OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) on dendritic cells (DC).

METHODSMurine bone marrow cells were cultured with different cytokine combinations to develop immature DC (imDC, GM-CSF only) and TGFbeta-DC (GM-CSF + TGF-beta1), and their responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were observed. The cell ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy and their phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The allogeneic stimulating capacity of DC was assayed by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with BrdU incorporation. IL-12p70 protein was detected by ELISA and the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on DCs were analyzed with semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSCompared to imDC, the TGFbeta-DC had no significant alterations in ultrastructure after LPS stimulation. The expressions of CD80, CD86 were lower on TGFbeta-DC than on imDC [(4.14 +/- 0.95)% vs (13.90 +/- 7.22)%; (8.60 +/- 0.75)% vs (20.63 +/- 5.03)%, P < 0.05, both]. The TGFbeta-DC kept their immature morphology after LPS stimulation, but the expressions of I-Ab and CD80 were slightly increased. After 96 h MLR, TGFbeta-DC had weaker stimulating capacity than imDC did, especially when DC/T cells ratios were 1:4 and 1:1 (P < 0.05, both). TGFbeta-DC showed impaired IL-12p70 production and down-regulation of TLR4 expression.

CONCLUSIONSTGF-beta1 can inhibit the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on DC. The TGFbeta-DC is resistant to maturation stimulus (LPS) and might be linked with TLR4 down-regulation.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; immunology ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

OBJECTIVETo investigate the composition and morphology of the stones in the enlarged prostatic utricle (EPU).

METHODSWe took out 36 EPU stones from 11 patients by transurethral fenestration between 1992 and 2011, and analyzed the stones by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIS).

RESULTSUnder the scanning electron microscope, all the EPU stones were constituted of many intensive minicrystals and amorphous matrix. XRD and FTIS revealed that all were hydroxyapatite crystal.

CONCLUSIONEPU stones belong to the category of prostatic pseudo-calculi, whose formation is ascribed not to the abnormal change of urine composition, but to the continuous secretion, absorption and concentration of EPU liquid and ablated epithelial cells from the EPU.

Calculi ; chemistry ; Durapatite ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate ; chemistry ; pathology ; Prostatic Diseases ; pathology ; physiopathology

Objective To develop a field medical equipment maintenance trailer for patrol inspection and maintenance of medical equipment in wartime and peace time.Methods A field medical equipment maintenance trailer was constructed with the components of a shelter,a chassis,an electrical system and etc.The shelter had a power supply area on the front side,two working areas on left and right sides,a control area on the rear side and a support mechanism covered with a rainproof tarpaulin;The chassis was composed mainly of a frame,a traction mechanism,a steering mechanism,a suspension,a braking system and etc;the electrical system was made up of a power supply unit and a control unit.Results The maintenance trailer carrying a variety of maintenance tools and spare parts was trailed with the transport vehicle during maneuvering and driven electrically during equipment maintenance,which was ready for use immediately after deployment so as to meet the needs for rapid maintenance of medical equipment.Conclusion The maintenance trailer gains advantages in internal layout,mobility and security,and can be used to inspect and maintain medical equipment and to transport spare parts and maintenance tools.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2023,44(11):114-116]

OBJECTIVETo investigate the optimal starvation conditions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and establish a highly efficient and stable method for separating HUVECs.

METHODSHUVECs harvested from human umbilical cords by digestion with 0.1% collagenase II for 15 min were cultured in endothelial culture medium (ECM) containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% endothelial cell growth factor (ECGS) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin solution(P/S) at 37 degrees celsius; in 5% CO2. The cells were observed for cell morphology under an inverted microscope and identified with immunofluorescence assay. The purity of HUVECs was detected using flow cytometry (FCM). The cell cycles of HUVECs cultured in the presence of 0, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% FBS for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h were analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTSs The purity of HUVECs harvested by digestion with 0.1% collagenase II reached 99.67%. The primary HUVECs showed a cobblestone or volute appearance in vitro. Immunocytochemistry showed that HUVECs highly expressed VIII-related antigen. Cell culture in the presence of different concentrations of FBS for 6 h resulted in 70% G0/G1 phase cells, which increased to 80%-90% at 12 h of cell culture, and further to around 95% at 18 and 24 h.

CONCLUSIONDigestion with 0.1% collagenase II can obtain high-purity primary HUVECs. Culturing HUVECs in serum-free medium for 12 h can result in a high purity (over 80%) of G0/G1 phase cells.

Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Cycle ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Flow Cytometry ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 ; chemistry ; Serum

This study was to investigate the relationship between Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) and intestinal microecosystem in patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and to clarify clinical characteristics of intestinal microecosystem disorder. Clostridium difficile (CD) was isolated and identified by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay using clostridium difficile Premier toxins A&B Kit and anaerobic culture in 44 cases with diarrhea. Fecal flora (bifidobacteria, lactobacillus, bacteroides, peptostreptococcus, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacteriaceae, enterococcus, and yeasts) of patients were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by Mitsuoka's methods. The results showed that CDAD occurred after using antibiotic or chemotherapy. Clostridium difficile was detected in 12 patients with diarrhea (positive rate was 27.27%). There was marked changes of intestinal microecosystem when patients suffered from CDAD. The number of lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, bacteroides, enterobacteriaceae and so on decreased significantly. It was effective to treat CDAD with vancomycin, metronidazole and probiotic, but the recurrence rate was 16.67%. In conclusion, CDAD complicated by allo-HSCT is related to change of intestinal microecosystem. While treating CDAD with the sensitive antibiotic, the intestinal flora of patients should be supported actively. This treatment contributes to improving disease status and reducing diarrhea recurrence.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Clostridium Infections ; microbiology ; Clostridium difficile ; growth & development ; Diarrhea ; microbiology ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; therapy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Artesunate (AS), a famous derivative of the artemisinin, is the basic treatment globally for mild to severe malaria infection due to the prominent advantages such as high efficiency, fast effect, low toxicity and not easy to produce resistance. More and more research reports have shown that AS and its active metabolites dihydroartemisinin (DHA) had various bioactivities in addition to antimalarial activity, attracting researchers to further study its new pharmacological effects in order to explore new use of the old drug. A comprehensive understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of AS will be conducive to the further development of new pharmacological actions and clinical application of AS. Therefore, this paper would review the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of AS , as well as the pharmacokinetics characteristics of AS and DHA after clinical administration of AS by intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), oral or rectal routes. The process and pharmacokinetic parameters of AS and DHA were compared between healthy volunteers, malaria patients, and special populations (children, women). Meanwhile, the research progress on pharmacological effects of AS and active metabolite DHA such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti septic, antiangiogenic, anti-fibrosis and immunoregulation activities would be also reviewed, hoping to provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of AS and its metabolites.
Antimalarials ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Artesunate ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Research

Objective: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) involves a variety of visual symptoms that are thought to be partially caused by structural abnormalities of the retina. However, the relationship between retinal structural changes, disease severity, and intracranial alterations remains unknown. We investigated distinct retinal thinning patterns and their relationship with clinical severity and intracranial alterations in a PSP cohort. Methods: We enrolled 19 patients with PSP (38 eyes) and 20 age-matched healthy controls (40 eyes). All of the participants underwent peripapillary and macular optical coherence tomography. Brain 11C-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane (11C-CFT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography imaging were also performed in patients with PSP. We investigated the association between retinal thickness changes and clinical features, striatal dopamine transporter availability, and cerebral glucose metabolism. Results: The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macula were significantly thinner in patients with PSP than in controls. The thickness of the superior sector of the pRNFL demonstrated a significant negative relationship with the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III and Hoehn and Yahr staging scale scores. A significant negative correlation was found between outer inferior macular thickness and disease duration. Outer temporal macular thickness was positively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. In PSP, lower outer temporal macular thickness was also positively correlated with decreased dopamine transporter binding in the caudate. Conclusion The pRNFL and macular thinning may be candidate markers for monitoring disease severity. Additionally, macular thinning may be an in vivo indicator of nigrostriatal dopaminergic cell degeneration in PSP patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of CD160 on the surface of human natural killer (NK) cells and its possible relationship with hematological malignancies.

METHODSCD160 expression on human leukemia cell line NK92 cells was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The proliferation characteristics and cell surface markers of this cell line were determined. Cytotoxicity of NK92 against 2 human myeloid leukemia cell lines, K562 and THP-1 was analyzed ex vivo. CD160 blocking antibody CL1-R2 was employed to clarify its role in NK cell mediated cytolysis. Then, the expression of CD160 on NK cells in peripheral blood from various patients with hematological malignancies were measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein levels of CD160 expressions on NK92 cells were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The flow cytometry results demonstrated that the strong positive expression of CD160 could be detected on the NK92 cell surface. NK92 could effectively kill K562 and THP-1 cells, while the cytolysis effect was abrogated in the presence of CD160 blocking antibody CL1-R2. The high levels of HVEM were expressed on both target cells, but the HLA class I molecules were absent on K562. The expression of CD160 on CD3CD56 NK cells in peripheral blood from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients was significant lower than that in the normal controls (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe cytolysis function of human NK cells is mediated partially by CD160 molecule. The decrease of CD160 expression on NK cells from patients with various hematological malignancies implies that down-regulation of CD160 expression may be a novel mechanism of tumor immune escape.

To scientifically evaluate the intervention effect of Chinese medicine preventive administration(combined use of Huo-xiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) on community population in the case of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), a large cohort, prospective, randomized, and parallel-controlled clinical study was conducted. Total 22 065 subjects were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. The non-intervention group was given health guidance only, while the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention group was given two coordinated TCM in addition to health guidance. The medical instructions were as follows. Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid: oral before meals, 10 mL/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days. Jinhao Jiere Granules: dissolve in boiling water and take after meals, 8 g/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days, followed up for 14 days, respectively. The study found that with the intake of medication, the incidence rate of TCM intervention group was basically maintained at a low and continuous stable level(0.01%-0.02%), while the non-intervention group showed an overall trend of continuous growth(0.02%-0.18%) from 3 to 14 days. No suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case occurred in either group. There were 2 cases of colds in the TCM intervention group and 26 cases in the non-intervention group. The incidence of colds in the TCM intervention group was significantly lower(P<0.05) than that in the non-intervention group. In the population of 16-60 years old, the incidence rate of non-intervention and intervention groups were 0.01% and 0.25%, respectively. The difference of colds incidence between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). In the population older than 60 years old, they were 0.04% and 0.21%, respectively. The incidence of colds in the non-intervention group was higher than that in the intervention group, but not reaching statistical difference. The protection rate of TCM for the whole population was 91.8%, especially for the population of age 16-60(95.0%). It was suggested that TCM intervention(combined use of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) could effectively protect community residents against respiratory diseases, such as colds, which was worthy of promotion in the community. In addition, in terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events and adverse reactions in the TCM intervention group was relatively low, which was basically consistent with the drug instructions.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Betacoronavirus ; Coronavirus Infections ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral ; drug therapy ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult