Crotonoids A-H, Labdane-Type Diterpenoids with Anti-Inflammatory Activity from Croton Sublyratus.

Croton sublyratus (Euphorbiaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant used by the Thai populace to treat helminthic infections and dermatologic conditions. In present study, eight new labdane-type diterpenoids, crotonoids A-H (1-8) and one known analogue (9) were isolated from the aerial parts of C. sublyratus. Compounds 6 and 7 belong to the rare class of 14,15-dinor-labdane diterpenoids. Compound 8 exhibited a rare 14,15,17-trinor-labdane skeleton. The structures of all these diterpenoids were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 9 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity via the inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

[Effects of Microplastics on the Leaching of Nutrients and Cadmium from Soil].

The environmental effects of microplastics, which are considered a type of emerging contaminants, have attracted increasing concern due to their small size, large specific surface area, strong adsorption capacity, and low degradability. Microplastics can change soil properties and affect the migration ability of nutrients and pollutants in soil, but their effects on the leaching of soil nutrients and heavy metals have not been sufficiently studied. A soil column leaching experiment was conducted to explore the effects of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics at different mass fractions (0%, 0.2%, and 2%) on the leaching of nutrients and cadmium under simulated rainfall scenarios. The results showed that increasing rainfall intensity enhanced the leaching of nutrients and cadmium from soil. During downpour conditions, 2% PS significantly increased the leaching of total nitrogen and the content of available phosphorus in soil and reduced the leaching of inorganic phosphorus and the content of ammonium nitrogen in the soil, whereas it increased the content of available potassium during heavy rain. By comparison, 2% PLA reduced the leaching of nitrate nitrogen during heavy rain and intense rainfall and decreased the content of ammonium nitrogen in soil during intense rainfall and downpour conditions and the content of total nitrogen in soil during downpours. In addition, 0.2% PLA significantly increased cadmium leaching during downpours. To conclude, the effects of microplastics on the leaching of nutrients and cadmium were dependent on the type and concentration of microplastics, as well as the rainfall level. Our findings showed that the microplastics derived from both nondegradable PS and biodegradable PLA could affect the leaching of nutrients and heavy metals from soil.

[Synthetic phenolic compounds perturb lipid metabolism and induce obesogenic effects].

Given continuous development in society and the economy, obesity has become a global epidemic, arousing great concern. In addition to genetic and dietary factors, exposure to environmental chemicals is associated with the occurrence and development of obesity. Current research has indicated that some chemicals with endocrine-disrupting effects can affect lipid metabolism in vivo, causing elevated lipid storage. These chemicals are called "environmental obesogens". Synthetic phenolic compounds (SPCs) are widely used in industrial and daily products, such as plastic products, disinfectants, pesticides, food additives, and so on. The exposure routes of SPCs to the human body may include food and water consumption, direct skin contact, etc. Their unintended exposure could cause harmful effects on human health. As a type of endocrine disruptor, SPCs interfere with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, exhibiting the characteristics of environmental obesogens. Because SPCs have similar phenolic structures, gathering information on their influences on lipid metabolism would be helpful to understand their structure-related effects. In this review, three commonly used research methods for screening environmental obesogens, including in vitro testing for molecular interactions, cell adipogenic differentiation models, and in vivo studies on lipid metabolism, are summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared and discussed. Based on both in vitro and in vivo data, three types of SPCs, including bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, alkylphenols (APs), and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), are systematically discussed in terms of their ability to disrupt adipogenesis and lipid metabolism by focusing on adipose and hepatic tissues, among others. Common findings on the effects of these SPCs on adipocyte differentiation, lipid storage, hepatic lipid accumulation, and liver steatosis are described. The underlying toxicological mechanisms are also discussed from the aspects of nuclear receptor transactivation, inflammation and oxidative stress regulation, intestinal microenvironment alteration, epigenetic modification, and some other signaling pathways. Future research to increase public knowledge on the obesogenic effects of emerging chemicals of concern is encouraged.

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from Alstonia scholaris and their Toxoplasma gondii inhibitory activity.

Nine previously unreported various types of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, together with seven known analogues were isolated from the stem barks of Alstonia scholaris through a silica gel free methodology. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is a modified echitamine-type alkaloid with a novel 6/5/5/7/6/6 hetero hexacyclic bridged ring system, and 8 and 9 exist as a zwitterion and trifluoroacetate salt, respectively. The anti-Toxoplasma activity of all isolates on infected Vero cells were evaluated, which revealed that compound 14 at 0.24 µM displayed potent activity. This study expanded the structural diversity of alkaloids of A. scholaris, and presented their potential application in anti-Toxoplasma drug development.

Anti-Inflammatory Salicin Derivatives from the Barks of Salix tetrasperma.

The genus Salix L. is traditionally used in folk medicine to alleviate pain caused by various kinds of inflammation. In the present study, 10 undescribed salicin derivatives along with 5 known congeners were isolated from the barks of Salix tetrasperma, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and chemical conversions. Compounds 4-6 significantly inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the most active 4 obviously suppressed the production of IL-1ß and IL-6 and decreased iNOS and COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Further Western blotting analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of 4 is possibly mediated through the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Frankincense: Implications for Anticancer Therapy.

The discovery of novel antitumor agents derived from natural plants is a principal objective of anticancer drug research. Frankincense, a widely recognized natural antitumor medicine, has undergone a systematic review encompassing its species, chemical constituents, and diverse pharmacological activities and mechanisms. The different species of frankincense include Boswellia serrata, Somali frankincense, Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia arabica. Various frankincense extracts and compounds exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties and antioxidation, memory enhancement, and immunological regulation capabilities. They also have comprehensive effects on regulating flora. Frankincense and its principal chemical constituents have demonstrated promising chemoprophylactic and therapeutic abilities against tumors. This review provides a systematic summary of the mechanism of action underlying the antitumor effects of frankincense and its major constituents, thus laying the foundations for developing effective tumor-combating targets.

Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis and Origin Analysis of Rare Complete Translocation Trisomy 18 / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo discuss the origin of rare abnormal karyotypes of fetuses with high risk of trisomy 18 revealed by non-invasive prenatal testing （NIPT） and its impact on fertility. MethodsThe cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were performed on the abnormal chromosomes of a prenatally diagnosed fetus with rare complete translocation trisomy 18. Using the keywords “translocation trisomy 18” or “trisomy 18 translocation” in both Chinese and English， we searched PubMed， CNKI， SinoMed， WanFang Data， CQ VIP and the Chinese Medicine database. The relevant case series were retrieved and critically appraised. ResultsG-banded karyotype analysis showed that the maternal karyotype was 46，XX，t（9；18）（q31.2；q23） and the fetal karyotype was 47， XN， t （9； 18） （q31.2；q23）mat， +18， which was a rare complete translocation type of trisomy 18. The SNP array revealed the fetus had increased copy number of chromosome 18 and two complete chromosome 18 inherited from the mother with balanced chromosomal translocation. Literature search found two children with complete translocation trisomy 18 reported abroad. Both of them had trisomy 18 phenotype and originated from the balanced translocation between parental chromosome 18 and other chromosomes. ConclusionNIPT gives an effective advance warning of trisomy 18. SNP array not only improves the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities， but also helps identify the origin. The karyotype is still the gold standard for prenatal diagnosis.

Epidemiological Survey of Hemoglobinopathies Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Platform in Hunan Province, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province.@*METHODS@#We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed.@*RESULTS@#The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α 3.7/αα (50.23%) and β IVS-II-654/β N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.

Preparation and clinical application of 0.7~0.8 hematocrit concentrated washed red blood cells in intrauterine blood transfusion for fetal anemia / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To develop a new approach for the preparation of 0.7~0.8 hematocrit concentrated washed red blood cells(RBCs) for fetal anemia in utero transfusion and apply it in clinical. 【Methods】 The erythrocyte suspension and frozen stored erythrocytes within expiry date in Guangzhou Blood Center from March 2020 to February 2021 were taken to prepare concentrated washed RBCs. According to the derivation formula, corresponding weight of RBC preservation solution was added to obtain 0.7~0.8 hematocrit concentrated washed RBCs. Routine blood test data were statistically analyzed by single-sample t test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualified Rh-negative/ O-type 0.7~0.8 hematocrit concentrated RBCs within expiry date were used in clinical intrauterine blood transfusion. 【Results】 The hematocrit of concentrated washing RBCs prepared by the new approach could reach 0.7~0.8. The RBCs count (8.389 ±0.808)×1 012/ L and hemoglobin content(233.730±15.498)g/L were higher while the erythrocyte count (0.732±0.469)×109 /L and platelets count(26.000±26.276)×109/L were lower than the normal values of adults. The mean erythrocyte volume(fL), hemoglobin content(pg) and concentration(g/L )were 88.123±6.359, 30.004±2.809 and 339.980±11.865, respectively, which were normal values of adults. Fetal anemia was significantly improved and the prognosis was good after intrauterine blood transfusion. 【Conclusion】 The 0.7~0.8 hematocrit concentrated washed RBCs prepared by the new approach is consistent with the special blood requirements during fetal anaemia transfusion, meets the clinical treatment standards, and can be applied in clinical.

Clinical Features of Pregnant Women with Thalassemia in Non Endemic Area / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical features of pregnant women with thalassemia in non endemic area, and to prevent the births of babies with intermedia or major thalassemia.@*METHODS@#Two hundred and thirty-five pregnants women with thalassemia diagnosed from March 2015 to April 2016 in our hospital were enrolled and retrospectively analysed. The blood routine and hemoglobin electrophoresis were performed respectively by XN-9000 automatic blood cell analyzer and HYDRASYS hemoglobin electrophoresis apparatus. The three commonest deletion of α-thalassemia, the three non-deletion α-thalassemia and 21 known β-thalassemia mutation were all detected by fluorescence melting curve analysis.@*RESULTS@#Among 235 pregnant women of thalassemia, the majority were β-thalassemia, which were followed by α-thalassemia and composite thalassemia. Most pregnant women showed a mild anemia, and suffered from microcytic anemia, but less suffered from iron deficiency anemia. The ratio of second-child pregnant women was increased, and the ratio was close to one third both in α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia patients, and 75% patients were composite thalassemia. HbF was found to be more in native pregnant women with β-thalassemia. Hemoglobin isomer was easy to found in the pregnant with α-thalassemia, and they were all non native. The genotype of --@*CONCLUSION@#More pregnant women with thalassemia are founded to be in non endemic area, and shows their own unique clinical features. It is certainly to detect thalassemia mutation in their spouse and their babies, to prevent the births of babies with intermedia or major thalassemia.

Analysis of relative factors affecting the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective:To explore the factors affecting the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in endometriosis (EMT) patients in order to provide reference for the clinical selection of FET strategies. Methods:A total of 329 EMT patients who received blastocyst FET at the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, from Jan. 2015 to Dec. 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups according to endometrial preparation protocols, ages, and endometrial thickness on the day of progesterone conversion, respectively. By endometrial preparation protocols, the three groups included gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) down-regulation+ hormone replacement therapy (HRT) group (GnRH-a+HRT group, A1 group, n=138), HRT group (B1 group, n=52), and natural cycle (NC) group (C1 group, n=139). By ages, the three groups included 35 years old group (C2 group, n=59). By endometrial thickness on the day of progesterone conversion, the three groups included 12 mm group (C3 group, n=37). The differences in pregnancy outcomes among EMT patients with blastocyst FET were compared under different grouping factors. Results:The endometrium of A1 group was significantly thicker than that of B1 group (P=0.041), the implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate of B1 group were significantly higher than those of C1 group (P=0.000, P=0.003). Compared with A1 group, the implantation rate of B1 group was significantly higher (P=0.023), while it was significantly lower in group C1 (P=0.027). The abortion rate of A2 group was significantly higher than that of B2 group (P=0.007). Compared with A3 group, the implantation rate of B3 group was significantly higher (P=0.041), while it was significantly lower in C3 group (P=0.026). Conclusion:HRT endometrial preparation protocol for EMT patients with blastocyst FET can improve the implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate, and reduce the abortion rate and ectopic pregnancy rate, which may be an economical and efficient endometrial preparation protocol in clinical.

Intrauterine transfusion for fetal hemolytic disease caused by erythrocyte alloimmunization: a retrospective study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the outcomes of fetuses with hemolytic anemia caused by red cell alloimmunization following intrauterine transfusion (IUT),and to analyze the influence of hydrops fetalis on IUT treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 fetuses,who were admitted to the Fetal Medicine Center,the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2005 to May 2018,with hemolytic disease requiring IUT.Clinical data of the fetuses and the gravidas were collected and divided into hydrops group (17 cases) and non-hydrops group (53 cases) based on their conditions before IUT.Results of routine blood tests before and after the first IUT,gestational age at the first IUT,prognosis and outcomes of the fetuses were compared between two groups.t-test,rank-sum test,Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) and multivariant logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.Results Totally,the 70 fetuses underwent 231 times of IUT.Compared with the non-hydrops group,the hydrops group had a significantly increased incidence of severe anemia [14/17 vs 47.2％ (25/53),x2=6.458,P=0.011],but decreased hemoglobin [(38.5 ± 21.4) vs (68.7± 19.3) g/L,t=5.471,P＜0.001] and hematocrit level [0.110 (0.044-0.246) vs 0.222 (0.077-0.299),Z=-4.390,P＜0.001] before the first IUT.After the IUT,the survival rate of the fetuses in hydrops group was significantly lower than that of the non-hydrops group [11/15 vs 94.3％ (50/53),P=0.038].There was no significant difference in gestational age at birth,birth weight,neonatal hemoglobin level at birth,the incidence of exchange transfusion,the number of blood transfusions required or the incidence of severe neonatal complication between the two groups (all P＞0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that the fetal hydrops was an independent risk factor for fetal survival (OR=12.8,95％CI:1.2-136.4,P=0.035).Conclusions Hydrops fetalis might reduce the survival rate of fetal hemolytic disease after 1UT.

Effects of Stored Apheresis Platelet Apoptosis on Aggregation Function / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of storage lesion in apheresis platelets on platelet apoptosis and the changes of aggregation function, and analyze the relationships between the apoptosis and aggregation function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Platelet samples were collected from 10 healthy donors with O blood group. Firstly, the effects of storage lesion in platelets on the platelet apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Then, using a multiplate analyzer, individual-donor Plt aggregation response to stimulation by the agonists ADP, Collagen, TRAP and ASPI was examined. Finally, the relationships between its apoptosis and aggregation function was analyzed by correlation regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By flow cytometry it was found that with the prolonging of storage time, the apoptosis ratio of platelets significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, the apoptosis rates of platelets on 2nd, 5th and 8th day were (2.87±0.31)%, (11.08±1.54)% and (27.99±2.76)% respectively (P<0.01). Compared with Day 2 platelets, the d 5 platelets stored for 5 d significantly decrease the aggregation response to stimnlation of collagen, TRAP, and ASPI. Compared with platelets stored for 5 d, platelets stored for 8 d significantly decreased the aggregation response to stimnlation of collagen, TRAP and ASPI (P<0.01). However, when stimulated by ADP, the aggregation response was similar among Day 2, Day 5 and Day 8 platelets. The rate of the aggregation function was also declined significantly when stimulated by collagen, TRAP, and ASPI, but not ADP. Further regression analysis showed that the aggregation function of apheresis platelet negatively correlated with the apoptosis (r=-0.9497, r=-0.9527, r= -0.9707 and r= -0.9352 respectively), and the correlation is very strong.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With the prolonging of storage time, the apoptosis ratio in platelets significantly increased. The aggregation function also is declined significantly when stimulated by collagen, TRAP, and ASPI, but not ADP. The aggregation function of apheresis platelets closly correlats with the apoptosis.</p>

Screening alternative splicing on long noncoding RNAs regulated by PTB in glioma / 基础医学与临床

Objective To further investigate the role of PTB in regulating the alternative splicing of lncRNAs in a glioblastoma tumorigenesis,and analyze spliced lncRNAs. Methods Analyzing array data and screening a specific set of alternative spliced lncRNAs. Total RNA was isolated from PTB knockdown glioblastoma cells (U87MG) or glioblastoma and normal cell lines and tissue samples,and subjected to real-time PCR(RT-PCR) assays to detect the expression level of spliced transcripts. Alternatively spliced lncRNAs were identified as target genes that may be regulated by PTB protein by knocking down method. Nuclear and cytoplasmic isolation were performed on T98G cells to identify cellular location of lncRNA. Results Our results uncovered PTB which impact on the transcript level of several lncRNAs including linc00882. Interestingly,the lncRNA linc00882 significantly exhibited differential spli-cing patterns between two splice variants in the PTB-abundant glioblastoma cells. The alternative splicing transcripts were located in cell cytoplasm. Conclusions The results suggest that PTB may have an effect on the alternative spli-cing of linc00882 in glioma.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors affecting outcomes of elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features, treatment strategy and risk factors affecting the prognosis of elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the data of elderly patietns (>60 years) with newly diagnosed NSCLC complicated by COPD at the Geriatric Institution of General Hospital of PLA between January, 2000 and June, 2015. The clinical data collected included history of smoking, pulmonary function test results, initial treatments, TNM stage, chief complaints, comorbidities and laboratory tests. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the prognostic factors in these patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 200 NSCLC patients were reviewed, of which 107 (53.5%) patients had the co-morbidity of COPD as confirmed by spirometry using bronchodilator test. The median survival of the patients with NSCLC complicated by COPD was 45.8 months with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of 80.4%, 55.4%, 41.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Stratification analysis showed that patients with COPD Gold grades 1 and 2 had a significant longer median overall survival (51.7 and 43.1 months, respectively) than those with grade 3/4 (16.9 months; P=0.020 and 0.043, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that an older age, a higher Gold grade, advanced disease stage (stages III and IV), squamous cell carcinoma, nonsurgical initial treatment, coughing and an elevated serum CEA level were independent risk factors for shorter survival of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple prognostic factors can affect the outcomes of elderly patients with NSCLC complicated by COPD, and a higher COPD Gold grade that fails to respond to treatment within 3 months is the independent risk factor for survival of the patients.</p>

In vivo antimalarial activity of synthetic hepcidin against Plasmodium berghei in mice / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to investigate the antimalarial activity of synthetic hepcidin and its effect on cytokine secretion in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. The mice were infected with P. berghei intravenously and treated with hepcidin according to 4-day suppression test and Rane's test. The serum levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the experimental mice were determined using a cytometric bead array (CBA) kit. The survival rate of the infected mice was also registered. Additionally, the serum iron, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin (BIL) were detected to evaluate liver functions. Hepcidin exerted direct anti-malarial function in vivo and increased survival rate in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the secretion of T helper cell type 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 cytokines, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were inhibited by hepcidin. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that synthetic hepcidin exerts in vivo antimalarial activity and possesses anti-inflammatory function, which provides a basis for future design of new derivatives with ideal anti-malarial activity.

Combination of musk and olibanum promotes proliferation of prostate stem cells in mice: An experimental study / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To study the effects of muskolibanum combination on the proliferation and differentiation of prostate stem cells.@*METHODS@#We cultured prostate epithelial cells and urogenital sinus mesenchymal (UGSM) cells from 7－10 d old C57BL/6 mice and 16－18 d old pregnant C57BL/6 mice, transplanted the mixed suspension of the two types of cells under the kidney envelope of SCIDCB.17 male mice, and harvested the transplants 30 days later. We randomly divided the SCIDCB.17 mice into four groups to be treated intragastrically with musk (n = 8), olibanum (n = 8), musk+olibanum (n = 7), and normal saline (blank control, n = 8)) respectively, all for 14 days. Then we collected the kidney tissue for observation of the morphology of the glandular tubes and differentiation of different subsets of stem cells by HE staining and determination of the expressions and distribution of P63, CD133, CD117 and Sca1 by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#A system was successfully established for the isolation and mixed culture of Sca1 Lin+ CD49f+ (LSC) cells of prostate stem cells and UGSM cells of the mouse embryonic prostate. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expressions of P63, CD133, Sca1, and CD117 in the prostatic acinar epithelia and proved the presence of prostatic acinar epithelial structure in the transplants. Compared with the blank control group, the expressions of CD133, Sca1 and CD117 were significantly increased in the musk, olibanum, and musk+olibanum groups (P< 0.05), higher in the musk+olibanum than in the musk or olibanum group (P< 0.05), and their protein expressions were even more elevated in the musk+olibanum group (P< 0.01), with statistically significant difference from the olibanum group (P< 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combination of musk and olibanum can improve the proliferation and differentiation of prostate stem cells.

Genetic analysis of a fetus with partial 1q monosomy and partial 17q trisomy / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze a fetus with abnormal sonographic features and correlated its genotype with phenotype.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>G-banding analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed for the fetus. Karyotyping and FISH were also carried out for the parents.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SNP array detected a 4.4 Mb deletion at 1q44 and a 10.4 Mb duplication at 17q24.3q25.3 in the fetus. Based on the results of SNP array and FISH analysis, the father was diagnosed with a cryptic t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) translocation. The fetus has inherited a der(1)t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) from its father.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 1q44 deletion and 17q24.3q25.3 duplication may have contributed to the abnormal sonographic features presented by the fetus.</p>

Prenatal genetic diagnosis for a fetus with atypical neurofibromatosis type 1 microdeletion / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the correlation between atypical neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) microdeletion and fetal phenotype.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fetal blood sampling was carried out for a woman bearing a fetus with talipes equinovarus. G-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed on the fetal blood sample. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm the result of SNP array analysis. FISH assay was also carried out on peripheral blood specimens from the parents to ascertain the origin of mutation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The karyotype of fetus was found to be 46, XY by G-banding analysis. However, a 3.132 Mb microdeletion was detected in chromosome region 17q11.2 by SNP array, which overlaped with the region of NF1 microdeletion syndrome. Analyzing of the specimens from the fetus and its parents with FISH has confirmed it to be a de novo deletion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Talipes equinovarus may be an abnormal sonographic feature of fetus with atypical NF1 microdeletion which can be accurately diagnosed with SNP array.</p>

Prostate volume growth rate changes over time: Results from men 18 to 92 years old in a longitudinal community-based study / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Previous investigations have shown that changes in total prostate volume (TPV) are highly variable among aging men, and a considerable proportion of aging men have a stable or decreasing prostate size. Although there is an abundance of literature describing prostatic enlargement in association with benign prostatic hyperplasia, less is known about the appropriate age cut-off points for TPV growth rate. In this community-based cohort study, TPV was examined once a year in men who had consecutive health checkup, during a follow-up of 4 years. A total of 5058 men (age 18-92 years old) were included. We applied multiple regression analyses to estimate the correlation between TPV growth rate and age. Overall, 3232 (63.9%) men had prostate growth, and 1826 (36.1%) had a stable or decreased TPV during the study period. The TPV growth rate was correlated negatively with baseline TPV (r=-0.32, P<0.001). Among 2620 men with baseline TPV <15 cm, the TPV growth rate increased with age (β=0.98, 95% CI: 0.77%-1.18%) only up to 53 years old. Among 2188 men with baseline TPV of 15-33.6 cm, the TPV growth rate increased with age (β=0.84, 95% CI, 0.66%-1.01%) only up to 61 years old after adjusting for factors of hypertension, obesity, baseline TPV, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. In this longitudinal study, the TPV growth rate increased negatively with baseline TPV, only extending to a certain age and not beyond. Further research is needed to identify the mechanism underlying such differences in prostate growth.