Objective To investigate the relationship among the proliferation of CD4+T cells, the intracellular levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-?1(TGF-?1), and allergic bronchial asthma. Methods Dermatophagoides farinae antigen were prepared as allergen. Twenty-five patients with asthma and 15 healthy individuals were enrolled and divided into blank control group, allergen group and self control group, respectively, after venous blood sample collection. The proliferation of CD4+T cells and the distributions of CD4+/IL-10+, CD4+/TGF-?+1 and CD4+/IL-10+/TGF-?+1 were measuredby flow cytometry (FCM). Results The distributions of CD4+/IL-10+, CD4+/TGF-?+1 and CD4+/IL-10+/TGF-?+1 could hardly be detected in the peripheral blood samples of the blank controls of the patients with asthma and healthy ones. In the allergen group of the healthy individuals, the peripheral blood CD4+T cells were significantly proliferated, and the proportions of CD4+T cells andCD4+/IL-10+ cells were much higher than the self control group, while there was no significantly increase in the proportions of CD4+/TGF-?+1 and CD4+/IL-10+/TGF-?+1 subgroups. In the allergen group of those with asthma, the proportions of peripheral blood CD4+, CD4+/IL-10+, CD4+/TGF-?+1 and CD4+/IL-10+/TGF-?+1 cells were not found significantly increased compared with those self controls. After being activated by allergen, the proportion of peripheral blood CD4+/IL-10+ cells was significantly lower in the patients with asthma than the healthy individuals(P

BACKGROUND:In joint surgery, the commonly used autologous chondrocyte transplantation often used to repair cartilage defects, and poor integration is one of the reasons that leading to failure repairing. Chondrocytes migration capability is proven to have correlation with integration and some pathways, such as Src-phosphorylated phospholipase Cγ1-extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 has been confirmed to have correlation with the migration ability of chondrocytes, but the correlation with the integration is stil unknown. OBJECTIVE:To determine the chondrocyte signaling pathways involved in autologous chondrocyte migration and their effects on cartilage integration in autologous chondrocyte implantation. METHODS:Articular chondrocytes were isolated from immature pig knee joints. The cells were divided into four groups:Src group, phosphorylated phospholipase Cγ1 group, extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 group and control group, then the Boyden chambers were used to quantify the chondrocyte migration. The chondrocytes/cartilage ring integration model was developed and cultured for 28 days, and then histology, biochemistry, biomechanics, western blot analysis and celltracking analysis were performed to observe the differences between the control group and the suppression groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The migration ability of chondrocytes was significantly decreased after pretreated with inhibitors. After the chondrocytes/cartilage ring co-cultured for 28 days, Western blot analysis showed that the pathway inhibitors has been presented in the entire culture cycle. The number and length of chondrocytes migrated into the integration area, col agen secretion level, matrix and mechanical strength in the control group were higher than those in three suppression groups. The results suggest that chondrocyte migration ability can affect the cartilage integration capability through Src-phosphorylated phospholipase Cγ1-extracellular regulating kinase 1/2 signal transduction pathway.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of multi-slice CT (MSCT) and multi-dimensional reconstructions for congenital pulmonary stenosis (PS) in children.MethodsThe enhanced thin CT images of 33 patients with PS were retrospectively analyzed,the data was transmitted to the workstation for multi-planar reformation ( MPR),volume rendering technique (VRT) and maximum intensity projection (MIP).The CT imaging features of PS were analyzed combining with operation resul ts and Ultrasonic Cardiogram (UCG).ResultsIn 33 cases of PS,there were 17 cases with pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS),10 cases with right ventricular infundibulum stenosis (RVIS),and 6 cases with pulmonary trunk stenosis (PTS).The first two were correctly diagnosed by UCG,5 cases of PVS and Icases of RVIS were correctly diagnosed by MSCTA,the later was correctly diagnosed by UCG and MSCTA.In 14 cases with collateral circulations between aorta and pulmonary artery ( APC ),all were correctly diagnosed by MSCTA,only 3 case was diagnosed by UCG,1 case was misdiagnosed as PDA.UCG can clearly demonstrate the others intra-cardiac deformities,such as ASD,VSD,RVH,PFO,SV,DORV,TECD and TBD,the accuracy rate of MSCTA was 39.4％,and MSCTA can clearly demonstrate the origin,course and diameter of extracardiac vascular abnormalities,such as PDA,RAA,TGA,TAPVD,CoA,PLSV and VLSA,the accuracy rate of UCG was 697％.ConclusionsMSCT and multi-dimensional reconstruction were a kind of non-invasive method,it was a good approach for extra-cardiac vascular malformations and APC in PS.Combining with UCG,it can further be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of intra-cardiac malformation and supply diagnostic evidence for clinical treatment.

BACKGROUND:With the development of tissue engineering, autologous chondrocyte implantation is often used to repair cartilage defects. And poor integration is one of the common reasons that lead to failure repairing. Many models in vitro are used for related studies.
OBJECTIVE:To develop an interface integrated model of tissue engineered cartilage repair in vitro and to evaluate the effect.
METHODS:Cartilage integration model in vitro was established in pigs. Total y 21 cartilaginous rings were obtained and divided into agarose gel group (n=18) and control group (n=3). In agarose gel group, cartilage rings were covered with agarose gel. Chondrocytes were separated and implanted into the ring. The leakage of cells around the cartilage rings was observed. The sections were stained for histological observation at 1, 2, 4 weeks. The average area of neochondrocytes was measured and compared.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results from the control group were not processed, because there was no chondrocyte aggregate formation in the center of the explant ring due to earlier chondrocyte leakage outside the explant. While no chondrocytes were found outside the explant ring in the agarose gel group. Tissue sections of the agarose gel group were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue, Safranin-O and col agen type II immunohistochemistry at 1, 2, 4 weeks. Neochondrocytes proliferated within cartilage ring, and produced extracellular matrix. After 2 weeks of incubation, these inserted chondrocytes were significantly increased. There was no statistical y significant increment between 2 weeks and 4 weeks (P>0.05), although the area was further increased by 4 weeks. This model provides a convenient simulation of the cartilage integration process in vitro and has a potential application in studies of cartilage integration and cartilage tissue engineering.

An old male patient visited the hospital due to shortness of breath and palpitation for 6 h, with fever 3 days before and pump failure at admission. Having no risk factor of coronary diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity, with ST-T changes and abnormal Q wave on ECC, the signs were compatible with those of acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, while the characteristics of cardiac biomarkers ( significant increase in Troponin I and creatine kinase's isoform, and normal creatine kinase) were not in accordance with those of acute myocardial infarction. Emergency angiography was performed, which indicated normal coronary artery, normal pulmonary artery and global systolic dysfunction of left ventricle. The diagnosis of acute severe myocarditis was established, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was employed to provide hemodynamic support. Severe myocarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction may be fatal, and can be easily misdiagnosed. Careful analysis of clinical manifestations, early diagnostic angiography and possible IABP placement are important for the successful treatment.

OBJECTIVETo observe metabolomic changes in urine of chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) patients with Pi-qi deficiency syndrome (PQDS) or Pi-Wei dampness-heat syndrome (PWDHS), thereby providing scientific evidence for syndrome typing of them.

METHODSUrine samples were collected from CSG patients with PQDS/PWDHS and healthy volunteers, 10 in each group. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) based metabonomic analysis was performed on urine samples. Contents of related biomarkers were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and urivariate statistical analysis.

RESULTSPLS-DA analysis showed that metabolites among CSG patients with PQDS/PWDHS and healthy volunteers could be mutually distinguished. Seven differentially identified metabolites were screened from urines of CSG patients with PQDS and healthy volunteers included glutamate, methionine, α-oxoglutarate, dimethylglycine, creatinine, taurine, and glucose. Four differentially identified metabolites were screened from urines of CSG patients with PWDHS and healthy volunteers included 2-hydroxybutyric acid, trimethylamine oxide, taurine, and hippuric acid. Eleven differentially identified metabolites were screened from urines of CSG patients with PQDS and PWDHS included fucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid, alanine, glutamate, methionine, succinic acid, citric acid, creatinine, glucose, hippuric acid, and lactic acid.

CONCLUSIONThe metabolic differences of CSG patients PQDS and PWDHS mainly manifested in glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acids catabolism, and 1H-NMR based metabonomics may be used in classified study of Chinese medical syndrome typing.

Biomarkers ; urine ; Discriminant Analysis ; Gastritis ; urine ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hydroxybutyrates ; Ketoglutaric Acids ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Metabolome ; physiology ; Metabolomics ; Principal Component Analysis ; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Qi ; Syndrome

Objective To determine the value and the optimal cutoff point of waist circumference (WC) in screening diabetes mellitus (DM) and to provide evidence for DM prevention and identifying population at risk in mid-western rural areas of Shandong province.Methods A sample consisting 16 341 rural residents was selected and studied.All participants were physically examined on height,weight,WC and fasting plasma glucose (FPG).Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed for subjects with FPG valued from 6.1 to 7.0 mmol/L.DM was defined according to the criteria set by WHO in 1999.Area under the curve (AUC),sensitivity,specificity and Youden index were computed based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Optimal cutoff point was determined by the maximum of Youden index.Results The prevalence rates of DM for males and females increased along with the rise of WC (trend test X2=72.01,122.65,P＜0.01 ).It appeared significantly higher in those with WC 85 cm in females and≥80 cm in males,with those WC ＜85 cm for females and ＜80 cm for males,in particular.AUCs were 0.639 and 0.655 for males and females respectively and both had significant differences (t=7.22,11.07,P ＜0.01 ).However,the AUCs did not show significant difference (t=0.70,P ＞ 0.05) between males and females.The Youden index reached maximum when WC approached 85 cm for females (24.90%) and 80 cm for males (24.39%).The sensitivity and specificity were 58.04%and 66.86%for males,and 67.08%and 57.31%for females.Conclusion WC seemed to be an effective indicator for screening the DM.The optimal cutoff point of WC would be 85 cm for females and 80 cm for males in screening DM and defining the population at risk in this area.

AIM To investigate the therapeutic action and mechanism of Shuwei Decoction (Bupleuri Radix,Cyperi Rhizoma,Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma,etc.) on functional dyspepsia (FD) from the perspectives of autophagy and intercellular gap junction pathway through its impact on the expressions of Beclin-1,mTOR,Cx43 protein and mRNA in gastric antrum pyloric smooth muscle cells of FD model rats.METHODS Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (blank) group,model group,mosapride group (1.37 mg/kg),low,medium and high dose Shuwei Decoction groups (7.67 g/kg,15.34 g/kg,30.68 g/kg,respectively).FD model rats were prepared according to compound etiological modeling method for 21 days.On the first day after modeling,the rats in each group were given the corresponding medicine for intragastric administration once a day for 14 days.Two hours after the last administration,we procured gastric antrum and pyloric tissues from the sacrificed rats.The expressions of Beclin-1,mTOR and Cx43 protein were detected by Western blot,and so were the expressions of Beclin-1,mTOR and Cx43 mRNA by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).RESULTS We observed decreased expression of Beclin-1 protein in low,medium and high dose Shuwei Decoction groups (P ＜ 0.01),and an increased expression of Cx43 protein in high dose Shuwei Decoction group (P ＜ 0.05).In medium and high dose Shuwei Decoction groups,decreased expression of Beclin-1 mRNA (P ＜ 0.01),and increased expression of mTOR and Cx43 mRNA (P ＜ 0.01) were detected as well.CONCLUSION Shuwei Decoction can improve FD by suppressing cell autophagy and enhancing the function of gap junction through up-regulating the expression of mTOR mRNA and Cx43 protein and mRNA,and down-regulating the expression of Beclin-1 protein and mRNA.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Pogonatherum crinitum (Thunb.) Kunthand and their in vitro anti-HBV activities.METHODS The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of 70％ ethanol extract from P.crinitum were isolated and purified by AB-8 macroporous resin,silica column and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The in vitro anti-HBV activities of the isolated compounds were tested in the model of HepG2.2.15 cells.RESULTS Eight compounds were isolated and identified as 6,8,4'-trihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyisoflavone (1),quercetin-7,4'-dimethylester-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2),8-(1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl) quercetin (3),chrysoeiml-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4),kaempferol-3-O-(2",3"-di-O-E-p-cou-maroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (5),1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone-2-C-β-D-glucopyra-noside (6),luteolin-6-C-β-D-boivinopyranoside (7),luteolin-6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (8).Compounds 3,5,7,8 had certain inhibitory effects on HBsAg with the IC50 values of 96.6,127.1,72.4 and 54.5 μg/mL.Compounds 7,8 had certain inhibitory effects on HBeAg with the IC50 values of 81.0,61.3 μg/mL.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-6 are isolated from genus Pogonatherum for the first time,compounds 3、5、7、8 have certain in vitro anti-HBV activities.

OBJECTIVETo comprehend the anatomic characteristics and correlations between the accessory nerve and the phrenic nerve in the adult corpses.

METHODSThe bilateral accessory nerves, phrenic nerves, and their branches of 20 adult corpses (38 sides) were underwent exposure. The morphologic data of the accessory nerves and the phrenic nerves above clavicle were measured. In addition, the minimal and maximal distances from several points on the accessory nerve to the full length of the phrenic nerve above clavicle were measured. Then, the number of motor nerve fibers on different locations of the nerves utilizing the method of immunohistochemistry were counted and compared.

RESULTThe accessory nerves after sending out the sternocleido-mastoid muscular branches were similar in the morphologic data with the phrenic nerves. Meanwhile, the accessory nerve had a coiled appearance within this geometrical area. The possibly minimal distance between the accessory nerve and phrenic nerve was (3.19 ± 1.23) cm, and the possibly maximal distance between the starting point of accessory nerve and the end of the phrenic nerve above clavicle was (8.71 ± 0.75) cm.

CONCLUSIONSThe accessory nerve and the phrenic nerve are similar in the anatomic evidences and the number of motor nerve fibers. And the length of accessory nerve is sufficiently long to connect with phrenic nerve as needed. It is possible to suture them without strain directly.

Accessory Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nerve Transfer ; Phrenic Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; surgery