Role of naringin in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major pathological basis of coronary heart disease. However, the currently available medications are unable to effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in the majority of patients with AS. Therefore, naringin has been attracting considerable attention owing to its anti-AS effects.

Thyroid Hormone Reference Intervals among Healthy Individuals In Lanzhou, China.

Backgruound: The common reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid hormones currently used in China are provided by equipment manufacturers. This study aimed to establish thyroid hormone RIs in the population of Lanzhou, a city in the subplateau region of northwest China, and compare them with previous reports and manufacturer-provided values.

Methods: In total, 3,123 individuals (1,680 men, 1,443 women) from Lanzhou, an iodine-adequate area of China, perceived as healthy were selected.

Dual Role of Wnt5a in the Progression of Inflammatory Diseases.

Wnt5a is a secreted Wnt ligand that plays a critical role in cellular pathways and inflammatory diseases. The gene encodes two protein isoforms, Wnt5a-long and Wnt5a-short, which differ based on different promoter methylation and have distinct functions. However, the mechanisms of the promoter methylation are unclear.

Histological Analysis, Bioinformatics Profile, and Expression of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) in Bovine Testes.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme expressed in mammalian testes, exerts a direct effect on spermatogenesis; however, its protein characteristics in bovine testes remain unknown. Here, we analysed bovine testicular structure, MTHFR bioinformatics profile, mRNA, and protein expression characteristics in yellow-cattle (y-c) and yak testis using histological procedures, bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Testes from 13 bovines, ≤2 years juvenile (y-c, = 3; yak, = 3) and ≥3 years adult (y-c, = 3; yak, = 4) were collected and analysed.

Effect of mandibular advancement device on the stomatognathic system in patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the changes of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and the electrical changes in mandibular movement and masticatory muscle surface of mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) patients before and after treatment with mandibular advancement device (MAD).

Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective study recruiting OSAHS patients undergoing treatment with MAD in Department of Stomatology, Yannan Hospital, Kunming, China. Patients were recruited from February 2015 to October 2015, and TMJ changes were observed in MRI scanning before and after 18 months of treatment with MAD in cohort 1.

[Radiographic study on the efficacy of mandibular advancement in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients.

Methods: Eighty OSAS patients treated with a mandibular protraction appliance were included in the study. Three-dimensional reconstruction technique was used as to measure the changes of upper airway structure and volume before and after MAD treatment.

[Research progress on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome with mandibular advancement device].

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by obstruction of upper airway and respiratory disturbance, excessive daytime sleepiness and tiredness.The possible causes are obesity, hypertension, and upper airway malformations,etc. The location and degree of upper airway structure narrowing in patients have been investigated in many ways, such as X-ray, multi-slices spiral computed tomography, etc.

[A study on the variation in classifying chest radiographs for pneumoconiosis].

Objective: To study the interobserver variation and its sources in classifying chest radiographs of pneumoconiosis for improving diagnostic quality.

Methods: A set of 240 high-voltage chest radiographs including different stages of pneumoconiosis was developed and 5 sets of copies were made in the same condition. It was read by 7 experienced readers independently in eligible situation.

[Potential effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and tumor necrosis factor receptor II gene polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of silicosis].

Objective: To approach the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFR II) gene polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility to silicosis and their interaction with silica-dust exposure.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine cases of silicosis and three hundred and forty-one silica-dust exposure workers (control) were selected, and the cases of silicosis were divided into three subgroups based on the various stages of I, II and III. Exposure history, pneumoconiosis history and past history of each subject were obtained by questionnaire.

[Potential effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its receptor II gene polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of coal worker's pneumoconiosis].

Objective: To approach the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFRII) gene polymorphisms on genetic susceptibility of coal worker's pneumoconiosis and their relationship with pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods: Two hundred and thirty-four cases of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) and four hundred and forty coal mine workers (controls) were selected, and the cases of CWP were divided into three subgroups based on the various stages of I, II and III. 3 ml peripheral vein blood was drawn from every subject.