Objective To figure out clinical characteristics and risk factors of secondary fungal infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Two hundred and ninetysix patients with COPD were enrolled in our study who were treated in the People's Hospital of Liaocheng.Of whom,56 cases with secondary fungal infection were served as infection group and other 240 cases were non infection group.The clinical data including sorts of antibiotics,the therapy periods of antibiotic,hormones,hypoalbuminemia,invasive operation and death cases were recorded.Sort of fungal were determined by sputum culture.Results Mortality of infection group was 16.1％ (9/56),obviously higher than that of the noninfected group (6.2％ (15/240)) and the difference was significant(x2 =6.436,P ＜0.05).The average sorts of antibiotic,the therapy periods of antibiotic,rate of hormones,the rate of hypoalbuminemia,rate of were invasive operation in infection group were (2.6 ±0.8),(15.4 ±2.6) d,41.1％ (23/56),57.5％ (32/56),35.7％ (20/56),higher than those in non infection group(1.6 ±0.6,(9.6 ±2.2) d,8.3％ (20/240),12.1％ (29/240),5.4％ (13/240) ; P ＜ 0.05).The total efficacy rate in non infection group was 90.4％ (217/240),higher than that in infection group (78.6％ (44/56)),and the difference was significant (x2 =4.248,P ＜ 0.05).The majority sort of fungal in infection group was monilia albicans.Conclusion The main risk factors of secondary fungal infection in patients with COPD include long-term using high-end application antibiotics,hormones,hypealbuminemia and invasive operation.The therapy on fungi is focused on pathogen treatment such as anti-fungal drug therapy.

Objective To investigate the effects of Berberine on growth of Immorto-Min colonic epithelial cell line (IMCE) and explore its possible mechanisms. Methods IMCE cells were treated with Berberine in the absence or presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TNFα. Ki-67 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to identify the cell proliferation and apoptosis respectively. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was performed to detect the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR), protein kinase B (Akt) and their phosphorylation.Results ( 1 ) Proliferating activity of IMCE cells was increased after adding EGF and the proportion of cell proliferation was ( 10. 64 ± 1.41 ) %. The proportion was significantly lowed in EGF plus Berberine group [(1.81 ±0. 85)%] compared to the EGF group(P ＜0. 01 ), while the lowest was the Berberine group [(0.49 ± 0.42) %]. (2) The proportions of cell apoptosis were ( 8.47 ± 2. 52 ) % and (9. 39 ± 2. 13 ) %in the Berberine group and TNFt group respectively which were significantly higher compared to the normal control [(0. 27 ± 0. 30)%], both P ＜ 0. 01. (3) The phosphorylation of EGFR was significantly increased after adding EGF and p-EGFR was decreased in EGF plus Berberine group at a concentration-dependent manner. (4) Moreover, the phosphorylation of Akt was enhanced after addition of TNFα , while the phosphorylation in the TNFα and Berberine group was inhibited compared to the TNFα group. Conclusions Berberine may suppress the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of IMCE cells. The mechanisms may relate to the inhibition of the phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have demonstrated that cryopreserved bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) still maintain high survival rate, cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potentials after thawing. However, this result needs confirmed in vivo environment. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of cryopreserved BMSCs and collagenic membrane BME-10X complex on type Ⅰ collagen synthesis in vivo. METHODS: Beagle dog BMSCs were cultured in vitro and cryopreserved for 12 months, which were thawed and prepared complexes with collagenic membrane. The complexes were cultured with mineralization induction medium or normal medium for 5 days, followed by implanting into nude mice. The specimens were harvested and analyzed by gross observation, histopathological and immunohistochemistry at 4 weeks after implantation. The collagenic membrane cultured with mineralization induction medium served as controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the control group, the boundary of collagenic membrane was distinctly, without cell growth around boundary or intra collagenic membrane, additionally, there was little type Ⅰ collagen. In the non-induction group, cells grew into collagenic membrane, trabes-like collagen formed, and type Ⅰ collagen distribution increased at 4 weeks. In the induction group, scaffold degraded, more cells grew, and plenty of collagen formed osteoid-like tissues. The distribution of typeⅠcollagen was obviously increased than that of other groups. The findings demonstrated that cryopreserved BMSCs possess strong osteogenic differentiation potentials after proliferation and induction combined with collagenic membranes in vitro.

To study ecology suitability rank dividing of the total alkaloid content of Coptis Rhizoma for selecting artificial planting base and high-quality industrial raw material in Chongqing province. Based on the investigation of PCB and DEM data of Chongqing province, the relationship between the total alkaloid content in Coptis Rhizoma and topographical conditions was analyzed by statistical analysis. The geographic information systems (GIS)-based assessment and landscape ecological principles were applied to assess eco logy suitability areas of Coptis Rhizoma in Chongqing. slope, aspect and altitude are main topographical factors that affect the content of the total alkaloid content in Coptis Rhizoma The total alkaloid content in Coptis Rhizoma is higher in the lower altitude, shady slope and bigger slope areas. The total alkaloid content is higher in the south areas of Chongqing province and lower in the northeast. Terrain conditions of the southern region of Chongqing are most suitable for The accumulated of total alkaloid Coptis Rhizoma content.
Alkaloids ; analysis ; metabolism ; China ; Coptis ; chemistry ; Ecology ; Environment ; Geographic Information Systems ; Geography ; Plants, Medicinal ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a relatively common macular disease that forms along the surface of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina to some reason.The pathogenesis is not clear.Microincision vitrectomy surgery has been confirmed as a minimally invasive and very safe modality of treatment.Deciding when to perform a vitrectomy can be difficult.There are many factors which can affect the postoperative visual acuity,such as age,the thickness of macular,integrity of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction.

Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) dementia and Alzheimer(')s disease.

METHODSLevels of amyloid protein β (Aβ42, Aβ40) and phosphorylated Tau-protein (P-tau) in CSF and ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40 were tested in 5 cases with CAA dementia and 20 cases with Alzheimer's disease collected at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2001 to March 2011.

RESULTSThe levels of Aβ42, Aβ40, and P-tau in CSF and ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40 were (660.4 ± 265.2) ng/L, (7111.0 ± 1033.4) ng/L, (71.8 ± 51.5) ng/L, and 0.077 ± 0.033, respectively in CAA dementia and (663.6 ± 365.6) ng/L, (5115.0 ± 2931.1) ng/L, (47.7 ± 38.8) ng/L, and 0.192 ± 0.140, respectively in Alzheimer's disease patients. There were no statistically significant differences between CAA dementia and Alzheimer's disease in terms of these CSF biomarkers (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONMeasurements of CSF biomarkers may not be helpful in differential diagnosis of CAA and Alzheimer's disease.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Biomarkers ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Dementia ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Humans ; Male ; tau Proteins ; cerebrospinal fluid

This study investigates the protective role of IMM-H004, a novel coumarin derivative, on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) in mice. All animal experiments in this paper have been approved by the Ethics Committee of Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The experimental animals were divided into three groups, including sham group, model group, and IMM-H004 treatment group. Serum biochemical indicators were detected and H&E staining was used to assess liver damage. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analysis the mRNA content of inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to observe neutrophil infiltration. Western blot was used to examine the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The results showed that IMM-H004 could significantly reduce the serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). H&E results showed IMM-H004 could alleviate liver damage caused by HIRI. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were decreased by IMM-H004 administration. Meanwhile, IMM-H004 could markedly inhibit neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, IMM-H004 could significantly down-regulate the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β, inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Our results confirmed that IMM-H004 could protect mice from HIRI and provide a theoretical foundation for IMM-H004 application for treating HIRI.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on mitochondrial function in acute myocardial ischemia in rats.

METHODSAcute myocardial ischemia models were established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADC) of rats. Fourty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 8): sham operation group, ischemia group, ischemia + sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) low, middle and high dose groups and ischemia + DL-proparglycine(PPG) group. The ultrastructures of myocardial mitochondria were observed with electron microscope. The content of H2S in plasma and the activity of cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in myocardial tissue of rats were respectively detected. The swelling and activity of myocardial mitochondria were determined. The activities of ATPase, GSH-Px, SOD and the content of malondial-dehyde (MDA) in myocardial mitochondria of rats were also measured.

RESULTSCompared with those of the sham operation group, the content of H2S in plasma, the activity of CSE in myocardial tissue and the activity of myocardium mitochondria were significantly decreased. The activities of ATPase, SOD, GSH-Px in myocardial mitochondria were significantly decreased, The content of malondial dehyde(MDA) in myocardial mitochondria and the swelling of mitochondria were distinctly increased in the ischemia group (P < 0.01). Compared with those of the ischemia group, the content of H2S in plasma and the activity of CSE in myocardial tissue were increased, and the activities of mitochondria, ATPase, SOD, and GSH-Px in myocardial mitochondria were significantly increased in ischemia + NaHS low, middle and high-dose groups; the swelling of mitochondria and the content of MDA in myocardial mitochondria were significantly decreased in ischemia + NaHS middle and high-dose groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The administration of PPG could partially reduce the myocardial protection of hydrogen sulfide (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIt could be concluded that the administration of hydrogen sulfide could enhance the activities of mitochondrial ATPase, SOD, GSH-Px, decrease the level of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, and play a protective effect against acute myocardial ischemia.

Adenosine Triphosphatases ; metabolism ; Animals ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; pharmacology ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Male ; Mitochondria, Heart ; drug effects ; metabolism ; physiology ; Myocardial Ischemia ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

The effects of pretreatment methods of Jerusalem artichoke tubers on microbial lipids fermentation with an oleaginous yeast strain Rhodosporidium toruloides Y4 were investigated in shaking flask culture.The yeast strain accumulated substantial amount of lipids using either purple-or white-skinned Jerusalem artichoke tubers as sole carbon and energy source.When cells were cultured on the extracted juice or the acidhydrolysate,cellular lipid content reached 40%(w/w),while cultured on the pulp,the white-skinned tubershadhigher lipid productivity,yielding 12.1 g lipids per100 g dried tubers.Major fatty acid constituents of microbial lipids were those contained 16-and 18-carbon atoms based on GC analysis,which is quite similar to traditional vegetable oil.Microbial lipids prepared from Jerusalem artichoke can be applied to biodiesel production.