Interrogation of human microglial phagocytosis by CRISPR genome editing.

Background: Microglia are an integral part of central nervous system, but our understanding of microglial biology is limited due to the challenges in obtaining and culturing primary human microglia. HMC3 is an important cell line for studying human microglia because it is readily accessible and straightforward to maintain in standard laboratories. Although HMC3 is widely used for microglial research, a robust genetic method has not been described.

Metformin Use Was Associated With Reduced Risk of Incidental Sjögren's Syndrome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Previous studies have shown that metformin exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect and may decrease the risk of incidental diabetes. But the effect of metformin on incidental Sjögren's syndrome is unknown. The aim of the study was to examine the association between metformin exposure and Sjögren's syndrome in diabetic patients.

Association Between Air Pollution and the Risk of Uveitis: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

Previous studies have revealed an association between ocular surface disorders and air pollution, few studies have focused on the risk of uveitis. We aimed to investigate whether air pollution increases the risk of uveitis. We used the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) and the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database (TAQMD) to conduct a retrospective cohort study.

[Searching for WDMS Candidates In SDSS-DR10 With Automatic Method].

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has released the latest data (DR10) which covers the first APOGEE spectra. The massive spectra can be used for large sample research inscluding the structure and evolution of the Galaxy and multi-wave-band identi cation. In addition, the spectra are also ideal for searching for rare and special objects like white dwarf main-sequence star (WDMS).

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits VEGF expression induced by IL-6 via Stat3 in gastric cancer.

Aim: To demonstrate that (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6) via suppressing signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) activity in gastric cancer.

Methods: Human gastric cancer (AGS) cells were treated with IL-6 (50 ng/mL) and EGCG at different concentrations. VEGF, total Stat3 and activated Stat3 protein levels in the cell lyses were examined by Western blotting, VEGF protein level in the conditioned medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the level of VEGF mRNA was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

[Relationship of hypoxia-induced factor with tumor angiogenesis in early liver metastasis in colonic cancer].

Objective: To study the relationships of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) with tumor angiogenesis and early liver metastasis in colonic cancer.

Methods: Thirty three cases of colon cancer undergoing radical surgery were divided into two groups according to liver metastasis or not within half a year after operation. Expressions of HIF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined using immunohistochemical method and tumor microvessel density (MVD) was measured in colonic cancer specimens.

[A minimally invasive approach in the treatment of complicated anal fistula through spatium intermuscular of anal sphincter].

Objective: To investigate the optimal operative approach for the complicated anal fistula.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-two cases with complicated anal fistula were randomly divided into minimally invasive operation group (through spatium intermuscular of anal sphincter) and fistula resection group. The operation time, bleeding time during and after operation, pain lasting time, healing time of incision, area of anal scar, anal malformation and function and post operative recurrence were observed and compared between the two groups.

Mild hypothermia protects liver against ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Aim: To determine whether mild hypothermia could protect liver against ischemia and reperfusion injury in pigs.

Methods: Twenty-four healthy pigs were randomly divided into normothermia, mild hypothermia and normal control groups. The experimental procedure consisted of temporary interruption of blood flow to total hepatic lobe for different lengths of time and subsequent reperfusion.