Systematic review and meta-analysis of the interventional effects of resveratrol in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective: To evaluate the intervention effect of resveratrol on rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: The relevant studies on the intervention of resveratrol on rat models of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and China Science and Technology Journal Database from the start of database establishment to January 2023. Data were extracted from studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results included electrocardiogram (ECG) and myocardial injury markers: ST changes, cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), cardiac troponin T (cTn-T), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); hemodynamic indicators: heart rate (HR), left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax), maximum rate of decrease of left ventricular pressure (-dp/dtmax); oxidative damage indicators: nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA); inflammatory factors: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); apoptosis index: B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X (Bax), cardiomyocyte apoptosis index (AI); heart tissue structure: myocardial infarction size. Finally, a meta-analysis of these results was conducted. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the SYRCLE Bias Risk tool. Results: A total of 43 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the quality of the included studies was assessed. It was found that the evidence quality of these 43 studies was low, and no study was judged to have low risk bias in all risk assessments. The results showed that resveratrol could reduce ST segment, cTn-I, cTn-T, CK, CK-MB, LDH, LVEDP, ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, AI levels and myocardial infarction size. HR, LVDP, LVSP, +dp/dtmax, NO, Bcl-2, and SOD levels were increased. However, resveratrol had no significant effect on -dp/dtmax and Bax outcome measures. Conclusion: Resveratrol can reduce ST segment in rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, alleviate myocardial injury, improve ventricular systolic and diastolic ability in hemodynamics, reduce inflammatory response and oxidative damage, and reduce myocardial necrosis and apoptosis. Due to the low quality of the methodologies included in the studies, additional research is required.

Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of the Polysaccharide Hydrolysate from Lactobacillus plantarum LPC-1 and Their Effect on Spinach (Spinach oleracea L.) Growth.

This study presents a comparison between two hydrolysis systems (MnO2/H2O2 and ascorbic acid (VC)/H2O2) for the depolymerization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Lactobacillus plantarum LPC-1. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize these two degradation systems, resulting in two H2O2-free degradation products, MEPS (MnO2/H2O2-treated EPS) and VEPS (VC/H2O2-treated EPS), where H2O2 residues in the final products and their antioxidant activity were considered vital points. The relationship between the structural variations of two degraded polysaccharides and their antioxidant activity was characterized. Physicochemical tests showed that H2O2 had a notable impact on determining the total and reducing sugars in the polysaccharides, and both degradation systems efficiently eliminated this effect. After optimization, the average molecular weight of EPS was reduced from 265.75 kDa to 135.41 kDa (MEPS) and 113.11 kDa (VEPS), improving its antioxidant properties. Characterization results showed that the two hydrolysis products had similar major functional groups and monosaccharide composition as EPS. The crystal structure, main chain length, and branched chain number were crucial factors affecting the biological activity of polysaccharides. In pot testing, two degraded polysaccharides improved spinach quality more than EPS due to their lower molecular weights, suggesting the advantages of low-molecular-weight polysaccharides. In summary, these two degradation techniques offer valuable insights for further expanding the utilization of microbial resources.

Preparation of polysaccharide-conjugated selenium nanoparticles from spent mushroom substrates and their growth-promoting effect on rice seedlings.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have gained significant attention in the agricultural field due to their favorable bioavailability and low toxicity, making them a highly researched subject. In this study, crude polysaccharides from spent mushroom substrate of Agrocybe aegerita (AaPs) were extracted for preparing the polysaccharide­selenium-nanoparticles (AaPs-SeNPs) by ascorbic acid reduction method. The structure of AaPs-SeNPs was analyzed and their growth-promoting effects on rice seedlings were studied by adopting different application methods. The results revealed that AaPs-SeNPs exhibited improved free radical scavenging ability, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentrations compared to AaPs. Rice seedlings treated with AaPs-SeNPs showed significant enhancements in growth characteristics when compared to AaPs treatment, and foliar application exhibited a better growth-promoting effect compared to root application. Moreover, the growth performance and antioxidant enzyme activities of rice seedlings were enhanced by the addition of AaPs-SeNPs, and the absorption efficiency of essential nutrients such as N/P/K and Fe/Zn/Mn was also improved at appropriate concentrations, which could be one of the key factors contributing to the improved growth performance of plants. This study provides new aspects for the utilization of SMS, and also offers new insights from the perspective of nutrient absorption on how polysaccharide-conjugated selenium nanoparticles enhance crop growth.

Root cell wall remodeling: A way for exopolysaccharides to mitigate cadmium toxicity in rice seedling.

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are macromolecules with environment beneficial properties. Currently, numerous studies focus on the absorption of heavy metals by EPS, but less attention has been paid to the effects of EPS on the plants. This study explored the effects of EPS from Lactobacillus plantarum LPC-1 on the structure and function of cell walls in rice seedling roots under cadmium (Cd) stress. The results showed that EPS could regulate the remodeling process of the cell walls of rice roots. EPS affects the synthesis efficiency and the content of the substances that made up the cell wall, and thus plays an essential role in limiting the uptake and transport of Cd in rice root. Furthermore, EPS could induce plant resistance to heavy metals by regulating the lignin biosynthesis pathway in rice roots. Finally, the cell wall remodeling induced by EPS likely contributes to plant stress responses by activating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling.

Chinese Guideline on the Management of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (2022) / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Background In mainland China, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have approximately an 40% prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages, and severe vision loss. China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes, regarding opinions on inactive PCV, choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy or combined therapy, patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) after loading dose anti-VEGF, and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage. An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews, which informed the recommendations that address these questions. This guideline used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices. (1) For patients with inactive PCV, we suggest observation over treatment. (2) For treatment-na?ve PCV patients, we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy. (3) For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment, we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT. (4) For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy, we suggest the treat and extend (T&E) regimen rather than the pro re nata (PRN) regimen following three monthly loading doses. (5) For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments, we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation. (6) For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage (equal to or more than four optic disc areas) involving the central macula, we suggest surgery (vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) intraocular injection and gas tamponade) rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy. Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients' management.

SYNJ2 is a novel and potential biomarker for the prediction and treatment of cancers: from lung squamous cell carcinoma to pan-cancer.

BACKGROUND: The roles and clinical values of synaptojanin 2 (SYNJ2) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remain unclear. METHODS: A total of 2824 samples from multi-center were collected to identify the expression of SYNJ2 in LUSC by using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, t-test, and standardized mean difference (SMD), and 194 in-house samples were also included to validate SYNJ2 expression in LUSC. The clinical roles of SYNJ2 were investigated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, univariate Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier plots. The underlying mechanisms of SYNJ2 in LUSC were explored by gene set enrichment analysis and immune correlation analysis. Further, a pan-cancer analysis based on 10,238 sapiens was performed to promote the understating of the expression and clinical significance of SYNJ2 in multiple human cancers. RESULTS: SYNJ2 was found to be significantly upregulated in LUSC at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.05, SMD = 0.89 [95% CI 0.34-1.45]) via public and in-house samples. Overexpressed SYNJ2 predicted poor prognosis for LUSC patients (hazard ratio = 2.38 [95% CI 1.42-3.98]). The cancer-promoting effect of SYNJ2 may be related to protein digestion and absorption and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. SYNJ2 expression was closely related to immune cell infiltration, indicating its role in the immune response. Moreover, the distinct expression levels and essential clinical relevance of SYNJ2 in a series of cancers were initially revealed in this study. CONCLUSIONS: This study disclosed the clinical significance of SYNJ2 in LUSC and multiple cancers, demonstrating the novel and potential biomarker for predicting and treating cancers.

Clinical Significance of Integrin Subunit Beta 4 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: The expression level and clinical significance of integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. Materials and Methods: Expression of ITGB4 in HNSCC tissues was evaluated by calculating standard mean differences (SMDs) based on gene chips, RNA-seq, and immunohistochemistry data (n = 2330) from multiple sources. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to detect the ability of ITGB4 to distinguish HNSCC from non-HNSCC samples. The relationship between the expression level of ITGB4 and clinical parameters was evaluated by calculating SMDs. Results: Identical results of mRNA and protein levels indicated remarkable up-expression of ITGB4 in HNSCC tissues. Further ROC curves showed that ITGB4 could distinguish HNSCC from non-HNSCC samples. Genetic alteration analysis of ITGB4 in HNSCC indicated that overexpression of ITGB4 in HNSCC was likely not owing to genetic alteration of ITGB4. Moreover, ITGB4 overexpression level may be correlated with clinical T stage. Conclusion: ITGB4 likely plays an essential role in HNSCC occurrence based on our study and its potential diagnostic value is worthy of further exploration in the future.

Clinical Significance of the Interleukin 24 mRNA Level in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Subgroups: An In Silico Investigation.

IL24 mRNA is known to have an apoptotic effect on cancer cells but not on noncancer cells. However, the expression level of the IL24 mRNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its subgroups is rarely studied. In this study, the clinical implication of IL24 mRNA was evaluated in the common subgroups of HNSCC, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) for analysis. Substantial IL24 mRNA expression data were calculated from several databases, such as the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), ArrayExpress, Sequence Read Archive (SRA), ONCOMINE, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. We ultimately collected a total of 41 microarrays and RNA-seq including 1,564 HNSCC and 603 noncancer tissue samples. IL24 mRNA was highly expressed in OSCC, LSCC, and NPC as shown by the separated standard mean difference (SMD), as well as HNSCC as a whole part (SMD = 1.47, 95% confdence interval (CI) = 1.24-1.70, P < 0.0001). In all subgroups, the IL24 mRNA upregulation had the ability to distinguish cancer from noncancer tissue with area under the curves (AUCs) of the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) higher than 0.85. In conclusion, IL24 mRNA may be used as a potential marker for cancer screening, and its clinical diagnostic value needs to be further studied. It also provides a new idea for the treatment of the IL24 gene in HNSCC and its subgroups in the future.

A modified posterior wedge osteotomy with interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis with Andersson lesions in ankylosing spondylitis: a 5-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Andersson lesions (ALs), also known as spondylodiscities, destructive vertebral lesions and spinal pseudarthrosis, usually occur in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Inflammatory and traumatic causes have been proposed to define this lesion. Different surgical approaches including anterior, posterior, and combined anterior and posterior procedure have been used to address the complications, consisting of mechanical pain, kyphotic deformity, and neurologic deficits. However, the preferred surgical procedure remains controversial. The aim of this study was to illustrate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of a modified posterior wedge osteotomy for the ALs with kyphotic deformity in AS. METHODS: From June 2008 to January 2013, 23 patients (18 males, 5 females) at an average age of 44.8 years (range 25-69 years) were surgically treated for thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS via a modified posterior wedge osteotomy in our department. All sagittal balance parameters were assessed by standing lateral radiography of the whole spine before surgery and during the follow-up period. Assessment of radiologic fusion at follow-up was based on the Bridwell interbody fusion grading system. Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were performed to evaluate improvements in daily life function and back pain pre-operatively and post-operatively. Paired t tests were used to compare clinical data change in parametric values before and after surgery and the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for non-parametric comparisons. The radiographic data change was evaluated by repeated measure analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 205.4 min (range 115-375 min), with an average blood loss of 488.5 mL (range 215-880 mL). Radiographical and clinical outcomes were assessed after a mean of 61.4 months of follow-up. The VAS back pain and ASQoL scores improved significantly in all patients (7.52 ±â€Š1.31 vs. 1.70 ±â€Š0.70, t = 18.30, P < 0.001; 13.87 ±â€Š1.89 vs. 7.22 ±â€Š1.24, t = 18.53, P < 0.001, respectively). The thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) changed from 40.03 ±â€Š17.61° pre-operatively to 13.86 ±â€Š6.65° post-operatively, and 28.45 ±â€Š6.63° at final follow-up (F = 57.54, P < 0.001), the thoracic kyphosis (TK) changed from 52.30 ±â€Š17.62° pre-operatively to 27.76 ±â€Š6.50° post-operatively, and 28.45 ±â€Š6.63° at final follow-up (F = 57.29, P < 0.001), and lumbar lordosis (LL) changed from -29.56 ±â€Š9.73° pre-operatively to -20.58 ±â€Š9.71° post-operatively, and -20.73 ±â€Š10.27° at final follow-up (F = 42.50, P < 0.001). Mean sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was improved from 11.82 ±â€Š4.55 cm pre-operatively to 5.12 ±â€Š2.42 cm post-operatively, and 5.03 ±â€Š2.29 cm at final follow-up (F = 79.36, P < 0.001). No obvious loss of correction occurred, according to the lack of significant differences in the sagittal balance parameters between post-operatively and the final follow-up in all patients (TK: 27.76 ±â€Š6.50° vs. 28.45 ±â€Š6.63°, TLK: 13.86 ±â€Š6.65° vs. 14.42 ±â€Š6.7°, LL: -20.58 ±â€Š9.71° vs. -20.73 ±â€Š10.27°, and SVA: 5.12 ±â€Š2.42 cm vs. 5.03 ±â€Š2.29 cm, all P > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The modified posterior wedge osteotomy is an accepted surgical procedure for treating thoracolumbar kyphosis with ALs in AS and results in satisfactory local kyphosis correction, solid fusion, and good clinical outcomes.

[Manual reduction combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral clefts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic efficacy of manual reduction combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs) with intravertebral clefts. METHODS: The clinical data of 94 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral clefts treated from January 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into group A and group B according to different operative methods. In group A, 45 patients were treated with unilateral approach PVP, including 17 males and 28 females, aged (75.35±11.82) years old, with a bone density T-value of (-4.28±0.65) g/cm³; in group B, 49 patients treated with manual reduction combined with unilateral approach PVP, including 19 males and 30 females, aged (76.79±9.64) years old, with a bone density T-value of (-4.33±0.72) g/cm³. The operation time, bone cement injection volume and postoperative complications of two groups were recorded. The VAS and ODI scores of two groups were analyzed respectively at 1, 12, 18 months after operation. Vertebral height and kyphosis Cobb angle of two groups were compared immediately after surgery and 12, 18 months after operation. The distribution of bone cement in the vertebral body was observed and its distribution excellent rate was calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operation time between two groups. The amount of bone cement injection was(8.42±1.24) ml in group A and(9.19±1.09) ml in group B, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). No spinal nerve root injury during operation and no complications including pulmonary embolism, bone cement toxicity and infection were found in two groups. There were 5 cases of bone cement leakage in group A and 4 cases in group B, which did not cause corresponding clinical symptoms and were not treated additionally. The distribution of bone cement in group A was excellent in 25 cases, good in 19 cases, poor in 1 case and in group B was excellent in 45 cases, good in 4 cases. The distribution excellent rate of bone cement was higher in group B than in group A (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI scores before operation and 1, 12, 18 months after operation were 8.29±0.74, 2.59±0.14, 3.75±0.38, 3.84±0.88 and 40.04±3.16, 9.24±2.82, 12.27±2.64, 15.83±2.58 in group A, 8.22±0.82, 2.54±0.19, 2.81±0.23, 2.82±0.45 and 39.98±2.05, 9.16±2.10, 9.46±2.41, 9.76±2.46 in group B. There was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores at 1 month after operation between two groups (P>0.05), but group A was higher than group B at 12 and 18 months after operation (P<0.05). The vertebral height and Cobb angle before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 12, 18 months after surgery in group A were(59.17±1.42)%, (85.95±2.19)%, (75.27±3.45)%, (68.34±2.24)% and(23.83±3.37)°, (15.26±2.61)°, (17.63±2.16)°, (19.46±2.54)°, and in group B were(59.31±1.87)%, (89.19±2.53)%, (88.62±2.51)%, (88.59±2.62)% and(24.72±3.78)°, (14.91±2.28)°, (15.48±2.55)°, (15.86±2.81)°. Vertebral height Immediately after surgery was greater in group B than in group A and Cobb angle in group B was smaller than in group A (P<0.05). During follow-up, there was no significant change in vertebral height in group B, while vertebral body recollapse in group A(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral clefts, the manual reduction combined with PVP is more effective than single PVP, which can effectively prevent vertebral body recollapse and improve the long-term efficacy of patients.

Improved method for inducing chronic atrophic gastritis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common disease of the digestive system with pathological characteristics of a decreasing number, or disappearance, of inherent glands of the gastric mucosa. CAG has been defined as a precancerous condition of gastric cancer. Intestinal metaplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia accompanying atrophied glands of the stomach is regarded as one of the most important precancerous lesions of gastric cancer. As a common malignant tumour, gastric cancer remains without a satisfactory therapy and its pathogenesis remains unclear, seriously threatening human life. Therefore, some scholars have proposed to prevent the incidence of gastric cancer by avoiding precancerous lesions. If CAG can be reversed, the incidence of gastric cancer can be substantially reduced. To reverse and prevent CAG and study its pathogenesis and therapy, it is necessary to develop an ideal, safe, stable, animal model. AIM: To study a rapid, stable, and safe method of establishing a mouse model of human CAG. METHODS: Six-week-old Kunming mice were divided into a phosphate buffered solution control group, a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) group, an N-methyl-N'-nitroguanidine (MNNG) group, an ammonia water group, and a group combining H. pylori, MNNG, and ammonia water (hereinafter referred to as the combined group). The mice were administrated with drinking water containing ammonia or infected with H. pylori through gavage. At the 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th day after the last H. pylori infection, mice were selected randomly to collect their gastric mucosa for hematoxylin eosin staining, terminal nick-end labelling staining detection, and immunohistochemical staining for Bax and Bcl-2. In addition, H. pylori was isolated, cultured, and identified, and its extent of colonisation calculated. Blood was collected to detect inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and immune function markers CD4 and CD8 to confirm successful establishment of the CAG model. RESULTS: The combined group showed slight CAG at the 90th day and moderate CAG at the 120th day, while other groups did not show CAG at that time. CONCLUSION: The combination of H. pylori, MNNG, and ammonia is an effective method of developing a mouse model of human CAG.

An innovative three-dimensional method for identifying a proper femoral intramedullary entry point in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND:: Identification of the proper femoral intramedullary (IM) access point is an important determinant of final implant position in IM-guided total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to identify the optimal entry point in Chinese participants using a new three-dimensional method. METHODS:: A series of computed tomography scans of 44 femurs in Chinese participants from October 2014 to October 2015 were imported into Mimics 17.0 software to identify the optimal entry point. The apex of the intercondylar notch (AIN) was used as the reference bony anatomical landmark to identify the proper entry point to insert the IM rod. The statistical significance was calculated on the basis of a 5% level (P < 0.05) using the Student's t-test. RESULTS:: For the males, the average ideal entry point was 1.49 mm medial and 13.39 mm anterior to the AIN. The values were 1.77 mm medial and 15.29 mm anterior to the AIN in females. A significant difference was present between males and females (13.39 ± 2.46 mm vs. 15.29 ± 3.44 mm, t = 2.124, P = 0.040). When using the recommended location as the entry point for the IM rod, the mean potential error differed significantly from the femoral trochlear groove (the potential error of IM in males in coronal plane: 0.93° ± 0.24° vs. 1.27° ± 0.32°, t = -4.166, P <0.001; the potential error of IM in males in sagittal plane: 1.40° ± 0.42° vs. 2.79° ± 0.70°, t = 7.155, P < 0.001; the potential error of IM in females in coronal plane: 0.73° ± 0.28° vs. 1.15° ± 0.35°, t = 3.940, P < 0.001; and the potential error of IM in females in sagittal plane: 1.48° ± 0.47° vs. 2.76° ± 0.83°, t =5.574, P < 0.001). A significant difference was present between the recommended point and the point 10 mm anterior to the origin of the posterior cruciate ligament (the potential error of IM in males in coronal plane: 0.93° ± 0.24° vs. 1.53° ± 0.43°, t = 5.948, P < 0.001; the potential error of IM in males in sagittal plane: 1.40° ± 0.42° vs. 2.15° ± 0.75°, t = 3.152, P = 0.003; the potential error of IM in females in coronal plane: 0.73° ± 0.28° vs. 1.28° ± 0.42°, t = -4.632, P < 0.001; and the potential error of IM in females in sagittal plane: 1.48° ± 0.47° vs. 2.40° ± 0.93°, t = 3.763, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The technique described here is an innovative method for swift, easy, and accurate access to the medullary canal during TKA, and it can optimize the position and orientation of the prosthetic components in knee arthroplasty.

DNA Methylation and Uveal Melanoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Objective</b>The objective of the study was to summarize the role of DNA methylation in the development and metastasis of uveal melanoma (UM).</p><p><b>Data Sources</b>The relevant studies in MEDLINE were searched.</p><p><b>Study Selection</b>In this review, we performed a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE using "uveal melanoma" AND ("DNA methylation" OR "epigenetics") for original research/review articles published before February 2018 on the relationship between DNA methylation and UM. References of the retrieved studies were also examined to search for potentially relevant papers.</p><p><b>Results</b>Previous studies on the relationship between DNA methylation and UM covered many genes including tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), cyclin-dependent kinase genes, and other genes. Among them, the TSG genes such as RASSF1A and p16INK4a, which encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, are relatively well-studied genes. Specifically, a high percentage of promoter methylation of RASSF1A was observed in UM cell lines and/or patients with UM. Promoter methylation of RASSF1A was also associated with the development of metastasis. Similarly, a high percentage of promoter hypermethylation of p16INK4a was found in UM cell lines. DNA promoter methylation can control the expression of p16INK4a, which affect cell growth, migration, and invasion in UM. Many other genes might also be involved in the pathogenesis of UM such as the Ras and EF-hand domain containing (RASEF) gene, RAB31, hTERT, embryonal fyn-associated substrate, and deleted in split-hand/split-foot 1.</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>Our review reveals the complex mechanisms underlying the tumorigenesis of UM and highlights the great needs of future studies to discover more genes/5'-C-phosphate-G-3' sites contributing to the development/metastasis of UM and explore the mechanisms through which epigenetic changes exert their function in UM.</p>

Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells induced by ethanol extracts of Solanum lyratum Thumb through the mitochondrial pathway.

AIM: To explore the induction effects and mechanism of Solanum lyratum Thumb (ST) on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. METHODS: The experiments were conducted on three groups: an experimental group (with ST ethanol extracts' concentration being 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/L), a negative control group (with only nutrient solution, 0 mg/L ST ethanol extracts), and a positive control group (2.5 mg/L DDP). The inhibition rate of cell proliferation was checked by using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method, and cell apoptosis was tested by TUNEL method. Furthermore, RT-PCR was used to examine mRNA expression of Fas, FasL, caspase-8, caspase-3, p53 and Bcl-2 genes. RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group, the inhibition and apoptosis rates of the experimental group with different concentrations of ST extracts on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells significantly increased (P < 0.05). Besides, the mRNA expression of FasL and Bcl-2 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while the mRNA expression of Fas, caspase-8, caspase-3 and p53 increased significantly. When compared with the positive control group, the experimental groups with 5 mg/L ST ethanol extracts showed effects similar to the positive control group. CONCLUSION: ST ethanol extracts induced the apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells through up-regulated Fas, caspase-8, caspse-3 and p53, and down-regulated FasL and Bcl-2 in the mitochondrial pathway.

Gene polymorphisms of pathogenic Helicobacter pylori in patients with different types of gastrointestinal diseases.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a kind of chronic infectious pathogen which can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and other diseases. The genetic structure of the pathogenic genes of H. pylori varies largely, which contributes to the differences in virulence among various strains, and in clinical symptoms. Virulence genes of H. pylori can be categorized into three main classes: those related to adhesion and colonization, those related to gastric mucosal injury, and others. This review focuses on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of the three classes of virulence genes of H. pylori and diseases. Most of the genetic polymorphisms of the main virulence factors of H. pylori are summarized in this paper.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 6-substituted indolizinoquinolinediones as catalytic DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors.

In our previous work, indolizinoquinolinedione derivative 1 was identified as a Top1 catalytic inhibitor. Herein, a series of 6-substituted indolizinoquinolinedione derivatives were synthesized through modification of the parent compound 1. Top1 cleavage and relaxation assays indicate that none of these novel compounds act as classical Top1 poison, and that the compounds with alkylamino terminus at C-6 side chain, including 8, 11-16, 18-21, 25, 26 and 28-30, are the most potent Top1 catalytic inhibitors. Top1-mediated unwinding assay demonstrated that 14, 22 and 26 were Top1 catalytic inhibitors without Top1-mediated unwinding effect. Moreover, MTT results showed that compounds 26, 28-30 exhibit significant cytotoxicity against human leukemia HL-60 cells, and that compound 26 exerts potent cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells at nanomolar range.

Inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine on hefA gene: treatment of Helicobacter pylori-induced multidrug resistance.

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, etc. on the hefA gene of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). METHODS: The double dilution method was used to screen MDR H. pylori strains and determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin, berberine, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin and levofloxacin against H. pylori strains. After the screened MDR stains were treated with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin or berberine at a 1/2 MIC concentration for 48 h, changes in MICs of amoxicillin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, metronidazole and clarithromycin were determined. MDR strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin were selected to detect the hefA mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: A total of four MDR H. pylori strains were screened. Treatment with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some strains, decreased by 1 to 2 times, but did not significantly change the MICs of clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole against MDR strains. In the majority of strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin, hefA mRNA expression was decreased; one-way ANOVA (SPSS 12.0) used for comparative analysis, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some H. pylori strains, possibly by mechanisms associated with decreasing hefA mRNA expression.

Tamoxifen reduces infiltration of inflammatory cells, apoptosis and inhibits IKK/NF-kB pathway after spinal cord injury in rats.

In this study, neuroprotective effect of tamoxifen has been explored in spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by examining factors influencing IKK/NF-kB pathway in SCI in rats. It has been shown in several studies that IKK/NF-kB signaling pathway plays a key role in pathophysiology of SCI. In this study, three groups of rats (n = 17 each) were selected that included, tamoxifen group (here tamoxifen was injected after SCI in rats), SCI group (here only dimethylsulfoxide was administered after inducing SCI in rats) and sham group (here only laminectomy was performed). The effect of tamoxifen (5 mg/kg) on various factors responsible for activation of IKK/NF-kB signaling pathway including NF-kB p65, phosphorylated I-kBα was studied through Western blotting as well as densitometry. The examination of expression of active caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase activity was also carried out through Western blot analysis and densitometry. A comparison of three groups of rats showed that administration of tamoxifen significantly reduced the expression of NF-kB p65 and phosphorylated I-kBα (P < 0.05) compared to control. It also attenuated the expression of active caspase-3 resulting in the reduction of apoptosis, and infiltration of leukocytes to the injury site was also greatly reduced in the group where tamoxifen was administered. Statistical analysis through SPSS 13.0 software showed a significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory factors in groups where tamoxifen was administered. We conclude that tamoxifen possesses the potential neuroprotective effects that can be explored further for future therapeutic techniques in treating spinal cord injuries.

Helicobacter pylori isolates from ethnic minority patients in Guangxi: resistance rates, mechanisms, and genotype.

AIM: To investigate the rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to clarithromycin among ethnic minority patients in Guangxi, explore the underlying mechanisms, and analyze factors influencing genotype distribution of H. pylori isolates. METHODS: H. pylori strains were isolated, cultured and subjected to drug sensitivity testing. The 23S rRNA gene of H. pylori isolates was amplified by PCR and analyzed by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing to detect point mutations. REP-PCR was used for genotyping of H. pylori isolates, and NTsys_2 software was used for clustering analysis based on REP-PCR DNA fingerprints. Factors potentially influencing genotype distribution of H. pylori isolates were analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of clarithromycin resistance was 31.3%. A2143G and A2144G mutations were detected in the 23S rRNA gene of all clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori isolates. At a genetic distance of 78%, clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori isolates could be divided into six groups. Significant clustering was noted among H. pylori isolates from patients with peptic ulcer or gastritis. CONCLUSION: The rate of clarithromycin resistance is relatively high in ethnic minority patients in Guangxi. Main mechanisms of clarithromycin resistance are A2143G and A2144G mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. Clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori isolates can be divided into six groups based on REP-PCR DNA fingerprints. Several factors such as disease type may influence the genotype distribution of H. pylori isolates.

[Unilateral multiple channels approach in percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic efficacy of unilateral multiple channels approach in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review (from March 2003 to October 2012) was conducted on 685 consecutive patients, a total of 885 vertebrae were involved. Eighty-two cases (99 vertebrae) with bone cement leakage when less than 0.3 ml bone cement was injected to fill the fracture were given PVP procedure by unilateral multiple channels approach. 38 cases were male (45 vertebrae) and 44 cases were female (54 vertebrae). The average age was 75.4 years old (from 69 to 92). The operation time, amount of injected bone cement and complications were recorded. Rate of excellent and good outcomes was studied by measuring the cement distribution on the X-ray film. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) system were used to evaluate the pain relief and improvement of daily activity function respectively at preoperation and 1 hour, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: All these ninety-nine vertebrae were treated in 82 cases with PVP of unilateral multiple channels approach. The average operation time was 33 minutes. The rate of excellent and good outcomes of cement distribution was 98.8%. The VAS score was (8.40 +/- 0.73) before surgery,and (2.50 +/- 0.43), (2.00 +/- 0.33), (1.80 +/- 0.28), (2.10 +/- 0.17) at 1 hour, 1 month,3 months and 6 months respectively after operation. ODI was (40.94 +/- 2.72) before surgery, (9.64 +/- 2.60) at 1 month after surgery, (8.52 +/- 2.30) at 3 months after surgery and (7.77 +/- 2.15) at the final follow-up. The differences of the VAS and ODI between pre-operation and post-operation had statistical significance (P<0.01). No spine or nerve injuries occurred intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: The unilateral multiple channels approach in percutaneous vertebroplasty can obviously relieve the pain and effectively improve the functional activity, provide a satisfied cement distribution in vertebral body with cement leakage after a small amount infusion.