AIM: To investigate whether a pathological micro-environmental culture system consisting of cholestatic sera induces embryonic stem cells (ESC) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro, and select hepatic stem cells from differentiating embryonic stem cells. METHODS: Mouse ESC, E14 cell line, were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 106 U/L recombinant mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (rmLIF) and 10% FCS. After embryonic bodies formed by the hanging drop culture method, they were exposed to fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) for one week, and then placed to a pathological micro-environmental culture system consisting of 5% cholestatic sera and cultured for 2 weeks. Morphological examination, immunocytochemical staining of albumin and CK8/18 were carried out, and mRNA level of albumin and transthyretin were detected by RT-PCR. Glycogen storage and urea synthesis of the cells were tested with PAS staining and colorimetric assay, respectively. RESULTS: The proliferation of cells was inhibited at the early stage when cultured in a pathological micro-environmental culture system consisting of 5% cholestatic sera, but 2 weeks later, a large number of epithelial-like cell colonies were observed, which exhibited hepatocellular phenotype, expressing albumin and CK8/18, transcribing mRNA of albumin and transthyretin and synthesizing glycogen and urea. CONCLUSION: A pathological micro- environmental culture system consisting of 5% cholestatic sera could not only induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, but select hepatic stem cells from differentiating embryonic stem cells initially induced by FGF-4 and HGF in vitro as well.

Approximately 3 to 5％ of newly diagnosed metastatic cancers are of unknown primary tissue origin due to difficulties identifying a primary tumor using standard diagnostic approaches.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been demonstrated to be able to assist pathologist with improved accuracy in diagnosing cancers of unknown primary origin (CUP).In this short commentary,we will highlight some of the recent advancements in miRNA based cancer diagnosis as well as some future directions for the field.

In order to confirm the role that the 49th amino acid residue plays in enzymatic inactivity of Glutamine 49 phospholipase A2(Gln49-PLA2),site-directed mutagenesis of its 49th amino acid gene codon was conducted using PCR.Aspartic acid 49 phospholipase A2(Asp49-PLA2-Q49D-PLA2),the mutant of Gln49-PLA2 was expressed in E.coli with pET32a+ vector.The fusion protein,expressed as inclusion body,after being denatured,was on-column refolded and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography(IMAC),and then cleaved by Factor Xa.The mature Q49D-PLA2 mutant was obtained by Hitrap SP cation exchange and Superdex 75 gel filtration chromatography,with the recovery rate of 1.3%,and the specific activity of the mature Q49D-PLA2 mutant was 72 U/mg.It has been demonstrated that the 49th glutamine amino acid residue is the main reason in enzymatic inactivity of Gln49-PLA2 and the results are helpful for denatured protein refolding,especially in rich disulfide bonds conditions.

85 mL/min),CL=6.0?(WT/60)~(0.52).④The increased volume of peripheral distribution (V_2) was observed when norvancomycin was co-administered with diuretics;④Reduced drug clearance,prolonged t_(1/2),and increased values of AUC_(24) were found in elderly patients.Conclusions Renal function impairment and age have significant impact on PK parameters of norvancomycin.Dosing regimens of norvancomycin were finally established for different patients on the basis of important PPK parameters generated from different groups of patients.

OBJECTIVETo study on visible display of Meridian on the dummy human body.

METHODSTube model-building method and computer technique were used, and data came from Voxel-Man dummy human body development platform.

RESULTSThe visual effect of re-building Meridian is very good and it can display the different layers of anatomic structures on the Meridian lines.

CONCLUSIONThe visible display of Meridian on the dummy human body is preliminary realized, which provides data carriers for establishing the platform of Meridian study.

Human Body ; Humans ; Meridians

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Emergency Treatment ; Female ; Humans ; Injury Severity Score ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Trauma ; diagnosis ; therapy

Objective To investigate the click and tone burst evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABR)in normal Wistar rat,and to establish the standards of ABR testing method,and to provide a reference for studies rat audition.Methods Fifteen male Wistar rats(30 ears)were used in this sutdy.The latency and amplitude of ABR e-voked by click and TB at 80,50 and 20 dB SPL were measured.Results The occurrence rate of wave Ⅱand Ⅳat low levels(20 dB SPL)was nearly the same according to the amplitude.The cABR (dB peSPL)threshold was 21.83± 4.45 and tbABR (dB SPL)thresholds were 2.02±0.09,2.88±0.16,3.77±0.25,4.69±0.29,and 5.78±0.41, respectively.80 dB stimulus evoked cABR (peSPL)wave I,I b,II,III,IV and V latency (ms)were 1.76±0.12, 2.13±0.11,2.67±0.16,3.49±0.28,4.39±0.29,and 5.45±0.41,respectively.tbABR (SPL)of wave I,Ib, II,III,IV and V latency (ms)at 4 kHz were 2.02±0.09,2.88±0.16,3.77±0.25,4.69±0.29,and 5.78± 0.41,respectively.At 8 kHz they were 1.76±0.07,2.28±0.10,2.63±0.16,3.49±0.21,4.44±0.28,and 5.48±0.43;while at 12 kHz were1.76±0.08,2.24±0.12,2.61±0.25,3.53±0.25,4.46±0.32,and 5.52± 0.45;at 16 kHz were 1.79±0.10,2.25±0.12,2.70±0.18,3.62±0.27,4.52±0.37,and 5.61±0.49;at 24 kHz were 1.75±0.09,2.27±0.11,2.67±0.16,3.60±0.27,4.52±0.38,and 5.60±0.51;at 32 kHz were 1.77±0.10,2.24±0.12,2.64±0.20,3.59±0.34,4.52±0.40,and 5.61±0.52,respectively.Conclusion Wave Ⅳ was the best wave to determine threshold of click and tone burst evoked auditory brainstem response in rat.

Nine compounds were isolated from an ethanol extract of the roots of K. roxburghii by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, MCI gel, Sephadex LH-20, and reversed-phase HPLC. On the basis of physical-chemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis, their structures were identified as munjistin (1), 1-methoxy-3,6-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9,10-anthraquinone (2), 1,2,3-trihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (3), arjunolic acid (4), hyptatic acid-A (5), hyptatic acid-B (6), 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (7), 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8), and daucosterol (9). Compounds 1-9 were obtained from this genus for the first time.
Anthraquinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Rubiaceae ; chemistry ; Triterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo assess the association between polymorphisms of protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channel (GIRK4) gene and insulin resistance (IR) in Xinjiang Uygur population.

METHODSA cross-sectional epidemiological survey-based case-control study was carried out, for which 1295 subjects (including 324 IR patients and 971 non-IR controls) were randomly selected. Functional region of the GIRK4 gene was sequenced for 48 randomly selected IR patients. Representative variable sites were chosen, with its association with IR assessed in 1295 Uygur subjects.

RESULTSrs11221497 variant was associated with IR in Uygur subjects under 50 years old (P=0.017 in genotype model, P=0.009 in dominant model). Subjects with dominant model of CC genotype have an OR of 1.833 (95%CI: 1.157-2.905) for IR.

CONCLUSIONGIRK4 gene polymorphisms may be associated with IR in Uygur ethnics from Xinjiang. The CC genotype of rs11221497 variant is a risk factor for IR.

Adult ; Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of vitamin-mineral supplement on young males with physical overtraining.

METHODSTwo hundred and forty male Chinese field artillery personnel who undertook large scale and endurance military training and were on ordinary Chinese diet were randomized to receive a multivitamin/multimineral supplement or a placebo for 1 week. After a 1-week wash-out period, a cross-over with 1 week course of a placebo or multivitamin/multimineral supplement was conducted. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for adrenal, gonadal and thyroid hormones. In addition, cellular immune parameters (CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD4/CD8, CD3-CD56+, CD3-CD19+) were examined and psychological tests were performed before and after the training program and nutrition intervention.

RESULTSAfter a large scale and endurance military training, the participants showed significantly increased thyroid function, decreased adrenal cortex, testosterone and immunological function, and significantly increased somatization, anger and tension. Compared to placebo, multivitamin/ multimineral intervention showed significant effects on functional recovery of the pituitary - adrenal axis, pituitary-gonadal axis, pituitary- thyroid axis and immune system as well as psychological parameters.

CONCLUSIONHigh-intensity military operations have significant impacts on the psychology, physical ability and neuroendocrine-immune system in young males. Appropriate supplementation of multivitamin/multimineral can facilitate the recovery of the psychology, physical ability and neuroendocrine-immune system in young males who take ordinary Chinese diet.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Affect ; drug effects ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Emotions ; drug effects ; Exercise ; Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Military Personnel ; Minerals ; administration & dosage ; Psychological Tests ; Stress, Psychological ; prevention & control ; Vitamins ; administration & dosage ; Young Adult