The regulation mechanism of arecoline on rat hepatic CYP2E1 was studied in vivo. After oral administration of arecoline hydrobromide (AH; 4, 20 and 100 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) to rats for one week, the hepatic CYP2E1 mRNA level remained unchanged, but the hepatic CYP2E1 protein content was dose-dependently increased. Additionally, although the hepatic CYP2E1 activity was induced by AH treatment, the induction was attenuated with the increase in dosage. The results indicate that the effect of arecoline on rat hepaticdoes not involve transcriptional activation of the gene, but largely involves the stabilization of CYP2E1 protein against degradation or increased efficiency of CYP2E1 mRNA translation, and additionally involve the post- ranslational modification of CYP2E1 protein. Furthermore, the CYP2E1 response is fairly equal among the different species, the induction of rat hepatic CYP2E1 by arecoline suggests that there is a risk of metabolic interaction among the substrate drugs of CYP2E1 in betel-quid use human.
Animals ; Arecoline ; pharmacology ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 Inducers ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats

Chinese medicine (CM) is a discipline with its own distinct methodologies and philosophical principles. The main method of treatment in CM is to use herbal prescriptions. Typically, a number of herbs are combined to form a formula and different formulae are prescribed for different patients. Regularities in the mixture of herbs in the prescriptions are important for both clinical treatment and novel patent medicine development. In this study, we analyze CM formula data using latent tree (LT) models. Interesting regularities are discovered. Those regularities are of interest to students of CM as well as pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medicine using Chinese herbs.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; standards ; Drug Compounding ; standards ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Models, Biological ; Prescription Drugs ; therapeutic use

Adolescent ; Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ; pathology ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Lung ; pathology ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; pathology ; Male

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) has received growing research interest for its high nutritional and medicinal value due to its constituents such as polysaccharide, organic acids, flavonoids, minerals, and other substances. In this study, wax apple polysaccharide (WAP) was isolated from this plant and its protective effect against ethyl carbamate (EC)‍-induced oxidative damage was evaluated in human hepatocytes (L02 cells). Firstly, a series of analyses such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were conducted to identify the structure of WAP. Thereafter, in vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the protective effects of WAP against EC-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative damage in L02 cells. Our results revealed that WAP is composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 2.20:‍3.94:‍4.45:‍8.56:‍8.86:‍30.82:‍39.78:‍1.48. Using a combination of methylation and NMR spectroscopic analysis, the primary structure of WAP was identified as Araf-(1→, Glcp-(1→, →2)‍-Araf-(1→, →3)‍-Galp-(1→, →3)‍-Araf-‍(1→, and →6)‍-Galp-‍(1→. Cell experiments indicated that WAP exhibited significant protective effects on EC-treated L02 cells via suppressing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O₂^•- formation, as well as improving mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and glutathione (GSH). In a nutshell, WAP has the potential as an important therapeutic agent or supplement for hepatic oxidative damage. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to prove the above effects in vivo at the biological and clinical levels.
Humans ; Syzygium/chemistry* ; Urethane/pharmacology* ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Oxidative Stress ; Glutathione/pharmacology* ; Hepatocytes ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVETo study the extensibility and retractility of the surgical margins in digestive system neoplasms.

METHODSThe length difference of the digestive tract was measured in vivo and in vitro under different conditions. Five cm of the stomach, small intestine and large bowel and 2 cm of the esophagus were measured as standard control length in vivo just before resection. The length was measured with a ruler under pull of 500 g and 1 000 g in vivo, in fresh status in vitro, and 10% formaldehyde fixed for 6 - 8 h, 12 - 24 h and 48 - 72 h. The extension or retraction ratio was calculated. The length difference was divided by the natural length in vivo.

RESULTSSeventeen cases of the esophagus, 18 cases of the stomach, 15 cases of the small intestine and 25 cases of the large bowel were measured under pull of 500 g and 1 000 g. The esophagus extended 16.5% and 30.5%, stomach 15.0% and 22.6%, small intestine 66.4% and 120.0%, large bowel 36.0% and 56.0% respectively. In natural status ex vivo, the esophagus retracted 44.5%, stomach 13.6%, small intestine 11.4% and large bowel 15.6% respectively; they continue to retract after 10% formaldehyde fixation until 12 - 24 h later. If the length of surgical margin of the fresh specimen ex vivo was x, the natural length of margin in vivo of the esophagus would be 1.80 x, stomach 1.16 x, small intestine 1.13 x, and large bowel 1.18 x. If formaldehyde fixation for 6 - 8 h, the natural length of surgical margin in vivo of the esophagus would be 1.82 x, stomach 1.41 x, small intestine 1.22 x, large bowel 1.55 x. If formaldehyde fixation for 12 - 24 h, the surgical margin length in vivo of the esophagus would be 2.22 x, stomach 1.43 x, small intestine 1.28 x, and large bowel 1.57 x.

CONCLUSIONThe length of surgical margin of digestive system cancers varied under different conditions, and the evaluation of surgical margin during surgery should be performed under natural status in vivo.

Adult ; Aged ; Digestive System Neoplasms ; surgery ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of the Agatston score obtained with the ultra-high-pitch (UHP) acquisition mode using tin-filter spectral shaping (Sn150 kVp) and a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm to reduce the radiation dose. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 114 patients (mean ± standard deviation, 60.3 ± 9.8 years; 74 male) who underwent a standard 120 kVp scan and an additional UHP Sn150 kVp scan for coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS). These two datasets were reconstructed using a standard reconstruction algorithm (120 kVp + Qr36d, protocol A; Sn150 kVp + Qr36d, protocol B). In addition, the Sn150 kVp dataset was reconstructed using a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm (Sn150 kVp + Sa36d, protocol C). The Agatston scores for protocols A and B, as well as protocols A and C, were compared.The agreement between the scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The radiation doses for the 120 kVp and UHP Sn150 kVp acquisition modes were also compared. Results: No significant difference was observed in the Agatston score for protocols A (median, 63.05; interquartile range [IQR], 0–232.28) and C (median, 60.25; IQR, 0–195.20) (p = 0.060). The mean difference in the Agatston score for protocols A and C was relatively small (-7.82) and with the limits of agreement from -65.20 to 49.56 (ICC = 0.997). The Agatston score for protocol B (median, 34.85; IQR, 0–120.73) was significantly underestimated compared with that for protocol A (p < 0.001). The UHP Sn150 kVp mode facilitated an effective radiation dose reduction by approximately 30% (0.58 vs. 0.82 mSv, p < 0.001) from that associated with the standard 120 kVp mode. Conclusion The Agatston scores for CACS with the UHP Sn150 kVp mode with a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm and the standard 120 kVp demonstrated excellent agreement with a small mean difference and narrow agreement limits. The UHP Sn150 kVp mode allowed a significant reduction in the radiation dose.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of occupational medicamentosa-like dermatitis (OMDT) induced by trichloroethylene (TCE) and some immunity indexes in workers occupationally exposed to TCE.

METHODSThe blood samples from 8 cases with medicamentosa-like dermatitis in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th weeks after admitting to hospital were examined for liver function, immunoglobulin and some complement indexes. Thirty nine workers occupationally exposed to TCE were investigated for urinary TCE and some immuno-complement indexes. The TCE concentrations of air in workplaces were monitored.

RESULTSC3d-CIC and C3 of patients before admission were (92.86 ± 44.80) mg/L and 0.91 ± 0.19 mg/L, respectively. C3d-CIC and C3 of patients before discharge were (52.41 ± 17.75) mg/L and (1.14 ± 0.22) mg/L, respectively. There were significant differences between admission and discharge (P < 0.05). The average TCE concentration in 4 workplaces was (351.96 ± 36.72) mg/m(3), which was higher than the occupational exposure limits (OELs). The number of workers exposed to the TCE concentration-time weighted and TCA in urine over OELs were 28.21% and 56.41% of total subjects, respectively. The serum IgG and CIC levels of patients before discharge were (10.03 ± 1.21) mg/L and 103.50 ± 29.17 mU/L, which were significantly lower than those (17.21 ± 1.85) mg/L and (227.46 ± 111.67) mU/L of patients before admission (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe type II and III hypersensitivity may be associated with OMDT and the organ injure induced by TCE.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Complement System Proteins ; immunology ; Dermatitis, Occupational ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; Trichloroethylene ; toxicity ; Young Adult

Objective To observe the change of results of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) ,homocysteine (Hcy ) ,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP ) ,lipids and other indicators in the patients with normal group ,primary hypertension group ,type H hypertension group and type H hypertension ischemic stroke group ,and search the relationship between LP-PLA2 and type H-hypertension ischemic stroke .Methods From January 2015 to June 2017 ,continuous selected 103 patients with type H hypertension ischemic stroke group ,124 patients with type H hypertension group ,80 patients with primary hypertension group and 50 patients with healthy controls as normal group .Analyzed level of Lp-PLA2 ,Hcy ,hs-CRP and lipids in serum ,compared the difference with each group .A binary Logistic regression analysis was used to an-alyze its correlation with ischemic stroke .Results The serum concentration of total cholesterol(TC) ,low-den-sity lipoproteincholesterol(LDL-C) ,LP-PLA2 in type H hypertension group and type H hypertension ischemic stroke group was higher than primary hypertension group and normal group ,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0 .05) .The serum concentration of triglyceride (TG) in type H hypertension ischemic stroke group was higher than primary hypertension group and normal group ,the difference was statistically signifi- cant(P＜0 .05) .The serum concentration of Hcy in primary hypertension group ,type H hypertension group and type H hypertension ischemic stroke group was higher than normal group ,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0 .05) ;The serum concentration of Hcy in type H hypertension group and type H hypertension ischemic stroke group was higher than primary hypertension group ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜ 0 .05) ;The serum concentration of Hcy ,LP-PLA2 in type H hypertension ischemic stroke group was higher than type H hypertension group ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) .The serum con-centration of hs-CRP in type H hypertension group was higher than primary hypertension group and normal group ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) ;The serum concentration of hs-CRP in type H hy-pertension ischemic stroke group was higher than type H hypertension group ,primary hypertension group and normal group ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) .Two element Logistic regression analysis , Lp-PLA2 were significantly related to type H hypertension ischemic stroke ( SE ＝ 0 .013 ,P ＜ 0 .05 ) . Conclusion LP-PLA2 is an inflammatory biomarker and it is closely related to the occurrence and develop-ment of type H hypertension ischemic stroke .

[Objective]To investigate the safety and efficacy of phosphorylcholine oligomer grafted graphene oxide as a drug carrier for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of liver cancer.[Methods]Doxorubicin loaded folic acid labeled phosphorylcholine oligomer grafted graphene oxide(DOX@GO-PCn-FA)was prepared. Graphene ox-ide(GO)and DOX@GO-PCn-FA were injected intravenously via marginal ear vein in New Zealand white rabbits respec-tively to assess their safety and biodistribution for intravenous administration.Ten male New Zealand rabbits were used to establishe the VX2 liver cancer model and the tumor characteristics were confirmed by dynamic contrast enhanced CT scan.Catheter was inserted via femoral artery and advanced into hepatic lobar or segmental artery.Digital subtraction angi-ography(DSA)was performed to validate the tumor feeding vessels.DOX@GO-PCn-FA was injected through the cathe-ter to carry out selective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE). Dynamic enhanced CT scan and pathological examinations of major tissues and organs were implemented 7 days post TACE to evaluate the efficacy of embolization effect of DOX@GO-PCn-FA against liver tumor as well as the biodistribution and safety.[Results]Intravenous injection of GO resulted in significant thrombosis and pulmonary embolism whereas DOX@GO-PCn-FA of same dosage did not. DOX@GO-PCn-FA was capable of effectively diminishing the blood supply of liver tumors when applied in TACE. Pathologic exploration revealed that DOX@ GO-PCn-FA mainly deposited in the tumor,and no obvious complications were observed.[Conclusions]GO-PCn presented superior biocompatibility and exerted effective chemoembolization against liver cancer.

Objective To understand the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among newly reported HIV-infected patients from 2016 to 2017 in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to detect HCV antibodies in 2 196 newly reported HIV-infected persons in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, from 2016 to 2017. Results A total of 694 cases(31.6%) were detected antibodies against HCV during HIV-infected persents. The prevalence of HCV co-infection among newly reported HIV-infected patients in Chinese and Burmese was 14.4% (112/780) and 41.1% (582/1 416), respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of HCV co-infection was higher in male, ethnic minorities such as Dai and Jingpo minority, primary school and below and farmers in both Chinese and Burmese. Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that HCV infection was associated with male, Dai minority, HIV infection by injecting drug and famers among Chinese and Burmese reported HIV-infected patients. Conclusions The prevalence of HCV co-infection was high among newly reported in Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Meanwhile, the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/HCV co-infections in Chinese and Burmese are different, thus different prevention and control measures are needed for patients of different nationalities.