Understanding the regulatory networks for germ cell fate specification is necessary to developing strategies for improving the efficiency of germ cell production in vitro. In this study, we developed a coupled screening strategy that took advantage of an arrayed bi-molecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) platform for protein-protein interaction screens and epiblast-like cell (EpiLC)-induction assays using reporter mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Investigation of candidate interaction partners of core human pluripotent factors OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2 in EpiLC differentiation assays identified novel primordial germ cell (PGC)-inducing factors including BEN-domain (BEND/Bend) family members. Through RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq analyses, we showed that Bend5 worked together with Bend4 and helped mark chromatin boundaries to promote EpiLC induction in vitro. Our findings suggest that BEND/Bend proteins represent a new family of transcriptional modulators and chromatin boundary factors that participate in gene expression regulation during early germline development.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation/genetics* ; Chromatin/metabolism* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Germ Cells/metabolism* ; Germ Layers/metabolism* ; Mice

Objective    To explore whether surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy can bring survival benefits to patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods    The clinical data of patients with cervical and upper thoracic ESCC who underwent R0 resection and neck anastomosis in our department from 2006 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received neoadjuvant therapy or adjuvant radiotherapy were excluded. The adjuvant chemotherapy group was given a combination of taxanes and platinum based chemotherapy after surgery; the surgery alone group did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival difference between the adjuvant chemotherapy group and the surgery alone group. Results    A total of 181 patients were enrolled, including 141 (77.9%) males and 40 (22.1%) females, with an average age of 61.0±8.2 years (80 patients aged≤61 years, 101 patients aged>61 years). There were 70 (38.7%) patients of cervical ESCC, and 111 (61.3%) patients of upper thoracic ESCC. Eighty-seven (48.1%) patients underwent postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and 94 (51.9%) patients underwent surgery alone, and the basic clinical characteristics were well balanced between the two groups (P>0.05). The median survival time of patients in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and the surgery alone group was 31.93 months and 26.07 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 35.0% and 32.0%, respectively (P=0.227). There was no statistical difference in median survival time between the cervical ESCC and upper thoracic ESCC group (31.83 months vs. 29.76 months, P=0.763). For cervical ESCC patients, the median survival time was 45.07 months in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and 14.70 months in the surgery alone group (P=0.074). Further analysis showed that the median survival time of lymph node negative group was 32.53 months, and the lymph node positive group was 24.57 months (P=0.356). The median survival time was 30.43 months in the lymph-node positive group with adjuvant chemotherapy and 17.77 months in the lymph-node positive group with surgery alone. The survival curve showed a trend of difference, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.557). Conclusion    There is no statistical difference in the long-term survival of cervical and upper thoracic ESCC patients after R0 resection. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may have survival benefits for patients with cervical ESCC and upper ESCC with postoperative positive lymph nodes, but the differences are not statistically significant in this setting.

Objective To investigate the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1/2 in T cell subsets and myeloma cells in the bone marrow from newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients and their relation with clinical features. Methods We collected the bone marrow and clinical data of 22 NDMM patients and 18 cases of healthy controls. We sorted CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells and myeloma cells by flow cytometry, and observed the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1/2. Results Compared with the control group, the proportion of CD8⁺T cells in the NDMM group was significantly higher, while the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ was significantly lower (both P < 0.05). The expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L2 in CD4⁺T cells in the NDMM group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). The expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 in T cell subsets and myeloma cells of NDMM patients were not correlated with the gender, age, immune typing, Durie-Salmon stage and subtypes, ISS stage or mSMART3.0 stratification (both P > 0.05). Conclusion Most of MM patients suffering immune abnormality, which may be associated with the mutual immunosuppressive effects between T lymphocytes and plasma cells which expressing PD-1 and PD-L1/2.

Objective:To explore the correlation between serum high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and severity of coronary artery disease.Methods:From January 2018 to March 2019, 170 patients who underwent coronary angiography and were definitely diagnosed with coronary heart disease in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were divided into single-vessel lesion group(65 cases), double-vessel lesion group(55 cases) and three-vessel lesion group(50 cases) according to the results of coronary angiography.Sixty healthy persons in the same period were set as the control group.The serum levels of HMGB1, endothelin-1, C-reaction protein (CRP), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected, and the severity of coronary artery disease was evaluated according to Gensini score standard.Results:The serum HMGB1 of patients with single vessel disease was (7.35±0.75) μg/L, that of double vessel disease group was (11.56±1.16) μg/L, that of three vessel disease group was (14.36±1.46) μg/L, and that of control group was (3.22±1.52) μg/L.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=14.235, P<0.001). The serum endothelin-1 in single vessel disease group was (198.56±19.86) ng/L, that in double vessel disease group was (226.54±22.64) ng / L, that in three vessel disease group was (435.65±43.95) ng/L, and that in control group was (120.47±13.27) ng/L.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=16.337, P<0.001). The serum CRP of patients with single vessel disease was (6.21±0.61) ng/L, that of double vessel disease group was (8.54±0.84) ng/L, that of three vessel disease group was (11.36±1.16) ng/L, and that of control group was (3.39±1.56) ng/L.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=15.206, P<0.001). Serum LDL-C was (3.23±0.33) mmol/L in single vessel disease group, 4.12±0.42 mmol/L in double vessel disease group, (6.23±0.63) mmol/L in three vessel disease group and (2.25±1.45) mmol/L in control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=22.017, P<0.001). Serum HDL-C was (4.02±0.42) mmol/L in single vessel disease group, (2.35±0.25) mmol/L in double vessel disease group, (1.79±0.29) mmol/L in three vessel disease group and (4.60±1.69) mmol/L in control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=18.564, P<0.001). The Gensini score of single vessel disease group was (10.36±2.26), that of double vessel disease group was (16.74±1.04) and that of three vessel disease group was (23.36±2.36). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( F=23.014, P<0.001). The levels of HMGB1, endothelin-1, CRP and LDL-C in patients with coronary heart disease were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the levels of HDL-C were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The higher the number of diseased vessels, the higher the levels of HMGB1, endothelin-1, CRP, LDL-C and Gensini score, the lower the level of HDL-C.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that HMGB1, endothelin-1, CRP and LDL-C were risk factors of Gensini score (standard coefficient was 0.480, 0.087, 0.173, 0.197, t=8.351, 9.047, 12.476, 11.692, all P<0.01); HDL-C level was a protective factor of Gensini score (standard coefficient -0.352, t value was 16.582, P<0.001). Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that serum HMGB1 level was positively correlated with endothelin-1, CRP and LDL-C ( r=0.536, 0.659, 0.724, all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with HDL-C ( r=-0.669, P<0.05). Conclusion:There are obvious inflammatory reaction and lipid metabolism disorder in patients with coronary heart disease.The level of HMGB1 in peripheral blood is closely related to the severity of coronary artery disease.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disease characterized by reduced platelets, accompanied by or without skin mucous bruises,epistaxis,internal bleeding,etc.Recent years,the treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia developed very quickly, including the appearance of platelet receptor agonist - Eltrom-bopag.Here,we reviewed the treatment and research development of primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Objective Research on the correlation of dyslipidemia of civil aviation pilots and the TCM constitution aimed to explore that how professional environmental affects the lipid metabolism and the constitution.MethodsMeasure the lipid statusand TCM constitution of 656 pilots, and 496 of them with dyslipidemia were studied. The sample were stratified according to the age and the types of dyslipidemia, including young and middle-aged groups, only abnormal total cholesterol metabolism (TC), only abnormal triglyceride metabolism (TG), and both abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism groups and then the differences in prevalence of traditional Chinese medicine in different groups were analyzed and discussed. ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal lipid metabolism was 75.61% in 656 pilots. The top three TCM constitutions among the pilot with dyslipidemia were phlegm dampness constitution (35.89%), dampness heat constitution (33.06%) and deficiency of Yang(20.97%). If age was not considered, the prevalence of TCM constitutions were not significantly different between the groups of only abnormal TC and TG (P>0.05), while the prevalence of Yang deficiency and dampness heat constitutions of only either TC or TG abnormal group were significantly higher than those of the group of both abnormal TC, TG (χ2 values were 6.793, 5.077, P<0.05). Take age as considered, TC metabolic abnormalities in youth group, the prevalence of damp heat constitution of the only TC abnormal group was higher than both TC, TG abnormal group (χ2=7.637,P<0.01); and the prevalence of Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency constitution of the only TG abnormal group were higher than both TC, TG abnormal group (χ2values were 6.139, 7.525,P<0.05). In the middle-aged group, the prevalences of Yang deficiency and Qi stagnation constitution of only TC abnormal group were higher than only TG abnormal group (χ2 values were 9.750, 3.922,P<0.05), and the prevalence of Yang deficiency of only TC abnormal group was higher than both TC, TG abnormal group (χ2=5.208,P<0.05). The prevalence of Yang deficiency of both TC, TG abnormal group was higher than only TG abnormal group (χ2= 4.489,P<0.05). Conclusions The result showed high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the population of civil aviation pilots. Age and lipid metabolism status could affect the types of TCM constitution. Damp-heat constitution was the common type of TCM constitution in the population of the young pilot, and Yang deficiency and Qi stagnation constitution were the common types in the population of middle-aged people whose lipid metabolism were disorder. The group of only abnormal TC influence on TCM constitution more than both abnormal TC and TG.

The paper designs and implements a digitalized information resources platform for Mongolian medicine based on ASP.NET.The system adopts VS2008 + SQL SERVER2005 and the 3-tier architectural pattern,integrates functional modules such as News Information,Mongolian Medicine,Mongolian Doctors and Q&A,realizes the digitalization of Mongolian medicine resources and establishes a sharing system.Upon testing,the system operates well and achieves the expectations.

OBJECTIVETo assess the safety, feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or with colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions.

METHODSFrom January 2010 to September 2014, 37 patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer through transanal resection without abdominal incisions. The tumors were 4-7 cm above the anal verge. On preoperative assessment, 26 cases were T1N0M0 and 11 were T2N0M0.

RESULTSFor all cases, successful surgery was performed. In telescopic anastomosis group, the mean operative time was (178±21) min, with average blood loss of (76±11) ml and (13±7) lymph nodes harvested. Return of bowel function was (3.0±1.2) d and the hospital stay was (12.0±4.2) d without postoperative complications. Patients were followed up for 3-45 months. Twelve months after surgery, 94.6%(35/37) patients achieved anal function Kirwan grade 1, indicating that their anal function returned to normal.

CONCLUSIONSLaparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions is safe and feasible. Satisfactory clinical outcome can be achieved mini-invasively.

Anal Canal ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Colostomy ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Lymph Nodes ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Safety

Objective To assess the safety, feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or with colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions. Methods From January 2010 to September 2014, 37 patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer through transanal resection without abdominal incisions. The tumors were 4-7 cm above the anal verge. On preoperative assessment , 26 cases were T1N0M0 and 11 were T2N0M0. Results For all cases, successful surgery was performed. In telescopic anastomosis group, the mean operative time was (178±21) min, with average blood loss of (76±11) ml and (13±7) lymph nodes harvested. Return of bowel function was (3.0±1.2) d and the hospital stay was (12.0±4.2) d without postoperative complications. Patients were followed up for 3-45 months. Twelve months after surgery, 94.6%(35/37) patients achieved anal function Kirwan grade 1, indicating that their anal function returned to normal. Conclusions Laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions is safe and feasible. Satisfactory clinical outcome can be achieved mini-invasively.

Objective To assess the safety, feasibility and clinical outcome of laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or with colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions. Methods From January 2010 to September 2014, 37 patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer through transanal resection without abdominal incisions. The tumors were 4-7 cm above the anal verge. On preoperative assessment , 26 cases were T1N0M0 and 11 were T2N0M0. Results For all cases, successful surgery was performed. In telescopic anastomosis group, the mean operative time was (178±21) min, with average blood loss of (76±11) ml and (13±7) lymph nodes harvested. Return of bowel function was (3.0±1.2) d and the hospital stay was (12.0±4.2) d without postoperative complications. Patients were followed up for 3-45 months. Twelve months after surgery, 94.6%(35/37) patients achieved anal function Kirwan grade 1, indicating that their anal function returned to normal. Conclusions Laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer with telescopic anastomosis or colostomy by stapler through transanal resection without abdominal incisions is safe and feasible. Satisfactory clinical outcome can be achieved mini-invasively.