Objective To investigate the benefits of long-term home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation(NIPPV) for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods From 2006 to 2007,46 patients with chronic respiratory failure due to stable COPD receiving NIPPV in Croix Rousse Hospital were retrospectively analysed.The arterial blood gas analysis of before treatment,1,3,6,12,24 and 36 months after treatment were compared,and the lung function of before treatment,6,12,24 and 36 months after treatment were also compared. Results PaCO2 of 1,3,6,12,24 and 36 months after receiving NIPPV significantly decreased(P

Chloroplast genome sequences have comprehensive application prospects in DNA barcoding and chloroplast engineering in traditional Chinese medicine. The complete chloroplast genome of Magnolia officinalis sequenced by high-throughput pyrosequencing and a sequencing procedure was established. Fourteen contigs were obtained after de nove assembly. The sequencing percent of coverage was 99.99%. The chloroplast genome is 160 183 bp in size, and has a typical quadripartite structure with the large (LSC, 88 210 bp) and small copy (SSC, 18 843 bp) regions separated by two copies of an inverted repeat (IRs, 26 565 bp each). chloroplast genes were successfully annotated, of which 17 genes located in each IR region. The chloroplast genome features in Magnolia officinalis are nearly identical to those from other Magnoliid chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on 81 shared coding-genes for a total of 9 Magnolia samples of 5 closely related species. Results showed that distinguishing among species was generally straightforward at the species and population level. This study confirmed the effectiveness of our chloroplast genome sequencing procedure. The chloroplast genome can provide distinguishing differences to help identify Magnolia officinalis and its closely related plants.
Base Sequence ; Chloroplasts ; genetics ; DNA, Chloroplast ; genetics ; Genes, Chloroplast ; Genes, Plant ; Genome, Chloroplast ; Genome, Plant ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Magnolia ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion pretreatment on the protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and activated protein-1 (AP-1), the key factors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling transduction pathway in gastric tissue of rats with stress-induced gastric mucosal damage, and to discuss the mechanisms of moxibustion therapy in promoting the restoration of damaged gastric mucosa.
Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a moxibustion group using the random digits table, 10 in each group. Except the rats in the normal group, rats in the other two groups were used to make stress-induced gastric mucosal damage model using restraint and cold stress. Before modeling, rats in the moxibustion group were alternately treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12), or Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21), once a day, for a total of 8 d. Histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed under the light microscopy, the expression of gastric tissue p-ERK1/2 was detected by immunohistochemistry assay, and the protein levels of EGFR and AP-1 were measured by Western blots.
Results: Compared with rats in the normal group, gastric mucosal damage was more serious, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the model group (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.05). Compared with rats in the model group, gastric mucosal damage was milder, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the moxibustion group (allP<0.01).
Conclusion:Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) couldincrease EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 expression levels in gastric tissue of stress-induced gastric mucosal damage rats, maintain the information transfer function of ERK signaling transduction pathway, and promote restoration of gastric mucosal damage.

BACKGROUNDCerebral ischemia-reperfusion/hypoxia-reoxygenation insult triggers lots of pathophysiological and biochemical events that separately affect the evolution of cerebral damage. Accordingly, all known effective neuroprotective measures should be taken to get the optimal efficacy of therapy. This study was undertaken to investigate whether diazoxide (DZ) preconditioning combined with the following hypothermia could contribute to synergistic neuroprotection compared with either hypothermia or DZ preconditioning alone.

METHODSCultured for 9-10 days in vitro, the hippocampal neurons of SD rats were preconditioned with DZ 0 micromol/L or DZ 250 micromol/L for 1 hour per day and this treatment lasted for 3 days. Subsequently, neurons were subjected to deprivation of oxygen for 4 hours at 37 degrees C, 34 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 22 degrees C, respectively. This experiment consisted of 8 groups (4 temperature groups and 4 combination groups) and each group contained 12-well or 2-dish cells. Survival rate, expression of Bcl-2, fluorescence magnitude of intracellular calcium, and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined at 24 hours after reoxygenation.

RESULTSThe survival rate and expression of Bcl-2 were both increased in individually hypothermic conditions compared with those at 37 degrees C (P < 0.05), whereas intracellular calcium and MDA did the opposite exhibition simultaneously (P < 0.05). 22 degrees C contributed to a higher survival rate and greater expression of Bcl-2 in comparison with other hypothermia (P < 0.05). Preceding administration of 250 micromol/L DZ took the similar effects on the neurons like hypothermia. Moreover, compared with individual hypothermia or DZ preconditioning, the neuronal survival rate and expression of Bcl-2 in the combination group were increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the calcium fluorescence density and concentration of MDA were reduced further (P < 0.05). 250 micromol/L DZ preconditioning combined with 22 degrees C provided a maximal neuroprotection.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with either individual hypothermia or DZ preconditioning, the combination of both treatments conferred synergistic protection for cultured hippocampal neurons in vitro against hypoxia-reoxygenation insult.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Diazoxide ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Hypoxia, Brain ; pathology ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Activating mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK(ATP)) channels is a critical event of pharmacological preconditioning, which can enhance neuronal ability against various insults. mitoK(ATP) channels are abundant in neurons and can be selectively opened by diazoxide (DZ). The aim of this study was to determine whether DZ could restrain neuronal apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation and to reveal the effect of DZ preconditioning on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in cultured hippocampal neurons. Cultured for 9~10 d in vitro, the hippocampal neurons of Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following 5 groups randomly: Control, DZ 0 mumol/L, DZ 30 mumol/L, DZ 100 mumol/L, DZ 100 mumol/L+5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, a selective mitoK(ATP) channel blocker) 100 mumol/L. Prior to oxygen deprivation, the hippocampal neurons except those in the control group were treated with DZ or DZ+5-HD for 1 h per day and this treatment persisted for 3 d. Thereafter, neurons were subjected to anoxia for 4 h and followed by reoxygenation. At 24 h of reoxygenation the neuronal survival rates were measured by MTT method, while the apoptotic rates were assayed by annexin V-FITC staining. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were detected with immunocytochemistry and evaluated by Western blot. Anoxia-reoxygenation injury reduced the survival rates and increased apoptotic rates significantly. In comparison with those in other groups, the survival rate in DZ 100 mumol/L group was increased by about 15%, whereas the apoptotic rate was decreased by almost 12% simultaneously. 5-HD could abolish the neuroprotection afforded by 100 mumol/L DZ. Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in the control normoxic neurons were both expressed slightly, while anoxia-reoxygenation led to high expression of Bax protein. The administration of 100 mumol/L DZ enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 protein by nearly 60%, whereas Bax protein was reduced by approximately 30%. Lower concentrations of DZ had no detectable effects on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. However, beneficial effects of DZ on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were reversed after the co-treatment with 5-HD. In conclusion, 100 mumol/L DZ prevented cultured hippocampal neurons from apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation possibly through up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein and down-regulating the expression of Bax protein.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Hypoxia ; Diazoxide ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Neurons ; cytology ; Primary Cell Culture ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe high incidence of neuropsychologic deficits after cardiac surgery, including cognitive dysfunction and mood status, has significantly influenced the prognosis, outcome of treatment and long-term quality of life of patients. With a circadian secretion pattern, melatonin and cortisol are capable of modulating the human physiological processes and neuropsychological status, whereas disorder of their secretion pattern may lead to many diseases. However, it is unclear whether neuroendocrine variations are related to the neuropsychologic status in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODSForty male patients scheduled for CABG with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (n = 20) or off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) (n = 20) were studied. Blood samples were taken intraoperatively at specific time-points and every 3 hours within the first postoperative 24 hours to determine plasma concentrations of melatonin and cortisol. A neuropsychologic test battery including depression and anxiety was administered preoperatively and 7 to 10 days postoperatively. Statistical methods included the nonparametric analysis, multiple linear regression and cosinor analysis.

RESULTSThe patients in the CPB group exhibited more severe neuropsychologic deficits and more anxious than those in the OPCAB group after surgery. In both groups, patients were more depressed postoperatively than preoperatively and recovered 3 months after surgery. Depression and anxiety were correlated with some factors of cognitive dysfunctions. In the postoperative 24 hours, 2 patients in the CPB group, and 6 patients in the OPCAB group showed a circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion. As for cortisol secretion, there were 3 patients in the CPB group and 7 in the OPCAB group respectively. Parameters of circadian rhythm of melatonin in the CPB group and those of secretion rhythm of cortisol in both groups were correlated with depression and some neuropsychologic tests.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of neuropsychological deficits was higher in patients receiving CABG with CPB than in those without CPB. The status of mood may contribute to the perioperative cognitive dysfunctions. The disordered circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in patients undergoing CABG with CPB and the disordered cortisol secretion may correlate directly or indirectly through mood with neuropsychological deficits.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; adverse effects ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Cognition Disorders ; etiology ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; secretion ; Male ; Melatonin ; blood ; secretion ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology

To compare the molecular characteristics of the Capsid gene and 3' untranslation region (3'UTR) of Getah viruses (GETV) isolated in Hainan Province and Hebei Province of China,the viral RNAs were extracted from M1(Hainan), HB0215-3 and HB0234(Hebei) virus stocks. Capsid gene segments and 3' UTR segments from three strains of Chinese GETV were obtained by RT-PCR and then sequenced. The obtained nucleotide sequences were analyzed using the Clustal X(1.8), DNASTAR, MAGA3.1 programs. The full-length Capsid gene of the 3 strains of Chinese GETV were comprised of 801, 804 and 804 nucleotides each, encoding the protein of 267,268 and 268 amino acids each. Sequencing of Capsid gene fragments showed that two strains of Hebei isolates were identical and had homology of 97.6% at nucleotide level and 97.8% at amino acids level with M1. Their homologies when compared with strains isolated from other countries were also high at nucleotide levels (95.4%-99.6%). The 3'UTR from the three strains were comprised of 411, 401 and 401 nucleotides each, and had found specific deletion of 10 nt at position 44-54 and two specific nucleotide sites that was T at position 64 and C at position 148. GETV isolated in China presented relation of the year of virus isolation with the phylogenesis distance when compared with the other GETV strains and comprised a genetically highly conserved group.
3' Untranslated Regions ; genetics ; Alphavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Base Sequence ; Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; China ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein CD31, CD61 and CD62p in the pathogenesis of decompression sickness.

METHODSMice were randomly divided into decompression sickness group and normal control group. The animals in decompression sickness group were exposed to 600 kPa compressed air for 60 minute, then they were rapidly decompressed to normal pressure in one minute. At 60th minute after reducing to normal pressure, the expression of CD31, CD61 and CD62p on platelet membrane in mice was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe mean fluorescence intensity of CD31, CD61 and positive percentage of CD62p on platelet membrane [(18.64 +/- 1.01), (271.06 +/- 24.25), (4.48% +/- 0.43%) respectively] in decompression sickness group were significantly increased compared with normal control group [(16.89 +/- 1.69), (234.09 +/- 15.96), (3.00% +/- 0.66%) respectively] (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONInadequately rapid decompression may induce up regulation of platelet membrane glycoprotein CD31, CD61 and CD62p expression in mice, which may lead to thrombosis.

Animals ; Blood Platelets ; chemistry ; Decompression Sickness ; blood ; Female ; Integrin beta3 ; blood ; Mice ; P-Selectin ; blood ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood

With the kernel of efficacy, "Xiaohe Silian" was a pattern and method for new drug discovery which was constituted with "metabolism-efficacy, toxicity-efficacy, quality-efficacy and structure-efficacy". Its connotation was in keeping with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy. This paper systematically summarized the research method of new drug discovery practice process for TCM. To avoid western drug like in TCM new drug discovery, we carried out combination analysis with TCM clinical pharmacy. The correlation analysis between basic elements of "Xiaohe Silian(n) and TCM clinical pharmacy was studied to guarantee this method could integrate closely with TCM clinic from all angles. Hence, this method aimed to provide a new method for TCM new drug discovery on the basis of TCM clinical pharmacy with insisting on holistic view of multicomponent study, kinetic view of metabolic process when the curative effect occurred and molecular material view of quality control and structure-activity exposition.
Drug Discovery ; methods ; Drug Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of electrocardiographic (ECG) Cornell criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in elderly Chinese men.

METHODSSince 1990, 244 autopsies were performed in our hospital in elderly men, LVH was determined in these autopsy hearts and correlated to ECG LVH signs recorded within 3 months before death according to Cornell (SV3+RaVL) and Sokolow-Lyon criteria (SV1+RV5 or RV6). The reference value of Cornell criteria was obtained based on values from autopsied healthy hearts, the sensitivity and specificity of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in these elderly men were calculated.

RESULTSThere were significantly correlations between QRS amplitudes of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria and autopsy left ventricular wall thickness in these hearts. The reference value of Cornell criteria (SV3+RaVL) was 2.9 mV. The sensitivity of Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria for detecting LVH was 25.4% and 34.3% (P<0.05 vs Sokolow-Lyon criteria), respectively.

CONCLUSIONVoltage (SV3+RaVL)>or=2.9 mV might be a suitable diagnostic value for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in Chinese elderly men.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electrocardiography ; standards ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reference Values ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity