Objective To investigate the significance of thyroid function screening in high-risk pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) in early pregnancy.Methods A total of 194 cases with GDM were selected as our subjects.The patients were divided into group A(three normal items,a total of 109 cases),group B (one abnormal item,a total of 57 cases) and group C (two abnormal items,a total of 28 cases).The levels of serum anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb),anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb),serum three triiodothyronine(TT3),thyroxine (TT4),free three triiodothyronine (FT3),free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) were screened.Results TSH levels in group A was (1.45 ± 0.43) mU/L,significantly lower than in group B and group C((1.77±0.53),(1.89±0.74) mU/L).FT4 levels in group A was (11.62±0.98) nmol/L,significantly higher in group B and group C((10.23±0.75),(9.87±0.88) nmol/L)).Proportion of TPOAb,TGAb positive in group A were 9.17％(10/109) and 21.05％(12/57),significantly lower than that of group B and group C((28.57％(8/28) and 3.67％(4/109),7.02％(5/57) and 17.86％(5/28)).And the differences were significant (P＜ 0.05).And TPOAb + TGAb in group A was 0.92％(1/109),significantly lower than that of group B and group C(7.02％ (4/57),17.86％ (5/28);P ＜0.05).Conclusion The importance of screening thyroid function in early pregnancy in women at high risk for gestational diabetes is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To provide a basis for further study and utilization of the functional gene family of Pht1 in Salviae miltiorrhizae, the Pht1 gene family members from S. miltiorrhizae genome should be explored, identified and functionally predicted. Methods By utilizing the bioinformatics methods, based on the genomic and NCBI database of S. miltiorrhiza, the sequences of Pht1 family candidate genes of S. miltiorrhiza were obtained firstly by screening, and then carried on the multiple sequence alignment, conserved structure lookup as well as phylogenetic tree construction. Finally, the characteristic analysis and biological function prediction were carried out. Results The results showed that 12 Pht1 candidate genes were extracted from the genome of Salvia miltiorrhiza, together with the reported Smpht1, there are 13 Pht1 members in total, their homology as high as 74.34%, and nine members of them could provide more reliable functional annotation. Among the gene family members, Smpht1 & Sm1, Sm4 & Sm6, Sm5 & Sm11, in which these three pairs may share similar function as well as coevolution relation between each other; Smpht1, Sm1, Sm3, Sm5, Sm7, and Sm11, all of the six members can be only expressed in the roots of S. miltiorrhiza. furthermore, except Sm7 induced by p-deficiency and Sm3 member unaffected by the phosphorus supply factor, the other four probably belong to the P-deficiency induced up-regulated expressive genotype, which play an important role in phosphorus absorption of S. miltiorrhiza; Moreover, both Sm7 and Sm16 are possible to expressed in the flower organs of S. miltiorrhiza and then participate in the regulation of phosphorus balance in the flowering stage of plants. In addition, Sm14 is likely to be a mycorrhizal-induced specific expressive gene with the function of phosphorus transfer in Pht1 family members. Conclusion The Pht1 gene family was screened and identified systematically from the genome of S. miltiorrhiza for the first time, in addition, the members with characteristic and biological function were found out, which will provide dependable background support and ideas reference for the further research on the role of Pht1 in the growth and development of S. miltiorrhiza.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the application of airway secretions expurgation cluster manage-ment in oxygen-driven aerosol inhalation. METHODS:280 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Respiratory Second Division of our hospital from Mar. 2012 to Dec. 2013 were randomly divided into group A,B,C and D,with 70 cases in each group.Group A and B were treated with compound isopropyl bromide 2 ml+nomal saline 5 ml,10 min/time,twice a day,and 6 L/min oxygen-driven aerosol inhalation for 7 days;group C and Dreceived Ambroxol hydrochloride injection 15 ml+normal saline 5 ml,10 min/time,twice a day,and 6 L/min oxygen-driven aerosol inhalatiom for 7 days. group A and C were treatment groups, group B and D were control groups. Two treatment groups inhaled compound medications while the application of airway secretions expurgation cluster management. Two control groups inhaled compound medications with single effective cough guidance. RE-SULTS:Compared with control groups,the patients in treatment groups eliminated more phlegm,had lower (PaCO2)and higher (PaO2),also had a shorter hospitalization period,with significant difference(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Airway secretions expur-gation cluster management technology is a simple,safe and effective method,especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmo-nary disease in oxygen-driven inhalation therapy.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases which can threaten and damage the optic nerve and its visual pathway, leading to visual impairment as a result. Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is a chronic disease accompanied by apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells ( RGCs ) , visual field defect and cupping of optic nerve head. The gold standard in functional glaucoma evaluation is standard automated perimetry ( SAP) , but it is often limited to the subjective feelings of the patients. Still, visual electrophysiological techniques cannot replace the conventional inspection, but with its rapid development, it has provided a new strategy for the early diagnosis of glaucoma as a supplement because it can show changes in amplitude and latency before visual field defect. Here we review three special electroretinograms and multifocal focal visually evoked potentials in the early diagnosis of glaucoma.

Objective:To analyze the material basis, target and pathway of Chebulae fructus and Margarita in Mongolian medicine Garidi-13 Pill on stroke with the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, so as to better understand its "detoxification" mechanism. Methods:TCMIP and BATMAN-TCM were used to predict the target of Chebulae fructus and Margarita composition, and GeneCards were used to search for the target of stroke. The overlapping targets of the two platforms were imported into the Metascape software for GO biological analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. The molecular docking of key molecules and targets was carried out with LEDOCK. Results:A total of 22 active components were collected and 217 targets related to stroke were predicted. Among them, 1-O-galloyl-glucose, cuprum, ellagicacid, arjungenin and corilagin were the key substances playing the role of "detoxification" of the Chebulae fructus and Margarita; IL6, TNF, HSP90AA1, PTGS2, CASP3, NR1I2, VKORC1 and ATP1A1 were the key targets playing the role of "detoxification" . These targets were significantly enriched in cell response, humoral level regulation, hemostasis, response to steroid hormones, steroid metabolism, coagulation and other biological processes, as well as nitrogen metabolism, IL-17 signaling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking verified the accuracy of previous prediction results from computer simulation level. Conclusion:The process of Chebulae fructus and Margarita intervening strok is closely related to the elimination of harmful metabolites and calmingthe inflammatory reaction, which was not only consistent with the modern medicine on the pathological process of stroke, but also consistent with the interpretation of "evil and poison" with Mongolian medicine theory.

Biodiesel is renewable and environmentally friendly; however, there are still many challenges for its commercial production as an alternative of petroleum-based transportation fuels, particularly in China with very limited resources for its biofuels development. In this article, the update progress of biodiesel R & D and production is reviewed, with a focus on its feedstock supply, manufacturing processes, quality control and byproduct utilization. It is concluded that the strategy of biorefinery to ultimately explore feedstock potentials will make biodiesel production more economically competitive.
Biofuels ; economics ; Biotechnology ; trends ; Catalysis ; China ; Ethanol ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Plant Oils ; metabolism ; Plants ; chemistry ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of fatty liver fibrosis induced by methionine-choline-deficient diet in rats.

METHODSNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced by 10 weeks- methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCDD), Markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress were determined by immunoblotting and real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe number of apoptotic hepatocytes, The expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were increased significantly in MCDD group compared to control group (probability value less than 0.05 or probability value less than 0.01), while ratio of hepatocyte proliferation/apoptosis was decreased in MCDD group (probability value less than 0.01). The number of hepatocytes apoptosis, and the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were decreased significantly 2 weeks after the feeding with normal diet in MCDD group (probability value less than 0.05 or probability value less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMCDD induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and fibrosis in rats.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Caspases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; Choline ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; Choline Deficiency ; Diet ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; physiology ; Fatty Liver ; complications ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diet therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Methionine ; deficiency ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) construction with different transplants.

METHODSFrom March 2006 to April 2009, 86 patients including 60 male and 26 female undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were prospectively randomized consecutively into autograft group (44 patients, using autogeneic hamstring tendons) and allograft group (42 patients, using allogenic lower extremity tendons). The age of those patients were 22 - 56 years, averaging (32 ± 7) years. The operations were made by the same doctor with the standard technology. The postoperative effects were assessed by the range of motion and tibia forward distance, Lachman test, pivot shift test, Daniel test, IKDC scores systems, Lysholm-Tegner scores.

RESULTSSeventy-nine patients were followed up, 41 patients in autograft groups averaged 39.6 months and 38 patients in allograft group averaged 37.4 months. The operation time of autograft group was (87 ± 11) minutes, that of allograft group was (55 ± 10) minutes (t = 15.732, P < 0.05). The time of postoperative fever of autograft group was (3.2 ± 1.4) days, that of allograft groups was (7.6 ± 5.3) days (t = 5.740, P < 0.05). The Lysholm scores of autograft group was 42 ± 7 before operation, and 89 ± 8 at final follow-up. The Lysholm scores of allograft group was 44 ± 6 before operation, and 87 ± 9 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 13.534 and 17.768, P < 0.05).But no statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Tegner scores of autograft group was 2.9 ± 2.1 before operation, and 7.7 ± 1.2 at final follow-up. The Tegner scores of allograft group was 2.7 ± 1.4 before operation, and 7.1 ± 1.6 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 16.004 and 12.338, P < 0.05).No statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The KT2000 results showed that the anterior displacement of autograft groups was (10.7 ± 3.5) mm before operation and (5.0 ± 2.7) mm at final follow-up, the anterior displacement of allograft groups was (10.9 ± 2.9) mm before operation and (6.5 ± 2.4) mm at final follow-up, there was statistic difference between before and after operation in anterior displacement in two groups (t = 16.354 and 13.296 P < 0.05). There was no difference between two groups before operation and at final follow-up. Compared to before operation, the IKDC scores were improved greatly after operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of arthroscopic ACL construction with allograft transplants is near to autograft.

Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tendons ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA on cultured rat mesangial cells (MsC) and in human diseased glomeruli, and to explore their significance in the development of glomerulosclerosis.

METHODSThe expressions of MMP-2, TIMP-2, and Col IV mRNA on cultured rat MsC stimulated by IL-1 or/and TGF-beta1 were investigated through Northern blot analysis. The levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions and immunoreactivity of PCNA and Col IV in human diseased glomeruli from renal biopsies of lupus nephritis (LN) patients were examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTSThe levels of MMP-2, TIMP-2, and Col IV mRNA expressions were markedly increased on cultured rat MsC stimulated by IL-1 or/and TGF-beta1. Meanwhile, upregulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions was confirmed in diseased glomeruli from patients with various subtypes of LN, and was closely related to the positive cell number of PCNA presentation and deposition of Col IV in glomeruli.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that the over-expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA on glomerular cells might play a critical role in the development of glomerulosclerosis.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type IV ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Glomerular Mesangium ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney Glomerulus ; metabolism ; Lupus Nephritis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1/Smad signaling pathway on the expression and enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in cultured rat mesangial cells (MsC).

METHODSLipofectin method was used to transfect Smad 2, Smad 3 and Smad 7 vectors into MsC; and immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect their transfection efficiency. The expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined by Western blot, zymography or reverse zymography assay.

RESULTSMsC transfected with Smad 2 gene showed slightly increased expression and enzymatic activity of both MMP-2 and TIMP-2, which was more obvious upon stimulation by TGF-beta1. MsC transfected with Smad 3 gene showed a slight upregulation of TIMP-2 expression and its enzymatic activity, which was enhanced after TGF-beta1 stimulation. There was however no change in MMP-2 expression and its enzymatic activity. On the other hand, MsC transfected with Smad 7 gene showed a decrease in MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression and enzymatic activity, which was especially obvious after stimulation by TGF-beta1.

CONCLUSIONSTGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis, probably via MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression and the associated enzymatic activity.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Glomerular Mesangium ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; Smad2 Protein ; Smad3 Protein ; Smad7 Protein ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Trans-Activators ; genetics ; physiology ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1