Analysis and evaluation of bioactive constituents from different parts of Epimedium brevicornum / 中国中药杂志

A comprehensive analytical method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry(UFLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was established for simultaneous determination of the content of 45 bioactive constituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and nucleosides in Epimedium brevicornum. The multiple bioactive constituents in leaves, petioles, stems and rhizomes of E. brevicornum were analyzed. The gradient elution was performed at 30 ℃ in an XBridge~® C_(18) column(4.6 mm×100 mm, 3.5 μm) with 0.4% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL·min~(-1). Single factor experiment and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the extraction conditions. Multivariate statistical analyses including systematic cluster analysis(SCA), principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance(One-way ANOVA) were carried out to classify the samples from different parts and identify different constituents. Grey relation analysis(GRA) and entropy weight-TOPSIS analysis were performed to build a multi-index comprehensive evaluation model for different parts of E. brevicornum. The results showed that there was a good relationship between the mass concentrations of 45 constituents and the corresponding peak areas, with the correlation coefficients(r) not less than 0.999 0. The precision, repeatability, and stability of the established method were good for all the target constituents in this study, with the relative standard deviations(RSDs) less than 5.0%(0.62%-4.9%) and the average recovery of 94.51%-105.7%. The above results indicated that the bioactive constituents varied in different parts of E. brevicornum, and the overall quality followed the trend of leaves > petioles > rhizomes > stems. This study verified the rationality of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) stipulating that the medicinal part of E. brevicornum is the leaf. Moreover, our study indicated that the rhizome had the potential for medicinal development. The established method was accurate and reliable, which can be used to comprehensive evaluate and control the quality of E. brevicornum. This study provides data reference for clarifying the medicinal parts and rationally utilizing the resources of E. brevicornum.

Interpretation of the Gallbladder reporting and data system (GB-RADS) for risk stratification of gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography: an international expert consensus / 中华消化外科杂志

In February 2022, the world′s first gallbladder reporting and data system (GB-RADS) for the assessment of gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography was published in the form of an international expert consensus. The GB-RADS system classifies gallbladder wall thickening into six levels (GB-RADS 0?5), with gradually increasing risk of malignancy. It is mainly based on the following features: symmetry and extent (focal versus circumferential) of involvement, layered appearance, intramural features (including intramural cysts and echogenic foci), and interface with the liver. The proposed system is important for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder diseases. The authors interpret the consensus, introduce the evaluation points and classification standards, and suggest the future applications and research directions.

Simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents in Abelmoschi Corolla by UFLC-QTRAP-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

A comprehensive analytical method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry(UFLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was established for simultaneous determination of the content of 38 active components in Abelmoschi Corolla, including flavonoids, organic acids, nucleosides and amino acids, so as to investigate the effects of different harvesting and processing methods on multi-active components in Abelmoschi Corolla. The chromatographic separation was performed on a XBridg®C_(18) column(4.6 mm×100 mm, 3.5 μm) with(0.1% formic acid water) methanol-acetonitrile(1∶1) as the mobile phase for gradient elution at 30 ℃. The flow rate was 0.5 mL·min~(-1). The components were detected in a multiple-reaction monitoring(MRM) mode. The gray relational analysis(GRA) was used to comprehensively evaluate the multiple active components of Abelmoschi Corolla at different harvesting times and drying temperatures. The results showed that 38 components had a good linearity with correlation coefficients all above 0.999 0. The method featured a good precision, repeatability and stability with the relative stan-dard deviations(RSDs) of less than 5.0%. Recoveries ranged from 98.06% to 104.4% with RSD between 0.22% and 4.9%. The results of GRA indicated that a better quality in the samples collected on September 9 th. Samples dried at 90 ℃ had a better quality. The established method is accurate and reliable, and can be used to assess the internal quality of Abelmoschi Corolla. This study can provide basic materials for determining appropriate harvesting time and processing method of Abelmoschi Corolla.

Correlation of cytokine and cytology levels in bronchoalveolar alveolar lavage fluid of children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of cytokine levels and routine cytology in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP).Methods:A total of 207 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia who underwent parallel bronchoalveolar lavage in the Department of Respiratory, Shanghai Children′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University from July 2018 to February 2019 were enrolled in this study.There were 121 patients in the SMPP group and 86 patients in the non-SMPP group.Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of cytokines in BALF.Meanwhile, the cells in BALF were stained and cytokines levels and routine cytology were compared between the 2 groups.Receive operating characteristic(ROC) curves were used to analyze the predictive value of cytokine levels and routine cytology for SMPP.Results:The levels of interleukin(IL)-8, IL-1βand IL-6 and white blood cell count in BALF of SMPP group were significantly higher than those of non-SMPP group [1 717.77 (784.31, 3 304.03) ng/L vs.1 013.03 (469.27, 2 040.52) ng/L, 373.18 (70.08, 941.56) ng/L vs.107.50 (0.10, 489.88) ng/L, 200.74 (41.09, 570.61) ng/L vs.95.47 (0.10, 337.68) ng/L, 1 890.00 (955.00, 3 600.00)×10 6/L vs.1 430.00 (467.50, 2 724.00)×10 6/L]( Z=3.27, 3.45, 2.47, 2.57, all P<0.05). The percentage of macrophages in the non-SMPP group was significantly higher than that in the SMPP group [0.04 (0, 0.12) vs. 0 (0, 0.06)] ( Z=-2.67, P=0.01). The optimal critical value and the area under curve (AUC) of IL-8 were 722.69 ng/L and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56-0.71, P<0.01), respectively. The optimal critical value and AUC of IL-1β were 166.33 ng/L and 0.64, respectively (95% CI: 0.56-0.72, P<0.01). The optimal critical value and AUC of IL-6 were 142.95 ng/L and 0.60, respectively (95% CI: 0.52-0.68, P<0.05). The optimal critical value and AUC of the total white blood cells were 970×10 6/L and 0.61, respectively (95% CI: 0.53-0.69, P<0.05). The optimal critical value and AUC of the percentage of macrophages were 0.19 and 0.60, respectively (95% CI: 0.32-0.48, P<0.05). Conclusions:Children with SMPP have higher levels of cytokines IL-8, IL-1β and IL-6, a higher white blood cell count, and a lower percentage of macrophages in BALF than children with no SMPP. However, cytokine levels and cytology are inadequate to predict SMPP since they are not effective in the clinical diagnosis of SMPP.

Analysis of reasons for failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burn and treatment measures / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To analyze the reasons for failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burns and to observe the clinical effects of the treatment measures.@*Methods@#Thirty children with severe burns hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (hereinafter referred to as the author′s affiliation) from January 2012 to January 2018, conforming to the inclusion criteria were included to failed skin graft group. Children in failed skin graft group were performed with Meek micro-skin grafting operation and the operation failed, including 17 males and 13 females aged 1 to 12 year(s). Thirty children with severe burns hospitalized in the author′s affiliation during the same period of time, conforming to the inclusion criteria, were included to successful skin graft group. Children in successful skin graft group were performed with Meek micro-skin grafting operation and the operation succeeded, including 16 males and 14 females aged 1 to 12 year(s). Main treatment measures and effects before operation, area and survival rate of Meek micro-skin graft, infected pathogens status, selection status of sensitive antibiotics, preoperative nutrition status, and wound infection status in plum rain season of children in the two groups, and nutritional status before and after strengthening nutritional support of postoperative surviving children in failed skin graft group were analyzed retrospectively. Data were processed with chi-square test and t test.@*Results@#(1) The numbers of children in the two groups performed with main treatment measures of dilatation and anti-shock, tracheotomy intubation, ventilator-assisted respiration, and limb incision decompression after admission were close (χ2=0, 0.016, 0.025, 0.009, P>0.05). After taking the above-mentioned main treatment measures, effects of correcting shock, preventing asphyxia, correcting breathing difficulty, and improving peripheral circulation of limb were achieved. (2) The area of Meek micro-skin grafting of children in successful skin graft group was (20.6±2.5)% total body surface area (TBSA), close to (21.2±2.2)% TBSA in failed skin graft group (t=0.534, P>0.05). The survival rate of Meek micro-skin graft of children in successful skin graft group was (79±5)%, significantly higher than (26±3)% in failed skin graft group (t=2.956, P<0.01). (3) The microbial culture of wound secretion of 5 (16.67%) children in 30 patients in successful skin graft group was positive, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 2 children, and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus of one patient respectively. As children in successful skin graft group were with no symptom of systemic infection, no blood microbial culture was done. The microbial culture of wound secretion of 30 (100.00%) children in 30 patients in failed skin graft group was positive, and blood microbial culture of 8 (26.67%) children was positive. The main pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 11 (36.67%) children in 8 pathogens caused infection with gram-negative bacteria of 22 (73.33%), gram-positive bacteria of 11 (36.67%) children, and fungi of 6 (20.00%) children. (4) Ten kinds of sensitive antibiotics such as cephalosporins, glycopeptides, carbapenems, and tetracyclines antibiotics were used in children in failed skin graft group, of which the use rate of imipenem of 9 (30.00%) was the highest. Only 4 kinds of sensitive antibiotics such as ceftazidime were used in 30 children in successful skin graft group. (5) The preoperative levels of albumin and prealbumin of children in successful skin graft group were (32±4) g/L and (133±41) mg/L respectively, significantly higher than (27±4) g/L and (93±35) mg/L in failed skin graft group (t=5.090, 4.064, P<0.01). The albumin and prealbumin levels of postoperative surviving children in failed skin graft group after nutritional support treatment were (35±4) g/L and (168±49) mg/L, significantly higher than (27±4) g/L and (94±38) mg/L before nutritional support treatment (t=6.911, 6.315, P<0.01). (6) Wound infection of 9 children in 30 children with wound infection in failed skin graft group happened in the plum rain season, and fungi infection of 3 children in 6 children with fungi infection happened in the plum rain season. Wound infection of 2 children in 5 children with wound infection in successful skin graft group happened in the plum rain season, and the only one children with fungi infection happened in the plum rain season.@*Conclusions@#The main reasons for the failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burns include infection, nutrition, and season factors, etc. Measures of strengthening wound dressing change, reasonable use of sensitive antibiotics to control infection, internal and external intestinal nutritional support, and reducing disturbance of the plum rain season by enhancing ventilation are effective and worthy of clinical promotion.

Ellagic acid attenuates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by alleviating autophagy / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate whether ellagic acid (EA) attenuates hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by down-regulating autophagy.METHODS:In vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats (n=17) were randomly divided into 3groups:5 rats for sham group, 6 rats for HIE group and 6 rats for HIE+EA pretreatment group.The rats in HIE+EA pretreatment group were treated with EA (10 mg/kg, 10 m L/kg, suspended in corn oil, ig).After 24 h of operation, the rats from each group were sacrificed and their brains were collected.TTC staining and HE staining were used to define the infarct areas and brain structure.The autophagy-related proteins beclin-1, P62, LC3-II/-I and Atg5 in the cortex in each group were compared by Western blot.In vitro, PC12 cells were divided into 3 groups:control group, Coand CoEA pretreatment group.Co800μmol/L was added to the PC12 cells to induce an anoxic environment.The PC12 cells were pretreated with EA at 8μmol/L and the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay.The production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the cells was detected by flow cytometry with DCFH-DA staining.MDC staining and TM-RE staining were applied to reflect the extent of autophagy and the state of apoptosis, respectively.The autophagy-related proteins in PC12 cells were also investigated.RESULTS:In HIE group, 7-day-old rats were given the operations and the their large infarct areas in the hemisphere were observed by TTC staining.HE staining displayed the injured hemispheres which contained few neurons, and exhibited edema status and serious structural damage.EA pretreatment decreased the infarct area and alleviated the damage to hemisphere with more visible neurons, compared with HIE group.Compared with sham group, the levels of autophagy-related proteins Atg5, beclin-1 and LC3-II/-I in the cortex were increased (P<0.01) , and P62 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01) in HIE group.Compared with HIE group, the protein expression of Atg5, beclin-1 and LC3-II/-I was decreased (P<0.01) and P62 protein expression was increased in HIE+EA pretreatment group (P<0.01).In vitro, compared with CoPC12 cells in CoEA pretreatment group showed a lower ROS level.Moreover, the cells in CoEA pretreatment group exhibited higher mitochondrial membrane potential than that in CoMDC staining in Coshowed high value of fluorescence and increased number of autophagosomes.EA pretreatment reduced the number of autophagosomes and the extent of autophagy to protect PC12cells.Furthermore, the protein levels of Atg5, beclin-1 and LC3-II/-I in Cowere higher (P<0.01) , and the protein expression of P62 was lower (P<0.01) than those in control group.In CoEA pretreatment group, the protein levels of Atg5, beclin-1 and LC3-II/-I were decreased (P<0.01) and the protein expression of P62 was increased as compared with Co (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:EA pretreatment attenuates autophagy to protect the neurons against HIE injury.

Exposure status of multiple environmental pollutants during pregnancy: based on biomonitoring data from Laizhou Wan Birth Cohort in Shandong / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective · To evaluate the levels of environmental pollutants including lead, mercury, organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and triclosan (TCS) and further analyze the correlation between these pollutants in pregnant women.Methods · Pregnant women were recruited from the Laizhou Wan Birth Cohort (LWBC) in Shandong from September 2010 to December 2013. A total of 149 pregnant women were finally enrolled who completed questionnaires and provided sufficient biological samples for pollutants measurement including blood lead, blood mercury, urinary metabolites of OPs[dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), etc.], serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), as well as urinary TCS. Spearman correlation analysis and cosine cluster analysis were used to explore the correlation between pollutants. Results · The detection rates of lead, DMP, PFOA and PFOS were all 100.0％. And the detection rates of mercury, DMTP, DEP, DETP and TCS were 89.3％, 81.2％, 97.3％, 96.6％ and 59.1％, respectively. The median and range of concentrations for lead, mercury, PFOA, PFOS and TCS were 28.40 (11.30–65.70) μg/L, 0.85 (＜LOD–10.98) μg/L, 39.54 (1.16–273.68) μg/L, 4.56 (0.55–15.38) μg/L, 0.58 (＜LOD–58.01) μg/g, respectively. The median and range of concentrations for DMP, DMTP, DEP and DETP were 36.33 (0.55–1 331.04) μg/g, 2.65 (＜LOD–128.84) μg/g, 14.70 (＜LOD–585.05) μg/g, 1.84 (＜LOD–86.21) μg/g, respectively. The concentrations of DMP and DEP were generally higher than those in developed countries. The concentration of PFOA was much higher than those in foreign studies, while the concentrations of PFOS and TCS were relatively lower. Correlation analysis and cosine cluster analysis revealed that mercury was positively correlated with PFOA (r=0.36, P=0.000) and PFOS (r=0.42, P=0.000). Conclusion · The population in LWBC is widely exposed to multiple pollutants and there are certain correlations between mercury and PFASs, suggesting that attention should be paid to emerging pollutants besides traditional ones.

Influence of three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment in Anhui province on treatment effects of burn children / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the influence of three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns in Anhui province on treatment effects of burn children.@*Methods@#The data of medical records of pediatric burn children transferred from Lu′an People′s Hospital and Fuyang People′s Hospital to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2014 to December 2015 and January 2016 to September 2017 (before and after establishing three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment) were analyzed: percentage of transferred burn children to hospitalized burn children in corresponding period, gender, age, burn degree, treatment method, treatment result, occurrence and treatment result of shock, and operative and non-operative treatment time and cost. Rehabilitation result of burn children transferred back to local hospitals in 2016 and 2017. Data were processed with t test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher′s exact test.@*Results@#(1) Percentage of burn children transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 34.3% (291/848) of the total number of hospitalized burn children in the same period of time, which was close to 30.4% (210/691) of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 (χ2=2.672, P>0.05). (2) Gender, age, burn degree, and treatment method of burn children transferred from the two periods of time were close (χ2=3.382, Z=-1.917, -1.911, χ2=3.133, P>0.05). (3) Cure rates of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were significantly higher than those of burn children transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 (χ2=11.777, 6.948, 4.310, P<0.05). Cure rates of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close (χ2=1.181, P>0.05). (4) Children with mild and moderate burns transferred from the two periods of time were with no shock. The incidence of shock of children with severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 6.0% (4/67), and 3 children among them were cured. The incidence of shock of children with severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 was 3.9% (2/51), and both children were cured. The incidences and cures of shock of children with severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close (χ2=0.006, P>0.05). Incidence of shock of children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 57.1% (32/56), significantly higher than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 [34.5% (10/29), χ2=3.925, P<0.05]. Shock of 25 children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were cured, and shock of 9 children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were cured. The cures of shock of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( χ2=0.139, P>0.05). (5) Time of operative treatment of children with moderate, severe, and extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was obviously longer than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 (t=2.335, 2.065, 2.310, P<0.05). Time of operative treatment of children with mild burns transferred from the two periods of time was close (Z=-0.417, P>0.05). Costs of operative treatment of children with moderate and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were significantly more than those of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 (Z=-3.324, t=2.167, P<0.05). Costs of operative treatment of children with mild and extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close (t=0.627, 0.808, P>0.05). (6)Time of non-operative treatment of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was obviously longer than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 (t=2.335, Z=-2.095, t=2.152, P<0.05). Time of non-operative treatment of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time was close (t=0.450, P>0.05). Costs of non-operative treatment of children with moderate and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were obviously higher than those of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 (Z=-2.164, t=2.040, P<0.05). Costs of non-operative treatment of children with mild and extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close (t=0.146, 1.235, P>0.05). (7) Sixty-seven burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were transferred back to local hospitals for rehabilitation under the guidance of experts of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, with 25 patients in 2016 and 42 patients in 2017. Effective rehabilitation rates of burn children transferred back to local hospitals for rehabilitation in 2016 and 2017 were both 100%.@*Conclusions@#The three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment in Anhui province can effectively increase cure rate of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns, reduce incidence of shock of children with extremely severe burns, shorten time of operative treatment of burn children with moderate, severe, and extremely severe burns, and time of non-operative treatment of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns, reduce treatment costs of children with moderate and severe burns, and improve rehabilitation effectiveness of children transferred from Lu′an People′s Hospital and Fuyang People′s Hospital to the the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.

The application value of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy for gastric diseases in physical examination of asymptomatic population / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of magnetic-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) for gastric diseases in physical examination of asymptomatic population.Methods Data of 211 asymptomatic individuals who received MCE examinations from July 2015 to December 2016 in Changhai Hospital were collected and rctrospectively analyzed.The tolerance and safety of MCE were studied by analyzing the detection rate for the focal lesions and the rate of endoscopy transfer.Results Among 211 patients,the detection rate of the gastric focal lesions was 9.5％ (20/211).The detection rate in male was higher than that in female (P＜0.05).All patients completed MCE examination successfully and no adverse event was reported.Conclusion MCE,a non-invasive endoscopic modality,is safe and better tolerated than conventional endoscopy,and can be used as a promising approach to screening the gastric diseases in asymptomatic population due to high detection rate of these diseases.

Effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on damage of intestinal mucosa of rats with severe burn in early stage and the mechanism / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To observe the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on damage of intestinal mucosa of rats with severe burn in early stage and to explore the mechanism.@*Methods@#One hundred and twenty SD rats were divided into sham injury group, pure burn group, and ω-3 PUFA group according to the random number table, with 40 rats in each group. Rats in sham injury group were sham injured, while rats in pure burn group and ω-3 PUFA group were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness scald (hereinafter referred to as burn) on the back. Rats in sham injury group and pure burn group were injected with normal saline solution (1 mL/kg) by tail vein, while rats in ω-3 PUFA group were injected with ω-3 PUFA solution (1 mL/kg) by the same way at 5 minutes post injury. At post injury hour (PIH) 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48, abdominal aorta blood and intestinal mucosa were collected from 8 rats in each group, respectively. Serum content of diamine oxidase (DAO) was detected by spectrophotography. Serum content of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression of NF-κB-p65 in intestinal mucosa was determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, LSD test, and Bonferroni correction.@*Results@#(1) At all time points post injury, serum content of DAO of rats in pure burn group and ω-3 PUFA group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.01), and serum content of DAO of rats in ω-3 PUFA group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.01). (2) At all time points post injury, serum content of TNF-α and IL-6 of rats in pure burn group and ω-3 PUFA group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.01), and serum content of TNF-α and IL-6 of rats in ω-3 PUFA group was obviously lower than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.01). (3) At all time points post injury, protein expressions of NF-κB-p65 in intestinal mucosa of rats in pure burn group and ω-3 PUFA group were significantly higher than those in sham injury group (with P values below 0.01). At PIH 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48, protein expressions of NF-κB-p65 in intestinal mucosa of rats in ω-3 PUFA group were 1.398±0.016, 1.999±0.948, 2.803±0.065, 1.739±0.602, and 1.484±0.645, obviously lower than 2.096±0.113, 3.402±0.189, 4.183±0.558, 3.618±0.408, and 2.614±0.775 in pure burn group (with P values below 0.01).@*Conclusions@#The ω-3 PUFA may alleviate intestinal mucosa injury of rats with severe burn in early stage through reducing protein expression of NF-κB-p65 of intestinal mucosa, serum content of DAO, TNF-α, and IL-6, and inhibiting inflammatory response.

The prognostic value of Tiam1 protein expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study / 癌症

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer worldwide and has a poor prognosis. A biomarker predicting the clinical outcome of HNSCC patients could be useful in guiding treatment planning. Overexpression of the T lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) protein has been implicated in the migration and invasion of neoplasms. However, its role in HNSCC progression needs to be further validated. We detected the expression of Tiam1 in normal and tumor tissues and determined its association with clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We measured the expression of Tiam1 in normal and cancerous tissue samples from the patients with HNSCC treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2001 and 2008. The Tiam1 expression was scored from 0 to 12 based on the percentage of positively stained cells and the staining intensity. We then determined the diagnostic performance of this score in predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 194 evaluable patients, those with advanced disease, lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, and recurrence or metastasis during follow-up had a higher tendency of having high Tiam1 expression as compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). The proportion of samples with high Tiam1 expression was also higher in cancerous tissues than in non-cancerous tissues (57.7% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that Tiam1 expression scores of 5 and greater independently predicted short OS and DFS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Tiam1 expression is shown as a promising biomarker of clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCC and should be evaluated in prospective trials.</p>

Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on inflammation-associated cytokines in blood and pulmonary tissue of rats with severe scald injury / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in serum and expression of NF-κB in pulmonary tissue of rats with severe scald injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixty SD rats were divided into sham injury (A), sham injury+DHA (B), scald (C), and scald+DHA (D) groups according to the random number table, with 40 rats in each group. Rats in groups A and B were sham injured, while rats in groups C and D were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scald on the back. Rats in groups B and D were injected with 0.5 mg/mL DHA solution with the dosage of 1 mL/kg via tail vein 5 minutes post injury, while rats in groups A and C with normal saline solution 1 mL/kg. At post injury hour (PIH) 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48, pulmonary tissue and abdominal aorta blood were collected from 8 rats in each group. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and LTB4 were determined with ELISA, and the protein expression of NF-κB p65 in pulmonary tissue was determined with Western blotting. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design and LSD-t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 of rats in group A were similar to those of group B at each time point (with tTNF-α values from 0.223 to 0.947, tIL-6 values from 0.767 to 2.084, P values above 0.05). Compared with those of group A, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 of rats in groups C and D were significantly higher at each time point (with tTNF-α values from 11.800 to 40.357, tIL-6 values from 10.334 to 39.321, P values below 0.01). The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 of rats in group D were significantly lower than those of group C at each time point (with tTNF-α values from -17.643 to -8.331, tIL-6 values from -21.596 to -6.332, P values below 0.01). The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in groups C and D both showed a trend of increase earlier and decrease later, and they peaked at PIH 12, respectively (360.4 ± 13.2), (306.8 ± 7.2) pg/mL and (265.4 ± 12.3), (230.5 ± 2.2) pg/mL. (2) The serum level of LTB4 in group A was similar to that of group B at each time point (with t values from 0.787 to 1.096, P values above 0.05). The serum level of LTB4 was significantly higher in groups C and D than in group A at each time point (with t values from 7.501 to 38.962, P values below 0.01). The serum level of LTB4 in group D was obviously lower than that of group C at each time point (with t values from -19.244 to -2.532, P values below 0.01). The serum level of LTB4 in groups C and D both showed a trend of increase earlier and decrease later, and it peaked at PIH 12, (4.59 ± 0.29) and (2.85 ± 0.32) ng/mL respectively. (3) The protein expression of NF-κB p65 in pulmonary tissue in group A was similar to that of group B at each time point (with t values from 0.847 to 1.256, P values above 0.05). The protein expression of NF-κB p65 was significantly higher in groups C and D than in group A at each time point (with t values from 15.167 to 98.074, P values below 0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB p65 in group D was obviously lower than that of group C at each time point (with t values from -37.190 to -14.415, P values below 0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB p65 in groups C and D both showed a trend of increase earlier and decrease later, and it peaked at PIH 12, respectively 4.46 ± 0.12 and 2.94 ± 0.21.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Parenteral supply of DHA to rats with severe scald injury can reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and LTB4 in serum and decrease the expression of NF-κB in pulmonary tissue, thus alleviating the inflammation response.</p>

Structural and functional analysis of the N-terminal region of death receptor 5 / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the structure and function of the N-terminal region (NTR) of death receptor 5 (DR5).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A series of deletions of the DR5 extracellular domain (DR5-ECD) proteins were expressed in E.coli. and purified by affinity chromatography. The binding ability of these deletant proteins to AD5-10, a mouse anti-human DR5 monoclonal antibody, was evaluated by immunoblotting and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Recombinant DR5-ECD proteins containing the NTR were recognized and bound by AD5-10, while the other deletant proteins without the NTR failed to interact with AD5-10.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is an AD5-10 targeting site in the NTR of DR5, which may play a role in developing novel immunotherapies for cancers.</p>

Influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on inflammation-related parameters in lung tissue of rats with severe scald / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) on inflammation in lung tissue of rats with severe scald and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two adult SD rats were divided into sham scald group (SS, n = 8), treatment group 1 (T1, n = 32), treatment group 2 (T2, n = 32) according to the random number table. Rats in T1 group and T2 group were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scald, and then they were respectively injected with 100 g/L omega-3 PUFA (1 mL/kg) and 200 g/L long-chain fatty acid (2 mL/kg) via tail vein within 5 minutes after burn. The above two fatty acids with equivalent calories were continuously injected for 10 days (once a day). On post burn day (PBD) 1, 4, 7, and 10, serum level of TNF-alpha and level of macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP-lalpha) in lung homogenate of T1 and T2 groups were detected, the levels of NF-kappaBp65 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in lung tissue of T1 and T2 groups were observed with immunohistochemical staining (recorded as score). Above-mentioned parameters were also determined in SS group. Data were processed with t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of 4 parameters in T1 and T2 groups on PBD 1, 4, 7, 10 were higher than those in SS group (with t values from 3.411 to 8.782, P values all below 0.01), and those in T1 group on PBD 4, 7, 10 were lower than those in T2 group (with t values from 2. 321 to 2.785, P values all below 0.05). The serum level of TNF-alpha and levels of MIP-1alpha, NF-kappaBp65, and MIF in lung tissue in SS group was respectively (0.96 +/- 0.32) ng/mL, (76 +/- 16) pg/mL, 0.24 +/- 0.03, 1.31 +/- 0.03, and those in T1 and T2 groups all peaked on PBD 7 [(2.43 +/- 0.32) ng/mL, (210 +/- 56) pg/mL, 4.23 +/- 2.15, 4.69 +/- 1.83; (3.15 +/- 0.54) ng/mL, (274 +/- 64) pg/mL, 5.15 +/- 2.31, 5.37 +/- 2.16].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Omega-3 PUFA can effectively reduce serum level of TNF-alpha and levels of MIP-1alpha, NF-kappaBp65, and MIF in lung tissue of rats with severe scald, showing that it has a protective effect against injury of lung tissue.</p>

Recurrence and progression of nonmuscle invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma after transurethral resection: Risk prediction / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To assess the feasibility of applying the scoring system proposed by Sylvester RJ in predicting recurrence and progression of nonmuscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NIBC) after transurethral resection (TUR). Methods: Using Sylvester RJ's predicting system, we evaluated the risk factors for recurrence and progression of NIBC after TUR in patients treated in the Department of Urinary Surgery of Changhai Hospital in a ten-year period. The 1-year, 5-year recurrence rates and progression rates of patients with different scores were calculated and the results were compared with the results of Sylvester RJ system. Results: The data of 187 patients with NIBC treated in the Department of Urinary Surgery of Changhai Hospital from Jan. 1992 to Jan. 2002 were collected. The 1-year recurrence rates in 0 score group, 1-4 score group, 5-9 score group and 14-23 score group were 13.3%, 21.0%, 36.0% and 58.8%, respectively; their 1-year progression rates were 0, 1.4%, 5.1% and 15.6%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence rates were 26.5%, 44.0%, 59.5% and 82.4%, respectively; and their progression rates were 1.1%, 6.7%, 14.8%, and 53.1%, respectively. The above results were not significantly different from those of Sylvester RJ's (P>0.05). Conclusion: Sylvester RJ's system can be used for the patients in our hospital for predicting risk factors of recurrence and progression of NIBC after operation. Whether the system is suitable for all Chinese patient still need further study in greater population.

Effects of Xuebijing on intestinal function and inflammatory responses in patients with severe burn / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Xuebijing injectio (Chinese herb preparation) on intestinal function and inflammatory responses in severe burn patients. Method Thirty-two patients with comparable severity in burn injury were randomly divided into Xuebijing injectio treatment group (n = 16) and control group (n = 16). Patients in both groups received routine burn therapy, while those in Xuebijing treatment group additionally received Xuebijing injectio 100mL in intravenous drip twice a day for 7 days. Before the treatment and on the 3rd and the 7th day after the treatment, blood concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in both groups. Analysis was made by SPSS 12.0 software. Results The plasma levels of DAO, LPS, TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased in both groups after the treatment. However, the plasma levels of DAO, LPS, TNF-α and IL-6 in the Xuebijing treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group on the 3rd and 7th day after the treatment (P＜ 0.05).Conclusions Xuebijing injectio could protect intestinal function, decrease the plasma level of endotoxin and lessen zhe inflammatory responses in severe burn patients.

Norcantharidin inhibits DNA replication initiation protein Cdc6 in cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the inhibitory effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on the expression of DNA replication initiation protein Cdc6 in cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MTT assay was performed to detect the inhibitory effect on different cancer cell lines, including HeLa, HepG2, Jurkat and Ramos cells. The effect of NCTD on Cdc6 protein level was detected by Western blotting, and BrdU incorporation assay was used to evaluate the DNA replication of the cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NCTD significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells and caused degradation of Cdc6 protein to result in the inhibition of the DNA replication of the cells shown by BrdU incorporation assay.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NCTD can induce the degradation of Cdc6 in cancer cells to produce an anti-cancer effect.</p>

Advances in the study of the anti-tumor activity of small molecule vascular disrupting agents / 药学学报

Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have presented a new kind of anti-cancer drug in recent years. VDAs take advantage of the weakness of established tumor endothelial cells and their supporting structures. In contrast to anti-angiogenic therapy, which inhibits the outgrowth of new blood vessels, vascular targeting treatments selectively attack the existing tumor vasculature. Here we summarized the anti-tumor activities, mechanisms and clinical applications of small molecule VDAs.

Preparation and characterization of magnetic poly D, L- lactide -co-glycolic acid phenylarsine oxide nanoparticles / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: With the development of nanotechnology, a new system for the delivery of drugs by magnetic nanovectors has been proposed. Within a magnetic field, the system can implement site-specific drug administration, thereby raising drug concentration at the lesion focus, elevate therapeutic effects, and reduce side effects.OBJECTIVE: To study the preparation of magnetic poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolic acid phenylarsine oxide nanoparticles (M-PLGA-PAO-NPs) and to evaluate characteristics of the prepared nanoparticles.DESIGN: Several factors influencing nanoparticle characteristics were selected for single-factor tests. Then, according to experimental results, and in conjunction with orthogonally designed statistics, the optimized prescription was obtained. SETTING: Department of Special Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: The study was performed at the Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from January 2005 to March 2006. The reagents used were as follows: phenylarsine oxide (Sigma, USA), poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (Shandong Medical Apparatus Institute, China), ferroso-ferric oxide (nanometer, Sigma, USA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA1788, Beijing Organic Chemical Industry Plant, China). Methylene dichloride and other agents were all analytical grade and purchased from Shanghai Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd, China.METHODS: M-PLGA-PAO-NPs were prepared through an emulsion-evaporation process. Nanoparticle shape was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Magnetism was determined by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The size and diametral distribution of nanoparticles were determined by a laser particle size analyzer. The encapsulation ratio and drug loading of phenylarsine were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The percentage of phenylarsine oxide release in vitro was calculated [the percentage of phenylarsine oxide release in vitro =(total dose of phenylarsine oxide-residual dose of phenylarsine oxide)/ total dose of phenylarsine oxide].MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The shape, size, drug loading, encapsulation ratio and release in vitro of M-PLGA-PAO-NPs.RESULTS: The prepared nanoparticles had an average encapsulation ratio of 34.2%. Drug loading of 5 batches of nanoparticles was 3.06%, 3.15%, 3.18%, 3.21%, and 3.41%, respectively, with an average drug loading of 3.20%. Drug loading difference was small between batches, indicating good stability and reproducibility of the technology. M-PLGA-PAO-NPs were spherical, smooth, evenly distributed and non-adhesive. Ferrosoferric oxide microparticles, which exhibited unevenly dispersed black opacities, were found in the magnetic microparticles. Nanoparticles were in a narrow size range, with an average diameter of 290 nm (range 140-500 nm). When the magnitude and the direction of the outside magnetic field were changed, nanoparticles showed different intensities of magnetization. This indicated that M-PLGA-PAO-NPs had a certain magnetic response. The in vitro nanoparticle-release curve indicated that drug release was initially fast followed by a slow controlled release, and on day 8, it was basically stable.CONCLUSION:The experiment acquires a satisfactory technique for preparation of M-PLGA-PAO-NPs. The prepared M-PLGA-PAO-NPs were well targeted and exhibited slowly controlled drug release effects.

Induction of G2 /M phase arrest and apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by novel benzofuran lignan via suppressing cell cycle proteins / 药学学报

In the present study, a newly synthesized benzofuran lignan 4-formyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3methoxyphenyl)-5-(2-methoxycarbonyethyl)-7-methoxy-benzo [b] furan (ERJT-12) was tested for its antiproliferative activity on human tumor cells. The related mechanisms were also investigated. In vitro growth inhibitory effects of ERJT-12 on various cancer cell lines were determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The integrity of DNA was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Activation of Caspase-3/7 and Caspase-6 was measured by colorimetric assay. The expressions of cell cycle proteins cell divide cycle 25c (Cdc25c), cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), CyclinB1 and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting. MTT assay showed that ERJT-12 inhibited the proliferation of several cancer cell lines including multidrug resistant cells. MCF-7 cells were markedly arrested at gap2/mitosis (G2/M) phase after treatment with ERJT-12 and progressed into apoptosis. The increased activities of Caspase-3/7 and Caspase-6 in MCF-7 cells were observed. The expression of CyclinB1 was down-regulated. The activities of Cdc25c and CDK1 protein were suppressed and Bcl-2 protein was phosphorylated. ERJT-12 displays potent antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells through suppressing cell cycle proteins, arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase and inducing apoptosis. It might be a novel candidate for cancer therapy.