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Pyroptosis, which is put forward after apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, is a programmed pro-inflammatory cell death mode mainly mediated by inflammasomes. The main signaling pathways include the classic caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis pathway and the non-classical caspase-4, caspase-5 and caspase-11-dependent pyroptosis pathway. Pyroptosis is involved in the normal physiological function and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma. Glaucoma, which is mainly related to pathological intraocular pressure elevation, is a kind of eye diseases that threaten and damage the optic nerve and its visual pathway and eventually lead to visual function impairment. With more attention paid to pyroptosis involved in the mechanism of eye diseases and the pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma, studies have found that pyroptosis is tightly correlated with glaucoma. Pyroptosis of retinal ganglion cells and microglia-mediated pyroptosis possess a significant position in the development of glaucoma. Further understanding of the relationship between pyroptosis and glaucoma might bring a new dawn for glaucoma treatment. The mechanism of pyroptosis may provide a new strategy for the pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma.细胞焦亡是一种继细胞凋亡、细胞坏死及自噬之后新发现的炎性体介导的程序性促炎性反应造成细胞死亡方式，其主要信号通路包括依赖半胱天冬酶1（caspase-1）的经典焦亡途径和依赖caspase-4、caspase-5、caspase-11的非经典焦亡途径，参与机体正常生理功能，在许多疾病的发病过程起重要作用，尤其在神经退行性疾病，如阿尔茨海默病、青光眼等。青光眼是一组威胁和损伤视神经及其视觉通路最终导致视觉功能损伤、主要与病理性眼压升高有关的临床疾病。随着越来越多的研究关注于细胞焦亡及其在眼部疾病中的作用机制，细胞焦亡在青光眼发病机制及治疗方面的研究也取得较大的进展，最新研究发现细胞焦亡参与青光眼的发病；尤其是视网膜神经节细胞的焦亡和小胶质细胞介导的细胞焦亡在青光眼的发生发展中可能具有关键地位，随着对细胞焦亡与青光眼关系的深入研究，通过靶向干预视网膜神经节细胞的焦亡途径和小胶质细胞相关的焦亡有望为青光眼治疗带来新的曙光，细胞焦亡介导的作用机制有可能为青光眼发病机制和治疗提供新的思路。

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world’s fourth most deadly cancer (1). The incidence of CRC is increasing in China (2). Colonoscopy is the primary screening tool for CRC precancerous lesions (3). Adequate bowel preparation is crucial for successful colonoscopy, and mainly associated with patients’ age, body mass index (BMI), and compliance (4). The aim of this study was to explore the impact of enhanced instructions by short message service (SMS) on the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. This retrospective observational study followed the Declaration of Helsinki and obtained the ethical approved of the Medical Ethical Committee of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (No. Y (2021)091). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 475 patients who underwent colonoscopy by an endoscopist (XQ) at our department between January 2021 and July 2021. The exclusion criteria were as follows: 1) inpatients who underwent colonoscopy; 2) patients with a history of colorectal resection; 3) patients who did not complete colonoscopy due to severe intestinal obstruction or stenosis and unbearable pain; and 4) major clinical data were lacking.

To investigate the spatial-temporal characteristics of reported schistosomiasis cases in China from 2004 to 2017, so as to provide insights into the development of different schistosomiasis control strategies at various stages.The monthly data of reported schistosomiasis cases at a provincial level of China from 2004 to 2017 were collected from the Public Health Science Data Center, and the spatial-temporal distribution of reported schistosomiasis cases was preliminarily identified using a descriptive statistical method. According to the goals at different stages proposed byThe reported schistosomiasis cases were mainly concentrated in 5 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan and 2 provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China from 2004 to 2017, and the number of reported cases in endemic areas decreased gradually. The incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases predominantly peaked during the period from May to September in the marshland and lake regions, while no regular seasonality was seen in hilly regions. Bayesian interrupted time-series analysis showed the peak incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases in 4 provinces of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi between May and September and in Jiangsu Province from July to November; however, no regular seasonal cycle was identified in hilly regions. The number of reported schistosomiasis cases showed a tendency towards an increase in 2 provinces of Hubei and Hunan from 2008 to 2014, with a minor peak during the period between March and April, and since 2015, the seasonality was not remarkable any longer in 3 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Jiangxi with a decline in the incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases, while the seasonality remained in Hubei Province.The spatial-temporal characteristics of schistosomiasis in China, notably seasonality, vary at different control stages. Bayesian interrupted time-series model is effective to identify the spatial-temporal changes of schistosomiasis, and the schistosomiasis control strategy may be adjusted according to the spatial-temporal changes to improve the schistosomiasis control efficiency.

Aim To explore the health beliefs of clinical and academic nurses from Japan, Australia and China regarding wearing paper masks to protect themselves and others, and to identify differences in participants' health beliefs regarding masks. Background The correct use of face masks and consensus among health professionals across the globe is essential for containing pandemics, and nurses need to act according to policy to protect themselves, educate the public and preserve resources for frontline health workers. Paper masks are worn by health professionals and the general public to avoid the transmission of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, but there appear to be differences in health beliefs of nurses within and between countries regarding these. Methods This qualitative descriptive study used content analysis with a framework approach. Findings There were major differences in nurse participants' beliefs between and within countries, including how nurses use paper masks and their understanding of their efficacy. In addition, there were cultural differences in the way that nurses use masks in their daily lives and nursing practice contexts. Conclusion Nurses from different working environments, countries and areas of practice hold a variety of health beliefs about mask wearing at the personal and professional level. Implications for nursing policy and health policy The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked much discussion about the critical importance of masks for the safety of health professionals, and there has been considerable discussion and disagreement about health policies regarding mask use by the general public. Improper use of masks may have a role in creating mask shortages or transmitting infections. An evidence-based global policy on mask use for respiratory illnesses for health professionals, including nurses, and the general public needs to be adopted and supported by a wide-reaching education campaign.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of three surgical techniques for the treatment of patients with benign parotid tumours: superficial parotidectomy (SP; group 1), partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP; group 2), and ultrasonic scalpel-assisted minimal extracapsular dissection (US-MECD; group 3). Groups 1 and 2 received the conventional surgical technique, while group 3 underwent surgery with an ultrasonic scalpel. A total of 281 patients treated during 2012-2016 were included: 98 in group 1, 91 in group 2, and 92 in group 3. The mean surgical time and blood loss during surgery, as well as drainage time and amount, were significantly lower for US-MECD (P0.01). The great auricular nerve and parotid fascia were both preserved with US-MECD (P0.01), while the rate of capsule rupture with US-MECD was slightly higher than in the other groups (P0.05). There was less transient facial nerve paralysis and Frey syndrome with US-MECD (P0.01). No significant difference in wound infection, sialocele, or permanent facial nerve paralysis was observed among the three groups. Patients enrolled during 2012-2013 were selected to evaluate the recurrence rates, and no statistically significant differences were found among the groups. In conclusion, US-MECD showed similar effectiveness and fewer side effects than SP and PSP. The long-term effects of the new technique require further study.

To evaluate the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of bladder cancer-associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Overall, 156 NSCLC cancer patients were recruited and divided into high and low BLACAT1 level group by the median value of BLACAT1 expression. The associations of BLACAT1 expression with the clinicopathological features and prognosis were evaluated. A series of in vitro assays were performed to explore the role of BLACAT1 on NSCLC progression and metastasis.Patients with high BLACAT1 expression had shorter overall survival and progression-free survival than those with low BLACAT1 expression. Multivariate analyses showed that BLACAT1 was an independent prognostic factor of survival in NSCLC patients. In vitro assays showed that the downregulation of BLACAT1 significantly suppressed cell progression, migration, and invasion. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition was also inhibited when BLACAT1 was silenced, indicated by an increase in E-cadherin expression and a decrease in vimentin expression by mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.BLACAT1 should be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a unique histopathological type of ameloblastoma, and treatment is controversial. Marsupialisation is effective in reducing the size of cystic lesions and their complications. We have retrospectively analysed the clinical, histopathological, and prognostic data of affected patients who were treated by marsupialisation between 2003 and 2013 in three Chinese hospitals. Our aim was to evaluate the effects and prognosis, and the factors associated with outcome. A total of 116 patients with mandibular unicystic ameloblastomas were included, and 74, 26, and 16 patients were histopathologically classified as being luminal, intraluminal, and mural subtypes, respectively. Most responded well to marsupialisation, with an overall recurrence rate of 12%. Resorption of the root (p

Aim To understand Chinese nurses’ perceptions of health beliefs, their content, origin and the influence of sociocultural factors, as a basis of their evidence-based practice. This study contributes to a larger study to establish the health beliefs of Japanese, Australian, Chinese, South Korean and Thai nurses. Background Registered nurses teach patients and students about maintaining or attaining health are subject to the same range of influences and their health beliefs may be antithetical to current health evidence. Methods Q-method design using q-sort and interview was used to explore the perspectives on a range of health beliefs of 60 nurses in four cities in China. Findings Three factors arose from the perceptions of the participants about health and accounted for 50.2% of the total variance: (1) social impact, (2) ‘the importance of evidence’, and (3) beliefs rooted in culture. Discussion Influence on nurses’ health beliefs was explored in terms of the internalized and frequently unconscious beliefs, values and norms tying them to their communities, reflecting the need for nurses to be aware of their health beliefs and behaviours. Conclusions Education for nurses in practice needs to acknowledge that individual practitioners’ beliefs strongly influence health teaching for patients and families. In order to implement evidenced-based practice and teach in line with current evidence nurses need to critically examine and reflect on the impact of culture, society and the media on their own health beliefs. Implications for nursing policy and health policy Education policy needs to consider that culture and societal pressures affect nurses’ health beliefs and practice. Critical thinking, reflective and evidence-based practice need to be emphasized in clinical training and nurse education. China also needs to develop policies to allow nurses to be able to assess the reliability of health information on the Internet and to make quality health research more available.

目的 探讨p16基因缺失在成人Ph染色体阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病（Ph+ ALL）中的临床意义。 方法 回顾性分析80例Ph+ALL伴p16基因缺失患者的临床特征、免疫表型、细胞遗传学、分子生物学改变及其预后。 结果 31.3% Ph+ALL患者合并p16基因缺失；p16基因缺失组与非缺失组相比，初诊时高白细胞计数（WBC≥30×109/L）更常见，高表达CD20，更易出现附加染色体异常，其中以累及7、8、19号染色体以及der（22）较为常见；两组诱导缓解率比较差异无统计学意义（P=0.033），p16基因缺失组患者治疗3个疗程后获BCR-ABL融合基因主要分子学反应（MMR）率和完全分子学反应（CMR）率均明显低于非缺失组（P值分别为0.034和0.036），且复发率明显高于非缺失组（P=0.033）；p16基因缺失组使用伊马替尼联合化疗者和使用达沙替尼联合化疗者的MMR、CMR率及复发率差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；p16基因缺失组患者3年总体生存（OS）率及无病生存（DFS）率分别为37.1%和12.4%，显著低于非缺失组的54.1%和45.9%（P值分别为0.037和0.026）；25例p16基因缺失患者中14例行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），其中位OS时间为21个月，明显长于非移植组患者的12个月（P=0.030）。 结论 成人Ph+ALL伴p16基因缺失患者预后相对较差，二代酪氨酸激酶抑制剂不能明显改善其疗效，但allo-HSCT能够改善部分患者的生存，明确p16基因缺失状态对于评估预后和指导临床治疗有重要意义。

Background: Myosin X (MYO10) was recently reported to promote tumour invasion by transporting integrins to filopodial tips in breast cancer. However, the role of MYO10 in tumours remains poorly defined. Here, we report that MYO10 is required in invadopodia to mediate invasive growth and extracellular matrix degradation, which depends on the binding of MYO10's pleckstrin homology domain to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Methods: The expression of MYO10 and its associations with clinicopathological and biological factors were examined in breast cancer cells and breast cancer specimens (n=120). Cell migration and invasion were investigated after the silencing of MYO10. The ability of cells to form invadopodia was studied using a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated gelatin degradation assay. A mouse model was established to study tumour invasive growth and metastasis in vivo. Results: Elevated MYO10 levels were correlated with oestrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, poor differentiation, and lymph node metastasis. Silencing MYO10 reduced cell migration and invasion. Invadopodia were responsible for MYO10's role in promoting invasion. Furthermore, decreased invasive growth and lung metastasis were observed in the MYO10-silenced nude mouse model. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that elevated MYO10 expression increases the aggressiveness of breast cancer; this effect is dependent on the involvement of MYO10 in invadopodial formation.

A mixture Markov regression model is proposed to analyze heterogeneous time series data. Mixture quasi-likelihood is formulated to model time series with mixture components and exogenous variables. The parameters are estimated by quasi-likelihood estimating equations. A modified EM algorithm is developed for the mixture time series model. The model and proposed algorithm are tested on simulated data and applied to mosquito surveillance data in Peel Region, Canada.

Food insecurity and the nutrition transition have been noted in arctic communities. We therefore evaluated biomarkers of nutritional status and nutrient intakes by traditional food (TF) and food security status among Inuit in Canada. A cross-sectional health survey of Inuit (≥18 y) in 36 arctic communities was conducted in 2007-2008. Food security was assessed by 24-h dietary recalls using USDA questionnaires and nutrient intakes. Biomarkers included serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and erythrocyte RBC fatty acids (FA). Analyses were stratified by past-day TF consumption (yes vs. no) and food security status (secure vs. insecure). Food insecurity was prevalent (62.6%) and associated with higher RBC trans-FA and lower hemoglobin levels and serum ferritin, whereas TF consumption was associated with higher serum 25(OH)D, (n-3) FA, and serum ferritin (P ≤ 0.05). In men, food insecurity was associated with lower intake of energy and energy-adjusted fiber, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and magnesium. In women, food insecurity was associated with a higher intake of carbohydrates and lower intake of fiber, dietary folate equivalent, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. For both sexes, when TF was consumed, there was a higher intake of protein, protein-related micronutrients, and vitamins A and C and a lower intake of carbohydrates, saturated fat, and fiber and a lower sodium:potassium ratio (P ≤ 0.05). Nutrition transition and food insecurity are associated with a multifaceted shift in nutrient status and intakes with implications for increased risk of diet-sensitive chronic diseases.

Previous studies of E2F family members have suggested that protein-protein interactions may be the mechanism by which E2F proteins are recruited to specific genomic regions. We have addressed this hypothesis on a genome-wide scale using ChIP-seq analysis of MCF7 cell lines that express tagged wild type and mutant E2F1 proteins. First, we performed ChIP-seq for tagged WT E2F1. Then, we analyzed E2F1 proteins that lacked the N-terminal SP1 and cyclin A binding domains, the C-terminal transactivation and pocket protein binding domains, and the internal marked box domain. Surprisingly, we found that the ChIP-seq patterns of the mutant proteins were identical to that of WT E2F1. However, mutation of the DNA binding domain abrogated all E2F1 binding to the genome. These results suggested that the interaction between the E2F1 DNA binding domain and a consensus motif may be the primary determinant of E2F1 recruitment. To address this possibility, we analyzed the in vivo binding sites for the in vitro-derived consensus E2F1 motif (TTTSSCGC) and also performed de novo motif analysis. We found that only 12% of the ChIP-seq peaks contained the TTTSSCGC motif. De novo motif analysis indicated that most of the in vivo sites lacked the 5' half of the in vitro-derived consensus, having instead the in vivo consensus of CGCGC. In summary, our findings do not provide support for the model that protein-protein interactions are involved in recruiting E2F1 to the genome, but rather suggest that recognition of a motif found at most human promoters is the critical determinant.

To investigate the incidence, influencing factors and intervention of gestrinone-related abnormal uterine bleeding at different dosage of gestrinone in the clinical treatment.This was a multicenter, randomized, control study of 195 Chinese women with endometriosis or adenomyosis from June 2011 to November 2013. The subjects were randomized into three groups with oral administration of gestrinone, 2.5 mg dose at one time; twice a week group: 67 cases with oral administration twice a week last three months; double dose first month group: 67 cases with oral administration triple times a week at first month, then twice a week for two months; three times a week group: 61 cases with oral administration three times a week last three months. The improvement of the abnormal uterine bleeding, the changes in estrogen, liver function and blood coagulation were evaluated. At the same time, B-ultrasound examination evaluation were performed.(1) Three months later, the incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding in twice a week group was 30% (20/67), in double dose first month group and three times a week group were 7%(5/67) and 16% (10/61) respectively, there were significant difference between three groups (P0.05). The incidence in double dose first month group was the most lower. (2) Univariate analysis showed that the dosage and ovarian size were the significant factors for abnormal uterine bleeding (OR=0.461,P= 0.003;OR=0.303,P=0.016); logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding in double dose first month group was the lowest when compared with twice a week group and three times a week group, the risk in twice a week group was 5-fold higher than that in double dose first month group (OR=0.211,P=0.011). The incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding in participants with abnormal ovarian volume results from ovarian cyst or ovarian surgery was significantly lower than those with normal ovarian volume (OR=0.304,P=0.018). (3) After the treatment of three months, there were no significant difference in alanine transaminase level between the groups (P0.05). The body mass index significantly increased in three group (P0.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups (P0.05). As for blood coagulation, there were also no significant differences between the groups (P0.05).Double dose of gestrinone in the first month could significantly decrease the incidence of gestrinone-related abnormal uterine bleeding. It is a more optimied dosage of gestrinone and without severe side effects.Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002327.

The intent of the study was to evaluate immune system changes during 12 weeks of abstinence in heroin users. We recruited men (N = 65) aged 18-45 years and collected demographic and heroin use pattern data. Serum blood levels of total interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and IgM were assessed at five time points. The IL-2 level was increased on day 84 as compared to that in healthy controls. The IFN-γ level was higher in heroin users than in healthy controls between days 0 and 28, and was decreased on day 84. IgG and IgM levels in heroin users were higher than those in healthy controls in our 12-week study, and were in positive correlation with the way of using the drug, duration of heroin dependence, and daily heroin intake. Our data revealed that the immune system was not restored during the 12 weeks of heroin withdrawal.

The prevalence of adrenal diseases in the cortex is more common than that in the medulla in the form of hormone disorder or neoplasm. Steroidogenic factormdash;1 (SFmdash;1) is important in regulating aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and cortisol synthase (CYP11B1). SFmdash;1 is increased in aldosteronemdash;producing adenoma (APA) and cortisolmdash;producing adenoma (CPA). Overexpression of SFmdash;1 has been extensively studied, but the available inmdash;depth information regarding the effects of downregulated SFmdash;1 on CYP11B2/CYP11B1 and their regulators is limited. In this paper, we attempted to investigate the effects of downregulated SFmdash;1 on aldosterone to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and potassium chloride (KCl) stimulation and those on cortisol to ACTH stimulation through RNA interference in acute and chronic phases. Downregulated SFmdash;1 decreased the sensitivity of aldosterone to ACTH/KCl and that of cortisol to ACTH stimulation. This study provides new insights into the influence of SFmdash;1 on adrenocortical diseases by considering the effects of SFmdash;1 on regulation.

This study introduced a barcode-like design into a paper-based blood typing device by integrating with smartphone-based technology. The concept of presenting a paper-based blood typing assay in a barcode-like pattern significantly enhanced the adaptability of the assay to the smartphone technology. The fabrication of this device involved the use of a printing technique to define hydrophilic bar channels which were, respectively, treated with Anti-A, -B, and -D antibodies. These channels were then used to perform blood typing assays by introducing a blood sample. Blood type can be visually identified from eluting lengths in bar channels. A smartphone-based analytical application was designed to read the bar channels, analogous to scanning a barcode, interpret this information, and then report results to users. The proposed paper-based blood typing device is rapidly read by smartphones and easy for the user to operate. We envisage that the adaptation of paper-based devices to the widely accepted smartphone technology will increase the capability of paper-based diagnostics with rapid assay result interpretation, data storage, and transmission.

OBJECTIVES: Assess sensitivity and specificity of each of the 18 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Scale Module (HFSSM) questionnaire items to determine whether a rapid assessment of child and adult food insecurity is feasible in an Inuit population. METHODS: Food insecurity prevalence was assessed by the 18-item USDA HFSSM in a randomized sample of Inuit households participating in the Inuit Health Survey and the Nunavut Inuit Child Health Survey. Questions were evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+/−), and total percent accuracy for adult and child food insecurity (yes/no). Child food security items were evaluated for both surveys. RESULTS: For children, the question “In the last 12 months, were there times when it was not possible to feed the children a healthy meal because there was not enough money?” had the best performance in both samples with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 97.3%, respectively, for the Inuit Health Survey, and 88.5% and 95.4% for the Nunavut Inuit Child Health Survey. For adults, the question “In the last 12 months, were there times when the food for you and your family just did not last and there was no money to buy more?” demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.0% and a specificity of 93.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid assessment of child and adult food insecurity is feasible and may be a useful tool for health care and social service providers. However, as prevalence and severity of food insecurity change over time, rapid assessment techniques should not replace periodic screening by using the full USDA HFSSM questionnaire.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a temporary ureteral catheter in preventing iatrogenic ureteral damage in cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. All cases had confirmed diagnoses of cervical cancer preoperatively between December 2008 and December 2012 in our hospital and were in clinical stages IA2 to IIA. In total, 176 laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy procedures were performed. The 176 cases were divided into two groups: ureteral catheters were installed using cystoscopy before the operation in 86 patients (group A), and ureteral catheters were not placed in 90 patients (group B). These cases were retrospectively analyzed based on postoperative hospitalization time and intraoperative and postoperative complications. A total of 6 cases (3.41%) had ureteral injuries, and 4 of the cases (4.65%) of ureteral injuries occurred in group A. In two of these cases, urinary leaking appeared at the post-operative 8th and 9th days and at the 10th and 25th days, respectively. There were 2 cases (2.22%) of ureteral injuries in group B: 1 case of intraoperative direct injury and the other of urinary leaking, which appeared at post-operative day 21. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in operating time and the incidence of hemorrhage, hematuria (including microscopic hematuria), post-operative urinary tract infection, and pain (P < 0.05). A ureteral catheter that is placed preoperatively can help to identify the ureter in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, but does not decrease the incidence of ureteral injury.

We investigated the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on atresia of the dominant follicle and changes in relevant apoptosis genes in granulosa cells of dominant follicles regulated by FSH in vivo. Four-week-old mice were administered FSH by intraperitoneal injection to induce follicular maturation. Granulosa cells of dominant follicles were collected at 48, 72, and 96 h after the first FSH injection. Phosphate-buffered saline was injected as a control. The mRNA levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells in dominant ovarian follicles was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis in granulosa cells of dominant follicles was almost TUNEL-negative at 48, 72-66, 72, and 96-90 h after the first FSH injection, but granulosa cell apoptosis in dominant follicles was clearly detected at 96, 102, and 102-96 h by TUNEL. The BIM, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower after FSH treatment at 72-66 and 96-90 h, compared with that at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05). Caspase-8 and FasL mRNA expressions did not respond to FSH. FSH rescued granulosa cells from apoptosis when the relevant apoptosis genes were upregulated in early atretic follicles. FSH did not rescue granulosa cells from apoptosis if the DNA was cut into fragments by endonucleases. Thus, the rescue by FSH of granulosa cells from apoptosis and dominant follicle atresia may be accomplished by inhibition of apoptosis in mitochondria.

Background The study’s objective was to investigate the dietary correlates of an at-risk body mass index (BMI) among Inuit adults from thirty-six communities across the Canadian Arctic using data from the cross-sectional International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey, conducted in 2007–2008. Methods The survey included assessments of 24-hr dietary recall, sociodemographics, physical activity, and anthropometry. Dietary characteristics of overweight and obesity were similar and therefore combined into one at- risk BMI category (≥25 kg/m2) for analyses. The relationship between an at-risk BMI and energy intake from macronutrients, high sugar drinks, high-fat foods, saturated fatty acids, and traditional foods were examined entering each dietary variable separately into a logistic regression model as an independent variable. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, region, kcalories, walking, smoking and alcohol consumption. Further multivariable models considered selected dietary variables together in one model. Results An at-risk BMI was present for 64% with a prevalence of overweight and obesity of 28% and 36%, respectively. Consumption of high-sugar drinks (>15.5% E) was significantly related with having an at-risk BMI (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.2; 2.2), whereas the % E from total carbohydrate evaluated as a continuous variable and as quartiles was inversely related to an at-risk BMI (P -trend Conclusions The prevalence of overweight and obesity is of public health concern among Inuit. The current findings highlight the obesogenic potential of high-sugar drink consumption in an ethnically distinct population undergoing rapid cultural changes and raises concerns regarding carbohydrate restricted diets. Health promotion programs aimed at preventing the development of an unhealthy body weight should focus on physical activity and the promotion of healthy diets with reduced intake of sugar drinks.

We have identified human MBT domain-containing protein L3MBTL2 as an integral component of a protein complex that we termed Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1)-like 4 (PRC1L4) given the co-presence of PcG proteins RING1, RING2 and PCGF6/MBLR. PRC1L4 also contained E2F6 and CBX3/ HPlγ known to function in transcriptional repression. PRCIL4-mediated repression necessitated L3MBTL2 that compacted chromatin in a histone modification-independent manner. Genome-wide location analyses identified several hundred genes simultaneously bound by L3MBTL2 and E2F6, preferentially around transcriptional start sites that exhibited little overlap with those targeted by other E2Fs or by L3MBTL1, another MBT-domain containing protein that interacts with RB1. L3MBTL2-specific RNAi resulted in increased expression of target genes that exhibited a significant reduction in H2A lysine 119 monoubiquitination. These findings highlight a PcG/MBT collaboration that attains repressive chromatin without entailing histone lysine methylation marks.

The mission of the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project is to enable the scientific and medical communities to interpret the human genome sequence and apply it to understand human biology and improve health. The ENCODE Consortium is integrating multiple technologies and approaches in a collective effort to discover and define the functional elements encoded in the human genome, including genes, transcripts, and transcriptional regulatory regions, together with their attendant chromatin states and DNA methylation patterns. In the process, standards to ensure high-quality data have been implemented, and novel algorithms have been developed to facilitate analysis. Data and derived results are made available through a freely accessible database. Here we provide an overview of the project and the resources it is generating and illustrate the application of ENCODE data to interpret the human genome., National Human Genome Research Institute (U.S.), National Institutes of Health (U.S.)

Next-generation sequencing is revolutionizing the identification of transcription factor binding sites throughout the human genome. However, the bioinformatics analysis of large datasets collected using chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing is often a roadblock that impedes researchers in their attempts to gain biological insights from their experiments. We have developed integrated peak-calling and analysis software (Sole-Search) which is available through a user-friendly interface and (i) converts raw data into a format for visualization on a genome browser, (ii) outputs ranked peak locations using a statistically based method that overcomes the significant problem of false positives, (iii) identifies the gene nearest to each peak, (iv) classifies the location of each peak relative to gene structure, (v) provides information such as the number of binding sites per chromosome and per gene and (vi) allows the user to determine overlap between two different experiments. In addition, the program performs an analysis of amplified and deleted regions of the input genome. This software is web-based and automated, allowing easy and immediate access to all investigators. We demonstrate the utility of our software by collecting, analyzing and comparing ChIP-seq data for six different human transcription factors/cell line combinations.

The classical analysis of minisatellite variant repeat (MVR) variation using modular structures is limited by the lack of knowledge of the mutational process involved in the evolution of most of the minisatellites. In this study a new method to measure MVR variation and to calculate genetic distances using MVR codes is proposed. The method is based on the statistical similarity of MVR patterns and considers the complete variability of the minisatellite, enabling meaningful comparisons of closely related populations. As an example, the method has been applied to analyze variation in MSY1 (DYF155S1) in five sets of data from European and North African populations.

To understand the situation of Legionella-contamination at cooling towers of big hotel and the level of Legionella-infection among related populations in Beijing.Thirty-eight cooling towers of hotels were chosen for detection of Legionella. Four hundred and fourteen staff members from the hotels were selected as exposure group, with another 414 from general population as controls, for the detection of Legionella antibodies.Sixteen strains of Legionella pneumophila (Lp) were isolated from 21 of the 38 cooling towers, and the predominant strain was Lp serum group 1 (50%, 8/16). The seroprevalence of Lp antibodies for the exposure group was 9.9% (41/414), comparing to 3.5% (14/414) from the control group. The difference was statistically significant (chi(2) = 14.2, P0.01).Legionella was discovered in air-conditioning cooling tower of the hotels, which threatened the health to the population exposed to it.

To study the effect of detrusor instability secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) on the density of cholinesterase-containing nerve in detrusor samples.Our present study included 3 groups confirmed by urodynamic evaluation. They were control group (8 cases), obstructive detrusor stability group (7), and obstructive instability group (12). The specimens were obtained from the dome of bladder. The AchE-containing nerves were demonstrated by the method of Karnovsky-Roots staining and AchE silver staining. The density of AchE containing detrusor nerves in specimens was examined with sterologic techniques.The density of AchE-containing nerves in the obstructive detrusor instability group and the stability group was significantly decreased as compared with the control group (P0.01). The density of AchE positive nerves were also significantly decreased in the obstructive instability group as compared with the obstructive stability group (P0.05).Detrusor instability secondary to BPH obstruction is related to the decrease of cholinergic innervation density in the detrusor muscles.

In order to clarify the frequency of p16INK4 gene inactivation and its relationship with retinoblastoma (Rb) gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer, in situ double hybridization was established with Bio-labelled Rb cDNA probe and Dig-lablled p16INK4 cDNA probe, and immunohistochemistry was carried out with polyclone rabbit antibodies to human p16INK4 and Rb protein. The results showed that positive hybridization of p16INK4 mRNA showed blue with the detecting system of alkiline phosphatase NBT/BCIP, positive hybridization of Rb mRNA showed red with the detecting system of HPR-AEC. The negative ratios of p16INK4 and Rb gene transcription were 22.6%(7/31) and 16.1%(5/31). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the negative ratio of p16INK4 protein was 42%(13/31) with p16INK4 polyclone antibody, the negative ratio of pRb was 19.4%(6/31) with polyclone antibody. The data indicated that p16INK4 gene and Rb gene are synergistic in the progression of lung cancer, p16INK4 gene plays a significant role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer.

Our previous work showed the existence of low molecular weight tumor suppressors in human fetal tissues. In this paper, two tumor cell suppressors were isolated and purified from methanol extract of human fetal liver by C18 reversed-phase medium pressure chromatography, gel filtration on Sephadex LH-20, and high-performance liquid chromatography, directed by suppression of growth of HL-60 cells. The structures of the suppressors were identified to be 7-ketocholesterol and 7-beta-hydroxycholesterol. Under the condition of in vitro agar plate culture, 7-ketocholesterol and 7-beta-hydroxycholesterol showed preferentially inhibitory effects on the growth of both human and murine leukemic cell lines including human HL-60 and murine S-180 cells, but less effective on the growth of normal human and murine bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM).

To observe whether the gas exchange is sufficient for the requirement of body when the patient was prone in position and pressed in the course of massage under intravenous anesthesia with sodium pentothal (SP) for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.The oxygen would not be given to the patients whose heart and lung functions were good during the course of anesthesia and massage, respiratory function and blood gas analysis were studied on 20 patients selected randomly.Tidal volume was smaller and respiratory rate was faster than normal respiration. Saturation pulse oxygen was still normal in all patients. There were no significant changes in blood gas analysis before spinal injection and after massage (P0.05).The pressing could attain the action of artificial respiration. The respiration pattern was similar to high frequency positive pressure ventilation. The action of vibration and diffusion had normal respiratory effect.

Cancer mortality in the period between 1971 and 1988 was surveyed among 71,803 male workers at thirty two major plants in Anshan Iron and Steel Corporation. A total of 5,896 deaths was registered. Cancer deaths occurred in 1,830, accounting for 31.04% of all deaths. The five leading cancers were that of lung, liver, stomach, esophagus and intestine. Cancer death rate increased with age and with calender year. The SMR for all cancers and for the cancer of lung, stomach and esophagus indicated significant excess (P0.01). 77.49% of all cancer deaths, and 82.82% of deaths with lung cancer occurred in smokers. The findings show that the mortality of cancer amongiron and steel workers in Anshan was the leading cause of death, and the death rate was higher than that of local and large city population such as in Beijing, Shanghai, etc. The excess cancer rate, especially that of lung cancer, may be related to carcinogenic agents in the working environment and smoking habit.

The clinical data and long-term following up results of 1,320 cases of cervical cancer from Jan. 1 st, 1953 to Dec. 31 th 1988 were presented. The routine operative extent for invasive cervical cancer in this hospital has been radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. The cardinal ligament, para-vaginal tissue and vaginal wall removed varied according to the different clinical stage and extent of the lesion. The operative complications were: trauma 0.8%, the postoperative complication of ureteral fistula 0.2%, and there were no operative death. Long-term following up rate were 99.8%. In this series. The cumulative survival rate calculated by computerized life table method were following: 5 year survival rate sq. cell ca. stage Ia 100%, stageor = I b 97.6%; adenoma. 90.8%. 185 cases died, among which 60 cases died of recurrent cervical cancer, 85 cases died of other benign diseases, 40 cases died of primary cancers of other organs other than cervix of uteri. It denotes that once a patient suffers from one kind of cancer, she will have possibility of suffering from another kind of cancer.

As cells progress through the multistep process of neoplastic transformation, they eventually acquire the property of invasive behavior. Although both plasminogen activators (PA) and their inhibitors (PAI) contribute to this process, their regulation in normal and transformed cells remains poorly defined. Because somatic cell hybrids provide useful tools for examining the transformation pathway, tumorigenic and invasive HeLa cells were fused with human normal vascular smooth muscle cells and tested for invasion-related parameters, including the expression of PA and PAI genes, and matrix degradation. Both parental cell lines produced large amounts of PAI activities with no detectable PA in either cellular or secreted form. Opposite findings were obtained with the hybrid cell lines, which demonstrated the presence of receptor-bound and secreted PA but absence of enzymatically measurable PAI activities. Both urokinase-type and tissue-type PA were found in cell-associated and secreted form in the hybrid cells. In addition, expression of the urokinase-type PA receptor gene was found in the three hybrid cells and the vascular smooth muscle cells but not in the HeLa cells. Expression of active, receptor-bound and secreted PA provided the nontumorigenic hybrid cells with the enzymatic tools to degrade extracellular proteins in a plasminogen-dependent manner. Thus, the hybrid cells lost tumorigenicity while retaining the tissue-degrading capability of HeLa cells. These hybrid cell lines should prove to be important reagents for investigating the complex regulatory control of PA and PAI gene expression.

Typical samples of coal, the components and contents of coal smoke as well as the concentration of fluoride, SO2, IP, CO in indoor and outdoor air in fluorosis areas of the Three Gorges region were studied with the advanced methods of analysis in the past three years. Problems, such as the fluoride level of other polluted environmental samples, the distribution of different size particles in air, the total amount of inhabitants' fluoride intake and their intake pathways in the above mentioned areas were also studied in detail. A fundamental understanding of the environmental characteristics of these areas has thus been obtained.

An animal model of hepatocytic necrosis was established with injection of D-galactosamine into peritoneal cavity. Examination at regular intervals after injection showed that the level of increased serum TB, ALT and GST and the degree of histological changes in the liver were less marked in PGE-treated animals (n = 34) than those in PGE-untreated animals (n = 29), suggesting that PGE has definite protective effect for experimental hepatocytic necrosis. According to severity of the condition hepatic failure was divided into early stage, typical stage and late stage. A treatment group of 55 cases received PGE1 therapy and a control group basic support therapy only. The results showed that difference of the total effective rate was not significant between the two groups, but in the early stage of hepatic failure, the effective rate in the treatment group was markedly higher than that in the control group. In addition, incidence of hepato-renal syndrome was lower in the treatment group. We are of the opinion that division of severe viral hepatitis into three stages for evaluation of therapeutic effect is rational and useful and early use of PGE1 may show certain efficacy.

In China, more than 10 million people suffer from fluorosis caused by the burning of high fluoride coal. Analysis of the particulate matters of indoor air from these fluorosis areas reveals a logarithmic distribution of particle sizes. The levels of F- and SO4(2-) adsorbed or absorbed on the particles ranged from 16.27 to 46.18 micrograms/m3 and from 244.7 to 374.6 micrograms/m3, respectively. Gaseous and soluble fluorides constituted a considerable proportion of the inorganic fluorides. Nevertheless, the level of F- in air was considered to be inadequate to cause the observed severity of fluorosis. It is speculated that additional intake of F- from contaminated foods might also be a major factor contributing to the fluorosis. Additionally, some volatile elements (e.g., sulfur and its derivatives) might have some relation to fluorosis of this type.

In Xuan Wei County, Yunnan Province, lung cancer mortality is among China's highest and, especially in females, is more closely associated with indoor burning of "smoky" coal, as opposed to wood or "smokeless" coal, than with tobacco smoking. Indoor air samples were collected during the burning of all three fuels. In contrast to wood and smokeless coal emissions, smoky coal emission has high concentrations of submicron particles containing mutagenic organics, especially in aromatic and polar fractions. These studies suggested an etiologic link between domestic smoky coal burning and lung cancer in Xuan Wei.

A preliminary scanning electron microscopical observation on the most common human chromosomal fragile site 3p14 of the peripheral lymphocytes was reported. It was shown that chromatid break or gap at 3p14 observed under SEM may be a sign of under-packing of DNA filaments and the possibility of various packing-patterns might be in existence. The result of the present work might be of significance in the understanding of natures of breaking or gap of chromatid and may be of help to the study of the mechanisms of chromosomal fragile site formation.

In an rural area with a high mortality rate of lung cancer in humans, mice and rats were placed in an environment in which they inhaled coal smoke and wood smoke in indoor air for 15 to 19 months. The incidences of lung cancer in mice in the control group, wood group, and coal group were 17.0% (29/171), 45.8% (81/177), and 89.5% (188/210), respectively: in rats the incidences were 0.9% (1/110), 0 (0/110), and 67.2% (84/125), respectively. In addition, the pollutants in the air were analyzed. The results indicate that coal smoke is a highly significant risk factor for lung cancer in humans in Xuan Wei County of Yun Nan Province in China.

Using the sodium dodecyl sulfate/chloroform/phenol method, total RNA was extracted from human fetal liver tissue with a yield of 870-1060 micrograms/g of tissue; mRNA was obtained after chromatography on an oligo(dT)-cellulose column. Experimental studies demonstrated the translation of a poly(A)+ mRNA encoding proliferation stimulator of human fetal liver origin in Xenopus laevis oocytes.