Objective: To develop a computer-aided cephalometric analysis system running under the environment of Windows 9X/NT and based on screen input of landmark and contour line. Methods: The analysis system was made with object-oriented method, the program was written with Visual Basic 6.0 and Access 8.0, and the data on the screen was converted. Results: Cephalometric landmark points and contour lines were input through computer screen, then analyzed (22 modes), superposed and managed statistically. The system showed the advantages of using popular hardware, good compatibility, easy expansion, friendly user interface, simple input of landmark points, artful input of cephalometric contour, intuition and diversification of superposition, deversification of statistic analysis, integrated information collection and convenient search. Conclusions: The system can be used in clinic and research.

砄bjective: To develop a computer aided cephalometric analysis system running under the environment of Windows 9X/NT and based on screen input of landmark and contour line. Methods: The analysis system was made with object oriented method, the program was written with Visual Basic 6.0 and Access 8.0, and the data on the screen was converted. Results: Cephalometric landmark points and contour lines were input through computer screen, then analyzed (22 modes), superposed and managed statistically. The system showed the advantages of using popular hardware, good compatibility, easy expansion, friendly user interface, simple input of landmark points, artful input of cephalometric contour, intuition and diversification of superposition, deversification of statistic analysis, integrated information collection and convenient search. Conclusions: The system can be used in clinic and research.

Objective: To investigate the possible effect of mouse intrahepatic biliary epithelial cell line (mIBEC) on co-cultured human hepatoma cell lines HepG2. Methods: HepG2 and mIBEC cells were co-cultured in a membrane-separated Transwell system. CellTiter 96 ® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) was used to examine HepG2 cell proliferation in the system with or without co-cultured mIBEC. Real-time PCR(RT-PCR) was used to determine Ki67 and caspase3 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells in a system with or without co-cultured mIBEC. Western blotting analysis was used to determine caspase3 protein level in HepG2 cells. Results: The proliferation of the co-cultured HepG2 cells was significantly lower than those cultured alone(P<0.01). Expression of Ki67, a cell proliferation marker, was also significantly down-regulated in mIBEC co-cultured HepG2 cells (P<0.05). The levels of caspase3 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated in mIBEC co-cultured HepG2 cells compared with HepG2 cells cultured alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion: mIBEC can inhibit the proliferation of co-cultured HepG2, and caspase3 activation might be one of the reasons for the inhibitory effect of mIBEC against HepG2 cells.

Aim To investigate the effects of cryptotanshinone on cell viability Aim To investigate the effects of cryptotanshinone on cell viability and ferroptosis-related gene expression in A549 and A549/DDP cells, and to explore its possible mechanisms. Methods A549 and A549/DDP cells were treated with different concentrations of CTS. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The mRNA levels of TFR1, DMT1, IREB2, HSPB1, VDAC2, VDAC3 and GPX4 were measured by qPCR, and the protein levels of TFR1 were measured by Western blot. Results The cell viability was down-regulated by CTS in A549 and A549/DDP cells, while the cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells were more susceptible to CTS. After CTS treatment, the mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes showed different degrees of change. The mRNA levels of HSPB1 and GPX4 increased in A 5 4 9 cells , of which the mRNA levels of IREB2, VDAC2 and VDAC3 were reduced and the mRNA levels of TFR1 and DMT1 exhibited no significant change. The mRNA levels of TFR1 and IREB2 increased in A549/DDP cells, while the mRNA levels of VDAC3 decreased, and the expression levels of DMT1, HSPB1, VDAC2 and GPX4 did not changesignificantly. Conclusions Cryptotanshinone may inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer A549 and A549/DDP cells, and affect the expression of ferroptosis-re-lated genes.

Objective To study the mechanism of enhanced HaCaT cellular uptake of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) by asarum essential oil (AEO) and sinapine thiocyanate (SPT) in Sanfu Patch. Methods Effect of SPT, AEO, and THP on cell viability of HaCaT were determined by MTT. HaCaT cellular uptake of THP and the enhancing effects of AEO and SPT on THP uptake were visualized with confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) based on the green autofluorescence of THP, and the THP uptake content by HaCaT was further determined with HPLC. Moreover, HaCaT cells were labeled with diphenylhexatriene (DPH). After the labeled cells were treated with AEO, SPT, and THP, respectively, the cellular membrane fluidity was determined with fluorescence polarization technology. Results THP fluorescence intensity within HaCaT cells was significantly increased when THP was co-delivered with AEO or SPT respectively, and the THP content with each group within the cells was also significantly higher than that of THP delivered alone. In addition, AEO was superior to SPT in enhancing THP uptake by HaCaT cells. The fluorescence polarization and membrane micro-viscosity of HaCaT cells were significantly decreased after AEO treatment, which indicated that membrane fluidity was increased by the treatment with AEO. However, SPT or THP did not present the character of increasing the membrane fluidity.Conclusion HaCaT cellular uptake of THP can be enhanced by AEO and SPT of Sanfu Patch, in which AEO enhances the cellular uptake of THP through increasing the cellular membrane fluidity, while the mechanism of SPT in enhancing THP cellular uptake remains further clarification.

Stain identification has long been a task in forensic biology. The identification of semen stain, one of the most common human stains, can provide crucial information for crime scene reconstruction and forensic investigation. Traditional detection of semen stain depends largely on the microscopic identification of spermatozoa, enzyme activity-based methods or antigen-antibody reactions. These morphological, proteinological and zymological approaches, however, are apparently inadequate in identifying tiny, admixed, degraded or contaminated samples. With the development of transcriptomics and epigenetics, many semen-specific mRNA markers, such as protamine-1 (PRM1) and -2 (PRM2), have been applied to semen and semen stain identification. Messenger RNA profiling shows great promise in identifying tissues as demonstrated by the recognition of specific markers. Further more, studies on tis-sue-specific differential DNA methylation will provide a scrumptious way of identifying difficult samples.
DNA Methylation ; Forensic Medicine ; methods ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Semen

OBJECTIVE: To develop the single-tube one-step methylation variable position (MVP) analysis technology-single-tube post-digestion PCR-melting curve analysis (PDP-MCA). METHODS: Based on differentially methylated region (DMR) reported previously as the model, a set of primers with different melting temperatures of products in the two sides of MVP were designed. By using the FastDigest methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE), DNA digestion, multiplex amplification, MCA detection and MCA profiles were performed in a single reaction tube. Same samples (peripheral venous blood, semen, and vaginal fluid, 5 samples each type) were tested by single-tube one step MVP and traditional MSRE-PCR MCA technology. To verify the feasibility of this method, the results were compared with that of the traditional technology. The MCA/HRM profiles of different samples were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: When the melting temperature of the fragments had a differential of 2 degrees C, the MCA melting peaks separated well, and MCA detection after multiplex amplification was successful. The single-tube PDP-MCA assay was developed, which integrated multiple reactions (digestion, amplification and detection) into one tube. By this method, the sample-specific profiles and data were analyzed in 2 h, which is similar to that of the traditional method. The rapid classifications of the samples were also realized. CONCLUSION Multiplex MVPs can be analyzed in a single closed-tube. The single-tube PDP-MCA technology is a simple, fast, and automatable method. It can be used for detection of DNA methylation variations.
DNA/isolation & purification* ; DNA Methylation/genetics* ; DNA Primers/genetics* ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards* ; Nucleic Acid Denaturation

Objective To evaluate the effects of biological rhythm disturbance on sedation induced by propofol in rats.Methods Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:circadian rhythm + administration during night-time group (group CN),circadian rhythm + administration during day-time group (group CD),biological rhythm+administration during night-time group (group BN),and biological rhythm+administration during day-time group (group BD).In CN and CD groups,the rats were fed for 2 weeks in the experimental boxes in a 12 (7:00-19:00):12 h (19:00-7:00) light:dark cycle.While the rats were fed for 2 weeks in the experimental boxes in a 24 h light cycle.Propofol 75 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 14:00 in CN and BN groups,or at 22:00 in CD and BD groups.The duration of loss of righting reflex was recorded.At 20 min after recovery of righting reflex,the cognitive function was assessed.The latency of passive avoidance was measured at 6,12,24 and 48 h after training.Results Compared with group CN,the duration of loss of righting reflex was significantly shortened,and the latency of passive avoidance was prolonged at 12 and 24 h after training in group CD,and the duration of loss of righting reflex and latency of passive avoidance at 12 and 24 h after training were shortened in group BN.Compared with group CD,no significant change was found in the duration of loss of righting reflex,and the latency of passive avoidance was significantly shortened at 24 h after training in group BD.There was no significant change between BN group and BD group in the duration of loss of righting reflex and latency of passive avoidance.Conclusion Biological rhythm disturbance can counteract circadian rhythmproduced effects on sedation induced by propofol in rats.

OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical efficacy and safety of valsartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide in the treat-ment of chronic renal disease complicated with hypertension. METHODS:A total of 156 chronic kidney disease patients with renal hypertensive were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 78 cases in each group. Control group was given hydrochlorothiazide tablets 25 mg orally,once a day. Observation group was additionally given valsartan capsule 80 mg orally,once a day,on the basis of control group. Treatment course of 2 groups lasted for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacies of 2 groups were observed and compared,and the levels of SBP,DBP,GFR,24 h urine protein quantification,Scr and BUN were observed before and after treatment. The occurrence of ADR was recorded. RESULTS:After treatment,total response rate of observation group was signifi-cantly higher than that of control group,with statistical significance (85.90% vs. 64.10%,P<0.05). Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in SBP,DBP,GFR,24 h urine protein quantification,Scr and BUN between 2 groups(P>0.05). After treatment,SBP,DBP,24 h urine protein quantification,Scr and BUN of 2 groups were significantly lower than before treatment,the observation group was significantly lower than the control group,GFR was significantly higher than before treatment,the observa-tion group was significantly higher than that of control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical signif-icance in the incidence of ADR between 2 groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Valsartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide show good therapeutic efficacy for chronic renal disease complicated with hypertension,and can significantly improve blood pressure and renal function with good safety.