Whole genomic features analysis of coxsackievirus B3 strains isolated in Tianjin / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To genotype and analyze whole genomic features of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) isolated in Tianjin, to improve evolution information of CVB3 virus in Tianjin, and to provide basis for surveillance and early warning of related diseases. Methods　Viral RNA was extracted from five CVB3 strains isolated in Tianjin, whole genome sequence of the virus was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced by next-generation sequencing method, and phylogenetic and recombinant analysis were carried out. Results　The open reading frame 1(ORF) of the five CVB3 strains contained 6 555 nucleotides and encoded 2 185 amino acids, and ORF2 was composed of sequences encoding 68 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence similarity ranged from 78.3%-100%, and the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 95.7%-100%. Compared with the CVB3 prototype strain, the nucleotide sequence similarity of the five viruses was between 78.2%-79.1%, and the similarity of amino acid sequences was 94.9%-95.3%. All five viruses exhibited a T151A mutation on the VP2 protein. Additionally, the encephalitis isolate showed a K158E mutation on the VP2 protein, while one of the sewage isolates had a C234T mutation in 5' noncoding region. The five strains belonged to two different genotypes, among which the encephalitis isolate in 2016 belonged to the D genotype, while the sewage isolates in 2021 belonged to the E genotype. This is also the first report of E genotype CVB3 in northern China. The CVB3 strain may have recombinant events in non-structural protein regions, in which encephalitis isolate may recombine with a Coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5) strain, while sewage isolates may have recombinant events with a strain of ECHO virus 18 (E18). Conclusions　The CVB3 isolates in Tianjin belong to D and E genotypes, and recombination events may exist in non-structural protein region of the viral genome. The results of CVB3 virus genome analysis in sewage suggests presence of CVB3 infection in the population of Tianjin, and its epidemic dominant genotype may have changed.

Advances in the RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems / 生物工程学报

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR associated proteins) system is an adaptive immune system of bacteria and archaea against phages, plasmids and other exogenous genetic materials. The system uses a special RNA (CRISPR RNA, crRNA) guided endonuclease to cut the exogenous genetic materials complementary to crRNA, thus blocking the infection of exogenous nucleic acid. According to the composition of the effector complex, CRISPR-Cas system can be divided into two categories: class 1 (including type Ⅰ, Ⅳ, and Ⅲ) and class 2 (including type Ⅱ, Ⅴ, and Ⅵ). Several CRISPR-Cas systems have been found to have very strong ability to specifically target RNA editing, such as type Ⅵ CRISPR-Cas13 system and type Ⅲ CRISPR-Cas7-11 system. Recently, several systems have been widely used in the field of RNA editing, making them a powerful tool for gene editing. Understanding the composition, structure, molecular mechanism and potential application of RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems will facilitate the mechanistic research of this system and provide new ideas for developing gene editing tools.

Luteoloside protects the vascular endothelium against iron overload injury via the ROS/ADMA/DDAH II/eNOS/NO pathway / 中国天然药物

Iron overload injury is considered to be a part of blood stasis syndrome of arthralgia in traditional Chinese medicine. Its primary therapies include clearing heat and detoxification, activating blood circulation, and removing blood stasis. Lonicera japonica flos (LJF) has long been known as an excellent antipyretic and antidote. Luteoloside (Lut) is one of the main components of LJF and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. However, the protection of Lut against iron overload injury and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, HUVECs were exposed to 50 μmol·L-1 iron dextran for 48 h to establish an iron overload damage model and the effects of Lut were assessed. Our results showed that 20 μmol·L-1 Lut not only increased cell viability and weakened LDH activity, but also significantly up-regulated DDAHⅡ expression and activity, increased p-eNOS/eNOS ratio and NO content, and reduced ADMA content in HUVECs exposed to iron overload. Furthermore, Lut significantly attenuated intracellular/mitochondrial ROS generation, improved SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities, reduced MDA content, maintained MMP, inhibited mPTP opening, prevented cyt c from mitochondria released into cytoplasm, reduced cleaved-caspase3 expression, and ultimately decreased cell apoptosis induced by iron overload. The effects of Lut were similar to those of L-arginine (an ADMA competitive substrate), cyclosporin A (a mPTP blocker agent), and edaravone (a free radical scavenger) as positive controls. However, addition of pAD/DDAH II-shRNA adenovirus reversed the above beneficial effects of Lut. In conclusion, Lut can protect HUVECs against iron overload injury via the ROS/ADMA/DDAH II/eNOS/NO pathway. The mitochondria are the target organelles of Lut's protective effects.

Analysis of the population structure and genetic diversity of the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in China using SSR markers

BACKGROUND: Procambarus clarkii produces high-quality, delicious meat that is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium and phosphorus. It has become an important aquatic resource in China. Our objectives are (i) to analyze the level of genetic diversity of P. clarkii populations; (ii) to explore the genetic differentiation (Gst); and (iii) to propose appropriate strategies for the conservation. RESULTS: In this study, Shannon's index (I) and Nei's gene diversity index (H) for P. clarkii were high (I = 0.3462 and H = 0.2325 on average and I = 0.6264, H = 0.4377 at the species level) based on the SSR markers. The expected heterozygosity value of 17 microsatellite loci in 25 crayfish populations was 0.9317, the observed heterozygosity value was 0.9121, and the observed number of alleles per locus was 2.000; and the effective number of alleles per locus was 1.8075. Among the P. clarkii populations, the inbreeding coefficient within populations (Fis) was 0.2315, overall inbreeding coefficient (Fit) was 0.4438, genetic differentiation coefficient among populations (Fst) was 0.3145 and gene differentiation (Gst) was 0.4785 based on SSR analyses. The cluster analysis results obtained by unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analysis were similar. A mantel test showed that the isolation-by-distance pattern was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The high Gst among P. clarkii populations is attributed to genetic drift and geographic isolation. The results indicated that more P. clarkii populations should be collected when formulating conservation and aquaculture strategies.

Establishment of quality control method for biological activity of Honghua injection / 中国药理学通报

Aim To establish a method for determining the antithrombotic biological activity of Honghua injection, which can be used to evaluate and control its quality. Methods Collagen-adrenalin was used to induce mouse acute cerebral thrombosis model and hemiplegic protection rate of Honghua injection in mice as an index to investigate the antithrombotic activity of Honghua injection. The experimental conditions of the administration dosage, inducer dosage, and different strains of mice were investigated, and the experimental conditions were optimized by orthogonal design. Results Honghua injection which was made by 5. 0 g crude drug · kg-1and continuously ip for 3 d, had obvious protective effect on collagen-adrenalin-induced acute cerebral thrombosis in mice. The established biological activity limit method showed a good repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility. Each sample showed different degrees of differences in biological activity. Conclusions The thrombus test in mice can be used as a method for measuring the biological activity of Honghua injection. It is recommended to use 5. 0 g crude drug · kg-1dose as the limit for bioactive process optimization and product quality controlment of Honghua injection.

miR-140-3p Knockdown Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Fibrogenesis in Hepatic Stellate Cells via PTEN-Mediated AKT/mTOR Signaling

PURPOSE: Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and the outcome of various chronic liver diseases. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key event in liver fibrosis. Studies have confirmed that miR-140-3p plays a potential regulatory effect on HSC activation. However, whether miR-140-3p mediates the liver fibrosis remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of miR-140-3p was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Cell proliferation was measured by MTT, while cell apoptosis rate was determined via flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of cleaved PARP. The fibrogenic effect was evaluated by expression of α-smooth muscle actin and desmin. Functional experiments were performed in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced HSC-T6 cells with transfection of anti-miR-140-3p and/or siPTEN. Target binding between miR-140-3p and PTEN was predicted by the TargetScan database and identified using luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: TGF-β1 induced the activation of HSC-T6 cells, and miR-140-3p expression varied according to HSC-T6 cell activation status. Knockdown of miR-140-3p reduced cell proliferation and the expressions of α-SMA and desmin, as well as increased apoptosis, in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells, which could be blocked by PTEN silencing. Additionally, inactivation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway stimulated by miR-140-3p knockdown was abolished when silencing PTEN expression. PTEN was negatively regulated by miR-140-3p via direct binding in HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION: miR-140-3p is an important mediator in HSC-T6 cell activation, and miR-140-3p knockdown suppresses cell proliferation and fibrogenesis in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells, indicating that miR-140-3p may be a potential novel molecular target for liver fibrosis.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Polygonum cuspidatum on acute gouty arthritis in mice through NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to study the effect and mechanism of alcohol extract from Polygonum cuspidatum(PCE) on acute gouty arthritis in C57 BL/6 mice through NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis. The model mice which injected with ankle joint injection of sodium urate crystals(MSU) were orally administrated with three different concentration of PCE, with colchicine as positive control. HE staining was used for observing the morphological changes of synovial tissue; concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in synovial tissue were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The results showed that the swelling degree of ankle joint in model mice were significantly elevated; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 also significant increase, compared with normal control group. The swelling degree of ankle joint significantly relief; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in joint synovium significantly decrease; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were significantly decrease in PCE treatment group compared with model group. Our research implied that alcohol extract from P. cuspidatum had positive effect on acute gouty arthritis in mice, and the regulation of NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis may be its mechanism.

Evaluation of the efficacy of acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen on delayed neuropathological sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning by using mTI-ASL imaging / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#Quantitative assessment of white blood flow in semi-oval center of patients with delayed neuropathological sequelae (DNS) after carbon monoxide poisoning treated with acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) based on magnetic resonance multi-inversion time arterial spin labeling imaging (mTI-ASL), and to evaluate its efficacy indirectly.@*METHODS@#Twenty-six patients with clinically diagnosed DNS were randomly divided into an observation group (13 cases) and a control group (13 cases). The conventional therapy combined with HBO were given in the control group. In the observation group,on the base of the treatment, acupuncture was applied, the main acupoints were Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Baihui (GV 20), Shangxing (GV 23), Yintang (GV 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the affected side, Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Fenglong (ST 40), Lianquan (CV 23) and Jinjin (EX-HN12) for slurred speech, Jianyu (LI 15), Waiguan (TE 5) and Shousanli (LI 10) for upper limb pain, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinlingquan (SP 9) for lower limb pain, the treatment was given once every day, 5 days as one course, with an interval of 2 days between the course. The treatment for 6 courses was required. The conventional head MR scan, mTI-ASL and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans before and 1 week after treatment were adopted, Matlab (R2014b), Mricron and Syngo.via software were adopted to measure the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and anisotropy (FA) values of the semi-oval center. The correlation between the parameters was evaluated by Pearson method. And the simple intelligent mental state examination scale (MMSE) was uesd to assess cognitive function.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the CBF, MMSE scores in both groups and FA values in the observation group were higher than those before treatment (<0.05). After treatment, the CBF, FA and MMSE scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CBF, FA and MMSE scores (<0.05), and the correlation between CBF and MMSE was the best ( =0.822).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen can significantly improved early white matter hypoperfusion and improved cognitive function score in patients with DNS. The curative effect is better than that of hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone. The mTI-ASL imaging can quantitatively evaluate its curative effect.

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin succinate prodrugs / 药学学报

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the plant Curcuma longa L., has shown a wide-spectrum of anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Despite the promising biological effects of curcumin, its poor solubility has restricted its use in the management of human ailments. To improve its water-solubility, curcumin succinate prodrugs were designed and synthesized and their aqueous solubility, stability, metabolism in rats and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated (experiments had been approved by the ethics committee and carried out in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations; rats were provided by Beijing courtyard experimental animal center of Academy of Military Medical Sciences). The results showed that curcumin succinate prodrugs are very soluble in water and more stable than curcumin in water and in phosphate buffer solution. They released curcumin rapidly and quantitatively after intravenous administration. In phlogogen-induced paw edema in rats, curcumin succinate prodrugs showed anti-inflammatory activity as potent as dexamethasone.

Application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in schizophrenia / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a relatively new technique that can measure the hemoglobin changes in brain tissue. Depending on the absorption for different wavelength, relative changes in the concentration of hemoglobin in brain can be measured, obtaining the hemodynamic characteristics of brain to understand the brain functional state in real-time. Compared with other neuroimaging techniques, it has some advantages and has been used in psychiatry rapidly. Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders, researches on its pathogenesis have focused on collection of structural and functional alteration in brain. Existing techniques can provide only indirect evidence, while fNIRS can perform brain function monitoring in real-time. A number of studies have suggested that fNIRS signal could be used as a biomarker for schizophrenia identification and adjuvant diagnosis. This paper reviewed the research progress in the application of fNIRS in schizophrenia.

Oxidative Stress Status and Its Effect on Regulation of Hepcidin in Patients with HbHCS / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the oxidative stress status and its effects on hepcidin in patients with hemoglobin H Constant Spring disease (HbH-CS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 35 patients were enrolled in the study, including 15 splenectomized cases and 20 non-splenectomized cases. 20 healthy volunteers were selected as controls. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, erythropoietin (EPO), serum free transferrin receptor (sFTR), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as well as the level of hepcidin were detected. Correlation analysis and multiple factor regression analysis were performed to investigate the factors affecting the iron metabolism and erythropoiesis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with healthy control, the SOD and GSH levels in patients with HbHCS decreased, while MDA and GSSG levels increased. The levels of SOD, MDA, GSG and GSSG were not significantly different between the patients with splenectomy and those without splenectomy. Correlation analysis showed that inpatients with HbHCS, EPO, sFTR and GDF15 correlated negatively with SOD level and positively with MDA level. EPO and sFTR levels negatively correlated with Hepcidin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Excessive oxidative stress is present in patients with HbHCS, and hepcidin is inhibited by the upregulation of EPO and sFTR, and hence involved in iron overload in patients.</p>

Effects of epidermal growth factors on the proliferation and migration of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Epidermal growth factor is an auxiliary growth factor,but its effect on the growth of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is uncertain.OBJECTIVE:To establish a mature method for isolation,extraction and identification of rat BMSCs,to investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation and migration ability of BMSCs and to explore its potential mechanisms at the same time.METHODS:Rat BMSCs were isolated and purified using the improved whole bone marrow adherence method.After the cells were subcultured to the third generation,we detected the expression of cells surface antigens CD29,CD45 and CD90 by flow cytometry.BMSCs were further identified by osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.Meanwhile,the effect of EGF on the proliferation of passage 3 BMSCs was measured by cell counting kit-8 and clonogenic assay.And the migration of P3 cells was verified by Transwell chamber.In addition,we detected the expression of proteins related to PI3K/Akt and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways by western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The primary BMSCs were polygonal and spindle-shaped,and then gradually appeared to be spindle-shaped.The results of flow cytometry demonstrated that the passage 3 cells were positive for CD29 and CD90,but negative for CD45.Furthermore,we successfully induced the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro.Additionally,our data demonstrated that EGF promoted the proliferation and migration of passage 3 BMSCs.The relative expression levels of p-Akt and Bcl-2 of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was up-regulated and the expression of Bax was down-regulated.At the same time,the relative expression level of phosphorylated p65 of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was up-regulated and the expression of phosphorylated inhibitor κB was down-regulated.Moreover,the downstream protein of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was up-regulated.Those proteins were related to the migaration of BMSCs.In summary,our results suggest that EGF could promote the proliferation and migration of BMSCs.

Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes neuroblast migration from subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after ischemia / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) inducing angiogenesis on the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone and its mechanisms after focal cerebral ischemia.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to mice for 30 minutes to establish the model. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, BYHWD group and endostatin group. BYHWD (20 g x kg(-1), ig) and endostatin (10 μg, sc) were administered 24 h after ischemia once a day for consecutively 14 days. At 14 d after ischemia, the density of micro-vessel and the number of neuroblasts in the ischemia border zone were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression of cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the model group, BYHWD significantly increased the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), and significantly increased the SDF-1 and BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01). Compared with BYHWD group, endostatin significantly reduced the density of micro-vessel and the number of DCX positive cells in the ischemia border zone (P < 0.01), as well as the SDF-1, BDNF mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BYHWD could promote the neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone via inducing angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia, the mechanism may be correlated with up-regulating the expression of SDF-1 and BDNF.</p>

Comparisons of risk factors for low birth weight between Han and Uygur full-term infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTRIVE</b>To compare the differences in risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) between Han and Uygur full-term infants and to provide a basis for the prevention of LBW in newborn infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-seven full-term LBW infants (38 Hans and 49 Uygurs) between March 2013 and June 2014 were selected as the case group, and 186 full-term normal birth weight infants (92 Hans and 94 Uygurs) were selected as the control group. A questionnaire survey was performed to investigate the related factors for LBW. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the risk factors for LBW.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The birth weights in Uyghur LBW infants were lower than in Han ones (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drinking (OR=2.472, P=0.015) and smoking (OR=2.323, P=0.007) by the father, pregnancy complications (OR=14.377, P<0.001), and times of pregnancy (OR=2.995, P=0.001) were the risk factors for LBW in Han infants, while drinking by the father (OR=1.968, P=0.007), times of pregnancy (OR=1.953, P=0.005), pregnancy complications (OR=10.283, P=0.002), and poor indoor environment (OR=1.367, P=0.027) were the risk factors for LBW in Uyghur infants.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There are differences in physical growth between Han and Uygur LBW infants. Han and Uygur infants share the same traditional risk factors for LBW, such as father's harmful behaviors like drinking, times of pregnancy, and pregnancy complications, however, the indoor environment also plays a role in the occurrence of LBW in Uygur infants.</p>

Cell proteins that potentially interact with HBV polymerase were identified by co-immunoprecipitation-based LC-MS/MS identification and IPA / 病毒学报

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, and frequently results in hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV polymerase (Pol) is an essential viral protein that is important for HBV replication and might be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Protein-protein interactions appears to be crucial for its role. The aim of this study was to screen and identify the proteins that interact with Pol using a co-immunoprecipitation-based LC-MS/MS identification technique. The HBV Pol gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into pCDNA3.1(+). The recombinant plasmid pCDNA3. 1(+)-Pol-flag was transfected into HeLa cells. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified 45 proteins that co-immunoprecipitated with flag-tagged HBV Pol. Eleven of these have previously been reported as proteins that interact with HBV Pol. A proof-of-concept-based Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, www.ingenuity.com) was used to characterize the functions and pathways of these 45 identified proteins and HBV Pol. Among these proteins, four proteins may play a role in three major molecular cellular networks, and are therefore worthy of further investigation.

Factors related to urinary iodine in adults from Shanghai / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the related factors that influencing the level of urinary iodine (UI).Methods 994 adult cases were selected from medical centers.Morning urine was collected and questionnaire including age,sex,family medical history of thyroid disease administered.Information on previous 24-hour consumption of iodine-containing foods was collected.Data was analyzed by Empower(R) software with logistic model.Results The median UI level was 193.0 μg/L.After adjusting for potential confounders,gender (P=0.000),family monthly income per capita (P=0.000),the amount of iodized salt intake (P =0.041),and eating kelps (P=0.000) appeared to be associated with the level of UI.Risk regarding the prevalence of excess UI (＞ 300 μg/L) increased with the increasing amount of salt and kelp consumption:salt consumption ＞165 g/m (OR=24.3,95％CI:1.1-523.8,P＜0.05) ; kelp consumption (OR=9.6,95％CI:2.6-35.1,P＜0.001).Conclusion UI was associated with factors as:gender,family monthly income per capita,intake of iodized salt and the amount of kelp consumption.Excessive intake of iodine might be associated with high intake of iodized salt and kelp.

Effects of naoxintong capsule on the inflammation and prognosis in borderline lesion coronary heart disease patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of Naoxintong Capsule (NC) on the inflammation and long-term prognosis in the borderline lesion coronary heart disease patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 240 coronary heart disease patients with angina symptoms and accompanied with borderline lesion coronary heart disease (with the diameter stenosis in critical 50% -70%) by means of coronary angiography or multislice computed tomography coronary angiography were recruited. These patients were randomly assigned to the conventional treatment group (including nitrate, beta blockers, anti-platelet, anticoagulation, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and so on) and the NC treatment group (treated the same way as those for the conventional treatment group and NC). All patients were treated for 12 months. The occurrence of cardiovascular events was observed after treatment. The inflammatory factors in serum [interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and high sensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP)], matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), blood lipids and blood sugar, liver and kidney functions were measured before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 12 months of treatment, the incidence of angina pectoris patients (6.67% vs 15.83%, P < 0.05) and hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) attacks (4.17% vs 10.83%) was significantly lower in the NC treatment group than in the conventional treatment group. There was no statistical difference in the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, and MMP-9 between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After 12 months of treatment, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, and MMP-9 were significantly lower when compared with before treatment in the same group (P < 0.05). Besides, the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, and MMP-9 were significantly lower in the NC group than in the conventional treatment group (P < 0.05). By means of Logistic regression analysis we found that the post-treatment MMP-9 level and IL-6 level were independent risk factors influencing the recurrence of angina pectoris.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NC could alleviate the inflammation. Long-term administration of NC could reduce the recurrence of angina pectoris and decrease the incidence of ACS attack in borderline lesion coronary heart disease patients. The post-treatment MMP-9 level and IL-6 level were independent risk factors influencing the recurrence of angina pectoris.</p>

Interleukin-8 monoclonal antibody attenuates smooth muscle cell proliferation and balloon inflation-induced abdominal aorta stenosis in rabbits / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of interleukin-8 monoclonal antibody on smooth muscle cell proliferation and balloon inflation-induced abdominal aorta stenosis in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to balloon inflation group (group A, n = 12), interleukin-8 monoclonal antibody pre-treated rabbits (2 mg/kg for 3 days before balloon inflation, group B, n = 12) and sham-operated control group (group C, n = 12). Peripheral blood was collected before experiment and at 4 h, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days post balloon inflation or sham operation and the levels of IL-8 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ratio of positive and negative masculine cells in the high power microscopic field was determined in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stained slide. Histopathologic examination was performed in abdominal aorta and luminal area, intima and tunica media area were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Plasma interleukin-8 began to rise at 4 h and peaked at 1 day and remained increased up to 28 days after balloon inflation in rabbits of group A, plasma interleukin-8 level in group A was significantly higher than in group B and C at 4 h and thereafter post operation. The ratio of positive and negative masculine cells was significantly increased in group A compared to group C and was significantly lower in group B than in group A. Abdominal aorta stenosis, luminal area, intima and tunica media area were significantly reduced in group B than in group A. Correlation analysis indicated that there were positive relations between plasma IL-8 level and intima thickness, area of intima and tunica media, respectively (r = 0.894, 0.783, 0.801, 0.912, all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Plasma IL-8 level is increased in this abdominal aorta stenosis model and is positively correlated to the severity of abdominal aorta stenosis. IL-8 monoclonal antibody could significantly reduce abdominal aorta stenosis in this abdominal aorta stenosis model.</p>

The preparation and kinetic study on enzymatically-controlled drug release of isotretinoin/amylose inclusion complex / 药学学报

The inclusion complex of isotretinoin was prepared by sealed-control temperature method and amylose was used as carrier. The formation of inclusion complex was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and DSC. The equation of enzymatically-controlled drug release was established by kinetic theory, and the release characteristic of drug was confirmed by using the kinetic equation. The results show that the drug release was attributed to first order reaction without alpha-amylase. However, with alpha-amylase, the drug release was an acceleration process by the effect of both dissociation and enzymatic hydrolysis simultaneously. The research indicates that drug release from the inclusion complex was modulated by the addition of alpha-amylase.

The effects of human cytomegalovirus infection on college students' neurobehaviors / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore relevant between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and college students' neurobehaviors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>87 college students were enlisted. They were tested with Bole. Neurobehavioral evaluation system (B. NES), and HCMV IgG antibody was detected after separation of serum. We analyzed the test results of B. NES by SPSS software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>76 college students were infected by HCMV in the past and 11 college students were not infected. The infected group scored 8.89 +/- 6.60 in depression aspect of emotion state test, while control group got 15.73 +/- 9.00. There was Significant difference between infection group and control (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in other aspects of emotion states, study and memory, perception and mental movement (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HCMV infection is associated with depression status.</p>