Objective To explore the best time point for the ipsilateral hepatocellular apoptosis and the contralateraI hepatic hypertrophy after selective portal vein embolization(SPVE)in rabbit.Methods In a randomized study design,forty rabbits were divided into 5 groups with 8 rabbits per-group,including one as the control and the other 4 were treated with SPVE during open surgery.The rabbits were killed postoperatively,in 3,7,14,21 days respectively after the embolization.The hepatic lobes volume,the ipsilateral hepatocellular necrosis rates and apoptosis index,and liver functions were determined as well. Results In the treatment groups,the average amount of the right liver volumes decreased from 46.4 cm~3 preoperatively to 46.0,44.4,42.0,39.7 cm~3 in groups of 3,7,14,21 days postoperatively;meanwhile,the left liver volumes increased from 54.0 cm~3 preoperatively to 54.5,56.3,61.7,63.9 cm~3 respectively during 3, 7,14,21 days after the procedures.The rates of future remaining live volumes(FRLV)increased from 53.8% preoperatively to 54.2%,55.9%,59.0%,61.0% at 3,7,14,21 days postoperatively.The apoptosis indexes of hepatocells from group A to E were 8.1%,12.2%,19.4%,20.1%,14.2% respectively.Conclusions SPVE leads to atrophy of the ipsilateral hepatic lobe and hypertrophy of contralateral lobe,indicating that hepatocytes undergone apoptosis,rather than necrosis.The time point is 7 to 14 days.

AIM:To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β( PPARβ)-nitric oxide (NO) signal pathway in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by high glucose (25.5 mmol/L) and insulin (0.1 μmol/L) ( HGI) .METHODS: The cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was characterized in rat primary cardiomyocytes by measuring the cell surface area, protein content, and the mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF).The mRNA and protein ex-pression were measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting , respectively .The activity of NO synthase ( NOS) and NO content were measured by a reagent kit through ultraviolet spectroscopy .RESULTS:HGI induced profound change of hy-pertrophic morphology , and significantly increased the cell surface area , protein content and mRNA expression of ANF (P<0.01), but decreased the expression of PPARβat mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05).At the same time, the ex-pression of inducible NOS (iNOS) was obviously elevated (P<0.01), which occurred in parallel with the rising NOS ac-tivity and NO concentration (P<0.01).GW0742 (1 μmol/L), a selective PPARβagonist, inhibited the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by HGI ( P<0.01 ) , and up-regulated the expression of PPARβat both mRNA and protein levels . Meanwhile, GW0742 also inhibited the increases in iNOS expression , NOS activity, and NO content induced by HGI , which were abolished by GSK0660 (1 μmol/L), a selective PPARβantagonist (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: PPARβdown-regulation and the following iNOS-NO activation are involved in the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by HGI .

Background It is well known that sclera remodeling occurs during axial elongation in myopia under the control of growth hormone or its downstream effectors.The role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in myopia has been determined in previous studies.Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is one of members of the TGF-β superfamily,but if it plays an important role in the genesis and development of myopia is not completely clear.Objective This study was to identify the presence of BMPs in normal guinea pigs sclera and investigate the change of BMPs in the sclera in form-deprivation myopia (FDM) of guinea pigs.Methods Thirty young guinea pigs were randomized into normal control group and experimental group using table of random number.FDM models were established by occluding unilateral eyes of guinea pigs with a translucent lens for 14 days in the experimental group,and the fellow eyes served as the controls.Diopter of all eyes was tested by retinoscopy optometry,and ocular axial length was measured by A-sonography before and after modeling.Posterior sclera tissue of the animals was obtained on 14 days,and the relative expression level of BMPs mRNA and protein were assayed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot.The use and care of the animals complied with ARVO Statement.Results On 14 days after occluding of unilateral eyes,the refraction diopter of the experimental group was (-0.48±0.51) D,and that of the fellow eyes was (3.22 ±0.34) D,showing a significant difference between them (t =-12.814,P =0.000).Also,a significant difference in the diopter was seen between the experimental group and normal control group ([-0.48±0.51]D vs.[2.97±0.70]D,t =-11.878,P=0.000).Axial length was (8.30 ± 0.05) mm in the experimental group,(8.11 ±0.06) mm in the fellow eyes and (8.06±0.06) mm in the normal control group,showing a significant increase in the experimental group compared with the fellow eyes and normal control group (t =7.230,P =0.000 ; t =9.084,P=0.000).The expressions of BMP-2 mRNA,BMP-4 mRNA,BMP-5 mRNA in posterior sclera were detected in the normal guinea pigs.Fourteen days after the induction of myopia,the relative levels of BMP-2 mRNA and BMP-5 mRNA in sclera were 0.41 ± 0.11 and 0.65 ± 0.06 in the experimental eyes,which were significantly lower than 0.62 ± 0.07 and 0.84 ± 0.03 in the fellow eyes with the descent range of 34.48％ and 23.67％ respectively (t=2.838,P=0.017; t=2.524,P=0.028).The relative values of BMP-2 protein and BMP-5 protein were 0.44±0.06 and 0.70±0.05 in the experimental eyes,and those of the fellow eyes were 0.61±0.05 and 0.82±0.03,showing significant decline in the experimental eyes with the lowing range of 23.42％ and 15.21％,respectively (t =2.465,P =0.030;t =2.445,P=0.031).No significant differences were found in the expression of BMP-4 mRNA and protein in posterior sclera between the experimental eyes and the normal control eyes (mRNA:t =0.704,P=0.460;protein:t=0.987,P=0.365).Conclusions The expressions of the BMP-2 and BMP-5 in sclera down-regulate significantly in FDM eyes,which suggest that BMP-2 and BMP-5 participate in sclera remodeling during myopia induction.

Aim To investigate the effect of polydatin on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by high glucose (25.5 mmol·L -1 )and insulin (0.1 μmol ·L -1 ) (HGI)and its possible influence on peroxisome prolif-erator-activated receptor-β (PPARβ)/nuclear tran-scription factor-κB (NF-κB)/nitric oxide (NO)signa-ling pathway.Methods The cardiomyocyte hypertro-phy was characterized in rat primary cardiomyocytes by measuring the cell surface area,protein content,and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)mRNA expression.The mRNA and protein expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively.The activity of NO synthase (NOS)and NO content were measured by reagent kit through ultraviolet spectroscopy.Results HGI significantly induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy which increased the cell surface area,protein content and ANF mRNA expression (P <0.01 ).Meanwhile, the expressions of PPARβmRNA and protein reduced while the NF-κB p65 and iNOS expressions increased significantly which occurred in parallel with rising NOS activity and NO concentration (P <0.01 ).Polydatin (0.1,1,10 μmol·L -1 )inhibited the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by HGI (P <0.01 ),and re-versed the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARβ, NF-κB p65 and iNOS,and NOS activity,as well as NO content.These effects of polydatin were abolished by GSK0660 (1 μmol·L -1 ),a selective PPARβan-tagonist (P <0.05 ).Conclusion Polydatin resists HGI-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,which may be mediated by PPARβup-regulation,and then NF-κB-iNOS-NO pathway inactivation.

Objective To develop a liquid bandage for self aid of war wound.Methods Solution A and B were prepared containing functional polymers derived from the biocompatible poly (ethylene glycol) and hyaluronic acid,which had ability of fast crosslinking reaction when they were mixed.Among them,A solution mainly comprised of mercapto group-containing hyaluronic acid derivative (HA-SH),water-solubility starch,propylene glycol,benzoic acid and etc.B solution contained pentaerythritol tetraacrylate derivative (4arm-PEG-Acrylate) and benzoic acid.The structure of mercapto group-containing hyaluronic acid derivative was confirmed by IR,1H-NMR and etc.HA-SH and 4arm-PEG-Acrylate were formulated to different concentrations (W/V) in different buffers.The two kinds of solution were mixed in different ratios,and in situ crosslinking hyaluronic acid hydrogel was obtained;the crosslinking time was recorded.The adhesive force and waterholding capacity of the hydrogel after crosslinking were measured by adding excipients such as water-solubility starch.Results In case the concentration of HA-SH and 4arm-PEG-Acrylate was 2％ and pH value was 11,the hydrogel film on wound skin would be quickly formed in 20 seconds for wound dressing after spraying A and B solution onto the wound skin.Conclusion The liquid bandage has strong adhesive force,high water-holding capacity and controllable crosslinking time,so it could be used as a novel wound dressing for war wound.

OBJECTIVETo explore the in vitro anti-tumor effect and mechanism of dendritic cell (DC) tumor vaccine induced by astragalus polysacharin (APS).

METHODSPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from human peripheral blood. DCs obtained from human peripheral blood were cultivated and added with culture solution for in vitro inducing them to immature DCs. On the 5th day of culture, 100 microg/mL (as the final concentration) APS was added to cells in the APS group. DCs were induced to mature in the cytokine groups by adding 20 ng/mL rhTNF-alpha (as the final concentration). Changes of morphology and phenotype of DCs were observed. Mature DCs were sensitized with tumor antigen SGC-7901 and co-cultured with allogeneic T cells. The proliferative function of T lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-cultured supernatant were detected by ELISA. Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) activated by DC were co-cultured with tumor cell SGC-7901. The specific killing capacity of CTL to target cells was detected by LDH release assay.

RESULTSThe morphological observation and phenotypic identification of APS induced DCs were in accordance with the characteristics of mature DCs. APS induced mature DCs could stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes. The proliferation index of T cells increased with increased ratio of stimulator cells to effector cells (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-culture supernatant significantly increased in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). CTL cells activated by sensitization of DCs could significantly kill tumor cells, and the killing effect increased along with increased effector-to-target ratio.

CONCLUSIONAPS could in vitro induce DCs to mature, promote its antigen-presenting capacity, effectively activate CTLs, and enhance anti-tumor function of the organism.

Antigen-Presenting Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Cancer Vaccines ; immunology ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Coculture Techniques ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; immunology ; Interleukin-12 ; immunology ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; immunology ; Lymphocyte Activation ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; cytology ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Qiling Decoction (QD) combined highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on expression levels of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSTotally 55 HIV/AIDS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (28 cases) and the combination group (27 cases). Besides, 21 HIV negative patients were recruited as the healthy control group. Those in the treatment group received HARRT alone, while those in the combination group received HAART combined QD. The observation lasted for 24 weeks. Meanwhile, according to peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts before treatment, HIV/AIDS patients were assigned to three subgroups. For patients in subgroup 1, 1 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 100 cells/microL; For patients in subgroup 2, 101 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 200 cells/lL; For patients in subgroup 3, 201 cells/microL < CD4+ T cell counts < or = 350 cells/microL. Expression of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells, and number of CD4+ T cell counts were detected using flow cytometry (FCM)in HIV/AIDS patients at the pre-treatment baseline, week 4, 12, and 24, as well as those in the healthy control group.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control group, CD4+ T cell counts and the baseline expression level of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of HIV/AIDS patients significantly decreased, the expression level of Treg cells significantly increased P < 0.01). Compared with before treatment in the same group, CD4+ T cell counts all increased at week 4, 12, and 24 in the two treatment groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the effective rate at various CD4+ T cell levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in expression levels of Th17 and Treg cells between the combination group and the treatment group at any time point (all P >0.05). The Th17/Treg ration significantly increased in the combination group after 24 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference when compared with the treatment group (U = 2.135, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONQD could improve the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, which might be one of its mechanisms for improving HIV/AIDS patients' immunity.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Adult ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Case-Control Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

BACKGROUNDActive suppression by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocytes plays an important role in the down-regulation of T cell responses to foreign and self-antigens. This study was conducted to analyze whether the CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells exist and function normally in tuberculous pleural effusion.

METHODSThe percentages of CD4+CD25+ T cells in pleural effusion and peripheral blood from patients with tuberculous pleurisy and peripheral blood from healthy control subjects were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of forkhead transcription factor Foxp3 was also examined. CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25(-) T cells from pleural effusion and blood were isolated, and were cultured to observe the effects of CD4+CD25+ T cells on proliferation response of CD4+CD25(-) T cells in vitro.

RESULTSThere were increased numbers of CD4+CD25+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion compared with peripheral blood from both patients with tuberculous pleurisy and normal subjects, and these cells demonstrated a constitutive high-level expression of Foxp3. Moreover, CD4+CD25+ T cells mediated potent inhibition of proliferation response of CD4+CD25(-) T cells.

CONCLUSIONThe increased CD4+CD25+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion express a high level of Foxp3 transcription factor, while potently suppressing the proliferation of CD4+CD25(-) T cells.

Adult ; Female ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; analysis ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pleural Effusion ; etiology ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; physiology ; Tuberculosis, Pleural ; etiology ; immunology

Objective To explore the application of comprehensive nursing intervention in the laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia repair in children.Methods 167 patients with indirect inguinal hernia in children were analyzed from 2013 January to 2015 February in our hospital, according to the different nursing methods, 167 patients were randomly divided into the observation group (85 cases) and control group (82 cases).Control group was treated by conventional nursing, and the observation group was treated by comprehensive nursing intervention on the basis of conventional nursing.Results The healing rate of the two groups was 100％, there were no significant difference between two groups on unilateral, bilateral operation time (P ＞0.05) , hospitalization time in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P ＜0.05).There were 2 cases of subcutaneous emphysema in the observation group, the incidence rate was 2.35％;4 cases in the control group, the incidence rate was 7.31％, That in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).There was 1 recurrent case in the control group, no recurrent case in the observation group, the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Conclusion Comprehensive nursing intervention can shorten the hospitalization time, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, improve the treatment of children in the laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia repair, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To investigate the predictors of long-term remission of type 2 diabetes induced by short-term intensive insulin treatment.Methods Fifty-four cases of diabetes mellitus with the duration of illness less than 5 years received an intensive insulin treatment for 2 weeks.The standard meal test and intravenous glucose tolerance test were performed at the baseline and 24 h after treatment completion respectively.Long-term remission meant that the diabetic patients should maintain the target glyeaemic control without any hypoglyeaemie agent within one year.Results The remission rate was 57.4% (31/54) overall,and even reached to 80.6% (29/36) in patients with the duration of illness less than 6 months,whereas,the remission rate was only 11.1% (2/18) in those with the duration of illness more than 12 months.In another view,the remission rate was significantly higher in the patients with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of less than 7 mmol/L (78.8%,26/ 33) 24 h after intensive treatment than those with FPG level of more than 7 mmol/L (23.8%,5/21,P