BACKGROUNDThe incidence of atherosclerosis-related myocardial infarction can be as much as 50-fold greater in young patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in age-matched controls. There are several explanations for this phenomenon, all of which result in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation. Recently, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a useful biomarker of inflammation. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a reliable indicator of vascular damage and atherosclerosis. There is a paucity of data concerning the relationship between NLR and atherosclerosis as measured by PWV in patients with SLE. This study aimed to verify whether there is a positive correlation between NLR and PWV and to explore factors that influence PWV in young SLE patients.

METHODSA total of 90 female patients with SLE were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation. Traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed on the same day that brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was examined. The patients were divided into three groups according to their mean baPWV values: patients whose mean baPWV value was lower than the first tertile were placed in Group 1; patients whose mean baPWV value was between the first tertile and the second tertile were placed in Group 2; and patients whose mean baPWV value was higher than the second tertile were placed in Group 3. SPSS 20.0 was used to perform all statistical analyses in this study. Both univariate linear regression and multivariate regression models were utilized to analyze the association between NLR and arterial stiffness.

RESULTSSystolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and triglycerides were all significantly different among Groups 1, 2, and 3 (111.90 ± 12.85 mmHg vs. 114.60 ± 12.88 mmHg vs. 129.43 ± 16.21 mmHg, P < 0.001; 68.77 ± 8.63 mmHg vs. 71.87 ± 9.77 mmHg vs. 82.57 ± 14.89 mmHg, P < 0.001; and 1.44 [0.91-2.47] mmol/L vs. 0.98 [0.78-1.26] mmol/L vs. 2.20 [0.94-3.66] mmol/L, P = 0.030; respectively), as were creatinine (57.50 [52.00-69.00] μmol/L vs. 55.50 [49.00-64.00] μmol/L vs. 64.00 [56.00-86.00] μmol/L, P = 0.045) and blood urea nitrogen (4.27 [3.79-6.22] mmol/L vs. 4.16 [3.47-4.84] mmol/L vs. 5.88 [4.04-8.19] mmol/L, P = 0.011). NLRs were significantly different among Groups 1, 2, and 3 (2.16 [1.56-3.42] vs. 3.12 [1.91-4.19] vs. 5.29 [2.63-7.25], P = 0.001). NLR, together with DBP and the SLE disease activity index, independently predicts PWV.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between NLR and PWV. Moreover, we found that disease activity and DBP were also positively correlated with PWV.

BackgroundCurrently, drug-eluting balloon (DEB) appears to be an attractive alternative option for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Nevertheless, the clinical outcomes of DEB have seldom been compared to those of new-generation drug-eluting stent (DES). Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEB compared to those of new-generation DES in the treatment of ISR.

MethodsA comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to November 2, 2017 was performed to identify pertinent articles comparing DEB to new-generation DES for the treatment of ISR. In addition, conference proceedings for the scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics, and EuroPCR were also searched. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) at the longest follow-up. Dichotomous variables were presented as risk ratios (RR s) with 95% confidence intervals (CI s), while the overall RR s were estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model.

ResultsFive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight observational studies involving 2743 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall, DEB was comparable to new-generation DES in terms of TLR (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.89-1.72, P = 0.21), cardiac death (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.89-2.71, P = 0.12), major adverse cardiovascular event (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.98-1.48, P = 0.07), myocardial infarction (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.72-1.76, P = 0.62), and stent thrombosis (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.38-2.42, P = 0.92). However, DEB was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality than new-generation DES (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09-2.50, P = 0.02). This was especially true in the real-world observational studies (RR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.88, P = 0.02). In RCTs, however, no significant difference was found between the two treatment strategies in the risk of all-cause mortality.

ConclusionsThe current meta-analysis showed that DEB and new-generation DES had comparable safety and efficacy for the treatment of ISR in RCTs. However, treatment with DEB was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in the real-world nonrandomized studies.

OBJECTIVE To explore the genetic basis for a family affected with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and oral swab samples from the patient and her relatives. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze 106 target genes by capturing the exons and adjacent intronic regions. Suspected pathogenic mutation was verified by NGS. RESULTS A missense STK11 mutation was detected in the proband, which was not reported previously. The mutation has caused substitution of Leucine by Proline. NGS has detected the same mutation in the mother but not among other relatives. CONCLUSION This hereditary case of PJS may be attributed to the missense mutation of the STK11 gene.

China still has more than 30,000 patients of advanced schistosomiasis while new cases being reported consistently. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product. As ascites being the dominating symptom in advanced schistosomiasis, the present study aimed to explore a prediction model of ascites with D-dimer and other clinical easy-achievable indicators. A case-control study nested in a prospective cohort was conducted in schistosomiasis-endemic area of southern China. A total of 291 patients of advanced schistosomiasis were first investigated in 2013 and further followed in 2014. Information on clinical history, physical examination, and abdominal ultrasonography, including the symptom of ascites was repeatedly collected. Result showed 44 patients having ascites. Most of the patients' ascites were confined in the kidney area with median area of 20 mm². The level of plasma D-dimer and pertinent liver function indicators were measured at the initial investigation in 2013. Compared with those without ascites, cases with ascites had significantly higher levels of D-dimer (0.71±2.44 μg/L vs 0.48±2.12 μg/L, P=0.005), as well ALB (44.5 vs 46.2, g/L) and Type IV collagen (50.04 vs 44.50 μg/L). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated a moderate predictive value of D-dimer by its own area under curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.54–0.73) and the cutoff value as 0.81 μg/L. Dichotomized by the cutoff level, D-dimer along with other categorical variables generated a prediction model with AUC of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68–0.89). Risks of patients with specific characteristics in the prediction model were summarized. Our study suggests that the plasma D-dimer level is a reliable predictor for incident ascites in advanced schistosomiasis japonica patients.
Area Under Curve ; Ascites* ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; Cohort Studies ; Collagen Type IV ; Fibrin ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Physical Examination ; Plasma* ; Prospective Studies* ; ROC Curve ; Schistosoma japonicum ; Schistosomiasis japonica* ; Schistosomiasis* ; Ultrasonography

DNA marker-assisted selection of medicinal plants is based on the DNA polymorphism, selects the DNA sequences related to the phenotypes such as high yields, superior quality, stress-resistance and so on according to the technologies of molecular hybridization, polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing, and assists the breeding of new cultivars. This study bred the first disease-resistant cultivar of notoginseng "Miaoxiang Kangqi 1" using the technology of DNA marker-assisted selection of medicinal plants and systematic breeding. The disease-resistant cultivar of notoginseng contained 12 special SNPs based on the analysis of Restriction-site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-Seq). Among the SNP (record_519688) was related to the root rot-resistant characteristics, which indicated this SNP could serve as genetic markers of disease-resistant cultivars and assist the systematic breeding. Compared to the conventional cultivated cultivars, the incidence rate of root-rot and rust-rot in notoginseng seedlings decreased by 83.6% and 71.8%, respectively. The incidence rate of root-rot respectively declined by 43.6% and 62.9% in notoginseng cultivation for 2 and 3 years compared with those of the conventional cultivated cultivars. Additionally, the potential disease-resistant groups were screened based on the relative SNP, and this model enlarged the target groups and advanced the breeding efficiency. DNA marker-assisted selection of medicinal plants accelerated the breeding and promotion of new cultivars, and guaranteed the healthy development of Chinese medicinal materials industry.

Ilex asprella is one of representative medicinal plants in South of the Five Ridges of China. The roots and rhizomes of I. asprella have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, stimulating salvia, and reducing thirst, which has been used to treat wind-heat cold, acute and chronic pharyngitis, and sore throat. Contemporary studies showed that I. asprella contains the major triterpenoids and glycosides, phenolic acids, and minor steroids. The extracts and compounds show activities of anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumor, and regulating lipid metabolism.The present paper summarizes a phytochemical and pharmacological advance on this species to provide reference for clarification of its pharmacologically active ingredients, quality evaluation, and further explorations.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the current status of acupuncture consultation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, which could provide references and suggestions for the development of acupuncture at comprehensive hospitals and the treatment of diseases.

METHODSThe source of departments, the number of patients, the number of consultation, treatment frequency, consultation reasons and western medicine diagnosis of 279 inpatients who received acupuncture consultation were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 26 departments, including department of internal medicine, department of surgery, gynecology department, etc. and emergency department, requested for acupuncture consultation, in which the request from neurology department was the highest. The distribution of diseases was quite wide, mainly gastrointestinal dysfunction, cerebrovascular diseases, urinary retention, hiccup and pain-related symptoms.

CONCLUSIONSThe indication of acupuncture is extensive, which could supplement the disadvantages of modern medicine and play a positive role in the adjuvant treatment of comprehensive hospital. It is suggested the communication and cooperation with other departments should be strengthened to promote development of acupuncture and improve the understanding and application of acupuncture for western medicine doctors.

Post-translational modifications, such as methylation, acetylation and phosphorylation, of histone proteins play important roles in regulating dynamic chromatin structure. Histone demethylation has become one of the most active research areas of epigenetics in the past decade. To date, with the exception of histone H3 lysine 79 methylation, the demethylases for all major lysine methylation sites have been discovered. These enzymes have been shown to be involved in various biological processes, with embryonic development being an exciting emerging area. This review will primarily discuss the involvement of these demethylases in the regulation of mammalian embryonic development, including their roles in embryonic stem cell pluripotency, primordial germ cell (PGC) formation and maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Acetylation ; Biological Processes ; Chromatin ; Embryonic Development* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Epigenomics ; Female ; Germ Cells ; Histone Demethylases* ; Histones* ; Lysine ; Methylation ; Phosphorylation ; Pregnancy ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Obsjective:To investigate the effects of differentaction time of IL-1β on the osteogenic capacity of bone marrow mensenchymal cells(BMMSC) and the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB) pathway.

METHODSBMMSC isolated from normal donors was treated with IL-1β for 1 or 7 days, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red(AR) stainings were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMMSC. The mRNA expression of EphB4, IGF-1 and OPG in BMMSC was measured by real-time PCR. The immunohistochemistry was employed to measure the expression of bone morphgenetic protein-2(BMP-2) and p-Smad1/5/8 in BMMSC. Furthermore, the Western blot was used for the detection of iκBα and phospho-iκBα (p-ikBα) in IL-1β-treated BMMSC. And the results of IL-1β-treated BMMSC were compared with control group.

RESULTSCompared with control group, the osteogenetic potential of IL-1β-treated BMMSC was enhanced, but the pro-osteogenic differentiation effect of IL-1β was remarkedly inhibited in the presence of NF-kB pathway inhibitor PDTC. The total ikBα level of IL-1β-treated BMMSC was lower (P<0.05), and phospho-iκBα (p-iκBα) level was higher (P<0.05). Besides, BMP-2 expression was higher (P<0.05) in the IL-1β-treated BMMSC, however, p-Smad1/5/8 protien level was not significantly different among IL-1β-treated for 1 d, 7 d and control groups (P<0.05). And the mRNA expression levels of IGF-1, EphB4 and OPG in BMMSC were up-regulated after IL-1β treatment (P<0.05). In addition, the osteoblastogenesis of BMMSC treated with IL-1β for 7 days was significantly different from those treated only for 1 day.

CONCLUSIONProlonging IL-1β treatment can enhance the osteogenetic differentiation of BMMSC more significantly. And this osteogenetic alteration of BMMSC occurs via its NF-κB pathway, but not via BMP-2/Smad pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of apatinib on colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells in vitro and the signaling pathways involved.

METHODSThe cytotoxicity of different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 µmol/L) of apatinib in HCT-116 cells was assessed by MTT assay, using capecitabine as the positive control. The apoptosis rate of apatinib-treated HCT-116 cells was detected using flow cytometry, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were determined with quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. The effect of apatinib on the expressions of Akt, pAkt, Erk1/2 and pErk1/2 in HCT-116 cells was evaluated using Western blotting.

RESULTSApatinib significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with an ICvalue of 1.335 µmol/L. Flow cytometric analysis showed that apatinib significantly increased the apoptotic rate of HCT-116 cells dose-dependently. Apatinib induced the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 at both the mRNA and protein levels while inhibited the expression of the anti- apoptotic gene Bcl-2. The expressions of p-Akt and p-Erk1/2 were decreased in HCT-116 cells after apatinib treatment, but the total protein levels did not undergo obvious changes.

CONCLUSIONApatinib inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of HCT-116 cells by suppressing the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt in the MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.