Correlation between Combined Urinary Metal Exposure and Grip Strength under Three Statistical Models: A Cross-sectional Study in Rural Guangxi / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength.@*METHODS@#We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.@*RESULTS@#In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β = -2.119), As (β = -1.318), Sr (β = -2.480), Ba (β = 0.781), Fe (β = 1.130) and Mn (β = -0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength ( P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95% confidence interval: -1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn ( P interactions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).@*CONCLUSION@#In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and kidney function decline.@*METHODS@#Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis. The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease by > 3 mL/min per 1.73 m 2. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline. The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines.@*RESULTS@#A total of 7,346 participants were included, of which 1,004 individuals (13.67%) developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years. A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline ( OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27), as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14% per 1 mg/dL increase in SUA. In the subgroup analyses, such a relation was only recorded among women ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45), those aged < 60 years ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.42), and those without hypertension and without diabetes ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41). Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men, the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline ( OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.05-3.17). The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA > 5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline.@*CONCLUSION@#The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline. An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Impact and related mechanisms of glucose fluctuations on aortic fibrosis in type 1 diabetic rats / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the impact and related mechanisms of glucose fluctuations on aortic fibrosis in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: After injection of streptozotocin (STZ), male Sprague Dawley (SD) (8-12 weeks) rats (n=24) were randomly divided into three groups in accordance with the random number table: controlled STZ-induced diabetes (C-STZ) group (n=8); uncontrolled STZ-induced diabetes (U-STZ) group (n=8); STZ-induced diabetes with glucose fluctuations (STZ-GF) group (n=8). After three weeks, rats were sacrificed and aorta was obtained, aortic fibrosis was detected by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of collagen type 1 (collagen Ⅰ) was tested by immunofluorescence. The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was tested by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of collagen Ⅰ and Runx2 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ, Runx2 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were determined by Western blot. Primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were cultured in three conditions: normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG) and glucose fluctuations (GF). Cells in GF group were incubated for 72 hours with glucose alternating between 5.5 and 25 mmol/L every 12 hours. TPCA-1, the inhibitor of NF-κB, the expression of collagenⅠin different groups of cells was tested by immunofluorescence. The protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ, Runx2 and NF-κB were also determined by Western blot. Results: (1) The quantitative ratios of the area of fibrosis in the C-STZ group, U-STZ group, STZ-GF group were (8.42±0.10)%, (21.30±0.74)% and (44.39±1.09)% (P<0.05), respectively. The means of integral optical density (IOD) of collagenⅠ in the three groups were 11.92±0.88, 50.04±3.56 and 77.52±2.69, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of collagenⅠ in the three groups were 1.00±0.10, 2.02±0.28 and 2.83±0.33, respectively (P<0.05). The protein expressions of collagenⅠ in the three groups were 1.05±0.03, 2.06±0.32 and 4.93±0.25, respectively (P<0.05). (2) The average IOD of Runx2 in the three groups were 150.00±7.35, 204.84±2.32 and 391.48±7.13, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Runx2 in the three groups were 1.02±0.02, 1.27±0.04 and 2.18±0.12, respectively (P<0.05). The protein expressions of Runx2 in the three groups were 1.03±0.01, 2.34±0.36 and 4.52±0.75, respectively (P<0.05). (3) The protein expressions of NF-κB in the three groups were 1.02±0.01, 1.96±0.13 and 2.64±0.21, respectively (P<0.05). (4) In vitro, application of inhibitor of NF-κB reversed glucose fluctuations-induced upregulation of protein levels of Col Ⅰ and Runx2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Glucose fluctuations could aggravate aortic fibrosis through activating Runx2 via NF-κB signaling pathways.

Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on store-operated calcium channels in coronary artery smooth muscle cells derived from diabetic rat / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on function and expression of store-operated calcium channels (SOCC) in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC) derived from diabetic rat.@*Methods@#A total of 180 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group (N, n=45), placebo-treated diabetic group (D, n=45), lose dose n-3 PUFA treated diabetic group (DL, n=45) and high dose n-3 PUFAs treated diabetic group (DH, n=45). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat animal model was established by two consecutive intraperitoneal injections. After modeling, rats in group DL and DH were treated with 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 n-3 PUFAs respectively per gavage for eight weeks. After eight weeks, rat coronary artery SMC was isolated by enzyme digestion. Changes of cytosolic calcium concentration in coronary artery SMC were examined by calcium fluorescence imaging technique, coronary artery tension was detected by myograph system, and protein expressions of SOCC on coronary artery SMC were measured by Western blot.@*Results@#SOCC induced ΔF340/F380 of group N, D, DL and DH were 0.425±0.023, 0.838±0.037, 0.342±0.052 and 0.364±0.045 respectively, which was significantly lower in group N, DL, DH than in group D (P<0.05). SOCC induced changes of tensions were 0.94±0.09, 1.95±0.18, 1.35±0.24 and 1.01±0.18 in the group N, D, DL and DH, respectively, which was significantly lower in group N and DH than in group D (P<0.05). Protein expressions of STIM1, Orai1 and TRPC1 were significantly higher in diabetic rat coronary SMC than in group N (P<0.05). STIM1 protein expressions were significantly lower in group DL and DH than in group D, and Orai1 and TRPC1 protein expressions were similar among group.@*Conclusions@#Coronary artery tension, cytosolic calcium concentration and protein expressions of SOCC are higher in diabetic rat coronary artery SMC when compared with normal rats. n-3 PUFA intervention could downregulate the protein expression of SOCC, reduce cytosolic calcium concentration and coronary artery tension, and is protective to the diabetic injury in coronary artery.

Influence of SOX10 on the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the influence of SOX10 on the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells.@*METHODS@#SOX10 protein in prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145 and LNcap was detected by Western blotting analysis. The expression of SOX10 in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145) were knocked down by small interfering RNAs, and the efficiency of SOX10 by small interfering RNAs was confirmed using Western blotting analysis. CCK-8 assays were conducted to assess the influences of SOX10 on the proliferation of PC3 and DU145 cells, and invasion assays were conducted to assess the influences of SOX10 on the invasion of PC3 and DU145 cells.@*RESULTS@#After SOX10 in prostate cancer cells was knocked down by small interfering RNAs, the proliferation of prostate cancer cells PC3 and DU145 was significantly inhibited. Results of CCK-8 assays showed that the absorbance of PC3 and DU145 in SOX10-silenced groups was decreased compared with those in control groups (PC3: 0 d: 0.166±0.01, 0.162±0.012 vs. 0.155 ±0.01, P>0.05; 1 d: 0.210±0.011, 0.211±0.018 vs. 0.252±0.023, P>0.05; 2 d: 0.293±0.017, 0.280±0.028 vs. 0.433±0.030, P<0.01; 3 d: 0.363±0.071, 0.411±0.038 vs. 0.754±0.045, P<0.01; 4 d: 0.592±0.065, 0.670±0.093 vs. 1.456±0.111, P<0.01. DU145: 0 d: 0.168±0.018, 0.164±0.01 vs. 0.153 ±0.012, P>0.05; 1 d: 0.218±0.007, 0.206±0.024 vs. 0.255±0.02, P>0.05; 2 d: 0.297±0.013, 0.291±0.012 vs. 0.444±0.023, P<0.05; 3 d: 0.378±0.058, 0.419±0.026 vs. 0.762±0.039, P<0.01; 4 d: 0.681±0.094, 0.618±0.050 vs. 1.419±0.170, P<0.01). Meanwhile, knocking down SOX10 significantly suppressed the invasion of prostate cancer cells PC3 and DU145. Results of invasion assays showed that the numbers of invaded cells in SOX10-silenced groups were significantly less than those in control groups (PC3: 142±38, 171±17 vs. 304±55; DU145: 96±22, 134±23 vs. 341±34, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#SOX10 might promote prostate cancer progression by accelerating the ability of the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, and SOX10 might be a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Synthesis and Biological Application of A Water-Soluble Fluorescent Probe Based on Coumarin Derivatives for Detection of Ferric Ion / 分析化学

A water-soluble fluorescent probe (7-diethyl amino-3-formaldehyde coumarin) for Fe3+ detection was designed and synthesiZed, and its structure was confirmed by 1 HNMR, 13 CNMR and MS spectra.This probe showed high emission intensity at 471 nm.With the continuous addition of Fe3+, the emission intensities at 471 nm decreased gradually, and showed an excellent linearity with Fe3+in the range of 0.02-60 μmol/L, and the regression equation was I=322.56-4.86CFe3+.This probe was able to detect Fe3+ qualitatively and quantitatively with the detection limit as low as 22 nmol/L.Besides, this probe showed high sensitivity to Fe3+over other metal ions.The detection process was reversible, which could be recycled for the Fe3+detection.In terms of good optical properties and the strong fluorescence in physiological pH, the probe was successfully applied in imaging Fe3+ of living Ramos cells.

Development and Initial Validation of the Novel Scale for Assessing Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There has been no a specific scale to measure quality of life (QOL) for prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to date. This study aimed to develop and initially validate the scale to evaluate QOL for prostate cancer patients receiving ADT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The scale was developed following international recommendations. Moreover, the items were all generated through literature review and referenced questionnaires. After being reviewed by expert panelists, the revised scale was formed and then completed by a convenience sample of 200 prostate cancer patients from our hospital. Explore factor analysis (EFA) was applied to test the construct validity, then split-half reliability, Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability were applied to assess the reliability and stability of the scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The revised scale contained 22 items and a total of 200 participants had completed the scale. One hundred participants were randomly selected from the total 200 participants to perform EFA with varimax rotation on the revised scale, and "hot flashes" item was deleted for low factor loading. We selected only 3 items from each factor, then, the final scale was formed with 18-items. We selected another 100 participants to perform the EFA again on the final scale. It was demonstrated that the structure with 6 factors explained 72.5% of total variance and factor loading value was above 0.40 in all items of the factors. Moreover, the split-half reliability coefficient, Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability coefficient were calculated to be 0.74, 0.63, and 0.89, respectively, exhibiting good reliability on the whole.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The scale was identified to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure QOL for prostate cancer patients receiving ADT. Moreover, further research is needed to overcome the potential drawbacks.</p>

Thoughts of Designing the Pharmacy Self-taught Undergraduate Course System in General Universities in China / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for improving the pharmacy self-taught undergraduate course system in general universities in China. METHODS:According to comparative study and researching related literatures,the situation of pharmacy self-taught undergraduate course system in general universities in China was analyzed,and reform ideas and programs were present-ed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:Based onchemistry-biology-psychology-society-medicine-pharmacyin the overall framework of pharmacy undergraduate self-examination course system,it was designed with target of cultivating applied talents;related con-tents in public basic courses,humanities basic course and professional ethics course should throughout the whole teaching process;professional main course should be pharmaceutical knowledge-based,supplemented by medical related courses;the school should set vocational elective course to reform based on combining with the own teaching research direction,characteristics and career ori-entation of different self-taught students. The reform can develop applied talents with ability and political integrity,which meets the needs of social development.

Research Progress in Animal Model Replication of Chronic Gastritis / 中国药师

Chronic gastritis (CG) is a common disease of digestive system. It is of the utmost importance to reply the animal mod-el of CG in the researches on pathogenesis,treatment mechanism and drugs development. It's necessary to review the general situation about the replication of CG animal model since there is no spontaneous animal model of CG. The research literatures related to the rep-lication of CG animal model in recent years were reviewed,all kinds of methods on the animal model replication were reorganized sys-temically,and a new classification was established. Furthermore,the model mechanism,precautions and success rate of each classifi-cation method were evaluated concisely,scientifically and objectively in order to exploit the research ideas of researchers and provide reference for further studies.

Total hip arthrolasty plus acetabular structural bone grafting for acetabular dysplasia combined with osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Acetabular dysplasia is commonly seen in hip diseases, which can lead to biomechanical imbalance of the hip joint and accelerate the hip worn, further inducing hip osteoarthritis. At present, total hip arthroplasty is the preferred.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of total hip arthrolasty plus acetabular structural bone grafting in the treatment of acetabular dysplasia combined with osteoarthritis.METHODS: Fifty cases of acetabular dysplasia combined with osteoarthritis were enrolled, including 11 cases of Crowe I,16 Crowe II, 19 Crowe III and 4 Crowe IV, and all were treated with total hip arthrolasty plus acetabular structural bone grafting. The pain, functional recovery, Harris hip score, and quality of life were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment, (1) the Harris hip scores in the patients with Crowe I, II, III, and IV acetabular dysplasia were significantly increased (P < 0.05); (2) the pain and walking were significantly improved in all patients (P < 0.05); (3) the patients' physiological function, physiological function, body pain, health, energy, social function, emotional function and mental health were significantly improved (P < 0.05). (4) These results elaborate that total hip arthrolasty plus acetabular structural bone grafting to treat acetabular dysplasia combined with osteoarthritis,can obtain appropriate acetabular cup placement, excellent prosthesis supporting, restore limb length and increase acetabular bone mass. Therefore, it significantly improves patients' pain and hip function, thereby improving patients' quality of life and achieving satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Effect of air pollution on respiratory health in school-aged children in the main urban area of Chongqing, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of air pollution on respiratory health in school-aged children in the main urban area of Chongqing, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The main urban area of Chongqing was divided into polluted area and clean area according to the air pollution data shown on the Environmental Protection Agency Website of Chongqing between 2010 and 2015. A cluster sampling method was used to select 695 third- or fourth-grade children from 2 primary schools in the clean or polluted area as study subjects, with 313 children from the clean area and 382 children from the polluted area. Pulmonary function was examined for all children and a standard American epidemiological questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78-C) was used to investigate the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the clean area, the polluted area had significantly higher concentrations of inhalable particles (PM), fine particulate matter (PM), and nitric oxide (NO) (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed after adjustment for confounding factors, and the results showed that compared with those in the clean area, the children in the polluted area had significantly higher risks of cough (OR=1.644), cough during cold (OR=1.596), expectoration during cold (OR=2.196), persistent expectoration (OR=1.802), and wheezing (OR=2.415). The boys and girls in the clean area had significantly higher forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second than those in the polluted area (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Air pollution in the main urban area of Chongqing is associated with the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in school-aged children and has certain effect on children's pulmonary function.</p>

Effect of chronic arsenic exposure on mouse brain tissue and serum metabolomics / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of chronic arsenic exposure on cerebral cortex and serum metabolics of mice and explore the mechanism of arsenic neurotoxicity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve 3-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into exposure group and control group and exposed to sodium arsenite (50 mg/L) via drinking water and deionized water for 12 weeks, respectively. After the exposure, arsenic level in the cerebrum was determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The metabolites in the cerebral cortex and serum were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the difference of the metabolites between the exposure and the control groups. Online tools for analyzing metabolic pathways were used to identify the related metabolites pathways.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Arsenic content in the brain of exposure group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The mice exposed to arsenic had a higher level of citric acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine and lysine in the cerebral cortex (P<0.05). Serum levels of serine, glycine, proline, aspartate and glutamate were significantly higher while α-ketoglutaric acid level was significantly lower in the exposure group than in the control group (P<0.05). PCA analysis showed a significant difference in cerebral cortex and serum metabolites between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chronic arsenic exposure may affect the function of the central nervous system by interfering with amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle, which may be one of the mechanisms of arsenic neurotoxicity.</p>

Effects of maternal exposure to vehicle exhaust on the reproductive system and DNA methylation in male offspring mice / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of exposure to vehicle exhaust in pregnant mice on the reproductive function and DNA methylation in male offspring mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty pregnant mice were randomized into control group and vehicle exhaust exposure group (n=10) and exposed to routine laboratory condition and to vehicle exhaust for 10 consecutive days (8 h per day) in a tunnel with a heavy traffic, where the concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX and the decibel of noise were measured. The offspring mice were raised till reaching maturity, and the epididymides of the male mice were collected to test the weight coefficients, DNA methylation level, and mRNA levels of Aldh7a1 and Rpe.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The body weight and the weight coefficients of the epididymides and testes differed significantly between the exposure group and the control group (P>0.05). The concentrations of TSP, PM2.5, PM10 and NOx and the decibel of noise were significantly higher in the traffic environment and the control environment (P<0.05). Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) and Gene ontology (GO) showed that 58 genes had significantly different methylation levels between the two groups, mostly relating to the process of spermatogenesis (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Aldh7a1 and Rpe mRNA expressions in the testes were down-regulated significantly in the exposure group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Exposure of pregnant mice to vehicle exhaust causes damages of the reproductive function in the male offspring mice.</p>

Distinct expression of chemokine-like factor 1 in synovium of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is a newly cloned chemotactic cytokine with CCR4 being its functional receptor. Recent evidence demonstrates a role of CKLF1 in arthritis. The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of CKLF1 as well as assess the correlation between CKLF1 and plasma acute-phase markers. Synovium was obtained from 16 osteoarthritis (OA), 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 10 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, with other 11 patients treated for meniscal tears during sport accidents serving as normal controls. Levels of CKLF1 and CCR4 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of CKLF1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry staining, subsequently analyzed with semiquantitative scores. Plasma acute-phase markers of inflammation were determined by ELISA. CKLF1 was found with a particularly up-regulated expression in synovim from AS and RA patients, and CCR4 mRNA levels increased in RA patients, not in OA or AS patients. Elevated levels of plasma markers of inflammation including CRP, ESR and D-dimer were observed in RA. Further, significantly positive correlations between relative expression levels of CKLF1 and CRP/ESR in RA patients and a positive correlation between CKLF1 and ESR in AS patients were found. There was no detectable correlation between CKLF1 and plasma D-dimer. This study confirms an increased but different level of CKLF1 in RA, OA and AS patients, all significantly higher than that in controls. Additionally, the significant positive correlations between CKLF1 levels and CRP/ESR in RA and between CKLF1 and ESR suggest that CKLF1 might contribute to the inflammation state and clinical symptoms in these rheumatic diseases. Further studies are required to investigate the utility of targeting specific CKLF1 for symptom control or disease modification in RA and AS.

Expression of chemokine like factor-like myelin and lymphocyte and related proteins for vesicle trafficking and membrane link transmembrane domain-containing protein 2 in rats with varicocele / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate whether chemokine like factor (CKLF)-like myelin and lympho-cyte and related proteins for vesicle trafficking and membrane link (MARVEL)transmembrane domain-containing protein 2 (CMTM2)is involved in spermatogenesis in varicocele induced sub-fertility rats and to discuss the possible mechanisms.Methods:Forty male SD rats (body weight:220 -330 g,age:6 -7 weeks)were randomly divided into 4 groups:varicocele for 4 weeks,varicocele for 12 weeks,sham operation for 4 weeks and sham operation for 12 weeks,with 10 rats in each group.These rats were intro-duced by partially ligating left kidney veins for the experimental groups,and the sham surgery groups as controls were executed with exactly the same surgery as in the experimental groups except for the ligation. The rats in control and experimental groups for 4 and 12 weeks were killed after laparotomy at the end of 4 and 12 weeks,respectively,the left testes and epididymis were taken out for counting the sperm,ob-serving the seminiferous tubule change and immunochemistry for CMTM2.The changes included sperm density and motility,the outer diameter and inner diameter change and the changes of epithelium and the CMTM2 expression in immunochemistry.Results:Compared with the control groups,the sperm density [(63.9 ±7.1)×106 /mL vs.(74.3 ±5.0)×106 /mL]and motility[(58.7% ±7.9%)vs.(66.1% ± 4.3%)]were reduced slightly in group of varicoele for 4 weeks,respectively (t =1.432,1.563;P =0.076,0.059,respectively ).Varicocele significantly caused a decrease in sperm concentration [(40.5 ±7.2)×106 /mL vs.(71.1 ±4.5)×106 /mL]and motility [(35.2% ±8.5%)vs.(63.4% ± 4.1%)]at 12 weeks,compared with the related sham groups (t =3.754,3.933;P =0.004,0.002, respectively).Additionally,testis CMTM2 exhibited the same disparity,that is,the CMTM2 protein ex-pression in varicocele group was significantly reduced,with the ratio of sham group to varicocele group at the end of 12 weeks 2.3 ±0.4 (t =1.978;P =0.039).In the evaluation of seminiferous tubules diame-ter,the external [(198.2 ±10.2)μm vs.(255.8 ±12.7)μm,t =2.125,P =0.003]and epithelium diameter [(54.1 ±1.5)μm vs.(75.5 ±4.1)μm,t =2.246,P =0.021]were decreased compared with the sham-related groups and previous varicocele groups.In all the varicocele groups,all types of sperm motility decreased compared with the related sham-operated group (P <0.05).Conclusion:This study suggests varicocele has a detrimental effect on CMTM2 levels and decreases spermatogonia cell number,seminiferous tubules diameter,and sperm indices.CMTM2 is associated with sperm changes in rats with varicocele,and further studies are needed to study the mechanism.

Comparison and estimation of different diagnostic methods in detecting the presence of periprosthetic joint infection / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare and estimate the diagnostic value and characteristic of different diagnostic methods (blood laboratory test, histological analysis, synovial fluid cytological test and microbiological examination) in detecting the presence of periprosthetic joint infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of 52 patients underwent hip or knee joint revision in Peking University People's Hospital Arthritis Clinic and Research Center between July 2013 and March 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. For each patient, results of blood laboratory tests(peripheral-blood white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP)), histological analysis, synovial fluid white cell count (SWCC), microbiological examinations (synovial fluid, tissue and prosthetic joint sonication fluid) were collected. Data were analyzed by t-test, independent sample median test or χ(2) test, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for each method were calculated and compared by receiver operating characteristic curve.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 30 female and 22 male patients. Twenty-one patients (40.4%) were diagnosed as PJI. The levels of CRP, ESR, IL-6 and Hs-CRP in patients with PJI were higher than that in aseptic failure patients (Z=23.084, 13.499, 5.796, 17.045, all P<0.05). The sensitivities of CRP, ESR, IL-6 and Hs-CRP were 90.5%, 81.0%, 95.0% and 90.0%. The sensitivities of histological analysis and SWCC were 55.0% and 70.6%, while they had high specificity as 89.7% and 85.7%. The sensitivity of sonication fluid culture was 90.0%, which was higher than that of tissue culture (71.4%) and synovial fluid culture (65.0%) (χ(2) = 5.333, 6.400, all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The tests of CRP, ESR, IL-6 and Hs-CRP have good value in detecting PJI preoperatively. Histological analysis and SWCC have high specificity, which could help to exclude PJI. Sonication fluid culture has a higher sensitivity than tissue culture and synovial fluid culture.</p>

Influence of transarterial chemoembolization on biological behavior of residual hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).However,high incidence of metastasis following TACE has much negative influence on patient survival.In this article,we reviewed negative influence of TACE on biological behavior of residual HCC cells to provide evidence for further application of TACE.

Distinct expression of chemokine-like factor 1 in synovium of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is a newly cloned chemotactic cytokine with CCR4 being its functional receptor. Recent evidence demonstrates a role of CKLF1 in arthritis. The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of CKLF1 as well as assess the correlation between CKLF1 and plasma acute-phase markers. Synovium was obtained from 16 osteoarthritis (OA), 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 10 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, with other 11 patients treated for meniscal tears during sport accidents serving as normal controls. Levels of CKLF1 and CCR4 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expression of CKLF1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry staining, subsequently analyzed with semiquantitative scores. Plasma acute-phase markers of inflammation were determined by ELISA. CKLF1 was found with a particularly up-regulated expression in synovim from AS and RA patients, and CCR4 mRNA levels increased in RA patients, not in OA or AS patients. Elevated levels of plasma markers of inflammation including CRP, ESR and Ddimer were observed in RA. Further, significantly positive correlations between relative expression levels of CKLF1 and CRP/ESR in RA patients and a positive correlation between CKLF1 and ESR in AS patients were found. There was no detectable correlation between CKLF1 and plasma D-dimer. This study confirms an increased but different level of CKLF1 in RA, OA and AS patients, all significantly higher than that in controls. Additionally, the significant positive correlations between CKLF1 levels and CRP/ESR in RA and between CKLF1 and ESR suggest that CKLF1 might contribute to the inflammation state and clinical symptoms in these rheumatic diseases. Further studies are required to investigate the utility of targeting specific CKLF1 for symptom control or disease modification in RA and AS.

Percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures under C-arm fluoroscopy / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the applications of percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures and its related surgical considerations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2010 to June 2012,19 patients with pelvic fractures were treated with percutaneous hollow screws. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 41 years (ranged from 22 to 58 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accidents in 11 cases, by falling down from high place in 8 cases. Based on the Tile classification, there were 15 cases of Tile C type and 4 case of Tile B type. The indexes such as screw inserting time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, functional recovery and reduction conditions were observed. Fixation methods included sacroiliac screws, cannulated screw fixation of the pubic ramus and cannulated screw fixation of the pubic symphysis separation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Anatomical reduction achieved in 7 cases, satisfactory reduction 11 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction 1 case. Union time of fracture union ranged from 8 to 12 weeks (mean 10 weeks). Wound infection,ununion of fracture and nerve injuries were not found. According to the Majeed standards, 12 patients obtained an excellent results, 6 good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures under fluoroscopy has several advantages such as less trauma, less blood loss, fewer rates of complications, reliable fixation and no blood transfusion, which can reconstruct the stability of the pelvic ring, but it needs adequate preoperative preparation and high requirements for the surgeon.</p>

Anatomy and clinic application of reverse-flow island flaps on dorsal thumb web with dorsoulnar artery of thumb as a pedicle / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore a surgical treatment of skin defects on the thumb by reverse-flow island flaps on dorsal thumb web with dorsoulnar artery of thumb as a pedicle.Methods The origin,courses and distribution of dorsoulnar artery of thumb from 70 adult cadaveric hand specimens perfused by red latex were explored.Skin defects on the thumb of 8 cases were repaired with reverse-flow island flaps on dorsal thumb web.The cut areas of flaps vary from 4.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 7.5 cm × 4.0 cm.Results There were 4 types of the dorsoulnar artery of thumb basing on the origin and courses.Type Ⅰ was outside the first dorsal interosseous muscle type,which was the dorsoulnar artery of thumb mainly originated from the first dorsal metacarpal artery and cross through the surface of the first dosal interosseous muscle(42.9％).Type Ⅱ was under the first dorsal interosseous muscle type,which was from the thumb principal artery or deep branch of radial artery and run under the first dorsal interosseous muscle(41.4％).Type Ⅲ was mixed type from the anastomose point of above two arteries at the level of the first metacarpophalangeal joint(11.4％).Type Ⅳ was absence type (4.3％).Eight flaps fully survived.Excellent texture and satisfying appearance of the flaps as well as normal thumb web function were verified after 8 months' follow-up.Conclusion It is significant to determine the type of dorsoulnar artery of thumb to decide different operations due to the artery's considerable variation.The reverse-flow island flap on dorsal thumb is an ideal method to repair soft tissue defect on the thumb for its convenient operating and little effect in the donor area.