Objective Portal hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) have been implicated in small-for-size liver graft dysfunction. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 are critically involved in hepatic I/R injury. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in acute small-for-size graft injury. Methods 108 rats were divided into three groups:100 % (full-size), 50 % (half-size) and 25 % (quarter-size) liver transplantation groups. Blood and liver samples were collected to assess liver function, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological changes. ELISA, real-time PCR, gelatin zymography, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression pattern of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in liver grafts. Results The expression levels of MMP-9 were significantly higher in quarter-size and half-size grafts than those in full-size liver grafts 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusioa And theelevated levels of MMP-9 were related to graft size inversely. However, MMP-2 was expressed and remained in all groups invariably. MMP-9 overexpression was accompanied by extensive liver I/R injury, as evidenced by significant increases in hepatic microscopic damage scores, MDA content,MPO activity and liver function levels. Furthermore, MMP-9 was found mainly to locate around periportal area. The presence of the active form of MMP-9 was significantly higher in small-for-size grafts, which was correlated with sinusoidal dilatation, congestion and hemorrhage. Conclusion These results support critical function of MMP-9 in acute small-for-size liver graft injury. Moreover,portal hypertension may be a crucial trigger for expression and activation of MMP-9.

Objective To detect the pathological expressions of TNF-? and VEGF in interspinous ligament of patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS) in active stage. Methods The expressions of TNF-? mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the interspinous ligament of patient with AS group and control group were detected by hybridization in situ. Their different results were compared by image analysis system and the correlation between TNF-? mRNA, VEGF mRNA and both AS disease active index (DAI) and C reactive protein (CRP) was analysed respectively. Results The expressions of TNF-? mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the interspinous ligament of patients with active AS were positive,but those of the control group were negtive. Statistical differences existed in the positive cell numbers and in image gray scale value of AS group (P

The present article introduced the current medical education of the Feinberg School of Medicine in Northwestern University.Thmugh the comparisons on edueation system and carriculums design between United States of America and China,advices were made to the medical education in China.The article shed light on the current reform of medical education in China.

To explore the mechanism of the absorption of flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers, in situ intestinal recirculation was performed to study the effect of the absorption at different concentrations and different intestinal regions. To evaluate the conditions of the absorption of six flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers, the concentrations of Abelmoschus manihot in the perfusion solution were determined by HPLC at predesigned time. And we have investigated the inhibitory effect of six flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux pump. The results demonstrated that the absorption rates of flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers are not significantly different (P > 0.05) at various drug concentrations, the absorption of flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers is a first-order process with the passive diffusion mechanism. The absorption rates of each of flavonoids are significantly different. The absorption rate of flavonoid glycoside was lower than that of aglycone; the flavonoids from Abelmoschus manihot flowers could be absorbed in all of the intestinal segments. The best parts of intestine to absorb hyperoside and myricetin are jejunum and duodenum, separately. Verapamil could enhance the absorption of isoquercitrin, hyperoside, myricetin and quercetin-3'-O-glucoside by inhibiting P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux pump.

This paper was aimed to study the dynamic changes of San-Ao(SA) decoction in different compatibility of ephedrine hydrochloride,pseudoephedrine hydrochloride,amygdalin and glycyrrhizic acid.HPLC was used to simultaneously determinate the transfer rate of SA decoction of ephedrine hydrochloride,pseudoephedrine hydrochloride,amygdalin and glycyrrhizic acid.Kromasil C18 (4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm) column was selected with methanol and 0.1% phosphoric acid as a mobile phase to gradient.The flow rate was 1 mL·min-1.The column temperature was 30℃.The injection volume was 10μL.Ephedrine hydrochloride,pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and amygdalin were detected at the wavelength of 208 nm.The glycyrrhizic acid was detected at the wavelength of 250 nm.The results showed that the transfer rate of ephedrine hydrochloride in decoction was more than that of the single preparation.The transfer rate of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride was the highest in the combination of ephedra and bitter almond.The transfer rate of amygdalin was the highest in the combination of ephedra and bitter almond.The transfer rate of glycyrrhizic acid in decoction was more than that of the single preparation.It was concluded that there were dynamic changes in the boiling process during herbal decoction preparation.The effectiveness and stability of Chinese medicine should be improved according to these changes.

Objective To understand the immune regulatory function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) in patients with chronic severe hepatitis B (CSHB) and its roles in the severe illness progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by detecting surface phenotype of MoDC and expression level of cytokines in MoDC after polyl : C treatment. Methods The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated by Ficoll density gradient separation from 37 patients with CSHB, 20 patients with CHB, and 20 healthy controls (NC). Purified PBMC were acquired using immunomagnetic anti-CD14-beads. Then PBMC were induced to immature dendritic cell (iDC) in vitro. PolyI : C was added to induce DC maturation. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the phenotype marker molecules including HLA-DR, CD83, CD86 and CD80 on surface of iDC and mature DC (mDC) were detected by flow cytometry. The supernatants of MoDC culture were collected at 12,24 and 48 h after polyI : C treatment, respectively and the release levels of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-6and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparisons among groups were done by single factor analysis of variance and homogeneity of variance was tested. Results There were no significant differences of phenotype marker molecules on cell surface of iDC, including HLA-DR, CD83, CD86 and CD80 in CSHB, CHB and NC groups.However, the expressions of HLA-DR, CD83, CD86 and CD80 on cell surface of mDC in CSHB group were lower than those in CHB and NC groups (F=59.73, 13.95, 34.80 and 73.02, respectively; all P＜0. 05). The secretions of IL-12 at three time points of 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after polyI : C treatment in group NC were higher than those in CHB and CSHB groups (F= 151.34, 126.65 and 72.76, respectively; P＜0.05), and peaked at 24 h which were (48.2±7.6), (56.7±11.8) and (97.8±16.2) ng/L, respectively. The secretions of IL-6 at the above three time points were CSHB＞CHB＞NC (F=92.50, 86.89 and 64.57, respectively; all P＜0. 05) and peaked at 12 h which were (1698.3±340.4), (965.8±231.7), (697.8±213.6) ng/L, respectively. The secretions of TNF-αat the above three time points were CSHB＞CHB＞NC (F=58.66, 122.36 and 44.73, respectively;all P＜0. 05) and were (19 672. 7±4214. 7), (9946. 1 ± 2586 5), (6659. 2±955. 8) ng/L,respectively at 24 h after treatment. Conclusions MoDCs of CSHB patients show mature defection and abnormal cytokine secretion. The expression level of IL-12 which mediates cellular immune is low.Meanwhile, the productions of IL-6 and TNF-α which mediate inflammatory response are up-regulated. This may be one of the major factors which lead to exacerbation of liver inflammation and ultimately development of severe hepatitis.

Object To define suitable gathering season of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves. Methods The content of total flavonoids and total terpene lactones in G. biloba leaves were determined by HPLC DAD and HPLC ELSD. Results The content of total flavonoids and total terpene lactones in G. biloba were distinct in different ages of tree and collecting seasons. Conclusion The content of total flavonoids and total terpene lactones in G. biloba are the highest in 2 3 ages of tree. The total flavonoid is the highest in May and total terpene lactone is the highest in September.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of low dose dual phase contrast-enhanced chest CT with iterative mod el reconstruction (IMR) technique.Methods Totally 130 patients with suspected pulmonary occupying lesions underwent dual phase contrast-enhanced chest CT,who were randomly assigned into 2 groups (group A and group B,each n=65).Patients in group A were scanned with 100 kV,DoseRight technique with dose right index 10,and images were reconstructed with the hybrid iterative reconstruction (iDose4).While patients in group B were scanned with 80 kV,DoseRight technique with dose right index 8,and images were reconstructed with iterative model reconstruction (IMR).The objective image quality,subjective image scores and the excellence rate of vascular visualization were compared in both pulmonary artery (PA) and bronchial artery (BA) phases.The radiation dose was also calculated.Results The effective dose was (3.30 ±0.89)mSv in group A and (1.27 ±0.19)mSv in group B.Compared to group A,the effective dose reduced 61.52％ in group B (P＜0.001).Lower image noise and greater CNR were obtained in group B compared to group A in both PA and BA phases (all P＜0.001).No significant difference was found in subjective image scores of lung and mediastinal setting and the excellence rate of vascular visualization in both groups (all P＞0.05).Conclusion Using IMR,dual phase contrast-enhanced chest CT allows for a radiation dose reduction up to 61.52％,meanwhile,ensures the image quality and meets the diagnostic requirements.

Objective To investigate the characteristics and risk factors for cognitive decline in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the population of Jiang'an Town,Rugao,Jiangsu Province from November 13,2014 to December 21,2014.The samples from the Rugao longitudinal study of aging included 1 788 individuals from 31 villages aged from 70 to 84 years.They were all Han nationality,including 830 males and 958 females.History of cerebral infarction was identified according to the neurological diagnosis confirmed by the secondary hospital and above or brain CT.The modified Kyohko Hasegawa dementia scale was used to evaluate the cognitive function.Five dimensions (orientation,memory,near memory,computing power,and common sense) of this population were assessed.The total score >21.5 was non-cognitive impairment and ≤21.5 was cognitive impairment.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for cognitive decline in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.Results (1) In the 1 788 subjects,133 had cerebral infarction (7.4%),and 1 655 did not have cerebral infarction.The proportion of hypertension in patients with cerebral infarction was higher than that without cerebral infarction (63.9% [n=85] vs.41.7% [n=690]).The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower than that of the non-cerebral infarction group (1.40±0.29 mmol/L vs.1.47±0.33 mmol/L).There was statistically significant difference (all P<0.05).(2) The patients with cerebral infarction were partially impaired in orientation and computational power,and the overall cognitive function score was 20±7,which was significantly lower than patients with non-cerebral infarction (21±6).The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).(3) In 133 patients with cerebral infarction,76 had cognitive impairment,the incidence was 57.1%,and 59 of them were women.The average value of serum creatinine in patients with cognitive impairment was 59±15 μmol/L,which was significantly lower than those with non-cognitive impairment (66±14 μmol/L).There was significant difference (P<0.05).(4) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the education level below primary school (OR,2.86,95%CI 2.19-3.72) and female (OR,1.85,95%CI 1.50-2.28) were the independent risk factors for cognitive decline in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.High serum creatinine concentration (OR,0.96,95%CI 0.95-0.97) was a protective factor for it.Conclusion The cognitive function of the elderly was decreased after cerebral infarction,especially in the aspect of orientation and calculation.The education level below primary school and women were the independent risk factors for cognitive impairment,and high serum creatinine concentration had a certain protective effect.

The metabolic effect of Fo-Shou-San on blood deficiency mice was studied by using metabolomic method. UPLC-QTOF/MS was used to analyze the plasma metabolome in blood deficiency mice. MS data were processed by MarkerLynx software. With multivariate statistical analysis of plasma metabolite profiles, a clear separation among control, blood deficiency model, and Fo-Shou-San groups was achieved. Potential biomarkers were selected according to the parameters of variable importance in the projection (VIP) and identified according to MS information and database retrieval. The metabolic network of blood deficiency was predicted via MetPA database. Twenty-two potential biomarkers were identified and used to explain the thiamine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, histidine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, tyrosine metabolism and citrate cycle (TCA cycle). Those metabolic pathways were disturbed in blood deficiency mice, but which could be regulated nearly to normal state after Fo-Shou-San administration. In this study, the metabolomics of blood deficiency mice and the action mechanism of nourishing blood effect of Fo-Shou-San were evaluated. The physiological and metabolic state of the organism could be represented comprehensively by using metabolomics. And metabolomics can be used to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and related mechanisms of Chinese medicine and formulae.