Characterization of inulolytic enzymes from the Jerusalem artichoke-derived Glutamicibacter mishrai NJAU-1.

The rhizosphere context of inulin-accumulating plants, such as Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), is an ideal starting basis for the discovery of inulolytic enzymes with potential for bio fructose production. We isolated a Glutamicibacter mishrai NJAU-1 strain from this context, showing exo-inulinase activity, releasing fructose from fructans. The growth conditions (pH 9.0; 15 °C) were adjusted, and the production of inulinase by Glutamicibacter mishrai NJAU-1 increased by 90% (0.32 U/mL). Intriguingly, both levan and inulin, but not fructose and sucrose, induced the production of exo-inulinase activity. Two exo-inulinase genes (inu1 and inu2) were cloned and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. While INU2 preferentially hydrolyzed longer inulins, the smallest fructan 1-kestose appeared as the preferred substrate for INU1, also efficiently degrading nystose and sucrose. Active site docking studies with GFn- and Fn-type small inulins (G is glucose, F is fructose, and n is the number of ß (2-1) bound fructose moieties) revealed subtle substrate differences between INU1 and INU2. A possible explanation about substrate specificity and INU's protein structure is then suggested. KEY POINTS: • A Glutamicibacter mishrai strain harbored exo-inulinase activity. • Fructans induced the inulolytic activity in G. mishrai while the inulolytic activity was optimized at pH 9.0 and 15 °C. • Two exo-inulinases with differential substrate specificity were characterized.

Concurrent assessment of personal, indoor, and outdoor PM2.5 and PM1 levels and source contributions using novel low-cost sensing devices.

The intensity, frequency, duration, and contribution of distinct PM2.5 sources in Asian households have seldom been assessed; these are evaluated in this work with concurrent personal, indoor, and outdoor PM2.5 and PM1 monitoring using novel low-cost sensing (LCS) devices, AS-LUNG. GRIMM-comparable observations were acquired by the corrected AS-LUNG readings, with R2 up to 0.998. Twenty-six non-smoking healthy adults were recruited in Taiwan in 2018 for 7-day personal, home indoor, and home outdoor PM monitoring. The results showed 5-min PM2.5 and PM1 exposures of 11.2 ± 10.9 and 10.5 ± 9.8 µg/m3 , respectively. Cooking occurred most frequently; cooking with and without solid fuel contributed to high PM2.5 increments of 76.5 and 183.8 µg/m3 (1 min), respectively. Incense burning had the highest mean PM2.5 indoor/outdoor (1.44 ± 1.44) ratios at home and on average the highest 5-min PM2.5 increments (15.0 µg/m3 ) to indoor levels, among all single sources. Certain events accounted for 14.0%-39.6% of subjects' daily exposures. With the high resolution of AS-LUNG data and detailed time-activity diaries, the impacts of sources and ventilations were assessed in detail.

Laboratory Evaluations of Correction Equations with Multiple Choices for Seed Low-Cost Particle Sensing Devices in Sensor Networks.

To tackle the challenge of the data accuracy issues of low-cost sensors (LCSs), the objective of this work was to obtain robust correction equations to convert LCS signals into data comparable to that of research-grade instruments using side-by-side comparisons. Limited sets of seed LCS devices, after laboratory evaluations, can be installed strategically in areas of interest without official monitoring stations to enable reading adjustments of other uncalibrated LCS devices to enhance the data quality of sensor networks. The robustness of these equations for LCS devices (AS-LUNG with PMS3003 sensor) under a hood and a chamber with two different burnt materials and before and after 1.5 years of field campaigns were evaluated. Correction equations with incense or mosquito coils burning inside a chamber with segmented regressions had a high R2 of 0.999, less than 6.0% variability in the slopes, and a mean RMSE of 1.18 µg/m3 for 0.1-200 µg/m3 of PM2.5, with a slightly higher RMSE for 0.1-400 µg/m3 compared to EDM-180. Similar results were obtained for PM1, with an upper limit of 200 µg/m3. Sensor signals drifted 19-24% after 1.5 years in the field. Practical recommendations are given to obtain equations for Federal-Equivalent-Method-comparable measurements considering variability and cost.

Regulatory effect of NOX-4 on PI3K signaling pathway in TGF-β1-in-duced collagen Ⅰ synthesis from lung cancer cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the regulatory effect of NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4) on PI3K signaling path-way in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced collagen type Ⅰ (collagen Ⅰ) synthesis from lung cancer cells and the mechanisms. METHODS:Human lung cancer A549 cells were cultured in vitro and stimulated with TGF-β1. The ex-pression of NOX family and collagen family at mRNA and protein levels as well as the PI3K class Ⅰ catalytic subunits and the activation of PI3K signaling pathway was measured. A549 cells were pre-treated with NOX-4 inhibitor diphenyleneiodo-nium (DPI), and the expression of collagen Ⅰ at mRNA level as well as the PI3K class Ⅰ catalytic subunits and the activa-tion of PI3K signaling pathway was measured upon TGF-β1 stimulation. RESULTS:TGF-β1 stimulated the expression of NOX-4 and collagen Ⅰ at mRNA and protein levels as well as the expression of PIK3CD and the activation of PI3K signaling pathway at a dose- and time-dependent manner. NOX-4 inhibitor DPI partly reversed TGF-β1-induced collagen Ⅰ expres-sion. Inhibition of NOX-4 down-regulated the degree of TGF-β1-stimulated activation of PI3K signaling pathway without effect on the expression of PIK3CD. CONCLUSION:NOX-4 participates in TGF-β1-induced collagen Ⅰ synthesis from lung cancer cells via regulating the activation of PI3K signaling pathway. TGF-β1/NOX-4/PI3K signaling pathway axis acts as a regulatory role in collagen Ⅰ synthesis from lung cancer cells.

Progress on role of CCN1 in pulmonary diseases / 中国病理生理杂志

Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61(Cyr61/CCN1)is an extracellular matrix-associated signaling protein consisting of 381 amino-acid residues ,which has the regulatory function for a multitude of cellular responses.The pleiotropic effects of CCN 1 on the initiation and resolution of inflammation as well as oncogenesis and development of tumor were reported.According to the numerous data from experimental and clinical studies ,this article provides an overview on CCN1 and summarizes the latest understanding of the role of CCN 1 in pulmonary diseases.

Implementation and establishment of rapid response system for non-hospitalized patients / 中华护理杂志

We established the rapid response system for non-hospitalized patients from 2012 in order to improve the effectiveness of emergent critical care for non-hospitalized patients when emergency happened.From January 2013 to December 2016,there were 122 cases with RRS activation for non-hospitalized patients.The time to arrive was 3.16±0.41 min,and 107 cases(86.89％)were sent to the emergency department.Fifteen patients(14.02％)were classified as level 1,26(24.03％)as level Ⅱ,48(16.82％)as level Ⅲ,and 18(16.82％) as level ⅣV,and 83％ were critical patients.Rapid response system is important to cope with emergency in non-hospitalized patients.

Clinical Observations on Acupuncture plus Lumbar Vertebra-stabilizing Muscle Group Training for Treatment of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical improving effect on the symptoms of acupuncture at point Weizhong(BL40) plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Method Sixty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomized to a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The treatment group received acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training and the control group, oral administration of celecoxib capsules. After treatment, the clinical improving effect on the symptoms was evaluated in the patients using the NRS, JOA Lumbar Scoring and ODI. Result The total efficacy rate was 100% in the treatment group and 53.3%in the control group. Post-treatment NRS, JOA and ODI scores were better in the treatment group than in the control group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training can effectively treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

Cloning and ectopic expression analysis of squalene epoxidase 1 gene from Pseudostellaria heterophylla / 中草药

Objective: To clone the full-length cDNA encoding squalene epoxidase 1 (SQE1), a key enzyme of triterpenes biosynthesis, from Pseudostellaria heterophylla and to perform functional analysis. Methods: With the total RNA as template, the full-length cDNA of SQE1 in P. heterophylla was cloned via RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. The bioinformatics of the cloned SQE1 gene was performed. The target gene was transfered into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Results: The full-length cDNA (2 038 bp) of SQE1 gene was obtained with an open reading frame of 1 554 bp, encoding 517 amino acid polypeptides, which had higher homology with the known SQEs in other medicinal species. The calculated relative molecular mass was 5.67 × 104, the isoelectric point was 8.8. The deduced protein sequence exhibited FAD-binding domains and four transmembrane regions. The content of total triterpenes was increased in transgenic tobacco plants. Conclusion: This is the first report that the full-length cDNA encoding SQE1 from P. heterophylla is cloned. The ectopic expression of SQE1 could promote to increase the content of total triterpenes in transgenic plant. This work provides a foundation for exploring the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenes in P.heterophylla and their applications in bioengineering.

Impact of separating drug sales from medical services reform on Beijing Cancer Hospital from the perspective of medical insurance data / 中国卫生政策研究

objective:To analyze the policy impact of separating drug sales from medical services on a certain oncology hospitals in Beijing,and provide the basis for further development and adjustment of the reform. Methods:Using interrupted time series segmented regression model to analyse the instant change and trend change of medical service utilization by outpatient(including tumor-specified outpatient) and overall inpatient services,especially in in-dicators of drug proportion,self-pay ratio,and so on after the reform. Results:Tumor treatment is a relative specific-ity. The proportion of previous inpatients in tumor specialized hospitals ranged between 49.31% and 49.96%, and the actual compensation rates were between 57.05% and 63.57%. In our case analysis, the expenditure of outpa-tients dropped after this reform,with RMB 4.33 monthly decline on average cost and with 2.32 percentage monthly decrease on a self-pay rate. Drug proportion was declined expectedly,and the proportion of outpatient and inpatient drugs immediately decreased by 4.63% and 2.98% respectively after the reform. Therewith consumptive material proportion was raised, and the proportion of outpatient and inpatient materials instantly increased by 0.22% and 1.17% respectively. Conclusion:As per the results of this study,the reform has weakened the economic dependence on drug income in sample hospital and reduced the burden on patients. However,tumor treatment is on rigid demand and brings about a relatively great impact on hospital's finance and medical insurance fund. The rationality regards of cost-shifting should be investigated in the long run.

Protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury through enhanced activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Inflammation plays a critical role in intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory effect. This study examined the effect of EGCG on intestinal IRI and explored the possible mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group (Sham), IRI control group (IRI) and IRI-EGCG group (EGCG). Rats in IRI-EGCG group were administered dissolved EGCG in drinking water (0.4 mg/mL) for 14 days prior to IRI induction. A rat model of intestinal IRI was established by ligating the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 1 h. Intestinal histology, pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators were examined and the effect of EGCG on PI3K/Akt signalling was assessed. EGCG significantly alleviated the pathological changes of the intestine and suppressed the IRI-induced up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in the serum and intestine. The mechanism might be that EGCG enhanced the activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. In conclusion, the administration of EGCG can significantly mitigate the acute intestinal IRI in rats by enhancing the activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway to suppress inflammatory response and might be a promising alternative for the prevention or treatment of intestinal IRI in the clinical practice.

Treating Radiation Peumonitis by Zlyin Huoxue Granule Combined Glucocorticoids and Antibiotics: a Clinical Observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of Ziyin Huoxue Granule (ZHG) combined glucocorticoids and antibiotics in treatment of radiation pneumonitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 70 radiation pneumonitis patients were assigned to the treatment group and the control group according to random digit table, 35 in each group. All patients received glucocorticoids and antibiotics. Patients in the treatment group additionally took ZHG, one dose per day for 4 successive weeks. Watters clinical-radiologic-physiologic (CRP) score, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) , and acute radiation injury classification [set by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)] were observed in the two groups before and after treatment. The application time for antibiotics and glucocorticoids was compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients completed this trial, and nobody dropped out or died. There was no statistical difference in Watters-CRP scores, KPS, or RTOG between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, RTOG classification was obviously improved in the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, Watters-CRP scores decreased, KPS increased, the application time for antibiotics and glucocorticoids was reduced (P < 0.05). The efficacy of RTOG classification was better in the treatment group than in the control group, but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZHG combined glucocorticoids and antibiotics was superior in treating radiation pneumonitis to using glucocorticoids or antibiotics alone in elevating Watters-CRP scores, shortening the application time for glucocorticoids and antibiotics, and improving patients' physical conditions.</p>

Light propagation along the pericardium meridian at human wrist as evidenced by the optical experiment and Monte Carlo method / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristics of light propagation along the Pericardium Meridian and its surrounding areas at human wrist by using optical experiment and Monte Carlo method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An experiment was carried out to obtain the distribution of diffuse light on Pericardium Meridian line and its surrounding areas at the wrist, and then a simplified model based on the anatomical structure was proposed to simulate the light transportation within the same area by using Monte Carlo method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The experimental results showed strong accordance with the Monte Carlo simulation that the light propagation along the Pericardium Meridian had an advantage over its surrounding areas at the wrist.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The advantage of light transport along Pericardium Merdian line was related to components and structure of tissue, also the anatomical structure of the area that the Pericardium Meridian line runs.</p>

Protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury through enhanced activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Inflammation plays a critical role in intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory effect. This study examined the effect of EGCG on intestinal IRI and explored the possible mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group (Sham), IRI control group (IRI) and IRI-EGCG group (EGCG). Rats in IRI-EGCG group were administered dissolved EGCG in drinking water (0.4 mg/mL) for 14 days prior to IRI induction. A rat model of intestinal IRI was established by ligating the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 1 h. Intestinal histology, pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators were examined and the effect of EGCG on PI3K/Akt signalling was assessed. EGCG significantly alleviated the pathological changes of the intestine and suppressed the IRI-induced up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in the serum and intestine. The mechanism might be that EGCG enhanced the activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. In conclusion, the administration of EGCG can significantly mitigate the acute intestinal IRI in rats by enhancing the activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway to suppress inflammatory response and might be a promising alternative for the prevention or treatment of intestinal IRI in the clinical practice.

Effects of hypokalemia on transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization in left ventricular myocardium

OBJECTIVE@#To observe effects of hypokalemia on transmural heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization in left ventricular myocardium of rabbit, and explore the role of hypokalemia in malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA).@*METHODS@#A total of 20 rabbits were randomly divided into control group and hypokalemic group. Isolated hearts in the control group were simply perfused with modified Tyrode's solution, and were perfused with hypokalemic Tyrode's solution in hypokalemic group. Ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT), 90% monophasic action potential repolarization duration (APD90) of subepicardial, midmyocardial and subendocardial myocardium, transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and C×43 protein expression in three layers of myocardium were measured in both groups.@*RESULTS@#VFT in the control group and the hypokalemic group were (13.40 ± 2.95) V, and (7.00 ± 1.49) V, respectively. There was a significant difference between two groups (P<0.01). APD90 of three myocardial layers in the hypokalemic group were significantly prolonged than those in the control group (P<0.01). ΔAPD90 in the hypokalemic group and the control group were (38.10 ± 10.29) ms and (23.70 ± 5.68) ms, and TDR were (52.90 ± 14.55) ms and (36.10 ± 12.44) ms, respectively. ΔAPD90 and TDR in the hypokalemic group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the increase in APD90 of midmyocardium was more significant in the hypokalemic group. Cx43 protein expression of all three myocardial layers were decreased significantly in the hypokalemic group (P<0.01), and ΔCx43 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Reduction of Cx43 protein expression was more significant in the midmyocardium.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hypokalemic can increase transmural heterogeneity of C×43 expression and repolarization in left ventricular myocardium of rabbit, and decrease VFT and can induce MVA more easily.

Comparative study of laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) by comparing LDP with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). Methods The clinical data of 68 patients with pancreatic body or tail diseases, who received distal pancreatectomy from May 2011 to February 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. LDP was performed in 16 cases and ODP in 52 cases. The baseline clinical data and the intraoperative and postoperative findings were compared between the two groups. Results There was no death in the two groups. The sex ratio, age, body mass index,tumor diameter and total hospital costs were not significantly different between the two groups. The incision length of LDP group was significantly shorter than that of ODP group (\[3.50±1.34\] cm vs \[17.94±2.12\] cm, P<0.001). The operative duration of LDP group was significantly longer than that of ODP group (\[145.63±56.80\] min vs \[87.21±32.06\] min,P<0.001). Postoperative hospital stay of LDP and ODP groups were (5.06±1.24) d and (8.06±2.53) d (P<0.001), time in bed after surgery were (1.31±0.68) d and (2.94±0.80) d (P<0.001), and postoperative fasting time were (1.31±0.57) d and (2.86±1.34) d (P<0.001), respectively. Estimated blood loss of LDP and ODP groups were (318.75±227.21) ml and (306.35±378.36) ml (P=0.898), respectively. Four patients had pancreatic leakages and 1 had peritoneal effusion in LDP group. Twelve patients had pancreatic leakages and 3 had peritoneal effusions in ODP group, with one having both pancreatic leakage and peritoneal effusion. There were no significant differences in the incidence of pancreatic leakage and peritoneal effusion between the two groups. The postoperative pain score was mainly 1-2 in LDP group and 2-3 in ODP group, with significant differences found between the two groups (P<0.001). Conclusion LDP is feasible and safe in treating benign or borderline disease of pancreatic body and tail. Compared to ODP,LDP has the advantage of less trauma and pain, quicker recovery without increasing the total costs.

Effect of pretreatment with puerarin on activation of LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of pretreatment with puerarin on activation of LPS -induced RAW264. 7 cells and secretory cytokines, and discuss its anti-inflammatory mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Well-grown RAW264. 7 cells in the exponential phase were collected and randomly divided them into the blank control group, the LPS group and the puerarin pretreatment + LPS group. The cellular toxic effect of puerarin on RAW264. 7 cells was examined by CCK-8 assay, cell morphology was detected by Giemsa stain method, the changes in TNF-alpha and MIP-2 were tested by ELISA, and the expression of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When puerarin was cultured with 1 mg x L(-1) LPS at a concentration of lower than 400 micromol x L(-1), it had not showed the cellular toxic effect (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the LPS group could significantly change the morphology of RAW264. 7 cells (increase in cell body, irregular shape, with a large number of pseudopodia extending). After intervention, the puerarin 100 micromol x L(-1) group could significantly inhibit LPS-induced cell morphological changes, while the puerarin 200 micromol x L(-1) and 400 micromol x L(-1) puerarin groups showed more notable inhibitory effects. However, there was no obvious difference between the two groups. The pretreatment with puerarin could inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha and MIP-2 in cell supernatant and NF-kappaB p65 mRNA in cells (P < 0.05). With increase in the puerarin concentration, its inhibitory effect gradually grew (P < 0.05), but did not reach the level of the blank control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a safe and effective natural anti-inflammatory drug, puerarin can significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, MIP-2). Its mechanism may be related to the reduction of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA expression.</p>

Renal function of donors and recipients after living donor kidney transplantation in a Chinese cohort / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Living donor kidney transplantation (LKT) has been booming in China. This study aimed to elucidate the renal function of both Chinese donors and recipients after the donation and transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and forty-one pairs of donors and recipients for LKT were randomly selected and followed up for up to seven years. The donors' and recipients' renal function was recorded before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The donors presented a mean age of (43.9 ± 7.5) years at donation. The female contributed 101/141 (71.6%) in all donors, and no effect was shown between genders on healthy donors' renal function. The donors' glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were (119.5 ± 20.4) ml/min, (85.2 ± 17.6) ml/min, (87.2 ± 15.9) ml/min, (82.1 ± 14.6) ml/min and (83.0 ± 13.7) ml/min preoperatively, and for five days, three months, one year and beyond one year after the operation. The donors for the period of 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years and more than 5 years after donation showed GFR as (83.9 ± 12.7) ml/min, (83.0 ± 17.6) ml/min, and (80.9 ± 20.8) ml/min, respectively, no statistically significant difference was found. Moreover, no significant clinical changes in blood pressure and proteinuria were found among the donors. In the recipients, delayed graft function (DGF) rate was 6.4%, acute rejection rate was 11.3%, and GFR were (66.5 ± 16.4) ml/min, (73.2 ± 19.6) ml/min and (63.9 ± 18.6) ml/min respectively at three months, one year and beyond one year post-transplantation respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The donors/recipients of LKT in Chinese population experience well-functioning remaining/donor kidneys.</p>

The effect of 5-HD on expression of PKC-alpha in rats of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of mito chondrial K(ATP) channels (mitoK(ATP)) inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate(5-HD) on chronic hypoxic pulmonary artery hypertension (CHPAH) rats and its underlying mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight male SD rats were equally divided into 4 groups randomly (n=12): normal group, hypoxia group, hypoxia + 5-HD group, hypoxia + Diazoxide group. Except the first group, the other three groups were put into hypoxic [O2 (10.0% +/- 0.3%] and nonrmobaric chamber for four weeks to establish chronic hypoxic model and received different interference. When the interference completed, right heart catheter was used to detect the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) of each rat and PKC-alpha mRNA expression in pulmonary arteries was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein expression by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(mPAP was much higher in hypoxia group than that in normal group (P < 0.01) while in hypoxia + 5-HD group and hypoxia + diazoxide were decreased significantly compared to hypoxia group (P < 0.01). (2) The protein and mRNA levels of PKC-alpha in the hypoxic group were higher than those in normal group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>5-HD plays a protective role on CHPAH. The mechanism of its effect may be attributed to inhibiting MitoK(ATP).</p>

Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with cytokine-induced killer cell therapy on hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative study / 癌症

<p><b>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</b>Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have high anti-tumor activity for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether CIK cell therapy can eradicate residual cancer cells and prevent or postpone tumor relapse after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) should be testified. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of CIK cell therapy combined with TACE on HCC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 146 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC were divided into combination group (72 patients treated with CIK cell therapy combined with TACE) and TACE group (74 patients treated only with TACE). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year PFS rates were 72.2%, 40.4%, 25.3% in combination group, and 34.8%, 7.7%, 2.6% in TACE group. The median time to progression was 11 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 8-14 months] in combination group and 5 months (95% CI, 4-7 months) in TACE group. The estimated 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year OS rates were 90.3%, 71.9%, 62.4% in combination group, and 74.6%, 42.8%, 18.8% in TACE group. The median OS was 31 months (95% CI, 27-35 months) in combination group and 10 months (95% CI, 7-13 months) in TACE group. The times of TACE, ECOG performance status, and CIK cell therapy were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Adjuvant immunotherapy with CIK cells could greatly improve the efficacy of TACE on HCC, and plays an important role in prolonging the PFS and OS of HCC patients after TACE.</p>

Ideas and methods for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases by integrated Chinese and Western medicine / 中国中西医结合杂志

The fundamental mechanism of gastrointestinal diseases is the imbalance between the attack factor and the protective factor of stomach mucous membrane. It can not outbreak if the protective factor is stronger than the attack factor; otherwise, it will. Attack and protective function inside the stomach are mediated by various factors. These related factors interaction constitutes a complicated network system. This kind of outbreak theories of imbalance in Western medicine is same as that, "The sense of right saves inside, the evil can't do" and "Evil is competing with right, all diseases occur", in Chinese medicine. So, it is the key which points to futher study the interaction between gastrointestinal attack factors and protective factors by traditional Chinese medicine, thus improving the clinical effect.