Objective To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA FRAPT(lncRNA FRAPT) in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) cells and analyze its effects on proliferation,cell cycle and drug resistance of TNBC cells.Methods Using scRNASeqDB and TCGA on-line bioinformatics database,the expression of lncRNA FRAPT in TNBC and its correlation with prognosis were detected;TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with si-lncRNA FRAPT and si-Ctrl(negative control) by using Lipofectamine~(TM) 2000 respectively,of which the proliferation and cell cycle changes after transfection were detected by SRB test and flow cytometry,and the drug resistance to chemotherapy drug paclitaxel(PTX)was detected.Results The expression of lncRNA FRAPT was up-regulated in TNBC tissues and cells,and its high expression was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of TNBC patients(Hazard Ratio=1.66,P=0.047).Silencing lncRNA FRAPT significantly inhibited the proliferation of TNBC cells,with the cell cycle arrested in G1 phase,while increased the sensitivity of TNBC cells to PTX.Conclusion LncRNA FRAPT was highly expressed in TNBC and related to tumor prognosis-Silencing lncRNA FRAPT inhibited proliferation and cell cycle of TNBC,and increased the sensitivity to chemotherapy drug PTX.

The general situation of the approved and concluded projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China in the field of processing Chinese Materia Medica in recent five years has been reviewed. The progresses and achievements of some projects have been summarized in accordance with research area such as the processing principle, the processing technology, quality evaluation, toxicity and safety evaluation, etc. The researchers and project support units of the funded projects have been analyzed, and the problems of the applications have been also summarized.
Biomedical Research ; economics ; organization & administration ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; economics ; organization & administration ; China ; Financing, Organized ; economics ; organization & administration ; Humans ; Materia Medica ; economics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; economics

Objective To investigate the effects of Erigeron breviscapus Hand Mazz(EBH) on learning and memory dysfunction in mice with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Methods 40 mice were randomly divided into control group, sham operated group, model group and EBH group, with 10 mice each. Mice model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by bilateral common carotid artery blocking. 7 days before and after operation, the mice in EBH group were injected I.p.with EBH injection 0.15 ml/d, while those in other groups were injected I.p. with saline 0.15 ml/d. The learning and memory function was tested by Morris water maze.Results The latent period in the model group was longer than that in the normal group and the sham operated group (P<0.05). EBH could shorten the latent period significantly as compared with those in the model group (P<0.05).Conclusion EBH can improve learning and memory function in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured mice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Aniracetam on learning and memory dysfunction in mice with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods48 mice were randomly divided into control group, sham operated group, model group and Aniracetam group, with 12 mice each. Mice model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by bilateral common carotid artery blocking. The learning and memory function was tested by Morris water maze.ResultsThe latent period in the model group was longer than that in the normal group and the sham operated group (P<0.05). Aniracetam could shorten the latent period significantly as compared with those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionAniracetam has effects in improving learning and memory function in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured mice.

In line with the new WHO definition for health and reference of comprehensive health assessments of elderly overseas, the paper screened and set the weight for comprehensive health assessment indicators for military officers, establishing a general health assessment model as a result 402 military officers were subject to Comprehensive Health Assessments, and the outcomes were compared with subjective assessment of experts. The results of both methods are highly coincidental. It proves Comprehensive Health Assessment as a scientific quantitative health assessment method, with promising perspectives in health management in the future.

Objective To examine the relationship between smoking and tobacco-related mortality in a cohort of the aged Chinese armymen.Methods A cohort study was carried out in Xi'an,China from 1987 to 2005.A total of 1 268 retired male military cadres aged 55 or older were examined in 1987 and followed up in the next 18 years.At baseline,388 men were non-smokers,461 were former smokers,and 419 were current smokers.The current smoking rate was 33.04%,Quitted rate was 52.39%.The terminal main observation items included all-cause and tobacco-associated mortality.Results Up to Jun 30,2005,a total of 491 subjects died.Compared with non-smokers,the relative risks(95% confidence intervals(CI)) of ever-smokers for all-cause deaths,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),lung cancer,and coronary heart disease(CHD) were 1.24(1.01-1.53),1.91(1.06-3.46),2.91(1.36-6.23),and 1.15(0.68-1.93),respectively.Compared with current smokers,the risks of total mortality and death from lung cancer for former smokers were decreased by 66.7% and 14.98%,respectively.Conclusions Cigarette smoking was a major death risk factor in the cohort and quitting smoking could save lives.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the plasma containing Qianlongtong Capsule (QLT)-containing plasma on the expression of the Smad4 gene in prostate stromal cells in vitro and provide some experimental evidence for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with Chinese medicinal compound.

METHODSFifteen cases of BPH were equally randomized to three groups to be treated with QLT at a high dose (6 capsules once), a medium dose (3 capsules once), and a low dose (1.5 capsules once), tid, for 7 days consecutively. QLT-containing plasma was collected from the patients. Prostate stromal cells were identified by immunofluorescence when they became monolayered and cultured in the QLT-containing plasma for 24 hours, followed by detection of the expression of the Smad4 gene by real-time quantitative PCR and that of the Smad4 protein by Western blot.

RESULTSAfter treatment with the QLT-containing plasma, the expression of the Smad4 gene in the stromal cells was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner as compared with the blank control and no-QLT groups (P < 0.01). The expression of the Smad4 protein was also markedly elevated after treatment. The differences were statistically significant between the blank control and medium-dose groups (P < 0.01), low-dose and medium-dose groups (P < 0.05), and high-dose and the other groups (P < 0.01), but not between the blank control and low-dose groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQLT-containing plasma could inhibit the proliferation and improve the apoptotic index of prostate stromal cells in vitro, which was related to the elevation of the mRNA and protein expressions of Smad4.

Apoptosis ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Smad4 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stromal Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Studies have found that Sambucus sibirica Nakai can promote osteoblast division, proliferation, and secretion of alkaline phosphatase to accelerate bone matrix calcification, promote new bone formation, and promote the absorption of necrotic bone. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of two extracts of Xinjiang Sambucus sibirica Nakai bark in promoting fracture healing in rats. METHODS: A total of 108 male Sprague-Dawley rats, 3 months old, were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, Zhong Hua Die Da Wan group (0.54 g/kg, negative control group), high-, middle- and low-dose ethanol extract groups (0.314, 0.157, 0.078 g/kg), high-, middle, and low-dose water extract groups (0.340, 0.170, 0.085 g/kg). Except for the sham-operated group, the middle segment of the femoral shaft was cut off to make a model of open femoral fracture. In the sham-operated group, only the femoral shaft was exposed and no osteotomy was performed. Intragastric administration began at 1 day after modeling and continued for 6 weeks (1 time/day). At 2, 4, 6 weeks after modeling, the effects of two extracts of Sambucus sibirica Nakai bark on serum-related biochemical indicators, X-ray imaging, biomechanical indicators and hematoxylin-eosin staining were observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Serum biochemical indicators: The serum calcium level of the high-dose ethanol extract group in each phase was lower than that of the sham-operated group and the model group, indicating that a faster osteogenesis in the high-dose ethanol extract group, followed by middle-dose ethanol extract group, low-dose ethanol extract group, and high-dose water extract group. The serum phosphorus level of ethanol extract groups was higher than that of sham-operated group, model group, and Zhong Hua Die Da Wan group; the serum alkaline phosphatase level of high-dose ethanol extract group at each stage was significantly higher than the other groups, indicating that a stronger osteoblast activity in the high-dose ethanol extract group, followed by the high-dose water extract group. (2) X-ray film: Fracture healing was significant in the high-dose ethanol extract group, fair in the Zhong Hua Die Da Wan group, high-dose water extract, middle-dose water extract group, middle-dose ethanol extract group, and poor in the low-dose ethanol extract group and low-dose water extract group. (3) Three-point bending test: At 6 weeks, the maximum load and maximum deflection of the femurs of the two extract groups were higher than those in the model group. The maximum load and maximum deflection of the femurs increased significantly in the high-dose ethanol extract group followed by the high-dose water extract group, middle-dose water extract group and middle-dose ethanol extract group. (4) Hematoxylin-eosin staining: Fibrous epiphysis gradually formed in the fracture area, and the bone marrow cavity was communicated. Bone healing was better in the high-dose ethanol extract and high-dose water extract groups than in the other groups. To conclude, these two extracts of Xinjiang Sambucus sibirica Nakai bark are capable of improving fracture healing. Moreover, different extraction methods and dosages of Sambucus sibirica Nakai bark demonstrate various effects on fracture healing. Compared with water extracts, ethanol extracts are better to promote fracture healing, and high-dose extracts have better effects than middle- and low-dose extracts.

BACKGROUNDRegulatory T-cells (Treg) play key roles in suppressing cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients. Little is known about perioperative Treg fluctuations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy, as a minimal invasive procedure for treating NSCLC, may have relatively less impact on the patient's immune system. This study aimed to observe perioperative dynamics of circulating Treg and natural killer (NK) cell levels in NSCLC patients who underwent major lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy.

METHODSTotally, 98 consecutive patients with stage I NSCLC were recruited and assigned into VATS or thoracotomy groups. Peripheral blood samples were taken on 1-day prior to operation, postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 30, and 90. Circulating Treg and NK cell counts were assayed by flow cytometry, defined as CD4 + CD25 + CD127 low cells in CD4 + lymphocytes and CD56 + 16 + CD3- cells within CD45 + leukocytes respectively. With SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., USA), differences between VATS and thoracotomy groups were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences between preoperative baseline and PODs in each group were evaluated by one-way ANOVA Dunnett t-test.

RESULTSIn both groups, postoperative Treg percentages were lower than preoperative status. No statistical difference was found between VATS and thoracotomy groups on PODs 1, 3, 7, and 30. On POD 90, Treg percentage in VATS group was significantly lower than in thoracotomy group (5.26 ± 2.75 vs. 6.99 ± 3.60, P = 0.012). However, a higher level of NK was found on all PODs except on POD 90 in VATS group, comparing to thoracotomy group.

CONCLUSIONSLower Treg level on POD 90 and higher NK levels on PODs 1, 3, 7, 30 in VATS group might imply better preserved cell-mediated immune function in NSCLC patients, than those in thoracotomy group.

Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; immunology ; surgery ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; methods ; Thoracotomy ; methods

ObjectiveTo Compare the clinical results between microscope and loupes which used in microsurgical discectomy.MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial of 93 patients who had undergone microsurgical discectomy from January 2007 to December 2010 was performed.Clinical results were assessed by comparing the following parameters between patients who had undergone the surgery by microscope and loupes:length of stay,hospitalization cost,operative time,estimated blood loss,Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and JOA recovery rate,Odom's standard.ResultsForty-nine patients underwent surgery by microscope,and forty-four patients underwent surgery by loupes.Eighty patients received outpatient or telephone follow-up.The follow-up period was 6.17 to 52.90 months with an average of (29.64±13.05) months,and the follow-up rate was 86.02％.According preoperative data,the two groups didn't differ with respect to age,gender,level of radiculopathy,or preoperative JOA score and JOA recovery rate.No statistically significant differences were identified in postoperative JOA score and JOA recovery rate,length of stay,hospitalization cost,length of follow-up,or relapse rate.Statistically significant differences were identified in operative time,estimated blood loss,and follow-up JOA score and JOA recovery rate.Conclusion Microscope can provide relatively more clear and comfortable vision for the surgery.It can short the operative time,decrease blood loss,reduce the potential risk of nerve injury,and retain more normal tissue,which can ensure better clinical results.