Causal links between long-term exposure to NO2 and the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To determine the causal association between long-term Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization. Methods: Based on a sub-cohort of a community-based prospective cohort study, a total of 36 271 participants were recruited from 35 communities randomly selected in Guangzhou in 2015. The annual average exposure of NO2, demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and information on the causes of hospitalization was collected. We applied marginal structural Cox models to investigate the effect of NO2 on cardiovascular hospitalization. Demographic and behavioral factors also stratified results. Results: The mean age of participants in the present study was (50.9±17.8) years, and the cardiovascular admission rate was 8.7%, with 203 822 person-years of follow-up. The annual mean NO2 concentration was 48.7 μg/m3 during 2015-2020. For each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentrations, the HRs (95%CIs) of total cardiovascular hospitalization, cardiovascular hospitalization, and cerebrovascular hospitalization were 1.33 (1.16-1.52), 1.36 (1.16-1.60) and 1.25 (1.00-1.55), respectively. Participants who were never married/married, with secondary education, high exercise frequency, or non-smokers/current smokers may be more susceptible than their counterparts. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to NO2 significantly increased hospitalization risk for cardiovascular disease.

Application of teaching method for the interpretation of acupoint names in the course of Science of Meridians and Acupoints / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes the valuable experience of the famous teachers of all generations in the teaching & research room of meridians and acupoints of Beijing University of CM. The shortcomings are presented when the acupoints are explained in accordance with the flowing route of meridians in classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints. Hence, it is proposed that the acupoint names should be interpreted specially for the acupoints distributed on the same meridians or adjacent ones. It is suggested to emphasize the correlation of each acupoint with its adjacent ones from the perspective of the cultural connotation of acupoint names, and then, the differences and similarities in their clinical indications can be analyzed. Eventually, a new approach to the classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints may be provided to guide the excavation of traditional cultural connotation and establish the cultural self-confidence and professional identity.

Effect of Elian Granule on Autophagy and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Gastric Tissue of Rats with Gastric Cancer / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Elian granule on autophagy and the phosphatidylinositol -3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （PKB/Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway in gastric tissue of rats with gastric cancer. Method:SPF SD rats were randomly divided into the normal， model， Elian granule， and Weifuchun groups. In addition to the routine feeding in the normal group， the model， Elian granule， and Weifuchun groups received <italic>N</italic>-methyl-<italic>N</italic>'-nitro-<italic>N</italic>-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） to induce gastric cancer in rats， and they were respectively given normal saline， Elian granule aqueous solution （3.240 g·kg^-1） and Weifuchun aqueous solution （0.390 g·kg^-1） by gavage （<italic>ig</italic>） for 48 weeks. The gross changes of the stomach taken by laparotomy were observed by naked eyes. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes of the gastric tissue in rats. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot （WB） were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta （LC3B）， Beclin1， p62， PI3K， Akt， mTOR in rat gastric tissue. Result:Compared with the normal group， the model group showed gastric distension， thinner gastric wall， pale gastric mucosa， atrophied and flat folds， disordered course， and visible nodules and vegetations. Compared with the model group， the Elian granule group demonstrated alleviated gastric distension， dark gastric mucosa， reduced folds， and regular course， with the thinned gastric wall improved and granular nodules observed occasionally. According to HE staining， compared with the normal group， the model group showed crowded and disordered rat gastric glands， diverse in shape， varied cell morphology， basophilic cytoplasm， large irregular hyperchromatic nuclei， visible mitosis， and infiltrated and destroyed muscularis mucosae. While compared with the model group， the arrangement of gastric glands was regular， and a few mildly atypical cells could be observed in rats of the Elian granule group. Compared with the normal group， the model group exhibited decreased expression of LC3B and Beclin1 mRNA and protein in gastric tissue （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and increased expression of PI3K， p62， Akt， and mTOR mRNA and protein （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the Elian granule group showed increased expression of LC3B and Beclin1 mRNA and protein in gastric tissue （<italic>P<</italic>0.05）， and decreased expression of PI3K mRNA and p62， Akt， and mTOR mRNA and protein （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Elian granule can improve the cell atypia of gastric tissue in rats with gastric cancer， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to promote autophagy.

A new fatty acid methyl ester from Fissistigma oldhamii inhibiting proliferation of synoviocytes / 中国中药杂志

A new fatty acid methyl ester (1) was isolated from an EtOH extract of Fissistigma oldhamii. It structures was elucidated by a combination of HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopic data. The inhibitory effect of compound 1 on the proliferation of primary synovial cells was evaluated. As a result, it showed inhibitory effect on the proliferation of synoviocytes, with IC₅₀ value of 38.6 μmol·L⁻¹.

Study on Content Determination and Pharmacokinetics of Paeoniflorin and Paeonolide from Paeoniae Radix Alba in Rat Plasma / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish a method for the content determination of paeoniflorin and paeonolide in rat plasma by HPLC-MS/MS; To study its characteristics of pharmacokinetics.Methods HPLC-MS/MS method was adopted. The column was Ultimate RXB-C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm, 3 μm) with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile- 0.1％ formic acid water solution. Flow rate was 0.3 mL/min; column temperature was 30℃; the volume was 5 μL; detection wavelength was 230 nm. Quantitative ions were m/z 525→120.9 (paeoniflorin and paeonolide), m/z 433→224.8 (geniposide). 8 SD male rats were collected blood 0.5 mL from orbital vein 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 360, 540, 720 min after intragastric administrationBaishaoDecoction 6 g (medicinal materials)/kg to determine the blood concentration of medicine. DAS V2.1.1 software was employed to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. Results Good linearity was found in the range of 40–8000 ng/mL and 40–10000 ng/mL for paeoniflorin and paeonolide (r=0.9996,r=0.9995). The intra-day and inter-day RSD were less than 6％. The extraction recoveries were 92.33％–95.43％ and 88.65％–95.62％. The matrix effect values were 99.29％–107.86％ and 93.79％–104.05％.All items of method validation were in line with the requirements. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of paeoniflorin and paeonolide were showed as follows: Cmax of (8.50±2.01) and (4.13±0.72) μg/mL; tmax of (10.00± 1.73) and (20.00±2.11) min; t1/2 of (142.98±30.11) and (127.68±35.74) min.Conclusion The HPLC-MS/MS method established in this study is simple, feasible, accurate, reliable, highly sensitive, and specific, which can be applied to study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of paeoniflorin and paeonolide in rats in vivo.

Clinical analysis of 15 851 children at risk of inherited metabolic diseases / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the value of urine gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the screening of children at risk of inherited metabolic diseases (IMD), and to identify the disease spectrum of IMD and the clinical characteristics of children with IMD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 15 851 children at risk of IMD who underwent urine GC-MS in the Tianjin Children's Hospital between February 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 15 851 children, 5 793 (36.55%) were detected to have metabolic disorders. A total of 117 (0.74%) children were confirmed to have IMD, including 77 cases of methylmalonic acidemia (65.8%). The clinical manifestations of confirmed cases in the neonatal period mainly included jaundice, metabolic acidosis, abnormal muscular tension, feeding difficulty, poor response, and lethargy or coma. The clinical manifestations of confirmed cases in the non-neonatal period mainly included delayed mental and motor development, metabolic acidosis, convulsion, recurrent vomiting, and anemia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>GC-MS is an effective method for the screening for IMD in children at risk. Methylmalonic acidemia is the most common IMD. The clinical manifestations of IMD are different between the confirmed cases in the neonatal and non-neonatal periods.</p>

Quality evaluation of Gualou Guizhi decoction based on chemical compositions and biological effects / 中国中药杂志

The paper was aimed to establish a quality evaluation model for Gualou Guizhi decoction based on the chemical compositions and biological effects. Ultra high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer was used to analyze and determine 24 kinds of chemical compositions in Gualou Guizhi decoction, and then, biological activity effect was quantitatively assessed in a zebrafish neuronal injury model which was induced by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). As a result, the established method for quality evaluation of Gualou Guizhi decoction based on the chemical compositions and biological effects is feasible, stable and reliable, which can provide reference for quality control of compound Chinese medicines.

miR-124 regulates radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by targeting PRRX1 / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of miR-124 in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells and tissue specimens and analyze its association with the radiosensitivity of the cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of miR-124 in CRC cell lines and tissues were detected using qRT-PCR. The effect of miR-124 in modulating cell radiosensitivity was assessed in CRC cells with miRNA-124 overexpression and miRNA-124 knockdown, and bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter system were employed to identify the direct target of miR-124.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>s miR-124 expression was down-regulated in CRC cell lines and tissues. CRC cells over-expressing miR-124 showed an obviously enhanced radiosensitivity, whereas miR-124 knockdown resulted in a reduced radiosensitivity of the cells. Bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter system verified PRRX1 as a direct target of miR-124, which regulated the radiosensitivity of CRC cells by directly inhibiting PRRX1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>miR-124 can enhance the radiosensitivity of CRC cells by directly targeting PRRX1, which provides a target for improving the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy of CRC.</p>

Research on volatile components of gualou guizhi decoction and its components in rat brain by GC-MS / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the role of volatile components in the compound and to find the substance foundation of Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) for curing extremities spasticity after stroke. The chemical compositions of essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation from Gualou Guizhi decoction and its major constituting herbs (Trichosanthis Radix, Paeoniae Alba Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) were analyzed by GC-MS to evaluate the correlativity between volatile components of GLGZD and its major constituting herbs, and volatile components after oral administration of GLGZD in the rats' brain. Volatile components of GLGZD are mainly derived from Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma, Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus, Trichosanthis Radix. The volatile components in the brain is mostly derived from radix trichosanthis. Compared with individual herbs of GLGZD, the dissolution of the components increase or new components appear after compatibility of six herbs. Adminstrated with GLGZD, the results point out that volatile components in the brain play a neuroprotective role through passing the brain.

Impacts on skin blood flow under moving cupping along meridians in different directions / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the impacts on skin blood flow between moving cupping following the meridian running direction and that against the running direction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>JLG-2 meridian cupping drainage instru ment was used for moving cupping on the back along the Bladder Meridian running course in either single direction for 20 times. The cupping device was Bian stone cup, 44 mm in inner diameter, negative pressure from -0.03 to -0.04 MPa. PeriScan PIM II laser Doppler perfusion imager was used to observe the changes in skin blood flow on the running course of the Bladder Meridian with cup moved up and down and in the same region on the contralateral Bladder Meridian. Blood flow was measured before cupping, at the immediate time after cupping and 10 min after cupping separately. Fourteen healthy volunteers received the test. The measuring region was subdivided into a moving cupping area, an upstream area, a downstream area, a contralateral moving cupping area, a contralateral upstream area and a contralateral downstream area. The mean blood flow was calculated in each area.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Blood flow was increased significantly in each area and was more apparently increased in the moving cupping area. In comparison of the changing rate of blood flow between cupping following the meridian running direction and that against the running direction, it was only found that the changing rate in the upstream area of moving cupping against the running direction was significantly higher than that following the running direction (P < 0.05). The differences were not statistically significant in comparison among the other areas. Additionally, the changing rates of blood flow in the upstream and downstream area of the Bladder Meridian were increased significantly as compared with the contralateral Bladder Meridian.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The local effects are similar between moving cupping following the meridian running direction and that against the running direction. The abscopal effect of moving cupping against the running direction is superior to that following the running direction. It is suggested that the dual-directional moving cupping is applicable for the treatment of local disorders and the abscopal effect is better with moving cupping against the meridian running direction.</p>

Mutation analysis of a family with 2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to explore the genetic features of a family with 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MHBDD) which may provide the basis for the diagnosis and genetic counseling.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Clinical data of the proband was collected, total RNA and genomic DNA were extracted from the peripheral blood. The whole coding region of the ACAT1 gene was amplified by RT-PCR. 5' noncoding region of the ACAT1 gene and all 6 exons and flanking intron regions of the HADH2 gene were amplified by PCR. All amplification products were directly sequenced and compared with the reference sequence.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) The patient was a one-year-old boy who presented with psychomotor retardation and astasia when he was admitted to the hospital. Biochemical test revealed slight hyperlactatemia (3.19 mmol/L) and magnetic resonance imaging showed delayed myelination. 2-Methylacetoacetyl-CoA thiolase deficiency was suggested by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (2) There was no mutation in the ACAT1 gene and a hemizygous missense mutation c.388C > T was found in the 4 exon of the HADH2 gene which resulted in p. R130C. Proband's mother was the heterozygote and the father was normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This is the first report on MHBDD patient and HADH2 mutation in China. p.R130C is responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease in the infant.</p>

Analysis of ALDH5A1 gene mutation in a Chinese Han family with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect potential mutation in ALDH5A1 gene for a family affected with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency diagnosed by clinical inspection and urine screening.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing were carried out for the affected child and her parents. Suspected ALDH5A1 gene mutations were verified in 100 healthy controls to exclude polymorphisms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The child was found to have carried 2 heterozygous missense mutations in the coding region of ALDH5A1 gene, namely c.527G>A and c.691G>A, for which her mother and father were respectively heterozygotes. The same mutations were not detected in 100 healthy controls. The child was also found to have carried two previously described polymorphisms including a heterozygous c.545C>T(derived from her father) and a homozygous c.538C>T(derived from her mother).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Missense mutations of c.527G>A and c.691G>A in the ALDH5A1 gene are responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease in this family.</p>

Characteristic and effect of cadmium on ATP-activated currents mediated by P2X4 receptors / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the characteristic and effect of cadmium on ATP-activated currents (I(ATP)) mediated by P2X4 purinoceptors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Transcribe cDNA coding for the rat P2X4 receptor to cRNA in vitro. Inject the cRNA to oocytes of an xenopus laevis using the microinjection technique. Reveal the effect of cadmium on I(ATP) mediated by P2X4 receptor using the two-electrode whole-cell voltage clamp technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Within a certain concentration range, cadmium was found to reversibly magnify I(ATP) mediated by P2X4 receptors expressed in oocytes of an xenopus. When the concentration of cadmium reached 30 micromol/L, the increase of I(ATP) was the most significant. I(ATP) turned to decrease when the concentration of cadmium was more than 30 micromol/L; (2) The concentration-response curve was shifted to left by applying cadmium at 10 micromol/L; the EC50 was reduced from (17.1 +/- 1.5) micromol/L to (9.8 +/- 1.8) micromol/L (n = 6, P < 0.01) and the Hill coefficient was increased from 1.14 +/- 0.13 to 1.57 +/- 0.36; (3) The effect of cadmium on I(ATP) showed no dependence on membrane voltage; (4) The magnifying effect on I(ATP) reached maximum when preincubating cadmium for 120 seconds.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The increase I(ATP) by cadmium is reversible, concentration-dependent, time-dependent, and voltage-independent. One reason of this augment effect could be the allosteric modulation on P2X4 receptors.</p>

Mg(2+) inhibits ATP-activated current mediated by rat P2X4 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes / 生理学报

To investigate the modulation of Mg(2+) on rat P2X4 receptors and its underlying mechanism, we transcribed cDNA coding for wild-type and mutant P2X4 receptors to cRNA in vitro, injected the cRNA to oocytes of Xenopus laevis using the microinjection technique and revealed the effect of Mg(2+) on ATP-activated currents (I(ATP)) mediated by P2X4 receptors using the two-electrode whole-cell voltage clamp technique. The effects of extracellular Mg(2+) on I(ATP) were as follows: (1) In oocytes expressing P2X4 receptors, Mg(2+) with concentration ranging from 0.5-10 mmol/L inhibited the amplitude of I(ATP) in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, with a 50% inhibitory concentration value (IC(50)) of (1.24 ± 0.07) mmol/L for current activated by 100 μmol/L ATP. (2) Mg(2+) (1 mmol/L) shifted the dose-response curve for I(ATP) right-downward without changing the EC(50), but reduced the maximal current (E(max)) by (42.0 ± 2.1)%. (3) After being preincubated with Mg(2+) for 80 s, the inhibitory effect of the Mg(2+) on I(ATP) reached the maximum. (4) The inhibition of Mg(2+) on I(ATP) was independent of membrane potential from -120 mV to +60 mV. (5) Compared with the current activated by 100 μmol/L ATP in the wild-type P2X4 receptors, mutant P2X4 D280Q responded to the application of 100 μmol/L ATP with a smaller current. The peak current was only (4.12 ± 0.15)% of that seen in wild-type receptors. Mutant P2X4 D280E responded to ATP stimulation with a current similar to that observed in cells expressing wild-type receptors. (6) When Asp280 was removed from P2X4, the current amplitude of I(ATP) was increased almost one-fold, and Mg(2+) with concentration ranging from 0.5-10 mmol/L did not affect the I(ATP) significantly. The results suggest that Mg(2+) inhibits I(ATP) mediated by P2X4 receptors non-competitively, reversibly, concentration-dependently, time-dependently and voltage-independently. The inhibitory effect of Mg(2+) might be realized by acting on the site Asp280 of the P2X4 receptors.

Ten-year changes in pathogen, antimicrobial susceptibility and clinical feature of children with bacterial meningitis / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Despite progress in antibiotic therapy and intensive care, childhood bacterial meningitis (BM) remains a devastating disease. We conducted this study to investigate the changes in clinical characteristics, the etiologic agents and antimicrobial susceptibility of BM during the past 10 years in children under 14 years of age.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>These 126 patients were divided into two groups according to their date of admission. Group 1 included 64 patients admitted from January 1998 to December 2002, and group 2 included 62 cases admitted from January 2003 to December 2007. All pediatric medical charts of them were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The predominant isolated bacteria from CSF were coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17/62, 27.4%) and Escherichia coli (9/62, 14.5%) in group 2. The resistance rate of staphylococcus against oxacillin (MRS) was 68.4% (13/19) in group 2, significantly higher than that of group 1 (16.7%, 2/12). Among 126 cases, 42 had seizure attack and 16 had consciousness disturbance, the proportions of them in group 2 (11/62, 17.7%; 4/62, 6.4%) were lower than those in group 1 (31/64, 48.4%; 12/64, 18.8%, P < 0.05). Cases in group 2 survived with complications [13/62 (21.0%)] and sequelae [11/62 (17.7%)] were lower than those in group 1 (24/64, 37.5%, 23/64, 35.9%, P < 0.05), but the rate of empirical therapy modification in group 2 (21/62, 33.9%) was higher than that in group 1 (7/64, 10.9%, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The predominant bacteria in children with BM are staphylococcus and Escherichia coli in recent years. The antibiotic resistance rate of bacteria has been higher year after year. The clinical patterns of pediatric BM have changed with a decrease in clinically serious cases, complications and sequelae, but an increase in modification of empirical therapy.</p>

Clinical features and treatment of serious brainstem encephalitis caused by enterovirus 71 infection / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical features and treatment of serious brainstem encephalitis caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 32 hospitalized children with serious brainstem encephalitis caused by EV71 infection between May and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The children whose age was younger than 3 years old accounted for 88% (22 cases). Fever(>38.5 degrees centigrade)lasting at least 3 days, frequent vomiting and limb twitch were presented as the main manifestations in the 32 children. Cyanosis, tachypnea, tachycardia and cold extremities were observed, and pulmonary edema or even pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 8 children 3 to 4 days after the onset. The 32 children received a medical treatment: reduction of intracranial pressure with mannitol or frusemide, inhibition of inflammation reactivity with gamma globulin and methylprednisolone, and improvement of cardiac function and pulmonary edema with innotropic agents, fluid restriction and positive mechanical ventilation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vegetative nerve functional disturbance is the main clinical feature of brainstem encephalitis caused by EV71 infection in children. An early identification and treatment of pulmonary edema or hemorrhage is of great importance.</p>

Influence of mechanical pressure on the change of acupuncture-induced transcutaneous CO2 emission / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate conduction of acupuncture effect and the influence of mechanical pressing meridians on it.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In twenty healthy volunteers (8 males and 12 females, aged 29 years on average), by using a Frewil Q. F. apparatus, transcutaneous CO2 emission (TCE) was measured before, during and after acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6), respectively. The locations being measured were Quze (PC 3) and four points including two non-acupoints along the Pricardium Meridian (Point A and B) and two non-acupoints apart from the Pericardium Meridian (Point C and D). Point A was located at the lower one fourth of the line connecting Tianquan (PC 2) and Quze (PC 3), and Point B located at the middle of the line connecting Ximen (PC 4) and Quze (PC 3). Point C was located 2 cm lateral on the ulnar side to Point A, and Point D located 2 cm lateral on the ulnar side to Point B. The above results were compared with those obtained after mechanical pressure of 1 kg (area 1 cm X 2 cm) applied on Ximen (PC 4) and Daling (PC 7), respectively, to observe their effect on TCE.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During and after acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) without mechanical pressure, TCE at Quze (PC 3), point A and B increased significantly (P < 0.05), but not at point C and D (P > 0.05). While applying mechanical pressure at Ximen (PC 4), no significant increase was found on the three points during and after acupuncture. When applying pressure at Daling (PC 7), significant increases of TCE were also found at Quze (PC 3) and point A during acupuncture (P < 0.05), and a significant increase of TCE was found at point B after acupuncture with pressure keeping (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture can enhance energy metabolism along meridians, and this effect can be blocked by mechanical pressure.</p>

Pharmacokinetics of consecutive intra-arterial and intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil and 4′-Otetrahydropyr-anayladriamycin / 肿瘤

Objective: To study the pharmacokinetics and factors influencing consecutive internal iliac arterial and intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 5-FU and 4′ -O-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP) and provide the experimental evidence to optimize intra-artery chemotherapy for pelvic malignant tumor. Methods:Mature female New Zealand rabbits were divided randomly into two groups. One group was consecutively infused by 5-FU and THP via internal iliac artery for 6 h. The other group was consecutively infused by 5-FU and THP via ear vein. The blood samples and the uterus tissue specimens were collected at various time points during the infusion period. At the end of infusion, the rabbits were sacrificed via intravenous air embolism and the heart, lung, and the node-rich pelvic adipose tissues were collected. The drug concentrations in plasma and tissue specimens were determined by high performance liquid chromatography methods. Results: The peak plasma concentration and AUC (area under curve) of intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU were a little lower than those via intravenous infusion. The peak concentration of intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU were 2-3 fold increased in uterus tissues and 5-fold increased in pelvic lymph node and adjacent tissues compared with those via intravenous infusion. The peak plasma concentration and AUC of intra-arterial infusion of THP were lower than those via intravenous infusion. The peak concentration and AUC of intra-arterial infusion of THP were not significantly different in uterus tissues between the two infusion forms. The peak concentration of THP was decreased by 50% in heart and lung tissues but increased to 5-fold in pelvic peripheral lymph node tissues by intra-arterial infusion than those by intravenous infusion. The serum to tissue vein distribution ratio of THP was several hundred times. Conclusions: Consecutive intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU and THP had some advantages compared with continuous intravenous infusion at different degrees. These advantages depended on the drugs' pharmacological properties.

The Establishment and Application of Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cell-based Screening Model Targeting to SecA / 微生物学通报

The most of secreted proteins are exported by Sec translocase (secretion pathway). SecA ATPase is one of the most important subunit in the Sec translocase, which is preprotein translocase nanomotor that undergo membrane insertion and deinsertion to drive preprotein across the bacterial inner membrane, and SecA is indispensable to bacteria. It should be presumed that the compound which inhibits the activity of SecA ATPase probably can be used as the candidate of bactericide. A secA gene from Pseudomonas aerugi- nosa PAO1 was amplified and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21.19 (secA13). It has been shown that the wild-type SecA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa could fully complement the E. coli amber (secA13) mutant at the non-permissive temperature. So a cell level screening model targeting on SecA was established based on the above result. The inhibition of PaSecA ATPase activity was applied to validate the specificity of the cell-based method. Two positive samples based on both of cell and enzyme activities will be further studied.

Electrophysiological characteristic of ATP-activated currents of trigeminal ganglion neurons with different diameter in rat / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the characteristic of ATP-activated current in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons of rat.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Whole-cell patch-clamp was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The majority (92.1%) of TG neurons responded to ATP applied externally with inward currents. We recorded three distinct ATP-activated currents: fast, slow and intermediate, which were concentration-dependent. (2) In general, the fast ATP-activated currents were distributed mainly in small-diameter TG neurons, the slow ATP-activated currents were distributed mainly in large-diameter TG neurons, and the intermediate ATP-activated currents were distributed mainly in intermediate-diameter TG neurons. (3) The time course of rising phase from 10% to 90% of the three distinct ATP-activated currents were as follows: fast: (33.6 +/- 4.5) ms; intermediate: (62.2 +/- 9.9) ms; slow: (302.1 +/- 62.0) ms, and that of desensitizing phase were (399.4 +/- 58.2) ms (fast), and > 500 ms (slow) respectively. (4) From the current-voltage relationship curves, it can be seen that the reversal potential values of the three distinct ATP-activated currents were the same, all being 0-5mV. And they all were characterized by inward rectification. (5) The dose-response curve for fast ATP-activated current shifted downwards as compared with the intermediate ATP-activated current, and that for the slow ATP-activated current shifted upwards.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The EC50s of the three curves tended to be identical. The results suggested that three kinds of distinct ATP-activated currents could be mediated by various subtypes of P2X receptors assembled by different subunits, and the subtypes existed in TG neurons of different diameters and transmit different information.</p>