Mediating role of sleep in association between maternal heat exposure during early pregnancy and risk of preterm birth / 环境与职业医学

Background Preterm birth-related complications are the leading cause of death in newborns and children under the age of 5 years. Maternal heat exposure has been associated with both sleep status during pregnancy and the increased risk of preterm birth. However, whether sleep status could mediate the association between heat exposure and preterm birth remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the association between maternal heat exposure in early pregnancy and preterm birth, and to further explore potential mediation effect of sleep status on the association between heat exposure and preterm birth. Methods A birth cohort was established in Guangzhou Panyu Maternal Child Health Hospital (Guangzhou Panyu District He Xian Memorial Hospital) from 2017 until now. Pregnant women (with gestational age between 8 and 13 weeks) were included in this study when they presented to the hospital for their first prenatal care visit and signed an informed consent. Then they were followed up until delivery. A total of 3 268 pregnant women were included for the final analysis. Questionnaires were distributed to collect the demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and sleep status of pregnant women. Daily meteorological data during the study period were collected from meteorological monitoring stations in Guangzhou and the average ambient mean temperature of four weeks before the survey was calculated and assigned for each pregnancy. The 75th, 80th, 85th, 90th, and 95th percentiles (P75, P80, P85, P90, and P95) of the average ambient temperature of all pregnant women were used as the thresholds to define heat exposure. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of heat exposure in different definitions on preterm birth and sleep status (sleep duration, night sleep timing, and wake up timing). The mediation effects of sleep status on the relationship between heat exposure and preterm birth were also analyzed. Results Among all the included participants, 165 newborns were preterm births with an incidence rate of 5.0%. Heat exposures with thresholds of P90 and P95 increased the risk of preterm birth, with ORs (95%CIs) of 1.66 (1.04-2.57) and 1.90 (1.03-3.33), respectively (P<0.05). Heat exposures with thresholds of P75, P80, P85, P90, and P95 decreased the sleep duration (<9 h vs. ≥9 h, control group: ≥9 h), and the ORs (95%CIs) were 1.51 (1.25-1.83), 1.44 (1.17-1.77), 1.35 (1.08-1.70), 1.43 (1.09-1.87), and 1.45 (1.00-2.13), respectively. Heat exposures with P75 and P80 thresholds resulted in earlier wake up timing (<8: 00 vs. ≥8: 00, control group: <8: 00), with ORs (95%CIs) of 0.77 (0.63-0.93) and 0.76(0.61-0.93), respectively. No significant association was observed between heat exposure and night sleep timing. The mediation analyses showed that under heat exposure with P90 threshold, a statistically significant mediation effect was observed for sleep duration, and the proportion mediated was 6.07% (95%CI: 0.17%-25.00%) (P<0.05). No significant mediation effect was observed for night sleep timing and wake up timing. Conclusion An elevated risk of preterm birth after heat exposure in early pregnancy may be partly mediated through reducing sleep duration.

Glomerular Proteomic Profiles in the NZB/W F1 Hybrid Mouse Model of Lupus Nephritis.

BACKGROUND Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with patient mortality. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profiles of the glomerulus in the NZB/W F1 hybrid mouse model of mild and severe lupus nephritis using two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Female NZB/WF1 mice (n=60) at 28 weeks of age were divided into the mild proteinuria group (+1), the moderate proteinuria group (+2), and the severe proteinuria group (+3) using paper strip urine testing, and then later divided into a mild (≤1+) and severe (≥3+) proteinuria group to allow comparison of upregulation and down-regulation of proteins between the two groups. Renal glomeruli were isolated following renal perfusion with magnetic beads. Protein expression was determined by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, 2D-DIGE, and MALDI-TOF-MS. RESULTS A total of 56 differentially expressed proteins were identified from 133 protein spots, of which 18 were upregulated and 23 were down-regulated between groups 1 and 2. Expression of the proteins Ras-related GTP-binding protein B (RRAGB), serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (SMG1), angiopoietin 2 (ANGP2), methylmalonate semialdehyde (MMSA), and ATP beta chain (ATPB) were identified by Western blot and SMG1, ANGP2, and MMSA were identified by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS In a mouse model of lupus nephritis, expression of SMG1, MMSA, and ATPB were down-regulated, and RRAGB and ANGP2 were upregulated.

Relevance Study Between Head Nurse Leadership Behavior and Safety Culture in Hospital Nursing / 中国医院管理

Objective To explore the relevance of safety culture in hospital nursing and the head nurse leadership behavior.Method The study adopts the method of convenience sampling to diversify the head nurse leadership behavior and nursing safety culture of 344 nurses in 3 first-class tertiary hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Heilongjiang Province.All survey data were entered into the SPSS17.0 software for analysis.Finally,conclusion was got.Result The head nurse leadership behavior is the highest score for leadership charm,followed by passive exception management,personalized care,active exception management,charisma,contingent reward and intellectual stimulation.Safety culture of nursing is slightly higher than medium level,in wh ch the team atmosphere,the satisfaction of the work,the unit security atmosphere,the management experience is higher than the medium level.The cognitive score of the pressure is lower than the medium level.Conclusion All dimensions of nurses' perception of head nurse leadership behavior has a positive correlation with each dimension of safety culture in hospital nursing.

Effects of electroacupuncture on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA3 area of rats with chronic stress depression / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavioral function and synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA3 area in rats with chronic stress depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the random number table method, 144 SD male rats were assigned into a blank group, a model group, an EA group and a fluoxetine group, then each group was divided into a 7 d subgroup, a 14 d subgroup and a 21 d subgroup, 12 rats in each subgroup. The chronic mild unpredictable stress stimulus combined with lonely breeding were applied to establish the depression model of rats, which was performed simultaneously with intervention treatment. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA (dilatational wave) at "Shenting" (GV 24) and "Baihui" (GV 20), while the rats in fluoxetine group were treated with intragastric administration of fluoxetine, once daily. With open-field test, sugar consumption experiment and transmission electron microscope, the changes of behavior and neuronal synapse inhippocampal CA3 area were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>On 7 d, 14 d and 21 d, compared with the blank group, the open-field test score, sugar consumption and body mass were significantly lower in the model group (all<0.01); compared with the model group, the open-field test score, sugar consumption and body mass were significantly higher in the EA group and the fluoxetine group on 14 d and 21 d (<0.01,<0.05). On 14 d and 21 d, compared with the blank group, the synapse in hippocampal CA3 area was significantly lower in the model group (both<0.01); compared with the model group, the synapse in hippocampal CA3 area was significantly higher in the EA group and the fluoxetine group (<0.01,<0.05). The neurons cells in hippocampal CA3 area in the model group showed pyknosis and deformation from 7 d with fusion structure and unclear boundary of synapse, which were significantly improved on 21 d; the neurons cells in hippocampal CA3 area in the EA group and the fluoxetine group were significantly improved from 14 d and restored to normal level on 21 d, in addition, the structure of synapse restored to normal level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EA is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA3 area, and promotes the recovery of depression symptoms.</p>

The relationship on polymorphisms of ERCC1-4533/8092 and the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship on the excision repair cross complementing gene 1(ERCC1)‐4533/8092 site single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in Guangxi Zhuang population . Methods Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method was used to detect the ER‐CC1‐4533/8092 gene polymorphism in 88 cases with primary liver cancer and 82 cases of normal controls .Results There was no difference in the frequency distribution of ERCC1‐4533 in the case group and the control group ,the frequency distribution of the ERCC1‐8092 in the case group and the control group was different(P< 0 .05) .Compared with ERCC1‐8092 CC ,ERCC1‐C8092 CA/AA had higher risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(CA :OR=2 .556 ,95% CI:1 .345 -4 .855;AA :OR= 8 .667 ,95% CI:1 .000-75 .092) .ERCC1‐8092 C allele as a reference ,ERCC1‐8092 A allele can increase the risk of primary liver cancer (OR=2 .387 ,95% CI:1 .428-3 .992) .Conclusion The genetic polymorphisms of ERCC1‐8092 sites are associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi Zhuang population .

Influence of different corneal limbal incision on the surface astigmatism after phacoemulsification on corneal / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the effect of limbal incision before and after phacoemulsification corneal astigmatism degree.Methods 46 patients with cataract (76 eyes) were randomly divided into two groups.23 cases (40 eyes) in group A received a temporal clear corneal incision phacoemulsification.23 cases (36 eyes) in group B received the upper clear corneal incision cataract ultrasound breast surgery.Results In group A,preoperative corrected visual acuity was (0.13 ±0.10)D,after 3 months of corrected visual acuity was (0.79 ± 0.13)D.In group B,preoperative corrected visual acuity was (0.14 ± 0.11)D,after 3 months of corrected visual acuity was (0.76 ± 0.15)D,the patients after 3 months corrected visual acuity was significantly improved than before treatment (t =4.127,P ＜0.01),the postoperative visual acuity was not statistically significant(t =0.605,P ＞ 0.05).Two groups postoperative corneal anterior surface,surface astigmatism values were gradually reduced,3 months after operation in group A after corneal anterior surface,surface astigmatism value were (0.45 ± 0.24) D,(0.09 ± 0.06) D ; those in B group were (0.52 ± 0.25) D,(0.09 ± 0.07) D,which were significantly lower than 1 week after operation and postoperation(t =2.232,2.128,all P ＜ 0.05).The remaining time two groups of corneal astigmatism value had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Temporal clear corneal incision phacoemulsification recovery of visual acuity is better,and less than the above changes of corneal astigmatism corneal incision operation.

Impacts of treating stratege for non-infarct-related artery on clinical prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction after urgent percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the impacts of treating stratege for non-infarct related artery on clinical prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods From Augst 2007 to Augst 2010,a total of 75 elderly AMI patients (aged 75 years and over) were treated by urgent PCI and confirmed as multivessel coronary disease in our hospital. Among them,30 patients received medicine combined with PCI once again (PCI group) and 45 patients received only medicine treatemt (medicine group).The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and results ot coronary angiography after treatment for average one year were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in the rates of in stent restenosis[1 case(2.2 ％)vs.0 case],late loss of in-segment lumen [5 cases(11.1％)vs.3 cases(10.0％)],stent thrombosis[1 case(2.2％)vs.1 case(3.3％)] and larget vessel revascularization [2 cases (4.4 ％ ) vs.1 case ( 3.3 ％) ] between medicine group and PCI group (x2=0.00,0.00.2.03 and 0.00,all P＞0.05).The propertions of angina recurrence and second hospital admission for heart diseases were lower in PCI group than in medicine group [36 cases (80.0％)vs.14 cases(46.7％),18 cases(40.0％)vs.5 cases(16.7％),x2=9.00,4.61,P＜0.01and P＜0.05].However,no differences were found in the secondary heart failure,recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction,severe arrhythmia,all- cause death and mortality rate of cardiovascular disease between the two groups (x2 =0.09,0.00,0.00,0.00 and 0.00,all P＞ 0.05). Conclusions Compared with single medicine therapy,the medicine combined with PCI for non- infarct-related artery may decrease the rates of angina recurrence and second hospital admission for heart diseases in elderly patients with AMI.

Effects of endothelin-3 on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a malignant melanoma cell line A375 / 中华皮肤科杂志

[Objective] To explore the role of endothelin-3 (ET-3) on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a malignant melanoma cell line A375.[Methods] A375 cells were cultured in vitro and classified into 3 groups to be treated with ET-3 at 100 nmol/L (ET-3 group),co-cultured with ET-3 at 100 nmol/L and endothelin receptor B (ETRB) antagonist BQ788 at 100 μmo1/L (ETRB antagonist group),or to remain untreated (blank control group).After additional 24-hour culture,Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the invasive capability of A375 cells,real time-PCR to measure the mRNA expressions of Twist and Slug,and Western blot to determine the protein expression of E-cadherin,vimentin,Twist and Slug.The changes in the morphology of A375 cells were observed.Data were assessed by analysis of variance and Scheffe's method.[Results] In the Transwell assay,the number of A431 cells permeating through the basement membrane was 4.200 ± 0.837,9.400 ± 0.548 and 3.400 ± 0.894 respectively in the blank control group,ET-3 group and ETRB antagonist group (F =88.44,P ＜ 0.01 ),suggesting that ET-3 could promote the metastasis of A375 ceils,while BQ788 could block the promotive effect of ET-3.The epithelial-to-mesenehymal transition was obvious in cells treated with ET-3 alone,but was inapparent in cells treated with ET-3 and BQ788.The ET-3 at 100 nmol/Lsignificantly decreased the protein expression of E-cadhefin from 0.33 ± 0.002 (blank control group) to 0.28 ±0.007,but increased that of vimentin from 0.83 ± 0.014 (blank control group) to 1.16 ± 0.003,while BQ788upregulated the E-cadherin expression to 0.42 ± 0.008 and downregulated the vimentin expression to 0.75 ±0.030,and significant differences were observed in the E-cadherin expression and vimentin expression among the ET-3 group,ETRB antagonist group and blank control group (F =329.98,262.94,respectively,both P ＜ 0.01 ).A significant increase was observed in the mRNA and protein expression of Slug (F=376.94,288.87,both P＜ 0.01 )and Twist (F=215.62,156.96,P＜ 0.01 and 0.05) in A375 cells after treatment with ET-3.[Conclusion] ET3/ETRB axis may promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A375 cells likely by regulating the expression of E-cadherin,vimentin and two important transcription factors Twist and Slug.

Relationship between the content of heat shock protein 70 and the level of sepsis patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationships between the level of heat shock protein (HSPs) 70 and severity of sepsis in order to find its effects on the status of sepsis and the prognosis of the patients. Methods In total, 120 patients diagnosed to be suffering from sepsis from the emergency department were selected as studying subjects. According to SAPS Ⅱ score, all of these patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe groups (n =40 in each group) , and at the same time, 40 healthy volunteers were studied as controls. The levels of intracellular HSPs70 in peripheral blood neutrophil cells in the mild, moderate and severe groups were determined by using flow cytometry, while serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein ( CRP) were measured as well. Results ① The levels of heat shock proteins HSPs70 in neutrophil cells and PCT in patients with sepsis escalated gradually with the increase in SAPS Ⅱ score, and there were significant different among the mild, moderate, and severe sepsis groups(P<0.05). ② In all septic patients, the death happened only in the severe group. Compared other markers in the survivals , the level of heat shock protein HSPs70 was significantly higher in fatal patients. ③ In curve plot analysis in the patients with sepsis done by the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) , the area of HSPs70 in neutrophil cells under the curve was significantly larger as compared with that of PCT and CRP. Conclusions Heat shock protein HSPs70 has a certain clinical value in determining the severity of disease and prognosis of patients suffering from sepsis.

Protective effects of tubular liver-type fatty acid binding protein on murine IgA nephropathy / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate the renoprotection of tubular L-FABP in murine IgA nephropathy (IgAN) induced by bone marrow transplantation(BMT). Methods IgAN models were reconstituted by BMT from IgAN-prone mice into mice (Tg) transgenically tubular overexpressing human L-FABP (hL-FABP) and wild type (WT) mice. These recipients were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks after BMT and their kidneys were collected. The expressions of hL-FABP, fibronectin (FN)and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. hL-FABP,FN, type Ⅳ collagen (Col Ⅳ ), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)modified proteins were detected by Western blotting. The distribution of hL-FABP and FN protein in kidney was detected by immunohistochemistry. The level of serum IgA, urinary albumin and urinary hL-FABP was detected by ELISA. Results (1) IgAN was reconstituted in both Tg and WT mice by BMT: mesangial IgA deposition and up-regulation of serum IgA. The levels were not significantly different between two groups (Tg-ddY and WT-ddY). (2) hL-FABP was expressed in proximal tubular cells of normal Tg mice. The mRNA (1.62±0.32 vs 0.46±0.09, P＜0.01) and protein expression (1.74±0.76 vs 1.14±0.31, P＜0.01) of hL-FABP was up-regulated in Tg-ddY kidney and urinary hL-FABP level (μg/g creatinine) was significantly increased (59.87±26.75 vs 31.01±14.86, P＜0.05) at the 6th week after BMT. (3) WT-ddY mice showed a significantly higher urinary albumin level (mg/L) (828±656 vs 82±22, P＜0.01), severer mesangial matrix expansion (P＜0.01),more glomerular FN and Col Ⅳ deposition at the 12th week. (4) Up-regulation of renal hL-FABP was associated with significant suppression of renal HO-1 expression (P ＜0.05),accumulation of 4-HNE modified proteins (P＜0.05) and MCP-1 mRNA expression (P＜0.01) in Tg-ddY mice. Conclusion Tubular L-FABP may lessen the progression of glomerular damage at early stages of IgAN by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators.

Endothelin-3/endothelin receptor B(ET-3/ETRB) regulates the NF-κB/Bfl-1 anti-apoptotic pathway in a malignant melanoma cell line A375 / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the modulation of ET-3 on the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/Bfl-1 antiapoptotic pathway in a malignant melanoma cell line A375. Methods Flow cytometry was performed to detect the apoptosis in cultured A375 cells after treatment with ET-3 of 100 nmol/L for 24 hours. ET-3 of various concentrations (0, 1, 10, 100 nmol/L) was used to treat some A375 cells with or without the pretreatment with the ETRB antagonist BQ788; after another 24-hour culture, RT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to examine the mRNA expression of Bfl-1 and protein expressions of Bfl-1 and ETRB, respectively. Results The 24-hour treatment with ET-3 of 100 nmol/L significantly reduced the apoptosis rate of A375 cells (F = 10.68, P ＜0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of Bfl-1 were up-regulated by ET-3 in a concentration dependent manner (both P ＜ 0.01 ), while BQ788 significantly blocked the ET-3-induced up-regulation (F = 420.38,229.49, both P ＜ 0.01 ). The protein expression of pNF-κB in A375 cells was also enhanced by ET-3 of different concentrations (all P ＜ 0.05), but the enhancement was suppressed by BQ788, and there was a significant difference in the protein expression of pNF-κB between cells treated with ET-3 of 100 nmol/L and those treated with the combination of ET-3 of 100 nmol/L and BQ788 (F = 255.46, P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusion ET-3/ETRB inhibits the apoptosis in A375 cells likely by activating the NF-κB/Bfl-1 anti-apoptotic pathway.

Plumbagin enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through up-regulation of death receptor in human melanoma A375 cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anti-cancer agent. However, emergence of drug resistance limits its potential use. Plumbagin is a natural quinonoid compound isolated from plant. In this study, induced apoptosis effect of the combined treatment with plumbagin and TRAIL on human melanoma A375 cell line was examined and possible mechanism was investigated. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, plumbagin group (plumbagin, 5 or 10 mumol/L), TRAIL group (TRAIL, 30 ng/mL) and plumbagin+TRAIL group (combined treatment group). The apoptosis, and the expression of DR4 and DR5 were detected by flow cytometry. The activities of caspase-8 and caspase-3 were determined by colorimetric assay. The results showed that the apoptosis rate was 8.3% in TRAIL group, 10.35%-16.94% in plumbagin group and 52.39%-65.39% in combined treatment group, respectively, with the difference being significant between combined treatment group and plumbagin or TRAIL group (P<0.05 for each). Moreover, plumbagin alone could markedly up-regulate DR5 mRNA and protein expression, and slightly increase DR4 mRNA and protein expression. Treatment of human melanoma A375 cells with plumbagin resulted in the activation of Caspase-3, but not Caspase-8. These results suggest that plumbagin might be useful for TRAIL-based treatment for melanoma.

The detection of the death-associated protein kinase in oral squamous cell carcinoma by Semiquantitative RT-PCR / 实用口腔医学杂志

To investigate the relationship between the expression of death associated protein kinase (DAPK) gene and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The expression of DAPK gene in OSCC was detected by semi-quantitive RT-PCR. The results showed that the expression of DAPK gene was down regulated significantly, which may relate to the tumorigenesis and development of OSCC. The detection of DAPK gene may act as an index in OSCC dignosis.

Regulatory effect of endothelin on the expression of transformation growth factor-beta 1 and phosphorylated Smad 3 in A375 cells in vitro / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the effects ofendothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) on the expression of transformation growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and phosphorylation of Smad 3 in malignant melanoma cell line, A375. Methods Cultured A375 cells were classified into 5 groups, i.e. control group (no stimulation), ET-1 group (stimulated with ET-1), ET-1+BQ123 group (treated with ET-1 and BQ123),ET-1 + BQ788 group (treated with ET-1 and BQ788), ET-3 group (stimulated with ET-3), to receive different stimulation. The working concentrations were 0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 nmol/L for ET-1 and ET-3, 10 μmol/L for BQ123 and BQ788. After another 12- and 24-hour culture, ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of TGF-β1 protein and mRNA as well as phosphorylated Smad 3 (P-Smad 3). Results The expression of TGF-β1 in A375 cells was up-regulated by ET-1, but down-regulated by ET-3, and both of the effects were in a concentration-dependent manner. Under the stimulation with ET-1 and ET-3 of 100 nmol/L, the level of TGF-β1 reached 1289.38 ± 89.42 ng/L per 105 cells and 85.09 ± 9.37 ng/L per 105 cells, respectively, significantly different from that in unstimulated cells (both P < 0.05). BQ123 signifi-cantly blocked the up-regnlatory effect of ET-1 on the expression TGF-β1 protein(P < 0.05), but BQ788 had no significant influence on the effect, so was the case with TGF-β1 mRNA. Western blot revealed that ET-1significantly elevated the expression of P-Smad 3 in A375 cells (P <0.05), and the elevation was significantly inhibited by BQ123, but not by BQ788. The expression of P-Smad 3 was statistically decreased by ET-3 in A375 cells (P <0.05). Conclusions The expression of TGF-β1 could be enhanced by ET-1, but suppressed by ET-3. It is likely that endothelin receptor A mediates the phosphorylation of Smad 3 induced by ET-1.

EGCG enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human melanoma A375 cell line / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anti-cancer agent. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic constituent of green tea. In this study, inhibitory effect of combined use of EGCG and TRAIL on human melanoma A375 cells was examined and the possible mechanism investigated. The cells were divided into 4 groups: control group, EGCG group (EGCG: 10, 20 mug/mL), TRAIL group (TRAIL: 25 ng/mL) and EGCG+TRAIL group (combined group). The growth inhibition was measured in the A375 cells treated with different concentrations of TRAIL ((25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 ng/mL) by MTT assay. The apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The expressions of DR4 and DR5 were detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. The activities of caspase-8 and caspase-3 were determined by colorimetric assay. The results showed that TRAIL could dose-dependently inhibit the growth of A375 cells and the IC(50) of TRAIL was 150 ng/mL. The apoptosis rate was 11.8% in the TRAIL group, 5%-7% in the EGCG group and 48.9%-59.1% in the combined group. Significant difference was found in the apoptosis rate between the combined group and the EGCG or TRAIL group (P<0.05 for each). The expression of DR4 instead of DR5 was significantly increased in the EGCG group. The activity of caspase-3 rather than caspase-8 was substantially enhanced in the EGCG group. These results suggest that EGCG is useful for the TRAIL-based treatment for melanoma.

Analysis on the Supervision System of Retail Pharmacies in the Developed Countries like America and Great Britain / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide references for the perfecting of Chinese administration system on retail pharmacies.METHODS:The related laws and regulations of the supervising institutions of retail pharmacies in the developed countries like America and Great Britain were collected,compared and analyzed.RESULTS:The supervision systems of retail pharmacies in the developed countries like America and Great Britain have noticeable merits and rationalities.CONCLUSION:The construction of supervising system and the arrangement of its authorities on retail pharmacy in countries like America,Great Britain have some reference value for the supervision of Chinese retail pharmacies in its way towards more rationality and humanity.

Changes of IL-18 and Th1/Th2 in serum of lung cancer patients and their relationship with tumor staging / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the levels of IL-18,Th1(IL-2,TNF-?) and Th2(IL-4,IL-10) in patients with lung cancer and their relation to clinical pathological stages.Methods Totally 109 lung cancer patients were of 45 squamous cancer,40 adenocarcinoma,18 small cell lung cancer and 6 large cell carcinoma.Serum levels of IL-18,TNF-?,IL-2,IL-4 and IL-10 were determined by using an ELISA assay in 109 lung cancer patients and in 30 normal people.Results The levels of IL-18,TNF-? and IL-2 were significantly lower and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in lung cancer patients than in controls(P

EVALUATING THE VALUE OF COLOR DOPPLER FLOW IMAGING IN DETECTION OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS OF THE LOWER LIMBS / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To explore the value of 2 dimension and color Doppler flow imaging (2D CDFI) in detection of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Methods One hundred and one patients, 118 limbs clinically suspected as deep venous thrombosis were examined by CDFI and ascending phlebography. Results The sensitivity of ultrasonogram was 94 4% and accuracy was 98 4%. The highest incidence is 30 4% in the femoral vein. With the ratio 2 2∶1, the incidence of left lower limbs was much higher than the right. Because of different pathological changes in acute, subacute and chronic thrombosis, there are diverse character in 2D CDFI. Conclusions Deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs can be diagnosed by 2D CDFI, which is a noninvasive, easy and accurate method.

The clinical significance of microproteinuria and the correlation between microproteinuria and renal pathological changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical significance of urinary ?1-microglobulin (?1-MG), ?2-micro-globulin (?2-MG), albumin (MA), immunoglobulin G (IGU) and transferritin (TRU), and investigate the correlation between microproteinuria and renal pathological changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods According to the presence of nephritis, 47 SLE patients who had renal biopsy were divided into two groups: 30 patients with clinical lupus nephritis (OLN), and 17 patient with silent lupus nephritis (SLN). The urinary ?1-MG, ?2-MG, MA, IGU and TRU were measured in SLE patients and compared with healthy control group. The level of microproteinuria and renal biopsy pathological changes in SLE patients were studied. Results ①The levels of urinary ?1-MG, ?2-MG, MA, IGU and TRU had statistical differences between SLE group and healthy control group, OLN group and SLN group, SLN group and healthy control group respectively. ②The levels of urinary MA、TRU、 IGU were significantly higher in WHO class Ⅳ than in class Ⅱ LN, the level of urinary MA was markedly increased in class Ⅳ than in class Ⅲ LN and ?1-MG was significantly different between class Ⅳ and Ⅴ LN. In classⅤ LN, the urinary MA was obviously increased compared with class Ⅱ LN. Conclusion ①The urinary ?1-MG, ?2-MG, MA, IGU and TRU reflects the severity of renal damage in SLE patients and may be used as sensitive markers for early lupus nephritis. ②The measurement of microproteinuria indicates that the difference in severity of renal damage exists among different WHO classes of LN and urinary MA and ?1-MG may be sensitive indicators.