To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of echinacoside-containing serum on the osteogenic differentiation in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultivated by the whole bone marrow adherence method. The 3rd generation of cells were divided into 3 groups: the blank control group, the classic osteogenic-induced group and the 10% echinacoside-containing serum group. The expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were detected by ELISA. The ex- pression of ZHX, protein was detected by Western blot technique. RT-PCR technique was used to detect the expression of ZHX₃mRNA. According to the result, the expressions of the alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in the classic osteogenic-induced group and the 10% echinacoside-containing serum group were significantly higher than that of the blank control group (P <0. 01). And expressions of the alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin in the 10% echinacoside-containing serum group were significantly higher than that in the classic osteogenic-induced group (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the classic osteogenic-induced group and the 10% echinacoside-containing serum group showed obviously higher ZHX₃ protain and mRNA expression than that of the black control group, with significant differences (P < 0.01); the 10% echinacoside-containing serum group showed obviously higher ZHX₃ protain and mRNA expression than that of the classic osteogenic-induced group, with a significant difference (P < 0.01). In conclusion, 10% echinacoside-containing serum can promote the differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells cultured in vitro. Its mechanism may be correlated with the increase in the ZHX₃expression.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Glycosides ; blood ; pharmacology ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serum ; chemistry ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To analyze the outcome of patients receiving intrauterine insemination with husband sperm,in order to evaluate the effect of relative factors on pregnancy rate after intrauterine insemination. Methods Ninety-eight infertile couples who received intrauterine insemination in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from March 2013 to May 2014 were selected as our subjects and 181 cycles were included. The information including clinical factors including maternal age,infertile time,infertile causes, ovulation induction protocol,time of insemination and postwash total motitle sperm(TMS)and pregnancy rate were recorded. Results (1)Totally 26 patients received clinical pregnancies,and clinical pregnancy rate(CPR) was 14. 36% per cycle. With age increase pregnancy rate decreased( χ2 = 1. 654 9,P = 0. 647).(2)The pregnancy rate of the patients was the same within the infertile time( χ2 = 1. 588 5,P = 0. 662).(3)The pregnancy rate of the patients with secondary infertility was lower than that of the patients with primary infertility,but there was no significant difference(χ2 = 0. 923 3,P = 0. 337).(4)The pregnancy rate of ovulation induction cycles was lower than that of nature cycles,but there was no significant difference(χ2 = 2. 222 0,P= 0. 136).(5)Postwash TMS was showed the same trend(χ2 = 0. 643 4,P = 0. 422). Conclusion In terms of intrauterine insemination with husband sperm,age,infertile time,infertile types,ovulation induction protocol and posrwash TMS can affect pregnancy rate,and the effects of various factors should be considered comprehensively in the process of therapy.

OBJECTIVETo observe the expression of phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) in matrine (MAT) induced differentiation of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells, and to explore its correlation to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signal pathway.

METHODSNB4 (an APL cell line sensitive to ATRA) and NB4-R1 (a resistant strain of ATRA) were observed as subjects in this study. Effects of combined treatment of 0.1 mmol/L MAT and 1 [mol/L ATRA on the differentiation of two cell lines were detected using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test and flow cytometry (CD11b). Expressions of PML/RARot and PLSCR1 protein/gene were detected using Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Meanwhile, H89, PKA antagonist, was used to observe cell differentiation antigen and changes of aforesaid proteins and genes.

RESULTSMAT combined ATRA could significantly elevate positive rates of NBT and CD11 b in NB4-R1 cells, and significantly down-regulate the expression of PML/RARapha-fusion protein/gene (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). ATRA used alone could obviously enhance the expression of PLSCRI in NB4 cells at protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.01). But the expression of PLSCR1 was up-regulated in NB4-R1 cells, but with statistical.difference only at the protein level (P <0. 01). In combination of MAT, PLSCR1 protein expression was further elevated in the two cell lines (P < 0.01). Besides, there was statistical difference in mRNA expressions in NB4-R1 cells (P < 0.05). All these actions could be reversed by treatment of 10 micromol/L H89 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMAT combined ATRA could significantly induce the differentiation of NB4-R1 cells, and inhibit the expression of PML/RARalpha fusion gene/protein, which might be associated with up-regulating PLSCR1 expression.

Alkaloids ; Antineoplastic Agents ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; metabolism ; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins ; metabolism ; Quinolizines ; RNA, Messenger ; Signal Transduction ; Tretinoin ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Up-Regulation

Objective To explore the effect of topical application of sodium hyaluronate on preventing perivascular adhesion of the vein grafts in rabbits. Methods Thirty-six male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 5 months, were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups: groups A and B. Arterial defect model was established by cutting about 1cm artery from the middle part of the dissected left common carotid artery. A section about 3cm was cut from the right external jugular vein, and the harvested vein was inverted and anastomosed end-to-end to the artery defect. After the anastomosis, the adventitia and two anastomoses of the grafted veins in group A were coated locally with 0.2ml sodium hyaluronate. The grafted veins were obtained 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the operation, with the perivascular adhesion of the vein grafts being examined macroscopically before the resection. HE staining and Masson staining were preformed for histological changes of grafted vein wall and the perivascular adhesion of the vein grafts. At 2, 4 weeks postoperation, the perivascular adhesions of the vein grafts were graded by the grading criteria of adhesion in macroscopic evaluation and histological evaluation. Result At 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, the macroscopic and histological observation found that the perivascular adhesions in group A were looser than those in group B. The macroscopic grade and histological grade were lower in group A than in group B, there was a significant difference between the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks postoperation (P<0.05). Conclusion Topical application of sodium hyaluronate can reduce the perivascular adhesion and is an ideal treatment strategy for preventing perivascular adhesion of vein grafts.

Objective To investigate a possible protective effect of sodium ferulate (SF) on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice. Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into control, SF, MSG, and MSG+SF [20,40,80mg/(kg·d)] groups, n=10. The animals in MSG group received intragastric (ig) administration of MSG (2.0g/(kg·d)], the animals in the MSG+SF groups received simultaneously ig administration of MSG [2.0 g/(kg·d)] and intraperitoneal (ip) administration of SF [20,40,80mg/(kg·d)], the animals in SF group received ip administration of SF [40mg/ (kg·d)], and the animals in control group received ig and ip administration of normal saline, respectively, once-daily for 10d. On day 1 after the last ig administration of MSG or (and) SF the behavioural tests (test of Y-maze discrimination learning and open field test) were performed, and on day 4 after the treatment of MSG or (and) SF the histopathology of the animal brains was studied to analyze the MSG-induced functional and morphological changes and the possible protective effect of SF. Results The correct responses of Y-maze test on day 6 after the last administration of MSG and/or SF in MSG-treated group (13.83/20) were significantly less than those in control (16.42/20)(P<0.01), and those in MSG[2.0g/(kg·d)]+SF[40mg/(kg·d)]-treated mice (16.30/20) were close to those in control (P>0.05). Examination of histopathology displayed MSG-treated hippocampal lesions characterized by intracellular edema, degeneration and necrosis of neurons, and hyperplasia, and the hippocampal lesion did not appear in the MSG [2.0g/(kg·d)]+SF[40mg/(kg·d)]-treated mice. Conclusions SF partially countered the behavior disorders and hippocampal lesions induced by MSG; therefor, SF has a potent neuroprotection against MSG-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice.

Abstract: Objective　To predict the potential distribution of talaromycosis marneffei (TSM) and analyze its driving factors, so as to provide evidence for the surveillance and prevention of this disease. Methods　The data of all laboratory-confirmed, non-duplicating TSM published in the English and Chinese literature from the first case in January 1964 to December 2018 was collected. A Maxent ecology model using environmental variables, Rhizomys distribution and HIV/AIDS epidemic was developed to forecast ecological niche of TSM worldwide, as well as identify the driving factors. Results　A total of 705 articles (477 in Chinese and 228 in English) were obtained during the study period. After excluding imported cases, a total of 100 foci information were included in the model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the model was 0.997 for the training set and 0.991 for the test set. Maxent model revealed that Rhizomys distribution, mean temperature of warmest quarter, precipitation of wettest month, HIV/AIDS epidemic and mean temperature of driest quarter were the top 5 important variables affecting TSM distribution. In addition to identifying traditional TSM endemic areas (South of the Yangtze River in China, Southeast Asian, North and Northeast India), other potential endemic areas were also identified, including parts of the North of the Yangtze River, Central America, West Coast of Africa, East Coast of South America, the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Conclusion　Our finding has discovered hidden high-risk areas and provided insights about driving factors of TSM distribution, which will help inform surveillance strategies and improve the effectiveness of public health interventions against TM infections.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) treatments on mycoplasmal pneumonia in children and the changes in the serum cytokines.

METHODSNinety children with mycoplasmal pneumonia were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group. TCM was given orally and azithromycin at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg was administered intravenously in the treatment group. In the control group, only intravenous azithromycin was given. After a 7-day treatment, the response rate, time of symptom disappearance, and serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha were observed.

RESULTSThe total response rate was 93.33% in the treatment group and 73.33% in the control group, showing a significantly better therapeutic effect in the treatment group (P<0.05). The combined treatments also showed better effects in alleviating fever, coughing and rales (P<0.05), and resulted in more obvious reduction in the serum levels of cytokines (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCombined treatment with TCM and WM produce good therapeutic effects in children with mycoplasmal pneumonia.

Azithromycin ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytokines ; blood ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; blood ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence on the synaptic protein expression in different brain regions of ICR mice after lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) exposure during postnatal period.

METHODSTwo male and 4 female healthy ICR mice were put in one cage. It was set as pregnancy if vaginal plug was founded. Offspring were divided into 5 groups randomly, and exposed to LCT (0.01% DMSO solution) at the doses of 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg by intragastric rout every other day from postnatal days (PND) 5 to PND13, control animals were treated with normal saline or DMSO by the same route. The brains were removed from pups on PND 14, the synaptic protein expression levels in cortex, hippocampus and striatum were measured by western blot.

RESULTSGFAP levels of cortex and hippocampus in the LCT exposure group increased with doses, as compared with control group (P < 0.05), while Tuj protein expression did not change significantly in the various brain regions of ICR mice. GAP-43 protein expression levels in the LCT exposed mouse hippocampus and in female ICR mouse cortex increased with doses, as compared with control group (P < 0.05). Presynaptic protein (Synapsin I) expression levels did not change obviously in various brain regions. However, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) expression levels of the hippocampus and striatum in male offspring of 10.0 mg/kg LCT group, of cortex of female LCT groups, and of female offspring in all exposure groups, of striatum, in 1.0 or 10.0 mg/kg LCT exposure groups significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEarly postnatal exposure to LCT affects synaptic protein expression. These effects may ultimately affect the construction of synaptic connections.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Corpus Striatum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitriles ; toxicity ; Pyrethrins ; toxicity ; Synapsins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo comparatively investigate the inorganic composition and crystallographic properties of cortical and cancellous bone via thermal treatment under 700 °C.

METHODSThermogravimetric measurement, infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and X-ray photo-electron spectrometer were used to test the physical and chemical properties of cortical and cancellous bone at room temperature 250 °C, 450 °C, and 650 °C, respectively.

RESULTSThe process of heat treatment induced an extension in the a-lattice parameter and changes of the c-lattice parameter, and an increase in the crystallinity reflecting lattice rearrangement after release of lattice carbonate and possible lattice water. The mineral content in cortical and cancellous bone was 73.2wt% and 71.5wt%, respectively. For cortical bone, the weight loss was 6.7% at the temperature from 60 °C to 250 °C, 17.4% from 250 °C to 450 °C, and 2.7% from 450 °C to 700 °C. While the weight loss for the cancellous bone was 5.8%, 19.9%, and 2.8 % at each temperature range, the Ca/P ratio of cortical bone was 1.69 which is higher than the 1.67 of stoichiometric HA due to the B-type CO₃²⁻ substitution in apatite lattice. The Ca/P ratio of cancellous bone was lower than 1.67, suggesting the presence of more calcium deficient apatite.

CONCLUSIONThe collagen fibers of cortical bone were arrayed more orderly than those of cancellous bone, while their mineralized fibers ollkded similar. The minerals in both cortical and cancellous bone are composed of poorly crystallized nano-size apatite crystals with lattice carbonate and possible lattice water. The process of heat treatment induces a change of the lattice parameter, resulting in lattice rearrangement after the release of lattice carbonate and lattice water and causing an increase in crystal size and crystallinity. This finding is helpful for future biomaterial design, preparation and application.

Animals ; Bone Density ; physiology ; Bone and Bones ; chemistry ; ultrastructure ; Crystallography ; Spectrophotometry, Infrared ; Swine

Objective To explore the role of serum inflammatory factors in prediction of infection following internal fixation of closed fractures and its significance for surgical timing and infection prophylaxis.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 100 patients who had been treated by internal fixation for closed fracture from January 2014 through July 2016.They were 52 men and 48 women,aged from 24 to 76 years (average,45 years).There were 14 femoral fractures,19 tibial plateau fractures,25 patella fractures,8 pilon fractures,22 tibiofibular shaft fractures,and 12 calcaneal fractures.Of them,21 were inflicted by wound infection.The preoperative and postoperative infection indexes,CRP,ESR,PCT and leukocyte count,were recorded.Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the correlation between the infection indexes and postoperative infection.The optimal cut-off value was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results CRP showed a significant correlation with postoperative infection while other indexes did not.The optimal cut-off value was 25 mg/L at one day before operation.Conclusions Preoperative determination of CRP may predict the risk of postoperative infection.CRP ＞ 25 mg/L at one day before operation may indicate the following day is not suitable for surgery and active infection prophylaxis should be conducted after surgery.