ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the role and mechanism of curcumin (Cur) in reducing oxidative stress damage in rats with nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol (EG). Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into normal control, model, positive (10% potassium citrate), Cur-10 (10 mg/kg curcumin) and Cur-20 (20 mg/kg curcumin) groups. Results: The results of kidney tissue section stained by hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa showed that curcumin treatment can inhibit the formation of kidney stones. The biochemical test results showed that the urea (Ur), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), inorganic phosphorus and Ca2+ concentrations in urine decreased after being treated with curcumin. There were significant differences between different doses of curcumin (P < 0.05). Compared with the Cur-10 group, Cur-20 had a more significant inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). In addition, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and immunohistochemical results indicated that the osteopontin (OPN) in the kidney was significantly reduced after curcumin treatment. Conclusions: Curcumin could reduce the oxidative stress damage caused by EG-induced kidney stones.

Abstract Background We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect of tea intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Genetic instruments for tea intake were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of the UK Biobank. Genetic association estimates for RA (6236 cases and 147,221 controls) and SLE (538 cases and 213,145 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study through the IEU GWAS database. Results MR analyses using the inverse-variance weighted method showed that tea intake was not associated with risk of RA [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658–1.511] and SLE (OR per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.961, 95% CI 0.299–3.092). Weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, leave-one-out and multivariable MR controlling for several confounding factors including current tobacco smoking, coffee intake, and alcoholic drinks per week yielded completely consistent results. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy was found. Conclusion Our MR study did not suggest a causal effect of genetically predicted tea intake on RA and SLE.

Abstract Acanthopanax gracilistylus W.W.Smith (AGS) is an traditional Chinese medicine and its leaves that have rich biological activities has been long used as a fresh vegetable in Chinese folk. There are two lupane-type triterpenoids, 3α,11α-dihydroxy-23-oxo-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (1) and 3α,11α,23-trihydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (2), were isolated as the active constituents from leaves of AGS. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of 1 and 2 on LPS-induced RAW264.7 Macrophages have not been evaluated. In this study, the results shown that compounds 1 and 2 reduced the levels of early pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, the secretion of late pro-inflammatory cytokine HMGB1, as well as the activation of transcription factor NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by LPS. In conclusion, two lupane-type triterpenes (1 and 2) have anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells through inhibiting expression of proinflammatory cytokines and NF‐κB activation and could be potentially used in treatment of inflammatory-related diseases in the future.

Abstract The destruction of the pulmonary epithelial barrier in acute respiratory distress syndrome is caused by the damage of the alveolar epithelial cells. Oroxin A is an effective flavonoid component derived from the medicinal plant Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz. In this study, the oleic acid (OA)-induced A549 cell injury model was established in vitro to explore the protective mechanism of Oroxin A. The experiment was divided into the following groups: control, OA and OA + Oroxin A group. The OA-induced A549 cell injury was dose (time)-dependent and was detected by the CCK-8 assay. The protein and mRNA expression levels associated with pyroptosis are detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. After Oroxin A treatment, the levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH released were significantly lower than the OA group. In terms of pyroptosis, Oroxin A can inhibit the expression of pyroptosis-related protein and mRNA. Significantly, the surfactant protein C (SPC) level in the OA + Oroxin A group was significantly higher than that in the OA group. The treatment with Oroxin A alleviates the OA-induced injury in the A549 cells, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of A549 cells pyroptosis and prevention of the degradation of the SPC.

Abstract Rock materials are often subjected to cyclic loads during construction. A full understanding of the deformation behavior of rock under cyclic loads is of great significance in engineering. In this study, by using the endochronic constitutive model proposed by Valanis, the reinforcement function form and constitutive parameters of the endochronic model are improved. An endochronic plasticity constitutive program for rock based on the finite element method is used to study the mechanical properties of rock under different cyclic loading conditions (of maximum loading stress, amplitude, and confining pressure), and through the use of red sandstone, marble, and basalt, experimental and simulation results are compared to verify the model. The results show that the theory can better simulate the hysteresis loop width and cumulative plastic strain of rock under cyclic loading and, under different loading conditions, the numerical simulation results are consistent with the actual rock experimental law. Therefore, the endochronic plasticity constitutive model in this study can be applied to investigate the influence of cyclic loading on the dynamic deformation behavior of rock.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is thought to prevent recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its efficacy is a matter of controversy. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of preventive TACE on the tumor, nodes, metastasis (TNM) classification in cases of stage II HCC (T2N0M0) after R0 resection. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study conducted in a tertiary-level public hospital. METHODS: We analyzed recurrence rates and mortality rates over time for 250 consecutive cases of HCC in TNM classification cases of stage II HCC (T2N0M0) after R0 resection. These cases were divided into patients who underwent TACE (TACE+) and presented microvascular invasion (MVI+; n = 80); TACE+ but did not present MVI (MIV−; n = 100); MVI+ but did not undergo TACE (TACE−, n = 30); and TACE−/MVI− (n = 40). RESULTS: MVI+ patients in the TACE+ group had significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at one, two and three years than those in the TACE- group (all P < 0.05). Among MVI- patients, the TACE+ group did not have significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at one, two and three years than the TACE- group (all P > 0.05). Regardless of whether TACE was performed or not, MVI− patients had significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at two and three years after their procedures than did MVI+ patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Recurrence rates and mortality rates for MVI+ patients were significantly higher than for MVI− patients, beyond the first year after TACE. Postoperative adjuvant TACE may be beneficial for HCC patients with MVI.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

SUMMARY: This study aims to compare the knee morphological difference between Han and Mongolian Chinese in China. This will improve the knee prostheses design. A total of 37 natural knees of Han Chinese (13 males, 9 females) and Mongolian Chinese (8 males, 7 females) were measured used Mimics medical imaging program, and the parameters included fML (the femoral mediolateral length), fLAP (the femoral lateral condyle anteroposterior length), fMAP (the femoral medial condyle anteroposteriorlength), tML (The tibial mediolateral length ) , tLAP (The tibial lateral anteroposteriorlength) and tMAP (the tibial medial anteroposterior length), The aspect ratio (defined as fML/fAP and tML/tAP;). The sizes of femur and tibia of the males were larger than those of the female for Han Chinese (fML, fLAP and fMAP) mean ± standard deviation: 84.57 ± 4.70 vs.76.52 ± 3.56, 65.75 ± 2.70 vs. 60.53 ± 3.81 and 67.10 ± 3.67vs. 62.1 2± 3.55; tML, tLAP and tMAP: 74.68 ± 4.27 vs. 65.82 ± 3.51 , 36.13 ± 2.96 vs. 31.12 ± 2.91 and 44.54 ± 3.02 vs. 40.11 ± 3.80 and Mongolian Chinese (fML, fLAP and fMAP) : 88.20 ± 4.57 vs. 77.92 ± 2.97, 68.82 ± 4.22 vs. 61.31 ± 1.92 and 69.81 ± 3.53 vs. 62.13 ± 1.63; tML, tLAP and tMAP: 78.00 ± 3.80 vs. 66.71 ± 3.52, 40.17 ± 3.09 vs. 32.91 ± 1.68 and 48.65 ± 3.00 vs. 41.97 ± 2.48). The aspect ratio of the knee in Mongolian Chinese was smaller than those of Han Chinese (fML/fAP:1.28±0.04 vs.1.29±0.03 for males;1.27±0.04 vs.1.27±0.05; tML/tAP: 1.60±0.04 vs. 1.68±0.10 for the males, 1.59±0.13 vs. 1.65±0.10 for the females). The effects of nationality and sex on the size and shape of knee were significant (p<0.05). The results suggest that an anatomic matched knee prosthesis should be taken into account different nationalities even in the same race.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar la diferencia morfológica de rodilla entre los chinos Han y los Mongoles en China. Esto mejorará el diseño de las prótesis de rodilla. Un total de 37 rodillas de chinos Han (13 hombres, 9 mujeres) y Mongoles (8 hombres 7 mujeres) se midieron utilizando el programa de imágenes médicas Mimics, y los parámetros incluyeron fML (la longitud mediolateral femoral), fLAP (la longitud anteroposterior del cóndilo lateral del fémur), fMAP (la longitud anteroposterior del cóndilo medial del fémur), tML (la longitud mediolateral de la tibia), tLAP (la longitud anteroposterior lateral de la tibia) y tMAP (la longitud anteroposterior media de la tibia), la relación de aspecto (definida como fML / fAP y tML / tAP;). Los tamaños de fémur y tibia de los hombres fueron mayores que los de las mujeres para los chinos Han (fML, fLAP y fMAP) [media ± desviación estándar: 84,57±4,70 vs. 76,52±3,56, 65,75±2,70 vs. 60,53±3,81 y 67,10±3,67 vs. 62,12±3,55; tML, tLAP y tMAP: 74,68±4,27 vs. 65,82±3,51, 36,13±2,96 vs. 31,12±2,91 y 44,54±3,02 vs. 40,11±3,80 y Chino Mongol (fML, fLAP y fMAP): 88,20±4,57 vs. 77,92±2,97, 68,82±4,22 vs. 61,31±1,92 y 69,81±3,53 vs. 62,13±1,63; tML, tLAP y tMAP: 78,00±3,80 vs. 6671±3,52, 40,17±3,09 vs. 32,91±1,68 y 48,65±3,00 vs. 41,97±2,48]. La relación de aspecto de la rodilla del Chino Mongol fue menor que la de los chinos Han (fML / fAP: 1,28±0,04 vs.1,29±0,03 para los hombres; 1,27±0,04 vs. 1,27±0,05; tML / tAP: 1,60±0,04 vs. 1,68±0,10 para los hombres, 1,59±0,13 vs. 1,65±0,10 para las mujeres). Los efectos de la nacionalidad y el sexo en el tamaño y la forma de la rodilla fueron significativos (p <0,05). Los resultados sugieren que una prótesis anatómica de rodilla emparejada debe tenerse en cuenta en las diferentes nacionalidades, incluso en la misma raza.

Abstract Background and objective: The clinical presentations and disease courses of patients hospitalized with either influenza A virus subtype H7N9 (H7N9) or 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus were compared in a recent report, but associated cardiac complications remain unclear. The present retrospective study investigated whether cardiac complications in critically ill patients with H7N9 infections differed from those infected with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus strain. Methods: Suspect cases were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays with specific confirmation of the pandemic H1N1 strain at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Comparisons were conducted at the individual-level data of critically ill patients hospitalized with H7N9 (n = 24) or pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (n = 22) infections in Suzhou, China. Changes in cardiac biochemical markers, echocardiography, and electrocardiography during hospitalization in the intensive care unit were considered signs of cardiac complications. Results: The following findings were more common among the H7N9 group relative to the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus group: greater tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, sinus tachycardia (heartbeat ≥ 130 bpm), ST segment depression, right ventricular dysfunction, and elevated cardiac biochemical markers. Pericardial effusion was more often found among pandemic H1N1 influenza virus patients than in the H7N9 group. In both groups, most of the cardiac complications were detected from day 6 to 14 after the onset of influenza symptoms. Those who developed cardiac complications were especially vulnerable during the first four days after initiation of mechanical ventilation. Cardiac complications were reversible in the vast majority of discharged H7N9 patients. Conclusions: Critically ill hospitalized H7N9 patients experienced a higher rate of cardiac complications than did patients with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infections, with the exception of pericardial effusion. This study may help in the prevention, identification, and treatment of influenza-induced cardiac complications in both pandemic H1N1 influenza virus and H7N9 infections.

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 39 (USP39) is a 65 kDa SR-related protein involved in RNA splicing. Previous studies showed that USP39 is related with tumorigenesis of human breast cancer cells. RESULTS: In the present study, we investigated the functions of USP39 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721. We knocked down the expression of USP39 through lentivirus mediated RNA interference. The results of qRT-PCR and western blotting assay showed that both the mRNA and protein levels were suppressed efficiently after USP39 specific shRNA was delivered into SMMC-7721 cells. Cell growth was significantly inhibited as determined by MTT assay. Crystal violet staining indicated that colony numbers and sizes were both reduced after knock-down of USP39. Furthermore, suppression of USP39 arrested cell cycle progression at G2/M phase in SMMC-7721cells. In addition, Annexin V showed that downregulation of USP39 significantly increased the population of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: All our results suggest that USP39 is important for HCC cell proliferation and is a potential target for molecular therapy of HCC.