Objective To explore the pathological features of lung tissue in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and their association with inflammatory factors.Methods A total of 70 patients who underwent surgery for small lung nodule were prospectively included,and were divided into the normal group(n=10),the mild COPD group(n=50)and the moderate and severe COPD group(n=10).The pathological changes of lung tissue were evaluated after HE,Masson and EVG staining.The expression levels of SMA,Actin and CD31 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry staining.Tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin-10(IL-10)protein and mRNA levels were detected by immunohistochemistry and qPCR.Results Pulmonary tissue in mild COPD showed widening of alveolar septum,dilation of small airways,mild thickening of blood vessel wall and inflammatory reaction dominated by lymphocyte infiltration.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that contents of SMA and Actin proteins in mild COPD lung tissue were higher than those in the normal group(P＜0.05).In addition,the TNF-α mRNA and the positive rate of TNF-α in lung tissue of mild COPD were significantly higher than those in the normal group,while the IL-10 mRNA was significantly lower than that of the normal group(all P＜0.05).SMA and Actin were positively correlated with the positive expression of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α,but negatively correlated with the positive expression of IL-10(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The main pathological changes of lung tissue in mild COPD include small lung blood vessel remodeling ocharacterized by thickening of small blood vessel smooth muscle layer and lymphocyte-dominated inflammatory response,while the increase of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α and decrease of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 are associated with pathological changes of COPD.

Wumeiwan are recorded in the Jueyin chapter of Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases （《伤寒杂病论》）， and many doctors in the past dynasties believed that they had the effects of calming intestinal ascarid by warming Zang organs. The clinical application was limited. Since KE Qin， a doctor in the Qing dynasty， proposed that Wumeiwan were the primary prescription against Jueyin diseases， Wumeiwan have been valued by doctors， and their clinical application has also been expanded. The syndrome indicated for Wumeiwan is attributed， not only to the ascarid internal harassment， but to the abnormal Qi movement of wind and wood in Jueyin and the dysfunction of Yin and Yang. According to the functions of six meridians based on the theory of "open-close axis" in Huangdi's Internal Classic （《黄帝内经》） and the original texts of Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases， Yinshu refers to Jueyin. Wumeiwan， the primary prescription against Jueyin diseases， have the function of connecting Yin and Yang， and they can treat diseases caused by Qi disturbance of Jueyin and cold and heat in complexity. Sharing the same resource， the Secrets for Auxiliary Cultivation Life： The Essential Method of Using Herbal Medicine for the Differential Treatment of the Five Zang Organs （《辅行诀五脏用药法要》） and Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases both consult Models of the Classic of Decoction （《汤液经方》）. The formulation rules of tonic/purgative and collapse-saving prescriptions in Secrets for Auxiliary Cultivation Life follow the recorded "Tang Ye Jing Fa Tu" （an image revealing the compatibility principles of Chinese herbal drugs） and are closely related to the five elements theory. By exploring the formulation rules in "Tang Ye Jing Fa Tu" and the five elements of drugs， this study analyzed Wumeiwan and proved that Wumeiwan mainly acted on the liver， spleen， and heart. According to the Five Zang-organs Storing Spirit theory from Huangdi's Internal Classic， the above three organs are closely related to emotional adjustment. Therefore， the treatment of emotional disorders caused by qi disturbance of Jueyin and cold and heat in complexity with Wumeiwan is supported by evidence. At the end of this article， the reports on the treatment of emotional disorders with Wumeiwan in recent years were listed and reviewed. This article provides new ideas for the clinical application of Wumeiwan in the treatment of emotional disorders and expands the application range.

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom widely used for its edible and medicinal properties. Primary bioactive constituents of G. lucidum are ganoderic triterpenoids (GTs), which exhibit important pharmacological activity. Abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone, is associated with plant growth, development, and stress responses. ABA can also affect the growth, metabolism, and physiological activities of different fungi and participates in the regulation of the tetracyclic triterpenes of some plants. Our findings indicated that ABA treatment promoted GT accumulation by regulating the gene expression levels (squalene synthase (sqs), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (hmgr), and lanosterol synthase (ls)), and also activated cytosolic Ca²⁺ channels. Furthermore, under ABA mediation, exogenous Ca²⁺ donors and inhibitors directly affected the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration and related gene expression in Ca²⁺ signaling. Our study also revealed that ABA-mediated cytosolic Ca²⁺ played a crucial regulatory role in GT biosynthesis, accompanied by antioxidant defense modulation with increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and the resistance ability of O₂^•- and glutathione (GSH) contents.
Reishi/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/metabolism* ; Abscisic Acid/metabolism* ; Antioxidants/metabolism*

Polyphyllin Ⅰ(PPⅠ)and polyphyllin Ⅱ(PⅡ)are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla.However,liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated.In this work,we found that PPⅠ and PⅡ exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner.The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepa-totoxicity of PPⅡ and PⅡwas associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders,which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin.Additionally,3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase(HMGCR)and squalene epoxidase(SQLE),the two rate-limiting enzymes in the choles-terol synthesis,selected as the potential targets,were confirmed by the molecular docking,the over-expression,and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA.Finally,the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPⅠ could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR.Collectively,these data demonstrated that PPⅠ-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways,thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent pollutants that are widely distributed in the environment. Due to their stable structure and poor degradability, PAHs exhibit carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic toxicity to the ecological environment and organisms, thus increasing attentions have been paid to their removals and remediation. Green, safe and economical technologies are widely used in the bioremediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. This article summarizes the present status of PAHs pollution in soil of China from the aspects of origin, migration, fate, and pollution level. Meanwhile, the types of microorganisms and plants capable of degrading PAHs, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are summarized. The features of three major bioremediation technologies, i.e., microbial remediation, phytoremediation, and joint remediation, are compared. Analysis of the interaction mechanisms between plants and microorganisms, selection and cultivation of stress-resistant strains and plants, as well as safety and efficacy evaluation of practical applications, are expected to become future directions in this field.
Biodegradation, Environmental ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/toxicity* ; Soil ; Soil Microbiology ; Soil Pollutants

According to the teaching philosophy of the outcome-based education, this study elaborates the development of a practical innovation course for biological engineering major after five runs of teaching practice and continuous improvement. It mainly includes the methods for selection of teaching subjects, implementation of teaching process, process assessment, evaluation and improvement. Based on the performance and achievements of three grades of students majored in bioengineering, we found that the logic and methods of the practical innovation course could greatly stimulate the motivation of students for learning, as well as their scores. Therefore, the logic and methods described in this study may serve as a reference for the reforms of practical training courses of engineering major under the background of Engineering Education Certification.
Bioengineering ; Certification ; Curriculum ; Humans ; Learning ; Students

Objective To evaluate the role of combining relative alpha variability and electroencephalogram (EEG) reactivity to predict the prognosis of hypoxic?ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) in adult patients. Methods A total of 28 adult patients with HIE admitted to general intensive care unit at Xiangya Hospital in Central South University were enrolled in this observational study from January2016 to April 2017. These patients with body temperature over 35℃after 72?hour admission could be continuously monitored at least 12 hours byEEG.At the same time,each patient was assessed for EEG reactivity.Then we analyzed the correlation between EEG reactivity, relative alpha variability and clinical prognosis. Results EEG reactivity was elicited in 15/28 patients, among whom 12 patients had a good outcome. While in the other 13 patients, EEG reactivity was not elicited, among whom only 3 patients had a good outcome. As to the results ofrelative alpha variability,11/13 patients with degree 3?4were of good prognosis; while only 3/15 patients with degree 1?2 were of good prognosis. Glasgow coma scale(GCS), EEG reactivity, and relative alpha variability were correlated with clinical outcome(χ2=5.073,9.073,-3.626, respectively,all P<0.05). The sensitivity of GCS, EEG reactivity,and relative alpha variability to predict the poor prognosis were 69.2%, 76.9%, 84.6%, respectively. The specificity were 73.3%, 80.0%, 73.3%, respectively. The consistency rates were 71.4%, 78.6%, 78.6%, respectively. The positive predictive values were 69.2%, 76.9%, 73.3%, respectively. The negative predictive values were 73.3%, 80.0%, 84.6%, respectively. More importantly, the accuracy of the relative alpha variability combined with EEG reactivity for the prediction of poor prognosis was much higher with the positive predictive value of 90.0%,the specificity of 93.3%,the sensitivity of 69.2%, the consistency rate of 82.1%,and the negative predictive values of 77.8%. Conclusions The combination of relative alpha variability and EEG reactivityis reliable to predict clinical outcome of patients with HIE.

Objective To observe and evaluate the predictive value of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities of the EEG monitoring of patients with brain dysfunction in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods Total of 58 cases with brain dysfunction under EEG were collected from the ICU of the XiangYa Hospital,Central South University from January 2014 to December 2015.EEG was performed to monitor those patients and data was collected,analyzed and classified according to both Synek and Young EEG scales to evaluate its predictive value.The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 23.0 software (MAC,USA) and statistical significant was considered as P ＜0.05.Numerical values were given as means ± SD and t-test was performed to compare data of different groups.Kaplan-Meier survival estimator was used to draw the survival curve,and the survival analysis was postulated by COX regression analysis.Results Data from 58 patients were collected and classified according to both Synek and Young EEG scales,positive waveforms as periodic discharge or delta-predominant background were found among 50 patients,electrographic seizures were found in 7 patients,patients with EEG abnormality possessed a high level of SI00β and showed statistical differences.The 28-day mortahty was independently associated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE]] score) (OR:1.08;95％ CI [1.03 to 1.14])、Synek Grade ＞2 (OR:0.17;95％ CI [0.03 to 0.80])、electrographic seizures (OR:23.70;95％ CI [2.02 to 277.73]) and slow rhythm (OR:8.54;95％ CI [1.72 to 42.32]).Conclusions The 28-day mortality of patients under EEG with brain dysfunction was independently associated with Synek Grade ＞ 2,electrographic seizures and slow EEG rhythm.

BACKGROUND:Lumbar spinal stenosis can result in lumbar nerve root pain and other symptoms or even disability, which seriously impacts people’s quality of life. Interbody fusion is the main clinical treatment. Studies have shown that an interspinous fusion cage is prone to have hairline fractures and loss of implant; therefore, biomechanical properties and biocompatibility of the interbody fusion cage at L4/5need to be studied.
OBJECTIVE:To analyze the stability of the interspinous fusion cage at L4/5, and to explore the biomechanical properties and biocompatibility of adjacent segments.
METHODS: Ten adult fresh frozen spine specimens were selected and divided into normal group and model group, with five specimens in each group. The specimens were numbered and placed in a special fixture. The interspinous fusion cage, made in Zhengzhou Cast Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., China, was implantedin vivo and fixed using a cage fixator made of Ti6AL-4V ELI.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Artificial vertebral bodies had less strain changes than the normal vertebrae in different implantation positions in terms of central compression, anteflexion, rear protraction, lateroflexion (P < 0.05). During vertebral displacement under the maximum load of 500 N, the linear displacement and angular displacement in anteflexion, rear protraction, left lateral flexion, levorotation were decreased significantly in the model group than the normal group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the interspinous fusion cage can maximaly preserve the range of motion of the injured vertebral body, maintain the stability of the segment, and reduce the stress of the intervertebral disc.

Objective To investigate the effect of hypertension and hyperuricemia (HUA) on renal function.Method Total 1 209 subjects undergoing health check up from December 2000 to December 2002 and 45 patients with renal disorders were enrolled in the study.The blood pressure,height,weight,renal function and liver function were measured; and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated.The GFR in patients with hypertension,HUA and hypertension with HUA was compared.Results The incidence of hypertension in HUA group and non-HUA was 23.9％ (58/243) and 13.9％ (134/966),respectively (x2 =14.52,P =0.000).GFR in HUA with hypertension,HUA and hypertension groups were (69.1 ± 30.5),(82.8 ± 25.3) and (90.1 ± 21.7) ml · min-1 · (1.73 m2)-1,respectively (P ＜ 0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for GFR were UA,systolic pressure and age.After 5 years of follow up,GFR in hypertension group was significantly decreased from (90.7 ± 18.1) to (85.6 ± 17.6)ml·min-1 · (1.73 m2)-1m,in HUA group from (86.3±10.9) to(62.1 ±8.2) and inHUAwith hypertension group from (77.9 ± 18.9) to (49.3 ±9.8) ml · min-1 · (1.73 m2)-1,UA and age were the long-term factors that affect GFR (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Both hyperuricemia and hypertension can impair the kidney function,if hypertension is complicated with hyperurecemia the effect is more marked.