[Objective] To observe the effect of Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction on TLR4 signaling pathway in macrophages of MRL/lpr lupus mice. [Method] MRL/lpr lupus mice were divided into four groups:model group, prednisone group, Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction group(hereinafter referred to as:Chinese medicine group) and prednisone plus Chinese medicine group (hereinafter referred to as:combination of Chinese and western medicine group). The mice were gavaged with saline, prednisone, Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction and prednisone added Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction for 4 weeks. Macrophages of lung, peritoneal and spleen were collected and the expression of related genes was detected by RT-PCR. [Result] TLR4 mRNA in lung macrophages, and TLR4 protein in splenic macrophages increased significantly(P<0.05) after the treatment of prednisone. The increased TLR4 protein in splenic macrophages was significantly decreased by combining with Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction(P<0.05). Prednisone can significantly reduce the TLR4 downstream molecules such as MyD88, IFN-α, iNOS mRNA expression in lung and peritoneal macrophages(P<0.05). The decreased MyD88 mRNA in lung macrophages was increased significantly by combining with Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction(P<0.05). [Conclusion] TLR4 signaling pathway is changed in macrophages after glucocorticoid administration in MRL/lpr lupus mice. Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction can reduce the abnormal glucocorticoid-induced TLR4 protein expression.

Objective Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) may play a role in kidney stone formation.The article aimed to conduct a preliminary study on the role of THP in kidney stone formation by investigating the changes of THP in rat urine, pathological changes of renal tissue and the formation of calcium salt crystals after establishing CNPs rat model of kidney stones.Methods Stone samples of 40 patients from February to June 2015 in our department were collected to establish the model of CNPs-induced kidney stone in rats and prepare CNPs suspension.48 SD rats were randomly divided into experimental group (group A) and blank control group (group B).Group A were injected with CNPs and the same amount of sterile saline injection in the group B.The urine of rats was collected after injection at 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 1w, 2w, 4w and 8w.ELISA were applied to detect THP levels in the urine.Then the rats were killed to take the kidney tissue.HE staining was used to investigate the pathological changes of the cells and evaluate the formation of the calcium salt crystals.Results THP levels in group A at 24h, 1w, 2w, 4w and 8w ([166.03±3.02], [173.50±1.78], [174.55±2.05], [176.54±2.45], [177.11±1.76]pg/mL) were significantly higher than that at 3h(165.89±2.23pg/mL)(P<0.05), which was the same case in comparison with those of group B ([157.65±2.22], [156.54±1.43], [159.45±3.21], [158.63±2.98], [157.33±2.05]pg/mL).Compared with the calcium salt crystal score at 6h (1 point), the scores at 3,6,12,24h (average score 2 points) increased.At 2w the score increased significantly to 3 points and reached the top score(6.7points) at 8w, which was of significant difference.The score of calcium salt crystals was in positive correlation with THP content (r=0.843,P<0.05).Conclusion THP in urine may contribute to the aggregation of calcium salt crystals and the formation of kidney stones.

Objective Cloning and expression of Par6A.Methods Par6A cDNA was amplified from rat L6 skeletal muscle cells by RT-PCR and the cloning and expression vectors of Par6A were constructed.The expression vector was transfected into 293 cells.Furthermore,the function of Par6A was confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation.Results Par6A cDNA with approximately 1 kb in length was successfully amplified,and the expression vector of pDsRed-Express-N1-Par6A was constructed.The red fluorescene was seen under fluorescent microscope after 293ET cells were transfected for 24 h using the pDsRed-Express-N1-Par6A vector.The expressed Par6A protein can interacte with PKC?.Conclusion We successfully cloned the Par6A cDNA from rat L6 skeletal muscle cells,which provided a reliable method to study the function of Par6A.

Objective: To study the clinical therapeutic characteristics of myasthenia gravis (MG) with hyperthyroidism and the effects of surgical procedures for the patients. Methods:Subtotal thyroidectomy,thymectomy,and simultaneous subtotal thyroidectomy and thymectomywere performed on eleven patients with MG and hyperthyroidism. These patients were followedup after the operation. Results :The neck incisions were infected in two of seven type Ⅱ b patientsdue to trachestomy and the infected incisions were surgically healed. The MG symptoms of threecases (1 cases in type Ⅱ. and 2 cases in type Ⅱ b) relapsed in 3 to 6 months after subtotal thy-roidectomy. The MG symptoms of 2 cases (1 case in type Ⅱa and 1 case in type Ⅱ b) relapsed in 8to 12 months after thymectomy. Among six patients treated by simultaneous subtotal thyroidecto-my and thymectomy,the MG symptoms relapsed in a type I case 3 months after the operation,remitted in three case (1 case in type Ⅱ, and 2 cases in type Ⅱb) and improved in two type Ⅱ bcases since the operations. Conclusion:The simultaneous subtotal thymectomy and thyroidectomyfor patients with MG and hyperthyroidism might have better effects,although infective opportuni-ty of the neck incisions increased owing to trachestomy. However,the prognostic effects were notvery satisfactory whether simple subtotal thyroidectomy or thymectomy for the patients with MGand hyperthyroidism was performed.

Objective:To study the causes that resulted in delayed surgery for bronchial ruptures and the results.Methods:The cases with the bronchial ruptures by the delayed surgery last decade were retrospectively reviewed.The causes and unsatisfactory results were analysed.Results:The severe complications usually occurred after the delayed surgery and the results were not as satisfactory as those by early surgery.Conclusion:The bronchial ruptures ought to be operated in the early stage after being wounded.

Objective How to examine the function of transplanted kidney more accurately and sensitively has become a fo?cus of clinical attention.This study was to investigate the value of 99Tcm?DTPA renal dynamic imaging in evaluating the function of trans?planted kidney by glomerular filtration( GFR) after transplantation. Methods Patients were collected from August 2015 to January 2016 in Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region. GFR was measured in 74 cases of kidney transplantation patients using the 99Tcm?DTPA renal dynamic imaging.According to the range of serum creatinine,we divided the 74 cases into two groups:the normal group( n=17) and abnormal group( n=57) . We analysed the GFR between two groups and the correlation of GFR and serum creatinine .Transplanted kidney puncture biopsy was operated in 55 patients. We analysed the pathological results and compared the GFR. Results Compared with the abnormal group (GFR=37.7±15.4 mL/min),the average GFR was higher in the normal group(GFR =61.7±15.6 mL/min)(P<0.001). The average GFR(43.2±18.4 mL/min) measured by 99Tcm?DTPA renal dynamic imaging in 74 cases was positive correlated with average serum creatinine(1.84±0.82 mg/dL)(r=-0.673, P<0.001).Compared with patients with abnormal pathological results(GFR=39.6±16.5mL/min), normal people had higher average GFR ( GFR=59. 2 ± 8. 5 mL/min ) ( P=0. 040 ) . Conclusion 99 Tcm?DTPA renal dynamic imaging can reflect the function of transplanted kidney sensitively, it is one of the noninvasive examination to monitor the function in transplanted kidney.

BACKGROUND: As a new radiotherapy for malignant tumor, brachytherapy of radioactive seed implantation enables the inter-tissue implantation of radioactive seeds to be applied further with the appearance of seed implantation treatment planning system (TPS), and the gradual consummation of ultrasound and CT-guided precise positioning system.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methods, feasibility, safety and efficacy of CT-guided iodine-125 (125I) implantation for malignant tumors.DESIGN: A controlled observation before and after implantation.SETTING: The First People's Hospital of Hefei City.PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with malignant tumors, who were not suitable for surgical treatments of operation,were selected from the First People's Hospital of Hefei City from January 2004 to March 2005. There were 26 lesions, including 9 lesions of primary unresectable carcinoma and 17 lesions of metastasis tumors.METHODS: Under CT guidance, 125I seeds were implanted into malignant tumor according to TPS, the radioactivity quantum were 22, 26, 30 and 33 MBq per granule. Larger radiation 125I wes suitable for the implantation in the center of a lesion and smaller ones were for the margin of the lesion and the peripheral region of some important organisms such as vessels and nerves. The interval between larger seeds was about 1.5 cm whereas the interval between smaller ones was about 1.0 cm.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The seed distribution, existence of complication and changes of the size of lesion after implantation were observed.RESULTS: ① The seeds were implanted successfully in all the 21 cases. No complication was observed. The practical distribution of the implanted seeds was basically the same as the scheduled scheme before implantation. All the 21 patients were involved in the analysis of results. ② The number of seeds implanted in one lesion was 5 to 40 (mean 14).Pain relief was obtained in all 10 cases of malignant tumors of bone after implantation. Follow-up CT reexamination demonstrated that 18 lesions were obviously diminished, necrosis was found in 4 lesions and remaining 4 lesions had no significant changes in size. ③ The average sizes of 14 lesions in 11 patients at 5-7 months after implantation were obviously smaller than those before implantation (1.84 cm vs 3.41 cm, t =5.7237, P ＜ 0.001). The average sizes of 12 lesions in 10 patients at 8-10 months after implantation were also obviously smaller than those before implantation (1.96 cm vs 3.43 cm, t =5.577 8, P ＜ 0.002).CONCLUSION: CT-guided 125I implantation is a safe, effective and feasible method for the treatment of malignant tumor.

Astaxanthin is a useful pigmentation source in fish aquaculture. It has strong antioxidative activity and therefore has potential application in delaying aging and degenerative diseases in human and animals. In recent years, there is a growing demand for astaxanthin. The red yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (called Phaffia rhodozyma before) is one of the most promising microorganisms for the commercial production of astaxanthin. During fermentation, X. dendrorhous shows the Crabtree effect. Higher glucose concentration will cause significant reductions in biomass and astaxanthin production. Therefore, fed-batch processes are particularly useful. In this paper, effects of glucose-feeding strategies on astaxanthin production by X. dendrorhous were studied. Based on the substrate inhibition model, an optimized two-stage feeding strategy for astaxanthin production of high-cell-density fermentation was proposed. Glucose concentration was first controlled at about 25 g/L during the lag phase and the early exponential phase. In such case, biomass could reach its maximum value in relatively short time. Then the glucose concentration was controlled at about 5 g/L in the later exponential phase and stationary phase. The synthesis of astaxanthin could be effectively prolonged. The results showed that the optimized two-stage feeding strategy was the best among all the feeding strategies, and could obtain the highest biomass (23.8 g/L) and astaxanthin production (29.05 mg/L), which was a significant increase (52.8% and 109% respectively) compared with a batch process.
Basidiomycota ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Kinetics ; Models, Biological ; Xanthophylls ; biosynthesis

Objective To evaluate the application value of dual-source CT coronary angiography in low tube voltage setting and the influence of heart rate on image quality and radiation doses.Methods 323 patients suspected of coronary artery disease received retrospective ECG-gating coronary angiography with dual-source CT scanner,who were divided into low tube voltage group (100 kVp,n =201) and conventional voltage group (120 kVp,E group,n =122).No beta-blockers were taken before CT scan.All patients in low tube voltage group were divided into four groups according to the heart rate (HR):group A,HR≤59 beats per minute (bpm),n =50; group B,60≤HR ＜69 bpm,n =64; group C,70≤HR ＜91bpm,n =62;group D,HR ≥ 91 bpm,n =25.All images were transferred to a workstation for further processing.The best R-R interval reconstruction images of all groups were evaluated.The value of pitch,CT volume dosage index(CTDIvol),dose length product(DLP) and effective dose(E)were recorded.The pitch,the score of imaging quality of coronary artery segments and the radiation dose were compared with One-Way ANOVA.The influence of heart rate on image quality and radiation doses of coronary artery was analyzed.Results The value of pitch in groups A-D was 0.24 ± 0.03,0.29 ± 0.04,0.33 ± 0.05,0.38 ± 0.06,respectively,with statistical difference (F =62.57,P ＜ 0.05).The value of CTDIvol in groups A-E was (21.59±7.97),(20.24±6.03),(18.23±7.55),(18.14 ±5.75),(38.62±16.21)mGy,respectively,with statistical difference (F =85.16,P ＜ 0.05).The value of E in group A-E was (5.31 ±2.18),(4.85 ±1.70),(4.49 ± 1.86),(4.37 ±1.50),(8.75 ± 4.07) mSv,respectively,with statistical difference(F =44.83,P ＜ 0.05).The image score was (4.65 ±0.46),(4.55 ± 0.53),(4.55 ±0.53),(4.47 ±0.72),(4.66 ± 0.44) (F =1.89,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions No beta-blockers was taken before CT scan,and a high quality image could be acquired by using dual-source CT coronary angiography in low tube voltage setting(100 kVp).When the auto ECG-gating is selected,medium and low HR have little influences on radiation dose,while the radiation dose could be decreased significantly at higher HR,but the possibility to obtain the high quality image decreased.

OBJECTIVETo perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the benefit of providing branched chain amino acid (BCAA)-enriched nutrition to improve hepatic function in patients undergoing hepatic operation.

METHODSThe electronic databases of PubMed, Springerlink, the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for relevant RCTs using the following search terms: nutritional support, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, hepatic/liver surgery, liver cirrhosis, cancer, hepatectomy, and liver transplantation. The quality of the retrieved RCTs was assessed according to the scale developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan software, version 5.2.

RESULTSA total of 11 relevant RCTs, representing 510 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to patients in the control (normal nutrition) group, the patients in the BCAA group experienced an effective improvement in hepatic function, as evidenced by significant decreases in total bilirubin (by 0.07 mumol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.18 to 0.05, P more than 0.05]. In addition, the BCAA group showed improvements in plasma levels of albumin (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.24, P less than 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (WMD = +5.61; 95% CI: -8.63 to 19.86, P more than 0.05] but neither of the changes reached the threshold of a statistically significant improvement. The BCAA group did however show significantly lower complication rate after operation (65%, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.87, P less than 0.01] and mean duration of hospital stay (4.61 days; 95% CI: -6.61, -2.61, P less than 0.01].

CONCLUSIONBCAA-enriched nutrition improves hepatic function in patients undergoing hepatic operation, thereby helping to reduce the complication risk, duration of hospital stay, and financial burden. BCAA-enriched nutrition is a safe and effective therapy and further clinical application may be beneficial.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain ; therapeutic use ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Intraoperative Period ; Liver ; physiology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; methods ; Nutritional Support ; methods ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic