The anti-inflammatory effects of asiatic acid in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells

AIM： To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of asiatic acid（AA） on lipopolysaccharide（LPS）-induced inflammatory response in human corneal epithelial cells（HCECs）.METHODS： Cell viability was measured using a cell counting kit-8（CCK-8） assay.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction（qR T-PCR） was used to determine the mR NA expression of interleukin-8（IL-8）,interleukin-6（IL-6）,interleukin-1β（IL-1β）,tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α）,and transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） in HCECs.Intracellular reactive oxygen species（ROS） was measured using the ROS assay kit.Glutathione（GSH） concentration was measured using the total GSH assay kit.Akt1 and Akt phosphorylation（p-Akt1） levels were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.RESULTS： AA induced toxicity at high concentrations and significantly stimulated the proliferation of HCECs at concentrations of 20 μmol/L for 1h.LPS at concentrations of 300 ng/mL for 1h significantly stimulated the mR NA expression of IL-8,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,and TGF-β in HCECs,while the stimulation effects were significantly inhibited by AA（20 μmol/L）.In addition,AA was found to decrease the content of ROS,increase GSH generation,and also inhibit LPS-induced p-Akt in HCECs.CONCLUSION： AA decreases the generation of inflammatory factors IL-8,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,and TGF-β in LPSstimulated HCECs.AA significantly inhibites the intracellular concentrations of ROS and increases GSH generation.AA also inhibites LPS-induced p-Akt in HCECs.These findings reveal that AA has anti-inflammation effects in LPS-stimulated HCECs.

Efficacy of S-1 vs capecitabine for the treatment of gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

AIM: To rationally evaluate the effect of S-1 vs capecitabine for the treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Google Scholar, and China Journal Full Text Database were accessed to collect clinical randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of S-1 vs capecitabine for the treatment of gastric cancer patients.Statistical analysis was performed by metaanalysis.Four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria.RESULTS: Compared with capecitabine regimens, the 1-year survival rate in gastric cancer patients was 0.80(95%CI: 0.52-1.21, P = 0.29).The overall response rate of S-1 vs capecitabine was 0.94(95%CI: 0.59-1.51, P = 0.93).Compared with capecitabine regimens, the most frequent hematologic toxicities were neutropenia( O R = 0.9 9, 9 5 % C I : 0.6 5- 1.4 9, P = 0.9 4) a n d thrombocytopenia(OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.31-1.67, P = 0.44).The most frequent non-hematologic toxicities included nausea(OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.56-1.28, P = 0.43) and hand-foot syndrome(OR = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.10-0.27, P < 0.00001).CONCLUSION: The existing studies suggest that S-1 is not more effective than capecitabine in the treatment of gastric cancer patients, but does exhibit less toxicity with regard to hand-foot syndrome.

Diagnostic efficacy of the Japan Narrow-band-imaging Expert Team and Pit pattern classifications for colorectal lesions: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Pit pattern classification using magnifying chromoendoscopy is the established method for diagnosing colorectal lesions. The Japan Narrow-band-imaging(NBI) Expert Team(JNET) classification is a novel NBI magnifying endoscopic classification that focuses on the vessel, and surface patterns.AIM To determine the diagnostic efficacy of each category of the JNET and Pit pattern classifications for colorectal lesions.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve of each category of the JNET and Pit pattern classifications were calculated.RESULTS A total of 19227 colorectal lesions in 31 studies were included. The diagnostic performance of the JNET classification was equivalent to the Pit pattern classification in each corresponding category. The pooled sensitivity, specificity,and area under the curve(AUC) for each category of the JNET classification were as follows: 0.73(95%CI: 0.55-0.85), 0.99(95%CI: 0.97-1.00), and 0.97(95%CI: 0.95-0.98), respectively, for Type 1;0.88(95%CI: 0.78-0.94), 0.72(95%CI: 0.64-0.79), and 0.84(95%CI: 0.81-0.87), respectively, for Type 2 A;0.56(95%CI: 0.47-0.64), 0.91(95%CI: 0.79-0.96), and 0.72(95%CI: 0.68-0.76), respectively, for Type 2 B;0.51(95%CI: 0.42-0.61), 1.00(95%CI: 1.00-1.00), and 0.90(95%CI: 0.87-0.93), respectively, for Type 3.CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that the diagnostic efficacy of the JNET classification may be equivalent to that of the Pit pattern classification. However, due to its simpler and clearer clinical application, the JNET classification should be promoted for the classification of colorectal lesions, and to guide the treatment strategy.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry for detection of protein expression profiles in the hippocampus following closed brain injury

Gene expression profile changes in brain regions following traumatic brain injury at the gene level cannot sufficiently elucidate gene expression time, expression amount, protein post-translational processing or modification. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively analyze the gene expression profile using proteomic techniques. In the present study, we established a rat model of closed brain injury using Marmarou＇s weight-drop device, and investigated hippocampal differential protein expression using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. A total of 364 protein peaks were detected on weak cation exchange-2 protein chips, including 37 differential protein peaks. 345 protein peaks were detected on immobilized metal affinity capture arrays-Cu, including 12 differential protein peaks Further examination of these differential proteins revealed that glucose-regulated protein and proteasome subunit alpha type 3 expression were significantly upregulated post-injury. These results indicate that brain injury can alter protein expression in the hippocampus, and that glucose-regulated protein and proteasome subunit alpha type 3 are closely associated with the occurrence and development of traumatic brain injury.

Heat Shock Protein 96 Induces Maturation of Dendritic Cells

Objective： Heat shock protein （HSP） has the promiscuous abilities to chaperone and present a broad repertoire of tumor antigens to antigen presenting cells including DCs. In this report, we analyzed the modulation of immature DC by lISP 96 （gp96）. Method： Murine bone marro6-derived DC was induced by GM-CSF plus IL-4, which aped the immunostimulatory effects of DC. Cocultured DC and gp96-peptide complexes （gp96-PC） or inactivated H22 cells, the expression of MHC class Ⅱ , CD40, CD80 was quantified by flow cytometry. The concentration of IL-12 and TNF- in culture supematants were determined by ELISA. C1 release assay was used to test specific cytotoxic T cell. Results： Our study demonstrated that the extent of DC maturation induced by gp96-PC, which was reflected in surface density of costimulatory and MHC Ⅱmolecules, was correlated with the secretion of IL-12 and with the T cellactivating potential in vitro. Conclusion： Heat shock protein 96 could be isolated and purified from H22 cells and could induce maturation of dendritic cell. Our findings might be relevance to the use of DC vaccine in therapy of human tumors.

Clinical Pathological Analysis of Synovial Sarcoma

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical diagnosis and differential diagno- sis of synovial sarcoma (SS). METHODS A total of 41 paraffin-embedded synovial sarcoma samples were examined by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry staining and the re- verse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in order to provide a scientific bases for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. RESULTS Twelve cases were a biphasic type, 22 cases were a mono- phasic fibrous type, and 7 cases were a poorly differentiated type. Thirty-six cases were both CK (and/or EMA) and Vim positive. Five cases were only Vim positive. A SYT-SSX fusion gene was detected in 18 cases by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION By observation of the histomorphology, immunohisto- chemistry markers and detection of a SYT-SSX fusion gene, we can make a clinical pathological diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.

REPORT OF HLA DISTRIBUTION IN 2315 VOLUNTEER DONORS OF CHINESE BONE MARROW BANK FROM NORTHWEST CHINA

Objective To report the HLA data of volunteer donors of Chinese bank from Northwest China and characterize the distribution of HLA genes in Northwest China. Methods HLA-A, B antigens of 2315 volunteer donors were examined by the method of microlymphocytetoxicity (MLT) test .The antigen frequencies(AF) were assessed by directly counting; and based on that gene frequencies(GF) were calculated. HLA data from other population were collected and distribution characteristics were compared. With the raw data, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, statistical parameters of forensic medicine interest for HLA were computed. Results A total of 18 specific antigens were detected in HLA-A and the most frequent antigen was A2 . AF and GF were 0.5136 and 0.3026, respectively. A total of 42 specific antigens were detected in HLA-B and the most frequent antigen was A13. Its' AF and GF were 0.1978 and 0.1044, respectively. The heterozygosity(H), polymorphism information content(PIC), discrimination power(DP) and probability of paternity exclusion (PPE) of HLA-A were 0.8215, 0.8212, 0.9356 and 0.7798 accordingly; while H,PIC, DP and PPE of HLA-B were 0.9322, 0.9322, 0.9878 and 0.9528. Conclusion The polymorphism of HLA-A,B genes is characteristic in Chinese. In this research, the genetic trait of HLA in 2315 volunteers is consistent with Northern Han population.

Investigation of amyloid deposition in uterine leiomyoma patients

Objects: To investigate the pathogenesis of amyloid presented in uterine leiomyoma. Methods: 36 uterine leiomyoma patients were recruited and divided into two groups according to Congo red staining results. 6 cases are Congo red staining-positive, and 30 cases Congo red staining-negative which represented amyloid positive and amyloid negative respectively. All patients’ serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and prealbumin (PA) levels were measured as well as blood hemoglobin (Hb), cell counts of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils (NEU) and lymphocyte (LYM). Glycogen in tissue was compared between amyloid accumulated and amyloid negative sections with periodic acid schiff staining (PAS) in leiomyoma patients. Results: All of blood Hb concentration, WBC, NEU and LYM have not been found significant differences between two groups. Also no obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed in tissue with amyloid deposition in uterine leiomyoma patients. And levels of TP, Alb and prealbumin have not been found significant differences between two groups. The amyloid was negative in leiomyoma entity cells range by Congo red staining, while small blood vessels in myoma tissues were positively detected with high rate. Amyloid was found in normal tissue around myoma as well as in blood vessel of pseudo-capsule. Increased PAS-positive material induced by leiomyoma was not correlated with amyloid deposition. Conclusions: Metabolic changes in the setting of functional alterations of cell in local microenvironment with uterine leiomyoma, may be related to the amyloid deposition.

Meta-Analysis on Efficacy and Safety of Modified Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang with the Western Medicines in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of modified Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang (GSZT) with the Western medicines in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: All the relevant studies were collected by searching the Pubmed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Journals database, and Wanfang database from their inception to October 2017. After the assessment, the eligible ones were subject to Jadad score. The meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Totally 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 962 patients were enrolled. The clinical efficacy of analysis showed that modified GSZT with the Western medicines can significantly improve the clinical total effective rate [OR = 4.64, 95%CI (3.03, 7.12), P &minus;14.58, 95%CI (&minus;16.49, &minus;12.68), P &minus;12.62 95%CI (&minus;18.69, &minus;6.54), P &minus;49.88, 95%CI (&minus;77.6, &minus;22.09), P &minus;5.34, 95%CI (&minus;5.86, &minus;4.82), P < 0.001]. The adverse events had been seen in both of the two groups, however, the clinical symptoms of the group on modified GSZT with the Western medicines were obviously reduced than the other one [OR = 0.25, 95%CI (0.10, 0.61), Z = 3.06, P < 0.01]. This system review shows that the modified GSZT with the Western medicines improved the clinical efficacy, symptoms and the blood biochemical indicators were improved significantly than that of Western medicines alone on rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, it can reduce adverse effects and enhance safety.

Effect of structured education program on physiological and psychosocial outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:This study was conducted to compare the effect of structured education program versus traditional diabetes education on insulin injection technique as well as physiologically and psychosocially related outcomes in adults with Type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial.Totally,71 Type 2 diabetes patients of using the insulin pen were enrolled and randomly divided into the intervention group(n=36)and the control group(n=35)according to random number table method.Patients in the intervention group received structured education program,while patients in the control group received traditional diabetes education.The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),blood glucose,and lipids were monitored before and 3 months after intervention,and the insulin injection techniques,diabetes distress,and diabetes self-management skills between groups were assessed after 3 months.Results:Finally,65 participants(intervention group:n=33,control group:n=32)finished the study.After the intervention,HbA1c was lower(7.42±0.80 vs.8.35±1.40,P=0.002),fasting blood glucose(FBG)was lower(7.27±1.06 vs.9.40±3.16,P<0.001),and postprandial blood glucose(PBG)was lower(10.33±2.20 vs.12.77±4.94,P=0.012)in the intervention group than in the control group.No statistically significance was identified between the two groups in scores of Diabetes Distress Scale and summary of diabetes self-care activities.Conclusion:Patients with Type 2 diabetes received structured education program,with greater improvements achieved in HbA1c,FBG,PBG,and measures about insulin injection techniques compared to the traditional education group,but there was no significant difference in diabetes distress or self-management behavior between groups.

Meta-Analysis of Atrial Electro-Gram Applied to PICC Catheter Tip Positioning

Objective: Assess the location effect of the atrial electrogram in the PICC catheter tip. Method: Make online research in the CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, VIP, Database, Cochrane Library, JBI Library, PubMed, Ovid, Springer, Web of science, MEDLINE database to collect the randomized controlled trial data of using the atrial electrogram to locate the PICC catheter tip. When making the online research, only the data to November 20, 2016 can be searched out. Two researchers independently select the literature and information, make quality assessment, and then use the RevMan 5.2 software to make Meta analysis. Result: 16 random tests are done. The Meta analysis results show that compared with the traditional X ray chest radiograph location method, the atrial electrogram can increase the accuracy rate of the location of the catheter tip [RR = 1.13, 95%CI (1.07, 1.19), P &minus;12.56, 95%CI (&minus;18.56, &minus;6.57), P Conclusion: The atrial electrogram can increase the accuracy rate of the location of the catheter tip, decrease the incidence rate of related complications and save the catheter placing time. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.

Strong and Tough PAm/SA Hydrogel with Highly Strain Sensitivity

The hydrogel is a preferred material for flexible wearable sensors.In practical application,it should have high-efficiency mechanical toughness and self-healing performance.Besides,hydrogel requires good affinity and adhe-sion because of its contact with the skin.In this experiment,we made an ultra-tough hydrogel with excellent cell affinity and adhesion.We used sodium alginate(SA)and polyacrylamide(PAm)mixture as a flexible base fluid.Polydopamine reduce graphene oxide(prGO)was used as conductive nanofiller,and then PAm-prGO-SA semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel was formed through Am radical polymerization.The presence of prGO endows the hydrogels with excellent electrical conductivity.Simultaneously,some non-reduced GO forms non-covalent cross-links with PAm,SA,and Polydopamine(PDA)in the hydrogel network.The stress of PAm-prGO-SA hydrogel can reach 750 KPa,and the strain is 900%.The hydrogel,combined with its excellent electrical,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility,is expected to be applied in portable,remote,and real-time health monitoring systems.

Discussion on Dry Cough with Yellow Greasy Coating

This paper discussed the pathogenesis and the principle of treatment of the dry cough with yellow greasy coating. Combined the clinic observation with the TCM theory, we found that the main reasons about this dry cough are dryness in lung and stagnated phlegm. And heavy dosages herbs which can nourish Yin and clear away the heat should be adopted.

Effects of Yinchenhao Decoction(茵陈蒿汤) for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Rats and Study of the Mechanism

Objective:To observe the effects of Yinchenhao Decoction(茵陈蒿汤) for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) in rats and study the mechanism.Methods:Total 18 male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group,a model group and a treatment group,6 rats in each group.Rats in the model and treatment groups were fed with high-fat forage for 10 weeks to prepare the NASH model,and the rats in the treatment group were administrated with Yinchenhao Decoction from the 6th week for 5 weeks.All rats were sacrificed at the end of the10th week and the samples were collected.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) activity,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) level,and hepatic triglyceride(TG) and free fatty acid(FFA) contents were determined.Hepatic pathological changes were detected by HE staining.Results:Serum ALT activity,TNF-α level,hepatic TG and FFA contents,and the fatty deposition in hepatocytes were significantly reduced in the rats of the treatment group.Conclusion:Yinchenhao Decoction has good therapeutic effects for NASH,protecting the liver function and reducing the fatty deposition in liver,which are possibly related with reduction of FFA content and inhibition of TNF-α expression.

Pathological Relationship between Intestinal Flora and Osteoarthritis and Intervention Mechanism of Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine(CM) has a good clinical effect on osteoarthritis(OA), but the mechanism is not very clear. Evidence-based medicine researches have shown that intestinal flora plays a role in the pathogenesis and succession of OA. Intestinal flora affects the efficacy of CM, and CM can affect the balance of intestinal flora. This paper focuses on the relationship between intestinal flora, intestinal microenvironment, brain-gut axis, metabolic immunity and OA, and preliminarily expound the significance of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis of OA and the mechanism of CM intervention. The above discussion will be of great significance in the prevention and treatment of OA by CM from the perspective of intestinal flora.

Uric acid lowering effect of Tibetan Medicine RuPeng15 powder in animal models of hyperuricemia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the Tibetan medicine Ru Peng15 powder(RPP15) on uric acid levels, and explore its possible mechanisms of action in hyperuricemic animal models.METHODS: Hyperuricemic mice were generated by orally administering yeast extract paste twice daily(30 g/kg) for 8 days, to mimic human hyperuricemia induced by high-protein diets. Hyperuricemic rats were generated by intraperitoneal injection of 250 mg/kg potassium oxonate to each animal 1 h before the last oral administration of test compounds, which raised the serum uric acid level by inhibiting the decomposition of uric acid. Levels of uric acid and creatinine in serum and urine were detected by the phosphotungstic acid and picric acid methods respectively, and the activity of xanthine oxidase(XOD) was assayed using a commercial test kit.RESULTS: RPP15(0.4, 0.8, 1.2 g/kg) significantly decreased the level of serum uric acid in healthy rats(P < 0.05). Furthermore, hyperuricemic rats treated with RPP15(0.4, 0.8, 1.2 g/kg) had lower serum uric acid levels(P < 0.05), accompanied by lower urine uric acid(P < 0.05). For the hyperuricemic mice, the levels of uric acid in the serum decreased significantly(P < 0.05) and the activity of XOD in the liver was restored to normal levels after treatment with RPP15(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: RPP15(0.4, 0.8, 1.2 g/kg) demonstrated an anti-hyperuricemic effect on both healthy and hyperuricemic animals, and the mechanism is most likely associated with inhibiting the activity of XOD.

Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance:mechanisms and new strategies

Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment,therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a completecure.Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity.Severalreversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity,including epigenetic modifications,regulation oftranscription factors,activation or suppression of key signaling pathways,as well as modification of the tumor environment.Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity.Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employcombination treatments.In this review,we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasionfrom targeted therapy.We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types oftumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance.New therapeutic strategiessuch as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented.We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that areongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes.These advances provide a direction for developing noveltherapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.