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Tea polyphenols can be developed into new types of disinfectants for drinking water. The antibacterial effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the presence of Ca2+ is affected by the Ca2+ concentration. The oxidative damage mechanism and oxidative damage process of EGCG in E. coli under the presence of Ca2+ were deeply analyzed under three aspects: reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant system, and oxidative stress response in E. coli to provide a theoretical basis for the use of EGCG as a disinfectant in drinking water disinfection. EGCG leads to excessive production of superoxide anion in E. coli and the presence of Ca2+ promotes further imbalance of superoxide anion in E. coli; Ca2+ has little effect on EGCG hindering the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals in bacteria; EGCG can hinder the effect of antioxidant enzymes in E. coli, and Ca2+ has a particular regulatory effect on antioxidant enzymes, thus hindering the oxidative damage of EGCG to E. coli; Ca2+ can cause the expression of the oxyR and DPS genes, protect bacterial DNA, and prevent EGCG from damaging bacterial DNA. In the presence of a high concentration of Ca2+, it may activate the cell efflux pump through the soxS gene, resulting in E. coli resistance to EGCG.

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus MOTOmed intelligent motor training in treating children with spastic cerebral palsy, and analyze the effects on lower limb motor function, intelligence development level, immune function and cerebral hemodynamics. A total of 42 children with spastic cerebral palsy were selected as the observation objects, and enrolled into the observation group. Another 42 cases treated in the same period were selected as the control group. Both groups received MOTOmed intelligent motor training, and the observation group was given additional acupuncture therapy, and the control group was given additional conventional rehabilitation treatment. After 2 consecutive treatment courses, the psychomotor development index (PDI) and mental development index (MDI) of Children’s Developmental Center of China (CDCC) scale, the scores of gross motor function measure (GMFM) scale and modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and the changes in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ were observed. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and mean flow velocity (MFV) of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were observed and measured. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. Compared with the same group before treatment, the scores of GMFM, PDI and MDI, levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+, PSV and MFV levels of ACA, MCA and PCA in both groups were significantly increased after treatment (all P 0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of lower limb spasm in the observation group was 90.5%, significantly higher than 71.4% in the control group (P 0.05). Acupuncture plus MOTOmed intelligent motor training has a better clinical efficacy than conventional rehabilitation plus MOTOmed intelligent motor training in treating children with spastic cerebral palsy, and is also superior in improving lower limb motor function and the level of intellectual development. And the mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the early risk factors for the exacerbation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Restrospective analysis of clinical data of 85 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including gender, age, comorbidities, symptoms, blood routine, clotting profile, biochemical examination, albumin, myocardial enzyme profile, inflammatory markers, and chest computed tomography (CT). All laboratory examinations were measured within first 24 hours after admission, and chest CT was performed before admission. A total of 56 (65.9%) patients had a history of exposure to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan. Fever and dry cough accounted for the highest percentage of all symptoms. Male COVID-2019 patients were more likely to develop severe pneumonia. Patients with severe and critical conditions are older and have higher rates of hypertension (P = .003) and coronary heart disease (P = .017). All severe and critical patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed bilateral lung involvement and have more multiple lobes involvement than common patients (P < .001). Severe and critical patients showed higher white blood cell count (P = .006), neutrophil (NEU) count (P = .001), NEU% (P = .002), procalcitonin (P = .011), C-reactive protein (P = .003), prothrombin time (P = .035), D-dimer (P = .025), aspartate aminotransferase (P = .006), and lower lymphocyte (LYM) count (P = .019), LYM% (P = .001), albumin (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that NEU count is an independent risk factor for deterioration, with the threshold of 6.5 × 109 ·L-1 . We concluded that the laboratory independent risk factor for the progression of COVID-19 pneumonia is NEU count. In addition, COVID-19 patients with bilateral lung involvement or multiple lobes involvement should be taken seriously and actively treated to prevent deterioration of the disease.

Asthma is a chronic disease of airway inflammation due to excessive T helper cell type 2 (Th2) response. Present treatment based on inhalation of synthetic glucocorticoids can only control Th2-driven chronic eosinophilic inflammation, but cannot change the immune tolerance of the body to external allergens. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the main negative regulatory cells of the immune response. Tregs play a great role in regulating allergic, autoimmune, graft-versus-host responses, and other immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the classification and biological characteristics, the established immunomodulatory mechanisms, and the characteristics of induced differentiation of Tregs. We will also discuss the progress of Tregs in the field of asthma. We believe that further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of Tregs will provide better treatments and control strategies for asthma.

A silver-based coordination polymer [Ag2(idca)(H2O)2] (BUC‑16), had been successfully prepared and used as efficient adsorbent to perform adsorption toward organic pollutants like promethazine hydrochlorine (PMH, 1395 mg g−1), sulfamethoxazole (SMX, 675 mg g−1), methylene blue (MB, 1317 mg g−1) in simulated wastewater. The slow-release of Ag+ ions from BUC-16 leads to its efficient and long-term antimicrobial and alga-inhibiting (odour control) activities. This is the first study on alga-inhibiting properties of coordination polymer, to the best of our knowledge. In vitro cytotoxicity (NIH-3T3 cells) test showed that BUC-16 has lower cell toxicity, implying its good biocompatibility.

We have developed a new series of glycoprobe-polymer dot ensembles for the fluorogenic, homogeneous detection of lectins. Electrostatic self-assembly between positively charged rhodamine-based glycosides and negatively charged poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)/poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) polymer dots produces the ensembles with a quenched fluorescence. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the ensembles exhibited a concentration-dependent fluorescence enhancement with selective lectins over a range of unselective lectins and proteins. This research provides insight into the development of simple fluorogenic probes for homogeneous lectin analyses based on the supramolecular assembly between polymeric nanoparticles and fluorescent glycoprobes.

The seasonal outbreak of influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide because a number of influenza virus (IV) strains have been shown to infect and circulate in humans. Development of effective means to timely monitor as well as block IVs is still a challenging task. Whereas conventional fluorescence probes rely on a fluorimetric change upon recognizing IVs, here we developed simple "Supra-dots" that are formed through the aqueous supramolecular assembly between a blue-emitting polymer dot and red-emitting sialylglycan probes for the ratiometric detection of IVs. Tuning the Förster resonance energy transfer from polymer dots to glycan probes by selective sialylglycan-virus recognition enables the fluorescence ratiometric determination of IVs, whereas the presence of unselective, control viruses quenched the fluorescence of the Supra-dots. Meanwhile, we show that the Supra-dots can effectively inhibit the invasion of a human-infecting IV toward a human cell line, thereby making possible a unique bifunctional, supramolecular probe for influenza theranostics.

Objective To explore the early diagnosis and risk factors for judging prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to provide references for clinical intervention. Methods Using the method for prospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from 64 ARDS and 66 high-risk ARDS patients in Department of Respiratory Diseases of Xinqiao Hospital from January 2013 to March 2016. They included patients' demographic data, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation system Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, oxygenation index, blood routine test, coagulation function and inflammatory markers (procalcitonin, C-reaction protein, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin -6) within 24h and the state of survival or death of the 24th day. Risk factors for predicting progression of the high-risk ARDS patients into ARDS patients and influencing the prognosis of the ARDS patients were analyzed by using logistic regression. Results Univariate logistic regression analysis found that the independent risk factors for progression of ARDS were APACHE Ⅱ score (OR=6.764, P=0.001), hypoproteinemia (OR=10.54, P=0.002), white blood cell count (OR=3.912, P=0.012), fibrinogen (OR=9.953, P=0.064), and D-dimer (OR=4.239, P=0.029). The mortality rate was 43.75% (36/64) in ARDS group, and the oxygenation index (OR=6.573, P=0.014), platelet count (OR=9.376, P=0.003), hypoproteinemia (OR=10.738, P=0.056) were the independent risk factors of death in ARDS patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed that combination of multiple indicators for predicting ARDS improved the specificity, but reduce the sensitivity. APACHE Ⅱ and hypoproteinemia (sensitivity 62.50%, specificity 92.42%) and APACHE Ⅱ and D dimmer (sensitivity 62.07%, specificity 93.33%) had better specificity and sensitivity. The specificity and sensitivity of combining hypoproteinemia and platelet count to predict the risk of death in these patients were 77.78% and 60.71%. Conclusions In high-risk ARDS patients, combining hypoproteinemia or APACHEⅡ score with D-dimer to judge the development of ARDS has good specificity but poor sensitivity. For ARDS patients, low oxygenation index, thrombocytopenia and hypoproteinemia indicate a poor prognosis. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2017.05.17

A small subset of interneurons that are generated earliest as pioneer neurons are the first cohort of neurons that enter the neocortex. However, it remains largely unclear whether these early-generated interneurons (EGIns) predominantly regulate neocortical circuit formation. Using inducible genetic fate mapping to selectively labeled EGIns and pseudo-random interneurons (pRIns), we found that EGIns exhibited more mature electrophysiological and morphological properties and higher synaptic connectivity than pRIns at early postnatal stages. In addition, when stimulating one cell, the proportion of EGIns that influence spontaneous network synchronization is significantly higher than that of pRIns. Importantly, toxin-mediated ablation of EGIns after birth significantly reduce spontaneous network synchronization and decrease inhibitory synaptic transmission during the first postnatal week. These results suggest that EGIns can shape developing networks and may contribute to the refinement of neuronal connectivity before the establishment of the adult neuronal circuit.

Background Most intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients experienced tumor recurrences even after curative resection, but the optimal cut-off time point and the specific risk factors for early and late recurrences of ICC have not been clearly defined. The objective of the current study was to define specific risk factors for early and late recurrences of ICC after radical hepatectomy. Methods Included in this study were 259 ICC patients who underwent curative surgery at our hospital between January 2005 and December 2009. Recurrences in these patients were followed-up prospectively. Piecewise regression model and the minimum P value approach were used to estimate the optimal cut-off time point for early and late recurrences. Then, Cox’s proportional hazards regression model was used to identify specific independent risk factors for early and late recurrences. Results Early and late recurrences occurred in 130 and 74 patients, respectively, and the 12th month was confirmed as the optimal cut-off time point for early and late recurrences. Cox’s proportional hazards regression model showed that microvascular invasion (HR = 2.084, 95% CI 1.115–3.897, P = 0.021), multiple tumors (HR = 2.071, 95% CI 1.185–3.616, P = 0.010), abnormal elevation of serum CA19-9 (HR = 1.619, 95% CI 1.076–2.437, P = 0.021), and the negative hepatitis B status (HR = 1.650, 95% CI 1.123–2.427, P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for early recurrence, and HBV-DNA level > 106 IU/mL (HR = 1.785, 95% CI 1.015–3.141, P = 0.044) and a hepatolithiasis history (HR = 2.538, 95% CI 1.165–5.533, P = 0.010) contributed to late recurrence independently. Conclusion Specific risk factors and mechanisms may relate to early and late recurrences of ICC after curative resection.

Objective To investigate the expression and the mechanism of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in human A549 cells regulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Methods The protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in A549 cell lines were firstly assessed by Western blotting, and then the effects of different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100µg/ml) of LPS on the protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and the secretion of IL-1βin A549 cell lines were determined by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Secondly, the effects of co-stimulation of LPS and ATP on the activation of inflammasome and the secretion of IL-1βin A549 cell lines were detected. Finally, the effects were observed of siRNA interference to the NLRP3 gene expression in A549 cell lines on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines-IL-1βinduced by LPS+ATP. Results NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 proteins were observed in A549 cell lines. The expressions of NLRP3, caspase1p45 and pro-IL-1βin A549 cell lines increased by treatment of LPS alone compared with that of control group (P

Objective To investigate the effect of long interspersed nuclear elements 1 open reading frame 2(L1-ORF2) gene on the senescence of GES-1 cells and its mechanism of molecular regulation. Methods Cell culture of high glucose was used to construct stable model of senescent GES-1 cells. L1-ORF2 siRNA vector was constructed and then transfected into normal GES1 and senescent ones with liposome transfection reagents for transient expression. Forty eight hours after transfection, cell growth curves were drawn to show the speed of cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle, β-galactosidase staining to detect cell aging and Western blotting to detect the expressions of L1-ORF2, P53 and P21proteins. Results Senescent GES-1 cell model and L1-ORF2 siRNA vector were constructed. Compared with negative control group, the L1-ORF2 expression decreased in normal and senescent GES-1 cells transfected with L1-ORF2 siRNA vector. There was a faster proliferation of senescent GES1 cells (P

The Upper Cretaceous Gaogou, Majiachun and Sigou formations in the Xixia Basin are composed of terrestrial clastic deposits, which are dominated by red-violet mudstones, muddy siltstones, siltstones, grayish fine-grained sandstones, intercalated with grayish, off-white medium- and coarse-grained sandstones or conglomerates. They contain 10 ichnogenera and 22 ichnospecies and Rhizoliths, including Arenicolites isp., Archaeonassa isp., Beaconites antarcticus, B. capronus, B. coronus, Cylindricum isp., Gastruichnus xixiaensis, Palaeophycus megas, P. tubularis, P. heberti, P. sulcatus, P. cf. sulcatus, P. striatus, Planolites beverleyensis, P. isp., Scoyenia gracilis, Skolithos verticalis, S. linearis, S. isp., Taenidium irregularis, T. serpentinum and T. barretti. From north to south across the basin, alluvial fan, braided and meandering fluvial and fluvio-lacustrine systems are recognised on the basis of sedimentary features. In reference to them, four ichnoassemblages are recognised: (1) Skolithos-Gastruic...

Two silver-based coordination polymers, [Ag2(bpy)2(cbda)] (BUC-51) and [Ag3(bpy)3(cpda)]·(NO3)·9H2O (BUC-52), have been successfully prepared by slow evaporation at room temperature. These coordination polymers exhibited good adsorptive performances toward series organic dyes with sulfonic groups, which could be ascribed to the Ag cdots O interaction between the silver(I) atoms in CPs and the oxygen atoms from sulfonic groups attached to organic dyes. Both BUC-51 and BUC-52 favoured slow release of Ag+ ions resulting into outstanding long-term antibacterial abilities toward Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), which was tested by a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) benchmark and an inhibition zone testing method. Both scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images demonstrated that these two Ag-based coordination polymers could destroy the bacterial membrane and further cause death. Additionally, the excellent stability in common solvents and good optical stability under UV–visible light facilitated their adsorptive and antibacterial applications.

Supramolecular self-assembly between poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), a polymeric material extensively used for optoelectronic devices, and fluorescent glycoprobes produces core–glycoshell theranostic nanodots (glyco-dots) capable of targeted imaging and photodynamic therapy of liver and triple-negative breast cancer cells.

A supramolecular, polymer-dot-based ensemble has been developed for the ratiometric detection of lectins and targeted delivery of glycoprobes. Self-assembly between a blueemitting polymer dot and a red-emitting glycoprobe, results in an ensemble that shows red emission upon excitation of the polymer dot because of Forster resonance energy transfer. Resulting in ratiometric detection of lectins in buffer solution as well as targeted delivery of the glycoprobe to cells that highly express a sugar receptor. Unlike conventional systems where both the agent and vector are codelivered intracellularly, our ensemble developed here shows a receptor-controlled dissociation on the cell membrane.

Developing an effective means for the real-time probing of amyloid β (Aβ) that is closely implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could help better understand and monitor the disease. Here we describe an economic approach based on the simple composition of a natural product, resveratrol (Res), with graphene oxide (GO) for the rapid, fluorogenic recognition of Aβ. The Res@GO composite has proved specific for Aβ over a range of proteins and ions, and could sensitively capture both Aβ monomers and fibers in a physiological buffer solution within only 3 min. The composite can also fluorescently image amyloid deposits in a mouse brain section within 30 min. This new protocol is much cheaper and more timesaving than the conventional immunofluorescence staining technique employed clinically, providing an economic tool for the concise detection of AD.

Based on the long distance pipeline SCADA system in the three level (the dispatch center, station and local) control permissions needed to resolve problem, analyzed, and combining the practical application of a feasible scheme is given. For the principle and implementation of the scheme in detail.

By using Na2S•9H2O as source precursor and citric acid as stabilizer, ZnS:Mn nanocrystallines were synthesized by solvothermal method. They were annealed at 800 oC in the charcoal powder. The structure, morphology and optical properties were investigated by using X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Spectrofluorophotometer respectively. The results showed that all unannealed ZnS:Mn nanocrystallines were about 3~5 nm of particle size and have cubic structure, and all annealed samples were about 30-70 nm of particle size and have mixed structure of the cubic phase and hexagonal phase. Moreover, Mn2+ took the place of Zn2+ in ZnS:Mn. With the increment of Mn2+ content, there occurred a strong emission peak at about 596nm which can be attributed to the Mn2 + leap from 4T1 to 6A1. In addition, the intensity of 596nm emission peak first increased and then decreased with the increment of Mn2+ content, reaching a maximum at about 15% of Mn2+ content. After annealing Mn2+ emission peak intensity is about 20 times that before annealing, and the luminescence peak also showed slightly blue shift.

Objective To observe the changes in oxygen metabolism and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in soldiers returning to plains after being stationed and trained for 6 months in a plateau. Methods Eighty male officers and soldiers, aged 20-30 (22.3±2.9) years, after being stationed and trained on plateau (altitude 3960m) for 6 months and returned to plain region (altitude 200m), were selected as subjects. Before their returning to plateau, 6 months after their station and training in plateau, and 2 days after their returning to plain, fasting venous blood samples were collected, the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) were determined by ELISA, the transcription of SHH mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR, and the expressions of SMO and nucleoprotein GLI2 were detected by Western blotting. All the data mentioned above were collected for statistical analysis. Results As the subjects entered and garrisoned in plateau for 6 months, the activity of SOD decreased and the content of MDA increased significantly (P < 0.05). Both the protein expression and mRNA transcription of SHH were significantly higher after staying in plateau than in plain. When they returned to plain, both parameters decreased significantly, but were still higher than that when they lived in plain (P < 0.01). The expressions of SMO and nucleoprotein GLI2 showed a same tendency of changes. Conclusion High altitude environment may have a great influence on oxygen metabolism of organism and SHH signal pathway, and the hypoxic environment of high altitude region is one of the conditions in activating the SHH signal pathway.

Background and Aim: As a newly identified subset of T helper cells, T-helper 17 cells (Th17) are major mediators of inflammation-associated disease. Some reports have revealed significantly increased Th17 cells in hepatitis B virus-infected patients, and a recent study has demonstrated that hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific Th17 cells can be induced in vitro and regulated by transforming growth factor-β. This study attempted to characterize the role of Th17 cells in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: The current study enrolled 53 patients with CHC and 23 healthy controls, in which the circulating and liver-infiltrating Th17 cells were monitored. Results: We found that CHC patients had increased proportions of both circulating and liver-infiltrating Th17 cells compared to healthy individuals, and both measures of Th17 cells were correlated with severity of liver inflammation. We further demonstrated that the HCV-specific Th17 cells were correlated with liver damage but not HCV viral replication. Conclusions: Such a correlation between the severity of liver damage of CHC and Th17 cells illustrated in this study sheds some light on the understanding of the pathogenesis of CHC.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of intractable asthma,and to provide new knowledge for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.Methods Forty one patients with intractable asthma,admitted to the Institute of Respiratory Disease,Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University from Jan.2009 to Dec.2010,were included in present study.Spirometry tests were performed for all the 41 patients.Cell classification and counting were done in the induced sputum of 37 patients,and 34 patients underwent high-resolution chest computed tomography(HRCT).Results Incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction(FEV1/FVC < 70% after inhalation of bronchodilator) presented in all the 41 patients with intractble asthma.Of 37 patients tested,25(67.6%) showed increased eosinophils in induced sputum( > 0.03 of the total cells),13(35.1%) and increased neutrophils( > 0.61 of total cells),6(16.2%) showed increased both eosinophils and neutrophils,and only that of one patient showed normal percentage of the eosinophils and neutrophils.Chest HRCT of 34 patients showed thickening of bronchial wall in visible segment in 28 cases(82.3%),and in 22 cases(64.7%) thickening of bronchial wall in secondary segments was accompanied with narrowed bronchus lumen,cylindrical bronchiectasis was predominant in 7 patients,and centrilobular emphysema was seen in 5 patients.Conclusion Airway remodeling,incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction,airway inflammation appear to be the major clinical characteristics of intractable asthma.Combined use of chest HRCT,spirometry test,and cellular analysis of induced sputum may be helpful for identifying intractable asthma,and they provide the basis for individualized strategies to manage the disease.

A nonthermal process, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), was used as a new extraction technique to obtain salidroside from Rhodiola sachalinensis. The leaching rates of salidroside were measured under different treatment conditions. When the material was treated under 500 MPa of hydrostatic pressure with 50 times of volume 60% (v/v) of ethanol solution as the extracting solvent, the leaching rate of salidroside was up to 0.401% in 3 min, while that of ultrasonic extraction was at 0.288% in 30 min and that of reflux extraction was at 0.302% in 120 min. The HHP extraction technique showed high efficiency in extracting salidroside at room temperature using moderate ethanol concentration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Rhodiola is prevalently used as a safe and effective antifatigue drug and as an adaptogen around the world. But the common extraction methods used to yield commercial products are still traditional ones, which could easily lead some thermosensitive ingredients to lose their biologic activities. The nonthermal extraction method is the key point of the realization of herb modernization. The high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technique can be operated at room temperature and can shorten processing time. The extract produced by the method has proved to be of higher extraction yield than traditional varieties. In addition, the HHP technique only consumes electric energy without exhaust emission, which is an environment-friendly method. In the future, we will cooperate with those far-seeing companies to achieve its industrialization. The annual sale of herbs in the whole world has reached 30 billion. We do not doubt the prospect of this technique.

CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in regulating allergic inflammation. To analyse if allergen-DNA-modified dendritic cells (DC) can suppress allergic responses and what roles Treg cells play in DC-based allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immature DC were transfected with retrovirus encoding Der p2 DNA, and administered to mice that sensitized and challenged with Der p2 protein. After Treg cells were depleted with anti-CD25 mAb, mice were re-challenged to observe the airway inflammation, and Treg cells in spleen CD4(+) T cells. And responses of spleen CD4(+) T cells to Der p2 were determined. Co-culture of naïve CD4(+) T cells with allergen-modified DC induced Foxp3+ Tregs. Sensitized and challenged mice developed allergic airway inflammation and Th2 responses, and decreased Foxp3(+) Tregs. Treatment with allergen-modified-DC suppressed airway inflammation and Th2 responses, and increased IL-10 and IFN-gamma production and Foxp3(+) Tregs significantly; and eliminated the responses of CD4(+) T cells to allergen. Administration of anit-CD25 mAb eliminated all the effects of modified-DC except for the increasing of IFN-gamma. Allergen-modified DC can induce immune tolerance to allergens and reverse the established Th2 responses induced by allergen, with dependence on the induction of Foxp3(+) Tregs.

Rhodiola sachlinesis, A. Bor is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines and has been proved to have many effective compounds, such as flavonoids, anthraglycosides, essential oil with cinnamic aldehyde and citral and organic acids. In this article, a new method of ultrahigh pressure extraction (UPE) was used to extract flavonoids from R. sachlinesis. Uniform Design was employed to get the optimum extraction conditions. The optimum UPE conditions were as follows: pressure was 500 MPa; ethanol concentration was 40%; solid/liquid ratio (g mL(-1)) was 1 : 70. The optimum extraction yield of flavonoids was 52.33 mg g(-1). The antioxidant activity of the crude extract was tested with DPPH assay. It showed a higher activity, compared with tertiary butyhydroquinone (TBHQ) at the same concentration (1 mg mL(-1)).

Few studies of the efficacy and safety of therapy with combinations of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (SFCs) have been conducted in Chinese patients with COPD, and the benefits of combination therapy in nonsmoking patients with COPD are, to our knowledge, not known.The aims were to establish the efficacy and tolerability of the therapy with SFC (salmeterol, 50 microg/fluticasone, 500 microg, twice daily) in the management of Chinese COPD patients and to investigate the effectiveness of SFC in nonsmokers with COPD.This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study. Changes in prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV(1), quality of life determined by the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, relief bronchodilator use, nighttime awakenings, and frequency of exacerbations of COPD were measured in patients randomized to receive SFC (n = 297) or placebo (n = 148). Never-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers accounted for 11.7%, 66.7%, and 21.6%, respectively, of the study population.After 24 weeks, the mean changes in prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV(1) were 180 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], approximately 91 to 268; p0.001) and 65 mL (95% CI, approximately 14 to 115; p = 0.012), respectively, greater for the SFC group than that for the placebo group. The differences in response to treatment were significant (all p0.0001) in former or current smokers but not in never-smokers (p0.05). The mean improvement in the total SGRQ score for the SFC group was 5.74 (p0.01) greater than that for the placebo group. SFC significantly reduced the frequency of nighttime awakenings and the use of relief bronchodilator. The adjusted ratio of exacerbations of COPD for the SFC group relative to the placebo group was 0.61 (95% CI, approximately 0.45 to 0.84; p0.01). There were no significant differences between the SFC and placebo groups in safety measures.SFC therapy achieved sustained improvement in lung function, quality of life, and control of symptoms, and was well tolerated in Chinese patients. Greater improvements in lung function were found only for COPD patients with a history of smoking.http://ctr.gsk.co.uk/Summary/fluticasone_salmeterol/studylist.asp Identifier: No. SCO100540.

Rationale: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China is largely unknown. Objectives: To obtain the COPD prevalence in China through a largepopulation, spirometry-based, cross-sectional survey of COPD. Methods: Urban and rural population-based cluster samples were randomlyselectedfromsevenprovinces/cities.Allresidents40years of age or older in the selected clusters were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire revised from the international BOLD (Burden of Obstructive Lung Diseases) study. Spirometry was performed on all eligibleparticipants.Patientswithairflowlimitation(FEV1/FVC , 0.70) were further examined by post-bronchodilator spirometry, chest radiograph, and electrocardiogram. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/ FVCoflessthan70%wasdefinedasthediagnosticcriterionofCOPD. Measurements and Main Results: Among 25,627 sampling subjects, 20,245 participants completed the questionnaire and spirometry (response rate, 79.0%). The overall prevalence of COPD was 8.2% (men, 12.4%; women, 5.1%). The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in rural residents, elderly patients, smokers, in those with lower body mass index, less education, and poor ventilation in the kitchen, in those who were exposed to occupational dusts or biomass fuels, and in those with pulmonary problems in childhood and family history of pulmonary diseases. Among the patients who hadCOPD,35.3%wereasymptomatic;only35.1%reportedlifetime diagnosis of bronchitis, emphysema, or other COPD; and only 6.5% have been tested with spirometry. Conclusions: COPD is prevalent in individuals 40 yearsof age or older in China.

Summary Background The role of CD44v6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. To clarify the association of CD44v6 with survival in HCC, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature with meta-analysis. Methods Trials were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of CD44v6 in HCC and reported the survival data in the context of CD44v6 status. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the patient's disease stage, IHC cut-off value, and ethnicity. Results A total of nine trials, which comprised 942 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The combined hazard ratio (HR) of 2.13 [95% CI, 1.58–2.88; test for heterogeneity P = 0.061] suggests that high CD44v6 expression has an impact on patient survival. When the studies were restricted to Chinese patients, high levels of CD44v6 expression were correlated with reduced survival (HR 2.27, 95% CI = 1.79–2.86; P = 0.544 for heterogeneity). In addition, the heterogeneity disappeared when the analysis was restricted to Chinese. Conclusion CD44v6 expression is associated with poor prognosis for Chinese HCC patients.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important signaling effector that couples cellular metabolism and function. The effects of AMPK activation on pancreatic beta-cell function remain unresolved. We used 5-amino-imidazole carboxamide riboside (AICAR), an activator of AMPK, to define the signaling mechanisms linking the activation of AMPK with insulin secretion. Application of 300 microM AICAR to mouse islets incubated in 5-14 mM glucose significantly increased AMPK activity and potentiated insulin secretion. AICAR inhibited ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels and increased the frequency of glucose-induced calcium oscillations in islets incubated in 8-14 mM glucose. At lower glucose concentration (5mM) AICAR did not affect K(ATP) activity or intracellular ([Ca(2+)](i)). AICAR also did not inhibit (86)Rb(+) efflux from islets isolated from Sur1(-/-) mice that lack K(ATP) channels yet significantly potentiated glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Our data suggest that AICAR stimulates insulin secretion by both K(ATP) channel-dependent and -independent pathways.

Objective: Recent studies have found that theophylline exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study was performed to compare the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with slow-release theophylline (SRT) with that of double-dose ICS in asthma control, anti-inflammatory activity and safety. Methodology: In a randomized, open, parallel, control trial, 41 patients with asthma were randomly treated with either beclomethasone dipropionate 500 µg b.i.d. (BDP group) or a combination of BDP 250 µg b.i.d and SRT 0.2 g b.i.d. (SRT/BDP group) for 6 weeks. At the start and at the end of treatment, lung function testing and sputum induction were performed, and plasma cortisol levels were measured. Sputum was analyzed for cell differential counts and the interleukin (IL)-5 level. Patients kept a record of peak expiratory flow (PEF), symptom score, and β2-agonist use. Results: Significant increases in the morning and the evening PEF and FEV1 were observed (P

A series of (Fe50Ni50)xCu1-x granular films were prepared using magnetron controlled sputtering method. The magnetic-transport and microstructure of FeNi-Cu films deposited at room temperature and then annealed at various temperatures were investigated through TEM, XRD and conventional four probes method under room temperature, respectively. The giant magnetoresistence (GMR) as a function of FeNi volume fraction for as-deposited FeNi-Cu films reached a maximum of about 1.8 % at the volume fraction of 32 %. With increasing the annealing temperature, the GMR of films with the volume fraction less than 26 % reaches a peak at certain annealing temperature. While for films with the volume fraction larger than 26 %, the GMR have almost no changes at first and then decrease with increasing the annealing temperature. In addition, the relationship between magneto-transport and the microstructure, morphology of granular films is discussed.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and the present status of diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough.Methods The clinical data of 238 in-patients and out-patients of Departments of Respiratory Diseases from 4 teaching hospitals of Chongqing Municipality were collected from Oct.2008 to Dec.2009,and their clinical characteristics,diagnosis and therapeutic effects were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 238 patients were enrolled,most of them complained of dry cough and night cough.Throat symptoms were most common,including itching or foreign body sensation,throat discomfort and gastro-oesophageal reflux.Congestion of pharynx and cobblestone like changes in posterior pharyngeal wall were the most common signs in patients with chronic cough.Among all the supplementary examinations,bronchial provocation test resulted in highest positive rate.Etiological diagnosis was done in a total of 254 case-times for diseases leading to chronic cough,among them upper airway cough syndrome(UACS) was suspected in 115 case-times.cough variant asthma(CVA) in 42 case-times,and cough due to gastroesophageal reflux(GERC) in 53 case-times.After the specific treatment targeting UACS,CVA and GERC,in 152 case-times improvement was found after follow-up,including 56,27 and 21 case-times,respectively,with an effective rate of 68.4%(104/152).The final diagnosis for the other 44 case-times with chronic cough was chronic tonsillitis,chronic bronchitis,eosinophilic bronchitis and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI) induced cough.A definite diagnosis was finally made in 148 out of a total of 254 casses,with a diagnostic rate of 58.3%(148/254).Conclusion The final diagnostic rate in etiology of chronic cough is still poor nowadays in our country,and empirical treatment is still the main practice for chronic cough.

The Na+-driven Cl−/HCO3 −exchanger is an important regulator of intracellular pH in various cells, but its molecular basis has not been determined. We show here the primary structure, tissue distribution, and functional characterization of Na+-drivenchloride/bicarbonate exchanger (designated NCBE ) cloned from the insulin-secreting cell line MIN6 cDNA library. The NCBE protein consists of 1088 amino acids having 74, 72, and 55% amino acid identity to the human skeletal muscle, rat smooth muscle, and human kidney sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, respectively. The protein has 10 putative membrane-spanning regions. NCBE mRNA is expressed at high levels in the brain and the mouse insulinoma cell line MIN6 and at low levels in the pituitary, testis, kidney, and ileum. Functional analyses of the NCBE protein expressed inXenopus laevis oocytes and HEK293 cells demonstrate that it transports extracellular Na+ and HCO3 − into cells in exchange for intracellular Cl− and H+, thus raising the intracellular pH. Thus, we conclude that NCBE is a Na+-driven Cl−/HC O3 −exchanger that regulates intracellular pH in native cells.

To investigate the smoking status, knowledge of smoking hazards, attitude of tobacco control and skill of assisting smoking cessation in respiratory physicians in the city of Chongqing and therefore to provide references for their further participation in social tobacco control.With a self-designed questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted on respiratory physicians of 8 hospitals in Chongqing, which were selected with stratified random sampling method. All the data were inputted with software Epidata 3.1 and were analyzed with SPSS 13.0.A total of 428 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with a valid rate of 95.1% (428/450). The total smoking rate was 12.4% (95%CI: 9.3% - 15.5%), with 7.4% in physicians of teaching hospitals, 8.13% in those of hospitals located in urban areas, and 19.0% in those of hospitals located in suburban district counties. The differences in smoking rates in the respiratory physicians among different hospitals showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 11.734, P = 0.014). The smoking rate of the male was higher than that of the female. Of the surveyed doctors, 80.14% had awareness that tobacco dependence was a neuropsychiatric disease characterized as nicotine addiction, while 34.8% claimed that they had no idea about quitting smoking drugs. Although all participants claimed that they knew the harm of secondhand smoke, 16.36% of them still had never come forward to prevent smoking behavior in hospitals. There was only 27.4% of the surveyed discouraging smoking behavior with the reason of unwillingness to breath in secondhand smoke, while 53.9% of the surveyed discouraged smoking behavior because of regulations of hospitals. Most of the surveyed did relatively well in routinely inquiring and recording the smoking status of patients, but only 27.1% of them had recommended specific quitting smoking methods to patients, and there were few successful cases in practice. The situations of smoking cessation assistance in hospitals located in urban areas and suburban district counties were better than that in teaching hospitals.The smoking rate of the respiratory physicians (especially male doctors) in Chongqing is high. There is lack of enthusiasm in preventing smoking behavior in public area of hospitals. The knowledge and skills of smoking cessation are lacking as well. Therefore more training programs for smoking control are needed. Respiratory physicians in primary hospitals or community health centers can play a more important role in smoking control.

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchiectasis in urban city of China.A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 urban areas in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing cities, and Guangdong, Liaoning, Shanxi provinces. In this study, urban population-based cluster samples were randomly selected from each city/province. In the selected city communities, all residents at least 40 years old were recruited, interviewed with questionnaires and tested with spirometry. Each participant was asked whether he/she was ever diagnosed as bronchiectasis by physician, whether had symptoms of respiratory diseases and possible risk factors, etc.Data of 10 811 participants was enrolled for analysis, with a response rate of 75.4% (10 811/14 337). The overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis was 1.2% (135/10 811), with 1.5% (65/4382) in male and 1.1% (70/6429) in female, without statistical difference in gender (χ² = 3.289, P = 0.070). Prevalence of bronchiectasis increased with age (χ² = 31.029, P0.001). There were no statistical significances in crude prevalences of bronchiectasis among cities (χ² = 10.572, P = 0.103), while there was a significant difference among cities after adjustment with confounders (Wald value = 22.116, P = 0.001), by using logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed, bronchiectasis was significantly associated with elder ( ≥ 70 years vs 40-49 years; OR = 4.11, 95% CI 2.29-7.36), the family history of respiratory diseases (having two subjects with respiratory diseases in family vs no suffered relatives; OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.06-3.94), respiratory infection during childhood (suffering two kinds of respiratory diseases vs never; OR = 4.89, 95% CI 2.03-11.81), exposure to coal (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.17-4.52), chronic pharyngitis (OR = 3.96, 95% CI 1.38-11.40) and pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 3.07, 95% CI 1.89-4.98), heart diseases (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.11-2.42) and lung cancer(OR = 18.61, 95% CI 7.67-45.18).The prevalence of bronchiectasis in population aged 40 years old and above in urban area in China is high and associated with multiple factors such as age, family history of respiratory diseases, respiratory infection during childhood, exposure to coal, chronic pharyngitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, heart diseases, lung cancer and so on.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and play an important role in carcinogenesis. Herein, we characterized the global expression of miRNA in distal gastric adenocarcinomas and determined if circulating miRNAs could be used as biomarkers for distal gastric adenocarcinoma. We used a microarray screening system to detect dysregulated miRNAs in distal gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. The expression of a subset of five aberrantly expressed miRNAs (miR-375, -196b, -204, -18b, and -93) were further quantified in an independent set of clinical samples of distal gastric adenocarcinoma by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (rt-qRT-PCR). We also used rt-qRT-PCR to investigate the expression levels of putative miRNA biomarkers in serum and tumor cell lines. In our study, the expression of a subset of microRNAs was altered in distal gastric adenocarcinoma compared to normal tissue, miR-375 was significantly downregulated in distal gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, to a level that was significantly lower than cardia adenocarcinoma (p < 0.05). The circulating serum levels of miR-375 in patients who had distal gastric adenocarcinoma were also much lower than normal controls (p < 0.001). As a biomarker, miR-375 yielded a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.835. The specificity and sensitivity was 80% and 85%, respectively, in the discrimination of distal gastric adenocarcinoma from control, at a normalized cutoff of 0.218. The expression of miR-375 was downregulated both in distal gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and serum of patients with distal gastric adenocarcinoma. These data suggest miR-375 is a potential biomarker for distal gastric adenocarcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we transplanted MSCs into an experimental model of IBD. METHODS: A rectal enema of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered to female BALB/c mice. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were derived from male green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice and were transplanted intravenously into the experimental animals after disease onset. Clinical activity scores and histological changes were evaluated. GFP and Sex determining region Y gene (SRY) expression were used for cell tracking. Ki67 positive cells and Lgr5-expressing cells were determined to measure proliferative activity. Inflammatory response was determined by measuring the levels of different inflammatory mediators in the colon and serum. The inflammatory cytokines included tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β). Master regulators of Th1 cells (T-box expressed in T cells, T-bet), Th17 cells (retinoid related orphan receptor gamma(t), RORγt), Th2 cells (GATA family of transcription factors 3, GATA3) and regulatory T cells (forkhead box P3, Foxp3) were also determined. RESULTS: Systemic infusion of GFP-BMSCs ameliorated the clinical and histopathologic severity of colitis, including body weight loss, diarrhea and inflammation, and increased survival (P < 0.05). The cell tracking study showed that MSCs homed to the injured colon. MSCs promoted proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and differentiation of intestinal stem cells (P < 0.01). This therapeutic effect was mainly mediated by down-regulation of both Th1-Th17-driven autoimmune and inflammatory responses (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, T-bet; IL-6, IL-17, RORγt), and by up-regulation of Th2 activities (IL-4, IL-10, GATA-3) (P < 0.05). MSCs also induced activated CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (TGF-β, IL-10, Foxp3) with a suppressive capacity on Th1-Th17 effecter responses and promoted Th2 differentiation in vivo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MSCs are key regulators of immune and inflammatory responses and may be an attractive candidate for cell-based therapy of IBD.

We have cloned an isoform of the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), designated SUR2. Coexpression of SUR2 and the inward rectifier K + channel subunit Kir6.2 in COS1 cells reconstitutes the properties of K ATP channels described in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The SUR2/Kir6.2 channel is less sensitive than the SUR/Kir6.2 channel (the pancreatic β cell K ATP channel) to both ATP and the sulfonylurea glibenclamide and is activated by the cardiac K ATP channel openers, cromakalim and pinacidil, but not by diazoxide. In addition, SUR2 binds glibenclamide with lower affinity. The present study shows that the ATP sensitivity and pharmacological properties of K ATP channels are determined by a family of structurally related but functionally distinct sulfonylurea receptors.

We have isolated cDNA encoding a fourth member (P 2X-4 ) of the ATP receptor P 2X receptor family from a rat pancreatic islet cDNA library. Rat P 2X-4 is a protein of 388 amino acids which shares 50%, 49%, and 47% identity with P 2X-1 , P 2X-2 , and P 2X-3 , respectively, and has two putative transmembrane segments. Rat P 2X-4 mRNA is widely expressed in brain and peripheral tissues, including various endocrine tissues and it is also expressed in various hormone-secreting cell lines. We have heterologously expressed the cloned P 2X-4 in Xenopus laevis oocytes and have characterized its pharmacological properties. ATP, its analogs and ADP activate cation-selective ion channels. The order of agonist potency is ATP ADP 2-methyl-thioATP(2MeSATP) ⪢ αβ-methelene-ATP (αβmeATP). ATP-evoked currents are only partially blocked by suramin, reactive blue-2, or H 2 DIDS. The present study suggests that P 2X-4 , with pharmacological properties distinct from those of P 2X-1 , P 2X-2 , and P 2X-3 mediates extracellular ATP-induced biological effects in non-neuronal cells, including endocrine cells, as well as in neuronal cells.

RNA blot analysis has shown that an ionotropic ATP receptor P2X4 is widely distributed, as compared with other P2X subtypes. Cellular distribution of the P2X4 ATP receptor mRNA was investigated by in situ hybridization technique in the brain and non-neuronal organs. In the brain, transcripts of the P2X4 were widely distributed in various regions, with the highest signals in the cerebellar Purkinje cells and granule cells. In other organs, intense and selective expression was detected in seminiferous tubules of the testis and intestinal crypts of the colon, suggesting an involvement of ATP in spermatogenesis and intestinal secretion. A low but significant level of the P2X4 mRNA was detected in the adenohypophysis and the cortex of the adrenal gland. The tissue- or cell-specific expression of the P2X4 mRNA is of importance to understand the functional roles of the purinergic transmission system.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), which is released from the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and plays a crucial role in the regulation of insulin secretion during the postprandial phase. We have isolated the human gene (GIPR) and cDNA encoding the GIP receptor by a combination of the conventional screening and polymerase chain reaction procedures. Human GIP receptor cDNA encodes a protein of 466 amino acids that is 81.5 and 81.2% identical to the previously cloned hamster and rat GIP receptor, respectively. Hydropathic analysis shows the presence of a signal peptide and seven potential transmembrane domains, a feature characteristic of the VIP/glucagon/secretin receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors. The human GIPR gene is about 13.8 kb long, consists of 14 exons, and carries 17Alurepeats.

Existing research frequently consider symbolic image of brand as one-dimensional construct, they have neglected the abundance as well as the characteristics of symbolic meanings which are conveyed by the brand, and therefore there is theoretical contribution in discussing and examining the effect of different symbolic image of brand on consumer's response. Based on “self” theory derived from sociology and psychology, Our research divides symbolic image of brand into four dimensions: “personal”, “social”, “relational” and “collective”, through survey, we investigate the affect of the four dimensions of symbolic image on consumer's brand loyalty. Our research shows that through the mediation of brand involvement, brand trust and self-brand connection, symbolic image of brand positively influence brand loyalty. Speaking concretely, all the four dimensions of symbolic image positively influence consumer's self-brand connections, at the same time, both the personal and collective image positively influence brand involvement, and all the personal, social and relational image positively influence brand trust. And brand involvement, self-brand connections and brand trust can accelerate consumer's loyalty to brand directly.

Adult stem cells provide a promising alternative for the treatment of injured tissues. We aimed to investigate the effect of in vivo transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on injured gastric mucosa in rats.The gastric ulcer in rats was induced by indomethacin. BMMSCs from male rats, labeled with the fluorescent cell linker 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA SE), were transplanted into the female rats via tail vein injection. The healing process of gastric ulcers was monitored by HE staining. The protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the injured gastric mucosa were determined by immunohistochemistry.At 48 and 72 hours after BMMSCs transplantation, the CFDA SE labeled cells were found scattered in the injured gastric mucosa, but not in the gastric mucosa of control rats. At 72 hours after BMMSCs transplantation, the mean ulcer index was 12.67 ± 2.16 in the BMMSCs transplanted group and 17.33 ± 1.97 in vehicle-treated controls (P0.01). Both VEGF and EGFR protein expression levels were significantly higher in the gastric section from the rats that received BMMSCs transplantation as compared to rats without BMMSCs transplantation.Autologous BMMSCs transplantation can accelerate gastric ulcer healing in injured gastric mucosa in a rodent model.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy can induce immune tolerance to specific allergens by regulating immune status of individuals. However, its clinical application is limited due to individual differences in efficacy among patients and un-confirmed safety. 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) has been shown to be involved in a variety of physiological processes, including immune response regulation. In the present study we explored the role of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment for immunotherapy.Seventy-five BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups (15 mice per group). The mouse allergic asthma model was established by intra-peritoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA, 10 µg) and aluminium hydroxide (2 mg) as an adjuvant. Intra-peritoneal injection of 50 ng of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) served as a pretreatment, subcutaneous injection of OVA (100 µg) as an immunotherapy, and 1% OVA inhalation as a challenge. Histopathological analysis was performed on four mice per group. The number of cells and their classification in bronchoalvolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assayed. Levels of serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in BAL fluid were measured by ELISA.After 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment, immunotherapy could significantly inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues and BAL fluid of mice with allergic asthma when compared with un-treated animals (eosinophils: (7.46 ± 1.34) × 10(4)/ml vs. (13.41 ± 1.67) × 10(4)/ml, P0.05). In addition, levels of IL-4 ((36.91 ± 7.87) pg/ml vs. (43.70 ± 6.42) pg/ml, P0.05) and IL-5 ((41.97 ± 7.93) pg/ml vs. (60.14 ± 8.35) pg/ml, P0.05) in BAL fluid and serum sIgE ((0.42 ± 0.05) vs. (0.75 ± 0.06) OD units, P0.05) were profoundly reduced. However, the IL-10 level in BAL fluid was significantly increased ((67.74 ± 6.57) pg/ml vs. (44.62 ± 8.81) pg/ml, P0.05).These results indicated that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment enhanced the inhibitory effects of immunotherapy on allergic airway inflammation. In the treatment of allergic diseases, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) pretreatment may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.

To investigate the clinical characteristics and chronological change of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the Chinese PLA General Hospital in near 16 years.Patients diagnosed with UC during the period from 1994 to 2009 in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were registered and their clinical profiles were analyzed.From 1994 to 2009, of 525 patients diagnosed with UC, with a median onset age of 42 years. The predominant form of UC was extensive colitis, which affected almost 33.3% (175/525), left-sided colitis was present in 21.3% (112/525) and rectum was present in 12.4% (65/525). The chronic relapsing type of UC was the most common (69.0%, 362/525), followed by the initial onset type (18.1%, 95/525), chronic continuous type with intermittent exacerbations (9.7%, 51/525), and acute fulminant type (3.2%, 17/525). Two hundred and twenty-one patients (42.1%, 221/525) were graded as mild, 162 (30.9%, 162/525) as moderate, and 142 (27.0%, 142/525) as severe UC. The proportion of mild colitis and rectum was significantly higher in patients with an onset age of over 60 years, compared with those with an onset age of less than 30 years (P0.05). The proportion of UC patients with old age onset (P0.05), male sex (P0.01), mild colitis (P0.01), rectum (P0.01), relapse-free type (P0.01) demonstrated a chronological increase from 1994 to 2009.The distinctive clinical features and chronological change were seen in UC patients in recent years. Compare to those with an onset at less than 30 years, the proportion of mild colitis and rectum was significantly larger in patients with an onset at over 60 years of age, and the proportion of UC patients with old age onset, male sex, mild colitis, rectum, relapse type were less.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a variable natural history and not all individuals follow the same course. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic COPD patients from a population-based survey in China.A multistage cluster sampling strategy was used in a population from seven different provinces/cities. All residents (over 40 years old) were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% was defined as the diagnostic criterion of COPD. All COPD patients screened were divided into symptomatic group and asymptomatic group according to the presence or absence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Socio-demographic, personal and exposure variables were collected and analyzed.Among the 1668 patients who were diagnosed with COPD from the 25 627 sampling subjects, 589 (35.3%) were asymptomatic. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), rural and urban distributions, smoking habit and education levels were similar in the two groups. A total of 64.7% of the asymptomatic patients had no comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer were more common among symptomatic COPD patients than asymptomatic group. Asymptomatic COPD group were less likely to present with poor ventilation in the kitchen, a family history of respiratory disease and recurrent childhood cough. Asymptomatic COPD patients had significantly higher FEV(1) (73.1% vs. 61.0%), FVC (91.9% vs. 82.0%), and a higher ratio of FEV(1)/FVC (62.9% vs. 58.7%) (all P0.001) than symptomatic group. More asymptomatic patients were underdiagnosed (91.9% vs. 54.3%, P0.001) than symptomatic patients.This large population-based survey confirmed a high prevalence of asymptomatic COPD patients in China. More use of spirometry screening test may be important to the early detection of COPD.