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@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the antibacterial action and skin sensitization by percutaneous administration of lavender essential oil (LEO), providing a basis for its antibacterial application of percutaneous administration. Methods The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of LEO on five types of bacteria, and to measure its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC); The effect of LEO on guinea pig skin irritation was observed by topical application, and its allergic reaction and allergic rate were evaluated; the levels of IgA, IgG, and IgE in the supernatant of serum and spleen tissue sensitized with dimethylbenzene and smeared with LEO were determined by the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), and the antibacterial ability, skin sensitization, and inflammation of LEO were comprehensively evaluated. Results The antibacterial circle experiment showed that LEO had an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes; the antibacterial ability from strong to weak was Staphylococcus Epidermidis (8.25 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (15.00 mg/mL), Candida albicans (16.31 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (18.00 mg/mL), Propionibacterium acnes (20.78 mg/mL). The percutaneous administration of LEO did not cause skin sensitization and inflammatory reaction in guinea pigs. Compared with the blank group, the effect of topical LEO application on the weight of the guinea pig's spleen is not statistically significant (P>0.05), and the effect on the levels of IgA, IgE, IgG in the serum and spleen tissue of guinea pigs is not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions LEO has a certain antibacterial effect on five common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes, and is safe for percutaneous administration. The results provide some reference for the development of LEO related products and their application in the field of dermatology.
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Objective @#To analyze the problems in the AIDS control strategy in key areas of Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into the improvement of the control strategy.@*Methods @#The AIDS control data were collected from 10 key counties (districts) in Zhejiang Province, and the AIDS control strategy was comprehensively evaluated using a SWOT analysis.@*Results @#The strengths of the AIDS control strategy in key counties (districts) of Zhejiang Province included distinct working objectives, well-organized leadership, and effective control measures, the weaknesses included large number of HIV-infected cases, high burden of disease, difficulty in management of AIDS transmission and insufficient AIDS control capability, and the opportunities included the AIDS control in key counties (districts) conforming to the current status of AIDS control, strong support of innovative strategies and technical support from professional teams, while the threats included insufficient working mechanisms for AIDS control, the gap between the effectiveness of AIDS control and the target goal and unverified scientific evidence of the control strategy. Supported policies should be fully used, working mechanisms need to be improved, control strategies need to be innovated, and assessments need to be implemented for AIDS control in key counties (districts). @*Conclusions @#There are both opportunities and challenges for AIDS control in key counties (districts) of Zhejiang Province. Optimization of the working mechanisms, promotion of precision interventions, and search for repeatable control strategy in other disease-affected regions are required for AIDS control.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Bufei Yishen prescription on airway mucus hypersecretion and Notch signaling pathway related protein Notch3 and enhancer of split homologue 1 （HES1） in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） and to explore its action mechanism. MethodForty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into the control group， model group， Bufei Yishen prescription group， and aminophylline （APL） group，with 12 rats in each group. The stable COPD rat model was established via cigarette smoking exposure combined with Klebsiella bacterial infection for 12 weeks， and the corresponding drugs （3.7 g·kg-1·d-1 Bufei Yishen prescription and 54 mg·kg-1·d-1 APL） were administered by gavage during the next eight weeks. After the last administration at week 20， the lung tissue was sampled for observing the pathological changes and the rat lung function was detected. The tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and mucoprotein 5AC （MUC5AC） in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC in lung tissues were assayed. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited significantly weakened pulmonary function （P<0.05，P<0.01）， reduced average number of alveoli （P<0.01）， elevated mean linear intercept （P<0.01）， and up-regulated TNF-α， IL-6， and MUC5AC in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression in lung tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Bufei Yishen prescription and APL remarkably enhanced pulmonary function， alleviated its pathological injury （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and down-regulated TNF-α， IL-6， and MUC5AC in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch3， HES1， and MUC5AC in lung tissues （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of Bufei Yishen prescription in inhibiting airway mucus hypersecretion of COPD rats was related to its regulation of Notch3 and HES1.
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Abstract@#Previous epidemiological studies indicated that weight of schoolbag in most countries is far higher than that recommended guidelines. Heavy schoolbags seriously affect the healthy development of the musculoskeletal system of adolescents, which not only leads to abnormal posture e.g. rounded shoulders, hunchback and head forward, but also is one of the main causes of adolescent musculoskeletal diseases such as cervical spondylosis, low back pain and scoliosis. However, adolescents and their parents do not fully understand the harm of heavy schoolbags, let alone the health knowledge regarding the choice and use of schoolbags. Therefore, the review introduces current evidence regarding the association between schoolbag and adolescent musculoskeletal system diseases, as well as schoolbag selection and use, with the aim to arouse the attention of teenagers and their parents and relevant health education departments.
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Objective@#To explore the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and its association with behavioral problems in Chinese preschool children, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of behavioral problems of children.@*Methods@#A total of 7 634 children aged 3-6 years were chosen from kindergartens in 3 cities (Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Zhenjiang) in the lower reaches of Yangtze River using method of cluster sampling during October to November in 2017. Parental or guardian questionnaires were used to obtain information regarding child consumption of SSBs. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess children s emotional and behavioral problems. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to explore the association between different SSBs intake frequency and children s behavioral problems.@*Results@#A total of 5 509(72.2%) consumed SSBs less than once a day, 830(10.9%) reported SSBs consumption once a day, and 1 295(16.9%) had 2 times or more intake of sugar sweetened beverages per day. After adjusting for confounding factors including age, sex, BMI, family financial status, parental education, screen time, sleep duration, and physical activities duration, multiple Logistic regression model revealed that intake of SSBs once a day was associated with an increased risk of hyperactivity disorder ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.01-1.57) and SDQ total difficulties ( OR =1.44, 95% CI =1.14-1.82) in boys and with an increased risk of emotional symptoms ( OR=1.34, 95%CI =1.02-1.76), conduct problems ( OR=1.53, 95%CI =1.18-2.00), hyperactivity disorder ( OR=1.79, 95%CI =1.42-2.27) and prosocial behavior ( OR=1.48, 95%CI =1.14-1.91) in girls. Intake of SSBs≥2 times per day was associated with an increased risk of emotional symptoms ( OR=1.28, 95%CI =1.02-1.59) and SDQ difficulties ( OR=1.30, 95%CI =1.07-1.58) in boys and not with behavioral problems in girls.@*Conclusion@#Sex differences are observed with respect to the association between SSBs intake and behavioral problems in preschoolers, but no significant dose response relationship was observed. More longitudinal studies are needed to further explore the association between SSBs intake and behavioral problems in preschool children as well as the underlying physiological mechanisms in future.
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been indicated to be frequently dysregulated in various cancers and promising biomarkers for colon cancer. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance and biological function of miR-1273a in colon cancer. The expression levels of miR-1273a was estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-1273a in patients of colon cancer. The effects of miR-1273a on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell experiments. The expression of miR-1273a was downregulated in colon cancer tissues and tumor cell lines compared with the normal controls (all P<0.001). The aberrant expression of miR-1273a was associated with vascular invasion (P=0.005), differentiation (P=0.023), lymph node metastasis (P=0.021), and TNM stage (P=0.004). The patients with low miR-1273a expression had low overall survival compared with the patients with high miR-1273a expression (log-rank P=0.002). miR-1273a was detected to be an independent prognostic biomarker for patients. Furthermore, the results of cell experiments revealed that miR-1273a downregulation promoted, while miR-1273a upregulation suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, all data indicated that a downregulated expression of miR-1273a predicted poor prognosis for colon cancer and enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Thus, we suggest that methods to promote miR-1273a expression may serve as novel therapeutic strategies in colon cancer.
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Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis , MicroRNAs/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Cell Movement/genetics , Colonic Neoplasms/genetics , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Neoplasm InvasivenessABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Polarization sensitive-optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides the unique advantage of being able to measure the optical characteristics of tissues by using polarized light. Although the well-organized fibers of healthy muscle can change the polarization states of passing light, damaged tissue has different behaviors. There are studies on optical imaging methods applied to the respiratory organs; however, they are restricted to structural imaging. In particular, the intercostal muscle situated under the pleura is very challenging to visualize due to the difficulty of access.METHOD: In this study, PS-OCT was used to identify subpleural cancer in male New Zealand white rabbits (3.2–3.4 kg) and to assess the phase retardation changes in normal and cancerous chest walls. VX2 cell suspension was injected between the intercostal muscle and parietal pleura and a tented area was observed by thoracic scope. A group of rabbits (n = 3) were sacrificed at day 7 after injection and another group (n = 3) at day 14. @*RESULTS@#In the PS-OCT images, pleura thickness changes and muscle damage were criteria to understand the stages of the disease. The results of image and phase retardation analysis matched well with the pathologic examinations. @*CONCLUSION@#We were able to visualize and analyze subpleural cancer by PS-OCT, which provided structural and functional information. The measured phase retardation could help to identify the margin of the tumor. For further studies, various approaches into other diseases using polarization light are expected to have positive results.
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BACKGROUND@#The vocal cord tissue consists of three anatomical layers from the surface to deep inside: the epithelium that contains almost no collagen, the lamina propria that is composed of abundant collagen, and the vocalis muscle layer. It is clinically important to visualize the tissue microstructure using a non-invasive method, especially in the case of vocal cord nodules or cancer, since histological changes in each layer of the vocal cord cause changes in the voice. Polarizationsensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) enables phase retardation measurement to evaluate birefringence of tissue with varied organization of collagen fibers in different tissue layers. Therefore, PS-OCT can visualize structural changes between normal and abnormal vocal cord tissue.METHOD: A rabbit laryngeal tumor model with different stages of tumor progression was investigated ex-vivo by PSOCT. A phase retardation slope-based analysis, which quantifies the birefringence in different layers, was conducted to distinguish the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle layers. @*RESULTS@#The PS-OCT images showed a gradual decrease in birefringence from normal tissue to advanced tumor tissue.The quantitative analysis provided a more detailed comparison among different stages of the rabbit laryngeal tumor model, which was validated by the corresponding histological findings. @*CONCLUSION@#Differences in tissue birefringence was evaluated by PS-OCT phase retardation measurement. It is also possible to indirectly infer the dysplastic changes based on the mucosal and submucosal alterations.
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BACKGROUND@#Polarization sensitive-optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides the unique advantage of being able to measure the optical characteristics of tissues by using polarized light. Although the well-organized fibers of healthy muscle can change the polarization states of passing light, damaged tissue has different behaviors. There are studies on optical imaging methods applied to the respiratory organs; however, they are restricted to structural imaging. In particular, the intercostal muscle situated under the pleura is very challenging to visualize due to the difficulty of access.METHOD: In this study, PS-OCT was used to identify subpleural cancer in male New Zealand white rabbits (3.2–3.4 kg) and to assess the phase retardation changes in normal and cancerous chest walls. VX2 cell suspension was injected between the intercostal muscle and parietal pleura and a tented area was observed by thoracic scope. A group of rabbits (n = 3) were sacrificed at day 7 after injection and another group (n = 3) at day 14. @*RESULTS@#In the PS-OCT images, pleura thickness changes and muscle damage were criteria to understand the stages of the disease. The results of image and phase retardation analysis matched well with the pathologic examinations. @*CONCLUSION@#We were able to visualize and analyze subpleural cancer by PS-OCT, which provided structural and functional information. The measured phase retardation could help to identify the margin of the tumor. For further studies, various approaches into other diseases using polarization light are expected to have positive results.
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BACKGROUND@#The vocal cord tissue consists of three anatomical layers from the surface to deep inside: the epithelium that contains almost no collagen, the lamina propria that is composed of abundant collagen, and the vocalis muscle layer. It is clinically important to visualize the tissue microstructure using a non-invasive method, especially in the case of vocal cord nodules or cancer, since histological changes in each layer of the vocal cord cause changes in the voice. Polarizationsensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) enables phase retardation measurement to evaluate birefringence of tissue with varied organization of collagen fibers in different tissue layers. Therefore, PS-OCT can visualize structural changes between normal and abnormal vocal cord tissue.METHOD: A rabbit laryngeal tumor model with different stages of tumor progression was investigated ex-vivo by PSOCT. A phase retardation slope-based analysis, which quantifies the birefringence in different layers, was conducted to distinguish the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle layers. @*RESULTS@#The PS-OCT images showed a gradual decrease in birefringence from normal tissue to advanced tumor tissue.The quantitative analysis provided a more detailed comparison among different stages of the rabbit laryngeal tumor model, which was validated by the corresponding histological findings. @*CONCLUSION@#Differences in tissue birefringence was evaluated by PS-OCT phase retardation measurement. It is also possible to indirectly infer the dysplastic changes based on the mucosal and submucosal alterations.
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OBJECTIVE@#Critical effective constituents were identified from Bufei Yishen formula (BYF), a traditional herbal compound and combined as effective-constituent compatibility (ECC) of BYF I, which may have potential bioactive equivalence to BYF.@*METHODS@#The active constituents of BYF were identified using four cellular models and categorised into Groups 1 (Bufeiqi), 2 (Bushen), 3 (Huatan) and 4 (Huoxue) according to Chinese medicinal theory. An orthogonal design and a combination method were used to determine the optimal ratios of effective constituents in each group and the ratios of "Groups 1 to 4" according to their pharmacological activity. We also comprehensively assessed bioactive equivalence between the BYF and the ECC of BYF I in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*RESULTS@#We identified 12 active constituents in BYF. The numbers of constituents in Groups 1 to 4 were 3, 2, 5 and 2, respectively. We identified the optimal ratios of effective constituents within each group. In Group 1, total ginsenosides:Astragalus polysaccharide:astragaloside IV ratio was 9:5:2. In Group 2, icariin:schisandrin B ratio was 100:12.5. In Group 3, nobiletin:hesperidin:peimine:peiminine:kaempferol ratio was 4:30:6.25:0:0. In Group 4, paeoniflorin:paeonol ratio was 4:1. An orthogonal design was then used to establish the optimal ratios of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 in ECC of BYF I. The ratio for total ginsenosides:Astragalus polysaccharide:astragaloside IV:icariin:schisandrin B:nobiletin:hesperidin:peimine:paeoniflorin:paeonol was determined to be 22.5:12.5:5:100:12.5:4:30:6.25:25:6.25. A comprehensive evaluation confirmed that ECC of BYF I presented with bioactive equivalence to the original BYF.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the ECC of traditional Chinese medicine formula method, the effective constituents of BYF were identified and combined in a fixed ratio as ECC of BYF I that was as effective as BYF itself in treating rats with COPD.
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Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years or over in Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide reference for the development of prevention and control strategies.@*Methods @#The data of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Zhejiang Province were collected through the China HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System, and the demographic characteristics, infection routes,regional distribution and time distribution of the cases were analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 6 726 HIV/AIDS patients were recruited in this study, and the number of new patients from 2015 to 2019 showed an increasing trend ( P <0.05 ) . The number of participants diagnosed at the age of 50-59, 60-69 and 70-91 years old were 3 433( 51.04% ), 2 242 ( 33.33% ) and 1 051 ( 15.63% ). The majority of them were males ( 5 180, 77.01% ) , married ( 4 286, 63.72% ) , Zhejiang residents ( 5 304, 78.86% ) , and lived in rural areas ( 4 095, 60.88% ) . In terms of exposure history,6 586 cases ( 97.92% ) were infected by sexual contact. Among the 5 083 males infected by sexual contact, 82.63% were through heterosexual contact, 94.79% had extramarital sex partners, among whom 76.61% were commercial sex partners. The married women patients who confirmed HIV positive accounted for 75.44%. There were increasing trends in the proportion of the cases living in rural areas, male cases infected through heterosexual contact and those with extramarital and commercial sex partners, and female cases with their husbands positive along with age ( P <0.05 ) . @*Conclusions@#The number of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases aged ≥50 years is increasing in Zhejiang Province. Many of them live in rural areas. Commercial sexual contact is the main route of HIV transmission among males and further lead to HIV transmission within couples.
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Objective@#To evaluate the third round of Zhejiang Comprehensive AIDS Response (CARES) program (nine national areas and three provincial areas) and the control effect of AIDS, so as to provide reference for AIDS prevention and control. @*Methods@#According to the final assessment protocol of the third round of China CARES, the data of 23 assessment items which were collected from online database and field investigation for 12 response areas of Zhejiang in 2014 and 2018 were evaluated. The endemic situation and detection of AIDS in CARES areas was compared with those in non-CARES areas, in order to evaluate the achievement of Zhejiang CARES areas.@*Results@#The rates of reaching the standard ranged from 91.30% to 100.00% in 12 CARES areas. Six indexes in leadership and innovation, fifteen (seventeen in total) indexes in HIV/AIDS control and prevention reached the standard. The items that failed included the awareness rates of AIDS and indicators in “prevention and intervention”. The rates of of reaching the standard in “publicity and education”, “monitoring and testing”, “prevention and intervention”, and “treatment and follow-up” increased from 55.56%, 79.17%, 79.76% and 65.00% in 2014 to 91.67%, 100.00%, 90.48% and 100.00% in 2018, respectively. The proportion of HIV testing people in permanent residents was 30.94% in CARES areas in 2018, which was significantly higher than 20.70% in non-CARES areas (P<0.05). The proportion of new reported HIV/AIDS in CARES areas was 50.87%, and the average increase was 4.48%, which was lower than 9.95% in non-CARES areas.@*Conclusion@#The third round of Zhejiang CARES program has remarkable achievement and plays a positive role in the prevention and control of AIDS.
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Steaming method is a traditional processing method for Gastrodiae Rhizoma(GR). The current studies on the steaming method's mechanism of GR are mainly focused on facilitating softening slice, destroying the β-glycosidic bond enzymes to reduce the decomposition of gastrodia glycosides (killing enzyme and protecting glycosides). The researches on the processing mechanism are still incomplete, while revealing and analyzing the active components in the body's metabolic process are important channels and new models to clarify the mechanism of traditional medicine processing. In order to provides a reference for the in-depth study of the processing mechanism of GR, we have reviewed the relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years and briefly summarized the processing, composition analysis and in vivo metabolism of GR in this study.
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AIM:To investigate the roles of Notch signaling in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced proliferation and secretion of interleukin-6(IL-6)and chemokine CXCL1 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs). METHODS:BMSCs were isolated by whole bone marrow culture.The expression levels of Notch signaling pathway recep-tors and ligands in the BMSCs treated with LPS were measured by qPCR and Western blot.The proliferation of BMSCs was analyzed by MTT assay and viable cell counting.The secretion levels of IL-6 and CXCL1 induced by LPS were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Treatment with LPS at 1 mg/L effectively induced the proliferation of BMSCs and the secretion of IL-6.Obvious expression of Notch receptors and ligands in the BMSCs was observed,and LPS had little effect on the mRNA and protein levels of Notch receptors and ligands,but LPS increased the protein levels of Hes1 and Hey1,the target genes of Notch signaling.LPS at 1 mg/L increased the proliferation of BMSCs,whereas DAPT(Notch signal inhibitor)reduced the basal and LPS-induced proliferation of BMSCs(P<0.01).LPS treatment robustly increased the secretion of IL-6 and CXCL1 as assessed by ELISA.However,inhibition of Notch signaling almost completely abolished LPS-induced secretion of IL-6 and CXCL1(P <0.05).CONCLUSION: Inhibition of Notch signaling reduced not only the proliferation of BMSCs but also IL-6 and CXCL1 secretion induced by LPS.
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Food intake has a great influence on blood glucose in patients with diabetes.This study was to determine the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of a particular pomelo named Majia pomelo and its effects on postprandial glucose (PPG) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Twenty healthy subjects and 20 T2D patients (controlled on lifestyle measures and/or metformin) were tested on 2 separate days with 50 g of glucose and 50 g equivalent of carbohydrates from Majia pomelo for GI measurement.To test effects of Majia pomelo on PPG,19 hospitalized T2D patients (controlled on insulin therapy) were selected for a 9-day study.The dose of insulin for each patient was adjusted on the first 3 days.A total of 100 mg Majia pomelo was consumed per meal in the last 3 tested days.Blood glucose was measured to evaluate the glycemic excursions.The GIs for Majia pomelo in healthy individuals and T2D patients were 78.34± 1.88 and 72.15±1.95 respectively.The value of GL was as low as 4.23 in diabetic patients with serving size of 100 g pomelo,indicting Majia pomelo as a high GI but low GL fruit.Consumption of Majia pomelo in hospitalized T2D patients did not cause significant glucose fluctuation.It was concluded that high GI pomelo can serve as a low GL fruit if it is consumed with a limited daily amount and thus can be supplied to diabetic patients.These results may mean more varieties of food choices for T2D patients.
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Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is a recognized risk factor of dementia,while its role and mechanism in Alzheimer disease (AD) remained unclarified.Our previous study has identified that injection of soluble H.pylori filtrate could induce AD-like pathologic changes and cognitive impairment in SD rats.In the present study,we further explored the effect of long-term stomach colonization of H.pylori bacteria on the brains of SD rats.The results showed that H.pylori bacteria gavage induced an efficient colonization of H.pylori in the stomach after four weeks.However,there was no significant change of tau phosphorylation at Thr205 (pT205),Thr231 (pT231),Ser396 (pS396) and Ser404 (pS404) sites in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.The H.pylori-infected rats also showed no cognitive impairment.These observations may result from inefficient release of bacterial pathogenic factors or the overall lack of host inflammatory responses.We conclude that SD rat with long-term H.pylori colonization in the stomach is not a suitable animal model for exploring the effects of H.pylori infection on brain function in human beings;administration of bacterial filtrates may better reveal the systemic pathologic changes induced by bacterial infection in animals which show a negative host response to bacterial colonization.
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Forest bathing trip is a short, leisurely visit to forest. In this study we determined the health effects of forest bathing trip on elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group was sent to forest, and the other was sent to an urban area as control. Flow cytometry, ELISA, and profile of mood states (POMS) evaluation were performed. In the forest group, we found a significant decrease of perforin and granzyme B expressions, accompanied by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones. Meanwhile, the scores in the negative subscales of POMS decreased after forest bathing trip. These results indicate that forest bathing trip has health effect on elderly COPD patients by reducing inflammation and stress level.
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cytokines , Genetics , Metabolism , Forests , Gene Expression Regulation , Physiology , Lymphocyte Subsets , Physiology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Pathology , Psychology , Therapeutics , RecreationABSTRACT
Objective: To study the contents of proanthocyanidins in Nelumbinis Receptaculum (NR) obtained from the different regions and harvest times, so as to determine the appropriate harvest times and proper planting regions of NR as well as provide the support for the reasonable use of NR. Methods: Twelve regions and six different harvest periods in Zhejiang were collected and the contents of proanthocyanidins were determined by UV spectrophotometry. Results: Maturity had great influence on the contents of proanthocyanidins, The mature had much more proanthocyanidins than the young. Different drying methods had influence on the contents of proanthocyanidins, among which oven drying method has the least influence, followed by drying in the shade, then suning method has the most influence. There was a certain difference in the contents of proanthocyanidins in NR from the different regions and harvest times with a characteristic interval fluctuations. Conclusion: Mature NR should be collected consistent with lotus seeds, the NR should be dried in dryer or in shade, avoid exposing to the sun. The contents of proanthocyanidins in NR from different regions and picking times change in the variation range of 6% to 8%. Wide origin places have been demonstrated suitable to providing the raw materials for industrial production and NR collection is appropriate from the middle of July to September.
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In the study, the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on alveolar epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix degradation were observed in a type of human alveolar epithelial cell, A549 cells, stimulated by TGF-beta1. Firstly, MTT method was applied to evaluation of cellular proliferation and found that PNS from 12.5 mg x L(-1) to 200 mg x L(-1) dosage could not inhibit significantly cellular proliferation. Then, cells were divided into five groups, normal group, TGF-beta1 group, TGF-beta1 + 50 mg x L(-1) PNS group, TGF-beta1 + 100 mg x L(-1) PNS group and TGF-beta1 + 200 mg x L(-1) PNS group. Normal cells were not stimulatec by TGF-beta1; TGF-beta1 cells were only stimulated by TGF-beta1 and the other cells were stimulated by TGF-beta1 with different doses of PNS, respectively. After stimulation, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cellular roundness was applied to quantitative evaluation of morphological change. Immunocytochemistry was applied to examine E-cadherion, a-SMA and FN proteins expression in the cells. Enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay was applied to MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. The results showed that EMT of A549 cells was induced by TGF-beta1, showing significant change of roundness, E-cadherion, alpha-SMA and FN (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared to TGF-beta1, PNS significantly inhibited the changes of roundness (P < 0.05), FN and alpha-SMA (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and not significantly inhibited the change of E-cadherion. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels were significantly increased by TGFbeta1 stimulation (P < 0.05), without significant change of TIMP-1. Compared with TGF-beta1, PNS could significantly increase MMP-9 level (P < 0.05) and decrease TIMP-1 levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, PNS could inhibit alveolar epithelial cell EMT induced by TGF-beta1, with increase of extracellular matrix degradation ability, which showed anti-fibrosis of lung ability.