Effects of food availability and climate on the activity budget of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) in the Drung Valley, Gaoligong Mountains, China.

Food availability and climate represent environmental factors that affect species' social behavior, ranging patterns, diet, and activity budget. From August 2012 to September 2013, we examined the effects of seasonal changes in food availability, temperature, and rainfall on the diet and behavioral ecology of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) an Endangered primate species inhabiting moist evergreen broadleaf forests in the Eastern Himalayas. Our field site represents the northernmost latitudinal distribution of this species. Data were collected using scan sampling at 10 min intervals, and analyzed based on generalized linear models. The results indicate that the langurs experienced two feeding peaks (9:00 and 17:00) and two traveling peaks (10:00 and 19:00) during each day. Periods of rest, mainly occurred between 10:00 and 13:00, and overnight. Feeding accounted for 38.5% of the daily activity budget, followed by resting (35%), traveling (24.5%), and socializing (2%). During periods when young leaves were most available, the langurs increased feeding time on young leaves (35% vs. 4%). During periods of maximum fruit availability, the langurs decreased total time spent feeding (36.6% vs. 40.4%), devoted more time to traveling (28.1% vs. 21%), and increased time spent consuming fruit (49.1% vs. 11.8%). During the winter, the langurs increased their consumption of mature leaves (44.5%) and reduced time spent traveling (20.2% vs. 25.4%). Overall, time spent resting was greatest in the spring (47.5%), time spent feeding was greatest during the summer (51.1%), and time spent in traveling was greatest in the autumn (33.2%). The frequency of social interactions remained relatively constant throughout the year. Foraging effort was greatest in the summer, when fruits dominated the diet. Like other species of temperate langurs, T. shortridgei devoted less time to resting, more time to feeding, and was characterized by a greater year-round foraging effort than tropical/subtropical langurs.

The development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting MYC / 药学学报

The MYC gene, one of the most common dysregulated driver genes in human cancers, is composed of three paralogous genes C-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC. It is abnormally activated in more than half of cancer types. Since MYC plays an important role in the formation, maintenance and progression of cancer, targeting MYC is an effective strategy for cancer treatment. As a potential anti-cancer target, MYC is considered "undruggable" because it lacks a suitable pocket for accommodating small molecule inhibitors. Recently, under the guidance of protein structure information and many computational tools, many indirect strategies to inhibit MYC have emerged and shown favorable anti-cancer effects in tumor models. In this paper, the recent small molecules that indirectly target MYC are divided into inhibitors acting on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) among MYC and other proteins, and targeting inhibitors regulating MYC action. Additionally, the introduction and assessment towards compounds with different mechanisms are summarized to provide reference for the further research of MYC inhibitors.

The development of small-molecule inhibitors that target PRC2-related proteins / 药学学报

Abnormal expression of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is related to the development of a variety of diseases. Inhibition of normal or overactive PRC2 can reduce cell survival and inhibit tumor growth in several cancers. Therefore, the identification and development of small molecule inhibitors has become an active field of current epigenetic-related anti-tumor strategies. A small molecule inhibitor targeting the S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) binding site of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) has been approved by FDA. However, acquired drug resistance is of concern. Drugs targeting two different binding sites of embryonic ectoderm development (EED) are also being developed. The development of EZH2-EED proton pump inhibitor has attracted extensive attention due to its unique mechanism of action. In this paper, we review the research progress on various small molecule inhibitors that target PRC2-related proteins to provide a basis for further research and development of related drugs.

Effects of TAT-SOD at Acupoints on Essential Hypertension by Monitoring Meridians Electrical Potential / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect on essential hypertension of the topical application of TAT-Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (TAT-SOD) at left acupoint Zusanli (ST 36), and to observe whether the change of electrical potential difference (EPD) can be related to the change of blood pressure.@*METHODS@#Sixteen patients with essential hypertension and 16 healthy subjects were included in the study. EPD between the left acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Qiuxu (GB 40) was firstly screened out for the EPD detection. An intracellular superoxide quenching enzyme, TAT-SOD, was topically applied to the acupoint ST 36 within an area of 1 cm once a day, and the influence on EPD was investigated. The dosage applied to TAT-SOD group (n=8) was 0.2 mL of 3000 U/mL TAT-SOD cream prepared by adding purified TAT-SOD to a vehicle cream, while placebo group (n=8) used the vehicle cream instead. The left acupoints of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Qiuxu (GB 40) were selected for EPD measurement after comparing EPD readings between 5 acupoints on each of all 12 meridians.@*RESULTS@#EPDs between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 for 16 patients of essential hypertension and 16 healthy subjects were 44.9±6.4 and 5.6±0.9 mV, respectively. Daily application of TAT-SOD for 15 days at ST 36 of essential hypertension patients significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 179.6 and 81.5 mm Hg to 153.1 and 74.1 mm Hg, respectively. Responding to the change in blood pressure, EPD between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 also declined from 44.4 to 22.8 mV with the same trend. No change was observed with SBP, DBP and EPD between the left acupoints of GB 34 and GB 40 with the daily application of the placebo cream.@*CONCLUSION@#Enzymatic scavenging of the intracellular superoxide at ST 36 proved to be effective in decreasing SBP and DBP. The results reconfirm the involvement of superoxide anions and its transportation along the meridians, and demonstrate that EPD between acupoints may be an indicator to reflect its functioning status. Moreover, preliminary results suggest a close correlation between EPD and blood pressure readings, implying a possibility of using EPD as a sensitive parameter for blood pressure and to monitor the effect of antihypertensive treatment.

Increased double strand breaks in diabetic ß-cells with a p21 response that limits apoptosis.

DNA damage and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in ß-cells have received little attention especially in the context of type-2 diabetes. We postulate that p21 plays a key role in DDR by preventing apoptosis, associated through its overexpression triggered by DNA stand breaks (DSBs). Our results show that ß-cells from chronic diabetic mice had a greater extent of DSBs as compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Comet assays and nuclear presence of γH2AX and 53bp1 revealed increased DNA DSBs in 16 weeks old (wo) db/db ß-cells as compared to age matched non-diabetic ß-cells. Our study of gene expression changes in MIN6 cell line with doxorubicin (Dox) induced DNA damage, showed that the DDR was similar to primary ß-cells from diabetic mice. There was significant overexpression of DDR genes, gadd45a and p21 after a 24-hr treatment. Western blot analysis revealed increased cleaved caspase3 over time, suggesting higher frequency of apoptosis due to Dox-induced DNA strand breaks. Inhibition of p21 by pharmacological inhibitor UC2288 under DNA damage conditions (both in Dox-induced MIN6 cells and older db/db islets) significantly increased the incidence of ß-cell apoptosis. Our studies confirmed that while DNA damage, specifically DSBs, induced p21 overexpression in ß-cells and triggered the p53/p21 cellular response, p21 inhibition exacerbated the frequency of apoptosis.

Influence of varying intensities of water-jet force on autologous fat draft viability: an in-vitro study / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To observe the effect of varying intensities of water-jet force on autologous fat graft viability.Methods Lipoaspirate was taken from 12 female patients undergoing waterjet assisted abdominal liposuction at our department.According to the intensity of water-jet force,the experimental group was divided into four subgroups:R1 (pressure,30 bar),R2 (pressure,50 bar),R3 (pressure,70 bar) and R4 (pressure,90 bar).Hand-held suction was taken as the control group C.Adipose tissue was filtered with cotton cushion and centrifuged at low speed,and the composition ratio of water and fat tissue from each group was observed.Calcein-AM/Hoechst 33342 staining was used to detect the viability of adipocytes.Results Fat aspirates was divided into four layers:oil layer,pure fat tissue,liquid and bottom sediment.Oil ratios of R1,R2,R3,R4 and C were (8.9 ± 2.3) ％,(9.6±2.1)％,(10.3±1.3)％,(14.2±1.6)％ and (9.5±1.8)％,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between R1,R2,R3 and C (P＞0.05).Statistically significant difference was found between R4 and other groups (P＜0.001).Viability of adipocytes from R1,R2,R3,R4 and C groups were (88.1±2.8)％,(89.9±1.9)％,(84.8±2.3)％,(78.0±1.7)％ and (91.1±2.9)％ respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between R1,R2 and C (P＞ 0.05).Statistically significant difference was found between R3,R4 and C (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Viability of fat graft harvested under lower intensity of water-jet force (R1,R2) is higher than that harvested under higher intensity of water-jet force (R3,R4).

Therapeutic Effect of Nerve Growth Factor Thermosensitive Gel on Sciatic Nerve Injury of Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To prepare nerve growth factor(NGF) temperature sensitive in situ gel and investigate its therapeutic effect on sciatic nerve injury of rats.Method: NGF thermosensitive gel was prepared and its prescription was optimized by central composite design-response surface methodology.Fifty rats were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,NGF injection group(10 mg·L-1),NGF low-dose(10 mg·L-1) and high-dose(20 mg·L-1) thermosensitive gel groups,and sciatic nerve injury model of rats was established.The effect of NGF thermosensitive gel on the injury of sciatic nerve were comprehensively examined by taking rat behavior,sciatic nerve function index(SFI),time of withdrawal reflex,wet weight ratio of gastrocnemius muscle,and histomorphological changes as indicators.Result: The gelation temperature of NGF thermosensitive gel was 35.2℃ after the formulation being optimized,which was in line with the standard for injection.Four-eight weeks after operation,the SFI and wet weight ratio of gastrocnemius muscle in rats of NGF high-dose thermosensitive gel group were significantly higher than those in the model group and NGF injection group,but its time of withdrawal reflex was significantly lower than those in the model group and NGF injection group,and the effect was in a dose-dependent manner.Arrangement of regenerated nerve fibers in sciatic nerve injury area of rats from NGF high-dose thermosensitive gel group was more tidy,dense and continuous than that of the model group.Conclusion: NGF thermosensitive gel can promote repair of sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Role of TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress in delaying Alzheimer's disease by estrogen / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To study the functional mechanism of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in delaying Alzheimer's disease (AD) by estrogen.
 Methods: After estradiol (E2) treatment in Aβ-induced AD cell model, reactive oxygen species (ROS), TXNIP, and apoptosis levels were detected. After lentiviral infection with TXNIP overexpression, the effect of E2 on ROS and apoptosis were observed. In the AD rat model, the learning and memory ability and the expression of TXNIP in the hippocampus were observed in the presence of E2. After overexpressing TXNIP, the effect of E2 on the learning and memory ability of AD rat model was observed.
 Results: ROS, TXNIP and apoptosis levels were enhanced in AD cell model, while E2 treatment reduced ROS, TXNIP and apoptosis levels in AD cell model. After enhancing TXNIP, E2 treatment reduced ROS and apoptosis levels in AD cell model. Similar to the cell experiment, E2 enhanced the learning and memory ability in the AD rat model and inhibited the expression of TXNIP in brain, while TXNIP overexpression attenuated the effect of E2 on learning and memory ability in the AD rats.
 Conclusion: Estrogen can inhibit the expression of TXNIP in nerve tissue, reduce nerve damage, and delay the development of AD.

The free anterolateral thigh flap with KISS technique for reconstruction of the scalp defect / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To report the effect of the free anterolateral thigh flap with KISS technique in reconstruction of scalp defect.@*Methods@#11 patients with scalp tumor were treated with radical resection and free transfer of the anterolateral thigh flap with KISS technique from March 2016 to June 2017. The flap was designed carrying two skin pedals according to preoperative detection of perforators, then the flap was dissected to carry one main pedicle or two different pedicles, after that two skin pedals were assembled with the KISS technique to cover the wound.@*Results@#No total failure of flap was observed. No donor-site complication was observed. The contour of reconstructed scalp was satisfactory.@*Conclusions@#The free anterolateral thigh flap with KISS technique is reliable in reconstruction of scalp defect. It features low donor site morbidity, high reconstructive efficiency and reliable perfusion.

Percutaneous thermal ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparison of local therapeutic efficacy.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the local therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous thermal ablation for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: One hundred sixty-one CRLM nodules in 101 patients and 122 HCC nodules in 97 patients were treated with thermal ablation. Complications and local efficacy were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: Major complications were observed in two (2.0%) patients in the CRLM group and one (1.0%) in the HCC group (p = 1.000). The complete ablation (CA) rate of lesions ≤ 3 cm was lower in the CRLM group than in the HCC group (p = 0.018). After a mean follow-up period of 21.1 ± 20.7 months in the CRLM group and 22.1 ± 17.6 months in the HCC group, the local tumour progression (LTP) rate of lesions > 3 cm was higher in the CRLM group than in the HCC group (p = 0.036). The multivariate analysis revealed that only safety margin (≤ 0.5 cm/> 0.5 cm) was a significant predictor of LTP in both CRLM and HCC. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve better local tumour control, thermal ablation should be more aggressive for CRLM than for HCC, especially for large tumours in clinical.

Application of Nipple Retractor for Correction of Nipple Inversion: A 10-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nipple inversion is a relatively common problem in adolescent and adult women; however, most present surgical treatments are prone to injure the lactiferous ducts and impair the breast feeding function. A nipple retractor was developed by us in 2003 to correct nipple inversion to avoid lactiferous duct injury. The details and a 10-year evaluation of this technique were introduced in this paper. METHODS: The nipple retractor was made from the hollow end of single-use syringe, then eight holes were punctured for sutures crossing the base, and the height of retractor depended on the sizes of nipple-areola complex and breast volume. Two sutures were made to cross beneath the base of the nipple to elevate the nipple, and the hollow retractor was placed on the areola with the nipple and four ends of the sutures in the center, sutures then passed the prefabricated holes on the retractor base and were fixed with knots and suitable tension. The retractor was worn for 3-6 months and then could be removed. RESULTS: A total of 257 nipples in 136 patients with nipple inversion (unilateral: 15 patients; bilateral: 121 patients) received this operation from Jan 2003 to Dec 2012, among which 233 nipples were successfully corrected (90.7 %), and 24 nipples reoccurred in 2 years. The effective rates of grade I and grade II inversions were significantly higher than that of grade III (P < 0.01). Thirty-two patients with 56 treated nipples underwent labor and breastfeeding, and all the nipples were functional. The complications included fistula after suture removal (19 nipples, 7.4 %), breaking of suture (8 nipples, 3.1 %), erosion of nipple (28 nipples, 10.9 %), and chronic pain (10 nipples, 3.4 %), and all these complications were properly managed. CONCLUSION: The nipple retractor technique is a feasible, effective, and safe method for correction of grade I and grade II nipple inversions, and could also be indicated for primary correction of grade III inversion. Its most significant advantage is that lactiferous duct injury can be avoided and the breast feeding function preserved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: Nipple inversion is a common malformation in adolescent and adult women, which can be present unilaterally or bilaterally. It was generally initiated from the adolescent period and could be caused by primary hypogenesis of smooth muscle and supporting tissue of the nipple-areola complex or hypoplasia of lactiferous ducts [1] . Some other secondary factors such as chronic infection, tumor, and previous surgery could contribute to the fibrosis, and some of them were believed to be congenital and hereditary [2, 3]. Since the openings of lactiferous ducts are immersed, inversion might cause reoccurring infection and breast feeding difficulty, and the appearance of the breast would be affected as well, which would impact patients' psychological health. Nipple inversion can be clinically divided into three categories according to Han et al.'s grading rules. In grade I, the nipple is easily pulled out manually and maintains its projection quite well. In grade II, the nipples can be pulled out but cannot maintain projection and tend to go back again. In grade III, the nipple can hardly be pulled out manually. [4] The images of three grades of nipple inversion are present in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 Three categories of nipple inversion grade I inverted nipple(a), grade II inverted nipple(b), grade III inverted nipple(c) Surgical interventions are the most effective treatments at present; however, injury to lactiferous ducts is inevitable in most surgical techniques [1, 5-10]. Some conservative nonoperative techniques have been developed in the last several years, such as a self-retraction and suction device, but only mild cases of grade I are indicated. Several suspension and retraction devices have been reported in recent years [10, 11], and the effect was acceptable, but long-term results were not reported. To simplify the operation procedures and diminish the possibility of lactiferous duct injury, we developed a nipple retractor, which was made from a single-use syringe, to correct nipple inversion from 2003. The details of procedures and techniques are introduced in this paper, as well as a 10-year retrospective analysis.

[Effect of fluoride concentration on the corrosion behavior of cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effect of fluoride concentration on the corrosion behavior of cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes in a simulated oral environment. METHODS: A total of 15 specimens were employed with selective laser melting (SLM) and another 15 for traditional casting (Cast) in cobalt-chromium alloy powders and blocks with the same material composition. The corrosion behavior of the specimens was studied by potentiodynamic polarization test under different oral environments with varying solubilities of fluorine (0, 0.05%, and 0.20% for each) in acid artificial saliva (pH = 5.0). The specimens were soaked in fluorine for 24 h, and the surface microstructure was observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope after immersing the specimens in the test solution at constant temperature. RESULTS: The corrosion potential (Ecorr) value of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast decreased with increasing fluoride concentration in acidic artificial saliva. The Ecorr, Icorr, and Rp values of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes changed significantly when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P < 0.05). The Ecorr, Icorr, and Rp values of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes exhibited a statistically significant difference. The Icorr value of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast was higher than that in the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P < 0.05). The Ecorr, tRp alues of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast were lower htan those of the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P< 0 .05). CONCLUSION: Fluoride ions adversely affected the corrosion resistance of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes. The corrosion resistance of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast was worse than that of the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20%.

Scutellaria barbata flavonoids inhibits NFT aggregation and regulatory mechanism in rats induced by composited Aβ / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To investigate the effects of Scutellaria barbata flavonoids (SBF) on neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) aggregation, tau protein phosphorylation and the regulated mechanism of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3βand protein phosphatase (PP) 2A in the rats induced by amyloid βprotein 25-35 (Aβ25-35) in combination with AlCl3 and re-combinant human transforming growth factor ( RHTGF)-β1( composited Aβ) .METHODS:The male SD rats were used to establish the simulated Alzheimer disease ( AD) model by intracerebroventricular injection of composited Aβ.The Morris water maze was applied for screening the successful model rats with learning and memory deficits .The successful model rats were daily and orally administrated with SBF at doses of 35, 70 and 140 mg/kg or positive control drug Ginkgo biloba leaves flavonoids ( GLF) at 140 mg/kg for 37 d.The silver nitrate staining was used to determine the cortical NFT .The protein levels of total tau, phosphorylated protein of tau at Ser199 and Ser214 sites, GSK3βand PP2A in hippocampus and cortex were determined by Western blot .The mRNA expression of GSK3βand PP2A in the hippocampus and cortex was detected by RT-PCR.RESULTS:Compared with sham group , the cell number of positive NFT with silver nitrate staining in model rat cerebral cortex was significantly increased .The protein levels of phosphorylated tau protein at Ser 199 and Ser214 sites, GSK3βin the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the model rats dramatically elevated , and PP2A was marked decreased as compared with the sham group rats.Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of GSK-3βsignificantly increased but PP2A was de-creased.However, these above abnormalities were differently attenuated by treating with SBF at different doses or GLF at 140 mg/kg for 37 d.CONCLUSION: SBF suppresses the NFT aggregation by inhibition of the regulatory functions of GSK-3βand PP2A, thus reducing the phosphorylation of tau protein .

Effect of fluoride concentration on the corrosion behavior of cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to determine the effect of fluoride concentration on the corrosion behavior of cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes in a simulated oral environment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 15 specimens were employed with selective laser melting (SLM) and another 15 for traditional casting (Cast) in cobalt-chromium alloy powders and blocks with the same material composition. The corrosion behavior of the specimens was studied by potentiodynamic polarization test under different oral environments with varying solubilities of fluorine (0, 0.05%, and 0.20% for each) in acid artificial saliva (pH = 5.0). The specimens were soaked in fluorine for 24 h, and the surface microstructure was observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope after immersing the specimens in the test solution at constant temperature.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The corrosion potential (Ecorr) value of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast decreased with increasing fluoride concentration in acidic artificial saliva. The Ecorr, Icorr, and Rp values of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes changed significantly when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P < 0.05). The Ecorr, Icorr, and Rp values of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes exhibited a statistically significant difference. The Icorr value of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast was higher than that in the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P < 0.05). The Ecorr, tRp alues of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast were lower htan those of the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20% (P< 0 .05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fluoride ions adversely affected the corrosion resistance of the cobalt-chromium alloy fabricated by two different technology processes. The corrosion resistance of the cobalt-chromium alloy cast was worse than that of the SLM group cobalt-chromium alloy when the fluoride concentration was 0.20%.</p>

Interaction of polymorphisms of PPAR-γ2 gene -C34G and NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox gene -C242T with Helicobacter pylori infection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the interaction of polymorphisms of PPAR-γ2 gene -C34G and NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox gene -C242T with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) .</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 200 cases of LSCC of Broder grade I, 200 of Broder grade II and of grade III were enrolled in this study with 200 healthy individuals as the control group. The genetic polymorphisms of PPAR-γ2 gene -C34G and NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox gene -C242T were analyzed using PCR-RFLP in peripheral blood leukocytes.C-urea breath test (C-UBT) was used to testC disntegration per minute (DPM) for evaluating the infection status of H. pylori. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the interaction of nucleotide polymorphisms and H. pylori infection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The risk of ESCC significantly increased in subjects with -C34G (CG), -C34G(GG), -C242T (CT), and -C242T (TT) genotypes. Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that the subjects carrying -C34G (GG)/ -C242T (TT) had a high risk of ESCC, and a positive interaction was found between -C34G (GG) and -C242T (TT) in increasing the risk of ESCC. Positive interactions in the pathogenesis of ESCC were also found between -C34G (CG) and -C242T (TT), between -C34G (CG) and -C242T (CT), and between -C34G (GG) and -C242T (CT) (γ>1). The risk of ESCC significantly increased in subjects with H. pylori infection, which showed positive interactions with -C34G (CG), -C34G (GG), -C242T (CT) and -C242T (TT) in increasing the risk of ESCC (γ>1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Individuals carrying -C34G(CG), -C34G(GG), -C242T (CT) and -C242T (TT) genotypes have a high risk of developing ESCC, and these genotypes interact with H. pylori infection in the pathogenesis of LSCC, suggesting the importance of eradicating H. pylori for prevention of ESCC.</p>

Estradiol inhibits Th17 cell differentiation through inhibition of RORγT transcription by recruiting the ERα/REA complex to estrogen response elements of the RORγT promoter.

The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis exacerbate in the second half of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women when the serum estradiol level is elevated. Estradiol has been shown to inhibit Th17 differentiation and production of antifungal IL-17 cytokines. However, little is known about the mechanisms. In the present study, we used mouse splenocytes and found that estradiol inhibited Th17 differentiation through downregulation of Rorγt mRNA and protein expression. Estradiol activated estrogen receptor (ER)α to recruit repressor of estrogen receptor activity (REA) and form the ERα/REA complex. This complex bound to three estrogen response element (ERE) half-sites on the Rorγt promoter region to suppress Rorγt expression. Estradiol induced Rea mRNA and protein expression in mouse splenocytes. Using Rea small interfering RNA to knock down Rea expression enhanced Rorγt expression and Th17 differentiation. Alternatively, histone deacetylase 1 and 2 bound to the three ERE half-sites, independent of estradiol. Histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 dose- and time-dependently increased Rorγt expression and subsequently enhanced Th17 differentiation. In 15 healthy premenopausal women, high serum estradiol levels are correlated with low RORγT mRNA levels and high REA mRNA levels in the vaginal lavage. These results demonstrate that estradiol upregulates REA expression and recruits REA via ERα to the EREs on the RORγT promoter region, thus inhibiting RORγT expression and Th17 differentiation. This study suggests that the estradiol/ERα/REA axis may be a feasible target in the management of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in evaluating the treatment response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma using modified RECIST.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for evaluating the treatment response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment responses of 130 patients who underwent TACE were evaluated by CEUS and CECT. We initially compared the abilities of CEUS and CECT to detect residual tumour, which were confirmed by histology or angiography. Then, we compared the tumour response to TACE assessed by CEUS and CECT, according to Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST). RESULTS: The sensitivity and accuracy of detecting residual tumour by CEUS vs. CECT were 95.9 % vs. 76.2 % (p < 0.001) and 96.2 % vs. 77.7 % (p < 0.001), respectively. For target lesions, 13 patients were observed as complete response (CR) by CEUS, compared to 36 by CECT (p < 0.001). For nontarget lesions, 12 patients were observed as CR by CEUS, compared to 22 by CECT (p = 0.006). For overall response, eight patients were observed as CR by CEUS, compared to 31 by CECT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of CEUS was superior to CECT for detecting residual tumour after TACE. In clinical, CEUS should be recommended as an optional procedure for assessing the tumour response to TACE. KEY POINTS: • The mRECIST are widely applied for evaluating the response of HCC. • Imaging method has been applied to assess the therapeutic response to TACE. • The diagnostic performance of CEUS was superior to CECT for residual tumours. • CEUS can be a valuable method for assessing tumour response to TACE.

Interaction of Polymorphisms of Resistin Gene Promoter -420C/G, Glutathione Peroxidase -1 Gene Pro198Leu and Cigarette Smoking in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Many studies have suggested that cigarette smoking and polymorphisms of resistin and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) genes are closely correlated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, few reports have investigated these associations with respect to NAFLD susceptibility. We, therefore, examined the distribution of polymorphisms in GPx-1 and resistin genes in NAFLD patients and healthy controls and analyzed the relationship between these polymorphisms and smoking status.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine hundred NAFLD patients and 900 healthy controls were selected, and the genetic polymorphisms of resistin gene promoter-420C/G and GPx-1 gene Pro198Leu were analyzed by polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Interactions between the two mutants and the gene-environment interaction with cigarette smoking were also analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Genotype frequencies of -420C/G (GG) and Pro198Leu (LL) were significantly higher in NAFLD cases (49.56% and 50.11%, respectively) compared with healthy controls (23.67% and 24.22%, respectively) (P = 0.0069; P = 0.0072). Moreover, the risk of NAFLD with -420C/G (GG) was significantly higher than in controls (odds ratio [OR] =3.1685, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.9366-5.2073). Individuals carrying Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 3.1424, 95% CI = 1.7951-5.2367). Combined analysis of the polymorphisms showed that the -420C/G (GG)/Pro198Leu (LL) genotype was significantly more common in the NAFLD group than in the control group (39.44% vs. 12.78%, respectively, P = 0.0054), while individuals with -420C/G (GG)/Pro198Leu (LL) had a high risk of NAFLD (OR = 5.0357, 95% CI = 3.1852-7.8106). Moreover, the cigarette smoking rate in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than in the control group (OR = 1.8990, P = 0.0083 in the smoking index (SI) ≤400 subgroup; OR = 5.0937, P = 0.0051 in the SI >400 subgroup), and statistical analysis suggested a positive interaction between cigarette smoking and -420C/G (GG) (γ = 5.6018 in the SI ≤400 subgroup; γ = 4.4770 in the SI >400 subgroup) and Pro198Leu (LL) (γ = 5.7715 in the SI ≤400 subgroup; γ = 4.5985 in the SI >400 subgroup) in increasing the risk of NAFLD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NAFLD risk factors include -420C/G (GG), Pro198Leu (LL) and cigarette smoking, and these three factors have a significant additive effect on NAFLD risk.</p>

Dalitong granule combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical short and long-term effect of combining dalitong granule (DG) and electroacupuncture group (EA) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 640 patients with confirmed functional dyspepsia were randomly divided into 4 groups using a randomized digital table: the DG group, the EA group, the combined group and the control group, 160 cases in each group. The DG group was treated with 6 g DG 3 times daily; the EA group was treated with puncture of points Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Neiguan (PC6), Taichong (LR3) and Gongsun (SP4) twice daily; the combined group with above-mentioned DG and EA; and the control group with 5 mg mosapride 3 times, 20 mg pantoprazole and 25 mg amitriptylines twice daily. The treatment course was 4 weeks for all groups. The symptom score, quality of life score by Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaires (SF-36), plasma motilin by radioimmunoassay, electrogastrographic frequencies by electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric emptying by B-sonography were examined, and adverse reactions were observed before, at the end of treatment and 60 weeks post-treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the DG group 1 case dropped out for not taking medicine strictly and 1 case was lost to follow-up, while 1 case in the EA group and 2 cases in the combined therapy group were lost to follow-up. Compared with pre-treatment, quality of life score, plasma motilin, electrogastrographic frequencies and gastric emptying were all increased significantly, while symptom score was decreased significantly at the end of treatment in each group (P<0.01); in the combined group quality of life score, plasma motilin, electrogastrographic frequencies and gastric emptying were all significantly higher than those in the other groups, while symptom score was significantly lower than in the other groups (P<0.05). Compared with at the end of treatment, these indices changed insignificantly in the combined group and the EA group 60 weeks post-treatment (P>0.05), but the 4 increased indices were all decreased significantly, and symptom score was increased significantly in the DG and the control groups (P>0.05). The short and long-term total effective rates in the combined group were all significantly higher than those in the other treatment groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No serious adverse reaction occurred in the four groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined treatment of DG and EA could increase both plasma motilin and electrogastrographic frequencies, promote gastric emptying, alleviate the symptom of dyspepsia so as to increase quality of life, with better safety and long-term effect.</p>

Interaction between the polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2-1195G/A,MnSOD9Ala/val genes and the high-fat diets and its correlation with ulcerative colitis / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the interaction of the polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2-1195G/A (COX-2-1195G/A) and manganese superoxide dismutase 9Ala/Val (MnSOD9Ala/Val) genes and the high-fat diets and its potential correlation with ulcerative colitis (UC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The genetic polymorphisms of COX-2-1195G/A and MnSOD9Ala/Val were analyzed by polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from 750 UC patients (UC group) and 750 healthy subjects (control group).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of COX-2-1195G/A(A/A) and MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) were 49.07% and 50.13% in UC group and 21.20% and 22.40% in control group, respectively (P<0.01). The risk of UC significantly increased in subjects with COX-2-1195G/A(A/A) genotype (OR=3.5808,95%CI=1.8062-5.3478) and in those with MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) genotype(OR=3.4828,95%CI=1.9137-5.5496). Pooled analysis of the polymorphisms showed that distribution frequency of COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)/MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V) was 40.67% in UC group and 8.40% in control group (P<0.01). Subjects with COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)/MnSOD9Ala/Val(V/V) had a significantly higher risk of UC (OR=7.5655,95% CI=4.1849-11.2037). The rate of high-fat diets was significantly higher in the UC group than in the control group(49.73 vs.20.13%,P<0.01),and statistic analysis suggested an interaction between high-fat diet and COX-2-1195G/A(A/A)(Γ=11.81821)and MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V)(Γ=9.0107), which increase risk of UC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>COX-2-1195G/A(A/A),MnSOD9Ala/Val (V/V), and high-fat diet are the risk factors of UC. The interaction between the genetic polymorphisms of COX-2-1195G/A and MnSOD9Ala/Val and the high-fat diet increases the risk of UC.</p>