Research on Teaching Reform of Basic Medical Courses in Comprehensive Universities Oriented Towards“Clinical Competency”

Through this study,we aim to construct a teaching model for basic medical courses that enhances“clinical competency.”We explore the optimal methods and pathways for the organic integration of exam-oriented teaching and professional teaching,optimize teaching efficiency,improve teaching quality and educational effectiveness,and provide theoretical support for the cultivation of clinical medical talents in China.The goal is to establish a talent cultivation objective oriented towards“clinical competency,”promote the teaching reform of basic medical courses in comprehensive universities,facilitate the transition of basic medical course teaching from“teacher knowledge presentation”to“student knowledge construction,”and cultivate high-quality medical talents with clinical competency.

Basic fibroblast growth factor improves learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of vascular dementia: Associated with the role of free radicals clearance?

BACKGROUND： Basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） exhibits neuroprotective functions, but the possible mechanisms of bFGF on vascular dementia remain unclear. OBJECTIVE： To explore the neuroprotective effects of bFGF on a mouse model of vascular dementia, with focus on oxidative damage. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Medical College of Beihua University from March to December 2008. MATERIALS： bFGF was purchased from Peprotech, USA. METHODS： A total of 80 healthy, Kunming mice were randomly assigned to control, sham-surgery, model, and bFGF groups. The model and bFGF groups were used to establish vascular dementia models by repetitive cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in a conscious state. In addition, bFGF group mice were intraperitoneally injected with bFGF （100 pg/kg） following model establishment, once a day for 7 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The Morris water maze was used to determine the influence of bFGF on learning and memory abilities in vascular dementia mice. The pathomorphological changes in hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed by Nissl staining. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde changes were analyzed using biochemical analysis methods. Annexin V-FITC/PI-double-labeled flow cytometry was used to detect neuronal apoptosis. RESULTS： Learning and memory functions in model mice significantly decreased, as characterized by prolonged latency and reduced time and number of platform crossings （P 〈 0.01, P 〈 0.05）. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced, malondialdehyde content was significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis was increased （P 〈 0.01） following vascular dementia, bFGF increased superoxide dismutase activity, decreased malondialdehyde content, and reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis （P 〈 0.01）, which resulted in improved learning and memory in mice with vascular dementia. CONCLUSION： bFGF improved learning and memory deficits in mice with vascular dementia by reducing free radical injury and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.

Basic fibroblast growth factor improves learning and memory functions in chronic stress mice

Four weeks of uncertain stress was used to establish an animal model of chronic stress. Basic fibroblast growth factor was injected daily for 15 days following stress induction. Cell morphology in the hippocampal CA3 region of chronic stress mice revealed cell damage. Nitric oxide content and calcium concentration were significantly increased in the hippocampus, and learning and memory functions were significantly decreased. After basic fibroblast growth factor intervention, Ca2~ overload was decreased and neuronal damage was relieved in hippocampal neurons, which improved learning and memory functions in chronic stress mice. Latency was prolonged and the number of errors was decreased in a passive avoidance test.

Surviving the shift: College student satisfaction with emergency online learning during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic disrupted education systems by forcing systems to shift to emergency online leaning.Online learning satisfaction affects academic achievement.Many factors affect online learning satisfaction.However there is little study focused on personal characteristics,mental status,and coping style when college students participated in emergency online courses.regression analyses were performed to identify factors that affected online learning satisfaction.RESULTS Descriptive findings indicated that 62.9%(994/1580)of students were satisfied with online learning.Factors that had significant positive effects on online learning satisfaction were online learning at scheduled times,strong exercise intensity,good health,regular schedule,focusing on the epidemic less than one hour a day,and maintaining emotional stability.Positive coping styles were protective factors of online learning satisfaction.Risk factors for poor satisfaction were depression,neurasthenia,and negative coping style.CONCLUSION College students with different personal characteristics,mental status,and coping style exhibited different degrees of online learning satisfaction.Our findings provide reference for educators,psychologists,and school adminis-trators to conduct health education intervention of college students during emergency online learning.

水通道蛋白-4的激活可促进胶质淋巴系统功能及脑出血后血肿清除

有效清除血肿对于改善脑出血(ICH)患者的临床结局至关重要。由水通道蛋白-4(AQP4)促进的胶质淋巴系统在脑脊液(CSF)流入和代谢废物清除方面发挥关键作用。本研究探讨胶质淋巴系统在脑出血病理中的作用,重点关注AQP4。本研究建立了胶原酶诱导的脑出血模型,并通过米非司酮作为激动剂、TGN-020作为抑制剂以及Aqp4基因敲除来调控AQP4表达。采用荧光示踪和多模态磁共振成像(MRI)观察胶质淋巴系统功能、血肿和水肿体积。使用改良Garcia量表(modified GarciaScale)进行神经功能缺损评分。采用RT-qPCR和Westernblotting量化AQP4表达,并利用免疫荧光探索其细胞定位。检查脑组织切片中的神经元形态、退行性改变和铁沉积。脑出血后第3天,AQP4激动剂组表现出AQP4蛋白表达增加和血管周围极化增强、血红蛋白水平降低以及铁沉积减少。抑制组则呈现相反的趋势。AQP4的激活改善了胶质淋巴系统功能,导致分布范围更广、神经功能改善和血肿减少。AQP4的药理学抑制和基因敲除具有相反的效果。由AQP4促进的胶质淋巴系统在脑出血后的血肿清除中发挥关键作用。上调AQP4可改善胶质淋巴系统功能,促进血肿清除,并促进脑组织恢复。

Efficacy and Safety of Lianhua Qingke Tablets in the Treatment of Long Coronavirus Disease (COVID) Cough: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Study

Lianhua Qingke tablets,a patented traditional Chinese medicine that has validated clinical efficacy for treating cough caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection,lack rigorous evidence-based research evaluating their effect on long coronavirus disease(COVID)cough.A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical study was conducted among patients with long COVID cough from 19 hospitals and 23 community health centers in China.Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either Lianhua Qingke tablets or placebo orally for 14 days(four tablets,1.84 g,three times a day).The primary endpoint indicator was the disappearance of cough,with the remission of cough also considered.Among 482 randomized patients,480(full analysis set 480;per-protocol set 470;safety set 480)were included in the primary analysis.According to the full analysis,the time until cough disappearance was significantly shorter in the trial group than in the control group,with a significant increase in the 14-day cough disappearance rate.Accordingly,the time to cough remission was significantly shorter in the trial group than in the control group.The change in the total symptom score was significantly greater in the trial group than in the control group on days 7 and 14,consistent with the results indicated by the visual analog scale(VAS)and cough evaluation test(CET)scores.No serious adverse events were recorded during the study.Lianhua Qingke tablets significantly improved the clinical symptoms of patients with long COVID cough.

Analysis of the Effect of GINS4 Regarding the Proliferation and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells

Objective: To analyze the role and influence of the GINS4 gene in breast cancer progression and to explore its expression in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Methods: Single-gene analysis of GINS4 was performed by breast cancer RNA transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of GINS4 in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. The knockdown effects of GINS4 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines on the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells were examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and Transwell assays. Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of GINS4 in breast cancer was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues (P > 0.05). At the same time, cell experiments confirmed that GINS4 was highly expressed in human breast cancer cell lines with normal breast cells as reference and in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines as reference, where the ability of proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells decreased after GINS4 knockdown. Conclusion: GINS4 is a gene associated with breast cancer malignancy, which can act as a novel tumor marker and has the potential as a new therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Mendelian randomization analysis:the causal relationship between statins and eye diseases

Background:The specific role of statins in the field of ophthalmology is not clear.Statins have the advantages of pleiotropic,relatively safety and low cost,and are a promising choice for the prevention and management of eye diseases.Nevertheless,there is a divergence of findings regarding the correlation between statin treatment and ocular conditions.Hence,our intention is to investigate the impact of statins on eye conditions through the utilization of Mendelian randomization(MR).Methods:The UK Biobank provided data on five statins,while the FinnGen database provided data on six eye diseases,including age-related macular degeneration,glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy,senile cataract,drug-induced cataract,and other cataracts.Causality exploration involved the utilization of various methods including inverse variance weighted(IVW),weighted median,weighted multivariate(weighted mode),and MR-Egger regression.To assess the reliability of the findings,funnel analysis,MR-Egger regression,leave-one-out method,and Cochran’s Q test were employed.Additionally,reverse MR analysis was performed to evaluate the potential for reverse causality between statin use and eye diseases.Results:Based on IVW analysis,there were three pairs of positive results with significant(P<0.05)causal relationship,including atorvastatin and drug-induced cataract(odds ratio(OR)=1.65E-05,95%confidence interval(CI):2.24E-09–0.12;P_(IVW)=0.02),rosuvastatin and drug-induced cataract(OR=2.77E-18,95%CI:7.53E-35–0.1;P_(IVW)=0.04)and fluvastatin with senile cataract(OR=0.5,95%CI:0.25–0.99;P_(IVW)=0.05).No significant causal relationship was observed between other types of statins and eye diseases.Sensitivity analysis found that the results were robust.Reverse MR analysis indicated no evidence of reverse causality between statin use and the examined eye diseases.Conclusion:Our study finally verified the strong causal relationship between three drugs and two diseases(atorvastatin and rosuvastatin and drug cataract,fluvastatin and senile cataract).This study confirms that statins may reduce the risk of certain eye diseases and provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of eye diseases.Furthermore,the lack of reverse causality reinforces the reliability of these associations.

Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with clinical pathologic features and immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich(SFPQ)is a multifunctional protein that controls various biological functions.As a potential therapeutic target and a promising prognostic indicator,the potential effects and processes of SFPQ in HCC require further investigation.Methods:The RNA sequencing data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus,International Cancer Genome Consortium,and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to analyze SFPQ expression and differentially expressed genes(DEGs).We utilized the LinkedOmics database to identify co-expressed genes.A Venn diagram was constructed to determine the overlapping genes between the DEGs and the co-expressed genes.Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the overlapping genes and DEGs.Furthermore,our study involved functional enrichment analysis,a protein-protein interaction network analysis,and an analysis of immune cell infiltration.The cBioPortal and Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub were utilized to investigate the genetic alterations of SFPQ and the single-cell transcriptome visualization of the tumor microenvironment.A ceRNA network was established with the assistance of the ENCORI website.Finally,we elucidated the clinical significance of SFPQ in HCC by employing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,univariate and multivariate Cox regression,and prognostic nomogram models.Results:The expression of SFPQ in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to normal tissues.GSEA results indicated that increased expression of SFPQ was associated with pathways related to HCC.The ceRNA network,including SFPQ,hsa-miR-101-3p,AC023043.4,AC124798.1,AC145207.5,and GSEC,was constructed with the assistance of ENCORI.High SFPQ expression was related to a poor prognosis in HCC and its subtypes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elevated SFPQ expression is an independent predictive factor.Conclusions:The overexpression of SFPQ may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker,indicating a poor prognosis in HCC.

实验性NIDDM模型胰岛素抵抗的评估

目的 用糖耐量曲线下面积 (SBG)、胰岛素释放曲线下面积 (SIns)、胰岛素敏感指数 ,这些临床糖尿病常用的指标对非胰岛素依赖型糖尿病 (non insulin- dependentdiabetes mellitus,NIDDM)模型胰岛素抵抗评估。方法 大鼠尾静脉注射小剂量链尿佐菌素 ,使大鼠糖耐量异常 ,然后加喂高热量食物 ,引起动物肥胖 ,饲养 8wk,可形成类似 NIDDM的肥胖大鼠模型 ,并设置对照组 ,同时测定了大鼠糖耐量试验过程中血清葡萄糖 (BG)、胰岛素 (Ins) ,并计算了 SBG、SIns、胰岛素敏感指数。结果 1模型组糖耐量试验 ,血清 BG糖耐量下降 ,Ins在糖负荷后 2 h明显升高 (P<0 .0 1) ;2 Ins敏感指数较对照组明显降低 (P<0 .0 1) ;3SBG明显上升 (P<0 .0 1) ;SIns无明显变化 ,SIns/ SBG下降 (P<0 .0 1)。结论 SBG、SIns、胰岛素敏感指数可较好反映 Ins作用 ,B细胞储备功能及 Ins敏感性 ,可广泛用于实验性糖尿病基础研究和作为临床正确评价 IR的指标。

A case-control study of risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease in Yuxi, China, 2010–2012

Dear Editor,Here,we report the risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD)determined by our case-controlstudy.Our findings could help disease prevention and in-tervention initiatives.Patients with severe HFMD displayfatal clinical manifestations with sequelae,requiring≥7days of hospitalization.A tota1 of 249 severe cases treat-ed at Yuxi Children’s Hospital were included in the

Expression and significance of homeodomain protein Cdx2 in gastric carcinoma and precancerous lesions

AIM： To investigate the expression and significance of caudal-related homeobox transcription factor （Cdx2） in gastric carcinoma （GC） and precancerous lesions. METHODS： The expression of Cdx2 in GC, precancer- ous lesions and normal gastric mucosa were detected using immunohistochemical method. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, alcian blue/periodic acid-schiff and high iron diamine/alcian blue staining were used to classify intestinal metaplasia （IM） and GC. RESULTS： Cdx2 was not detected in normal gas- tric mucosa. Cdx2 expression was detected in 87.1% （101/116） of IM, 50% （36/72） of dysplasia and 48.2% （41/85） of GC. The Cdx2-expressing cells in IM were more prevalent than in dysplasia and carcinoma （P 〈 0.05）. There was no relationship between Cdx2 ex- pression and the classification of IM or the degree of dysplasia. Expression of Cdx2 was significantly higher in intestinal-type carcinoma than in diffuse and mixed- type carcinoma （P 〈 0.05）. Positive expression of Cdx2was mainly found in moderately to well differentiated GC. There was a negative association between nuclear Cdx2 expression and lymph node metastasis and tumor, nodes, metastasis stage of GC （P 〈 0.05）. The patients with Cdx2-positive expression showed a higher survival rate than those with Cdx2-negative expression （P = 0.038）. Multivariate analysis revealed that the expres- sion of Cdx2 and lymph node metastasis were indepen- dent prognostic indicators of GC （P 〈 0.05）.

Tong xie yao fang relieves irritable bowel syndrome in rats via mechanisms involving regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P

AIM: To investigate whether the Chinese medicine Tong Xie Yao Fang(TXYF) improves dysfunction in an irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) rat model. METHODS: Thirty baby rats for IBS modeling were separated from mother rats(1 h per day) from days 8 to 21, and the rectum was expanded by angioplasty from days 8 to 12. Ten normal rats were used as normal controls. We examined the effects of TXYF on defection frequency, colonic transit function and smooth muscle contraction, and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and substance P(SP) in colonic and hypothalamus tissues by Western blot and RT-PCT techniques in both normal rats and IBS model rats with characterized visceral hypersensitivity.in normal rats and 4.5 ± 1.58 in IBS model rats(P < 0.001). However, the defecation frequency was significantly decreased(3.0 ± 1.25 vs 4.5 ± 1.58, P < 0.05), while the time(in seconds) of colon transit function was significantly increased(256.88 ± 20.32 vs 93.36 ± 17.28, P < 0.001) in IBS + TXYF group rats than in IBS group rats. Increased colonic smooth muscle tension and contract frequency in IBS model rats were significantly decreased by administration of TXYF. Exogenous agonist stimulants increased spontaneous activity and elicited contractions of colon smooth muscle in IBS model rats, and all of these actions were significantly reduced by TXYF involving 5-HT and SP down-regulation. CONCLUSION: TXYF can modulate the activity of the enteric nervous system and alter 5-HT and SP activities, which may contribute to the symptoms of IBS.

New progress in roles of nitric oxide during hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a clinical condition which may lead to cellular injury and organ dysfunction. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in HIRI is complicated and inconclusive. NO produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation plays a protective role during early HIRI. But eNOS overexpression and the resulting excessive NO bioavailability can aggravate liver injury. NO induced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may have either a protective or a deleterious effect during the early phase of HIRI, but it may protect the liver during late HIRI. Here, we reviewed the latest findings on the role of NO during HIRI: (1) NO exerts a protective effect against HIRI by increasing NO bioavailability, downregulating p53 gene expression, decreasing inflammatory chemokines, reducing ROS via inhibiting the mitochondrial respiratory chain, activating sGC-GTP-cGMP signal pathway to reduce liver cell apoptosis, and regulating hepatic immune functions; (2) eNOS protects against HIRI by increasing NO levels, several eNOS/NO signal pathways (such as Akt-eNOS/NO, AMPK-eNOS/NO and HIF-1 alpha-eNOS/NO) participating in the anti-HIRI process, and inhibiting over-expression of eNOS also protects against HIRI; and (3) the inhibition of iNOS prevents HIRI. Thus, the adverse effects of NO should be avoided, but its positive effect in the clinical treatment of diseases associated with HIRI should be recognized.

Notoginseng Saponin Rg1 Prevents Cognitive Impairment through Modulating APP Processing in Aβ1-42-injected Rats

With the intensification of the aging process of the world,Alzheimer's disease(AD),which is the main type of senile dementia,has become a primary problem in the present society.Lots of strategies have been used to prevent and treat AD in animal nlodels and clinical trials,but most of them ended in failure.Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)contain a variety of monomer compositions which have been separated and identified.Among of the monomer compositions,notoginseng saponin Rg1(Rg1)accounts for 20%of the cultivation of panax notoginseng roots.And now PNS have been reported to be widely used to treat cardicerebrovascular diseases and have neuroprotective effects to restrain theβ-amyloid peptide(Aβ)25-35-niediated apoptosis.Moreover,it is reported that PNS could accelerate the growth of nerve cells,increase the length of axons and promote synaptic plasticity.Whether Rg1 can ameliorate the cognitive impairment and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.To study the preventive effect of Rg1 on cognitive impairment and the possible mechanism,we established the cognitive impairment model in rats through Aβ1-42(2.6μg/μL,5μL)injection and then treated the rats with Rg1(25,50 and 100 mg/kg)administered intragastrically for 4 weeks.We observed that Aβ1-42 could induce spatial learning and memory deficits in rats.Simultaneously,Aβ1-42 injection also resulted in the reduced neuron number in comuammonis 1(CA1)and dentate gyrus(DG)of hippocampus,as well as the increased level of hyperphosphorylatedβ-amyloid precursor protein(APP)at Thr668 site with up-regulation ofβ-APP cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1)and presenilin 1(PS1)and down-regulation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing protein 10(ADAM 10)and insulindegrading enzyme(IDE).Administration of Rg1 effectively rescued the cognitive impairment and neuronal loss,and inhibited theβ-secretase processing of APP through reducing APP-Thr668 phosphorylation and BACE1/PS1 expression,and increasing the expression of ADAM 10 and IDE.We concluded that Rg1 might have neuroprotective effects and could promote learning and memory ability,which might be a viable candidate in AD therapy probably through reducing the generation of Aβand increasing the degradation of Aβ.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo: From biological characteristics to therapeutic mechanisms

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic injuries, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix or scar tissue within the liver;in addition, its formation is associated with multiple cytokines as well as several cell types and a variety of signaling pathways. When liver fibrosis is not well controlled, it can progress to liver cirrhosis, but it is reversible in principle. Thus far, no efficient therapy is available for treatment of liver fibrosis. Although liver transplantation is the preferred strategy, there are many challenges remaining in this approach, such as shortage of donor organs, immunological rejection, and surgical complications. Hence, there is a great need for an alternative therapeutic strategy. Currently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis;advantageously, the characteristics of MSCs are continuous self-renewal, proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and immunomodulatory activities. The human umbilical cord-derived (hUC)-MSCs possess not only the common attributes of MSCs but also more stable biological characteristics, relatively easy accessibility, abundant source, and no ethical issues (e.g., bone marrow being the adult source), making hUC-MSCs a good choice for treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics of hUC-MSCs and their paracrine effects, exerted by secretion of various cytokines, which ultimately promote liver repair through several signaling pathways. Additionally, we discuss the capacity of hUC-MSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells for compensating the function of existing hepatocytes, which may aid in amelioration of liver fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the current status of the research field and its future prospects.

Fisetin mitigates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating GSK3β/AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

Background: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury(IRI) represents a crucial challenge in liver transplantation. Fisetin has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-oxidative properties. This study aimed to examine whether fisetin mitigates hepatic IRI and examine its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sham or warm hepatic I/R operated mice were pretreated with fisetin(5, 10 or 20 mg/kg). Hepatic histological assessments, TUNEL assays and serum aminotransferase measurements were performed. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) model using RAW264.7 macrophages pretreated with fisetin(2.5, 5 or 10 μmol/L) was also used. Serum and cell supernatant concentrations of interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Protein levels of p-GSK3 β, p-AMPK and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the I/R group, fisetin pretreatment reduced pathological liver damage, serum aminotransferase levels, serum concentrations of IL-1 β, IL-18 and TNF-α in the murine IRI model. Fisetin also reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins(NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1 β and IL-18) in I/R-operated liver. The experiments in vitro showed that fisetin decreased the release of IL-1 β, IL-18 and TNF-α, and reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins in H/R-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, fisetin increased the expressions of p-GSK3 β and p-AMPK in both models, indicating that its anti-inflammatory effects were dependent on GSK3 β/AMPK signaling. The antiinflammatory effects of fisetin were partially inhibited by the AMPK specific inhibitor compound C. Conclusions: Fisetin showed protective effects against hepatic IRI, countering inflammatory responses through mediating the GSK3 β/AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion may exacerbate brain injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock

BACKGROUND：The intestinal lymphatic pathway and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion are mainly involved in mesenteric lymph duct ligation or drainage; moreover,intervention by reducing the lymph liquid reflux might relieve lung and other organ dysfunction induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion; however,research addressing mesenteric lymph reperfusion （MLR） and brain injury has not yet to be reported.OBJECTIVE：To observe the effect of MLR on brain tissue in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion （SMAO） shock,and to explore the molecular mechanism of MLR.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled,animal experiment at a neuro-pathophysiology level was performed at the Institute of Microcirculation,Hebei North University; Department of Pathophysiology,Basic Medical College; Department of Pathology,the First Hospital of Hebei North University between December 2007 and March 2009.MATERIALS：Adenosine triphosphate （ATP） standard was provided by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products; lactic acid （LA）,superoxide dismutase （SOD）,malonaldehyde （MDA）,nitrogen monoxidum （NO）,nitric oxide synthase （NOS）,myeloperoxidase （MPO） and ATPase assay kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute,China.METHODS：A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups.In the sham-surgery group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and the superior mesenteric artery were not blocked; in the MLR group （n = 6）,the mesenteric lymph duct was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the SMAO group （n = 6）,the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the MLR ＋ SMAO group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and superior mesenteric artery were occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Mean arterial blood pressure prior to and following ischemia/reperfusion; brain tissue morphology levels of LA,MDA,SOD,NO,NOS,MPO,ATPase and ATP following reperfusion.RESULTS：MLR did not cause changes in mean arterial blood pressure,brain tissue morphology,LA,MDA,NO,ATP,SOD,NOS,MPO and ATPase.However,SMAO caused a rapid decrease and gradual increase of mean arterial blood pressure.Neuronal necrosis,degeneration and swelling were observed in brain tissue.Contents of MDA,NO,LA and ATP as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P〈 0.05）,but activities of SOD and Na＋-K＋-ATPase were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）.MLR aggravated neuronal damage in a rat model of SMAO shock.Following MLR,mean arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）,contents of MDA and NO as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P 〈0.05）,but activities of Ca2＋-ATPase,Mg2＋-ATPase and Ca2＋-Mg2＋-ATPase as well as ATP content were significantly decreased （P〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION：MLR aggravates brain injury in a rat model of SMAO shock,which correlates with oxygen-derived free radical injury,NO synthesis and release,sequestration of neutrophilic granulocytes,decreasing activity of cell membrane pumps and energy metabolism dysfunction.Pathogenesis of the intestinal lymphatic pathway should be thoroughly investigated to prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Therapeutic effects of combined oxaliplatin and S-1 in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma

AIM:To evaluate the effects and safety of combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and S-1 (SOX regimen) in older patients with advanced gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA). METHODS: Seventy patients with advanced GCA were classified according to age into an older group (≥ 75 years) and a control group (< 75 years). The SOX regimen was administered to the two groups as follows: S-1 (40 mg/m2 po bid) on days 1 to 14 followed by a 7-d off period, plus L-OHP (65 mg/m2 iv) for 2 h on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle. This regimen was repeat-ed for four to six cycles. Response and swallow statuses were evaluated after two cycles (6 wk). Effects and toxicity were evaluated four weeks after chemotherapy was completed. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.6% (21/32) in the older group and 68.4% (26/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.062 and P = 0.804). Improvement in swallowing was 78.1% (25/32) in the older group and 76.3% (29/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.032 and P = 0.857). Effi cacy was 68.8% (22/32) in the older group and 65.8% (25/38) in the control group (χ2 = 0.069 and P = 0.793). Toxicities were reversible and similar in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SOX regimen is an effective, safe and well-tolerated regimen for older patients with advanced GCA.

Protective Effects of Trimetazidine on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Viability in an ex vivo Model of Hypoxia and in vivo Model of Locally Myocardial Ischemia

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential for cardiac repair following myocardial injury,but this approach is limited by their poor viability after transplantation.The present study was to investigate whether trimetazidine (TMZ) could improve survival of MSCs in an ex vitro model of hypoxia,as well as survival,differentiation,and subsequent activities of transplanted MSCs in rat hearts with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MSCs at passage 3 were examined for their viability and apoptosis under a transmission electron microscope,and by using flow cytometry following culture in serumfree medium and exposure to hypoxia (5% CO2,95% N2) for 12 h with or without TMZ.Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each group),including groupⅠ(AMI control),groupⅡ (MSCs transplantation alone),and group Ⅲ (TMZ+MSCs).Rat MSCs (4×107) were injected into peri-infarct myocardium (MSCs group and TMZ+MSCs group) 30 min after coronary artery ligation.The rats in TMZ+MSCs group were additionally fed on TMZ (2.08 mg?kg-1?day-1) from day 3 before AMI to day 28 after AMI.Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography at 28th day after transplantation.Blood samples were collected before the start of TMZ therapy (baseline),and 24 and 48 h after AMI,and inflammatory cytokines (CRP,TNF-α) were measured.Then the sur-vival and differentiation of transplanted cells in vivo were detected by immunofluorescent staining.The cellular apoptosis in the peri-infarct region was detected by using TUNEL assay.Furthermore,apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2,Bax) within the post-infarcted myocardium were detected by using Western blotting.In hypoxic culture,the TMZ-treated MSCs displayed a two-fold decrease in apoptosis under serumfree medium and hypoxia environment.In vivo,cardiac infarct size was significantly reduced,and cardiac function significantly improved in MSCs and TMZ+MSCs groups as compared with those in the AMI control group.Combined treatment of TMZ with MSCs implantation demonstrated further decreased MSCs apoptosis,further increased MSCs viability,further decreased infarct size,and further improved cardiac function as compared with MSCs alone.The baseline levels of inflammatory cyto-kines (CRP,TNF-α) had no significant difference among the groups.In contrast,all parameters at 24 h were lower in TMZ+MSCs group than those in MSCs group.Furthermore,Western blotting indicated that the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was upregulated,while the proapoptotic protein Bax was down-regulated in the TMZ+MSCs group,compared with that in the MSCs group.It is suggested that implantation of MSCs combined with TMZ treatment is superior to MSCs monotherapy for MSCs viability and cardiac function recovery.