Stable field-emission from a CeB6 nanoneedle point electron source.

A single CeB6 nanoneedle structure has been fabricated using a focused ion beam (FIB) and its field emission characteristics have been evaluated. A converged electron beam has been obtained, attributed to its sharpened tip with a radius of curvature of about 10 nm. Combined with its low work function, the required electric field is as low as 1.6 V nm-1 to generate a field emission current of 50 nA. The most outstanding feature of the CeB6 nanoneedle emitter is its excellent current stability that enabled continuous emission for 16 hours with a fluctuation of 1.6% and without deterioration even in a vacuum of 10-7 Pa. The stable field-emission is attributed to the nanometric tip radius that led to reduction in gas adsorption and desorption. In addition, the downward dipolar structure on the emission surface is also beneficial for making the surface inert. These performance factors make CeB6 a practical field-emission point electron source for microscopy applications.

A "Biconcave-Alleviated" Strategy to Construct Aspergillus niger-Derived Carbon/MoS2 for Ultrastable Sodium Ion Storage.

Two-dimensional layered materials commonly face hindered electron transfer and poor structure stability, thus limiting their application in high-rate and long-term sodium ion batteries. In the current study, we adopt finite element simulation to guide the rational design of nanostructures. By calculating the von Mises stress distribution of a series of carbon materials, we find that the hollow biconcave structure could effectively alleviate the stress concentration resulting from expansion. Accordingly, we propose a biconcave-alleviated strategy based on the Aspergillus niger-derived carbon (ANDC) to construct ANDC/MoS2 with a hollow biconcave structure. The ANDC/MoS2 is endowed with an excellent long-term cyclability as an anode of sodium ion batteries, delivering a discharge capacity of 496 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1. A capacity retention rate of 94.5% is achieved, an increase of almost seven times compared with the bare MoS2 nanosheets. Even at a high current density of 5 A g-1, a reversible discharge capacity around 400 mAh g-1 is maintained after 300 cycles. ANDC/MoS2 could also be used for efficient lithium storage. By using in situ TEM, we further reveal that the hollow biconcave structure of ANDC/MoS2 has enabled stable and fast sodiation/desodiation.

Diagnosis and treatment of emergency inguinal hernia / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of emergency inguinal hernia.Methods:The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinical data of 236 patients with emergency inguinal hernia who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2015 to May 2020 were collected. There were 194 males and 42 females, aged (69±30)years. Hospitalized patients received routine blood biochemistry test and imaging examinations for evaluation of characteristics of hernia contents and intestinal obstruction. Manual reduction and surgical treatment were selected according to the conditions of patients. Observation indicators: (1) treatment; (2) follow-up. Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect hernia recurrence and late-onset mesh infection up to August 2020. Measurement data were described as M (range) or M ( P25, P75), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was done using the chi-square test. Results:(1) Treatment: of the 236 patients, 106 cases had successful manual reduction, 124 cases underwent emergency operation, 6 cases refused surgery. ① For 106 cases with successful manual reduction (including 4 cases guided by B-ultrasonography), the manual reduction time was 5 minutes (2 minutes,7 minutes). Ninety-three of 106 patients underwent selective operation after manual reduction, including 89 cases with indirect hernia, 2 cases with direct hernia and 2 cases with compound hernia. The time to selective operation was 3 days(2 days,5 days) after manual reduction. Patients underwent mesh repair, of which the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative first flatus, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 44 minutes (29 minutes, 66 minutes),10 mL(5 mL,20 mL), 1 day(1 day,2 days), 1 day(1 day,2 days), respectively. Eleven patients didn't undergo selective operation. Two patients with abdominal pain and fever after manual reduction were diagnosed with perforation of intestine by emergency surgical exploration, and then underwent partial intestinal resection combined with high ligation of hernial sac. ② There were 93 of 124 patients undergoing emergency operation with indirect hernia, 18 cases with femoral hernia, 6 cases with obturator hernia, 6 cases with compound hernia and 1 case with direct hernia. There were 54 of 124 patients undergoing open operation, including 21 cases with Bassini surgery, 18 cases with Lichtenstein surgery, 9 cases with Mc Vay surgery, 6 cases with high ligation of hernia sac. There were 70 patients undergoing laparoscopic operation, including 57 cases with laparoscopic transperitoneal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP), 10 cases with laparoscopic explora-tion + tissue repair and 3 cases with laparoscopic exploration + closure of inner inguinal ring. The operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative first flatus, cases with short-term postoperative complications were 60 minutes (50 minutes,76 minutes), 20 mL(14 mL,30 mL), 2 days(1 day,2 days), 15 cases for patients undergoing open surgery, respectively. The above indicators were 56 minutes (47 minutes,77 minutes), 20 mL(10 mL,25 mL), 2 days(1 day,2 days), 21 cases for patients under-going laparoscopic surgery. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=?0.88, ?1.37, ?1.56, χ2=0.07, P>0.05). Cases with intraoperative placement of mesh and duration of hospital stay were 18 cases and 5 days(3 days,8 days) for patients undergoing open surgery, versus 57 cases and 3 days(2 days,5 days) for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, showing significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=29.50, Z=?4.32, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up: of 236 patients, 192 were followed up for 2?60 months, with a median follow-up time of 19 months. Seven patients had recurrence of hernia after emergency operation, including 3 with high ligation of the hernia sac, 2 with Bassini surgery, 1 with Lichtenstein surgery, and 1 with laparoscopic exploration + closure of inner inguinal ring. One patient with late-onset mesh infection after Lichtenstein surgery was improved after mesh removal. No long-term complications such as hernia recurrence or late-onset mesh infection occurred to the 184 patients. Conclusions:Emergency inguinal hernia had different state of illness, manual reduction is suitable for partial patients with incarceration. Surgery is the first choice, and the surgical procedure needs to be individually selected.

Construction of Highly Active Metal-Containing Nanoparticles and FeCo-N4 Composite Sites for the Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Metal-containing nanoparticles (M-NPs) in metal/nitrogen-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts have been considered hostile to the acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The relation between M-NPs and the active sites of metal coordinated with nitrogen (MNx ) is hard to establish in acid medium owing to the poor stability of M-NPs. Herein, we develop a strategy to successfully construct a new FeCo-N-C catalyst containing highly active M-NPs and MN4 composite sites (M/FeCo-SAs-N-C). Enhanced catalytic activity and stability of M/FeCo-SAs-N-C is shown experimentally. Calculations reveal that there is a strong interaction between M-NPs and FeN4 sites, which can favor ORR by activating the O-O bond, thus facilitating a direct 4 e- process. Those findings firstly shed light on the highly active M-NPs and FeN4 composite sites for catalyzing acid oxygen reduction reaction, and the relevant reaction mechanism is suggested.

[Application of cream formula in treatment of severe heart failure].

Cream formula has been mostly used to treat deficiency syndrome. Currently,it has been used to recuperate the body,promote health against aging,and prevent and treat chronic disease. In modern medicine,there are only treatment concepts and methods of diseases,but lack of concepts of " deficiency syndrome" and " restoring deficiency". The concepts of " deficiency syndrome" and " restoring deficiency" could effectively supplement and improve the diagnosis and treatment scheme of some modern diseases. Refractory heart failure,dilated cardiomyopathy,ischemic cardiomyopathy,and valvular heart disease belong to the traditional category of " consumptive disease". The cream formula with the efficacy of restoring deficiency can not only alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life,but also improve the structure and function of the heart,reduce the dosage of diuretics and the number of hospitalizations,and achieve the purpose of secondary prevention in the treatment of severe heart failure,dilated cardiomyopathy,ischemic cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease. The cream formula for treating chronic heart failure include Shenqi Pills,Zhenwu Decoction,Yougui Pills,Wuling Powder,Linggui Zhugan Decoction,Danggui Shaoyao Powder,Lizhong Decoction,Buzhong Yiqi Decoction,Guipi Decoction,Yupingfeng Powder,Guizhi Decoction. Long-term administration of cream formula could not only resist aging,but also play an irreplaceable role in the secondary prevention of acute and critical diseases.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Xiao Yao San in hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Xiao Yao San (XYS) is thought to be beneficial for the treatment of hypertension in China. PURPOSE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XYS in hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 7 electronic databases for randomized controlled trials from their inception until January 7, 2019. METHODS: Methodological quality was assessed independently using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. RESULTS: A total of 17 trials including 1460 hypertensive patients met the selection criteria. Pooled analysis favored XYS plus antihypertensive drugs on blood pressure (BP), Hamilton anxiety scale, self-rating anxiety scale, self-rating depression scale, 9-item patient health questionnaire scale, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein. No significant difference between XYS plus antihypertensive drugs and antihypertensive drugs on major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events was identified. XYS was well tolerated in the treatment of hypertension. CONCLUSION: XYS adjuvant to antihypertensive drugs maybe beneficial for hypertensive patients in lowering BP, improving depression, regulating blood lipids, and inhibiting inflammation. However, the efficacy and safety of XYS are still uncertain due to methodological shortcomings. More long-term, randomized, double-blinded clinical trials are needed in future studies.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Herbal Formula Longdanxiegan Decoction for Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The traditional Chinese medicine classic herbal formula Longdanxiegan decoction (LDXGD) is widely used for hypertensive patients in China. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LDXGD for hypertension. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database were searched up to February 7, 2017 for randomized control trials in treating hypertension. Results: Nine trials were identified. Compared with antihypertensive drugs, Longdanxiegan decoction plus antihypertensive drugs (LPAD) significantly improved systolic blood pressure (BP) (n = 138; MD = -4.82 mmHg; 95% CI: -7.89 to -1.76; P = 0.002), diastolic BP (n = 138; MD = -2.42 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.22 to -1.62; P < 0.00001), categorical BP (n = 509; RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.36; P < 0.00001), hypertension related symptoms (n = 509; RR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.49; P < 0.0001), and heart rate (n = 138; MD = -2.40 bpm; 95% CI: -4.23 to -0.56; P = 0.01). Beneficial effects but no statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (n = 138; MD = -0.11 mmol/l; 95% CI: -0.65 to 0.44; P = 0.71), or triglyceride (n = 138; MD = -0.20 mmol/l; 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.07; P = 0.14) was observed in LPAD. Compared with antihypertensive drugs, LDXGD used alone significantly improved systolic BP, diastolic BP, and hypertension related symptoms. But there was no difference between LDXGD and antihypertensive drugs on categorical BP (n = 120; RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.23; P = 0.18). The safety of LDXGD were still unclear. Conclusions: Due to poor methodological quality of the included trials, as well as potential reporting bias, our review found no conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of LDXGD in treating hypertension. The potential beneficial effects and safety of LDXGD should be assessed in future properly designed trials.

[Experience from four dimensions application of classic formulas for treatment of dysmenorrhea].

The application of classic formulas from Shanghan Zabing Lun has a long history in treatment of dysmenorrhea. However, the understanding on how to use classic formula in treatment of dysmenorrhea is still insufficient in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mainly limited to syndrome differentiation and the formula-syndrome correlation. The treatment method of syndrome differentiation is flexible and changeable, but the process is tedious and difficult to copy. In addition, its experience is not easy to summarize and pass on, and it is difficult for beginners to comprehend the essence. Formula-syndrome correlation method is accurate, quick acting, but subjective, too mechanical, and will have obvious side effects in case of prescription mistakes. For complex diseases or when suffering from a variety of diseases, the efficacy of formula-syndrome correlation method is not so obvious. By analyzing the advantages and limitations of these two methods, the author has created a four-dimensional therapy which combines the advantages of these two, from four dimensions including disease differentiation, syndromes differentiation, time differentiation, and constitution differentiation in clinical application for dysmenorrheal. Its clinical curative effect is satisfactory. Four-dimensional therapy is a way of thinking, to guide clinicians for accurate diagnosis and precisely choosing drugs; meanwhile, the personalized health guidance is given according to different constitutions and different seasons, which also has certain significance to treat the undiseased.

Role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 in regulating the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and explore the possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression levels of AIF-1 in 70 CRC tissues and paired adjacent tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and the correlation of AIF-1 expression with the clinicopathological features of the patients was analyzed. In the CRC cell line SW480, the functional role of AIF-1 in regulating tumor progression was investigated by transfecting the cells with an AIF-1-overexpressing plasmid (AIF-1) and a negative control plasmid (NC). EdU proliferation assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the cell proliferation and cell cycle changes; Transwell migration assay and Annexin V-APC/7-AAD apoptosis assay kit were used to analyze the cell migration and apoptosis. The changes in the biological behaviors of the cells were observed after application of SB203580 to block the p38 MAPK pathway. The expression levels of CDK4, cyclin D1, P21, P27, MMP2, MMP9, Bax, Bcl2, Bcl-xl, p38 and p-p38 were detected using Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AIF-1 was down-regulated in CRC tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues, and its expression level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.008), TNM stage (P=0.003) and tumor size (P=0.023). Overexpression of AIF-1 in SW480 cells significantly reduced EdU-positive cells and caused obvious cell cycle arrest in G1 phase (P<0.05). AIF-1 overexpression resulted in significantly lowered protein expressions of CDK4 and cyclin D1, enhanced expressions of P21 and P27, attenuated cell migration ability (P<0.001), and decreased protein levels of MMP2 and MMP9. AIF-1 overexpression also induced obvious apoptosis of SW480 cells (P<0.01), significantly increased the protein levels of Bax and p-p38, and decreased the protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl; SB203580 significantly attenuated the apoptosis-inducing effect of AIF-1 overexpression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AIF-1 plays the role of a tumor suppressor in CRC by inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing cell migration and inducing cell apoptosis. AIF-1 overexpression promotes the apoptosis of CRC cells by activating the p38 MAPK pathway.</p>

Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: analysis of 59 consecutive patients / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a overnight procedure in China.Methods The data of 59 consecutive patients who had undergone outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy between Januaiy 2013 and January 2015.All the patients were operated in the morning hours and discharged during 24 hours after operation.They were contacted by telephone 3 days subsequent to surgery and were seen in the outpatient unit 7 days after.Results Fifty-nine laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed.No Conversion to open surgery case.The average operation time was 25 minutes,and restore semi-liquid diet 6 hours after the operation All the 59 patients were discharged during 24 hours after operations.None of the patients had an emergency readmission.None of the patients had complications 7 days after discharged.The average payment was 8 240 yuan.Conclusion These results suggest that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be routinely performed as a overnight procedure.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair and risk analysis affecting postoperative complications / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair and risk factors affecting postoperative complications.Methods The retrospective casecontrol study was conducted.The clinical data of 595 patients who received laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from February 2008 to August 2016 was collected.Operations were performed by the same doctors' team.Observation indicators:(1) surgical situations;(2) postoperative situations;(3) follow-up situations;(4) risk factors affecting complications after laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect the recovery time of non-restricted activity,postoperative complications and hernia recurrence up to February 2017.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as (x)±s.The univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were done using the chi-square test and Logistic regression model.Results (1) Surgical situations:595 patients underwent laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair using the heavy meshes.Overall operation time and overall volume of blood loss were (55±25) minutes and (7±5)mL,including operation time of (50±20)minutes in 502 unilateral hernias and operation time of (81 ± 29)minutes in 93 bilateral hernias.Of 595 patients,34 had incarcerated hernia,the contents of hernia:greater omentum,small intestine and sigmoid colon were detected in 21,11 and 2 patients,respectively,with an incarcerated time of 2-21 hours;4 with incarcerated hernia induced small intestinal necrosis received laparoscopy-assisted small intestinal resection ± anastomosis,1 with sigmoid colon necrosis received necrotic sigmoid canal resection ± sigmoidostomy and 29 received repair after the contents restoration of hernia.Operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss in 34 patients with incarcerated hernia were (84 ± 39)minutes and (12±6) mL.Thirteen of 595 patients (10 with indirect hernia and 3 with direct hernia) had recurrent hernia,and operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were (75±-26)minutes and (10± 5)mL.(2) Postoperative situations:time to initial exsufflation of 595 patients was (19± 12)hours.Of 595 patients,590 took fluid diet at 6 hours postoperatively and 5 undergoing enterectomy took fluid diet at 24 hours postoperatively.The pain score at 1 day postoperatively and duration of hospital stay were respectively 2.5± 1.4 and (2.1± 1.9)days.(3) Follow-up situations:of 595 patients,593 recovered non-restricted activity at 2 weeks postoperatively and 2 didn't recover non-restricted activity at 2 weeks postoperatively.Of 595 patients,542 were followed up for 6-60 months,with a median time of 31 months.Fifty-seven,25,13 and 1 patients were respectively complicated with seroma,surgical pain,urinary retention and enteroparalysis,they were improved by symptomatic treatment,and the same patient can have multiple complications.There were no severe complications which needed surgical intervention,such as vascular injury,damnify of intestinal canal and poke hole hernia.Of 2 patients with recurrence of hernia,1 with right indirect hernia had recurrence of direct hernia and then received Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair,and 1 received treatment in other hospital.(4) Risk factors affecting complications after laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair:results of univariate analysis showed that age,diameter of hernia sac,incarcerated hernia,recurrent hernia,operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were related factors affecting complications after laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair (x2 =6.657,55.296,44.305,5.253,117.461,100.722,P＜0.05).Results of multivariate analysis showed that diameter of hernia sac ≥ 4 cm,incarcerated hernia,operation time ≥ 100 minutes and volume of intraoperative blood loss ≥ 10 mL were independent risk factors affecting complications after laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair (OR =3.610,11.315,12.401,7.346,95％ confidence interval:2.009-6.486,3.579-35.772,5.408-28.437,3.739-14.434,P＜ 0.05).Conclusion Laparoscopic TAPP approach for inguinal hernia is safe and effective,and diameter of hernia sac ≥4 cm,incarcerated hernia,operation time ≥ 100 minutes and volume of intraoperative blood loss ≥ 10 mL are independent risk factors affecting complications after laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair.

Dynamic Change of Red Cell Distribution Width Levels in Prediction of Hospital Mortality in Chinese Elderly Patients with Septic Shock / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The normal range of red cell distribution width (RDW) level is <15%. Several studies have indicated that a high RDW level was associated with mortality in critically ill patients, and the patients with a high RDW level need increased focus in clinical practice. In view of the difficulty in defining the specific value of high RDW level, the key is to focus on the patient with the level beyond the normal upper limit. This study aimed to determine whether dynamic change of RDW levels, rather than the level itself, is predictive of death in elderly patients with septic shock when RDW level is beyond 15%.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between September 2013 and September 2015, the elderly septic shock patients with RDW level beyond 15% were enrolled in this study. The RDW levels were measured at enrollment (day 1), and days 4 and 7 after enrollment. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded simultaneously.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 45 patients, including 32 males and 13 females, were included in the final analysis. Based on their hospital outcomes, these patients were divided into the survivor group (n = 26) and the nonsurvivor group (n = 19). There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, initial level of RDW, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, and SOFA scores between survivors and nonsurvivors. At days 4 and 7 measurement, both RDW level (median [interquartile range]: day 4: 15.8 [2.0]% vs. 16.7 [2.0]%, P= 0.011; and day 7: 15.6 [1.8]% vs. 17.7 [2.5]%, P= 0.001) and SOFA scores (day 4: 7.0 [4.0] vs. 16.0 [5.0], P< 0.001, day 7: 5.5 [4.0] vs. 17.0 [5.0], P< 0.001) were significantly lower in survivors than those in nonsurvivors. Dynamic changes of RDW and SOFA scores in survivor group were significantly different from those in nonsurvivor group (all P< 0.05). Continuous increase in RDW level was observed in 10 of the 13 nonsurvivors, but only in 3 of the 26 survivors. The level of RDW7 and dynamic changes significantly correlated with their counterparts of SOFA scores (all P< 0.05), whereas the levels of RDW1 and RDW4 had no significant correlation with their counterparts of SOFA scores (all P> 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Continuous increase in RDW level, rather than the level of RDW itself, was more useful in predicting hospital death in elderly patients with septic shock when the level of RDW was >15%. The dynamic changes of RDW were highly correlated with the SOFA score in the patients.</p>

[Effects of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic Acid on the Expression of CCL11, AQP1 and EOS in Nasal Mucosa of Allergic Rhinitis Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the expression of eotaxin 1 (CCL11), aquaporin protein 1 (AQP1) and eosinophil (EOS) in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) rats. METHODS: Seventy six Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, normal control (NC) group, AR model (AR) group, loratadine (LOA) group and 18ß-GA group. All the mice in AR, LOA and 18ß-GA groups were sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA and AL(OH), from day 1-14, then induced by intranasal administration with OVA from day 14-21, while the mice in NC group were sensitized with saline. The mice in both LOA and 18ß-GA group were given LOA and 18ß-GA once a day respectively from the 21 d, while the mice in AR and NC groups were administrated with saline. At the end of 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks, the behavioral changes of mice were observed and recorded, the level of CCL11 mRNA was measured by RT-QPCR, and AQP1 expression was investiaged by SP staing. EOS in nasal mucosa was studied with the methods of HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with NC group, AR group showed typical AR symptoms. With the treatments, AR symptom scores and the expression levels of CCL11, AQP1 and EOS in nasal mucosa were improved significantly (P<0. 05). When compared with AR group, the above statistics in LOA group were down-regulated evidently at different points in time (P<. 05). At the end of 1 week, the above detection results in 18ß-GA group were lower than those in AR group (P<0. 05). At the end of 2 weeks, those parameters approached to the levels of LOA and NC group significantly. CONCLUSION: 18ß-GA administration could down-regulate the expression levels of CCL11, AQP1 and EOS in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats and cast effects on inhibiting the progress of AR.

[Effect of 18-ß Glycyrrhetinic Acid on the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Nasal Epithelial Cells in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of 18-ß glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) model rats. METHODS: Totally 96 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group, the AR model group, the loratadine group, the GA group, 24 in each group. AR models were established by peritoneally injecting ovalbumin (OVA). Morphological scoring was performed. GA at 21. 6 mg/kg was intragastrically administered to rats in the GA group. Nasal mucosal tissues were taken for electron microscopic examinations at the second, fourth, sixth, and tenth week after drug intervention. RESULTS: The overlapping score was 2.10 ± 0.45 in the blank group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the loratadine group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the AR model group, 5.20 ± 0.78 in the GA group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank group (P < 0.01). Results under transmission electron microscope showed that the number of the endoplasmic reticulum increased in the AR model group, with obvious cystic dilatation, a lot of vacuole formation, and degranulation. A large number of free ribosomes could be seen in cytoplasm. With persistent allergen exposure, changes mentioned above was progressively aggravated in the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal mucosal epithelium in the AR model group. But the dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole formation, and degranulation were relieved in the GA group, and got close to those of the blank group. CONCLUSION: 18-ß GA could improve the expansion, vacuolization, and degranulation of the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in AR model rats.

Effect of 18-β Glycyrrhetinic Acid on the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Nasal Epithelial Cells in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of 18-β glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) model rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 96 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group, the AR model group, the loratadine group, the GA group, 24 in each group. AR models were established by peritoneally injecting ovalbumin (OVA). Morphological scoring was performed. GA at 21. 6 mg/kg was intragastrically administered to rats in the GA group. Nasal mucosal tissues were taken for electron microscopic examinations at the second, fourth, sixth, and tenth week after drug intervention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overlapping score was 2.10 ± 0.45 in the blank group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the loratadine group, 5.10 ± 0.56 in the AR model group, 5.20 ± 0.78 in the GA group, showing statistical difference when compared with the blank group (P < 0.01). Results under transmission electron microscope showed that the number of the endoplasmic reticulum increased in the AR model group, with obvious cystic dilatation, a lot of vacuole formation, and degranulation. A large number of free ribosomes could be seen in cytoplasm. With persistent allergen exposure, changes mentioned above was progressively aggravated in the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal mucosal epithelium in the AR model group. But the dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, vacuole formation, and degranulation were relieved in the GA group, and got close to those of the blank group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>18-β GA could improve the expansion, vacuolization, and degranulation of the endoplasmic reticulum of nasal epithelial cells in AR model rats.</p>

Association between SIRT1 gene polymorphisms and longevity of populations from Yongfu region of Guangxi / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between SIRT1 gene polymorphisms and the longevity phenomena in Yongfu region of Guangxi. In this case-control study, 500 individuals from Yongfu region of Guangxi were recruited. The subjects were divided into a longevity group (n=223, average age=93.17 U+00B1 3.08 yr) and a healthy control group (n=277, average age=46.92 U+00B1 17.12 yr). Polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting curve (PCR-HRM) and DNA sequencing were used to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs3758391, rs3740051, rs2273773, rs4746720 and rs10997870 polymorphisms of SIRT1 gene in the two groups. The association between above polymorphisms and longevity was assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the longevity group, CT genotype of the rs4746720 locus was significantly more common than CC and TT genotypes (P=0.000, OR=2.098, 95%CI:1.412-4.117). However, no significant difference was found in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs3758391, rs3740051 and rs2273773 between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is an association between rs4746720 of SIRT1 gene and longevity in Yongfu region of Guangxi.</p>

Tounongsan extract induces apoptosis in cultured Raji cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Tounongsan () extract (TNSE) on proliferation and apoptosis of the human lymphoma cell line Raji and its possible mechanism of action.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The viability of TNSE-treated Raji cells was measured by a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The molecular mechanisms of TNSE-mediated apoptosis were further investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the mRNA expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), Bcl-xL, Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), caspase-9 and caspase-3. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NF-κB, Bad, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TNSE inhibited Raji cell proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners. After 48-h treatment with various concentrations of TNSE (125, 250 and 500 μg/mL), the apoptosis rates of Raji cell were 12.23%±1.98% (P<0.05), 20.97%±3.96% (P<0.01) and 30.4%±4.87% (P<0.01), respectively, compared with those of the control (6.02%±1.01%). RT-PCR demonstrated that NF-κB mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in Raji cells treated with 250 μg/mL TNSE for 48 h (P<0.05), while Bad, caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA levels were upregulated (P<0.05). Moreover, TNSE treatment resulted in downregulation of NF-κB protein expression and strikingly upregulated protein expressions of Bad, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNSE exhibits significant anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in Raji cells, which may be involved in regulation of NF-κB and Bad, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3.</p>

Effect of quercetin on neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone of rats after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of quercetin on the proliferation of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats after focal cerebral ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An adult rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established by placement of an intraluminal filament at the origin of the MCA. Quercetin was administered intraperitoneally in the rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg every 3 days starting at 6 h after MCAO, and BrdU (50 mg/kg daily) was also injected intraperitoneally starting at 4 h after MCAO. BrdU-positive cells in the SVZ were counted at 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the sham-operated group, the rats in the ischemic model group showed significantly increased BrdU-positive cells in the ipsilateral SVZ 7 days after MCAO, reaching the peak level on day 14 and beginning to decrease on day 21 (P<0.05). The number of ipsilateral BrdU-positive cells in quercetin group was significantly greater than that in the model group on days 7, 14 and 21 (P<0.05), and maintained the high level on day 21.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Quercetin can maintain a high level of neural stem cell proliferation in the SVZ after focal cerebral ischemia in adult rats.</p>

Study on the longevity related mitochondrial genome variation in Bama elderly population in Guangxi province / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations associated with longevity in Bama elderly population from Guangxi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mitochondrial genome of 20 individuals over 96 years of age was sequenced, and seven target single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were observed by comparing with the standard rCRS sequence, and two were tested by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in a larger population including 208 individuals of 90-113 years old, and 586 unrelated control individuals from Guangxi.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 4824G frequency of the mtDNA4824A/G locus increased with age both in the long-lived elderly and in controls. And it was significantly higher in controls than that in long-lived population (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mtDNA4824 A/G is not only an age-related locus, its mutation is also negatively correlated with longevity.</p>

Effect of Lianggesan on the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Lianggesan on the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury and explore the possible mechanisms of the therapeutic effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Endotoxemia was induced in Wistar rats by intravenous injection of LPS (5 mg/kg). The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely the control group, acute lung injury group (LPS group), 3 Lianggesan groups treated at different doses, and LPS+DEX treatment group. Each group, except for the control group, was further divided into 5 subgroups and examined at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h after LPS injection. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of STAT1 and p-STAT1 in the lung tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In LPS group, the expression of STAT1 began to increase at 1 h following LPS injection, reaching the peak level at 4 h; the peak expression of p-STAT1 occurred at 2 h after LPS administration (P<0.01). Compared with LPS group, the 3 Lianggesan groups and DEX group showed significantly decreased expressions of STAT1 and p-STAT1 at 2, 4 and 8 h after LPS injection (P<0.05 or 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abnormal expression of STAT1 occurs in the lung tissue in the event of ALI. Lianggesan can relieve LPS-induced acute lung injury in rats by decreasing the expression of STAT1 and p-STAT1.</p>