Objective:To analyse the clinical significance of selective single embryo transfer by time-lapse mo-nitoring(TLM)or conventional morphology assessment(CMA)in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm in-jection and embryo transfer(IVF/ICSI-ET),and to initially explore the predictive value of Raman spectral analy-sis of embryo culture medium for clinical pregnancy rate.Methods:The study is a prospective randomized con-trolled clinical trial.We assigned 139 patients treated with IVF/ICSI-ET in Reproductive and Genetics Center of Suzhou Municipal Hospital from April 2019 to July 2020,which were randomly assigned to either the CMA or the TLM group.We performed selective single-embryo transfer(fresh cycle and FET)after selecting the optimal em-bryos with TLM or CMA respectively.If the patient's first embryo transfer was unsuccessful,a second one would be performed to compare the differences in the cumulative live birth rate of embryo transfer and other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.Meanwhile,we collected 15 μl of embryo culture medium at day 3 after IVF/ISCI fertilization for Raman spectroscopy analysis.Results:There were no differences in cumulative live birth,cu-mulative clinical pregnancy,cumulative premature birth,cumulative early spontaneous abortion,cumulative ectopic pregnancy and LGA or SGA between TLM and CMA groups(P＞0.05).The Neonatal sex ratio in the TLM group was lower than that in the CMA group,but the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).Raman spectros-copy analysis of embryo culture medium predicted the clinical pregnancy rate with 67.21％accuracy.Conclu-sions:In young women with a good ovarian reserve,the advantage of using TLM to evaluate embryos is not obvi-ous,so we should remain vigilant that embryo selection based on morphokinetic parameters may affect the sex ratio.Raman spectroscopic analysis of embryo culture medium is not yet able to effectively predict the planting ability of embryos.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of fluoropezil on embryo-fetal developmental toxicity and toxicokinetics in rabbits,and provide reference for clinical medication.METHODS According to the sequence of pregnancy,pregnant rabbits were divided into five groups:vehicle control group(1%hydroxy-propyl methylcellulose+1.5%polyethylene glycol 400 aqueous solution),positive control group(cyclo-phosphamide 18 mg·kg-1),and fluoropezil(3.6,9.0 and 22.5 mg·kg-1)groups.The vehicle control group and the fluoropezil groups were ig administrated on the 6th to 18th day of gestation(GD6-18)while the positive control group was ig given cyclophosphamide on GD6-20.The pregnant rabbits were sacri-ficed on GD28,and the embryo-fetal development was detected.Sex hormone levels of pregnant rabbits on GD5,GD18 and GD28 were detected by ELISA method.Blood samples with toxokinetics were collected for concomitant toxic generation at the first and last administration,and drug concentrations in fetal,placenta and amniotic fluid were detected with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).RESULTS Fluoropezil 3.6,9.0 and 22.5 mg·kg-1 had no significant effect on body mass,mass gain,food consumption,pregnancy outcomes,fetal appearance,viscera,skeletal and physical growth and development of pregnant rabbits.Only on GD18 or GD28,the levels of follicle stimulating hormone,estra-diol and progesterone in each dose group fluctuated to some extent.The combined toxokinetics results indicated that fluoropezil could cross the placental barrier of the rabbits,but did not accumulate in preg-nant rabbits or fetuses.Fetal mass,crown-rump length and uterus mass in the cyclophosphamide group were lower than those in the vehicle control group.The appearance and bone of the cyclophos-phamide group were positive.CONCLUSION The no observed adverse effect level(NOAEL)of fluoro-pezil toxicity on rabbit embryo-fetal development is 22.5 mg·kg-1,which is 125 times of the effective dose.At the dosage level of 22.5 mg·kg-1,Cmax is 1093 μg·L-1,and AUC(0-24 h)6650 μg·h·L-1 on GD18.

Obesity is increasingly prevalent globally, searching for therapeutic agents acting on adipose tissue is of great importance. Equisetin (EQST), a meroterpenoid isolated from a marine sponge-derived fungus, has been reported to display antibacterial and antiviral activities. Here, we revealed that EQST displayed anti-obesity effects acting on adipose tissue through inhibiting adipogenesis in vitro and attenuating HFD-induced obesity in mice, doing so without affecting food intake, blood pressure or heart rate. We demonstrated that EQST inhibited the enzyme activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), a therapeutic target of obesity in adipose tissue. Anti-obesity properties of EQST were all offset by applying excessive 11β-HSD1's substrates and 11β-HSD1 inhibition through knockdown in vitro or 11β-HSD1 knockout in vivo. In the 11β-HSD1 bypass model constructed by adding excess 11β-HSD1 products, EQST's anti-obesity effects disappeared. Furthermore, EQST directly bond to 11β-HSD1 protein and presented remarkable better intensity on 11β-HSD1 inhibition and better efficacy on anti-obesity than known 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. Therefore, EQST can be developed into anti-obesity candidate compound, and this study may provide more clues for developing higher effective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors.

Objectives:To investigate the common risk factors for excess daytime sleepiness (EDS) and hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) patients.Methods:Between January 2020 and February 2021, a total of 103 OSAHS patients diagnosed in the Department of Sleep Medicine Center, the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled as the study population. During polysomnography (PSG) monitoring, noninvasive continuous blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored simultaneously. Low/high frequency components (LF/HF) were used to reflect sympathetic-vagal balance in frequency domain analysis. According to Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and BP levels, patients were divided into four groups: simple OSAHS group (ESS<10 scores and BP<140/90 mmHg, n=30)(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), OSAHS+hypertension group (ESS<10 scores and BP≥140/90 mmHg, n=23), OSAHS+EDS group (ESS≥10 scores and BP<140/90 mmHg, n=26) and OSAHS+hypertension+EDS group (ESS≥10scores and BP≥140/90 mmHg, n=24). The clinical and PSG parameters were analyzed and compared among the four groups. Regression analyses were used to explore the common causative factors for EDS and hypertension. Results:The LF/HF in OSAHS+hypertension+EDS group was significantly higher than the other three groups [3.2% (2.6%, 4.2%) vs 1.4% (1.2%, 1.6%), 2.2% (1.8%, 2.9%), 2.5% (1.6%, 3.1%), all P<0.05]. No difference was observed between OSAHS+hypertension group and OSAHS+EDS group ( P=0.779), but both higher than simple OSAHS group. The linear regression equation showed that LF/HF was most correlated with the percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation<90% (T90) as compared to the other parameters of sleep disordered breathing (β=0.201, P=0.006). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that LF/HF was significantly correlated with ESS scores and asleep BP levels ( r=0.536, r=0.456, all P<0.05). The logical regression equation showed that LF/HF was a causative risk factor for both EDS and hypertension in OSAHS (β=0.164, 95% CI: 1.018-1.364, P=0.028). Conclusion:The sympathetic-vagal imbalance is a common risk factor for EDS and hypertension in OSAHS patients

Objective To compare the differences in the long-term survival rate and the tumor shrinkage rate of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with percutaneous ablation therapy and simple TACE therapy in order to provide the basis for the clinical treatment of HCC.Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) for comparing the difference in survival rates between TACE plus PA and simple TACE for inoperable HCC were searched from medical literature database,from which the relevant data were extracted.According to Cochrane manual standard,the quality of inclusion literature was evaluated.Results A total of 15 RCT papers were included in this study,including 859 HCC patients.The results of meta-analysis showed that all the 1-year,2-year and 3-year survival rates in TACE plus PA group were better than those in simple TACE group (RR=1.454,95％CI=1.333and 1.586,Z=8.56,P＜0.001;RR=1.781,95％CI=1.511 and 2.099,Z=6.88,P＜0.001;RR=2.351,95％CI=1.808 and 3.059,Z=6.37,P＜0.001,respectively).The tumor shrinkage rate in TACE plus PA group was also better than that in simple TACE group (RR=1.314,95％CI=1.190 and 1.452,Z=5.38,P＜0.001).The sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of the differences in survival rate and tumor shrinkage rate between the two groups were reliable.Conclusion The 1-year,2-year and 3-year survival rates as well as the tumor shrinkage rate of TACE plus PA group are higher than those of simple TACE group.

Objective To investigate effects of total flavonoids of litchi (TFL) on the proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) in comparison with western medicine rosiglitazone, and to explore the mechanism of anti hepatic fibrosis of TFL. Methods Effect of TFL on proliferation of HSC-T6 was examined by MTT. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) mRNA, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in HSC-T6 cells exposured were examined by real-time quantitative PCR. Effects on HSC-T6 CTGF protein from TFL and rosiglitazone were detected by Western bloting. Results The expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was upregulated and the expression of CTGF mRNA and protein was downregulated after exposure to TFL and rosiglitazone for 72 hours. And the effect of TFL increased with the increase of concentration. Conclusion TFL can inhibit the proliferation of HSC-T6 and antagonizing liver fibrosis. This mechanism may be associated with the upregulation of PPAR-γ expression and the downregulation of CTGF expression.

Objective To investigate the effect of medication guide on IL-17,NO,IL-8 and the respiratory function in patients with COPD,and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of COPD.Methods From January 2014 to December 2015,100 patients with COPD in our hospital were selected,and 3 months medication guide was given to the patients.The IL-8,IL-17,NO and other oxidative stress index were observed before and after the intervention.Results Before the intervention,the IL-17,IL-8 and NO levels of patients were (77.48 ± 5.48) ng/mL,(216.48 ± 29.40) ng/mL,(59.74 ± 10.38) mol/L respectively.After the intervention,the IL-17,IL-8 and NO levels were (28.57 ± 3.94) ng/mL,(43.80 ± 3.69) ng/mL and (78.62 ± 11.49) μmol/L.The levels of IL-17 and IL-8 were significantly decreased after the intervention,the level of NO was significantly increased (t =7.49,4.83,6.59,all P ＜ 0.05).Before the intervention,the levels of FEV1,FVC and FEV1/FVC were (50.24 ± 3.27) ％,(1.24 ± 0.38) L and (53.52 ± 2.37) ％ respectively.After intervention,the levels of FEV1,FVC and FEV1/FVC were (74.46 ± 5.74) ％,(1.99 ± 0.41) L and (83.27 ± 3.25) ％ respectively.The respiratory parameters of the patients after intervention were significantly increased (t =6.38,3.89,7.02,all P ＜ 0.05).After 3 months of intervention,in 100 patients,7 cases of grade 0,33 cases of grade Ⅰ,54 cases of grade Ⅱ,6 cases of grade Ⅲ,through statistical analysis,compared with those before intervention,significantly improved (x2 =6.49,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion After 3 months of intervention,the patients' respiratory function limit improved,the condition improved significantly,and the medication guide for the patients with COPD has a positive effect.

Objective To observe the bacteriostasis of herba houttuyniae liquid in bladder irrigation for treatment of rabbit bladder infection model, and to offer a new way for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection.Methods Twenty male New Zealand long-eared white rabbits were divided into gentamicin control group and three different concentrations herba houttuyniae groups according to random number table method, each group 5 rabbits. The rabbit bladder infection model was replicated by injecting coli liquid 1 mL (105 cfu/mL) into the urinary bladder through a urethral catheter, and clipping the catheter for 1 hour. After model establishment for 3 days, in the three herba houttuyniae groups, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 g/mL herba houttuyniae liquid 50 mL were injected into the bladder respectively, and in the gentamicin control group, 160 kU gentamicin was injected into the bladder. Before molding and after molding for 3, 5, 7, 9 days, ear blood in rabbit was taken, and white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil percentage (N%) were tested; at the same time, the middle segment morning urine was taken to detect bacteriuria and urine WBC positive rates; after the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, the urinary bladder tissues were taken, and the pathological changes in urinary bladder tissue were observed by a light microscope.Results Before molding, the bacteriuria in animals of each group was negative and the results of urine WBC, blood WBC and N% were within normal range. After molding for 3 days, bacteriuria and urine WBC positive rates reached 100%; with the prolongation of treatment after molding, the above two rates in each group were gradually decreased, and herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL and 1.00 g/mL groups appeared statistical significance on the 5th day (bacteriuria positive rate was 60% and 40%, urine WBC positive rate was 60% and 40% respectively, while the gentamicin control group and herba houttuyniae 0.25 g/mL group was still 100% positive, allP < 0.01); on the 9th day, the bacteriuria positive rate in both higher dosage herba houttuyniae groups was 0, in 0.25 g/mL group, it still had the positive rate 20%, showing herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL and 1.00 g/mL had stronger inhibitory effect than herba houttuyniae 0.25 g/mL. WBC and N% were increased in each group after molding, and on the 3rd day, WBC and N were significantly higher in each group than those before molding [WBC (×109/L): gentamicin control group 13.00±5.23 vs. 8.95±2.69, herba houttuyniae 0.25 g/mL group 14.52±10.28 vs. 8.73±3.16, herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL group 12.97±11.33 vs. 7.83±4.51, herba houttuyniae 1.00 g/mL group 13.03±9.17 vs. 6.45±3.85. N%: gentamicin control group 80.99±14.93 vs. 63.41±7.96, herba houttuyniae 0.25 g/mL group 89.62±9.41 vs. 70.01±9.13, herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL group 87.69±11.34 vs. 67.75±8.91, herba houttuyniae 1.00 g/mL group 85.67±12.81 vs. 65.12±4.63]. On the 7th day, WBC and N% fell, and on the 9th day, the WBC and N% were restored to normal range in herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL and 1.00 g/mL groups [WBC (×109/L): herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL group 8.56±5.38, herba houttuyniae 1.00 g/mL group 7.93±4.82. N%: herba houttuyniae 0.50 g/mL group 65.97±8.35, herba houttuyniae 1.00 g/mL group 65.57±9.12]. Under light microscopy, it was shown that the morphological appearances of tissue cells in various layers of bladder mucosa were normal in herba houttuyniae group, demonstrating that herba houttuyniae fluid in bladder did not cause allergic inflammatory reaction, etc.Conclusion The bacteriostatic action of herba houttuyniae liquid for bladder irrigation in treatment of rabbits with urinary tract infection is better than that of gentamicin.

Industrial microorganisms are subject to various stress conditions, including products and substrates inhibitions. Therefore, improvement of stress tolerance is of great importance for industrial microbial production. Acetic acid is one of the major inhibitors in the cellulosic hydrolysates, which affects seriously on cell growth and metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive response and tolerance of acetic acid of S. cerevisiae benefit breeding of robust strains of industrial yeast for more efficient production. In recent years, more insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying acetic acid tolerance have been revealed through analysis of global gene expression and metabolomics analysis, as well as phenomics analysis by single gene deletion libraries. Novel genes related to response to acetic acid and improvement of acetic acid tolerance have been identified, and novel strains with improved acetic acid tolerance were constructed by modifying key genes. Metal ions including potassium and zinc play important roles in acetic acid tolerance in S. cerevisiae, and the effect of zinc was first discovered in our previous studies on flocculating yeast. Genes involved in cell wall remodeling, membrane transport, energy metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and transport, as well as global transcription regulation were discussed. Exploration and modification of the molecular mechanisms of yeast acetic acid tolerance will be done further on levels such as post-translational modifications and synthetic biology and engineering; and the knowledge obtained will pave the way for breeding robust strains for more efficient bioconversion of cellulosic materials to produce biofuels and bio-based chemicals.
Acetic Acid ; pharmacology ; Genomics ; Industrial Microbiology ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; drug effects ; genetics

Objective To compare the value of four kinds of commonly used serological detection method for detecting Trepone-ma Pallidum,i.e.,Treponema Pallidum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(TP-ELISA),Treponema pallidum particle agglutina-tion test(TPPA),Treponema Pallidum rapid plasma reagin test(RPR)and Treponema Pallidum antibody detection(TP-AD,emul-sion method).Methods 5 870 specimens from outpatients and inpatients were screened by TP-ELISA.121 cases of detected posi-tive specimen were simultaneously detected by TP-AD,TPPA and RPR.Then the detection results were performed the comparative analysis.Results Among 5 870 specimens,121 cases were positive by ELISA,the detection rate was 2.06%.Among 121 positive cases,119 cases were positive by TPPA,the conformity degree was 98.34%,49 cases were positive by RPR,the conformity degree was 40.41%,113 cases were positive by TP-AD,the conformity degree was 93.38%.With the TPPA results as the standard,there was no statistically significant difference between TPPA and TP-AD(P >0.05),but there was statistically significant difference be-tween TPPA and RPR(P <0.01).Conclusion The four kinds of method have their applicability.ELISA d has good specificity and high sensitivity,and is simple to operate and suitable for the physical examination of large amount of pregnant women,parturients and normal people.TPPA has good specificity and high accuracy,is suitable for definite diagnosis.RPR is suitable for the monito-ring and the curative effect observation in the patients with the active stage of siphilis.Compared with ELISA,TP-AD has slightly less sensitivity,but good specificity and can be used for screening without specific instrument.