Transcriptomic insights into the lipotoxicity of high-fat high-fructose diet in rat and mouse

Along with the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide, the deleterious effects of high-calorie diet are gradually recognized through more and more epidemiological studies. However, the concealed and chronic causality whitewashes its unhealthy character. Given an ingenious mechanism orchestrates the metabolic adaptation to high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet and connive its lipotoxicity, in this study, an experimental rat/mouse model of obesity was induced and a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed to probe the mystery. Our results demonstrated that HFF diet consumption altered the transcriptomic pattern as well as different high-calorie diet fed rat/mouse manifested distinct hepatic transcriptome. Validation with RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that SREBP1-FASN involved in de novo lipogenesis partly mediated metabolic self-adaption. Moreover, hepatic ACSL1-CPT1A-CPT2 pathway involved in fatty acids β-oxidation, played a key role in the metabolic adaption to HFF. Collectively, our findings enrich the knowledge of the chronic adaptation mechanisms and also shed light on future investigations. Meanwhile, our results also suggest that efforts to restore the fatty acids metabolic fate could be a promising avenue to fight against obesity and associated steatosis and insulin resistance challenged by HFF diet.

Mulberry and Hippophae-based solid beverage promotes weight loss in rats by antagonizing white adipose tissue PPARγ and FGFR1 signaling

Obesity, a multifactorial disease with many complications, has become a global epidemic. Weight management, including dietary supplementation, has been confirmed to provide relevant health benefits. However, experimental evidence and mechanistic elucidation of dietary supplements in this regard are limited. Here, the weight loss efficacy of MHP, a commercial solid beverage consisting of mulberry leaf aqueous extract and Hippophae protein peptides, was evaluated in a high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet-induced rat model of obesity. Body component analysis and histopathologic examination confirmed that MHP was effective to facilitate weight loss and adiposity decrease. Pathway enrichment analysis with differential metabolites generated by serum metabolomic profiling suggests that PPAR signal pathway was significantly altered when the rats were challenged by HFF diet but it was rectified after MHP intervention. RNA-Seq based transcriptome data also indicates that MHP intervention rectified the alterations of white adipose tissue mRNA expressions in HFF-induced obese rats. Integrated omics reveals that the efficacy of MHP against obesogenic adipogenesis was potentially associated with its regulation of PPARγ and FGFR1 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that MHP could improve obesity, providing an insight into the use of MHP in body weight management.

A Novel Ultrafiltrate Extract of Propolis Exerts Anti-inflammatory Activity through Metabolic Rewiring

Thousands of years ago, humans started to use propolis because of its medicinal properties, and modern science has successfully identified several bioactive molecules within this resinous bee product. However, a natural propolis extract which has been removed the adhesive glue and preserved propolis bioactive compounds is urgently needed to maximise the therapeutic opportunities. In this study, a novel ultrafiltrate fraction from Brazilian green propolis, termed P30K, was demonstrated with anti-inflammatory properties, both in vitro and in vivo. Total flavonoids and total phenolic acids content in P30K were 244.6 mg/g and 275.8 mg/g respectively, while the IC50 value of inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was 8.30 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory activity of P30K was furtherly corroborated in experimental models of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute liver and lung injury. Mechanistically, integrated GC-MS and LC-MS based serum metabolomics analysis revealed that P30K modulated citrate cycle (TCA), pyruvate, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways to inhibit secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results of network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested that P30K targeted catechol-O-methyltransferases (COMT), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11B1), and monoamine oxidases (MAOA and MAOB) to promote cellular metabolomic rewiring. Collectively, our work reveals P30K as an efficient therapeutic agent against inflammatory conditions and its efficacy is related to metabolic rewiring.

Membrane-Based Preparation Process and Antioxidant and Anti-AGEs Activities of a Novel Propolis Ultrafiltrate

Propolis is one functional supplement with hundreds of years of usage. However, it's rarely consumed directly for its resinous property. Herein, a pre-treated process which can remove the impurity while preserve its bioactivities is needed to maximise its therapeutic opportunities. In the present study, a membrane-based ultrafiltration process was developed on a KM1812-NF experimental instrument. Using Brazilian green propolis as testing material, all experimental steps and parameters were sequentially optimized. In addition, a mathematical model was developed to fit the process. As a result, the optimum solvent was 60 % ethanol adjusted to pH 8-9, while the optimum MWCO (molecular weight cut-off) value of membrane was 30 KDa. The membrane filtration dynamic model fitted with the function y=(ax+b)/(1+cx+dx2 ). The resulting propolis ultrafiltrate from Brazilian green propolis, termed P30K, contains the similar profile of flavonoids and phenolic acids as raw propolis. Meanwhile, the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value of P30K is 11429.45±1557.58 μM TE/g and the IC50 value of inhibition of fluorescent AGEs (advanced glycation end products) formation is 0.064 mg/mL. Our work provides an innovative alternative process for extraction of active compounds from propolis and reveals P30K as an efficient therapeutic antioxidant.

[Efficacy of rituximab therapy for 10 patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus with intestinal involvement]

We retrospectively analyzed therapy efficacy and the adverse reactions of 10 patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with intestinal involvement treated with rituximab (RTX). Patients were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to January 2023. Among the 10 patients, two were men and eight were women. The age of the cohort was (41.9±8.8) years. The age at disease onset was (28.8±9.2) years. The total course of the SLE diagnosis was(109.6±59.9) months. The course of the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement was (89.3±50.2) months. The time from the appearance of intestinal symptoms to the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement was 1.5 (1.0,8.0) months. The time from the diagnosis of SLE with intestinal involvement to RTX use was 13.0 (1.0,46.3) months. Follow-up duration after application of RTX treatment was (55.3±28.4) months. There were five cases of abdominal pain, four cases of abdominal distension, nine cases of diarrhea, three cases of nervous-system involvement, nine cases of lupus nephritis, and seven cases of serositis. All 10 patients underwent computed tomography and radiology of the abdomen. Eight patients had intestinal-wall edema, seven suffered intestinal dilation, four had target signs, three suffered congestion of mesenteric blood vessels, eight had increased mesenteric-fat density, and six had false intestinal obstruction. All 10 patients showed a low level of complement C3 (250-750 mg/L). Nine cases showed a low level of complement C4 (10-90 mg/L). The SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) at baseline in 10 patients was 20.5 (17.8, 30.0). After receiving RTX (0.5 g: day 1, day 14, or 375 mg/m2: day 1, day 14) induction treatment, the intestinal symptoms of 10 cases were relieved completely. Four patients had adverse reactions, of which three received a high-dose glucocorticoid combined with RTX treatment simultaneously. Adverse reactions manifested mainly as a reduced level of IgG and infection with herpes simplex virus in one case, reduced level of IgG and lung infection in one patient, lung infection in one case, and reduced IgG level in one patient. RTX may an efficacious treatment strategy for patients suffering from refractory SLE with intestinal involvement.

[Efficacy and safety of half-dose rituximab in the treatment of 23 cases with lupus nephritis]

The study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of 23 cases of lupus nephritis and explore the prospect of half-dose rituximab in lupus nephritis treatment. Twenty-three patients with lupus nephritis hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from May 2013 to December 2021 were selected. Eighteen patients received rituximab 375 mg/m² on the first and 14th days, 5 patients received 500 mg of rituximab on the first and 14th days, and rituximab was used as needed 6 months later. Methylprednisolone (80-120 mg) was given together with rituximab. Afterward, 1 mg/kg prednisone was used for 4 weeks, which was progressively tapered to maintenance doses or discontinued. B lymphocyte level, renal function, 24-h urine protein level, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI2K) score before and after treatment were recorded. The efficacy and adverse reactions were analyzed. The results showed that 11 patients suffered from renal insufficiency [creatinine (162.7±58.6) μmol/L ] at baseline, while the creatinine level of 9 patients returned to normal 12 months after the treatment [ (66.3±10.1)μmol/L ]. Normal renal function of the other 12 patients was maintained during treatment. After 12 months, the 24-h urine protein level decreased from 4.00 (2.00,6.80) g in the baseline period to 0.10 (0.08,0.40) g. SLEDAI2K score decreased from 22 (18,26) in the baseline period to 3 (0,6) 12 months after the treatment. The B lymphocyte level reached 0.00 (0.00,0.01)% at 3 months. Of 23 patients, 13 patients achieved complete remission, and 7 patients achieved partial remission after 6 months of rituximab treatment. Five patients experienced adverse reactions related to rituximab, including 1 case of transfusion reaction, 1 case of perioral herpes with pulmonary infection, and 3 cases of decreased IgG levels. Therefore, rituximab regimen used in this study can be an effective treatment strategy for lupus nephritis.

Selenylation to charge transfer improvement at the counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte interface for nanocrystalline Cu1.8S1-xSex CEs

Pt counter electrodes (CEs) have been widely used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. However, industrialization of DSSCs is limited by shortcomings of Pt CEs such as being expensive, and weak corrosion resistance in electrolytes. Reported in this paper is two simple approaches to Pt-free Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Nanocrystalline Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs were fabricated via two processes, that is, a solvothermal process to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x powder followed by CE fabrication, and a solvothermal process and CE fabrication to Cu_1.8S films followed by selenylation to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Photoelectric conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 4.02% and 4.16% were achieved respectively by the as-fabricated Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Compared with the cells with Cu_1.8S CEs fabricated by the same processes, increases of 19% and 45% were achieved, respectively. The PCE improvement comes from the enhancement of charge transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface induced by the selenylation of the CEs.

[Mechanism of Liangfu Pills in treatment of functional dyspepsia: based on network pharmacology and experimental verification]

This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of Liangfu Pills in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, and verify the mechanism by animal experiment. The active components of Liangfu Pills were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and the targets of Liangfu Pills were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The targets of FD were retrieved from GeneCards. On this basis, the common targets of the disease and the pills were yielded and the protein interaction was retrieved based on STRING. The core targets were screened out, followed by Gene Oncology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis with DAVID. Finally, molecular docking was carried out with the help of AutoDock Tools to predict the binding degree between the effective components of Liangfu Pills and core targets. A total of 19 active components of Liangfu Pills and 591 FD-related targets were screened out by network pharmacology, of which 253 were common targets of the disease and the prescription. Liangfu Pills was mainly involved in the biological processes of response to drug, negative regulation of transcription, positive regulation of apoptotic process, and cell surface receptor signaling pathway, and the KEGG pathways of hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway, serotonergic synapse, tumor necrosis factor(TNF) signaling pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) signaling pathway, calcium signal pathway, and inflammatory mediator regulation of transient receptor potential(TRP) channels. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components of Liangfu Pills had certain binding activity to the targets mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), protein kinase B(AKT1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1(TRPV1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1 A(HTR1 A), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2 A(HTR2 A). FD was induced in rats, and then Liangfu Pills was given to FD rats for 7 days. The results showed that Liangfu Pills could significantly relieve the symptoms of FD rats, significantly increase the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), and down-regulate the expression of TRPV1. Through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification, this study proved that Liangfu Pills improved FD through multiple components and multiple targets. The result lays a basis for further research on the mechanism and clinical application of Liangfu Pills in the treatment of FD.

A high-fat High-fructose Diet Dysregulates the Homeostatic Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiome, Metabolome and Immunity in an Experimental Model of Obesity

SCOPE

Ample evidence supports the prominent role of gut-liver axis in perpetuating pathological networks of high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet induced metabolic disorders, however, the molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Herein, we aim to present a holistic delineation and scientific explanation for the crosstalk between the gut and liver, including the potential mediators involved in orchestrating the metabolic and immune systems.

METHODS

An experimental obesity associated metaflammation rat model was induced with a HFF diet. An integrative multi-omics analysis was then performed. Following the clues illustrated by the multi-omics discoveries, putative pathways were subsequently validated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

HFF diet led to obese phenotypes in rats, as well as histopathological changes. Integrated omics analysis showed there existed a strong interdependence among gut microbiota composition, intestinal metabolites and innate immunity regulation in the liver. Some carboxylic acids might contribute to gut-liver communication. Moreover, activation of the hepatic LPS-TLR4 pathway in obesity was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

HFF-intake disturbs gut flora homeostasis. Crosstalk between gut microbiota and innate immune system mediated hepatic metaflammation in obese rats, associated with LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway activation. Moreover, α-hydroxyisobutyric acid and some other organic acids may play a role as messengers in the liver-gut axis. High-fat high-fructose diet (HFF) induces obesity associated chronic inflammation; HFF dysregulates the rat intestinal metabolome and gut microbiota composition; HFF impacts hepatic expression of genes involved in innate immunity; Modulation of gut microbiota composition and innate immunity are connected partly via TLR4 signalling; Small molecular carboxylic acids are potential mediators of gut-liver axis communication in chronic obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[The prediction of disease progression by 18Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission computed tomography/CT in patients with dermatomyositis and interstitial lung disease]

To investigate the predictive value of [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission computed tomography(PET)/CT for disease progression in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Sixty-seven DM patients who underwent [¹⁸F] FDG-PET/CT imaging were retrospectively analyzed from January 2012 to September 2017 at PLA General Hospital. Their clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics were recorded. Compared with those chronically progressed (C-ILD), patients with rapid progression (RP-ILD) had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and standardized uptake value (SUV) in lungs (P<0.05). In patients with RP-ILD, SUV in lungs was positively correlated with age, disease course, and ESR. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that when lung SUV cut off value was 2.25, the sensitivity and specificity to predict disease progression was 77.8% and 72.8%, respectively. Old age, longer disease course, low creatine kinase level, higher ESR, and high SUV are prognostic factors for DM-associated ILD.

Loss of α2-6 sialylation promotes the transformation of synovial fibroblasts into a pro-inflammatory phenotype in arthritis

In healthy joints, synovial fibroblasts (SFs) provide the microenvironment required to mediate homeostasis, but these cells adopt a pathological function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Carbohydrates (glycans) on cell surfaces are fundamental regulators of the interactions between stromal and immune cells, but little is known about the role of the SF glycome in joint inflammation. Here we study stromal guided pathophysiology by mapping SFs glycosylation pathways. Combining transcriptomic and glycomic analysis, we show that transformation of fibroblasts into pro-inflammatory cells is associated with glycan remodeling, a process that involves TNF-dependent inhibition of the glycosyltransferase ST6Gal1 and α2-6 sialylation. SF sialylation correlates with distinct functional subsets in murine experimental arthritis and remission stages in human RA. We propose that pro-inflammatory cytokines remodel the SF-glycome, converting the synovium into an under-sialylated and highly pro-inflammatory microenvironment. These results highlight the importance of glycosylation in stromal immunology and joint inflammation.

[The 478 th case: multiple myalgia with intramuscular nodules]

A 28-year-old man was admitted to the first medical center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital because of multiple myalgia and intramuscular nodules for more than 2 months. The patient complained of dysphagia, fever and weight loss 2 months ago. Magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy revealed nodular fasciitis. Inflammatory indicators including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count and fibrinogen were slightly elevated. Urine occult blood was positive. Abdominal ultrasound revealed left hydronephrosis. Because nodular fasciitis could not explain the whole situation, a needle biopsy of intramuscular nodules was performed. Pathological examination revealed intramuscular metastatic adenocarcinoma with poor differentiation. Gastric endoscope and positron emission tomography-computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma with extensive metastases of esophagus, lymph nodes, muscles, ureter and bone. Although chemotherapy was given, the patient died of disease progression six months later.

Hederacolchiside C inhibits Enterovirus 71 propagation through activating innate immunity

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a newly emerging life-threatening pathogen induces hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), no effective vaccines or specific anti-viral treatments are currently available. In this study, the activity of hederacolchiside C (HSC) against EV71 was investigated, and the antiviral mechanism was explored. HSC displayed apparent antiviral activity in EV71-infected cells probably through activating the host innate immunity. Comparing with EV71-infected group at 24 hpi, the group pretreated with HSC dramatically increased the expression of MAVS, p-IRF3, IRF3 and IFN-β, the innate immune effectors related to innate immunity. In addition, HSC displayed stronger antiviral activity in EV71-infected suckling mice in comparison with Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. The results suggest that HSC could have potential as a pharmaceutical drug for HFMD.

[Clinical analysis of nose rhabdomyosarcoma]

Objective:To improve the diagnosis of the nose rhabdomyosarcoma.Method:Twenty-four patients with nose rhabdomyosarcoma were studied retrospectively.Result:Among 24 patients with nose rhabdomyosarcoma, three patients were in stage Ⅰ, four patients were in stage Ⅱ, eleven patients were in stage Ⅲ, and six patients were in stage Ⅳ. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the commonest in all the pathological types. Most patients need comprehensive therapy, including surgery operation, radiotherapy, and multicycle chemotherapy. Prognosis was poor in most of the cases. The survival rate of one year was 70.8% (17/24), and survival rate of three years was 30.3% (8/24).Conclusion:Different surgical protocols should be adopted for different patients, and postoperative chemoradiotherapy should be adopted for advanced treatment. By means of multidisciplinary collaboration, the patient's survival time would be prolonged.

[Comparison of clinical manifestations according to HLA-B(27) genotype in ankylosing spondylitis patients: real-world evidence from smart management system for spondyloarthritis]

Objective: The aim of this study was to set up a large, longitudinal and prospective database to compare the clinical manifestations in human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B(27) positive and negative patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS) based on real-world evidence in Chinese population. Methods: A total of 897 outpatients with confirmed AS were recruited consecutively by smart management system for spondyloarthritis (SMSP) from April 13, 2016 to June 6, 2017 in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 30 provinces and autonomous regions. 801 patients with HLA-B(27) data were included in the analysis. Demographic and clinical parameters including Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), arthritis, enthesitis, Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between HLA-B(27) positive and negative groups. Results: A total of 801 patients were included in the analysis with an average age of (30.7±8.8) years. There were 659 males and 142 females and HLA-B(27) was present in 88.0%(705/801). Males were significantly more in HLA-B(27) positive patients [83.3%(587/705) vs. 75.0%(72/96); P=0.047].The average age at disease onset was (22.3±7.6)years in HLA-B(27) positive patients and (24.4±8.7) years in HLA-B(2)7 negative ones (P=0.028).There was significant difference in diagnose delay between two groups [14.3(2.5,43.6)months in HLA-B(27) positive patients vs. 20.3(5.0,67.4) months in HLA-B(27) negative ones, P=0.041]. Anterior uveitis was found to be significantly more common in HLA-B(27) positive patients [18.9% (133/705)vs.7.3%(7/96),P=0.005], and knee involvement less common in HLA-B(27) positive patients [4.0%(27/682) vs.10.0%(9/90), P=0.010], conversely. CRP[6.5(3.0, 16.4)mg/L vs. 3.5(1.6, 12.3)mg/L] and ESR[11.0(4.0, 24.0)mm/1h vs. 7.0(3.0, 16.0)mm/1h] were significantly higher in HLA-B(27) positive patients(P=0.005,0.013, respectively).But no differences in BASDAI,ASDAS,BASFI and BASMI were obtained between two groups. Conclusions: HLA-B(27) positive patients had a higher proportion of males, a younger age of onset and a greater risk for occurrence of anterior uveitis, suggesting a poorer prognosis.

Upregulation of miR‑598 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in human colorectal carcinoma by suppressing INPP5E expression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have been considered as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. miR‑598 is a poorly investigated miR. The underlying mechanism of miR‑598 in CRC cells remains to be elucidated. In the present study, miR‑598 was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in CRC tissue by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus. The results of a polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that miR‑598 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Gain of function and loss of function assays demonstrated that miR‑598 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. miR‑598 was demonstrated to modulate cell functions by regulating 72 kDa inositol polyphosphate‑5‑phosphatase (INPP5E). In addition, knockdown of INPP5E counteracted the growth arrest caused by an miR‑598‑inhibitor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR‑598 contributed to cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in CRC by targeting INPP5E.

Long non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 pormotes colorectal cancer metastasis by regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates that SPRY4 intronic transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) regulate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and cancer progression. However, the expression and function of SPRY4-IT1 in the progression of CRC remains largely unknown. Here, we reported that SPRY4-IT1 was upregulated in CRC. Increased SPRY4-IT1 expression in CRC was associated with larger tumor size and higher clinical stage. In vitro experiments revealed that SPRY4-IT1 knockdown significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation by causing G1 arrest and promoting apoptosis, whereas SPRY4-IT1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation. Further functional assays indicated that SPRY4-IT1 overexpression significantly promoted cell migration and invasion by regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, our study demonstrates that SPRY4-IT1 could act as a functional oncogene in CRC, as well as a potential therapeutic target to inhibit CRC metastasis.

[Comparative study of different grading criteria of sacroiliac joint computed tomogrphy in ankylosing spondylitis]

Objective: To assess the value of different grading criteria of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) computed tomogrphy (CT) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Patients who had received SIJ CT examinations from June 2012 to December 2015 were enrolled.The CT scans were read by one rheumatologist.The difference between patients with sacroiliitis or without sacroiliitis was compared.The 1984 revision of modified New York (mNY) criteria, the criteria established by Lee (Lee criteria) and the Innsbruck criteria were used to evaluate SIJs on CT in patients with sacroiliitis. Results: Totally 2 714 patients were enrolled in this study.Thereinto 509 patients including 324 male and 185 female were detected with SIJs abnormality.The proportions of SIJs graded 3 or 4 by these three criteria were 79.37%, 82.91% and 76.32%, respectively.The consistency of grading between mNY criteria and Lee criteria was good (k=0.767, P<0.01). The correlation between Innsbruck criteria and other two criteria were satisfactory (r=0.866 and 0.839, respectively). There were more SIJs graded 3 by Lee criteria (64.44%), comparing with mNY criteria (60.90%). Forty five SIJs graded 1-3 by mNY criteria were graded 0 by Lee criteria, indicating that the latter criteria may have a better specificity. When evaluating the severity of SIJs, Innsbruck criteria has a better discrimination capability and the proportions of SIJs graded Ⅱ (A) to Ⅳ (B) were 10.71%, 8.94%, 26.82%, 20.92%, 10.12%, respectively. Conclusions: Lee criteria has a better diagnostic specificity with a reduction of difficulty in assessing procedure, while Innsbruck criteria is a more detailed grading system with a possibility to reflect the development of sacroiliitis.

[Septic arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective analysis of 6 cases]

Base on the clinical characteristics of septic arthritis in a group of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, this study has found out that high systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index, leucopenia, high cumulative dose of glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone intravenous pulse therapy and joint cavity puncture were closely correlated with septic arthritis. Once septic arthritis is suspected, culture specimens should be collected and appropriate antibiotics are suggested immediately. Also, surgical drainage is a very useful approach.

Two new 28-nor-oleanane-type triterpene saponins from roots of Camellia oleifera and their cytotoxic activity

Two new 28-nor-oleanane-type triterpene saponins, oleiferoside U (1), and oleiferoside V (2) were isolated from the 50% EtOH extract of the roots of Camellia oleifera C. Abel. Their structures were elucidated as camellenodiol 3β-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranoside and camellenodiol 3β-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranoside. Their chemical structures were established mainly on the basis of integrated spectroscopic techniques. In vitro, cytotoxic activities of the two new triterpene saponins were evaluated against three human tumor cell lines (A549, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7) using the MTT assay. Both of them showed a certain cytotoxic activities toward the tested cell lines and gave IC50 values in the range of 45.04-63.22 μM.

[A preliminary exploration of low-dose semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of low-dose semicoronal computerized tomography (CT) of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in the early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with AS and had received axial CT examination of SIJs over the past 2 years were recruited. All of them simultaneously underwent a low-dose semicoronal CT of SIJs. The clinical data were recorded. Radiation dose was compared between low-dose CT and the previous conventional axial CT. Image quality of low-dose CT was assessed and correlation between image quality and weight or body mass index (BMI) was analyzed. CT images of the two groups were graded by modified New York criteria, the Lee criteria and the Innsbruck criteria. The kappa coefficient was used to assess the consistency of grading between the two groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study. The effective dose (ED) of semicoronal SIJ CT was 3.37 mSv which was 49% lower than conventional axial CT (6.56 mSv). Lower dose had the potential protection of gonads. The quality of images in male patients with BMI<25 kg/m(2) and all female patients were good or excellent. There was a significant negative correlation between image quality and BMI (r=-0.746, P=0.000; r=-0.784, P=0.000; respectively). All patients were diagnosed as sacroiliitis by modified New York criteria and the grading of two groups was consistent. The consistency of grading between two groups was satisfactory no matter which classification criteria was used. (k=0.897 with Lee criteria; k=0.814 with Innsbruck criteria; P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiation dose of semicoronal SIJ CT is significantly lower than that of the conventional axial CT with comparable efficacy of diagnosis.

Segment-specific targeting via RNA interference mediates down-regulation of OPN expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Osteopontin (OPN) plays an important role in the metastasis and recurrence of tumors after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the down-regulation effect on OPN expression in HCC cells of RNA interference (RNAi) molecules designed to target different segments of OPN was investigated to identify a more effective site for OPN knockdown. Specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs A, B, and C) of OPN were synthesized and transfected into an HCC cell line (HEP-G2; representing the OPNi-A, OPNi-B, and OPNi-C groups). Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of OPN before and after RNAi. Results showed that after transfection, the fluorescence intensity of the OPNi-A group was greater than those of the OPNi-B and OPNi-C groups. After 48 h of transfection, the ΔCT values of OPN mRNA expression in the OPNi-A-C groups increased from 8.31 ± 1.58, 8.78 ± 1.49, and 8.25 ± 1.51 to 12.14 ± 1.43, 10.22 ± 1.97, and 10.48 ± 1.88, respectively (P < 0.05), and the OPN protein levels (immunohistochemistry scores) decreased from 6.44 ± 1.67, 5.43 ± 2.05, and 5.45 ± 2.52 to 2.84 ± 1.52, 4.43 ± 1.65, and 3.95 ± 1.43 points, respectively. These results indicated that RNAi based on different segments of the OPN gene had different down-regulatory effects on OPN expression. Synthesis of targeted siRNA aimed at specific OPN segments might have important significance for dealing with the invasiveness and metastasis of HCC cells.

[Study on extracting and separating curcuminoids from Curcuma longa rhizome using ultrasound strengthen by microemulsion]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a new method for the extraction and separation of curcuminoids from Curcuma longa rhizome by cloud-point preconcentration using microemulsions as solvent.

METHODS

The spectrophotometry was used to detect the solubility of curcumin in different oil phase, emulsifier and auxiliary emulsifier, and the microemulsion prescription was used for false three-phase figure optimization. The extraction process was optimized by uniform experiment design. The curcuminoids were separated from microemulsion extract by cloud-point preconcentration.

RESULTS

Oil phase was oleic acid ethyl ester; Emulsifier was OP emulsifier; Auxiliary emulsifier was polyethylene glycol(peg) 400; The quantity of emulsifier to auxiliary emulsifier was the ratio of 5: 1; Microemulsion prescription was water-oleic acid ethyl ester-mixed emulsifier (0.45:0.1:0.45). The optimum extraction process was: time for 12.5 min, temperature of 52 degrees C, power of 360 W, frequency of 400 kHz, and the liquid-solid ratio of 40:1. The extraction rate of curcuminoids was 92.17% and 86.85% in microemulsion and oil phase, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Curcuminoids is soluble in this microemulsion prescription with good extraction rate. This method is simple and suitable for curcuminoids extraction from Curcuma longa rhizome.

Clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors

This study investigated the clinical pathologic character of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (MGIST), their treatment with surgery, and evaluated the efficacy of imatinib postoperation. A total of 68 MGIST patients were enrolled. Of these, 27 patients underwent imatinib auxiliary therapy (treatment group) and 41 underwent imatinib therapy (control group). The therapeutic effects on the two groups were compared using χ(2) test analysis after follow-up of two years. The expressions of CD117, CD34, S100, Vimentin, and alpha smooth-muscle actin (SMA) were detected by immunohistochemistry methods. Of the 68 cases, 28 showed potential MGIST, whereas 40 had MGIST. Haemorrhagia or necrosis, abundant cell, manifest heteromorphism, and caryocinesia were observed in varying degrees. The positive rates of CD117, CD34, Vimentin, S100, and SMA were 89.7% (61/62), 88.2% (60/62), 73.5% (50/62), 41.1% (28/62) and 25.0% (17/62), respectively. The recurrence rate in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.01). We concluded that CD117 and CD34 may be the most valuable markers in the diagnosis of MGIST, and the diagnosis of MGIST depends on the pathology. Surgery is a far better approach in the treatment of such patients, and imatinib is the more efficient target drug in preventing recurrence and metastasis.

[Study on the enrichment and purification of total flavonoids in Microcos paniculata by macroporous adsorption resin]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an optimum enrichment and purification process of total flavonoids in Microcos paniculata by macroporous resins.

METHODS

Five kinds of resins were compared and the best one was chosen. Then the parameters of the process were optimized by single factor tests, uniform design and statistical methods.

RESULTS

DI01 was selected for its excellent adsorption and desorption properties, 70% ethanol was found to be the best elution solution. As far as the yield was considered, the best result was based on the followings: feed rate-1.0 BV/h, elution flow rate-2.0 BV/h, sample concentration-7.88 mg/mL, eluting agent amount-2.0 BV, pH value 4.8; then the yield reached 90.18% and the purity was 54.37%. If the purity was considered, the best parameters wereas follows: feed rate-1.0 BV/h, elution flow rate-2.0 BV/h, sample concentration-2.0 mg/mL, eluting agent amount-2.8 BV, pH value 7.8; then the purity reached 61.77% and the yield was 80.25%.

CONCLUSION

The total flavonoids of Microcos paniculata can be effectively purificated and separated by D101 macroporous resin.

Studies of chemical interferences in an inductively coupled plasma using moment analysis of space-resolved emission profiles

Interelement effects induced by sodium, aluminum, and phosphate ion on calcium and magnesium emission were studied with a two-channel spectrometer that could record spatially resolved emission profiles of an atom line and an ion line simultaneously. The statistical moments of the digitized emission profiles were calculated and were employed for rate-constant estimation using our previously established theory. Interelement effects are results of interferences in the analyte atomization, ionization, and/or recombination steps. Characteristic changes will be induced in the emission profiles by each of these interferences. These changes can be characterized by the statistical moments of the corresponding profiles. Therefore, by investigating variations in the rate constants caused by the specific concomitant, one may better understand the analyte atomization-excitation mechanisms. Sodium enhances the atomic emission of both calcium and magnesium but has little effect on their ionic emission. Based on the trends of variation in the rate constants, the atomic signal enhancement seems to be attributed more to the facilitation of analyte atomization rather than to the shift of ionization equilibrium. Aluminum and phosphate ion appear not to induce significant interferences on either elements.

Liposomal uptake of microcrystalline benzo(a)pyrene studied with synchronous fluorescence

Synchronous fluorescence spectrometry is employed for kinetic studies of benzo(a)pyrene uptake by phospholipid bilayers. It provides several advantages over the conventional mode. These include less background interferences, higher sensitivity, and relatively independent of dynamic quenching by paramagnetic ions. The rate limiting step in benzo(a)pyrene uptake appears to be a first order process not controlled by diffusion. Signal enhancement upon successive increments of liposomes decreases as if it is dependent on the number of free microcrystals in solution.

Acoustic characteristics of speech produced without oral sensation

The acoustic characteristics of continuous speech produced by an adult male talker with and without oral (nerve block) anesthesia were investigated using digital speech processing procedures. Vowel-to-consonant ratios, long-time and short-time spectra, fundamental frequency distributions, phonation-time ratios, and rate of utterances were calculated and compared for the normal and anesthetized conditions. The results showed that the speech produced without oral sensation was characterized by a reduction and shift of high-frequency energy, temporal disorganization primarily manifested as prolongation of utterance, and higher and more variable fundamental frequencies. The study also demonstrated applicability of computer techniques on general acoustic analysis of continuous speech.

Tone 3 in Pekinese

This article treats the problem of tone sandhi in Pekinese phonology in terms of a perception experiment. The various shapes of tone 3 in different environments are illustrated by the use of spectrograms. The issue is whether the tone sequence 3–3 is homophonous with the sequence 2–3. There were 130 pairs of test items. The two members of each pair share the same phonological features except that of pitch contour. In other words, one member carries the tone sequence 2–3 while the other carries 3–3. Each test item was given twice, thus yielding a total of 520 items arranged in random order on a reading list from which tape recordings were made. Upon hearing an item on the tape, a subject is required to identify from each pair of 2–3 and 3–3 test items the member he hears. Should there be a phonemic distinction between the two types of tone sequences, a native speaker should have no difficulty in perceiving them as distinct. Then, it would be expected that the subjects could identify correctly in most cases, and that their responses should be reinforced by other phonetic properties and unbiased by semantic plausibility. However, the results of this experiment led to the opposite conclusion.