Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and cathepsin K (catK) inhibitors on resistance to dentin erosion. Methodology A total of 96 dentin specimens (3×3×2 mm) were prepared and randomly assigned into four groups (n=24): deionized water (DW); 1 µM odanacatib (ODN, catK inhibitor); 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN, MMP inhibitor); and 1 µM odanacatib + 1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline (COM). Each group was further divided into two subgroups for the application of treatment solutions before (PRE) and after erosive challenges (POST). All specimens were subjected to four daily erosive challenges for 5 d. For each erosive challenge, the specimens in subgroup PRE were immersed in the respective solutions before cola drinks, while the specimens in subgroup POST were immersed in the respective solutions after cola drinks (the immersion duration was 5 min in both cases). All specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C between erosive challenges. The erosive dentin loss (EDL) was measured by profilometry. The residual demineralized organic matrix (DOM) of specimens was removed using type VII collagenase and evaluated by profilometry. Both the EDL and thickness of the residual DOM were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni’s test (α=0.05). The surface topography and transverse sections of the specimens were observed using SEM. MMPs and catK were immunolabeled in the eroded dentin and in situ zymography was performed to evaluate the enzyme activity. Results Significantly lower EDL was found in the groups ODN, PHEN, and COM than in the control group (all p<0.05), while no significant difference in EDL was found among the groups ODN, PHEN, and COM (all p>0.05). The application sequence showed no significant effect on the EDL of the tested groups (p=0.310). A significantly thicker DOM was observed in the group ODN than in the control group regardless of the application sequence (both p<0.05). The treatment with ODN, PHEN, and COM inhibited the gelatinolytic activity by approximately 46.32%, 58.6%, and 74.56%, respectively. Conclusions The inhibition of endogenous dentinal MMPs and catK increases the acid resistance of human dentin but without an apparent synergistic effect. The inhibition of MMPs and catK is equally effective either before or after the acid challenge.

Although non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is widely used to detect fetal abnormalities, the results of NIPT vary by population, and data for the screening efficiency of NIPT positive predictive value (PPV) from different populations is limited. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed the NIPT results in a large multicenter study involving 52,855 pregnant women. Depending on gestational age, amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood was extracted for karyotype and/or chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in NIPT-positive patients, and the PPV and follow-up data were evaluated to determine its clinical value. Among the 52,855 cases, 754 were NIPT-positive, with a positivity rate of 1.4%. Karyotype analysis and/or CMA confirmed 323 chromosomal abnormalities, with a PPV of 45.1%. PPV for trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy 18 (T18), trisomy 13 (T13), sex chromosomal aneuploidies (SCAs), and copy number variations (CNVs) were 78.9, 35.3, 22.2, 36.9, and 32.9%, respectively. The PPVs for T21, T18, and T13 increased with age, whereas the PPVs for SCAs and CNVs had little correlation with age. The PPV was significantly higher in patients with advanced age and abnormal ultrasound. The NIPT results are affected by population characteristics. NIPT had a high PPV for T21 and a low PPV for T13 and T18, and screening for SCAs and CNVs showed clinical significance in southern China.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A acupuntura é um tratamento para a dor neuropática, mas seu mecanismo permanece obscuro. Estudos anteriores mostraram que a analgesia foi induzida em ratos com dor neuropática quando o conteúdo de adenosina da medula espinhal aumentou após a eletroacupuntura (EA); no entanto, o mecanismo por trás desse aumento induzido por eletroacupuntura não foi esclarecido. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o papel que a ecto-5'-nucleotidase desempenha na analgesia induzida por EA para dor neuropática. Métodos: Realizamos eletroacupuntura no ponto de acupuntura de Zusanli no sétimo dia após estabelecer um modelo de rato de dor neuropática induzida por lesão de constrição crônica. Observamos o limiar de retirada mecânica e o limiar de dor térmica, e detectamos a expressão de ecto-5'-nucleotidase na medula espinhal usando Western blot. Modelos de ratos com lesão de constrição crônica foram injetados intraperitonealmente com α, β-metilenadenosina 5'-difosfato, um inibidor de ecto-5'-nucleotidase, 30 min antes da eletroacupuntura. O conteúdo de adenosina da medula espinhal foi detectado por meio de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Por último, o agonista do receptor de adenosina A1 N6-ciclopentiladenosina foi injetado por via intratecal no edema lombar dos ratos, e a retirada mecânica e os limiares de dor térmica foram reavaliados. Resultados: Analgesia e aumento da expressão de ecto-5'-nucleotidase e conteúdo de adenosina na medula espinhal foram observados 1 h após a eletroacupuntura. α, β-metilenadenosina 5'-difosfato foi capaz de inibir a sobrerregulação do conteúdo de adenosina e analgesia induzida por eletroacupuntura. Após administração de N6-ciclopentiladenosina, a analgesia induzida por eletroacupuntura foi restaurada. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a eletroacupuntura em Zusanli pode produzir analgesia em modelos de ratos com lesão de constrição crônica, possivelmente por meio do aumento da expressão de ecto-5'-nucleotidase induzida por eletroacupuntura, levando ao aumento da expressão de adenosina na medula espinhal.

ABSTRACT Background: Acupuncture is a treatment for neuropathic pain, but its mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies showed that analgesia was induced in rats with neuropathic pain when their spinal cord adenosine content increased after electroacupuncture (EA); however, the mechanism behind this electroacupuncture-induced increase has not been clarified. Objective: This study aimed to determine the role that ecto-5’-nucleotidase plays in EA-induced analgesia for neuropathic pain. Methods: We performed electroacupuncture at the Zusanli acupoint on the seventh day after establishing a rat model of neuropathic pain induced through chronic constriction injuries. We observed the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal pain threshold and detected the expression of ecto-5’-nucleotidase in the spinal cord using Western blot. Chronic constriction injury rat models were intraperitoneally injected with α,β-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate, an ecto-5’-nucleotidase inhibitor, 30 min before electroacupuncture. The adenosine content of the spinal cord was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. Lastly, the adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine was intrathecally injected into the lumbar swelling of the rats, and the mechanical withdrawal and thermal pain thresholds were reevaluated. Results: Analgesia and increased ecto-5’-nucleotidase expression and adenosine content in the spinal cord were observed 1 h after electroacupuncture. α,β-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate was able to inhibit upregulation of adenosine content and electroacupuncture-induced analgesia. After administration of N6-cyclopentyladenosine, electroacupuncture-induced analgesia was restored. Conclusions: Our results suggest that electroacupuncture at Zusanli can produce analgesia in chronic constriction injury rat models, possibly via the increased ecto-5’-nucleotidase expression induced through electroacupuncture, thus leading to increased adenosine expression in the spinal cord.

Abstract Baicalein has strong anti-inflammatory activity, but its efficacy and mechanism in pneumonia of mice is still unclear. Herein, RAW264.7 cells were infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv (MOI 1:10) after pre-incubation with 50 μM baicalein, and the result found that baicalein incubation ameliorated the increase of bacterial load, and reduced the levels of ROS, IL-12p40, TLR2 protein, phosphorylated JNK protein and M1 polarization markers (iNOS and CD11c), and increased the levels of IL-10, M2 polarization markers (Arg1, Mrc1 and CD206) and NEDD4L protein in H37Rv infected-RAW264.7 cells. And lentivirus-mediated NEDD4L overexpression vector (LV-NEDD4L) transfection had the same effect as baicalein, while small interfering RNA target NEDD4L (si-NEDD4L) transfection or JNK pathway inhibitor IQ 3 treatment reversed the effects of baicalein, and ubiquitin inhibitor MG132 treatment reversed the effects of LV-NEDD4L. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and TLR2 ubiquitination assays found that the binding of NEDD4L and TLR2 promoted the ubiquitination of TLR2. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were nasal infected with H37Rv (1000 ± 150 CFU/mouse) to establish a mouse pneumonia model, and then administered with baicalein. The result found that baicalein improved H37Rv-induced pneumonia in mice. In conclusion, baicalein increased NEDD4L-mediated ubiquitination of TLR2, promoting macrophage M2 polarization and alleviating H37Rv-induced pneumonia.

Abstract Megalobrama Amblycephala is an important fishery resource. The processing of Megalobrama Amblycephala often generates many underutilized leftovers including bone which contents abundant active calcium. This study investigated the optimization for extraction conditions of active calcium from Megalobrama Amblycephala bone. The active calcium was extracted from Megalobrama Amblycephala bone using citric acid and malic acid. The response surface methodology was applied to optimize the extraction technology parameters including extraction temperature, extraction time and ratio of citric acid and malic acid. Results showed that, the optimal conditions of extracting active calcium from Megalobrama Amblycephala bone were as follows: extraction temperature, 113 °C, extraction time, 0.8 h, ratio of citric acid and malic acid, 2: 1. Under these conditions, the yield of active calcium was 90.11%. This study has provided a reference for efficiently obtaining of active calcium and utilization of Megalobrama Amblycephala bone resource.

Abstract To observe the influence of thalidomide on tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) of spontaneous type-2 diabetes rat (kk-Ay rat) model, and to explore the clinical value of TNF-a mediated inflammation approach to improve the injury on epithelial cell of kidney tubules. There are 30 kk-Ay rates being chosen to establish the Diabetic Nephropathy model and divided into thalidomide group and the model control group, 15 pieces for each group respectively. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, interleukin -6 (IL-6) and interleukin -18 (IL-18) of kk-Ay in the thalidomide group and the model control group were both at a higher level before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05); The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, interleukin -6 (IL-6) and interleukin -18 (IL-18) in kk-Ay rats 8/10/12 weeks after the treatment in the thalidomide group were significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences compared with the model control group (P < 0.05). The histopathological changes of kidney tubules epithelial cell injury on rats were observed through dissection. Thalidomide will effectively lower TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels in kk-Ay rat models, reduce inflammatory response, and thus improve damage on kidney tubules epithelial cell, which is worthy of further exploration and application.

RESUMO Objetivo: o artigo usa imagens de redes neurais artificiais para explorar os efeitos do exercício aeróbio no ritmo gama do período teta na área CA1 do hipocampo desperto de camundongos APP/PS1/tau e o ritmo gama de baixa frequência da área CA1 do hipocampo do estado de sono Período SWR. Métodos: Camundongos APP/PS1/tau de grau limpo de 6 meses de idade foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo quieto (AS) e grupo de exercício (AE), os camundongos do grupo controle C57BL/6J foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo quieto (CS) e grupo de exercício (CE). O grupo AE e o grupo CE realizaram 12 semanas de exercício em esteira, 5d/semana, 60min/d, a primeira carga de exercício de 10min foi de 12m/min, a última de 50min foi de 15m/min e a inclinação da esteira foi de 0 °. Detecção de labirinto de oito braços de mudanças comportamentais em camundongos; tecnologia de gravação in vivo multicanal para registrar os sinais elétricos do estado de vigília e do estado de sono na área CA1 do hipocampo, MATLAB extrai o período de tempo teta do estado de vigília e o período de tempo SWR do estado de sono, método de estimativa de espectro de múltiplas janelas. e análise de densidade espectral de potência. Resultados: 12 semanas de exercícios aeróbicos podem melhorar significativamente a memória de trabalho e a memória de referência do grupo AS, aumentar a energia gama no período teta da área CA1 do hipocampo acordado e a energia gama de baixa frequência na área CA1 do estado de sono período SWR. Conclusões: O exercício aeróbico pode melhorar o estado da rede neural do modelo AD e aumentar a energia gama no período teta da área CA1 do hipocampo e a energia gama de baixa frequência no período SWR é um dos mecanismos da rede neural para seu comportamento geral. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos- investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Objective: The paper uses artificial neural network images to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on the gamma rhythm of theta period in the awake hippocampal CA1 area of APP/PS1/tau mice and the low-frequency gamma rhythm of the sleep state hippocampal CA1 area SWR period. Methods: Clean grade 6-month-old APP/PS1/tau mice were randomly divided into quiet group (AS) and exercise group (AE), C57BL/6J control group mice were randomly divided into quiet group (CS) and exercise group (CE). The AE group and the CE group performed 12-week treadmill exercise, 5d/week, 60min/d, the first 10min exercise load was 12m/min, the last 50min was 15m/min treadmill slope was 0°. Eight-arm maze detection of behavioral changes in mice; multi-channel in vivo recording technology to record the electrical signals of the awake state and sleep state in the hippocampal CA1 area, MATLAB extracts the awake state theta period and sleep state SWR period, multi-window spectrum estimation method Perform time-frequency analysis and power spectral density analysis. Results: 12 weeks of aerobic exercise can significantly improve the working memory and reference memory of the AS group, increase the gamma energy in theta period of the awake hippocampus CA1 area and the low-frequency gamma energy in the sleep state CA1 area SWR period. Conclusions: Aerobic exercise can improve the neural network state of the AD model and increase the gamma energy in theta period of the hippocampus CA1 area, and the low-frequency gamma energy in the SWR period is one of the neural network mechanisms for its overall behavioral improvement. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El artículo utiliza imágenes de redes neuronales artificiales para explorar los efectos del ejercicio aeróbico en el ritmo gamma del período theta en el área CA1 del hipocampo despierto de ratones APP/PS1/tau y el ritmo gamma de baja frecuencia del área CA1 del hipocampo en estado de sueño. Período de ROE. Métodos: Se dividieron aleatoriamente ratones APP/PS1/tau de 6 meses de edad de grado limpio en grupo tranquilo (AS) y grupo de ejercicio (AE), los ratones del grupo de control C57BL/6J se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupo tranquilo (CS) y grupo de ejercicio (CE). El grupo de EA y el grupo de EC realizaron 12 semanas de ejercicio en cinta rodante, 5 días a la semana, 60 min/d, la primera carga de ejercicio de 10 min fue de 12 m/min, los últimos 50 min fueron de 15 m/min y la pendiente de la cinta fue de 0 °. Detección en laberinto de ocho brazos de cambios de comportamiento en ratones; tecnología de grabación in vivo multicanal para registrar las señales eléctricas del estado despierto y del estado de sueño en el área CA1 del hipocampo, MATLAB extrae el período de tiempo theta del estado despierto y el período de tiempo de SWR del estado de suspensión, método de estimación de espectro de múltiples ventanas Realizar análisis de tiempo-frecuencia y análisis de densidad espectral de potencia. Resultados: 12 semanas de ejercicio aeróbico pueden mejorar significativamente la memoria de trabajo y la memoria de referencia del grupo AS, aumentar la energía gamma en el período theta del área CA1 del hipocampo despierto y la energía gamma de baja frecuencia en el período SWR del área CA1 del estado de sueño. Conclusiones: El ejercicio aeróbico puede mejorar el estado de la red neuronal del modelo AD y aumentar la energía gamma en el período theta del área del hipocampo CA1 y la energía gamma de baja frecuencia en el período SWR es uno de los mecanismos de la red neuronal para su comportamiento general. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos- investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMEN Con el fin de reducir el riesgo de evaluación en la estabilidad de taludes debido a la falta de claridad de los parámetros de cálculo, en este estudio se propone un método de análisis de elementos finitos con base en estadísticas difusas. Basado en el principio del método cuasi-estático y con la ayuda del software multifísico de elementos finitos COMSOL, este trabajo estudia la estabilidad del talud de roca con acumulación de grava en suelo bajo la acción de diferentes aceleraciones sísmicas. Al analizar el desplazamiento, la zona plástica y el factor de seguridad, se analiza la estabilidad del talud del suelo rocoso. Los resultados de la investigación muestran que la falta de claridad de los parámetros mecánicos de la pendiente de la roca y del suelo conducirá a la falta de claridad del desplazamiento de posición y los resultados del análisis de tensión de la pendiente de la roca y el suelo. El análisis de la pendiente de la roca y el suelo con el método de análisis difuso de elementos initos puede fortalecer la comprensión integral del desplazamiento de posición, el estrés y la seguridad de la pendiente de la roca y el suelo por parte de ingenieros y técnicos, y reducir la estabilidad de la pendiente de la roca y el suelo debido a la falta de claridad de los parámetros de cálculo y, hasta cierto punto, evaluar el riesgo cualitativamente.

ABSTRACT In order to reduce the risk of slope stability evaluation due to the fuzziness of calculation parameters, a finite element analysis method of slope stability based on fuzzy statistics is proposed. Based on the principle of quasi-static method and with the help of the finite element software COMSOL multiphysics, this paper studies the stability of the gravel soil accumulation rock slope under the action of different seismic acceleration. By analyzing the displacement, plastic zone and safety factor of the rock soil slope, the stability of the rock soil slope is analyzed. The research results show that the fuzziness of mechanical parameters of rock and soil slope will lead to the fuzziness of position displacement and stress analysis results of rock and soil slope, and the analysis of rock and soil slope with the method of fuzzy finite element analysis can strengthen the comprehensive understanding of position displacement, stress and safety of rock and soil slope by engineers and technicians, and reduce the stability of rock and soil slope due to the fuzziness of calculation parameters to a certain extent Evaluate the risk qualitatively.

ABSTRACT Purpose To study effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (RGP) on bone tissue structure and skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with disuse. Methods A rat model of disuse osteoporosis combined with muscle atrophy was established by removing the bilateral ovaries of rats and fixing their hind limbs for a long time. Forty SD rats were administered intragastrically for 12 weeks. The bone histomorphometry parameters and the level of oxidative stress were measured. In addition, the changes of muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) mRNA expression in skeletal muscle of rats were observed. Results RGP significantly increased the percentage of fluorescence perimeter and bone mineralization deposition rate of the second lumbar vertebrae of rats. It also significantly increased the wet weight ratio and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. At the same time, RGP significantly increased the levels of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the skeletal muscle of rats, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides also significantly reduced the expression levels of FOXO1, MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle. Conclusions RGP could improve the bone structure of osteoporotic rats. It could also improve muscle that atrophy may be related to the inhibition of FOXO1-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Malt is the mature fruit of Hordeum vulgare L. after germination and drying and has been applied for treatment female abnormal galactorrhea. Previous studies have showed total alkaloids in malt have anti-HPRL effect. However, total alkaloids of malt change with the growth cycle, and the specified levels of total alkaloids in different bud length of malt have not been decided. To determine the definitive level of total alkaloids in different buds of malt and the most suitable bud length for clinical application by comparing effects on hyperprolactinemia rat. During the budding of malt, the content of total alkaloids first increased and then decreased, and it peaked at a bud length of 0.75 cm. Treated the HPRL model rats with different buds of malt, the PRL level was decreased, the number of PRLpositive cells and the mRNA expression level in the pituitary were significantly declined, and the number of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the hypothalamus was increased. The above changes were most significant in 0.75 cm bud. These results suggest that in terms of the content of effective substance and the effects on HPRL model rats, a malt bud length of 0.75 cm is optimal for clinical application.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito protetor e o mecanismo da dexmedetomidina (Dex) na lesão perioperativa do miocárdio em doentes com dissecação aórtica Tipo A de Stanford (AD). MÉTODOS: Oitenta e seis pacientes com o Tipo A de Stanford foram aleatoriamente divididos em Dex e grupos de controle, 43 casos em cada grupo. Durante a cirurgia, o grupo de controle recebeu a anestesia de rotina, e o grupo Dex recebeu tratamento Dex baseado na anestesia de rotina. A frequência cardíaca (AR) e a pressão arterial média (MAP) foram registradas no momento anterior ao Dex carregar (t0), 10 minutos após o Dex carregar (t1), incisão cutânea (t2), serragem de esterno (t3), antes do bypass cardiopulmonar (t4), extubação (t5) e fim da cirurgia (t6). Os índices de sangue foram determinados no momento antes da indução da anestesia (T0) e no pós-operatório 12 horas (T1), 24 horas (T2), 48 horas (T3) e 72 horas (T4). RESULTADOS: Em T2 e t3, o RH e o MAP do grupo Dex foram inferiores ao grupo de controle (p<0,05). Em comparação com o grupo de controle, no grupo Dex em T1, T2 e T3, os níveis séricos de creatina quinase-MB, troponina-I, proteína C-reativa e necrose do fator-α do tumor diminuíram, o nível interleucina-10 aumentou, o desalinhamento total do superóxido sérico e a capacidade antioxidante total aumentaram e os níveis de mielopeperóxido e malondialdeído diminuíram (todos p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com Dex pode aliviar a lesão do miocárdio perioperativo em doentes com o Tipo A de Stanford por resistência à resposta inflamatória e ao estresse oxidativo.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on perioperative myocardial injury in patients with Stanford type-A aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: Eighty-six patients with Stanford type-A AD were randomly divided into Dex and control groups, with 43 cases in each group. During the surgery, the control group received the routine anesthesia, and the Dex group received Dex treatment based on routine anesthesia. The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before Dex loading (t0), 10 min after Dex loading (t1), at the skin incision (t2), sternum sawing (t3), before cardiopulmonary bypass (t4), at the extubation (t5), and at end of surgery (t6). The blood indexes were determined before anesthesia induction (T0) and postoperatively after 12h (T1), 24h (T2), 48h (T3), and 72h (T4). RESULTS: At t2 and t3, the HR and MAP in the Dex group were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, in the Dex group at T1, T2, and T3, the serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were decreased, and the interleukin-10 level, the serum total superoxide dismutase, and total anti-oxidant capability increased, while the myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels decreased (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dex treatment may alleviate perioperative myocardial injury in patients with Stanford type-A AD by resisting inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Explorar a associação do polimorfismo do gene fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF) com o endofenótipo cognitivo latente de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) após grandes desastres naturais na província de Hainan, China. MÉTODOS Um total de 300 doentes com TEPT e 150 controles saudáveis (HC) foi investigado pela escala de psicanálise para avaliar as suas funções cognitivas. A reação em cadeia polimerase (PCR) e a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (Page) foram usadas para detectar o polimorfismo do gene BDNF. RESULTADOS Em termos de função cognitiva, as pontuações no grupo TEPT foram piores do que as do grupo HC (P<0,05 ou P<0,01). Houve uma diferença significativa na distribuição do genótipo de BDNF e frequência do alelo entre os dois grupos (P<0,05). Os endofenótipos de TEPT foram significativamente diferentes entre os genótipos de BDNF do grupo TEPT (P≤0,01). CONCLUSÃO Existe uma diferença estatisticamente significativa no polimorfismo do gene BDNF entre o TEPT e os grupos HC, e os alelos estão associados à incidência do TEPT. Assim, pode ser um fator de risco para TEPT.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To explore the association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) polymorphism with the latent cognitive endophenotype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after major natural disasters in Hainan Province, China. METHODS A total of 300 patients with PTSD and 150 healthy controls (HC) were surveyed by psychoanalysis scale to assess their cognitive functions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were used to detect the BDNF gene polymorphism. RESULTS In terms of the cognitive function, the scores in the PTSD group were worse than those of the HC group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the distribution of BDNF genotype and allele frequency between the two groups (P < 0.05). PTSD endophenotypes were significantly different among the BDNF genotypes in the PTSD group (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION There is a statistically significant difference in the polymorphism of BDNF gene between PTSD and HC groups, and the alleles are associated with the incidence of PTSD. Thus, it may be a risk factor for PTSD.

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) topical gel and dexamethasone topical ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) in children. This retrospective observational study included 104 patients who had more than two episodes of oral aphthous ulcers per year and were treated with HA (n=52) or dexamethasone (n=52) from August 15, 2014 to September 3, 2018. Therapy efficacy was evaluated based on the ulcer size and pain score before versus 7 days after either therapy. The paired t-test, chi-squared test, and independent t-test were utilized for statistical analyses. There was no significant difference in ulcer size or pain score between the HA and dexamethasone groups, on day 1 or day 7. Both treatments were tolerated well and no side effects were reported. No significant differences in body temperature, respiration rate, pulse, or systolic/diastolic blood pressure were observed between the start (day 1) and end of treatment (day 7), for either treatment. HA and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing ulcer size and pain scores, and were tolerated equally well in children with RAU. Future high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

Abstract Purpose Changrui enema, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is used as a supplementary treatment for acute radiation proctitis (ARP). Herein we explored the inhibition effects of Changrui enema on NF-κB and VEGF in ARP mice. Methods A total of 120 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into normal mice group, ARP mice group, western medicine enema group (dexamethasone combined with gentamicin), and Changrui enema group. ARP mice were established by pelvic local irradiation. The expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, VEGF, AQP1, AQP3, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was determined by immunohistochemistry or western blot. Results The study firstly found that Changrui enema alleviated ARP mice. The expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, VEGF, AQP1 and p-ERK1/2 was increased in ARP mice, and was reserved by Changrui enema. However, the expression of AQP3 and p-JNK was decreased in ARP mice, and was up-regulated by Changrui enema. Conclusions Changrui enema is an effective treatment with fewer side effects for ARP. The mechanism of Changrui enema may be related to the inhibition of inflammation-induced angiogenesis. Changrui enema inhibits IL-1β and NF-κB expression as well as VEGF expression. Interestingly, AQP1 promotes angiogenesis, while AQP3 inhibits inflammation. Changrui enema probably inhibits AQP1 expression by down-regulating p-ERK1/2, and improves AQP3 expression by up-regulating p-JNK.