Comparative transcriptomic analysis and mechanistic characterization revealed the use of formononetin for bladder cancer treatment.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with 213 000 deaths reported in 2020. Patients with a progression from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer to muscle-invasive disease have poorer prognosis and survival rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel drugs to prevent the recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer. Formononetin is an active compound extracted from the herb Astragalus membranaceus that possesses anticancer properties. Few studies have demonstrated the anti-bladder cancer effects of formononetin; however, the detailed mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we used two bladder cancer cell lines, TM4 and 5637, to investigate the potential role of formononetin in bladder cancer treatment. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was conducted to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-bladder cancer effects of formononetin. Our results showed that formononetin treatment inhibited the proliferation and colony-forming abilities of bladder cancer cells. Additionally, formononetin reduced the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Transcriptomic analysis further highlighted the involvement of formononetin-mediated two clusters of genes involved in endothelial cell migration (FGFBP1, LCN2, and STC1) and angiogenesis (SERPINB2, STC1, TNFRSF11B, and THBS2). Taken together, our results suggest the potential use of formononetin to inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer through the regulation of different oncogenes.

Potential risk of eutrophication in the deepest lake of Southwest China: Insights from phosphorus enrichment in bottom water.

Large deep lakes in plateau regions provide crucial ecosystem services but are susceptible to eutrophication due to their long water residence time. To date, the water quality of deep lakes has not received as much attention as that of shallow lakes owing to logistical challenges. This study investigated the seasonal variation and vertical distribution of phosphorus and related environmental variables in a large deep lake in the Yunnan Plateau, China (Fuxian Lake). Generally, the concentrations of total phosphorus (TP, R2 = 0.862), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP, R2 = 0.922), and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP, R2 = 0.889) exhibited a linear increase with the greater water depth, whereas the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) showed decreasing trends. The TP, TDP, and DIP values were 0.012, 0.006, and 0.004 mg/L, respectively, in surface waters (0.5 m depth), and increased to 0.074, 0.065, and 0.062 mg/L, respectively, at 140.0 m depth. The averaged over ordering method demonstrated that DO and air temperature accounted for a higher proportion of the explained variance of TP, TDP, and DIP in the shallow water layer (0.5-20.0 m). In contrast, DO and pH accounted for a higher proportion of the explained variance of TP, TDP, and DIP in deeper water layers (40.0-150.0 m). As a warm monomictic lake, the higher observed phosphorus concentrations in deeper water and sediment potentially pose a risk of future eutrophication in the Fuxian Lake. Our findings demonstrate that more efficient technical and management measures should be taken to reduce the external phosphorus load to Fuxian Lake, so that the load to and from the sediment will decrease eventually.

Vitamin C protects the spleen against PFOA-induced immunotoxicity.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used in industrial and consumer products of our daily life. It is well-documented that PFOA is closely associated with fatty liver disease. Recently, cumulating studies demonstrated the immunotoxicity of PFOA, but its harmful effect on the largest immune organ, spleen is still largely unknown. In the present study, we used PFOA-exposed mouse model together with comparative transcriptomic analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunotoxicity of PFOA. Furthermore, we investigated the possible use of vitamin C to reverse the PFOA-induced immunotoxicity in spleen. Our result showed that the PFOA exposure could reduce the spleen weight and plasma lymphocytes, and the splenic comparative transcriptomic analysis highlighted the alteration of cell proliferation, metabolism and immune response through the regulation of gene clusters including nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenases (NNT) and lymphocyte antigen 6 family member D and K (LY6D and LY6K). More importantly, the supplementation of vitamin C would relieve the PFOA-reduced spleen index and white blood cells. The bioinformatic analysis of transcriptome suggested its involvement in the spleen cell proliferation and immune response. For the first time, our study delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying the PFOA-induced immunotoxicity in the spleen. Furthermore, our results suggested that the supplementation of vitamin C had beneficial effect on the PFOA-altered spleen functions.

Pharmacokinetics of chromium-enriched yeast in rats following oral administration.

Chromium (Cr) is required for carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolisms in humans and animals. Cr insufficiency is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chromium-enriched yeast (CrY) is a widely used Cr dietary supplement, but its pharmacokinetics remains unavailable. CrY was orally administered to rats at a single dose of 1 mg Cr/kg, and plasma Cr concentration at different time points was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetics of CrY in rats was well fitted to a non-compartmental model. Plasma Cr concentration reached the maximum of 8.68 ± 2.87 ng/mL at 0.25 h, and gradually decreased to 4.05 ± 0.47 ng/mL at 24 h. CrY was rapidly absorbed into the blood and was slowly eliminated after the oral administration, which could lead to the accumulation of Cr in vivo.

Integrative Approaches of Bioassay and Computational Analysis for Discovering Potential Bioactive Compounds and Predictive Toxicity.

Changes in eating habits are brought about by drastic changes in lifestyle and environment, and, it has been pointed out, are strongly involved in the increase in neurological diseases and onset of cancer in younger adult ages. There is a wide variety of chemical substances in food, and there is a need to analyze the effects of complex exposures on complex mechanisms of action and to develop methods for evaluating and predicting them. The power of molecular nutrition needs to create an integrated approach to human nutrition in line with the grand social challenges of diet-related illnesses. The current article aims to explore some of these areas where integration is appropriate. Therefore, in this symposium, we will introduce the contents of four performers who are conducting cutting-edge research. 1) Chemoprevention by vitamin A and its derivatives, 2) Toxicity prediction of natural compounds from a developing database of bioactive gradients from Kampo medicine, 3) Toxicity prediction of chemicals using pluripotent stem cells. 4) Detection of bioactive compounds in "Aji" or "Umami" in food. By detecting and predicting the biological activity and toxicity of chemical substances such as nutrients in foods, it will be possible to provide better molecular information on dietary components. In addition, we will introduce next-generation health and prevention methods.

Establishment of a Rapid Detection System for ISG20-Dependent SARS-CoV-2 Subreplicon RNA Degradation Induced by Interferon-α.

Inhaled nebulized interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-ß have been shown to be effective in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to construct a virus-free rapid detection system for high-throughput screening of IFN-like compounds that induce viral RNA degradation and suppress the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We prepared a SARS-CoV-2 subreplicon RNA expression vector which contained the SARS-CoV-2 5'-UTR, the partial sequence of ORF1a, luciferase, nucleocapsid, ORF10, and 3'-UTR under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. The expression vector was transfected into Calu-3 cells and treated with IFN-α and the IFNAR2 agonist CDM-3008 (RO8191) for 3 days. SARS-CoV-2 subreplicon RNA degradation was subsequently evaluated based on luciferase levels. IFN-α and CDM-3008 suppressed SARS-CoV-2 subreplicon RNA in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 193 IU/mL and 2.54 µM, respectively. HeLa cells stably expressing SARS-CoV-2 subreplicon RNA were prepared and treated with the IFN-α and pan-JAK inhibitor Pyridone 6 or siRNA-targeting ISG20. IFN-α activity was canceled with Pyridone 6. The knockdown of ISG20 partially canceled IFN-α activity. Collectively, we constructed a virus-free rapid detection system to measure SARS-CoV-2 RNA suppression. Our data suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 subreplicon RNA was degraded by IFN-α-induced ISG20 exonuclease activity.

Huaier granule prevents the recurrence of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after thermal ablation: A cohort study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Trametes robinophila Murr (Huaier granule) can inhibit recurrence and metastasis after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection, but its efficacy as an adjuvant therapy after thermal ablation of early HCC is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the prognostic value and side effects of Huaier granules in HCC patients undergoing thermal ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical information from 340 eligible subjects with early-stage HCC who were admitted to our department from September 1, 2008 to January 1, 2019 was extracted from the electronic medical record database. They were divided into the thermal ablation + TCM group and the thermal ablation group. Differences in their overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), extrahepatic metastatic rate (EMR), and therapeutic side effects (TSEs) between the two groups were compared. Beneficiaries of the integrated treatment and adequate treatment length were predicted. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 32.5 months (range 2-122 months). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the integrated treatment group and the control group were 93.2% vs. 92.6%, 54.5% vs. 51.4%, 23.5% vs. 19.7% (p = 0.110, HR 0.76(0.54-1.07)). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year PFS rates were 78.8% vs. 69.4%, 50.6% vs. 40.6%, 35.3% vs. 26.5%, respectively (p = 0.020, HR 0.67(0.48-0.94)). The median OS (35 vs. 31 months) and PFS (24 vs. 12.5 months) were longer in the integrated treatment group. The EMR in the integrated treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.018, HR 0.49 (0.27-0.89)). Patients with any two of the following three factors might be predicted to be beneficiaries of the integrated treatment, including younger than 65 years (p =0.039, HR 0.70 (0.50-0.98)), single tumor (p = 0.035, HR 0.70 (0.50-0.98), and tumor size ≤3 cm (p = 0.029, HR 0.69 (0.50-0.96). Patients with continuous oral administration of TCM following ablation had a lower probability of recurrence and metastasis within 2 years (p = 0.015, HR 0.67 (0.49-0.93)). Although the integrated treatment group reported a higher incidence of nausea and emesis, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: TCM following ablation may prolong PFS and suppress recurrence in patients with HCC, with continuous oral administration for more than 2 years maybe experience a greater benefit. The TSEs of the treatment are mild and can be tolerated.

Lanthanide-Activated Nanoparticles: A Toolbox for Bioimaging, Therapeutics, and Neuromodulation.

Owing to their unique features, the past decade has witnessed rapid developments of lanthanide-activated nanoparticles for biological applications. These include highly tunable upconverting and downshifting photoluminescence when illuminated in deep tissue, excellent photostability against blinking and bleaching effects, biocompatibility through versatile surface modification, and ease of achieving multifunctionality, as well as satisfactory signal output. These attributes make lanthanide-doped nanoparticles an ideal toolbox for advanced bioimaging and next-generation therapeutics.The interest in lanthanide-doped nanoparticles for biomedical research arises from their unique optical properties in response to deep-tissue-penetrable light sources. Upon near-infrared irradiation, these nanoparticles with properly doped emitters display photon upconversion with large anti-Stokes shifts and broad-spectrum tunability from the ultraviolet to the visible. It is also possible to achieve orthogonal photoluminescence with variations in wavelength and lifetime. Coupled with surface ligands, dyes, biomolecules, or other types of functional nanomaterials, lanthanide-doped nanoparticles offer new opportunities for applications in bioimaging, advanced oncotherapy, and neuromodulation. Given the possibility of locating downshifting luminescence at "biological transmission windows", exquisite design of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles also enables deep-tissue imaging with high spatial resolution. In addition, these nanoparticles can respond to high-energy photons, such as X-rays, to trigger nonradioactive and radiative pathways, making it possible to develop high-sensitivity X-ray detectors. Precise control of paramagnetic lanthanide ions in nanocrystal lattices also provides advanced materials for high-performance magnetic resonance imaging in medical diagnostics and biomedical research. Full consideration of fundamental attributes of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles will facilitate the design of multifunctional and sensitive probes and improve diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.In this Account, we categorize various lanthanide-activation strategies into three modes: near-infrared excitation, X-ray irradiation, and magnetic field stimulation. We introduce energy manipulations in upconverting, downshifting, and persistence luminescence in spectral and time domains and discuss how they can be applied in biological practices. We assess general design principles for lanthanide-activated nanosystems with multiple modalities of bioimaging, oncotherapy, and neuromodulation. We also review the current state-of-the-art in the field of lanthanide-based theranostic nanoplatforms, with particular emphasis on energy conversion and nano-/biointerfacing as well as emerging bioapplications. In this context, we also highlight recent advances in controlling optical properties of nanoplatforms for single- or multimodal bioimaging, stimulus-responsive phototherapy, and optogenetics. Finally, we discuss future opportunities and challenges of this exciting research field.

Effect of Corilagin on the Proliferation and NF-κB in U251 Glioblastoma Cells and U251 Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells.

Background. This study is to explore the effect of corilagin on the proliferation and NF-κB signaling pathway in U251 glioblastoma cells and U251 glioblastoma stem-like cells. Methods. CD133 positive U251 glioblastoma cells were separated by immunomagnetic beads to isolate glioblastoma stem-like cells. U251 cells and stem-like cells were intervened by different corilagin concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) for 48 h, respectively. Cell morphology, cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, dual luciferase reporter assay, and a western blot were used to detect and analyze the cell proliferation and cell cycle and investigate the expression of IKBα protein in cytoplasm and NF-κB/p65 in nucleus. Results. Corilagin inhibited the cell proliferation of U251 cells and their stem-like cells and the inhibition role was stronger in U251 stem-like cells (P < 0.05). The cell cycle was arrested at G2/M phase in the U251 cells following corilagin intervention; the proportion of cells in G2/M phase increased as the concentration of corilagin increased (P < 0.05). The U251 stem-like cells were arrested at the S phase following treatment with corilagin; the proportion of cells in the S phase increased as the concentration of corilagin increased (P < 0.05). The ratio of dual luciferase activities of U251 stem-like cells was lower than that of U251 cells in the same corilagin concentration. With increasing concentrations of corilagin, the IKBα expression in cytoplasm of U251 cells and U251 stem-like cells was increased, but the p65 expression in nucleus of U251 cells and U251 stem-like cells was decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Corilagin can inhibit the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and glioblastoma stem-like cells; the inhibition on glioblastoma stem-like cell proliferation is stronger than glioblastoma cells. This different result indicates that the effect of corilagin on U251 cells and U251 stem-like cells may have close relationships with mechanism of cell cycle and NF-κB signaling pathway; however, the real antitumor mechanism of corilagin is not yet clear and requires further study.

Does intravenous fish oil benefit patients post-surgery? A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Supplementation of fish oil (FO) containing lipid emulsions has been associated with a reduction in the length of hospital stay, infections and liver dysfunction in patients undergoing major surgery. We carried out a meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to examine randomised clinical trial (RCT)-based evidence of the aforementioned effects. METHODS: Four databases, reference lists and the WHO ICTRP were systematically searched for RCTs to access the clinical efficacy of fish oil-enriched total parenteral nutrition in post-surgery patients. Methodological quality assessment was based on the Cochrane Handbook and GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs were enrolled for meta-analysis. FO was associated with a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay (mean = -2.14 d, 95% CI = -3.02 to -1.27), infections (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.35-0.81), ALT (mean = -6.35 U/L, 95% CI = -11.75 to -0.94), GGT (mean = -11.01 U/L, 95% CI = -20.77 to -1.25) and total bilirubin (mean = -2.06 µmol/L, 95% CI = -3.6 to -0.52), as well as a non-significant change in mortality and postoperative medical cost. The quality of evidence of each clinical outcome was accessed as high. CONCLUSION: FO-enriched lipid emulsions are likely to reduce infections, the length of hospital stay and liver dysfunction without influencing mortality and may be a safe and preferable choice in post-surgery patients. Further well-designed trials should be performed to determine whether FO lipid emulsions reduce mortality in patients undergoing hepatic surgery, especially liver transplantation, and the cost effectiveness of such treatment.

[Clinical observation of preoperative administration of enteral nutrition support in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of preoperative administration of enteral nutrition support in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition. METHODS: A single center randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in 60 gastric cancer patients in West China Hospital from May to October 2012. Thirty patients were given enteral nutrition support(Ensure(R)) manufactured by Abbott Laboratories for ten consecutive days before surgical operation in the treatment group, and 30 patients were given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous homogenized diet in the control group for 10 days as well. The laboratory parameters of nutritional status and hepatorenal function were observed and compared between the two groups on admission, preoperative day 1 and postoperative day 3, respectively. Clinical observations, such as nausea and vomiting, were carried out until patients were discharged. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The levels of serum albumin [(33.9±5.6) g/L vs. (31.0±5.3) g/L, P<0.05], and hemoglobin[(103.4±7.7) g/L vs.(96.6±10.5) g/L, P<0.01] were significantly improved in the treatment group on postoperative day 3. However, the levels of body mass index, lymphocyte count, liver and renal function, serum glucose, sodium, and potassium were not significantly different between the two groups(all P>0.05). Moreover, two patients with nausea and one with vomiting in each group were found. In clinical observation period, no severe treatment-related adverse event were observed. CONCLUSION: The enteral supplement with Ensure(R) in gastric cancer patients at risk of malnutrition during preoperative period is effective and safe, which is superior to homogenized diet and an appropriate choice for gastric cancer patients with nutritional risk.

Influence of zirconia content on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramic / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of zirconia content which is 0-30.0% weight percentage of matrix on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven groups were divided according to different weight percentage of zirconia (0, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0%, 20.0% and 30.0%). After sintering, infiltrating and polishing, spectral transmittance was determined with spectrophotometer under D65 standard source. Contrast ratio was also tested by whiteness colorimeter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With mass fraction of zirconia increasing from 0 to 30.0%, spectral transmittance reduced from 0.406% to 0.058%, while contrast ratio value increased from 0.849 +/- 0.005 to 1.015 +/- 0.006. When zirconia content was 10.0%, contrast ratio was 0.990 +/- 0.008. When it was more than 10.0%, transmission rate of the downward trend and contrast ratio of the rising trend became flat.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Zirconia content has a direct impact on translucency of zirconia-toughened alumina glass-infiltrated ceramic, which is essentially opaque when zirconia content is 10.0%. When mass fraction of zirconia is more than 10.0%, the influence of zirconia content is reduced.</p>

[Xiaochaihu Tang for treatment of chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review of randomized trials].

BACKGROUND: Xiaochaihu Tang was a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine recorded in ancient Chinese medical book Shanghanlun, and has been widely used for chronic liver diseases especially in Japan. OBJECTIVE: To assess the beneficial effects and safety of Xiaochaihu Tang, for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic and manual searches were conducted and the search ended in November 2009. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included randomized clinical trials testing Xiaochaihu Tang against placebo, non-specific treatment, antivirals, or combined with antivirals against antivirals alone. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Selection of trials for inclusion, assessment of methodological quality by Jadad score, data extraction and data syntheses were conducted according to the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group methods. RESULTS: Sixteen randomized trials (involving 1 601 CHB patients) with various methodological quality were included. One trial published in English had good quality, while other trials published in Chinese were of poor quality. The pooled results showed that Xiaochaihu Tang combined with antiviral drugs was more effective in serum loss of hepatitis B viral markers and in improving liver function compared with antiviral drugs alone. Xiaochaihu Tang was not different from placebo in terms of viral clearance or improving liver function. However, Xiaochaihu Tang was superior to non-specific treatment in liver function improvement. There were no adverse effects reported in the trials regarding Xiaochaihu Tang, but adverse effects were reported in patients treated by interferon, and severe adverse effects occurred in few cases. CONCLUSION: Xiaochaihu Tang in this review appears to be effective in improving liver function and clearance of serum hepatitis B viral markers in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, due to poor methodological quality in the majority of included trials the potential benefits need to be confirmed in rigorous clinical trials following international standards.

[Elucidating the structure of two cyclotides of Viola tianshanica maxim by MALDI TOF/TOF MS analysis].

The cyclotides are a family of cyclic "mini" proteins that occur in Violaceae, Rubiaceae and Cucurbitaceae plant families and contain a head-to-tail cyclic backbone and a cystine knot arranged by three disulfide bonds. To study the natural cyclotides of V tianshanica, dried herb was extracted with 50% ethanol, and the concentrated aqueous extract was subjected to a solvent-solvent partitioning between water and hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, separately. The n-butanol extract containing cyclotides was subjected to column chromatography over Sephadex LH-20, eluted with 30% methanol. The subfractions were directly reduced by DTT and analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC. The peaks with different retention times were shown on the profile of RP-HPLC and collected. The cyclotides were speculated based on masses range from 3 000 to 3 500 Da. The purified cyclotides were reduced with DTT, alkylated with iodoacetamide, and then were cleaved with endoproteinase Glu-C, endoproteinase Lys-C and Trypsin, separately. The digested peptides were purified on RP-HPLC and analyzed on MALDI TOF/TOF analyzer. A new cyclotide, cycloviolacin T1 and a reported cyclotide varv E were systemically determined using MALDI TOF/TOF system. So the method for the isolation and characterization of cyclotides was quickly built up in succession.

[Compound Chinese herbal medicines, Chinese herbal drugs and their active extracts for treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials].

BACKGROUND: The conventional therapy for chronic hepatitis C is the combination of interferon-alpha and ribavirin. However, it has some adverse effects and does not response to some patients, and it is also very expensive. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicinal herbs for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic and manual searches were conducted and the search ended in July 2009. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included randomized clinical trials testing Chinese herbal medicine vs placebo, non-specific treatment, antiviral treatment, or Chinese herbal medicine combined with antiviral treatment vs antiviral treatment alone. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Selection of trials for inclusion, assessment of methodological quality, data extraction and data syntheses were conducted according to the protocol of a Cochrane systematic review by the authors. RESULTS: Fifty-one randomized trials (involving 3 678 patients) with various methodological quality were included. The studies published in English had good quality, while studies published in Chinese were of poor quality. The pooled results showed that Chinese herbal medicine alone or in combination with antiviral treatment was generally better than non-specific treatment or antiviral treatment alone, and herbal medicine appeared equal to antiviral treatment regarding comprehensive clinical effect in terms of symptoms, liver function and virological response. Regarding virological response including loss of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and anti-HCV antibodies, herbal medicine was better than non-specific treatment, equal to antiviral treatment, and the combination of herbs and antiviral treatment was better than antiviral treatment alone. Similar positive findings were found for liver function improvement. Adverse effects were observed among herbal injections and interferon treatment, and few cases had severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines included in this review have effects in improving symptoms, liver function, and loss of HCV markers in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, for majority of the included trials were published in Chinese and had low quality, the promising effects from some herbs need to be confirmed in rigorous clinical trials, and the design and reporting of trials should follow international standards. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: http://www.cochrane.org, 380700081611301089.

[Efficacy of enalapril combined with folic acid in lowering blood pressure and plasma homocysteine level].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of enalapril combined with folic acid in lowering both blood pressure and plasma total homocysteine (Hcy) in essential hypertensive patients. METHODS: A randomized, community-based clinical trial was conducted. Subjects with hypertension were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups:enalapril 10 mg/d alone (control), enalapril 10 mg plus folic acid 0.4 mg daily (low-dose group) and enalapril 10 mg combined with folic acid 0.8 mg daily (high-dose group) for a total of 8 weeks. Resting blood pressures of all subjects was measured at baseline, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week of therapy. Plasma Hcy levels were measured at baseline, 4 week and the end of study. RESULTS: A total of 273 hypertensive patients were enrolled. All analyses were performed according to the intention to treat. Compared with control group, both low- and high-dose group had significantly a greater efficacy in lowering both blood pressure and plasma Hcy level, or in lowering either blood pressure or plasma Hcy level, or in lowering Hcy level. The proportion of subjects showing a marked reduction in both blood pressure and plasma homocysteine in control group, low-dose group and high-dose group were 3.8%, 15.2% and 17.1% respectively; the proportion of subjects showing a marked reduction in either blood pressure or plasma homocysteine in control group, low-dose group and high-dose group were 43.8%, 70.9% and 58.5% respectively. Effect upon blood pressure lowering was not significantly different among these three regimens. CONCLUSION: As compared to enalapril alone, enalapril combined with folic acid showed a better efficacy in reducing both blood pressure and plasma Hcy level in hypertensive subjects.

Investigation of the function of the glass colorant on the machinable infiltrated ceramics color / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigae the function of the glass colorant on the color of the machinable infiltrated ceramics(MIC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five kinds of glass with different colorant were infiltrated through the aluminous matrix by heating the components to 1 100 degrees C for 2 hours. The specimens surface was polished, and their thickness was 0.5 mm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The refractive index of the MIC infiltration glass was 1.59691 (587.6 nm, nd) . The most different parameter of the MIC color were L*, then a*, and b* had little difference . The parameters of the color space of MIC were: L*(64.55-71.46), a*(3.35-7.38), b*(10.00-12.41), Ca*b*(11.38-13.95), ha*b*(54.07-73.00). These were almost close to the color parameters of Vita In-ceram.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This experiment proved that the glass colorant was changed the MIC color parameters, and the main function was on L*, then a*. The ceramic color was up to the requirement of clinic.</p>