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Pulpitis, periodontitis, jaw bone defect, and temporomandibular joint damage are common oral and maxillofacial diseases in clinic, but traditional treatments are unable to restore the structure and function of the injured tissues. Due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory activity, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial property, chitosan-based hydrogels have shown broad applicable prospects in the field of oral tissue engineering. Quaternization, carboxymethylation, and sulfonation are common chemical modification strategies to improve the physicochemical properties and biological functions of chitosan-based hydrogels, while the construction of hydrogel composite systems via carrying porous microspheres or nanoparticles can achieve local sequential delivery of diverse drugs or bioactive factors, laying a solid foundation for the well-organized regeneration of defective tissues. Chemical cross-linking is commonly employed to fabricate irreversible permanent chitosan gels, and physical cross-linking enables the formation of reversible gel networks. Representing suitable scaffold biomaterials, several chitosan-based hydrogels transplanted with stem cells, growth factors or exosomes have been used in an attempt to regenerate oral soft and hard tissues. Currently, remarkable advances have been made in promoting the regeneration of pulp-dentin complex, cementum-periodontium-alveolar bone complex, jaw bone, and cartilage. However, the clinical translation of chitosan-based hydrogels still encounters multiple challenges. In future, more in vivo clinical exploration under the conditions of oral complex microenvironments should be performed, and the combined application of chitosan-based hydrogels and a variety of bioactive factors, biomaterials, and state-of-the-art biotechnologies can be pursued in order to realize multifaceted complete regeneration of oral tissue.
Subject(s)
Chitosan/chemistry , Tissue Engineering , Hydrogels/chemistry , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Cartilage , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistryABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the role of platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) on bidirectional differentiation of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1-positive mesenchymal stem cells (Gli1+-MSC). Methods: Breeding double reporter transgenic mice ROSAmT/mG/Gli1-CreERt2/PDGFRαfl (Experimental group) and ROSAmT/mG/Gli1-CreERt2 (Control group), 20 mice in each of the two groups at four weeks of age were selected, MSC were isolated from the mouse aortic epithelium. After tamoxifen inducement, the two groups of Gli1+-MSC were screened by green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling and flow cytometry sorting. PDGFRα was conditionally knocked out in the experimental group, and the control group Gli1+-MSC expressed PDGFRα normally. The two groups of Gli1+-MSC were subjected to adipogenic induction and fibrogenic induction, the Western blotting was performed to detect PDGFRα, adipocyte markers [perilipin and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα)] and fibrogenic markers [alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1)] and semi-quantitative analysis was performed. The degree of cellular adipose differentiation after bidirectional induction of Gli1+-MSC in both groups was observed by oil red O staining and analyzed semi-quantitatively. Results: After tamoxifen induction, Gli1+-MSC could be accurately isolated from flow cytometry by GFP labeling. Via adipogenic differentiation, the expression of PDGFRα in the experimental group (0.017±0.002) was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.184±0.012) (t=25.48，P=0.002). The protein expressions of perilipin (3.138±0.414) and C/EBPα (3.565±0.289) were significantly higher than those in the control group (2.312±0.218 and 2.179±0.103, respectively) (t=6.21，P=0.025；t=6.69，P=0.022). Thus, the knock-out of PDGFRα enhanced the adipogenic differentiation ability of Gli1+-MSC. After fibrogenesis induction, the protein expressions of PDGFRα, α-SMA and FSP-1 in the experimental group (0.030±0.001, 0.932±0.177 and 0.276±0.020, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.439±0.006, 1.352±0.170 and 0.835±0.097, respectively) (t=149.40, P<0.001; t=66.38,P<0.001; t=11.41,P<0.08). This suggested that the knock-out of PDGFRα significantly inhibited Gli1+-MSC differentiation toward fibroblasts. After bidirectional induction, significantly less adipocyte formation was seen in the control group and more in the experimental group. Quantitative analysis showed that the amount of oil red O staining in the experimental group (0.461±0.042) was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.017±0.007) after bidirectional induction (t=23.20, P<0.01). Conclusions: PDGFRα plays an important role in the regulation of bidirectional differentiation of vascular adventitial Gli1+-MSC.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of early individualized rehabilitation on patients with severe mechanical ventilation. MethodsA total of 36 patients on mechanical ventilation admitted to the ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March, 2019 to February, 2020 were randomly divided into control group (n = 18) and rehabilitation group (n = 18). All the patients completed a rehabilitation assessment within 24 hours of admission, including clinical assessment, state of consciousness and muscle strength assessment. The control group was treated with intensive care routine treatment, including symptomatic treatment of primary disease, nutritional support, placement of normal limbs, active and passive movement of limbs. The rehabilitation group received early individualized rehabilitation in addition., including active and passive limb movements, transfer training, physical factor therapy, and respiratory muscle training after the specific evaluation. The mechanical ventilation duration and ICU length of stay, the hospitalization cost, Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS), acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ), and the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were compared. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the weaning rate and hospitalization cost between two groups (P > 0.05). The mechanical ventilation duration and ICU length of stay were less in the rehabilitation group than in the control group (t > 2.067, P < 0.05). After treatment, the score of APACHEⅡ and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in the control group (t > 2.040, P < 0.05); the score of APACHEⅡ and the content of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 decreased in the rehabilitation group (t > 4.141, P < 0.001); the content of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 was less in the rehabilitation group than in the control group (t > 2.217, P < 0.05). The improvement of all the indexes was better in the rehabilitation group than in the control group (|Z| > 2.104, P < 0.05). ConclusionFor patients on mechanical ventilation, early individualized rehabilitation could improve the sedation, relieve the inflammatory reaction, accelerate the process of weaning, and reduce the length of stay with no extra cost.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of surface electromyography (sEMG) of the flexors and extensors of the affected fingers after manual digitorum sensory stimulation (MDSS) in the hemiplegic patients after stroke. MethodsFrom April to August, 2020, 50 stroke patients in Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University accepted MDSS on the nail beds and the third knuckles of affected fingers, until the fingers extended actively. The tension of affected flexor pollicis brevis, flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) before and immediately after stimulation; while the root mean square (RMS) of sEMG of bilateral flexor pollicis brevis, flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum were recorded. ResultsThe MAS score of all the muscles decreased after stimulation (|Z| > 2.699, P < 0.01), while the RMS of affected extensor digitorum increased (t = -2.069, P < 0.05). Compared with the unaffected ones, RMS of affected flexor pollicis brevis and extensor digitorum decreased before and after stimulation (t > 2.450, P < 0.05). ConclusionMDSS may immediately relieve the spasm of flexors of hemiplegic fingers after stroke, which associates with the promoting muscle strength of the extensors.
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@#Objective To demonstrate the changes in flexor digitorum and extensor digitorum tension in the affected hands with shear-wave elastography (SWE) before and after manual digitorum sensory stimulation (MDSS) in hemiplegic patients with stroke. Methods A total of 51 hemiplegic post-stroke inpatients in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April to June, 2020, underwent MDSS completed by a researcher who used a bare thumb and index finger to squeeze each nail bed as well as the sides of each fingertip in the affected hand. The stimulation intensity was the minimum that could cause finger extension without obvious pain, and the interval between two stimulations was five to ten seconds. Muscular tension of the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and shear-wave velocity (SWV) of SWE on the affected side before and immediately after MDSS. MAS score was -1 as low muscular tension. Results The MAS scores of all the muscles significantly reduced after MDSS (|Z| > 2.843, P < 0.001); while the changes of SWV were not significantly in all the muscles with initially MAS score of 0 or -1 (t < 1.052, P > 0.05), and it reduced in those muscles with initial MAS scores of one to three (t > 2.672, P < 0.05). The SWV were positively correlated with the MAS scores both before and after MDSS (r > 0.334, P < 0.05). Conclusion MDSS can effectively, immediately, and safely relieves muscle spasms of the flexor digitorum and facilitate active finger extension in the affected hand for hemiplegic patients with stroke. SWE is useful for quantitatively and objectively evaluating muscular tension in the affected hand for hemiplegic patients with stroke.
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The decline of body function and senile diseases caused by aging seriously affect human health and life span， which is an important topic in the field of life science. Bazi Bushen capsules is a representative Chinese patent medicine for tonifying essence， invigorating Qi and anti-aging， guided by Qiluo doctrine， and essence， Qi and spirit theory. Previous pharmacological and clinical studies have confirmed that this preparation has the comprehensive advantages of anti-aging， and prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases. Among them， pharmacological studies showed that Bazi Bushen capsules had the effect of improving the appearance status of mice， improving the level of sex hormones， inhibiting the formation of atherosclerosis， improving cardiac function， improving learning and memory cognitive ability， improving neurological function， improving osteoporosis and muscle function， improving sperm count and quality. The mechanism was related to the up-regulation of the recombinant sirtuin （SIRT6） level， down-regulation of the levels of aging-related proteins p53 and p16， up-regulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase level， and alleviation of inflammation and oxidative response. Clinical studies have proved that it can improve the symptoms of patients with kidney essence deficiency， improve exercise ability， and improve the sexual function of impotence patients. Anti-aging research of Bazi Bushen capsules based on Qiluo doctrine fully embodies the new mode of academic innovation and transformation of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） with the combination of "theory-new drug-experiment-clinic"， which has made a demonstration for the anti-aging research of TCM.
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Along with increasing degree of population aging globally， senility， good health and long life have become the focus of the world. Guided by Qiluo doctrine， an essence， Qi and spirit theory is proposed as below， essence is the origin of life， Qi is the impetus of life and spirit is the embodiment of life. Based on holistic view of kidney deficiency involving the five internal organs and injuries of the five internal organs definitely affecting the kidney， a mechanism of aging is proposed as below， deficiency of kidney essence is the foundation of aging， deficiency of promordial Qi is the key of aging and physical and spiritual loss is the manifestation of aging. It provides a theoretical guidance for anti-aging study of rejuvenating the elderly and making the strong person stronger. By virtue of the experiences in kidney-tonifying medication accumulated for more than two thousand years， Bazi Bushen capsules has been developed， which has anti-aging efficacy， including tonifying kidney， replenishing essence， coordinating Yin and Yang， supplementing primordial Qi and nourishing body and spirit. Experimental researches have demonstrated that Bazi Bushen capsules can improve overall aging and systemic aging， as well as prevent and treat aging related diseases. Preliminary clinical studies demonstrate that this capsules can enhance athletic ability and improve sexual function， and is expected to become a representative Chinese patent medicine of anti-aging. This paper addresses aging and anti-aging on the basis of Qiluo doctrine， in the hope of helping prevention and treatment of aging related diseases.
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The methods for determining the characteristic chromatogram and index components content of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction were established to provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of substance benchmarks and preparations. Eighteen batches of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction were prepared with the decoction pieces of different batches and of the same batch were prepared respectively, and the HPLC characteristic chromatograms of these samples were established. The similarities of the chromatographic fingerprints were analyzed. With liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, 6-gingerol, ginsenoside Rg_1, and ginsenoside Re as index components, the high performance liquid chromatography was established for content determination with no more than 70%-130% of the mass average as the limit. The results showed that there were 19 characteristic peaks corresponding to the characteristic chromatograms of 18 batches of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction, including 8 peaks representing liquiritin, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, ginsenoside Rg_1, ginsenoside Re, 1-O-acetyl britannilactone, ginsenoside Rb_1, glycyrrhizic acid, and 6-gingerol, and the fingerprint similarity was greater than 0.97. The contents of liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, 6-gingerol, and ginsenosides Rg_1 + Re in the prepared Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction samples were 0.53%-0.86%, 0.61%-1.2%, 0.023%-0.068%, and 0.33%-0.66%, respectively. Except for several batches, most batches of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction showed stable contents of index components, with no discrete values. The characteristic chromatograms and index components content characterized the information of Inulae Flos, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens in Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction. This study provides a scientific basis for the further research on the key chemical properties of substance benchmark and preparations of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction.
Subject(s)
Benchmarking , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Ginsenosides/analysis , Glycyrrhizic Acid/analysis , Quality ControlABSTRACT
This study was designed to identify the pathogen causing soft rot of Pinellia ternata in Qianjiang of Hubei province and screen out the effective bactericides, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the control of soft rot of P. ternata. In this study, the pathogen was identified based on molecular biology and physiological biochemistry, followed by the detection of pathogenicity and pathogenicity spectrum via plant tissue inoculation in vitro and the indoor toxicity determination using the inhibition zone method to screen out bactericide with good antibacterial effects. The control effect of the bactericide against P. ternata soft rot was verified by the leave and tuber inoculation in vitro. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the 16 S rDNA, dnaX gene, and recA gene sequences, respectively, and the result showed that the pathogen belonged to the same branch as the type strain Dickeya fangzhongdai JS5. The physiological and biochemical tests showed that the pathogen was identical to D. fangzhongdai, which proved that the pathogen was D. fangzhongdai. The pathogenicity test indicated that the pathogen could obviously infect leaves at 24 h and tubers in 3 d. As revealed by the indoor toxicity test, 0.3% tetramycin, 5% allicin, and 80% ethylicin had good antibacterial activities, with EC_(50) values all less than 50 mg·L~(-1). Tests in tissues in vitro showed that 5% allicin exhibited the best control effect, followed by 0.3% tetramycin and 10% zhongshengmycin oligosaccharide, and their preventive effects were better than curative effects. Therefore, 5% allicin can be used as the preferred agent for the control of P. ternata soft rot, and 0.3% tetramycin and 10% zhongshengmycin oligosaccharide as the alternatives. This study has provided a certain theoretical basis for the control of P. ternata soft rot.
Subject(s)
Phylogeny , Pinellia/chemistry , Plant Leaves , Plant TubersABSTRACT
Following the preparation of substance benchmarks in Huanglian Decoction from 18 batches, the method for detecting their characteristic spectra was established to identify the similarity range and peak attribution. The content and transfer rate ranges of the index components coptisine, palmatine, berberine, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, 6-gingerol, and cinnamaldehyde and the extraction amount were combined for analyzing the quality value transfer from the Chinese medicinal pieces to substance benchmarks and clarifying the key quality attributes of substance benchmarks in Huanglian Decoction. The results showed that the substance benchmarks in Huang-lian Decoction of 18 batches exhibited good similarity in characteristic spectra(all greater than 0.98). There were 17 characteristic peaks identified in the substance benchmarks of Huanglian Decoction, including 10 from Coptidis Rhizoma, 3 from Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle(processed with water), 1 from Zingiberis Rhizoma, and 3 from Cinnamomi Ramulus. The contents and average transfer rates of the index components were listed as follows: coptisine 2.20-6.46 mg·g~(-1) and 18.50%±2.93%; palmatine 3.03-8.13 mg·g~(-1) and 26.56%±4.69%; berberine 7.71-22.29 mg·g~(-1) and 17.34%±3.00%; liquiritin 0.88-2.18 mg·g~(-1) and 9.88%±4.88%; glycyrrhizic acid 1.83-4.44 mg·g~(-1) and 8.50%±3.72%; 6-gingerol 0.56-1.43 mg·g~(-1) and 11.36%±2.37%; cinnamaldehyde 1.55-3.48 mg·g~(-1) and 19.02%±4.36%. The extraction amount of the substance benchmarks from the 18 batches was controlled at 10.65%-13.88%. In this paper, the quality value transfer of substance benchmarks in Huanglian Decoction was analyzed based on the characteristic spectra, the index component contents and the extraction amount, which has provided a basis for the subsequent development of Huanglian Decoction and the quality control of its related preparations.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC).Methods:C57BL/6 mice were chose to construct the NEC model.The preterm pups were randomly assigned into the control group( n=10) and the NEC group( n=19). The pups in the control group were breastfed by mothers while the NEC group were treated with hypoxia, hypothermia, hypertonic feeding and lipopolysaccharide treatment.The intestinal tissues from the lower part of duodenum to the colon were collected after the pups were born after 96 hours.HE staining was used to observe the intestinal histological structure.Intestinal mucosal permeability was detected by the measurement of concentration of FD70 in plasma after gastric gavage.The expression of Pan-keratin of intestinal epithelium was detected by immunofluorescence histochemistry.Enterocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.The expression of CD86 and CD206 protein were determined by western blotting and the percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages was calculated by flow cytometry.RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of mRNA levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin(IL)-6, IL-10 and IL-12. Results:Compared with the control group, the pups in the NEC group had low survival rate(100.0% vs.36.8%), different level of intestinal injury, incomplete integrity of intestinal epithelium, increased mucosal permeability(1.53±0.80 vs.14.32±1.27, P<0.05)and enterocyte apoptosis(1.9%±1.1% vs.7.6%±2.6%, P<0.05). Western blotting showed that the expression of CD86 protein(1.00±0.01 vs.1.50±0.10, P<0.05) increased while CD206 protein decreased(1.00±0.01 vs.0.60±0.05, P<0.05) in the NEC group.Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of CD68 + CD86 + M1 macrophages increased(1.90%±0.19% vs.10.20%±0.38%, P<0.05) while the CD68 + CD206 + M2 macrophages decreased(5.8%±0.33% vs.3.7%±0.56%, P<0.05) in the NEC group.The expression of the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor(1.00±0.05 vs.1.83±0.17, P<0.05), IL-6 (1.00±0.13 vs.2.00±0.58, P<0.05) and IL-12(1.00±0.05 vs.1.49±0.22, P<0.05) increased and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10(1.00±0.22 vs.0.09±0.01, P<0.05) decreased. Conclusion:Polarization of macrophages towards the pro-inflammatory M1 subtype plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NEC.
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Objective:To investigate medical students' views on College English curriculum system, teaching methods and their needs for follow-up English courses, so as to provide reference for setting College English curriculum system.Methods:In January 2018, 2 000 non-English major undergraduates from Batch 2013-2017 in Xi'an Medical University were surveyed by the questionnaire of College English Curriculum System of Xi'an Medical College released on the website of WJX.com, and the questionnaire data were statistically analyzed in real time.Results:A total of 1 815 questionnaires were collected and the valid rate was 90.75%. It was shown that three top-listed reasons for English learning were "to pass CET-4/6 or other English examinations and obtain corresponding certificates (1 366, 75.26%)", "to prepare for future career (1 093, 60.22%)", and "to prepare for postgraduate entrance examination (1 060, 58.4%)". A large proportion of the students expected "reading, writing, translation and other skills training" and "oral practice and cross-cultural knowledge learning", accounting for 78.51% (1 425) and 65.84% (1 195) respectively. 68.76% of the students (1 248) endorsed the necessity of "courses on humanistic English or EGAP (English for general academic purposes) in medicine".Conclusion:The current single college English curriculum system and teaching methods can not meet the learning needs of medical students. It is necessary to explore the construction of a multi-level College English curriculum system that highlights the characteristics of medical colleges and meets the needs of different majors under the guidance of College English Teaching Guide.
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Soil microorganisms are one of the important biological indictors of soil quality and can reflct the comprehensive ecological environment characteristics of the soil. The research of soil microbial diversity is the key to know the ecological functions and balance with soil. In this paper, high-throughput sequencing on PCR-amplified 16 S rRNA gene V3-V4 fragments was used to determine the bacterial diversity in rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala under the treatment with BZJN1 or streptoprofen. The results showed that there were no significant differences of the bacteria in A. macrocephala rhizosphere soil of the streptoprofen treatment group and the biocontrol BZJN1 treatment group. All the soil bacteria was classified into 25 categories,67 classes, 108 orders, 167 families and 271 generas, except some unidentified bacteria. Proteobacteria(30.7%-34.8%) was the dominant phylum, of which Alphaproteobacteria(16.8%-18.5%) was the dominant subgroup. Compared with the control group, the relative abundance of multiple phylums bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala was significantly changed in the streptoprofen treatment group and the biocontrol BZJN1 treatment group. In addition, RDA analysis showed that there was connection with different environmental factors and microbial communities. The abundance of the three genera in the rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala was significantly positively correlated with Invertase, Urease and AP. PICRUSt function prediction results showed that BZNJ1 could enhance some bacterial functions and promote the plant growth. Biocontrol is a new type of green and safety control pest method. BZNJ1 significantly enhances some bacterial functions on the basis of effectively preventing root rot of A. macrocephala and promoting plant growth, and has no significant effect on the soil bacterial community structure. All the results can provide theoretical support for popularization of BZNJ1.
Subject(s)
Atractylodes , Bacteria , Rhizosphere , Soil , Soil MicrobiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#The efficacy of entecavir (ETV) add-on peg-interferon therapy compared with ETV monotherapy in treatment-naïve hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients remains controversial. We investigated whether adding peg-interferon to ongoing ETV treatment leads to a better curative effect or not.@*METHODS@#All patients have been recruited between August 2013 and January 2015 from the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Zhongshan Hospital (China). Eligible HBV patients (n = 144) were randomly divided (1:1) to receive either ETV monotherapy (n = 70) or peg-interferon add-on therapy from week 26 to 52 (n = 74). Patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. Indexes including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rate, sustained virologic response, transient elastography value, and histological scores were evaluated every 3 months until the end of the study. The rate of patients with HBsAg loss was defined as the primary endpoint criteria.@*RESULTS@#At week 26, no patient achieved HBsAg seroconversion in either group. At week 52, one patient in the monotherapy group was HBsAg-negative but there was none in the combination therapy group. The monotherapy group showed significantly better liver function recovery results than the combination therapy group. At week 78, one patient in the combination group had HBsAg seroconverted. At week 104, only three patients in the combination therapy group were HBsAg-negative compared with one patient in monotherapy. The mean alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and transient elastography values decreased significantly compared with baseline. Both groups showed a favorable decrease in alpha-fetoprotein (monotherapy: 4.5 [2.8, 7.1] vs. 2.2 [1.8, 3.1] ng/mL, P < 0.001; combination therapy: 5.7 [3.0, 18.8] vs. 3.2 [2.0, 4.3] ng/mL, P < 0.001) and an improved result of liver biopsy examination scores. The combination group showed a better improvement in histology compared with the monotherapy group (mean transient elastography value 6.6 [4.9, 9.8] vs. 7.8 [5.4, 11.1] kPa, P = 0.028). But there was no significant difference in HBsAg conversion rate (1.8% [1/56] vs. 4.1% [3/73], P = 0.809) and HBeAg conversion rate (12.5% [7/56] vs. 11.0% [8/73], P = 0.787), as well as HBV-DNA, sustained virologic response (93.2% vs. 98.5%, P = 0.150) between the two groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both therapies supported liver function recovery and histology improvement. Combination therapy did not show better anti-viral efficacy in HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion compared with monotherapy. However, combination therapy played a more positive role in reversing hepatic fibrosis compared with monotherapy.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02849132; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02849132.
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Due to the advantages of polymer micelles and the anticancer activity of doxorubicin (DOX), the polymer micelle of DOX is expected to be used for drug delivery in anticancer applications. As a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, amphiphilic copolymer heparosan-adipic dihydrazide-vitamin E succinate (KV) can be self-assembled to form micelles with core-shell structure in aqueous phase. In this article, KV conjugates with two different degrees of substitution (DS) were synthesized to load DOX and were characterized by 1H NMR. The size distribution, morphology, zeta potential and release behavior in vitro of the DOX-loaded micelles were studied. In vitro cytotoxicity was investigated by MTT assay against MGC80-3 and COS7 cells. The cellular uptake of the DOX-loaded micelles was observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The 1H NMR spectra results confirmed the KV polymers were successfully conjugated and the degree of VES grafted on heparosan polysaccharide were 12% and 25%. Briefly, the micelles with two different DS were expressed as KV12 and KV25. The DOX-loaded micelles could resist serum adsorption because of the negative charge on the surface. The average particle size measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method was 140-150 nm and the TEM results indicated that the morphology of DOX-loaded micelles were spherical. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were 80% and 10%-15%, respectively. The DOX-loaded micelles had sustained release behavior and the cumulative release of DOX/KV12 was slightly higher than DOX/KV25. Moreover, the viabilities of cells which were co-incubated with blank micelles were greater than 90%. It is clear that the blank micelles almost non-toxic to both cells. The IC50 of drug-loaded micelles against COS7 cells was much higher than that of MGC80-3 cells and the DOX/KV12 exhibited greater cytotoxicity. The cellular uptake of DOX/KV on MGC80-3 was greater than COS7 cells. In this study, KV polymer micelles have a sustained drug release activity and have a good selectivity to tumor cells, so it would be a potential carrier in drug delivery.
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In this study， an endophytic bacteria strain BZJN1 was isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala， and identified as Bacillus subtilis by physiological and biochemical tests and molecular identification. Strain BZJN1 could inhibit the growth of mycelia of Ceratobasidium sp. significantly， and the inhibition rate was more than 70%. The mycelium growth deformity with bulge as spherical and partially exhaustible in apex or central with microscopic observation. The inhibitory rates under 3% and 6% concentrations of the cell free fermentation were 22.7% and 38.7% expectively. The field test proved that the control efficacy of treatment of 1×10⁸ cfu·mL⁻¹ is 75.27% and 72.37% after 10 and 20 days. All the treatments of strain BZJN1 was able to promote the growth of A. macrocephala， the treatment of 1×10⁸ cfu·mL⁻¹ could able to increase the yield to 14.1%.
Subject(s)
Atractylodes , Microbiology , Bacillus subtilis , Physiology , Basidiomycota , Virulence , Biological Control Agents , Endophytes , Classification , Plant Diseases , MicrobiologyABSTRACT
Objective To investigate and analyze consistency in attitudes toward advance directive and life sustaining treatments between cancer patients and their family members.Methods Totally 242 pairs of cancer patients and family members were involved in the research through convenience sampling from two tertiary hospitals.We investigated consistency in attitudes toward advance directive and life sustaining treatments between cancer patients and their family members using questionnaire of attitudes toward advance directive.Results After explanation of advance directive,51.65％ of cancer patients would like to make advance directive.Most of the family members(89.26％) said they would like to follow patients' wishes if they made advance directive.The consistency in attitudes toward advance directive between cancer patients and their family members were "willing" accounting 48.35％,and "not willing" accounting for 1.65％,with weak consistency(Kappa value was 0.05,P＞0.05).The consistency in attitudes toward life sustaining treatments between cancer patients and their family members were "willing" accounting for 16.94％～38.84％,"not willing" accounting for 1.65％～4.96％,and "never considered" accounting for 9.92％～17.77％,with weak consistency(Kappa value was 0.09-0.18,P＜0.05).Conclusion Cancer patients and their family members show positive attitudes toward advance directive without too many differences.Family members' choices on life sustaining treatments cannot fully represent patients' wishes.
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AIM:To investigate the protective effect of Zhenrenyangzang decoction (ZRYZ) on the intestinal mucosal barrier function and the expression of tight junction proteins,zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin,in the co-lon of rats with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis in order to explore the possible mechanism involved. METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, salazosulfapyridine (SASP) positive control group,high-dose ZRYZ(ZRYZ-H) group and low-dose ZRYZ(ZRYZ-L) group. Except the nor-mal group,the rats in other groups were given the TNBS/50% ethanol mixed solution by enema to make the ulcerative coli-tis model. The rats in positive control group were given SASP suspension liquid. The rats in ZRYZ-H group and ZRYZ-L group were orally administered with ZRYZ at doses of 30.4 g/kg and 15.2 g/kg, respectively, while the rats in normal group and model group were orally administered with saline. All the drugs were administered to the rats for consecutive 21 d. Disease activity index (DAI) was investigated during the drug treatment, and colon samples were collected after drug administration for evaluating morphological damage score. Intestinal mucosal permeability was measured by detection of lac-tulose/mannitol (L/M) in urine. Colonic myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and goblet cell number,serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels, and the colonic expression of ZO-1 and occludin were also measured. RE-SULTS:Compared with normal group,DAI,morphological damage score,L/M value,colonic MPO activity as well as se-rum D-LA and DAO levels in model group significantly increased(P<0.05),while goblet cell number as well as the ex-pression levels of ZO-1 and occludin in model group were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Compared with model group, DAI,morphological damage score,L/M value,colonic MPO activity as well as serum DAO and D-LA levels in ZRYZ-H group and ZRYZ-L group were reduced significantly(P<0.05),while goblet cell number as well as the expression of ZO-1 and occludin in ZRYZ-H group and ZRYZ-L group increased significantly(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:ZRYZ protects the intestinal mucosal barrier function in ulcerative colitis rats by reducing intestinal mucosal permeability,and its mecha-nisms may be related to increasing the expression of ZO-1 and occludin.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) on the formation of granulocyte-monocyte colony forming unit (CFU-GM) and megakaryocyte colony forming unit (CFU-MK) and its anti-apoptotic effect on CHRF cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The CFU-GM and CFU-MK of murine and human bone marrow cells were cultured in vitro by using plasma clot culture system. The anti-apoptotic effect of PDGF-BB on CHRF cells and its mechanism were clarified by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PDGF-BB 0-100 ng/ml stimulated the proliferation of murine and human CFU-GM and CFU-MK in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal stimulation effect was obtained at 50 ng/ml of PDGF-BB (P<0.01). Furthermore, PDGF-BB had an anti-apoptotic effect on CHRF cells as shown by the flow cytometry with AnnexinV/PI double staining, Caspase-3 expression and JC-1 detection (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PDGF-BB significantly stimulates the proliferation of CFU-GM and CFU-MK in vitro, and has an anti-apoptotic effect on CHRF cells.</p>
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate clinical effect and safety of floating needle therapy and duloxetine in treating patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 108 PSPD patients were randomly assigned to the floating needle treatment group, the duloxetine treatment group, and the placebo treatment group, 36 in each group. Patients in the floating needle treatment group received floating needle therapy and placebo. Those in the duloxetine treatment group received duloxetine and simulated floating needle therapy. Those in the placebo treatment group received the placebo and simulated floating needle therapy. All treatment lasted for six weeks. Efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated using Simple McGill pain scale (SF-MPQ) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) before treatment and immediately after treatment, as well as at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD, 17 items), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed before treatment and at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Patients in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group with the total reducing score rate of SF-MPQ in Pain Rating index (PRI) ≥ 50% after 6 weeks' treatment were involved in the follow-up study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with the same group before treatment, SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total scores all decreased in all the three groups at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides , each item of SF-MPQ significantly decreased immediately after treatment in the floating needle treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the placebo treatment group, SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA total score in the floating needle treatment group significantly decreased after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total score in the duloxetine treatment group also significantly decreased after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (2) There were 3 patients (8.3%) who had adverse reactions in the floating needle treatment group, 17 (50.0%) in the duloxetine treatment group, and 7 (21.2%) in the placebo treatment group. Compared with the placebo treatment group, the incidence of adverse reaction increased in the duloxetine treatment group (χ² = 6.04, P < 0.05). Besides, it was higher in the duloxetine treatment group than in the floating needle treatment group (χ² = 14.9, P < 0.05). (3) There were 19 patients in the floating needle treatment group and 17 patients in the duloxetine treatment group involved in the follow-up study. Compared with 6 weeks after treatment, no significant difference was observed at 3 and 6 months after treatment in the score of SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were 5 patients (29.4%) who had adverse reactions in the duloxetine treatment group, and no adverse reactions were observed in the floating needle treatment group. The adverse reaction rate was significantly different between the two groups (χ² = 4.26, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Floating needle therapy and duloxetine were effective in treatment of patients with PSPD. However, floating needle therapy could relieve pain more rapidly than duloxetine, with obviously less adverse reactions.</p>