Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion in RA treatment. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion + NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) group, and a moxibustion + NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with complete Freund's adjuvant in a windy, cold, and damp environment to replicate RA models. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion with moxa sticks at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36), and the two points were used alternately. After intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 or NMDA, rats in the moxibustion + AP-5 group and the moxibustion + NMDA group received the same moxibustion intervention as in the moxibustion group, once a day for 15 d. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats in each group was detected before and after modeling and after the 15-day intervention. After the 15-day intervention, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in knee joints. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of NR2B in the hippocampus; Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein and the phosphorylated protein expression of hippocampal NR2B. Results: The synovial tissue was proliferated, the synovial lining was significantly thickened, the pannus was formed, and the cartilage and bone tissues were significantly damaged in the model group. After intervention, the pathological morphology of the knee joints in the moxibustion group, the moxibustion + AP-5 group, and the moxibustion + NMDA group was significantly improved, and the improvement in the moxibustion + AP-5 group was more notable than that in the moxibustion + NMDA group. Compared with the normal group, the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TWL of each intervention group was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the moxibustion group, the TWL was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased in the moxibustion + AP-5 group (P<0.01); the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the moxibustion + NMDA group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion reduces hyperalgesia in RA inflammatory rats. The analgesic effect may be related to the decrease in the expression and phosphorylation levels of NR2B in the hippocampus.

Objective:To explore the value of the static and dynamic pelvic floor MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in evaluating the morphology and function of urethra in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods:From July 2020 to February 2021, a total of 28 patients with SUI and 45 age-matched healthy controls were prospectively collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The static and dynamic pelvic floor MRI and DTI were performed for all subjects. The thickness of internal and external sphincter of middle urethra were measured on static MRI images. The functional urethral length (FUL) was measured both on static and maximal strain phase of dynamic MRI images, then the difference of FUL was calculated. The presence of bladder neck funneling and urethra opening were observed on static and dynamic MRI. The muscle fiber bundle image of urethral sphincter complex was obtained by post-processing of DTI original images. The anisotropy fraction (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and three eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, λ3) of annular sphincter and central longitudinal muscle in middle urethra were measured. The independent sample t test and chi-square test were used to analyse the difference of measured parameters in MRI, parameters of DTI and imaging signs between the two groups. Results:Compared with healthy controls, the SUI patients showed that the thickness of external sphincter in middle urethral and FUL in static status and maximal strain phase were significantly decreased ( t=-3.95, -5.72, -8.41, all P<0.001), the difference of FUL between static status and maximal strain phase was significantly increased ( t=4.41, P<0.001). The positive rate of bladder neck funneling in static status and maximal strain phase, urethral opening in maximal strain phase of SUI group increased significantly (χ2=23.09 , 22.25, 26.59, all P<0.001). In SUI group, the FA value of middle urethral annular sphincter decreased significantly ( t=-3.48, P=0.001), while the ADC, λ2 and λ3 values increased significantly ( t=3.19, 2.15 , 2.06, and P=0.002, 0.038 , 0.046, respectively). There was no significant difference in DTI parameters of middle urethral longitudinal muscle between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Static and dynamic MRI and DTI techniques can objectively evaluate the changes of urethral morphology and function of SUI patients. The thinning of the external sphincter in the middle urethra, shortening of the FUL and the destruction of the microstructure of the annular sphincter fiber bundle were the main alterations of SUI patients.

Radiogenomics explores the relationship between imaging features and gene expression patterns using radiomics, which is non-invasive and can present the overall information of tumors. The application of radiomics, somewhat effective in predicting gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has recently become a research focus. Radiomic features, combined with conventional imaging, clinical and other features, can provide multi-directional information on tumors and play an increasingly important role in the prediction and precise treatment of NSCLC-driving gene phenotypes.

PURPOSE: Previous study has well documented the anti-apoptotic effects of miR-590 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated endothelial cells (ECs). However, the mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic effects of miR-590 in ox-LDL-treated ECs remains to be further addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ApoE(−/−) mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) treated with ox-LDL were used as in vivo and in vitro models of atherosclerosis. The expressions of miR-590 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Atherosclerotic lesion analysis was performed using Evans blue and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry analysis and Western blot analysis of Cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Cleaved Caspase-3 levels. The effect of miR-590 on TLR4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was evaluated by Western blot. Binding between miR-590 and TLR4 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. RESULTS: miR-590 was downregulated in the aorta tissues from HFD-fed apoE(−/−) mice and ox-LDL-treated HAECs. miR-590 overexpression inhibited atherosclerotic lesion in HFD-induced apoE(−/−) mice and promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Additionally, TLR4 was identified as a direct target of miR-590 in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Moreover, anti-miR-590 reversed TLR4 knockdown-mediated promotion of cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. miR-590 overexpression suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway promoted cell proliferation and impeded apoptosis in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. CONCLUSION: miR-590 promoted proliferation and blocked ox-LDL-induced apoptosis in HAECs through inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Animals ; Aorta ; Apoptosis ; Atherosclerosis ; Blotting, Western ; Caspase 3 ; Cell Proliferation ; Diet, High-Fat ; Endothelial Cells ; Evans Blue ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lipoproteins ; Luciferases ; Mice ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Toll-Like Receptor 4

[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumin on angiogenesis in rats with DEN (diethylnitrosamine)-induced HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) under hypoxia. Methods: Rat HCC was induced by DEN, and its hepatic hypoxia model was established by ligating hepatic artery. The rats with established HCC model were randomly divided into four groups according to digital table method: lipiodol embolization group (group A), lipiodol combined with curcumin embolization group (group B), lipiodol combined with peripheral liver capsule group (group C), lipiodol combined with curcumin and peripheral liver capsule group (group D), with 10 rats in each group. VEGF expression in HCC cells and tissues, microvessel density (MVD), and median survival time (MST) of rats in each group were compared. Results: VEGF protein expression and microvessel density in group B, D were significantly lower than those in A group ( P <0.01), while those in C group had no significant difference compared with group A ( P >0.05). MST in group B, C and D was significantly longer than that in group A ( P <0.05), and the MST in group D was higher than that in group B and C ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Curcumin can inhibit tumor angiogenesis and decrease VEGF expression and MVD in HCC rats under hypoxia, thus further prolong the survival time of the rats.

Objective To investigate the effect of anti-human immunoglobulin M (IgM) on proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle and tumor formation in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE-1 cell line in vitro and in vivo.Methods After treatment with anti-human IgM antibody,proliferation of HNE-1 cells was observed by cell proliferation inhibition assay,apoptosis and cell cycle of HNE-1 cells were detected by flow cytometry,and apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL staining.Nude mouse models were constructed,and were injected intraperitoneally with anti-human IgM antibodies (once every 3 days).The growth of transplanted tumor was observed once every 4 days.After the fifth injection,the expression levels of IgM and gp96 protein in transplanted tumor were observed by immunohistochemical method (streptavidin-peroxidase conjugated method,SP).Results MTS assay showed that anti-human IgM antibody can significantly inhibit the proliferation of HNE-1 cells in concentration-and time-dependent manner (P＜0.05).Flow cytometry showed that the anti-human IgM antibody promoted a significant decrease in percentage of cells in G1 phase,a significant increase in percentage of cells in S phase,and a significant increase in apoptotic rate of HNE-1 cells (P＜0.05).TUNEL staining showed that the anti-human IgM antibody promoted apoptosis of HNE-1 cells (P＜0.01).Transplantation tumor experiment showed that anti-human IgM antibody can significantly inhibit the volume and weight of transplanted tumor (P＜0.05).The immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of IgM and gp96 proteins in mouse transplanted tumors after intraperitoneal injection with anti-human IgM antibodies were significantly lower than those of the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The anti-human IgM anti-body could effectively inhibit the proliferation of HNE-1 cells,promote apoptosis,and arrest cell cycle.Anti-human IgM antibody could also inhibit the growth of transplanted tumor in nude mouse,which might be related to inhibition of the expressions of IgM and gp96 proteins.

Objective To determine the optimum harvest time of Scutellaria barbata D.Don with flavonoids contents as the index. Methods The content of total flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata D. Don was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry with scutellarin as standard control, and scutellarin and cosmosiin in Scutellaria barbata D. Don were determined by HPLC. Results The contents of total flavonoids and scutellarin in Scutellaria barbata D.Don of different harvest time were complied with the quality standards in the China Pharma Copoeia, and reached the peakin blossom . The contents of total flavonoids, scutellarin and cosmosiin were (45.74±0.95) ,(5.58±0.16 ) and (17.39±0.42) mg?g-1 , respectively. Conclusion The Scutellaria Barbata D.Don may be collected at the flowering time with luxuriant foliage.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of initially treated pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)patients with rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0341 antibody positive.Methods Forty two initially treated pulmonary TB patients with rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0341 antibody positive were included as the study group and 42 initially treated pulmonary TB patients with rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0341 antibody as the control group The aspects of clinical symptoms,X-ray imaging manifestations,positive rate in sputum culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis,treatment effects,etc.were compared between the two groups.Results The incidence rates of expectoration,hemoptysis and shortness of breath in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05);the X-ray image manifestations in the study group showed that the lesions were much more involved in two lungs and multiple lung fields(P＜0.05),while thlesions in the control group more confined to single lung and one lung field(P＜ 0.05),moreover the rate appearing pulmonary cavity in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05);the sputum culture positive rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis had no statistical difference between the two groups(P＞0.05),but the sputum culture positive rate of rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05);as for the treatment effects,the cure rate in the control group was higher than that in the study group(P＜0.05),the ineffective ratio in the control group was less than that in the study group.Conclusion Initially treated pulmonary TB patients with rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0341 antibody positive have the characteristics of severe clinical symptoms,wide range lesions,easily appearing cavity,high culture positive rate of rifampin dependent mycobacterium tuberculosis and poor treatment effect.

Objective To explore the management model of chronic disease like myocardial infarction through the effect of collaborative work pattern of doctors and nurses on acute myocardial infarction patients with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) after 1 year follow up.Methods A total of 852 patients from October 1,2011 to September 30,2013 with collaborative work pattern of doctors and nurses were as collaborative work pattern group,and 734 patients without collaborative work pattern of doctors and nurses at the same time were as control group.The patients were followed up for 1 year.The differences of treatment compliance,risk factors control,and the incidence of cardiovasc~ar events were compared between collaborative work pattern group and control group.Results The improvement of treatment compliance in collaborative work pattern group was better than that in control group.The improvement rate of improve lifestyle initiatively,completely medication,check regularly were 83.3％(710/852),97.9％(834/852),75.4％(642/852) in collaborative work pattern group and 63.5％(466/734),93.7％(688/734),59.0％(433/734) in control group,x2=81.02,17.57,26.22,P＜0.01.The control rate of risk factors including hypertension,diabetic mellitus,high blood low density lipoprotein cholesterol were 78.5％ (252/321),68.4％ (214/313),84.8％ (491/579) in collaborative work pattern group and 55.8％ (168/301),58.1％ (168/289),79.9％ (381/477) in control group,x2=36.47,6.79,4.41,P＜0.01 or ＜0.05.The incidence of treatment compliance and total cardiovascular events in collaborative work pattern group were better than those in control group.There were significant differences in the above indices,P＜0.05.Conclusions Collaborative work pattern of doctors and nurses is an effective method and supplement for patients with myocardial infarction after PCI to improve treatment compliance and control risk factors.The prognosis of patients can be improved and this pattern is an effective exploration of chronic disease management.