Clinical studies have identified that an excessive exposure of UV light can cause oxidative stress (OS) and tyrosinase enzyme over-expression, which are associated with multiple diseases including atherosclerosis, cancers, diabetics, rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we investigated the impact of grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSPE) on regulating OS and tyrosinase activity in human epidermal melanocytes. This study revealed that GSPE did not affect cell viability and protected cells from UV induced damage in a dose-dependent manner. 5-(-6)-Carboxy-2,7-di-chlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining (i.e., a fluorescence staining for intracellular (OS)) indicated that GSPE reduced OS level caused by UV exposure. A similar trend was also confirmed by flow cytometry analysis, where GSPE down-regulated OS level. Tyrosinase analysis showed that GSPE treatment decreased tyrosinase activity. Taken all data together, GSPE may restore the cellular damage caused by excessive UV-exposure and promote skin health by reducing tyrosine generation. Clinically, GSPE could be potentially utilized for improving skin health against excessive UV exposure.

A new polymeric silver(I) complex, [Ag2(L¹)2(L²)(OH2)]n, was obtained by the reaction of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (HL¹), 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (L²) and silver oxide in aqueous ammonia. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray determination. The smallest repeat unit contains a [Ag2(L¹)2(L²)(OH2)] moiety. The Ag···Ag distance is 7.490(2) Å. One Ag atom is coordinated by three pyrazine N and two carboxylate O atoms from four L¹ ligands, forming a square pyramidal coordination, and the other one is coordinated by one pyrazine N and one carboxylate O atoms from a L¹ ligand, one pyridine N atom from a L² ligand, and one water O atom, forming a square planar geometry. In the crystal structure of the complex, the dinuclear silver moieties are linked through L¹ ligands, to form 1D chains along the x-axis direction. The chains are further linked through intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the y- and z-axis directions, forming a 3D network. In addition, there are π···π interactions among the chains. The complex showed effective cytotoxic property on human lung cancer cell line A549.

Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de diabetes melito (DM) e pré-diabetes melito (PDM) na população muçulmana no noroeste da China e discutir os fatores de risco. Materiais e métodos Selecionamos três vilarejos de acordo com a renda e a população, usando uma amostra estratificada e por cluster. Os sujeitos eram residentes com ≥ 20 anos de idade e de famílias que estavam no local há mais de três gerações. Foram feitos e analisados um questionário e o teste de tolerância oral à glicose (TTOG) para 660 sujeitos. Resultados A prevalência do DM e PDM entre as populações Han e muçulmana foi diferente (P = 0,041), e as prevalências também foram diferentes com relação à idade na população Han (P < 0,001) e muçulmana (P < 0,001), respectivamente. Exceto pela faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, a prevalência do DM e PDM na população muçulmana foi maior do que na população Han (P = 0,013), não havendo diferenças significativas para as outras faixas etárias (P > 0,05). A ingestão de sal (P < 0,001) e óleos comestíveis (P < 0,001) na população muçulmana foi mais alta do que na população Han, enquanto o tabagismo (P < 0,001) e consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foram mais baixos. O IMC (P < 0,001), a idade (P = 0,025) e o tabagismo (P = 0,011) foram fatores de risco para o DM e PDM, mas o consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foi um fator protetor. Conclusões No noroeste da China, a prevalência de DM é maior na população muçulmana e é especialmente mais alta na faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, quando comparada com a população Han. Isso pode ser explicado por diferenças genéticas potenciais e hábitos alimentares ruins.

Objective To survey the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) in the Muslim population in northwest China, and discuss the risk factor. Materials and methods According to the income and the population, we randomly selected 3 villages with stratified and cluster sampling. The subjects were residents ≥ 20 years of age, and were from families which have been local for > 3 generations. The questionnaire and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were completed and analyzed for 660 subjects. Results The prevalence of DM and PDM between the Han and Muslim populations were different (P = 0.041). And the prevalence were also different with respect to age in the Han (P < 0.001) and Muslim population (P < 0.001) respectively. Except for the 20-year-old age group the prevalence of DM and PDM within the Muslim population was higher than the Han (P = 0.013), we did not find any significant difference for other age groups (P > 0.05). The intake of salt (P < 0.001) and edible oil (P < 0.001) in the Muslim population was higher than the Han, while cigarette smoking (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was lower. BMI (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.025), and smoking cigarettes (P = 0.011) were risk factors for DM and PDM, but alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was a protective factor. Conclusions In northwest China, the prevalence of DM was higher in the Muslim population, and it was special higher on the 20-year-old age compared to the Han. This might be explained by the potential genetic differences and poor dietary habits.

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture application in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy.Materials and MethodsFrom Sep 2011 and Aug 2012, 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were performed at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: self-retaining barbed suture (SRBS) group (n = 36) and non-SRBS group (n = 40). There was no significant difference in age, sex, tumor size and location between the two groups. Clinical data and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAll 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were successfully performed, without conversion to open surgery or serious intraoperative complications. In the SRBS group, the suture time, warm ischemia time and operation blood loss were significantly shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.01), and operation time and hospital stay were shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe application of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy could shorten suture time and warm ischemia time, with good safety and feasibility, worthy of being used in clinic.