Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Arterial Occlusive Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Cerebral Arterial Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Cerebral Arteries ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Renal Artery Obstruction ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Risk Factors ; Stents ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are currently classed as non-coding RNAs that, unlike the better known canonical linear RNAs, form a covalently closed continuous loop without 5′ or 3′ polarities. With the development of high throughput sequencing technology, a large number of circRNAs have been discovered in many species. More importantly, growing evidence suggests that circRNAs are abundant, evolutionally conserved, and relatively stable in cells and tissues. Strikingly, recent studies have discovered that circRNAs can serve as microRNA sponges, interact with RNA-binding protein, and regulate gene transcription, as well as protein translation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative joint disease. CircRNAs are differentially expressed in OA cartilage. Moreover, some circRNAs are involved in multiple pathological processes during OA, mainly extracellular matrix degradation, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this review, we briefly delineate the biogenesis, characteristics, and biofunctions of circRNAs, and then, focus on the role of circRNAs in the occurrence and progression OA.
Apoptosis ; Cartilage ; Cartilage, Articular ; Extracellular Matrix ; Inflammation ; Joint Diseases ; MicroRNAs ; Osteoarthritis* ; Pathologic Processes ; Porifera ; Protein Biosynthesis ; RNA* ; RNA, Untranslated ; RNA-Binding Proteins

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and immunoreactivity in experimental acute inflammatory brain injury.

METHODSTen rats were inoculated with pneumococcus to establish the model of bacterial inflammatory brain injury and other 6 rats were used as normal controls. At 24 h after inoculating, the expression of BDNF mRNA and BDNF protein in brain tissue was detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods, respectively.

RESULTThe necrosis of neuron in cerebral cortex and hippocampus was observed after infection. The increase of BDNF mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of experimental animals was demonstrated at 24 h after inoculation: (0.1194 +/- 0.02941 compared with 0.0662 +/- 0.01176)A and (0.1608 +/-0.01854 compared with 0.0680 +/- 0.00946)A (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with controls the expression of BDNF protein in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was enhanced at 24 h of inoculation:(177.04+/-43.66 compared with 79.79+/-7.23)mm(2) (P<0.01) and (81.78 +/-37.47 compared with 42.98 +/-20.44)mm(2) (P<0.01), respectively. Strong positive hybridization and immunoreactivity were observed in the infiltrated inflammatory cell in leptomeninges, subarachnoid cavity, ventricles and brain parenchyma in the brain from the experimental rats.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of BDNF mRNA and BDNF protein increases following brain inflammatory injury, which supports the hypothesis that BDNF may constitute intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism as a part of the inflammatory response.

Acute Disease ; Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; analysis ; genetics ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Female ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Meningitis, Pneumococcal ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for HPLC fingerprint determination of the alkaloids in S. flavescens.

METHODRP-HPLC, linear gradient elution, LC/MS, etc. were used to determine the fingerprint and identify the main peaks in the HPLC fingerprint.

RESULTA satisfactory method for HPLC fingerprint determination of the alkaloids in S. flavescens. was established, and 5 peaks in the HPLC fingerprint were identified.

CONCLUSIONThe perfect fingerprint can be obtained and the method can be used for quality control of S. flavescens.

Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Injections ; Molecular Weight ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quinolizines ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

In recent years,cortisol has been used as a biomarker to assess stress in dogs.To evaluate the welfare of dogs,we reviewed cortisol levels and changes in dogs under various stresses.We explored the influential factors that relieve stress in accordance with variations in cortisol levels,to improve the measures which reduce stress in dogs.It is recommended to apply cortisol measurement and behavioral observation comprehensively to evaluate stress in dogs more accurately.

BACKGROUNDHuman immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related stigma is an obstacle to the implementation of treatment, care, and support programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. This study explored the association of the HIV knowledge with the attitudes toward HIV/AIDS.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted in HIV epidemic rural areas with 5355 participants. Their knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS were assessed, and the associations of HIV transmission and non-transmission knowledge with negative attitudes towards the HIV/AIDS were analyzed.

RESULTSNegative attitudes were significantly correlated with the HIV non-transmission knowledge and the correlation was higher than that with HIV transmission knowledge among participants who were male, 20 years old and migrant workers, students and respondents of and above junior high school. However, among those who were female, age 30 and older, illiterate with primary school education, negative attitudes were significantly associated with HIV non-transmission knowledge and the association was lower than that with HIV transmission knowledge.

CONCLUSIONSHIV transmission knowledge and non-transmission knowledge have different influences on negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among different demographic subgroups.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; transmission ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; HIV Infections ; transmission ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of primary tumor excision on osteosarcoma angiogenesis and pulmonary metastasis, and explore its possible mechanism and clinical significance.

METHODSThe tumor-bearing nude mice were constructed by injection of human osteosarcoma cell suspension, and divided into primary tumor resection, amputation and normal groups. The level of VEGF and endostatin was examined by ELISA assay. The hemoglobin content in Matrigel pellets was measured with HiCN method. Pulmonary metastasis was detected with dilated-squash technique and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSThe serum VEGF and endostatin level was significantly decreased in the primary tumor excision group compared with that in the normal and control groups after operation, but endostatin decreased more prominently [VEGF: (71.43 +/- 9.15) pg/ml vs. (115.81 +/- 4.38) pg/ml, (111.68 +/- 12.26) pg/ml, P < 0.01; ES: (40.77 +/- 5.41) ng/ml vs. (123.18 +/- 5.94) ng/ml, (128.06 +/- 4.52) ng/ml, P < 0.01]. The HB contents in Matrigel pellets increased in the primary tumor excision group compared with that in normal and control groups [(36.55 +/- 2.35) g/L vs. (16.84 +/- 1.15) g/L, (16.29 +/- 1.10) g/L, P < 0.01]. The rate of pulmonary metastasis in tumor excision group was much higher than that in the un-excised groups (80.0% vs. 40.0% and 35.0%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe excision of primary tumor can promote osteosarcoma angiogenesis and pulmonary metastasis, so anti-angiogenic treatment after operation has instructive clinical significance in preventing tumor metastasis.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; blood ; Animals ; Bone Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; surgery ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Endostatins ; blood ; Female ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; pathology ; Osteosarcoma ; blood ; pathology ; surgery ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; blood

Objective To investigate the effects of IL-21,IL-23 and IL-4 in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS) of children,and to analyze the influence of intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) on the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 and IL-4 in GBS patients.Methods Forty-one pediatric patients with GBS hospitalized in our department from Jan.2005 to Sep.2012 were studied.According to the time of IVIG administration,patients were divided into group A and group B,given IVIG respectively within the 7th day and the 8th-12th day.According to Hughes score,patients were divided into mild group and severe group.The serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 and IL-4 were detected by means of ELISA before and after treatment.Results Before treatment,the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 and IL-4 had no signifiant difference between group A and group B.After treatment,the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 in group A and group B were significantly decreased than those before treatment (all P ＜ 0.05),with no significant difference in IL-4 levels.There was no signifiant difference in group A and group B in the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 and IL-4 after treatment (all P ＞0.05).In the severe group,the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 were significantly higher than those in the mild group before and after treatment (all P ＜ 0.05),with no significant difference in IL-4 levels.After treatment,the serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 were significantly decreased than those before treatment in the mild group and the severe group (all P ＜ 0.05),with no significant difference in IL-4 levels.Conclusions The serum levels of IL-21,IL-23 are significantly increased in GBS children,indicating they play an important role in the pathogenesis of GBS.Levels of IL-21 and IL-23 are significantly decreased after administration of IVIG,which showed that IVIG could inhibit the secretion of IL21 and IL-23,reduce cellular inflammatory response,and eventually prevent the development of GBS.IL-4 secretion is not obviously affected with IVIG,it might have a role in the recovery of GBS.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) occurs predominantly among patients with uncorrected CHD. Treatment of severe pediatric PAH-CHD remains a major intractability. This study evaluated the predictors and prognoses of children with PAH-CHD who underwent surgical correction. METHODS: The data for 59 children with severe PAH-CHD who underwent surgical correction, with or without postoperative medication, between May 2011 and June 2015 at the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. A regression analysis, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine children with severe PAH-CHD underwent heart catheterization and correction, with or without specific anti-PAH drugs postoperatively, were included in this study. The pulmonary pressure, heart function, and ending events were observed and median observation period was 49 ± 20 months. Twenty-eight patients (50%) received at least one additional anti-PAH drug after correction. The survival rate after 2 years was 91.5% (54/59); two patients were in a critical condition, and three were lost to follow-up. Twelve patients (29%) still received over one additional PAH-specific therapy at follow-up, whereas 42 (75%) had successfully stopped drug treatment. Two patients (3.5%) died and one underwent a second thoracotomy to remove the ventricular septal defect patch. Acute vasoreactivity test (AVT) criteria had limited efficacy in predicting pediatric PAH-CHD, whereas pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≤ 6.65 Wood units (WU)/m or PVR/systemic vascular resistance (SVR) ≤ 0.39 during AVT indicated a good prognosis after surgical correction with an AUC of 98.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.0-100%), 98.4% (95% CI: 96.0-100%) sensitivity of 100%, 100% and specificity of 82.1%, 92.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although the criteria for positive AVT currently used are unsuitable for pediatric patients with PAH-CHD, PVR and PVR/SVR during AVT are excellent predictors of outcome in pediatric PAH-CHD. Surgery aided by anti-PAH drugs is an effective strategy and should be recommended for severe pediatric PAH-CHD with PVR ≤ 6.65 WU/m and PVR/SVR ≤ 0.39 after iloprost aerosol inhalation.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; pathology ; surgery ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Prognosis ; ROC Curve ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; virology ; Male