Cardiomyopathies ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Echocardiography ; Heart Ventricles ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Young Adult

1H NMR-based metabolomic approach combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the quality of 21 Farfarae Flos (FF) samples from different growth regions. Principal component analysis showed that wild and cultivated FF could be separated clearly, suggesting a big chemical difference existed between them. Supervised PLS-DA analysis indicated that the wild samples showed higher levels of secondary metabolites, such as bauer-7-ene-3β, 16α-diol, chlorogenic acid, rutin, 7-(3'-ethylcrotonoyloxy)-1α-(2'-methyl-butyryloxy)-3, 14-dehydro-Z-notonipetranone (EMDNT), tussilagone, β-sitosterol and sitosterone. This is consistent with traditional experience that the quality of wild samples are better than that of cultivated ones. The content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids senkirkine also differed greatly among samples from different habitats. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that senkirkine is positively correlated with 4, 5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rutin, kampferol analogues, to a statistically significant extent. The correlation between the toxic compounds and the bioactive components in FF should be further studied.
Chlorogenic Acid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Metabolomics ; Quinic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; Rutin ; Sitosterols ; Tussilago ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo observe the inhibition effect of docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles (DLLM) combined with ultrasound targeted microbubbles destruction (UTMD) on microvessel in rabbit VX2 liver tumor models.MethodsSixty rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups (n= 10),i.e.Doc group (used docetaxel only),DLLM group (used docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles),Doc+US group (used docetaxel combined with ultrasound positioning irradiation),PLM+US group (used microbubbles combined with ultrasound positioning irradiation),DLLM+US group (used docetaxel-loaded lipid microbubbles combined with ultrasound positioning irradiation) and control group.The expression of CD34 and VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) were compared among different groups.ResultsAfter treatment,the expression of CD34 in DLLM+US group was lower,the MVD of DLLM+US group was markedly lower than that of the other groups (P＜0.01),while the expression of VEGF in this group was the lowest among all 6 groups (P＜ 0.01).ConclusionDLLM combined with UTMD can inhibit the generation of microvessels in rabbit VX2 liver tumor,thus inhibit the growth of the tumor.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of pentobarbital sodium in generation and modulation of rhythmical respiration in neonatal rats.

METHODSThe effects of pentobarbital sodium were examined on hypoglossal nerve (XII) rootlets and inspiratory neurons in the medullary preparations including the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis, pre-Bötzinger complex and the dorsal respiratory group of neonatal rats aged 0-3 days. The electrical activity of XII nerve rootlets and inspiratory neurons were recorded. Different doses of pentobarbital sodium (20, 40, 60, 80 micromol/L) were added into modified Krebs solution to observe changes in the discharge activity of XII nerve and inspiratory neurons. Bicuculline was used to further investigate the mechanisms that pentobarbital sodium suppresses respiration.

RESULTSThe discharge activity inhibition of XII nerve was increased as pentobarbital sodium doses increased from 20 to 60 micromol/L, but no significant difference was observed between the doses of 60 and 80 micromol/L. Bicuculline can partly restore the rhythmical respiration discharge activity.

CONCLUSIONPentobarbital sodium can suppress respiration partly via GABAA receptors.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Medulla Oblongata ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology ; Pentobarbital ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, GABA-A ; physiology ; Respiration ; drug effects ; Respiratory Center ; drug effects ; physiology

Objective:To detect the genotyping of hepatitis C virus by PCR-fluorescent probe in Qingyang area,and to evaluate the performance of PCR-fluorescent probe. Methods:The clinical data and peripheral venous blood of patients with HCV were collected (n=289). PCR-fluorescent probe was used to detect the genotype and HCV RNA of hepatitis C virus,and compare with PCR reverse dot blot,RT nested-PCR. Results:Among 289 samples detected by PCR-fluorescent probe,the rate of genotyping of hepatitis C virus was 99. 3%(287/289),and 139 for 1b(48. 1%),136 for 2a(47. 1%),7 for 3a(2. 4%),5 for 3b(1. 7%),2 for unknow(0. 7%). The specificity and efficiency was 100%,better repeatability,consistent with PCR reverse dot blot and RT nested-PCR(98. 2%,P>0. 05). The ALT,AST,PLT and HCVRNA(lg)for 1b patients was higher than 2a(P<0. 05). Conclusion:Multi-genotype distribution of HCV was revealed in the hepatitis C patients of Qingyang,1b and 2a were the main genotypes,and the ratio was equal,2a was increased,1b was declined. The sensibility and specificity was higher for PCR-fluorescent probe,and could be used in clinic.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of miR-122 on IFN-α treatment for HCV infection.

METHODSHuh7.5.1 cells infected with HCV were treated with miR-122 mimics (20 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L, 400 nmol/L) and/or IFN-α (1000 IU/ml). The relative expression of HCV RNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Huh7.5.1 cells were treated with different amounts of HCV (107 copies, 106 copies and 105 copies) and/or IFN-α (1000 IU/ml).

RESULTSIFN-α suppressed the replication of HCV in a time-dependent manner, resulting in a ≊ 83% reduction of HCV at 48 h. MiR-122 mimics facilitated replication of HCV RNA in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The antiviral effect of IFN-α was inverted to levels of miR-122 mimics (20 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L, 400 nmol/L), (73.3% ± 3.5% compared with 84% ± 4.5%, P>0.05; 64.67% ± 5.5% compared with 84% ± 4.5%, P>0.05; 56.33% ± 5.1% compared with 84% ± 4.5%, P<0.05). The antiviral effect of IFN-α was inverted to HCV load (105 copies group compared with 107 copies group, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMiR-122 facilitates replication of HCV RNA in the cell culture system; and the expression of miR-122 may partly counteract the anti-HCV effect of IFN-α.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Hepacivirus ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; pharmacology ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Transfection ; Virus Replication ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVEWe aim to investigate the sonodynamic effect induced by hydroxyl acetylated curcumin (HAC) on THP-1 macrophages.

METHODSTHP-1 derived macrophages (1 x 10(5) per milliliter) were cultured with HAC at a concentration of 5 µg/mL for 4 h and then exposed to pulse ultrasound treatment (0.5 W/cm2) for 5 min. Six hours later, cell viability analysis was performed with CCK-8 assay, apoptosis and necrosis analysis were detected with Annexin V/PI staining by flow cytometery.

RESULTSThe cell viability of THP-1 macrophage decreased significantly in the group treated with the combination of HAC and ultrasound (P < 0.01), and HAC-SDT induced both apoptosis and necrosis in THP-1 macrophages, the apoptotic rate was higher than the necrotic rate with appropriate conditions, the maximum apoptosis/necrosis ratio was detected in sonodynamic therapy (SDT) group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONhAC-SDT was effective to induce THP-1 macrophages apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Macrophages ; cytology ; drug effects ; Necrosis ; Ultrasonics

This study aimed to investigate antibody levels of the newer human enteroviruses (EV) A71, A90, and B87 in the population of Shandong Province, and provide a scientific basis for the development of prevention and control measures. In this study, serum specimens were collected from 400 individuals living in Yantai city, Shandong Province in 2010. EV-A71, A90, and B87 antibodies were detected using neutralization tests, and the results were analyzed by statistical methods. It was found that the positive neutralizing antibody rates of EV-A71, A90 and B87 in the population were 46.0%, 8.8%, and 47.0%, respectively. Their geometric mean titers (GMT) were 1 : 5.20, 1 : 1.49, and 1 : 4.02, respectively. Positive antibody rates for EV-A71 and EV-B87 were lowest in the 1-yr and 7-mo age groups, respectively. Positive rates increased gradually with age, and become consistent in the population aged >5 years. Positive antibody rates of EV-A90 were consistent across all age groups. Maternal antibody levels of EV-A71 declined rapidly after birth, and the increase in seroprevalence among 3-7 years old children implied that most EV-A71 infections occurred in preschool and early elementary school children. High positive antibody rates of EV-B87 in healthy individuals, especially children, implied that there may be an immune barrier within the general population. The population monitoring of EV-A90 should be strengthened, as its positive antibody rate is low.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Enterovirus A, Human ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Enterovirus Infections ; blood ; immunology ; virology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Young Adult

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of removal of the adventitia on vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction of the carotid artery in New Zealand rabbit. Adventitia of carotid artery was removed mechanically. The histology, morphology and reactivity of the carotid artery was observed by immunohistochemistry and measurement of carotid ring tension immediately, 1 week and 2 weeks after removal of the adventitia. No damage of intima and media was observed after removing the adventitia. Removal of the adventitia caused a remarkable proliferation of the vascular media and formed the neointima. Compared with the control ring, norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasocontraction in adventitia-denuded carotid artery was significantly reduced immediately and 1 week after the operation (P<0.05). Adventitia removal promoted the neointima formation and decreased vasoconstriction of the carotid artery, indicating that the adventitia is involved in the regulation of vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction.
Animals ; Carotid Arteries ; pathology ; physiology ; surgery ; Connective Tissue ; physiology ; surgery ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; pathology ; Rabbits ; Tunica Intima ; pathology ; Vasoconstriction ; physiology

In order to investigate the sleep quality and influencing factors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD),201 PD patients were enrolled and underwent extensive clinical evaluations.Subjective sleep evaluation was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).It was found that poor sleep quality (77.11％) and excessive daytime sleepiness (32.34％) were commonly seen in PD patients and positively correlated with disease severity.Then 70 out of the 201 PD patients and 70 age-and sex-matched controls underwent a polysomnographic recording.The parameters were compared between PD group and control group and the influencing factors of sleep in PD patients were analyzed.The results showed that sleep efficiency (SE) was significantly decreased (P＜0.01),and sleep latency (SL) and the arousal index (AI) were increased (P＜0.05) in the PD group as compared with those in the control group.SE and total sleep time (TST) were positively correlated with the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage.There was significant difference in the extent of hypopnea and hypoxemia between the PD group and the control group (P＜0.05).Our results indicate that PD patients have an overall poor sleep quality and a high prevalence of sleep disorder,which may be correlated with the disease severity.Respiratory function and oxygen supply are also affected to a certain degree in PD patients.