The main fields and trends of research on anti-inflammation and immunopharmacology were reviewed as: signal transduction pathways as target for therapy, cytokine regulating network, new types of immunotherapy, new mechanisms of anti-inflammation drugs, the mechanisms and inductive methods of immune tolerance and the development of natural immune system.

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced helical CT (CECT) for various small focal nodular lesions (≤2 cm) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods Eighty-one small hepatic space-occupying lesions in 72 patients with liver cirrhosis were detected with CEUS and CECT, respectively. The diagnostic performance was calculated by histological results obtained from biopsy or surgery, which was considered as the gold standard, Results Fifty-three of the 81 small nodules were hepatocellular carcinoma, 26 were regenerative nodules and 2 were hemangioma. On CEUS, 51 (96.2%,51/53) HCC were hypervascular during arterial phase. On CECT, 41 (77.4%, 41/53) HCC were hypervascular (P < 0.01).Nodules which appeared by contrast enhancement during the arterial phase and contrast wash-out during the portal/late phase on CEUS or CECT were considered as HCC. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 86.8% (46/53) ,82.1% (23/28) ,and 85.2 % (69/81) in CEUS, and 73.6% (39/53), 92.9 % (26/28), and 80.2 % (65/81) in CECT, respectively. Overall, there was no significant difference between CEUS and CECT in the diagnostic confidence for small hepatic nodules (P >0.05).Conclusions CEUS is superior to CECT in the detection of arterial vascularization for small hepatocellular carcinoma with a diameter ≤2 cm. The ability of CEUS in the characterization of focal nodular lesions in cirrhotic livers is similar to that of CECT.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in aged patients, and to explore the measures of its diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 100 aged patients (55-85 years old) with SAP admitted from January 2003 to December 2005 were reviewed and compared with those of 221 non-aged SAP patients (11-54 years old) admitted at the same period. RESULTS: Totally 112 times of onset occurred in 100 aged patients, and the main causes for senile SAP were biliary diseases and hyperlipemia. Both acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and Ranson scores of the aged patients with SAP were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in Balthazar score between the two groups(P>0.05). The incidences of low serum calcium, low albumin and high aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.05), liver, kidney or brain impairment as well as the mortality were higher in the senile SAP group than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biliary disease and hyperlipemia are the main causes of senile SAP, which lacks characteristic clinical symptoms and is often associated with multiple complications such as infection and lung, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and brain impairment. Individualized differential treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine based on stage classification is an effective approach.

Objective To investigate the effecacy of open reduction internal fixation in cases with rib fracture. Methods The pain scores,respiratory related clinical indicators change of 81 rib fractuure cases underwent open reduction internal fixation surgery were ob-served. A comparison was made between the surgical group and the non-surgical group of 37 cases on pain scores trend and hospital stay. Re-sults All operations were successfully completed and postoperative recovery was good. Postoperative pain scores and respiratory rate was sig-nificantly lower(P=0. 000),Oxygen saturation was significantly higher(P=0. 002),the proportion of expectoration difficult,dyspnea and ac-tivities inconvenience were significantly lower(P<0. 05). Pain scores of surgical group significantly decreased after surgery peak hours that was the fourth day hospitalized,but the overall decline of pain scores in non-surgical group was slow. The hospital stay between the surgical group and the non-surgical group was not significantly different(P=0. 084). Conclusion The efficacy of open reduction internal fixation is significant to rib fracture with exact surgery indications,and appropriate timing of surgery is the fourth day after admission.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of fetal echocardiography in prenatal diagnosis of partial and intermediate atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). MethodsUltrasound images of11casesof partialandintermediateAVSDconfirmedbyautopsy orpostnatal echocardiography were retrospectively analyzed and the characteristics were summarized. Results Fetal echocardiography of seven cases of partial AVSD and four cases of intermediate AVSD at fourchamber view showed ostium primum atrial septal defect and the mitral and tricuspid valves attaching at the same level on the interventricular septum. Atrio-ventricular valves took on a straight, bar-liked appearance when closed and constituted a “T” shape with interventricular septum. One partial AVSD case showed left ventricle-right atrium canal. All intermediate AVSD cases showed upper ventricular septal defect. There were four cases associated with mitral reflux, one associated with mitral and tricuspid reflux and one with bilateral radius absence. Conclusions “T” shape image is of great clinical value in prenatal diagnosis of fetal partial and intermediate AVSD. The coronary sinus may lead to false positive diagnosis.

Objective To study the effects of the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B ( NF-κB) , on the hepatic heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression as well as on the changes of hepatic function and ultrastructure in a rodent model of hemonhageic shock. Method Hemorrhagic shock was produced by inducing bilateral femoral fractures in male Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal injection of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC)was used to inhibit NF-κB activation 1 hour before induction of shock. A total of 66 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control, n = 6), trauma shock (TS, n = 30), and NF-κB inhibition followed by trauma shock (NF-κB inhibition, n =30). Measurements of hepatic NF-KB and HSP70, hepatic function bio-markers, TNF-α and IL-6 were obtained 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8 hours after trauma. Histopathological changes in liver tissues were also noted. Hepatic expression of NF-κB was determined by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, while HSP70 was assayed by western blot and analyzed with computer imaging. Results In rats with trauma shock, both hepatic NF-κB activity and HSP70 expression increased significantly compared to the control group, reaching peaks at 6 hour post injury. Serum alanine transferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TB) also rose significantly,reaching peaks at 8 hours post trauma. Light microscopy revealed hepatic congestion with infiltration of inflammatory cells into hepatic sinusoid in the TS group at 8 hours. Inhibiting the activity of NF-κB one hour before trauma significantly decreased expression of HSP70 at 6 hours post trauma [16.9±4.4 (NF-κB inhibition) vs. 23.0±1.7 (TS), P ＜ 0.05]. In addition,levels TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver tissue also decreased, and hepatic congestion as well as hepatic cell degeneration were ameliorated, showing minimal inflammatory infiltrates in the hepatic sinusoids. NF-κB inhibition also significantly lowered the levels of ALT and TB at 4 hours post trauma [ALT, 540.8 ±66.2 nmol/L (NF-KB inhibition) vs. 640.6±80.2 nmol/L (TS), P ＜ 0.05; TB,2.3±0.3 mol/L (NF-κB inhibition) vs. 4.7 ±1.1 mol/L (TS), P ＜ 0.05]. Conclusions NF-κB and HSP70 are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury during hemorrhagic shock, and the degree of NF-κB activity and HSP70 expression may be consistent with the extent of hepatocellular damage. Inhibition of NF-κB helps ameliorate liver injury due to trauma shock.

Objective To investigate the association between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene polymorphism (-1562C ＞ T/R279Q) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Uygur nationality of Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. Methods A total of 352 patients with ACS including 213 patients with unstable angina pectoris and 139 patients with acute myocardial infarction evidenced by using coronary arteriography and 421 control subjects were recruited in this study. The MMP-9-1562C ＞ T and R279Q genotypes were detemined by using PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between the polymorphism in the MMP-9 gene and the severity of coronary arterial stenosis was analyzed. All polymorphisms were determined for confimation with Hardy-Weinberg expectations in both groups separately. Differences in distributions of genotypes and alleles between two groups were analyzed with x2 test. The association between the MMP-9 polymorphisms and the risk of ACS was estimated by odds ratio(Ors) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the comprehensive evaluation of the factors associated with ACS was determined by using multifactor logistic regression. P ＜ 0. 05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The genotype frequencies for CT + TT genotypes and T allele were 25.9 and14.5 percent in ACS subjects and 15.7 and 8.4 percent in control subjects, respectively. The genotype frequencies were different significantly between the two groups (x2 = 12.26,P ＜ 0.01;x2 = 14.15,P ＜ 0.01, respectively). No relationship between R279Q polymorphism and ACS was found in this study ( P ＞ 0.05). The multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that the T allele carrier (CT + TT) significantly increased the risk of ACS compared with the CC genotype ( OR = 1.791,95 % CI: 1. 088 - 2.951, P = 0.022) after adjustment for tradition risk factors. The frequencies for CT + TT and CC genotypes of the -1562C ＞ T polymorphism were not statistically different among ACS patients with one, two and three or more significantly diseased vessels ( x2 = 1.15, P = 0.56). Conclusions The findings suggest that the polymorphism in MMP-9 gene promoter (-1562C ＞ T) is associated with the susceptibility to the ACS. The T allele might be an independent risk factor for the ACS. But the -1562C ＞ T polymorphism may not be useful as a predictor of the severity of coronary arterial stenosis. The R279Q polymorphism of MMP-9 gene was not significantly associated with ACS in this studied population.

OBJECTIVETo explore changes of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), malondialdehyde (MDA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and the effect of Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) on them.

METHODSTotally 120 AS patients were assigned to two groups according to random digit table method, the XFC group (3 XFC pills each time, 3 times a day) and the SASP group (4 SASP tablets each time, twice a day), 60 in each group. All patients were treated for 3 months. Another 60 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy control group. The expression frequency and activation levels of BTLA were detected using flow cytometry. Serum oxidative stress indices (such as SOD and CAT, TAOC, ROS, RNS, MDA) and contents of cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10] were detected using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was detected using Westergren method. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) was detected using HITACHI 7060 type automatic biochemical analyzer. Clinical efficacies of ASAS 20 and BASDAI50 were assessed using VAS. Correlation analysis between scoring for quality of life and BTLA expression frequency was performed.

RESULTS(1) Clinical efficacies of ASAS 20 and BASDAI50 were significantly better in the XFC group than in the SASP group (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the healthy control group, BTLA expressions in the peripheral blood of AS patients decreased significantly (P <0. 05); SOD, CAT, and TAOC values significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); ROS, RNS, and MDA values significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); TNF-α, IL-1β, ESR, and Hs-CRP values significantly increased (P < 0.01); IL-4 and IL-10 values decreased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). (3) Compared with pre-treatment in the same group, BTLA/CD19 + B, BTLA/CD24 + B, SOD, TAOC, IL-4, SF-36 [physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF), role limitation due to physical problems (RP), role limitation due to emotional problems (RE), body pain (BP), mental health (MH), vitality (VT), general health (GH)] were significantly elevated; ROS, MDA, TNF-α, ESR, Hs- CRP, VAS, BASDAI and BASFI, BAS-G were significantly lower in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Better effect was shown in the XFC group in elevating BTLA/CD19+ B, BTLA/CD24 + B, SOD, TAOC, IL-10, BP, MH, VT, and SF; and lowering ROS, IL-1β, MDA, TNF-α, ESR, Hs-CRP, VAS, BASDAI, BASFI, and BAS-G (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). (4) Pearson correlation analysis showed, BTLA/CD19 + B expression of the peripheral blood was positively correlated with SOD, CAT, TAOC, IL-4, IL-10, GH, RP, BP, and SF (r = 0.431, 0.325, 0.318, 0.316, 0.348, 0.314, 0.358, 0.318, 0.326, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while it was negative correlated with ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, ESR, VAS, and BASDAI (r = -0.342, -0.368, -0.334, -0.354, -0.324, -0.372, -0.342, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). BTLA/CD24 B expression of the peripheral blood was positively correlated with SOD, TAOC, IL-4, IL-10, GH, RP, BP, SF, RE, MH, VT (r = 0.358, 0.352, 0.372, 0.436, 0.435, 0.326, 0.352, 0.345, 0.326, 0.343, 0.332, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while it was negative correlated with ROS, RNS, MDA, ESR, Hs-CRP, VAS, BASDAI, and BASFI (r = -0.447, -0.336, -0.405, -0. 395, -0. 358, -0.436, -0.338, -0.425, respectively, P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONXFC could improve BTLA expression in the peripheral blood of AS patients, negatively regulate activation and proliferation of B cells, and reduce abnormal immune responses and oxidative stress injury, thereby effectively alleviating joint stiffness and pain.

B-Lymphocytes ; physiology ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Capsules ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Quality of Life ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; drug therapy ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes ; physiology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) belong to pattern recognition receptors, which perform significant roles in antiviral responses. RLRs can initiate a cascade of signaling transduction that induces the production of type I interferon and activates the interferon signaling pathway, ultimately resulting in antiviral responses. In the course of evolution, viruses have been constantly counteracting host immune systems to facilitate their own survival and replication, and have developed a set of antagonistic strategies. These mainly comprise elusion, disguise and attack strategies to eliminate the activation of RLRs. In virus-infected cells, RLRs recognize viral RNA and then induce antiviral responses. A better understanding of viral antagonistic strategies against RLRs will provide insights into the development of new antiviral medicines. This mini-review concludes that there are three main antagonistic strategies by which RNA viruses can counteract the activation of the RLRs pathway. It aims to provide references and insights for similar studies on viral antagonism in an array of RNA viruses.
DEAD Box Protein 58 ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases ; genetics ; immunology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Humans ; RNA Viruses ; genetics ; immunology ; physiology ; RNA, Double-Stranded ; genetics ; immunology ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; immunology ; Virus Diseases ; genetics ; immunology ; virology

OBJECTIVETo investigate development of a cell extraction process for preparing human meniscus acellular matrix, and morphology and biomechanical properties.

METHODSHuman meniscus were subjected to modified eight-step detergent, then, the specimens were assessed by staining with haematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue, sirius red, saffron O, alcain blue and hoechst-33258, et al. The ultrastructure of the specimens was observed with scanning electron microscope. Transient recovery rate of deformation, maximal recovery rate of deformation and maximal compressive strength were tested to determine the biomechanical properties of the scaffold.

RESULTSEvery stain confirmed that the celluar constituents of the specimens were removed. The specimens stained positively by staining with sirius red. Lacuna were found irregularly not only on the surface of the meniscus,but also in the meniscus with scanning electron microscope. Pores in the specinmens were large, the diameter of pores was 80 to 760 microm, porosity was over 67%. The transient recovery rate of deformation was (89.62 +/- 1.04)%, the maximal recovery rate of deformation was 100% and the maximal compressive strength was (3.04 +/- 0.13)N, when the specimens were compressed 30%.

CONCLUSIONThe modified eight-step detergent can remove the immunogenic cell components from human meniscus, in addition, 3D extracellular matrix can be retained. The scaffold has good biomechanical properties. This scaffold stands a good chance to be an implant for future tissue engineering of the human meniscus.

Adult ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cells ; chemistry ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; cytology ; Staining and Labeling