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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory cutaneous disorder. Obesity is associated with increased prevalence and severity of AD for reasons that remain poorly understood. Myricetin, a dietary flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, but its role in AD is unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects of obesity on exacerbation AD lesions and evaluated the effects of myricetin on obese AD. Mice were fed normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet, and then 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene was used to induce AD-like lesions. We found that obesity exacerbated AD lesions, and myricetin topical administration ameliorated symptoms and skin lesions of obsess AD mice, such as dermatitis scores, scratching behavior, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration. In addition, myricetin reduced the levels of immunoglobulin E and histamine, inhibited the infiltration of CD4+T cells, and modulated the expression of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 cytokines and pro-inflammatory factors (CCL17, CCL22, IL-1β, and TGF-β). Moreover, myricetin restored impaired barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss, increasing lamellar body secretion, as well as upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of filaggrin. Western blot results showed that significantly increased levels of phosphorylated IκB and NF-κB p65 was observed in the obese AD mice compared with the AD mice fed ND, whereas the myricetin could downregulated the phosphorylations of IκB and NF-κB, and inhibited mRNA expression of iNOS and COX2. Taken together, our results suggest that myricetin treatment exhibits potentially protective effects against the obeseassociated AD by inhibiting inflammatory response and restoring skin barrier function.

Background Abnormal systemic artery to the left lower lobe is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by anomalous communication between the systemic and pulmonary circulation. Owing to its rarity, there is limited clinical experience with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Case summary We report a 60-year-old man who presented with a history of hemoptysis for 20 d. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest confirmed the diagnosis of abnormal systemic artery to the left lower lobe, and surgical treatment was performed. The aberrant artery arising from the descending thoracic aorta was ligated, followed by removal of the left lower lobe. The patient showed good recovery and was discharged 6 d after the surgery. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient had recovered completely, and lung CT showed no abnormal findings. Conclusion We present a case of abnormal systemic artery to the left lower lobe that was successfully managed by surgical resection of the aberrant artery and the left lower lobe. This case report adds to the clinical experience of diagnosing and treating this rare entity.

Non-healing diabetic wounds (DW) are a serious clinical problem that remained poorly understood. We recently found that topical application of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) accelerated skin wound healing in both Type 1 DM (T1DM) and genetically engineered Type 2 diabetic db/db (T2DM) mice. In the present study, we elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the action of GDF11 on healing of small skin wound. Single round-shape full-thickness wound of 5-mm diameter with muscle and bone exposed was made on mouse dorsum using a sterile punch biopsy 7 days following the onset of DM. Recombinant human GDF11 (rGDF11, 50 ng/mL, 10 μL) was topically applied onto the wound area twice a day until epidermal closure (maximum 14 days). Digital images of wound were obtained once a day from D0 to D14 post-wounding. We showed that topical application of GDF11 accelerated the healing of full-thickness skin wounds in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice, even after GDF8 (a muscle growth factor) had been silenced. At the cellular level, GDF11 significantly facilitated neovascularization to enhance regeneration of skin tissues by stimulating mobilization, migration and homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to the wounded area. At the molecular level, GDF11 greatly increased HIF-1ɑ expression to enhance the activities of VEGF and SDF-1ɑ, thereby neovascularization. We found that endogenous GDF11 level was robustly decreased in skin tissue of diabetic wounds. The specific antibody against GDF11 or silence of GDF11 by siRNA in healthy mice mimicked the non-healing property of diabetic wound. Thus, we demonstrate that GDF11 promotes diabetic wound healing via stimulating endothelial progenitor cells mobilization and neovascularization mediated by HIF-1ɑ-VEGF/SDF-1ɑ pathway. Our results support the potential of GDF11 as a therapeutic agent for non-healing DW.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by pruritus and impaired skin barrier function. The pathology of AD involves in immune dysfunction and epidermal barrier disruption. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are found to be associated with AD, and play a role in the immunological abnormalities and dysfunctional skin barrier. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) plays an important role in oxidative stress related diseases, but its role in AD is unclear.KM mice were treated with DNFB to induce AD-like lesion and typical applied with NMN for two weeks. The dermatitis score, the degree of itching and TEWL were evaluated during modeling. Epidermal thickness of skin lesions and histopathological changes were detected. Further, inflammatory factors, epidermal differentiation-related genes, oxidative stress indicators and JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway were evaluated. NHEK cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ after pre-treatment with NMN, then ROS levels, inflammatory factors and JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway were detected.NMN exhibited potent anti-atopic activities, shown by alleviated AD-like symptoms, inhibited the increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and restored proteins and mRNA level of skin barrier genes. In addition, NMN inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated elevation of inflammatory chemokines, which was associated with blocking the activation of ROS-mediated JAK2/STAT5 pathway.NMN may have a positive effect on relieving symptoms of AD.

The formation, consolidation and retrieval of spatial memory depend on sequential firing patterns of place cells assembling in the hippocampus. Theta sequences of place cells during behavior play a role in acquisition of spatial memory, trajectory prediction and decision making. In awake rest and slow wave sleep, place cell sequences occur during the sharp wave-ripples (SWRs), called "replay", which is crucial for memory consolidation and retrieval. In this review, we summarize the functional significances of theta sequences and SWRs replay sequences and the mechanism of these sequences. We also discuss the relationship between theta and replay sequences with the formation of spatial memory. We propose the research direction in this field in future and aim to provide new ideas for related researches.

To evaluate the preliminary clinical effective of open decompression, microwave ablation combined with open vertebroplasty and pedicle screw rod system in the treatment of spine metastases.The clinical data of 12 patients with spine metastases were retrospectively analyzed, they were treated with open decompression, microwave ablation combined with open vertebroplasty and pedicle screw rod system between January 2014 and January 2016. Six males and 6 females were included, aged from 30 to 75 years old with an average of 55.6 years. There were 5 cases with spine metastases from lung cancer, 2 from breast cancer, 2 from thyroid cancer, 2 from renal cancer and 1 from liver cancer. Sevencases were thoracic metastases and 5 cases were lumbar metastases. Tomita score were mainly arranging from 3 to 6 points. According to ASIA neurologic grading system, 3 patients were grade C, 1 was grade D, 8 were grade E. Preoperative VAS score was 8.3±0.4. VAS was used to evaluate the clinical effect at 1, 3, 6 months after operation and final follow-up.All operations were successful and the amount of blood loss during surgery was 500 to 2 050 ml (average of 850 ml), operation time was 3.5 to 5.5 h (average of 4.5 h). There was no nerve root injury during surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases after surgery, which were healed after conservative treatment. Superficial infection of the incision occurred in 2 cases, which were healed after dressing change. There was one case of pulmonary infection. No deep infection, lower limb thrombosis or other complications were found. All 12 patients were followed up for 9 -40 months with an average of 28.6 months. The clinical symptoms of all patients were significantly improved, and the motor function of the lower limbs was recovered to varying degrees. According to ASIA grade, 2 cases of grade C were improved to grade B;1 case of grade C did not recover significantly;1 case of grade D was improved to grade E. One patient died of primary liver cancer 10 months after surgery. Local tumor recurrence occurred in 1 patient during follow up period. The VAS scores were 2.7±0.6, 2.5±0.4, 2.6±0.5, and 2.5±0.5 at 1, 3, 6 months after surgery and at final follow-up, which were significantly improved compared with the score before surgery(Open decompression, microwave ablation combined with open vertebroplasty and pedicle screw rod system in the treatment of spine metastases show some effects, with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time, significant postoperative pain relief, and low tumor recurrence rate.

To investigate the relationship between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and peripheral blood CD14In total, 192 patients with CHD were divided into three groups: latent CHD, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. HCMV-IgM and -IgG antibodies were assessed using ELISA; CD14The positive rates of HCMV-IgM and -IgG were significantly higher in the CHD groups than in the control group. HCMV infection affects lipid metabolism to promote immune and inflammatory responses.HCMV infection has a specific correlation with the occurrence and development of CHD. The expression of CD14

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Rationale: Ca2+ homeostasis—a critical determinant of cardiac contractile function—is critically regulated by SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a). Our previous study has identified ZFAS1 as a new lncRNA biomarker of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Objective: To evaluate the effects of ZFAS1 on SERCA2a and the associated Ca2+ homeostasis and cardiac contractile function in the setting of MI. Methods and Results: ZFAS1 expression was robustly increased in cytoplasm and sarcoplasmic reticulum in a mouse model of MI and a cellular model of hypoxia. Knockdown of endogenous ZFAS1 by virus-mediated silencing shRNA partially abrogated the ischemia-induced contractile dysfunction. Overexpression of ZFAS1 in otherwise normal mice created similar impairment of cardiac function as that observed in MI mice. Moreover, at the cellular level, ZFAS1 overexpression weakened the contractility of cardiac muscles. At the subcellular level, ZFAS1 deleteriously altered the Ca2+ transient leading to intracellular Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes. At the molecular level, ZFAS1 was found to directly bind SERCA2a protein and to limit its activity, as well as to repress its expression. The effects of ZFAS1 were readily reversible on knockdown of this lncRNA. Notably, a sequence domain of ZFAS1 gene that is conserved across species mimicked the effects of the full-length ZFAS1. Mutation of this domain or application of an antisense fragment to this conserved region efficiently canceled out the deleterious actions of ZFAS1. ZFAS1 had no significant effects on other Ca2+-handling regulatory proteins. Conclusions: ZFAS1 is an endogenous SERCA2a inhibitor, acting by binding to SERCA2a protein to limit its intracellular level and inhibit its activity, and a contributor to the impairment of cardiac contractile function in MI. Therefore, anti-ZFAS1 might be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for preserving SERCA2a activity and cardiac function under pathological conditions of the heart.

Background The bone morphologies of intact knees were measured and compared between Chinese and Caucasian populations. However, to assess if distinct designs of implants are necessary for the Chinese population owing to different morphologies and sizes, the knee measurements after osteotomy performed in total knee arthroplasty were evaluated. Methods Thirty-seven Caucasian and 50 Chinese patients' knees were examined using computed tomography scans. Mimics were applied to reconstruct 3-dimensional bone models. Dimensions of the 3-dimensional knee models and simulated bone resections during total knee arthroplasty were measured using Geomagic Studio and Pro/ENGINEER. The morphologic measurements of the native and resected femur and tibia included the anteroposterior (AP) depth, mediolateral (ML) width, notch width, knee physical valgus angle, tibial slope angle, and the ML-to-AP ratio of the femur, tibia, and resected femur. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t test and the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS for Windows. Values of P < .05 were considered significant. Results No measurements were significantly different between the Chinese and Caucasian knees. However, the Chinese female showed significant differences compared with the Chinese male on distal femoral measurements both presimulated and postsimulated osteotomy such as a smaller mean ML-to-AP ratio in presimulated (1.3 ± 0.1) and postsimulated (1.3 ± 0.1) osteotomy. Conclusion The necessity of designing a full set of total knee components specifically for the Chinese population is still undetermined. However, we suggest designing femoral components specific for the Chinese females because of different postosteotomy distal femoral ML-to-AP ratio between the Chinese males and the Chinese females.

Background The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is correlated with decreased levels of testosterone in elderly men. Late sodium current may exert a role in AF pathogenesis. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of testosterone deficiency on AF susceptibility and the therapeutic effect of late sodium current inhibitors in mice. Methods Male ICR mice (5 weeks old) were castrated to establish a testosterone deficiency model. One month after castration, dihydrotestosterone 5 mg/kg was administered subcutaneously for 2 months. Serum total testosterone level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High-frequency electrical stimulation was used to induce atrial arrhythmias. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to for single-cell electrophysiologic study. Results Serum dihydrotestosterone levels of castration mice declined significantly but recovered with administration of exogenous dihydrotestosterone. In comparison with sham mice, the number of AF episodes significantly increased by 13.5-fold, AF rate increased by 3.75-fold, and AF duration prolonged in castrated mice. Dihydrotestosterone administration alleviated the occurrence of AF. Action potential duration at both 50% and 90% repolarization were markedly increased in castrated mice compared to sham controls. The late sodium current was enhanced in castrated male mice. These alterations were alleviated by treatment with dihydrotestosterone. Systemic application of the INa-L inhibitors ranolazine, eleclazine, and GS967 inhibited the occurrence of AF in castrated mice. Conclusion Testosterone deficiency contributed to the increased late sodium current, prolonged action potential repolarization, and increased susceptibility to AF. Blocking of late sodium current is beneficial against the occurrence of AF in castrated mice.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. Restoration of cardiac function is critical in improving the clinical outcomes of patients with HF. Long noncoding RNAs are widely involved in the development of multiple cardiac diseases, whereas their role in regulating cardiac function remains unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of long noncoding RNA–DACH1 (dachshund homolog 1) was upregulated in the failing hearts of mice and human. We tested the hypothesis that the intronic long noncoding RNA of DACH1 (LncDACH1) can participate in the regulation of cardiac function and HF. Transgenic overexpression of LncDACH1 in the cardiac myocytes of mice led to impaired cardiac function, reduced calcium transient and cell shortening, and decreased SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a) protein expression. In contrast, conditional knockout of LncDACH1 in cardiac myocytes resulted in increased calcium transient, cell shortening, SERCA2a protein expression, and improved cardiac function of transverse aortic constriction induced HF mice. The same qualitative data were obtained by overexpression or knockdown of LncDACH1 with adenovirus carrying LncDACH1 or its siRNA. Moreover, therapeutic administration of adenovirus carrying LncDACH1 siRNA to transverse aortic constriction mice abolished the development of HF. Mechanistically, LncDACH1 directly binds to SERCA2a. Overexpression of LncDACH1 augments the ubiquitination of SERCA2a. LncDACH1 upregulation impairs cardiac function by promoting ubiquitination-related degradation of SERCA2a.

A novel and efficient In(OTf)3 and HOAc cooperatively catalyzed hydration of 1-haloalkynes is described. This method provides ready access to α-chloromethyl ketones, α-bromomethyl ketones and α-iodomethyl ketones in moderate to high yields from simple, inexpensive starting materials. A broad substrate scope is achieved, and the reaction is compatible with various functional groups, including alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, halide, hydroxyl, cyclohexyl, and heterocyclic groups.

The paper builds the mixing optimization model of the coal supply network of the low carbon economy based on the analysis of the impact on the optimization problems of the coal supply network. The method of carbon sequestration is used to measure carbon footprint and the cost and the paper brings this method into the coal supply network and optimization model to establish the hybrid optimization model, which integrates low carbon economy dimension of minimizing the total cost. The model is used to calculate the instance and verify the validity of the model. The research has decision-making application and reference value for building the coal supply network of low carbon economy.

Experiment of fur fashion design principles and production technology on the use of Jirong rabbit. Starting with fur clothing trends , according to fashion design principles combined with Rex Rabbit hair characteristics , summarized in harmony with color , pattern strengthen decorative effect , deconstruction design reflects the balance and the dividing line reflects the golden ratio . Edging effect reflects the rhythm of Rex Rabbit fashion design principles. And do exploration practices on aspects of the whole fur stitching practices, Choudao technology, and other fabric stitching methods.

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac interstitial fibrosis. In this study, we explored the role of interleukin-17 in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms. The level of IL-17 increased in both the serum and cardiac tissue of diabetic mice. Knockout of IL-17 improved cardiac function of diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and significantly alleviated interstitial fibrosis as manifested by reduced collagen mRNA expression and collagen deposition evaluated by Masson's staining. High glucose treatment induced collagen production were abolished in cultured IL-17 knockout cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The levels of long noncoding RNA-AK081284 were increased in the CFs treated with high glucose or IL-17. Knockout of IL-17 abrogated high glucose induced upregulation of AK081284. Overexpression of AK081284 in cultured CFs promoted the production of collagen and TGFβ1. Both high glucose and IL-17 induced collagen and TGFβ1 production were mitigated by the application of the siRNA for AK081284. In summary, deletion of IL-17 is able to mitigate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function of diabetic mice. The IL-17/AK081284/TGFβ1 signaling pathway mediates high glucose induced collagen production. This study indicates the therapeutic potential of IL-17 inhibition on diabetic cardiomyopathy disease associated with fibrosis.

Preeclampsia is a serious complication in pregnancy. Dysregulation of trophoblast cell proliferation and invasion is a major pathological alteration observed in preeclampsia. Recently, microRNAs were shown to participate in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In this study we explored the effect of miR-20a on the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells and the underlying mechanism. We verified the distribution of miR-20a in human placenta by in situ hybridization. Real time PCR data showed that the level of miR-20a increased by 2.6 folds in human preeclampsia than normal tissues. We then cultured trophoblast-like JEG-3 cells and evaluated the effect of miR-20a on JEG-3 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Overexpression of miR-20a significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of cultured JEG-3 cells, which were abolished by co-transfection of AMO-20a. Transfection of miR-20a also inhibited JEG-3 cell xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Luciferase assay technique was used to identify the direct regulation of miR-20a on Forkhead Box Protein A1(FOXA1). Transfection of miR-20a markedly reduced the luciferase activity of the chimeric plasmid containing the 3'UTR of FOXA1, indicating FOXA1 is the target of miR-20a. Furthermore, transfection of miR-20a inhibited both protein and mRNA expression of FOXA1 in JEG-3 cells. In summary, the upregulated miR-20a in human preeclampsia tissue can inhibit the proliferative and invasive activities of trophoblast cells by repressing the expression of FOXA1.

A novel and efficient In(OTf)3 and HOAc cooperatively catalyzed hydration of 1-haloalkynes is described. This method provides ready access to α-chloromethyl ketones, α-bromomethyl ketones and α-iodomethyl ketones in moderate to high yields from simple, inexpensive starting materials. A broad substrate scope is achieved, and the reaction is compatible with various functional groups, including alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, halide, hydroxyl, cyclohexyl, and heterocyclic groups.

With the development of the society, in the field of textile people begin to pursue comfort, health and nature clothing. Traditional textile materials rely too such on petroleum and chemical industry, while global crude oil price is rising and the production process is easy to cause environmental pollution. All of these promote the research and development of new textile fiber. Alginate fiber taken from the ocean having rich renewable resources and excellent environmental protection features opens a new and important source of fiber. This paper mainly introduces the development situation, the characteristics and the application prospect of alginate fiber, and elaborates the alginate fiber application in the clothing products.

With the continuous development of computer and network technology, people's life has been inseparable from the Internet. Consequently, Internet users rapid grow, online shopping boom, clothing industry e-commerce rapid rise, change pattern of garment industry, at the same time, the proportion keeps increasing. Through careful analyses of the data from China E-business Research Center and iResearch net, this paper researches development trend of e-commerce and clothing commerce, describes the problems existing in China clothing brand e-commerce at the present stage, further, explore new e-commerce marketing mode: O2O, studies and elaborates the operation and promotion method of Chinese clothing brand e-commerce O2O mode.

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been shown to be an important regulator of cardiac interstitial fibrosis. In this study, we explored the role of interleukin-6 in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms. Cardiac function of IL-6 knockout mice was significantly improved and interstitial fibrosis was apparently alleviated in comparison with wildtype (WT) diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Treatment with IL-6 significantly promoted the proliferation and collagen production of cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). High glucose treatment increased collagen production, which were mitigated in CFs from IL-6 KO mice. Moreover, IL-6 knockout alleviated the up-regulation of TGFβ1 in diabetic hearts of mice and cultured CFs treated with high glucose or IL-6. Furthermore, the expression of miR-29 reduced upon IL-6 treatment, while increased in IL-6 KO hearts. Overexpression of miR-29 blocked the pro-fibrotic effects of IL-6 on cultured CFs. In summary, deletion of IL-6 is able to mitigate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function of diabetic mice. The mechanism involves the regulation of IL-6 on TGFβ1 and miR-29 pathway. This study indicates the therapeutic potential of IL-6 suppression on diabetic cardiomyopathy disease associated with fibrosis.

Titania nanotube-based local drug delivery is an attractive strategy for combating implant-associated infection. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the gentamicin-loaded nanotubes could dramatically inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces. Considering the overuse of antibiotics may lead to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, we synthesized a new quaternized chitosan derivative (hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan, HACC) with a 27% degree of substitution (DS; referred to as 27% HACC) that had a strong antibacterial activity and simultaneously good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Titania nanotubes with various diameters (80, 120, 160, and 200 nm) and 200 nm length were loaded with 2 mg of HACC using a lyophilization method and vacuum drying. Two standard strain, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection 43300) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (American Type Culture Collection 35984), and two clinical isolates, S. aureus 376 and S. epidermidis 389, were selected to investigate the bacterial adhesion at 6 h and biofilm formation at 24, 48, and 72 h on the HACC-loaded nanotubes (NT-H) using the spread plate method, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Smooth titanium (Smooth Ti) was also investigated and compared. We found that NT-H could significantly inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on its surface compared with Smooth Ti, and the NT-H with 160 nm and 200 nm diameters had stronger antibacterial activity because of the extended HACC release time of NT-H with larger diameters. Therefore, NT-H can significantly improve the antibacterial ability of orthopedic implants and provide a promising strategy to prevent implant-associated infections.

The effects of Al2O3 addition on both the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of PbO-B2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that with the increase of Al2O3 content the bands assigned to [SiO4] nearly disappear. Aluminum replaces silicon in the glass network, which is helpful for the formation of boron-oxygen rings. The increase of the transition temperature Tg and softening temperature Tf of PbO-B2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics leads to the increase of liquid phase precipitation temperature and promotes the structure stability in the glasses, and consequently contributes to the decreasing trend of crystallization. Densification and dielectric constants increase with the increase of Al2O3 content, but the dielectric loss is worsened. By contrast, the 3% (mass fraction) Al2O3-doped glass ceramics sintered at 725 °C have better properties of density ρ=2.72 g/cm3, dielectric constant ɛr=6.78, dielectric loss tan δ=2.6×10−3 (measured at 9.8 GHz), which suggest that the glass ceramics can be applied in multilayer microwave devices requiring low sintering temperatures.

The present situation of clinical indications of acupuncture in China is investigated in this article which provides clinical evidence for the establishment of acupuncture indications.Out-patients of acupuncture departments of 31 Chinese provinces in the year 2008 were investigated through the method of cluster random sampling. And the analysis was made on diseases sorting and distribution based on Pareto principle and with EpiMap software.Information of 31 858 out-patients of the first treatment from 36 hospitals were collected which referred to 368 diseases of 16 disease systems. Among them, there were 57 most commonly-encountered diseases, 60 commonly-encountered diseases and 251 rare diseases.There are totally 368 acupuncture clinical indications at present according to the investigation with disproportional distribution in administrative districts. It is held that indications of acupuncture have high centralization degree. Thus, the populariza tion and promotion on application of acupuncture indications should be strengthened.

Objectives This study was aimed to measure soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) levels in serum and synovial fluid (SF) of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and to investigate the correlation between sLOX-1 levels and the disease severity. Design and methods Two hundred and sixteen OA patients and 83 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All OA patients were scored for Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade (0–4). The sLOX-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In OA patients, the mean sLOX-1 levels in SF were markedly lower than those in paired serum samples (P