Reliability and Validity of the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Scale in Evaluation of Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Han Population.

Introduction: Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and Alzheimer's disease are the most common cognitive impairment diseases in the elderly. This study aimed to apply the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) scale to evaluate VCI in elderly patients and analyze its reliability and validity. Methods: We enrolled 278 VCI patients admitted to our hospital, from June 2017 to June 2018. The basic clinical information of each patient was documented, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the RBANS scales were suggested to complete. Results: We found significant correlations between the RBANS total score and age, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and years of education. The internal consistency of the RBANS scale Cronbach αsuggested a good agreement with the total score and the single score at two time points. Moreover, the RBANS total score and the score of each dimension in the RBANS scale were positively correlated with the MMSE immediate memory, calculation ability, delayed memory, commanding ability, reading comprehension ability, command execution, sentence making, and pattern duplicating ability. Conclusion: In conclusion, the RBANS has good reliability and validity for the assessment of cognitive dysfunction in elderly VCI patients. It can be used as a routine clinical and research tool, for the simplicity in operation and superior acceptance.

Identification of candidate aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes in Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Aberrant methylated genes (DMGs) play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we aimed to integrate three cohorts profile datasets to ascertain aberrant methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with ESCC by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. We downloaded data of gene expression microarrays (GSE20347, GSE38129) and gene methylation microarrays (GSE52826) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Aberrantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by GEO2R tool. The David database was then used to perform Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathway enrichment analyses on selected genes. STRING and Cytoscape software were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, then the modules in the PPI networks were analyzed with MCODE and the hub genes chose from the PPI networks were verified by Oncomine and TCGA database. In total, 291 hypomethylation-high expression genes and 168 hypermethylation-low expression genes were identified at the screening step, and finally found six mostly changed hub genes including KIF14, CDK1, AURKA, LCN2, TGM1, and DSG1. Pathway analysis indicated that aberrantly methylated DEGs mainly associated with the P13K-AKT signaling, cAMP signaling and cell cycle process. After validation in multiple databases, most hub genes remained significant. Patients with high expression of AURKA were associated with shorter overall survival. To summarize, we have identified six feasible aberrant methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways in ESCC by bioinformatics analysis, potentially providing valuable information for the molecular mechanisms of ESCC. Our data combined the analysis of gene expression profiling microarrays and gene methylation profiling microarrays, simultaneously, and in this way, it can shed a light for screening and diagnosis of ESCC in future.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) means apnea and hypopnea caused by partial or complete obstruction of upper airway collapse during sleep. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is believed to be associated with various manifestations in the otorhinolaryngology and has been found to be an additional risk factor for OSAHS. AIM: A meta-analysis was performed to identify the association between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: To identify eligible original articles, we searched a series of computerized databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CNKI with a systematic searching strategy. The characteristics of each article and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and subgroup analysis was performed to analyze the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 2699 patients from seven articles were included in the meta-analysis. We identified a significant relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease, with a pooled OR of 1.75 (95% CI 1.18-2.59, P < 0.05). The pooled data was calculated under the random-effects model as a significant moderate heterogeneity was found among the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Strain distribution in the intervertebral disc under unconfined compression and tension load by the optimized digital image correlation technique.

The unconfined compression and tension experiments of the intervertebral disc were conducted by applying an optimized digital image correlation technique, and the internal strain distribution was analysed for the disc. It was found that the axial strain values of different positions increased obviously with the increase in loads, while inner annulus fibrosus and posterior annulus fibrosus experienced higher axial strains than the outer annulus fibrosus and anterior annulus fibrosus. Deep annulus fibrosus exhibited higher compressive and tensile axial strains than superficial annulus fibrosus for the anterior region, while there was an opposite result for the posterior region. It was noted that all samples demonstrated a nonlinear stress-strain profile in the process of deforming, and an elastic region was shown once the sample was deformed beyond its toe region.

Accurate assessment of HER2 gene status for invasive component of breast cancer by combination of immunohistochemistry and chromogenic In Situ hybridization.

The specimens of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with early invasion, and specimens collected by core needle biopsy (CNB) tend to contain limited amount of invasive component, so it is imperative to explore a new technique which can assess HER2 gene status accurately for the limited invasive cancer component in these specimens. Dual staining technique of combining immunohistochemistry (IHC) for myoepithelial cells and single or dual probe chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) for HER2 gene was performed on routinely processed paraffin sections from 20 cases diagnosed as having DCIS with invasive cancer. Among them, 10 had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-confirmed amplification of HER2 and 10 had FISH-confirmed non-amplification of HER2. We successfully detected HER2 genetic signals and myoepithelial IHC markers (SMM-HC or CK5/6) simultaneously on a single section in all 20 specimens. Myoepithelial markers and HER2 signals detected by dual staining assay were consistent with those by individual technique performed alone. HER2 gene amplification results determined by dual staining assay were 100% consistent with those of FISH. Dual staining technique which allows simultaneous detection of myoepithelial marker protein and cancerous HER2 gene is feasible, and it has potential to be used in clinical practice for effective determination of HER2 amplification in limited invasive component.

A new iridoid compound from Patrinia rupestris (Pall.) Juss.

Extraction of roots of Patrinia rupestris (Pall.) Juss. gave a new iridoid compound, 1ß,3α-diethyloxy-7-hydromethyl-4-(3-methyl-butyryloxymethyl)-cyclopenta-4(4a),7(7a)-diene[c]pyran-6-one (1), together with a known compound, (1α,4aα, 6α,7ß,7aα)-[4a,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1-(3-methyl-1-oxobutoxy) cyclopenta[c]pyran-4,7-diyl]bis(methylene) 3-methyl-butanoic acid ester (2). The structure of 1 was characterised by HRESIMS, IR, UV, 1-D NMR and 2-D NMR methods. Compound 2 was isolated from this genus for the first time.

Hilar inflammatory pseudotumor mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the biliary tract is a benign disease, and is extremely rare. Its diagnosis often depends on pathological examination after operation. The histopathological examination shows inflammatory lesions with a polymorphous infiltration and variable amounts of fibrous tissue. This study was undertaken to elucidate that an inflammatory pseudotumor in the right hepatic duct is especially difficult to distinguish from hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHOD: The clinical data of one patient with inflammatory pseudotumor of the right hepatic duct were analyzed. RESULTS: An occupying lesion of the right hepatic duct was revealed by abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The right hepatic duct inflammatory pseudotumor was not identified during the operation but was confirmed by postoperative histopathological analysis. The patient recovered well without any serious complication. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative evaluation for optimizing surgical management is important to the diagnosis of hepatobiliary occupying lesions. The evaluation involves clinical manifestations, imaging appearance and tumor markers. Malignant tumors and possible benign lesions should be considered to avoid aggressive surgical treatment.

Gastric carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: a case report and review of the literature.

Gastric carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an extremely rare tumor. So far, only six cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report an additional case of this tumor in a Chinese 78-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. Physical examination and gastroscopy revealed a tumor in the gastric antrum. The biopsy and pathological findings indicated a gastric adenocarcinoma with OGCs, which were present in both the tumor and the metastatic lymph nodes. Further immunohistochemical staining indicated that OGCs were reactive with CD68, CD45, and vimentin protein, but not with pancytokeratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, or epithelial membrane antigen, suggesting the monocytic/histiocytic derivation of these OGCs. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus showed no nuclear positivity in either adenocarcinoma or OGCs. Postoperative follow-up showed that the patient had survived for at least 6 months without recurrence. Further investigation is warranted to clearly define the prognostic significance of OGCs in gastric carcinoma.

A novel trinorguaiane-type sesquiterpene from Dictamnus radicis.

A novel trinorguaiane-type sesquiterpene named radicol (1), together with a known sesquiterpene dictamnol (2), was isolated from the petroleum ether-EtOAc-MeOH extracts of the root of Dictamnus radicis Cortex. The structure of 1 was elucidated as 1 alpha,5 alpha-dimethyl-4 alpha,10 alpha-bicyclo[3.5.0]dec-8-en-1 beta,5 beta-diol (1) on the basis of IR, HRESIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY.

[Expression and significance of E-cadherin, CD44v6, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in non-small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: E-cadherin (E-cad), CD44v6 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) play important roles in invasion and metastasis of cancers. This study was to investigate the correlations of the expression of E-cad, CD44v6, and PCNA to the invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The expression of E-cad, CD44v6 and PCNA in 86 specimens of NSCLC and 40 specimens of adjacent normal tissues were detected by EnVision immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The high expression rate of E-cad was significantly lower in NSCLC than in adjacent normal tissues (53.5% vs. 80.0%, P<0.05). E-cad staining in NSCLC tissues was correlated to differentiation, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). The high expression rate of CD44v6 was 44.2% in NSCLC, and 0 in adjacent normal tissues. CD44v6 staining in NSCLC tissues was correlated to classification, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). The high expression rate of PCNA was 48.8% in NSCLC, and 0 in adjacent normal tissues. PCNA staining was correlated to lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). PCNA expression was negatively correlated to E-cad expression (r=-0.554, P<0.05), and positively correlated to CD44v6 expression (r=0.688, P<0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that E-cad, CD44v6, and PCNA were prognostic factors of NSCLC. Multivariate analysis showed that E-cad and TNM stage were independent prognostic indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: E-cad, CD44v6 and PCNA play important roles in invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. The expression of E-cad, CD44v6 and PCNA may be of prognostic value in patients with NSCLC.

Five new iridoids from Patrinia rupestris.

Five new iridoids, namely rupesin A-E (1-5, resp.), together with six known iridoids, 6-11, were isolated from the roots of Patrinia rupestris. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including IR, UV, MS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, and comparison with data of known analogues. Compounds 4 and 11, compounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, and compounds 3, 4, and 8 showed significant antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.

New bisabolane sesquiterpenes and coumarin from Leontopodium longifolium.

From the roots of Leontopotium longifolium, three new bisabolane sesquiterpenes, rel-(1S,4R,5S,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6-[(R)-1,5-dimethylhexa-3,5-dienyl]-3-methylcyclohex-2-enyl (Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate (1), rel-(1S,4R,5S,6R)-4,5-diacetoxy-6-[(R)-5-hydroxy-1,5-dimethylhex-3-enyl]-3-methylcyclohex-2-enyl (Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate (2), rel-(1R,2S,4R,5S)-4-acetoxy-2-[(R)-5-hydroxy-1,5-dimethylhex-3-enyl]-5-methylcyclohexyl (Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoate (3), and a new coumarin, 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2-(1-methylethenyl)-7H-pyrano[2,3-g][1,4]benzodioxin-7-one (4) together with nine known compounds have been isolated. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells.

[Application of fluorescence in-situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in molecular diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To detect tumor specific chromosome translocations and associated fusion transcripts in paraffin-embedded tissue by interphase fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively, and to evaluate their diagnostic values for Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET). METHODS: Nuclei of the tumor cells and total RNA were extracted from 10 cases of ES/PNET. Interphase FISH was utilized to analyze the EWS gene translocation with a dual color, break apart probe (Vysis company). RT-PCR was used to detect t (11; 22) (q24; q12) and t (21; 22) (q22; q12) fusion transcripts. RESULTS: Among 10 cases of ES/PNET, the EWS-FLI1 fusion transcript was detected in 8 by RT-PCR. EWS-ERG fusion transcript was not detected in any of the cases. EWS gene translocation was found in 9 of 10 cases by FISH. CONCLUSIONS: Interphase FISH and RT-PCR can be reliably applied to paraffin-embedded tissues for molecular diagnosis of ES/PNET. Between the two approaches, interphase FISH provides a more sensitive and stable result.

Nor-lignans and steroidal saponins from Asparagus gobicus.

From the roots of Asparagus gobicus, four new nor-lignans, 3'-methoxynyasin, iso-agatharesinol, gobicusins A, B and one new steroidal saponin, 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-ol (11) were isolated, together with twelve known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR techniques (1H-1H COSY, HMBC, HMQC) and chemical transformations. Nyasol (5) and 11 exhibited remarkable in vitro cytotoxic activity against cultured HO-8910 (human ovarian carcinoma) and Bel-7402 (human hepatoma) cells with IC50 vales of 30.6 and 29.4 microM, 5.2 and 5.2 microM, respectively.

Iridoids from Pedicularis kansuensis forma albiflora.

A new iridoid glycoside kansuenoside (1) and a new iridoid kansuenin (2), along with eight known compounds (3-10) were isolated from the whole plant of Pedicularis kansuensis forma albiflora Li. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Nine of them were assayed against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

[Expression of telomerase gene hTERT in testes of infertile male and its significance].

OBJECTIVES: To study the expression and the significance of telomerase gene hTERT in testes of infertile male. METHODS: By using in situ hybridization(ISH) techniques, the expression of telomerase gene hTERT mRNA in testes of 47 infertile male and 10 normal testicular tissues were observed. RESULTS: In male testes, there was a positive correlation between the expression of hTERT and the quantity and density of germ cells(spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid). The expression of hTERT in some germinal cell of maturation arrest patients were not significantly different with those of normal. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the deficiency of telomerase might be a factor for germinal cell maturation arrest and there might be some other etiological factors in these patients. Our study provides experimental groundwork for the gene therapy of male infertility.

New sesquiterpenes from Ligularia macrophylla.

From the roots of Ligularia macrophylla, a bisesquiterpene, ligumacrophyllal (1), and an eremophilane sesquiterpene, ligumacrophyllatin (2) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by 2D-NMR herein. Additionally, seven known compounds (3-9) were afforded from the plant, and compound 3 was found as natural product for the first time.