Human first-trimester DSCs express membrane CXCR4 and TC-derived CXCL12 promotes CXCR4 expression and invasion of DSCs via ligation with CXCR4. Our data highlight the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis on the co-operation between TCs and DSCs during human first-trimester pregnancy.

Renal tubular cell apoptosis and tubular dysfunction is an important process underlying diabetic nephropathy (DN). Understanding the mechanisms underlying renal tubular epithelial cell survival is important for the prevention of kidney damage associated with glucotoxicity. Curcumin has been demonstrated to possess potent anti-apoptotic properties. However, the roles of curcumin in renal epithelial cells are yet to be defined. The present study investigated advanced glycation or glycoxidation end-product (AGE)-induced toxicity in renal tubular epithelial cells via several complementary assays, including cell viability, cell apoptosis and cell autophagy in the NRK-52E rat kidney tubular epithelial cell line. The extent of apoptosis was significantly increased in the NRK-52E cells following treatment with AGEs. The results also indicated that curcumin reversed this effect by promoting autophagy through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway. These conclusions suggested that curcumin exerts a renoprotective effect in the presence of AGEs, at least in part by activating autophagy in NRK-52E cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that curcumin not only exerts renoprotective effects, however may also act as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

The authors sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors living in temporary accommodation in the Yongxing settlement in Mianyang city 1 year after the Sichuan earthquake for further interventions. They interviewed 182 residents, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and a self-report questionnaire. The 12-month prevalence of depressive disorder and PTSD were 48.9% and 39.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that bereaved survivors were 5.51 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.14-14.22) more likely to report PTSD and 2.42 times (AOR = 2.42; 95%CI =1.00-5.48) more likely to report depressive disorder than nonbereaved survivors. Older age and receipt of government financial support were significantly associated with 12-month PTSD. Depressive disorder 12 months after the earthquake was associated with receipt of government financial support, pre-earthquake physical illness, single marital status, being currently employed, and Han ethnicity.

Background Preventing relapse of schizophrenic patients is really a challenge. The present study sought to provide more explicit evidence and factors of different grades and weights by a series of step-by-step analysis through χ 2 test, logistic regression analysis and decision-tree model. The results of this study may contribute to controlling relapse of schizophrenic patients. Methods A total of 1,487 schizophrenia patients were included who were 18–65 years of age and discharged from 10 hospitals in China from January 2009 to August 2009 and from September 2011 to February 2012 with improvements or recovery of treatment effect. We used a questionnaire to collect information about relapse and correlative factors during one year after discharge by medical record collection and telephone interview. The χ 2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors and high-risk factors firstly, and then a decision-tree model was used to find predictive factors. Results The χ 2 test found nine risk factors which were associated with relapse. Logistic regression analysis also showed four high-risk factors further (medication adherence, occupational status, ability of daily living, payment method of medical costs). At last, a decision-tree model revealed four predictors of relapse; it showed that medication adherence was the first grade and the most powerful predictor of relapse (relapse rate for adherence vs. nonadherence: 22.9 vs. 55.7%, χ 2 = 116.36, p < 0.001). The second grade factor was occupational status (employment vs. unemployment: 19.7 vs. 42.7%, χ 2 = 17.72, p < 0.001); the third grade factors were ability of daily living (normal vs. difficult: 28.4 vs. 54.3%, χ 2 = 8.61, p = 0.010) and household income (household income ≥ 3000 RMB vs. <3000 RMB: 28.6 vs. 42.4%, χ 2 = 6.30, p = 0.036). The overall positive predictive value (PPV) of the logistic regression was 0.740, and the decision-tree model was 0.726. Both models were reliable. Conclusions For schizophrenic patients discharged from hospital, who had good medication adherence, more higher household income, be employed and normal ability of daily living, would be less likely to relapse. Decision tree provides a new path for doctors to find the schizophrenic inpatient’s relapse risk and give them reasonable treatment suggestions after discharge.

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