["Double Grooves-Double Rings" technique of transurethral Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate: learning curve of single surgeon].

Objective: To evaluate the learning curve of the "Double Grooves-Double Rings" (DGDR) technique of transurethral Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by a single surgeon. From June 2021 to July 2022, 84 patients mean age (69.0±8.0) years,preoperative prostate volume (90.9±40.3)ml with BPH underwent ThuLEP in the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital.Performed by a single surgeon who had no experience of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and any laser surgeries. The case scatter plots with the best fitting line were drawn to analyze the learning curve. According to the date of the surgeries, the patients were equally divided into three learning stages (28 patients for each group). The T-PSA,prostate volume,operative time,enucleation time, enucleation efficiency,catheter indwelling time, hemoglobin drop and perioperative complications (including re-TURP, blood transfusion, stress incontinence≥3 months and urethral stricture) were compared among the groups. The learning curve was divided into three stages, and the cutting point was shown on the 14th case. Except the prostate volume [stage1 (75.7±30.7) ml, stage2 (93.40±39.6)ml, stage3 (103.5±46.2) ml, P<0.05], there was no significant difference of the baseline data between three groups (P>0.05). Compared with those of stage 1(100.6±24.7) min,(0.55±0.22) g/min, a statistically significant improvement was observed in both of the operative time and the enucleation efficiency among stage 2[(84.5±36.6) min, (0.87±0.33) g/min and stage 3 (71.2±26.3) min, (1.27±0.45) g/min, P<0.05]. The learning curve of the DGDR technique for ThuLEP can be divided into three stages. A ThuLEP beginner can preliminarily master this technique after completing 14 cases.

[Whole-course management strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease: an evidence mapping study based on clinical practice guidelines].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive diseases with high incidence, complicated clinical symptoms, difficulties in standard treatment, and heavy medical burden. At present, some GERD-relevant clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been issued by different countries and academic organizations, but some recommendations were inconsistent, which has caused some problems for the current clinical whole-course management of GERD. To summarize the relevant evidence among the CPGs on GERD and formulate the whole- course management strategies, we included GERD-relevant CPGs published or updated after 2010 by searching websites of guidelines, relevant professional societies, and electronic databases. We extracted the recommendations and summarized the evidence from the aspects of symptoms, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, which was presented in the form of evidence mapping. We included 24 CPGs, including three in Chinese and 21 in English. The clinical practice management strategies of GERD were formulated based on the evidence from the aspects of clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, medical treatment, anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic treatment, psychological treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

[Modified posteromedial approach via lateral side of flexor hallucis longus for the treatment of posterior Pilon fracture].

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and the level of muscle and soft tissue damage between modified posteromedial approach via lateral side of flexor hallucis longus and modified posteromedial approach in the treatment of posterior Pilon fracture. Methods: Total of 43 patients (27 males and 16 females, aged from 19 to 71 years) diagnosed with posterior Pilon fracture from June 2016 to June 2018 in Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into observation group (modified posteromedial approach via lateral side of flexor hallucis longus, 21 cases) and control group (modified posteromedial approach, 22 cases) according to the operation approach. The preoperative waiting time, intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time and the complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The differences of blood creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Myo) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at different time points before and after operation were compared between the two groups to elevate the level of muscle and soft tissue damage. The fracture reduction qualities of the two groups were compared by Burwell-Charnley criteria. The differences of fracture healing time, range of motion of metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe (MTP-ROM), ankle range of motion (Ankle-ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain were compared between the two groups at the last follow-up. Results: The observation group and the control group were followed-up for (19±6) months and (16±8) months, respectively; there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative waiting time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time and fracture healing time between the two groups (all P>0.05). At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the MTP-ROM and Ankle-ROM between the two groups (both P>0.05); the AOFAS score of the observation group was 88.2±7.8 and it was 84.5±7.6 in the control group (P>0.05); the VAS score of the observation group was (0.9±1.0) and it was (1.3±0.8) in the control group(P>0.05). Anatomical reduction rate in observation group was higher than that in control group (90.5% vs 81.8%, P>0.05). The operation time in the observation group was (87±16) min and it was (98±11) min in the control group (P<0.05). CK, Myo and CRP were increased in both groups after surgery, but there was no statistical significance between groups at the same time point (all P>0.05). There was no nerve injury in the observation group, while 2 cases (9.0%) of nerve paralysis occurred in the control group. No incision infection and checkrein deformity of the Hallux was found in the two groups. Conclusion: The modified posteromedial approach via lateral side of flexor hallucis longus can obtain good operative field exposure, and does not increase muscle and soft tissue injury, with shorter operative time and fewer complications, without nerve injury and checkrein deformity, it is a safe approach for the treatment of posterior Pilon fracture.

[Quality assessment of global breast cancer screening guidelines].

Objective: To evaluate the quality of the published breast cancer screening guidelines to provide a reference for domestic studies in the future. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang Data were searched to identify breast cancer screening guidelines on until August 2020. Two reviewers screened literature and extracted data independently. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREEⅡ) and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare(RIGHT) tools were used to evaluate the quality of the included guidelines. Results: A total of 15 breast cancer screening guidelines were included, of which seven were published in the United States, with publication years focusing on 2015 to 2019, and 11 guidelines had updated versions. "Rigour of development" (47.0%±22.1%) and "Applicability" (44.0%±15.1%) of AGREEⅡ scored lower than other domains. "Review and quality assurance" (46.7%±39.9%) and "Funding, declaration, and management of interests" (41.7%±24.4%) of RIGHT were reported poorer than others. There were six guidelines recommended and another nine recommended with modifications based on the overall AGREEⅡ score. There were four guidelines with a good level, and another 11 were with a moderate level of RIGHT. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network published the best overall quality guidelines in 2018 (AGREEⅡ: 83.3%, RIGHT: 80.0%) and by the American Cancer Society in 2015 (AGREEⅡ: 83.3%, RIGHT: 85.7%). Conclusion: The quality of breast cancer screening guidelines was predominantly of moderate quality, and greater attention should be paid to the guideline development process and quality control of the guidelines.

Effect of typhaneoside on ventricular remodeling and regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of typhaneoside on ventricular remodeling and regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy transduction pathway in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction. METHODS: The effects of typhaneoside on the general condition of rats were observed in vivo using a rat model of heart failure after myocardial infarction had been established. The expression of serum N­terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), matrix lysin 2 (ST2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 was detected via ELISA. A hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established to analyze the number and morphology of autophagosomes in vitro by transmission electron microscopy. Light chain 3 (LC3) variations were detected by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to assess LC3-II/LC3-I and p62 expression as well as p­Akt/Akt, p­mTOR/mTOR ratios. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the general condition scores of the rats in the model group decreased significantly, while the expression of serum NT-proBNP, ST2, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 increased. The number of autophagosomes in the drug-containing serum group was significantly reduced and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I was significantly decreased. The expression of P62 protein was increased, and the ratios of p­Akt/Akt and p­mTOR/mTOR were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Typhaneoside regulates IL-6 and TNF-α as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9 in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction. Typhaneoside can improve cardiac morphological structure and myocardial remodeling and enhance heart function. It may mediate autophagy inhibition in the cardiomyocyte anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) pathway through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy transduction pathway.

LncRNAp21 promotes osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the rat model of osteoporosis by the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the promoting effect of long non-coding ribonucleic acid p21 (lncRNAp21) on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the rat model of osteoporosis (OP) through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 healthy female rats were selected and randomly divided into three groups, including the lncRNAp21 group, OP model group (model group) and normal group. Rats in the lncRNAp21 group were given a certain quantity of lncRNAp21 inhibitors for gavage. Rats in the model group were regularly given 0.9% NaCl for gavage every day after the removal of bilateral ovaries. Meanwhile, rats in the normal group were fed normally without any changes. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured after 12 weeks of modeling. The levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), serum estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) in the bone and serum of rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were adopted to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt1 and ß-catenin in bone tissues, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group and lncRNAp21 group, the serum level of E2 in the model group decreased significantly (p<0.05). BMD and phosphorus (P) content in the model group were both markedly lower than those of the normal group and lncRNAp21 group. However, calcium (Ca) content was remarkably higher than that of the normal group and lncRNAp21 group (p<0.05). The serum levels of bone resorption markers (including TRACP-5b and CTX) in the model group were prominently higher than those of the normal group (p<0.05). However, the levels of the two markers in the lncRNAp21 group were significantly lower than the model group (p<0.05). Additionally, bone formation markers (including OC, PINP and BALP) in the serum of rats in the model group were notably higher than those in the normal group and lncRNAp21 group (p<0.05). QRT-PCR and Western blotting results revealed that the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt1 and ß-catenin in bone tissues of the model group were markedly lower than those of the normal group. However, the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt1 and ß-catenin in the lncRNAp21 group were remarkably higher than the model group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of lncRNAp21 activates the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway by increasing E2 secretion, eventually stimulating bone formation and increasing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in OP model rats.

Effects of dietary supplementing tannic acid in the ration of beef cattle on rumen fermentation, methane emission, microbial flora and nutrient digestibility.

Four adult Simmental male cattle (376 ± 9.0 kg initial BW), fitted with permanent rumen cannulas, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of dietary supplementing tannic acid (TA) on rumen fermentation, methane (CH4 ) production, rumen microbes, nutrient digestibility and plasma biochemical parameters. Four levels of TA, that is 0, 6.5, 13.0 or 26.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), were added to the basal ration (composed of corn silage and concentrate mixture) as experimental treatments respectively. Each experimental period consisted of a 12-day adaptation phase followed by a 3-day sampling phase. The results showed that supplementing TA at 26.0 g/kg DM decreased the relative abundance of protozoa, methanogens and Ruminococcus albus to the total ruminal bacterial 16S rDNA in beef cattle (p < 0.05). The results also showed that supplementing TA at 6.5, 13.0 or 26.0 g/kg DM decreased (p < 0.01) the CH4 production (l/kg DM intake) by 11.1%, 14.7% and 33.6% respectively. Supplementing TA at 13.0 or 26.0 g/kg DM decreased the ratio of acetate to propionate and ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) (p < 0.05) and tended to decrease the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration of rumen fluid (p = 0.07). Supplementing TA at 26.0 g/kg DM decreased DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility (p < 0.05), supplementing TA at 6.5, 13.0 or 26.0 g/kg DM decreased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) digestibility by 5.0%, 8.6% and 15.7%, respectively, and supplementing TA at 6.5, 13.0 or 26.0 g/kg DM increased (p < 0.05) the plasma total antioxidant capability. It was concluded that supplementing TA in the ration of beef cattle decreased the CH4 production and digestibility of CP of beef cattle. Supplementing TA could be an effective option to mitigate CH4 emission form cattle, further research is necessary to study the effects of TA on the performance of cattle.

Network meta-analysis of Chinese herb injections combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Research has indicated that some Chinese herb injections (CHIs) might be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, including remedies that might be used as effective chemosensitizers and radiosensitizers, or as palliative therapy. Here, we carried out a network meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of CHIs combined with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX) for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE.com, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Database and Chinese Journal Full-text Database were searched from inception to 31 December 2014, to identify relevant randomized controlled trails (RCTs). The risk of bias in included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. Standard pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed to compare the efficacy and safety of different CHIs combined with FOLFOX. Data were analysed using STATA 12.0 and WinBUGS1.4 software. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We identified 63 eligible studies (with 4837 patients in total), involving 9 CHIs. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that compared with FOLFOX alone, combinations with Aidi injection and compound matrine injection could significantly improve the overall response rate and quality of life and reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting (III-IV), diarrhoea (III-IV), thrombocytopenia (III-IV), leukopenia (III-IV) and peripheral neurotoxicity (III-IV). According to results of indirect comparison, there were no statistically significant differences for most of comparison groups. Aidi+FOLFOX, shenqifuzheng+FOLFOX and compound matrine+FOLFOX had the greatest probability of being the best treatment in clinical efficacy and safety, considering the small sample size. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of the included studies were of low quality, and there was a scarcity of eligible trials and numbers of participants. Based on currently limited evidence, aidi, shenqifuzheng and compound matrine were superior to other CHIs in patients receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy for advanced CRC. More studies are required to confirm the efficacy of CHIs in combination with FOLFOX for advanced CRC.

Complete Regression of Recurrent Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Transplantation in Response to Sorafenib Treatment: A Case Report.

Liver transplantation is a potentially curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation have few treatment options and local treatment may not be feasible. Sorafenib, an orally active multikinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, significantly improves progression-free and overall survival. However, only a few studies have evaluated the efficacy of sorafenib in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation. Here, we report a case of a patient with recurrent advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after living donor liver transplantation who achieved complete remission in response to sorafenib treatment. The patient has survived for more than 4 years post-transplantation.

[Effect of the Chinese Herbal Medicinal Ingredients in Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid on Alcohol Metabolism in Rats].

OBJECTIVES: To study the changes of alcohol content and pharmacokinetic parameter in rats after taking Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into three groups and given with white alcohol at the dose of 3.0 mL/kg, low-dose and high-dose Chinese medicine liquor, respectively. The blood was collected before administration and 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 5 h, 6 h and 8 h after administration by cutting rats' tails. The concentrations of alcohol in blood were detected by headspace-gas chromatography method. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0, and then analyzed by SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: The difference of maximum blood concentrations between high-dose Chinese medicine alcohol group and white alcohol group was statistically significant （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in other pharmacokinetic parameters among three groups （P>0.05）. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients in the Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid has no effect on the metabolism and elimination of ethanol in rats. The research provides useful reference for the qualitative assessment and processing of traffic accident cases involved in Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid and the studies related to drug-interaction.

Bioactivity of Essential Oil of Zingiber purpureum Rhizomes and Its Main Compounds against Two Stored Product Insects.

The insecticidal and repellent activities of the essential oil extracted from Zingiber purpureum Roscoe rhizomes were evaluated against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Lasioderma serricorne (L.) adults. During our screening program for agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs and wild plants, the essential oil of Z. purpureum rhizomes was found to possess strong contact toxicity against T. castaneum and L. serricorne adults, with LD50 values of 39.0 and 16.3 µg per adult, respectively, and also showed strong fumigant toxicity against the two grain storage insects with LC50 values of 13.6 and 9.3 mg/liter of air, respectively. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be sabinene (48.1%), terpinen-4-ol (25.1%), and γ-terpinene (6.7%), followed by α-terpinene (4.3%), ß-thujene (3.4%), and α-phellandrene (2.7%). Sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, and γ-terpinene were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography. Terpinen-4-ol showed the strongest contact toxicity against T. castaneum and L. serricorne (LD50=19.7 and 5.4 µg per adult, respectively) and also the strongest fumigant toxicity against T. castaneum and L. serricorne (LC50=3.7 and 1.3 mg/liter of air, respectively). Otherwise, sabinene and terpinen-4-ol were strongly repellent against T. castaneum as well as the essential oil, while γ-terpinene exhibited weaker repellency against T. castaneum compared with the positive control, DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). Moreover, only the essential oil exhibited strong repellency against L. serricorne, the three compounds exhibited weaker repellency against L. serricorne relative to DEET.

Calcitonin suppresses intervertebral disk degeneration and preserves lumbar vertebral bone mineral density and bone strength in ovariectomized rats.

UNLABELLED: We investigated the effect of calcitonin (CT) on lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (LIDD) in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteopenia. CT protected ovariectomized rats from LIDD by, at least in part, modifying extracellular matrix metabolism of the disks and preserving the microarchitecture and biomechanical properties of adjacent vertebrae. INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CT on lumbar vertebral bone mineral density and intervertebral disk degeneration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: We first subjected 50 3-month-old female rats to either OVX (n = 30) or sham (n = 20). Twelve weeks later, ten OVX and ten sham rats were necropsied. The remaining OVX rats began to receive either saline vehicle (OVX + V, n = 10), or salmon CT (OVX + CT, 16 IU/kg/2 days, n = 10). After 12 weeks of treatment, necropsy was conducted and bone mineral density was determined in L3-4 and L5-6 vertebrae. The microstructure and biomechanical properties of L3 vertebrae were detected by micro-computed tomography and compression test, respectively. L5-6 was also used to measure intervertebral disk height and observe intervertebral disk histological changes by Van Gieson staining and histological scores, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1, MMP-13, and collagen II expression. RESULTS: At 12 weeks post-OVX, OVX rats had lower BV/TV and Tb.N and higher intervertebral disk histological score than sham rats. After 24 weeks, OVX + CT rats had higher BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, and bone biomechanical strength values than OVX + V rats. Histological analysis showed OVX + CT rats had significantly lower disk degeneration scores than OVX + V rats. IHC analysis revealed CT treatment decreased expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 and increased expression of collagen II compared with OVX + V rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that CT-treated OVX rats display less intervertebral disk degeneration and favorable changes in intervertebral disk metabolism, associated with higher trabecular bone mass, better trabecular microarchitecture, and better biomechanical strength when compared to vehicle-treated OVX rats.

Investigating the effect of transcendental meditation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Some evidence from previous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews has demonstrated a positive association between hypertension and transcendental meditation (TM). However, other trials and reviews showed the effect of TM on blood pressure (BP) was unclear but did not use subgroup analysis to rigorously investigate this relationship. The American Heart Association has stated that TM is potentially beneficial but did not give a standard indication. The present study explored several subgroup analyses in systematic reviews to investigate the effect of TM on BP. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database were searched through August 2014. Randomized controlled trials of TM as a primary intervention for BP were included. Two reviewers independently used the Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tool to assess each study's quality. Twelve studies with 996 participants indicated an approximate reduction of systolic and diastolic BP of -4.26 mm Hg (95% CI=-6.06, -2.23) and -2.33 mm Hg (95% CI=-3.70, -0.97), respectively, in TM groups compared with control groups. Results from subgroup analysis suggested that TM had a greater effect on systolic BP among older participants, those with higher initial BP levels, and women, respectively. In terms of diastolic BP, it appears that TM might be more efficient in a short-term intervention and with individuals experiencing higher BP levels. However, some biases may have influenced the results, primarily a lack of information about study design and methods of BP measurement in primary studies.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) have the potency to proliferate and differentiate into odontoblasts and play an important role in dentine formation and reparation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs. METHODS: hDPCs were incubated with different concentrations of ginsenoside Rg1 (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L). The effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferative ability of hDPCs were evaluated by a fibroblast colony forming test, MTT assay and flow cytometry for cell cycle. The control group, osteogenic induction group, ginsenoside Rg1 (5 µmol/L) group and combination group were designed, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and FQ-PCR for gene expressions of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1) were performed to evaluate the differentiation of hDPCs. RESULTS: The proliferative ability of hDPCs in ginsenoside Rg1 was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), especially in the ginsenoside Rg1 (5 µmol/L) group. ALP activity and gene expressions of DSPP and DMP1 were increased in the induction group, ginsenoside Rg1 group, and their combination group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that ginsenoside Rg1 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs.

p,p'-DDE disturbs the homeostasis of thyroid hormones via thyroid hormone receptors, transthyretin, and hepatic enzymes.

1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p, p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p, p'-DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant and endocrine disrupting toxicant. In recent years, it has attracted many attentions on account of its disturbing effects on thyroid and thyroid hormones (THs). However, the mechanisms by which the p, p'-DDE exposure influences THs still remain uncertain. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, 20 male rats are administered with different doses of p, p'-DDE (0, 20, 60, 100 mg/kg body wt) every other day by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. The results indicate that after the p, p'-DDE exposure, serum total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4) are significantly reduced and other THs changed only little. Transthyretin (TTR) declines in serum and thyroid hormone receptors (TRα1 and TRß1) mRNA expressions elevate in hypothalamus. The hepatic enzymes CYP1A1 (EROD), CYP2B1 (PROD), and UDPGTs are significantly upregulated, but CYP1A2 (MROD) does not show significant change. Taken together, the observed effects in the present study show that p, p'-DDE could disturb the homeostasis of THs via TRs increase, TTR decrease, and hepatic enzymes induction.

The chondroprotective effects of ferulic acid on hydrogen peroxide-stimulated chondrocytes: inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinase gene expression at the mRNA level.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of ferulic acid (FA), an antioxidant from the Chinese herb Dong-Gui [Chinese angelica, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels], on the regulation of various genes in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated porcine chondrocytes at the mRNA level. METHODS: The effect of FA and the effective concentration of FA on porcine chondrocytes was evaluated by the lactate dehydrogenase, WST-1, crystal violet assay, and a chemical luminescence assay. Gene expression in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated chondrocytes either pre- or post-treated with FA was evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Chondrocytes pre-treated with 40 microM FA decreased the hydrogen peroxide-induced interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and MMP-1 and partially restored SOX9 gene expression. Post-treatment with 40 microM FA also decreased the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13. CONCLUSION: FA decreased the hydrogen peroxide-induced IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, MMP-1 and MMP-13 and increased SOX9 gene expression. These findings suggest that FA may prove to be important in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Further research is needed.

Treatment of municipal wastewater using a contact oxidation filtration separation integrated bioreactor.

A new contact oxidation filtration separation integrated bioreactor (CFBR) was used to treat municipal wastewater. The CFBR was made up of a biofilm reactor (the upper part of the CFBR) and a gravitational filtration bed (the lower part of the CFBR). Polyacrylonitrile balls (50mm diameter, 237 m(2)/m(3) specific surface, 90% porosity, and 50.2% packing rate) were filled into the biofilm reactor as biofilm attaching materials and anthracite coal (particle size 1-2mm, packing density 0.947 g/cm(3), non-uniform coefficient (K(80)=d(80)/d(10))<2.0) was placed into the gravitational filtration bed as filter media. At an organic volumetric loading rate of 2.4 kg COD/(m(3)d) and an initial filtration velocity of 5m/h in the CFBR, the average removal efficiencies of COD, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen and turbidity were 90.6%, 81.4%, 64.6% and 96.7% respectively, but the treatment process seemed not to be effective in phosphorus removal. The average removal efficiency of total phosphorus was 60.1%. Additionally, the power consumption of the CFBR was less than 0.15 kWh/m(3) of wastewater treated, and less than 1.5 kWh/kg BOD(5) removal.

[Construction of root library by SSH and preliminary analysis of genes responsible for phosphorus deficiency in maize].

An elite maize inbred line with high tolerance to low phosphorus, 178, was studied for constructing root library and analyzing some genes closely related to phosphorus (P) deficiency using SSH and Semi-quantitative RT-PCR. As a result, 3648 preliminary clones were obtained for root library under stress of P deficiency. By DNA sequencing of 34 random clones, we obtained 23 unique EST sequences which are involved in functions of root cell structure, tolerance and defense, protein modification and composition, transcription regulation, metabolism, and other unknown aspects. Five representative genes were further analyzed for their expression models. The results suggested that the molecular mechanism to adapt P deficiency in maize, performed by multi-genes with different contributions, is similar to rice, Arabidopsis and soybean. The expression order of 5 low P tolerant genes in maize root was PAP, GCS, TOM, PDI and AIP. And it was considered preliminarily that physiological and biochemical changes were prior to morphologic changes in maize root and the essential tolerance to low P may be determined by extending absorption of P to wide soil range through adaption of root architecture and root secretions, which is the greatest difference between tolerant and sensitive maize varieties under low P stress.

Regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an increase in T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); its benefit to immune function, however, remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of a 12-week course of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) exercise on T cell helper (Th) reaction in patients with type 2 DM. METHODS: A case-control study was performed in 30 pairs of patients with type 2 DM and normal age-matched adults. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, mediators (interleukin (IL)-12, IL-4 and transforming growth factor (TGF)beta) and transcription factors (T-bet, GATA-3 and FoxP3) of Th1/Th2/T regulatory (Treg) reaction were measured before and after a 12-week TCC exercise programme. RESULTS: Fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in the patients with type 2 DM were significantly higher than in age-matched controls before exercise. After TCC exercise, HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 DM significantly decreased (7.59 (0.32)% vs 7.16 (0.22)%; p = 0.047) and blood levels of IL-12 increased significantly (5.96 (1.10) vs 12.96 (3.07); p = 0.035). To study the molecular Th1/Th2/Treg reaction, patients with type 2 DM were found to have lower T-bet but not GATA-3 or FoxP3 expression than normal controls before TCC exercise. After the 12-week TCC exercise T-bet expression significantly increased in patients with type 2 DM. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week TCC exercise programme decreases HbA1c levels along with an increase in the Th1 reaction. A combination of TCC with medication may provide an even better improvement in both metabolism and immunity of patients with type 2 DM.