Shengmai Powder regulates alveolar macrophage PPAR-γ and improves the chronic inflammatory state of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study examines the therapeutic effects of Shengmai Powder (SMP) on both in vitro and in vivo models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the underlying mechanisms. Cigarette smoke and cigarette extracts were used to create in vitro and in vivo models of COPD. ELISA was used to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) in mouse lung tissue and alveolar macrophages. Flow cytometry assessed the phagocytic capacity of alveolar macrophage. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of RhoA, PPARγ, IκBα, p-IκBα, P65, and p-P65 in alveolar. The results show that SMP reversed the increased levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) in mouse lung tissue and alveolar macrophages induced by cigarette smoke and cigarette extract. SMP also restored the decreased fluorescence intensity and RhoA levels in alveolar macrophages caused by cigarette extract. Additionally, SMP increased PPARγ expression and decreased IκBα and P65 phosphorylation in alveolar macrophages exposed to cigarette extract. Also, the effects of SMP were reversed by PPARγ inhibitors. The study concluded that SMP regulates alveolar macrophage phagocytic function through the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, thereby improving the chronic inflammatory state of COPD.

Subhealth Risk Perception Scale: Development and Validation of a New Measure.

BACKGROUND: To develop an individual's physical subhealth risk perception scale and evaluate its reliability and validity, so as to provide a measurement tool for individual physical health risk. METHODS: A questionnaire on the perception risk of physical subhealth was developed. Using a random sampling method, 785 people in the Anhui provincial physical examination centre were selected as the research participants. Of the questionnaires returned, 770 were valid, giving an effective rate of 98%. Firstly, the Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to study the correlation of 35 items in the initial scale, and then, polychoric factor structure analysis was carried out by using the Pratt D matrix to optimize the item structure. The Cronbach'α coefficient method was used to test the internal consistency reliability, and a structural equation model was used to explore the construct validity of the scale. The discriminant validity of the scale was obtained by factor analysis. A general linear model was used to analyse the relationship between the clinical manifestations of physical subhealth and the level of risk perception, and the convergent validity of the scale was evaluated. RESULTS: All the data of 35 items were significantly correlated at the 0.01 level. The correlation coefficients between a1 and a2, a3 and a4, b1 and b2, b2 and b3, c4 and c5, c5 and c6, c6 and c7, c8 and c9, d1 and d2, d2 and d3, e5 and e6, g1 and g2, g2 and g3, and g2 and g4 were greater than 0.6. The items with correlation coefficients greater than 0.6 were reduced by a Pratt D matrix. The resulting physical subhealth risk perception scale covers five factors with a total of 18 items. The Cronbach'α coefficient of the scale was 0.889, and the Cronbach'α coefficients of the five factors F1-F5 were 0.780, 0.825, 0.801, 0.736, and 0.704, respectively. Structural equation model analysis showed that χ 2/df = 3.43, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.08, GFI = 0.88, NFI = 0.84, AGFI = 0.84, and CFI = 0.88. Factor analysis showed that factors F1-F5 had significant correlations (p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficients were less than the corresponding square root value of AVE. Based on the subhealth clinical manifestations of the participants, the general linear model was used to explore the convergent validity of the scale, and the results indicated that the scale passed the convergent validity test. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a physical subhealth risk perception scale amounting to 18 items, which includes five dimensions: health knowledge (2 items), risk perception (5 items), trust selection (4 items), information channel (4 items), and social groups (3 items). The reliability and validity of the physical subhealth risk perception scale are acceptable. Applying the scale into practice has potential to improve the overall public health level.

Fibrous papules on the lips.

Multiple angiofibromas are commonly found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. We report a rare presentation of multiple congenital fibrous papules occurring only on the lips with no syndromic associations.

Association of CDKAL1 RS10946398 Gene Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the common chronic diseases in which susceptibility is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and more than 90% of diabetic patients are diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). The existing studies on the association between CDKAL1 rs10946398 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes are inconsistent across populations. AIM: We aim to explore the association between CDKAL1 rs10946398 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in different populations. METHODS: We examined all studies before June 12, 2021, that associated CDKAL1 rs10946398 with T2DM. Heterogeneity was assessed by meta-analysis of allelic inheritance models (A vs. C), dominant inheritance models (AA vs. AC+CC), and recessive inheritance model (AA+AC vs. CC); I 2 was used to assess the heterogeneity (if I 2 < 50%, the fixed-effects model was used; if I 2 ≥ 50%, the random-effects model was used for data consolidation); correlation was judged by a forest map; potential publication bias was tested by the Egger test (p > 0.05 indicates that there is no publication bias). RESULTS: Fourteen data totaling 30288 subjects, including 19272 controls and 11016 patients with T2DM, met our inclusion criteria. In the Asian population, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01) for dominant genetic model (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.64-0.88, p = 0.0003). But the allelic effect model (OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.75-1.02, p = 0.08) and the recessive genetic model (OR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.66-1.10, p = 0.23) were not statistically significant (p > 0.01). In the non-Asian population, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01) for the allelic effect model (OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.77-0.88, p < 0.00001), the dominant model (OR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.72-0.87, p < 0.00001), and the recessive model (OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.70-0.87, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In this study, CDKAL1 RS10946398 was positively associated with T2DM, but the association was different in Asian populations.

First report of kerion (tinea capitis) caused by combined Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis.

A 5-year-old boy was presented with large ulcer accompanied by surrounding follicular pustules on the left parietal scalp. Dermoscopy showed "comma" and dystrophic broken hairs. Fungal culture showed mixed growth of two types of colonies. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis were identified by using mycological examinations. To our knowledge, this is the first case of kerion caused by the combined Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Treatment with oral terbinafine for 2 months was effective.

Screening the in vitro susceptibility of posaconazole in clinical isolates of Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. and analyzing the sequence of ERG11 or CYP51A in non-wild-type isolates from China.

The present study was to determine the in vitro activity of posaconazole (POS) against 385 Candida and 268 Aspergillus clinical isolates from China. We found that POS was active against 85.5% Candida and 94.4% Aspergillus isolates. Non-wild-type (non-WT) phenotype was found in a subset of Candida albicans (15.4%), Candida tropicalis (11.9%), Aspergillus fumigatus (4.1%), and Aspergillus flavus (17.4%) isolates. Cross-resistance to POS and other triazoles was seen. Gene sequencing showed that 4 C. albicans, 1 C. tropicalis, and 9 A. fumigatus isolates with cross-resistance to POS and other triazoles had mutations in ERG11 or CYP51A. In conclusion, POS has potent in vitro activity against most of Candida and Aspergillus isolates from China. Non-WT phenotype and those with cross-resistance to POS and other triazoles exist, frequently driven by mutations of ERG11 in Candida spp. and CYP51A in Aspergillus spp.

Long non-coding RNA NKILA inhibits proliferation and migration of lung cancer via IL-11/STAT3 signaling.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of lots of cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is all lung cancer except small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common non-small cell lung cancer types include squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, and some other common types. Increasing studies identified that a long non-coding RNA NKILA was negatively correlated with breast cancer metastasis while its clinical significance and potential role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. In the present study, we confirmed the function of lncRNA NKILA as well as the underlying mechanism in regulating the NSCLC. METHODS: The expression of lncRNA NKILA was detected in both Lung cancer tissues and cell line including A549 and NCI-H1299 by quantitative real-time reverse transcription. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targeted NKILA was transfected into cells to inhibit the expression of NKILA. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and scratch experiments were performed to analyze the migration and proliferation of NCI-H1299 which were transfected with si-NKILA. Protein levels of genes that related with G0/G1 arrest markers p16, p21, and p27 markers were measured. RESULTS: The expression of NKILA was significantly down regulated in lung cancer tissues when compared to matched normal tissue. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results confirmed that low expression of lncRNA NKILA plays a role in the deterioration of NSCLC cells and this effect depends on IL-11/STAT3 signaling.

Therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy combined with imiquimod in the treatment of anal condyloma acuminatum and its effect on immune function.

Therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy combined with imiquimod in the treatment of anal condyloma acuminatum (CA) was investigated to explore its effect on immune function. A total of 104 patients with anal CA were randomly divided into two groups: Patients in the study group were treated with photodynamic therapy combined with imiquimod, and ii) patients in the control group were treated with recombinant human interferon α-2b cream. Clinical efficacy and immune function related indicators were compared between the two groups. After treatment for 6 weeks, the cure rate and total effective rate of study group was 53.85 and 92.31%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (30.77 and 75.00%, P<0.05). Recurrence rate of study group was 3.85% within 6 months after treatment, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.23%, P<0.05). After treatment, levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and IFN-γ in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and levels of CD8+, IL-4 and IL-10 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Photodynamic therapy combined with imiquimod in the treatment of anus CA can regulate T lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels, enhance immune function, improve clinical efficacy, reduce recurrence rate, and have almost no side effects. Therefore, this treatment should be popularized in clinical practice.

A splice donor site mutation in HOXD13 underlies synpolydactyly with cortical bone thinning.

Synpolydactyly 1(SPD1) is a dominantly inherited distal limb anomaly that is characterized by incomplete digit separation and increased number of digits. SPD1 is most commonly caused by polyalanine repeat expansions and mutations in the homeodomain of the HOXD13. We report a splice donor site mutation in HOXD13 associated in most cases with cortical bone thinning. In vitro study of transcripts and truncated protein analysis indicated that c.781+1G>A mutation results in truncated HOXD13 protein p.G190fsX4. Luciferase assay indicated that the truncated HOXD13 protein failed to bind to DNA. The mechanism for this phenotype was truncated protein loss of function.

Overexpression of DOC-1R inhibits cell cycle G1/S transition by repressing CDK2 expression and activation.

DOC-1R (deleted in oral cancer-1 related) is a novel putative tumor suppressor. This study investigated DOC-1R antitumor activity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell phenotypes were assessed using flow cytometry, BrdU incorporation and CDK2 kinase assays in DOC-1R overexpressing HeLa cells. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to detect underlying molecular changes in these cells. The interaction between DOC-1R and CDK2 proteins was assayed by GST pull-down and immunoprecipitation-Western blot assays. The data showed that DOC-1R overexpression inhibited G1/S phase transition, DNA replication and suppressed CDK2 activity. Molecularly, DOC-1R inhibited CDK2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, and there were decreased levels of G1-phase cyclins (cyclin D1 and E) and elevated levels of p21, p27, and p53 proteins. Meanwhile, DOC-1R associated with CDK2 and inhibited CDK2 activation by obstructing its association with cyclin E and A. In conclusion, the antitumor effects of DOC-1R may be mediated by negatively regulating G1 phase progression and G1/S transition through inhibiting CDK2 expression and activation.

Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease presenting as a granulomatous rosacea-like rashs.

A case of cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease (CRDD) presenting as a granulomatous rosacea-like rashs was reported. A 45-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 1-month history of a widespread nonpruiginous papulonodular eruption. The rash had begun on her face and rapidly progressed to involve the neck and extremities. She was otherwise healthy, with no history of fever, malaise, or weight loss. Physical examination revealed multiple symmetrically distributed discrete and coalescing red plaques, papules and nodules scattered over the face, neck and extremities. No appreciable lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly was noted. There was no mucosal involvement. The biopsy specimen obtained from the face demonstrated the epidermis was normal, while the superficial dermis contained sheets of histiocytes with abundant, focally foamy cytoplasm. The histiocytes were surrounded by a patchy lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltrate. There was no significant histiocytic atypia. Some of these histiocytes engulfed, without destroying, lymphocytes and neutrophils (emperipolesis). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the histiocytes were strongly positive for S100 protein, weakly positive for CD68, and negative for CD1a. A diagnosis of CRDD was made. Oral prednisone therapy was initiated at a dosage of 30 mg/d for 3 weeks and then tapered over the ensuing 2 weeks. After 5 weeks of treatment, the lesions had markedly improved.

Effects of protein kinase C on M-phase promoting factor in early development of fertilized mouse eggs.

The mechanism of development of mouse fertilized eggs from the one-cell stage to the two-cell stage remains unclear to date. In the present study, we have evaluated protein kinase C (PKC) and M-phase promoting factor (MPF) kinase activity in fertilized mouse eggs treated with a PKC modulator. PKC and MPF activity have similar activity. The two subunits of MPF, p34(cdc2) and cyclin B, were shown to be included in the substrates phosphorylated by PKC in fertilized mouse eggs, while PKC modulator affected the electrophoretic mobility shift of cdc2 and cdc25C by dephosphorylation and phosphorylation. These results clearly indicate that PKC may affect the progression of the cell cycle through post-translational modification of MPF activity.