OBJECTIVETo investigate the optimization system of SRAP-PCR molecular marker technology in the analysis on Pinellia ternata.

METHODSRAP-PCR reaction system for P. ternata was optimized by L16 (5(4)) orthogonal design with five elements (dNTPs, Mg2+, the template DNA, primers, Taq enzyme) and four standards.

RESULTThe most suitable forward primer for SRAP for Pinellia ternata was 5'-TGAGTCCAAACCGGAAG-3', while the reverse primer was 5'-GACTGCGTACGAATTACG-3'. The optimized reaction system contained 70 ng DNA template, 0.9 micromol x L(-1) primer, 0.20 mmol x L(-1) dNTP s, 1.5 - 2.0 mmol x L(-1) Mg2+, and 2 U Taq enzyme.

CONCLUSIONSRAP-PCR system for P. ternata is established to lay a foundation for future construction of SRAP genetic map of P. ternata.

China ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Electrophoresis ; Magnesium ; metabolism ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Nucleotides ; genetics ; Pinellia ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Taq Polymerase ; metabolism ; Templates, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women.

METHODSA nested case-control study was conducted. Clinical and biochemical data were analyzed for 200 subjects with GDM and 200 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESULTSThe median (interquartile range) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were 22.39 (17.67, 29.38) and 25.86 (19.09, 34.88) nmol/L in the GDM and NGT groups, respectively. Rates of 25OHD deficiency or insufficiency were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group. Subjects with 25OHD levels <25 nmol/L had a 1.8-fold higher risk of GDM compared with subjects with higher vitamin D levels. In the GDM group, serum 25OHD was independently associated with HbA1c and insulin resistance after adjusting for confounding factors. In the NGT group, serum 25OHD was independently associated with fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure after adjusting for maternal age and other confounding factors.

CONCLUSION25OHD insufficiency is very common in Chinese women. Low 25OHD status may be associated with insulin resistance and act as a risk factor for GDM.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Diabetes, Gestational ; blood ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Vitamin D ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency ; blood ; epidemiology

ObjectiveTo measure the iodine content of normal thyroid and the sternocleidomastoid muscle with gemstone spectral imaging (GSI),in order to offer diagnostic reference for iodine excess or iodine deficiency disorders.MethodsA total of 226 cases of patients with suspected neck or cervical disease underwent GSI of the neck,the thyroid and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.One hundred and nineteen cases were male and 107 female,aged 18 to 77 years,average age(46 ± 17) years.Data were transmitted to AW 4.4 workstation and processed using GSI Viewer software to obtain the best contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) of thyroid to sternocleidomastoid muscle and corresponding singe-energy images.Iodine content of left and right thyroid lobes and both sides of sternocleidomastoid muscle as well as iodine content ratio of thyroid to sternocleidomastoid muscle were calculated in the iodine-based images.ResultsTotal iodine content of the left and the right lobes of the thyroid was (1.5233 ±0.4318)mg/cm3,of the left lobe was (1.5230 ± 0.4271 )mg/cm3,of the right lobe was (1.5236 ± 0.4365 )mg/cm3,there was no significant difference statistically between the two(t =0.0084,P ＞ 0.05).The iodine content of the male was (1.6395 ± 0.4105)mg/cm3,and of the female was (1.4238 ± 0.3832)mg/cm3,there was statistically a significant difference between the two(t =3.4743,P ＜ 0.01 ).Iodine content ratio of thyroid to sternocleidomastoid muscle was 96.6271 ± 33.2442,the ratio in male was 94.6250 ± 37.3621 and in female was 98.0000 ± 29.0737,there was no statistical difference between the two(t =0.3817,P ＞ 0.05).The iodine content of thyroid decreased gradually with age,the difference between groups was statistically significant(F =9.66,P ＜ 0.01 ).The iodine content in ＜ 40 age group[(1.7256 ± 0.4631)mg/cm3] was higher than that in 40 - 60 age group[(1.4517 ±0.3643)mg/cm3] and ＞ 60 age group [(1.4368 ± 0.3465)mg/cm3; q =5.6195,5.4158,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions It is easy to calculate thyroid iodine content with gemstone spectral imaging,which can reflect the iodine level of our body,and is helpful for the diagnosis of iodine excess or iodine deficiency disorders.

Objective To understand the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among newly reported HIV-infected patients from 2016 to 2017 in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to detect HCV antibodies in 2 196 newly reported HIV-infected persons in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, from 2016 to 2017. Results A total of 694 cases(31.6%) were detected antibodies against HCV during HIV-infected persents. The prevalence of HCV co-infection among newly reported HIV-infected patients in Chinese and Burmese was 14.4% (112/780) and 41.1% (582/1 416), respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of HCV co-infection was higher in male, ethnic minorities such as Dai and Jingpo minority, primary school and below and farmers in both Chinese and Burmese. Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that HCV infection was associated with male, Dai minority, HIV infection by injecting drug and famers among Chinese and Burmese reported HIV-infected patients. Conclusions The prevalence of HCV co-infection was high among newly reported in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Meanwhile, the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/HCV co-infections in Chinese and Burmese are different, thus different prevention and control measures are needed for patients of different nationalities.

OBJECTIVETo identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the regulatory and coding regions of human kynureninase (KYNU) gene in a hypertensive candidate chromosomal region 2q14-q23 of Han Chinese, and to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in KYNU and essential hypertension.

METHODSThe SNPs in the promoter region and exons of the KYNU gene were detected by direct DNA sequencing. Genotyping of the nonsynonymous Lys412Glu (A/G) polymorphism was performed by DHPLC technology in 456 hypertensive patients and 430 normal controls.

RESULTSSixteen SNP were identified in the KYNU gene, including 6 in the regulatory region and 2 in the coding region (both of them lead to substitution of amino acid). Significant differences between hypertensive patients and normal controls were observed for the distribution of alleles (chi(2) = 6.693, P = 0.035) and genotypes (chi(2) = 4.188, P = 0.041) of the Lys412Glu polymorphism in all subjects, and for the distribution of alleles in the subgroup of men (chi(2) = 4.424, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONThe Lys412Glu polymorphism of the KYNU gene in a hypertensive candidate chromosomal region is associated with essential hypertension in Han Chinese.

Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Hydrolases ; genetics ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

Objective: To study the effect of menthol on proliferation, migration and expressions of interleukin-8(IL-8), C-X-C motif chemokine-12(CXCL-12) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in hepatoma HepG2 cells in vitro, in order to elucidate the anti-liver cancer activity of menthol and relevant mechanisms. Method: Different concentrations of menthol (25, 50, 100, 200 μmol·L^-1) and blank group were applied to Hepatoma HepG2 cells. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) and EDU were used to detect the proliferation effect of menthol on HepG2 cell. Transwell experiment was used to detect the migration effect of menthol on HepG2 cell. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique was used to detect the inflammatory chemokines IL-8 and CXCL-12 mRNA expression levels in HepG2 cell. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of VEGF in HepG2 cells treated with menthol. Result: Compare with the blank group, menthol (25, 50, 100, 200 μmol·L^-1) significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in vitro. When the concentration of menthol was 100 μmol·L^-1 microns, the inhibitory effect was significant (P<0.05). Menthol significantly inhibited the migration of HepG2 cells. The higher the concentration of menthol was, the less the number of cell migration was. Compared with the blank group, menthol (100, 200 μmol·L^-1) significantly inhibited the expression levels of IL-8, CXCL-12 mRNA and VEGF protein in HepG2 cells (P<0.05), indicating that menthol is an anticancer agent by inhibiting inflammation and chemokines. Conclusion: Menthol has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of hepatoma HepG2 cells in vitro, and the potential anti-liver cancer mechanism might be related to the inhibition of IL-8, CXCL-12 and VEGF expressions in the cells. This conclusion provides the experimental basis for elucidating the effect of menthol against liver cancer.

Objective: To study the suspension culture of tuber and its alkaloid content based on the stimulation of salicylic acid. Method: The tubers of Pinelliae Rhizoma in suspension tube were treated with different concentrations of exogenous salicylic acid to analyze the growth status. The content of alkaloids in tuber was detected by HPLC. Test conditions:chromatographic column for Agilent Eclipse plus C₁₈ column (4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm),mobile phase of acetonitrile water(4:96),the column temperature was maintained at 35℃,detection wavelength for inosine 250 nm,guanosine 260 nm,volume flow rate 1.0 mL·min^-1. Result: The results showed that the exogenous salicylic acid had a certain effect on the growth of suspension tuber of Pinelliae Rhizoma. When the salicylic acid concentration was 150 μmol·L^-1,the culture lasted for 25 days and the fresh weight reached the maximum value of 7.483 8 g. It also accumulates a certain amount of alkaloids. The linear range of guanosine was 0.03-0.45 μg (R²=0.999 6). After 10-days cultivatation in the salicylic acid concentration of 50 μmol·L^-1,guanosine content of Pinelliae Rhizoma tubers reached a maximum of 1.353 3 mg·g^-1. The linear range of inosine 0.003-0.045 μg (R²=0.999 5). When the salicylic acid concentration was 200 μmol·L^-1,cultured for 30 days,the content of inosine in Pinelliae Rhizoma tubers reached the maximum value of 0.149 8 mg·g^-1. Conclusion: The results of this experiment provide a reference for the study of tissue culture and rapid propagation of Pinelliae Rhizoma tubers and regulation of alkaloids,which are of great significance for the development of Pinelliae Rhizoma industry.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of FLAMIGEL (hydrogel dressing) on the repair of residual burn wound.

METHODSSixty burn patients with residual wounds hospitalized in 6 burn units from November 2011 to May 2012 were enrolled in the multi-center, randomized, and self-control clinical trial. Two residual wounds of each patient were divided into groups T (treated with FLAMIGEL) and C (treated with iodophor gauze) according to the random number table. On post treatment day (PTD) 7 and 14, wound healing rate was calculated, with the number of completely healed wound counted. The degree of pain patient felt during dressing change was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The mean numbers of wounds with score equal to zero, more than zero and less than or equal to 3, more than 3 and less than or equal to 6, more than 6 and less than or equal to 10 were recorded respectively. Wound secretion or exudate samples were collected for bacterial culture, and the side effect was observed. Data were processed with repeated measure analysis of variance, t test, chi-square test, and nonparametric rank sum test.

RESULTSWound healing rate of groups T, C on PTD 7 was respectively (67 ± 24)%, (45 ± 25)%, and it was respectively (92 ± 16)%, (72 ± 23)% on PTD 14. There was statistically significant difference in wound healing rate on PTD 7, 14 between group T and group C (F = 32.388, P < 0.01). Ten wounds in group T and four wounds in group C were healed completely on PTD 7, with no significant difference between them (χ(2) = 0, P > 0.05). Forty-two wounds in group T and seven wounds in group C healed completely on PTD 14, with statistically significant difference between them (χ(2) = 42.254, P < 0.01). Patients in group T felt mild pain during dressing change for 37 wounds, with VAS score higher than zero and lower than or equal to 3. Evident pain was observed in patients of group C during dressing change for 43 wounds, and it scored higher than 3 and less than or equal to 6 by VAS evaluation. There was statistically significant difference in mean number of wounds with different grade of VAS score between group T and group C (Z = -4.638, P < 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Baumanii, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were all detected in both groups, but there was no statistical difference between group T and group C (χ(2) = 0.051, P > 0.05). No side effect was observed in either of the two groups during the whole trial.

CONCLUSIONSFLAMIGEL can accelerate the healing of residual burn wounds and obviously relieve painful sensation during dressing change.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bandages ; Burns ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogels ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the mechanism by which LINC01285 regulates proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and the clinical implications. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of LINC01285 in CRC tissues and normal tissues using data from Starbase public database. We also examined the expression levels of LINC01285 in 70 pairs of CRC and adjacent tissue samples collected from our center and in different CRC cell lines using RT-qPCR, and analyzed the correlation of LINC01285 expression with the clinicopathological parameters and tumor-free survival time of the patients. In CRC cell lines (SW620 and HT-29), the changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype following LINC01285 knockdown were analyzed using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and Western blotting. RESULTS: The TCGA-COAD transcriptome sequencing data obtained from the Starbasev3.0 public database revealed a significantly higher expression level of LINC01285 in CRC tissues than in adjacent tissues (P=0.00016), which was verified by RT-qPCR results of the clinical samples (P=0.0002). In CRC patients, the expression level of LINC01285 was closely correlated with histological differentiation of the tumor (P=0.036), T classification (P=0.000), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001), TNM stage (P=0.000), Duke stage (P=0.009) and relapse-free survival (P=0.0102). In SW620 and HT-29 cells, which expressed significantly higher levels of LINC01285 than normal colorectal mucosal cells (P < 0.001), LINC01285 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0.001), increased early apoptosis, late apoptosis and total apoptosis rates (P < 0.05), suppressed cell migration and invasion (P < 0.001), upregulated the expression of E-cadherin (P < 0.001), and downregulated the expression of N-cadherin (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The expression level of LINC01285, which modulates the EMT pathway to regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of CRC cells, is closely correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients.
Humans ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; HT29 Cells ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic and prognostic outcomes of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: A retrospective study of 99 OSCC patients treated with TORS in Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 2017 and May 2021 was conducted. There were 84 males and 15 females, with an age range of 35-85 years. Patients' clinical characteristics, including clinical staging, HPV infection status, perioperative management and postoperative adjuvant treatment, were recorded. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. The survival outcomes were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test. Results: The hospital stay of OSCC patients with TORS was (5.3±2.9) days and the average time of postoperative nasal feeding tube indwelling was (15.2±10.8) days. Among the 99 patients, 21 (21.2%) received tracheotomy and the average time of tracheotomy tube indwelling was (11.9±11.4) days. The two-year OS and PFS in patients with follow-up over two years were 94.0% and 87.7%, respectively and the three-year OS and PFS of patients with follow-up over three years were 94.0% and 78.9%, respectively. The two-year OS and PFS were respectively 97.4% and 88.9%, for patients with stages I-II and 86.8% and 88.9% for patients with stages III-IV. HPV-negative and HPV-positive patients had respectively two-year OS (100.0% vs. 91.5%) and PFS (88.9% vs. 87.2%). There was no significantly statistical difference in survival between patients with and without adjuvant radiotherapy after TORS (82.6% vs. 90.5%, HR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.12-2.23, P=0.400). Conclusions: TORS is more suitable for the treatment of patients with early (Ⅰ-Ⅱ) or HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and the recovery after TORS treatment is good.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Papillomavirus Infections/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome