Sulphur mustard (SM) is a corrosive alkylating agent that is likely to be absorbed in vivo through the lungs,eyes and skin into internal organs. SM not only can produce its peculiar cytotoxic?ity thought to be mediated by the alkylation of DNA,protein and nucleic acids,but is a strong mutagen and carcinogen. However,whatever the way SM poisoning occurs,lungs are the most vulnerable, and early death is mainly carused by both the acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary infec?tion. In this review,we analyzed SM-induced lung injury mechanisms.

Objective To establish the sulfur mustard (SM ) induced tracheal injury model in rat and to investigate its mecha-nism .Methods Male rats (SD) were anesthetized and intra-tracheally intubated .The SM group was intra-tracheally injected by 2 mg/kg of diluted SM ,while the propylene glycol control group only by 0 .1mL of propylene glycol and the normal control group had no any treatment .The tissue and blood samples were taken for conducting the HE and immunohistochemical staining and measuring serum enzymes and andinflammatory factors .Results In the SM group ,a large number of lymphocytes infiltration in submucosa were observed;the positive expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were observed in epithelium and submucosa ;serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 reached the peak in 24 h;serum levels of LDH ,GP ,BARS reached the peak in 6h ,so did GGT in 24 h .In the propyl-ene glycol control group and the normal control group ,lymphocytes ,macrophages and neutrophils were rare in submucosa .Conclu-sion The mechanism of SM (2 mg/kg) induced acute tracheal injury involves the inflammatory reaction ,apoptosis and oxidative stress ,moreover the lesion degree has the correlation with time .

Fe3O4-grafted nitrogen-doped graphene (Fe3O4/N-G) nanomaterials were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method, and its adsorption properties were discussed preliminarily.It was demonstrated that the adsorption of parachlormetaxylenol on Fe3O4/N-G was not limited to uniform monolayer adsorption and the adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic mode.Then, an ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction with Fe3O4/N-G as the magnetic adsorbent has been developed for the determination of four compounds including triclosan, chloroxylenol, hexachlorobenzene and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl in environmental water samples, in combination with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.Several factors related to extraction efficiencies, such as the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, sample pH and desorption conditions were investigated.The proposed preparation procedure was as follows: 6.0 mg of Fe3O4/N-G was dispersed into 100 mL of water sample under ultrasound.After 15 s, the Fe3O4/N-G carrying four compounds was separated from the water sample by an external magnetic field.Then, the targets were eluted from Fe3O4/N-G with 3 mL of ethanol and 2 mL of dichloromethane, sequentially.Finally, the eluent was dried under a mild stream of nitrogen and reconstituted with methanol and dichloromethane (1∶1, V/V) for the subsequent GC-MS/MS analysis.Under the optimized condition, an excellent linearity was observed in the range of 0.1-10 ng/L for the four compounds, with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9983 to 0.9999.The limits of detections (S/N=3) ranged from 0.05 to 0.6 ng/L and the limits of quantity (S/N=10) ranged from 0.2 to 2.4 ng/L.The mean recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 68.2% to 99.6%.The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intraday and interday were in the range of 3.3%-6.9% and 3.4%-9.4% (n=6), respectively.The proposed method was demonstrated to be simple and feasible for the trace analysis of antimicrobial agents and organochlorine contaminants in environmental water samples.

Objective To investigate the curative effect of bronchoalveolar lavage with fiberoptic bronchoscopy combined with vibration sputum drainage in the treatment of severe pneumonia patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV).Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. 286 severe pneumonia patients undergoing MV admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Hunan People's Hospital from January 2014 to July 2016 were enrolled, and they were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table, with 143 patients in each group. Patients in both groups received sensitive antibiotics for anti-infection, etiological treatment, and calefacient and humidifying treatment. The patients in the control group received bronchoalveolar lavage with fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and those in the observation group received bronchoalveolar lavage combined with vibration sputum drainage. The parameters of respiratory function and inflammation before and after treatment, curative effect, and prognosis were compared between the two groups.Results ① There were no significant differences in respiratory function parameters between the two groups before treatment, 2 hours after treatment, the parameters were improved in both groups. Moreover, oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) in observation group was significantly higher than that of control group [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 379.1±20.2 vs. 351.8±24.7], and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and airway resistance (Raw) were significantly lower than those of the control group[PaCO2 (mmHg): 36.5±5.8 vs. 45.3±6.9, Raw (cmH2O, 1 cmH2O = 0.098 kPa): 12.9±0.6 vs. 13.1±0.8, allP < 0.01]. ② There were no significant differences in inflammation parameters between the two groups before treatment, 24 hours after intervention, which were significantly decreased in both groups. Moreover, white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group [WBC (×109/L): 8.2±1.7 vs. 12.8±3.7, PCT (μg/L): 15.4±2.4 vs. 21.8±3.1, CRP (mg/L): 37.1±6.1 vs. 67.2±7.2, allP < 0.01]. ③ Compared with the control group, the treatment efficiency of observation group was improved [95.1% (136/143) vs. 87.4% (125/143)], the quantity of sputum excretion was increased (mL: 49.2±12.5 vs. 36.9±11.0), duration of MV and length of ICU stay were significantly shortened (days: 6.4±3.6 vs. 9.4±2.1, 8.6±5.7 vs. 12.4±4.6, bothP < 0.01), however, there was no significantly statistical difference in 28-day mortality between control group and observation group [2.8% (4/143) vs. 2.1% (3/143),P > 0.05].Conclusion Compared with bronchoalveolar lavage with fiberoptic bronchoscopy alone, the treatment of bronchoalveolar lavage combined with vibration sputum drainage is more effective in sputum excretion for severe pneumonia patients undergoing MV, which could improve the respiratory function, reduce infection, shorten the duration of MV and the length of ICU stay, and improve the recovery.

Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on behaviors and related products of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in the colon of mice with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the IBS treatment.Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, and a probiotic group, with 6 mice in each group. The visceral pain model of IBS was established by enema with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution. Mice in the moxibustion group were treated with mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and those in the probiotic group were treated with probiotics such as Bifidobacterium by gavage. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, and forced swimming test (FST) were performed after treatment. The expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in the colon were detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression levels of Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), and indole-2,3-oxygenase (IDO) in the colon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly in the model group under different pressure values (P<0.01), the open-arm staying time and open-arm entries in the EPM test were decreased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05), the motionless time in the FST was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression levels of colonic Trp, TPH1, IDO, 5-HT, and Kyn were increased significantly (P<0.01) in the models. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were differently decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the open-arm entries in the EPM test were increased (P<0.05), the motionless times in the FST were decreased (P<0.05), and the colonic expression levels of Trp, TPH1, IDO, and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the moxibustion and probiotic groups; the open-arm staying time was significantly increased in the moxibustion group (P<0.01), and the colonic expression level of Kyn was significantly decreased in the probiotic group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) improves visceral pain and pain mood and down-regulates the expression levels of colonic TPH1, IDO, Trp, 5-HT, and Kyn in IBS mice.

Objective To establish an animal model of SM by equal toxicity dose(1LD50)-induced acute pulmonary injury in rats and compare the differences of inflammatory factor and protein expression. Methods Rats were randomly divided into five groups. ELISA and immunohistochemical methods were measured. Results Serum INF-γ and IL-23 levels in the intraperitoneal SM group were increased compared with the tracheal SM group;there were also significant differences in serum IL-4 levels between the two groups. In the alveolar septum , the positive expression ratios of NF-Kβ1,NF-Kβp65,ERK,JNK,and p38MAPK in the intraperitoneal SM group were increased compared with the tracheal SM group. Conclusion Using SM (1LD50),There are significantly higher serum inflammatory factor levels and protein-related expression in the alveolar septum of rats intraperitoneally injected with SM compared with those administered SM by intratracheal instillation. The results suggest that pulmonary inflammatory reactions associated with SM are dependent on the route of exposure.

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of sulfur mustard (SM)-induced acute lung injury in rats through different routes and compare the morphological changes in lung tissue and cells.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-six male rats were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups, namely peritoneal cavity SM group (n=32), trachea SM group (n=32), peritoneal cavity propylene glycol group (n=32), trachea propylene glycol group (n=32), and normal control group (n=8). The rats in peritoneal cavity SM group were injected intraperitoneally with diluted SM (0.1 ml, 8 mg/kg), and the rats in trachea SM group were injected intratracheally with diluted SM (0.1 ml, 2 mg/kg). Once the rats were sacrificed at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after SM treatment, morphological changes in lung tissue and cells were observed by light and electron microscopy.

RESULTSIn the peritoneal cavity SM group, the epithelial cells of bronchioles maintained intact with increased exudate and bleeding in alveolar cavity and large areas of pulmonary consolidation under the light microscope. In the tracheal SM group, focal ulcer formed in the epithelial cells of bronchioles with increased exudate and bleeding in alveolar cavity, partial pulmonary consolidation, and compensatory emphysema in peripheral alveolar space under the light microscope. The alveolar interval areas were widened obviously in both groups in a time-dependent manner. Under the electron microscope, we observed local loss of cellular membrane in type I alveolar epithelium, broken or lost microvilli in cells of typeⅡalveolar epithelium and fuzzy mitochondrial crista as well as the appearance of ribosome detached from rough endoplasmic reticulum in both two groups. Compared with those in the trachea SM group and the control group, the ratio of the alveolar septum average area to the visual field area in the peritoneal cavity SM group at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h was significantly higher (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe lung tissue injury through the intraperitoneal route is more severe than that through the tracheal route, while focal ulceration of bronchioles epithelial cells appears in the case of tracheal route. The degree of injury increases over time in both groups, and the cellular damage is approximately the same in both groups.

Acute Lung Injury ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Lung ; pathology ; Male ; Mustard Gas ; toxicity ; Peritoneum ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Trachea

Objective:To investigate the influence of cognitive-behavior therapy on the psychological status of family members of terminal cancer patients. Method:A total of 60 families of terminal cancer patients were selected and randomly divided into observation group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). The observation group was treated with cognitive-behavior therapy, while the control group was given general supportive psychological care. The Hamilton Depression Scale ( HAMD) , Hamilton Anxiety Scale ( HAMA) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ( PSQL) were used to evaluate the family members of the two groups of patients before and after the intervention. Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistical significance difference in the scores of HAMA, HAMD and PSQI between the two groups (P>0. 05). After the intervention, the scores of HAMA, HAMD and PSQI in the observation group were significantly lower than those before the intervention ( P <0 . 05 ); and the scores of HAMA, HAMD and PSQI in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0 . 05 ) . Conclusion:Cognitive-behavior therapy can significantly improve the negative emotions of depression, anxiety and sleep disorder among family members of terminal tumor patients.

Objective: To explore the effects of lncRNA HULC on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth by down-regulating miR-29. Methods: The expression levels of HULC and miR-29 in HCC tissues and cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and the correlation analysis was performed. After HCC cells were transfected with HULC overexpressed plasmid or siRNA, the expressions of miR-29 and its target gene SETDB1 were determinate by RT-qPCR. According to the bioinformatic prediction of the miR-29 binding site in the HULC sequence, the report gene plasmids were constructed. The HCC cells were co-transfected with miR-29 mimics or miR-29 inhibitor, and the HULC targeted regulation of miR-29 was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effect of miR-29 on the HULC-mediated proliferation in HCC cells was detected by cell count kit 8 (CCK-8) experiment. Expression of tumor proliferation antigen Ki-67 was detected by RT-qPCR.The Hep3B cells were inoculated in mice and miR-29 mimics and miR-29 negative control (NC) further injected into the lesions. The tumor volume was observed, and the expressions of tumor proliferation antigen ki-67 in tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The expression of HULC was significantly up-regulated while the expression of miR-29 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cells (P<0.01). The level of HULC was negatively correlated with miR-29 in tumor tissues (r=-0.754, P<0.01) and HCC cells (r=-0.865, P<0.05). The in vitro experiments showed that, compared with the blank control group, the expression of miR-29 in HULC overexpressed Huh7 cells was significantly reduced, while the mRNA level of miR-29 target gene SETDB1 was increased (P<0.01). The expression of miR-29 was significantly increased in HULC deleted Hep3B cells, while the mRNA expression of SETDB1 was decreased (P<0.01). Double luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-29 mimics significantly inhibited the luciferase activity of Hep3B cells transfected with HULC wide type (psi-HULC-WT) plasmid but had no effect on Hep3B cells transfected with mutant plasmid (psi-HULC-Mut). However, the miR-29 inhibitor antagonized the inhibitory effect of miR-29 mimics on luciferase activity of psi-HULC-WT (P<0.01). Cell proliferation experiments showed that, compared with the control group, the proliferation ability of miR-29 mimics overexpressed Huh7 cells was significantly reduced.After 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment, the proliferation rates of Huh7 cells in the HULC overexpressed group were (43.87±3.82)%, (83.45±7.46)% and (123.34±8.67)%, respectively, significantly higher than (13.45±1.77)%, (23.54±1.37)% and (38.21±2.09)% of control group (P<0.05). After treatment for 48 and 72 hours, the proliferation rates of miR-29 mimics transfected Huh7 cells were (57.10±1.94)% and (73.76±3.46)%, respectively, significantly lower than (83.45±7.46)% and (123.34±8.67)% of control group (P<0.05). After treatment for 48 and 72 hours, the proliferation rates of Huh7 cells transfected with miR-29 mimics and miR-29 inhibitor group were (76.45±3.24)% and (89.37±4.37)%, respectively, significant higher than (57.10%±1.94)% and (73.76±3.46)% of the control group (P<0.05). After 48 h transfection, the expression of Ki-67 in Huh7 transfected with miR-29 mimics was significantly inhibited compared with the control group (P<0.01). However, the expression of Ki-67 mRNA was increased in Huh7 cells transfected with miR-29 inhibitor (P<0.01). The results of in vivo experiments showed that the tumor volumes of the control group, miR-29 mimics group and miR-29 mimics + miR-29 inhibitors group were (504.0±19.6) mm³, (310.0±24.3) mm³ and (483.7±21.2) mm³, respectively. Injection of miR-29 mimics reduced while miR-29 inhibitor promoted tumorigenesis ability of Huh7 in nude mice (P<0.01). The immunohistochemical staining showed that the average optical density values of Ki-67 protein in tumor tissues of the control group, miR-29 mimics group and miR-29 analogue+ miR-29 inhibitor group were 0.65±0.08, 0.36±0.07 and 0.56±0.06, respectively. The expression level of Ki-67 protein in miR-29 mimics group was significantly reduced (P<0.01) while increased in the miR-29 mimics+ miR-29 inhibitor group (P<0.01). Conclusion LncRNA HULC promotes HCC growth by down-regulating miR-29.