Mechanism of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Promoting Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis / 中国结合医学杂志

The latest guideline about ulcerative colitis (UC) clinical practice stresses that mucosal healing, rather than anti-inflammation, is the main target in UC clinical management. Current mucosal dysfunction mainly closely relates to the endoscopic intestinal wall (mechanical barrier) injury with the imbalance between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) regeneration and death, as well as tight junction (TJ) dysfunction. It is suggested that biological barrier (gut microbiota), chemical barrier (mucus protein layer, MUC) and immune barrier (immune cells) all take part in the imbalance, leading to mechanical barrier injury. Lots of experimental studies reported that acupuncture and moxibustion on UC recovery by adjusting the gut microbiota, MUC and immune cells on multiple targets and pathways, which contributes to the balance of IEC regeneration and death, as well as TJ structure recovery in animals. Moreover, the validity and superiority of acupuncture and moxibustion were also demonstrated in clinic. This study aims to review the achievements of acupuncture and moxibustion on mucosal healing and analyse the underlying mechanisms.

Shenling Baizhu Powder alleviates chronic inflammation to prevent type 2 diabetes of ZDF rats via intestinal flora / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SLBZP) in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes from the perspective of flora disorder and chronic inflammation. Fifty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, low-dose SLBZP group, medium-dose SLBZP group, and high-dose SLBZP group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats of 5 weeks old were administrated by gavage with ultrapure water and different doses of SLBZP decoction. The basic indicators such as body weight and blood glucose were monitored every week, and stool and intestinal contents were collected from the rats of 9 weeks old for 16 S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum biochemical indicators, ELISA to measure serum insulin, and chipsets to measure leptin and inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that SLBZP reduced the body weight as well as blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid levels. In the rats of 9 weeks, the relative abundance of Anaerostipes, Turicibacter, Bilophila, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, and Prevotella decreased significantly in the model control group, which can be increased in the high-dose SLBZP group; the relative abundance of Psychrobacter, Lactobacillus, Roseburia and Staphylococcus significantly increased in the model control group, which can be down-regulated in the high-dose SLBZP group. The differential metabolites of intestinal flora included 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, phenylpyruvic acid, octanoic acid, 3-indolepropionic acid, oxoglutaric acid, malonic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, and methylmalonic acid. Moreover, SLBZP significantly lowered the levels of free insulin, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in rats. The variations in the serum levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) showed that SLBZP could alleviate chronic inflammation in rats. In conclusion, SLBZP can regulate intestinal flora and metabolites and relieve chronic inflammation to control obesity and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Yeast-expressed Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain, RBD203-N1 as a COVID-19 Protein Vaccine Candidate

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 protein subunit vaccines are being evaluated by multiple manufacturers to fill the need for low-cost, easy to scale, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines for global access. Vaccine candidates relying on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have been the focus of our development program. In this paper, we report on the generation of the RBD203-N1 yeast expression construct, which produces a recombinant protein that when formulated with alum and the TLR-9 agonist, CpG1826 elicits a robust immune response and protection in mice. MethodThe RBD203-N1 antigen was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris X33. After fermentation at the 5 L scale, the protein was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography followed by anion exchange chromatography. The purified protein was characterized biophysically and biochemically, and after its formulation, the immunogenicity and efficacy were evaluated in mice. Results, Conclusions, and SignificanceThe RBD203-N1 production process yielded 492.9 {+/-} 3.0 mg/L of protein in the fermentation supernatant. A two-step purification process produced a >96% pure protein with a recovery rate of 55 {+/-} 3% (total yield of purified protein: 270.5 {+/-} 13.2 mg/L fermentation supernatant). The protein was characterized as a homogeneous monomer with well-defined secondary structure, thermally stable, antigenic, and when adjuvanted on alum and CpG, it was immunogenic and induced robust levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. These characteristics show that this vaccine candidate is well suited for technology transfer with feasibility of its transition into the clinic to evaluate its immunogenicity and safety in humans.

Receptor-binding domain recombinant protein RBD219-N1C1 on alum-CpG induces broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

We conducted preclinical studies in mice using a yeast-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD subunit vaccine candidate formulated with aluminum hydroxide (alum) and CpG deoxynucleotides. This formulation is equivalent to the Corbevax vaccine that recently received emergency use authorization by the Drugs Controller General of India. We compared the immune response of mice vaccinated with RBD/alum to mice vaccinated with RBD/alum+CpG. We also evaluated mice immunized with RBD/alum+CpG and boosted with RBD/alum. Mice were immunized twice intramuscularly at a 21-day interval. Compared to two doses of the /alum formulation, the RBD/alum+CpG vaccine induced a stronger and more balanced Th1/Th2 cellular immune response, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the original Wuhan isolate of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B. 1.351 (Beta), B. 1.617.2 and (Delta) variants. Neutralizing antibody titers against the B.1.1.529 (BA.1, Omicron) variant exceeded those in human convalescent plasma after Wuhan infection but were lower than against the other variants. Interestingly, the second dose did not benefit from the addition of CpG, possibly allowing dose-sparing of the adjuvant in the future. The data reported here reinforces that the RBD/alum+CpG vaccine formulation is suitable for inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 including variants of concern.

Process Development and Scale-up Optimization of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain-Based Vaccine Candidate, RBD219-N1C1

A SARS-CoV-2 RBD219-N1C1 (RBD219-N1C1) recombinant protein antigen formulated on Alhydrogel(R) has recently been shown to elicit a robust neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice. The antigen has been produced under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and is now in clinical testing. Here, we report on process development and scale-up optimization for upstream fermentation and downstream purification of the antigen. This includes production at the 1 and 5 L scale in the yeast, Pichia pastoris, and the comparison of three different chromatographic purification methods. This culminated in the selection of a process to produce RBD219-N1C1 with a yield of >400 mg per liter of fermentation with >92% purity and >39% target product recovery after purification. In addition, we show the results from analytical studies, including SEC-HPLC, DLS, and an ACE2 receptor binding assay that were performed to characterize the purified proteins to select the best purification process. Finally, we propose an optimized upstream fermentation and downstream purification process that generates quality RBD219-N1C1 protein antigen and is fully scalable at a low cost.

Material Basis and Mechanism of Kaixinsan for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Integrated Pharmacological Platform of Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the interrelation of "composition-target-disease" of Kaixinsan on treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Method: Through the integrated pharmacological platform of Chinese medicine V1.0,the active ingredients and potential targets of four Chinese herbs in Kaixinsan were collected,disease targets of Alzheimer's disease were searched,and enriched by the gene ontology database and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes at hubs. Result: Among the 250 compounds of Kaixinsan,2 877 targets were associated with Alzheimer's disease.The key targets,such as mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme subunit alpha(HADHA),hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase(HADH),sterol-4-alpha-carboxylate 3-dehydrogenase(NSDHL) and others,played their pharmacological effects mainly through regulating purine and nucleotide metabolism,Huntington's disease,Alzheimer's disease,neurodegenerative diseases,oxidative phosphorylation,and endocrine and metabolic diseases in molecular reactions,such as cytoplasm,mitochondria,adenosine triphosphate binding,and mitochondrial matrix. Conclusion: The platform can predict the key targets and related pathways of Kaixinsan for treatment of Alzheimer's disease,which lays the foundation for further revealing material basis and mechanism of this formula,and plays an important role in digging and developing this classic and famous formula.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on senescence characteristics of leukemic stem cells / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on leukemia stem cells through comparing the biological senescence characteristics of HSCs in the patients with leukemia and healthy people,and provide new ideas and methods for leukemia prevention and treatment.Methods Fifteen cases of normal bone marrow in normal group and sixteen cases of chronic myeloid leukemia in leukemia group were divided into control group and Rg1 group,respectively.The control group used the conventional culture.The Rg1 group used the culture system with 10 μg/mL ginsenoside Rg1,other conditions were the same as control group.The bone marrow mononuclear cell of all groups were extracted after 2 days,and the CD34 +/CD38-cells population was isolated and purified by immunomagnetic adsorption cell sorting(MACS).The purity of the cells and cell cycles phase were detected by flow cytometry.Cell viability was detected by trypan blue staining.The percentage of positive cells was detected by SA-β-gal staining.CCK-8 detected the CD34 +/CD38-proliferation ability of each group.Results The ratio of CD34 +/CD38-cell population was (1.76 ± 0.34) ％ in every 1 × 106 BMNCs before sorting;the proportion of CD34 +/CD38-cell population per 1 × 106 cells after immunomagnetic sorting was (91.15 ± 2.41)％.The positive rate of SA-β-gal staining in human bone marrow CD34 +/CD38-cells of leukemia Rg1 group was significantly higher than that in leukemia control group,the difference was not significant (P ＞ 0.05);meanwhile there was no significant difference between normal control group and normal Rg1 group,but higher than that in leukemia control group,the difference was significant(P ＜ 0.05).CCK-8 results showed that the proliferation of CD34 +/CD38-cells was significantly increased in leukemia control group than those in the other groups.The survival rate of CD34 +/CD38-cells in human bone marrow was 99.1％ in all groups.Cell cycle phase results showed that the G1 arrest of CD34 +/CD38-cells in leukemia control group was significantly lower than those in the other three groups.Conclusion CD34 +/CD38-cells in chronic myeloid leukemia patients may be caused by some chronic myeloid leukemia.Ginsenoside Rg1 can effectively delay the process of aging.

Studies on liposoluble constituents from Momordicae Semen / 中国中药杂志

The liposoluble constituents in Momordicae Semen were investigated in the present study. By silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC, 22 compounds were isolated and purified from dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fraction. Based on NMR and MS spectra analyses, these compounds were identified as lupeol (1), 5-(1'-hydroxypentyl)-5H-furan-2-one (2), palmitic acid (3), viscumamide (4), clavatustide C (5), laxanol (6), threo-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-{4-[2-formyl-(E)-vinyl]-2-methoxyphenoxyl}-propane-1, 3-diol (7), α-spinasterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (8), chushizisin F (9), ehletianol C (10), tanegool (11), (7R, 8R, 8'R)-4'-guaiacylglyceryl-evofolin B (12), ligballinone (13), (7R, 8S, 8'R)- 4, 4', 9-trihydroxy- 7, 9'-epoxy- 8, 8'-lignan (14), chushizisin I (15), chushizisin A (16), chushizisin G (17), p-coumaraldehyde (18), α-spinasterol (19), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (20), chushizisin E (21), and 3-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxyphenyl-2, 3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-5-yl] propane-1-ol (22), respectively. Compounds 1-17 were isolated from Momordica cochinchinensis for the first time. Compound 2 was a new natural product while compounds 4 and 5 were first found in the terrestrial organism.

The influence of comprehensive psychological intervention on the immune function of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the influence of psychological intervention on the immune function of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods Forty nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with concomitant radiochemotherapy were divided into intervention group and control group by random digits table method with 20 cases each.Among concomitant radiochemotherapy nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, intervention group were treated with comprehensive psychological behavior, and control group received only concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Both groups were investigated by Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS).Natural killer cells activity were measured by flow cytometry. Results There were no significantly difference in score of SDS and SAS between two confirmed groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the score of SDS and SAS in intervention group were(45.26± 3.83), (42.57 ± 3.75) points, which were significantly lower than those of control group (52.68 ± 3.66), (51.16 ± 3.62) points, the difference was statistically significant(t =6.264, 7.370, P<0.05). Meanwhile, natural killer cell activity between two groups showed no significantly difference (P>0.05). However, the activity of natural killer cells in intervention group was 26.96±9.01,which was higher than that of control group 22.84 ± 7.19, there were statistically significant difference between two groups (t=2.120, P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between the value difference of SDS scores,SAS scores and natural killer cell activity between two groups (r=0.238, P=0.006; r=0.527, P=0.003). Conclusions Comprehensive psychological intervention can significantly not only improve the depression and anxiety of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients,but also enhance the activity of natural killer cells,which help maintain the leukocyte level of patients.

Effect of Digital Music Gastric Electrical Pacing on Clinical Symptoms,Anxiety and Depression and Esophageal Motility in Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease / 胃肠病学

Background:Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common disorder of digestive system,however,some of patients are not responding to conventional 4-8 weeks proton pump inhibitor therapy. Aims:To investigate the effect of digital music gastric electrical pacing on clinical symptoms,anxiety and depression and esophageal motility in patients with refractory GERD. Methods:Fifty-three patients with refractory GERD from Jan. 2014 to Oct. 2015 at the Third Affiliated Hospital,the Third Military Medical University were recruited. All of them fulfilled the Montreal definition of GERD. Digital music gastric electrical pacing was performed for 15 days and the efficacy was evaluated by clinical symptom scoring,Hamilton anxiety scale( HAMA),Hamilton depression scale( HAMD)and esophageal motility manometry. Results:After 15-day treatment,the main symptoms,including heartburn,daytime and nocturnal acid reflux,upper abdominal pain,nausea,and sleep disorder were significantly improved(P < 0. 001). A great proportion of patients were complicated with anxiety and/ or depression at recruitment,and after treatment the scores of HAMA and HAMD were decreased significantly(P < 0. 001). Meanwhile,the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure(LESP),distal wave amplitude,peristaltic wave duration,speed of peristaltic wave and distal contraction integral after treatment were significantly increased as compared with the baseline values(P < 0. 05). Conclusions:Digital music gastric electrical pacing is effective for treatment of refractory GERD with increase of LESP and esophageal body motility. The clinical symptoms and anxiety and depression are improved simultaneously. Digital music gastric electrical pacing is expected to be a new choice of non-medicine treatment for esophageal motility disorders.

Analysis of the characteristics of salvage endoscopic surgery for residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma with different rT grading after radiotherapy / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To understand the characteristics and the treatment methods of the Salvage endoscopic surgery for residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma（rNPC）with different rT grading after irradiation failure, and to explore the effect of different endoscopic procedures on the prognosis of the diseases.Method:Ninety-six patients who underwent endoscopic salvage nasopharyngectomy for rNPC in our department between June 2009 and March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.All the patients underwent the corresponding salvage endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia according to the different rT grading and the patients with cervical metastasis received the radical neck dissection at the same time.Result:The number of the patients whose lesions were completely removed was 44(Total removal rate 45.8%),and the number of subtotal removal was 52(subtotal removal rate 45.8%),respectively.Postoperative follow-up continued until April 2015，the median follow-up was 19 months(1-57 months),the number of overall survival patients was 62(64.6%),the number of death was 34（35.4%）. The overall 1 year survival rate(SR),2 year SR,3 year SR were 83%,68%,63%,respectively.The median survival time was 43 months.Conclusion:The patients who underwent salvage endoscopic surgery for rNPC could have a good survival rate,and the different rT grading made the different methods to resect the lesions by the endoscopy. The use of frozen pathological examination during the operation to determine the negative rate of the surgical margins is the key to ensure the operation curative effect.

Evaluate the Efficacy of Ganju Bingmei Pill Combined with Voice Therapy in the Treatment of Vocal Nodules / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Ganju Bingmei Pill combined with voice therapy in the treatment of vocal nodules .Methods A total of 72 patients with vocal nodules and 60 health people in our hospital were included .Patients were randomly divided into two groups :Group A (36 cases) with Ganju Bingmei Pill thera‐py ,group B (36 cases) with Ganju Bingmei Pill combined with voice therapy .Taking method of Ganju Bingmei Pill was three times a day ,2 tablets every time ,two weeks as one course of treatment with a total of four courses .Voice therapy in Group B was two weeks for one course with a total of four courses .The results were evaluated by voice handicap index ,voice acoustic analysis and laryngostroboscopy .Vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce indi‐cated that the treatment was effective .Statistical analysis was performed using t - test and chi - square test .Results In group A ,the scores of T ,F ,P ,E were reduced compared with before treatment (P 0 .05) .The VHI score in group B were significantly lower than those of in group A (P 0 .05) .The F0 of group B after treatment was higher than group A ,jitter and shimmer were lower than group A after treatment (P< 0 .05) . After treatment ,there were 28 cases of group A (77 .78% )of patients with vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce .There were 35 cases of group B(97 .22% ) of patients with vocal nodules disappear or significantly reduce , the effective rate between group A and group B was statistically significant (P< 0 .05) .Conclusion Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy and Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy combined with voice therapy all have curative effect for the treatment of vocal nodules however ,Ganju Bingmei Pill therapy combined with voice therapy is more efficient .

Effects of zibu piyin recipe on the insulin resistance in the hippocampus of pi-yin deficiency diabetic rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protection of Zibu Piyin Recipe (ZBPYR) on the insulin signal pathway in the hippocampus of Pi-yin deficiency diabetic encephalopathy rats and to explore its possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The type 2 diabetic model was established using high fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of small dose streptozotocin (STZ). The Pi-yin deficiency model was established referring to classic compound factors. The learning and memory capabilities were tested in rats by the behavioral changes. The protein expressions of hippocampal IRE1alpha, JNK, and IRS-1 were detected using Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was statistical difference in the learning and memory capabilities of Pi-yin deficiency rats when compared with the blank control group (P<0.05). The learning and memory capabilities could be improved by ZBPYR. The protein expressions of hippocampal phospho-IRS-1, phospho-JNK, and total IRE1alpha were enhanced (P<0.05). But they were weakened after treatment of ZBPYR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ZBPYR could significantly improve the learning and memory capabilities of Pi-yin deficiency diabetic rats. Its functions might be correlated with improving the endoplasmic reticulum stress to regulate the insulin signaling pathway.</p>

Effects of Zibu Piyin recipe on SNK-SPAR pathway in neuron injury induced by glutamate / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between the excitotoxicity and serum-inducible kinase (SNK) and spine-associated Rap GTPase-activating protein (SPAR) pathway in primary hippocampal neuron injury induced by glutamate and furthermore, to explore the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection of Zibu Piyin Recipe (ZBPYR) and the relationship between ZBPYR and the morphological regulation of dendritic spines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The serum containing ZBPYR was prepared by seropharmacology. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of mRNA for SNK, SPAR, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A and NR2B) in primary rat hippocampal neuron cultures after pretreatment with 10 micromol/L glutamate and ZBPYR serum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ZBPYR serum pretreatment resulted in a significant down-regulation of glutamate-induced SNK mRNA expression (P<0.05). Significant up-regulation was seen on the mRNA expression of SPAR and PSD-95 (P<0.05). All these changes were dose-dependent. The mRNA expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B was down-regulated to different degrees (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanism of effect of ZBPYR on glutamate-induced excitotoxicity may be related to the regulation of SNK-SPAR signal pathway. ZBPYR may play a role in protecting and maintaining the normal morphology and structure of dendritic spines, which may be achieved by inhibiting the excessive activation of NMDA receptors.</p>

Protective immunity elicited by ultraviolet-irradiated third-stage infective hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma caninum) larvae in mice and hamsters.

The protective immunity elicited by ultraviolet-irradiated third-stage infective larvae of Necator americanus (UV-NaL3) and Ancylostoma caninum (UV-AcL3) was evaluated in laboratory mice (a non-permissive model) and hamsters (a permissive model). After optimizing the time of exposure to UV-irradiation, both oral and subcutaneous vaccination routes with UV-AcL3 in mice were explored. Oral vaccination was more effective at reducing the number of challenge AcL3 entering the lungs, whereas subcutaneous vaccination was more effective at blocking muscle entry. When UV-irradiated NaL3 and non-irradiated AcL3 were used as vaccines in hamsters, both of them were effective at reducing adult hookworm burdens. However, the length of protection afforded by UV-irradiated L3 was substantially greater than that resulting from immunization with non-irradiated L3. A single dose was less effective than multiple doses. The protective immunity elicited by UV-irradiated NaL3 given once every other week for a total of three immunizations was similar to that elicited by non-irradiated AcL3 given during the same schedule. Protection was not significantly affected by administering the L3 on a weekly basis for a total of three immunizations, even though the antibody titers were reduced using this schedule. These studies will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying larval protection.

Comparison of efficacy between procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids and open hemorrhoidectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the results of procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) and open hemorrhoidectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A standard questionnaire was given to all patients after PPH or open hemorrhoidectomy from March 2001 to March 2004. In combination with proctological examination, the results including symptoms relief and recurrence were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 184 effective questionnaires, including 96 cases in PPH group and 88 in open hemorrhoidectomy group. PPH and open hemorrhoidectomy both relieved prolapse (92.7% vs 96.8%, P=0.282), bleeding (91% vs 81%, P=0.241) and pain (91.7% vs 91.5%, P=0.977). There were no statistical differences in the overall complication rate (30.2% and 29.5%, P=0.923) and recurrence rate (21.8% vs 20.5%, P=0.814) between the two groups. The overall satisfactory degree was 87.5% in PPH group and 84.8% in open hemorrhoidectomy group (P=0.218).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPH is a safe and effective option for prolapsed hemorrhoids compared with open hemorrhoidectomy.</p>

Comparison of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 DNA sequences from Necator americanus hookworms maintained for 100 generations in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and hookworms from natural human infections.

The human hookworm Necator americanus was maintained through one hundred generations in the golden hamsters. The strain is now routinely maintained in laboratory hamsters through serial passage, and is the laboratory strain of choice for vaccine studies. Comparison of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox-1) sequences was shown previously to be useful for comparing the genetic structure of populations of N. americanus in China. Cytochrome oxidase 1 genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, and the sequences compared to those of N. americanus recovered from infected humans from several regions in China. Sequence comparison revealed little difference between the laboratory strain and the field isolates at the cox-1 locus, but also indicated that the laboratory strain is represented by a single cox-1 haplotype. These results suggest that the laboratory strain of N. americanus has undergone a severe genetic bottleneck, and that the genetic diversity in other genes, including potential vaccine antigens, could be similarly limited.

Experimental study of nourishing Piyin Remedy on rat with spinal cord injury / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo study the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of nourishing Piyin Remedy (nPR) on experimental rat spinal cord injury.MethodsThirty-two healthy SD rats were divided into 2 equal groups randomly: nPR group and injured group. Animal model of incomplete injury of spinal cord was made by Allen's equipment on rat's T8—T9 segment. The spinal nerve function,SEP,retrograde and label technique of horse radish peroxidase,gross observation,histological and morphometric analysis were taken as the observed indices.ResultsThe value of observed indices of nPR group were improved evidently compared with injured group.ConclusionNourishing Piyin Remede can hold back the secondary spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of spinal nerve function.

Necator americanus: maintenance through one hundred generations in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). II. Morphological development of the adult and its comparison with humans.

Through 100 passages, the human hookworm Necator americanus was adapted to the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, without either the requirement for exogenous steroids or other immunosuppressive agents, nor the requirement to infect hamsters as pups. Adult N. americanus recovered from infected hamsters were morphologically similar to those from infected humans in Sichuan Province, China, although they were smaller and the females produced fewer eggs. The natural history and kinetics of N. americanus infection was different in female and male hamsters. Female hamsters supported low intensity infections that lasted for approximately two months. In contrast, the peak intensity of infection in male hamsters was high, but this situation lasted less than for 4 weeks at which time many of the hookworms were expelled. However, even after the major parasite expulsion, the total number of hookworms consistently remained higher in chronically infected male hamsters compared with female hamsters. The hamster model of N. americanus is potentially useful for studying the development of new anthelminthic drugs and vaccines.

D-limonene induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the apoptosis effect induced by D-limonene on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of p53, bc1-2 in BGC-823 cells and qualitative, quantitative index of cell apoptosis were detected with MTT, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>D-limonene could induce the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of bcl-2 protein decreased and p53 protein increased in BGC-823 cells treated with D-limonene, compared with the control cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>D-limonene exerts its cytotoxic effect on BGC-823 gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.</p>