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The effects of spraying with kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha were compared with treatments with tetrandrine in a rat silicosis model. Silica dust (50 mg) was injected into the lungs of rats, which were then treated with one of the experimental treatments for a month. The rats were then killed and the effects of the treatments were evaluated by examining the extent and severity of the histopathological lesions in the animals' lungs, measuring their organ coefficients and lung collagen contents, determining the dry and wet weights of their lungs, and measuring the free silica content of the dried lungs. In addition, lavage was performed on whole lungs taken from selected rats, and the numbers and types of cells in the lavage fluid were counted. The most effective treatment in terms of the ability to reduce lung collagen content and minimize the formation of pulmonary histopathological lesions was tetrandrine treatment, followed by Chinese herbal kombucha and non-Chinese herbal kombucha. However, the lavage fluid cell counts indicated that tetrandrine treatment had severe adverse effects on macrophage viability. This effect was much less pronounced for the kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha treatments. Moreover, the free silica levels in the lungs of animals treated with Chinese herbal kombucha were significantly lower than those for any other silica-exposed group. These preliminary results indicate that spraying with Chinese herbal kombucha preparations can effectively promote the discharge of silica dust from lung tissues. Chinese herbal kombucha inhalation may thus be a useful new treatment for silicosis and other pneumoconiosis diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, the optimal surface finding (OSF) and layered optimal graph image segmentation of multiple objects and surfaces (LOGISMOS) approaches have been reported with applications to medical image segmentation tasks. While providing high levels of performance, these approaches may locally fail in the presence of pathology or other local challenges. Due to the image data variability, finding a suitable cost function that would be applicable to all image locations may not be feasible. This paper presents a new interactive refinement approach for correcting local segmentation errors in the automated OSF-based segmentation. A hybrid desktop/virtual reality user interface was developed for efficient interaction with the segmentations utilizing state-of-the-art stereoscopic visualization technology and advanced interaction techniques. The user interface allows a natural and interactive manipulation of 3-D surfaces. The approach was evaluated on 30 test cases from 18 CT lung datasets, which showed local segmentation errors after employing an automated OSF-based lung segmentation. The performed experiments exhibited significant increase in performance in terms of mean absolute surface distance errors (2.54±0.75mm prior to refinement vs. 1.11±0.43mm post-refinement, p ≪0.001). Speed of the interactions is one of the most important aspects leading to the acceptance or rejection of the approach by users expecting real-time interaction experience. The average algorithm computing time per refinement iteration was 150ms, and the average total user interaction time required for reaching complete operator satisfaction was about 2min per case. This time was mostly spent on human-controlled manipulation of the object to identify whether additional refinement was necessary and to approve the final segmentation result. The reported principle is generally applicable to segmentation problems beyond lung segmentation in CT scans as long as the underlying segmentation utilizes the OSF framework. The two reported segmentation refinement tools were optimized for lung segmentation and might need some adaptation for other application domains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of Radix Platycodon in combination with herbs for cleaning-heat and detoxification and its mechanism for Fei (肺)-targeting. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (8 per group): the sham-operated group, model group, Radix Platycodon group, Flos Lonicera and Fructus Forsythia (LF) group, and Radix Platycodon, Flos Lonicera and Fructus Forsythia combination (PLF) group, using a random number table. A rat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatments started from the 15th day of passive smoking for a total duration of 14 days. At the end of the treatment, changes in the following measurements were determined: lung histopathology, inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and mRNA expression of endogenous active substance intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in the lung tissue. Results: Light microscopy showed that compared with the sham-operated group, rats in the COPD model group had disrupted alveolar structure, collapsed local alveoli, significantly widened or even fused alveolar septa, and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the alveolar wall and interstitium. In addition, significant bronchial epithelium hyperplasia, partially shed epithelia, and marked inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchial wall and its surrounding tissues were noticed. Electron microscopy showed that rats in the model group had degeneration of alveolar type II epithelial cell; reduction, breakage or even loss of cell surface microvilli; swollen mitochondria with disappearing cristae and vacuole-like structure; and, increased secondary lysosomes in alveolar macrophages. The TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1β levels and white blood cell (WBC) count in BALF were significantly increased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05) and TFF3 mRNA expression in the lung tissue was significantly reduced ( P<0.01). After treatment, the pathological morphology of lung injury was less severe in all three treatment groups. In addition, TGF-β and IL-1β and WBC count in BALF were decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and TFF3 mRNA expression in the lung tissue was significantly increased in the PLF group ( P<0.01). Compared with the LF group, the IL-1β in BALF was significantly decreased P<0.05), and TFF3 mRNA expression was significantly increased ( P<0.05) in the PLF group. Conclusions: Radix Platycodon synergizes with herbs for cleaning-heat and detoxification in reducing inflammatory injury in a rat model of COPD. The synergistic anti-inflammatory effect is reflected in the improvement in pathological changes and in the reduction of IL-1β levels in BALF. The mechanism of such synergistic action may be related to its effect on maintaining the TFF3 mRNA expression and Fei-targeting function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gamijinhae-tang (GJHT) has long been used in Korea to treat respiratory diseases. The therapeutic effect of GJHT is likely associated with its anti-inflammatory activity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of GJHT in a porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) induced animal model of acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: In this study, mice were intranasally exposed to PPE and LPS for 4 weeks to induce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like lung inflammation. Two hours prior to PPE and LPS administration, the treatment group was administered GJHT extracts via an oral injection. The numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and total cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were counted, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were also measured. For histologic analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains were evaluated. Results: After inducing ALI by treating mice with PPE and LPS for 4 weeks, the numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes and total cells were significantly lower in the GJHT group than in the ALI group. In addition, the IL-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in the GJHT group. The histological results also demonstrated the attenuation effect of GJHT on PPE- and LPS-induced lung inflammation. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that GJHT has significantly reduces PPE- and LPS-induced lung inflammation. The remarkable protective effects of GJHT suggest its therapeutic potential in COPD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: The rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum SIEB. et ZUCC. (Polygonaceae, PC), a widely used Chinese medicine, is commonly prescribed for the treatments of amenorrhea, arthralgia, jaundice, abscess, scald and bruises. Aim of the study: PC contains various polyphenols including stilbenes, anthraquinones and flavonoids. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of emodin and resveratrol in PC. Material and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered PC (2 and 4g/kg) and blood samples were withdrawn at the designed time points via cardiopuncture. Moreover, after 7-dose administrations of PC (4g/kg), brain, liver, lung, kidney and heart were collected. The concentrations of resveratrol and emodin in the plasma and tissues were assayed by HPLC before and after hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase and sulfatase. Results: The glucuronides/sulfates of emodin and resveratrol were exclusively present in the plasma. In liver, kidney, lung and heart, the glucuronides/sulfates of resveratrol were the major forms. For emodin, its glucuronides/sulfates were the major forms in kidney and lung, whereas considerable concentration of emodin free form was found in liver. Neither free forms nor conjugated metabolites of resveratrol and emodin were detected in brain. Conclusion: The sulfates/glucuronides of resveratrol and emodin were the major forms in circulation and most assayed organs after oral intake of PC. However, the free form of emodin was predominant in liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanomedicine comprises a significant potential to approach the therapy of severe diseases. Knowledge of nanoparticle behavior at the target site would contribute to the development of specialized tools for respiratory medicine. Here, we were interested in the potential of micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging to monitor the pulmonary distribution of polymeric nanoparticles. Composite nanoparticles were analyzed for physicochemical properties, morphology and composition. μCT was employed to visualize the pulmonary distribution of composite nanoparticles in an ex vivo lung model. Employed composite nanoparticles were composed of poly(styrene) cores coated by a thin shell of colloidal iron oxide. Particles were mainly located in the interstitial space and associated with pulmonary cells, as observed by light microscopy. μCT detected enhanced X-ray opacities in the conducting (linear pattern) and respiratory airways (aciniform X-ray attenuations). In conclusion, multifunctional nanoparticles will prompt the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools in respiratory medicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stemonae Radix (Stemona tuberosa Lour, Bai Bu) is an important traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) plant known for its antitussive activity. Croomine, neotuberostemonine and tuberostemonine alkaloids of Stemonae Radix are major components responsible for antitussive action. In this work, plasma pharmacokinetic and biodistribution characteristics of the three alkaloids after oral administration of Stemonae Radix are investigated using a rapid and sensitive UPLC-Q-TOF–HDMS method. Mass spectrometry (MS) was performed on a Waters Micromass high-definition technology with an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode, with excellent MS mass accuracy and enhanced MS data acquisition. Separation of main alkaloids was achieved on a Waters BEH C18 column by linear gradient elution. Data were analyzed and estimated by compartmental methods and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated using WinNonlin Professional version 5.1. It was found that croomine, neotuberostemonine and tuberostemonine had faster absorbed into the bloodstream, maintain the high plasma concentration, and pose a large AUC value. The biodistribution of neotuberostemonine and tuberostemonine showed that the higher levels were in liver, and lung. Croomine was discovered in brain and showed that it could cross the blood–brain barrier, indicating that croomine plays an antitussive effect as acting on the central nervous system. Neotuberostemonine and tuberostemonine were not discovered in brain, demonstrating that they play an antitussive effect as peripheral antitussive. This work suggests that the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution based-UPLC-Q-TOF–HDMS can provide a reliable tools for screening bioactive components contributing to pharmacological effects of medicinal herbs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method for automatic quality assessment of medical image registration is presented. The method is based on supervised learning of local alignment patterns, which are captured by statistical image features at distinctive landmark points. A two-stage classifier cascade, employing an optimal multi-feature model, classifies local alignments into three quality categories: correct, poor or wrong alignment. We establish a reference registration error set as basis for training and testing of the method. It consists of image registrations obtained from different non-rigid registration algorithms and manually established point correspondences of automatically determined landmarks. We employ a set of different classifiers and evaluate the performance of the proposed image features based on the classification performance of corresponding single-feature classifiers. Feature selection is conducted to find an optimal subset of image features and the resulting multi-feature model is validated against the set of single-feature classifiers. We consider the setup generic, however, its application is demonstrated on 51 CT follow-up scan pairs of the lung. On this data, the proposed method performs with an overall classification accuracy of 90%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Miaoyao Fanggan Sachets (MFS) has long been used as a folk medicine for the prevention of influenza in Southeast of Guizhou Province, China. However, the precise immunological mechanisms by which MFS confers protection have not been defined. Study aim: To explore the effects of MFS on innate immune system responses using a cold stress-induced immune impairment model as a means of examining MFS-mediated influenza prevention. We investigated the effects of MFS on toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) gene and protein expression levels and on the percentage of NKp46+ cells present in serum. No overt toxicity was observed following continuous administration of MFS at high doses. Methods: Kunming male mice (n=40) were randomly divided into 4 groups consisting of the continuous inhalation Sachet group, Yu-Ping-Feng powder (YPF-P) gavage positive control group, discontinuous inhalation MFS group and untreated controls. After 4 weeks, mice were sacrificed and lungs harvested. The expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) gene and protein levels was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses, respectively. An additional 60 Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups comprised of a blank control group, continuous MFS inhalation group, an immune-compromised continuous MFS inhalation group, an immuno-compromised group, an immune-compromised MFS discontinuous inhalation group and an immune-compromised positive control group. Immune suppression was induced by cold stress (4°C/4h daily for 3 days) and mice were treated with MFS or YPF-P before cold stress treatments. Immuno-compromised mice were treated with MFS continuously or intermittently, or treated with YPF-P. Blood samples were collected and examined for natural killer cells based on positive NKp46 staining. The isorhamnetin associated with MFS-induced immune modulation was obtained from ‘wo ga le’ which is considered to be a major component of MFS, and analyzed by HPLC. Results: Mice continuously inhaling MFS showed a moderate increase in TLR2/4 mRNA and protein levels compared to mice in the control and discontinuous inhalation groups. MFS significantly increased the TLR2/4 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, there was also a slightly significant increase in the number of NKp46+ cells in the continuous inhalation group compared to controls and discontinuous inhalation group. Pretreatment with MFS partially prevented cold stress-induced inhibition of NKp46+ cells. HPLC analysis of the ‘wo ga le’ associated with immune function identified the major component to be isorhamnetin. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggested that MFS significantly enhanced TLR2/4 expression levels and the number of NKp46+ cells in mice and moderately affected innate immune responses associated with protection against influenza, suggesting that isorhamnetin in the MFS enhanced innate immune potency. The use of MFS for the prevention of various respiratory tract infections can be attributed to its antimicrobial properties. In a pilot study, a large quantity (40g) was administered over a prolonged period did not produce apparent toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Establishing the 3D architecture and morphometry of the intact pulmonary acinus is an essential step toward a more complete understanding of the relationship of lung structure and function. We combined a special fixation method with a unique volumetric nondestructive imaging technique and image processing tools to separate individual acini in the mouse lung. Interior scans of the parenchyma at a resolution of 2 urn enabled the reconstruction and quantitative study of whole acini by image analysis and ster-eologic methods, yielding data characterizing the 3D morphometry of the pulmonary acinus. The 3D reconstructions compared well with the architecture of silicon rubber casts of mouse acini. The image-based segmentation of individual acini allowed the computation of acinar volume and surface area, as well as estimation of the number of alveoli per acinus using stereologic methods. The acinar morphometry of male C57BL/6 mice age 12 wk and 91 wk was compared. Significant increases in all parameters as a function of age suggest a continuous change of the lung morphometry, with an increase in alveoli beyond what has been previously viewed as the maturation phase of the animals. Our ¡mage analysis methods open up opportunities for defining and quantitatively assessing the acinar structure in healthy and diseased lungs. The methods applied here to mice can be adjusted for the study of similarly prepared human lungs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The proteins in the lungs are in constant flux, undergoing degradation and resynthesis. We investigated pulmonary protein and amino acid metabolism, the biochemical basis of the remodeling process, in individuals with chronic heart failure receiving or not receiving β-blocker therapy with bisoprolol (BIS). Methods: Clinically stable rehabilitative patients with chronic heart failure, without metabolic diseases or liver/renal failure, and with a stable weight over the preceding 3 mo underwent right heart catheterization, and radial artery cannulation. Mixed central venous and arterial blood samples were drawn simultaneously to calculate the venous-arterial difference of amino acids (pulmonary uptake and release). Results: Twenty-two patients on BIS therapy and eight not receiving BIS were analyzed. The two groups showed a net pulmonary protein synthesis (i.e., a positive value of phenylalanine [venous-arterial difference] × cardiac index product) and amino acid extraction, the rates of which were significantly lower in patients on BIS therapy. The two groups had pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure >19 mmHg). Pulmonary vascular resistance was 57% higher in patients not receiving BIS than in those on BIS therapy (6.65 ± 2.90 versus 4.23 ± 1.49 mmHg/L · min−1 · m−2, P < 0.05). Pulmonary vascular resistance correlated positively with the pulmonary extraction of total essential amino acids (r = +0.4576, P = 0.01) and leucine (r = +0.5083, P = 0.004), the most important amino acid for protein synthesis. Conclusion: Patients with chronic heart failure have increased rates of amino acid extraction and pulmonary protein synthesis, suggesting, at least in part, an increased rate of lung remodeling. Therapy with BIS attenuates lung metabolic abnormalities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Perspective of the NEMOSIS platform in the context of dose reduction in imaging. Motion acquisition is frequently performed to improve the treatment ballistics of external radiation therapy. Nevertheless, this acquisition is an additional source of radiation exposure for the patient. The development of the numerical simulation platform NEMOSIS (NEural NEtwork MOtion SImulation System) offers new perspectives for the dose optimization in imaging. It allows one to generate a localized and customized lung motion using a 3D model of the patient. For 3 patients, 5 to 6 anatomic points were simulated and compared with the points plotted by the radiation therapist. In the worst case, the results show an average accuracy of 3 mm for all the points of a patient, at every phase, with an expanded uncertainty of plotting equal to 1.5 mm (confidence interval of 95%) and a maximum uncertainty of 6.53 mm over one phase. Another study comparing the GTV (Gross Tumor Volume) of a radiation therapist and that computed by NEMOSIS was also carried out. A Dice index stating a minimum correspondence of 0.80 was computed between these two types of volumes. These results make NEMOSIS a very promising tool as an alternative solution to irradiation imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the method to detect a collection of natural junction structures in the lung which is used as reliable markers to track the lung motion. Junction centers and sizes are detected by analyzing the local shape profiles on one segmented image. It also presents information on several descriptors used to analyze the motion trajectories, one of such method is applied to 13 real 4D CT images.

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P. H. Raven (Family: Onagraceae), as a traditional Malay herbal medicine,has been used to treat gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea and dysentery. Aim of the study: To date there is no safety information about long term use of Ludwigia octovalvis, a traditionally used medicinal plant in Malaysia. Current study is thus aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the 80% methanolic extract of L. octovalvis by evaluating its acute and subacute toxicity in BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000mg/kg of the extract was administered orally to six mice (3 males and 3 females). General behaviour, mortality and toxic symptoms were determined daily for 14 days. For the subacute toxicity, four groups of 12 mice of either sex received distilled water (control), 200, 400 and 800mg/kg of the extract daily for 28 consecutive days by oral gavage. The animals were observed daily for abnormal clinical signs and death. Body weight, relative organ weight, haematological and biochemical parameters of blood as well as heart, kidney, liver, lung and spleen tissues histology were evaluated. Results: In acute and subacute toxicity, the extract did not produce mortality or morbidity. A significant increase (p<0.05) in WBC count and significant decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels were only observed in males and females that received 400mg/kg of the extract, while a significant decrease in the cholesterol level was observed at the highest dose (800mg/kg). Gross examination of liver, kidney, spleen, lung and heart showed normal histological feature. Conclusions: Repeated administration of L. octovalvis extract at dose levels of 200, 400 and 800mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days to male and female mice did not cause any lethality nor produce any toxicological effects. The results suggest that the extract contains biologically active principles which may have immunostimulatory, hepatoprotective and cardiovascular protective properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (Fabaceae) is a plant found in the Northeast of Brazil that is popularly used to treat inflammation. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease for which abdominal pain is a relevant symptom. As there is no specific therapy for AP, we investigated the effect of the ethanol extract from the inner bark of C. pyramidalis (EECp) on the AP induced by common bile duct obstruction (CBDO) in rats. Material and methods: AP was induced in male Wistar rats (200–250g, n=6–8) through laparotomy and subsequent CBDO. Animals were euthanized after 6 (G6h) or 24h (G24h) of induction. In the G6h protocol, animals were pretreated with EECp (100–400mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (Tween 80; 0.2%) 1h before CBDO or sham surgery. For the G24h protocol, rats were pretreated with EECp (400mg/kg, 1h before CBDO or 1h before and 12h after CBDO) or vehicle. The following parameters were measured: inflammatory/oxidative (myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde formation in the pancreas and lung, leukocyte counts in the blood and serum nitrate/nitrite), enzymatic (serum amylase and lipase levels) and nociceptive (abdominal hyperalgesia). Results: Induction of AP by CBDO significantly increased all the parameters evaluated in both G6h and G24h protocols when compared with the respective sham group. In the G6h protocol, the EECp pretreatment (400mg/kg) significantly reduced all these parameters, besides completely inhibiting abdominal hyperalgesia. The same profile of reduction was observed from two administrations of EECp in the G24h protocol, while one single dose of EECp was able to significantly reduce pancreatic MDA, serum lipase levels, leukocyte counts in the blood and abdominal hyperalgesia without affecting the other parameters in the G24h protocol. Furthermore, rutin was found in the EECp. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that EECp decreases inflammation, lipoperoxidation and hyperalgesia in CBDO-induced AP, making it of interest in future approaches to treat this condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study conducted to examine the characteristics of refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) present in human ling tissues. RCF is a class of vitreous fibers (SVFs) used for high temperature insulation. The results demonstrated the presence of RCF tissues in humans for an approximate period of twenty years. The study suggested that the fiber highly contributes to the association found between cumulative fiber exposure and radiographic pleural changes as observed in workers.

Abstract: Sinupret® is frequently used as a herbal medicinal product to treat sinusitis, and it was assumed that anti-inflammatory effects might contribute to its overall beneficial properties. Here, we investigated the effects of a Sinupret® drug mixture (SIN) as well as of the novel Sinupret® dry extract (SIN DE) with the latter containing higher concentrations of active ingredients, in an in vivo model of acute inflammation, the carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats. Both SIN and SIN DE were administered to rats orally at doses of 100mg/kg (low dose) and 500mg/kg (high dose) 1h prior to intrapleural injection of carrageenan. Although both SIN and SIN DE significantly reduced the exudate volume and leukocyte numbers in the pleural exudate at the high and the low dose 4h after carrageenan injection, the novel SIN DE was more efficient than SIN at the low dose, implying higher efficiency. In parallel, the novel dry extract SIN DE, but not SIN, at 500mg/kg significantly lowered the levels of prostaglandin (PG)E2 in the exudates and reduced the amounts of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein in the lungs. Together, SIN and SIN DE exert significant oral anti-inflammatory effects, which rationalize their therapeutic use in the management of sinusitis and other viral/microbial nasal infections that are associated with inflammation. Moreover, our results suggest that based on the higher efficiency and the accompanied reduction of COX-2 expression and PGE2 formation, the novel dry extract SIN DE might be superior over the former SIN drug mixture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Several biological and clinical studies have suggested that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) prevents body fat accumulation and increases lean body mass. CLA is available as a concentrated dietary supplement and is purported to provide the aforementioned benefits for people who perform physical activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a CLA-supplemented diet combined with physical activity on the body composition of Wistar rats. Two groups of Wistar rats of both sexes, between 45 and 60 days old, were fed a diet containing 5.5% soybean oil (control group) or a CLA-supplemented diet (0.5% CLA and 5.0% soybean oil) (test group). Half the rats in both groups were assigned to exercise by running on a treadmill. The biochemical and anatomical body compositions were analyzed. In both groups, CLA had no effect on the dietary consumption or the weight of the liver, heart, and lungs. However, it did influence the overall weight gain of exercised male rats and the chemical and anatomical body composition in exercised and sedentary rats of both sexes. The results confirm that a CLA-supplemented diet with and without physical activity reduced body fat accumulation in rats of both sexes. However, there is no evidence of an increase in the lean body mass of the exercised rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ConScientiae Saúde is the property of Nove de Julho University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of ConScientiae Saúde is the property of Nove de Julho University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In this study, we investigated the effect of Samchulkunbi-tang water extract (SCTE) in an established mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The effects of SCTE on the production of Th1 and Th2cytokines, eotaxin, and total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity were measured. Methods: Mice were sensitized on days 0 and 14 with an intraperitoneal injection of 20 μg ovalbumin (OVA) emulsified in 2 mg aluminum hydroxide in 200 μL PBS buffer. On days 21, 22, and 23, mice received an airway exposure to OVA (1%, w/v, in PBS) for 1 h. SCTE was administered orally to mice at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg per day from days 18 to 23. Results: SCTE reduced the number of inflammatory cells, cytokines, and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and iNOS expression and MMP-9 activity in mouse lung tissue. Histological studies using hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid-schiff staining showed that SCTE substantially inhibited OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue and goblet cell hyperplasia in the airway. SCTE also reduced IL-4 and IL-13 expression in concanavalin-A-stimulated splenocytes. These results were similar to those obtained with montelukast as a positive control.Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that SCTE may be an effective oral treatment for allergic airway inflammation by virtue of its anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed, rich in the phytoestrogen lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), provides protection against bone loss at the lumbar vertebrae primarily when combined with low-dose estrogen therapy in the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Whether SDG metabolites are accessible to skeletal tissue, and thus have the potential to interact with low-dose estrogen therapy to exert direct local action on bone metabolism, is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether metabolites of SDG are accessible to the skeleton of ovariectomized rats and to compare the distribution of SDG metabolites in skeletal tissue with that in other tissues. Rats were fed a 10% flaxseed diet and garaged daily with tritium-labeled SDG (7.4 kBq/g of body weight) in deionized water (500 µL) (n = 3) or deionized water alone (n = 3) for 7 days, after which tissues were collected for liquid scintillation counting. Radioactivity was detected in similar concentrations in the lumbar vertebrae, femurs, and tibias. Compared with non-skeletal tissues, total radioactivity in the skeleton was significantly lower than in the liver, heart, kidney, thymus, and brain (P < .001). There were no significant differences in levels of radioactivity between skeletal tissue versus the spleen, lung, bladder, uterus, vagina, and mammary gland. In conclusion, SDG metabolites are accessible to skeletal tissue of ovariectomized rats. Thus, it is biologically plausible that SDG metabolites may play a direct role in the protective effects of flaxseed combined with low-dose estrogen therapy against the loss of bone mass and bone strength in the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pepper fruit of Capsicum annuum L. is used as a food, spice, and topical medicine. Here, we investigated the effect of a methanolic C. annuum L. extract (CAE) in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation. Animals were treated with CAE by oral gavage before ovalbumin challenge. After ovalbumin challenge, airway responsiveness to methacholine, influx of inflammatory cells into the lung, cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in lungs, and lung histopathology were assessed. Oral treatment with CAE significantly reduced the pathophysiological signs of allergic airway disease, including increased inflammatory cell recruitment to the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased levels of T-helper type 2 cytokines. Reactive oxygen species were also decreased in cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, we found that administration of CAE attenuated ovalbumin-induced increases in NF-κB activity in lungs. Collectively, these results suggest that CAE may be an effective oral treatment for allergic airway inflammation by virtue of its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study: In the present study, we investigated whether the Lagerstroemia indica Linn (LI) extract has an anti-inflammatory effect on lung inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice. Materials and methods: The LI extract was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of LI using 80% ethanol. ELISA was performed to evaluate cytokine concentration. BALB/c mice were used as a mouse model of asthma after asthmatic induction by ovalbumin sensitization and inhalation. We examined the effects of the LI extract on leukocyte infiltration and mucus secretion using cell count and histological stain. Results: The amount of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α, was increased in Jurkat cells using the extract from house dust mites. Increased cytokine concentrations were inhibited by the LI extract. The LI extract suppressed the increased expression of IL-6 after treatment with mite extract of EoL-1 cells and THP-1 cells. In an in vivo experiment using asthmatic mice, the LI extract significantly inhibited leukocytosis and eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue samples. The LI extract inhibited the increase in mucus secretion by goblet cells, blocked the production of reactive oxygen species in BAL fluid cells, and blocked the protein expression of IL-5 in BAL fluid. The concentration of ovalbumin-specific IgE in BAL fluid was weakly inhibited by the LI extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that the LI extract may be used as a valuable agent for treating allergic diseases such as asthma due to its anti-inflammatory property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the instrumentation, mechanism and applicability of Diffraction Enhanced Imaging (DEI) in soft tissue imaging. It offers brief information on principles and concepts of DEI including the preparation of an imaging beam, the refraction and extinction as two sources of image contrast to radiography, and the stages of scanning. It also explores the DEI imaging in breast, cartilage, and lungs.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Raillet), the cat lungworm, is a parasitic round worm which lives in the terminal bronchioles and the alveolar ducts inside the lungs of cats as final hosts. Snails or slugs can be intermediate hosts while rodents, frogs, toads, lizards, birds, and snakes can play the role of transporter from the intermediate host into the final host. The ingested third-stage larvae migrate towards the lungs through the blood vessels. In this research, first, the observation of A. abstrusus infection in a stray cat in Iran is described. Later, the larval detection of this worm in infected cat's blood throughout the world will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers answer to the question related to lung analysis by pulmonary functional tests including bronchoscopy, spirometry and immunoprofiling.

The off-label nebulization of Shuang-Huang-Lian (SHL) injection is often utilized to treat respiratory tract infections in China. However, the pulmonary biopharmaceutics of SHL was generally unknown, limiting the rational selection of therapeutic dose and dose frequency. To characterize the size distribution of nebulized aerosols and to compare the pharmacokinetics and the lung distribution of three chemical makers of SHL, chlorogenic acid (CHA), forsythiaside A (FTA) and baicalin (BC), after intratracheal and intravenous administration of SHL to rats. The droplet size distribution profiles over nebulization process were dynamically monitored using a laser diffraction method whereas the levels of CHA, FTA and BC in plasma, lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) were determined by a validated LC-MS/MS assay. The pulmonary anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced lung inflammation model as indicated by the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in BALF. The nebulization of SHL showed good inhalability and allowed the aerosols to reach the upper or lower respiratory tract dependent on the performance of selected nebulizers. Following intratracheal administration of SHL at different doses, CHA, FTA and BC were absorbed into the bloodstream with the mean absorption time being 67.5, 63.5 and 114 min, respectively, rendering mean absolute bioavailabilities between 42.4% and 61.4% roughly independent of delivered dose. Relative to the intravenous injection, the intrapulmonary delivery increased the lung-to-plasma concentration ratios of CHA, FTA and BC by more than 100 folds and markedly improved the lung availability by 563–676 folds, leading to enhanced and prolonged lung retention. The production of TNF-α in BALF was decreased by ~50% at an intratracheal dose of 125 μL/kg SHL to LPS-treated mice. The nebulization delivery of SHL is a promising alternative to the intravenous injection for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. [Display omitted] • Nebulized SHL confers excellent aerodynamic properties. • Nebulized SHL facilitates either central or peripheral airway deposition. • Intratracheal dosed SHL renders dose-dependent pulmonary absorption. • Intratracheal dosed SHL leads to improved and prolonged lung retention compared to intravenous delivery. • Nebulization therapy of SHL represents an intriguing alternative to intravenous injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the biopersistence and health impact of insulation glass fibers also known as man-made vitreous fibres (MMVFs). According to World Health Organization (WHO), toxicologists believe that the potential hazard of insulation fibers depends on the lung burden of long and thin fibers through exposure and inhalation. It indicates that the exposure time and airborn fiber concentration of MMVFs can determine the lung burden of such fibers.

A procedure is described for the direct collection of bronchial or tracheal fluid samples on to paper discs. Using the procedure, the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in rabbit bronchial and tracheal fluids were compared with those in the respective wall tissue samples and in lung tissue. Concentrations appearing in lung tissue were approximately half those seen in bronchial or tracheal fluid or bronchial and tracheal wall tissue. Concentrations in these latter compartments were, in turn, four- to six-fold lower at all times than simultaneously-measured serum levels. The shape of the concentration/time curves were similar for all compartments sampled. The half life values were 63 to 64 min for respiratory tract concentrations and 59 min for serum levels. Percentage penetration from serum into the various compartments was 20.8% for bronchial fluid, 19.9% for tracheal fluid, 22.4% for bronchial wall, 20.0% for tracheal wall and 11.3% for lung tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five soldiers were injured by inhalation of hexite smoke (ZnCl2) during military training. Two soldiers, not wearing gas masks breathed hexite for 1 or 2 min, they slowly developed severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) over the ensuing 2 weeks. This slow, progressive clinical course has not been previously described. In both patients, an increased plasma zinc concentration was measured 3 weeks after the incident. Intravenous and nebulized acetylcysteine increased the urinary excretion of zinc, and briefly decreased the plasma levels. In an attempt to arrest collagen deposition in the lungs, L-3,4 dehydroproline was administered. Both patients died of severe respiratory failure (25 and 32 days after inhalation). At autopsy diffuse microvascular obliteration, widespread occlusion of the pulmonary arteries and extensive interstitial and intra-alveolar fibrosis was observed. Three soldiers wearing ill fitting gas masks, immediately developed severe coughing and dyspnea. They improved, and 12 months after exposure their lung function tests were nearly normal, but they still had slight dyspnea on exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal dye double indicator dilution technique for estimating lung water was compared with gravimetric analyses in nine human subjects who were organ donors. As observed in animal studies, the thermal dye measurement of extravascular thermal volume (EVTV) consistently overestimated gravimetric extravascular lung water (EVLW), the mean (SEM) difference being 3.43 (0.59) ml/kg. In eight of the nine subjects the EVTV -3.43 ml/kg would yield an estimate of EVLW that would be from 3.23 ml/kg under to 3.37 ml/kg over the actual value EVLW at the 95% confidence limits. Reproducibility, assessed with the standard error of the mean percentage, suggested that a 15% change in EVTV can be reliably detected with repeated measurements. One subject was excluded from analysis because the EVTV measurement grossly underestimated its actual EVLW. This error was associated with regional injury observed on gross examination of the lung. Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that the thermal dye measurement provides a reliable estimate of lung water in diffuse pulmonary oedema states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined clinical, radiological, pathological, and mineralogical study was undertaken on 62 cases referred to the Medical Research Council Pneumoconiosis Unit by the Cardiff Pneumoconiosis Panel as Cornish china clay workers. Considerable pathological lesions were found in the lungs, both nodular and interstitial fibroses being present. Some men had worked with china stone but others had worked entirely with china clay. Nodular fibrosis appeared to be related to a high quartz content of the dust recovered from the lung, whereas among those with a high content of kaolinite dust in the lungs interstitial fibrosis was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Collagen immunofluorescence studies were performed on biopsy specimens from 25 patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. We studied the relationship of these results to the clinical, radiological, and physiological assessments of disease activity during six-month periods before and after the lung biopsy; to the appearances on routine histological examination; to the inflammatory cell proportions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; and to the response to treatment. Positive associations were observed between the presence of type III collagen and disease activity before (p less than 0.015) and after (p less than 0.02) lung biopsy. These were independent of clinical and routine histological features. The type-III-positive group also contained nine of the 11 responding to treatment. None of the type-III-positive patients had a quiescent or stable course. In contrast, most patients with no type-III-collagen fluorescence had a stable course over the time of this study and did not improve on treatment. It is suggested that collagen typing may be an additional useful method of assessing potentially reversible disease in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four patients are described in whom pneumoconiosis was diagnosed towards the end of a lifetime's work in shale mines. All developed complicated pneumoconiosis, diagnosed in two cases at necropsy, in one by lobectomy, and in one radiologically. Two of the patients were found at necropsy also to have peripheral squamous lung cancer. The clinical and histological features of the disease resembled the pneumoconioses of coalminers and kaolin workers and the lungs of three of the patients were shown to contain dust composed predominantly of kaolinite, mica, and silica. Shale miners' complicated pneumoconiosis has not previously been described. Although the British shale industry is now defunct, oil production from shale is expanding in other countries, notably the USA. It is suggested that control should be exercised over dust exposure levels in this industry and that epidemiological studies should be carried out to quantify the risks of both pneumoconiosis and bronchial carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ffty cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma (47 men and 3 women) have been diagnosed during the period 1966-76 in Barrow-in-Furness, all of them histologically proved and accepted by the Pneumoconiosis Panel. At the time of writing only three survive. There was a history of industrial exposure to asbestos in all 47 men, who had worked in various trades in the shipyard, as had one of the women. One of the women was married to a shipyard plumber, who may have brought home asbestos dust on his clothes. Only one patient, a housewife, aged 28 at diagnosis, had no known asbestos contact. The asbestos content of the lungs has been measured in the last 20 cases, in 18 of whom it was found to be substantially greater than the accepted levels for the general population. In a small number studied by electron microscopy, the predominant fibre was crocidolite. A positive histological diagnosis was achieved in 39 subjects during life in the expectation of securing industrial compensation, but, in spite of this, less than half of the dependants are currently receiving payments. Metastases, though never clinically apparent, were frequent at necropsy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The disposition of 4'-epi-[14-14C]doxorubicinHCl (4'-epi-[14C]DXR) and [14-14C]doxorubicinHCl [( 14C]DXR) was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats given 1 mg/kg body weight IV. Most of the radioactivity administered was recovered in the faeces (two-thirds of the dose within 6 days after administration), urine accounting for 15% of the 14C given during the same period. A significant amount of radioactivity was also found in expired air. Significantly higher levels of radioactivity were recorded in the plasma (40 min and 4 h) and liver (40 min) in [14C]DXR-treated animals, whereas in animals treated with 4'-epi-[14C]DXR a higher specific radioactivity was found in the kidneys (40 min and 4 h) and bone marrow (40 min). The total tissue residual radioactivity was greater (P less than 0.05) at 24 h for [14C]DXR (45.8%) than for 4'-epi-[14C]DXR (38.6%). The main radioactive species in urines were the unchanged drugs. Minor metabolites were represented by a polar fraction, 13-dihydroderivatives, and aglycones. Whereas aglycones represent an important fraction of extractable tissue radioactivity in liver samples of many of the treated animals, the unchanged drug was invariably the major radioactive component in spleen, lung, and kidney. Liver extraction studies showed the presence of significant amounts of bound radioactivity that could be recovered in soluble form only after incubation with deoxyribonuclease. The main radioactive species present in the bile were the unchanged drug and a polar fraction. The amount of the former was higher in [14C]DXR-treated than in 4'-epi-[14C]DXR-treated animals. On the other hand, partial glucuronidation of 4'-epi-[14C]DXR was deduced on the basis of results of enzymic hydrolysis of bile samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Despite growing evidence that donation after circulatory death (DCD) lung transplants have comparable survival outcomes and primary graft dysfunction rates to donation after brain death (DBD), DCD continues to be underutilized in the US. We examined DCD donor characteristics associated with non-utilization. Methods In this retrospective study, all adult (age ≥ 18) DCD donors who donated at least one organ for transplant between 1993 and 2017 were analyzed from the UNOS registry. DBD donors and DCD donors who did not successfully donate any organ were excluded. Organ disposition per lung and reasons for non-use of donor lungs were identified. The primary outcome of interest was donor characteristics that correlated with lower transplant rates. Results A total of 12,627 DCD donors met inclusion criteria. Of 25,254 lungs available for analysis, 2.8% were transplanted and 68% were discarded primarily due to poor organ function and ischemic time constraints. Notably, consent was not requested in 15.3% of DCD offers with non-heart beating donor being the leading reason for consent not requested (77.7%). DCD lungs were less likely to be transplanted if the donor had a higher BMI (mean 26.6 vs. 25.4, p=0.008), smoking history (23.7% vs. 7.5%, p<0.001), hypertension (23.9% vs. 19.2%, p=0.035), and a lower P/F ratio (median 230 vs. 428.5, p<0.001) (Table 1). Conclusion The underutilization of DCD lungs in the US remains consistent with prior studies, in contrast with 30-40% utilization in several other countries. The most common reasons for non-transplantation of DCD lungs include modifiable pre-donor factors, such as lack of consent request, as well as donor factors, including hypoxemia. Interventions to increase consent and optimize DCD donor conditions, such as selective use of ex vivo lung perfusion, may increase utilization of DCD organs and expand the donor pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The San Wu Huangqin Decoction (SWHD), which is made from the dried root of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Kushen in Chinese), the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huangqin in Chinese), and the dried root tuber of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC. (Dihuang in Chinese), is a traditional Chinese formula used to treat prolonged fever and inflammatory diseases in clinics and proven to inhibit influenza virus effectively in our previous study. This work was performed to study the regulation of SWHD on inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by the influenza virus and the underlying mechanism in the treatment of SWHD. In this study, the influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1)-infected mouse model was used to investigate the regulation of SWHD on inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by H1N1. The pathological changes, the capacity of proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung were analyzed. The effects of type 1 T helper cell (Th1) and type 2 T helper cell (Th2) immune responses were discussed indirectly. In addition, the expression levels of p-p65, p65, IKKα/β, p-IκBα, and IκBα in relation to the NF-κB pathway were measured using Western blot analysis, or immunohistochemical assay. SWHD decreased the pathological changes in lung tissues, promoted the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, enhanced NK cell activity, and accelerated the phagocytic function of macrophages in H1N1-infected mice. At the same time, SWHD decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and increased the level of IL-4 in the serum, BALF, and lung of model mice. Moreover, the p-p65, p65, and IκBα protein expression levels were inhibited, whereas the p-IκBα protein expression levels were improved in the lungs of H1N1-infected mice. SWHD can inhibit the replication of the H1N1 virus and reduced the excessive inflammation and immune dysfunction induced by the H1N1 virus in the body. This work provides rich experimental basis for further anti-inflammation research of SWHD and sets the foundation for the development of a viral inflammation drug of traditional Chinese medicine. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been limited data regarding the usefulness of lung ultrasound (US) in children with COVID-19. Objective: To describe lung US imaging findings and aeration score of 34 children with COVID-19. Methods: This study included 0–16-year-old patients with confirmed COVID-19, who were admitted between April 19 and June 18, 2020 in two hospitals in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lung US was performed as part of the routine evaluation by a skilled Pediatric Emergency physician. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and severity classifications were done according to an available clinical definition. The lung US findings were described for each lung field and a validated ultrasound lung aeration score was calculated. Data obtained was correlated with clinical information and other imaging modalities available for each case. Results: Thirty-four confirmed COVID-19 patients had a lung US performed during this period. Eighteen (18/34) had abnormalities on the lung US, but eight of them (8/18) had a normal chest radiograph. Ultrasound lung aeration score medians for severe/critical, moderate, and mild disease were 17.5 (2–30), 4 (range 0–14), 0 (range 0–15), respectively (p = 0.001). Twelve patients (12/34) also had a chest computed tomography (CT) performed; both the findings and topography of lung compromise on the CT were consistent with the information obtained by lung US. Conclusion: Point-of-care lung US may have a key role in assessing lung injury in children with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Endogenous miR22 is associated with a diverse range of biological processes through post-translational modification of gene expression and its deregulation results in various diseases including cancer. Its expression is usually tissue or cell-specific, however, the reasons behind this tissue or cell specificity are not clearly outlined till-date. Therefore, our keen interest was to investigate the mechanisms of tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22. In the current study, miR22 expression showed a tissues-specific difference in the poly(I:C) induced inflammatory mouse lung and brain tissues. The cell-specific different expression of miR22 was also observed in inflammatory glial cells and endothelial cells. The pattern of RPL29 expression was also similar to miR22 in these tissues and cells under the same treatment. Interestingly, the knockdown of RPL29 exerted an inhibitory effect on miR22 and its known transcription factors including Fos-B and c-Fos. Fos-B and c-Fos were also differentially expressed in the two cell lines transfected with poly(I:C). The knockdown of c-Fos also exerted its negative effects on miR22 expression in both cells. These findings suggest that RPL29 might have regulatory roles on tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22 through the transcription activities of c-Fos and also possibly through Fos-B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Asia, Qi-Wei-Du-Qi-Wan (QWDQW) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, frequent urination and asthma. QWDQW is recorded in Yi Zong Yi Ren Pian (Medical Physician's Compilation) , which was written by Yang Cheng Liu during the Qing Dynasty. The traditional Chinese medicine QWDQW is composed of 7 ingredients and has been used in the treatment of asthma in Asia for hundreds of years. However, the mechanism through which QWDQW affects the immune system in the treatment of asthma is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether QWDQW alleviates asthmatic symptoms in mice with chronic asthma induced by repeated stimulation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and to explore the underlying immune modulatory mechanism. BALB/c mice were stimulated intratracheally (i.t.) with Der p (40 μl, 2.5 μg/μl) once weekly for 6 weeks. Thirty minutes prior to Der p stimulation, the mice were treated with QWDQW (0.5 g/kg and 0.17 g/kg) orally. Three days after the last stimulation, the mice were sacrificed, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, lung histological characteristics, gene expression of lung and serum total IgE were assessed. In other experiments, RBL-2H3 cells were stimulated with DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and then treated with QWDQW, quercetin, β-carotene, luteolin or a mixture of the three chemicals (Mix13) for 30 min, and the effects of the drugs on RBL-2H3 cell degranulation after DNP stimulation were determined. QWDQW significantly reduced Der p-induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and decreased total serum IgE and Der p-specific IgE levels. Histopathological examination showed that QWDQW reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and sputum secretion from goblet cells in the lungs. Gene expression analysis indicated that QWDQW reduced overproduction of IL-12、IFN-γ、IL-13、IL-4、RNATES、Eotaxin and MCP-1in lung. Additionally, QWDQW and Mix13 suppressed DNP induced RBL-2H3 degranulation, and the effect was maximal when quercetin, β-carotene and luteolin were administered together. These results indicate that QWDQW plays a role in suppressing excessive airway reaction and in specific immune modulation in a mouse model of chronic asthma and that QWDQW suppresses mast cell degranulation at defined doses of quercetin, β-carotene and luteolin. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Biosolubility is an important parameter in the understanding of mechanisms involved in pulmonary toxicity of fibrous materials. It can be studied in vitro using models of simulated lung fluids and observing the loss of structural molecules, expressed as dissolution constant (Kdis). The aim of this paper was the study of dissolution behaviour of four wools belonging to high temperature insulation wools (HTIW) in saline solutions simulating lung fluids. Methods: Four HTIW were studied in saline solutions at pH 7.4 (representative of the extracellular environment) and 4.5 (representative of the intracellular conditions): refractory ceramic fibers (RCF), two alkaline earth silicate wools (AES1 and AES2 with high calcium and magnesium content respectively), and polycrystalline wools (PCW). Size, morphological and chemical changes of fibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results: RCF, AES2 and PCW did not show statistically significant diameter changes. AES1 size distribution shifted to a larger mean diameter suggesting that through dissolution there was a preferential loss of thin fibers at acid pH after 14 days of treatment. Both AES wools showed selective leaching of alkali/alkali earth oxides (incongruent dissolution) at pH 7.4: a fast and extensive selective leaching of calcium for AES1 with complete dissolution of fibers already after 14 days of treatment and a moderate selective leaching of magnesium for AES2. PCW showed some transversal breakage of the fibers in both pH environments (low congruent dissolution). For RCF, the treatment produced uncorroded fibers in both pH environments without chemical changes and fiber fragmentation (no dissolution). The estimated Kdis at physiological pH followed the sequence: AES1 > AES2 > PCW > RCF. All wools had a low Kdis at acid pH suggesting a low dissolution rate of short fibers. Conclusion: The leaching process and transverse fragmentation play an important role in the biopersistence mechanisms and pathogenicity of fibers and the Kdis estimate is undoubtedly useful as a preliminary toxicological screening of fibers, especially for developing fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical landmark in human lungs, the detection of pulmonary fissures is of significance to computer aided diagnosis and surgery. However, the automatic detection of pulmonary fissures in CT images is a difficult task due to complex factors like their 3D membrane shape, intensity variation and adjacent interferences. Based on the observation that the fissure object often appears as thin curvilinear structures across 2D section images, we present an efficient scheme to solve this problem by merging the fissure line detection from multiple cross-sections in different directions. First, an existing oriented derivative of stick (ODoS) filter was modified for pulmonary fissure line enhancement. Then, an orientation partition scheme was applied to suppress the adhering clutters. Finally, a multiple section model was proposed for pulmonary fissure integration and segmentation. The proposed method is expected to improve fissure detection by extracting more weak objects while suppressing unrelated interferences. The performance of our scheme was validated in experiments using the publicly available open Lobe and Lung Analysis 2011 (LOLA11) dataset. Compared with manual references, the proposed scheme achieved a high segmentation accuracy, with a median F1-score of 0.8916, which was much better than conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]