Impact of hypophosphatemia on weaning from mechanical ventilation / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the influence of hypophosphatemia on weaning from mechanical ventilation.Methods:An observational study was conducted. The medical records of 30 mechanical ventilated patients with hypophosphatemia admitted to intensive care unit of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to August 2020 were analyzed; another 60 mechanical ventilated patients with normophosphatemia around the same time were enrolled as controls by 1∶2 case-control matching based on gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. And then the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, times of spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), the diaphragmatic ultrasonography movement indexes, and outcome of weaning and prognosis during hospitalization were compared between the two groups. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted to calculate the areas under ROC curve (AUC) and cut-off values of serum phosphorus for successful weaning and hospital survival. The correlations between the diaphragmatic ultrasonography movement indexes and serum phosphorus were analyzed by Pearson partial correlation analysis.Results:Compared with normophosphatemic group, the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in hypophosphatemia group was significantly longer [days: 13.0 (7.0, 22.0) vs. 10.0 (5.5, 14.0), P < 0.05], and SBT attempts were more often [times: 3 (0, 5) vs. 1 (1, 2), P < 0.01], while the rate of successful weaning was lower (53.3% vs. 91.7%, P < 0.01), and the hospital mortality was higher (20.0% vs. 1.7%, P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that serum phosphorus could predict successful weaning of mechanical ventilated patients, the AUC was 0.795, and the optimum cut-off value of serum phosphorus was 0.85 mmol/L with sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity of 84.2%. Serum phosphorus could predict hospital survival of mechanical ventilated patients, the AUC was 0.782, and the optimum cut-off value of serum phosphorus was 0.48 mmol/L with sensitivity of 81.9% and specificity of 85.7%. Compared with normophosphatemic group, diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (DTei), diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration (DTee), diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), diaphragm excursion (DE) in hypophosphatemia group were all significantly decreased [DTei (cm): 0.19±0.07 vs. 0.27±0.08, DTee (cm): 0.14±0.05 vs. 0.19±0.06, DTF: (33.55±16.17)% vs. (45.04±18.66)%, DE (cm): 1.17±0.49 vs. 2.28±0.69, all P < 0.01]. Pearson partial correlation analysis showed that linear correlations were found between serum phosphorus and DTei, DTee, DTF, DE ( r values were 0.442, 0.351, 0.293, 0.628 respectively, all P < 0.01). Conclusions:Serum phosphorus may have correlation with the diaphragmatic ultrasonography movement indexes. Hypophosphatemia may impair the contractile properties of diaphragm, induce more SBT attempts and longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, and affect outcome of weaning and prognosis.

Research Overview on Content Determination Methods of Total Flavonoids in Effective Parts of Chinese Materia Medica / 中国中医药信息杂志

The flavonoids are the active ingredients of many Chinese materia medica, with widespread biological activities and a wide range of clinical application. There are many types of flavonoids, and its chemical structure is complex. Quantitative analysis of only one or several valid / indexed components may not necessarily reflect the amount of total flavonoids, with some limitations. The content determination of total flavonoids in effective parts of Chinese materia medica is an important aspect of quality control. The main methods for determining total flavonoid content are as follows: UV-visible spectropho-tometry, fluorescence spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, thin layer chromatography, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy and so on. In this article, the methods and characteristics in the determination of total flavonoids in Chinese materia medica were reviewed, so as to provide references for the quality control of Chinese materia medica.

Study on Improving the Quality Standard of Gubi Zhitong Liquor / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To improve the quality standard for Guibi zhitong liquor. METHODS:TLC was used for the qualita-tive identification of Radix angelicae,Notopterygium incisum,Radix aucklandiae and Magnolia officinalis in the preparation;HPLC was used for the contents determination of imperatorin and cinnamaldehyde:the column was Waters Symmetry Shield RP-C18 with mobile phase of methanol-water for imperatorin(60:40,V/V)and methanol-water for cinnamaldehyde(35:65,V/V)at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min,detection wavelength was 254 nm for imperatorin and 290 nm for cinnamaldehyde,column temperature was 25℃,and the injection volume was 20μL. RESULTS:The TLC spots of R. angelicae,N. incisum,R. aucklandiae and M. of-ficinalis were clear and well separated,negative control without interference. The linear range was 3.0-30.0 μg/mL for imperatorin (r=0.9998)and 3.978-39.78 μg/mL for cinnamaldehyde(r=0.9999);RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were lower than 2.0%;recoveries were 96.94%-102.64%(RSD=2.37%,n=6)and 96.78%-99.53%(RSD=1.00%,n=6). CONCLU-SIONS:The improved standard more effectively control the quality of the Guibi zhitong liquor.

Application of diffusion kurtosis imaging in differential diagnosis of parotid gland disease and diagnosis of parotid adenolymphoma / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To investigate the value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in differential diagnosis of parotid gland disease and diagnosis of parotid adenolymphoma (PAL).Methods DKI and DWI data of 57 patients with parotid gland disease were etrospectively analyzed.Totally 57 cases were divided into infectious lesions group (n=10),pleomorphic adenoma group (n=19),PAL group (n=14),other benign parotid tumor group (n=4) and malignant parotid tumor group (n=10).Contralateral normal parotid glands in 19 patients with unilateral parotid gland lesions were treated as control group.The quantitative parameters including kurtosis concerning parameters (K Krad,Kax),diffusivity concerning parameters (D Drad,Dax),fractional anisotropy (FA) and conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were retrospectively reviewed.The binary Logistic regression method was used to confirm parameters with significant difference in diagnosing PAL.And Logistic regression equation was constructed to diagnose PAL.ROC analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of the confirmed parameters and the Logistic regression equation.Results Significant difference of the parameters including K Krad,Kax,D Drad,Dax,FA and ADC values were found among different groups (all P＜0.05).ROC analysis demonstrated a higher area under the curve (AUC) for FA+Kax [0.88±0.06 (0.79-0.94)] than Kax[0.80±0.07 (0.70-0.88)] and FA [0.63±0.10 (0.52-0.73)],respectively (both P＜0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 71.43％,95.78％,91.77％,76.92％ and 94.44％.Conclusion DKI showed high diagnostic capacity in differential diagnosis of parotid gland disease.The combination of FA and Kaxcan improve the diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of PAL.

Detection of Amino Acids and Polypeptides by Electrospray Ionization-Ion Mobility Spectrometry / 分析化学

The electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometric (ESI-IMS) technique has the potential as an analytical separation tool in analyzing polypeptides and amino acids for fast screening unknown samples in anti-chemical and biological terror attacks. A method for detecting several polypeptides and amino acids was developed based on ESI-IMS using air as drift gas at room temperature. The ion mobility of four amino acids and two polypeptides dissolved in methanol was determined on the system at elution rate of 2 mL/ min. The spectra of these compounds had characteristics of finger-printing maps. The limit of detection of this instrument for Substance P could reach 855 ng / mL in 1 min. The results showed that a small, self-contained ESI-IMS instrument with reservoirs of air could be used to quickly detect and accurately identify polypeptides and amino acids.

Study on Determination Method of Total Flavonoids in Gansu Astragali Radix and ;Hedysarum Polybotrys / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the determination method of total flavonoids in Gansu Astragali Radix and Hedysarum Polybotrys. Methods Calycosin glycosides etc. was selected as reference substances, comparison on the difference of absorption curves was done by ultraviolet spectroscopy and colorimetric method (NaNO2-Al(NO3)3-NaOH, AlCl3, Mg(Ac)2, NaOH, phosphomolybdic acid, HCl-Mg power). Results With colorimetric method, the maximum absorption wavelength of referrence and the test was inconsistent. The absorption peak shape was also different. With UV method, Calycosin glycosides in band Ⅱ (260 nm) showed a shoulder absorption. Astragali Radix and Hedysarum Polybotrys also showed characteristic shoulder absorptions in band Ⅱ with absorption wavelength at 263 nm and 265 nm. So the sample absorption wavelength is basically the same as that of the control sample. Conclusion Colorimetries usually used for determination of total flavonoids are not suitable for the comparison determination of Gansu Astragali Radix and Hedysarum Polybotrys. It is suitable for determining the contents of total flavonoids in samples by UV spectrophotometry at the band Ⅱ, which is the characteristic absorption band of isoflavone compound.

MRI and Pathological Features of Ovarian Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma / 中国医学影像学杂志

PurposeTo study the MRI and pathological features of ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma (OEC) in order to evaluate the value of MRI in diagnosing OEC. Materials and Methods The MRI imaging features of 8 patients confirmed by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively and were compared with the results of surgery and pathology. The MRI outcome and the related histological findings were further analyzed.Results Six out of the eight patients had unilateral tumor, 3 tumors in the left and the other 3 in the right; 2 patients had masses in the both ovaries. The total number of masses was ten.The diameters of the tumors ranged from 3.5 to 16.5 cm, with the average size of (10.5±4.1) cm. The border of 2 tumors was partially fuzzy and that of the other 6 was clear. The MRI scans showed that 8 tumors were cystic-solid and the other 2 were solid with heterogeneous signals. The solid components mainly presented slightly short T1 signals and long T2 signals; the cystic ones revealed long T1 and T2 signals. The enhanced scanning showed that the solid components of 8 tumors were patchy and obviously enhanced and the other 2 had mild or moderate enhancement. The cystic components were not hyper-intense. The enhanced MRI scans of two cases of primary endometrial carcinoma with metastases to the ovaries showed thickened endometrium and mild hyper-intense.Conclusion MRI can reveal the pathological features of OEC and clearly presents the forms, components and the relationship with its surroundings of tumors. Therefore, MRI is of great importance to the clinical diagnosis of OEC.

Comparative Study on Cortex Fraxini Total Coumarin of Different Extraction Processes / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the effects of different extraction processes on extraction rate of cortex fraxini total coumarin and active constitute percentage of major coumarin;To establish a proper extraction process.Methods Orthogonal design method was applied to set comprehensive index cortex fraxini total coumarin extraction rate as inspecting index. Water and alcohol were used as solvent respectively to optimize the extraction process of cortex fraxini.Results Optimal water extraction process:cortex fraxini decoction pieces mixed with nine times of water, decocted for three times, 90 mins each time. The pasty fluid generating rate of cortex fraxini was 28.87%, total coumarin percentage was 19.26%, extraction rate was 5.56%, total percentage of Aesculin, Aesculetin, Fraxin, Fraxetin was 13.47%, when water was used as solvent. Optimal alcohol extraction process:cortex fraxini decoction pieces mixed with eight times of 75% ethyl alcohol, refluxed twice, two hours each time. The pasty fluid generating rate of cortex fraxini was 30.47%, total coumarin percentage was 21.72%, extraction rate was 6.62%, total percentage of Aesculin, Aesculetin, Fraxin, Fraxetin was 15.29%, when alcohol was used as solvent. It was found that using alcohol as solvent had a 5.54% higher pasty fluid generating rate, a 12.77% higher total coumarion percentage, a 19.06% higher total coumarin extraction rate, and a 13.51% higher percentage of total four coumarin constitutes than using water, with statistical significance. Conclusion Extraction process by using alcohol as solvent is better than using water. So the optimal and stable extraction process of cortex fraxini total coumarin is using 75% alcohol as solvent.

Study on Content Determination of Coumarin in Fraxini Cortex Extract / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a UV spectrophotometry method and an HPLC method respectively for the determination of the total content of coumarin and contents of four main constituents of coumarin in Fraxini Cortex extract.Methods UV spectrophotometry was used for the determination of the content of total coumarin in Fraxini Cortex extract. The reference substance was Aesculin, and the maximum ultraviolet absorption wavelength was 334 nm. The HPLC method was used to determine the contents of Aesculin, Fraxin, Aesculetin and Fraxetin in Fraxini Cortex extract, using gradient elution with acetonitrile-phosphate solution (0.01%) as mobile phase on Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 chromatographic column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5μm) at room temperature.Results For the UV method, the linear range of the mass concentration of Aesculin was 5.76-23.04μg/mL (r=0.999 9), and the average recovery was 100.6% (RSD=1.8%). For the HPLC method, the linear ranges of the mass of Aesculin, Fraxin, Aesculetin and Fraxetin were 0.055 0-3.850 0μg (r=0.9997), 0.053 9-3.773 0μg (r=0.999 8), 0.060 0-0.660 0μg (r=0.999 9), and 0.056 2-0.618 2μg (r=0.999 9), respectively, and the average recoveries were 96.97% (RSD=1.26%), 100.80% (RSD=2.22%), 99.04% (RSD=2.47%), and 98.77% (RSD=1.94%), respectively.Conclusion Both of the two methods are simple, accurate and reliable, and can be used for the quality control of total coumarin and the main constituents of coumarin in Fraxini Cortex extract.

Analysis of respiratory complications in 922 severely burned patients / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the distribution of the respiratory complications in severely burned patients and the prevention and treatment experience against them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medical records of 922 adult patients with severe or extremely severe burn hospitalized in our burn ICU from January 2005 to December 2012 were screened and retrospectively analyzed, including patients transferred from other hospitals, patients with total burn area above 50% TBSA, the distribution and treatment of respiratory complications, and the mortality. Data were processed with chi-square test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The constituent ratio of patients transferred to our hospital was 71.1% in 2007 and 40.2% in 2010, while it remained about 50.0% in the other years. The ratios of patients with total burn area larger than 50% TBSA and that of patients with respiratory complications (χ(2) = 2.637, P > 0.05) showed no significant changes each year. Among these 922 burn patients, 523 patients suffered respiratory complications, among which laryngeal edema (50.9%, 266 cases), pulmonary infection (21.6%, 113 cases), and ARDS (11.9%, 62 cases) were the main components, with no significant change each year (with χ(2) values respectively 6.132, 6.319, 0.016, P values above 0.05). Among the patients with respiratory complications, except for 36 were not treated actively, 487 were treated by ventilator among which 228 had undergone tracheostomy, and the constituent ratios in the 8 years were close. Fifteen patients died, with 2 died of laryngeal edema, 3 of ARDS, and 10 of sepsis or MODS as a result of sepsis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients with severe burns were at high risk of respiratory complications, among which laryngeal edema was common, followed by pulmonary infection and ARDS. Prophylactic tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, wound therapy, and anti-infection were all effective measures of prevention and treatment against these complications.</p>

Alanine solution as enzyme reaction buffer used in A to O blood group conversion / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alanine solution as α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enzyme reaction buffer on the enzymatic activity of A antigen. The binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase with RBC in different reaction buffer such as alanine solution, glycine solution, normal saline (0.9% NaCl), PBS, PCS was detected by Western blot. The results showed that the efficiency of A to O conversion in alanine solution was similar to that in glycine solution, and Western blot confirmed that most of enzymes blinded with RBC in glycine or alanine solution, but few enzymes blinded with RBC in PBS, PCS or normal saline. The evidences indicated that binding of enzyme with RBC was a key element for A to O blood group conversion, while the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase with RBC in alanine or glycine solution was similar. It is concluded that alanine solution can be used as enzyme reaction buffer in A to O blood group conversion. In this buffer, the α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase is closely blinded with RBC and α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase plays efficient enzymatic activity of A antigen.

Removal of αGal xenotransplantation antigen by a novel α-galactosidase / 中国实验血液学杂志

αGal, a xenotransplantations antigen (XTA), can lead to hyper acute reaction (HAR) in xenotransplantation. α-Galactosidase from B. fragilis is a novel galactosidase belong to CAZy GH110 which can clear the terminal αGal from branched and linear oligosaccharides. This study was purposed to investigate the removal effect of a novel α-galactosidase on α-Gal XTA on surface of red blood cells. The αGal XTA from the red blood cells of cattle, pig, dog and rabbit was digested by using recombinant α-galactosidase; the α-Gal antigens on surface of cells was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that the XTA was disappeared completely or mainly. It is concluded that the novel α-galactosidase is a potential enzyme to remove the XTA on the surface of xenotransplants and can be used to overcome the HAR in xenotransplantation.

A reconstructed B. Fragilis-derived recombinant α-galactosidase developed for human blood type B→O conversion / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to prepare a reconstructed B. Fragilis-derived recombinant α-galactosidase developed for human B to O blood group conversion. Based on the construction of recombinant E. Coli (DE3) which can express α-galactosidase, the inducing time and inducer concentration were optimized for high expression of α-galactosidase. Then, the expression products in supernatant were purified by cation and anion exchange column chromatography. The purified α-galactosidase was used to treat B group red blood cells in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) for 2 hours to prepare O group red blood cells. The results showed that the optimal inducing conditions for α-galactosidase expression were IPTG 0.1 mmol/L, 37°C and 2 hours. The specific enzyme activity of purified protein increased from 0.42 U/mg to 2.1 U/mg as compared with pre-purification. And, the conditions of B to O blood group conversion were 26°C, pH 6.8 (neutral pH condition) and 2 hours. Moreover, 225 µg of the enzyme could converse 1 ml B red blood cells to O completely. It is concluded that the technology of expression and purification of recombinant α-galactosidase has been established, and the purified protein can converse B red blood cells to O completely, which means that an effective enzyme conversing B red blood cells to O has been obtained.

Signal pathways of eryptosis-review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Erythrocytes are devoid of nuclei and mitochondria which are the crucial elements of apoptosis, so their programmed suicidal death is called eryptosis. Eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, activation of proteases, and phosphatidylserine exposure. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) activates nonselective cation channels that increase cytosolic Ca(2+) activity and platelet-activating factor (PAF) activates a sphingomyelinase which lead to formation of ceramide. Either can lead to membrane scrambling with subsequent phosphatidylserine exposure. Exposed phosphatidylserine is recognized by macrophages that engulf and degrade the injured cells. As such, eryptosis can clear the injured red blood cells and avoid the release of hemoglobin. The signaling of eryptosis includes PGE(2), cation channels, PAF, ceramide, protein kinase C, and in some instances, caspases. In this review, the PGE(2), PAF and protein kinase pathways, erythrocyte surface receptor-mediated effects, oxidative stress and caspase effects, the inhibitory factors of eryptosis and the clinical eryptosis-related diseases are discussed.

Regulatory effect of anthraquinone derivatives from rhubarb on aquaporin 4 expression in colon of rats and in LoVo cell line / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the cathartic effect of total anthraquinone (AQ) from rhubarb on SD rats and its regulatory effect on aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in rat colon and in vitro cultured LoVo cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group treated with distilled water, and the two AQ groups administered with AQ suspension in cathartic and high dose (AQcd and AQhd) respectively via gastrogavage for 5 days. Water content in colonic stool was detected and the expression of AQP4 in rat's proximal colon was measured using Western blot and RT-PCR. LoVo cells cultured in vitro were used in the experimental study. The AQP4 protein and mRNA expressions in the cells were detected by Western blot and semiquantitative RT-PCR after they were cultured for 24 h with RPMI-1640 medium containing rhein/emodin in different concentrations, and those cultured with RPMI-1640 containing 20 mg/L rhein/emodin for different time points.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the stool water content in the AQcd and AQhd groups was higher than that in the control group and the AQP4 expression in rats treated with AQ decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The study showed that rhein/emodin could significantly down-regulate the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP4 in cultured LoVo cells, with the effectiveness related with dose and acting time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>At the same time of playing cathartic action, total AQ of rhubarb can effectively down-regulate the expression of AQP4 in rat's proximal colon; rhein/emodin can suppress the AQP4 expression in LoVo cells in vitro. One mechanism of cathartic effect of rhubarb AQ is possibly its down-regulation on AQP4 expression.</p>

Effect of total anthraquinone in rheum on aquaporin 2 expression in rat distal colon / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate effect of total anthraquinone in rheum on aquaporin 2 expression in rat distal colon.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>SD rats were randomly divided into control group, low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group. Gavaged to control group, and treated group were administered saline and total anthraquinone in rheum with dosage of 0.14, 2.5, 4.5 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), respectively. All rats were put sacrificed after 5 days and stool in full length colon was gently collected to detect water content stool. Distal colon was removed to detect AQP2 expression with immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>No diarrhea was found in low dose group and control group, there were not significant difference water content of stool and AQP2 expression between low dose group and control group. However, soft feces and loose stools occurred in diarrheic dose group, loose stools and watery stool appeared in high dose group. Stool water content increased in diarrheic dose group and High dose group, expression of AQP2 decreased evidently in these two groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Total anthraquinone in rheum can reduce the transcription and translation of AQP2 in rats' distal colon, increase fecal water content, which probably is one of the mechanisms of diarrhea caused by total anthraquinone in rheum.</p>

Correlation between DNA methylation of the ABO gene promoter CpG island and leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

Recent studies have found that ABO blood group antigen is also closely related to the onset and development of many diseases. More and more attention is being paid to the decrease of A/B blood group antigen caused by some tumors. This study was purpose to investigate the correlation between DNA methylation of the ABO gene promoter CpG island and leukemia. The relative contents of ABH antigen on the surface of RBC from kinds of blood disease patients and healthy individuals were detected by using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The DNA sequences and CpG methylation of ABO gene promoter in patients with hematopathy and healthy individuals, as well as the -102 site methylation of ABO gene promoter in patients with hematopathy and healthy individuals were detected by PCR and MSP-PCR respectively. The results showed that RBC from leukemia patients displayed different degree of A/B antigen decrease. The sequences of ABO gene promotor of patients with hematopathy were not different from healthy individuals indicating high conservation of promoter sequences. Comparison of sequences between patients with hematopathy and healthy individual indicated that CpG islands on ABO gene promoter either from blood disease patients or from healthy individual had no methylated site in AA patients, but C residues at position -102, -101, -100, -99 and -97 on the promoter of ABO gene in AML, CML, ALL and some MDS patients were methylated. It is concluded that methylation of CpG islands in promoter of ABO gene may result in AB antigen decrease in patients with leukemia. The methylation sites -102, -101, -100, -99 and -97 may be specific for leukemia. The methylation of site -102 can be used as a molecular marker in differential diagnosis for leukemias.

Effect of rhubarb on expressions of aquaporin-2 and -4 in rat's kidney / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of rhubarb on expressions of aquaporin-2 and 4 (AQP2 and AQP4) in rat's kidney.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, the normal control group, and the three rhubarb groups medicated via gastrogavage with low, mid and high dose of rhubarb extract (total anthraquinone) respectively. The 6 h and 24 h urine volume were measured, and the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 in renal tissue were determined with immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant difference between the control group and the low dose rhubarb treated group was found in urine volume, as well as in AQP2 and AQP4 protein and mRNA expressions. But the urine volume was obviously higher, the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 were markedly lower in rats after mid/high dose rhubarb medication respectively when compared with those in the normal controls (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rhubarb can inhibit the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 in rats' kidney, which probably is one of the mechanisms of rhubarb for diuresis.</p>

B to O erythrocyte conversion by the recombinant alpha-galactosidase / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Human group O red blood cells have great benefit in specialized transfusion areas such as armed conflict and natural calamity. The group B antigen differs structurally from group O antigen only by the addition of one terminal alpha-linked galactose residue. In this study we aimed to remove the terminal galactose from group B red blood cell to get group O red blood cell.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>alpha-galactosidase cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR from Catimor coffee beans grown on Hainan Island of China. The vector for alpha-galactosidase cDNA expression was constructed and transferred into Pichia pastoris cells by electroporation. The transgenic cells were cloned by fermentation and the recombinant alpha-galactosidase was purified by ion exchange chromatography. After studying the biochemical characters of alpha-galactosidase, we have used it in converting human erythrocytes from group B to group O.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The purity of recombinant alpha-galactosidase was higher than 96%, which was thought to be suitable for the use of blood conversion. Enzymatically converted human group O red blood cells (ECHORBC) exhibited membrane integrity, metabolic integrity, normal cell deformation and morphology. There were no coagulation between ECHORBC and any group of human blood. The ECHORBC will keep normal structure and function for a period of 21 days at 4 degrees C in monoammoniumphosphate nutrient solution. Experiments with Rhesus monkeys and gibbons showed that transfusion of enzymatically converted erythrocytes was safe.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ECHORBC can be easily obtained from group B red blood cell by alpha-galactosidase digestion. This study suggests that ECHORBC could be transfused to patients safely and efficiently.</p>

Progress in the researches on sperm membrane proteins / 中华男科学杂志

Sperm membrane proteins play a key role in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-oocyte interaction. A deeper research would shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and fertilization. In recent years, with the extensive application of a variety of current molecular biological methods and bioinformatics to reproductive medicine, some sperm membrane proteins found previously have been cloned and sequenced. Furthermore, new sperm membrane proteins, being found continuously, will make a solid foundation for the development of contraceptive vaccine as well as for the investigation into the mechanism of fertilization at levels of gene and protein. This article reviews the current progress in the researches on sperm membrane proteins.