Objective: To compare the concentration of IL-1? in the apical exudates of phoenix abscess of chronic periapical periodontitis and to examine the correlation of IL-I? concentration with clinical and radiographic findings of the involved teeth. Methods: 35 single-rooted teeth diagnosed as phoenix abscess and 35 as chronic periapical periodontitis were examined. The periapical signs and symptoms were recorded. Radiographs were taken and periapical radiolucent areas were calculated with the help of the AutoCAD software. The standard paper-point sampling method was used to collect and quantify the periapical exudates. IL-1? in the exudates was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All statistical analyses were finished with SPSS 10.0 software. Results: The phoenix abscess group showed significantly lower concentration(5.65?2.76) ng/ml of IL-1? in the exudates and larger radiolucent areas(32.10?13.82) mm 2 on the X-ray films than the chronic periapical periodontitis group[(12.51?5.15) ng/ml and (6.51?3.56) mm 2 respectively] (P

Aromatic Chinese herbs has been used to prevent plague since ancient times, and traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of epidemic disease. Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rampant, and the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China issued guidelines which recommends integrated treatment plans of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. According to the traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan in the National COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Seventh Edition) of the National Health Commission, Chinese patent medicines or prescriptions containing more aromatic Chinese herbs are selected for prevention and treatment during the period of medical observation, clinical treatment and recovery of confirmed patients. Some local health committees or traditional Chinese medicine administrations also recommend a variety of other ways to use aromatic traditional Chinese herbs (external fumigation, moxibustion, wearing sachet, etc.) to prevent and cure COVID-19. The efficacy of "fragrance repels filth and reinforces vital qi" of aromatic Chinese herbs plays a positive role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. It has become a consensus to use aromatic Chinese herbs to interfere with the occurrence and development of COVID-19. The unique properties, chemical composition and action mechanism of aromatic Chinese herbs are worthy of extensive and in-depth experimental and clinical research, which can provide reference for the follow-up treatment of novel coronavirus and the development of corresponding drugs. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, this paper discusses the role of aromatic Chinese herbs in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and speculates the possible mechanism of its function, in order to provide a basis for attaching importance to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Objective: A high performance liquid chromatographic method was established to simultaneously quantify the gallic acid, methyl gallate, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose, benzoylpaeoniflorin of red peony root, and white peony root. Methods: The content of six components from 32 batches of samples collected from different product areas and markets was determined and compared by means of this established method. The mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% phosphoric acid. Flow rate was 0.8 mL/min and column temperature was 30℃. Chromatography was monitored at 230 and 270 nm. Results: The correlation coefficients between concentration and chromatographic peak area of gallic acid, methyl gallate, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose, and benzoylpaeoniflorin, respectively were over 0.9999 in the ranges of 0.7830-50.10, 1.094-70.00, 2.367-151.5, 7.823-500.6, 3.125-200.0, and 0.3480-22.25 μg/mL. The average recoveries of the six compounds were 102.1%, 98.88%, 99.25%, 100.4%, 104.2%, and 100.6%, respectively. Conclusion: All the contents of albiflorin, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose, gallic acid, and methyl gallate show a remarkable difference between Paeoniae Rubra Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix. And the latter usually contains more monoterpene glycosides than the former dose except paeoniflorin. On the other hand, Paeoniae Rubra Radix, especially originating from Paeoniae veitchii always contains more polyphenols than Paeoniae Alba Radix dose.

Objective To evaluate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome G1613A and C1653T mutations on disease progression, viral replication capacity, and transcription activity of HBV core promoter (CP). Methods A total of 258 patients were enrolled in the present study, including 65 patients with acute hepatitis B (AHB), 120 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 73 with acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Serum HBV DNA was extracted from patients, and full-length HBV genome was amplified by PCR. The incidences of G1613A, C1653T and G1613A+C1653T in different groups were compared, and through functional experiments, the impact of mutants and wild-type virus on viral replication capacity and CP transcription activity was assessed. Results Genotype B, C and D were the three detected genotypes in 285 patients, with detection rates of 22.2%, 76.2% and 1.6%, respectively. The incidences of G1613A, C1653T and G1613A+C1653T mutations increased with the disease exacerbation, and they were 13.70%, 31.80% and 45.20% in AHB patients (P<0.01), 2.30%, 16.30% and 27.40% in CHB patients (P<0.01), and 2.29%, 12.07% and 23.29% in ACLF patients (P<0.05). Compare with wild-type strain, the G1613A mutant strain of HBV increased the viral replication capacity by 6%, reduced HBsAg level and core promoter activity by 15% and 16.2%, and reduced HBeAg to undetectable level; the C1653T mutant strain increased the viral replication capacity, HBsAg level, and core promoter activity by 10%, 55% and 17.1%, respectively, and the HBeAg level was comparable to that of wild-type strain; the G1613A+C1653T mutant strain increased viral replication capacity, HBsAg level and HBeAg level by 7%, 66% and 227%, respectively, while it had no influence on core promoter activity. Conclusion The G1613A and C1653T mutation in CP region may increase HBV replication capacity and alter CP activity and HBV antigens expression, the doublet mutation of G1613A+C1653T shows synergic effect on these changes, suggesting these mutations are associated with liver disease progression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effects of novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor ZL-n-91 to the proliferation of leukemia cells L1210 and K562. METHODS: CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of ZL-n-91 to the proliferation of L1210 and K562 cells, and the proliferation rate, IC RESULTS: ZL-n-91 showed a significant inhibitory effect to the proliferation of leukemia cells L1210 and K562 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). After treated by ZL-n-91, the leukemia cells L1210 and K562 in the S-phase in cell cycle decreased significantly compared with those in control group (P<0.01). The apoptosis of leukemia cells L1210 and K562 could be induced by ZL-n-91 (P<0.001), and the expression level of apoptosis related protein BAX significantly increased. In the animal experiment, the result showed that ZL-n-91 could significantly inhibit the growth of subcutaneously transplantation tumor (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor ZL-n-91 can effectively inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells L1210 and K562, which has the potential of anti-leukemia drug development.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors/pharmacology*

BackgroundThe excess volume of contrast media (CM) is a marker of a more severe coronary culprit lesion and longer intervention duration in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. However, it is unclear whether the contrast volume is directly correlated with worse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between contrast dose and the incidence of 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause bleeding events in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography (CAG).

MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 10,961 consecutive patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease expecting CAG from 2012 to 2013. The study population was pursued with a follow-up duration of 1 year. The predictive value of contrast volume, divided into quartiles, for the risk of MACCE and all-cause bleeding events was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

ResultsThe cumulative incidence of 1-year MACCE was 8.65%, which was directly associated with increasing contrast volume. In particular, MACCE was observed in 7.16%, 7.89%, 9.31%, and 11.73% of cases in the contrast volume quartile Q1 (≤100 ml), Q2 (101-140 ml), Q3 (141-200 ml), and Q4 (>200 ml), respectively (P < 0.001). Moreover, the incidence of 1-year all-cause bleeding events was noted in 4.70%, 5.93%, 7.28%, and 8.21% of patients in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (P < 0.001). The survival analysis showed that the 1-year MACCE rate was higher in patients using greater CM volume during the CAG. CM volume used >140 ml was associated with the occurrence of 1-year MACCE, and the incidence was dramatically elevated in patients exceeding a contrast volume of 200 ml (P = 0.007).

ConclusionOur data suggested that higher contrast volume was significantly correlated with an increased risk of MACCE and all-cause bleeding events in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01735305; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01735305?id=NCT017353057rank=1.

Objective: To detect the CHRNA7 gene mutation and polymorphism in Southern Han Chinese patients with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 215 Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE and 200 healthy Southern Han Chinese control subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted, and CHRNA7 whole genome exons were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and subjected to Sanger sequencing. Results: No CHRNA7 gene mutation was detected in all of the NFLE patients. However, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sporadic cases were found, located in exons 5, 6, and 7 of the CHRNA7 gene. Among them, c.690G>A and c.698A>G are known SNPs, while c.370G>A, c.654C>T, and c.497-498delTG were newly discovered SNPs. These SNPs were also found in some of the healthy controls. Conclusions: No CHRNA7 gene mutation was identified in Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE. The CHRNA7 gene is probably not responsible for NFLE in this population.

Basal Ganglia ; pathology ; Calcinosis ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type III ; genetics ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive ; etiology

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influencing factors of suspected occupational noise-induced deafness( ONID) in noise-exposed workers. METHODS: A total of 38 770 noise-exposed workers engaged in occupational health examination were collected as the study subjects from 2012-2016 by judgment sampling method. The data of workers' occupational medical examination was collected,and the incidence and influencing factors of suspected ONID were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 125 cases of suspected ONID were detected and the detection rate was 0. 32%. The result of multivariate Logistic regression showed that male workers exposed to noise had a higher risk of suspected ONID than female workers( P <0. 01). The odds ratio( OR) and 95% confidence interval( CI) were 1. 98( 1. 22-3. 19). The older the age and the longer service length of workers exposed to noise,the higher the risk of suspected ONID( P < 0. 01). The ORs and 95% CIs were 1. 79(1. 43-2. 25) and 1. 84( 1. 47-2. 30) respectively. The noise-exposed workers had a higher risk of suspected ONID in foreign-funded enterprises than domestic-funded enterprises( P < 0. 01). The noise-exposed workers had a higher risk of suspected ONID in metal manufacturing industries than in non-metal manufacturing industries( P < 0. 01). The ORs and 95% CIs were 1. 83(1. 19-2. 82) and 2. 02(1. 40-2. 94) respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of suspected ONID is affected by factors of gender,age,length of service,economy type of enterprises and industry type.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of cadmium on the expression of estrogen receptor( ER) and miRAN-155,miRAN-200 c in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. METHODS: MCF-7cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into fulvestrant( ICI182780,ICI) group and non-ICI group. The non-ICI group was treated with cadmium chloride(Cd Cl2) at the final concentrations of 0. 0,2. 5,5. 0 and 10. 0 μmol/L for 24 hours. The ICI group was pretreated at a concentration of 1. 0 μmol/L for 12 hours,and then treated with Cd Cl2 at the final concentrations 0. 0,2. 5,5. 0 and 10. 0μmol/L for 24 hours. The cell proliferation activity was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Flow cytometry was used to measured cell apoptosis. Western blot was applied to measure the relative expression of ERα and ERβ protein,and the relative expression of miRNA-155 and miRNA-200 c were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The proliferation rates of MCF-7 cells in 2. 5,5. 0 and 10. 0 μmol/L Cd Cl2 groups were significantly decreased than the 0. 0 μmol/L Cd Cl2 group( P < 0. 05). The proliferation rate in ICI group was lower than that of the non-ICI group( P < 0. 05). When Cd Cl2 concentration was 2. 5,5. 0 and 10. 0 μmol/L,the apoptosis rate of MCF-7 cells in non-ICI group increased compared with those cells without exposure to Cd Cl2( P < 0. 05). The relative expression of ERα,ERβ,miRNA-155 and miRNA-200 c increased( P < 0. 05). The proliferation of MCF-7 cells in ICI group decreased( P < 0. 05),and the relative apoptosis rate increased( P < 0. 05); and the relative expression of ERαand ERβ increased( P < 0. 05),the relative expression of miRNA-155 and miRNA-200 c decreased( P < 0. 05). When treated without Cd Cl2,the apoptosis rate of the ICI group increased compared with non-ICI group(P < 0. 05),the relative expression of ERα and ERβ decreased( P < 0. 05),and the relative expression of miRNA-155 and miRNA-200 c were increased( P < 0. 05). When Cd Cl2 concentration was 2. 5,5. 0 and 10. 0 μmol/L,the apoptosis rate and the relative expression of ERα,ERβ,miRNA-155 and miRNA-200 c decreased compared with the non-ICI group treated with same dose Cd Cl2(P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Cadmium can induce cell apoptosis and increase expression of miRNAs through the ER signaling pathway.