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Five new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (1-5), ascyrones A-E, and four known compounds (6-9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum ascyron. All of the isolates containing a bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione core and a benzoyl group, belonged to type B bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (BPAPs). Their structures and absolute configurations were established based on spectroscopic analyses and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cytotoxicity activities of compounds 1-4 and 6-9 were evaluated. Compound 6 exhibited obvious anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1 and 9 exhibited slight cytotoxicity against Hep3B cells. Meanwhile, compound 1 showed mild neuroprotective activity against corticosterone (CORT)-induced PC12 cell damage at 10 μmol·L

Plant color was an important landscape of the urban green space, and quantitative analysis of its characteristics could provide a basis for plant color configuration. The leaf color attributes of 80 colored-leaf plants were studied and the Scenic Beauty Estimates (SBE) was used to evaluate their beauty. The data of leaves color were obtained by MATLAB software and scanner under the hue–saturation–brightness (HSB) system and then were further analyzed to determine the relationship between the SBE and color attributes (HSB). Results showed that the leaf colors of 80 plants contained 13 hues in total, which belonged to six color systems. The species contained in different color systems, from most to least, were yellow–green series (27 species) > orange series (19 species) > red series (18 species) > yellow series (10 species) > blue-green (four species) > purple (two species). There were fewer blue and purple series species. The brightness and saturation of color were mainly distributed in the middle (26–50%), middle and high (51–75%) stages, and those of the yellow–green system belonged to the medium and high stages and were significantly higher than other color systems. There is a significant positive correlation between the brightness and saturation of color and the value of SBE, and an SBE evaluation model was established based on the color attributes. The results are helpful to select plants with higher beauty and create a rich plant color landscape.

Histone acetyltransferases are responsible for histone acetylation, while histone deacetylases (HDACs) counteract histone acetylation. An unbalanced dynamic between histone acetylation and deacetylation may lead to aberrant chromatin landscape and chromosomal function. HDAC2, a member of class I HDAC family, serves a crucial role in the modulation of cell signaling, immune response and gene expression. HDAC2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for liver disease by regulating gene transcription, chromatin remodeling, signal transduction and nuclear reprogramming, thus receiving attention from researchers and clinicians. The present review introduces biological information of HDAC2 and its physiological and biochemical functions. Secondly, the functional roles of HDAC2 in liver disease are discussed in terms of hepatocyte apoptosis and proliferation, liver regeneration, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis and non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis. Moreover, abnormal expression of HDAC2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver disease, and its expression levels and pharmacological activity may represent potential biomarkers of liver disease. Finally, research on selective HDAC2 inhibitors and non‑coding RNAs relevant to HDAC2 expression in liver disease is also reviewed. The aim of the present review was to improve understanding of the multifunctional role and potential regulatory mechanism of HDAC2 in liver disease.

To analyze the climatic characteristics of snow resources and quantitatively evaluate the climatic suitability of skiing, we proposed the concept of theoretical snow period from the perspective of climate based on the synoptic principle. We set threshold values of different suitability degrees of three indices closely related to skiing, including air temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. The conversion function of each index was designed after normalization. Based on grey relational theory and Euclidean distance method, we established evaluation model of ski sports climate suitability index, with Changbai Mountain Ski Resort as an example. The results showed that snow resource in Changbai Mountain area was rich. From 1981 to 2018, the average snowfall during the theoretical snow period was 64.6 mm. Under the background of climate change, the average number of snow days and snowfall decreased slightly over the years, with the starting time of snow season being delayed and the ending time being advanced. The number of snow days in the early winter (from the starting time of snow season to the end of December) was significantly less than that in the later winter (from the next January to the end of snow season). Climate in Changbai Mountain was highly suitable for skiing during the snow period. The most suitable and relatively suitable days with respect to air temperature, wind speed and precipitation accounted for 91.9%, 91.8%, and 94.6% of the total, respectively. The cumulative number of days for ski comprehensive weather suita-bility accounted for 99.7%, indicating that most days were suitable for skiing. The concept of theoretical snow period in this study had made up for the problems caused by the lack of meteorological observation data of the first and last snow event on the study of snow resources. The climate suitabi-lity evaluation model of skiing could help make management decision for the development and operation of ski resorts and scientific support for skiing enthusiasts.为科学分析雪资源气候属性,定量评价滑雪运动气候适宜度概况,本研究基于天气学原理,从气候角度设定了理论雪期概念;设定与滑雪运动密切相关的气温、风速、雪期降雪量3个指标的不同适宜度等级阈值,对各指标进行归一化处理并设计其转换函数;运用灰色关联度理论,结合欧氏距离法,构建滑雪气候适宜度指数评价模型,并以长白山滑雪场为例进行评价。结果表明: 长白山地区雪资源丰富,1981—2018年,理论雪期内的平均降雪量为64.6 mm;气候变暖背景下,平均雪期日数及降雪量随年代呈略有减少趋势,雪期开始时间随年代变化呈现延后趋势,结束时间呈提前趋势,且前冬(当年雪期开始至12月底)雪期日数明显少于后冬(次年1月初至雪期结束)雪期日数;长白山滑雪场雪期内滑雪气候适宜性高,气温、风速和降雪条件的最适宜和较适宜日数累计分别占91.9%、91.8%和94.6%;滑雪综合气候适宜度日数累计占比达99.7%,绝大多数时间适宜滑雪运动的开展。理论雪期概念的提出弥补了因初、终雪气象观测资料缺乏对雪资源研究等造成的困扰;滑雪运动气候适宜度评价模型可为滑雪场地开发和经营提供管理决策,为滑雪爱好者提供出行的科学支撑。.

Eight new meroterpenoids (1-8) featuring β-triketone-conjugated terpenoids, rtomentones A-H, were isolated from the leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Structures of the isolates were unambiguously established by a combination of NMR and ECD spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Rtomentone C (3) was the first example of aromadendrane-based meroterpenoid containing an oxa-spiro[5.6] ring. Rtomentone D (4) was obtained as a racemic mixture confirmed by chiral HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231, A549, and DLD-1 cells of all isolates was evaluated.

E-government is a prerequisite for economic and social informatization. Information required from the various forces of a country, among them, the government as a national composition and the flow of information center "nodes", play a responsibility in the process of social informatization and irreplaceable role. In this paper, the design and construction of e-government system are discussed in this paper. Elaborated the e-government system basic architecture, the paper analyzes the electronic government affairs system overall design.

Presented herein is a finite element investigation into the damage mechanism of the adhesive interface of the rubber-steel bimaterial. The cohesive element layer is used at the interface to simulate the initial loading, initiation and propagation of the damage. From the simulation results, it is found that interface strength exert significant effects on the crack formation in the interface. Smaller interface strength could lead to crack initiation more easily.

Group A streptococcus (GAS), an important human pathogen, can cause various kinds of infections including superficial infections and potentially lethal infections, and the search for an effective vaccine to prevent GAS infections has been ongoing for many years. This paper compares the immunogenicity and immunoprotection of FbaA (an Fn-binding protein expressed on the surface of GAS) with that of M protein, the best immunogen of GAS. Assay for immune response showed that FbaA, similar to M protein, could induce protein-specific high IgG titer in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, following GAS challenge, the mice immunized with FbaA showed the same protective rate as those with M protein. These results indicate that FbaA is similar in ability to M protein in inducing protective immunity against GAS challenge in mice.

Static and dynamic experiments were carried out to validate scale inhibition performance of a green scale inhibitor-polyaspartic acid (PASP). From the static experiment, it was shown that below 60°C, polyaspartic acid is very effective in scale inhibition, with the scale inhibition ratio exceeding 90% with only 3 mg/L PASP for the 600 mg/L hardness solution. For a higher hardness solution of 800 mg/L, the scale inhibition ratio can also reach 90% with 6 and 12 mg/L PASP at 30 and 60°C respectively. The SEM photographs of CaCO3 crystals indicate that the crystal structure transforms from a compact stick-shape to a loose shape so that the scale can be washed away easily instead of being deposited on the heat transfer surface. The dynamic experimental results show that almost no scales formed on the heat transfer surface and the fouling thermal resistance decreases extraordinarily if PASP is added in the solution.

Molar heat capacities of the pure samples of acetone, methanol and the azeotropic mixture composed of acetone, cyclohexane and methanol were measured by an adiabatic calorimeter from 78 to 320 k. the solid-solid and solid-liquid phase transitions of the pure samples and the mixture were determined based on the curve of the heat capacity with respect to temperature. the phase transitions took place at (126.16 +/- 0.68) and (178.96 +/- 1.47) k for the sample of acetone, (157.79 +/- 0.95) and (175.93 +/- 0.95) k for methanol, which were corresponding to the solid-solid and the solid-liquid phase transitions of the acetone and the methanol, respectively. and the phase transitions occurred in the temperature ranges of 120 to 190 k and 278 to 280 k corresponding to the solid-solid and the solid-liquid phase transitions of mixture of acetone, cyclohexane and methanol, respectively. the thermodynamic functions and the excess thermodynamic functions of the mixture relative to standard temperature of 298.15 k were derived based on the relationships of the thermodynamic functions and the function of the measured heat capacity with respect to temperature.

An electromagnetic anti-fouling technology (EAFT) was developed further. The operating principle of the EAFT was presented using fundamental physics laws. To validate the effect of EAFT and identify the mechanism, a circulating flow setup was built. A series of fouling tests were carried out with and without EAFT, measuring fouling thermal resistance as function of time, making scanning electron microscope images and analyzing the particles size distribution in solution by dynamics light scattering technology. The main results were as follows: 1) All the precipitated crystals in solution were calcite and there were little differences between with EAFT and without EAFT in the experimental range. 2) The number of precipitate nucleation in solution was small and the particle growth was slow without EAFT. In opposition to the case untreated, a rapid particle growth was observed and the number of nucleation was expected to be large, due to the fact that the EAFT effectively increases the ions and crystals collision frequency and effectiveness by utilizing the induced electric field. It is indicated that the particle growth is promoted mainly by coagulation process but not nucleation growth. 3) The EAFT could prolong the delay time of fouling greatly, and after the delay time, the thermal resistance quickly increased. Therefore, in order to mitigate scale significantly, the floccules in solution should be deposited beforehand in a low-lying area of the exchangers and let off in time.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of enterally administered glutamine (gln) dipeptide on metabolic, gastrointestinal, and outcome parameters after severe burn injury.Forty thermally injured patients with total body surface burns ranging between 50% and 80%, and third-degree burns ranging between 20% and 40% and without respiratory injuries, were randomized into a prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. One group received gln-enriched enteral nutrition and the other group received the standard enteral formulation. Tube feedings were initiated on postburn day 1 (PBD +1), and isocaloric and isonitrogenous feedings were administered to both groups until PBD +12. The gln was given as the dipeptide of alanyl-gln (Ajinomoto, Tokyo, Japan), which provided 0.35 g gln/kg body weight/d. Plasma amino acid profiles, serum endotoxin concentrations, and the lactulose/mannitol absorption ratio (which reflects gut permeability) were measured at specific times throughout the clinical course. Wound healing at day 30 was assessed, and length of hospital stay and total costs were determined at discharge.The 2 groups were similar in terms of age and extent of injury. Plasma gln concentrations were approximately 300 umol/L in both groups on PBD +1 and remained low in the control group (399 +/- 40 umol/L, mean +/- SD) but increased toward normal in the supplemented group to 591 +/- 74 (p = .048). Lactulose/mannitol ratios were increased above normal on POD +1 (control, 0.221 +/- 0.169; gln, 0.268 +/- 0.202; not significant), reflecting increased intestinal permeability after burn injury. On POD +3, the ratio in the gln group was lower than control (0.025 +/- 0.008 versus 0.049 +/- 0.016; p = .0001), and both groups returned toward normal ratios with time. Endotoxin levels on PBD +1 were elevated in both groups (control, 0.089 +/- 0.023 EU/mL; gln, 0.103 +/- 0.037 EU/mL; NS) but decreased significantly on PBD +3 in the patients receiving gln. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the gln group than controls (67 +/- 4 days versus 73 +/- 6; p = .026). On day 30, wound healing was 86% +/- 2% complete in the gln group compared with 72% +/- 3% in controls (p = .041). Total cost of hospitalization was 62794 +/- 6178 RMB (dollar 7593 +/- 747 US dollars) in the gln group and 68996 +/- 8620RMB (dollar 8343 +/- 1042, p = .031) in controls, although the cost of the enteral nutrition was higher in the gln-supplemented patients.Enteral gln supplementation using a commercially available dipeptide supported plasma gln levels, improved gut permeability, and initially decreased plasma endotoxin levels in severely thermally injured patients. These alterations were associated with a reduction in the length of hospitalization and lower costs.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln)-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) on clinical safety, nitrogen balance, intestinal permeability, and clinical outcome in postoperative patients. Methods: One hundred twenty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were enrolled. Protocol was approved and informed consent obtained. A double-blind protocol was designed as used in Europe. The clinical safety and outcome were observed for 60 patients in 2 centers (30 each). Sixty patients from 2 additional centers (30 each) were observed for clinical safety, nitrogen balance, intestinal permeability, and clinical outcome. All patients received isonitrogenous (0.20 g/kg body wt per day) and isocaloric (30 kcal/kg body wt per day) parenteral nutrition. The study group received Ala-Gln (Dipeptiven, Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homberg, Germany) 0.50 g/kg per day. Clinical chemistry variables, plasma amino acids profile, nitrogen balance, intestinal permeability (lactulose/mannitol ratio [L/M ratio]) were measured; hospital stay and infection rate were monitored. Statview was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) or X 2 tests. Data were expressed as means ± SD, and the significance level was p

Objectives: To study the clinical features and diagnostic value of CT in Fahr’s disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed skull images of 8,000 cases and observed the incidence and imaging characteristics of Fahr’s disease. Results: Fahr’s disease were found in 6 patients (6/4000=0.075%)whose ages ranged from 16 to 62 years (average age:38.5±6.4years). We found that 6 Fahr’s disease had been incidentally detected in 4 men(4/6=66.7%) and 2 women(2/6=33.4%); serum calcium：2.13～2.42 mmol/L，serum phosphor：1.0～1.6 mmol/L.The most common CT feature of Fahr’s disease is the presence of small bilateral intracranial calcifications which are usually restricted to the bilateral globus pallidus, putamen, caudate nucleus, thalamus, dentate nucleus and white matter of the cerebral hemispheres. Conclusions: Combined with clinical manifestations and imaging features, we can make a clear diagnosis of the Fahr’s disease.

Available lipid emulsions made from soybean or safflower oil are classified as long-chain triglycerides (LCT). In contrast, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) emulsions have different physical properties and are metabolized by other biochemical pathways. To compare the differences between these two fat emulsions, the authors studied 12 surgical patients and 6 volunteers. These subjects were randomly assigned to receive parenteral nutrition with MCT or LCT emulsion. Measurement of arterial and venous concentration differences across the forearm demonstrated that muscle utilization was significantly improved with MCT administration. There was also a trend toward improved nitrogen balance in the MCT group, and less weight loss in the postoperative period also was observed in this group. During the fat clearance test, the serum ketone concentrations were significantly higher in the MCT than the LCT group. The improvement in nitrogen retention may be associated with increasing ketone and insulin levels. Fat emulsions containing 50% MCT are safe for use in parenteral nutrition and may provide an alternate fuel that improves protein metabolism.

Taking seven soybean genotypes differing in P efficiency as test materials, a pot experiment with acid soil was conducted to study the interactive effects of P deficiency and Al toxicity on the growth of the genotypes under liming and P fertilization. The results showed that P deficiency and Al toxicity were the limiting factors for the soybean growth on acid soil, and the impact of Al toxicity was more severe. There existed interactive effects between P deficiency and Al toxicity. Comparing with liming or P fertilization alone, their combination could greatly promote soybean growth. The impact of P deficiency and Al toxicity on the P uptake by soybean was far greater than that on N and K uptake. A reasonable planting system for soybean would be helpful for the amelioration of acid soil. The combined application of 1.103 g Ca(OH)2 x kg(-1) soil and 2.018 g KH2PO4 x kg(-1) soil) could increase the acid soil pH by 38.4% and the available P content by 3223.8%, and decreased the soil exchangeable Al content by 96.3%. Planting P-efficient soybean genotypes rather than P in-efficient soybean genotypes had better effect in acid soil amelioration.

To investigate the health care status of female workers exposed to occupational hazards in Haidian district of Beijing and improve the labor protection of female workers.A questionnaire provided by National Center for Women and Children's Health of Chinese CDC was used in the survey conducted to collect information about health care status of female workers in 141 factories with occupational hazards including chemical poisons and physical factors (noise, libration, microwave, high frequency and low temperature).141 factories were investigated, including 53 state-owned enterprises, 21 collective enterprises, 46 joint-stock enterprises, and 21 non-public enterprises. 12 251 female workers were surveyed, 10.19% (1249/12 251) of whom were exposed to occupational hazards. Of 141 factories studied, 16.31% (23/141) had no labor protection management organization.27.66% (39/141) did not provide pre-employment physical examination service to female workers.48.94% (69/141) didn't establish labor protection system for female workers in menstrual period. While, 21.28% (30/141) of the studied institutes deducted some salaries in the pregnancy, and 32.62% (46/141) deducted their wages during the puerperal period. 2.13% (3/141) arranged female workers in the posts which are forbidden by law (continuous heavy work load operation).9.93% (14/141) arranged pregnant female workers on the post forbidden by law.31.91% (45/141) and 33.33% (47/141) would deduct the time of prenatal medical examination and lactation from their working hours, respectively.39.01% (55/141) didn't afford the cost of fertility. 68.09% (96/141) had annual gynecological examination.45 factories were collected occupational examination reports, accounted for 31.91% (45/141). No female workers were found suffering from occupational disease. Of the 1865 occupational hazard factor monitoring points in 34 factories, there were 155 monitoring points, which were all noise monitoring points, did not meet the standard.The current health-care status of female workers is not optimistic. It is necessary to consistently improve health care legislations, establish coordinated management mechanism and strengthen the publicity of policy to protect female workers.

To set up a method for the drainage of lymph fluid and explore the change of active materials in lymph fluid and serum after rat ischemia-reperfusion injury.The method of the drainage of lymph fluid was well established. Sixteen healthy male rats of SPF grade were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: intestinal ischemia-reperfusion + drainage group (I/R + drainage group) and drainage group. All the rats were subjected to superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 60 minutes, followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. We compared the change of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, endotoxin tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL) -1 beta, IL-6, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecular-1 (sICAM-1) by draining lymph fluid and collecting serum in 2 groups.The drainage of lymph fluid was successfully performed. The HMGB1, endotoxin, and cytokines in serum and lymph fluid were significantly higher in ischemia-reperfusion group than in drainage group (P0. 05).The method for drainage of lymph fluid is simple and feasible. Endotoxin, HMGB1, and some cytokines in serum and lymph fluid may mediate the ischemia-reperfusion injury.

In order to further study the grinding mechanism and to improve the grinding quality of non-circular cams a mathematical heat transfer model for cam grinding was set up based on the heat transfer theory with reasonable assumptions and simplifications on a heavy duty cam grinding. Internal distributions of temperature, stress, and deformation of the cam were achieved from the cam grinding simulation by ANSYS with calculation and analysis on instantaneous thermal transfer. Results from the simulation truly reflected the heat distribution in the cam grinding. Supported by experiments, the temperature fields from ANSYS were matched by large by what from on line infra red cameras, with an average relative difference about 8.83%. This offers help in solving the problem of cam surface thermal damage and deformation and others during cam grinding

A pot experiment with thirty soybean (Glycine max) genotypes differing in root architecture was conducted to investigate the effects of soil phosphorus (P) availability on the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) fungus (Glomus mosseae) as well as the relationships of the colonization with the root architecture and P efficiency of soybean. The results indicated that soil P availability had significant effects on the colonization of G. mosseae. Under low P condition, the AM had a higher infection rate and contributed more to the P uptake by soybean; while under high P condition, it was in adverse. There was a significant interaction between soybean genotypes and soil P availability on the colonization of G. mosseae. Under low P condition, the soybean genotypes with intermediate and deep root architectures had the highest infection rate of AM, but on the contrary, no significant correlation was observed between root architecture and AM colonization under high-P condition. In general, P-efficient soybean genotypes had better root architecture or higher AM colonization, indicating that a complementary relationship between root architecture and AM colonization was existed on their contribution to soybean P efficiency.

To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV genotype distribution in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in the Mongolian women in Inner Mongolia autonomy region.The prevalence data of HPV in our department were retrospectively reviewed. INNO-LiPA genotyping technique was used to detect HPV genotypes in the reserved carcinoma tissue specimens.Totally 63 tissue specimens were collected and detected. The prevalence of HPV was 93.7%. The positive rates of HPV among different clinical staging and different pathological grading were not significantly different (P0.05). The prevalence of HPV16 was not significantly different among different age groups (P0.05). HPV16 (69.8%), HPV18 (4.8%), HPV31 (4.8%), HPV39 (4.8%), and HPV52 (3.2%) were the 5 dominating HPV genotypes in all cases.HPV infection is closely correlated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in Mongolia women. HPV16 is the most important genotype in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, followed by HPV18, 31, and 39. HPV infection dose not affect the progression and differentiation of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

To analyze the maltose clearance in plasma and urine of healthy volunteers with high-performance liquid chromatography.Maltose solution was infused to 12 healthy volunteers during a 4-hour period at an infusion rate of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 g/(kg x h), Plasma and urine specimens were collected at different time points before and after infusion, and then analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography.The coefficients of variation of the precision and accuracy of the analysis method ranged 3.68%-4.58% and 0.44%-4.83% for plasma, respectively, and 2.91%-7.62% and 0.95%-8.27% for urine, respectively. The plasma maltose concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner (r0.99). The plasma maltose concentrations returned to the baseline levels 12 hours later. Two hours after injection, the urinary excretion of maltose increased, reached the peak value within 2-4 hours, began to decrease 6 hours later, and became zero 24 hours later.An infusion rate of 0.2-0.5 g/(kg x h) of maltose will not remarkably increase the blood glucose level in healthy people. The routine infusion rate should below 0.3 g/(kg x h), unless an emergency exists.

To investigate the relationship between renal tubular cells transdifferentiation and chronic renal interstitial fibrosis induced by Fangchi Extract in rat.The chronic renal interstitial fibrosis rat model was made by giving Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi extract (RAFE) and aristolichic acid (AA) respectively to rats through infusing stomach about 22 weeks discontinuously. Through immunnal histochemistry methods, investigating the expression of symbol proteins: Cytokine( CK) , alpha-Smooth muscle actin ( alpha-SMA) and Vimentin, and also the important fibrosis inducing factor-Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1 )on renal tubular cells.In RAFE and AA Groups, the expression of CK on renal tubular cells is declined comparing with the Control Group, and the enhanced expression of alpha-SMA and Vimentin can be observed on tubular cells. The expression of TGF-beta1 on renal tubular cells stronglhy increased, too.Part of the renal tubular cells was transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts. Renal tubular cells may participate the occurance of chronic renal interstitial fibrosis, TGF-beta1 may accelerate the transdifferentiation of tubular cells.

To investigate the association of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene exon 1 A49--G polymorphism with the genetic susceptibility to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) in Chinese Han nationality.Peripheral blood samples were collected from 48 patients with IDC, 31 males and 17 females, and 50 sex- and age-matched normal controls. ELISA was used to examine the cytokines: sCTLA-4, gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), and interleukin-4 (IL-4)with the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 as an indicator for Th1/Th2 bias. PCR-RFLP was used to analyze the A/G polymorphism of CTLA-4 exon 1 A49--G. The relationship of CTLA-4 genotype and alleles frequencies with sCTLA-4, IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma/IL-4 was evaluated by linear regression analysis.Compared with the normal controls, the frequencies of GG genotype (0.6042 and 0.7396, P = 0.012) and the G allele (0.36 and 0.56, P = 0.008) were significantly increased in the patients with IDC. Increased serum sCTLA-4 was found in the IDC group compared with the controls (1.87 microg/L +/- 1.06 microg/L vs. 0.54 microg/L +/- 0.19 microg/L, P0.05). IFN-gamma was significantly lower in the IDC group than in the control group (16 ng/L +/- 6 ng/L vs. 30 ng/L +/- 10 ng/L, P0.05). The ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 was significantly in the IDC group than in the control group (1.63 +/- 0.50 vs. 3.01 +/- 0.89, P0.05). No statistically difference was found in the IL-4 level between the two groups. Linear regression analysis manifested significant interrelationship between the GG genotype, G allele frequencies and serum sCTLA-4 (r = 0.57, P = 0.021), IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio (r = 0.42, P = 0.028) in the IDC group. While no correlation was found for AA, AG genotype and the A allele frequency.CTLA-4 gene exon 1 A49--G substitution is associated with an increased IDC genetic susceptibility, which implicates that the CTLA-4 gene may have a significant role in IDC, possibly via a Thr--Ala change in CTLA-4 signal peptide, with a result of functional change of sCTLA-4. The bias of Th1/Th2 paradigm is associated with the increased sCTLA-4 level under certain background of immunogenicity.

Following the former report, we continue to observe the chronic renal tubular-interstitial injury induced by Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract(RAFE) in rats in order to understand whether RAFE in different doses causes the renal tubular-interstitial injury or not.RAFE at the dose of 25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 120.0 mg kg(-1) x d(-1) and 200.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and aristolochic acid (AA, 10.0 mg x kg(-1) d(-1)) was interruptedly administrated by gastric tube for 22 w and 4 w durg withdrawal. Blood, urine and kidney were taken out respectively in 17 w, 22 w and 26 w to measure the indexes of renal function. The morphology of kidney was observed, and Masson staining of kidney were made respectively to compare RAFE groups with AA group.Pathological changes of renal tissue forms were as follows: All RAFE groups and AA group could develop the pathological process of renal tubular injury-chronic renal interstitial fibrosis. The pathologic changes of RAFE were similar with AA.RAFE at all doses administrated interruptedly by gastric tube above 13 w caused chronic renal tubulo-interstitium fibrosis. The renal injury in functions and tissue forms in rats were similar with AA closely. The results showed that AA was the main toxic composition of RAFE.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of perioperative parenteral nutrition on serum immunoglobulin, weight change, and post-operative outcome in severely malnourished patients with Crohn’s disease. METHODS: Thirty-two severely malnourished patients with Crohn’s disease who had undergone surgery in our hospital were reviewed. Sixteen patients who received perioperative parenteral nutrition were enrolled in the study group, and the other 16 patients who did not receive parenteral nutrition were enrolled in the control group. Serum immunoglobulin, body mass index (BMI), liver function, weight change, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum IgM levels elevated 1 wk before surgery in both groups, and decreased to normal value (from 139 ± 41 to 105 ± 29 mg/dL, P = 0.04) 4 wk after operation in the study group, while no significant changes was noted in the control group (from 133 ± 16 to 129 ± 13 mg/dL, P = 0.34). There were no significant changes in concentrations of IgG and IgA. The BMI of the study group increased from 13.9 ± 0.6 to 15.3 ± 0.7 kg/m2 (P = 0.02) with no significant change in the control group (14.1 ± 0.7 and 14.5 ± 0.5, respectively, P = 0.81). The percentage of resuming work was higher in the study group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Perioperative parenteral nutrition possibly ameliorates the humoral immunity, reverses malnutrition, and facilitates rehabilitation.

To investigate the effect of Qingkailing and Methylprednisolone (MP) injection alone or combined on the acute lung injury (ALI) induced by oleic acid in rabbits.The rabbits were randomly divided into 11 groups: oleic acid group; control group; treatment groups including low, middle and high dosage groups of Qingkailing and MP alone and combined, respectively. ALI model was established by i.v. oleic acid (0.05 mL x kg(-1)) in these groups, and then i.v. above drugs respectively, while in control group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The respiratory amplitude and rate were observed, and blood samples were taken from cervical artery for blood-gas analysis before and at 30, 60, 120 min after oleic acid or normal saline administration. At the end of experiment, the concentration of LDH, CAT and MDA in the lung tissue were measured and pathologic changes of lung tissue were observed microscopically.Compared with oleic acid group, the respiratory amplitude markedly enhanced (P0.05) and respiratory rate lowered (P0.05) in the low, middle and high dose groups of Qingkailing and MP injection. On the 30 min of treatment, PaO2 increased significantly (P0.05) in the low and middle dose groups of combined Qingkailing and MP injection; PaCO2 decreased markedly (P0.05) on the 120 min of treatment in each treatment group. The level of LDH significantly increased (P0.05), CAT and MDA decreased (P0.05) in the middle and high groups of Qingkailing and MP injection. The low and middle dose groups of combined Qingkailing and MP injection can alleviate the pathological changes induced by oleic acid.The curative effect of the low dose group of combined Qingkailing and MP for the ALI induced by oleic acid was better than Qingkailing and MP alone, while the big dose groups of Qingkailing and MP alone better than the combination at the same dosage.

To investigate the effect of Qingikailing and Shengmai injection alone or combined on the acute lung injury (AL) induced by oleic acid in rabbits.The rabbits were randomly divided into 11 groups: oleic acid group; control group; treatment groups including low, middle and high dosage groups of Qingkailing and Shengmai injection alone and combined, respectively. ALI model was established by iv oleic acid (0.05 mL x kg(-1)) in these groups, and then iv above drugs respectively,while in control group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The respiratory amplitude and rate were observed, and blood samples were taken from cervical artery for blood-gas analysis before and at 30, 60, 120 min after oleic acid or normal saline administration. At the end of experiment, the concentration of LDH, CAT and MDA in the lung tissue were measured and pathologic changes of lung tissue were observed microscopically.Compared with oleic acid group, the respiratory amplitude markedly enhanced (P0.05) in the low and high dose groups of Qingkailing and Shengmai injection. PaO2 increased significantly (P0.05) in the low dose group of combined Qingkailing and Shengmai injection, PaCO2 decreased markedly (P0.05) in the low dose groups of Qingkailing and Shengmai injection alone and combined. The level of MDA significantly decreased (P0.05) in the each group of Qingkailing and Shengmai injection alone, the level of MDA significantly decreased (P0.05) and CAT increased (P0.05) in the low dose group of combined Qingkailing with Shengmai injection. The low dose group of combined Qingkailing and Shengmai injection can alleviate the pathological changes induced by oleic acid.The curative effect of the low dose group of combined Qingkailing with Shengmai injection for the ALI induced by oleic acid was better than Qingkailing and Shengmai injection alone at the same dosage.

To discuss the protective effects of pueraria compound on the cerebral ischemic injury.Using the middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAO) in rats and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models in gerbils and mice, we investigated the influence of pueraria compound on the brain water content and the infarct size, the cerebral apoplexy exponent, the contents of lactic acid (LA) and lipid peroxide (LPO), the activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Na+ -K+ -ATPase.Pueraria compound obviously reduced the brain water content and the infrarct size in MCAO, improved motor abilities in the cerebral ischemia-reinfusion model of gerbils, decreased the contents of LA and LPO and increased the activities of LDH, GPx and Na+ -K+ -ATPase in cerebral ischemia-reinfusion model of mice.Pueraria compound has the function of antioxidation and protective effect on ischemic brain tissue.

To investigate the effects of microwave radiation on thymocytes in mice at different power densities.The experimental animals were whole-body exposed to microwave radiation with frequency of 2,450 MHz, power density of 1, 5, 15 mW/cm(2) respectively 1 h everyday for 30 days. Then the thymus were taken out after the mice were decapitated. Thymus index, morphological characteristics of thymus were examined. The changes of thymus T-cell subgroups, cell cycle progression in thymocytes and cellular apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry (FCM).The body weights of animals in 5, 15 mW/cm(2) irradiation groups [(28.10 +/- 1.46), (27.50 +/- 2.52) g] were lower than that of the control [(31.95 +/- 2.51) g] (P0.05). Pathological observation showed dark red piece of nucleus, some nuclei inclined to one side, slight increase in hassall body. The expressions of CD8 in 5, 15 mW/cm(2) irradiation groups (29.14% +/- 1.68%, 29.18% +/- 0.81%) were higher than that in control group (26.95% +/- 1.27%) (P0.05). The percentages of G(2) + M phase thymocytes in both radiation groups (12.24% +/- 1.82%, 11.19% +/- 1.36%) were lower than that in control group (14.58% +/- 0.64%) (P0.01). Thymocytic apoptosis rates in the three experimental groups (7.18% +/- 0.99%, 10.06% +/- 1.58%, 9.45% +/- 0.92%) were higher than that in control (4.25% +/- 1.63%) (P0.01), but the evident difference between 5 mW/cm(2) and 15 mW/cm(2) was not found (P0.05).Sub-chronic microwave exposure (2 450 MHz, 5, 15 mW/cm(2)) could induce thymocyte apoptosis, cause pathological changes in thymus, and affect cell cycle progression, thus may inhibit the immune function of the animal.