OBJECTIVE To study on the identification of traditional Chinese medicine of Macleaya cordata(M. cordata) and its similar varieties. METHODS By consulting the ancient herbal books and modern literature, this paper systematically combs and studies the M. cordata. The morphological identification, microscopic identification, physiochemical identification, molecular identification were used to identify M. cordata and its similar varieties. RESULTS Obtained M. cordata herbal textual research data. There were some differences between M. cordata and Macleaya microcarpa(M. microcarpa) and other similar varieties in traits, microscopic, physicochemical and molecular characteristics. Molecular identification results showed that the length of the rbcL gene of M. cordata were 600 bp to 603 bp, with the average GC content ranging from 43.95% to 44.28%. There were significant differences in the variation sites between M. cordata and other similar varieties, and the variation sites with M. microcarpa were the least. The interspecific genetic distance between M. cordata and its similar varieties was greater than its maximum intraspecific genetic distance. NJ analysis results of rbcL could effectively distinguish M. cordata from other similar varieties accurately and quickly. There were significant differences in the secondary structure of rbcL between M. cordata and its similar varieties. CONCLUSION The traditional Chinese medicine identification methods of M. cordata, M. microcarpa and other similar varieties are constructed, which provides experimental basis for the variety identification of M. cordata and the subsequent development of traditional Chinese medicine resources.

Objective:To investigate the expression changes of lncRNAs and mRNAs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) treated by tritiated water.Methods:HUVEC cells were divided into two groups, the control group cultured in DMEM medium, and the tritiated water exposure group cultured in a medium containing tritiated water with a final concentraion of 3.7×10 3 Bq/ml. After culture for 48 h, cells were collected for RNA extract.The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were screened by high-through put chip technology and then analyzed. Results:Compared with the control group, 1 717 lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 3 994 lncRNAs significantly down-regulated, and 4 562 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 1 433 mRNAs down-regulated. Through co-expression analysis of differential mRNAs and lncRNAs, some key genes including SQSTM1, CXCL8, ITPR1, GADD45A, NF-kB1 and VDAC1 were obtained.Conclusions:Tritiated water exposure can induce multiple changes of mRNAs and lncRNAs in vascular endothelial cells, which may lead to toxic effects through signaling pathways including some key genes such as SQSTM1, CXCL8, and ITPR1.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were not complex, and the endothelial barrier was destroyed in the pathogenesis progress of acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Previous studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which was secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, could decrease endothelial apoptosis. We investigated whether mTOR/STAT3 signaling acted in HGF protective effects against oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction and ALI mice. METHODS: In our current study, we introduced LPS-induced PMEVCs with HGF treatment. To investigate the effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in endothelial oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 were, respectively, used to inhibit mTOR/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, lentivirus vector-mediated mTORC1 (Raptor) and mTORC2 (Rictor) gene knockdown modifications were introduced to evaluate mTORC1 and mTORC1 pathways. Calcium measurement, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential and protein, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and endothelial junction protein were detected to evaluate HGF effects. Moreover, we used the ALI mouse model to observe the mitochondria pathological changes with an electron microscope in vivo. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that HGF protected the endothelium via the suppression of ROS production and intracellular calcium uptake, which lead to increased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 and mitochondria tracker green detection) and specific proteins (complex I), raised anti-apoptosis Messenger Ribonucleic Acid level (B-cell lymphoma 2 and Bcl-xL), and increased endothelial junction proteins (VE-cadherin and occludin). Reversely, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 could raise oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis even with HGF treatment in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Similarly, mTORC1 as well as mTORC2 have the same protective effects in mitochondria damage and apoptosis. In in vivo experiments of ALI mouse, HGF also increased mitochondria structural integrity via the mTOR/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION In all, these reveal that mTOR/STAT3 signaling mediates the HGF suppression effects to oxidative level, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and endothelial junction protein in ARDS, contributing to the pulmonary endothelial survival and barrier integrity.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Calcium/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Endothelium/metabolism* ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Mammals/metabolism* ; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/metabolism* ; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome ; Sirolimus/pharmacology* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of iridoid glycoside of radix scrophulariae (IGRS) on endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion METHODS: Rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells were pretreated with IGRS (50, 100, 200 μg/mL) for 24h, and the RESULTS: The damage caused by OGD/R to PC12 cells was significantly reduced by IGRS, with significant effect on increasing survival rate and reducing LDH release (all CONCLUSIONS IGRS has neuroprotective effect, which may alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating SERCA2, maintaining calcium balance, and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis.
Animals ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Down-Regulation/drug effects* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects* ; Glucose ; In Vitro Techniques ; Iridoid Glycosides/pharmacology* ; Oxygen ; PC12 Cells ; Rats ; Reperfusion ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Snails/chemistry*

Objective In order to analyze of poisoning causes,a new method was established utilizing hydrophilic liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (HILIC-MS/MS) coupled with dispersive solid phase extraction for rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis of tetrodotoxin in nassarius and shellfish.Methods Sample (1.0 g) was extracted with 0.1％ acetic acid in boiling water bath,purified by dispersive solid phase extraction with 50 mg hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB),5 mg graphitized carbon black (GCB) and protein precipitation with acetonitrile,and then filtered through a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane.The analytes were separated on a HILIC column,and detected in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode via positive electrospray ionization.The matrix matching and external standard method was used for quantification.Results Tetrodotoxin showed good linearity in the concentration range between 2.0 and 40.0 ng/ml,the correlation coefficient was higher than 0.999.The detection limit of tetrodotoxin in seafood was 10.0 pg/kg.The rates of recovery varied between 74.2％ and 87.9％ with relative standard deviations from 2.3％ to 9.1％ at spiked concentrations of 25,100 and 200 pg/kg.The proposed method was applied in the detection of tetrodotoxin in shellfish and nassarius from coastal cities of Zhejiang Province.Conclusion The method was accurate,fast,easy to operate,which could meet the requirements of public health emergency testing or routine testing.

Objective To evaluate the effects of sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine on volume responsiveness in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure. Methods Ninety?one critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure, aged 20-90 yr, weighing 40-80 kg, requiring sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine, of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ scores 12-47, of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores 1-18, and of NYHA Ⅰ or Ⅱ, were included. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table: propofol group ( n = 45 ) and dexmedetomidine group ( n=46) . Before and after propofol or dexmedetomidine sedation, when Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score reached -2 or -1 ( BIS value 60-75) ( after sedation) , passive leg?raising (PLR) test was performed to evaluate volume responsiveness. An increase in cardiac index (ΔCI) ≥10% after PLR was considered to be a positive response, whereas ΔCI<10% after PLR was considered to be a negative response. The patients who presented with negative responses before sedation served as negative volume responsiveness subgroups ( N subgroups ) , that was PN subgroup and DN subgroup. Results The positive rates of volume responsiveness were 64% ( 14 cases) and 25% ( 5 cases) in PN and DN subgroups, respectively. The positive rates of volume responsiveness were significantly higher after sedation than before sedation in PN and DN subgroups. Compared with DN subgroup, the positive rates of volume responsiveness were significantly increased after sedation in PN subgroup. Conclusion For the critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure, both propofol and dexmedetomidine sedation can improve volume responsiveness, and propofol provides better efficacy than dexmedetomidine.

BACKGROUNDHigh-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) allows for small tidal volumes at mean airway pressures (mPaw) above that of conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), but the effect of HFOV on hemodynamics, oxygen metabolism, and tissue perfusion in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains unclear. We investigated the effects of HFOV and CMV in sheep models with ARDS.

METHODSAfter inducing ARDS by repeated lavage, twelve adult sheep were randomly divided into a HFOV or CMV group. After stabilization, standard lung recruitments (40 cmH2O × 40 seconds) were performed. The optimal mPaw or positive end-expiratory pressure was obtained by lung recruitment and decremental positive end-expiratory pressure titration. The animals were then ventilated for 4 hours. The hemodynamics, tissue perfusion (superior mesenteric artery blood flow, pHi, and Pg-aCO2), oxygen metabolism and respiratory mechanics were examined at baseline before saline lavage, in the ARDS model, after model stabilization, and during hourly mechanical ventilation for up to 4 hours. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to evaluate differences between the groups.

RESULTSThe titrated mPaw was higher and the tidal volumes lower in the HFOV group than the positive end-expiratory pressure in the CMV group. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic parameters between the HFOV and CMV groups. There was no difference in the mean alveolar pressure between the two groups. After lung recruitment, both groups showed an improvement in the oxygenation, oxygen delivery, and DO2. Lactate levels increased in both groups after inducing the ARDS model. Compared with the CMV group, the superior mesenteric artery blood flow and pHi were significantly higher in the HFOV group, but the Pg-aCO2 decreased in the HFOV group.

CONCLUSIONCompared with CMV, HFOV with optimal mPaw has no significant side effect on hemodynamics or oxygen metabolism, and increases gastric tissue blood perfusion.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; High-Frequency Ventilation ; methods ; Male ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; methods ; Respiration, Artificial ; methods ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; metabolism ; therapy ; Sheep

Objective To compare in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer( IVF-ET ) outcome of gonadotropin-releasing hormone( GnRH ) antagonist protocol and GnRH agonist long protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS)and to provide reference for rational selection of ovulation stimulation protocol for PCOS patients. Methods One hundred and four patients with PCOS who underwent IVF-ET were randomly divided into two groups. In the study group,41 patients were subjected to the GnRH antagonist protocol;In the control group,63 patients were subjected to a long protocol of GnRH agonist. Doses and duration of gonadotropin therapy,the thickness of endometrium and the profile of hormone level on the day of HCG administration,the number of retrieved oocytes,the ratio of fertilization,the ratio of cleavage,the ratio of the good quantity embryos,implantation rate of embryo,pregnancy rate,the cycle cancellation rate and the incidence rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome( OHSS)were recorded. Results The IVF-ET outcome of the two groups was similar with respects to the number of oocytes,the ratio of fertilization,the ratio of cleavage,implantation rate of embryo and the pregnancy rate( P﹥0. 05). Significant differences were found(P﹤0. 05)between the two groups regarding to the doses and duration of gonadotropin therapy,the levels of serum E2 and LH on the day of HCG administration,and the cycle cancellation rate. The incidence rate of OHSS was not significantly different ( 2. 44% vs. 12. 70%) between the two groups. Conclusion The duration of gonadotropins administration,the cycle cancellation rate,incidence of OHSS and the financial burdern are reduced in patients treated with GnRH antagonist. The growth of follicle,the ratio of fertilization,the ratio of cleavage,implantation rate of embryo and the pregnancy rate are not different between the two methods. The GnRH antagonist protocol is optimal for patients with PCOS.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of ventilator circuit change frequency on ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP).MethodsMeta-analysis of effects of ventilator circuit change frequency on VAP was conducted with study-level data from 1995 to 2010 in Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science databases.ResultsNine articles were included (sample size:20 326 mechanically ventilated patients).Analysis of six articles showed that the incidence of VAP in ventilator circuit change every 2 or 3 days was 4.05％,while 3.65％ in ventilator circuit change every 7 days.Compared with change ventilator circuit every 2 or 3 days,the risk ratio (RR) of VAP in weekly changes was 0.77 [0.54,1.09] ( P =0.14 ).Analysis three articles showed that compared to ventilator circuit change every 7 days with 15.89％ incidence of VAP,the incidence of VAP in circuit change more than 14 days was 14.9％,and RR was 0.98 [0.69,1.39](P =0.91 ).ConclusionsRegular ventilator circuit change frequency in various intervals can't difference in the incidence of VAP in mechanical ventilation patients.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between alveolar dead space fraction and the prognosis of patients with acute respiratory syndrome in the early phase ( ＜ 3 days).MethodsTwentythree patients with ARDS were enrolled in this study.The VD/VT was measured by the single breath test of CO2 (SBT-CO2).The age,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,APACHE Ⅱ,Murray lung injury score,functional residual capacity ( FRC ),PaO2/FiO2,tidal volume,airway plateau pressure ( Pplat ),static pulmonary compliance (Cst),28-day mortality were recorded.ResultsThe alveolar dead-space fraction was markedly elevated (0.59 ±0.06) and the mean FRC was markedly decreased (1643 ±409) ml in the early phase of ARDS.The mortality of 28 days was 52.2％.The mean dead-space fraction was significantly higher in non-survived patients than that in survival [(0.64 ± 0.08 ) vs.(0.53 ±0.04 )].VD/VT was correlated significantly with Murray lung injury score ( r=0.464,P =0.026).The area under the ROC curve for dead space fraction was 0.867,with sensitivity of 83％,and specificity of 82％.Conclusions Increased alveolar dead-space fraction of patients in the early phases of ARDS is associated with greater risk of death.