The properties and functions of mouse pluripotential stem cells (CFU-S) were studied with spleen colony technique and other related methods. The data expressed that there is a linear relationship between the number of transplanted marrow cells and the number of spleen colonies that developed. Among various hematopoietic tissues, bone marrow is the richest source of CFU-S. Spleen and peripheral blood also contain a few of such cells. The percentages of CFU-S in these organs are 0.7%, 0.05% and 0.01% in sequence. No CFU-S can be found in thymus or lymph nodes. Under normal conditions, most of the CFU-S are in G_o phase with a small proportion (6.7%) in S phase.Self-renewing capacity, an important hematopoietic function of CFU-S, was measured by the experiments of single spleen colony retransplantation. The value of the probability of self-renewal, p, is calculated as 0.76. CFU-S has an active ability of migration. It was found that a number of CFU-S either from the marrow cell suspension injected intraperitoneally or from an entire encapsulated spleen which was placed free in the peritoneal cavity after ligation of its blood vessels can penetrate through a lot of barriers to develop spleen colonies in the lethally irradiated mice. A dose of 500～700 rad ?-irradiation apparently stimulates the CFU-S migrating from bone marrow to circulation.

Male infertility has evolved from a common reproductive system disease to a major social issue. Youjing granule (YG) is a Chinese medicinal material used as a therapy method for tonifying the kidneys and removing dampness due to its pathogenic characteristics. YG has been shown to regulate sperm quality in clinical trials, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The present study was aimed to explore the protective effects and mechanism of action of YG on male reproductive system damage caused by methyl methane sulfonate (MMS). We first established an infertility model of rats through oral administration of MMS and then treated with YG. To determine the effect of YG, spermatogenesis, microvascular density, and secretory function of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in rats were assessed. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were co-cultured with mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cells as an in vitro cell model before exposure to serum containing YG. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis of SSCs were measured. Results indicated that YG increased the expression of self-renewal and proliferation-related molecules such as glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), and improved the quality of sperm and the proliferation of SSCs. In conclusion, YG may protect spermatogenetic function of rats through regulating the proliferation and self-renewal of SSCs.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Male ; Mice ; Rats ; Semen ; Spermatogenesis ; Spermatogonia ; Stem Cells

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of decitabine (DAC) alone or in combination with arsenic trioxide (AsO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) MV4-11 cells, so as to find an effective method for treating AML with MLL rearrangements.

METHODSThe inhibitory effect of DAC and AsOalone, as well as in a combination of less than 50% inhibitory concentration (IC) of DAC, and with less than 20% inhibitory concentration (IC) AsOon MV4-11 cell proliferation were detected by CCK-8 methed; and the apoptosis inducing effect was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe inhibitory effect of DAC or AsOalone on the cell proliferation increased along with the augment of drug concentration in a dose-dependent manner, both were statistically significant (P<0.01) in comparison the control group. The ICof DAC and AsOon MV4-11 cells were 2.409 µmol/L and 2.364 µmol/L, respectively. When compared with DAC alone in the same concentration gradient, the combined chemotherapy of DAC(0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1 µmol/L) and AsO(0.25 µmol/L) showed higher inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and there was statistically differences (P<0.05). The 48 h apoptotic rate of DAC (5.0 µmol/L) on MV4-11 was 13.50%±1.87%; and the 48 h apoptotic rate of AsO(2 µmol/L) was 12.60%±2.33%; while the 48 h apoptotic rate in combination of 2 drugs was 51.13%±4.97%.

CONCLUSIONDAC or AsOcan remarkably inhibit MV4-11 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, and the combination of two drugs displays a synergistic effect.

Objective To investigate the regulating function of human gingival mesenchymal stem cell (GMSC) on the proliferation and differentiation of B cells and its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods GMSC were isolated and B cells were isolated from peripheral blood. GMSC or fibroblasts were co-cultured with B cells in vitro and assigned into the GMSC group and fibroblast group. The proliferation of B cells was detected in two groups. The expression of IgG1 and IgM in the cell supernatants was measured between two groups. The secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, Perforin, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was compared between two groups. The expression levels ofIL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in B cells were detected between two groups. The expression of PC-1 in B cells was measured in two groups. The signaling pathway involved with the regulating effect of GMSC on B cell function was investigated. The regulating effect of GMSC on the role of B cells in activating T cell function was assessed. Results Compared with the fibroblast group, the proliferation of B cells was significantly weakened in the GMSC group (P < 0.05). Co-culture of GMSC and B cells significantly inhibited the secretion of IgG1 and IgM from B cells and the secretion ofIL-6, Perforin, IFN-γ and TNF-α (all P < 0.05). Compared with the fibroblast group, the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-βwas significantly higher in the GMSC group (both P < 0.05). The expression level of PC-1 in the GMSC group was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05). After adding ALK5, an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor, the inhibitory effect of GMSC upon B cells was significantly weakened (P < 0.05). Compared with the fibroblast group, the ability of B cells to activate and proliferate T cells was significantly attenuated in the GMSC group (P < 0.05). Conclusions GMSC can inhibit B cells and their mediated immune responses. The activation of B cells and other related functions can be suppressed through the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the computed tomography (CT)manifestations of adrenocortical oncocytoma (ACO)for better understanding the disease and improving its diagnosis accuracy.Methods The CT manifestations of 9 cases with adrenocortical onco-cytomas confirmed by surgery were retrospectively reviewed and compared with pathological results.Results Five of cases were lo-cated in left side while 4 cases were in right side.Well defined and round or oval border could be found in all the cases.Of all the ca-ses,3 cases were solid lesions with equal density,< 3 cm in diameter,and mild consistent intensification after enhancement.Cystic lesion was detectd in 6 cases with > 3 cm in diameter.The mixed cystic and solid components with polycystic changes could be found on CT image,and remarkable intensification on solid lesion while no intensification on cystic lesion after the enhancement. Moreover,patchy or cotton-like shape could be found on solid lesion in 4 cases and 1 case with island like intensification;reticular pattern could be found in the central of lesion in 3 cases and 1 case with stellate shape.Pathological observation showed that the on-cotytomas were comprised of cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and necrotic and fibrous capsule without pathological mitosis could be found in some of lesion.Conclusion The characteristic CT features of adrenocortical oncotytoma has a worse specificity,its diagnosis was dependent on pathologic examination.

Objective To investigate the effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with Ziwu-Liuzhu theory based acupuncture on the clinical efficacy and sleep quality of depressive patients. Methods A total of 64 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups, 32 in each group. The control group was treated with routine electro-acupuncture, while the observation group was treated with acupoint catgut embedding combined with Ziwu-Liuzhu theory based acupuncture. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and depression was assessed by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results After treatment, the HAMD score (11.3 ± 2.4 vs. 14.5 ± 2.6, t=4.986) and PSQI index (9.6 ± 2.3 vs. 11.8 ± 2.5, t=3.307) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The quality of life (12.9 ± 2.3 vs. 11.3 ± 2.5, t=2.598) and mental health score (13.5 ± 2.4 vs. 11.3 ± 2.6, t=3.413) of WHOQOL-BREF scale in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.8％ (30/32) in the observation group and 75.0％ (24/32) in the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups (χ2=4.246, P=0.038). Conclusions Acupoint catgut embedding combined with Ziwu-Liuzhu theory based acupuncture can effectively improve depressive state, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with depression, and the curative effect is better than conventional electro- acupuncture treatment.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with abdominal massage in the treatment of female abdominal obesity with spleen deficiency and dampness. Methods A total of 300 female abdominal obesity patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into observation group (200 cases) and control group (100 cases) according to the ratio of 2:1 by random number table. The control group was treated with abdominal massage, while the observation group was treated with acupoint catgut embedding on the basis of the control group. The changes of body weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, BMI, FPG, TC and TG levels before and after treatment were compared between the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results After treatment, the body weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and BMI of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (t values were 10.869, 6.058, 2.941, 21.267, P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the serum levels of FPG, TC and TG were significantly lower than those of the control group (t values were 21.147, 18.325, 19.931, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 91.5％ (183/200) in the observation group and 65.0％ (65/100) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (χ2=32.671, P<0.001). Conclusions Acupoint catgut embedding combined with abdominal massage can improve the obesity index and blood lipid level of women with abdominal obesity, and the curative effect is better than that of abdominal massage alone.

Objective:To observe the clinical characteristics of patients with familial vitreous amyloidosis (FVA) and the efficacy of vitrectomy (PPV) and the occurrence of complications.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From June 2009 to March 2020, 32 eyes of 18 patients from 3 FVA families who were diagnosed and treated by PPV at Department of Ophthalmology of Jiaxing TCM Hospital were included in the study. Among them, there were 12 males with 22 eyes and 6 females with 10 eyes. The average age of onset was 42.28±3.25 years; the average duration of disease was 3.75±3.93 years. All the affected eyes underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and B-mode ultrasound examination. A logarithmic visual acuity chart was used in the BCVA examination, which was converted to the logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity when recorded. The average logMAR BCVA of the affected eye was 1.72±0.53; the intraocular pressure was less than 21 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa). The vitreous body of the affected eye was obviously cloudy. All the affected eyes underwent standard three-channel PPV through the flat part of the ciliary body, and vitreous specimens were collected for pathological examination during the operation. Peripheral venous blood of probands from 3 families was collected, and the whole exome gene sequencing was performed. The follow-up time after surgery was ≥6 months. The patient's clinical characteristics, fundus lesions in PPV, changes in BCVA after surgery, and complications was observed. One-way analysis of variance or t test was performed for measurement data comparison; χ2 test was performed for count data comparison. Results:The vitreous body of the affected eye showed gray-white dense and thick flocculent changes, and the posterior capsule attached to the lens showed "foot disc-like" turbidity; later the lens was mainly cystic opacity. Pathological examination of the vitreous body showed positive staining of Congo red; under a polarized light microscope, it showed apple green dots and sheet-like birefringence. The genetic test results showed that there was a c.307G>C (p.Gly103Arg) missense mutation in the TTR gene of the proband in Family 2. Peripheral retinal hemorrhages in 4 eyes (12.5%, 4/32), retinal tears in 5 eyes (15.6%, 5/32), retinal degeneration in 4 eyes (12.5%, 4/32), retinal detachment were found in PPV 3 eyes (9.4%, 3/32). The vitreous body was filled with C 3F 8 and silicone oil respectively for 2, 1 eye. Six months after the operation, the logMAR BCVA of the affected eye was 0.39±0.32, which was significantly higher than that before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=15.131, P=0.000). After the operation, high intraocular pressure occurred in 2 eyes (6.3%, 2/32), secondary glaucoma in 1 eye (3.1%, 1/32), retinal detachment in 2 eyes (6.3%, 2/32), neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in 2 eyes (6.3%, 2/32), cataract in 10 eyes (31.3%, 10/32). Conclusion:The vitreous body of FVA eyes are gray-white dense, thick and flocculent, attached to the posterior lens capsule, showing "foot disc-like" turbidity; PPV treatment can effectively improve the BCVA of the FVA eyes; secondary glaucoma, secondary retinal detachment, NVG can occur after surgery.

Objective:To explore the effect of a new teaching mode, which includes bridge-in, outcome, pre-test, participation, post-test and summary (BOPPPS), on the online teaching of radiobiology related knowledge for cancer radiotherapy practitioners.Methods:Taking the cell survival curve, cell cycle and radiosensitivity as examples, the radiotherapy practitioners in multiple university-affiliated hospitals were organized to carry out a multicenter prospective randomized control study. All practitioners were randomly divided into BOPPPS group and control group. The courses for BOPPPS group were designed as an online classroom, consisting of pre-class preparation, online teaching and post-class stages. The online teaching stage included video viewing, basic knowledge learning, literature discussion, group discussion and others. The control group employed the traditional teaching mode. The χ2 test was used to compare the consistency of general conditions between the two groups, and nonparametric test was used to compare the differences in scores between two or more groups. Results:The score of the pre-class test was 58.56 ± 0.99. Post-class average score for BOPPPS group was 85.48±0.85 and for control group 77.79±1.10, with the former being higher 7.69 ( Z=5.31, P<0.001) than the latter. The average answer time was (296.62±15.40) s for BOPPPS group and (386.41±21.27) s for control group, with the former being shorter 89.79 s ( Z=3.34, P=0.001) than latter. Subgroup analysis shown that the scores of BOPPPS group were significantly rising, regardless of whether or not the students had studied radiobiology courses. Among the students who have not studied these courses, the scores were rising greatly. Moreover, From the analysis of different positions, it was found that both the scores of BOPPPS group and control group have risen, especially for doctors, deputy chief doctors, physicists and technicians. There were also statistically differences between different degrees, with significantly rise in scores for undergraduate and doctoral students ( Z=3.64, 4.18, P<0.001). Conclusions:The flexible application of BOPPPS teaching mode to the online education of such boring disciplines, like radiobiology, is of great significance to raise the theoretical basis of radiotherapy practitioners.

Objective:To elucidate the cytopathological characteristics,molecular subtypes,and clinical prognoses of metastatic breast car-cinoma with serosal effusions.Methods:Seventeen cases that included effusion cytology and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Two patients were diagnosed between April 2016 and September 2023 at the Suzhou Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University,and 15 patients were diagnosed at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.Cytopathological characteristics,molecular subtypes,and prognoses were analyzed.Results:The cytopathological features of metastatic breast carcinoma in serosal effusions were as follows:1)In-vasive ductal carcinoma:one cell type was relatively densely arranged in nests or colored spheres,which displayed an elevated nuclear/cyto-plasmic ratio,irregular nuclear membrane,and cytoplasmic mucin vacuoles.The other cell type was tiled,single scattered,and varied in size and shape,with enlarged nuclei and elevated nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio.2)Invasive lobular carcinoma:cells were scattered and uniform in size and shape.The nuclei had a relatively regular shape,but displayed an elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.Among the 17 breast can-cer cases,6 had transitioned in molecular subtyping,including 1 case from Luminal A to triple-negative type,1 case from Luminal B to hu-man epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)-overexpressing type,and 4 cases from Luminal B to triple-negative type.Conclusions:The cytopathological characteristics of serous effusion cells combined with immunocytochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)suggest that it is important to determine the origin and molecular typing of tumor cells.This provides an important basis for precise clinical treatment and prognosis.