Objective:To investigate the effects of Juglone on the apoptosis of osteosarcoma(OS)cells(U2OS and MG63 cells)through the cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3)/gasdermin E(GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis pathway.Methods:The U2OS and MG63 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group,different concentrations(5,10 and 20 μmol·L-1)of Juglone groups and Caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK group(10 μmol·L-1 Juglone+30 μmol·L-1 Z-DEVD-FMK).The survival rates of cells in various groups were assessed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,and the apoptotic rates were detected by flow cytometry.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release assay was used to measure the release rates of LDH from the cells.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),cleaved-Caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)and pyroptosis-related proteins including GSDME full form(GSDME-F)and GSDME N-terminal(GSDME-N).The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18)in the cell supernataut in various groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method.Results:Compared with control group,the survival rates of cells in 5,10,and 20 μmol·L-1Juglone groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the 50％inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of U2OS cells and MG63 cells were 8.4 and 10.2 μmol·L-1,respectively.Compared with control group,the apoptotic rates and LDH release rates of U2OS and MG63 cells in 5 and 10 μmol·L-1Juglone groups were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of Bax,cleaved-Caspase-3,and cleaved-PARP proteins in 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 Juglone groups were significantly increased(P＜0.01),while the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatant in 5 and 10 μmol·L-1Juglone groups were increased(P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of cleaved-Caspase-3 and GSDME-N proteins in 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 Juglone groups were significantly increased(P＜0.01),while there was no difference in the expression level of GSDME-F protein(P＞0.05).Compared with 10 μmol·L-1 Juglone group,the expression levels of cleaved-Caspase-3 and GSDME-N in Z-DEVD-FMK group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),while there was no difference in the expression level of GSDME-F protein(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Juglone can induce the apoptosis of U2OS and MG63 cells and cause the Caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis.

Background: Curcumin, the main yellow pigment in turmeric, is a potent anticancer agent. However, its effect on the viability of human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and glucose metabolism of PCa cells. Methods: Cell viability was measured by MTS assay, and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Glucose metabolism was assessed by measuring glucose intake, lactate production, and adenosine triphosphate content. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Results: Curcumin treatment significantly reduced the viability of two types of PCa cells. We also found that curcumin increased apoptosis and glycolysis by inhibiting the activities of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the expression of ETS-related gene (ERG). However, after the ERG was knocked out, the effects of curcumin treatment were attenuated. Conclusion This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of PCa cells, which may be related to the inhibition of glycolysis, and further explored the pathway involved. The subsequent effect on ERG expression indicated that these effects may be related to this oncogene.

Objective To evaluate and compare the treatment efficacy between concentrated growth factor(CGF)and blood clots(BC)as scaffolds in regenerative endodontic procedures(REPs).Methods Twenty young permanent teeth from 18 healthy children with pulp necrosis or periapical periodontitis were randomly divided into CGF group and BC group.In the CGF group(n=10),after ap-ical bleeding,CGF was inserted into the root canal as a stent.In the BC group(n=10),by stimulating apical bleeding,blood entered the root canal and produced blood clots as scaffolds.Clinical examination and apical X-ray shooting were conducted for each follow-up visit.Cone beam computed tomographic(CBCT)images were acquired preoperatively and at the 24-month recall.The increase of root length,root wall thickness,and newly-formed calcified tissue were calculated.Results The root length increased by(1.68±0.90)mm in the CGF group and(2.36±1.34)mm in the BC group.Root wall thickness increased by(0.44±0.34)mm in the CGF group and(0.50±0.31)mm in the BC group.There was no statistically significant difference in root lengthening and root wall thickening between two groups(P＞0.05).The amount of newly formed calcified tissue in the CGF group((22.13±19.12)mm3)was significantly less than that in the BC group((42.97±22.69)mm3)(P＜0.05).According to the goals for success outlined by American Association of Endodontists(AAE),90%(9/10)of the CGF cases and100%(10/10)of the BC cases achieved the primary and secondary goals(P＞0.05).40%of the CGF cases(4/10)and 60%of the BC cases(6/10)achieved the tertiary goal(P＞0.05).Conclusion CGF is found to be use-ful as a scaffold for REPs,but the success rate is slightly lower than that of BC group and the difference is not statistically significant.

Objective To measure the anatomical parameters of the first maxillary molars in children of different age groups and evaluate the age-related changes in dental crowns.Methods A retrospective analysis was conduc-ted on cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images of 4-8-year-old children.NNT software was used to ana-lyze multiple important indicators of maxillary first molar.Results A total of 308 first maxillary molars,including 154 pediatric patients,were evaluated in this study.The thickness of the pulp apex H1(left,P=0.01;right,P=0.02)and the thickness of the pulp chamber floor H3(left and right P＜0.01)were positively correlated with age,while the height of the pulp cavity H2(left and right P＜0.01)and the height of the palate tip D1(left P=0.003,right P=0.002)showed a negative correlation with age.There was no significant correlation between the height of the buccal tip and age(P＞0.05).There were significant differences in H1 and H3 between the 4-year-old and 5-year-old age groups between the 8-year-old age group(P＜0.05),as well as significant differences in H2 and D1 between the 4-year-old and 5-year-old between the 6-year-old,7-year-old and 8-year-old age groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion The age-related changes in the crowns of the first maxillary molars are important references for the clinical treatment,and can be accurately measured through CBCT data.

In-stent restenosis(ISR)and in-stent thrombosis(IST)are two major complications of percutaneous coronary in-tervention(PCI)and are also the main limiting factors in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease.In-stent neoathero-sclerosis(ISNA)serves as the common pathological basis for ISR and IST.Current research on ISNA is mainly based on clinical imaging observations using optical coherence tomography(OCT),angioscopy,intra vascular ultrasonography(IVUS),and autop-sy reports.The specific mechanisms and treatment strategies for ISNA are not clear yet.A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiological characteristics,histological features,and pathogenic mechanisms of ISNA not only helps in the prevention and treatment of post-stent complications,but also lays the foundation for the development of the next generation of coronary stents.This review summarizes the research progress on the development history of ISNA,the pathological features of ISNA,and the pathogenic mechanisms of ISNA.

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect and adverse reactions of compound acid, alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.Methods:A total of 105 patients admitted in Suzhou Municipal Hospital from August 2019 to May 2020 were divided into three groups randomly and treated with compound acid, AHA and SA, once every 3 weeks, 4 times totally. The efficacy was evaluated before treatment, 3 weeks after 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, and 4 times. The number of non-inflammatory lesions (comedos) and inflammatory lesions (papules or pustules) were recorded. VISIA image was used to record the patient＇s facial characteristics before treatment and 3 weeks after 4 times. The occurrence of adverse reactions was recorded.Results:Three groups were all safe and effective. The efficiency of non-inflammatory lesions showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups (χ 2= 4.58, P=0.101). The effective rate of inflammatory lesions in the compound acid and SA groups were higher than that of AHA group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=6.45, P=0.040). After 4 times, the clinical data of purpurin, red area, and spot in compound acid and SA groups were higher than those before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). While in the AHA group, the purple matter was higher than that before treatment after 4 times, the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.506, P=0.010), and the change in the red area was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The compound acid is safe and effective in treating mild and moderate acne. It is effective for acne inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. It has less adverse reactions and is worthy of clinical application.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rapamycin treatment starting at 24 h after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) has protective effect on brain injury in rats. METHODS: The rat I/R model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion according to Longa's method. A total of 104 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, and rapamycin-treated groups (6 h or 24 h after modeling). Neurological function was assessed with neurological severity score (NSS). Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining were used to examine the infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis, respectively. The expression of p-S6 protein in mTOR signaling pathway was detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, NSS of the model group was significantly increased and TTC staining indicated obvious infarct area (all <0.01). Furthermore, significantly increased number of FJB-positive cells and p-S6 expression in the penumbra area were shown in the model group (all <0.01). Compared with the model group, both rapamycin-treated groups demonstrated decreased NSS, infarction volume and FJB positive cells as well as p-S6 expression in the penumbra area (<0.05 or <0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups of rapamycin administrated 6 h and 24 h after modeling (all >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin treatment starting at 24 h after I/R exhibits protective effect on brain injury in rats.
Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; drug therapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Sirolimus ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate clinical and pathological characteristics of acquired digital fibrokeratoma (ADF).Methods Clinical data were collected from 12 patients with ADF,and their clinical manifestations,histopathological features,treatment and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively.Results The mean age at onset of ADF was 39.75 ± 17.69 years (range,17-64.5 years),and the average disease duration was 4.83 ± 5.77 years (range,0.5-20 years).The ratio of male to female was 1.4:1.Most skin.lesions were polymorphic,and mainly involved fingers,toes and nail grooves.Sometimes non-extremity sites are also involved.Histopathological examination of skin lesions showed epidermal hyperkeratosis,acanthosis and broadened dendroid rete ridges.The dermis consisted of mature collagen bundles,fibroblasts and a large number of dilated capillaries.The characteristic manifestation was that most collagen bundles were vertical to the epidermis.Conclusions ADF,a rare benign fibrous tumor with unknown etiology,usually occurs in adults as a solitary lesion on fingers or toes,sometimes in non-extremity sites.Surgery and laser therapy are common treatments for ADF with low recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the digit ratio of men who have sex with men (MSM), and the relationship between digit ratio and the partner types of MSM.

METHODSParticipants were required from Yunnan Rainbow Sky, a community organization that specialized in HIV testing, intervention and counseling services for MSM between December 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria of MSM as the following: more than 18 years old; men who have had sex with men; HIV test was negative. Exclusion criteria were as this: those who couldn't attend the research due to disability. Eventually, there were 115 MSM participated in the research. According to the nationality, we adopted 1:1 matched case-control study, and we selected 115 men as control group. According to the partner number of MSM, the MSM were divided into two groups. One group was fixed partner and another was multi-partner. We used a questionnaire to collect the demographic characteristics, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviors during nearly 6 months, sexual orientation, the places where looked for sex partners, sex roles, drug use, preventive services etc. Then, the physical measurements were used to measure the length from second to the fifth finger in MSM group and control group. The results were expressed as nD. The chi-square test was used to compare the demographic differences between MSM group and the control group, and the T-test was used to compare the digit ratio between two groups.

RESULTSAmong 115 MSM, there were 26% (30/115) MSM who had a fixed partner, and there were 74% (85/115) MSM who had multi-partner. The mean values of digit ratio of MSM presented a trend as 2D:3D < 2D:4D < 3D:4D < 2D:5D < 4D:5D < 3D:5D. The right 2D:4D and 2D:5D of MSM were 0.957 7 ± 0.048 1 and 1.229 8 ± 0.083 4, and the mean value was significasntly higher than control group (0.941 4 ± 0.038 0 and 1.204 1 ± 0.069 5, t values were 2.84, 2.54 and P values were 0.005, 0.012). The right 2D:4D of the fixed partner group and multi-partner group among MSM were 0.962 2 ± 0.051 0 and 0.956 1 ± 0.047 3, respectively, and the mean values were significantly higher than control group (t values were 2.98, 2.83; P values were 0.027, 0.015).

CONCLUSIONThe proportion of multi-partner MSM was higher, so MSM at a high risk of being HIV infected. Right 2D:4D could be used as a biomarker of the MSM in Kunming, but couldn't reflect the features of MSM whether he has a fixed partner or has several partners.

Case-Control Studies ; China ; Fingers ; anatomy & histology ; HIV Infections ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Partners ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To investigate the effect of diuretics combined with the new class volume-removing drugs nesiritide and tolvaptan on refractory heart failure (RHF).Methods We collected 78 patients with RHF from cardiovascular ICU in our hos-pital,and patients were divided into combined volume-removing drugs treatment group (CVR group)and traditional diuretics com-bined with inotropic treatment group (control group).We observed the differences in the heart failure symptoms control rate and the average hospitalization days between the two groups.The difference in average urine volume and weight loss during hospitaliza-tion was observed.Results The heart failure symptoms were controlled and successful discharge in 89.7% of patients in CVR group,which was better than that in control group(71.8%).The corresponding rates of death or abandonment was decreased sig-nificantly in CVR group,and the average number of hospitalization days in CVR group was significantly shorter than that in control group(P <0.05).Meanwhile,the average daily urine volume and the weight loss decreased significantly in CVR group than those in control group(P <0.05).Conclusion The therapy strategy of combined volume-removing drugs can significantly improve the vol-ume removing and control rate of heart failure symptoms.