Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More than one-third of patients with COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms, including confusion, headaches, and decreased/disordered taste. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease patients are at high risk and susceptible to infection with COVID-19, which may cause severe illness and even death. There appears to be an interaction between AD and COVID-19, and on the one hand, patients with COVID-19 seem to be more likely to develop AD. AD patients, on the other hand, may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19. Therefore, understanding the common link between COVID-19 and AD may help to develop treatment strategies. Risk factors common to AD and COVID-19 are aging, ApoE ε4 allele, β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuroinflammation, oxidative stress. Here, this article focuses on the relationship between COVID-19 and AD, explores common risk factors and potential pathogenesis, and provides help for early prevention, treatment and recovery.

Objective To investigate the effect of amiloride pretreatment on the acute lung injury (ALI)induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Methods Thirty-two pathogen-free male SD rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each); group Ⅰ received iv normal saline (group C); group Ⅱ ALI received iv LPS 6 mg/kg (group ALI); group Ⅲ received iv amiloride 10 mg/kg (group A) and group Ⅳ received amiloride 10 mg/kg iv 30 min before iv LPS ( group AL). The animals were killed by exsanguination at 6 h after iv LPS infusion. The lungs were immediately removed. Microscopic examination of lung tissue was performed. The left lung was lavaged. The total protein (TP), TNF-α and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)concentrations in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. The W/D weight ratio and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression of Na-H exchanger-1 ( NHE1 ), p38MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in lung tissue were determined. Results LPS significantly increased ALI score (0 = slightest, 4 = severest), W/D lung weight ratio, TP, TNF-α and MIP-2 concentrations in BALF and MPO activity and the expression of NHE1, p38MAPK and ERK in the lung as compared with. control group. Amiloride pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced changes except p38MAPK expression. Conclusion Pretreatment with amiloride can attenuate LPS-induced ALI by inhibition of ERK activation.

To determine the distribution and drug resistance tendency of Gram-negative bacillus so as to provide a reasonable selection for antibiotic in clinical treatment.The clinical isolates bacillus were mainly Gram-Negative bacillus during three years.The detection out ratio for Gram-Negative bacillus had decreased gradually but the ratio for non-fermental gram-negative bacillus had increased.The combinations of antibiotic and enzyme inhibitor has more antibacterial activity to non-fermental gram-negative bacillus than antibiotic.The detection out ratio for ESBLs had gradually increased.

AIM: To observe the efficacy of surgical excision combined with autologous limbus conjunctival flap transplantation in the treatment of pterygium accompanied with conjunctival cyst.METHODS: Totally 126 patients 188 eyes with pterygium were hospitalized in Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology during August 2013 and August 2015.The patients were divided into two groups: observation group (11 eyes of 11 patients) with pterygium accompanied with conjunctival cyst and control group (177 eyes of 115 patients) with primary pterygium.All patients underwent slit lamp microscope examination, anterior segment photography, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(OCT).The size of pterygium was calculated by multiplying neck width and length of the covered corneal.All patients underwent excision combined with autologous conjunctival flap transplantation, and the resections were performed pathological section with hematoxylin and eosin staining.All patients were followed up postoperatively for 4-28mo.RESULTS: All cases in the observation group were confirmed by postoperative pathological examination.All cyst walls were complete, and containing single layer of epithelial cells.The mean size of pterygium of the observation group was 6.9±1.7mm2, and 6.3±1.8mm2 for the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).The mean postoperative healing time of observation group was 2.1±0.9d, and 1.9±0.8d for the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Recurrence was seen in two eyes within the follow-up period in the control group, and no recurrence in the observation group.CONCLUSION: Surgical excision combined with autologous limbus conjunctival flap transplantation is a safe and effective treatment for pterygium accompanied with conjunctival cyst.

Some unhealthy life habits, such as long-term smoking, heavy drinking, sexual overstrain and frequent stay-up could induce the Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria. Stems of Dendrobii officinalis flos (DOF) showed the efficacy of nourishing Yin. In this study, the hyperthyroidism Yin deficiency model was set up to study the yin nourishing effect and action mechanism of DOF, in order to provide the pharmacological basis for developing DOF resources and decreasing resource wastes. ICR mice were divided into five groups: the normal control group, the model control group, the positive control group and DOF extract groups (6.4 g · kg(-1)). Except for the normal group, the other groups were administrated with thyroxine for 30 d to set up the hyperthyroidism yin deficiency model. At the same time, the other groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs for 30 d. After administration for 4 weeks, the signs (facial temperature, pain domain, heart rate and autonomic activity) in mice were measured, and the facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow were detected by laser Doppler technology. After the last administration, all mice were fasted for 12 hours, blood were collected from their orbits, and serum were separated to detect AST, ALT, TG and TP by the automatic biochemistry analyzer and test T3, T4 and TSH levels by ELISA. (1) Compared with the normal control group, the model control group showed significant increases in facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), serum AST, ALT (P < 0.01), T3 level (P < 0.05), TSH level (P < 0.05) and notable deceases in pain domain (P < 0.01), TG level (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the model control group, extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1)) could notably reduce facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and AST (P < 0.05) and enhance pain domain (P < 0.01) and TG (P < 0.01). Extracts from DOF (4 g · kg(-1)) could remarkably reduce AST and ALT levels (P < 0.01, 0.05). Extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1) 4 g · kg(-1)) could significantly reduce T3 and increase serum TSH level (P < 0.05). DOF could improve Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria in mice as well as liver function injury caused by overactive thyroid axis. According to its action mechanism, DOF may show yin nourishing and hepatic protective effects by impacting thyroxin substance metabolism, improving micro-circulation and reducing heart rate.
Animals ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Phytotherapy ; Thyroxine ; metabolism ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; metabolism

Objective： To investigate the effect of oxLDL and VitE on the expression of CD40 and CD40 ligand(CD40L) in cultured human monoc ytes. Methods： The expression of CD40 and CD40L on monocytes su rface were measured by indirect immunorescence technique in combination with flo w cytometry. Results： Low concentration of oxLDL（≤200 μg/L） significantly increased the expression of CD40 and CD40L in a dose and time dep endent manner. High concentration (>200 μg/L）of oxLDL markedly reduced the exp ression of CD40 and CD40L. When VitE was added, it significantly reduced the ex pression of CD40 and CD40L on monocytes surface induced by oxLDL in a dose-depe ndent manner. Conclusion：It is an important mechanism that the high expression of CD40 and CD40L induced by oxLDL may be contributed to the for mation of atherosclerosis. Antioxidan VitE can partially inhibit the high expres sion of CD40 and CD40L on monocytes surface induced by oxLDL.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene expression and potential functions of transforming growth factor-beta1 in osteophyte development.

METHODSA total of 25 specimens were obtained from individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty due to severe primary osteoarthritis. Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin wax and made into sections. Hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue stainings were performed. The expressions of collagen I, IIa, IIb, and X were detected by immunohistochemistry. Based on the histomorphology of cellularity and matrix abundance, the glycosaminoglycans content, and the differential expressions of collagen I, IIa, IIb, and X, the osteophytic tissues were classified. For each different type of osteophyte, expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, and results were analyzed using the image analysis system.

RESULTSFive different types of osteophytes were identified as type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V. Transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA was more and intensely expressed in chondrocytes of type II and III osteophytes, and was less in other types of osteophytes. The difference was significant (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONTransforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA is mainly expressed in early-mid stages of osteophytes and may play an important role in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in the early stages of osteophyte development.

Chondrocytes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; metabolism ; pathology ; Osteophyte ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Objective：To investigate the mechanism of increased glucose uptake, the expression of myoc ardial glucose transporter1 (GLUT1) was determined after low-flow myocardial is chemia. Methods： An in vivo open-chest canine model of low -flow myocardial ischemia was used to correlate myocardial glucose uptake with the number of GLUT1. The expression of myocardial GLUT1 glucose transporter was determined by semiquantitative Northern blotting and immunoblotting. Res ults： GLUT1 mRNA and GLUT1 polypeptide expression was substantially inc reased in ischemic region from the experimental hearts when compared to normal h earts. There was no significant regional difference in GLUT1 expression in eith er normal or ischemic hearts.Conclusion：Myocardial ischemia ind uces a factor or factors which stimulate GLUT1 expression in ischemic myocardial regions. Enhanced GLUT1 expression may be an important protective mechanism by which myocardial cells enhance glucose uptake and metabolism during low-flow my ocardial ischemia.

Objective: To investigate whether there is additi ve effects of hyperinsulinemia and ischemia on expression of canine myocardial G LUT4 gene in vivo. Methods: The expression of myocardial GLU T4 was determined by semiquantitative immunoblotting.The expression of GLUT4 mRN A was determined by semiquantitative Northern blotting. Results: Dramatic changes were seen in GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 expression in the ischemic hearts.After infusing insulin for 8 h,regional GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 levels in is chemic hearts were 2.5, 2.3-fold that of expression in normal hearts(P<0.01 ). Myocardial glucose uptake in ischemic hearts was increased by 4-fold when co mpared with normal hearts(P<0.01). Conclusion: There are not only additive effects of hyperinsulinemia and low-flow ischemia on canine myoc ardial GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 expression in vivo, but also increase of myocar dial glucose uptake. Enhanced GLUT4 expression may be an important protective m echanism by which myocardial cells enhance glucose uptake and metabolism during low-flow ischemia.

Objective To conduct a microbiological and parasitological investigation of experimental minipigs in Guangdong province. Methods Four major experimental minipig production units in Guangdong province were included in this investigation. Samples were taken from a total of 154 pigs of 4 brreds, i. e. , Bama minipigs, Juema minipigs, Tibet minipigs and Wuzhishan minipigs. Pig fur, scales, serum, rectal swabs and feces samples were collected for detection of 20 pathogens. The data were analyzed and compared among the production units and breeds. Results Mixed infections were detected in all the four institutions. The infection rates of 7 pathogens were rather high: Streptococcus suis type 2 (50. 7%), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (40. 3%), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (100%), Japanese encephalitis virus (41. 3%), porcine circovirus type 2 (74. 8%), porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (73. 8%),gastroenteritis virus (44. 7%). Porcine parvovirus (26. 0%), pseudorabies virus(15. 6%) and intestinal worms (3. 2%) were also detected in some animals. The immune qualified rates of classical swine fever virus (62. 8%) and foot-and-mouth disease virus (35. 8%) were rather low. The immune qualified rate of pseudorabies virus was as high as 98. 4%. Besides, Salmonella, Brucella, swine dysentery snake like spirochetes, dermatophytes, influenza virus. Toxoplasma gondii, ectoparasites, and coccidia were not detected. Conclusions The results of this investigation indicate that epidemiological quality control of pathogens in experimental minipigs and efforts to establish high grade minipig population in Guangdong province remain to be strengthened. Our study also provides a basis for revision of local and even national standards for experimental minipigs.