Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in cultured human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. Methods Small interfering RNA (siRNA) eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor (TGF-β RⅡ) was constructed and transfected into T cells. HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and baicalin. The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components (group Ⅰ: HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ: HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1; group Ⅲ: HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin; group Ⅳ: HPDL cells+LPS+T cells; group Ⅴ: HPDL cells+baicalin; group Ⅵ: HPDL cells) and was cultured for 48 hours. RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells. Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ (P<0.01) and higher than that in group Ⅲ (P<0.01); The ratio of RANKL/OPG in gronp Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ (P<0.01); the ratio of RANKL/ OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ (P<0.01); the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by polyarthritis.Numerous agents with varying mechanisms are used in the treatment of RA,but there is no radical cure.Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RA.Agents targeting IL-6 such as tocilizumab (TCZ) attracted significant attention as a promising agent in RA treatment.This article reviewed the key efficacy and safety data from clinical trials of TCZ,as well as six candidate IL-6 blockers including sarilumab,ALX-0061,sirukumab,MEDI5117,clazakizumab,and olokizumab,and their future perspectives in the treatment of RA.

To investigate the changes of cardiac myosin ATPase and its isoenzyme in early stage of cardiac hypertrophy following myocardial infarction(MI), we studied myosin ATPase activitzy, isoenyme distriibution and myocardial fiber diameter of uninfarcted ventricu lar sfptum, 9 aed 21 days after operation in MI rats. The results showed that coincident with the increases in myocardial fiber diameter on 9 days after MI, both myosin ATPase activity and V_1 isoenzyme amount were depressed. These changes were more pronounced on 21 after MI. It is suggested that with the development of myocardial hypertrophy in early stage of MI, adaptive changes in myosin ATPase activity and isoenzyme distribution occur.

Objective To discuss the present situation of nearly five years of traditional Chinese medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of children with bronchial asthma,confirmed that the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of the disease is reliable,thus to provide certain theoretical basis for further research in the future.

The correlation between vegetarian diets and cardiovascular health is always one of the hotspots. Many scholars have performed so many clinical researches all over the world, providing evidence-based medicine (EBM) reference for clarifying their correlation. In this paper, we raise ideas and expectation on the basis of a Meta-analysis about vegetarian diets and blood pressure (published on JAMA Internal Medicine in Feb 2014) in combination of main clinical research literature in this field in recent 20 years.
Cardiovascular System ; Diet, Vegetarian ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Humans ; Meta-Analysis as Topic

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship of ovarian cancer and the ascites levels of TNF-α,and to determine the value of elevated TNF-α ascites level on discriminating the feature of ascites.MethodsAscites levels of TNF-α of 59 specimens of epithelial ovarian tumor,9 specimens of peritoneal primary serous papillary carcinoma (PPSPC) and 6 specimens of endometriosis cyst were detected via ELISA.ResultsAscites levels of TNF-α of patients with EOC,PPSPC,BOT were significantly higher than those with BET and EM,and they were related to the clinical stage,tissue differentiation,lymph node metastasis and volume of ascites.ConclusionAscites levels of TNF-α have the high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of ovarian cancer.It might be the tumor marker of ovarian cancer.

Recent clinical studies have shown that collagen peptides may reduce joint pain and the dependence on analgesics,and enhance sport ability in athletes.Therefore,collagen peptides may be a safe nutrient supplement for prevention and mitigation of joint pain in athletes.

Based on a clinical and radiological study of radiation injuries of the bones in the 17 cases, the relationship between the osseous changes and the radiation dosage and between the time from radiation therapy and the onset of the radiographic osseous changes were discussed. The authors found that the degree of local skin infection might determine the type of its underneath osseous injuries, i. e. being either "septic" (osteomyelitic) or "aseptic" (bone atrophic) radionecrosis, and it might also determine the time when the osseous changes appeared on the radiogram. It was found that radiation injuries of the bone could be distinguished from bone metastases. The authors suggest that a regular X-ray follow-up of the bones that had received a heavy dose of radiation should be made in order to reveal bone atrophy as early as posible and to remind the patient to avoid any trauma and infection.

Objective To investigate the qualitative diagnostic features of less than 2 cm atypical solitary breast nodules.Methods 52 patients diagnosed with atypical solitary breast nodules as well as the mammography and clinical characteristics were analyzed retrospectively.Results Among those 52 cases of nodular lesions,there were 23 benign nodules and 29 malignant nodules.Among these 29 malignant cases,26 cases were misdiagnosed as benign lesions,the X-ray of which showed the margin of nodules were mostly smooth,the density relatively homogenic yet with no sign of lobulation.Meanwhile,19 cases were diagnosed as malignant lesions, the X-ray of which showed irregular nodules,uneven density with or without multiple calcification,their margin lobulated,ragged, and ambient structure irregularity.In some case their local skin thickened and subcutaneous axungia were turbid.There were 7 cases unable to make timely diagnosis,the X-ray of which showed more or less regular form,uneven or almost even density,ambient structure barely regular,lack typical features.Conclusion To make accurate diagnosis,it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the pathology X-ray of different lesions,the atypical manifestation,plus comprehensive and detailed analysis,combing ultrasound and clinical palpation,MRI,biopsy and follow-ups when needed.

Factors that may influence vitamin D nutritional status include latitude,season,age,sex,race,skin color,clothing,cultural practices,dietary nutrition,and living conditions.This article reviews the effects of these factors on vitamin D status and recommends that any high-risk people of vitamin D deficiency should take vitamin D supplementation.