Effect of Maxing Shigantang and Supplemented Guominjian Decoction on Symptoms and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Induced Sputum of Children with Cough Variant Asthma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate effect of Maxing Shigantang and supplemented Guominjian decoction on symptoms and levels of inflammatory cytokines in induced sputum of children with cough variant asthma （CVA）. MethodA total of 118 CVA children who were treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were enrolled and randomized into the control group and the observation group with the random number table method. Control group received routine western medicine and the observation group was treated by routine western medicine， Maxing Shigantang， and supplemented Guominjian decoction. In the one-month follow-up， the scores of cough and accompanying symptoms， levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin-10 （IL-10）， interleukin-5 （IL-5）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， neutrophil， eosinophil］ in induced sputum， pulmonary function parameters ［forced vital capacity （FVC）， forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV1）， FEV1/FVC］， and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups. Moreover， the frequency of acute asthma attacks during the three-month follow-up was also compared. ResultNo cases dropped out from this study. After treatment， the scores of cough and accompanying symptoms were decreased in both groups （P<0.05） and were lower in observation group than in control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， FVC， FEV1， and FEV1/FVC were raised in both groups and were higher in observation group than in control group （P<0.05）. The increase in the level of IL-10 along with the decrease in levels of IL-5， TNF-α， neutrophil， and eosinophil in induced sputum was found in both groups after treatment （P<0.05）， and observation group had higher level of IL-10 and lower levels of IL-5， TNF-α， neutrophil， and eosinophil than the control group （P<0.05）. The effective rate was 86.44% （51/59） in observation group， which was higher than the 69.49% （41/59） in control group （χ2=4.933， P<0.05）. No serious adverse reaction occurred in either group. The frequency of acute asthma attacks during the three-month follow-up was （1.09±0.18） in observation group， which was lower than the （2.83±049） in the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionRoutine western medicine combined with Maxing Shigantang and supplemented Guominjian decoction can effectively and safely alleviate the airway inflammatory responses， control the clinical symptoms， improve pulmonary function， and reduce the frequency of acute recurrence in the treatment of CVA children.

Actividades ligninolíticas y producción de basidiomas de Ganoderma lucidum en cultivo sólido suplementado con manganeso / Ligninolytic activities and production of Ganoderma lucidum basidiomes in solid culture supplemented with manganese

RESUMEN Ganoderma lucidum es un basidiomiceto de pudrición blanca estudiado especialmente por sus atributos medicinales. No obstante, la información sobre la suplementación de los medios de cultivo con metales como Zn, Li, Mn, Cu es escasa aun conociendo que la presencia de metales en los sustratos mejora las características de los basidiomas obtenidos e incrementa su productividad. El objetivo fue evaluar las actividades enzimáticas lacasa (Lc) y manganeso peroxidasa (MnP), la fructificación y eficiencia biológica (EB) de G. lucidum en cultivos sólidos formulados con residuos agroindustriales (aserrín de roble, cascarilla de café, salvado de maíz) suplementados con dos niveles de sal de manganeso II (0,05 % y 0,1 % p/p) y una formulación sin adición de la sal de manganeso. Las actividades enzimáticas se determinaron durante 98 días del ciclo productivo, con toma de muestras semanales. El tratamiento uno (0,05 % p/p de MnSO4H2O) suministró la mayor EB del cultivo con 25,90 ± 2,12 % y los mayores títulos de actividades ligninolíticas en el tiempo con 0,7299 UE/g s.s. de MnP a los 35 días de fermentación y 4,1 760 UE/g s.s para la actividad de Lc a los 42 días de proceso con relación a los tratamientos dos y control. Asimismo, hubo una disminución del ciclo de cultivo del hongo para los tratamientos uno (83 días) y dos (95 días) en comparación con el tratamiento control (117 días). Los resultados de este trabajo son promisorios para cultivadores industriales de G. lucidum, ya que la suplementación de los sustratos con Mn incrementa la productividad de los cultivos.

ABSTRACT Ganoderma lucidum is a white rot basidiomycete specially studied for its medicinal attributes. However, the information on the supplementation of the substrate with metals such as Zn, Li, Mn, Cu and others is scarce. Even knowing that the presence of metals in the substrates improves the characteristics of the basidiomes produced and increases their productivity. The objective was to evaluate the enzymatic activities laccase (Lc) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). The fructification and biological efficiency (BE) of G. lucidum in solid culture formulated with agroindustrial residues, (oak sawdust, coffee husk, bran corn) supplemented with two levels of manganese II salt, (0.05 % and 0.1 % w/ w) and a formulation without addition of manganese II salt. Enzymatic activities were determined during 98 days of the production cycle, with weekly sampling. Treatment one (0.05 % w/w MnSO4.H2O) provided the highest BE of the culture with 25.90 ± 0.54% and the highest titers of ligninolytic activities, in the time with 0.7299 EU/g d.s for MnP at 35 days of fermentation and 4.1760 EU/g d.s for Lc activity at 42 days of process, in relation to treatments two and control. Likewise, there was a decrease in the fungus culture cycle for treatments one (83 days) and two (95 days) compared to the control treatment (117 days). The results of this work are promising for industrial growers of G. lucidum, since the supplementation of the substrates with Mn increase the productivity of the cultures.

Enriquecimiento del aceite comestible por compuestos fenólicos y antioxidantes de chile piquín (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) / Enrichment of edible oil by phenolic and antioxidant compounds of piquín chili (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum)

Resumen Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum presenta adaptaciones locales a distintas dinámicas antropocéntricas y ecológicas, por lo que ampliar sus usos alimenticios a partir de su potencial antioxidante permitirá contribuir al conocimiento para fortalecer cadenas de valor, robustecer su aprovechamiento y el consumo de plantas comestibles silvestres locales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue suplementar con chile piquín un aceite comestible comercial de cártamo y evaluar su capacidad antioxidante, a través de la determinación del contenido de compuestos fenólicos y mediante ensayos de captación de radicales libres ABTS+ y DPPH·, evaluados en: 1) la muestra de chile piquín a través de dos solventes de extracción y 2) en el aceite suplementado y sin suplementar a los 0 d, 7 d, 14 d, 21 d y 28 d posteriores a la preparación (DPP). El chile piquín presentó altos valores antioxidantes, el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) indicó que el extracto acuoso superó al hidroalcohólico. El ANOVA factorial mostró diferencias significativas en los tres parámetros antioxidantes evaluados. Estas disimilitudes se asociaron a la suplementación, tiempo (DPP) y la combinación de la suplementación y DPP. La suplementación del aceite de cártamo con C. annuum var. glabriusculum enriqueció 66 % su valor antioxidante. La comparación de medias mostró diferencias significativas en la combinación de tratamientos y DPP. La combinación de aceite suplementado y los DPP presentó variabilidad en los datos de polifenoles totales y habilidad contra ABTS+. Se observó una relación inversa entre los DPP y compuestos fenólicos totales y capacidad contra ABTS+, contrario a la prueba para DPPH·. Los resultados obtenidos validan que la adición de chile piquín incrementa la biofuncionalidad del aceite de cártamo y puede ser alternativa de fuente de antioxidantes naturales.

Abstract Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum presents local adaptations to different anthropocentric and ecological dynamics. Therefore, expanding its food uses based on its antioxidant potential will contribute to knowledge about ways to strengthen value chains, enhance their use and encourage the consumption of local wild edible plants. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of commercial edible safflower oil supplemented with piquín chili by determining the content of phenolic compounds and by assays of free radical scavenging in ABTS+ and DPPH·. The evaluation included: 1) the piquín chili sample through two extraction solvents and 2) the supplemented and unsupplemented oil at 0 d,7 d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d after preparation (DPP). The piquín chili presented high antioxidant values. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the aqueous extract surpassed the hydroalcoholic extract. The factorial ANOVA showed significant differences in the three antioxidant parameters evaluated. These dissimilarities were associated with supplementation, time (DPP) and the combination of supplementation and DPP. Safflower oil supplementation with C. annuum var. glabriusculum enriched 66 % more its antioxidant value. The comparison of means showed significant differences in the combination of treatments and DPP. The combination of supplemented oil and DPP showed variability in total polyphenol data and ability against ABTS +. An inverse relationship was observed between DPP and total phenolic compounds, and capacity against ABTS +, contrary to the test for DPPH·. The results obtained validate the argument that the addition of piquín chili increases the biofunctionality of safflower oil and can be an alternative source of natural antioxidants.

Effects and mechanisms of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction Formula against podocyte pyroptosis and insulin resistance in model rats with diabetic kidney disease / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the in vivo effects and mechanisms of the modern classical prescription Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction Formula(SGDF) against diabetic kidney disease(DKD). Sixty rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, SGDF group, and rosiglitazone(ROS) group. The modified DKD rat model was established by employing the following three methods: exposure to high-fat diet, unilateral nephrectomy, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ). After modeling, rats in the four groups were treated with double distilled water, SGDF suspension, and ROS suspension, respectively, by gavage every day. At the end of the 6 th week of drug administration, all the rats were sacrificed for collecting urine, blood, and kidney tissue, followed by the examination of rat general conditions, urine and blood biochemical indicators, glomerulosclerosis-related indicators, podocyte pyroptosis markers, insulin resistance(IR)-related indicators, and key molecules in the insulin receptor substrate(IRS) 1/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3 K)/serine threonine kinase(Akt) signaling pathway. The results showed that SGDF and ROS improved the general conditions, some renal function indicators and glomerulosclerosis of DKD model rats without affecting the blood glucose(BG). Besides, they ameliorated the expression characteristics and levels of podocyte pyroptosis markers, alleviated IR, and up-regulated the protein expression levels of the key molecules in IRS1/PI3 K/Akt pathway to varying degrees. In conclusion, similar to ROS, SGDF relieves DKD by targeting multiple targets in vivo. Specifically, it exerts the therapeutic effects by alleviating podocyte pyroptosis and IR. This study has preliminarily provided the pharmacological evidence for the research and development of new drugs for the treatment of DKD based on SGDF.

Effects of enriched-potassium diet on cardiorespiratory outcomes in experimental non-ischemic chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health problem. Increased sympathetic outflow, cardiac arrhythmogenesis and irregular breathing patterns have all been associated with poor outcomes in CHF. Several studies showed that activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) play a key role in CHF pathophysiology. Interestingly, potassium (K+) supplemented diets showed promising results in normalizing RAS axis and autonomic dysfunction in vascular diseases, lowering cardiovascular risk. Whether subtle increases in dietary K+ consumption may exert similar effects in CHF has not been previously tested. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary K+ supplementation on cardiorespiratory alterations in rats with CHF. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent volume overload to induce non-ischemic CHF. Animals were randomly allocated to normal chow diet (CHF group) or supplemented K+ diet (CHF+K+ group) for 6 weeks. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis, sympathetic outflow, baroreflex sensitivity, breathing disorders, chemoreflex function, respiratory- cardiovascular coupling and cardiac function were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to normal chow diet, K+ supplemented diet in CHF significantly reduced arrhythmia incidence (67.8 ± 15.1 vs. 31.0 ± 3.7 events/hour, CHF vs. CHF+K+), decreased cardiac sympathetic tone (ΔHR to propranolol: - 97.4 ± 9.4 vs. - 60.8 ± 8.3 bpm, CHF vs. CHF+K+), restored baroreflex function and attenuated irregular breathing patterns. Additionally, supplementation of the diet with K+ restores normal central respiratory chemoreflex drive and abrogates pathological cardio-respiratory coupling in CHF rats being the outcome an improved cardiac function. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that dietary K+ supplementation in non-ischemic CHF alleviate cardiorespiratory dysfunction.

A Comparative Assessment of Quality Features and Physicochemical Characteristics of Rice Bran Supplemented Breads with Local Breads

Aims: Qualitative assessment of rice bran supplemented bread with local breads. Study Design: The study was designed to identify good quality bread between rice bran supplemented bread and local breads. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Five different varieties of rice brans (BR-5, BR-10, BRRI-28, BRRI-39, and Kalijira) were collected from Noor-Habib Grain Industries Ltd. Sopura, Rajshahi, Janata Auto Rice and Flour Mills Ltd.Bogura, North Bengal Auto Rice Mills, Naogan, Biswas Rice Mills, Natore, and Chaudhuri Auto Rice Mills Dinajpur respectively. The research was carried out at Natural Products Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) Laboratories, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Methodology: A comparative analysis of prepared rice bran supplemented bread and locally available bread has been done for the parameters such as moisture, ash, Fiber, Fat, protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, saponification value, FFAs and iodine value. Results: The prepared rice bran bread contained wheat flour and five different varieties of rice bran named BR-5, BR-10, BRRI-28, BRRI-39 and kalijira. The physicochemical characteristics of prepared rice bran supplemented bread such as moisture, ash, Fiber, Fat, protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, saponification value, FFA and iodine value were varied from 26.0-28.4 %, 2.17-2.83%, 1.54-1.96%, 6.95-8.04%, 6.64-7.25%, 43.2-46.3%, 5.60-6.80%, 150-169 mg KOH/g fat,1.16-1.51 mg KOH/g fat,92.1-100 g I2/100 g fat respectively. On the other hand, physicochemical characteristics of locally available bread like moisture, ash, Fiber, Fat, protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, saponification value, FFA and iodine value were found to be ranged from 31.1-32.9%, 2.70-2.93%, 2.04-2.61%, 7.91-8.12%, 5.49-6.21%, 39.9-41.4%, 7.13-8.61%, 138-149 mg KOH/g fat, 1.63-1.86 mg KOH/g fat, 57.4-71.0 g I2/100 g fat respectively. Conclusion: It may be concluded that prepared rice bran supplemented bread might be considered superior quality than the locally available bread.

Differential mRNA expression profiles of supplemented Naotaifang in vascular dementia rats by microarray analyses / 中草药

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of the supplemented Naotaifang (sNTF) in the treatment of vascular dementia (VD), and the mRNA expression profiles of hippocampal tissue of VD model rats before and after the intervention of modified sNTF were investigated by microarray analysis. Methods: VD model was established by bilateral common carotid artery ligation. VD rats were treated with sNTF for 30 days. HE staining and Morris water maze were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of sNTF. The mRNA expression profiles data of VD model rats before and after intervention of sNTF were obtained by Agilent mRNA expression chip. The significantly differentially expressed genes were screened by microarray analysis, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The biological processes and signaling pathways in which differentially expressed genes were mainly involved and analyzed by GO and pathway enrichment. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to verify the chip analysis results. Results: HE staining and Morris water maze experiments showed that VD rats showed cerebral ischemia, hippocampal neuron damage, and decreased spatial learning and memory function, but sNTF can partially reverse this trend. 469 differential expression genes were screened by microarray analysis, including 180 up-regulated genes and 289 down-regulated genes. IL6, FGF2, TNF, and IL1b may be the main pharmacodynamic targets of sNTF in the treatment of VD rats, and the results were verified by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. GO and pathway enrichment analysis showed that these genes were closely related to biological processes such as inflammation and apoptosis, and these genes were mainly involved in the regulation of TNF signaling pathway, toll-like receptor signaling pathway and the apoptosis pathway. Conclusion: The results suggested that the therapeutic effect of DSS on AD involves multiple genes and pathways, and and inhibition of hippocampal neuroinflammation may be one of the important mechanisms of its anti-VD.

Effects of Arginine-supplemented Enteral Nutrition on the Prognosis and Immune Function of Trauma Patients ：a Meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To systematically review the effects of arginine-supplemented enteral nutrition on the prognosis and immune function of trauma patients. METHODS： Retrieved from PubMed， the Cochrane library， Embase， CNKI， Wanfang database， CBM and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry， randomized controlled trials （RCT） about arginine-supplemented enteral nutrition （trial group） versus standard enteral nutrition or other enteral nutrition without arginine （control group） for trauma patients were collected. After literature screening， data extraction and quality evaluation with bias risk evaluation tool of Cochrane System Evaluator Manual 5.1.0， Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.3 statistical software. RESULTS： Totally 13 RCTs were included， involving 777 patients. Results of Meta-analysis showed that fatality rate [RR＝1.67，95％CI（1.07，2.61），P＝0.03]， IgG [MD＝2.81， 95％CI（0.43， 5.18）， P＝0.02]， IgM [MD＝0.30， 95％CI（0.07， 0.54）， P＝0.01]， CD4+ [MD＝5.05， 95％CI（2.55，7.56）， P＜0.000 1] and CD4+/CD8+ [MD＝0.27，95％CI（0.11，0.44）， P＝0.001] in trial group were significantly higher than control group； the level of serum albumin [MD＝－0.47， 95％CI（－0.75，－0.19）， P＝0.000 9] in trial group was significantly lower than control group. There was no statistical significance in the incidence of infectious complications [RR＝0.77，95％CI（0.51，1.17），P＝0.22]， total hospitalization time [MD＝－2.35，95％CI（－10.72，6.02），P＝0.58]， IgA [MD＝0.38，95％CI（－0.06，0.82），P＝0.09]， CD8+ [MD＝－2.49，95％CI（－6.01，1.03），P＝0.17] or the incidence of ADR between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS： Arginine-supplemented enteral nutrition can improve the immune function of trauma patients， but increase mortality. It is necessary to be cautious in clinical use.

Biomechanical Research Progress of Lumbar Interbody Cage and Lumbar Interbody Fusion / 医用生物力学

Aiming at the background and significance of biomechanical researches on lumbar interbody fusion, the research progress of interbody cage and interbody fusion was reviewed and its prospect was forecasted. The related work was summarized, including research method of lumbar biomechanics, biomechanics of interbody cage, and biomechanics of lumbar interbody fusion. The main research directions on biomechanical study of lumbar interbody fusion were: modeling refinement of finite element method， geometrical optimization of traditional fusion device, clinical application of new porous fusion device, and diversification of the supplemented fixation method. Finally, the prospect of biomechanics of lumbar interbody fusion was discussed. The review and prospect on biomechanics of lumbar interbody fusion will provide references for clinical treatment of lumbar spine diseases.

Simultaneous determination of seven constituents in Supplemented Ermiao Granules by HPLC and establishment of fingerprints / 中成药

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of phellodendrine chloride,berberine hydrochloride,jatrorrhizine hydrochloride,(R,S)-goitrine,astilbin,hesperidin and atractylenolide Ⅲ in Supplemented Ermiao Granules (Phellodendri chinensis Cortex,Atractylodis Rhizoma,Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma,etc.) and to establish fingerprints.METHODS The analysis of 70％ methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Amethyst C18-H column (4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.05 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate-acetonitrile flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 237,291 nm.RESULTS Seven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges (r =1),whose average recoveries were 95.77％-110.36％ with the RS-Ds of 0.06％-2.94％.There were twenty common peaks in the fingerprints of fourteen batches of samples with the similarities of more than 0.990,five of which (5-hydroxymethylfurfural,phellodendrine,astilbin,hesperidin and berberine hydrochloride) were identified.CONCLUSION This stable,reliable and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Supplemented Ermiao Granules.

Effect of Acupuncture at Muscle Tendon and Supplemented Peony-Licorice Decoction on Spasticity after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture-medcine on limb spasticity after stroke. Methods From April,2016 to October,2017,90 patients with limb spasticity after stroke were randomly divided into ba-sic rehabilitation group(n=30),baclofen group(n=30)and acupuncture-medicine group(n=30).All the groups accepted basic medical therapy and rehabilitation training,while the acupuncture-medicine group accepted acu-puncture at muscle tendon and Supplemented Peony-Licorice Decoction orally,and the baclofen group accepted baclofen orally.They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)and modified Barthel index(MBI)before and four weeks after treatment,and the clinical effective rates were compared. Results The total effective rate of the basic rehabilitation group was 53.3%,and it was 66.7% in the baclofen group,and 86.7% in the acupuncture-medicine group.The scores of MAS,FMA and MBI significantly improved in all the groups after treatment(t>6.500,P<0.001),and improved the most in the acupuncture-medicine group(F>12.332, P<0.001).No adverse event was found during the treatment. Conclusion The integration of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in rehabilitation can further relieve the spasticity in pa-tients after stroke,and improve the motor function and activities of daily living.

Effect of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction on blood glucose in diabetic rats and its antioxidant activity / 中成药

AIM To investigate the effect of Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction (Astragali Radix,Angelica tail,Paeoniae Radix rubra,etc.) on blood glucose in diabetic rats and its antioxidant activity.METHODS The diabetic rat model induced by streptozotocin (STZ) was established,with metformin as positive control group.After intragastric administration with Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction,the fasting blood glucose,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and tissues (heart,kidney and pancreas) in rats were detected.HPLC was used to determine the contents of antioxidant constituents (calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and peoniflorin) in plasma,whose pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the hypoglycemic activity in the Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction group was obvious (P ＜ 0.05),the SOD activity in serum and various issues (except for pancreas) was significantly enhanced,together with significantly reduced MDA level (P ＜ 0.05).The pharmacokinetic behavior of two constituents (calycosin-7-O-3-D-glucoside and peoniflorin) accorded with two-compartment open model,whose blood concentrations reached the highest within 50-70 min,and showed no obvious changes within 180-720 min.CONCLUSION Supplemented Buyang Huanwu Decoction can reduce the blood glucose in diabetic rats and improve the antioxidant activities in heart and kidney.The fast absorption and slow metabolism of calycosin-7-O-3-D-glucoside and peoniflorin in decoction are beneficial to related treatment.

Clinical trial of Supplemented Xijiao Powder treating HBV associated prior acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中成药

AIM To observe the clinical role for Supplemented Xijiao Powder (Bubali cornu,Coptidis Rhizoma,Cimicifugae Rhizoma,etc.) in management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated acute-on-chronic liver failure.METHOD Seventy-five patients,including the ones receiving internal medicine treatment,were divided into control group and experimental group.The experimental group received conventional treatment and additionally took Supplemented Xijiao Powder for one month.The clinical symptoms and signs were observed.Levels of ALT,AST,TBIL,ALB,CHE,PTA were measured,and the incidence of liver failure was evaluated.RESULTS Supplemented Xijiao Powder could improve symptoms,signs and the level of PTA.The incidence of liver failure tended to reduce.The comparison of other indexes had no marked difference.CONCLUSION Supplemented Xijiao Powder has a certain therapeutic effect on HBV associated prioracute-on-chronic liver failure.Its mechanism may be related to blocking the occurrence of liver failure.

New vaccines against influenza virus

Vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-benefit interventions that prevent the mortality and reduce morbidity from infectious pathogens. However, the licensed influenza vaccine induces strain-specific immunity and must be updated annually based on predicted strains that will circulate in the upcoming season. Influenza virus still causes significant health problems worldwide due to the low vaccine efficacy from unexpected outbreaks of next epidemic strains or the emergence of pandemic viruses. Current influenza vaccines are based on immunity to the hemagglutinin antigen that is highly variable among different influenza viruses circulating in humans and animals. Several scientific advances have been endeavored to develop universal vaccines that will induce broad protection. Universal vaccines have been focused on regions of viral proteins that are highly conserved across different virus subtypes. The strategies of universal vaccines include the matrix 2 protein, the hemagglutinin HA2 stalk domain, and T cell-based multivalent antigens. Supplemented and/or adjuvanted vaccination in combination with universal target antigenic vaccines would have much promise. This review summarizes encouraging scientific advances in the field with a focus on novel vaccine designs.

Caracterización de lactantes menores de un año con anemia ferropénica / Characterization of infants under one year with iron-deficiency anemia

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de 16 niños diagnosticados con anemia, pertenecientes al Policlínico Universitario "Josué País García" de Santiago de Cuba, desde diciembre de 2011 hasta febrero de 2012, a fin de caracterizar los lactantes menores de 1 año con anemia ferropénica. Entre las variables estudiadas figuraron: antecedentes prenatales, natales y posnatales, sexo, tipo de lactancia, clasificación de la anemia, así como enfermedades padecidas. En la serie primaron el sexo masculino, el grupo etario de 9-11 meses, las madres con anemia, la lactancia materna complementada, la anemia moderada y las infecciones respiratorias altas no complicadas.

A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of 16 children diagnosed with anemia, belonging to "Josué País García" University Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from December, 2011 to February, 2012, in order to characterize the infants under 1 year with iron-deficiency anemia. Among the studied variables there were: prenatal, natal posnatal history, sex, breastfeeding type, classification of the anemia, as well as suffered diseases. Male sex, the age group from 9-11 months, mothers with anemia, supplemented breastfeeding, moderate anemia and non-complicated high respiratory infections prevailed in the series.

Isolation and culture of neural stem cells from Kunming mouse embryo / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: During the process of isolating and culturing neural stem cells, trypsin is used to digest tissues and cells, but it is difficult to control the digestion time.OBJECTIVE: To isolate and cultivate neural stem cells from fetal brain of Kunming mice by trypsinization combined with mechanical isolation and to identify by the immunohistochemical method.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: In vitro observation of cytology. The experiment was performed at Basic Medical Laboratory of Guangxi Medical University from October 2006 to September 2007.MATERIALS: Kunming mice of pregnant 14 to 16 days were provided by the Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University.METHODS: Brain tissues were isolated from the fetal brain of Kunming mice, pipettad mechanically after trypsinization, and incubated in serum-free DMEM/F12 medium containing B27, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the cultured neural stem cells.RESULTS: After incubation in serum-free DMEM/F12 medium for 24 hours, the cells were suspensions with the manner of little neurospheres. After incubation for 48 hours, the cultured cells grew much larger, formed typical neurospheres, with no marked process, and survived well after passaged. In addition, immunocytochemical method showed nestin-positive.

Suitable Conditions for Mycelial Growth of Phellinus spp

The fungus Phellinus is a mushroom that is widely used medicinally. The optimal conditions for mycelial growth of 13 strains of the fungus were investigated. Mycelial growth was optimal at 25degrees C and was uniformly minimal at 15degrees C and 35degrees C. Growth was optimal at pH 6~7. The mycelial phenotype was best promoted by growth using Potato Dextrose agar, Hamada, Glucose peptone, and Yeast-Malt media, whereas Czapek Dox, Hennerberg, and Lilly media were the most unfavorable for the mycelial growth of Phellinus spp. Glucose, sucrose, fructose, and dextrin were the most suitable carbon sources for mycelial growth, while lactose, maltose, and galactose were unsuitable. Among tested nitrogen sources, ammonium phosphate, potassium nitrate, and arginine best promoted mycelial growth, while alanine, urea, and histidine least promoted mycelial growth.

Effects of Cholesterol Diet and Exercise on Plasma and Liver Lipids, Platelet Aggregation and Erythrocyte Na Efflux in Rats

Present study was conducted to investigate the effects of exercise and cholesterol diet on plasma and liver lipids, platelet aggregation, erythrocyte Na efflux and liver index such as GOT and GPT using Sprague Dawley rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups and fed control or 0.5% cholesterol diet with and without treadmill for six weeks. The final body weight of group fed cholesterol diet with exercise was somewhat decreased compared with group fed cholesterol diet without exercise. L.W/B.W ratio was significantly increased in groups fed cholesterol diet (p < 0.01), but exercise tended to decrease this ratio. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly increased and HDL-cholesterol was decreased in groups fed cholesterol diet (p < 0.01). Plasma triglyceride was significantly decreased in groups fed cholesterol diet compared with groups fed control diet (p < 0.01). Plasma triglyceride of groups with exercise was significantly decreased compared with their non exercising counterparts regardless diet (p < 0.05). Liver total cholesterol and triglyceride was significantly increased in groups fed cholesterol diet (p < 0.01), but exercise did not affect on these levels. Na-K ATPase was somewhat decreased in groups fed cholesterol diet, and exercise tended to recover the reduced Na-K ATPase. Na passive transport was significantly decreased in group fed control diet without exercise and significantly increased in group fed cholesterol diet with exercise, there were significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences in total Na efflux and intracellular Na among groups, and total Na efflux was not correlated with intracellular Na. Hematocrit was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group fed cholesterol diet without exercise compared with other groups. Platelet aggregation in the initial slope and the maximum was increased in groups fed cholesterol diet, but not statistically significant. Exercise especially increased the initial slope of aggregation. Plasma GOT and GPT was significantly increased in groups fed cholesterol diet (p < 0.01), and exercise in group fed cholesterol diet significantly decreased both GOT and GPT compared with the non exercising counterpart (p < 0.01). This study showed that cholesterol diet increases plasma and liver lipids and GOT and GPT, and exercise improves plasma and liver lipid profile and liver index of GOT and GPT preventing fatty liver.

Anticoagulation Effects of Supplemented Salvia Beverage on Experimental Myocardial Ischemia in Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the anticoagulation effects of Supplemented Salvia Beverage (SSB) on myocardial ischemia in rats. Methods Rat myocardial ischemia model was induced by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery,the effects of SSB (8.24,4.12,2.06 g/kg) on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),prothrombin time (PT),thrombin Time (TT),platelet adherence rate,platelet aggregation,length of thrombus and the dry and wet weight of thrombus,as well as amount of Fibrinogen (Fg) were observed. Results Compared with model group,the shortening of PT and TT,and the decrease of Fg were obviously suppressed in high dosage SSB group (P

Evaluation of Disk Diffusion Test with Glucose- and Methylene blue-Enriched Mueller-Hinton Agar for Susceptibility Testing of Fluconazole against Candida Isolates / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently, the disk diffusion testing of fluconazole against Candida spp. has been attempted in order to provide a simple inexpensive method in the routine laboratory. We investigated the possibility and reliability of a fluconazole disk diffusion method using a Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose and methylene blue (GM-MH). METHODS: One hundred and seven isolates of Candida spp. (54 C. albicans, 21 C. glabrata, 20 C. tropicalis, 6 C. parapsilosis, 4 C. krusei, and 2 C. lusitaniae) were tested with the broth microdilution method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) document M27-A2 and a disk diffusion test using GM-MH agar. RESULTS: The overall categorical agreement between the NCCLS method and the disk diffusion method was 89.8% for fluconazole, with 0.9% very major errors and 9.3% minor errors; no major errors were detected. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the fluconazole disk diffusion test on GM-MH agar can be used as a routine screening procedure for susceptibility of Candida spp. in the clinical laboratory.