Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Ruanjian Sanjie Pills in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in compensatory stage differentiated as blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome.Methods A total of 80 cases of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in compensatory stage admitted to Bao'an Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to April 2024 were randomly divided into the trial group and the control group,40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with oral administration of Entecavir for hepatitis B virus(HBV),and the trial group was treated with Ruanjian Sanjie Pills on the basis of treatment for the control group,the course of treatment covering one year.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of routine blood test indicators of white blood cell count(WBC)and platelet count(PLT),liver function indicators[albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBIL),alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)],prothrombin time(PT),liver stiffness measurement(LSM),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.Results(1)There were three cases in the control group and four cases in the trial group fell off,and eventually 37 cases in the control group and 36 cases in the trial group were enrolled in the efficacy statistics.(2)After one year of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 91.67%(33/36)and that of the control group was 67.57%(25/37),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the routine blood test indicators of WBC and PLT in the trial group were increased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),while the WBC and PLT in the control group did not change significantly(P>0.05).The post-treatment WBC and PLT in the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the ALB of patients in the two groups was increased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the PT value of patients in the two groups and the ALT of the trial group were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),but TBIL and AST of the two groups and ALT of the control group did not differ from those before treatment(P>0.05).The comparison between the two groups showed that the decrease of PT value in the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P>0.05),but no statistically significant differences of ALT,AST,TBIL and ALB were shown between the two groups(P>0.05).(5)After treatment,the LSM of patients in the two groups was decreased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(6)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(7)There were no significant adverse reactions or adverse events occurring in the two groups during the treatment.Conclusion Ruanjian Sanjie Pills can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in the compensatory stage,improve the coagulation function,reduce the hardness of the liver,and slow down the process of cirrhosis,with satisfactory efficacy and good safety.

Objective:To investigate the effects of miR-125b on radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells and its possible downstream mechanism.Methods:The expression of miR-125b and Foxp3 in cervical cancer tissues and cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The HeLa cells were irradiated with 0, 2, 4 and 6 Gy of X-rays. The expression of miR-125b and Foxp3 in each group was detected by RT-qPCR. After downregulation of miR-125b expression and 6 Gy X-ray irradiation, the proliferation ability of HeLa cells was detected by MTT assay, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Western blot. The relationship between miR-125b and Foxp3 was detected by Targetscan and Dual luciferin reporter assay. After downregulation of Foxp3 expression and 6 Gy X-ray irradiation, the proliferation ability of HeLa cells was detected by MTT assay, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were detected by Western blot. The effects of miR-125b on radiosensitivity of HeLa cells through Foxp3 were detected. After down-regulation of Foxp3, the contents of IL-10 and TGF-β in supernatant were detected by ELISA.Results:The expression of miR-125b in the tissues and cells of cervical cancer was significantly decreased, while the expression of Foxp3 was significantly increased. The expression of miR-125b in HeLa cells was increased after radiation in a dose dependent manner. The expression of Foxp3 in HeLa cells was decreased after radiation in a dose dependent manner. After 6 Gy X-ray irradiation of HeLa cells, down-regulation of miR-125b increased the cell proliferation capacity, significantly reduced the expression of Bax and increased the expression of Bcl-2. miR-125b targets Foxp3 and negatively regulates Foxp3 expression. After 6 Gy X-ray irradiation of HeLa cells, down-regulation of Foxp3 significantly reduced the proliferation capacity of HeLa cells, increased the expression of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl-2. Overexpression of miR-125b can enhance radiosensitivity of HeLa cells through Foxp3.After 6 Gy X-ray irradiation, down-regulation of Foxp3 reduced the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in cells.Conclusions:Upregulation of miR-125b enhances the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells by targeting and negatively regulating Foxp3, and the mechanism of that may be related to the down-regulation of Foxp3 to reduce the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the cells.

Objective: To provide the experimental basis for the coherence of the indirect bond position by comparing the position of the bracket on the digital occlusal model and the position of the transfer to the initial plaster model. Methods: Fifteen digitized models were selected for the brackets on the dental denture model, the brackets were transferred to the initial plaster model by indirect bond transfer trays, The line distance between each bracket position in digital dental model and initial plaster model was measured with OrthoRx software. Results : The difference between the position of the orthodontic brackets and the position of the initial plaster model was less than 0.20 mm, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The position of the bracket on the digital occlusal model is consistent with that of the original plaster model, which provides a theoretical basis for digital indirect bonding.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of biting pencils among pupils living in Harbin, Guangzhou, and Beijing and to compare the differences among these cases. Methods: Stratified sampling method was used to select four elementary schools in Harbin and Guangzhou from April 2015 to April 2016. Firstly, Simple random sampling method was used in every grade (grade 1-grade 5) to select 3 or 4 classes (71 classes in total).After the sample selection, questionnaire surveys were conducted among pupils and their guardians (anyone of their guardians) who belonged to these classes. Secondly, the study extracted part of these pupils to conduct a field survey. Every school was classified by grade, and every grade adopted the method of random sampling to select one classes (20 classes in total). Meanwhile, the study randomly selected pupils from 10 classes in 2 elementary schools in Beijing. All together, 1 627 pupils participated in the field survey. The questionnaire included general information about the students and their guardians, the situation of biting pencils, the awareness of the harm of biting pencils, etc.; the field survey considered if participates' pencils have tooth marks and the severity of the marks, etc. χ² was applied to test and compare the differences among pupils of different genders and different cities. The comparison focused on the proportion of students who bited pencils, the proportion of pencils with tooth marks and the proportion of students and guardians already awared of the harm of biting pencils, etc. Results: The number of the valid questionnaires in Harbin and Guangzhou were 1 842, and 1 210, respectively. The occurrence rate of pupils biting pencils in Harbin (18.0% (333/1 842)) was higher than that in Guangzhou (11.3% (137/1 210)) (χ²=29.16, P=0.001). Specifically, in Harbin, the rate of boys biting pencils was 21.9% (212/965), which was higher than girls (13.8% (121/877)) (χ²=27.04, P=0.001). Similarly, in Guangzhou, the rate of boys biting pencils was 14.5% (92/632), which was also higher than girls (7.7% (45/578)) (χ²=15.34, P=0.001). The awareness rate of the harm of biting pencils among students from these two cities were 88.5% (1 611/1 819), and 90.8% (1 098/1 208), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant as well (χ²=4.39, P= 0.020). Compared with these data, the awareness rate of the harm of biting pencils among guardians from these two cities were 74.7% (1 339/1 791), and 79.4% (832/1 047), respectively as well as the statistically significant difference appeared (χ²=9.83, P=0.007). The result of field survey showed the rate of tooth-marked pencils in Harbin, Guangzhou and Beijing was 30.5% (187/613), 14.8% (79/534), and 28.3% (136/480), respectively. The difference was also statistically significant (χ²=42.68, P=0.001). The degree of tooth marks was mainly mild, while the percentage of mild degree in Guangzhou (54.4%(43/79)) and Beijing (41.2% (56/136)) was apparently higher than that of Harbin (39.0% (73/187)). The difference was not statistically significant (χ²=7.01, P=0.136). Conclusion The behavior of biting pencils existed universally among pupils in Harbin, Guangzhou, and Beijing , which the situation of pupils biting pencils in Harbin and Beijing was more serious than that in Guangzhou. Pupils, parents and teachers should pay attention to such a behavior.

Objective To investigate the levels, phenotypes and functions of regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th17 cells in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and assess the role of imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of SSc. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 31 SSc patients and 33 healthy controls were analyzed for the expression of CD4, CD25, CD45RA, the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), FoxP3, and IL-17 using flow cytometry. Treg immunosuppression capacities were measured in co-cultured experiments. The expressions of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-6 and IL-1β were measured by FlowcytoMix. The expression of FoxP3, CTLA-4, IL-17A, and RORC mRNA were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The independent samples t-test was used to compare data between the groups. Results The frequency of Treg cells was significantly elevated in SSc [(3.6 ±1.1)%] compared with controls [(2.0±0.8)%, t=6.88, P<0.01)] and the expression of CTLA-4 was lower in Treg cells of SSc (P=0.034). The expression of CTLA-4 and FoxP3 mRNA was lower in SSc compared with controls (P<0.05), the immunosuppressive capacity of Treg cells were diminished in SSc (P=0.034). Th17 cells were increased in SSc (P<0.01); the levels of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-6 and IL-1β in the serums of SSc were higher than the controls (P<0.05). In SSc, CD25+FoxP3+IL-17+cells were increased[0.075%±0.032)%vs (0.049±0.027)%, t=3.52, P=0.029], but no difference of CD25+FoxP3+IL-17- was observed when compared with control. The expression of IL-17A and RORC mRNA were increased in SSc (P<0.01, respectively). Conclusion Both Treg and Th17 cells are increased in patients of SSc. Treg increases along with the deficiency of phenotype and function. FoxP3+IL-17+co-express cells are increased, and the balance between Treg and Th17 cells is broken.

Objective To understand the gender specific association between early puberty and behavioral and emotional characteristics in children.Methods The questionnaire survey was conducted among the girls in grade 2-3,boys in grade 3-4 and both girls and boys in grade 7-8 selected through cluster sampling in 2 middle schools and 2 primary schools in Beijing and Shenyang respectively in November 2014.The questionnaire contents included general information,physical activity and video time,pubertal development scale (PDS) and strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ).Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of early puberty and the detection rate of abnormal behavioral problems.The effects of early puberty on behavioral and emotional problems were estimated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.The odds ratios and their 95％ confidence intervals were calculated.Results A total of 3 253 complete questionnaires were collected,the prevalence of early puberty was 15.9％ (518).The detection rate (number) of abnormal emotional symptoms,conduct problems,hyperactivity/inattention,peer relationship problems,pro-social behaviors and total difficulties were 8.3％ (269),9.1％ (297),6.5％ (211),16.4％ (534),9.2％ (299) and 13.8％(448) respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early puberty was the risk factor for conduct problems (OR=2.260,95％CI:1.322-3.863) and hyperactivity/inattention (OR=1.980,95％ CI:1.111-3.527) in the girls,and early puberty was risk factor for total difficulties in boys (95％CI:1.018-2.063).Conclusions Early puberty might increase the risk of conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention in girls and increase the risk of total difficulties in boys.It is important to conduct gender specific psychological intervention among adolescents for improving their physical and mental health.

BACKGROUND:Chronic venous insufficiency is a major health problem worldwide. Clinical treatments include venous valve repair and venous segment containing valve transplantation. However, these are invasive procedures, and the supply of vein containing valves is limited. Significant progress in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been made towards the creation of tissue engineered vascular grafts for the repair of damaged or malformed vessels. It has been reported that using tissue engineering, a tissue engineered vein containing valves constructed with self-derived endothelial cells and al ogeneic acellular matrices can provide the complex physiological valve structure and mechanical stability, but this elicited an immunogenic response.
OBJECTIVE:To create a viable and functional vein containing valves, which has the ability to grow, repair, and imitate natural tissues.
METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from Beagle dogs by density gradient centrifugation and adherence methods. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in vitro. Fol owing isolation and culture the cells were examined using flow cytometry and identified by direct induction towards the osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. We fabricated biodegradable venous scaffold containing valves using the method of injection molding combined with thermal y induced phase separation. Based on the self-made cast, a three-dimensional biodegradable vein scaffold containing valves was constructed from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Morphological structure was tested. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were used as seed cells to be seeded onto the lumen of the tissue engineered vein scaffold containing valves in vitro and then incubated for 2 weeks.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the scaffold demonstrated sufficient porosity. Cultured cells expressed mesenchymal cellmarkers, CD44 and CD29, but did not express hematopoietic cellmarkers, CD34 and CD45 at the same time point. Scaffolds were nontoxic to cells and were favorable for the growth and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. cells attached on the surface of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds formed a confluent layer after incubation. The cellular constructs were tested in vitro, and the valve leaflets were functional y capable of opening and closing when stimulated. These results suggested that the tissue engineered vein containing valves have been successful y constructed by using a three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as seed cells. Tissue engineered vein containing valves is potential y useful for the substitution and regeneration of vein valves.

BACKGROUND: 6-hydroxydopamine, as an endogenous toxic factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, participates in oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine resists oxidation and removes free radicals effectively.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine in bone marrow stromal cells and the antagonistic effect of N-acetylcysteine on it. METHODS: Bone marrow stromal cells of Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in vitro. Bone marrow stromal cells of passage 3 were treated with 6-hydroxydopamine with the final concentrations of 0,0.05,0.1g/L and N-acetylcysteine with the final concentrations of 0, 0.075,0.3,1.2,4.8g/L, respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MTT assay showed that 6-hydroxydopamine (0.05 and 0.1 g/L) significantly decreased the viability of bone marrow stromal cells. This toxic effect of 6-hydroxydopamine was significantly inhibited by 0.3 g/L N-acetylcysteine. It suggests that antioxidant N-acetylcysteine may affect the toxic action of 6-hydroxydopamine.

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathologic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT).Methods The history records, pathologic features and immunophenotype of 8 cases of JGCT were retrospectively evaluated and their prognosis was achieved by follow-up.Results The age of patients ranged from 6～21 years old,with an average age of 15.1 years.The main clinical manifestations included an abdominal mass, ascites and isosexual pseudoprecocity. Cut surface of the tumor was typically solid with cysts formed. The histopathological changes displayed solid nests, diffuse sheet, multiple round or ovoid follicles in variable size.Macrofollicles could be seen in some cases.The follicular pattern consisted of small cystic cavities containing eosinophilic secretions. The tumor cells were round or polygonal, medium in size. The tumor cells had abundant pale or slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, round nuclei with fine chromatin. Nuclear grooves were inconspicuous.Mitosis figures could be found. Immunohistochemical results showed that the tumor cells expressed inhibin-α,CD99,vimentin; while Melan-A,calretinin and S-100 were positive staining in part of the cases.CKpan,EMA,PLAP,Syn and CgA were negative in all the cases.Conclusions Ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor is a rather rare, low malignant tumor with good prognosis. Its diagnosis depends on the histologic and immunohistochemical findings and clinical features. Its differential diagnosis includes adult granulose cell tumor, hypercalcaemic type small cell carcinoma, carcinoid and dysgerminoma.