Objective The dense fibrous connective tissue that connects sub-occipital muscles which consist of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle (RCPmi), rectus capitis posterior major muscle (RCPma), obliquus capitis inferior muscle (OCI) and nuchal ligament (NL) to the spinal dura mater (SDM), is described as the myodural bridge (MDB) in humans. The MDB is perceived as an essential anatomical structure and has been a subject of interest for clinicians. Studies have revealed that MDB may be related to the dynamic circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a chronic cervicogenic headache. To date, the MDB is identified as a universal, existing structure in mammals and it exists in other vertebrates as well, such as Gallus domesticus and Rock pigeons in Avifauna, Siamese crocodile and Trachemys scripta elegans in Reptile. The current study is to further analyze different structures features of the MDB in sundry classes and provide the anatomical basis for functional studies. The JapaLura Splendida is the most common species in Lacertiformes, Reptilia. So we chose it as the experimental object to supply the morphological study of the MDB in Reptilia. Methods The study was based on gross anatomical dissection, thick sheet section, histological staining to observe the structural characteristics of the post-occipital area of twenty JapaLura Splendidas and the existence of the MDB. Results The deep post-occipital muscles were composed of the rectus capitis dorsal muscle (RCD) and the obliquus capital posterior (OCP) muscle. The RCD was merged by the rectus capitis dorsal major muscle (RCDma), the rectus capitis dorsal minor muscle (RCDmi) and the obliquus capitis anterior muscle (OCA). In the atlanto-occipital space, the dense fibrous bundles were found to originate from the ventral aspect of the RCD and run ventral, closely inserting into the SDM. In the atlanto-axial space, the dense fibrous bundles were found to originate from the ventral aspect of the OCP and run ventral, closely contacted with the SDM. These dense fibrous bundles were the collagen type I fibers with strong double refraction. Conclusion The result of this study indicates that the MDB is located between the post-occipital muscles and the SDM in JapaLura Splendida. The MDB of Japalura splendida may be related to the activities of the head and neck, and exert a physiological function similar to the MDB in humans.

Objective Primary ovarian small cell carcinoma of pulmonary type (SCCOPT) is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis. The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment. However, there is little research on the clinical characteristics of SCCOPT and the potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence. The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT.Methods We summarized the clinical, imaging, laboratorical and pathological characteristics of 37 SCCOPT cases, in which 6 cases were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures.Results The median age of the studied SCCOPT cases (n=37) was 56.00 (range, 22-80) years. Almost 80% of them had a stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ tumor. All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy. Nevertheless, all cases had a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival time of 12 months. Immunohistochemically, the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers, such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2 (SOX-2), and negative expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, vimentin, Leu-7, and somatostatin receptor 2. The tumor of above 80% cases expressed synaptophysin. Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, and thyroid transcription factor-1. Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis. SOX-2 could be a biomarker to be used to diagnose SCCOPT.
Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Small Cell/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial ; Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy* ; Prognosis

Wnt5a is a secreted Wnt ligand that plays a critical role in cellular pathways and inflammatory diseases. The WNT5A gene encodes two protein isoforms, Wnt5a-long and Wnt5a-short, which differ based on different promoter methylation and have distinct functions. However, the mechanisms of the promoter methylation are unclear. Depending on the extent of promoter methylation, Wnt5a exerts both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects in inflammatory diseases, which may be involved in different Wnt5a isoforms. Therefore, the Wnt5a isoforms may be potential diagnostic markers for inflammatory diseases and the mechanisms of the WNT5A gene promoter methylation need to be further investigated.
DNA Methylation ; Wnt-5a Protein ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Isoforms/genetics*

Sympathetic cues via the adrenergic signaling critically regulate bone homeostasis and contribute to neurostress-induced bone loss, but the mechanisms and therapeutics remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we reveal an osteoclastogenesis-centered functionally important osteopenic pathogenesis under sympatho-adrenergic activation with characterized microRNA response and efficient therapeutics. We discovered that osteoclastic miR-21 was tightly regulated by sympatho-adrenergic cues downstream the β2-adrenergic receptor (β₂AR) signaling, critically modulated osteoclastogenesis in vivo by inhibiting programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4), and mediated detrimental effects of both isoproterenol (ISO) and chronic variable stress (CVS) on bone. Intriguingly, without affecting osteoblastic bone formation, bone protection against ISO and CVS was sufficiently achieved by a (D-Asp₈)-lipid nanoparticle-mediated targeted inhibition of osteoclastic miR-21 or by clinically relevant drugs to suppress osteoclastogenesis. Collectively, these results unravel a previously underdetermined molecular and functional paradigm that osteoclastogenesis crucially contributes to sympatho-adrenergic regulation of bone and establish multiple targeted therapeutic strategies to counteract osteopenias under stresses.
Adrenergic Agents/pharmacology* ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/pharmacology* ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic/metabolism* ; Humans ; Liposomes ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Nanoparticles ; Osteoclasts ; Osteogenesis/physiology* ; RNA-Binding Proteins/pharmacology*

Wnt5a is a representative Wnt ligand that regulates multiple cellular functions through the Wnt5a non-classical pathway. Although Wnt5a has been implicated in various pathological conditions, its role in cancer is ambiguous and might involve methyl modifications, distinct mRNA isoforms, as well as different downstream pathways. Therefore, it is an essential factor in cancers' progression (invasion, migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition), and a potential biomarker for prognosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) in China and to provide scientific evidence for the adjustment of preventive strategy and control measures.

METHODSDemographic and epidemiologic information on human cases were collected from both reported data of field epidemiological investigation and the reporting system for infectious diseases.

RESULTSA total of 433 cases including 163 deaths were reported in mainland China before June 4, 2014. Two obvious epidemic peaks were noticed, in March to April, 2013 and January to February, 2014. Confirmed cases emerged in 14 areas of China. Five provinces, including Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Hunan, reported about 85% of the total cases. Median age of the confirmed cases was 58 years (range, 1-91), with 70% as males. Of the 418 cases with available data, 87% had ever exposed to live poultry or contaminated environments. 14 clusters were identified but human to human transmission could not be ruled out in 9 clusters.

CONCLUSIONHuman infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus showed the characteristics of obvious seasonal distribution, with certain regional clusters. The majority of confirmed cases were among the elderly, with more males seen than the females. Data showed that main source of infection was live poultry and the live poultry market had played a significant role in the transmission of the virus.

Adaptation, Psychological ; Aged ; Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Demography ; Environmental Pollution ; Female ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; transmission ; Male ; Meat ; Poultry ; Research Design

Objective To observe the effect of autophagy on paclitaxel-induced CaSki cell death through the regulation of the expression of autophagy gene Beclin1, and to explore the interaction and relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Methods Eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-Beclin1 and RNA interference vector pSUPER-Beclin1 were transfected into human cervical cancer CaSki cells in vitro and screened for stable expression cell lines. The formation of autophagic vacuoles was observed with an electronic microscope. The expression of Beclin1 and LC3 was measured by Western blot. After being treated with paclitaxel, the change of cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, the percentage of apoptotic cells and autophagic cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results A lot of autophagic vacuoles were observed in pcDNA3.1-Beclin1 cells by electronic microscopy. Beclin1 and LC3 protein expression was up-regulated in CaSki cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-Beclin1, and was inhibited in cells transfected with pSUPER-Beclin1. MTT assay revealed the survival rate of CaSki cells was significantly decreased after being transfected with pcDNA3.1-Beclin1. After being treated with paclitaxel, the percentages of apoptotic cells and autophagic cells were both increased in pcDNA3.1-Beclin1 group compared with that of the blank control group especially the increase of apoptosis was particularly evident. Conclusion Autophagy and apoptosis have different roles in the process of paclitaxel-induced cervical cancer CaSki cell line death. Overexpression of Beclin1 in CaSki cells may enhance the apoptosis induced by paclitaxel.

OBJECTIVETo explore the Chinese medicine syndrome type distribution in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its relationship with sexual hormones.

METHODSChinese medicine syndrome types of 212 PCOS patients were differentiated and sorted by adopting fuzzy mean C clustering method, and their relationship with the indices of sexual hormones detected on the 3rd to 5th day of menstrual cycle was analyzed, with the values got from 20 healthy women for controls.

RESULTSIntermingling syndromes were commonly seen in PCOS patients. Shen-deficiency syndrome (presented in 64 patients) and Gan-qi stagnancy syndrome (61 patients) were the dominance, accounting for 30.2% and 28.8% respectively, significantly higher than that of other syndromes (P < 0.05), which were Pi-deficiency syndrome (41 patients, 19.3%), phlegm-dampness syndrome (33 patients, 15.6%) and blood stasis syndrome (13 patients, 6.1%). Levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), luteinzing hormone (LH), dehydroiso-androsterone (DHEA-S) and prolactin (PRL) were higher, while the level of sexual hormone binding protein (SHBG) was lower in PCOS patients than those in control, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) level in patients of Shen-deficiency syndrome and phlegm-dampness syndrome was high than that in control (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in comparing the various sexual endocrinal indices between patients with different syndrome types (P > 0.05). Besides, the level of PRL was positively correlated with LH and E2 levels in patients.

CONCLUSIONChinese medicine syndromes presented in patients with PCOS are mostly intermingling, Shen-deficiency and Gan-stagnancy are the basic syndromes, and there is some correlation between syndrome type and sexual hormone levels.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; blood ; diagnosis ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, interventional tumor therapy, involving implantation of intra-cholangial metal stents through percutaneous trans-hepatic punctures, has provided a new method for treating cholangiocarcinoma. (103)Pd cholangial radioactive stents can concentrate high radioactive dosages into the malignant tumors and kill tumor cells effectively, in order to prevent re-stenosis of the lumen caused by a relapsed tumor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of gamma-rays released by the (103)Pd biliary duct radioactive stent in treating cholangiocarcinoma via induction of biliary cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis.

METHODSA group of biliary duct cancer cells was collectively treated with a dose of gamma-rays. Cells were then examined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl terazolium-bromide (MTT) technique for determining the inhibition rate of the biliary duct cancer cells, as well as with other methods including electron microscopy, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry were applied for the evaluation of their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The growth curve and the growth inhibition rate of the cells were determined, and the changes in the ultrastructure of the cholangiocarcinoma cells and the DNA electrophoresis bands were examined under a UV-lamp.

RESULTSThe gamma-ray released by (103)Pd inhibited cholangiocarcinoma cell growth, as demonstrated when the growth rate of the cells was stunned by a gamma-ray with a dosage larger than 197.321 MBq. Typical features of cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis were observed in the 197.321 MBq dosage group, while cell necrosis was observed when irradiated by a dosage above 245.865 MBq. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis results were different between the 197.321 MBq irradiation dosage group, the 245.865 MBq irradiation dosage group, and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS(103)Pd radioactive stents which provide a radioactive dosage of 197.321 MBq are effective in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma; (103)Pd radioactive stents should be useful for the clinical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Apoptosis ; radiation effects ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; radiation effects ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure ; DNA ; analysis ; Flow Cytometry ; Gamma Rays ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Palladium ; Stents