AlM: To explore the expression and significance of cysteine- rich 61 ( CCN1/Cyr61 ) in oxygen - induced retinal neovascularization ( RNV) of mice and study the inhibition effect of CCN1 specific siRNA on RNV.
METHODS:Two hundred healthy C57BL/6J mice were chosen and randomly divided into control group, hyperxia group, hyperxia control group and CCN1 treated group, with 50 mice in each group. The hyperxia control group was treated with vector plasmids by intravitreal injection. The CCN1 treated group received CCN1 siRNA recombinant plasmids by intravitreal injection. Adenosine diphosphate-ase ( ADPase) stained retina flat-mounts was performed to assess the retinal vascular profiles, HE staining was applied to count the number of vascular endothelial cell nuclei breaking through the internal limiting membrane, protein and mRNA level expression of CCN1 were measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR.
RESULTS: There were large nonperfusion area and a large number of vascular endothelial cell nuclei breaking through the internal limiting membrane ( 25. 25 ± 1. 26;23. 12 ± 1. 16 ) in the hyperxia group and the hyperxia control group. Regions of nonperfusion and vascular endothelial cell nuclei (8. 47±1. 15) were decreased in the CCN1 treated group compared to the hyperxia group and the hyperxia control group. Compared with the control group, there were high protein and mRNA expression of CCN1 in the hyperxia group and the hyperxia control group. The expression of CCN1 protein and mRNA were decreased in the CCN1 treated group compared with the hyperxia group and hyperxia control group (all P<0. 05).
CONCLUSlON: The abnormal expression of CCN1 has close relation with RNV. The development of RNV can be markedly inhibited by RNA interference targeting CCN1, which, we believe, will provide new molecular targets and a rationale for clinical developing new strategy for ROP therapy.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has definitely clinical effect in treating hyperlipidemia, but the action mechanism still need to be explored. Based on consulting Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010), all the lipid-lowering Chinese patent medicines were analyzed by associated rules data mining method to explore high frequency herb pairs. The top three couplet medicines with high support degree were Puerariae Lobatae Radix-Crataegi Fructus, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Crataegi Fructus, and Polygoni Multiflori Radix-Crataegi Fructus. The 20 main ingredients were selected from the herb pairs and docked with 3 key hyperlipidemia targets, namely 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α ) and niemann-pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) to further discuss the molecular mechanism of the high frequency herb pairs, by using the docking program, LibDock. To construct evaluation rules for the ingredients of herb pairs, the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) value between computed and initial complexes was first calculated to validate the fitness of LibDock models. Then, the key residues were also confirmed by analyzing the interactions of those 3 proteins and corresponding marketed drugs. The docking results showed that hyperin, puerarin, salvianolic acid A and polydatin can interact with two targets, and the other five compounds may be potent for at least one of the three targets. In this study, the multi-target effect of high frequency herb pairs for lipid-lowering was discussed on the molecular level, which can help further researching new multi-target anti-hyperlipidemia drug.
Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hyperlipidemias ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; PPAR alpha ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Pueraria ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect of segmental resection of the liver using Glissonean pedicle transection for primary liver cancer.

METHODSThe clinical data of 55 primary liver cancer patients admitted from January 2006 to October 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-five of the patients underwent segmental resection of the liver by Glissonean pedicle transection (group A), and 30 underwent routine hepatectomy (group B). The positivity rate of the resection margin, micrometastasis in the hepatic parenchyma surrounding the lesions and postoperative recurrence rates were investigated.

RESULTSThe positivity rate of the resection margin was 4.0% in group A, significantly lower than that of group B. The number of histological micrometastasis was significantly higher in group A than in group B (16 vs 8). The median distance of histological micrometastasis was 6.8 mm (2.7-25.6 mm) in group A and 4.2 mm (2.4-9.0 mm) in group B. The one-year recurrence rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B (16% vs 26.7%).

CONCLUSIONGlissonean pedicle transection for segmental liver resection is a simpler procedure than routine hepatectomy for primary liver cancer and can reduce the number of histological micrometastasis and recurrence rate.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood supply ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood supply ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

To systematically review the effects of probiotic supplementation on the prevention and treatment of asthma. A computerized literature search was conducted in CNKI,CBM,VIP,Wanfang,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science from their inception to February,2019 to collect all relevant studies. Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review of the value of probiotics in asthma prevention. The results showed that probiotic supplementation was not significantly associated with a lower risk of asthma (=0.95,95%=0.82-1.11) or wheeze (=0.99,95%=0.88-1.11). Subgroup analyses based on interventions did not show significant differences. Six studies were included in the systematic review of the role of probiotics in asthma treatment. The results showed that probiotic supplementation improved pulmonary function and asthma control in asthmatic patients. However,more studies are needed to validate this effect. Moreover,further studies are needed to clarify the effect of probiotics on the immune markers and the use of asthmatic drugs in asthmatic patients. Based on the currently available literature,probiotic supplementation can not prevent asthma or wheeze. However,it may improve pulmonary function and asthma control in asthmatic patients,although further studies are needed.
Asthma ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Humans ; Probiotics ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of the miR-155 in human primary breast cancer and its clinical significance.

METHODSFrom February to June 2009, 45 pairs of specimens of human primary breast cancer and matched nontumor breast tissues were collected from the patients who received operation for breast cancer. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the miR-155 expression in those specimens.

RESULTSThe stem-loop RT-PCR was sensitive and specific enough to detect the expression of the miR-155. The median relative expression of miR-155 was 0.360 in tumor samples, and it was 0.135 in matched nontumor breast tissues, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). It's indicated that the up-regulation of miR-155 expression was associated with advanced TNM clinical stage (median 0.316, 0.358 and 0.417 respectively for stage I, II and III tumor, P = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (median 0.383 and 0.355 respectively for cases with positive and negative lymph nodes, P = 0.034), higher proliferation index [median 0.387 and 0.353 respectively for cases with high proliferation index (Ki67 > 10%) and low proliferation index (Ki67 ≤ 10%), P = 0.019], estrogen receptor-positive (0.367 and 0.318 respectively for cases with positive estrogen receptor and negative group, P = 0.041) and progesterone receptor-positive (0.398 and 0.335 respectively for cases with positive progesterone receptor and negative group, P = 0.029) in patients with breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of miR-155 is up-regulated in primary breast cancer, especially in patients with positive estrogen and progesterone receptor. miR-155 may play an important role in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of human primary breast cancer, and it could be a indicator in the diagnosis and prognosis of primary breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Progesterone ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important source of thrombus formation. We investigated the feasibility of the recently developed real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) method in assessment of the morphology and function of the LAA.

METHODSNinety-six consecutive patients (58 males with a mean age of (43.4 ± 12.5) years) who were referred for 2-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) underwent additional RT3D-TEE. LAA morphology was visualized in multiple views. Orifice size, depth, volumes and ejection fraction (EF) of the LAA, were measured.

RESULTSAll the patients underwent RT3D-TEE examination without complications. Ninety-two patients (95.8%) had adequate images for visualization and quantitative analysis of the LAA. The LAA exhibited great variability with respect to relative dimensions and morphology. LAA orifice area was (3.8 ± 1.2) cm(2) with a diameter of (2.4 ± 0.9) cm × (1.4 ± 0.6) cm. The mean depth of the LAA was (2.9 ± 0.7) cm. End-diastolic volume (EDV-LAA), end-systolic volume (ESV-LAA) and EF of the LAA were (6.2 ± 3.7) ml, (4.1 ± 2.8) ml, and 0.35 ± 0.16, respectively. EDV-LAA, ESV-LAA and the orifice area of the LAA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were larger than those without AF, whereas the EF was smaller in the AF patients.

CONCLUSIONSDefining LAA morphology and quantitative analysis of the size and function of the LAA with superior quality and resolution of images using RT3D-TEE is feasible. This technique may be an ideal tool for guidance of the LAA occlusion procedure. Determination of LAA volumes and volume-derived EF by RT3D-TEE provides new insights into the analysis of LAA function.

Adult ; Atrial Appendage ; diagnostic imaging ; Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVEGenetic factors are thought to be involved in the development of vitiligo. The aim of this study is to explore the possible genetic model of vitiligo by analyzing the genetic characteristics of 815 patients from Zhejiang province.

METHODSData for 815 patients with vitiligo together with their first- and second-degree relatives were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. All these information was requested to confirm the answers about family history in order to reduce the possibility of 'recall' bias. The 815 probands would include 411 (50.43%) males and 404 (49.57%) females with a varied age from 2 months to 71 years old. Since the information on general prevalence of vitiligo in this area was absent, a control group was set up to facilitate the calculations of heritability degree. 468 persons of the control group were from non-vitiligo population with a sex ratio of 241(male): 227(female) with varied age of 4 months to 80 years old. Both gender and age were comparable between the vitiligo and the control population. The inheritance pattern estimation, heritability calculation and complex segregation analysis were performed with Penrose method, Falconer regression method and SAGE-REGTL program.

RESULTSIn 815 vitiligo probands, 128 had and 687 had not family histories, with a heritability rate of 15.7%. The vitiligo prevalence in proband's first degree relatives was 2.580%, higher than the prevalence of 0.618% in second degree relatives, and both of them were higher than general prevalence: 0.192%. By Penrose method, the rates on different catagories were as follows: sibling prevalence rates s = 0.080 18; population prevalence rate q = 0.001 92; s/q = 41.76. The ratio of s/q did not approach 1/2q (260.42) or 1/4q (130.21), but approached 1/square root of q(22.82), suggesting vitiligo was consistent with a mode of polygenic inheritance. Using Falconer's method, heritabilities of vitiligo in first-and second degree relatives of probands were 59.61% (95% confidence interval 65.37-53.84) and 55.20% (95% confidence interval 43.88-66.52), respectively. The weighted average of heritability in all relatives was 58.7% (95% confidence interval 53.56-63.83). The results of complex segregation analysis suggested that major gene model including the Mendelian dominant, recessive and additive hypotheses were not rejected (P > 0.05). Purely environmental model and no transmission model were rejected at a 0. 001 significance level. According to AIC, Mendelian dominant inheritance was the best-fitted hypothesis.

CONCLUSIONGenetic factors played an important role in the occurrence of vitiligo, and the genetic model of vitiligo could serve as the polygenetic or multifactorial inheritance with major gene trait.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Genetic ; Vitiligo ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective To study the effect of ulinastatin on no reflow or slow flow in the infarct related artery in patient with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary interventional therapy (PCI).Methods 180 STEMI patients were divided into the control group (n=100) and the ulinastatin treatment group (n=80).The control group received conventional PCI treatment and the treatment group received conventional PCI treatment plus ulinastatin. The level of serum inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-10,superoxide converting enzyme,the infarct related coronary artery reperfusion TIMI flow grade (TFG) and myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG),the results of postoperative cardiac ultrasound examination and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the level of IL-6 was decreased,while the levels of IL-10 and superoxide converting enzyme were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group(P<0.05).The TFG and TMPG of the infarct related vessels were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter[(54.6 ± 5.2 mm vs. (50.4±4.6) mm,P=0.046)]and left ventricular ejection fraction [(58.4±10.2) % vs. (62.2±9.8) % P=0.048] showed statistical difference between the two groups.Compared to the control,the major cardiovascular event rate of the treatment group during hospitalization (1% vs. 5%, P=0.038), after one month (1.2% vs. 3%,P=0.046) and 6 months (3% vs 12%,P=0.018) were all significantly lower .There was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups.Conclusion Ulinastatin may lower the incidence of no flow and slow flow after emergency PCI,improve heart function and the lower the rates of MACE.

Objective: To evaluate anemia and related nutritional status of 6-17 years old boarding school students in rural areas of central and western China, and to reveal the difference of nutrition problems in different regions. Methods: In the central and western regions, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Sichuan provinces, as well as Tibet Autonomous Region were selected for this survey considering similar per capita GDP levels. One secondary school and one primary school which participated in the National Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students were selected from each province. One class was selected from each grade of every school by using cluster sampling method. A total of 2 180 students were selected in this survey. Venous blood was collected and the level of hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, folic acid and vitamin B12 was analyzed to evaluate anemia and nutrient deficiencies. Results: As for western region, prevalence of anemia among students aged 6-8 and 9-11 years was 3.2% and 2.9%, respectively; iron deficiency prevalence among students aged 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years was 10.8%, 13.8% and 24.3%, respectively; and folic deficiency prevalence among students aged 12-14 and 15-17 years was 32.7 % and 49.4%, respectively. Prevalence of anemia, iron and folic deficiency in those areas was significantly higher than those of central regions (all P <0.05). As for the central regions, vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence of students aged 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years was 7.3%, 19.4%, 29.2% and 45.5% respectively, which was significantly higher than of those of the western regions at the same age group. Conclusion Anemia, iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency are more common among students in western region, while the vitamin B12 deficiency problem is more common in central region. There are regional differences in the nutritional problems of students in the rural areas of central and western part of China. Nutrition improvement of student needs to be adapted to local conditions.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the expression of DD3 mRNA in the prostate tissues.

METHODSDD3 mRNA was detected by realtime fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) based on the Taqman technique in the tissues of 27 patients with non-prostate cancer( NPCa), 21 prostate cancer( PCa), 39 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 15 normal prostate (NP). The ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of DD3 mRNA.

RESULTSDD3 mRNA expression was not detected in the NPCa tissues. The median expressions of DD3 mRNA in PCa, BPH and NP tissues were 7. 2 x 10(6), 2. 5 x 10(4) and 1.5 x 10(4) copies/mg tissue, respectively. The DD3 mRNA expression levels were significantly different between nonmalignant and malignant tissues (P < 0.01). No significant differences in DD3 mRNA expression were detected between the NP and BPH tissues and no significant correlation was found between the DD3 mRNA expression and clinical pathological parameters. The AUC-ROC was 0.937 (95% CI: 0.879 - 0.995) at cutoff value 1.4 x 10(5) copies/mg tissue. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio for DD3 were 90.5%, 85.0%, 86.7%, 76.0%, 94.3%, 6.03 and 0.11 respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe DD3 mRNA expression is confined to prostate tissues and highly upregulated in PCa tissues. It has a potential application value in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer and the follow-up of the patient.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; ROC Curve ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction