Protective effect of edaravone on renal-interstitial fibrosis and its mechanism / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To observe the effect of edaravone (EDA) on the expressions of malondialdehyde (MDA), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B cells (NF-κB) and Collagen-III in rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and discuss the protective effect of EDA on renal-interstitial fibrosis. Methods Fifty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (18 each): sham group (normal control), UUO group and EDA group. Rats in UUO group and EDA group received UUO operation. One day before UUO operation, rats in EDA group received intraperitoneal injection of 3.75mg/(kg·d) EDA, and those in sham group and UUO group were injected with equivalent normal saline. Rats were sacrificed in three batches at the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after operation, six from each group in each batch. The renal pathological changes were observed via HE staining and Masson staining. The contents of MDA in renal tissues were determined by spectrophotometry, and the expression levels of p-ERK1/2, NF-κB and collagen-III were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results HE and Masson staining showed no significant changes of MDA content, renal tubules and interstitium in sham group at 3rd, 7th and 14th day, but obvious changes of interstitium and increased fibre deposition in UUO group and EDA group compared with sham group. Compared with UUO group, the lesions of renal tubular and interstitium significantly reduced and the interstitial fibrosis deposition decreased in EDA group. Spectrophotometry indicated that the MDA contents showed no significant difference between EDA group and UUO group [(9.261±0.496)nmol/mg prot and (10.143±0.301)nmol/mg prot] on the 3rd day after operation, but was higher than in sham group [(6.918±1.120)nmol/mg prot]. The MDA contents at the 7th and 14th day after surgery in EDA group [(11.545±0.620)nmol/mg prot and (15.203±0.512)nmol/mg prot] were significantly lower than in UUO group [(13.405±0.612)nmol/mg prot and (18.133±1.684)nmol/mg prot]. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that no significant difference existed in the expressions of p-ERK1/2, NF-κB and Collagen III at the 3 time points in sham group; At the 3rd day after surgery, the expressions of p-ERK1/2, NF-κB and Collagen III were higher in EDA group (19 055.7±1866.1, 11 217.0±989.9 and 9724.1±341.9) than in sham group (14 100.3±1822.7, 7975.1±2058.5 and 6890.0±2389.9, P0.05). At the 7th and 14th day after surgery, the expression level of p-ERK1/2 was significantly lower in EDA group (26 228.0±523.0 and 30 647.1±583.8) than in UUO group (28 254.9±886.6 and 33 240.3±1330.4); the expression level of NF-κB was obviously lower in EDA group (16 374.4±1045.3 and 21 111.2±1022.5) than in UUO group (18 799.4±357.0 and 27 125.2±2873.3); the expression level of Collagen-III was markedly lower in EDA group (12 470.9±506.1 and 19 615.8±1120.1) than in UUO group (15 049.9±1372.3 and 22 868.9±1889.2), all the differences were of statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion Oxidative stress and the signaling pathway of p-ERK1/2 and NF-κB may play a role in the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in UUO rat model, and EDA may have an antifibrosis effect by down-regulating the levels of oxidative stress in kidney tissue and inhibiting the signaling pathway of p-ERK1/2 and NF-κB.

Nosocomial Infection Surveillance in a Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are a critical issue affecting the quality of healthcare. In this study, we performed a retrospective study to explore the incidence rates, mortality rates, and microbial spectrum of NIs in Beijing Chest Hospital, a tuberculosis (TB) specialized hospital in China. Our data demonstrate that the overall incidence rate of inpatients with NIs slightly decreased from 2012 to 2016, which may be associated with the implementation of hand hygiene measures, while the mortality rates associated with NI did not significantly change. In addition, the species distribution of NIs was quite different from that presented in previous reports, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated microorganism.

CDC42-interacting protein 4 gene is down trans-regulated by HBV DNA polymerase trans activated protein 1

Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] DNA polymerase transactivated protein 1 [HBVDNAPTP1] is a novel protein transactivated by HBV DNA polymerase, screened by suppression subtractive hybridization technique [GenBank accession no: AY450389]. The biological function of HBVDNAPTP1 was investigated in this study. We constructed a vector pcDNA3.1 [-]/myc-His A-HBVDNAPTP1 and used it to transfect acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. HBVDNAPTP1 expression was detected by western blot analysis in the cells. A cDNA library of genes transactivated by HBVDNAPTP1 in THP-1 cells was made in pGEM-T Easy using suppression subtractive hybridization [SSH]. The cDNAs were sequenced and analyzed with BLAST search against the sequences in GenBank. Some sequences, such as CIP4, might be involved in apoptosis development. mRNA and protein expression of CIP4 was identified by Real time RT-PCR and western blot in THP-1 cells. HBVDNAPTP1 could down-regulate the expression of CIP4 at both transcription and translation levels. HBVDNAPTP1 may be involved in the positive regulation on the initiation of monocyte apoptosis. The result contribute to reveal the HBVDNAPTP1 biological functions and provide new evidences for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of HBVDNAPTP1

Effect and safety analysis of carvedilol with metoprolol on children with dilated cardiomyopathy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To compare the effect,safety and tolerance of carvedilol and metoprolol on children with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Children with DCM from Sep.2006 to Nov.2011 in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University were randomly divided into carvedilol group [(24 cases,14 doys,10 girls; (3.05 ± 3.27) years old] and metoprolol group [(24 cases,13 boys,11 girls,(3.15 ± 2.42) years old].After controlling heart failure,the patients began to take oral carvedilol starting from 0.1 mg/(kg · d) or metoprolol starting from 0.5 mg/(kg · d).The 2 groups increased dose every 2 weeks.The largest dose was respectively 0.8 mg/(kg · d) or 2.0 mg/(kg · d),then maintaining the treatment for about 12 months.Cardiothoracic ratio,left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),left ventricular shortening fraction(LVFS),left ventricular mass (LVmass),drug safety and tolerance of 2 groups after treatment were evaluated.Results Cardiothoracic ratio,LVEDV,LVESV,LVmass significantly decreased but LVEF,LVFS significantly increased after treatment in comparison with before treatment in carvedilol group and metoprolol group(all P ＜ 0.05).Heart size and function were of no significant differences between carvedilol group and metoprolol group before treatment and after treatment (all P ＞ 0.05).The tolerated dose and safety of drug was slightly higher in carvedilol group compared with metoprolol group,but they did not have statistically significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Both carvedilol and metoprolol can reverse left ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function of children with DCM.Carvedilol and metoprolol have higher safety and better tolerance.Safety and tolerance of carvedilol may be better,and thus has better application prospect.

Prokaryotic expression, purification and activity analysis of recombinant human serine protease inhibitor Hespintor Kazal Domain / 生物工程学报

Hespintor is an unknown function protein that was got from hepatoblastoma cell lines HepG2 by suppression subtractive hybridization technique (SSH), sequence analysis showed that the protein is a new member of secretory type of Kazal type serine protease inhibitor (Serpin) family, and has high homology with esophageal cancer related gene 2 (ECRG2). The coding sequence of Hespintor's Kazal domain was subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-40b(+), then transformed into Rosetta (DE3). A recombinant protein about 42 kDa in the form of inclusion body was optimization expressed by inducing with 0.25 mmol/L IPTG, 30 degrees C for 5 h. and its specificity was confirmed via Western blotting. The recombinant protein was purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography (MCAC) and anion-exchange chromatography. The preliminary experimental result showed that the recombinant protein can inhibit trysin hydrolysis activity specifically. The result clearly demonstrated that Hespintor, as a novel member of Serpin, would be valuable in developing anti-tumor agents.

Research progress of new antibacterial drugs that target bacterial quorum sensing systems / 药学学报

In recent years, antibiotic resistance of bacteria has become a global health crisis. Especially, the new class of "superbug" was found in South Asia, which is resistant to almost known antibiotics and causes worldwide alarm. Through the underlying mechanisms of bacterial pathogenecity, the expression of many pathogen virulence factors is regulated by the process of quorum sensing. Screening efficient quorum sensing inhibitors is an especially compelling approach to the future treatment of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance. This article focuses on bacterial quorum sensing system, quorum sensing screening model for in vitro and evaluation of animal models in vivo, recent research of quorum sensing inhibitors and so on.

Effect of lingdankang composite combined dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cells in treating leukemia / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Lingdankang Composite (LDK) combined dendritic cell-cytokine induced killer cells (DC-CIK) in treating leukemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Subjects were selected from leukemia patients who achieved hematological complete remission (HCR) but not achieved molecular biological remission (MBR), or with minimal residual leukemia (MRL) positive. Twenty patients, 19 of acute leukemia and 1 of chronic myelocytic leukemia, were enrolled. DC and CIK from patient's peripheral blood monocyte were separated respectively by blood cell separator, then DC-CIK was obtained through respective culture followed with mixed cultivation of them, and was infused back to the patient self via intravenous injection. The back infusion of DC-CIK was performed once every 15-20 days for 4-6 times in total. Meantime, LDK was administered orally every day.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 20 patients treated, 4 case of HCR achieved MBR, the negatively reversed marker gene was AML1/ETO in 1 case, CBFbeta/MYH11 in 1, bcr/abl in 1, and the other 1 was IgH gene rearrangement; 3 patients with positive MRL were reversed to negative. The 3-year CR rate was 75% with a medium CR period of 25 months (10-37 months). Except transient fever and chill in 5 cases, no other remarkable adverse reaction happened during or after DC-CIK infusion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined treatment of LDK and autologous DC-CIK in treating patients with HCR shows an obvious effect of clearing MRL, it is the appropriate choice for curing leukemia of HCR, and is safety for intravenous infusion, so it has potential clinical prospect.</p>

Three-dimensional CT angiography study on the relations between the vertebral artery and atlantoaxial joint / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The vertebral artery (VA) and atlantoaxial joint (AAJ), with complicated structures, are located in the depths of the head-neck boundary area, the regional anatomy of which cannot be shown globally and directly. This study aims to evaluate three-dimensional CT angiography (3DCTA) in displaying the AAJ, atlantoaxial segment of the vertebral artery (ASVA) and the identification of their interrelations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-eight subjects without pathology of the ASVA and AAJ were selected from head-neck CTA examination. All the 3D images were formed with volume rendering (VR) together with techniques of separating, fusing, opacifying and false-coloring (SFOF). On the 3D images, the ASVA and AAJ were observed, and their interrelations were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 3DCTA images were of high quality and up to our requirements. They could clearly and directly show the ASVA, ascending along the AAJ. There were 5 curves in the course of the ASVA, of which 2 curves were away from the atlantoaxial joint, one in the 2nd curve of 0.0 mm - 5.4 mm, the other in the 4th of 2.6 mm - 9.2 mm. There was no significant difference in the measurements between left and right (P > 0.05). The curved parts of the ASVA slightly expanded, with the biggest diameter of 5.6 mm in the 4th curve. Statistical comparison shows that the left ASVA is larger than the right (P < 0.05). Variations of the ASVA were found in 8 cases and of the AAJ in 12.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>3DCTA can globally and directly demonstrate the structures of the AAJ, ASVA and their interrelations. The 3D imaging data make up and enrich the research contents of regional anatomy and lay the foundation for related study and applications.</p>

Clinical observation on the treatment of childhood refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with Dihuang Zhixue Capsule / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of Dihuang Zhixue Capsule (DZC, a Chinese preparation for cooling blood and dispelling toxic substances) in the treatment of childhood refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (RITP), with cyclosporin A (CsA) used as the control.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-one children of RITP were randomized into the treated group and the control group. The 21 patients in the treated group were orally given 2 to 3 DZC capsules each time, thrice a day and the 20 in the control group were given 3 mg/kg CsA per day, with 3 months as one therapeutic course. The therapeutic efficacy, platelet count and adverse reaction in the two groups were compared at the end of the course.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) In the treated group, 1 (4.8%) patient was evaluated as cured, 3 (14.3%) as markedly effective, 5 (23.8%) as effective, 5 (23.8%) as improved, 7 (33.3%) as ineffective, with the total effective rate being 66.7%; while in the control group, the corresponding numbers were 0, 2 (10.0%), 2 (10.0%), 3 (15.0%), 13 (65.0%) and 35.0%, respectively, showing statistical significance in difference between the total effective rates of the two groups (xi(2)=4.11, P=0.0426). (2) As compared with the baseline, the platelet count increased in both groups after 2 months' treatment (P<0.05). After 3 months' treatment, the platelet count was higher in the treated group than in the control group (P<0.05). (3) The improvement of hemorrhage in the treated group after 8 weeks' treatment was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). (4) No apparent adverse reaction was observed in the treated group, while in the control group, hirsutism was shown in 15 cases; gingival hyperplasia in 10; digestive reaction in 5, liver function impairment in 5, hypertension in 2 and renal impairment in 2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic efficacy of DZC is better than that of CsA, and DZC shows good compliance but brings no obvious adverse reaction.</p>

Effect of estrogen replacement therapy in the early phase on atherosclerosis and PAI-1 in ovariectomized cholesterol-fed rabbit / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the early phase on the atherosclerosis and the level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1).@*METHODS@#Twenty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to 4 groups: Group A, sham operation (n=7); Group B, ovariectomized without estradiol (n=7); Group C, ovariectomized with low-dose estradiol (n=7); and Group D, ovariectomized with high-dose estradiol (n=7). All rabbits were given 1% cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Levels of blood lipid, estradiol, and PAI-1 were measured before the operation and at the end of the 4th and 12th weeks. Twelve weeks later, we took the aortas for pathological analysis and calculated the areas of atherosclerotic plaque.@*RESULTS@#After 12 weeks, the estradiol level of Group B was significantly lower than that of Group A, and that of Group D was obviously higher than Group A. There was no significant difference between Group C and A. The concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in Group B significantly increased compared with Group A (P<0.01). The levels of TC and LDL-C of Group C and D were significantly lower than those of Group A. Whereas the concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in Group B were lower than those of Groups A, C and D (P<0.01). In contrast to Groups A, C and D, the level of PAI-1 was significantly higher in the Group B (P<0.01), without significant differences among Groups A, C and D. The area of atherosclerotic lesion of aorta in Group B was significantly bigger than that of Group A, C and D. The areas of aortic atherosclerotic plaque in Group C and D were obviously smaller than those of Group A (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Transdermal estrogen replacement therapy in the early phase can improve the metabolism of the serum lipids, reduce the level of PAI-1, and probably provide the protective effect on the atheroma formation.

Application of CT 3D reconstruction in diagnosing atlantoaxial subluxation / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate and compare the diagnostic value in atlantoaxial subluxation by CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>3D reconstruction findings of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation were retrospectively analyzed, and comparisons were made among images of transverse section, multiplanar reformorting (MPR), surface shade display (SSD), maximum intensity project (MIP), and volume rendering (VR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation, 31 belonged to rotary dislocation, 5 antedislocation, and 5 hind dislocation. All the cases showed the dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation. Fifteen cases showed deviation of the odontoid process and 8 cases widened distance between the dens and anterior arch of the atlas. The dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation was more clearly seen with SSD-3D imaging than any other methods.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Atlantoaxial subluxation can well be diagnosed by CT 3D reconstruction, in which SSD-3D imaging is optimal.</p>

The effects of a rotating magnetic field on Li pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To study the effects of a rotating magnetic field(RMF)on Li pilocarpine-in- duced seizure activity and the expression of mGluR1 and mGluR5 in the hippocampus.Methods Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups.Each rat in the model(M),short treatment(ST)and long treatment(LT)groups was treated with intra-peritoneal injections of lithium chloride(60 mg/kg),followed by an intra-peritoneal injec- tion of pilocarpine(35 mg/kg)24 h later.The rats in the ST group were exposed to 20 mT RMF for 20 min ev- ery day for 3 d before seizure induction,while the rats in LT group were exposed to the same RMF for 8 d.The latency,severity and duration of seizure,as well as accompanying symptoms and electroencephalogram data, were recorded,and the expression of mGluR1 and mGluR5 was calculated using an electrophoretic imaging anal- ysis system.Results The duration,times and accompanying symptoms of seizure were significantly decreased in the LT group.The mGluR1 mRNA level and mGluR1/mGluR5 ratio in the M group were markedly increased, but the mGluR5 mRNA level was obviously decreased,while the expression of mGluR1 in the ST and LT groups was decreased,and mGluR5 was increased.Conclusions Seizure activity in rats can be inhibited by 20 mT RMF,and the expression of mGluRl and mGluR5 in the hippocampus of rats suffering seizures can be markedly influenced by longer-term RMF.