Objective To investigate the effect of estrogen on expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP)in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats and the role of estrogen in improving postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods Thirty-six SD female rats were allocated into 3 groups randomly,every 12 rats in ovariectomized group(OVX group),estrogen group(E group)and control group(sham group).Rats in OVX and E group all underwent bilateral ovariectomy,those rats in E group were given by estradiol benzoate intramuscularly after 3 weeks of ovariectomy.Rats in sham group underwent bilateral lipectomy near the ovary.All rats were kept the urine and the serum every three weeks and were sacrificed after 15 weeks.The pathology changes of uterus,lumbar vertebral bones were observed by immunohistochemistry.Bone mineral density(BMD)of lumbar vertebra of rats was determined by dual energy X ray absorptiometry(DEXA).The content of MGP in serum and urine was determined by ELISA.Expression of underearboxylated matrix GLA Protein(MGP)was detected by immunohistochemistry.Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra bone was detected by Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results(1)After 15 weeks of ovariectomized,the endometrium of uterus and lumbar vertebra exhibit remarkable pathologic changes in OVX group.The serum estrogen of(454±66)pmol/L in OVX group were lower than in(527 ±77)pmol/L in sham group and(556 ±80)pmol/L in E group significantly (P ＜ 0.05).The BMD of lumbar vertebra of(0.263 ± 0.030)g/cm2 in OVX group were lower than (0.295 ±0.024)g/cm2 in sham group and(0.279 ±0.024)g/cm2 in E group significantly(P ＜0.01).(2)The serum MPG protein in OVX group and E group showed decreased trends after ovariectomized,which were(104 ±64)ng/L in OVX group and(134 ±6)ng/L in E group at 9 weeks,which reached statistical difference(P ＜ 0.05).However,MGP in urine in sham group did not exhibit significant difference after 15 weeks of surgery(P ＞0.05).The MGP in urine of E group showed increased trends after 12 weeks of surgery,which reached(110.0 ±3.4)ng/L at 15 weeks,in the mean time,it was found that(86.5 ±2.5)ng/L of MGP in urine in OVX group,which showed significant difference(P ＜ 0.05).(3)MGP could be observed in lumbar vertebra in OVX group by immunochemistry staining.In the other two groups,the expression of MGP was not dominant.(4)Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra was defined as 1 in OVX group,when compared with 0.289 ±0.260 in E group and 0.103 ±0.098 in sham group,the difference showed statistically significant(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Estrogen could increase the expression of MGP mRNA and protein in ovariectomized rats and might play an important role in improving postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objective: To search new prognosis-related genes in gastric cancer by analyzing the high-throughput sequencing data of gastric cancer in TCGA database, and then provide data support for future studies. Methods: The RNA-seq expression matrix data and patient-related clinical data from 375 gastric cancer tissues and 45 adjacent noncancerous tissues were downloaded from the TCGA database. The data were collated and standardized based on the R language. The difference of gene expression was analyzed by the edgeR and DEseq software packages. The survival analysis of obtained differential genes was performed by the univariate and multivariate COX regressions combined with clinical data of patients, and then the genes with clinical significance were screened out. Results: A total of 364 differential genes were obtained by the edgeR and DEseq analysis. Subsequently, the functional enrichment analysis found that these genes were mainly involved in protein digestion and absorption, cytochrome P450 system of drug and exogenous substance metabolism, chemical carcinogenesis, gastric acid secretion and so on. The univariate COX regression analysis showed that FAP, FAT3, PDK4 and ZNF365 genes had significant influences on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The multivariate COX stepwise regression analysis showed that the risk model constructed by FAP and PDK4 could predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Conclusion: FAP, FAT3, PDK4 and ZNF365 genes may be the prognostic markers of gastric cancer, which may provide data supports for future clinical and basic studies.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the interaction teaching mode integrated with Visible Body virtual anatomy platform in teaching . METHODS: A total of 60 students in the class of 2017 in the discipline of acupuncture-moxibustion and , Xiangnan University were recruited and randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 students in each one. In the control group, the traditional practical teaching mode was used. In the observation group, the interaction teaching mode integrated with virtual anatomy platform was adopted. The teaching duration was 10 class hours in both groups. After accomplishing the teaching schedule, the practical examination was conducted in the localization of commonly-used acupoints, very useful acupoints and the dangerous acupoints as well as acupuncture manipulation techniques. Moreover, the degree of satisfaction was investigated among the students in the two groups and the self-learning ability was evaluated in 3-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: In the observation group, the scores for the localization and acupuncture manipulation of commonly-used acupoints, very useful acupoints and the dangerous acupoints, as well as the degree of satisfaction of the 3 items, i.e. interesting, interaction and leaning-assistance were all higher than those in the control group (<0.05). The degree of satisfaction in the acceptance and leaning-participation, as well as the scores of self-learning ability in 3-month follow-up visit were not different statistically between the two groups (>0.05). CONCLUSION The interaction teaching mode integrated with virtual anatomy platform improves the effect on teaching and achieves the high student satisfaction.
Acupuncture ; education ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Meridians ; Moxibustion ; Teaching

Objective To explore the impact of different hemoglobin on postoperative cognitive functions in female patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Methods 215 female patients who were underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy or laparoscopic myomectomy from January 2016 to December 2016 in our hospital were selected. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their hemoglobin:Group N with normal hemoglobin ,Group A with hemoglobin concentration of 9 ~ 11 g/L ,and Group B with hemoglobin concentration of 6 ~ 9 g/L. Same anesthesia and recovery plan were performed in all patients. Basic and operative information were recorded. The score of MoCA on the day before surgry ,the day after surgry ,3 days after surgry and 30 days after surgry were recorded. Blood samples were collected on the day before surgry and the day after surgry for the determina-tion of serum S-100β protein and IL-6 concentrations. Results No significant difference was found in basic and operative information among three groups. The recovery time was much longer in Group B than that in Group N. No difference were found among three group in the score of MoCA on the day before surgry and 30 days after surgry ,while the score in the day after surgry and 3 days after surgry were lower in Group B com-pared with Group N. The incidence of POCD were higher in Group B compared with Group N. Compared with the day before surgry ,the concentration of serum S-100β protein and IL-6 were much higher. And compared with Group N ,the concentration of serum S-100β protein was higher in Group A and B in the day after surgry , while IL-6 was higher in Group B. The concentration of serum S-100βprotein and IL-6 were much higher in Group B compared with Group A in the day after surgry. Conclusion Female patients with hemoglobin concen-tration of 6 ~ 9 g/L are susceptible to POCD ,which might be contributed by operative central nerve system damage induced by excessive inflammation.

Objective To observe the expression of matrix gla protein(MGP) mRNA in primary osteoblasts of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat in vitro after treatment with anti-osteoporosis agents [vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate],and to investigate the potential role of MGP in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.Methods Primary osteoblasts(OBs) were derived from sequential trypsin/collagenase-digested calvaria isolated from newborn SD rat (postnastal day 1-3).OBs of the second generation were identified by Van Gieson collagen staining,alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining and calcified nodules staining.OBs of the fourth generation were selected to interfere with vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate,then cultured for 24 h in mediums which contained various concentrations of vitamin K2 (10-7,10-6,and 10-5 mol/L),PTH (10-9,10-8,and 10-7 mol/L),1,25 (OH) 2D3(10-10,10-9,and 10-8mol/L),alendronate(10-6,10-5,and 10-4mol/L).After being cultured for 24 h,total RNA was extracted and examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.Results The primary cultured cells had typical morphological characters of osteoblast.van Gieson collagen staining,ALP staining,and calcified nodules staining were all positive.Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate could modulate the expression of MGP mRNA in osteoblasts in a dose-dependent fashion.MGP mRNA expressions were 2.56-fold,2.12-fold,and 1.57-fold with 10-5,10-6,and 10-7 mol/L of vitamin K2 treatment,respectively.The expressions were 6.78-fold,5.31-fold,and 2.23-fold with 10-7,10-8,and 10-9mol/L of PTH(1-34) treatment,8.93-fold,6.95-fold,and 3.47-fold with 10-8 10-9,and 10-10mol/L of 1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment,and 3.47-fold,2.49-fold,and 1.98-fold with 10-4,10-5,and 10-6mol/L of alendronate treatment.Conclusion Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate all canregulate MGP mRNA expression in calvarial osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner.MGP seems to be a potent target of anti-osteoporosis agents,and involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion syndrome, also known as bow hunter′s syndrome (BHS), is a rare cause of posterior circulation ischemia. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is still the gold standard for diagnosis. A case of bilateral cerebellar infarction, with color Doppler ultrasound showing special vertebral artery hemodynamic changes after head and neck rotation, was diagnosed by DSA as BHS and intracranial vertebral artery dissection. Based on the literature published previously, the clinical manifestations and imaging features of BHS were discussed to improve clinicians′ awareness of the syndrome.

OBJECTIVETo develop a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for detection of monoamine neurotransmitters and its metabolites after pre-column derivatization with dansyl chloride.

METHODSThe C(18) chromatograph column (150 mm×4.6 mm×5 µm) was selected for detection, and derived by dansyl chloride (10 mg/ml) under the condition of 50°C water bath by pH11 buffer solution. 20 µl acetic acid acetone solution (1.0 mol/L) was then mixed in for termination of the reaction. Then the solution was cooling to room temperature, 0.1 mol/L acetic acid zinc-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran solution was adopted for mobile phrase, with the volume ratio at 62:35:3. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min between 0-10 min, 2.0 ml/min between 10-35 min. The ultraviolet detection wavelength was 286 nm. The above method separately detected monoamine neurotransmitters and its metabolites and evaluated the limit of detection, accurate degree and accuracy degree.

RESULTSThe linear relations between each component was good in the range of 1 - 20 µg/ml (r = 0.999). The lowest detection limit of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and the metabolites 3-methoxy-4-benzoglycols, homovanillic acid and 5-heteroauxin were separately 0.60, 0.80, 0.41, 0.21, 0.19 and 0.1 µg/ml; while the average recovery rates were between 78.5% - 95.9%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 6.62%, 7.64%, 2.98%, 3.60%, 5.09% and 3.09%, respectively. In the process of selection and optimization of the chromatographic conditions, we observed the importance of metal ions to discretion, and discussed the temperature, pH of the buffer solution and dosage of dansyl chloride in derivation. Under the above conditions, the reaction was perfect, and the baseline of the detected materials thoroughly separated.

CONCLUSIONThe method to detect monoamine neurotransmitters and its metabolites by HPLC and pre-column derivatization with dansyl chloride was established; and this method could provide reference for the detection of polyamine by HPLC.

Biogenic Monoamines ; analysis ; metabolism ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Dansyl Compounds ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; analysis ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of carnosine against experimental closed head injury (CHI) in mice.

METHODSThe CHI model was established by free-falling weight-drop. Carnosine (250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before brain trauma, then q.d for 7 d; while normal saline was administrated for control group. The neurological defect was evaluated by neurological severity score (NSS) within 7 d; the survival rate and the histological alternations were observed.

RESULTSCarnosine prevented the body weight loss of mice at dose of 500 mg/kg; significantly increased the survival rate, and reduced the neurological defect and histological damage at dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONCarnosine can attenuate closed head injury in mice.

Animals ; Carnosine ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Head Injuries, Closed ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR

Autophagy is fundamental to maintain cellular homeostasis. As one kind of the most well-studied selective autophagy, autophagy of mitochondria (mitophagy)is crucial for the clearance of damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy dysfunction has been proved to be closely associated with many human diseases. Nix is a key protein for mitophagy during the maturation of reticulocytes. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying Nix-mediated mitophagy are not fully understood. This article summarizes three possible working models of Nix in mitophagy induction. Firstly, Nix can interplay with Parkin, another important protein for mitophagy, to initiate mitophagy. Secondly, Nix can serve as a receptor for autophagy machinery by interacting with Atg8 family through its LIR motif. Finally, as a BH3-only protein, Nix can compete with Beclin-1 to bind other members of Bcl-2 family resulting in increased free Beclin-1 in cytosol, which further promotes autophagy flux.
Autophagy ; genetics ; physiology ; Autophagy-Related Protein 8 Family ; physiology ; Beclin-1 ; physiology ; Membrane Proteins ; physiology ; Mitochondria ; genetics ; physiology ; Mitochondrial Degradation ; genetics ; physiology ; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; physiology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; physiology ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases ; physiology

Objective To evaluate safety and efficacy of linaclotide combined with polyethylene glycol(PEG)for bowel preparation.Methods A total of 612 patients from Department of Gastroenterology at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University for colonoscopy examination from January to June 2023 were selected.They were divided into group 1(1 L PEG+2 L PEG),group 2(linaclotide+2 L PEG)and group 3(1 L PEG+linaclotide+1 L PEG)by random number table method,with 204 cases in each group.The Ottawa Bowel Preparation Quality Scale(OBPS),the insertion time of colonoscopy,the time of the first defecation,the frequency of defecations,the occurrence of adverse effects and patients'tolerability were compared among the three groups.Results A total of 601 patients completed bowel preparation and accepted colonoscopy.Group 1 exhibited no statistically significant differences to group 2 with regards to OBPS and insertion time.However,Group 2 demonstrated a shorter duration for the time of the first defecation in comparison to both group 1 and group 3(P＜0.05).Group 1 displayed a higher frequency of defecations as compared to Group 2 and Group 3(P＜0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in group 2 and group 3 than in group 1(P＜0.05).The overall tolerance score of patients in group 1 was low-er than that in group 2 and group 3(P＜0.05).Conclusions The effect of combining 2 L PEG with 290 μg of lina-clotide for bowel preparation before colonoscopy is similar to that of 3 L PEG.It can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions and patients exhibit good tolerance.For patients who are intolerant to a single high-dose administration of PEG,they need divided-dose regimen of 2 L PEG in combination with linaclotide.