0.05).The percentage of CD40 positive cells in CBMC-derived DC was lower than that in PBMC-derived DC[(34.80?7.77)% vs(54.37?9.57)%,P

Bronchial Diseases ; diagnosis ; Bronchial Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucormycosis ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of hydroquinone (HQ) on expression of topoisomerase IIα (TOPOIIα) in human bone marrow mononuclear cells, and to explore the role and possible regulatory mechanism of TOPOIIα involved in toxicity of HQ to hematopoietic cells.

METHODSAfter human bone marrow mononuclear cells were exposed to 50 µmol/L HQ (used the cells which were exposed to sterile distilled water as control); the activity of TOPOII was measured by TOPOII assay kit; the expression levels of TOPOIIα mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR technique and Western blotting method respectively; the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was carried out to study the possible mechanism of TOPOIIα expression changes.

RESULTS(1) The activity of TOPOII was inhibited obviously; the protein and mRNA expression of TOPOIIα were 0.017 ± 0.029 and 0.610 ± 0.128, significantly lower than that in the control with the significant difference (P < 0.01) after treated with HQ for 10 h; (2) The decreased content of TOPOIIα was associated with descended level of histone H4 acetylation than in the control, from 1.198 ± 0.056 to 0.324 ± 0.229, with the significant difference (P < 0.01), without accompanied descended level of histone H3 acetylation, from 1.253 ± 0.045 to 1.177 ± 0.025 (P > 0.05); (3) TOPOIIα mRNA expression decreased gradually after HQ processing, and the chemical modification (histone H4 acetylation) of TOPOIIα promoter happened prior to the mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONHQ could repress the expression of TOPOIIα in human bone marrow mononuclear cells; the change of histone chemical modification plays an important role in the benzene's hematopoietic toxicity.

Acetylation ; Adult ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA Topoisomerases, Type II ; metabolism ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Histones ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydroquinones ; toxicity ; Male ; Young Adult

Objective To develop a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score scale for acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) in sepsis, and to carry out its reliability and validity analyses and its clinical preliminary application. Methods ① According to the characteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, combined with the understanding of etiology, pathogenesis and physical signs of TCM and literature search, a preliminary framework of scoring system for TCM syndromes of AGI in sepsis was constructed to carry out the scoring by this scale. ② After the scale and data were obtained, the analyses of split-half reliability (indicated by Guttman's split-half reliability of the a and b groups), test-retest reliability and the internal consistency reliability (expressed by the Cronbach's coefficient α) were carried out, and the structural validity and criterion validity were also analyzed. ③ The AGI patients were divided into two groups according to the 28-day survival and death conditions, and the AGI TCM syndrome score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) score were compared between the two groups to determine the best cut-off point for survival analysis. Results ① The first draft of the septic AGI TCM syndrome rating scale was prepared, The TCM syndrome indicators include: abdominal distension, constipation/diarrhea, diet situation, vomiting/stomach retention, tongue proper, tongue coating, pulse manifestation, belching, body temperature, and accompanied syndrome, there were 6 points for scoring, 0 - 6 points, and they were divided into normal (0 points), mild (2 points), moderate (4 points), and severe (6 points) in severity. ② Eighty-eight patients with septic AGI were included in the final statistics. The retest of correlation coefficient of this scale was R = 0.974 (> 0.85), Guttman's split-half reliability was 0.793 (> 0.7) and the Cronbach's coefficient α was > 0.7. This scale was suitable for factor analysis. After rotation, 3 factors were determined, which were named as TCM syndrome differentiation, related physical signs, and gastrointestinal tolerance. After modeling, the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model approximate error root mean square (RMSEA) was 0.07 (< 0.08), and the goodness of fit index (CFI) = 0.90; the Pearson correlation analyses between the criteria validity of APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA, MODS scores and TCM 1 score and TCM 2 score of this scale showed that the r values were 0.802 and 0.752, 0.524 and 0.519, 0.619 and 0.590, respectively, all P < 0.01. ③ Compared with the survival group, TCM score (33.73±5.95 vs. 37.28±5.26, t = 2.945, P = 0.004), the APACHE Ⅱ score (19.90±4.47 vs. 22.28±5.79, t = 2.069, P = 0.043), SOFA score (8.73±1.11 vs. 9.64±1.38, t = 3.329, P = 0.020) in the death group were significantly decreased; MODS score in the death group showed a decreasing trend (6.65±1.22 vs. 7.28±1.60, t = 2.078, P = 0.050). Cox regression analysis showed that when the survival analysis was performed with a cut-off point of 35, the 28-day survival rate of patients with TCM syndrome score ≥ 35 was significantly lower than that of patients with < 35 score, χ2= 6.362, P = 0.012. Conclusions The TCM syndrome rating scale for AGI in sepsis was successfully prepared. The statistical reliability and validity of this scale are good. Preliminary clinical application shows that this scale can predict the prognosis and severity of patients with septic AGI. Trial registration China Clinical Trial Registry Center, ChiCTR-IOR-15007625.

BACKGROUNDMany potential causative factors are related to the initiation and progression of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The aim of this research was to investigate the etiology and clinical features of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Chinese patients.

METHODSFrom January 1990 to July 2011, 643 cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were investigated retrospectively to analyze the potential causative factors, age, gender, latency period, time from the onset of pain to diagnosis, and Association Research Circulation Osseous stage.

RESULTSOf 643 cases, 315 cases were bilateral and 328 cases were unilateral, with an average age of (47.55 ± 15.27) years. In the steroid-induced group, the average age at symptom onset was (41.80 ± 15.47) years, and the median duration from taking steroid to the onset of pain was 36 months. The underlying diseases in the steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head group consisted of autoimmune and other diseases, of which systemic lupus erythematosus was the most common. In the alcohol-induced group, the average age at onset of symptoms was (48.06 ± 11.90) years and the median time of habitual alcohol use was 240 months. In the traumatic group, the average age was (51.43 ± 14.23) years and the median time from trauma to the onset of pain was 20 months. In the idiopathic group, the average age was (50.33 ± 15.88) years. Of the total of 958 hips, 647 were at stage III or IV. The stage at diagnosis was earlier in the steroid-induced group than in the alcohol-induced, traumatic, or idiopathic groups.

CONCLUSIONSSteroid use is the most common cause for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in this study. The age at diagnosis, time from the onset of pain to diagnosis, and stage were significantly earlier in the steroid-induced group.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Femur Head Necrosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) combined with mucin on the ability of proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) after being treated by burn rat serum.

METHODSThe rat IEC-6 cell lines were subcultured and divided into control group (C, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% calf serum), burn serum group (BS, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum), burn serum + ITF group (B + I, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 25 microg/mL ITF), burn serum + mucin group (B + M, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 250 microg/mL mucin), and burn serum + ITF + mucin group (B + I + M, cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% burn rat serum, 25 microg/mL ITF, and 250 microg/mL mucin) according to the random number table. Cells were counted on post culture day (PCD) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, reflecting cell proliferation ability. Cell migration distance was measured at post scratch hour (PSH) 12, 24, 36, 48, 72. Then, cells of each group were placed in upper compartment of Transwell chamber while the corresponding medium was respectively added into lower compartment of Transwell chamber. Cells in lower compartment of Transwell chamber were counted at post culture hour (PCH) 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, reflecting cytomorphosis ability. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTS(1) Cell proliferation ability. The cell numbers in BS group on PCD 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly less than those in C group (with t values from -16.569 to -2.613, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The cell number showed no statistical difference between B + I and BS groups, and between B + M and BS groups at each time point (with t values respectively from 0.037 to 0.740 and 0.116 to 0.429, P values all above 0.05). The cell number in B + I + M group on PCD 2 was respectively larger than that in BS group (t = 6.484, P < 0.01) and B + I group ( t = 3.838, P < 0.01). (2) Cell migration distance in BS group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 was significantly shorter than that in C group (with t values from -37.594 to -6.727, P values all below 0.01). There was no obvious difference in cell migration distance between BS and B + M groups at each time point (with t values from 0.055 to 0.589, P values all above 0.05). Cell migration distance in B + I group at PSH 12, 24, 36 was respectively (47 +/- 6), (126 +/- 13), (170 +/- 11) microm, all longer than those in BS group [(42 +/- 7), (98 +/- 14), (154 +/- 22) microm, with t values from 2.230 to 4.817, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. Cell migration distance in BS group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and B + I group at PSH 12, 24, 36, 48 was respectively shorter than that in B + I + M group (with t values respectively from 2.982 to 7.390 and 2.707 to 2.918, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (3) Cytomorphosis ability. Compared with those of C group, cell counts in lower compartment of BS group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 were significantly decreased (with t values from -23.965 to -6.436, P values all below 0.01). Cell count in lower compartment of BS group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 was respectively less than that of B + I group (with t values from 3.650 to 10.028, P values all below 0.01) and similar to that of B + M group (with t values from 0.199 to 0.797, P values all above 0.05). Cell counts in lower compartment of B + I + M group at PCH 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 were significantly larger than those of BS group (with t values from 4.313 to 15.100, P values all below 0.01). Cell count in lower compartment of B + I + M group at PCH 10 (328 +/- 47) and PCH 12 (465 +/- 37) was respectively larger than that in B + I group (277 +/- 25, 353 +/- 34, with t value respectively 3.051, 6.945, P values all below 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSITF can improve cytomorphosis ability for promoting cell migration with limited effect on cell proliferation, which can be enhanced with addition of mucin. The main mechanism of ITF in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier may be attributed to acceleration of cell migration.

Animals ; Burns ; blood ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Intestines ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mucins ; pharmacology ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Serum ; immunology ; Trefoil Factor-2

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) combined with mucin on immune function of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) after being treated with burn rat serum.

METHODSThe rat IEC-6 cell lines were divided into control group (C, cultured in DEME medium containing 10% calf serum), burn control group (BC, cultured in DEME medium containing 10% burn rat serum), burn serum + ITF group (B + I, cultured in DEME medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 25 microg/mL ITF), burn serum + mucin group (B + M, cultured in DEME medium containing 10% burn rat serum and 250 microg/mL mucin), and burn serum + ITF + mucin group (B + I + M, cultured in DEME medium containing 10% burn rat serum, 25 microg/mL ITF, and 250 microg/mL mucin) according to the random number table. Meanwhile, 200 microL suspension of E. coli with density of 1 x 10(8) CFU/mL was added to each culture. At post culture minute (PCM) 15, 30 and post culture hour (PCH) 1, 2, 3, the number of bacteria adherent to IEC-6 was counted after Wright-Giemsa staining, and cell survival rate was calculated after trypan blue staining, with 20 samples in each group at each time point. (2) Other samples of IEC-6 cells without addition of E. coli were divided into BC, B + I, B + M, and B + I + M groups with the same treatment as above. The supernatant contents of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were determined by radioimmunoassay at PCH 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, with 6 samples in each group at each time point. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTS(1) Compared with that in C group, count of adherent bacteria to IEC-6 in BC group at each time point was significantly increased (with t values from 2.947 to 8.149, P values all below 0.01). Compared with those in BC group, the counts in B + I, B + M, B + I + M groups at the major time points were significantly decreased (with t values from -4.733 to -2.180, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (2) Compared with that in C group, cell survival rate in BC group at each time point was obviously lowered (with t values from -4.126 to -2.363, P values all below 0.05). Cell survival rates in B + I and B + M groups at some time points were significantly elevated as compared with those in BC group (with t values from 2.120 to 3.423, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Cell survival rate in B + I + M group at PCM 15 and PCH 3 was respectively (96.7 +/- 2.4)% and (84.0 +/- 6.7)%, which was respectively higher than that in B + I and B + M groups [(94.5 +/- 3.1)%, t = 2.507, P < 0.05; (77.1 +/- 8.2)%, t = 2.934, P < 0.01]. (3) The contents of TNF-alpha in supernatant of B + I + M group at PCH 6, 12, 24, 48 were significantly lower than those in the other 3 groups (with t values from -6. 914 to -2.889, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The contents of IL-6 in supernatant of B + I + M group at some time points were significantly lower than those in the other 3 groups (with t values from -7. 657 to -2.580, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The contents of IL-8 in supernatant of B + I + M group at PCH 6, 12, 24, 48 were significantly lower than those in BC and B + M groups (with t values from - 8.802 to - 3.640, P values all below 0.01), and those in B + I + M group at PCH 12, 24 were lower than those in B + I group (with t value respectively -2.786, -2.740, P value all below 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSITF can maintain immune function and homeostasis of IEC, prevent bacterial adherence, decrease cell death rate, and reduce release of inflammatory mediators. The effect can be strengthened with addition of mucin.

Animals ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Burns ; blood ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; immunology ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; Intestines ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Mucins ; pharmacology ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Serum ; immunology ; Trefoil Factor-2 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDIllegal plasma collecting activities in mid 1990s caused a large number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in rural areas of central-eastern China. Although most of these activities have been stopped, there were few reports on secondary transmission from infected former plasma donors to their spouses and from infected mothers to their children. This study was to determine the extent of HIV infections among young children in a rural community with a large proportion of plasma donors.

METHODSA survey was conducted among children aged under 7 years in a former plasma donating community in September 2000: finger blood was collected for HIV antibody testing. Another survey was repeated among children aged under 8 years and their families in the same community in April 2001: urine samples were collected for HIV testing. HIV positive children and samples of HIV negative children, whose mothers were positive based on 2001 survey, were followed up until September 2002 to investigate HIV seroconversion, disease progression and HIV strain analysis. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on children's delivery, breast feeding, medical history and their parents' commercial blood donation history and HIV status.

RESULTSAmong 169 children surveyed in 2000, 10 (5.9%) were HIV positive. Of 224 children, 11 were positive in 2001. The overall prevalence rate in the two surveys was 5.0% (17/337) when counting 56 repeated children only once. Of children born to HIV positive mothers, 28.9% were infected. A seroconversion rate of 2.5 per 100 child-years was observed by following up 28 HIV negative children. No statistically significant associations were found between children's HIV infection and their histories of blood transfusion, surgery, immunization injection or medical injections. All infections were HIV-1 subtype B' strain, the average dispersion rate is 7.4%. DNA sequence analysis showed a close relationship between the seroconverted children and their infected mothers.

CONCLUSIONSHIV vertical transmissions in the rural former plasma donating community was significant. Intervention measures should be taken to prevent further transmission. It was estimated that the HIV spread in this community occurred in 1994 or even earlier. Many infected people are developing AIDS now: treatment and care are urgently needed for these sick people.

Blood Donors ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; transmission ; HIV Seropositivity ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; statistics & numerical data ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo reveal the pharmacological activities of the components for their further utilization and development by studying the chemical constituents of Citrus changshan-huyou.

METHODThe structures were determined by repeated silica gel chromatographic separation and spectral analysis.

RESULTFive compounds were obtained, and identified as 3-oxo friedelin (I), limonin (II), beta-sitosterol (III), 8-(2',3'-dihydroxy-4'-methylbutane)-7-methoxycoumarin (IV), sucrose (V).

CONCLUSIONThe five compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Citrus ; chemistry ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Limonins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Sucrose ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

Endosonography ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Embolism ; diagnosis