Objective To investigate the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) on proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ)in SD rat cardiac fibroblasts(CFbs),and determine the role it plays in hypertensive ventricular remodeling.Methods CFbs in SD rat were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of AngⅡ and/or HGF.Collagen type Ⅰ synthesis of CFbs was measured by Western blotting,and proliferation of CFbs was detected by MTT assay. Results AngⅡ promoted collagen synthesis and proliferation in CFbs in a certain concentration range,which can be significantly inhibited by HGF. ConclusionHGF can inhibit the proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by AngⅡin SD rat CFbs,and may protect against hypertensive ventricular remodeling.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of nerve growth factors in the treatment of sudden deafness.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 124 cases of hospitalized patients who suffered from unilateral sudden deafness from November 2013 to February 2015.The patients were divided into two groups: 59 in the treatment group and 65 in the control group.Each group was further divided into four subgroups according to different audiometric curves: the low-frequency declining type, the high-frequency declining type, the flat type, the completely deafness type.The control group: the patients were treated with the conventional therapy according to different audiometric curves.The treatment group: intramuscular mouse nerve growth factor treatment was added on the basis of conventional therapy mentioned above.The both treatments lasted 10 days.The total efficiency of two groups was compared ,and the efficiency of the subgroups was also compared.Results The total efficiency of the treatment group was 64.40% and 44.62% for the control group.The total efficiency of the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group.The analysis revealed as having statistically significant differences (x2=4.877,P=0.032<0.05).The total efficiency of the sub-groups by different audiometric curves was further analyzed.All the total efficiency of the sub-groups in treatment group were higher than the sub-groups in the control group, but the results were notconsidered as significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusion The mouse nerve growth factor has a positive effect on the treatment of sudden deafness, and has shown the acceptable clinical efficacy without side-effect.Thus the mouse nerve growth factor is a safe and effective drug for treating sudden deafness.

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) method was established for the separation and determination of acetyl-glutamine enantiomers (acetyl-L-glutamine and acetyl-D-glutamine) simultaneously. Baseline separation was achieved on Chiralpak AD-H column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm). n-Hexane (containing 0.1% acetic acid) and ethanol (75:25, v/v) were used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The detection was operated in the negative ion mode with an ESI source. [M-H]? m/z 187.0540 for enantiomers and [M-H]? m/z 179.0240 for aspirin (IS) were selected as detecting ions. The linear range of the calibration curve for each enantiomer was 0.05–40 μg/mL. The precision of this method at concentrations of 0.5–20 μg/mL was within 7.23%, and the accuracy was 99.81%–107.81%. The precision at LOQ (0.05 μg/mL) was between 16.28% and 17.56%, which was poor than that at QC levels. The average extraction recovery was higher than 85% for both enantiomers at QC levels. The pharmacokinetics of enantiomers was found to be stereoselective. There was not chiral inversion in vivo or in vitro between enantiomers.

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) method was established for the separation and determination of acetyl-glutamine enantiomers (acetyl-L-glutamine and acetyl-D-glutamine) simultaneously. Baseline separation was achieved on Chiralpak AD-H column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm). n-Hexane (containing 0.1% acetic acid) and ethanol (75:25, v/v) were used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The detection was operated in the negative ion mode with an ESI source. [M-H]? m/z 187.0540 for enantiomers and [M-H]? m/z 179.0240 for aspirin (IS) were selected as detecting ions. The linear range of the calibration curve for each enantiomer was 0.05–40 μg/mL. The precision of this method at concentrations of 0.5–20 μg/mL was within 7.23%, and the accuracy was 99.81%–107.81%. The precision at LOQ (0.05 μg/mL) was between 16.28% and 17.56%, which was poor than that at QC levels. The average extraction recovery was higher than 85% for both enantiomers at QC levels. The pharmacokinetics of enantiomers was found to be stereoselective. There was not chiral inversion in vivo or in vitro between enantiomers.

Objective To determine normal reference ranges for venous blood count among children aging from 1 year old to 12 years old.Methods These normal reference ranges were defined in a population of 526 healthy children who had no blood system diseases,allergic diseases,respiratory system diseases,urinary system diseases,digestive system disease,rheumatoid disease,thyroid disease,parasitic infections,malignancies and genetic disease,etc.Values of white blood cell count (WBC),red blood cell count (RBC),hemoglobin (Hb)concentration,red blood cell specific volume (Hct),mean corpusular volume(MCV),mean cell hemoglo-bin (MCH),mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCHC),platelet (PLT),percentage of neutrophil (NE%),percentage of lymphocyte (LY%),percentage of mononuclear cells (MO%),percentage of acidophilic granulocyte (EOS%).Statistical analysis was done on various parameters that we recorded,and then for every parameter,we could get the various reference ranges for different age groups.Results The subjects were divided into 4 groups based on age.Besides the parameters of WBC count and classification of WBC,the rest of parameters were proved to be of no statistical difference between 4 groups..After an integration of the values,we could get the results as follows:RBC(4.02-5.2)×10 1 2/L,HGB 108-144 g/L,Hct 35.2%-40.4%,MCV 74.6-89.9 fL,MCH 20.9-34.7 pg,MCHC 332- 340 g/L,PLT(157 - 409 )× 10 9/L.WBC count did not have statistical difference between the age group 6-<9 and 9-12,but did have between the rest groups.After an integration of the values of WBC count,it could be conclu-ded that WBC count of age group1-<3 was(4.88-13.38)×10 9/L,that of age group 3-<6 was(4.26-1 1.6)×10 9/L and that of age group 6-12 was (4.24-10.24)×10 9/L.WBC classification results were various in different age groups.The values showed as follows:age group 1-<3 NE:29%-32%,LY:58%-61%;age group 3 -<6 NE:43%-46%,LY:43%-46%;age group 6-<9NE:49%-52%,LY:38%-40%;age group 9 to 12NE:5 1% - 58%,LY:33% - 39%.Conclusion WBC classification re-sults and WBC count do have statistical difference in different age groups.Besides the parameters of WBC count and classification of WBC,the rest of parameters are proved to be of no statistically difference in different age groups.The values of WBC count decrea-ses as the age increases.From WBC classification results,the most apparent fact is that the percentage of neutrophil increases as the age increases but the percentage of lymphocyte is just the contrary.As mentioned above,we suggest that we should establish a spe-cific whole blood count normal reference range for each age group during our laboratory testing work.

Objective:To investigate the antibacterial effect of different self-etching adhesive systems against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans).Methods:Six reagents ClearfilTM SE Bond primer (SP), ClearfilTM SE Bond adhesive (SA),ClearfilTM Protect Bond primer (PP),which contained antibacterial monomer methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB),ClearfilTM Protect Bond adhesive (PA), positive control chlorhexidine acetate [CHX,1% (mass fraction )],and negative control phosphate buffer solution (PBS)were selected.They were mixed with S.mutans for 30 s respectively,then colony-forming units (CFU)were counted after incubated for 48 h on brain heart infusion (BHI)agar medium. The 6 reagents were applied to the sterile paper discs,and distributed onto the BHI agar medium with S. mutans and incubated for 24 h,then the inhibition zones were observed.CHX,PBS,PP,and SP were added on the dentin with artificial caries induced by S.mutans and kept for 30 s,then confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM)was used to observe the live and dead bacteria after staining.The ratio of live to dead bacteria was calculated.PP+PA and SP+SA were applied on the dentin according to the manual and light cured.S.mutans were incubated on the samples for 2 h,ultrasonically treated and in-cubated on BHI agar medium for 48 h,then CFU was counted.The data were analyzed by non-parametric analysis and one-way ANOVA.Results:Compared with PBS,the PP,SP,PA,SA and CHX showed the antibacterial effect on free S.mutans (P<0.05 );SP and PP showed stronger antibacterial effect than PA,SA and CHX (P<0.05).CHX,SP and PP presented inhibition zones,while PBS,SA and PA did not.Compared with PBS,the CHX,SP and PP could lower the ratio of the live to dead bacteria significantly (P<0.05).Cured self-etching adhesive systems did not show any antibacterial effect on the free S.mutans.Conclusion:The primer of self-etching adhesives ClearfilTM SE Bond and ClearfilTM Pro-tect Bond showed significant antibacterial effect on free and attached S.mutans.The adhesive only showed antibacterial effect on free S.mutans before light-cured polymerization.After being cured,the self-etching adhesive systems did not show antibacterial effect anymore.

Objective To explore the DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats exposed to sodium arsenite. Methods Thirty-two Wistar rats, weighing 180 - 200 g, equal male and female, were randomly divided into 4 groups, 8 in each group. Sodium arsenite 0(control) ,0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L were given through drinking water for 30 days. Body weight and drinking water consumption were measured every day. Blood were collected and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was examined by single cell gel electrophoresis.Results The increase of body mass[( 121.00 ± 38.57), ( 120.62 ± 42.80), ( 125.38 ± 48.68)g]and water intake [(36.9 ± 6.2), (37.9 ± 5.8), (39.3 ± 4.2)ml/d]in 0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L sodium arsenite groups were compared with the control group[( 119.25 ± 47.27)g, (38.4 ± 5.1 )ml/d], and the difference were not significant (F = 0.040,0.828, all P ＞ 0.05). The tail ratios[46.25%(185/400) ,57.00%(228/400),64.00%(256/400)], tail lengths [(32.89 ± 17.18), (58.74 ± 36.28), (77.55 ± 35.73 ) μm]and tail moments [(6.29 ± 3.74), ( 11.20 ± 9.64),(17.30 ± 12.60)μm]in 0.05,0.15,0.45 mg/L sodium arsenite groups were significantly higher than those of the control group[39.25%(157/400), (18.73 ± 15.83),(2.61 ± 1.05)μm, all P ＜ 0.01], and the tail ratios,tail lengths and tail moments in lymphocytes increased with increased doses of arsenic concentration. Conclusions Low doses of arsenic exposure can induce DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) on hyphae development of Candida albicans.

METHODInverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, SEM were applied to inspect the Morphological change of C. albicans treated by EAHD at different concentrations. Solid agar plate was utilized to evaluate the colony morphology. Quantitative Real-ime PCR(qRT-PCR) was adopted to observe the expression of hyphae-specific genes such as HWP1, ALS3, UME6, CSH1, SUN41, CaPDE2.

RESULTEAHD with concentration of 312 and 1 250 mg . L-1 could inhibit formation of hyphae and colony morphology. The expression of HWP1, ALS3, UME6, CSH1 were downregulated 4. 13, 3. 64, 2. 46, 2. 75 folds ,while the expression of SUN41 were upregulated 7. 26 folds, CaPDE2 keep unchanged.

CONCLUSIONEAHD could inhibit formation of hyphae and colony morphologies of C. albicans through downregulating HWP1, ALS3, UME6 and CSH1.

Acetates ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Candida albicans ; cytology ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; drug effects ; Hyphae ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To observe the effect of the electroacupuncture ( EA) on the expression of cyclin-de-pendent kinase 5 ( Cdk5 ) in rats with muscle contusion and to explore its mechanism. Methods Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 4, a model group of 4, a natural recovery group ( NR) of 12 and an EA group of 12. All except those in the normal group had acute skeletal muscle contusion induced through a heavy blow. The EA group was treated with 15 minutes of EA daily beginning 48 h after the injury while the other rats received no EA. The model group was sacrificed 24 h after modeling, and rats from the NR and EA groups were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 21st day after the modeling to collect tissues. Hematoxylin eosin ( HE) staining, Western blotting and quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR were used to observe any histological changes, as well as Cdk5 protein and mRNA expression. Results The HE staining showed that the other 3 groups displayed larger a-mounts of muscle fiber fracture, dissolution and inflammatory cell invasion than was observed in the normal group. Compared with the NR group, quicker recovery was seen in the EA group as evidenced by faster muscle satellite cell proliferation and more new muscle fiber generation. The average Cdk5 protein expression in both the NR and EA groups was higher than in the normal group, and that of the EA group was significantly lower than that of the NR group. Conclusions Muscle contusion can increase Cdk5 expression in skeletal muscles, at least in rats. EA can promote the restoration of skeletal muscle function, probably by inhibiting CDK5 protein and mRNA expression.

To explore the relationship between blood level of big endothelin and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 1061 consecutive patients received emergent PCI in our hospital from 2013-01 to 2015-06 were enrolled. According to blood levels of big endothelin, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Normal big endothelin group, n=236 and Elevated big endothelin group, n=825. The baseline condition, procedural features, occurrence rate of CI-AKI and composite endpoint events at 6 and 12 months post-operation were studied which including nonfatal myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke and all-cause death. The risk factors for CI-AKI occurrence were identified by Logistic analysis. Results: The overall occurrence rate of CI-AKI was 22.7% (241/1061). Compared with Normal big endothelin group, Elevated big endothelin group had the higher incidence of CI-AKI, increased composite endpoint events at 6 and 12 months post-operation with P=0.041, P=0.040 and P=0.021, respectively. With adjusted covariates, elevated blood level of big endothelin, no matter as a continuous variable or categorical variable had the enhanced risk of CI-AKI incidence in patients after emergent PCI. Conclusion: Elevated blood level of big endothelin may significantly increase the risk of CI-AKI in patients with emergent PCI.