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Background Hepatokines are a variety of proteins secreted by the liver, a key organ involved in systemic metabolism and endocrine, directly affect the liver glycolipid metabolism, and play an important role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ectodysplasin A (EDA) is a newly discovered hepatokine, which is considered to be strongly related to diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance. Objective To assess the relationship between serum EDA level and the risk of NAFLD in patients with T2DM. Methods One hundred and thirty T2DM patients, including 74 males (56.92%) and 56 females (43.08%), with a mean age of (55.6±12.4) years, were recruited from Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University between November 2017 and November 2020. Baseline data, results of glucose tolerance test, insulin response test, C-peptide response to glucagon test, and color Doppler ultrasound of the abdomen were collected. Baseline data were compared between patients with ultrasound-detected NAFLD (n=80) and those without (n=50). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between serum EDA and the other clinical and biochemical indices. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of EDA level. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effect of EDA level on the risk of NAFLD. Results Compared with non-NAFLD group, NAFLD group had much younger mean age, shorter mean duration of T2DM, but significantly higher mean levels of BMI, fasting insulin (FIns), 2-hour postprandial insulin responses (2 hIns), fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide (2 hCP), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triacylglycerol (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood uric acid (SUA), urea nitrogen (BUN), and EDA level (P

Recently, the incidence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing; however, current treatment options are limited. As the life expectancy of patients has increased, a range of diabetes mellitus-associated complications with have emerged. Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) is a novel adipokine closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism, tumor growth, immunity, cognitive function, skeletal muscle repair, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular functions and involved in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and emerging complications. This study focuses on the current roles and mechanisms of Metrnl in cancer, infections, liver diseases, cognitive function, and disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study investigates the differences in condylar position between centric relation (CR) and maximum intercuspation (MI) in Angle's Class II orthodontic patients before treatment. Methods 80 cases, who were Angle's Class II pretreatment patients, and 50 cases, who were normal(ideal) occlusion were accepted. Dental casts were mounted on Panadent articulator with CR bite record, taken by bilateral manipulation and load testing. The differences in condylar position between CR and MI in all three spatial planes were measured using the Panadent condylar position indication (CPI). Results 1) The positive rate of CR-MI discrepancy was 92.50%(74 cases) in the group of Angle's Class II malocclusion and 10.00% (5 cases) in the group of normal occlusion(P< 0.001). 2)74.32% (55 cases) CR-MI discrepancy in 74 cases in the group of Angle's Class II pretreatment patients were coincidence discrepancy. 3)91.25% patients in the group of Angle's Class II malocclusion and 66.00% in the group of normal occlusion present occlusion interferences which located at the posterior teeth. Conclusion The results suggested that orthodontists should be aware of a high incidence of condylar displacement in Angle's Class II pretreatment patients, and measure condylar displacement before the start of comprehensive orthodontic treatment to unmask real jaw relationships and avoid possible misdiagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) combined with vascular resection and reconstruction under robotic surgery system in the treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer., Methods: The clinical data of 17 patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent PD combined with vascular resection and reconstruction (see the Video 1 in Supplemental Contents, http://ykxb.scu.edu.cn/article/doi/10.12182/20200760202) under robotic surgery system between August 2011 and September 2018 was analyzed retrospectively., Results: There were 4 cases required conversion because of serious tumor invasion and soft pancreas texture, the other 13 cases were successfully completed. 16 cases (94%) achieved margin-negative resection (R0 resection), 14 cases combined with vein resection, and 3 cases combined with arterial resection. The mean operation time was (401±170) min, the mean blood loss was (647±345) mL, the mean postoperative length of hospital stay was (20±8) d. There was no perioperative death. Postoperative pathology findings and follow-up outcomes were as follows: 1 patient was diagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and 1 patient was diagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (Grade 1), 8 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). 1 patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) died because of tumor recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up period, the median (Min-Max) survival time was 12 (8-26) months. 5 patients with PDAC and 1 patient with malignant IPMN were currently in the follow-up period., Conclusion: It is safe and feasible to perform RPD with vascular resection and reconstruction. The patient's condition should be fully evaluated before surgery to select the most appropriate treatment., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)

Objective: To study preparation and characterization of chitosan from Catharsius Molossus processing discards and explore the feasibility of utilization of insects residue., Methods: Preparation technique of chitosan was studied by orthogonal design,and properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc., Results: Preparation techniques were as follows: demineralizing: soaked for 30 min at 80 degrees C with 1.3 mol/L HCl, then kept for 12 h under room temperature. Deproteinization and delipidation: treated for 6 h at 90 degrees C with 4 mol/L NaOH. Decolorizing: soaked at room temperature with 3% KM-nO4, then treated with 2% oxalic acid at 70 degrees C. Deacetylating:treated for 5 h at 110 degrees C with 14 mol/L NaOH., Conclusion: The technique is stable and feasible. The result also preliminarily showes that chitosan from Catharsius Molossus is better than shrimp's. It will be widely applied in biomedical and other industrial areas with such exciting properties.

Objective: To explore the methylation status of T-cadherin promoter region in human esophageal carcinoma cell lines EC1 and EC109 and elucidate the effects of 5-azacytidine-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) on their abilities of proliferation and invasion, the methylation status and the expression of T-cadherin., Methods: The expression level of T-cadherin was measured by Western blot. And the methylation status of T-cadherin promoter region was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction), separately before and after a treatment of demethylating agent 5-Aza-CdR., Results: The T-cadherin gene was hypermethylated in EC109 cells but semi-methylated in EC1 cells. After a treatment of 5-Aza-CdR, T-cadherin gene methylation was reversed. And the gene expression was strongly up-regulated in both cells. 5-Aza-CdR could decrease the proliferation and effectively inhibit the ability of cell invasion (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The aberrant methylation in promoter region is an important mechanism of T-cadherin gene inactivation in human esophageal carcinoma cells. 5-Aza-CdR can increase the expression of T-cadherin by a reversal of hypermethylation and effectively inhibit the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells.

Objective: To analyze the influence of pancreatic fistula in middle segmental pancreatic resection and summarize the experience in dealing with the stump., Methods: The data of 40 cases undergoing middle pancreatectomy were reviewed retrospectively to analyze the curative effect and pancreatic fistula between April 2003 and December 2009. Of these, 36 patients with benign cases outcomes were compared with 2 separate control groups, 44 pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and 26 extended distal pancreatectomy (EDP)., Results: The mean operating time of group MSP was 222 min, which was significantly shorter than that of group PD. The mean blood loss of group MSP was 316 ml, which was less than that of others. Otherwise, the postoperative nutritional status and blood sugar control in group MSP was superior to the other 2 groups. Through long-term follow-up, the patients in group MSP retained endocrine and exocrine function better. Only 1 patient developed new-onset diabetes mellitus after operation, and no patient required enzyme substitution. No lesion recurred. The rate of pancreatic fistula was highest (42%), but didn't result in the significant deference of overall discharge time with group PD and EDP. The pancreatic fistula level and the mean postoperative time in hospital didn't differ significantly from the other 2 groups., Conclusions: Middle segmental pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible technique that is indicated for selected patients with benign or low malignant lesion in the neck and body of the pancreas. Though the rate of pancreatic fistula is higher, the risk of which is reduced by the marked curative effect. It is very important to deal with the stump reasonably.

Hydrothermally synthesized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) varying in weight from 10% to 30% was used as filler to make nanocomposites with novel aliphatic polyesteramide (PEA) in our laboratory. The structure and properties of PEA and its n-HA composites were investigated through transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffractioin, scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrometry. The shape and size of the n-HA crystals are similar to those of the apatite crystals in natural bone. Molecule interactions are present between the n-HA and PEA in the composite, which allows the uniform dispersion of n-HA in PEA matrix. This contributes enhanced mechanical property and bioactivity to the composite. The cytocompatibility of the composites has been investigated by culturing osteoblasts on the membranes. Good cell attachment and proliferation manner were observed on the membranes after 1 week. These results suggest that the PEA/n-HA composites prepared in this study may serve as potential candidate scaffold for tissue engineering.

Objective: To observe induction of heat shock reaction by pretreatment of Doxorubicin (DXR) in long-term cold preservation-reperfusion injury of the rat liver., Methods: The rats were administered intravenously by DXR at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight in DXR group and by saline in control group. After 48 hours, the rat liver was perfused by using cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solutions and was preserved in UW solution at 4 degrees C for 48 hours. Recipient liver was perfused for 1 and 3 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) mRNA, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) mRNA was measured by RT-PCR and heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) by Western blot. The serum levels of TNF-alpha, CINC, MIP-2 by ELISA and AST were measured. The survival rate of 7 days was observed., Results: The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA, CINC mRNA and MIP-2 mRNA was stronger in control group than in DXR group. HSP72 was expressed in SA group but not in control group and oppositely NF-kappaB was expressed in control group but not in DXR group. Serum AST, TNF-alpha, CINC and MIP-2 concentrations were significantly lower in DXR group than in control group (P < 0.05). The survival rate of 7 days was significantly higher in DXR group than in control group (50% vs. 0%, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: These data suggested that long-term cold ischemia-reperfusion injury was attenuated in liver graft with pretreatment of DXR. The induction of HSP72 may offer protection to hepatocytes by restraining the activation of NF-kappaB and inflammation.

Objective: To study the roles of granzyme B and perforin in diagnosing acute rejection after liver transplantation, and the relationship between their activity index (AI) and Banff's histological grading criteria., Methods: Liver biopsies were processed as for routine surgical specimens and labeled with granzyme B and perforin monoclonal antibodies. The number of positive cells/mm(2) was determined as activity index (AI) by IPP image analysis software. Histologic findings were used as the "gold standard" in diagnosing acute rejection., Results: Of 41 liver biopsy samples studied, acute rejection was noted in 21 cases, the remaining 20 cases showed no evidence of rejection. The AI of granzyme B and perforin in the acute rejection group was significantly higher than that in the non-acute rejection group (< 0.001). In the acute rejection group, the AI in moderate to severe acute rejection was higher than that in mild to indeterminate acute rejection (< 0.001). Compared with the "golden" histologic criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of granzyme B in diagnosing acute rejection were 90.0%, 95.2%, 94.7%, 90.9% and 92.7% respectively. The values of these parameters for perforin were also above 80%., Conclusions: Granzyme B and perforin are key markers of activated immune cells in acute rejection and highly expressed during acute liver rejection episodes. As ancillary investigations, these parameters demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing acute rejection in allograft post-transplant liver biopsies.

Objective: To investigate the expression of perforin and granzyme B in rejection response following liver transplantation, and evaluate their roles to be used as predictive markers of rejection., Methods: The expression of perforin and granzyme B in liver biopsies obtained from liver allograft recipients was determined by immunohistochemistry. Biopsies were classified into two groups-no evidence of rejection and rejection-according to Histopathologic criteria. The relationship between the perforin/granzume B expression and acute rejection was analyzed., Results: From 19 patients, thirty-five liver biopsies were obtained after liver transplantation. Among them, nineteen samples were diagnosed as rejection response. The frequencies of perforin and granzyme B expression in rejection group were 100% (19/19) and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. While those in no rejection group were 25.0% (4/16) and 12.5 (2/16), respectively. In most rejected samples, perforin and granzyme B were expressed simultaneously. Only three samples showed perforin expression alone, while no samples demonstrated granzyme B expression alone. There was a close relationship between perforin/granzyme B expression and liver allograft rejection., Conclusion: Perforin and granzyme B expression seemed to be related to the development of acute rejection following liver transplantation, and might be served as sensitive and reliable markers in diagnosing acute rejection in early stage.

Objective: To study the characteristics of thermal expansion of the alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramic., Methods: The thermal expansion coefficients of alumina-zirconia composite matrix, infiltrating glass and infiltrated ceramic were determined by various methods, respectively., Results: The coefficients of thermal expansion of composite matrix with 10 wt%, 20 wt% and 30 wt% zirconia were 7.607, 7.690 and 8.111 microns/(m. degree C) respectively. The thermal expansion coefficients of AZ-8 and AZ-10 infiltration glass were 6.867 and 7.333 microns/(m. degree C), respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient of infiltrated ceramic was 8.413 microns/(m. degree C)., Conclusion: The thermal expansion coefficients of the glass and composite matrix matched well. The thermal expansion coefficients of the alumina-zirconia nano-composite infiltrated ceramic and several common veneering porcelains matched well, too.