Objective:To investigate the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness in early pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:Based on the Qingdao Women and Children Health Cohort, pregnant women in the first trimester (11-13 +6 weeks of gestation) were enrolled in this cohort study between May 2019 and October 2022. The VAT was measured in first trimester and determined as the distance from the inner margin of the rectus abdominis muscle to the anterior wall of the great artery using multi-functional color ultrasound. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results were followed up at 24-28 weeks and the participants were divided into GDM group and non-GDM group. The pregnant women were divided into 4 groups according to the VAT quartile. Log-binomial model and linear regression model were used to analyze the association between VAT and GDM/blood glucose. Results:A total of 3 686 pregnant women were included in this study, the mean age of participants was (30.56±4.05) years and 722 were diagnosed with GDM, with an incidence of 19.6%. The log-binomial regression model results showed that compared with VAT thickness Q1 (VAT<14.70 mm), the GDM risk in Q3 (21.65≤VAT≤29.69 mm) and Q4 (VAT ≥29.70 mm) increased by 34% [ RR(95% CI): 1.34 (1.08-1.67)], and 61% [ RR(95% CI): 1.61 (1.30-2.00)], respectively. Among women with gestational age<35 years old, compared with VAT thickness Q1, the risk of GDM increased by 42% in Q3 [ RR(95% CI): 1.42 (1.22-1.65)] and 70% [ RR(95% CI): 1.70 (1.46-1.98)] in Q4, whereas no associations were found in women with gestational age ≥35 years old ( P>0.05). The association between VAT and GDM risk was only found in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI <24.0 kg/m 2, and the GDM risk increased by 57% [ RR(95% CI): 1.57 (1.22-2.04)] in Q3 and 65% [ RR(95% CI): 1.65 (1.24-2.19)] in Q4 compare with Q1. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that VAT was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, 1-hour blood glucose after 75 g OGTT and 2-hours blood glucose after 75 g OGTT (all Pfor trend<0.001). Conclusion:High VAT thickness in early pregnancy is an independent risk factor for GDM, and the GDM risk increases with the raising of VAT depth.

Objective:To investigate the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness in early pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:Based on the Qingdao Women and Children Health Cohort, pregnant women in the first trimester (11-13 +6 weeks of gestation) were enrolled in this cohort study between May 2019 and October 2022. The VAT was measured in first trimester and determined as the distance from the inner margin of the rectus abdominis muscle to the anterior wall of the great artery using multi-functional color ultrasound. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results were followed up at 24-28 weeks and the participants were divided into GDM group and non-GDM group. The pregnant women were divided into 4 groups according to the VAT quartile. Log-binomial model and linear regression model were used to analyze the association between VAT and GDM/blood glucose. Results:A total of 3 686 pregnant women were included in this study, the mean age of participants was (30.56±4.05) years and 722 were diagnosed with GDM, with an incidence of 19.6%. The log-binomial regression model results showed that compared with VAT thickness Q1 (VAT<14.70 mm), the GDM risk in Q3 (21.65≤VAT≤29.69 mm) and Q4 (VAT ≥29.70 mm) increased by 34% [ RR(95% CI): 1.34 (1.08-1.67)], and 61% [ RR(95% CI): 1.61 (1.30-2.00)], respectively. Among women with gestational age<35 years old, compared with VAT thickness Q1, the risk of GDM increased by 42% in Q3 [ RR(95% CI): 1.42 (1.22-1.65)] and 70% [ RR(95% CI): 1.70 (1.46-1.98)] in Q4, whereas no associations were found in women with gestational age ≥35 years old ( P>0.05). The association between VAT and GDM risk was only found in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI <24.0 kg/m 2, and the GDM risk increased by 57% [ RR(95% CI): 1.57 (1.22-2.04)] in Q3 and 65% [ RR(95% CI): 1.65 (1.24-2.19)] in Q4 compare with Q1. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that VAT was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, 1-hour blood glucose after 75 g OGTT and 2-hours blood glucose after 75 g OGTT (all Pfor trend<0.001). Conclusion:High VAT thickness in early pregnancy is an independent risk factor for GDM, and the GDM risk increases with the raising of VAT depth.

Objective To establish a rat model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP)and to explore the interventional effect of the Chinese medicine Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi(FTZ)capsules on regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2(MEKK2)-Wnt coupling and inhibiting β-catenin ubiquitination, and to investigate the effect of FTZ on the bone mineral density and cell osteogenic ability. Methods SPF male rats were randomly divided into normal control group,methylprednisolone group(model group),methylprednisolone + saline group(blank control group) and methylprednisolone + FTZ group(experimental group). The proximal femoral cancellous bone was examined by mi-cro-CT and histopathology,and assessment of expressions of Wnt3a,MEKK2,and β-catenin proteins. Bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs were isolated and treated with serum containing FTZ,stained by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red. The expressions of osteogenic differentiation-related genes ALP,Runx2 and OCN,the expressions of MEKK2 and β-catenin proteins,and the transcription level of β-catenin/TCF were determined. Results 1)The micro-CT imaging showed that compared with the control group, the BV/TV, Tb.Th and Tb/N expressions were significntly decreased, and Tb/sp in-creased in the experimental group(P<0.05). Region of interest(ROI)three-dimensional reconstruction of trabecular bone in the experimental group showed improvement of bone trabeculae and local bone repair. 2)The pathology using he-matoxylin and eosin staining showed that in the experimental group,the bone trabecular density was higher than that of the model group,and observed a better trabecula morphology. 3)The Wnt3a,MEKK2 and β-catenin expressions in the exper-imental group were significantly increased compared with the model model(P<0.05). 4)After treated with FTZ and BMP2,the result of alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining indicated an enhanced osteogenic response(P<0.05) in the GIOP rat models. 5)After treatment with seum containing FTZ,The BMSCs isolated from the GIOP rats enhanced the transcriptional activity of β-catenin/TCF/LEF(P<0.05)and promoted the expression of β-catenin and MEKK2 pro-teins(P<0.05). Conclusions FTZ can ameliorate GIOP by regulating the MEKK2-Wnt coupling and inhibiting the β-catenin ubiquitination,and improve the bone microstructure.

Objective To investigate the long and mid-term clinical outcomes of the impacting bone graft and impact factors in treating osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH).Methods Impacting bone graft was utilized to treat 54 patients (64 hips)with ONFH.There were 44 cases male and 10 female with an average age of 35.44±8.86 (range,20-55) years.There were 5 hips caused by trauma,23 hips by glucocorticoid administration,28 hips by intake of alcohol,4 hips by alcohol and glucocorticoid induced,and 4 hips by idiopathic factors.There were 14 hips at ARCO (Association Research Circulation Osseous) stage Ⅱ,50 hips at stage Ⅲ and 6 hips at JIC (Japanese Osteonecrosis Investigation Committee) type B,23 hips at type C1,35 hips at C2 type.Harris hip score (HHS) was used to evaluate the clinical effects.Potential factors,including age,etiologies,pain duration,ARCO stage and JIC type,were evaluated to investigate their impacts on clinical outcomes.Surgery failure was defined as diverting to other surgeries,or poor HHS score evaluation (＜70 points).The survival time of femoral head was defined as the interval between time of impacting bone graft and the failure of surgery.Results The mean follow-up duration was 8.61 ± 1.45 (range,5.13-10.84) years.The proportion of patients with excellent or good Harris score was 81.3％ (52/64).The excellent or good rate was 76.0％ (38/50) at 8 years follow-up.Furthermore,the total survival rate of femoral head was 92％ at 8 years follow-up.The number of surgical failure was 10 (12 hips) and the failure rate was 18.8％ (12/64).There were no significant differences in ages,etiologies,pain duration,ARCO stage and JIC type among these patients before surgery (P ＜ 0.05).There were significant differences in the post-operational Harris score and excellent or good rate among the 20-30 years group,31-40 years group and over 40 years group (P ＜ 0.05).No significant difference for both two indexes was observed among different etiologies (P ＞ 0.05).When considering the duration after the initial pain,there were significant differences among 6 months group,7-12 months group and over 12 months group (P ＜0.05).There were significant differences between the Ⅲa stage and Ⅲc stage (P＜ 0.05),and between the C1 type and C2 type (P ＜ 0.05).Multifactor Logistic regression showed that there was closely relationship between the Harris score (excellent or good rate) after surgery and pain duration,ARCO stage,JIC type (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Impacting bone graft for ONFH is satisfy in the long and mid-term follow up duration.Impacting bone graft would be more suitable for patients with the collapse less than 2 mm,the lateral wall preservation and interval after the initial pain less than 12 months.

BACKGROUND:At present, finite element analysis technology can set up the model, predict diagnosis, treatment design, as wel as surgical plan, and can be used in the treatment of necrosis of femoral head. OBJECTIVE:To sum and discuss recent progress in clinical and experimental research regarding biomechanical study in osteonecrosis of femoral head by using finite element analysis. METHODS:A computer-based retrieval was performed by the authors (Hong Guo-ju and Zhou Guang-quan) in PubMed, Google, SpringerLink, ChinaNational Knowledge Infrastructure databases for literatures published from January 2010 to December 2015. The key words were“(finite element analysis OR finite element) AND (osteonecrosis OR osteonecrosis of femoral head)”. Inclusive criteria:studies with contents closely related to this paper;original papers with reliable topics and evidence;or papers with clear points and al-round analysis and both studies in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 27 studies were included. The articles in the latest five years related to femoral head osteonecrosis and finite element analysis application were concentrated on. We summarized the latest research progress and problems, including the applied research carried out in the femoral head osteonecrosis clinical cases, innovational skil s, so as to point out the direction of future research in the finite element analysis.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Wenxin Granule Combined with metoprolol in the treatment of arrhythmia in elderly patients with coronary heart disease.Methods84 cases of elderly patients with coronary heart disease arrhythmia treated in our hospital from April 2014 to May 2016, were randomly divided into observation group and control group, 42 cases in each group.The observation group was given the Wenxin Granule Combined with metoprolol treatment, the control group were treated with metoprolol,The changes of systolic status, the ischemic condition, hemodynamic changes and plasma viscosity were compared before and after treatment between the two groups, and the clinical effect after treatment were compared.ResultsAfter treatment, two groups of patients with atrial premature contraction, ventricular premature contractions and junctional premature contractions were decreased, the observation group was lower than the control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05);After treatment, two groups of patients with ischemic frequency were reduced, the observation group (5.45±1.12)times was lower than the control group (8.12±2.70)times, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05);After treatment, the two groups of patients with total ischemic time is shortened, the observation group (16.45±3.87)min shorter than the control group (22.45±4.89)min, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05);The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.85% higher than the control group (69.20%), the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).ConclusionElderly patients with coronary heart disease arrhythmia patients with Wenxin granule combined with metoprolol treatment, can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with significant effect.

BACKGROUND: A variety of angiogenic factors are involved in bone healing after osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the role and mechanism of angiogenic factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
METHODS: A computed-based online search of PubMed, Google and SpringerLink databases was performed using the key words of “angiogenic factors, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, hypoxia inducible factor-1, calcitonin gene related peptide and hypoxia inducible factor-1α” for literatures published from December 1980 to May 2015.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Finaly, 68 articles were included. Bone angiogenesis which is dependent on special signaling factors in the microenvironment is closely linked with bone repair. A variety of cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet-derived growth factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α, have been identifiedto control angiogenesis in different ways and be involved in the repair of necrotic femoral head.

BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head remains unclear. Femoral head reconstruction after colapse is related to the bone remodeling due to disorder of the bone formation-absorption coupling. “Removing Blood Stasis” Method has been shown to have a positive effect on the disease in clinics. However, the mechanisms by which the “Removing Blood Stasis” Method confers bone repair after osteonecrosis remain poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of “Removing Blood Stasis” Method on bone repair in rabbits with steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis.
METHODS: Fifty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: normal control (n=10),
model (n=20) andTaohong Siwu Decoction (n=20) groups, respectively. The steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head animal models were established by intramuscular injection of endotoxin combined with methylprednisolone (MPS). Rabbits inTaohong Siwu Decoction group were intragastricaly administered with 0.3 g/kg ofTaohong Siwu Decoction suspension after the last injection of methylprednisolone. The control and model groups were administrated by equal volume of ultrapure water for 8 consecutive weeks. High-resolution MRI and pathological determinations were used to assess the successful models. Protein expression levels of ABCB1, RUNX2, OPN, RANK, RANKL, PPAR, osteoprotegerin (OPG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rabbit femoral heads were detected by western blot assay.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that trabecular bone fracture, karyopyknosis, empty lacunae, necrotic bone marrow cels were seen in the model group. Empty lacunae rate in the model group was significantly different from that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Bone formation was active and kept better trabecular morphology in theTaohong Siwu Decoction group. It suggested that “Removing Blood Stasis” Method can improve repair of necrotic area. (2) In the model group, femoral head with a wide range of low-density areas in high-resolution MRI;Taohong Siwu Decoction group showed the relatively normal shape of the femoral head with smal areas of low density. It suggested that “Removing Blood Stasis” Method can improve image changes in the necrotic area. (3) Protein expression levels of RUNX2, RANK, RANKL were significantly up-regulated but protein expression levels of ABCB1, OPG, VEGF were significantly down-regulated in the model group compared with the normal control group; whereas, they were al significantly up-regulated in theTaohong Siwu Decoction group compared with the model group, except for RANK and RANKL (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the “Removing Blood Stasis” Method can promote bone repair in steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis rabbits by regulating protein expressions of ABCB1, RUNX2, RANK, RANKL, OPG, and VEGF.

This study was aimed to optimize the uniform design for effective constituents in water-soluble extractives D, E, F of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Qi-Xue Bing-Zhi Fang (QXBZF) for the further validation of the ratio of different compatibility. A total of 100 SD rats were used in the study. Among them, 90 rats were given high fat feeding for 7 days. Then, stratified randomization was used. The rats were divided into the all-party group; D, E original prescription group; D, E optimized compatible group; D, E between optimized and original group; D, E optimized but anti-compatibility group; all-party group adding F; optimized compatible group adding F; QXBZF with mainly paeoniflorin accounted for 49.12% as component D, total flavonoids accounted for 30.0% as component E, total acids accounted for 32.07% in component F; the positive drug control group (Xue-Zhi-Kang, 0.108 g/kg); and the high fat model group. In addition, a blank control group (with normal diet) was set. Each group was treated with gastric perfusion according to drug compatibility proportion for 14 days. Rats were sacrificed to take blood samples for the detection of serum lipid, platelet aggregation, vasoactive substance, and inflammation level. The results showed that compared with the model group, the QXBZF D, E original prescription group and D, E optimized compatible group had significant decreasing effects on TC (P< 0.05). The lowest level of TC decreased by optimized compatible group was (3.49 ± 0.86) mmol/L. The all-party group, D, E original prescription group and optimized compatible group can inhibit the platelet with maximum aggregation rate effectively(P< 0.05, P< 0.01); while the D, E optimized but anti-compatibility group (with D, E inverse proportion) had no effect on it. All-party group and the D, E original group adding F had significant inhibition on IL-6 and IL-8 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The D, E original prescription group, D, E optimized compatible group and D, E between optimized and original group can ascend 6-Keto-PGF1α significantly (P< 0.05). ET-1 was decreased in the D, E optimized compatible group (P< 0.05). Other groups had no obvious effect on vascular active substances. It was concluded that different effects between the QXBZF D, E original prescription group and the D, E optimized compatible group were observed in action segment and strength. When F parts added, inhibitions of inflammation levels were enhanced at certain level.

In order to induce male sterility of Brassica campestris L. subsp. chinensis Makino var. parachinensis, we introduced the chimeric pTA29-barnase gene into it by Agrobacteriumtume faciens transformation. We obtained the transgenic plants, and determined them by PCR, Southern blotting and RT-PCR analysis. Results indicated that the RNase (barnase) gene had been transferred into genome of plant, and its expression level was different among transformation plants. All transgenic plants were male sterile; there was no vigor or a little pollen without fertility in the anther of transgenic plants. The transgenic plants failed to produce seeds under the condition self-control pollination, but hybrid seeds set were obtained when these transgenic plants were cross-pollinated artificially with normal pollen from untransformed plants. Progeny from cross-pollinated maintainer line with transgenic plants segregated in the 1:1 for male sterility and male fertility, and these phenotypes corresponded directly to the presence or absence of the chimeri TA29-barnase gene. The male fertile plants of co-separated progenies could die by spraying 10 mg/L PPT in cotyledon seedling stage. The hybrid F1 between male sterility and other varieties showed heterosis in yield and growth. All these show that it is an efficient method to induce male sterility in Brassica campestris L. subsp. chinensis Makino var. parachinensis by TA29-barnase ene, there is potential on heterosis breeding of Brassica campestris L. subsp. chinensis Makino var. parachinensis.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; genetics ; Brassica ; genetics ; growth & development ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genes, Plant ; genetics ; Plant Infertility ; genetics ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Ribonucleases ; genetics ; Transformation, Genetic