Objective To study the protective mechanism of astragaloside on skin photoaging. Methods BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: model group irradiated with ultraviolet rays (UV), model plus matrix group pretreated with the matrix before UV irradiation, model plus astragaloside group pretreated with astragaloside 0.08% cream before UV irradiation, normal control group received no irradiation or pretreatment. After 4-week irradiation, the mice were sacrificed, and skin tissues were resected from the back of these mice. Then, reverse transeription PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-βR Ⅱ and Smad 7, respectively. Gray scale ratio was used to represent the mRNA levels of TGF-βR Ⅱ and Smad 7. Results There was a significant difference in the mRNA level (F = 80.98, 736.80, respectively, both P < 0.01) and protein positivity rate (F = 45.36,132.25, respectively,both P < 0.01) of TGF-βR Ⅱ and Smad 7 among the 4 groups. The mRNA level and protein positivity rate of TGF-βR Ⅱwere 0.2588±0.0283 and (28.20 ± 5.24)% respectively in the model group, significantly lower than those in the normal control group[0.5688 ± 0.0439, (53.00 ± 4.72)%, both P < 0.01] and model plus astragaloside group [0.3767 ± 0.0374, (41.64 ± 2.59)%, both P< 0.01]; on the contrary, the mRNA level and protein positivity rate of Smad 7 in the model group [0.8637 ± 0.0514, (82.06 ± 2.18)%] were significantly higher than those in the normal control group [0.5900 ± 0.0585, (47.50±3.81)%, both P < 0.01] and model plus astragaloside group [0.7131 ± 0.0410, (64.36 ± 2.62)%, both P< 0.01]. In the model plus astragaloside group, the mRNA level and protein positivity rate of TGF-βR Ⅱ were significantly higher than in the model plus matrix group [0.2653 ± 0.0456, (28.74 ± 2.28)%, both P < 0.01], while those of Smad 7 were statistically lower than in the model plus matrix group [0.8553 ± 0.0575, (82.62 ± 4.02)%, both P < 0.01]. However,no significant difference was observed in the mRNA level or protein positivity rate of TGF-βR Ⅱ or Smad 7 between the model group and model plus matrix group (all P > 0.01). Conclusion Astragaloside can prevent skin photoaging by the alteration of TGF-β pathway via up-regulating TGF-βR Ⅱ expression and down-regulating Smad 7 expression.

A sensitive, fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS system was used to identify thirty-six chemical components of SZS standard de-coction which included nucleosides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, a UPLC-PDA method was validated to simultaneously determine adenosine, protocatechuic acid, magnoflorine, ca-techin, protocatechin, vicenin II, spinosin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and 6'''-feruloylspinosin which re-present four species of characteristic compounds. The qualitative method had been validated according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 edition) in terms of lineary, repeatability, recovery and stability for all analytes, with the results showing good precision, accuracy and stability. In conclusion, the method using UPLC combined with MS and PDA provided a novel way for the standardization and identification of SZS standard decoction, and also offered a basis for qualitative analysis and quality assessment of the pre-parations for SZS standard decoction.

Cardiac Catheterization ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; therapy ; Humans ; Prosthesis Implantation ; instrumentation ; Septal Occluder Device

Objective:Dorsocervical fat pad is common in middle-aged women. Current treatments include surgical excision and liposuction. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of tumescent liposuction on dorsocervical fat pad. Anatomical study was also carried out to explore the anatomical structure and significance of dorsocervical fat pad.Methods:From Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2018, twenty-seven patients with dorsocervical fat pad were treated with tumescent liposuction in Peking University Third Hospital. Small incisions were made in bilateral scapular region and 4 mm suction cannula was applied. A female cadaver fixed with formaldehyde was dissected to investigate the structure of posterior cervical and dorsal region. The specimens were stained with HE and Masson staining.Results:14 patients were followed up for no less than 6 months, with an average follow-up time of 27 months. Patients＇ dorsocervical area were flat and smooth after the surgery. Patient satisfaction rate was 100% and no severe complication was reported except bruise and pain. The symptoms of dorsocervical pain in two patients were significantly improved after operation. Anatomical study showed that the dorsocervical fat pad was composed of superficial and deep layer of adipose tissue, with clear boundary between the two layers and no obvious capsule. The collagen fibers in deep layer were more and denser than those in superficial layer.Conclusions:Tumescent liposuction can effectively treat dorsocervical fat pad. The surgery outcome is ideal with little complication.Through the study of the anatomical structure of the dorsocervical fat pad, the operation method and principle of liposuction can be improved and the operation efficiency can be enhanced.

Objective To examine the effect of niclosamide on thyroid endocrine disruption in larval zebrafish. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2 hours post-fertilization) were exposed to niclosamide at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L and 80 μg/L until 120 hours post-fertilization, and the body weight, hatching rate, malformation rate and survival rate of zebrafish embryos/larvae were measured. In addition, the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) activities were determined in zebrafish, and the expression of tshβ and ttr genes that were associated with the regulation of thyroid hormones was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Following exposure to niclosamide, there was no concentration-dependent hatching rate (F = 0.947, P = 0.924) or body weight of larval zebrafish (F = 1.042, P = 0.409); however, there were concentration-dependent survival rate (F = 9.309, P = 0.005) and malformation rate (F = 14.900, P = 0.001). As compared to controls, exposure to niclosamide at concentrations of 40 μg/L and 80 μg/L resulted in a significant reduction in the survival rate (both P values < 0.05), and a marked rise in the malformation rate of larval zebrafish (both P values < 0.05). In addition, the T4 activity increased (R² = 0.927, F = 6.858, P = 0.003) and T3 activity decreased (R² = 0.925, F = 8.212, P = 0.001) in larval zebrafish with the concentration of niclosamide. qPCR assay determined up-regulation of tshβ gene expression (R² = 0.840, F = 9.032, P = 0.002) and down-regulation of ttr gene expression (R² = 0.952, F = 9.130, P = 0.002). Conclusions Niclosamide exposure at environmental related concentrations may cause thyroid endocrine disruption of larval zebrafish.

Objective: To study the efficacy of 1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 and 2.0 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas, so as to provide an ideal dosage for clinical treatment. Methods: From September 2015 to October 2016, there were 89 patients in accordance with the inclusion criteria of infantile hemangiomas. According to randomized and controlled principle, the patients were assigned to receive two propranolol regimens, Group A(n=45): propranolol at a dose of 1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1; Group B(n=44): propranolol at a dose of 2 mg·kg^-1·d^-1. 1 or 2 mg of propranolol base per kilogram per day, divided into two doses.The first dose was taken at 9, next at 15.The effective rate, cure rate and adverse effect rate were compared at the six months after treatment. The duration of the treatment was compared after 12 months′ treatment, and the recurrence rate was compared at the three months after being cured.The data were statistically processed with SPSS 22.0. The sample rate was compared with χ² test, and the data were compared with t test. P<0.05 was statistically significant difference. Results: Group A: Treatment for 6 months, 45 children were evaluated as follows: the effective rate was 91.1%(41/45), the cure rate was 60%(27/45). The incidence of adverse reactions was 13.3%(6/45). The cure rate of group A at 12 months was 86.7%(39/45). The duration of treatment was 7.6±2.7 months.The recurrence rate was 9.5%(4/42). Group B: Treatment for 6 months, 44 children were evaluated as follows: the effective rate was 90.9%(40/44), the cure rate was 72.7%(32/44). The incidence of adverse reactions was 15.9%(7/44). The cure rate of group B at 12 months was 88.6%(39/44). The duration of treatment was 6.2±1.9 months. The recurrence rate was 11.9%(5/42). The effective rate of the two groups at 6 months was not statistically significant(χ²=2.583, P=0.461). The cure rate of the two groups at 6 months was statistically significant(χ²=8.339, P=0.004). The incidence of adverse effects was not statistically significant(χ²=0.118, P=0.731). The cure rate of the two groups at 12 month was not statistically significant(χ²=0.080, P=0.778). The duration of treatment between the groups was statistically significant (t=0.290, P=0.009). The recurrence rate of the two groups after 3 months withdrawal was no statistical difference(χ²=0.124, P=0.724). Conclusions The propranolol doses at 1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 and 2 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas are safe and effective. The propranolol dose at 1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 doesn′t decrease the effective and cure rate, not increase the recurrence rate in infantile hemangiomas. Low dose at 1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 can be used as a common dose of propranolol in infantile hemangiomas.

OBJECTIVETo develop a multiplexed mutagenically separated PCR (MS-PCR) for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci typing in mitochondrial DNA coding regions and to study the applications in investigating the allele frequencies and haplotypes of four SNP loci in mitochondrial DNA coding regions in Chinese Chengdu Han population.

METHODSFour SNP loci C12705T, A8701G, G8584A and C10400T, two allele specific forward primer with 4 bases different in size and a common reverse primer were designed for SNP typing. The primers simultaneously were amplified in a single tube. The genotyping of SNPs was determined by the two allele specific fragments different in size after polyacrylamide gel and silver staining.

RESULTSThe different SNP loci comprised a single band with different size respectively. Typing results were completely consistent with those by direct sequencing. The allelic frequencies of C12705T, A8701G, G8584A and C10400T were 0.3813/0.6187, 0.4813/0.5187, 0.8250/0.1750 and 0.4938/0.5062 respectively. A total of 6 different haplotypes was identified and the genetic diversity reached 0.7137.

CONCLUSIONMultiplexed MS-PCR is a simple, rapid, accurate and efficient method for SNP typing, which will be very powerful for SNPs in the database establishing of mitochondrial DNA coding regions, the testing of forensic and population genetics research.

Base Sequence ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; chemistry ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo assess the time course of Q value after myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and preliminarily evaluate the determinants of the difference of Q value between before and after LASIK.

METHODSWe performed a retrospective, longitudinal investigation on patients undergoing wavefront optimized LASIK therapy for emmetropization. A total of 418 eyes from 222 cases were examined preoperatively, and partly followed up at one week (172 eyes), one month (134 eyes) and three months (51 eyes) after surgery. The horizontal, vertical and total Q values of cornea were calculated from eccentricity measured at the central 6-mm corneal zones respectively. Potential determinants of the change of Q value were analyzed using multiple linear regressions.

RESULTSThe mean Q value was -0.17 +/- 0.13 preoperatively, and 0.99 +/- 0.70, 0.97 +/- 0.66, and 0.86 +/- 0.41 one week, one and three months postoperatively, respectively. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant differences between measurements made before surgery and at all postoperative times (at one week, one and three months; all P<0.0001, Bonferroni post hoc), but no significant differences were found among postoperative groups. Significant differences of Q values between horizontal and vertical meridians were found before surgery and at all postoperative times (all P<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that change of Q value significantly correlated with manifest refraction spherical equivalent (r=0.116, P<0.0001) and axial length (r=0.264, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONSOver the study period, the primary changes in Q value occur within 1 week after surgery, and then become slightly decreased and nearly stable. Manifest refraction spherical equivalent and axial length play a significant role in the change of postoperative Q value.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cornea ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myopia ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is an irreversible lung disease that is characterized by excessive scar tissue with a poor median survival rate of 2-3 years.The inhibition of transforming growth factor-β receptor type-Ⅰ(TGF-β RI)by an appropriate drug may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of this disease.Polygonum cuspidatum(PC)is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine which has an anti-PF effect.Accordingly,a combination of high resolution mass spectrometry with an in silico strategy was developed as a new method to search for potential chemical ingredients of PC that target the TGF-β RI.Based on this strategy,a total of 24 ingredients were identified.Then,absorption,distribution,meta-bolism,and excretion(ADME)-related properties were subsequently predicted to exclude compounds with potentially undesirable pharmacokinetics behaviour.Molecular docking studies on TGF-β RI were adopted to discover new PF inhibitors.Eventually,a compound that exists in PC known as resveratrol was proven to have excellent biological activity on TGF-β RI,with an ICso of 2.211 μM in vitro.Furthermore,the complex formed through molecular docking was tested via molecular dynamics simulations,which revealed that resveratrol had strong interactions with residues of TGF-β RI.This study revealed that resveratrol has significant potential as a treatment for PF due to its ability to target TGF-β RI.In addition,this research demonstrated the exploration of natural products with excellent biological activities toward specific targets via high resolution mass spectrometry in combination with in silico technology is a promising strategy for the discovery of novel drugs.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of common medication treatments on Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA).Methods:PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang database were searched to find out the observational studies on medication treatment of KHE and TA. R-3.6.2 was used for calculate the pooled response rate and pooled adverse events rate. Meta analyses were performed according to KHE and TA with and without Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) respectively. SPSS 22.0 was used to compare the pooled rates among each therapy.Results:A total of 30 studies regarding the medication treatment of KHE and TA were identified in this meta-analysis. Analyzed medicines included glucocorticoid, vincristine, sirolimus, propranolol, combination therapy of vincristine and glucocorticoid. The pooled results indicated that when referring therapy on KHE and TA with KMP, the pooled response rate of combination therapy (98.34%) and sirolimus (96.43%) was higher than that of other therapies, and the difference was statistically significant. The pooled adverse events rate of sirolimus (5.53%) was relatively higher than other modalities, with no statistically significance. As for therapy on KHE and TA without KMP, sirolimus (94.23%) had higher pooled response rate than glucocorticoid (31.25%), vincristine (46.15%) and propranolol (22.86%), with statistically significant differences. The pooled adverse events rate of sirolimus was 23.81%.Conclusions:Our findings indicate that for KHE and TA with KMP, combination therapy (sirolimus + glucocorticoid) and vincristine have the best efficacy, while the adverse events rate of sirolimus is relatively high. For KHE and TA without KMP, sirolimus has the highest response rate, but there is also a risk of serious adverse events. Glucocorticoid and vincristine have comparable response rate, which both inferior to sirolimus.