Search

Jing-Ping Liu,1 Ye-Zhi Xiao,1 Yu Hu,1 Xiao-Nian Li,2 Ming-Jiang Wu,3 Yong Zhao,1 Yan Zhao,1 Ze-Jin Ma,1 Jing Shen11Department of Chemistry, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, People’s Republic of China; 2State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Kunming 650201, People’s Republic of China; 3Criminal Science and Technology Key Lab of Yunnan Police College, Kunming 650223, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jing-Ping Liu; Jing ShenDepartment of Chemistry, Yunnan Normal University, No. 298, 121st Street, Yunnan, Kunming 650092, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 8 716 513 2144Email Liujp72@163.com shenjingbox0225@hotmail.comBackground: Neolaxiflorin B is derived from ent-kaurane like laxiflorin J and eriocalyxin B with a relatively low potency as an antitumor agent. During preliminary structure–activity relationship studies, the α,β-unsaturated ketone (enone) system is an important active group.Methods: Seven neolaxiflorin B derivatives containing α,β-unsaturated ketone moieties were synthesized. In vitro, activity was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines and a rat myogenic cell line (HepG2, NSCLC-H292, SNU-1040, and L6, respectively) by MTT assay.Results: Compound 15 appeared a promising antitumor lead due to its cytotoxic potency and relatively high selectivity, with an SI value of 13.14. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to show that NSCLC-H292 cells were blocked in the G0/G1 phase in the presence of compound 15, thus inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells.Conclusion: This study has revealed that compound 15 is a promising antitumor lead due to the cytotoxic potencies and the high selectivity it displayed when compared to natural counterparts.Keywords: neolaxiflorin B inspired compounds, unsaturated ketone, antitumor activity

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis regulating Th1 cell differentiation and migration through the PI3K/AKT pathway in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)., Methods: Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) model, a well-described and validated animal model of CP/CPPS, was used in our study. After treatment with CXCL10, the severity of EAP and Th1 cell proportion were respectively measured by HE stains, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Then, the protein expression of the PI3K/AKT pathway in CXCL10/CXCR3-regulated Th1 cell differentiation and migration was evaluated by western blotting. Additionally, by the CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 applications, the effects of CXCL10/CXCR3 through PI3K/AKT pathway on the Th1 cell differentiation and migration were further assessed., Results: The EAP model was successfully built. CXCL10 increased the proportion of Th1 cells in EAP mice, accompanied by upregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT pathway was found to be involved in CXCL10/CXCR3 axis-mediated Th1 cell differentiation and migration., Conclusions: Our investigations indicate that the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis regulates Th1 cell differentiation and migration in EAP through the PI3K/AKT pathway, which provides a new perspective on the immunological mechanisms of CP/CPPS., (© 2023 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.)

Background: The use of chronic disease information systems in hospitals and communities plays a significant role in disease prevention, control, and monitoring. However, there are several limitations to these systems, including that the platforms are generally isolated, the patient health information and medical resources are not effectively integrated, and the "Internet Plus Healthcare" technology model is not implemented throughout the patient consultation process., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of a hospital case management information system in a general hospital in the context of chronic respiratory diseases as a model case., Methods: A chronic disease management information system was developed for use in general hospitals based on internet technology, a chronic disease case management model, and an overall quality management model. Using this system, the case managers provided sophisticated inpatient, outpatient, and home medical services for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Chronic respiratory disease case management quality indicators (number of managed cases, number of patients accepting routine follow-up services, follow-up visit rate, pulmonary function test rate, admission rate for acute exacerbations, chronic respiratory diseases knowledge awareness rate, and patient satisfaction) were evaluated before (2019-2020) and after (2021-2022) implementation of the chronic disease management information system., Results: Before implementation of the chronic disease management information system, 1808 cases were managed in the general hospital, and an average of 603 (SD 137) people were provided with routine follow-up services. After use of the information system, 5868 cases were managed and 2056 (SD 211) patients were routinely followed-up, representing a significant increase of 3.2 and 3.4 times the respective values before use (U=342.779; P<.001). With respect to the quality of case management, compared to the indicators measured before use, the achievement rate of follow-up examination increased by 50.2%, the achievement rate of the pulmonary function test increased by 26.2%, the awareness rate of chronic respiratory disease knowledge increased by 20.1%, the retention rate increased by 16.3%, and the patient satisfaction rate increased by 9.6% (all P<.001), while the admission rate of acute exacerbation decreased by 42.4% (P<.001) after use of the chronic disease management information system., Conclusions: Use of a chronic disease management information system improves the quality of chronic respiratory disease case management and reduces the admission rate of patients owing to acute exacerbations of their diseases., (© Yi-Zhen Xiao, Xiao-Jia Chen, Xiao-Ling Sun, Huan Chen, Yu-Xia Luo, Yuan Chen, Ye-Mei Liang. Originally published in JMIR Medical Informatics (https://medinform.jmir.org).)

Background: During the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, the association between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection has emerged as a notable concern. Therefore, finding effective methods to manage hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 is crucial., Objective: To introduce the clinical pharmacists participating in multidisciplinary collaborative whole hospital blood glucose management mode, and to explore its effect on blood glucose control in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and complicated with hyperglycemia., Methods: Patients with COVID-19 treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were assigned to routine diagnosis and treatment group and whole hospital blood glucose management group according to the blood glucose management plan received by patients. The groups were compared in regards to their adherence to management advice, blood glucose levels, fluctuation, inflammation-related indicators, medical service-related indicators, and incidence of hypoglycemia and adverse events., Results: After 5 days of glucose management, both groups showed a decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial blood glucose in the whole hospital glucose management group was significantly lower than the routine group (P < 0.05). The whole hospital glucose management group showed a significant increase in compliance rate, improved inflammation-related indicators, and higher detection rates for hemoglobin and islet function (P < 0.05). Implementation rates for medical orders and treatment plans were also higher in the whole hospital group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events., Conclusions: Multidisciplinary blood glucose management is highly recommended for patients with COVID-19 who have hyperglycemia due to its effectiveness, standardization, safety, and improvement of inflammation indicators., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

"Wu shan qi e"(five symptoms with good prognosis and seven with poor prognosis)is a theory used to determine the prognosis of external diseases in traditional Chinese medicine which have been mentioned in many ancient Chinese medicine books and have been valued by external doctors throughout history. However, it has been rarely discussed in modern literature. The theory were first seen in the Taiping Shenghui Fang , and the idea was originated from Ni Shun in Lingshu Yuban. "Wu shan qi e"have evolved into many variants through the exertion of medical practitioners throughout history. By reviewing medical books of previous dynasties, it was found that there are two main versions: the Taiping Shenghui Fang version and its derivative versions, and the Waike Zhengzong version and its derivative versions.

Aims: To enhance ovarian tumor diagnosis beyond conventional methods, this study explored combining diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) and serum biomarkers (Mucin 1 [MUC1], MUC13, and MUC16) for distinguishing borderline from malignant epithelial ovarian tumors., Methods: A total of 126 patients, including 71 diagnosed with borderline (BEOTs) and 55 with malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (MEOTs), underwent preoperative DWI-MRI. Region of interest (ROI) was manually drawn along the solid component's boundary of the largest tumor, focusing on areas with potentially the lowest apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). For entirely cystic tumors, a free-form ROI enclosed the maximum number of septa while targeting the lowest ADC. Serum biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: Basic morphological traits proved inadequate for malignancy diagnosis, warranting this investigation. BEOTs had an ADC mean of (1.670 ± 0.250) × 10 3 mm 2 /s, while MEOTs had a lower ADC mean of (1.332 ± 0.481) × 10 3 mm 2 /s, with a sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 90.1%. Median MUC1 (167.0 U/mL vs. 87.3 U/mL), MUC13 (12.44 ng/mL vs. 7.77 ng/mL), and MUC16 (180.6 U/mL vs. 36.1 U/mL) levels were higher in MEOTs patients. The biomarker performance was: MUC1, sensitivity 50.9%, specificity 100%; MUC13, sensitivity 56.4%, specificity 78.9%; MUC16, sensitivity 83.64%, specificity 100%. Combining serum biomarkers and ADC mean resulted in a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 100%., Conclusion: The integration of DWI-MRI with serum biomarkers (MUC1, MUC13, and MUC16) achieves exceptional diagnostic accuracy, offering a powerful tool for the precise differentiation between borderline and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors., (© 2024 The Authors. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

At the end of the 7th century, Chinese medicine was widely spread in the upper class of Japanese society, and Japanese emperors developed a medical based view on epidemics. At the beginning of the 8th century, emperors determined to reform by imitated the Tang to build a state ruled by law.They determine the way of TCM to relieve the epidemic in the form of legislation, and used medical measures in outbreaks on many occasions.However, with the spread of smallpox and other epidemics during the Tenpei year, Japan's backward medical level and poor medical resources were unable to cope with the epidemic, and the emperors turned to the epidemic as calamity. From the late 8th century to the end of 10th century, Japanese emperors responded with Buddhist, Shinto, and Confucian measures. Medical relief gradually became obsolete at the national level. But at the individual level of the emperors, they attached great importance to the use of Chinese medicine for epidemic prevention and treatment, in the mid to late 9th century, medical prevention measures were established in the court through legal means.

Background: Muscle depletion that impairs normal physiological function in elderly patients leads to poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), total psoas area (TPA), psoas muscle density (PMD), and short-term postoperative complications in elderly patients with rectal cancer., Methods: All elderly patients underwent rectal cancer resection with perioperative abdominal computed tomography (CT). Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Severe complications were defined as grade III-V following the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors of short-term severe postoperative complications., Results: The cohort consisted of 191 patients with a mean age of 73.60 ± 8.81 years. Among them, 138 (72.25%) patients had Clavien-Dindo 0- II, 53 (27.75%) patients had severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V), and 1(0.52%) patient died within 30 days of surgery. PMD was significantly higher in the Clavien-Dindo 0-II cohort compared to the Clavien-Dindo III-V cohort ( p =0.004). Nevertheless, TAMA and TPA failed to exhibit significant differences. Moreover, the multivariate regression analysis implied that advanced age [OR 1.07 95%CI (1.02-1.13) p =0.013], male [OR 5.03 95%CI (1.76-14.41) p =0.003], high charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score [OR 3.60 95%CI (1.44-9.00) p =0.006], and low PMD [OR 0.94 95%CI (0.88-0.99) p =0.04] were independent risk factors of Clavien-Dindo III-V., Conclusion: Preoperative assessment of the PMD on CT can be a simple and practical method for identifying elderly patients with rectal cancer at risk for severe postoperative complications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Xiao, Wen, Ying, Zhang, Li, Wang, Su, Zheng and Miao.)

The Hu-Chang theory is widely used in Chinese external medicine diagnosis and treatment, and it has been documented in many archives and recordings. However, its provenance and connotation were still confusing and unclear. It was believed that The Covert Prescription for External Medicine (Mi Chuan Wai Ke Fang) by Zhao Yizhen in the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty was the earliest work with the use of provenance from the existing records of Hu-Chang. In terms of its connotation, it was believed by many scholars that the part of speech of Hu-Chang was an adjective-noun phrase, which means "defensive barrier", ie, "local swelling area in surgical disease". However, based on the textual research and analysis of relevant ancient documents, Hu-Chang should be a verb-object phrase, which means "the vital Qi prevents the diseased area from being infected or deteriorated". In this sense, the characteristic of Hu-Chang, the local swelling range of surgical diseases, can be named as "supervising and monitoring the field barrier".

Hydrometallurgical processing of electronic waste produces copper (Cu)-containing wastewater. Recycling of Cu is thus crucial, as it reduces the Cu impact on the environment, and increases Cu sustainability in industry. Vacuum distillation provides excellent performance in both metals removal from aqueous solution, metal recovery, and metal impregnation to porous material. Thus, this work aimed to both utilize a vacuum distillation to remove heavy metals (Cu, Na, Ni, Zn and Fe) and recover copper nitrate hydroxide (Cu 2 NO 3 (OH) 3 ) from Cu-containing wastewater in industrial applications (e.g., mordant agent in dyeing and pigment for glass), as well as prepare copper sulfide (CuS) impregnated activated carbon for mercury (Hg 0 ) adsorption. The experimental results indicated a vacuum distillation metals removal efficiency of over 99.99 % at 60 °C and -72 cm Hg. Additionally, the copper nitrate hydroxide (Cu 2 NO 3 (OH) 3 ) crystalline solid derived from the vacuum distillation process achieved 77 % purity, and the copper sulfide impregnated activated carbon (CuSAC) adsorbents were prepared by adding activated carbon (AC) during the vacuum distillation process. In adsorption tests, 50 % CuSAC exhibited the greatest gaseous mercury (Hg 0 ) adsorption performance, and it was noted that a high adsorption temperature of 175 °C negatively impacted Hg 0 adsorption of 50 % CuSAC due to mercury sulfide (HgS) decomposition. Furthermore, in a simulated flue gas (SFG) environment, Hg 0 capture by CuSAC was shown to be slightly obstructed. In addition, mercury temperature-programmed desorption (Hg-TPD) identified that HgS was the dominant species among adsorbed Hg species of Hg-laden 50 % CuSAC, indicating that Hg 0 capture of CuSAC was mainly facilitated by sulfur active sites. As such, the vacuum distillation technique proved to efficiently remove metals and leads to successful preparation of adsorbent for Hg. Therefore, the process is an effective treatment method for Cu-containing wastewater, and can be practically applied to capture or recycle Cu in the industry in the future., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the Qin and Han Dynasties, three views were argued as the main causes of epidemic diseases, the observation of climate, the interaction between nature and humans and 'witchcraft'. Specifically it was thought that abnormal climate, personnel and government decree, and 'gods' and 'ghosts' were responsible for epidemics. This perception led to corresponding countermeasures to deal with epidemic diseases. The abnormal climate in nature was believed to result in the occurrence of epidemic diseases. This was interpreted by traditional Chinese medicine in terms of exogenous diseases. For instance, Huang Di Nei Jing interpreted leprosy with the point of wind-pathogen attacking. Shang Han Lun treated epidemic diseases with the viewpoint of exogenous pathogen. The classic books of Chinese materia medica recorded many cases of preventing and treating epidemic diseases with materia medica. The personnel and government decree refers to the wrong decrees of Emperors and the poor implementation of officials. This was argued to lead to various disasters including epidemic diseases. It was interpreted by Dong Zhongshu, a famous Confucian in the Han Dynasty, as the punishment of gods upon their misconduct. This reminded emperors about reflecting on the epidemic diseases and correcting their mistakes politically. 'Gods' and 'ghosts' were also believed as the cause of epidemics. This idea drove people to deal with epidemic diseases through sacrifices and exorcism.

Ben Cao Quan is an ancient classic book on materia medica compiled by Goku Yoshida, a Japanese scholar in the Edo period (1603-1867). A total of 568 materia medica in 53 categories in Ben Cao Quan came from Ben Cao Gang Mu compiled by Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty. These materia medica were introduced with some of his own interpretations of Goku Yoshida. The main characteristics of Ben Cao Quan reflected as follows. It attached importance to the comparison of translation from Chinese into Japanese and selected those materia medica commonly used in Japan, in particular, from 'spicific explanation' (Ji Jie) and 'smell' (Qi Wei) in Ben Cao Gang Mu .It focused on application and integrated local practice, and interpreted the personal insights of Goku Yoshida.Goku Yoshida's personal understanding and perception of these material medica were shown in terms of their origin and quality, analysis of their properties and collection, interpretation of their identification and selection, their local names, their Japanese names, and review of the changes when these materia medica were introduced into Japan.The purpose of Ban Cao Quan was to attempt to help Japanese identify materia medica and distinguish quality and interpret materia medica with Japanese characteristics. The book is valuable literature for the research of the impact of Ben Cao Gang Mu on the development of materia medica in Japan.

Japanese Kampo medicine (medicine with Han Fang) was found effective to treat some epidemic diseases.Historical records show that Namikawa Saimin, a Kampo medicine (Han Fang Medicine) practitioner during the cholera pandemic in the period of Ansei in Japan (1858-1860), discovered that the treatment effect of croton fruit against cholera was remarkable. Another physician in Naniwa also found that satou (Zhǎ Dá, visceral stones of animals and livestock) had the same effect in treating cholera. Subsequently, Wani Tadatane, an official physician in Komatsu Han of Iyo Province, learned about Namikawa Saimin and the use of croton fruit, and a medical officer in Kohofu, Masugi Fuminori, also heard of the story of the physician from Naniwa. Wani Tadatane and Masugi Fuminori verified the effect of croton fruit and satou on cholera treatment respectively. They regarded these two medical materials as the 'specific drugs' for cholera treatment by drawing on the interpretation and understanding of traditional Chinese medicine in terms of the efficacy of these two drugs. In this sense, croton fruit as a 'specific drug' for cholera treatment was widely accepted in the Kampo medical field (Han medicine area in Japan). The development of the use of satou by Masugi Fuminori could not be traced back because of the lack of historical records.

An improved interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making method considering the risk preference of decision-makers is proposed to solve the multi-attribute group decision-making problem with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and the condition that the attribute weight information is completely unknown. Firstly, the decision-maker weight of each attribute is determined by combining similarity and proximity. In order to consider the influence of the decision-maker's risk preference on the decision result and avoid the asymptotic behavior of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy matrix, the risk aversion coefficient of the decision-maker is introduced and combined with the determined decision-maker's weight aggregation to form a group decision matrix. Then, the information of group decision matrix is mined, and the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy entropy is used to determine the attribute weight and relative weight. Based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy distance measure formula and the TODIM method, the overall superiority of each scheme relative to other schemes is obtained by calculating the superiority between schemes, and the optimal scheme is determined by comparing and sequencing. Finally, the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by an example of mechanical assembly supplier selection decision., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Three undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenes ( 1-3 ), and a monoterpenoid ( 4 ) along with eleven known compounds ( 5 - 15 ) were isolated from the crude extract of Litsea lancilimba Merr. The structures of all the isolated compounds were extensively elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic techniques (HRESIMS, 1 D NMR, and 2 D NMR). Their relative and absolute configurations were comprehensively established by NOESY spectroscopy, circular dichroism (ECD) and the calculated ECD analysis. All the isolates were tested for anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the amount of nitric oxide production. Amongst tested compounds, compounds 1 - 3 exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against the production of nitric oxide with IC 50 value of 35.5, 32.1, 46.7  μ M in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, respectively.

A multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method based on intuitionistic fuzzy preference information is proposed for the multi-attribute intuitionistic fuzzy group decision-making problem where the decision-makers weight and attribute weight are completely unknown and the decision-maker has preference information for the scheme. Firstly, an intuitionistic fuzzy interval judgment matrix is established to describe the original data of the key decision indicators for multiple network public opinion emergencies that erupt simultaneously. Secondly, the attribute weights are determined based on the improved intuitionistic fuzzy entropy construction method, and the expert weights are determined by using objective decision information, taking into account the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy of decision matrix. MAGDM can not only synthesize experts' professional experience in different aspects, but also avoid experts' decision-making errors caused by insufficient domain knowledge. It is necessary to continuously adjust the expert weight based on decision-making information to make the comprehensive decision-making information more accurate. Thirdly, a scheme preference model and an attribute weight optimization model are established to determine the ranking method of intuitionistic fuzzy interval values. Then, a modified distance measure of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) is introduced to make the evaluation result more accurate and reasonable when it comes to solving the deviation between the evaluation value and ideal solution of each scheme. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed decision-making method are verified by an example of emergency crisis severity, It assists decision makers in selecting and implementing the optimal emergency response plan in a timely and efficient manner, which improves the emergency treatment efficiency of network public opinion crisis, helps emergency departments to better deal with the network public opinion crisis, improves the ability of public opinion guidance and control, and provides a new method and idea for multi-attribute intuitionistic fuzzy group decision-making problem., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: To identify the threshold of a health warning system based on the association of apparent temperature and years of life lost (YLL). Methods: Daily mortality records and meteorological data were collected from 364 Chinese counties for 2006-2017. Distributed lag nonlinear model and multivariate Meta-analyses were applied to estimate the association between the apparent temperature and YLL rate. A regression tree model was employed to estimate the warning thresholds of the apparent temperature. Stratified analyses were further conducted by age and cause of death. Results: The daily YLL rate was 23.6/10 5 . The mean daily apparent temperature was 15.7 ℃. U-shaped nonlinear associations were observed between apparent temperature and YLL rate. The actual temperature-caused YLL rate for the elderly was higher than the young population. The daily excess deaths rate increased with the higher effect levels. Conclusions: Regression tree model was employed to define the warning threshold for meteorological health risk. The present study provides theoretical support for the weather-related health warning system.

Background: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been nationally and globally used in treating gout for over a millennium. The potential relationship between the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in gout patients and CHM therapy is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to provide some evidence regarding the relationship between CHM therapy and the occurrence of CKD in gout patients. Methods : We used data from the National Health Insurance Research database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. In this population-based nested case-control study, all participants were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of the risk of CKD in gout patients treated with CHM therapy. Results : Data on 1718 gout patients with CKD and 1:1 matched 1718 gout patients without CKD were collected for analysis. The results showed that CHM therapy in gout patients did not increase the risk of developing CKD (adjusted OR = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.18; p > 0.05). Moreover, CHM therapy in gout patients for >365 days did not increase the incidence of CKD (adjusted OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.90-1.88; p = 0.162). Conclusion : Traditional CHM therapy does not increase the incidence of CKD in gout patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Xiao, Ye, Liang, Chen, Wang, Xu and Wei.)

Chuugoku Isekikou (, Catalogue of Chinese Medical Literature ) has high value in the history of Chinese and Japanese medicine. Through the collation and statistics of the sources of medical books included in this book, this paper sums up the sources of medical books included by the famous Japanese doctors Tanba and his son, who compiled this book. We found nearly 60 percent medical books from Chinese bibliographies and Local Gazetteers. Based on the analysis of all kinds of relevant literature, we studied the rules and compilation ideas of the process of Tanba's collection medical books, and then discovered the contents of the medical books were mainly prescription treatment, not incloud the book of immortal,sexual skill or veterinarian. We also discovered the arrangement of Isekikou was mainly time, and other factors were considered comprehensively.

Seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) has shown great effectiveness in the controlling of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emission and the removing of mercury (Hg) from flue gases of coal-fired power plants. Some problems pertaining to SFGD for Hg control, however, remain to be solved: (1) environmental impact from the discharge of Hg-containing seawater to the ocean, and (2) re-emission of gaseous Hg from the aeration tank to the atmosphere. This study synthesizes the copper/sulfur co-impregnated activated carbon (Cu-S-AC) to simultaneously capture aqueous Hg(II) and inhibit gaseous Hg 0 re-emission from actual SFGD wastewater. Cu-S-AC exhibited greater Hg(II) adsorption than both raw activated carbon (AC) and sulfur-impregnated activated carbon (S-AC) at an initial Hg(II) concentration of higher than 8000 ng/L. The Hg(II) adsorption of Cu-S-AC was slightly greater at pH 7 and 8 than that under acidic conditions. The Hg(II) adsorption was well-fitted with both linear and Freundlich isotherms. The results of thermodynamic analyses veiled the endothermic and spontaneous adsorption of Hg(II) on Cu-S-AC. In addition, the pseudo-second-order equation provided the best correlation coefficient for the Hg(II) adsorption on Cu-S-AC. Notably, the increases of pH and temperature increased the Hg 0 re-emission. Nevertheless, Cu-S-AC addition significantly inhibited the Hg 0 re-emission (92%) from SFGD wastewater., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dual-specificity phosphatase 11 (DUSP11, also named as PIR1) is a member of the atypical DUSP protein tyrosine phosphatase family. DUSP11 is only known to be an RNA phosphatase that regulates noncoding RNA stability. To date, the role of DUSP11 in immune cell signaling and immune responses remains unknown. In this study, we generated and characterized the immune cell functions of DUSP11-deficient mice. We identified TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) as a DUSP11-targeted protein. DUSP11 interacted directly with TAK1, and the DUSP11-TAK1 interaction was enhanced by LPS stimulation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. DUSP11 deficiency enhanced the LPS-induced TAK1 phosphorylation and cytokine production in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, DUSP11-deficient mice were more susceptible to LPS-induced endotoxic shock. The LPS-induced serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly elevated in DUSP11-deficient mice compared with those of wild-type mice. The data indicate that DUSP11 inhibits LPS-induced macrophage activation by targeting TAK1., (Copyright © 2020 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Enzyme promiscuity is critical to the acquisition of evolutionary plasticity in cells and can be recruited for high-value chemical synthesis or xenobiotic degradation. The molecular determinants of substrate ambiguity are essential to this activity; however, these details remain unknown. Here, we performed the directed evolution of a prolidase to enhance its initially weak paraoxonase activity. The in vitro evolution led to an unexpected 1,000,000-fold switch in substrate selectivity, with a 30-fold increase in paraoxon hydrolysis and 40,000-fold decrease in peptide hydrolysis. Structural and in silico analyses revealed enlarged catalytic cavities and substrate repositioning as responsible for rapid catalytic transitions between distinct chemical reactions., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD)., Objective: We sought to verify whether VAD can exacerbate AD development, and explore the possible pathophysiologic mechanism., Methods: We detected serum vitamin A (VA) concentration in different phenotypes of AD infants (intrinsic AD, iAD and extrinsic AD, eAD), and established ovalbumin (OVA) percutaneous sensitized AD model and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model on VAD and vitamin A supplementation (VAS) model in wild-type mice (C57BL/6) and established AD model on both normal VA (VAN) and VAD feeding mast cell deficiency mice (ckit w-sh/w-sh )., Results: The average serum VA concentration of eAD was significantly lower than that of iAD, as well as healthy controls. In OVA-induced C57BL/6 mouse AD model, compared with VAN group, VAD mice manifested significantly more mast cells accumulation in the skin lesions, more severe Th2-mediated inflammation, including higher serum IgG1 and IgE levels, more IL-4, IL-13 mRNA expression in OVA-sensitized skin, and lower Th1 immune response, including lower serum IgG2a and IFN-γ mRNA expression in the skin. But there was no significant difference in the expression of IL-17 mRNA between OVA-treated skin of VAN and VAD mice. However, in OVA-induced ckit w-sh/w-sh mouse AD model, we did not find any significant differences in the above measurements between VAD and VAN group. In PCA model, VAD mice showed remarkable more blue dye leakage than that in VAN mice. Compared with VAD group, the above-mentioned inflammatory measurements in VAS group and VAN group were similar in OVA-induced AD model mice., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: VAD can exacerbate extrinsic AD by augmenting Th2-mediated inflammation and mast cell activation. Therapeutic VAS can rescue VAD-aggravated eAD. It may provide a new strategy for future prevention or treatment of atopic dermatitis., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Age-dependent loss of hypothalamic neural stem cells (htNSCs) is important for the pathological consequences of aging; however, it is unclear what drives the senescence of htNSCs. Here, we report that a long non-coding RNA, Hnscr, is abundantly expressed in the htNSCs of young mice but decreases markedly in middle-aged mice. We show that depletion of Hnscr is sufficient to drive the senescence of htNSCs and aging-like phenotypes in mice. Mechanistically, Hnscr binds to Y-box protein 1 (YB-1) to prevent its degradation and thus the attenuation of transcription of the senescence marker gene p16 INK4A . Through molecular docking, we discovered that a naturally occurring small compound, theaflavin 3-gallate, can mimic the activity of Hnscr. Treatment of middle-aged mice with theaflavin 3-gallate reduced the senescence of htNSCs while improving aging-associated pathology. These results point to a mediator of the aging process and one that can be pharmacologically targeted to improve aging-related outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the association between sleep duration and frailty among people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from the first wave of World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health in China. Frailty index was constructed on the proportion of deficits, out of the 40 variables. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was performed to identify the related factors on frailty. All the models were stratified by age, gender, residence (urban/rural). Restricted cubic spline was performed to graphically evaluate the dose-response association between self-reported sleep duration and frailty. Results: A total of 13 175 individuals aged 50 years and over participated in this study. Without adjusting on any confounding factors, shorter or longer sleep duration significantly increased the risk of weakness compared with normal sleep time ( OR =2.05, 95 %CI : 1.71-2.44; OR =1.35, 95 %CI : 1.12-1.63). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, residence, education, family assets, vegetable, smoking, drinking and physical activity, a positive association between short sleep duration and frailty was noticed compared with normal sleep time (a OR =1.60, 95 %CI : 1.27-2.01). The results of stratified analysis on sex, age and urban and rural areas showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, residence, education level, family assets, intake of vegetables and fruits, smoking, drinking and physical activity, only shorter sleep duration was positively correlated with the risk of weakness. In addition, among people aged 65 years and over, adjusted for confounding factors, the risk of weakness increased by 91 %, compared with normal sleep time (a OR =1.91, 95 %CI : 1.46-2.49). The dose-response curve also showed that the sleep duration and frailty present an approximate "U" shaped relationship. Conclusion: Short sleep duration might be associated with frailty.

High bone mass (HBM) is usually caused by gene mutations, and its mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we identified a novel mutation in the long noncoding RNA Reg1cp that is associated with HBM. Subsequent analysis in 1,465 Chinese subjects revealed that heterozygous Reg1cp individuals had higher bone density compared with subjects with WT Reg1cp Mutant Reg1cp increased the formation of the CD31 hi Emcn hi endothelium in the bone marrow, which stimulated angiogenesis during osteogenesis. Mechanistically, mutant Reg1cp directly binds to Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) to inhibit its activity. Mice depleted of Klf3 in endothelial cells showed a high abundance of CD31 hi Emcn hi vessels and increased bone mass. Notably, we identified a natural compound, Ophiopogonin D, which functions as a KLF3 inhibitor. Administration of Ophiopogonin D increased the abundance of CD31 hi Emcn hi vessels and bone formation. Our findings revealed a specific mutation in lncRNA Reg1cp that is involved in the pathogenesis of HBM and provides a new target to treat osteoporosis., (© 2019 Yang et al.)

Ruhanbunko () is an anthology of the famous Japanese doctor Taki Mototane(). The book has 94 articles written between 1895 and 1827.Its content involved more than 400 doctors and literati both in China and Japan, also more than 190 books. Taki Mototane explored many aspects of the medical field in Ruhanbunko . His essays characterized as plenty, conclusive and preciseness.Besides, Taki Mototane discussed both theory and practice problems.The book has very high value of literature, clinical diagnosis and treatment research. Meanwhile, the poems and essays of Taki Mototane in the book and the epitaphs written for the doctors are also valuable medical historical materials.

We have designed and synthesized 6 ent -Kaurane-type diterpenoid derivatives containing α,β-unsaturated ketone moieties. In vitro, activity was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines and a rat myogenic cell line (HepG2, NSCLC-H292, SNU-1040, L6) by MTT assay. All the tested compounds exhibited comparable or higher activity than DDP and eriocalyxin B. Compounds 16 , 17 and 18 are promising anti-tumor leads due to their cytotoxic potencies and higher selectivity, with SI values of 161.06, 47.80 and 128.20, respectively.

Michel Boym was a 17th-century missionary who came to China from Poland. He was the first man who introduce Chinese herbal medicine to Europe by writing Flora Sinensis ( Chinese Flora ) and Medicamenta Simplicia quae Chinensibus ad usum medicum adhibentur . This article reveals that which Chinese herbal medicine books may have been consulted in the Medicamenta Simplicia quae Chinensibus ad usum medicum adhibentur by analyzing its content and comparing it with the Chinese herbal medicine books. We believed that in order to write this book, he consulted many Chinese books, collected a variety of herbal samples and consulted Chinese people who knew about herbals, and added his own understanding. As a western pharmacology book, his book structure, content and characteristics are the closest to Chinese herbal medicine books. And which Chinese books he has consulted, may include, but is not limited to BenCao GangMu ( Compendium of Materia Medica )《》, Lei Gong Pao Zhi Yao Xing Jie 《》, Ben Cao Meng Quan 《》 and Xin Kan Lei Gong Pao Zhi Bian Lan 《》.

BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is responsible for mortality in hospitalized patients. Autophagy can negatively regulate inflammatory response, and CXCL16 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16) is a kind of chemokine, which is closely related to the inflammatory response. However, the relationship between autophagy and CXCL16 in ALI is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy and chemokine CXCL16 in ALI in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. The control group (C group) was given normal saline through intraperitoneal injection. The L group was given LPS (lipopolysaccharide) at 30 mg/kg to construct an ALI model. The 3-MA group received an intraperitoneal injection of inhibitor of autophagy 3-methyladenine at 15 mg/kg, 30 minutes before LPS injection. The anti-CXCL16 group was given 20 mg/kg of CXCL16 monoclonal antibody 30 minutes before the LPS injection. RESULTS In the 3-MA Group, the level of histological analysis, lung wet/dry ratio, total protein of BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and TNF-a level were higher than the L group (p<0.05), the level of autophagy was lower than the L group (p<0.05), and the level of CXCL16 was higher than the L group (p<0.05). In the anti-CXCL16 group, the level of histological analysis, lung wet/dry ratio, BAL protein, and TNF-α level were declined compared to the L group (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in expression of CXCL16 detected by ELISA between the anti-CXCL16 group and the L group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Autophagy played a protective role in ALI induced by LPS in mice. Autophagy could regulate the level of CXCL16. The chemokine CXCL16 could exacerbate ALI.

Objective: To estimate the incidence and distribution characteristics of fall related injury in people aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China and related physiological, psychological and social risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from adults aged ≥50 years participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE) round 1 in China. Two-level hierarchical logistic model was used to identify the related factors for fall-related injury. All the models were stratified by living area (urban/rural). Results: Estimated incidence of fall related injury (road traffic injury was not included) was 3.2 %. Ageing and multiple chronic conditions ( OR =2.55, 95 %CI : 1.41-4.64) was significantly associated with the incidence of fall related injury in urban area. In rural area, depression ( OR =4.33, 95 % CI : 2.52-7.42) and multiple chronic conditions ( OR =2.46, 95 %CI : 1.37-4.41) were associated with the incidence of fall related injury. Conclusions: This study estimated the incidence of fall related injury in adults aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China. A significant association between multiple chronic conditions and fall related injury were found in both urban and rural residents. Targeted measures should be taken for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in elderly population.

Manipulation of biofilm formation in Shewanella is beneficial for application to industrial and environmental biotechnology. BpfA is an adhesin largely responsible for biofilm formation in many Shewanella species. However, the mechanism underlying BpfA production and the resulting biofilm remains vaguely understood. We previously described the finding that BpfA expression is enhanced by DosD, an oxygen-stimulated diguanylate cyclase, under aerobic growth. In the present work, we identify FlrA as a critical transcription regulator of the bpfA operon in Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 by transposon mutagenesis. FlrA acted as a repressor of the operon promoter by binding to two boxes overlapping the -10 and -35 sites recognized by σ 70 DosD regulation of the expression of the bpfA operon was mediated by FlrA, and cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) abolished FlrA binding to the operon promoter. We also demonstrate that FlhG, an accessory protein for flagellum synthesis, antagonized FlrA repression of the expression of the bpfA operon. Collectively, this work demonstrates that FlrA acts as a central mediator in the signaling pathway from c-di-GMP to BpfA-associated biofilm formation in S. putrefaciens CN32., Importance: Motility and biofilm are mutually exclusive lifestyles, shifts between which are under the strict regulation of bacteria attempting to adapt to the fluctuation of diverse environmental conditions. The FlrA protein in many bacteria is known to control motility as a master regulator of flagellum synthesis. This work elucidates its effect on biofilm formation by controlling the expression of the adhesin BpfA in S. putrefaciens CN32 in response to c-di-GMP. Therefore, FlrA plays a dual role in controlling motility and biofilm formation in S. putrefaciens CN32. The cooccurrence of flrA, bpfA, and the FlrA box in the promoter region of the bpfA operon in diverse Shewanella strains suggests that bpfA is a common mechanism that controls biofilm formation in this bacterial species., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)

Objective: To understand the prevalence of senile dementia in the elderly aged ≥60 years in China between 2000 and 2015. Methods: Publications between 2000 and 2015 were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Databases, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Databases (VIP) and PubMed. Observational studies on prevalence of senile dementia were included. Meta-analysis was carried out by using R software. Results: A total of 25 papers were included in this study. The total number of participants investigated was 76 980, with 4 295 dementia cases identified. The prevalence of senile dementia in the elderly was 5.15% (95% CI : 4.21%-6.09%); Subgroup analysis showed that the women had a higher prevalence (6.08%) than the men (4.10%); and the prevalence was significant increased with age (The senile dementia prevalence was 1.01% in age groups 60-64 years, but 23.60% in age group ≥85 years). The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (3.56%) was higher than that of cerebral vascular dementia (1.11%). The senile dementia prevalence in the illiterate was 8.74%, higher than 3.17% in the literate. The prevalence of senile dementia in the unmarried was 6.83%, higher than that in the married (3.95%). Conclusion: The prevalence of senile dementia was high in the population aged ≥60 years in China. Age, sex, education level and marital status might influence the prevalence of senile dementia.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of the expression of Sox4 and β-catenin with the prognosis of osteosarcoma. A total of 108 cases of conventional osteosarcoma were involved in this study and 28 cases of osteochondroma served as controls. The expression of Sox4 and β-catenin was detected by using immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. The results showed that Sox4 and β-catenin were over-expressed in 67 (62.03%) and 62 (57.41%) of 108 osteosarcoma cases, while in only 3 (10.71%) and 5 (17.86%) of 28 controls, respectively (P<0.05 for all). The expression of Sox4 and β-catenin was associated with the distant metastasis, pathological grade and Enneking stage of patients with osteosarcoma (P<0.05 for all). The mean overall survival time and the 5-year-survival rate in osteosarcoma patients with Sox4 and β-catenin over-expressed were significantly reduced as compared with those in Sox4 and β-catenin low-expression group (P<0.05 for all). Cox multifactor regression analysis revealed that the distant metastasis, Enneking stage, and the expression of Sox4 and β-catenin were independent risk factors of patients with osteosarcoma (P<0.05 for all). The findings indicated that overexpression of Sox4 and β-catenin is associated with a poor prognosis of osteosarcoma.

The objective of this study was to follow-up long term (5-12 years) patients with total hip arthroplasty with the collum femoris preserving prosthesis to evaluate clinical outcome and potential complications. Forty-six of 152 patients who underwent this procedure between September 2000 and September 2012 were followed up. The average follow-up time was 7.6 years, and assessed were radiographs, Harris score, limb length, hip function, and complications. Six patients had perioperative complications including five cases of femoral shaft fracture and one case of dislocation 1 week after the operation. No infections of the surgical site, no deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were observed. The last recorded Harris hip score improved from a preoperative average of 41.2 (range 17-60) to an average of 82.3 (74-96), with the score >80 in 38 patients, 70-80 in six patients, and <70 in two patients. Radiolucent lines were found on radiographs in two patients with acetabular prosthesis and one patient with femoral prosthesis. The remainder of patients had satisfactory positions of acetabular and femoral stem prostheses with no loosening or subsidence, and a good condition of femoral neck. Total hip arthroplasty with the collum femoris preserving prosthesis is a good option for younger patients who need prosthesis revision. This arthroplasty achieves satisfactory long-term effectiveness.

Nitrogen is a necessary and important element for the growth and development of fruit orchards. Timely, accurate and nondestructive monitoring of nitrogen status in fruit orchards would help maintain the fruit quality and efficient production of the orchard, and mitigate the pollution of water resources caused by excessive nitrogen fertilization. This study investigated the capability of hyperspectral imagery for estimating and visualizing the nitrogen content in citrus canopy. Hyperspectral images were obtained for leaf samples in laboratory as well as for the whole canopy in the field with ImSpector V10E (Spectral Imaging Ltd., Oulu, Finland). The spectral datas for each leaf sample were represented by the average spectral data extracted from the selected region of interest (ROI) in the hyperspectral images with the aid of ENVI software. The nitrogen content in each leaf sample was measured by the Dumas combustion method with the rapid N cube (Elementar Analytical, Germany). Simple correlation analysis and the two band vegetation index (TBVI) were then used to develop the spectra data-based nitrogen content prediction models. Results obtained through the formula calculation indicated that the model with the two band vegetation index (TBVI) based on the wavelengths 811 and 856 nm achieved the optimal estimation of nitrogen content in citrus leaves (R2 = 0.607 1). Furthermore, the canopy image for the identified TBVI was calculated, and the nitrogen content of the canopy was visualized by incorporating the model into the TBVI image. The tender leaves, middle-aged leaves and elder leaves showed distinct nitrogen status from highto low-levels in the canopy image. The results suggested the potential of hyperspectral imagery for the nondestructive detection and diagnosis of nitrogen status in citrus canopy in real time. Different from previous studies focused on nitrogen content prediction at leaf level, this study succeeded in predicting and visualizing the nutrient content of fruit trees at canopy level. This would provide valuable information for the implementation of individual tree-based fertilization schemes in precision orchard management practices.

The use of artificial nerves for the repair of peripheral nerve defects is restricted by the limited sources of Schwann cells (SCs). Human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‑derived Schwann‑like cells are considered an alternative and desirable cell source. The aim of the present study was to establish a method of inducing directional differentiation of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) MSCs into Schwann‑like cells. Cells isolated from hUCB were cultured in MesenCult complete medium, a specialized culture medium for MSCs, to expand hUCBMSCs. hUCBMSCs were purified by repeated changing of the medium, and they were identified by detection of the specific cell surface markers for MSCs. For differentiation of Schwann‑like cells from hUCBMSCs, the purified cells were sequentially cultured in DMEM/F12 medium with various additives. Differentiated Schwann‑like cells were identified by the detection of SC‑specific markers, including S100b, glial fibrillary acidic protein and P75, by immunocytochemisty, reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The results demonstrated that the majority of the differentiated cells presented classical dipolar and fusiform SC morphology. Notably, a large proportion of these cells expressed the three SC markers. These results suggest that hUCBMSCs can undergo directional differentiation into Schwann‑like cells in vitro and may be an important source of SCs for the treatment of peripheral nerve defects with tissue‑engineered artificial nerves.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) in regulating in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mouse adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs)., Materials and Methods: Mouse ADSCs were isolated from adipose tissues of C57/BL6 mice (age of 4-6 w) and cultured. Surface antigens of passage 3 (P3) ADSCs, including CD31, CD34, CD90, CD105 and CD133, were analyzed using flow cytometry. Overexpression of BMP-2 was achieved through gene transfection of ADSCs. In vitro osteogenic differentiation of transfected and non-transfected ADSCs cultured in specific induction media was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining. In addition, expression of osteoblast-specific gene, Runx2, was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR)., Results: Abundant ADSCs could be isolated from adipose tissue. P3 ADSCs expressed stem cell-specific molecular markers, CD90 and CD105 but did not express CD31, CD34 or CD133. BMP-2 could efficiently transfect mouse ADSCs. Alizarin Red staining revealed that more calcified nodules were formed in BMP-2 transfected ADSCs. qRT-PCR further confirmed higher level of Runx2 expression in BMP-2 transfected ADSCs (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: BMP-2 can promote in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mouse adipose stem cells.

Proteases from halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms were found in traditional Chinese fish sauce. In this study, 30 fungi were isolated from fermented fish sauce in five growth media based on their morphology. However, only one strain, YL-1, which was identified as Penicillium citrinum by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis, can produce alkaline protease. This study is the first to report that a protease-producing fungus strain was isolated and identified in traditional Chinese fish sauce. Furthermore, the culture conditions of alkaline protease production by P. citrinum YL-1 in solid-state fermentation were optimized by response surface methodology. First, three variables including peptone, initial pH, and moisture content were selected by Plackett-Burman design as the significant variables for alkaline protease production. The Box-Behnken design was then adopted to further investigate the interaction effects between the three variables on alkaline protease production and determine the optimal values of the variables. The maximal production (94.30 U/mL) of alkaline protease by P. citrinum YL-1 took place under the optimal conditions of peptone, initial pH, and moisture content (v/w) of 35.5 g/L, 7.73, and 136%, respectively.

Numerous studies have evaluated the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women. However, the results have been inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Only seven case-control studies were retrieved, with a total of 4258 patients and 3454 healthy controls. Meta-analysis results showed no significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women for all genetic models (for TT vs CC: OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.72-1.39; for TT vs TC: OR=1.02, 95%CI=0.87-1.20; for CC+TC vs TT: OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.71-1.28; for TT+TC vs CC: OR=0.93, 95%CI=0.84-1.03). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the results also showed no significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and susceptibility to osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women in both Caucasian and Asian populations. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that MTHFR C677T polymorphism may not be associated with susceptibility to osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women.

A novel drug delivery system combining oral fast dissolving film with sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid mixed micelles was prepared to increase the absorption of cucurbitacin B that is a poor aqueous solubility substance. Encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity coefficient, investigated the morphology, disintegration time of oral fast dissolving film and the pharmacodynamic properties of cucurbitacin B sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles before and after solidified in mice were evaluated and compared. The oral fast dissolving film prepared in this study showed a homogeneous pale yellow and could completely disintegrated in the 30 s. It could meet the requirements of rapidly disintegrating fully. The encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity coefficient of cucurbitacin B sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles loaded in oral fast dissolving film were (43.36 +/- 2.12)%, (108.82 +/- 5.2) nm, (-34.18 +/- 1.07) mV, 0.088 +/- 0.012, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity coefficient of cucurbitacin B sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles in solution were (41.26 +/- 2.22)%, (181.82 +/- 4.48) nm, (-30.67 +/- 0.81) mV, 0.092 +/- 0.012, respectively. The difference of pharmacodynamics among film of cucurbitacin B-loaded micelles, cucurbitacin B-loaded micelles and free cucurbitacin B in vivo was compared. Solubility of cucurbitacin B loaded in sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles has also been greatly improved. The tumor inhibition rate of cucurbitacin B loaded in sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles was significantly improved and did not change significantly before and after solidified. These showed that the sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles could enhance the antitumor activities of cucurbitacin B and the stability of cucurbitacin B sodium deoxycholate/phospholipid-mixed micelles was improved significantly after solidified by oral fast dissolving film technology without pharmacodynamic properties changed significantly.

The excessive apoptosis of cells of the nucleus pulposus may plays an important role in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. It has been shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α can induce disc cell apoptosis. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 can promote nucleus pulposus cell proliferation; however, whether or not IGF-1 inhibits TNF-α-induced apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus has not yet been elucidated. In this study, our objective was to create a potentially therapeutic viral vector, which could be used to achieve the enforced expression of IGF-1 in rabbit nucleus pulposus cells. Furthermore, we investigated the ability of IGF-1 to reverse TNF-α-induced apoptosis in cells of the nucleus pulposus. Isolated nucleus pulposus cells were cultured to a confluent monolayer, digested with collagenase Ⅱ and purified using trypsin and differential adhesion methods. Nucleus pulposus cells were positively identified using type Ⅱ collagen immunohistochemistry. Following transfection with adenoviral vectors engineered to overexpress recombinant human IGF-1 (Ad-hIGF-1) or TNF-α, the cells were observed under a light microscope. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to assess the rate of apoptosis. The Ad-hIGF-1 viral vector was effectively transduced into the nucleus pulposus cells and increased IGF-1 expression as confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. In the TNF-α-treated group, a large number of apoptotic cells was observed that exhibited morphological changes associated with this form of cell death. Minimal apoptosis was observed in the Ad-hIGF-1-treated group and the control group showed no obvious signs of apoptosis. TUNEL assay revealed that the rate of apoptosis in the Ad-hIGF-1 group was significantly reduced compared with the TNF-α-treated group (P<0.01). This result was confirmed using FCM. The rate of apoptosis was also significantly increased in the TNF-α-exposed cells compared with the control group (P<0.01). Our findings strongly suggest that the adenoviral vector expressing hIGF-1 can successfully infect nucleus pulposus cells in vitro and effectively enhance the expression of IGF-1. In addition, IGF-1 reversed the TNF-α -induced apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. Thus, Ad-hIGF-1 may be useful in the development of clinical interventions for disc degeneration.

Background: Atopy patch tests (APT) have been introduced as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of food allergy. However, interpretation of the readout of APT requires further clarification., Objective: To investigate the accuracy of APT in identifying atopic sensitisation to hen's eggs (HE), cow's milk (CM), soybean and wheat in Chinese children with atopic dermatitis (AD) aged less than two years and to evaluate skin signs of APT for accurate diagnosis of food allergy., Methods: APT was performed and food allergy confirmed by open oral food challenges with HE, CM, soybean and wheat in 150 Chinese AD children aged less than two years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of APT were calculated., Results: Erythema and infiltration were not sufficiently indicative of a positive APT. The PPV increased with the appearance of indurations and the number of papules. The true positive APT rate increased from scores of + to +++. The PPV and specificity were 100% while APT scores of +++ were obtained with HE, CM and wheat. The sensitivity of APT with HE, CM, soybean and wheat allergy ranged from 59.6% to 90.5%, while the specificity ranged from 82.1% to 92.4%., Conclusion: The APT is a suitable method for the diagnosis of AD in Chinese children aged less than two years with food allergies. Erythema and infiltration are not sufficient indicators of APT positivity. The PPV increases with indurations and the number of papules., (Copyright © 2012 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To measure the content of silica in C1 bituminous coal and its combustion products in the high-incidence area of lung cancer in Xuanwei, Yunnan Province, China and to investigate the relationship between high incidence of lung cancer among non-smoking women and silica produced naturally in C1 bituminous coal in Xuan Wei., Methods: The C1 bituminous coal widely used in the high-incidence area of lung cancer in Xuanwei was selected as experiment group, while the C2+1, K7, and M30 bituminous coal that was mined and used in the low-incidence area of lung cancer in Xuanwei for more than 10 years were selected as control group. Fourteen paraffin-embedded cancer tissue samples from the non-smoking women with non-small cell lung cancer who were born in Xuanwei and were at least the 3rd generation of the family living there were collected from the department of pathology, the third affiliated hospital of kunming medical university (tumor hospital of yunnan province). Titrimetric potassium silicofluoride method was used to measure the content of silica in raw coal and its bottom ashes in 20 samples from the experimental group and control group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of silica particles in C1 bituminous coal and its bottom ashes, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX) was used to analyze the microscopic composition. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the morphology of silica particles in the bottom ashes and coal soot of C1 bituminous coal as well as the lung cancer tissue from the non-smoking women in Xuanwei, and transmission electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (TEM-EDX) was used to analyze the microscopic composition. The silica particles were separated from the coal soot and bottom ashes and characterized by physical method., Results: The silica content in C1 bituminous coal and its bottom ashes was significantly higher than that in C2+1, K7, and M30 bituminous coal (P < 0.05). The bottom ashes of C1 bituminous coal contained a large quantity of silica particles, mostly with microscale sizes. Silica particles were found in the soot of C1 bituminous coal and the lung cancer tissue from non-smoking women in Xuanwei. The silica particles in the bottom ashes were mostly 120 ∼ 500 nm in diameter, had various shapes, and contained such elements as iron, aluminium, calcium, and potassium; the silica particles in the coal soot were mostly nanoscale, ranging from 37 nm to 80 nm in diameter, had various shapes, with some in fibrous form, had non smooth surfaces, and contained such elements as iron, potassium, calcium, aluminium, and sulfur., Conclusion: In Xuanwei, the incidence of lung cancer among non-smoking women is high in the area where silica-rich C1 bituminous coal is produced. There are silica particles enriched in both the combustion products (coal soot and bottom ashes) of C1 bituminous coal and the cancer tissue from the non-smoking women with non-small cell lung cancer, with similar morphology and microscopic composition. We hypothesize that the silica particles from combusted C1 bituminous coal in Xuanwei are mixed with indoor air and inhaled along with other suspended particles.

Objective: To estimate the effects of temperature on cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths in 4 cities-Kunming, Changsha, Guangzhou and Zhuhai, from southern part of China., Methods: Daily CVD deaths, meteorological and air pollution data were used to explore the association between temperature and mortality. Distributed lag non-linear model was fitted for each city to access the delayed and cumulative effects of low, median and high temperature on CVD deaths. Cold and hot effects of temperature on CVD deaths were then accessed, based on the linear threshold model., Results: The city-specific exposure-response functions appeared to be non-linear. Temperatures that associated with the lowest mortality for Changsha, Kunming, Guangzhou and Zhuhai were 22.0°C, 20.0°C, 26.0°C, and 25.5°C. The greatest cumulative RRs (95%CI) for CVD deaths of low temperature during the delayed period of the study in the 4 cities were 1.858 (1.089 - 3.170), 1.537 (1.306 - 1.809), 2.121 (1.771 - 2.540) and 1.934 (1.469 - 2.548), while 1.100 (0.816 - 1.483), 1.061 (0.956 - 1.177), 1.134 (1.047 - 1.230) and 1.259 (1.104 - 1.436) for high temperatures in Changsha, Kunming, Guangzhou and Zhuhai respectively. The hot effect was greater than the cold effect on the current days. The hot effect was restricted to the first week, whereas the cold effect increased over the lag days, and then last for 3 - 4 weeks., Conclusion: The city-specific exposure-response functions appeared to be non-linear. Both high and cold temperatures were associated with increased CVD deaths, but the impact of low temperature was more notable. Cold effect was delayed by several days but last for a longer period than the hot effect did.

A bacterial laccase gene designated as lac21 was screened from a marine microbial metagenomic library of the South China Sea based on sequence screening strategy. The protein encoded by lac21 shared less than 40% sequence identities with all of the laccases found. Lac21, which was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli, showed high activity toward syringaldazine at an optimum pH of 7.5 and temperature of 45°C. Lac21 was stable at pH values ranging from 5.5 to 9.0 and temperatures lower than 40°C. Interestingly, chloride enhanced the laccase activity, with concomitant increase in substrate affinity. Furthermore, Lac21 has high decolorization capability toward azo dyes in the absence of redox mediators, with 80% of Reactive Deep Blue M-2GE (50mg/L) being decolorized by 15U/L enzyme after 24h incubation at 20°C. These unusual properties demonstrate that the new bacterial laccase Lac21 has potentials in specific industrial or environmental applications., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the third most common cancer across the world, is known to aggregate in families. USP7 is a very important protein with an important role in regulating the p53 pathway, which is critical for genomic stability and tumor suppression. We here genotyped eight SNPs within the USP7 gene and conducted a case-control study in 312 CRC patients and 270 healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population. No significant associations were found for any single SNP and CRC risk. Our data eliminate USP7 as a potential candidate gene towards for CRC in the Han Chinese population.