Investigating the validation of the Chinese Mandarin version of the Social Responsiveness Scale in a Mainland China child population.

BACKGROUND: Researchers from several different countries have found the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to have good psychometric properties. However, to our knowledge, no studies on this subject have been reported in Mainland China. In this study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Chinese Mandarin version of the SRS when used in Mainland China. METHODS: The reliability and validity of the parent-report SRS in a sample of 749 children of 4- to 14-year-olds: 411 typically developing and 338 clinical participants (202 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)) were examined. RESULTS: Internal consistency for total scale (0.871-0.922), test-retest reliability (0.81-0.94), and convergent validity with the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) (0.302-0.647) were satisfactory. The SRS total score discriminated between the ASD and other developmental disorders. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed that the SRS was predicted to accurately classify 69.2-97.2% of youth ASD. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported a single-factor solution for the ASD subsample. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) did not confirm the theoretical construct of five factors model with inadequate fit in the ASD subsample. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings supported the reliability and validity of the parent-report SRS as one ASD screening instrument. In addition, we also suggest that the use of separate cut-offs for screening purposes (optimizing sensitivity) vs. clinical confirmation (optimizing specificity) should be considered.

Cognitive-adaptive Functioning Gap and Mediating Factors that Impact Adaptive Functioning in Chinese Preschool-aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study aimed to investigate the gap between adaptive functioning and cognitive functioning, especially verbal and nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) in Chinese children with ASD. We systematically explored cognitive functioning, ASD severity, early signs of developmental abnormalities, and socioeconomic factors as mediating factors of adaptive functioning. We enrolled 151 children (age: 2.5?6 years) with ASD and categorized them into one group with IQ ≥ 70 and another with IQ < 70. The two groups were calibrated for age, age at diagnosis, and IQ, and the relationship of adaptive skills with vocabulary acquisition index (VAI) and nonverbal index (NVI) were separately analyzed. Results show that the gap between IQ and adaptive functioning was significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, with both VAI and NVI showing statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). VAI correlated positively with scores for overall adaptive skills and specific domains, whereas NVI had no significant correlations with adaptive skill scores. Age of first walking unaided had an independent positive correlation (all P < 0.05) with scores of adaptive skills and specific domains. IQ-adaptive functioning gap is significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, suggesting that defining "high-functioning autism" merely on the basis of IQ is not appropriate. Verbal IQ and early signs of motor development are specific and possible predictors of adaptive functioning in children with ASD, respectively.

The natural plant product sophocarpine ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by regulating cytokine balance.

INTRODUCTION: Sophora alopecuroides L., a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, has been widely used for treating enteritis and bacillary dysentery for many years. Sophocarpine is a major ingredient of S. alopecuroides L. and has a wide range of pharmacological effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of sophocarpine for treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice, a well-characterized murine model of ulcerative colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in these mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days and sophocarpine (60, 30, and 15 mg/kg of body weight) and sulfasalazine (520 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day for 7 days. RESULTS: Sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis as identified by a reduced disease activity index and wet weight of colons as well as recovery of body weight. Furthermore, the oral administration of sophocarpine significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity and the level of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 in serum (P < 0.01), while there was no significant effect on the level of IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based upon our results, we suggest that sophocarpine is an effective agent for treating colonic inflammation.

Association between height and weight catch-up growth with insulin resistance in pre-pubertal Chinese children born small for gestational age at two different ages.

This study was performed to test whether children born small for gestational age (SGA) with catch-up growth (CUG) could be associated with the early development of insulin resistance and the ß-cell dysfunction and to explore the impacts of height CUG and weight CUG on the insulin resistance in a Chinese population. A total of 30 children born SGA with CUG, 37 non-CUG (NCUG), and 42 born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with normal height were recruited. Their fasting serum insulin, fasting glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, and the homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ß-cell function (HOMA%) were evaluated. The values of HOMA-IR in CUG SGA were significantly higher than that in NCUG SGA (P = 0.002) and AGA children (P = 0.036), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the concentrations of fasting serum insulin were positively correlated with IGF-1 (r = 0.443, P = 0.001) and Δheight standard deviation score (SDS; r = 0.500, P = 0.002) in ≤ 6-year-old SGA children, but only with Δweight SDS (r = 0.496, P = 0.030) in >6-year-old children. In conclusion, SGA children with CUG in height and a higher body mass index are prone to the development of insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin were closely correlated with the postnatal height CUG in young SGA children and with the weight CUG in old children.

[Effect of total alkaloid of Sophora alopecuroides on SW480 cells and Balb/c nude mice tumor xenograft].

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-tumor effect of total alkaloid of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA) on human colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells and Balb/c nude mice tumor xenograft. METHODS: The effect of TASA on cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay and the cell apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay. The nude mouse model bearing transplanted solid tumor SW480 was established. The changes of the volume and weight of the tumor were determined after treatment the mice with TASA. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and BCL-2 mRNA expressions in the tumor. RESULTS: TASA inhibited the proliferation of SW480 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate of cells was the best when the concentration of TASA was 0.92 mg/mL at 48 hours. The volume and weight of the tumor xenograft in TASA groups were decreased when compared with those of the control group. The results of RT-PCR showed that TASA activated the pro-apoptotic Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 and lowered expressions of BCL-2. CONCLUSION: TASA can inhibit the growth of SW480 cells and the growth of transplanted solid tumor of human SW480 cell line, the mechanism of which involves the effect of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and BCL-2 expression.

Effect of sophoridine on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice.

Sophoridine (SRI), one of the quinolizidine alkaloids, is a new anticancer drug with noticeable antitumor action and lower toxicity. To our knowledge, there is no report about its effect on colitis. Repeated colitis was induced by administration of four cycles of 4% DSS. The severity of colitis was assessed on the basis of clinical signs, colon length and histology scores. Moreover, cecum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and plasma haptoglobin (HP) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ICAM-1, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Green I. SRI administration significantly attenuated the damage and caused substantial reduction of the rise in plasma HP, and maintained the level of cecum sIgA. SRI inhibited the ICAM-1 gene expression and had no effect on MIF gene expression. In conclusion, for the first time, the activity of SRI on DSS-induced colitis mice was investigated, which suggests that SRI could be an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

[Effects of Yi Fu Ning soft gelatin capsules on reproductive endocrine-immune function of ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Yi Fu Ning Soft Gelatin Capsules (YFN) on reproductive endocrine-immune function of ovariectomized rats. METHODS: 60 3-month old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used, 50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomizy (OVX) group, OVX with diethylstilbestrol tablets (DT) group, OVX with YFN (high dose, middle dose and low dose) group. The others were sham-operated group. The rats were administrated initially in the 4th week after the operation. After drugs had been given for 12 weeks the rats were sacrificed, blood serum hormone, IL-2 content and T lymphocyte subpopulation were detected with methods radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: (1) Compared with sham group, the level of serum E2, Te and P significantly decreased (P < 0.01), FSH, LH content significantly increased; Blood T lymphocyte subpopulation CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio significantly decreased, serum IL-2 content also significantly decreased (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with model group, after treated by YFN, the level of serum E2 and P significantly increased (P < 0.01), serum FSH and LH content significantly decreased; T lymphocyte subpopulation CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were improved significantly and serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) content increased significantly. CONCLUSION: YFN can increase serum sexual hormone content,reduce the level of FSH and LH, and improve imbalanced T lymphocyte subpopulation, stimulate IL-2 excretion, which means YFN can regulate inordinate reproductive endocrine-immune network in ovariectomized rats.

Validation of the Simplified Chinese Psychoeducational Profile Third Edition in Mainland China.

The Psychoeducational Profile 3rd Edition (PEP-3) is a comprehensive assessment tool designed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although its original English version has been validated, few validation studies have been conducted on translated versions including Chinese ones. Based on 554 Chinese children with ASD and 311 typically developing Chinese children as the control group, this study investigated the psychometric properties of a simplified Chinese PEP-3 (sCPEP-3) in China mainland. Psychometric evaluation of the sCPEP-3 showed satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, convergent validity, construct validity, and factorial validity. The findings have several implications such as utilizing the sCPEP-3 in mainland China for customized educational program planning, early identification, and evaluating the treatment effects for children with ASD.

[Chemical constituents from Lespedeza virgata].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Lespedeza virgata. METHOD: The constituents were isolated by column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by chemical properties and spectroscopic evideuce. RESULT: Seven components were isolated and identified as quercetin 3-O-[2"-O-( E'-6"-O-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-beta-D-galact opyranoside (1), kaempferol-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyransyl-kaempeferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetine (4), E-beta-hydroxycinnamic acid (5), protocatechuic acid (6), p-hydroxybenzoic (7). CONCLUSION: Seven components are isolated from L. virgata for the first time.

[Screening on alkaloid of Sophora alopecuraides against adenocarcinoma of colon cell line SW620 in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To test 5 kinds of alkaloid of Sophora alopecuraides L., the effects of TBSA, MT, OMT, SC, SRI against adenocarcinoma of colon cell line SW620. METHODS: SW620 cell line was treated with alkaloid at various concentrations. The effect on cell proliferative activity was measured by MTT assay and the effects of alkaloids against cell growth were compared. The changes of cell morphology were observed through optical microscope and fluorescence microscope and the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay after the treatments. RESULTS: According to the results of MTT assay, all of the 5 kinds of alkaloid especially SRI and MT were identified to produce growth inhibition against SW620 cells. The sequence of the intensity of effect was TBSA < OMT < SC < MT < SRI. Further study of SRI and MT demonstrated their effects on inducing SW620 cell apoptosis, and SRI showed the strongest effect. Both SRI and MT induced SW620 cells to apoptosis in a dose-and-time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The 5 kinds of alkaloid especially SRI and MT may inhibit the growth of SW620 cells,and induce SW620 cell apoptosis. The results of this study pave the way for further identification of the effective components in Sophora alopecuraides L. that inhibit colorectal carcinoma both in vivo and in vitro.

[Effect of pectins of different degree of esterification on in-vitro sophoridine release of hydrophilic matrix tablets containing total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare colon-targetting tablets of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides and evaluate the effect of pectins of different degree of esterification (DE) on sophoridine release profiles in-vitro. METHOD: Wet granulation technique was employed to prepare petin-based matrix tablets, then tablets were coated the optimal formulation with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP based on the optimal formulation and analysed their release. RESULT: Coated formulation E could target total alkaloids of S. alopecuroides to colon and various DE of pectin exerted different effects on sophoridine release. The release of low DE pectin-based matrix tablets coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP approximatedly fitted zere-order eqution, which was erosion depended. CONCLUSION: Low DE pectin-based matrix tablet coating with Kollicoat MAE 30 DP can deliver sophoridine to colon, hence improve the effectiveness of sophoridine.

Acyl-carnitine, C5DC, and C26 as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that shown a close association with impaired lipid metabolism. The acyl-carnitine spectrum status in Chinese children with ASD has not been reported. In this study, we assessed the levels of blood acyl-carnitines in Chinese children with ASD and examined the relation between acyl-carnitine profiles and the intelligence levels. Blood levels of acyl-carnitines were determined by tandem mass spectrometry in 60 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children. Chinese Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI) was used in ASD group. Blood levels of free carnitine, glutaricyl carnitine, octyl carnitine, twenty four carbonyl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine in the ASD group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Glutaryl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of ASD. The changes in the acyl-carnitine spectrum indicate potential mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal fatty acid metabolism in preschool ASD children.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPARγ) in Metabolic Disorders in SGA with Catch-Up Growth.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal fat metabolism is a major disorder in adults who were small for gestational age (SGA). Peroxisome prolferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) participates in adipocyte differentiation and the regulation of lipid metabolism. This study explored the role of PPARγ in the regulation of fat catch-up growth (CUG) and the lipid metabolism of SGA individuals. METHODS: The CUG-SGA rats were treated with pioglitazone. The weight of the visceral adipose tissue, serum lipid levels, and PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue were detected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. RESULTS: The PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue in the CUG-SGA group was lower than that in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). The serum triglycerides in the CUG-SGA group were elevated compared with that in the AGA group at 4 and 12 weeks (P = 0.005; P = 0.037); however, they were significantly decreased after 8 weeks of pioglitazone intervention (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PPARγ expression in the visceral adipose tissue was lower in SGA rats and may be related to the regulation of adipocyte differentiation. The early increased PPARγ expression by pioglitazone might reduce serum triglycerides and decrease the CUG of the visceral adipose tissue in SGA.

[Effects of total base of Sophora alopecuroides on expression of SOD, MDA, NO, MPO in rats with experimental colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of total base of Sophora alopecuroides on expression of SOD, MDA, NO, MPO in rats with experimental colitis (UC). METHOD: SD rats were randomized into 6 groups and colitis was induced by administrating 2,4,6-trinitrobenzesulphonic acid (TNB) recatlly in rats. Rats were given drug by stomach after the first day for 3 weeks, and sacrificed at 23rd day to determine the content of MDA and activities of SOD, NO, MPO in colonic mucosa, and to estimate the symptom and colonic histology. RESULT: In UC rats, SOD was significantly decreased whereas MDA, NO, MPO were increased when compared with the normal group (P < 0.05). In all treatment groups, Sophora alopecuroides could increase SOD, decrease MDA, NO, MPO (P < 0.05), and improve the symptoms and histological damages. CONCLUSION: The total dose of S. alopecuroides may ameliorates or alleviate the symptoms of UC through inhibiting oxygen free radical reaction, decreasing the generation of NO and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

[Effects of Yifuning soft gelatin capsules on pathology and biomechanical indexes of ovariectomied rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Yifuning soft gelatin capsules (YFN) on pathology and biomechanical indexes of ovariectomied female rats. METHOD: Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats without pregnancy and delivery were used,50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomy(OVX), OVX with diethylstilbestrol tables (DT), OVX with YFN (high dose,middle dose and low dose), the others were sham-operated group. The rats began to take the rats drugs in the fifth week after the operation. After 12 weeks of treat ment the rats were killed, and the bones were collected to inspect. The pathology of bone was observed with the HE stain and the area of trabecular was detected. The electronic testing device was used to detect the biomechanical properties. RESULT: The results indicated that the rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) was a success. Compared with the model group, after application of the drugs, the observation of HE showed different repairing around trabecular. The biomechanical parameters also increased significantly. CONCLUSION: YFN can effectively prevent the loss of bone in OVX rats and strengthen bone quality, and has a good effect on PMO oostmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Effects of Yifuning capsule on blood lipids of ovariectomized hyperlipidemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Yifuning (YEN) capsule on blood lipids of ovariectomized hyperlipidemia rats. METHOD: Fifty-six female mature Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 7 groups: normal control group, model control group, diethylstilbestrol tablets (DT) group, Xuezhikang group, YFN high, middle and low dose groups. The ovariectomized rats were fed on high fat diet and administrated with the drugs for 3 weeks, then were killed and estimated body weight, liver index and five items of blood lipid (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL) by test kit. Enzyme (such as HP, LDL, and whole lipase) was detected too. RESULT: The weight and liver index of model control group increased obviously as compared with normal group. YFN could reduce TG, TC, and LDL-C (P < 0.05) of ovariectomized hyperlipidemia rats obviously and increase HP, LDL and whole lipase (P < 0.05) on the other hand. CONCLUSION: YFN can ameliorate blood lipids of ovariectomized hyperlipidemia rats.

A Family-Based Association Study of CYP11A1 and CYP11B1 Gene Polymorphisms With Autism in Chinese Trios.

Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with the higher prevalence in males. Our previous studies have indicated lower progesterone levels in the children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting involvement of the cytochrome P-450scc gene (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P-45011beta gene (CYP11B1) as candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the family-based genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2279357 in the CYP11A1 gene and rs4534 and rs4541 in the CYP11B1 gene and autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children, which were selected according to the location in the coding region and 5' and 3' regions and minor allele frequencies of greater than 0.05 in the Chinese populations. The transmission disequilibrium test and case-control association analyses were performed in 100 Chinese Han autism spectrum disorder family trios. The genotype and allele frequency of the 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms had no statistical difference between the children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents (P> .05). Transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed transmission disequilibrium of CYP11A1 gene rs2279357 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (χ(2)= 5.038,P< .001). Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder exists within or near the CYP11A1 gene in the Han Chinese population.

Yifuning postpones ovarian aging through antioxidant mechanisms and suppression of the Rb/p53 signal transduction pathway.

Yifuning is a traditional Chinese medicine recipe that has been used for many years in China for its effects on treating climacteric syndrome in women. The present study aimed to demonstrate the effects and underlying molecular mechanism of Yifuning on the ovaries of aging rats. Selected aging rats were administered different doses of Yifuning (1.0 or 2.0 g/kg by lavage), and after 6 weeks the rats were sacrificed. The activit of indicators of oxidative stress in the serum were measured. The expression levels of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) and p53 in the ovaries were examined using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of the corresponding genes and proteins were detected by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses, respectively. The results indicated that Yifuning significantly prevented ovarian failure, as indicated by improvements in estrous cycling, reproductive organ weights and sex hormone serum levels. Yifuning significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. Yifuning reduced DNA damage in the ovaries by reducing the expression of 8­OHDG and p53. Treatment with Yifuning significantly reduced the age­induced p19, p53, p21 and Rb activity in the ovaries. The present study demonstrates that Yifuning prevents ovarian failure and the mechanism involved is partly associated with antioxidants and suppression of the Rb/p53 signal transduction pathway.

[Laboratory study of effects of yifuning soft capsules on postmenopausal osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Yifuning soft capsules on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized female rats. METHOD: 60 female sprague-dawley rats in 3-month were used, 50 of them were ovariectomized and randomly divided into 5 groups: ovariectomy (OVX), OVX with diethylstilbestrol tables (DT), OVX with YFN (high dose, middle dose and low dose), the others were sham-operated group. Began to give the rats drugs in the fifth week after the operation. After 12 weeks killed the rats. The blood,the uterus and bones were collected to inspect. The content of estrogen (E2) in serum was detected by radioimmunoassay method. The contents of Ca, P, ALP in serum were detected using the automic biochemistry-analyse device. The uterus were weight and the length, width, dry weight and net weight of the shoulder bone were measured. The contents of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn in the bone were measured using the automic absorption spectrophotometer. The right femer and the third lumbar vertebra were detected for BMD using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner and compression test using electronic testing device. RESULT: After using the drugs,the content of E2, Ca in serum, the weight of uterus, the contents of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn in the bone and the BMD of right femer increased significantly, the content of P, ALP in serum decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Yifuning soft capsules has a good effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis, which provides evidence for clinical use.

[Experimental study on treatment of minimal change nephropathy with Lespedeza michx].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of Lespedeza Michx in experimental rat model of minimal change nephropathy (MCN). METHOD: The rat MCN model was reproduced by tail-intravenous injection of Adriamycin. The treatment effect of Lespedeza Michx was determined by the detection of urine protein collection for 24 hours, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ATCO, IL-8, TNF-alpha in serum, and renal histopathological changes were observed by microscope. RESULT: Lespedeza Michx could decrease the contents of urine proteinuria, MDA, IL-8, and TNF-alpha in serum, increase SOD level and improved the pathological change of glomeruli. CONCLUSION: Lespedeza Michx was effective on MCN.