Objective To study paraquat adsorbability of different field soils in Guangxi province of China. Methods HPLC method was adopted to measure the peak area of paraquat in three different media of four types of soils. Chromatographic column was Kromasil C18 column (4. 6 mm×200 mm, 5 μm); mobile phase was acetonitrile-water (including 0. 03 mol·L-1 sodium heptanesulfonate and 0. 24 mol·L-1 phosphoric acid) at a ratio of 397 (pH adjusted to 2. 0 by triethylamine). Detection wave length was 258 nm; column temperature was 25 ℃; the injection volume was 20 μL; flow rate was 0. 8 mL·min-1 . The peak areas of paraquat before and after being adsorbed were compared to calculate the adsorption rate of paraquat in different soils. Results All tested soil samples possessed the adsorption rate of paraquat over 99. 0%. Conclusion Four common field soils in Guangxi province can be used as temporary effective absorbents for the first-aid of paraquat poisoning.

OBJECTIVETo study the metastasis-associated molecules differentially expressed in highly and poorly metastatic sublines and the mechanism of metastasis in lung giant cell carcinoma.

METHODSHighly and poorly metastatic sublines (PLA801D and PLA801C)were used as metastasis model. Cell motility and invasion assay in vitro were first compared between the two sublines. Then, gelatin zymography analysis was used to determine the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. The protein expression level of secreted MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and intracellular expression level of p53, p16, PCNA, CD44(V6) isomeride, E-cadherin, CK18, nm23-H1 as well as the mRNA expression level of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, VEGF were compared through Western blot. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to determine the intracellular mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and VEGF.

RESULTSThe in vitro cell invasion potential of highly metastatic subline PLA801D was significantly higher than that of poorly metastatic subline PLA801C by about 4 folds, while the cell motility potential was similar. The secreted MMP-2 activity was notably higher in PLA801D, which was initiated by the higher expression of MMP-2 at protein and mRNA level. In addition, the expression level of p53, PCNA, CK18 protein and VEGF mRNA were significantly higher, while the expression level of p16, E-cadherin and nm23-H1 protein were significantly lower in PLA801D. Some molecules such as MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, CD44(V6) isomeride, which had been reported to be associated with tumor metastasis, were not observed to change significantly between the two sublines.

CONCLUSIONThere are significant differences in metastatic potential and phenotypes between highly and poorly metastatic sublines of lung giant cell carcinoma. Some differentially expressed molecules might be playing roles in promoting or inhibiting metastasis of lung giant cell carcinoma, which may be useful to elucidate the mechanism of metastasis.

Carcinoma, Giant Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Interleukin-8 ; genetics ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; analysis ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of scrub typhus complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and provide help for the prevention and treatment of this severe disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis on the clinical data of 176 scrub typhus patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from 2009 to 2016 was conducted. The patients were divided into ARDS group (n=25) and non-ARDS group (n=151). Age, sex, the time from onset to diagnosis, clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations within 24 hours of admission, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)Ⅱscore were recorded. The differences of clinical characteristics between two groups were compared, and the relevant factors were analyzed. Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were chosen for the comparison of categorical data and measurement data of normal or non-normal distribution, respectively, then statistically significant variables were included into logistic regression analysis. Results: Fever (100.0%) was the most common clinical feature and elevated alanine aminotransferase (95.4%) was the most frequent laboratory abnormality. Age (t=3.055), APACHEⅡscore (t=5.592), D-dimer (t=2.704), the time from onset to diagnosis (t=5.719), serum level of creatinine (t=4.099), and the incidence of hepatosplenomegaly (χ²=5.202) in ARDS group were all higher than those in non-ARDS group (all P<0.05), while the platelet count, serum level of albumin in ARDS group were both lower than those in non-ARDS group (both P<0.05). Multiple factor logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, APACHEⅡscore, D-dimer, the time from onset to diagnosis, and the platelet count were independent risk factors for scrub typhus complicated with ARDS. Fifteen patients died among the 176 cases, with eight (32%) in the ARDS group and seven (4.6%) in the non-ARDS group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ²=20.6, P<0.01). Conclusion Patients with scrub typhus should be definitely diagnosed at an early stage. Meanwhile, monitoring the risk factors of scrub typhus patients complicated with ARDS, and taking effective treatment can improve the prognosis of scrub typhus patients.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of SG13S114 A/T in the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene and the stability of carotid atherosclerosis.

METHODSPolymorphism of SG13S114 A/T in the ALOX5AP gene was analyzed in 152 cases of acute infarction with stable plaque, and 132 cases of acute infarction with vulnerable plaques, by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Carotid artery plaque was analyzed by carotid artery color ultrasound.

RESULTSThe frequencies of SG13S114 AA genotype and the A allele in the vulnerable plaque group were higher than that in the stable plaque group (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism of SG13S114 A/T in the ALOX5AP gene may be associated with the instability of atherosclerosis. And the SG13S114 A allele may be a risk factor of vulnerable plaques.

5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Proteins ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; genetics ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo study the function of IL-18 in promoting metastasis of lung cancer.

METHODSThe differential expression of IL-18 protein or mRNA level between highly and poorly metastatic sublines of human lung giant cell carcinoma metastatic model was detected by Western blot, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and northern blot analysis. The poorly metastatic PLA801C subline or highly metastatic PLA801D subline was transfected with constructed IL-18 sense or IL-18 antisense expressed plasmid by lipofectamine stable transfection technique. The metastasis-related effect mediated by IL-18, the metastatic phenotype differences, cell motility and cell invasion potential in vitro determined by MICS system and the expression level of metastasis-associated biomarkers detected by Western blot analysis, were compared between IL-18 stably transfectants and mock control, i.e. between PLA801C/IL-18(S) and PLA801C/pcDNA3.1, or between PLA801D/IL-18(As) and PLA801D/pcDNA3.

RESULTSIL-18 was only present in highly metastatic PLA801D subline at either protein or mRNA level, which implied that IL-18 might play a role in promoting metastasis of lung cancer. After IL-18 sense expressed plasmid was transfected into poorly metastatic PLA801C subline, IL-18 fused protein with myc tag detected by Western blot analysis using either IL-18 or myc tag monoclonal antibody. In addition, cell motility ability in vitro was significantly increased about 3 times and E-cadherin protein was significantly down-regulated at about 50% in PLA801C/IL-18(S) transfectants compared with mock control. While IL-18 expressed plasmid was transfected into highly metastatic PLA801D subline, IL-18 protein and mRNA were simultaneously decreased by 30%. In addition, cell invasion ability in vitro was significantly decreased at about 75% and E-cadherin protein was significantly up-regulated in PLA801D/IL-18(As) transfectants compared with mock control.

CONCLUSIONIL-18 might play a role in enhancing tumor metastasis of lung cancer by down-regulating E-cadherin protein expression.

Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Giant Cell ; metabolism ; secondary ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; DNA, Antisense ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Interleukin-18 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; genetics ; Plasmids ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

BACKGROUNDAlthough severe encephalopathy has been proposed as a possible contraindication to the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV), increasing clinical reports showed it was effective in patients with impaired consciousness and even coma secondary to acute respiratory failure, especially hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (HARF). To further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of NPPV for severe hypercapnic encephalopathy, a prospective case-control study was conducted at a university respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) during the past 3 years.

METHODSForty-three of 68 consecutive AECOPD patients requiring ventilatory support for HARF were divided into 2 groups, which were carefully matched for age, sex, COPD course, tobacco use and previous hospitalization history, according to the severity of encephalopathy, 22 patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) < 10 served as group A and 21 with GCS = 10 as group B.

RESULTSCompared with group B, group A had a higher level of baseline arterial partial CO2 pressure ((102 +/- 27) mmHg vs (74 +/- 17) mmHg, P < 0.01), lower levels of GCS (7.5 +/- 1.9 vs 12.2 +/- 1.8, P < 0.01), arterial pH value (7.18 +/- 0.06 vs 7.28 +/- 0.07, P < 0.01) and partial O(2) pressure/fraction of inspired O(2) ratio (168 +/- 39 vs 189 +/- 33, P < 0.05). The NPPV success rate and hospital mortality were 73% (16/22) and 14% (3/22) respectively in group A, which were comparable to those in group B (68% (15/21) and 14% (3/21) respectively, all P > 0.05), but group A needed an average of 7 cm H2O higher of maximal pressure support during NPPV, and 4, 4 and 7 days longer of NPPV time, RICU stay and hospital stay respectively than group B (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). NPPV therapy failed in 12 patients (6 in each group) because of excessive airway secretions (7 patients), hemodynamic instability (2), worsening of dyspnea and deterioration of gas exchange (2), and gastric content aspiration (1).

CONCLUSIONSSelected patients with severe hypercapnic encephalopathy secondary to HARF can be treated as effectively and safely with NPPV as awake patients with HARF due to AECOPD; a trial of NPPV should be instituted to reduce the need of endotracheal intubation in patients with severe hypercapnic encephalopathy who are otherwise good candidates for NPPV due to AECOPD.

Aged ; Brain Diseases ; therapy ; Carbon Dioxide ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Hypercapnia ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen ; blood ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; complications

OBJECTIVETo compare the tissue formation and the content of polysaccharide between the wild Dendrobium candidum and the cultured ones and to find any existed differences.

METHODBare-handed microtomy and photomicrography; The content of polysaccharide is determined by phenol-sulphuric acid method.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThere are no marked noticeable differences between the wild D. candidum and the cultured ones in terms of the tissure formation and the content of polysaccharide.

Dendrobium ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Polysaccharides ; analysis ; Tissue Culture Techniques

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type II (PFIC-2) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic variants of ABCB11 gene. This paper reports the clinical and laboratory features of a pediatric patient with PFIC-2. The patient was a 2.4-month-old male infant with jaundice and hepatomegaly as the main clinical manifestations. The serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and total bile acids were increased, while the serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level was normal. Next generation sequencing revealed two missense variants, c.1493T>C(p.Ile498Thr) and c.1502T>G(p.Val501Gly), in the ABCB11 gene of the patient, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. The latter was a novel variant which was predicted to be pathogenic by using a variety of bioinformatic tools, and the affected p.Val501 residue was highly conserved in 112 homologous peptides.

Objective： The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between cyclin A expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the proliferative activity and the prognosis. Methods： Cyclin A expression in 60 non-small cell lung carcinoma specimens was detected by immunohistochemical method. DNA content was measured by flow cytometry. Results： Twenty-nine cases (48.3％ ) showed cyclin A expression. The median S-phase fraction of the cyclin A-positive 14.4± 3.9％ was higher than that of the cyclin A-negative 9.4± 3.5％ . The overall survival was significantly lower in patients with cyclin A expression than in those without cyclin A expression. Conclusion： Cyclin A expression contributed to the high proliferative activity in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Cyclin A might be a prognostic marker of non-small cell lung carcinoma.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the bedside diode laser photocoagulation for severe retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODData of 103 patients with prethreshold or threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), treated with diode laser photoablation after vecuronium-induced anesthesia and mechanical ventilation from March 2009 to July 2011 in NICU of Bayi Children's Hospital.

RESULTTotally 199 eyes in 103 patients received laser therapy with at least 5 months follow up. Among these eyes, zone I disease was found in 76 eyes (38.2%) of 39 infants, zone II disease was found in 123 eyes (61.8%)of 64 infants and additional disease was found in 180 eyes of 91 infants. After treatment 191 (96.0%) of 199 eyes had favorable outcomes and 8 developed to partial retinal detachment. The rate of favorable outcomes in zone I diseases and zone 2 diseases were 89.5% and 100% respectively. The laser therapy was undertaken in all patients safely and the use of ventilator was stopped quickly [after a mean of (6.7 ± 1.3) h].

CONCLUSIONBedside laser photocoagulation in NICU is a safe and effective treatment mode for severe ROP and should be used widely.

Anesthesia ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Lasers, Semiconductor ; Light Coagulation ; methods ; Male ; Perioperative Nursing ; Retina ; pathology ; surgery ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome