Objective:To investigate the effect of toxifolin(TAX)on the malignant biological behaviors of human bladder cancer T24 cells through the Rac1/NF-κB/AKT signaling pathway.Methods:Bladder cancer T24 cells were routinely cultured and divided into:Ctrl group(untreated),TAX-L group(5 μmol/L TAX),TAX-M group(10 μmol/L TAX),TAX-H group(20 μmol/L TAX),and TAX-H+Rac1 activator group(20 μmol/L TAX+50 nmol/L ML-097).CCK-8 method,clone formation assay,scratch healing assay,Transwell chamber assay,and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of TAX on the proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis of T24 cells.WB method was used to examine the expression of apoptosis-related proteins,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins,and Rac1/NF-κB/AKT axis related proteins in T24 cells;A nude mice xenograft model was used to assess the effect of TAX on tumor growth.Results:TAX dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of T24 cells and promoted apoptosis(all P<0.05).TAX also increased the expression of apoptosis proteins BAX and E-cadherin,while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2,N-cadherin,and Rac1/NF-κB/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins(all P<0.05).Furthermore,TAX inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model(P<0.05).ML-097 partially reversed these effects(all P<0.05).Conclusion:TAX inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of bladder cancer T24 cells and promotes their apoptosis by inhibiting Rac1/NF-κB/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the correlation factors of complete clinical response in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies(IIMs)patients receiving conventional treatment.Methods:Patients diagnosed with IIMs hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2000 to June 2023 were in-cluded.The correlation factors of complete clinical response to conventional treatment were identified by analyzing the clinical characteristics,laboratory features,peripheral blood lymphocytes,immunological indicators,and therapeutic drugs.Results:Among the 635 patients included,518 patients finished the follow-up,with an average time of 36.8 months.The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs was 50.0％(259/518).The complete clinical response rate of dermatomyositis(DM),anti-synthetase syn-drome(ASS)and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy(IMNM)were 53.5％,48.9％and 39.0％,respectively.Fever(P=0.002)and rapid progressive interstitial lung disease(RP-ILD)(P=0.014)were observed much more frequently in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical re-sponse group.The aspartate transaminase(AST),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),D-dimer,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reaction protein(CRP)and serum ferritin were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group as compared with complete clinical response group.As for the treat-ment,the percentage of glucocorticoid received and intravenous immunoglobin(IVIG)were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical response group.Risk factor analysis showed that IMNM subtype(P=0.007),interstitial lung disease(ILD)(P=0.001),eleva-ted AST(P=0.012),elevated serum ferritin(P=0.016)and decreased count of CD4+T cells in peripheral blood(P=0.004)might be the risk factors for IIMs non-complete clinical response.Conclu-sion:The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs is low,especially for IMNM subtype.More effec-tive intervention should be administered to patients with ILD,elevated AST,elevated serum ferritin or decreased count of CD4+T cells at disease onset.

Objective:To explore the imaging features of intraductal pancreatic neuro-endocrine tumor (PNET).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 17 patients with intraductal PNET who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Changhai Hospital of Shanghai) from January 2013 to October 2020 were collected. There were 7 males and 10 females, aged (47±13)years. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pancreas was performed on patients. Observation indicators: (1) imaging features of intraductal PNET, including ① imaging features of CT and ② imaging features of MRI; (2) treatment and histopathological examination of intraductal PNET. Measurement data with normal distribution were described as Mean± SD and count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Imaging features of intraductal PNET. ① Imaging features of CT: 17 patients underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT of pancreas. There were 9 cases with tumor located in the head of the pancreas, 5 cases with tumor located in the neck of the pancreas and 3 cases with tumor located in the body and tail of the pancreas. The tumor diameter of the 17 patients was (8.7±2.5)mm, with a range of 5.2?15.5 mm. The tumor shape was round-like in the 17 patients. All the 17 patients showed isodensity on plain CT and markedly enhancement in arterial, venous and portal phases on enhanced CT. The degree of enhancement of tumor was higher than surrounding normal pancreatic parenchyma. All tumors of 17 patients were located at the truncation of main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilation, showing abrupt change in caliber of MPD without the "beak sign". The diameter of dilated MPD was (11.4±5.3)mm, with a range of 4.5?22.5 mm. Other imaging manifestations of the 17 patients included 11 cases with pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, 1 case with retention cyst, 1 case with choledochal dilation, 1 case with calcification, and all cases without cystic degeneration or hemorrhage. ② Imaging features of MRI: preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI was performed in 14 patients. Five cases showed slightly low signal but 9 cases showed unclear on T1-weighted imaging. Five cases showed low signal, 2 cases showed slightly high signal but 7 cases showed unclear on T2-weighted imaging. Of the 14 patients, 9 cases showed diffusion limited on diffusion weighted imaging and 5 cases showed unlimited diffusion. Nine cases showed marked enhancement in tumor higher than in normal pancreatic parenchyma, but 5 cases were unclear on contrast-enhanced MRI. (2) Treatment and histopathological exmination of intraductal PNET: all the 17 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 9 cases with pancreaticoduodenectomy, 4 cases with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, 4 cases with pancreatic segmentectomy. Postoperative histopatho-logical examination results showed 10 cases of G1 and 7 cases of G2, including 1 case of G2 with lymph node metastasis, 1 case of G2 with lymph node and liver metastasis. The pathological gross showed that the tumor body was mainly located in the pancreatic duct and blocked the pancreatic duct, with upstream pancreatic dilation. There were pancreatic acinar atrophy and fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The tumor was grayish-yellow or brownish red, solid, medium in texture and well-defined with the surrounding tissues. Microscopically, the tumor of 17 patients was mainly located in the pancreaic duct and invaded into surrounding pancreatic parenchyma. The cells of tumor were polygonal with a central nucleus, but the mitosis was rare. The cytoplasm was eosinophilic or hyaline. The tumor stroma was mainly collagen fiber with abundant capillary network.Conclusions:The imaging features of intraductal PNET are small size, marked enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. The tumor obstructs the MPD with distal MPD dilation and pancreatic parenchyma atrophy.

Objective:To investigate the imaging features of undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma (UCOGCP) with osteoclast-like giant cells.Methods:CT and MRI data of 4 pathologically diagnosed UCOGCP patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from December 2014 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The tumor location, major length, shape, border, density or signal, capsule, calcification, hemorrhage, cystic degeneration, degree of enhancement, as well as the presence or absence of pancreatic duct dilatation, pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, peripheral vascular invasion, lymph node and organ metastasis were recorded.Results:Of 4 UCOGCP patients, 1 case had the mass located in head of pancreas, 2 cases in body of pancreas , and 1 in tail of pancreas. The length of tumor ranged from 3.3 cm to 13.0 cm, and the average was 8.8 cm.3 cases were round-like, and 1 was irregular; 2 tumors were well defined with capsules, 2 with unclear border. 4 cases showed solid-cystic masses, 3 of which had cystic separation. 4 cases showed heterogeneous low density on unenhanced CT, and 1 case had spotted calcification. The solid component of the mass was mild enhanced on enhanced CT, and partial solid component of the mass showed obvious enhancement in 2 cases. 2 cases showed mixed low signal on T 1WI, 1 of which had small patchy high signal indicating hemorrhage. 2 cases showed mixed high signal on T 2WI, and high signal on DWI. 2 cases had major pancreatic duct dilation. 1 case had pancreatic parenchyma atrophy. 1 case had descending duodenum invasion. 3 cases had peripheral vascular invasion, including portal vein, splenic artery, and splenic vein. 1 case had tumor thrombosis in the portal vein and splenic vein. 1 case was associated with pancreatogenous portal hypertension. Conclusions:The imaging features of UCOGCP showed a large solid-cystic mass with hemorrhage and calcification. The solid component of the mass was mild enhanced and the partially solid component was obviously enhanced. The combination of its imaging characteristics and clinical data can improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

This study is to improve the quality standard and supply the scientific basis for Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and its raw processed products. Steroidal saponin including timosaponin BⅡ, timosaponin AⅢ and flavonoids including neomangiferin and mangiferin were selected as the indicative components. Silica gel G thin layer chromatography(TLC) and polyamide TLC were used to detect the two types of compounds, respectively. The contents of timosaponin BⅡ and timosaponin AⅢ were determined by HPLC-ELSD and the content of neomangiferin, mangiferin and isomangiferin were determined by HPLC-UV. Moisture, total ash and acid insoluble ash were determined according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition). And 80% ethanol was selected as the solvent and the content determination of total extract were determined. The fingerprints of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and its raw processed products were established by HPLC-UV and HPLC-ELSD. The results showed that the methods of TLC and HPLC have been successfully stablished. There are 2 and 3 peaks which have been identified by HPLC-ELSD and HPLC-UV, respectively. The HPLC fingerprint methods are specific and can be used to identify and quality control for Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and its raw processed products in the mass. Comparing to Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), the TLC identification and content determination were revised and the total extract determination and HPLC fingerprints were added in the present study. Our results can be used as the scientific basis of quqlity control for Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and its raw processed products.
Anemarrhena ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Reference Standards ; Rhizome

Objective To investigate the nutrient contents of various grains in Hubei Province, and to provide a scientific basis for a balanced diet. Methods Various grains (except potatoes and beans) on the market in Hubei Province were collected. The samples were prepared by peeling and milling, or directly milling, and the nutrient contents were determined according to the national standard methods. With reference to the American nutrient profiling model, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, the nine nutrients were selected as recommended nutrients, and sodium, added sugars and fat were restricted nutrients. On the basis of 100 g for calculation, a nutrient-rich food model (Nutrient-rich foods, NRF_9.3) was established and applied to evaluate the grains. Results The evaluation results showed that wheat and buckwheat grains contained a higher recommended nutrient content than restricted nutrient content, and had higher nutritional value. Among them, quinoa (black) had the highest NRF index of 102.4, indicating the most nutritional value. After peeling, the loss rate of nutrient value (NRF_9.3 index) of various grains was 38.73% to 65.00%. Conclusion It is recommended that people should try to choose whole grains when purchasing grain products.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) in mice exposed to paraquat (PQ) , and to explore the molecular mechanism. Methods: Four experimental groups were designed. Control group: 10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline) . PQ group: 10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with PQ (100 mg/kg) . PQ+OPC group: 10 BALB/c mice were administered with OPC (100 mg/kg) for 1 h before PQ (100 mg/kg) expo-sure. OPC group: 10 BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with OPC (100 mg/kg) . The peripheral blood samples or lung tissue samples were collected at the designed time points for measuring the levels of oxi-dative stress indicators, the related protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and nuclear fac-tor erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway. Results: Compared with the control group, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) , the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the PQ group were significantly induced, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the PQ group was decreased in the peripheral blood. As com-pared with the PQ group, the level of ROS and the content of MDA in the PQ+OPC group were significantly re-duced, the activity SOD in the PQ+OPC group was increased in the peripheral blood; the level of ROS and the content of MDA were also reduced in lung tissues in the PQ+OPC group. Moreover, compared with the con-trol group, the phosphorylation of IκBα and the expression of NF-κB p65 were increased in lung tissues in the PQ group. The phosphorylation of IκBα and the expression of NF-κB p65 were decreased in lung tissues in the PQ+OPC group as compared with the PQ group. In addition, compared with the control group, the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 were increased in lung tissues in OPC group, and these were decreased in lung tissues in PQ groups. Furthermore, the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 were also increased in lung tissues in PQ+OPC as com-pared with the PQ group. Conclusion OPC could alleviate PQ-induced systemic toxicity in mice by regulating oxidative stress via NF-κB and Nrf2 pathway.

Objective To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of monotherapy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LAM),or ADV administered in combination with LAM,in order to find the effective and secure therapy for decompensated cirrhosis patients following chronic hepatitis B. Methods Totally 64 decompensated cirrhosis patients following chronic hepatitis B were divided into 2 groups by using a prospective randomized grouping method. In group A,patients received the therapy of adefovir dipivoxil (10mg/d) combined with lamivudine (100mg/d); and in group B,a monotherapy of adefovir dipivoxil (10mg/d) was used. The period of treatment was 48 weeks. Levels of serum ALT,HBeAg and HBV-DNA were detected in week 12,24,36 and 48 respectively. The liver function was evaluated with Child scores on these time points. Data were analyzed by a blinded independent investigator. Results After 48 weeks treatment,HBV DNA negative conversion rate of the two groups were 87.1%and 78.8%.The virtual rate were 96.8% and 87.9%;HBeAg negative conversion rate were 83.9%,and 57.6%. HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion rates of the two groups were 41.9%and 24.2%. Normalization of serum ALT levels were observed in 96.8% patients of group A and 97.0% of group B. Conclusion The combination therapy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LAM) could reduce the occurrence of drug resistance,and increase the anti-viral effect. It is a secure management for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Objective To explore the role of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 in modulating apoptosis of ER-negative breast cancer cells induced by tamoxifen. Methods ER-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 were treated with 10.0?M tamoxifen for 12, 24, 36,48, 60 hours. The rate of cell apoptosis with or without caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO, and protein expression of Bcl-2,Bax were determined by flow cytometry, and the activity of Caspase-3 was examined with fluorophotometry. Results The expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated, the activity of Caspase-3 and the rate of cell apoptosis were increased by TAM time-dependently, and the rate of apoptosis reached its peak at 48 hours. The expression of Bcl-2 was (negatively) correlated with activity of caspase-3. Tamoxifen, however, did not affect Bax protein expression. Ac-DEVD-CHO, a caspase-3 inhibitor, blocked the activation of caspase-3 and inhibited cell apoptosis (induced) by tamoxifen. Conclusions TAM could induce apoptosis in ER-negative breast cancer cells via (mitochondria) pathway by down-regulating Bcl-2 expression, and the activation of Caspase-3 might play an (important) role in the process of tamoxifen-induced apoptosis of ER-negative breast cancer cells.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics of thyroid carcinoma in young females,in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Methods The clinical data of 74 consecutive young female patients with thyroid carcinoma treated in our hospital in the recent ten years were analysed.In most of the cases,there was no firm texture or fixation of the thyroid nodules to surrounding structures on physical examination before operation.Ultrasonography was performed in all patients and multiple thyroid nodules were found in 61 cases(82.43%).Thyroid scintiscans were performed in 43 cases,and thyroid nodules were found in 41 cases.The cold,cool and warm nodules were found in 14,18 and 9 cases,respectively,by scintiscans.Fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNAB) was performed in 11 cases,and in 2 cases were negative,1 case showed abnormal cell,3 cases were suspicious of carcinoma,and 5 cases were confirmed papillary carcinoma.Results Papillary carcinoma was found in 70 cases,follicular carcinoma in 3 cases and medullary carcinoma in 1 case by histological examination,and benign disease was also accompanied in most cases.Lymph node metastases was found in 28 cases(37.84%),and the rate of metastases was significantly different than that of older female patients(16.46%) at the same time.There were 2 cases who died 3 years after operation because of metastases.Conclusions The lymph node metastases were prevalent in young female patients with thyroid carcinoma.The texture and mobility of the nodules cannot be used to differentiate benign from malignant nodules.We should carefully analyze every nodule found on ultrasonography.For the solid nodules with diameter larger than 1.0cm,we suggest operation;for the non-solid nodules with diameter larger than 2.0cm,we prefer scintiscans and FNAB for diagnosis.