Estrogen restores disordered lipid metabolism in visceral fat of prediabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Visceral obesity is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults and is commonly recognized as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)] is known to offer protection against obesity via diverse me-chanisms, while its specific effects on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) remain to be fully elucidated.

AIM

To investigate the impact of E2 on the gene expression profile within VAT of a mouse model of prediabetes.

METHODS

Metabolic parameters were collected, encompassing body weight, weights of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT), random blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and overall body composition. The gene expression profiles of VAT were quantified utilizing the Whole Mouse Genome Oligo Microarray and subsequently analyzed through Agilent Feature Extraction software. Functional and pathway analyses were conducted employing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) moderately increased the weights of both VAT and SAT, but this increase was mitigated by the protective effect of endogenous E2. Conversely, ovariectomy (OVX) led to a significant increase in VAT weight and the VAT/SAT weight ratio, and this increase was also reversed with E2 treatment. Notably, OVX diminished the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism compared to HFD feeding alone, signaling a widespread reduction in lipid metabolic activity, which was completely counteracted by E2 administration. This study provides a comprehensive insight into E2's local and direct protective effects against visceral adiposity in VAT at the gene level.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the HFD-induced over-nutritional challenge disrupted the gene expression profile of visceral fat, leading to a universally decreased lipid metabolic status in E2 deficient mice. E2 treatment effectively reversed this condition, shedding light on the mechanistic role and therapeutic potential of E2 in combating visceral obesity.

[Efficacy of polyetheretherketone rod hybrid surgery in preventing proximal junctional failure after adult spinal deformity surgery]

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome and preventive effect of polyetheretherketone(PEEK) rod hybrid surgery on proximal junction failure(PJF) after long-segment fusion of adult spinal deformity. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze patients with degenerative scoliosis/kyphosis who underwent long-segment decompression and fusion surgery at Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. A total of 75 patients were included in the study, including 14 males and 61 females, aged (67.2±6.8)years (range:55 to 84 years). According to the operation method chosen by the patients, the patients were divided into PEEK rod hybrid group (20 cases) and traditional titanium rod group (55 cases). The general information of the patients was collected, and the coronal and sagittal parameters of the spine were measured before operation, at 1 month after operation, and at the last follow-up. The clinical effect of surgery was judged by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Whether proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and PJF occurred during the follow-up and the time of occurrence were recorded. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test and Fisher's exact probability method. The data before and after surgery in the same group were compared using the paired sample t test and the Wilcoxon test. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, bone mineral density, distal instrumented vertebrae, surgical segments, osteotomy method, operation time, and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups (all P>0.05). The follow-up time of the PEEK rod group was shorter(M(IQR)16.5(4.8) vs. 25.0(12.0),Z=-4.230,P<0.01). There were no significant differences in coronal, sagittal parameters, VAS and ODI between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). Postoperative coronal Cobb angle, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), VAS and ODI were significantly improved in both groups(all P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the SVA of the PEEK rod hybrid group was(3.74±2.40)cm, which was significantly lower than that of the titanium rod group (6.28±4.06)cm (t'=-3.318, P=0.002). At the last follow-up, the ODI of the PEEK rod hybrid group was 30.7±6.1, significantly better than the titanium rod group 39.3±17.2(t=-3.203, P=0.046). PJK occurred in 2 patients (10.0%) in the PEEK rod hybrid group, and no PJF phenomenon was observed. In the titanium rod group, 18 patients (32.7%) developed PJK, and 11 patients (20.0%) developed PJF. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of PJF between the PEEK rod hybrid group and the titanium rod group (P=0.031). Conclusions: PEEK rod hybrid surgery can achieve good clinical results in the treatment of adult spinal deformities. Compared with traditional titanium rod surgery, it can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative PJF and improve the clinical function of patients.

Modeling of diagnosis for metabolic syndrome by integrating symptoms into physiochemical indexes

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a major global health concern comprising a cluster of co-occurring conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. MS is usually diagnosed using a combination of physiochemical indexes (such as BMI, abdominal circumference and blood pressure) but largely ignores clinical symptoms when investigating prevention and treatment of the disease. Exploring predictors of MS using multiple diagnostic indicators may improve early diagnosis and treatment of MS. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) attaches importance to the etiology of disease symptoms and indications using four diagnostic methods, which have long been used to treat metabolic disease. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop predictive indicators for MS using both physiochemical indexes and TCM methods.

METHODS

Clinical information (including both physiochemical and TCM indexes) was obtained from a cohort of 586 individuals across 4 hospitals in China, comprising 136 healthy controls and 450 MS cases. Using this cohort, we compared three classic machine learning methods: decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) towards MS diagnosis using physiochemical and TCM indexes, with the best model selected by comparing the accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the three models. In parallel, the best proportional partition of the training data to the test data was confirmed by observing the changes in evaluation indexes using each model. Next, three subsets containing different categories of variables (including both TCM and physicochemical indexes combined - termed the "fused indexes", only physicochemical indexes, and TCM indexes only) were compared and analyzed using the best performing model and optimum training to test data proportion. Next, the best subset was selected through comprehensive comparative analysis, and then the important prediction variables were selected according to their weight.

RESULTS

When comparing the three models, we found that the RF model had the highest average accuracy (average 0.942, 95%CI [0.925, 0.958]) and sensitivity (average 0.993, 95%CI [0.990, 0.996]). Besides, when the training set accounted for 80% of the cohort data, the specificity got the best value and the accuracy and sensitivity were also very high in RF model. In view of the performance of the three different subsets, the prediction accuracy and sensitivity of models analyzing the fused indexes and only physicochemical indexes remained at a high level. Further, the mean value of specificity of the model using fused indexes was 0.916, which was significantly higher than the model with only physicochemical indexes (average 0.822) and the model with only TCM indexes (average 0.403). Based on the RF model and data allocation ratio (8:2), we further extracted the top 20 most significant variables from the fused indexes, which included 14 physicochemical indexes and 6 TCM indexes including wiry pulse, chest tightness, spontaneous perspiration, greasy tongue coating etc. CONCLUSION: Compared with SVM and DT models, the RF model showed the best performance, especially when the ratio of the training set to test set is 8:2. Compared with single predictive indexes, the model constructed by combining physiochemical indexes with TCM indexes (i.e. the fused indexes) exhibited better predictive ability. In addition to common physicochemical indexes, some TCM indexes, such as wiry pulse, chest tightness, spontaneous perspiration, greasy tongue coating, can also improve diagnosis of MS.

[How to restore the proper lumbar lordosis in spine surgery]

Sagittal alignment of the spine significantly affects the physical function. In this article, we review the clinical application of several spinal-pelvic parameters, analyze the impact factors of sagittal alignment and provide calculating methods to value the correcting degrees. Spine surgeons should get a deep understanding of the spinal-pelvic parameters, differentiate the functional and structural imbalance. Every patient needs thorough preoperative evaluation to restore the proper alignment during surgery and avoid overcorrection.

Current behavioral assessments of movement disorders in children

Pediatric movement disorders (PMDs) are common and have recently received increasing attention. As these disorders have special clinical features, the selection of appropriate behavioral assessment tools that can clearly distinguish movement disorders from other diseases (eg, epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders) is crucial for achieving an accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, few studies have focused on behavioral assessments in children. The present report attempts to provide a critical review of the available subjective and objective assessment tests for common PMDs. We believe that the principles of objectification, multi-purpose use, and simplification are also applicable to the selection and development of satisfactory pediatric behavioral assessment tools. We expect that the development of wearable sensors, virtual reality, and augmented reality will lead to the establishment of more reliable and simple tests. In addition, more rigorous randomized controlled trials that have been specifically designed to evaluate behavioral testing in children are also expected in the future.

[Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effectiveness of polytheretherketone (PEEK) cages assisted anterior cervical discetomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was undertaken for 39 patients who were diagnosed as cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms and underwent ACDF with PEEK cages. Radiographs obtained before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up were assessed for quality of fusion. The following criteria were used for assessing radiographic success of fusion: (1) endplate obliterated with no lucent lines; (2) obliteration of disc space by bony trabeculae; (3) less than 2°of intervertebral motion or 2 mm of motion between the spinous processes at the operated segment on flexion-extension lateral radiographs. The sympathetic symptoms including vertigo, headache, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, heart throb, hypomnesia and gastroenterological discomfort were scored by 20-point system preoperatively, 2 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The recovery rate and clinical satisfaction rate were also evaluated. Surgical complications were also assessed.

RESULTS

They were followed up for at least one year. The mean follow-up was 15.6 months. Radiographs of the cervical spine at the last follow-up revealed a solid fusion with no signs of a pseudoarthrosis in 36 cases. In two patients delayed union and bony fusion were achieved at the end of 9 and 11 months. Pseudoarthosis was found in 1 case but the patient had no symptoms. The score of sympathetic symptoms before surgery, 2 months after surgery and at the final follow-up were 8.4±1.0,2.2±0.3,and 2.4±0.3, respectively. There were 22 excellent cases, 15 good cases, 1 fair case and 1 bad case in terms of RR. Good to excellent results were attained in 95% of theses patients. The sympathetic symptoms improved in all the patients and the score was significantly improved after surgery. There was one patient who had cerebral spinal fluid leakage but he recovered one week after surgery. Two patients felt a mild swallowing discomfort, but it disappeared within one month after surgery. Subcutaneous hematoma occurred in one patient due to obstructed drainage. It was cleared two days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Cervical spondylosis patients with sympathetic symptoms may be managed successfully with ACDF using PEEK cages. Successful clinical results regarding symptom improvement and general satisfaction with the surgical procedure depend not only on obtaining successful decompression and radiographic fusion but also on patient selection.

Saikosaponin A attenuates perimenopausal depression-like symptoms by chronic unpredictable mild stress

Accumulating studies have shown that a traditional Chinese decoction Chaihu-Shugan-San produced the antidepressant-like effects in rodents including in perimenopausal. Previous studies and our preliminary study indicated that saikosaponin A, one of the main constituents of Chaihu-Shugan-San, enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in rats. Herein, this study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of saikosaponin A in perimenopausal rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test, novelty-suppressed feeding test and forced swimming test were performed after administration of saikosaponin A for 4 weeks. Serum corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels, as well as hypothalamus CRH and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor were measured. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the hippocampus were detected for evaluation of the neuroinflammation. Further, BDNF levels and its receptor TrkB were also determined. Our results indicated that four-week treatment with saikosaponin A increased sucrose preference, decreased latency to feed in the novelty-suppressed feeding test and reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test. In addition, saikosaponin A restored the dsyregulation of HPA axis and neuroinflammation in rats exposed to CUMS. Moreover, saikosaponin A promoted BDNF-TrkB signaling in the hippocampus. This study demonstrates that saikosaponin A produced the antidepressant-like effects in rats, which may be mediated by restoration of neuroendocrine, neuroinflammation and neurotrophic systems in the hippocampus during perimenopausal.

[Efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic nerve root decompression in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of transforaminal endoscopic nerve root decompression for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).

METHODS

From July 2011 to April 2016, 96 cases of single segment DLSS were involved. All the patients had unilateral lower extremity neurological symptoms, signs, neurogenic intermittent claudication of less than 500 m. Imaging examinations (CT or MRI) or diagnostic nerve root block confirmed single segment degeneration. The mean age was (71.6±5.4) years, male: 55 cases, female: 41 cases. Their intraoperative blood loss, operation time, complications, ambulation time and discharge time were recorded. Leg pain VAS, ODI were used to evaluate the pain and lumbar function of the patients. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by Nakai evaluation.

RESULTS

All the patients were performed endoscopic decompression of the lateral recess and nerve root by removing the ventral part of the superior facet joint, the ligamentum flavum and the intervertebral disc. The decompression range was from the inferior edge of the upper pedicle to the superior edge of the lower pedicle. The nerve root was detected to have no compression and the pulse of nerve root returned to normal. The patient got ambulant on the operation day and discharged if he had no discomfort symptom. In the study, 68 cases got follow up. The mean follow-up time was 12.1 months (6-63 months). The VAS at different follow-up time points was improved relative to the baseline, and the difference was statistically significant (F=491.60, P<0.001). The ODI at different follow-up time points was improved relative to the baseline, and the difference was statistically significant (F=189.91, P<0.001). The excellent and good rates of Nakai evaluation were 79.4% (excellent in 42 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 10 cases and poor in 4 cases). The mean intraoperative blood loss was (49.29±11.86) mL. The mean operation time was (92.46±21.34) min. The mean ambulation time was 1.8 h. The mean discharge time was 2.3 days. Postoperative epidural hematoma was found in 1 case. Foot drop was found in 1 case. Second stage open surgery was performed in 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

We can apply transforaminal endoscopic decompression for the patients of lumbar spinal stenosis who have unilateral nerve root irritation. Patients with transforaminal endoscopic decompression can get less surgical trauma, quick recovery and obtain good short-term outcome.

[Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement injectable cannulated pedicle screws was used to treat degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the application of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation of cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study was used to compare cement injectable cannulated pedicle screws (CICPs) group with PMMA augmentation and control group with traditional method in the correction surgery for Lenke-silva level III and level IV degenerative scoliosis cases with osteoporosis. Both groups were followed up for 1 year. The clinical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on lumbar and lower limbers, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score. The coronal major curve Cobb angel in coronal plane and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle, lumbar lordosis Cobb angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in sagittal plane were tested in whole long spine X ray. The fusion rates were evaluated by lumbar X ray and dynamic X ray.

RESULTS

In this study 34 cases were enrolled, 15 cases in CICPs group and 19 cases in control group. The general characteristics including age, gender, weight, height, BMI and BMD were without statistical difference between the two groups. There were (5.7±2.2)PMMA augmentation screws in CICPs group. The operation time, blood loss and blood transfusion were higher in CICPs group than in control group, but without statistical difference. Lumbar VAS, lower limbers VAS, ODI score and EQ-5D were all better in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups. lumbar VAS scores of CICPs group in 6 months postoperation (CICPs group 3.1±1.3 vs. control group 4.4±1.4, P<0.01) together with lumbar VAS scores (CICPs group 3.3±1.0 vs. control group 5.2±1.4, P<0.01), ODI scores (CICPs group 22.7±17.2 vs. control group 31.4±18.5, P<0.01) and EQ-5D in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 2.9±2.0 vs. control group 3.5±2.5, P<0.01)were lower than those of control group. The coronal major curve Cobb angels were all lower in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups; thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were all higher in 1 month postoperation, 6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups. The coronal major curve Cobb angel was lower in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 17.6°±6.9° vs. control group 21.2°±7.2°, P<0.01)and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle was higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 6 months postoperation (CICPs group -33.5°±8.8 ° vs. control group -28.9°±8.3°, P<0.01) and 1 year postoperation (CICPs group -33.0°±8.1° vs. control group -26.3°±7.4°, P<0.01) together with lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 26.4°±8.1° vs. control group 22.1°±7.3°, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis was effective and safe, the short-term clinical result was good.

[Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the application of polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Observation group included 14 cases of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis received polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws from November 2014 to July 2015, control group included 12 cases of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis received polymethylmethacrylate augmentation with traditional pedicle screws.The operation time, blood loss, number of pedicle screws and number of augmented pedicle screws in the two groups were compared. The bone cement leakage and pulmonary bone cement embolism in the two groups were also compared. The fusion rate and pedicle screws loosening by lumbar X ray and dynamic X ray were evaluated. The clinical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on lumbar and lower limbers, lumbar Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA), Prolo functional scores and Oswestry disability (ODI) scores.

RESULTS

Differences of operation time and blood loss in the two groups were not statistically significant. The average number of pedicle screws was 9.9±4.7 and the average number of augmented pedicle screws was 5.9±2.6 in observation group while the average number of pedicle screws was 7.1±2.8 and the average number of augmented pedicle screws was 3.0±1.9 in control group. The ratio of augmented pedicle screws was higher in observation group than in control group (0.69±0.30 vs.0.47±0.30,P<0.05). The bone cement leakage rate was lower in observation group than in control group (5/83 vs. 12/42, P<0.01). All the cases in observation group were without leakage to the interspinal canal while one case in control group suffered from bone cement leakage to the interspinal canal with augmentation of 3 pedicle screws. The follow up period was (10.6±2.3) months in observation group and (36.5±7.2) months in control group. In final follow up, no case with non-fusion or pedicle screws loosening was found in both groups. Lumbar VAS, lower limbers VAS, lumbar JOA scores, Prolo functional scores and ODI scores were all better than pre-operation (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with osteoporosis was effective, with simple working processes and lower risk of bone cement leakage. The short-term clinical result was good.

[Analysis of the clinical outcomes of the over 5-year follow-up study of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the over 5-year follow-up clinical outcomes of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with operation of decompression and fusion, and the effectiveness and risks factors about revision surgery cases.

METHODS

A total of 47 cases of diagnosis of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrument fusion recorded from Jun. 2003 to Jun. 2008 were analyzed. Lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue score (VAS) were applied to evaluate the improvement of the clinical effect after surgery treatment, and the clinical effect and reasons of revising operation were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

All the 47 patients had finished the over 5-year followed-up time with an average time of (8.2±3.6) years (range from 5.2 years to 12.5 years). The patient's mean age was (67.0±9.6) years and the age of patient range from 56 years to 81 years. There were 10 patients who underwent revision surgery since primary operation, in whom 8 cases because of proximal failure of internal fixation and the other 2 cases because of distal failure of fusion segment. The average clinical improvement excellent rate was 83.3% after 5 years since primary operation of 37 cases while the average fine rate of revision operation was 67.6%.

CONCLUSION

In the over 5-year follow-up, there was a better clinical outcome of degenerative lumbar scoliosis treated with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion, which had a certain rate of revision operation and had a worse effect of clinical results compared with primary operation. The risks of revision surgery included the poor bone quality of patients, with fusion to L1 at proximal terminal and the fusion end to S1 at distal terminal.

The effects of bortezomib alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis of choriocarcinoma cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of bortezomib alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on proliferation and apoptosis in the human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells were treated with bortezomib, 5-FU or with a combination. Proliferation and apoptosis were measured. NF-iB protein expression was examined using immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Following treatment with ten nM bortezomib, rates of apoptosis were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.05) and NF-kB expression increased. 5-FU at 0.025 μg/ml or 0.25 μg/ml resulted in 60.1 ± 0.4% and 67.0 ± 0.2% growth inhibition, respectively, an increase compared to individual treatment (p < 0.05). Apoptosis in cells treated with bortezomib +5-FU was significantly higher than either treatment alone (p < 0.05). Inhibition of proliferation by the combination treatment was synergistic.

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib alone or in combination with 5-FU inhibited JEG-3 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by increasing NF-kB expression. Combination treatment exerted synergistic effects on growth inhibition.

[Clinical research of percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures induced by glucocorticosteroid]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of vertebral compression fracture (VCF) in glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and risk of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP).

METHODS

In the study, 570 cases who received PVP or PKP as treatments of VCF from January 2010 to December 2013 were retrospective reviewed, of which 42 were GIOP and 21 were followed up as GIOP group, and the other 528 were primary osteoporosis and 391 were followed up, of which 84 were selected as Control group based on age and gender. The fracture location, ratio of single segment fracture and multiple segments fracture in the two groups were compared. In the final follow up, the reoperation rates for vertebral refractures by the Kaplan-Meier method in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The follow up periods were (24.0± 13.1) months in GIOP group and (25.8±14.4) months in control group(P>0.05). In GIOP group, there were 11 cases with one-segment fracture, 2 with two-segments fracture, 3 with three-segments fracture, 2 with four-segments fracture, 2 with five-segments fracture and 1 with eight-segments fracture. In Control group, there were 67 cases with one-segment fracture, 12 with two-segments fracture, 3 with three-segment fracture, and 2 with four-segments fracture. The ratio of single segment fracture in GIOP group was significantly lower than that in Control group(52.4% vs. 79.8%,P=0.01). There were 50 fracture segments in GIOP group and 109 fracture segments in Control group. The ratios of fracture segments located in thoracic segments(T1-T10), thoracolumbar segments(T11-L1)and lumbar segments(L2-L5)were 18%, 46% and 36% in GIOP group and 11.9%, 58.7% and 29.4% in Control group (P>0.05). The refracture rate in GIOP group was higher than that in control group (23.8% vs. 6.0%). The survival rate was lower in GIOP group than that in control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The predilection site of VCF was similar in GIOP and primary osteoporosis (thoracolumbar segments> thoracic segments> lumbar segments). The risk of multiple segments VCF was higher in GIOP than in primary osteoporosis. The risk of vertebral refractures after PVP or PKP was higher in GIOP than in primary osteoporosis.

Xiaoyao pill for treatment of functional dyspepsia in perimenopausal women with depression

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Xiaoyao pill for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) associated with perimenopausal depression.

METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial including 180 patients with FD accompanied by depression that were divided into two groups of 90. Patients in the treatment group received oral administration of the Xiaoyao pill for soothing the liver and activating the spleen, and patients in the control group received a placebo. This trial included an 8-wk therapy period with a follow-up period of 6 mo. The total efficacy and degree of depression, as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), were evaluated. Plasma levels of motilin and gastrin were measured and a gastric emptying test was conducted in each participant.

RESULTS: The Xiaoyao pill had a good therapeutic effect and improved the symptoms in patients with perimenopausal FD as assessed by the HRSD score, motilin and gastrin levels, and rate of gastric emptying. The total effective rate of the Xiaoyao pill in the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the placebo in the control group. In the control group, the initial HRSD score was 12.12 ± 2.29 and decreased to 7.14 ± 1.67 after therapy (P < 0.01). In the treatment group, the initial HRSD score was 11.44 ± 2.15, which significantly decreased to 6.20 ± 2.08 after therapy (P < 0.01). Moreover, the HRSD score in the treatment group was significantly lower than in control group after 8 wk (P < 0.01). Motilin and gastrin levels in both groups were significantly increased after the 8-wk therapy (P < 0.05). The gastric emptying rate was also improved in both groups after therapy (P < 0.05), and the improvement was significantly better in the treatment group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). These results confirm the therapeutic effects of the Xiaoyao pill in perimenopausal FD patients and indicate that it is worthy of clinical promotion.

CONCLUSION: The Xiaoyao pill is effective and safe for the treatment of perimenopausal women with FD associated with depression.

Molecular detection of QTL controlling plant height components in a doubled haploid barley population

Yield losses caused by lodging in barley can be partially controlled by reducing plant height. In order to understand dwarfing mechanisms and efficiently use new dwarf germplasms for a breeding program, it is important to identify QTL of plant height components. QTL analysis was performed for seven plant height component traits using a DH population of 122 lines derived from the cross of Huaai 11 x Huadamai 6. Composite interval mapping procedures detected 20 QTL, which were mapped onto chromosomes 2H, 3H, 5H, 6H, and 7H. Eleven QTL were detected in 3 years and four QTL were detected in 2 years. QTL controlling all seven plant height component traits were found near the dwarfing gene btwd1 on chromosome 7H. These QTL accounted for 27.19 to 59.73% of phenotypic variation in seven plant height component traits. Positive transgressive segregation was found for all traits. Some of the QTL identified in this study will be useful for understanding the dwarfing mechanism and for developing new dwarf varieties using marker-assisted selection.

Ping-tang Recipe () improves insulin resistance and attenuates hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of Ping-tang Recipe (, PTR) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Forty male SD rats were included in the study. Ten rats were fed on normal diet as normal control, and thirty rats were fed on HFD for 8 weeks to induce obesity, followed with low dose (0.42 g/kg) or high dose (0.84 g/kg) of PTR or vehicle for 8 weeks with 10 animals for each group. Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test. Hepatic steatosis was measured by immunohistochemistry. Liver lipid metabolic genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression was examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Rats fed on HFD developed abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and NAFLD. PTR treatment reduced visceral fat (peri-epididymal and peri-renal) accumulation, improved glucose metabolism, and attenuated hepatic steatosis. The expressions of the key lipolytic regulating genes, including peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PRAR-γ) and α (PRAR-α), were up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the expressions of lipogenic genes such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were down-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, PTR activated AMPK and promoted acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

PTR improves insulin resistance and reverse hepatic steatosis in the rat model of HFD-induced obesity through promotion of lipolysis and reduction of lipogenesis, which involves the AMPK signaling pathway, thus representing a new therapeutic intervention for obesity related insulin resistance and NAFLD.

Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet exerts favorable effects on metabolic parameters, intima-media thickness, and cardiovascular risks in healthy men

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether the Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet has protective effects on metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

One hundred sixty-nine healthy Chinese lacto-vegetarians and 126 healthy omnivore men aged 21-76 years were enrolled. Anthropometric indexes, lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic β cell function, and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries were assessed and compared. Cardiovascular risk points and probability of developing CVD in 5-10 years in participants aged 24-55 years were calculated.

RESULTS

Compared with omnivores, lacto-vegetarians had remarkably lower body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, γ-glutamyl transferase, serum creatinine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, as well as lower total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Vegetarians also had higher homeostasis model assessment β cell function and insulin secretion index and thinner carotid IMT than the omnivores did. These results corresponded with lower cardiovascular risk points and probability of developing CVD in 5-10 years in vegetarians 24-55 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy Chinese men, the lacto-vegetarian diet seems to exert protective effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, and metabolic parameters and results in significantly lower carotid IMT. Lower CVD risks found in vegetarians also reflect the beneficial effect of the Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet.

Two recessive genes controlling thermophotoperiod-sensitive male sterility in wheat

Male sterility of wheat-breeding line 337S (Triticum aestivum L.) is sensitive to both short day-length/low temperature and long day-length/high temperature. 337S was crossed with the common wheat variety, Huamai No. 8 and the F1 was highly fertile. The F2 population segregated in a 15:1 ratio for fertility/sterility in 243 individuals under long day-length/high-temperature. The two thermophotoperiod-responsive male sterile genes were mapped to chromosomes 5B and 2B using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers and bulked segregant analysis. Partial linkage maps around the sterility loci of chromosomes 2B and 5B were constructed using the 243 individuals in the F2 population. One gene (wptms1) for male sterility was flanked by the SSR markers Xgwm335 and Xgwm371 at a genetic distance in chromosome 5B of 4.1 and 24.4 cM, respectively. The second gene (wptms2) was mapped between markers Xgwm374 and Xgwm120 at a genetic distance of 6.6 and 20.9 cM, respectively. The closest linked markers Xgwm335 (wptms1) and Xgwm374 (wptms2) explained 53 and 38% of phenotypic variation for the fertility. The SSR markers provide a useful tool to transfer the male sterile genes into elite wheat germplasm.

WITHDRAWN: Isolation and Identification of a Multilineage Potential Mesenchymal Cell from Human Placenta

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[Relationship between memory enhancement induced by nitric oxide donor and brain ADP-ribosyltransferase in rats]

In order to explore the signal transduction pathway of nitric oxide (NO) related to learning and memory, the effects of intracerebral ventricular injection (icv) of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) alone or along with ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPRT) inhibitor nicotinamide (NIC) on learning and memory behavior were investigated in rats. Brain ADPRT activity was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that SNP (0.36 microgram, icv) facilitated short-term and long-term memory in passive avoidance response and elevated learning and memory ability in active avoidance response. NIC (1.5 mg, icv) blocked the effect of SNP. Training in active avoidance task raised ADPRT activity in hippocampus. Treatment with SNP (icv) before training caused significant elevation of ADPRT activity in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The results above support the view that ADPRT may be one of the target molecules of NO action.

NH-S hydrogen bonding in zinc enzyme model complex with S2N2 binding set studied by normal coordinate analysis of vibrational spectra

In order to provide theoretical evidence for the existence and effect of NH-S hydrogen bonding in the zinc enzyme model complex [Zn(S-2-C6H4NHCOC6H5)2(1-MeIm)2] (1-MeIm = 1-methylimidazole) in addition to the spectroscopic and crystallographic investigations, normal coordinate analysis (NCA) was carried out using a modified Urey-Bradley force field. The vibrational frequencies of the complex with and without the NH-S hydrogen bonding as well as the corresponding internal coordinates were obtained. The good agreement found between the calculated and observed frequencies in the presence of the NH-S hydrogen bond, supports the reliability of the analysis. The stretching force constant of the NH-S hydrogen bond obtained from the calculation is 0.18 mdyne per A. The calculation shows that the N-H bond is weakened by formation of the NH-S hydrogen bond. The results are indicative of the existence of the NH-S hydrogen bond in the complex.

Structure, hormonal regulation, and chromosomal location of genes encoding barley (1-->4)-beta-xylan endohydrolases

A gene encoding (1-->4)-beta-xylan xylanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.8) isoenzyme X-I has been isolated from a barley genomic library and the nucleotide sequence of a 2704-bp fragment defined. The gene contains a single intron of 91 bp in the coding region of the mature enzyme and additional introns may be present in the 5'-untranslated region. Expression of the xylanase gene is restricted to the aleurone layer of germinated grain, where the phytohormone gibberellic acid induces both transcriptional activity of the gene and the secretion of active enzyme from the layers. Abscisic acid abolishes the gibberellic acid induction of xylanase gene expression. The hormonal responses are consistent with the presence of promoter sequences, all of which are within 150 bp of the putative transcription start site, that have been implicated as cis-acting elements within gibberellic acid response complexes in plant genes. The elements include a pyrimidine box, CTCTTTCC, together with TAACGAC and TATCCAT boxes. Three genes encode (1-->4)-beta-xylanase isoenzymes in barley and these have been mapped on the barley genome using two doubled haploid populations and seven wheat-barley addition lines. The three xylanase genes are closely linked on the long arm of chromosome 7 (5H). No recombination was detected between the genes in 234 doubled haploid lines. The genes are flanked by the RFLP markers CDO506 on the proximal side and PSR370 at the distal end.

Seven members of the (1→3)-β-glucanase gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare) are clustered on the long arm of chromosome 3 (3HL)

Members of the (1→3)-β-glucan glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.39) gene family have been mapped on the barley genome using three doubled haploid populations and seven wheat-barley addition lines. Specific probes or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were generated for the seven barley (1→3)-β-glucanase genes for which cDNA or genomic clones are currently available. The seven genes are all located on the long arm of chromosome 3 (3HL), and genes encoding isoenzymes GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV and GVII (ABG2) are clustered in a region less than 20 cM in length. The region is flanked by the RFLP marker MWG2099 on the proximal side and the Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) resistance gene ym4 at the distal end. The gene encoding isoenzyme GVI lies approximately 50 cM outside this cluster, towards the centromere. With the exception of the gene encoding isoenzyme GIV, all of the (1→3)-β-glucanase genes are represented by single copies on the barley genome. The probe for the isoenzyme GIV gene hybridized with four DNA bands during Southern blot analysis, only one of which could be incorporated into the consensus linkage map.

Detection of loss of heterozygosity of p53 gene in paraffin-embedded breast cancers by non-isotopic PCR-SSCP

A rapid non-isotopic PCR-SSCP (polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformation polymorphism) method was developed in this study to detect polymorphism and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of p53 in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples of normal breast tissue and of breast cancer. p53 expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry. In 35 paired samples, heterozygosity in exon 4 of p53 was detected in 17 cases (49 per cent) and LOH of the p53 gene in breast cancer tissues was observed in 7 out of 15 informative cases (47 per cent). The correlation of LOH of p53 with positive p53 immunostaining did not reach statistical significance, but all immunostaining-positive tumours among informative cases had LOH of p53. The results support the hypothesis that in most cases the allelic deletion of p53 may uncover the 'recessive mutation' in the remaining allele. However, LOH of p53 was more frequent than positive immunostaining and was significantly associated with poor differentiation of breast cancer (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the allelic deletion of p53 may also contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer by reducing the amount of normal p53 protein. These results show that non-isotopic PCR-SSCP is a simple, fast, and effective method for detecting polymorphism and LOH of the p53 gene, which is especially useful for retrospective studies.

[A comparison of proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining, nucleolar organizer region staining in lung cancer]

Seventy-three cases of lung cancer were studied using two different methods, immunostaining for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and nucleolar organizer region staining (AgNORs), to assess the degree of cell proliferation. Both PCNA immunostaining and AgNOR staining were found to be significantly correlated with histological grade of lung cancer. The mean number of AgNOR per nucleus was found to be associated with LI of PCNA (r = 0.70, P < 0.01). The results suggest that the two proliferation-associated factors may be used as the additional diagnostic parameters in the grading of lung cancer.

Solitary adrenal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report of simultaneous successful resections

The case is presented of a 64-year-old male with a left adrenal mass and multiple liver lesions. Preoperative image work-ups included ultrasonography, computed tomography, selective liver and adrenal angiographies, and magnetic resonance imaging. Serial serum alpha-fetoprotein monitoring and the adrenal hormone profile were within the normal ranges. A left adrenalectomy and a right lobectomy of the liver were performed, and the pathology revealed hepatocellular carcinoma with left adrenal metastasis. The clinical significance of the present case, together with the diagnosis and management of the disease is discussed.

Spinal cord substance P mediates carbachol-induced cardiovascular responses from the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Intrathecal (i.t.) infusion of substance P (SP) antagonist, (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-substance P (20 micrograms), lowered blood pressure profoundly without any significant change of heart rate. The hypertensive and tachycardic responses elicited by microinjection of carbachol (25 ng/site) into the bilateral rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) were blocked by i.t. infusion of SP antagonist. These data provided evidence that an excitatory cardiovascular effect induced by cholinergic system in rVLM may be mediated mainly by the SP receptors in spinal cord.

Solubilization of murine melanoma xylosyltransferase and galactosyltransferase activities and their inactivation by dialdehyde nucleosides

The enzymes involved in the initial steps in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans were examined in the murine B16 melanoma. Approximately 60% of the melanoma xylosyltransferase activity and nearly all of the galactosyltransferase activity were membrane-bound; these enzymatic activities were solubilized by treatment with Nonidet P-40 and potassium chloride, and the Michaelis constants for the substrates and acceptor molecules were determined and found to be comparable to those reported for these enzymes from the chick embryo and a rat chondrosarcoma. Dialdehyde nucleosides, which have been reported to alter the activity of several enzymes involved in nucleic acid synthesis, inhibited both xylosyltransferase and galactosyltransferase activities, with galactosyltransferase being considerably less sensitive than xylosyltransferase. The inhibition of xylosyltransferase by dialdehyde nucleosides was irreversible, with no apparent specificity for the base moiety of the dialdehyde nucleosides.