Objective To explore the mechanism of ZMS regulation of M_2 muscarinic receptor mRNA expression. Methods In vitro cultured CHOm2 cells were divided into ZMS 1 group (treatment with 1 × 10~(-5) mol/L ZMS for 24 h), ZMS 2 group (treatment with 1 × 10~(-5) mol/L ZMS for 24 h and 1 μg/mL cycloheximide for 12 h) and ZMS 3 group (treatment with 1 μg/mL cycloheximide for 4 h and 1 × 10 ~(-5) mol/L ZMS for 24 h), and their corresponding control groups were also established (substitution of ZMS by DMSO). Actinomycin D was added to cultured CHOm2 cells of each group to inhibit the synthesis of mRNA. CHOm2 cell samples were taken at different time points, the relative expression of M_2 receptor mRNA was detected by Real-time PCR, and half life of M_2 receptor mRNA was calculated. Results Compared with corresponding control groups, the half life of M_2 receptor mRNA of CHOm2 cells in ZMS 1 group and ZMS 2 group was significantly prolonged [(4.75h± 0.54) h vs (2.13 ±0.23) h, P<0.05; (5.43 ±1.13) h vs (2.46 ±0.09) h, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in half life of M_2 receptor mRNA of CHOm2 cells between ZMS 3 group and its corresponding control [ ( 3.06 ±0.23) h vs (3.00 ± 0.20) h, P > 0.05]. Conclusion De novo protein synthesis is required for the enhancement of M_2 receptor mRNA stability regulated by ZMS.

Objective To evaluate the role of intercellular gap junction in the propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia in rats. Methods Eighty male Wistar rats weighing 210-260 g were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 10 each): control group (group C), carbenoxolone group (group CA), propofol group (group P), different doses of carbenoxolone + propofol groups (groups CA1 + P, CA2 + P, CA3 + P), sevoflurane group (group S) and carbenoxolone + sevoflurane group (group CA + S). The animals ware anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10% chloraldurate 4 mg/kg and placed in a stereotactic apparatus to locate the lateral ventricle. In group C, after normal saline (NS) 2 μl was injected into the latersl ventricle, intraperitoneal NS 2 ml was injected. In group CA, after carbenoxolone 200 μg was injected into the lateral ventricle, intraperitoneal NS 2 ml was injected. In groups P,CA1 + P, CA2 + P and CA3 + P, NS 2 μl, and carbenoxolone 200, 300 and 400 μg were injected into the lateral ventricle respectively and then propofol 5 mg/100 g was injected intraperitoneally. Group S inhaled 1% sevoflurane (in increments of 0. 1% ) until the righting reflex was lost. Group CA + S inhaled 1% sevoflurane (in increments of 0.1% ) until the righting reflex was lost after carbenoxolono 200 μg was injected into the lateral ventricle. The time of loss of righting reflex, duration of loss of righting reflex and the sevoflurane concentration when the righting reflex disappeared were recorded. Results The loss of righting reflex did not appear in groups C and CA. Compared with group P, the time of loss of righting reflex was significantly shortened and duration of loss of righting reflex prolonged in groups CA1 + P, CA2 + P, CA3 + P ( P ＜ 0.01 ). The time of loss of righting reflex was significandy shorter in groups CA2 + P, CA3 + P than in group CA1 + P (P ＜ 0.05). The sevoflurane concentration when the righting reflex disappeared was significantly lower in group CA + S than in group S ( P ＜ 0.05 ). There was no significant difference in the time of loss of righting reflex and duration of loss of righting reflex between CA + S and S groups ( P ＞ 0.05). Conclusion Although inhibition of the function of gap junction can strengthen the anesthetic effects of propofol and sevoflurane, it is not the major mechanism.

Objective To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by isoflurane in primary cultured rat cardiomyocytes. Methods Primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into 6 groups ( n = 6 each): control group (group C), 3 different concentration isoflurane groups (group Ⅰ1-3 ), PKC inhibitor calphostin C group (group P), and PKC inhibitor + isoflurane group (group PI). The cells were exposed to 0.7%, 1.4% and 2.1% isoflurane for6 h in group Ⅰ1-3 respectivly. Calphostin C was added to the culture medium with a final concentration of 50 nmol/L in group P. Calphostin C was added to the culture medium with a final concentration of 50 nmol/L, then the cells were exposed to 1.4% isoflurane for 6 h in group PI. VEGF concentrations and expression of PKC isoforms were determined by ELISA and Western blot respectively. Results Compared with group C, the VEGF concentration was significantly increased in group Ⅰ2 and Ⅰ3, and PKCε expression was down-regulated in the cytoplasm while upregulated in the cytomembrane in group Ⅰ2 ( P ＜ 0.01 ), but no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group Ⅰ2 ( P ＞ 0.05). PKCα, PKCδ and PKCζ expression was significantly higher in the cytoplasm than in the cytomembrane in group C and Ⅰ2. VEGF concentrations were gradually increased with the increase in isoflurane concentrations ( P ＜ 0.05). VEGF concentrations were significantly lower in group PI than in Ⅰ2 ( P ＜0.05) .Conclusion Isoflurane induces VEGF secretion in primary cultured rat cardiomyocytes through translocation of PKCε from the cytoplasm to the cytomembrane, suggesting that it is a mechanism of the cardioprotective effects of isoflurane.

Objective:To establish the quality standard system of Gui Erbai gel based on a method ofa system to multiple evalu-ation and discuss the feasibility of the method used for the quality standard for traditional Chinese medicine. Methods:TLC identifi-cation of Gui Erbai gel was established by one thin layer system. An HPLC method was used to detect 6 active components in Gui Erbai gel. Results:Five active components in the gel could be identified by one thin layers system simultaneously with clear spots and good separation. Six active components in the gel could be determined by the same HPLC system with high accuracy. The average content of podophylotoxin,quercetin,kaempferol,imperatorin,dictamnine and rutin is as follows 0. 154,0. 052,0. 138,0. 051,0. 060,0. 048 mg· g-1 . RSD<3％. Conclusion:The established method based on a system to multiple evaluation can be used for the quality standard establishment for Gui Erbai gel with the properties of promising feasibility, simple operation, low cost, high accuracy and good stabili-ty.

Objective To explore ability of the vpr gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ( HIV-1 vpr) to induce cell G_2 arrest and apoptosis, and the influence when it mutated, the relationship between Vpr-induced G_2 arrest and apoptosis inductions. Methods Fourteen mutant vpr fragments selected from Chinese patients with HIV. Both eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1( + ) and PCR products purified, double-cut by Hind Ⅲ and BamH Ⅰ and the cut products legated and transformed into competent cells JM109. The 14 reconstructed plasmids electronically transfected into Jurkat-cells, and established cells with pcDNA3. 1-vpr , pcDNA3. 1-vpr-Fs and pcDNA3. 1 blank cells, and without pcDNA3. 1 cell. Cells were harvested after 24 h. mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR, the DNA content and percentage of apoptosis were monitored by flow cytometry. Results Transfected with 14 mutant HIV-1 Vpr protein, cells display different G_2 percentage and apoptosis ratio. HIV-1 vpr induce cell cycle G_2 arrest and apoptosis, wherase Vpr Fs with a C-terminal end truncation, vector pcDNA3.1( + ) and the blank cells can not. The G_2 percentage and apoptosis ratio reduced when transfected with vpr expressing mutating of 70V, 85P, 86G, 94G compared to the wild type. Subtype AE has a weaker potential to induce cell cycle G_2 arrest and apoptosis. Preliminary, we find that the higher G_2 percentage followed the higher ratio of apoptosis. Conclusion HIV-1 vpr can induce cell cycle G_2 arrest and apoptosis, wherase Vpr Fs with a C-terminal end truncation can not. We firstly found that mutated sites of 70V, 85P, 86G, 94G may reduce the ability of Vpr to induce cell cycle G_2 arrest and apoptosis, subtype AE of vpr in Chinese HIV-1 patients has a weaker potential to induce cell cycle G_2 arrest and apoptosis. Analysis of various mutations in the vpr gene revealed that the extent of Vpr-induced G_2 arrest correlated with the levels of apoptosis. And investigate the pathegenesis of HIV vpr. This can also make a good foundation for further study on gene therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the principle mechanism of the arcus plantaris and its clinical application. METHODS: The states of forces sustained by the arcus plantaris were analyzed and calculated according to the mechanism of the quadratic parabolic arch. RESULTS: The aponeurosis plantaris corresponded to the pull rod of the arcus plantaris. The medial and lateral longitudinal arches formed by the pedal bones were stable with the rod, but unstable without the rod. In the latter condition, on loading, the force sustained by the parabolic arch became a force sustained by a simple beam, and the arcus plantaris tended to disappear and to be flattened. Clinically, 240 feet with talipes equinus were treated with triple arthrodesis. In 34 out of the reexamined 156 feet, the aponeurosis plantaris was cut in addition to the triple arthrodesis and was immobilized with cast for 3 months. One or two years later, their arcus plantaris disappeared, pain developed when walking, and some of them walked with the midtarsal joint against the ground. Then, the triple arthrodesis and shortening of the aponeurosis plantaris were applied on 18 cases, and osteotomy of the calcaneus and reconstruction of the aponeurosis plantaris were made on 10 cases and satisfactory effects were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In order to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects of the triple arthrodesis, we should reestablish the arcus plantaris and accurately treat the aponeurosis plantaris for the balance of the surrounding muscle force.

OBJECTIVETo establish a quantitative HPLC method for determination of protopine, palmatine hydrochloride, bicuculline and tetrahydropalmatine, in Corydalis decumbens.

METHODThe separation was performed on a ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) using mixtures of two solvents [A(20 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate)-B(acetonitrile)]: with a gradient elution. The column oven temperature was 30 degrees C and the detection wavelength was set at 280 nm.

RESULTThe 4 alkaloids were well separated by this HPLC method. Linearifies of protopine, palmatine hydrochloride, bicuculline and tetrahydropalmatine were good in the ranges of 1.44-46.0 (r = 0.999 4), 1.2640.2 (r = 0.999 8), 1.37-44.0 (r = 0.999 9), and 1.3643.6 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9), respectively. The average recoveries were 98.2% with RSD 2.7% for protopine, 101.9% with RSD 2.5% for palmatine hydrochloride, 102.8% with RSD 3.5% for tetrahydropalmatine, and 98.8% with RSD 3.1% for tetrahydropalmatine.

CONCLUSIONThis method is proved to be convenient, reliable and accurate., and it can be used for quality control of C. decumbens.

Objective: As cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as the origin of tumor development, recurrence, and drug resistance, we aimed to explore the mechanism related to modulating stemness in CSCs, thus facilitating to search for new therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer. Methods: In this study, ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) induced from cell line 3AO and A2780 were enriched in serum-free medium (SFM). The effect of SURF4 on CSC-like properties was evaluated by sphere-forming assays, re-differentiation assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, Western blotting, cell viability assays and in vivo xenograft experiments. The downstream molecule participating in SURF4 maintaining stemness was screened by RNA-sequencing and identified by the experiments of gene function. Results: SURF4 was upregulated expressed in OCSCs. Knockdown of SURF4 reduced the expression of the related stem markers (SOX2 and c-MYC), inhibited self-renewal ability, and improved the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs (paclitaxel and cisplatin) in OCSCs.SURF4 knockdown also inhibited tumorigenesis in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. BIRC3 expression was controlled by SURF4, and BIRC3 showed the similar effect as SURF4 did, and BIRC3 overexpression partially recovered stem-like properties abolished by SURF4 knockdown. Conclusion Our findings suggest that SURF4 possesses the ability to maintain stemness of OCSCs via BIRC3, and may serve as a potential target in stem cell-targeted therapy for ovarian cancer.

COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread throughout the world. China has achieved rapid containment of this highly infectious disease following the principles of early detection, early quarantine and early treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the Chinese protocol is based on its successful historic experience in fighting against pestilence. Current findings have shown that the Chinese medicine can reduce the incidence of severe or critical events, improve clinical recovery and help alleviate symptoms such as cough or fever. To date there are over 133 ongoing registered clinical studies on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The three Chinese patent medicines (/ (Forsythiae and Honeysuckle Flower Pestilence-Clearing Granules/Capsules), (Honeysuckle Flower Cold-Relieving Granules) and (Stasis-Resolving & Toxin-Removing) were officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration to list COVID-19 as an additional indication. The pharmacological studies have suggested that Chinese medicine is effective for COVID-19 probably through its host-directed regulation and certain antiviral effects.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some regions of China. Methods Serum samples were collected from 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection in 10 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions of China from March 2021 to June 2022, and anti-HDV IgG ELISA was used for the detection of all serum samples. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) was used to detect HDV RNA in anti-HDV IgG-positive samples, and the nRT-PCR amplification products of HDV RNA-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine HDV genotype. The clinical features of anti-HDV IgG-positive patients were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results The positive rate of anti-HDV IgG in the 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection was 0.70% (22/3 131), and that in the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Beijing, and Hunan Province was 1.81% (16/886), 0.88% (2/226), 0.28% (2/708), and 1.00% (2/200), respectively; the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had a significantly higher positive rate of anti-HDV IgG than those in Beijing ( P =0.004), and there was no significant difference between the other regions ( P > 0.05). Clinical features of the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showed that compared with the anti-HDV IgG-negative group, the anti-HDV IgG-positive group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with Mongol nationality ( P =0.001), abnormal alanine aminotransferase ( P =0.007), or antiviral treatment ( P =0.029), as well as a significantly lower median HBV DNA level ( P =0.030). A total of 19 HDV RNA-positive samples were identified, all of which had HDV genotype 1. Conclusion The prevalence rate of HDV varies greatly across different regions of China, with a higher prevalence rate of HDV in patients with chronic HBV infection from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. HDV genotype 1 is the predominant genotype in some provinces and cities of northern China.