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Background Prevalence of bronchial asthma, asthma treatment assessment, and estimation of the control level among asthma patients in Henan Province, China are reported in this paper. Methods We selected 10 among the 109 cities and districts in Henan province using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. A total of 500 households from each city and district were chosen. Approximately 20,000 residents from a total of 5,000 households were randomly selected to answer a questionnaire recommended by the China Asthma Alliance. Asthma patients were asked to answer a detailed questionnaire using the symptom-based guidelines to assess the levels of disease control. Results The overall prevalence of asthma was 0.73% ± 0.12%. Urban and rural residents had asthma prevalence rates of 1.1% ± 0.23% (88/7,924) and 0.48% ± 0.12% (57/11,792), respectively. Among the asthma patients, only 33.8% (52) received regular medication, 25% (13) used oral glucocorticoids, and 71.1% (37) used oral theophylline. The classified control levels of patients were as follows: 33.1% controlled, 49.7% partially controlled, and 17.2% uncontrolled. A total of 38.5% and 27.5% of regularly and irregularly treated asthma patients reached controlled level, respectively. The two groups significantly differed in asthma control level. Conclusion Asthma prevalence is low in Henan Province, China. Urban residents have higher prevalence of asthma than rural residents do. Patients with asthma receive insufficient medication, resulting in suboptimal asthma control. Improvement in diagnosis and treatment of asthma patients is urgently needed.

Background : The findings form studies on the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes were inconsistent. Objectives: To elucidate the association between vitamin D consumption and type 2 diabetes risk by conducting a metaanalysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search to identify prospective cohort studies of vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes risk prior to November 2012. Eligible studies were retrieved via both computer searches and manual review of references. The summary risk estimates were calculated based on the highest versus the lowest categories. Results: Meta-analysis of 4 prospective cohort studies involving 187, 592 participants and 9, 456 incident cases showed an absence of significant association between total vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes risk. The combined RR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.85–1.01). The associations were similar for subgroup analyses, a combined RR respectively was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77-1.08), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.77-1.08), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84-1.02), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84–1.01) for the intake of dietary vitamin D, supplemental vitamin D, total vitamin D in USA and total vitamin D for women only. Conclusions: Our results support that there was no association between vitamin D intake and type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Vitamin D, Diet; Type 2 Diabetes, Meta-analysis African Health Sciences 2013; 13(4): 1130 - 1138

Scale effect was one of the very important scientific problems of remote sensing. The scale effect of quantitative remote sensing can be used to study retrievals' relationship between different-resolution images, and its research became an effective way to confront the challenges, such as validation of quantitative remote sensing products et al. Traditional up-scaling methods cannot describe scale changing features of retrievals on entire series of scales; meanwhile, they are faced with serious parameters correction issues because of imaging parameters' variation of different sensors, such as geometrical correction, spectral correction, etc. Utilizing single sensor image, fractal methodology was utilized to solve these problems. Taking NDVI (computed by land surface radiance) as example and based on Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) image, a scheme was proposed to model continuous scaling of retrievals. Then the experimental results indicated that: (a) For NDVI, scale effect existed, and it could be described by fractal model of continuous scaling; (2) The fractal method was suitable for validation of NDVI. All of these proved that fractal was an effective methodology of studying scaling of quantitative remote sensing.

To explore the inhibitory effect of combined administration of bear bile powder (BBP) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, CTX) on colorectal cancer liver metastasis by regulating tumor promotion inflammation microenvironment.The CRC liver metastasis mode in mice was established through in situ spleenic injection of SL4 tumor cells into spleens. The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: the model group, the CTX (80 mg x kg(-1)) treatment group, the CTX + BBP high dose (300 mg x kg(-1)) group, the CTX + BBP middle dose (150 mg x kg(-1)) group and the CTX + BBP low dose (75 mg x kg(-1)) group. Mice were orally administered with drugs for 12 days, and sacrificed on the 13'h day for weighing their spleens and lives, HE staining, and immunofluorescence analysis. Their peripheral blood, and metastatic tumor in spleens and lives were analyzed with flow cytometry.Spleen and liver weights of the: CTX treatment group and other doses groups were significantly lower than that of the model group. HE staining and immunofluorescence analysis showed that lymphocyte infiltration was detected in normal tissues, and macrophages infiltration was observed around the tumor tissues. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the number of T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood of different doses groups were much higher than that of the CTX treatment group (P0.05), with the rise in the ratio of CD4/CD8; the total number of lymphocytes in spleen cell suspension increased in different doses groups, compared to the CTX treatment group, with notable increase in B cells (P0.05) and significant decrease in CD11b, F4/80 cells (P0.05). The combined treatment showed less monocyte macrophages in liver metastasis than that of the CTX treatment group.The combined treatment of bear bile powder and cyclophosphamide has the effect in not only protecting liver and increase immunity, but also in anti-inflammation and antitumor by regulating tumor microenvironment and reducing the collection of mononuclear macrophages. Particularly, the combined administration of low dose of bear bile powder and CTX shows the most significant effect in reducing inflammatory cell infiltration.

To compare insulin secretion and action with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and combined glucose intolerance (CGI, IFG and IGT) between Han and Uygur populations living in Xinjiang.A multicenter cross-section survey (The Third Diabetes Epidemiological Survey in China) was conducted in Xinjiang from 2007 to 2008 including 2203 subjects (Han 1118, Uygur 1085) underwent an oral glucose test (OGTT). Homeostasis model assessment on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β cell function (HOMA-β) were calculated. The ratio of incremental insulin (ΔI30) and glucose (ΔG30) response was used to evaluate the early insulin secretion. ΔI30/ΔG30/HOMA-IR was used to evaluate the glucose disposition index (DI).There were differences noticed regarding the waist circumstances (WC), body mass index (BMI), lipids, 0 and 120 min insulin levels in different glucose tolerance status between the Hans and Uygurs. Data related to NGT, IFG, CGI, WC from the Uygurs was significantly different from that of the Hans (P0.01), while the NGT, IFG, IGT and 120-minute plasma insulin levels of the Hans were significantly different from that of the Uygurs (P0.01). HOMA-IR and HOMA-β in Hans were significantly different from those of the Uygurs (P0.01). There were significant differences noticed on data related to ΔI30/ΔG30, and DI among the two populations with different ethnicities.Regarding the regulation of impaired glucose, the insulin resistance among the Hans was significantly different from that of the Uygurs, while there seemed to be a compensatory secretion of pancreatic β cells which played the role of maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.

In order to elucidate the hydro-physiological mechanisms of the formation of 'dwarf and aged' trees, two typical tree species Robinia pseudoacacia and Populus simonii on the Loess Plateau were chosen as the test objects to study their leaf hydraulic traits and drought resistance under effects of site conditions (gully bottom tableland and inter-gully slopeland) and tree age. For both R. pseudoacacia and P. simonii, the trees growing on the wet tableland had higher leaf maximum hydraulic conductance (Kmax) and hydraulic vulnerability (P50), and the Kmax decreased with tree age but the P50 had less difference, as compared with the trees growing on the dry slopeland. The trees growing on the tableland also had higher leaf epidermal conductance and PV curve parameters (including relative water content at turgor pressure loss point RWC(tlp), water potential at turgor pressure loss point psi(tlp), and osmotic potential at saturated water content psi(sat), and the leaf epidermal conductance decreased significantly with tree age whereas the PV curve parameters had definite decrease. The Kmax was significantly positively correlated with psi(tlp), and the P50 had definite correlations with PV curve parameters, suggesting that there existed a tradeoff relationship between Kmax and drought resistance, and P50 was an important drought-resistant trait for the two tree species.

Background Recent guidelines suggest that more attention should be focused on children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). China may have 3.8 million potential FH patients, but there are limited data focused on HoFH children. Objective We systematically analyzed the characteristic phenotype and the relationship between the genotype and the phenotype in HoFH children with the unique Chinese W483X mutation in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–receptor gene. Methods A systematic retrospective analysis of the lipid and cardiovascular characteristics of HoFH patients in the atherosclerosis clinic of Beijing Anzhen Hospital was performed. The W483X mutation was confirmed using DNA sequencing of the patients and their parents. Results Two HoFH and 9 compound heterozygous patients (mean age = 14.7 years) with 2 novel mutations, Q254X and c.1363delC, were found. In total, 81.8% of the patients were from southern China. All the patients had xanthoma, and the average TC and LDL-C levels were 16.8 and 14.4 mmol/L, respectively. Echocardiography showed that 63.6% of the patients had aortic calcification, and 54.5% had mild regurgitation of the aortic valve. The coronary flow velocity reserve had a mean value of 2.12, and the cIMT was 0.17 cm. The follow-up period was between 3 months and 8 years. Although all the patients began the lipid-lowering treatment, 2 patients died because of severe cardiovascular disease. The LDL-C levels of 6 patients were slightly decreased by approximately 21% and remained far from the target values, and the other 3 patients' LDL-C levels increased by 13%. Conclusions The results suggest that younger HoFH patients with W483X mutations had a severe phenotype and should receive more aggressive treatment.

The paper is to report the establishment of three methods for determination of methyl salicylate-2-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1-4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (MSG) by HPLC, UV or potentiometric titration. The results determined by the three methods turned out to be of no significant difference (P0.05). The method was chosen according to MSG difference test demands.

In the asymmetric unit of the title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(14)H(14)N(2))], the central Zn(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral environment by two N atoms of the ligand 2-[(2,6-dimethyl-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]pyridine and two chloride anions. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are connected through C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds between a C-H group of the ligand and a Cl(-) anion, leading to a chain-like structure along the b direction.

Error analysis is playing an important role in the application of the remote sensing data and model. A theoretical analysis of error sensitivities in land surface temperature (LST) retrieval using radiance transfer model (RT) is introduced, which was applied to a new thermal infrared remote sensing data of HJ-1B satellite(IRS4). The modification of the RT model with MODTRAN 4 for IRS4 data is mentioned. Error sensitivities of the model are exhibited by analyzing the derivatives of parameters. It is shown that the greater the water vapor content and smaller the emissivity and temperature, the greater the LST retrieval error. The main error origin is from equivalent noise, uncertainty of water vapor content and emissivity, which lead to an error of 0.7, 0.6 and 0.5 K on LST in typical condition, respectively. Hence, a total error of 1 K for LST has been found. It is confirmed that the LST retrieved from HJ-1B data is incredible when application requirement is more than 1K, unless more accurate in situ measurements for atmospheric parameters and emissivity are applied.

Two new phenolic glycosides, named prionitiside A and prionitiside B, were isolated from the aqueous extract of Salvia prionitis, together with seven known phenolic acids.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases in the world. Although the development of atherosclerosis appears to be the result of multiple maladaptive pathways, a particularly important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), which contributes to endothelial damage. Data from our laboratory and others show that follistatin-related protein (FRP), which is expressed in the vasculature, has cardioprotective effects, suggesting that loss of FRP protection might play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we determined whether FRP overexpression protects against endothelial cell (EC) damage, an intermediate end point for atherosclerosis. We bred apoE-knockout (apoE−/−) mice that were FRP+ transgenic (they overexpressed FRP). We compared them with control mice (their littermates). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and treated with ox-LDL and recombinant FRP. FRP-induced signal transduction and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein stability were analyzed. After 16 wk, apoE−/− FRP+ mice had significantly fewer apoptotic ECs than controls. In vitro experiments showed that the effect of FRP on EC apoptosis was mediated by upregulation of expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. In HUVECs, FRP upregulated Bcl-2 transcription via a PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathway. We conclude that FRP overexpression maintains EC viability by preventing apoptosis via Bcl-2 upregulation. FRP may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of vascular EC injury and of atherosclerosis.

Atmospheric effect is one of the most important error sources of land surface temperature (LST) retrieval using single channel thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing data. This paper focuses on the theoretical analysis of the atmospheric correction error sensitivity on LST retrieval, which applied on a new TIR remote sensing data of HJ-1B satellite. For this purpose, atmospheric effects on three different methods for LST retrieval are analyzed and compared: the radiant transfer method (RTM), the mono-window algorithm (Qin method) and the generalized single-channel method (JMS JMS for a view angle of 33°, error on LST is lower than 2.3K, 1.9K and 1.1K for JMS Qin method is also sensitive to mean atmospheric temperature, which leads to an error on LST of 0.5K, assuming an atmospheric temperature uncertainty of 0.1K; JM method is still sensitive to effective wavelength, which leads to an error on LST of 0.3K, assuming an wavelength uncertainty of 0.3μm; Hence, JM&S method is more suitable for the condition that precise water vapor profiles are applied, while Qin method can be more precisely if atmospheric temperature is fully estimated. For non-mathematical simplification, RTM could be the most accurate and complex choice if in situ measurement and angular correction of atmospheric are undertook.

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor has many advantages such as small size, electric insulation and anti-electromagnetic interference. It has a broad application prospect in high voltage power system and current measurement and now it has become a hot spot. Many researchers are focus on the problem of the demodulation of FBG wavelength. The signal processing system with the core of DSP (TMS320VC5402) and the auxiliary chip of MCU has been designed in this article. The hardware and software of the system are introduced in detail. DSP is responsible for data acquisition and processing, MCU is responsible for controlling the stepping motor of the demodulation circuit so as to demodulate the wavelength signal of FBG well enough. The experimental platform of signal processing system is built. Experimental results indicate that this system can operate stable and accurate.

To investigate the relationship between the proliferation of sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on HASMCs.The HASMCs cultured in vitro were divided into three groups: (1) control group; (2) sensitized group: containing 10% asthmatic serum; (3) SMI group: further divided into three different concentration subgroups interferred with 10 microL/mL, 50 microL/mL, and 100 microL/mL SMI, respectively. The proliferation of HASMCs was detected using MTT method, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) in HASMCs was detected using immunocytochemical staining, and the expression of phosphoration-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) protein was detected using Western-blot.After passive sensitization,: the optical density value (A A(490) value) of HASMCs was significantly increased from 0.366+/-0.086 to 0.839+/- 0.168 (P0.05). In addition, the expression of PCNA was significantly increased from 28.7%+/-5.9% in the control group to 69.8%+/-7.5% in the sensitized group (P0.05). At the same time, the expression of p-ERK1/2 in passively sensitized HASMCs was significantly increased compared with the control group (all P0.05). After application of 10 microL/mL, 50 microL/mL, and 100 microL/mL SMI to the cultured media of passively sensitized group, the A(570) value was significantly decreased from 0.839+/-0.168 to 0.612+/-0.100, 0.412+/-0.092, and 0.339+/-0.077, respectively (P0.05). Moreover, the expression of PCNA was significantly decreased from 69.8%+/-7.5% to 57.8%+/-6.2%, 40.7%+/-5.4%, and 26.1%+/-5.2%, respectively. At the same time, the expression of p-ERK1/2 in each SMI group was significantly decreased compared with the sensitized group (all P0.05).ERK signal transduction pathway may be involved in the airway remodeling in asthma. The expression of ERK can be inhibited by SMI in a dose-dependent manner, thus preventing the proliferation of HASMCs.

Ecological and physiological adaptabilities of earthworm in biofilter under domestication stage is presented, as well as related factors. The results show that, due to the coercion of natural and filter environment, the number and biomass of earthworms present a gradual downward trend after added. But once the conditions become appropriate, hatching of larvae could add the number and biomass of earthworm in the filter. With the increase of temperature, circumjacent earthworms gradually move to the water distribution area, 58 days later earthworms distribution become more uniform. Earthworm density and moisture content exist the significant negative correlation. Temperature, precipitation and rainfall don't affect the ecological indicators of earthworms significantly. When temperature is below 15 degrees C, the earthworms' respiratory rate become more sensitive and decline significantly which is not conducive for earthworms treatment of sewage sludge. In a certain range, it's effective for improving the efficiency of sludge treatment to increase the density of earthworms and distribute earthworms evenly.

Application of a biogeochemical model, DeNitrification and DeComposition or DNDC, was discussed to assess the impact of CH4 emissions on different soil database from rice fields in Taihu Lake region of China. The results showed that CH4 emissions of the polygon-based soil database of 1:50000, which contained 52034 polygons of paddy soils representing 1107 paddy soil profiles extracted from the latest national soil map (1:50000), were located within the ranges produced by the county-based soil database of 1:50000. However, total emissions of the whole area differed by about 1680 Gg CH4-C. Moreover, CH4 emissions of the polygon-based soil database of 1:50000 and the county-based soil database of 14,000,000, which was the most popular data source when DNDC model was applied in China, have a big estimation discrepancy among each county-based unit in spite of total emissions of the whole area by a difference of 180 Gg CH4-C. This indicated that the more precise soil database was necessary to better simulate CH4 emissions from rice fields in Taihu Lake region using the DNDC model.

Through different working condition experiments, effect of hydraulic loading on antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and digestive enzyme (cellulose, alkaline phosphatase) activities of earthworm in biofilter were studied. The results indicated that antioxidant enzyme and digestive enzyme activities of earthworms responded to hydraulic loading stresses differently. SOD and CAT activities of earthworms increased with the increase of hydraulic loading in the scale of 2.4-6.7 m3 x (m2 x d)(-1), earthworms resisted external environmental stress by coordination function of antioxidation system, so they could survive in different conditions. In addition, digestive enzyme activity, digest ability, sludge reduction and stabilization effect showed excellent correlation (p0.05). When the hydraulic loading was 4.8 m3 x (m2 x d)(-1), earthworm biofilter showed a high level of AKP, FP and digest rate (41.47%), which was notably better than that of other conditions, sludge and organic matter reduction rate came to the maximum, 48.2% and 65.5% respectively. However, higher level of hydraulic loading [or = 6.0 m3 x (m2 x d)(-1)] restrained AKP and FP activity markedly and metabolism level was affected, sludge reduction rate had certain decadence, so it was unfavorable for earthworm biofilter to bring the ecological function into play. At last it is recommended that the hydraulic loading of earthworm biofilter should not exceed 6.0 m3 x (m2 x d)(-1).

To investigate the novel hyperplasia suppressor gene (HSG) expression in vascular smooth muscle cells derived from normotensive and hypertensive patients underwent bypass surgery.Coronary heart disease patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation in BEIJING ANZHEN hospital from 4 - 9, 2006 were enrolled in this study and divided into hypertensive group (n = 28) and normotensive group (n = 26). The preoperative venous blood samples were taken for serum biochemical and vasoactive peptides measurements. Total RNA was extracted from WBC, explanted-vessels and cultured VSMCs using TRIZOL and HSG expression was determined by Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR.Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in hypertensive group compared to normotensive group (P0.01) while other biochemic parameters and vasoactive peptides were similar between the groups. BMI and GLU, BMI and SBP, BMI and DBP, GLU and TG, SBP and DBP were positively correlated (all P0.05). HSG expression in WBC, VSMCs and vessel tissue were significantly lower in hypertensive group than those in normotensive group (all P0.05). HSG expression in tissue was negatively correlated to BMI, SBP and DBP (all P0.05).Reduced HSG expression and the negative correlation on vascular tissue HSG expression to BMI, SBP and DBP suggested a possible inhibitory role of HSG on VSMC proliferation and blood pressure.

BACKGROUND Current prosthetic, small diameter vascular grafts showing poor long term patency rates have led to the pursuit of other biological materials. Biomaterials that successfully integrate into surrounding tissue should match not only the mechanical properties of tissues, but also topography. Polyglycolic acid (70/30) has been used as synthetic grafts to determine whether human vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells attach, survive and secrete endothelin and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha). METHODS Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were isolated from adult human great saphenous vein. They were seeded on polyglycolic acid scaffold in vitro separately to grow vascular patch (Groups A and B respectively) and cocultured in vitro to grow into vascular patch (Group C). Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were identified by immunohistochemical analysis and growth of cells on polyglycolic acid was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The levels of endothelin and 6-keto-PGF1alpha in the culturing solutions were examined by radioimmunology to measure endothelial function. RESULTS Seed smooth muscle cells adhered to polyglycolic acid scaffold and over 28 days grew in the interstices to form a uniform cell distribution throughout the scaffold. Then seed endothelial cells formed a complete endothelial layer on the smooth muscle cells. The levels of endothelin and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha in the culturing solution were (234 +/- 29) pg/ml and (428 +/- 98) pg/ml respectively in Group C and (196 +/- 30) pg/ml and (346 +/- 120) pg/ml in Group B; both significantly higher than in Groups A and D (blank control group, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cells could be grown successfully on polyglycolic acid and retain functions of secretion. Our next step is to use human saphenous vein smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells to grow tubular vascular grafts in vitro.

The effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on the tension and the activity of voltage-dependent delayed rectifier potassium channel (Ky) were examined in normal and passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle (HASM), by measuring tones and whole-cell patch clamp techniques, and the Kv activities and membrane potential (E m) were also detected. The results showed that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, caused a concentration-dependent constriction in normal HASM rings. The constriction of the passively sensitized muscle in asthma serum group was significantly higher than that of the normal group (P

To determine the possible roles of survivin in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and to explore the relationship between apoptosis and angiogenesis in MDS, the expressions of survivin, Bcl-2 and VEGF were detected in the BM cells of de novo patients with MDS, patients with AML and individuals of control by immunochemical staining and their relationship was analyzed. The results showed that the expression rate and integral of all the three proteins in the low-risk group of MDS, high-risk group of MDS and de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients gradually increased, in addition to expression of Bcl-2 in low-risk group of MDS and control group. The significant differences were observed in every two groups and there were positive relations between the every two proteins. It is concluded that survivin, Bcl-2 and VEGF are all involved in the pathogenesis of MDS, and related with the progression of this disease, the deregulated apoptosis and angiogenesis may be involved in the pathogenesis of MDS through interaction among three proteins mentioned above.

To evaluate the effect of conservative surgical management on patients with subglottic cancer.Nine cases with subglottic carcinoma were treated surgically from 1984 to 1999. There were T2N0 lesions in 2 cases, T3N0-1 in 3 cases and T4N0-1 in 4 cases. All the cases underwent partial laryngectomy including partial cricoid resection. Variations of a pedicled thyroid cartilage flap were used for reconstruct the cricoid defect. The pedicle based muscle was thyrohyoid, sterno-thyroid or inferior constrictor. Unilateral neck dissection was performed on 7 cases and bilateral on two.The function of phonation were preserved in all cases. Eight of nine 8/9 were decanulated. Normal deglutition were achieved for all patients. The 3 and 5 year survival rates were 8/9 and 6/9, respectively.Pedicled thyroid cartilage flap is appropriate for reconstruction of the cricoid defect in the conservative surgery of selected subglottic carcinoma.

To evaluate the effect of seeding vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells sequentially on biodegradable scaffold in vitro.Venous endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of artery were isolated from the umbilical cord of newborn and cultured in vitro. The cultured arterial smooth muscle cells and cultured endothelial cells were seeded on the polyglycolic acid and polylactide (PLGA) nonwoven mesh as tissue scaffolds respectively (group A and group B). And cultured endothelial cells were seeded on the scaffold already seeded with smooth muscle cells sequentially to construct vascular patch (group C). One month after cultivation the patches of the 3 groups underwent HE staining and microscopic examination and scanning electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the existence of actin and factor VIII-related antigen, secreted by endothelial cells, in the cells. The levels of endothelin and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha in the culture solution were examined by means of radioimmunology so as to measure the endothelial function. Pure culture solution was used as blank control (group D).Microscopy showed that cells were fused into patch in the group C. HE staining showed that the smooth muscle cells were embedded into the PLGA scaffold and grew in multiple layers covered by a layer of endothelial cells on the surface. The types of cells could be identified by immunohistochemical procedure. The levels of endothelin and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha in the culture solution were 229 pg/ml +/- 34 pg/ml and 402 pg/ml +/- 108 pg/ml respectively in the group C, and 200 pg/ml +/- 31 pg/ml and 336 pg/ml +/- 121 pg/ml in the group B, both significantly higher than those in the groups A and D (blank control group, all P0.05 or P0.05).Tissue engineering blood vessel with normal morphological and functional characters to a certain degree can be constructed through seeding cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells sequentially on PLGA scaffold.

To investigate the effects of three potassium channels, voltage-dependent K(+) channel (K(V)), calcium-activated K(+) channel (K(Ca)) and ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)), on the proliferation, apoptosis and related-gene expression in human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs).Normal human bronchial tissues were obtained from 5 patients undergoing lung partial resection for carcinomas. The cultured HBSMCs were divided into four groups: (1) control group; (2) 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) group: containing 4 mmol/L 4-AP; (3) TEA group: containing 1 mmol/L TEA; (4) Glib group: containing 0.1 mmol/L Glib. The cell cycles were observed by flow-cytometry; Ca(2+) concentration in HBSMCs were investigated by fluorescent quantification using fluorospectrophotometer. The proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT methods and TUNEL, respectively. Immunocytochemical staining was used to detect the effects of three potassium channel blockers on the expressions of PCNA and apoptosis related-gene Fas, FasL of HBSMCs.(1) The K(V) blocker 4-AP was shown to significantly increase the optical density value [the value of A of the 4-AP group was (0.67 +/- 0.14), compared to the control group (0.30 +/- 0.08), P0.01] and the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen [the positive percentage of PCNA of the 4-AP group was (89 +/- 7)%, compared to the control group (23 +/- 5)]%, P0.01). 4-AP significantly increased the Ca(2+) concentration [(255 +/- 17) nmol/L] in cultured HBSMCs, compared to the control group [(98 +/- 7) nmol/L, P0.01] and the numbers [(28.8 +/- 2.4)%] of S + G(2)M HBSMCs by flow-cytometry in cultured HBSMCs, compared to the control group [(12.6 +/- 4.8)%, P0.01]. The value of A of TEA group and Glib group were all (0.30 +/- 0.07). The positive percentage of PCNA of the two groups were (21 +/- 5)%, (20 +/- 4)%, respectively. Ca(2+) concentration of the two groups were (97 +/- 7) nmol/L, (99 +/- 6) nmol/L, respectively. And the numbers of S + G(2)M HBSMCs were (12.8 +/- 4.4)%, (11.0 +/- 4.4)%, respectively. But no significant differences were found between the two groups and the control group (all P0.05). (2) The level of TUNEL and the expressions of Fas and FasL of the control were (4.36 +/- 0.66)%, (2.92 +/- 0.25)%, (4.0 +/- 0.6)%, respectively. 4-AP significantly decrease the apoptosis rate and the expressions of Fas, FasL [(0.84 +/- 0.13)%, (0.92 +/- 0.16)]%, (1.4 +/- 0.6)%, respectively) (compared to control, all P0.01). The level of TUNEL of TEA group and Glib group were (4.47 +/- 0.93)%, (4.33 +/- 0.77)%, respectively. And the expressions of Fas, FasL of the two groups were (2.87 +/- 0.23)%, (4.2 +/- 0.8)%, (2.91 +/- 0.26)% and (4.2 +/- 0.9)%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups and the control group (all P0.05).Inhibition of K(V) activity can increase the proliferation and intracellular [Ca(2+)]i, and decrease the apoptosis of HBSMCs, but inhibition of K(Ca) and K(ATP) showed no effects.

Two new phenolic glycosides, named prionitiside A and prionitiside B, were isolated from the aqueous extract of Salvia prionitis, together with seven known phenolic acids.

Potassium (K+) channels are important in regulating cell membrane potential and excitability. Although bronchial myocytes from asthmatic rats show a significant reduction in voltage-dependent delayed rectifier potassium channel (Kv) current density and higher excitability, the activity and expression of Kv in human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs) have never been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of passive sensitization by asthmatic serum on the activity of Kv and the expression of Kv isoform Kv1.5 in HBSMCs.HBSMCs were randomly divided into two groups: control group (containing 10% serum from nonatopic individuals) and sensitized group (containing 10% asthmatic serum), then cultured for 24 hours. Whole-cell patch clamp, immunofluorescence staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot techniques were used to study the effect of passive sensitization on the activity of Kv and the expression of Kv1.5 in HBSMCs.The membrane potential in passively sensitized HBSMCs was significantly depolarized to -(26.7 +/- 5.2) mV compared with -(41.3 +/- 6.4) mV in the control group (P0.01). Passive sensitization caused a significant inhibition of Kv currents in HBSMCs, resulting in a downward shift in the current-voltage (I-V) relationship curve. At +50 mV, the peak Kv current density of passively sensitized HBSMCs was significantly decreased from (54.6 +/- 8.7) picoamperes per picofarad (pA/pF) to (32.1 +/- 7.1) pA/pF (P0.01). The expression level of Kv1.5 mRNA in passively sensitized HBSMCs was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.76 +/- 0.07 vs 1.04 +/- 0.13, P0.05). The expression of Kv1.5 protein of passively sensitized HBSMCs was also significantly reduced compared to that from the control group (984 +/- 168 vs 2200 +/- 380, P0.05).The activity and expression of Kv were all decreased in HBSMCs passively sensitized by asthmatic serum compared with nonsensitized cells. These changes might be involved in the mechanisms of formation and development of asthma.

To investigate the effect of Shen-Mai injection (SMI) and aminophylline on diaphragmatic muscle cell apoptosis and the Fas/FasL expression in chronic hypoxic rats.Seventy-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three equal groups, control group (A group), SMI group (B group) and aminophylline group (C group). Then each group was further divided into five subgroups of pre-hypoxia, hypoxia 1 w, 2 w, 3 w and 4 w groups (5 rats each). The concentration of oxygen was (10 +/- 3)%, 7 d/w, 8 h/d for all groups, but only B group and C group received SMI (2 ml/d) and aminophylline (10 mg/kg) respectively. Apoptosis and Fas/FasL expression of diaphragmatic muscle cells were examined by the streptavidin biotin-peroxidase complex (SABC) immunohistochemistry techniques and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and Dunnett-t test was employed to compare the effects of SMI and aminophylline.(1) Fas, FasL expression in normal diaphragmatic muscle cells was very low with a positive rate of (2.77 +/- 0.45)% and (2.32 +/- 0.61)%. After hypoxia, the positive rates increased with the time of hypoxia time. SMI showed an inhibition on diaphragmatic muscle cell Fas and FasL expression;after hypoxia 1 w, 2 w, 3 w and 4 w, Fas expression [(6.36 +/- 4.17)%, (9.77 +/- 4.12)%, (18.02 +/- 6.91)% and (21.09 +/- 8.09)%] and FasL expression [(5.32 +/- 6.16)%, (9.58 +/- 3.79)%, (12.01 +/- 8.71)%, (19.43 +/- 10.31)%] in B group were different from those in A group respectively (all P0.05). But aminophylline did not show such an effect, the expression of Fas [(10.87 +/- 3.62)%, (24.13 +/- 3.79)%, (35.39 +/- 9.02)%, (39.56 +/- 10.12)%] and FasL [(9.37 +/- 4.07)%, (20.16 +/- 4.88)%, (31.81 +/- 7.07)%, (35.51 +/- 9.13)%] were not significantly different from those in A group respectively (all P0.05). (2) Diaphragmatic muscle cell apoptosis was very low in normal rats with a rate of (0.93 +/- 0.29)%, which also increased after hypoxia and the increase was associated with the time of hypoxia. Apoptosis rate was decreased by the administration of SMI, the rates of B group were (5.01 +/- 3.71)%, (9.37 +/- 3.12)%, (14.66 +/- 8.76)%, (18.16 +/- 7.02)%, respectively. Except for the first week, the differences of other weeks were all statistically significant when compared with A groups (all P0.05). But the effect of aminophylline was different, as compared to A group, only the apoptosis rate in hypoxia 4 w [(30.92 +/- 11.13)%] of C group being statistically significant different (P0.05).Fas and FasL participated in diaphragmatic muscle cell apoptosis in rats with chronic hypoxia. SMI showed a definite effect on the Fas and FasL protein expression and decreased diaphragmatic muscle cell apoptosis, which contributed to the therapeutic effect on diaphragmatic fatigue caused by hypoxia.

To explore the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on L-type calcium channel of diaphragmatic muscle cells in rats.Single diaphragmatic muscle cell of rats was obtained by the acute enzyme isolation method and the standard whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record the inward peak L-type calcium current (IPLC) and current-voltage relationship curve of diaphragmatic muscle cells of 7 rats, and to compare the effects of SMI in various concentrations on them.When keeping the electric potential at -80 mV, stimulation frequency 0.5 Hz, clamp time 300 ms, stepped voltage 10 mV, and depolarized to +60 mV, 10 microliters/ml of SMI could only cause the mean IPLC of rat's diaphragmatic muscle cells increased from -6.9 +/- 0.6 pA/pF to -7.5 +/- 0.7 pA/pF, the amplification being (9.2 +/- 2.8)%, comparison between those of pre-treatment and post-treatment showed insignificant difference. But when the concentration of SMI increased to 50 microliters/ml and 100 microliters/ml, the mean IPLC increased to -8.4 +/- 0.6 pA/pF and -9.2 +/- 0.6 pA/pF, respectively, and the amplification was (22.4 +/- 1.7)% and (34.6 +/- 4.6)% respectively, showing significant difference to that of pre-treatment (P0.05). However, SMI showed no significant effect on maximal activation potential and reversal potential.SMI can activate the calcium channel of diaphragmatic muscle cells in rats, increase the influx of Ca2+, so as to strengthen the contraction of diaphragmatic muscle, which may be one of the ionic channel mechanisms of SMI in treating diaphragmatic muscle fatigue in clinical practice.

Auteur(s) : Wen-Hua Zhao1, Chun-Ying Wang1, Wu-Yuan Zhou1, Meng Guo1, Yan Li1, Li-Min Zhao1, Fang-Lian Jiao1, Ling Li2, Sheng Li1 1Shandong Tumor Hospital, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China 2Shandong Academy of Medicine Sciences, Jinan 250086, Shandong Province, China Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAPs, otherwise known as Degos disease) has a purely cutaneous variant and a systemic variant with cutaneous manifestations. We describe a 41-year-old woman who presented with a widespread skin [...]

In the asymmetric unit of the title compound, [ZnCl2(C14H14N2)], the central ZnII ion is four-coordinated in a distorted tetra­hedral environment by two N atoms of the ligand 2-[(2,6-dimethyl­phen­yl)imino­meth­yl]pyridine and two chloride anions. In the crystal, adjacent mol­ecules are connected through C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds between a C—H group of the ligand and a Cl− anion, leading to a chain-like structure along the b direction.