Objective:To investigate the effects of 30% ethanol elution fraction of Artemisia absinthium extract with macroporous resin (AAEM-30%) on the dendritic cell (DC) and immunity of mice. Methods:AAEM-30% was obtained from the alcoholic extracts of A. absinthium by AB-8 macroporous resin, and its polysaccharide, flavonoid, and terpenoid contents were determined. The expressions of AAEM-30% on DC surface molecular cluster of differentiation (CD) 40, CD80 and CD86 were detected in vitro by flow cytometry, and the expressions of DC cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of AAEM-30% on the immune function of ICR mice was measured in vivo with different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) and different administration methods (subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and gavage). Results:The contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and terpenoids in AAEM-30% were 24.30%, 22.50% and 28.19%, respectively. AAEM-30% significantly enhanced the expression of CD40, and CD86 and the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α (all P<0.001). Compared with the control group, no statistically significant differences were found in the body mass of mice compared with the three administration methods (all P>0.05). The thymus index in the 50 and 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% intraperitoneal injection groups and the spleen index in the 50 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group were increased (all P<0.05). CD19 + cells increased in the 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% intraperitoneal injection group ( P<0.01) and in the 50 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group ( P<0.05). The CD11b + and CD11c + counts increased in the 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group ( P<0.05). The number of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes was increased by both gavage and intraperitoneal administration (all P<0.05). Conclusions:AAEM-30% can promote the maturation of DC and enhanced the immunity of mice without obvious side effects.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of cryptotanshinone (CPT) on human breast cancer cell MCF7 and its mechanism. Methods The survival rate of MCF7 cells was measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI assay and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining assay. Cell cycle and reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were detected by cell scratch test and Transwell chamber test. The surface molecules CD44 and CD24 were detected by flow cytometry and microsphere culture. The expression of cell-associated proteins was detected by Western blot. Results CPT inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the 24 h IC₅₀ value was 19.24 μmol/L. Compared with the untreated group, the CPT-treated group showed cell cycle arrested in the S phase, and apoptosis was induced. The results of the cell scratch and Transwell chamber tests showed that CPT significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MCF7 cells. Furthermore, CPT reduced the CD24^-/LowCD44⁺ cell population in MCF7 cell-derived microspheres. Western blot results showed that CPT could up-regulate the expression of Bax protein, down-regulate the expression of BCL-2, PI3K-p85, Akt, N-cadherin, Twist1, Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog protein, effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of ER-α, and decrease the expression of ABCG2. Conclusion CPT can inhibit the proliferation of MCF7 cells by inhibiting the migration and invasion of MCF7 cells, decreasing the number of CD24^-/lowCD44⁺ cells and affecting the expression of tumor stem cell-related proteins.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with occupational melanosis. Methods Diagnostic data of 69 patients with occupational melanosis was analyzed using retrospective analysis. Results The main occupational hazards for the 69 patients with occupational melanosis were coal tar, petroleum and its fractionated products, pigments and dyes and their intermediates, rubber additives and rubber products. The median length of occupational exposure and disease latency were 8.0 and 6.0 years, respectively, with a highly positive correlation between them (Spearman correlation coefficients=0.962, P<0.01). Skin lesions were mainly found on exposed areas such as the face-to-neck and limbs, prevalence of 94.2% and 75.4% respectively. And 78.3% of patients had skin lesion on more than two sites. The lesions were mostly in the form of irregular flakes (59.4%), with a gray-black color (44.9%). About 43.5% of patients experienced skin itching. Complete blood count, liver function, and kidney function were all within normal ranges. Skin biopsy results showed that epidermal hyperkeratosis, thinning of the spinous layer, liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, increased superficial dermal melanocytes, and infiltration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and melanocytes around the blood vessels. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) detection showed focal liquefaction degeneration of basal cells in the lesions, with a significant infiltration of melanocytes and inflammatory cells in the dermal papillae and superficial layers. Conclusion The primary target organ of occupational melanocytes is the skin, and no damage to other organs was identified thus far. Results from skin biopsies and RCM examinations can be used for differential diagnosis.

Objective:To investigate the immunoregulatory effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis ethanol extract(GUEE) on the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and the adjuvant effect of GUEE on OVA in na?ve BALB/c mice and an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. Methods:GUEE was prepared, and the effects of different concentrations of GUEE on the maturation of DCs and the secreted cytokines as well as the effects of GUEE on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DC maturation were examined in vitro. The effect of GUEE on the morphology of mouse bone marrow derived DCs was observed using microscopy. Molecular expression levels on the surface of DCs were detected using flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the supernatant of DCs cultures were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The maturation status of DCs was detected by flow cytometry by injecting different concentrations of GUEE into the paws of mice and isolating the draining lymph nodes 24 h later. The naive BALB/c mice were co-immunized with OVA, and the changes in regulatory T cells (Treg) were detected by flow cytometry. An OVA-protein-induced mouse asthma model was established to investigate whether GUEE as a tolerogenic adjuvant has an antigen-specific therapeutic effect on asthmatic mice. Pulmonary pathological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and PAS staining. OVA-specific antibodies in serum and the frequencies of Tregs, CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD4 + IL-4 + T cells in the spleen were detected by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results:GUEE suppressed DCs maturation induced by LPS both in vitro and in vivo (all P<0.05), and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in the absence or presence of LPS (all P<0.05). Moreover, co-immunization with OVA and GUEE increased the amount of Tregs in na?ve BALB/c mice ( P<0.05). In OVA-induced asthmatic mice, OVA and GUEE co-immunization and GUEE alone treatment substantially ameliorated the inflammation of lung tissues, decreased the levels of IgG 1 and the amount of CD4 + IL-4 + T cells, and increased the amount of Tregs (all P<0.05). Conclusions:GUEE alone or as the tolerogenic adjuvant can ameliorate allergic diseases through inhibition of DC maturation and type 2 helper T cell responses and induction of Tregs.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of bedside severe ultrasound in children with shock.Methods:Children who were diagnosed shock in the PICU of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from May 1, 2019 to April 31, 2020 were included in this study.Rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) exam was used to evaluate the morphology and function of heart, lung and abdomen of children with shock, so as to assist the diagnosis and treatment of shock.Results:Twenty-six children with shock were evaluated immediately according to the RUSH exam when they were admitted to hospital.Eight cases were diagnosed as septic shock, six cases as cardiogenic shock, six cases as hypovolemic shock and six cases as mixed shock.The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of children with cardiogenic shock was (26.5±8.24)%, and the width of inferior vena cava was greater than 10 mm.After the shock was corrected, LVEF increased to (32.17±26.11)%.However, the LVEF of children with septic shock was (73.25±1.28)% at admission and (50.12±31.41)% at shock correction.Nine cases (34.6%) found more B-lines in the lungs after fluid resuscitation for one hour in 26 children with shock.Among them, about 50% of the children with cardiogenic shock found more B-lines in their lungs one hour after fluid resuscitation, and 11 cases(57.9%) of the surviving children showed more B-lines after shock correction, but only six children could hear blisters after physical examination.Conclusion:According to RUSH exam, we can evaluate the volume status, cardiac function, volume responsiveness and focus on infection in children with shock, distinguish the type of shock earlier and more accurately, assist in guiding fluid resuscitation, and facilitate accurate and individualized fluid management and treatment of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism by which ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 upregulates the expression of tumor suppressor von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 treated with 20(S)-Rg3 were examined for mRNA and protein levels of VHL, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The changes in VHL mRNA expression in SKOV3 cells in response to treatment with 5-Aza-CdR, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, were detected using real-time PCR. VHL gene promoter methylation was examined with methylation-specific PCR and VHL expression levels were determined with real-time PCR and Western blotting in non-treated or 20(S)-Rg3-treated SKOV3 cells and in 20(S)-Rg3-treated DNMT3A-overexpressing SKOV3 cells. VHL and DNMT3A protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry in subcutaneous SKOV3 cell xenografts in nude mice. RESULTS: Treatment of SKOV3 cells with 20(S)-Rg3 significantly upregulated VHL and downregulated DNMT3A expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels ( CONCLUSIONS Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 upregulates VHL expression in ovarian cancer cells by suppressing DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics* ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics*

Objective:To investigate the effect of silica gel column separation component of Artemisia asiatica (AEM-SC) on the maturation and immune function of mouse dendritic cells (DCs). Methods:Artemisia asiatica components were prepared by macroporous resin eluted with 70% ethanol, and then isolated by silica gel column to obtain AEM-SC. The contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids and triterpenes were quantified. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression level of DCs surface molecules and antigen phagocytosis ability and to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T cells. ELISA method was used to detect the effect of DCs on cytokine secretion. Results:The contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids and triterpenes in AEM-SC were 10.12%, 5.7% and 3.62%, respectively. Functional tests showed that AEM-SC significantly reduced the expression levels of LPS-induced DCs surface molecules CD40, CD86 and MHC-II, reduced the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-12p40, TNF-α and IL-6 (all P<0.05), improve the ability of phygocytosis ( P<0.01), and reduce the ability of DCs to stimulate the proliferation of CD4 +T and CD8 +T lymphocytes in the spleen of mice (all P<0.001). In the inflammatory mouse model experiment, AEM-SC significantly reduced the expression levels of DCs surface molecules CD40, CD86, CD80 (all P<0.001), and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12p40 in serum (all P<0.01). Conclusions:AEM-SC can inhibit the maturation of DCs-induced LPS both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that AEM-SC has the immunosuppressive effect.

Objective:To understand the current clinical practice of the best evidence for thoracic drainage tube management after pneumonectomy, discuss the possible obstacles to the application of the best evidence and propose corresponding solutions.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 15 clinical nurses and 91 patients in the thoracic surgery ward of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University were selected as the research objects from May 1 to May 31, 2019. A total of 30 pieces of best evidence were included in thoracic drainage tube management, 38 pieces of review indexes were formulated and the clinical status of evidence application was reviewed. According to the results of the review, obstacles to the application of evidence and the corresponding countermeasures were discussed.Results:The clinical compliance rate of 38 reviewed indexes ranged from 0 to 100%, and 18 indexes with a clinical compliance rate less than 50%. The obstacle factors mainly include the lack of evidence-based knowledge training for the management of thoracic drainage tube by nursing staff, the incomplete management of thoracic drainage tube, the increase of clinical workload caused by the application of evidence, and the incomplete health promotion and education content.Conclusions:There is still a big gap between the current clinical status of thoracic drainage tube management and best practice after pneumonectomy. Corresponding countermeasures should be formulated and implemented to promote the effective transformation of best evidence into clinical practice.

Objective: To investigate the occurrence and risk factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in adult burn patients. Methods: The clinical data of 1 219 adult burn patients admitted to the Department of Burns of Zhengzhou First People′s Hospital from January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, conforming to the study criteria, were analyzed retrospectively by the method of case-control study, including 811 males and 408 females, aged 18-102 years. According to whether DVT occurred during hospitalization or not, the patients were divided into group DVT (n=12) and non-DVT group (n=1 207). The incidence of DVT, the diagnosis time of DVT, affected limbs, and DVT classification were counted and recorded. The gender, age, total burn area, D-dimer, lower limb burn, full-thickness burn, femoral vein indwelling central venous catheter (CVC) , inhalation injury, sepsis/infection shock, surgical operation, and infusion of concentrated red blood cells of patients between the two groups were compared with chi-square test, and then the indicators with statistically significant differences between the two groups were processed by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis to screen the independent risk factors of DVT in the adult burn patients. Results: (1) The incidence of DVT of adult burn patients was 0.98% (12/1 219), and DVT was diagnosed 24-138 days after injury, with a median of 61.5 days. DVT occurred in the right lower limb of 2 patients, left lower limb of 8 patients, and bilateral lower limbs of 2 patients, and DVT classification included 6 cases of mixed type and 6 cases of peripheral type. (2) There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, and full-thickness burn of patients between the two groups ( χ²=1.524, 0.021, 3.115, P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in total burn area, lower limb burn, inhalation injury, sepsis/infection shock, D-dimer, femoral vein indwelling CVC, surgical operation, and infusion of concentrated red blood cells among patients between the two groups (χ²=17.975, 6.206, 3.987, 8.875, 5.447, 15.124, 10.735, 14.031, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) Total burn area, D-dimer, and femoral vein indwelling CVC were independent risk factors for DVT in adult burn patients (odds ratio=10.927, 4.762, 9.394, 95% confidence interval=3.078-38.789, 1.197-18.934, 2.631-33.540, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions The incidence of DVT in adult burn patients is relatively low, and the diagnosis time of DVT is 3 weeks after burn, with DVT classification of mixed type and peripheral type. The total burn area, femoral vein indwelling CVC, and D-dimer are independent risk factors for predicting DVT in adult burn patients.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on airway inflammation in patients with acute episode of allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome.Methods:Eighty patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome were admitted to North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital from June 2016 to September 2017.A prospective cohort study was carried out and randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 40 patients in each group.The control group was treated with conventional anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antiasthmatic therapy, while the treatment group was treated with Suhuang Zhike Capsule.The changes of nasal symptoms and asthma clinical symptoms in the two groups were compared before and after treatment, and the changes of nitric oxide in exhaled air, eosinophils in blood and induced sputum were measured.Results:Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in the number of eosinophils in the exhaled nitric oxide, eosinophil count in blood and induced sputum before treatment in the treatment group ((161.45±4.67)×10 -9 vs.(163.12±4.56)×10 -9, (1.59±0.53)×10 9/L vs.(1.60±0.51)×10 9/L, (1.11±0.06)×10 9/L vs.(1.18±0.09)×10 9/L; t values were 0.10, 0.44, 1.75, respectively, all P>0.05). After treatment, the exhaled nitric oxide, eosinophil count in blood and induced sputum in the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment((30.86±5.54)×10 -9 vs. (161.45±4.67)×10 -9; (0.32±0.05)×10 9/L vs. (1.59±0.53)×10 9/L; (0.06±0.02)×10 9/L vs. (1.11±0.06)×10 9/L, t values were 91.32, 41.63, 51.77, respectively, all P<0.01). In the treatment group, the effective rate of nasal symptom control was 85.0% (34/40) significantly higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the control group (χ 2=5.23, P<0.05), and the effective rate of asthma clinical symptom control was significantly higher than that in the control group(90.0%(36/40), 72.5%(29/40), χ 2=4.02, P<0.05). Conclusion:Suhuang Zhike capsule can obviously improve the airway inflammatory response of patients with allergic rhinitis asthma syndrome in the acute attack stage, and the combination of conventional treatment plan is helpful to improve the curative effect.