Efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in maintaining hemodynamic stability in pediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, which is the main sedative in the intensive care unit. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and adverse events of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability in pediatric cardiac surgery. Sources: Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, WANFANG STATA and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for articles about the application of DEX in maintaining hemodynamic stability during and after pediatric cardiac surgery up to 18th Feb. 2021. Only randomized controlled trials were included and random-effects model meta-analysis was applied to calculate the standardized mean deviation (SMD), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Summary of the findings: Fifteen articles were included for this meta-analysis, and 9 articles for qualitative analysis. The results showed that preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery of DEX in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery were effective in maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and reducing heart rate (HR) (SBP: SMD = -0.35,95% CI: -0.72, 0.01; MAP: SMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.87,0.21; DBP: SMD = -0.79,95% CI: -1.66,0.08; HR: SMD = -1.71,95% CI: -2.29, -1.13). In addition, the frequency of Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia in the DEX treatment group was lower than that in the placebo group. Conclusions: The application of DEX for preoperative prophylaxis and postoperative recovery in pediatric cardiac surgery patients are effective in maintaining hemodynamic stability, and the clinical dose of DEX is not significantly related to the occurrence of pediatric adverse events which may be related to individual differences.

Survey on occupational hazards of enterprises in Pingshan district of Shenzhen City / 中国职业医学

@#Abstract: Objective To analyze the occupational hazards of enterprises in Pingshan district of Shenzhen in 2017. Methods Occupational hazards were analyzed in 200 enterprises in Pingshan district of Shenzhen City selected using stratified Results random sampling method. A total of 24 industries were involved in the 200 enterprises. The declaration rate of ， occupational hazards was 91.5% and the exposure rate of occupational hazards among workers was 49.2%. The regular monitoring rate of occupational hazard factors in workplaces of the enterprises was 79.5%. There were 129 kinds of occupational ， ， hazard factors of which 19 factors exceeded the national occupational exposure limit accounting for 14.7%. The over standard ， ， ， ， ， ， ， ， rates of noise silica dust cotton dust methanol toluene and other dust were 28.7% 13.6% 11.8% 5.86% 0.5% and ， ， 0.4% respectively. There were 13 kinds of occupational hazard factors in the workplace of metal products industry all of which （ ） exceeded the occupational exposure limit. The exposure rate 56.7% of occupational hazard factors in workers was the highest. Conclusion ， ， The main occupational hazard factors were noise dust and chemical factor and the major occupational hazard industry was metal manufacturing in Pingshan district of Shenzhen City.

Age related changes in cervical range of motion and its relationship with cervical spondylosis in school students aged 12-18 in Nanyang City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the age related changes in cervical range of motion (CROM) and its relationship with cervical spondylosis in school students aged 12-18 in Nanyang City, to provide reference for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment evaluation of cervical spondylosis.@*Methods@#Stratified sampling was adopted in 13 counties and districts of Nanyang City and 890 students aged 12-18 were assessed for CROM using the Coda Motion Analyzer. SPSS 19.0 was used to data analyze.@*Results@#A decreasing trend was observed in CROM among boys and girls aged 12-18 years in Nanyang. For boys aged 15 and 18 years old, higher anterior flexion ( t =2.02, 2.70), posterior extension ( t =2.01, 2.81), left flexion ( t =3.51, 2.99), right flexion ( t =5.07, 2.66), sinistral ( t =2.28, 2.92) and dextral ( t =2.91,3.60) were found compared with younger age groups ( P <0.05). Similar findings were found in girls aged 15 and 18-years old [anterior flexion ( t =2.38, 2.20), posterior extension ( t =2.09,2.02), left flexion ( t =2.33, 2.55), right flexion ( t =7.34, 4.60), sinistral ( t =3.73, 2.35) and dextral ( t =2.31, 3.99, P <0.05). Except for the right flexion, the CROM of boys in was higher than that of girls at the same age group. The prevalence of cervical spondylosis showed an increasing trend (boys: χ 2 trend =13.93, girls: χ 2 trend =12.87, P <0.05). Except for 14-year-old group, the prevalence of cervical spondylosis in girls was higher than that in boys, with significant differences observed in 15 and 17-year-old groups ( χ 2=10.35, 9.64, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#With the increase of age, the CROM of male and female students shows a downward trend in general. The prevalence of cervical spondylosis increases with the decrease of CROM. CROM measurement is conducive to the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of juvenile cervical spondylosis.

Rehabilitation therapy with insulin-like growth factor after acute skeletal muscle injury / Terapia de reabilitação com fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina após lesão muscular esquelética aguda / Terapia de rehabilitación con factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina después de una lesión aguda del músculo esquelético

ABSTRACT Introduction Skeletal muscle injuries account for 10% to 50% of treadmill sports injuries. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a family of polypeptides with both insulin-like anabolic and growth-promoting effects. Sports play a vital role in the recovery of skeletal muscle injuries. Objective The paper analyzes the ability of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to repair skeletal muscle injury caused by treadmill exercise. Method We injected drugs under the wound after exercise-induced injury in rats. The control group was injected with saline, and the experimental group was injected with an insulin-like growth factor. We conduct histological and electron microscopic structural analysis of rats, Results: After an injury, the experimental group formed a basal lamina protective film earlier than the control group, activated myoblasts, formed myofilaments, formed myotubes, and fused into muscle fibers earlier than the control group. The healing quality was also better. The experimental group was endogenous. The mRNA content of sex IGF-1 and IGF-2 both increased earlier than the control group. Conclusion Local injection of exogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 can stimulate the proliferation of myoblasts and accelerate the post-traumatic repair process of skeletal muscle caused by treadmill sports. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução As lesões do músculo esquelético representam de 10% a 50% das lesões em esteira esportiva. O fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina (IGF) é uma família de polipeptídeos com efeitos anabólicos e de promoção do crescimento semelhantes à insulina. Os esportes desempenham um papel vital na recuperação de lesões musculares esqueléticas. Objetivo o artigo analisa a capacidade do fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 (IGF-1) em reparar lesões musculares esqueléticas causadas por exercícios em esteira. Método Injetamos drogas sob a ferida após lesão induzida por exercício em ratos. O grupo controle foi injetado com solução salina e o grupo experimental foi injetado com um fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina. Realizamos análises histológicas e microscópicas eletrônicas estruturais de ratos. Resultados Após a lesão, o grupo experimental formou um filme protetor da lâmina basal mais cedo do que o grupo controle, mioblastos ativados, miofilamentos formados, miotubos formados e fundidos em fibras musculares mais cedo do que o grupo controle. A qualidade da cura também foi melhor. O grupo experimental era endógeno. O conteúdo do sexo IGF-1 e IGF-2 mRNA aumentou mais cedo do que no grupo de controle. Conclusão A injeção local de fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina 1 exógeno pode estimular a proliferação de mioblastos e acelerar o processo de reparo muscular esquelético pós-traumático causado por esportes em esteira. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos: investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Las lesiones del músculo esquelético representan del 10% al 50% de las lesiones deportivas en cinta. El factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina (IGF) es una familia de polipéptidos con efectos anabólicos y estimulantes del crecimiento semejantes a la insulina. Los deportes juegan un papel vital en la recuperación de las lesiones del músculo esquelético. Objetivo El artículo analiza la capacidad del factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina 1 (IGF-1) para reparar la lesión del músculo esquelético causada por el ejercicio en cinta. Método inyectamos drogas debajo de la herida después de una lesión inducida por el ejercicio en ratas. Al grupo de control se le inyectó solución salina y al grupo experimental se le inyectó un factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina. Realizamos análisis estructurales histológicos y microscópicos electrónicos de ratas, Resultados: Después de una lesión, el grupo experimental formó una película protectora de la lámina basal antes que el grupo de control, activó mioblastos, formó miofilamentos, formó miotubos y se fusionó en fibras musculares antes que el grupo de control. La calidad de curación también fue mejor. El grupo experimental fue endógeno. El contenido de ARNm de IGF-1 e IGF-2 de sexo aumentaron antes que en el grupo de control. Conclusión La inyección local de factor de crecimiento semejante a la insulina 1 exógeno puede estimular la proliferación de mioblastos y acelerar el proceso de reparación postraumático del músculo esquelético causado por los deportes en cinta. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Triple-negative breast cancer cells respond to T cells severely at the alternative splicing layer

BACKGROUND: Cross talk of tumor­immune cells at the gene expression level has been an area of intense research. However, it is largely unknown at the alternative splicing level which has been found to play important roles in the tumor­immune microenvironment. RESULTS: Here, we re-exploited one transcriptomic dataset to gain insight into tumor­immune interactions from the point of AS level. Our results showed that the AS profiles of triple-negative breast cancer cells co-cultured with activated T cells were significantly changed but not Estrogen receptor positive cells. We further suggested that the alteration in AS profiles in triple-negative breast cancer cells was largely caused by activated T cells rather than paracrine factors from activated T cells. Biological pathway analyses showed that translation initiation and tRNA aminoacylation pathways were most disturbed with T cell treatment. We also established an approach largely based on the AS factor­AS events associations and identified LSM7, an alternative splicing factor, may be responsible for the major altered events. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the notable differences of response to T cells among breast cancer types which may facilitate the development or improvement of tumor immunotherapy.

Effects of high temperature on children s emergency admissions during summer from 2016 to 2018 in Beijing / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the adverse effects of high temperature on emergency admissions of children during the summer in Beijing.@*Methods@#Child emergency admissions was collected from 30 hospitals in Beijing during the summer of 2016-2018, as well as data related to meteorological factors and air pollutant concentrations. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between the daily mean temperature and emergency admissions of children due to total non accidental diseases, circulatory diseases, and respiratory diseases during the summer in Beijing.@*Results@#During the summer of 2016 to 2018 in Beijing, the daily mean temperature was (24.06±3.59)℃, and the daily mean relative humidity was (65.08±17.45)%. Every 1 ℃ increase in the daily mean temperature on the day of exposure had a significant effect on emergency admissions of children, aged 0-14 years old, due to total non accidental diseases and respiratory diseases in Beijing, such that the risk of emergency admissions increased by 0.21, 0.64 times, respectively. The effect of high temperature on emergency admissions due to circulatory diseases was not significant. High temperature had inconsistent effects on emergency admissions of children from different age groups. Among them, the largest increase in the risk of emergency admissions due to total non accidental diseases was observed among children aged 5-9 years old, while children aged 0-4 were vulnerable to emergency admissions for respiratory diseases, and emergency admissions for circulatory diseases were the highest among children aged 10-14.@*Conclusion@#High temperature had a significant effect on emergency admissions of children during the summer in Beijing. Pediatric respiratory diseases are sensitive diseases that are associated with a high temperature in summer, and greater attention should be given to this issue.

Transcriptome-wide identification and profiling of miRNAs in a stress-tolerant conifer Sabina chinensis

miRNAs are important regulatory components involving in many biological processes, including plantdevelopment, vegetative and reproductive growth, and stress response. However, identification and characterization of miRNAs still remain limited for conifer species. In this study, with deep sequencing, we obtained1,314,450 unique reads with 18–30 nt length from a stress-tolerant conifer, Sabina chinensis. We identified 37conserved and 103 novel miRNAs, their unique characteristics were further analyzed, and 10 randomlyselected were validated by qRT-PCR. Through miRNA target predictions and annotations, we found miRNAmay have several targets as well a target could be regulated by several miRNAs, and a total of 2,397 mRNAswere predicted to be targets of the 140 miRNAs. These targets included not only important transcription factorssuch as auxin response factors, but also indispensable non-transcriptional factor proteins. Pathway-basedanalysis showed that S. chinensis miRNAs are involved in 172 metabolic pathways, of which 3 were discovered in adaptation-related pathways, indicating their possible relevance to the species’ stress-tolerancecharacteristics. This study is expected to lay the foundation for exploring the regulative roles of miRNAs indevelopment, growth, and response to environmental stresses of S. chinensis.

Effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells under continuous static pressure / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the effect of continuous static pressure on the endoplasmic reticulum of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and the mechanism of osteogenic differentiation.@*Methods@#hPDLCs cultured in vitro were subjected to 1 g/cm 2 of continuous compressive pressure (CCP) by custom-made, round, glass panes for 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase staining was used to detect osteogenic differentiation, and real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of protein kinase receptor-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), and transcription activation factor 4 (ATF-4). The 0 h loading group was the control group.@*Results@#After CCP treatment, the alkaline phosphatase staining of hPDLCs was blue-violet and significantly stronger than that of cells in the control group. The expression levels of PERK and ATF4 in the hPDLCs after CCP treatment were higher than those of cells in the control group (P < 0.05) and increased over time (P < 0.05). The expression of eIF2α was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (P < 0.05) and decreased over time (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion @#Mechanical stimulation can activate ERS in hPDLCs, leading to enhanced PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling and inducing osteogenic differentiation.

The application of Compont gel in chronic obstructive jaundice rats model

Abstract Purpose: To establish a new rat model, the pathogenesis of which is closer to the clinical occurrence of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis. Methods: 90 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A common bile duct ligation, group B common bile duct injection compont and group C injection saline. The serum of three groups was extracted, and the liver function was detected by ELISA. HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect liver pathology. Results: Group B showed a fluctuant development of jaundice, obstructive degree reached a peak at 2 weeks, and decreased from 3 weeks. HA, LA and PCIII were significantly higher than control group. 3 weeks after surgery, liver tissue fibrosis occurred in group B, and a wide range of fiber spacing was formed at 5 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed that hepatic stellate cells were more active than the control group. Conclusion: Intra-biliary injection of Compont gel is different from the classic obstructive jaundice animal model caused by classic bile duct ligation, which can provide an ideal rat model of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis.

Physiological effects of cadmium stress on Astragalus membranaceus seedlings and alleviative effects of attapulgite clay on cadmium stress / 中国中药杂志

In this study we investigate the effects of cadmium stress on Astragalus membranaceus seedlings and the alleviative effects of attapulgite clay in growth substrate on cadmium stress to A. membranaceus seedlings. The results showed that the Y (Ⅱ) (effective photochemical quantum yield of PSⅡ photosynthetic), qP(photochemical quenching coefficient), ETR(the rate of non-cyclic electrontransport through PSⅡ), and chlorophyll content of the leaves were significantly decreased with the increase of cadmium concentrations, while the cadmium content, non-photochemical quenching(NPQ, qN) of the leaves and cadmium content, MDA content, plasma membrane permeability, and the damage degree of root apical membrane of the roots were significantly increased. Simultaneously, the activities of APX(ascorbate peroxidase), SOD(superoxide dismutase), POD(peroxidase), CAT(catalase), soluble protein content, and soluble sugar content of roots were increased first but then decreased with the increasing cadmium concentration. Under the condition of without Cd stress, the attapulgite clay into the growth substrate did not significantly affect above physiological indexes of leaves, but significantly increased SOD activity and soluble sugar content of roots and decreased the MDA content, damage degree of root apical membrane of roots, while other physiological indexes did not significantly change. Under cadmium stress, the presence of attapulgite clay in the growth substrate significantly alleviated the cadmium-induced decreases Y (Ⅱ), qP, ETR and chlorophyll content of leaves, and the CAT activity, soluble protein content, and soluble sugar content of roots. Under condition with cadmium stress, the presence of attapulgite clay significantly alleviated the cadmium-induced increases of leaves cadmium content, qN and NPQ, and the cadmium content, MDA content, plasma membrane permeability, damage degree of root apical membrane, SOD, POD, and APX activity of the roots. And, the alleviative effects of attapulgite clay on cadmium stress to A. membranaceus roots were more obvious with the increase of cadmium stress time. The above results showed that the addition of attapulgite clay into the growth substrate has certain alleviative effect on the cadmium stress to A. membranaceus seedlings.

A novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug CP-25 alleviated collagen induced arthritis by down-regulating BAFF-NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigated the regulatory effect of paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) on B cell activating factor (BAFF)/BAFF receptor-nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in B cell of collagen induced-arthritis (CIA) mice. METHODS Mice CIA was induced by injection of typeⅡcollagen (CⅡ). The arthritis index (AI) and swollen joint count (SJC) were assessed, and histopathology of spleen and joints were observed. The percentage of B cells subsets, BAFF receptor expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry. BAFF and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were measured by protein antibody array. The expressions of TRAF2, MKK3, MKK6, p-P38, and p-NF-κB65 in NF-κB signaling mediated by BAFF were analyzed by western blot. RESULTS CP-25 decreased AI and SJC, restored abnormal weights, reduced thymus index and spleen index, inhibited T/B cells proliferation, alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joints in CIA mice. CP-25 also reduced high levels of serum BAFF and immunoglobulin, decreased CD19+B cells, CD19+CD27+B cells, and CD19-CD27+CD138+ plasma cells, inhibited BAFFR and TACI expressions, decreased the expressions of TRAF2, MKK3, MKK6, p-P38, and p-NF-κB65. Compared with biological agents etanercept and rituximab, CP-25 restored high T cells proliferation and percentages of B subsets to normal level, and recovered the high levels of IgA, IgD, IgG1, IgG2a and high expressions molecules in NF- κB signaling to normal levels. The action intensity of rituximab and etanercept was more strong than CP- 25. The inhibitor effects of rituximab and etanercept on AI and SJC, thymus index, proliferation of T cells and B cells subsets were strong, and down-regulated the indexes to under normal levels. CONCLUSION CP-25 might be a promising anti- inflammatory immune and regulation drug, which alleviated CIA and regulated the functions of B cells through BAFF/BAFF receptor-NF-κB signaling.

Ginsenoside metabolite compound K alleviate collegen-induced arthritis through impairing dendritic cells function / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Ginsenoside metabolite compound K (CK) is a degradation product of ginsenoside in the intestine by bacteria. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of CK have been reported. This study investigated whether CK exerted its immunoregulatory effect through modulation of dendritic cells (DCs) function. METHODS In vivo, severity of collegen-induced arthritis (CIA), T cells and DCs subsets, phenotype of DC were assayed by flow cytometry, CCL19 and CCL21 level in lymph nodes assayed by ELISA. In vitro, bone marrow-derived DCs from normal mice were matured with lipopolysaccharide and treated with CK for 48 h. In vivo, bone marrow-derived DCs were generated from CIA mice before and 2 weeks into CK treatment. DCs were analyzed for migration, phenotype and T- cell stimulatory capacity. RESULTS CK alleviated the severity of CIA, decreased pDCs and mo-DCs, increased na?ve T cells in CIA mice lymph nodes, and suppressed CCL21 expression in lymph nodes. CK suppressed DCs migration induced by CCL21 and T cells-stimulatory capability of DC, down-regulated LPS-induced expression of CD80, CD86, MHCII and CCR7 on DCs. CONCLUSION This study elucidated the novel immunomodulatory property of CK via impairing function of DCs in priming T cells activation. These results provide an interesting novel insight into the potential mechanism by which CK contribute to the restoration of immunoregulation in autoimmune conditions.

Beneficial effect of berberine on atherosclerosis based on attenuating vascular inflammation and calcification / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the beneficial effect of berberine(BBR) on atherosclerosisin Apo-/-E mice and explore the underlying mechanisms based on attenuating vascular inflammation and modulating calcification in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). METHODS 48 Apo-/-E mice,at 6-8 weeks old,were randomly allocated into 4 groups: normal, model, bbr and atorvastatin (positive control) groups with 12 mice in each group. They were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks except those inNormal group and then treated with indicated drugs orsolvent for another 4 weeks. The morphology and inflammation infiltration of aortic were examined with HE staining. The expression of BMP-2 in aortic was examined by immumohistochemical staining. Blood lipid levels were examined by automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of IL-6, TNF-α and BMP-2 in serum and tissues was detected by ELISA method. The expression of ALP and the content of calcium were detected by commercially-available kits. HUVEC cells were stimulated with TNF-α and incubated with various concentrations of BBR for 24 h. The contents of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA method. Calcification was induced with β-glycerophosphatein SMC cells and the effect of BBR on the content of calcium was examined. RESULTS 4-week berberine treatment markedly lowered serum TC and LDL-c levels and improved the plaque stability in Apo-/-E mice fed with a high-fat diet(P<0.05 or P<0.01) which was comparable with the effect of atorvastatin. Berberineal so significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in mice serum and aortic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.001). Berberine tended to decrease ALP, BMP-2 levels and the content of calcium in mice serum and aortic tissues(P<0.05, P<0.01or P<0.001) which were not observed in atorvastatin group. Berberine significantly lowered the levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MMP-9 in TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. It can also lowered the content of calcium in SMCs. CONCLUSION BBR can profitably regulate the levels of blood lipid in mice fed with a high-fat diet, decrease the injury caused by inflammation,and attenuate vascular calcification. It may improve atherosclerosis and play a role in cardiovascular protection.

Beneficial effect of berberine on atherosclerosis based on attenuating vascular inflammation and calcification / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the beneficial effect of berberine (BBR) on atherosclerosis in Apo-/-E mice and explore the underlying mechanisms based on attenuating vascular inflammation and modulating calcification in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and smooth muscle cells(SMCs). METHODS 48 Apo-/-E mice,at 6-8 weeks old,were randomly allocated into 4 groups:normal, model, bbr and atorvastatin (positive control) groups with 12 mice in each group. They were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks except those in Normal group and then treated with indicated drugs or solvent for another 4 weeks. The morphology and inflammation infiltration of aortic were examined with HE staining. The expression of BMP- 2 in aortic was examined by immumohistochemical staining. Blood lipid levels were examined by automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression of IL-6, TNF-αand BMP-2 in serum and tissues was detected by ELISA method. The expression of ALP and the content of calcium were detected by commercially-available kits. HUVEC cells were stimulated with TNF-α and incubated with various concentrations of BBR for 24 h. The contents of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA method. Calcification was induced with β-glycerophos?phate in SMC cells and the effect of BBR on the content of calcium was examined. RESULTS 4-week berberine treatment markedly lowered serum TC and LDL-c levels and improved the plaquestabilityin Apo-/- E mice fed with a high- fat diet (P<0.05 or P<0.01) which was comparable with the effect of atorvastatin. Berberine also significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in mice serum and aortic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.001). Berberine tended to decrease ALP, BMP-2 levels and the content of calcium in mice serum and aortic tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01 or P<0.001) which were not observed in atorvastatin group. Berberine significantly lowered the levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MMP-9 in TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. It can also lowered the content of calcium in SMCs. CONCLUSION BBR can profitably regulate the levels of blood lipid in mice fed with a high-fat diet, decrease the injury caused by inflammation, and attenuate vascular calcification. It may improve atherosclerosis and play a role in cardiovascular protection.

A validated UPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of imatinib,dasatinib and nilotinib in human plasma / 药物分析学报

A sensitive, rapid, simple and economical ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectro-metric method (UPLC–MS/MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib in human plasma using gliquidone as internal standard (IS). Liquid-liquid extraction method with ethyl acetate was used for sample pre-treatment. The separation was performed on an Xtimate Phenyl column using isocratic mobile phase consisting of A (aqueous phase: 0.15% formic acid and 0.05% ammonium acetate)and B(organic phase:acetonitrile)(A:B=40:60,v/v).The flow rate was 0.25 mL/min and the total run time was 6 min. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions, m/z 494.5→394.5 for imatinib, 488.7→401.5 for dasatinib, 530.7→289.5 for nilotinib and 528.5→403.4 for IS, were chosen to achieve high selectivity in the simultaneous analyses. The method exhibited great improvement in sensitivity and good linearity over the concentration range of 2.6–5250.0 ng/mL for imatinib, 2.0–490.0 ng/mL for dasatinib,and 2.4–4700.0 ng/mL for nilotinib.The method showed acceptable results on sensitivity,specificity, recovery, precision, accuracy and stability tests. This UPLC–MS/MS assay was successfully used for human plasma samples analysis and no significant differences were found in imatinib steady-state trough concentra-tions among the SLC22A5?1889T>C or SLCO1B3 699G>A genotypes(P>0.05).This validated method can provide support for clinical therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic investigations of these three tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs).

Application of sEST+EPBD in patients with mild or moderate biliary pancreatitis / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the clinical value of sEST+EPBD applied in patients with mild-to-moderate biliary pancreatitis. Methods We selected out 60 cases mild or moderate biliary pancreatitis from January, 2013 to December, 2015, and randomly divided these cases into control group, EST group and sEST + EPBD group. We compared serological indexes, postoperative inflammation index, concurrent operation, hospitalization and follow-up indicators of these three groups. Results The levels of serum amylase, CRP and PCT were no statistical significance in three groups (P > 0.05). Total lengths of hospital stay and recurrence of pancreatitis in EST groups and sEST + EPBD group were significantly shorter than in control group (P < 0.05), and the total cost of hospitalization in sEST + EPBD group was obviously lower than in control group (P < 0.05). The level of postoperative serum amylase in sEST + EPBD group was obviously higher than in EST group, and the total length of hospital stay, cost and operative complications in sEST+EPBD group was significantly lower than that in EST group (P < 0.05); However, within one year, recurrences of pancreatitis and rates of cholecystectomy were no significant differences in these two groups. Conclusion sEST+EPBD is an effective and safe treatment in mild or moderate biliary pancreatitis, and can reduce the length of hospital stay and cost, operative complications, and assist the implementation of interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of 3-bromopyruvate in mice

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of 3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) in mice. METHODS: Fifteen nude mice were grafted subcutaneously in the left flank with MDA-MB-231 cells, then all mice were divided into control group (PBS), 3BP group (8 mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg) when tumor volume reached approximately 100 mm3. 28 days later, tumors, livers and kidneys were stored in 4 % formalin solution and stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The Kunming mice experiment included control group (PBS), 3BP group (4mg/kg; 8mg/kg; 16mg/kg), positive group (DNR: 0.8 mg/kg). 24 hours later, the blood were used for the determination of hepatic damage serum biomarkers. Livers were stored in 4 % formalin solution for the later detection. RESULTS: 3BP at the dose of 8mg/kg had a good effect on inhibiting tumor growth in nude mice and did not damage liver and kidney tissues. Kunming mice experiment showed 3BP at the dose of 16mg/kg did damage to liver tissues. CONCLUSION: 3-Bromopyruvate at the dose of suppressing tumor growth did not exhibit hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in nude mice, and the effect on liver was confirmed in Kunming mice.

Effect of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in tibial shaft treatment for fractures in adults: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to determine the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults. METHOD: Literature searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature database, the CNKI database, Wanfang Data, and the Weipu Journal database were performed up to August 2013. Only randomized and quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the use of percutaneous plates and interlocking intramedullary nails for tibial shaft fractures were included. Data collection and extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards. RESULTS: Eleven trials were included. Compared with interlocking intramedullary nailing, minimally invasive percutaneous plates shortened fracture healing time and resulted in lower rates of postoperative delayed union and pain. There was no significant difference between the two methods with regard to the rates of excellent and good Johner-Wruh scoring, the rate of reoperation, and other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, insufficient evidence exists regarding the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults. Low-quality evidence suggests that minimally invasive percutaneous plates could shorten fracture healing time, decrease the rate of postoperative delayed union, and decrease pain levels compared with interlocking intramedullary nailing. There is no significant difference between the two groups in terms of functional recovery scores, reoperation, and other complications. Further research that includes high-quality randomized controlled, multicenter trials is required to compare the effects of minimally invasive percutaneous plates versus interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in adults. .

Microbiological safety of household membrane water filter.

Waterborne pathogens outbreaks are major reasons of diarrhea disease worldwide. Detecting and monitoring emerging waterborne pathogens (EWPs) is important for drinking water microbiological safety. The microbiological safety of household water hollow fiber membrane filter which is the end of drinking water treatment process was studied with heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and real-time PCR method. The effect of the flow rate, idle time and washing fashion were investigated. Among the selected filters from three manufacturers, only the PVDF membrane water filter (Brand B) could achieve a good water purification criteria. Brand A was found a certain degree of EWPs in its effluent. The lowest bacteria-removing efficiency of the PVC membrane water filter was found Brand C. Our study showed that the microorganisms could reach up to 10

Formation of aerobic granular sludge under adverse conditions: Low DO and high ammonia.

In this study, two adverse environments: low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high ammonia concentration, were employed to investigate the morphology, interspecies quorum sensing, extracellular polymers (EPS) characterization and microbial communities in the formation of aerobic granular sludge. Results showed that low DO could promote filamentous bacterial outgrowth. Under high ammonia concentration aerobic granular sludge (AGS) could still be cultivated, although it was looser and lighter than the control group. During the early stage of the AGS cultivation process, AI-2 activity reached a peak value in all three reactors, and ultrasonic pre-treatment was not beneficial to the release of AI-2. During AGS formation, the production of polysaccharide exhibited increases from 12.2 % to 40.3 %, 49.6 %, and 29.3 %. And PS in R2 was the highest as the result of sludge bulking. PS/PN was 1.5~8 in the three reactors. Three-dimensional EEM fuorescence spectroscopy variation indicated the change of protein in EPS, and the highest intensity of Peak T1 was obtained. The location shift of Peak T1 was not obvious, and Peaks A, C, and T2 shifted toward longer wavelengths (red shift) of 5~60 nm, or shorter wavelengths (blue shift) of 10~25 nm on the emission scale and / or excitation scale in all three reactors. This provided spectral information on the chemical structure changes. Bacteria in R3 had the highest species diversity, and all bacteria in b-Proteobacteria were identified as genus Thauera, which suggested that simultaneous nitrification and denitrification occurred in R3. The filamentous bacteria in seed sludge and R2 were species-richer. There was a low abundance of filamentous bacteria in R1 and R3, which contributed to the granule structure stability.