, 95%CI=3.09-4.90); compared to normal WC/WHtR, centrality obesity showed positive association with HBP (WC: OR=3.05, 95%CI=2.41-3.86; WHtR: OR=3.35, 95%CI=2.67-4.21). Meanwhile, BMI had joint effects on HBP with WC/WHtR. Specifically subjects with overweight/obesity and center obesity had higher risk of HBP, compared to normal BMI and WC subjects(OR=4.28, 95%CI=3.31-5.53).@*Conclusion@#Significant relationships between HBP and BMI, WC, and WHtR were found. BMI had joint effects on HBP with WC/WHtR. Keeping normal body weight and WC/ WHtR would have significant effects on HBP.

Long-term outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing early versus late delayed percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting stents / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To compare the long-term outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent early or late delayed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents (DES). Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational and single-center study. Consecutive STEMI patients (n=977), who admitted to Fuwai Hospital in 2013 and underwent successful selective PCI using drug-eluting stents (DES) within 3 to 35 days after symptom onset were enrolled and divided into the early delayed PCI (3-14 d) group (n=495) and the late delayed PCI (15-35 d) group (n=482). General clinical data of the patients and related data of coronary angiography and interventional therapy were collected, and the endpoint events were followed up. The primary endpoint was 2-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) including cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The secondary endpoint was 2-year ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization. The incidence of endpoint events of the two groups was compared, and it was compared again after the primary baseline characteristics such as age and gender were matched by the propensity scoring method at a 1∶1 ratio. Results: A total of 910 (93.1%) patients who underwent delayed PCI were transferred from other hospitals, and 292 (29.9%) patients received thrombolysis before PCI. The time interval before PCI was 14 (10, 20) days. The incidence of 2-year MACCE (3.0%(15/495) vs. 2.3%(11/482), P=0.468) and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (3.8%(19/495) vs. 5.0%(24/482), P=0.385) were similar between the two groups. The incidence of 2-year MACCE (3.3%(15/453 vs. 2.4%(11/453), P=0.426) and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (4.2% (19/453) vs. 4.9%(22/453), P=0.632) were also similar between the two groups after matching propensity score. Conclusion: The long-term clinical outcomes after early delayed PCI using DES is statistically equivalent to those of late delayed PCI using DES for STEMI patients who missed the time window for emergency PCI.

Effect of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection in Improving Sensitivity of Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells to Cisplatin Through Tumor Associated Macrophages / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To investigate the effect of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on the sensitivity of cisplatin through immunomodulation, in order to explore its mechanisms. Method::The cell survival was measured by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT), the rate of apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot, and the expression level of cytokines was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result::Shenqi Fuzheng injection 1, 10, 100 mL·L-1 significantly inhibited the growth of co-cultured cells, and the cell survival rate was 71.8%and 59.9%at the concentration of 10, 100 mL·L-1 respectively.Shenqi Fuzheng injection 10 mL·L-1 combined with cisplatin significantly increased the sensitivity of co-cultured cells to cisplatin.The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin was reduced from 30 to 15 μmol·L-1.The rate of apoptosis induced by the combined treatment increased by 15.5%compared with that of cisplatin 15 μmol·L-1 (P<0.05). The expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-w (Bcl-w) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) were inhibited, and the expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and protein induced by BH3 domain (Bid) apoptosis were increased (P<0.05). Shenqi Fuzheng injection reduced the release of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced by cisplatin (P<0.05). Conclusion::Shenqi Fuzheng injection improves the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 to cisplatin by regulating immune cells, and plays a synergistic role in inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells.This study provides experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of tumors with Yiqi Fuzheng method, and experimental reference for the study of traditional Chinese medicine in alleviating drug resistance of tumors.

Comparison of the accuracy of two⁃dimensional and three⁃dimensional photography in the facial measuremenof patients with unilateral cleft lip t / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To compare the measurement accuracy of two⁃dimensional (2D) photography and three⁃di⁃mensional (3D) photography in the analysis of the asymmetric appearance of children with cleft lip and palate and the influence of the severity of asymmetric deformity on the accuracy of facial measurement to guide clinical measurement work@* Methods@#Children with unilateral cleft lip were enrolled in this prospective study. Seven parameters⁃⁃the devia⁃tion of the pronasale, subnasale, and labrale superius, as well as the cleft/noncleft ratio of the width of nostrils, length and height of lateral lips and height of columella⁃were measured with Vernier calipers as the gold standard. Traditional 2D photography and 3D stereophotogrammetry photos were taken and measured. The extent of cleft malformation is indi⁃cated by the ratio of the cleft side to the noncleft side. The error size is represented by the ratio difference between two⁃dimensional photography or stereophotogrammetry with the ratio of the gold standard@* Results@#Thirteen patients were eventually recruited. The measurement results of the ratio of lateral lip height by 2D photography tended to be larger (P＝0.019), and the measurement results of the ratio of columella height tended to be smaller (P＝0.008). The measure⁃ment results of the deviation of the subnasale by stereophotogrammetry tended to be smaller (P＝0.003). The pronasale deviation (P＝0.022) with two⁃dimensional photography, the deviation of the labrale superius (P＝0.025) and the ratio of lateral lip length (P＝0.036) with stereophotogrammetry had a significant negative correlation with the extent of cleft malformation@* Conclusion@#Both two⁃dimensional photography and stereophotogrammetry have errors and biases that underexaggerate or overexaggerate the extent of cleft malformation, and some errors may increase with the decrease in the extent of cleft malformation. When applying two⁃dimensional and three⁃dimensional photography to analyze cleft lip and palate deformities, these biases should be considered to evaluate the face more objectively

Research status of correlation between type IX collagen gene and musculoskeletal diseases / 中国骨伤

As an important component of articular cartilage, type IX collagen plays an important role in regulating homeostasis of bone and cartilage. The mutation or deletion of gene could disequilibrate homeostasis leads to deformity of corresponding bone and joint, and finally causes multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Moreover, anatomic variation also leads to biomechanics change of corresponding functional unit, combine with micro-environment change caused by change of genes, osteoarthritis and disc degeneration were occurred under the function of stress over and over again. In addition, lack of type IX collagen could effect repair of articular cartilage, intervertebral disc tissue injury. However, musculoskeletal diseases related with type IX collagen has so much not limited this, the reports about it is less for lack of evidence, and need further work to study. Clear relationship of type IX collagen and its disease could provide an effective diagnostic method, and develop a new pathway for follow-up treatment.

Predictors of operability in children with severe pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Pulmonary artery hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) occurs predominantly among patients with uncorrected CHD. Treatment of severe pediatric PAH-CHD remains a major intractability. This study evaluated the predictors and prognoses of children with PAH-CHD who underwent surgical correction.@*METHODS@#The data for 59 children with severe PAH-CHD who underwent surgical correction, with or without postoperative medication, between May 2011 and June 2015 at the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. A regression analysis, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis.@*RESULTS@#Fifty-nine children with severe PAH-CHD underwent heart catheterization and correction, with or without specific anti-PAH drugs postoperatively, were included in this study. The pulmonary pressure, heart function, and ending events were observed and median observation period was 49 ± 20 months. Twenty-eight patients (50%) received at least one additional anti-PAH drug after correction. The survival rate after 2 years was 91.5% (54/59); two patients were in a critical condition, and three were lost to follow-up. Twelve patients (29%) still received over one additional PAH-specific therapy at follow-up, whereas 42 (75%) had successfully stopped drug treatment. Two patients (3.5%) died and one underwent a second thoracotomy to remove the ventricular septal defect patch. Acute vasoreactivity test (AVT) criteria had limited efficacy in predicting pediatric PAH-CHD, whereas pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≤ 6.65 Wood units (WU)/m or PVR/systemic vascular resistance (SVR) ≤ 0.39 during AVT indicated a good prognosis after surgical correction with an AUC of 98.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.0-100%), 98.4% (95% CI: 96.0-100%) sensitivity of 100%, 100% and specificity of 82.1%, 92.9%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although the criteria for positive AVT currently used are unsuitable for pediatric patients with PAH-CHD, PVR and PVR/SVR during AVT are excellent predictors of outcome in pediatric PAH-CHD. Surgery aided by anti-PAH drugs is an effective strategy and should be recommended for severe pediatric PAH-CHD with PVR ≤ 6.65 WU/m and PVR/SVR ≤ 0.39 after iloprost aerosol inhalation.

Protective Effect of Ferulic Acid on PC12 Cells with H2O2-induced Oxidative Damage / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of ferulic acid on PC12 cells injured by H2O2 and the molecular mechanisms. Method:The oxidative stress model was established by treating PC12 cells with H2O2, and then different dosages of ferulic acid (1, 10, 100 μmol·L-1) were used for intervention. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cell viability,lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdelyde (MDA) in cell supernatant, and superoxidedismutase (SOD) in cells was tested by biochemical method respectively. Insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) mRNA and protein expressions were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. Result:The 24 h intervention with different dosages of ferulic acid (1, 10, 100 μmol·L-1) could significantly improve the oxidative damage of PC12 cells induced by H2O2, compared with the model group, ferulic acid at 1,10,100 μmol·L-1 significantly increased PC12 cells viability,significantly decreased LDH and MDA content in cell supernatant (PPPPPConclusion:Ferulic acid exerts a protective effect on H2O2-inducing PC12 cells injury,which might be related to insulin signaling pathways.

Research Methods of Compatibility of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas and Its Advances / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine formulas (TCMF) is composed of several Chinese herbal medicines based on the theory of TCM. It plays a synergistic role under the appropriate dosage ratio to achieve the overall adjustment and treatment of TCM. It is of great significance to study the compatibility of TCMF in promoting the modernization, development and clinical application of TCM. The compatibility law is the core of TCMF theory. In recent years, based on the seven compatible relations and monarch-minister-assistant-guide principles, the composition, pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetic properties of the TCMF and their compounds were studied by new techniques and new methods, and the scientific connotation of compatibility of TCMF was discussed from different perspectives. In addition, the establishment of a variety of mathematical methods and models, the development and application of network pharmacology and data mining methods also provide great help to the research on compatibility of TCMF. The development of research methods has promoted the scientific research on the compatibility of TCMF, but it is the main task of the research on the TCMF compatibility to establish the suitable research methods for the complex relationship of pharmacodynamic substances, to clarify the internal roles of TCMF and their compounds/components compatibility, and to construct a new modern TCMF.

circ_0023642 promotes malignant biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells via regulating miR-508-3p/ERBB4 axis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To explore the influence of circ_0023642 on the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer GMC-803 cells by modulating miR-508-3p/ERBB4 axis. Methods: Cancer tissues and corresponding para-cancer normal tissues from 31 gastric cancer patients, who underwent surgical resection at the Second People's Hospital of Nantong City from May 2015 to March 2018, were collected for this study; meanwhile, gastric cancer cell lines (MGC-803, MKN-45 and MKN-28) were also collected. qPCR was performed to determine the expression levels of circ_0023642 and miR-508-3p in above mentioned tissues and cell lines. WB was applied to measure the expressions of ERBB4, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin in MGC-803 cells. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to evaluate the effects of circ_0023462 and miR-508-3p expression on proliferation, migration and invasion of MGC-803 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene was carried out to validate whether miR-508-3p could bind to the 3' UTR of circ_0023642 and ERBB4. Results: Compared with para-cancer tissues or normal gastric mucosal cells, the expression of circ_0023642 was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells lines, and the expression was highest in MGC-803 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Silencing circ_0023642 dramatically decreased the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MGC-803 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Both circ_0023642 and ERBB4 could target the binding sites of miR-508-3p. Further experiments confirmed that circ_ 0023642 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of MGC-803 cells by sponging miR-508-3p (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: circ_0023642, by competing ERBB4 to bind with miR-508-3p, promotes the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer MGC-803 cells, thus could be used as a marker for the clinical diagnosis of gastric cancer.

Research advances in endogenous neural stem cells promoting neural repair after ischemic stroke / 生理学报

Neural stem cell therapy, as a new therapeutic method for neural diseases, has aroused a wide concern for over 20 years since neural stem cells were first found in 1992. Ischemic stroke is highly concerned because of its high incidence, mortality and disability rates. Because the brain has a limited ability to repair itself, to improve neural function and promote neural regeneration may help to prevent occurrence and development of neurological diseases. It is noteworthy that some stroke patients showed an ability to repair brain several months after the stroke happened, suggesting an existence of endogenous nerve repair in these patients. The research advances in functions of endogenous neural stem cells in neural regeneration and the related regulators after ischemic stroke are summarized in this review to provide new views of the mechanism of neural functional recovery after ischemic stroke.

Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and CCL3 as Potential Biomarkers for Distinguishing Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from High-Risk Individuals Who Have Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Capsid Antigen-Specific IgA / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify novel plasma biomarkers for distinguishing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients from healthy individuals who have positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-four plasma cytokines were analyzed by a Cytokine Array in eight healthy individuals with positive EBV VCA-IgA and eight patients with NPC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) in NPC cell lines and tumor tissues. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were measured by ELISA in 138 NPC patients, 127 EBV VCA-IgA negative (VN) and 100 EBV VCA-IgA positive healthy donors (VP). Plasma EBV VCA-IgA was determined by immunoenzymatic techniques. RESULTS: Thirty-four of the 174 cytokines varied significantly between the VP and NPC group. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were significantly elevated in NPC patients compared with VN and VP. Combination of MIF and CCL3 could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VN cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.913; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 80.30%), and combination of MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VP cohort (AUC, 0.920; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 84.00%), from (VN+VP) cohort (AUC, 0.961; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 92.00%). Overexpressions of MIF and CCL3 were observed in NPC plasma, NPC cell lines and NPC tissues. CONCLUSION: Plasma MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA combination significantly improves the diagnostic specificity of NPC in high-risk individuals.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy combined with dynamically assisted visualized intervertebral foraminoplasty for lumbar disc herniation / 医学研究生学报

Objective How to improve the operational safety of foraminoplasty has become a hot spot in present clinical research. This study was to observe the clinical effect of minimally invasive treatment of lumbar disc herniation by percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) combined with dynamically assisted visualized intervertebral foraminoplasty (VIVF).Methods Totally, 61 patients with lumbar disc herniation underwent PTED combined with dynamically assisted VIVF in Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January to November 2017. We evaluated the clinical effects using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified Macnab Criteria.Results The VAS scores of the patients were significantly lower at 3 days, 3 months and 6 months after surgery than the baseline (1.10±0.60, 1.03±0.26 and 1.07±0.31 vs 7.64±1.11, P<0.05), and so were the ODIs (2.10±0.54, 1.30±0.49 and 1.23±0.46 vs 34.46±3.57, P<0.05). The excellence rate of treatment 96.72% (59/61). None of the patients experienced such postoperative complications as nerve root injury, spinal injury, and dural matter, and no recurrence was observed.Conclusion PTED combined with dynamically assisted VIVF is safe and effective for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

Influence of dexamethasone on the cell polarity and PAR complex of the embryonic epithelial cells in the palate / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to investigate whether dexamethasone (DEX) can down-regulate the PAR complex and disrupt the cell polarity in the palatal epithelium during palatal fusion.@*METHODS@#Pregnant rats were randomly divided into control and DEX groups, which were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9% sodium chloride (0.1 mL) and DEX (6 mg·kg ⁻¹), respectively, every day from E10 to E12. The palatal epithelial morphology was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining, Western Blot analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect the expression of PAR3, PAR6, and aPKC.@*RESULTS@#The incidence of cleft palate in DEX group (46.15%) was significantly higher than that in control group (3.92%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=24.335, P=0.00). DEX can also retard the growth of the palatal shelves and the short palatal shelves. The morphology and arrangement of MEE cells changed from polarized bilayer cells to nonpolarized monolayer ones. Additionally, the spherical structure decreased, which caused the cleft palate. PAR3 and PAR6 were only detected in the palatal epithelium, and aPKC was expressed in the palatal epithelium and mesenchyme. DEX can reduce the expression levels of PAR3, PAR6, and aPKC in the protein and gene levels.@*CONCLUSIONS@#DEX can down-regulate the complex gene expression in the MEE cells, thereby destroying the cell polarity and causing cleft palate.

Cosmetic technique application on the modification of lip deformity after cleft lip surgery / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to explore the effect of cosmetic technique on the modification of lip deformity after cleft lip surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 35 patients with postoperative cleft lip and who needed two-stage repair due to the nasolabial deformity were selected. Cosmetic technique was used to modify their lip deformities prior to the surgery. Front photos of the patients were taken before and after modification of their lip deformities. These photos were subsequently assessed by both the patients and the medical staff. The visual analogue method, Asher-McDade aesthetic index, and Mortier PB scale were used by patients and medical staff to evaluate changes in the lip shape by the cosmetic technique.@*RESULTS@#Prior to the cosmetic technique application, the mean self-score of the patients and the mean scores of the medical staff were 56±13 and 3.22±1.11 points, respectively. After the cosmetic technique application, the mean self-score of the patients and the mean scores of the medical staff were 67±12 and 2.85±1.03 points, respectively. The differences were statistically significant for both the patients and the medical staff (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Appropriate use of the cosmetic technique can modify the lip deformity after the cleft lip surgery to a certain degree. The use of this technique exerts evident effects in restoring the symmetry
of lip peak and the continuity of the labial arch and in highlighting the philtrum column.

Mitochondria associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in cisplatin induced ovarian cancer cell apoptosis / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To explore the structural change of mitochondria associated endoplasmic reticulum mem -branes(MAMs)in SKOV3 cells exposed to cisplatin.METHODS:The SKOV3 cells were treated with cisplatin at con-centration of 6 mg/L.The protein levels of active caspase-3,as well as the colocalization of B-cell receptor-associated pro-tein 31(BAP31)and voltage-dependent anion channel protein 1(VDAC1)in the SKOV3 cells were determined by the method of indirect immunofluorescence.The apoptotic rate of the SKOV3 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.The struc-tural change of MAMs was observed under transmission electron microscope.RESULTS:Under the confocal microscope, we found that cisplatin increased the protein levels of active caspase-3 as well as colocalization of BAP31 and VDAC1 in the SKOV3 cells.The results of flow cytometry demonstrated that cisplatin increased the apoptotic rate of the SKOV 3 cells (P<0.05).The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that cisplatin induced increase in mitochondrial -asso-ciated membrane structures(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Cisplatin induces SKOV3 cell apoptosis with increased MAMs contacts.MAMs may play a role in cisplatin induced SKOV3 cell apoptosis.

Influence of rehabilitation training based on action research method on exercise capacity and pulmonary function in patients with coronary heart disease / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective :To explore effect of rehabilitation training based on action research method on exercise capacity and pulmonary function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods :A total of 132 CHD patients trea-ted in our hospital were randomly and equally divided into routine rehabilitation group (received routine rehabilita-tion training) and action research group (received rehabilitation training based on action research method ) ,both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Pulmonary function indexes ,exercise capacity ,intensity of activity and quality of life (QOL) were compared between two groups after nursing .Results :Compared with routine rehabilitation group after nursing ,there were significant rise in all pulmonary function indexes , treadmill exercise slope [ (9.49 ± 3.76)% vs.(12.91 ± 3.49)%] ,6min walking distance [ (464.98 ± 87.43) m vs.(498.16 ± 93.56) m] ,walk speed [ (4.95 ± 1.30) km/h vs .(5.61 ± 1.12) km/h] ,questionnaire scores of exercise capacity [ (3.02 ± 0.65) scores vs . (4.66 ± 1.34) scores] ,questionnaire intensity of activity [ (3.73 ± 1.84) scores vs.(4.79 ± 1.25) scores] and QOL [ (7.75 ± 1.78) scores vs .(10.35 ± 0.61) scores] in action research group ,P＜0.05 or ＜0.01. Conclusion :Reha-bilitation training based on action research method helps to improve exercise capacity ,pulmonary function and quali-ty of life in patients with coronary heart disease ,which is worth extending .