[Composite excipients for preparing concentrated water pills of personalized traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions by extruding-rounding method].

This study aims to optimize the composite excipients suitable for the preparation of concentrated water pills of personalized traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions by the extruding-rounding method and investigate the roles of each excipient in the preparation process. The fiber materials and powder materials were taken as the standard materials suitable as excipients in the preparation of personalized concentrated water pills without excipient. Water absorption properties and torque rheology were used as indicators for selecting the materials of composite excipients. The ratio of composite excipients was optimized by D-optimal mixture design. Moreover, to demonstrate the universal applicability of the optimal composite excipients, this study selected three traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions with low, medium, and high extraction rates to verify the optimal ratio. Finally, the effects of each selected excipient on the molding of personalized concentrated water pills were investigated with the four parameters of the pill molding quality as indicators. The optimized composite excipients were dextrin∶microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)∶low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose(L-HPC) at a ratio of 1∶2∶4. The composite excipients were used for the preparation of personalized concentrated water pills with stable process, good quality, and a wide range of application. Dextrin acted as a diluent and accelerated the speed of extruding. MCC mainly served as an adhesive, increasing the cohesion and viscosity of the pills. L-HPC as a water absorbent and disintegrating agent can absorb and hold the water of the concentrate and has a strong disintegration effect.

[Molding law of traditional Chinese medicine gel plaster based on physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates].

This paper aims to study the correlation between the physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates and the molding quality and law of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) gel plaster by using TCM slices and powder as raw materials. 48 TCM compounds are selected as model prescriptions to prepare gel plasters. The rotational rheometer is used to determine the rheological parameters of the plaster, including storage modulus(G'), loss modulus(G″), yield stress(τ), and creep compliance [J(t)]. The molding quality of the prepared TCM gel plaster is evaluated by subjective and objective measures. Clustering and principal component analysis are conducted to evaluate the physical properties of the plaster. By measuring the rheological properties of the plaster, the molding quality of the TCM gel plaster can be predicted, with an accuracy of 83.72% after seven days of modeling and 88.37% after 30 days of modeling. When the parameters such as G' and G″ of the plaster are large, and the [J(t)] is small, the molding quality of the plaster is better. When the plaster coating point is no less than 3, it is difficult to be coated. In addition, when the proportion of metal ions in the prescription is higher, the 30-day forming quality of the plaster is mainly affected, and the viscosity of the plaster is poor. If the prescription contains many acidic chemical components, the 7-day forming quality of the plaster is mainly affected, with many residuals. The results suggest that the rheological properties of the plaster can be used to predict the molding quality of TCM slice and powder gel plaster. It can provide a reference for the development of TCM gel plaster prescriptions.

[Origin, development, and modern application value of Chinese herbal lozenges].

Lozenge is one of the traditional dosage forms of Chinese medicine. It has been recorded in traditional Chinese medical classics of all dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty and has been developing and evolving continuously. The unique pharmaceutical methods and application scope are the driving force of its emergence, existence, and development. Up to now, lozenge has been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as an independent dosage form. Lozenge has been endowed with new meaning by modern Chinese medicine pharmaceutics, which is worth tracing origin and exploring value. The present study reviewed the origin and development of lozenge, compared lozenge with other similar dosage forms, analyzed the characteristics of modern and ancient dosage forms of lozenge, and discussed the development prospect and potential of lozenge in combination with the demand development of modern Chinese medicine preparation, so as to provide references for expanding the modern application of lozenge.

Study of cellular heterogeneity and differential dynamics of autophagy in human embryonic kidney development by single-cell RNA sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is believed to participate in embryonic development, but whether the expression of autophagy-associated genes undergoes changes during the development of human embryonic kidneys remains unknown. METHODS: In this work, we identified 36,151 human renal cells from embryonic kidneys of 9-18 gestational weeks in 16 major clusters by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and detected 1350 autophagy-related genes in all fetal renal cells. The abundance of each cell cluster in Wilms tumor samples from scRNA-seq and GDC TARGET WT datasets was detected by CIBERSORTx. R package Monocle 3 was used to determine differentiation trajectories. Cyclone tool of R package scran was applied to calculate the cell cycle scores. R package SCENIC was used to investigate the transcriptional regulons. The FindMarkers tool from Seurat was used to calculate DEGs. GSVA was used to perform gene set enrichment analyses. CellphoneDB was utilized to analyze intercellular communication. RESULTS: It was found that cells in the 13th gestational week showed the lowest transcriptional level in each cluster in all stages. Nephron progenitors could be divided into four subgroups with diverse levels of autophagy corresponding to different SIX2 expressions. SSBpod (podocyte precursors) could differentiate into four types of podocytes (Pod), and autophagy-related regulation was involved in this process. Pseudotime analysis showed that interstitial progenitor cells (IPCs) potentially possessed two primitive directions of differentiation to interstitial cells with different expressions of autophagy. It was found that NPCs, pretubular aggregates and interstitial cell clusters had high abundance in Wilms tumor as compared with para-tumor samples with active intercellular communication. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings suggest that autophagy may be involved in the development and cellular heterogeneity of early human fetal kidneys. In addition, part of Wilms tumor cancer cells possess the characteristics of some fetal renal cell clusters.

Correlation of serum uromodulin levels with renal fibrosis and renal function progression in patients with CKD.

To explore the relationship of serum uromodulin levels with renal function progression and renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Totally 168 CKD patients treated in Department of Nephrology of the present hospital between June 2017 and June 2019 were recruited. These patients were allocated to the deterioration and control groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multi-factor Logistic regression analysis was utilized for the correlation factors influencing renal function progression and the correlation between serum uromodulin and renal fibrosis was also compared. Number of patients receiving ARB or ACEI drugs intervention was lower in the deterioration group than that in the control group (P<0.05). 24-hour urine protein quantification and HA were higher, while eGFR and uromodulin were lower in the deterioration group compared with the control group (both P<0.05). eGFR (OR=0.373) and uromodulin (OR=0.717) were the protective factors for renal function progression. The risk of renal fibrosis was higher in the deterioration group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Uromodulin was significantly higher in the fibrosis group compared with the normal group (P<0.05). Serum uromodulin is an independent risk factor for renal function progression, and is remarkably correlated with renal fibrosis, which deserves clinical promotion.

High-power and single-mode VCSEL arrays with single-polarized outputs by using package-induced tensile strain.

In this work, we demonstrate a novel high-power vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array with highly single-mode (SM) and single-polarized output performance without significantly increasing the intra-cavity loss and threshold current (Ith). By combining a low-loss zinc-diffusion aperture with an electroplated copper substrate, we can obtain a highly SM output (side mode suppression ratio >50dB) with a very narrow divergence angle (1/e2:∼10∘) under high output power (3.1 W; 1% duty cycle) and sustain a single polarization state, with a polarization suppression ratio of around 9 dB, under the full range of bias currents. Compared to the reference device without the copper substrate, the demonstrated array can not only switch the output optical spectra from quasi-SM to highly SM but also maintain a close threshold current value (Ith: 0.8 versus 0.7 mA per unit device) and slope efficiency. The enhancement in fundamental mode selectivity of our VCSEL structure can be attributed to the single-polarized lasing mode induced by tensile strain, which is caused by the electroplated copper substrate, as verified by the double-crystal x-ray measurement results.

[Effects of different planting density, leaf position and leaf age on growth and quality of Artemisia argyi var. argyi 'Qiai'].

In order to guide the standardized planting and scientific harvesting of Artemisia argyi var. argyi 'Qiai', effects of diffe-rent planting density, leaf position and leaf age on the growth and quality of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' were studied in this paper. The results showed that appropriate sparse planting could increase stem diameter, compact leaf spacing, increase the leaf size, reduce the rate of withered leaves and increase the number of effective leaves. Dense planting can significantly increase the yield of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' per Mu(1 Mu≈667 m~2) and the output rate of moxa, but reduce the yield per plant and the number of effective leaves. With the decrease of leaf position and the increase of leaf age, the leaf size and the weight of one hundred leaves increased at first and then decreased, the density of non-glandular hair field of the lower epidermis and the output rate of moxa decreased. With the increase of planting density, the contents of eucalyptus oleoresin, camphor, α-platyclone, and cyanidin decreased gradually, the contents of chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C in the leaves of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' increased gradually, while the contents of borneol, bornyl acetate and isozelanin increased at first and then decreased significantly. With the decrease of leaf position and the increase of leaf age, the contents of volatile oil, phenolic acid and flavonoid in A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' decreased gradually. PCA analysis can divide the leaf quality characteristics of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' into two parts: the middle and upper 10-30 days leaf age, the middle and lower 40-50 days above leaf age. Based on the above factors, the planting density of 28 000 plants/Mu(row spacing of 10 cm×20 cm) can be selected for cultivation of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' rhizome, and the effective plants in the field are about 142 800 plants/Mu. In terms of harvesting, it is suggested that the A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' should be harvested on "March 3 rd" and "May 5 th" of the lunar calendar. If it is the traditionally harvested at one time in May, the A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' should be divided into two parts: the middle and upper leaves, the middle and lower leaves, so as to achieve high quality and high price of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' leaves and improve the economic benefits of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' planting.

[Effect of planting period and ridge pattern on yield and quality of Artemisia argyi var.argyi 'Qiai'].

To solve the problems of the unclear planting period and the traditional flat planting of Artemisia argyi var.argyi 'Qiai', such as the serious dead leaves in the middle and lower parts of the plant and the low yield and low quality in the field, the effects of different planting period and ridge pattern on yield and quality of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' were studied. The results showed that the growth and development of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' was better when planted in autumn and winter, and the ridge directions had little effect on the growth and yield of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai', while the ridge width had a significant effect. Compared the traditional wide ridge planting mode(the width of the ridge is 160 cm) with the ridge width of 80 cm, 60 cm and 40 cm, the results showed that the density per unit area, the number of effective plants, and the rate of dead leaves were decreased, while the number of productive leaves per plant, the number of lateral branches, and the total yield per plant were increased, the total yield was decreased. The output rates of moxa in the leaves of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' decreased with the planting time postponed and the width of planting ridge increased. The contents of volatile oil, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, camphor and borneol in A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' reach to the highest when planted in autumn and winter and the ridge width was 80 cm. In addition, the contents of total flavonoids, kaempferol, jeceosidin and eupatilin flavonoids in the leaves of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' gradually decreased as the planting period postponed and the ridge width increased. The results show that the A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' should be planted in autumn and winter, and the double row ridge planting mode with width of 60-80 cm is more suitable for the cultivation and production of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' in Qichun County of Hubei Province. This study will provide a theoretical basis and guidance for higher yield and quality in cultivation of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' in Qichun county.

Buckle fracture of the proximal tibia in children and frequency of association with trampoline and inflatable bouncer use.

BACKGROUND: Proximal tibial buckle fractures are often called "trampoline fractures," but mechanisms are more varied. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of trampoline or bouncer etiology among children with buckle fracture of the proximal tibia, characterizing demographics, alternative etiologies, and fracture patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective chart review of mechanisms, age and gender of children with radiographs interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture between 2010 and 2016. Two pediatric radiologists assessed presence of cortical impaction, cortical break, increased anterior scoop deformity, and oblique extension of fracture toward the physis. We studied the associations among demographics, etiology and fracture appearance using analysis of variance and chi-square/Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: We identified 145 exams interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture (median age 34 months, 64% girls). Bouncing surface was the most common mechanism (44%), and 80% of those cases reported multiple people on the bouncing surface. Falls were the second most common mechanism (30%). Children injured while bouncing were older (median 41 months) than others (median 21 months, P<0.005) and more likely to have oblique extension of fracture toward the physis (P<0.05). Buckle deformity was associated with a younger age (F=8.67; P<0.01), while oblique extension to the physis and concurrent fibula fracture were associated with older age (F=18.62, P<0.001; and F=8.02, P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trampoline use was the most common single mechanism of injury in children with proximal tibial fracture interpreted as buckle deformity. However, non-bouncing mechanisms were overall more common and occurred in a younger age group at risk for "toddler fractures."

[Development status and research strategy of traditional Chinese medicine temporary prescription preparation technology].

Temporary prescription preparation is the preparation processed into different dosage forms by relevant pharmacist according to the temporary preparation requirement and the personalized prescription made by the doctor in accordance with the syndrome differentiation and drug performance.It is an important part in personalized pharmaceutical services.Rational design of process route,production equipment and quality control method for the temporary prescription preparation,and establishment of technology research strategy and mode in accordance with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine temporary prescription preparations play an important role in promoting the development of the temporary prescription preparations.To promote the normalization,standardization and intelligent development of temporary prescription preparations,we would comprehensively summarize the significance,policy,technology characteristics,technology research status quo and existing problems in this paper,and put forward the research direction of temporary prescription preparation technology based on the physical properties of raw materials,equipment research strategy,and intelligent manufacturing technology.Thus it will push the inheritance and innovation of temporary prescription preparation.

REPORT-Pleural lavage of amphotericin B for treatment of empyema caused by Candida albicans infections: A case report.

Chest fungal infection is a rarely seen lethal disease with rapid progression. Sufficient residence time of antifungal agent with therapeutic concentration in the chest is an essential point during anti-infection therapy, which is hard to achieve via conventional systemic drug delivery. We here by describe a case of successful treatment of fungal Chest infection via local pleural lavage. A 59 years old male was hospitalized due to chest pain. X-ray of chest and bacterial culture of thoracic drainage fluid and blood indicated severe chest infection of Candida albicans. The patient was initially administered intravenously with amphotericin B (25mg/day). However, the symptoms were not significantly improved after 5 days of treatment. Then one-hour pleural lavage of 5mg amphotericin B in volume of 50ml 5% glucose solution was added once daily. On day 12, bacterial cultures showed negative, and chest X-ray exhibited apparent decrease of shadow area, also other examinations such as body temperature and white blood cell count suggested significant improvement of infection. The therapeutic strategy of amphotericin B was maintained until two consecutive bacterial cultures were negative, then was switched back to intravenous drip alone for another one month found. No significant adverse effects were observed during the treatment. In conclusion, this case demonstrates a new local pleural lavage method of amphotericin B for chest fungal infection, which may provide a reference for the treatment of such cases.

Bacteriology and antibiotic sensitivity of tonsillar diseases in Chinese children.

Although many bacteriology studies on tonsillar diseases have been completed, only a few studies investigated bacteriology of tonsillar diseases in recent years, especially in Asian children population. The aim of our study is to elucidate the bacterial flora and antibiotic sensitivity of tonsillar diseases in Chinese children. A three-center study was performed on 2994 children with or without tonsillar diseases. We compared and analyzed differences of bacterial pathogens among recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy and controls. We found that on the surface of tonsil, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were noted in the order given in the recurrent tonsillitis (RT) group. In the tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) and control group, H. influenzae, S. aureus and S. pneumoniae were noted in the order given. For the core of tonsil, H. influenzae, S. aureus and ß-hemolytic streptococcus were noted in the order given in both RT and TH group. S. aureus and H. influenzae were the most prevalent types of bacteria present in cultures containing two strains in the RT and TH group, respectively. We also observed some differences in the types of bacteria in the surface and core between the recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy groups. Our study provides recent bacteria distribution and antibiotic sensitivity for tonsillar diseases in Chinese children and will be helpful in the treatment of these diseases.

[Wetting agent dosage screening for traditional Chinese medicine pellet based on torque rheological property].

With lubricant and bonding effect simultaneously, wetting agent has direct effect on properties of wet mass and extrudate, thus affecting the forming quality of pellets in extrusion-spheronization process. In this research, 25 representative kinds of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) were selected as model drugs and 20%, 30% and 40% drug loading were set with MCC as their balling agent. The torque rheological curves were measured to get parameters such as maximum torque (Tmax) and corresponding water addition (WTmax) for these 75 raw materials by a mixer torque rheometer (MTR).The results showed that among 75 representative raw materials, 74 ones could be obtained for spherical pellets under the water addition of WTmax-2. corresponding to the second largest torque in torque rheological curve, suggesting that MTR could be used to select the optimal wetting agent dosage of TCM pellets. So the tedious and expensive pre-production work could be considerably reduced when TCM pellets were prepared.

Investigation of sub-health status of neonates in Heping street region (Beijing) and analysis on related risk factors.

To investigate sub-health status of neonates in Heping Street Region and related risk factors. Then, 7436 maternal women admitted to hospital in Heping Street Region, Beijing were enrolled from October 2013 to September 2015, including 293 women, who gave birth to sub-health neonates. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect maternal age, education degree, experiences and income, occupation, life habit, condition in pregnancy, condition in perinatal period, adverse reaction in pregnancy, etc. Finally, 281 effective questionnaires were regained with effective regain rate of 95.90%. Compared with the occurrence rate of sub-health neonates between local population and floating population, correlation analysis and multi-factor Logistic regression analysis were conducted on the influence factors of sub-health neonates. The occurrence rate of sub-health neonates among floating population is higher than that among local population (1.10% (59/2641) V.S. 4.88% (234/4795)) with significant difference (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the differences in mother's age, family income, education degree, harmful factors in contact environment, prenatal care, history of adverse pregnancy, unhealthy metal factor, gestational diabetes, diseases history in pregnancy, drug history in pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy hypertension, premature rupture of fetal membranes, and circular of umbilical cord performed statistical significance (P<0.05). Moreover, mother's age, premature rupture of fetal membranes, disease history in pregnancy, drug history in pregnancy and pregnancy hypertension are the influence factors for the risk of sub-health neonates, while high family income and healthcare in pregnancy are protective factors from the risk of sub-health neonates. All of these differences showed statistical significance (P<0.05). The occurrence of sub-health neonates among floating population is higher than that among local population. Mother's age, premature rupture of fetal membranes, disease history in pregnancy, drug history in pregnancy, and pregnancy hypertension are major risk factors of sub-health neonates. Therefore, these results help us to take corresponding measures to improve the quality of newly-born population.

MicroRNAs are potential prognostic and therapeutic targets in diabetic osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is an aging-related degenerative disease that severely influences the elders' life quality. However, there have been few clinical approaches available until now. Currently, more knowledge of the pathology of osteoarthritis has been illustrated. Especially, diabetes can be the only predictor of osteoarthritis. Due to its outstanding characteristics, MicroRNA has been considered as an efficient target in treating diseases. In this review, we will discuss a new insight focusing on the roles of microRNA in the progression of osteoarthritis-induced by diabetes, especially type II diabetes mellitus.

The value of diffusion-weighted imaging in the detection of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as a single non-invasive method in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) and to deduce its clinical utility. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant original studies. Quality of included studies was assessed by QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies). Data were extracted to calculate sensitivity and specificity as well as running the test of heterogeneity and threshold effect. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was drawn and area under SROC curve (AUC) served as a determination of the diagnostic performance of DWI for the detection of PCa. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included, with 27 subsets of data available for analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were 0.62 (95% CI 0.61-0.64) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.89-0.90), respectively. Pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.83 (95% CI 4.61-7.37) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.23-0.39), respectively. The AUC was 0.8991. Significant heterogeneity was observed. There was no notable publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: DWI is an informative MRI modality in detecting PCa and shows moderately high diagnostic accuracy. General clinical application was limited because of the absence of standardized DW-MRI techniques. KEY POINTS: • DWI provides incremental information for the detection and evaluation of PCa • DWI has moderately high diagnostic accuracy in detecting PCa • Patient condition, imaging protocols and study design positively influence diagnostic performance • General clinical application requires optimization of image acquisition and interpretation.

[Discussion on research and development of new traditional Chinese medicine preparation process based on idea of QbD].

Traditional processes are mostly adopted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation production and the quality of products is mostly controlled by terminal. Potential problems of the production in the process are unpredictable and is relied on experience in most cases. Therefore, it is hard to find the key points affecting the preparation process and quality control. A pattern of research and development of traditional Chinese medicine preparation process based on the idea of Quality by Design (QbD) was proposed after introducing the latest research achievement. Basic theories of micromeritics and rheology were used to characterize the physical property of TCM raw material. TCM preparation process was designed in a more scientific and rational way by studying the correlation among enhancing physical property of raw material, preparation process and product quality of preparation. So factors affecting the quality of TCM production would be found out and problems that might occur in the pilot process could be predicted. It would be a foundation for the R&D and production of TCM preparation as well as support for the "process control" of TCMIs gradually realized in the future.

NR5A2 promotes malignancy progression and mediates the effect of cisplatin in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Nuclear receptor subfamily five group A member two (NR5A2) plays a key role in the development of many tumor types, while it is uncertain in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The aim of this work was to determine the role of NR5A2 in cSCC proliferation, and to determine whether NR5A2 mediates the effect of cisplatin in cSCC. METHODS: We performed a systematic study of existing data and conducted a preliminary bioinformatics analysis of NR5A2 expression in cSCC using bioinformatics databases. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on cSCC tissues of seven patients to study NR5A2 expression. NR5A2 expression was examined in human keratin-forming cells (HaCaT) and human cSCC cells (A431, Colo-16, SCL-1, SCL-2, and HSC-5). Stable A431 and SCL-2 cell lines consisting of sh-RNA-NR5A2 were constructed to detect changes in cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and to determine the key proteins in the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. We also investigated changes in the effects of cisplatin on cSCC cells by CCK-8, clone formation assay, and Flow apoptosis assay after NR5A2 knockdown. RESULTS: NR5A2 showed enhanced expression in cSCC tissues than in healthy tissues. Downregulation of NR5A2 in cSCC cells led to the formation of a less malignant phenotype. In contrast, the proliferative capacity of the cSCC cells was enhanced posttreatment with RJW100, an NR5A2 agonist. Additionally, NR5A2 knockdown led to a decrease in the expression level of the proteins in the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, and this inhibition was reversed by LiCl and recombinant antibody, Wnt3a. Moreover, NR5A2 knockdown resulted in diminished proliferative capacity and increased apoptotic cells after the addition of cisplatin. CONCLUSION: NR5A2 plays a crucial role in the progression of cSCC, and the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of NR5A2-mediated cSCC. Knockdown of NR5A2 enhanced both the proliferation inhibiting and apoptosis promoting effects of cisplatin on cSCC.

OsbZIP58, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, regulates starch biosynthesis in rice endosperm.

Starch composition and the amount in endosperm, both of which contribute dramatically to seed yield, cooking quality, and taste in cereals, are determined by a series of complex biochemical reactions. However, the mechanism regulating starch biosynthesis in cereal seeds is not well understood. This study showed that OsbZIP58, a bZIP transcription factor, is a key transcriptional regulator controlling starch synthesis in rice endosperm. OsbZIP58 was expressed mainly in endosperm during active starch synthesis. osbzip58 null mutants displayed abnormal seed morphology with altered starch accumulation in the white belly region and decreased amounts of total starch and amylose. Moreover, osbzip58 had a higher proportion of short chains and a lower proportion of intermediate chains of amylopectin. Furthermore, OsbZIP58 was shown to bind directly to the promoters of six starch-synthesizing genes, OsAGPL3, Wx, OsSSIIa, SBE1, OsBEIIb, and ISA2, and to regulate their expression. These findings indicate that OsbZIP58 functions as a key regulator of starch synthesis in rice seeds and provide new insights into seed quality control.

Totally laparoscopic vs. laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopic surgery has become common in the treatment of gastric cancer due to the improvement of both techniques and devices for laparoscopic surgery. This study compares totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) with laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) implemented by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. METHODOLOGY: Studies and relevant literature regarding the formation of LADG vs. TLDG were searched in PubMed, Embase and WanFang database. Operative time, bleeding volume, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus, duration of postoperative hospitalization and postoperative complications in LADG and TLDG were pooled and compared using a meta-analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean different (WMD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the influence of TLDG. RESULTS: Five recent studies including 652 patients in total were included in this meta-analysis. These studies demonstrated that compared with LADG, TLDG has less bleeding (p <0.05), shorter time to first flatus (p <0.05), and lower rates of postoperative complications (p <0.01). The operation time, the mean number of lymph nodes retrieved and duration of postoperative hospitalization were not statistically significant (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with LADG, TLDG can significantly reduce bleeding, time to first flatus and rates of postoperative complications. Therefore, it was considered a useful technique for patients with gastric cancer.