Road dust exposure and human corneal damage in a plateau high geological background provincial capital city: Spatial distribution, sources, bioaccessibility, and cytotoxicity of dust heavy metals.

Ocular surface diseases are common in the plateau city, Kunming China, the continued daily exposure to heavy metals in dust may be an important inducement. In this study, the 150 road dust samples from five functional areas in Kunming were collected. The concentrations, distribution, possible sources, and bioaccessibility of heavy metals were analyzed. The adverse effects of dust extracts on human corneal epithelial cells and the underlying mechanisms were also assessed. The concentrations (mg·kg-1) of As (19.1), Cd (2.67), Cr (90.5), Cu (123), Pb (78.4), and Zn (389) in road dust were higher than the soil background, with commercial and residential areas showing the highest pollution. Their bioaccessibility in artificial tears was As (6.59 %) > Cu (5.11 %) > Ni (1.47 %) > Cr (1.17 %) > Mn (0.84 %) > Cd (0.76 %) > Zn (0.50 %) > Pb (0.31 %). The two main sources of heavy metals included tire and mechanical abrasion (24.5 %) and traffic exhaust (21.6 %). All dust extracts induced cytotoxicity, evidenced by stronger inhibition of cell viability, higher production of ROS, and altered mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and cell cycle-related genes, with commercial- areas-2 (CA2)-dust extract showing the greatest oxidative damage and cell cycle arrest. Our data may provide new evidence that dust exposure in high geological background cities could trigger human cornea damage.

Thermalbibacter longus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a hot spring.

An isolate, designated CFH 74404T, was recovered from a hot spring in Tengchong, Yunnan province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the family Thermomicrobiaceae and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Thermorudis peleae KI4T (93.6 %), Thermorudis pharmacophila WKT50.2T (93.1 %), Thermomicrobium roseum DSM 5159T (92.0 %) and Thermomicrobium carboxidum KI3T (91.7 %). The average amino acid identity and average nucleotide identity values between strain CFH 74404T and the closest relatives were 42.0-75.9 % and 67.0-77.3 %, respectively. Cells of strain CFH 74404T stained Gram-positive and were aerobic, non-motile and short rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 20-65 °C (optimum, 55 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with up to 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-1.0 %, w/v). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-8. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C18 : 0 (50.8 %) and C20 : 0 (16.8 %). The polar lipid profile of strain CFH 74404T included diphosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified phosphoglycolipids, phosphatidylinositol and three unidentified glycolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 67.1 mol% based on the draft genome sequence. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic analyses, it is concluded that strain CFH 74404T represents a new species of a novel genus Thermalbibacter of the family Thermomicrobiaceae, for which the name Thermalbibacter longus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 74404T (=KCTC 62930T=CGMCC 1.61585T).

Description of five novel thermophilic species of the genus Thermus: Thermus hydrothermalis sp. nov., Thermus neutrinimicus sp. nov., Thermus thalpophilus sp. nov., Thermus albus sp. nov., and Thermus altitudinis sp. nov., isolated from hot spring sediments.

Biological denitrification is a significant process in nitrogen biogeochemical cycle of terrestrial geothermal environments, and Thermus species have been shown to be crucial heterotrophic denitrifier in hydrothermal system. Five Gram-stain negative, aerobic and rod-shaped thermophilic bacterial strains were isolated from hot spring sediments in Tibet, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences indicated that these isolates should be assigned to the genus Thermus and were most closely related to Thermus caldifontis YIM 73026T, and Thermus brockianus YS38T. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the five strains and the type strains of the genus Thermus were lower than the threshold values (95% and 70%, respectively) recommended for bacterial species, which clearly distinguished the five isolates from other species of the genus Thermus and indicated that they represent independent species. Colonies are circular, convex, non-transparent. Cell growth occurred at 37-80 °C (optimum, 60-65 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-2.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-0.5%). Denitrification genes (narG, nirK, nirS, and norB genes) detected in their genomes indicated their potential function in nitrogen metabolism. The obtained results combined with those of morphological, physiological, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, including the menaquinones, polar lipids, and cellular fatty acids showed that the isolates are proposed as representing five novel species of the genus Thermus, which are proposed as Thermus hydrothermalis sp. nov. SYSU G00291T, Thermus neutrinimicus sp. nov. SYSU G00388T, Thermus thalpophilus sp. nov. SYSU G00506T, Thermus albus sp. nov. SYSU G00608T, Thermus altitudinis sp. nov. SYSU G00630T.

Prevalence and related factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is an important zoonotic microsporidian pathogen that has a variety of hosts. Cattle are reservoir hosts of E. bieneusi, and play an important role in the epidemiology of E. bieneusi. However, no systematic research on the prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle has been reported. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle. Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Springlink, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP) were used for searching for relevant studies. The quantity of E. bieneusi infection in cattle was extracted and subjected to an estimation for the prevalence in cattle by using a random effects model. In total, forty articles from 12 countries were chosen from 524 studies from inception to 1st June 2021. An overall E. bieneusi prevalence (95% CI) in cattle was 12.9% (2566/19,791, 9.0-14.6%). The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi was 17.3% (13.9-20.3) in South America, and the lowest was 6.5% (4.1 - 9.4) in Africa 6.5%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi after 2016 (11.1%) was lower than 2016 and before (12.3%). Cattle aged 3-12 months had a higher prevalence (14.8%) as compared with cattle aged > 12 months (8.2%). The combined prevalence of E. bieneusi in the dairy cattle was 14.4%, which was higher than that in other species. In the subgroup of season, E. bieneusi prevalence in cattle was higher in spring (17.4%) and autumn (19.7%) than in summer (8.5%) and winter (8.5%). E. bieneusi prevalence in naturally grazed cattle was 3.6% and 13.7% in intensively fed cattle. A total of 83 E. bieneusi genotypes were prevalent in cattle, of which 15 genotypes found in the cattle had previously been found in humans. The global prevalence of E. bieneusi in cattle related to geographical and climate variables were evaluated as well. These data indicated that E. bieneusi was ubiquitous in cattle worldwide and carried a potential risk of infection in humans. Thus, the farm managers should provide a scientific mix of nutrients to improve cattle immunity, keep the environment clean, and disinfect regularly. Collectively, the control of E. bieneusi transmission in cattle is of importance for economic and public health.

Dynamic description of temporal changes of gut microbiota in broilers.

The diversity of bacteria and fungi in the gut microbiota of commercial broilers that raised in cages from hatch to the end of the production cycle were examined by an analysis of 3,592 and 3,899 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), respectively. More than 90% sequences in bacterial communities were related to Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. More than 90% sequences in fungal communities were related to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota. A statistical analysis of the microbiota composition succession showed that age was one of the main factors affecting the intestinal microbial communities of broilers. The increasingly complex community succession of transient microbiota occurred along with an increase of age. This dynamic change was observed to be similar between bacteria and fungi. The gut microbiota had a special structure in the first 3 d after birth of broiler. The microbiota structure was quite stable in the period of rapid skeletal growth (d 14-21), and then changed significantly in the period of rapid gaining weight (d 35-42), thus indicating the composition of gut microbiota in broilers had unique structures at different developmental stages. We observed that several bacteria and fungi occupied key functions in the gut microbiota of broilers, suggesting that the gut homeostasis of broilers might be affected by losses of bacteria and fungi via altering interactions between microbiota. This study aimed to provide a data basis for manipulating the microbiota at different developmental stages, in order to improve production and the intestinal health of broilers.

Morin Inhibits Dox-Induced Vascular Inflammation By Regulating PTEN/AKT/NF-κB Pathway.

The side effects of doxorubicin (Dox) may influence the long-term survival of patients with malignancies. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the mechanisms generating these side effects induced by Dox and identify effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we found that interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in vascular tissues of Dox-treated mice and Dox-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, we revealed that Dox downregulated the phosphatase and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) level while upregulated p-AKT and p65 level in VSMCs in vitro. Overexpression of PTEN in VSMCs partly reversed Dox-induced inflammation. Importantly, we demonstrated that Morin could inhibit Dox-induced inflammation by facilitating an increase of PTEN, thus inhibiting the activation of protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/pathway. Additionally, we showed that Morin could reduce the miR-188-5p level, which was increased in Dox-treated VSMCs. Inhibition of miR-188-5p suppressed Dox-induced vascular inflammation in vitro. In conclusion, Morin reduced the Dox-induced vascular inflammatory by moderating the miR-188-5p/PTEN/AKT/NF-κB pathway, indicating that Morin might be a therapeutic agent for overcoming the Dox-induced vascular inflammation.

Qipengyuania thermophila sp. nov., isolated from a Chinese hot spring.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, short rod-shaped and aerobic bacterial strain, designated as CFH 74456 T, was isolated from sediment of a hot spring, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, south-western China. Growth occurred at 20-53 ºC (optimum 45 ºC), pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and up to 2.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-1.0%, w/v). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10 (Q-10). The major fatty acids (> 10%) were C17:1 ω6c (17.9%) and summed feature 8 (38.6%). The polar lipid profile of strain CFH 74456 T was identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, three unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CFH 74456 T belongs to the genus Qipengyuania, and was most closely related to Qipengyuania sediminis CGMCC 1.12928 T (95.7%). The draft genome size of the isolate was 2.29 Mb with G + C content of 68.5%. The amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CFH 74456 T and the closest relatives ranged from 67.0 to 67.9%, 73.0 to 74.2% and 18.2-19.3%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic analyses, it is concluded that strain CFH 74456 T represents a new species of the genus Qipengyuania, for which the name Qipengyuania thermophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 74456 T (= KCTC 62921 T = CCTCC AB 2018237 T).

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis Among Dogs in China from 2001 to 2021: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Giardia duodenalis has a wide range of host species and is a common causative agent of diarrheal disease in humans and animals. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled prevalence of Giardia among dogs in China. We extracted 33 studies related to the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs, with samples taken from 2001 to 2021. The random-effect model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and the analyzed data were from 14 provinces in China. The estimated overall prevalence of G. duodenalis among dogs in China was 11.2%. The prevalence of Giardia was significantly higher in Northwestern China (35.7%) than in other regions. The prevalence in 2010 or later (11.8%) was significantly higher than in 2010 or before (6.9%). The estimated prevalence detected by microscopy (9.3%) was lower than molecular (12.3%) and serological (14.3%) ones. The prevalence was higher in dogs <1 year of age (12.2%) than that >1 year (5.4%). Among the genotype groups, the positive rate of assemblage A (5.2%) was significantly higher than that of other assemblages. Depending on the dog' type, the prevalence of G. duodenalis in stray dogs (3.5%) was lower than that in pet dogs (6.7%) and intensively breeding dogs (11.8%). In addition, no correlation was found between Giardia positive rate and the dogs' gender (p > 0.05). We also analyzed the effects of different geographic factor subgroups (longitude, latitude, precipitation, temperature, humidity, and altitude) on the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs in China. The results showed that giardiasis was widespread in dogs in China. It is suggested that corresponding control scheme and effective management measures should be formulated and applied to reduce the transmission of G. duodenalis according to the difference in geographical conditions in different areas.

Agromyces agglutinans sp. nov., isolated from saline lake sediment.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CFH 90414T, was isolated from sediment sampled at a saline lake in Yuncheng, Shanxi, PR China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain CFH 90414T were Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic and non-motile. Growth occured at 4-40 °C, pH 5.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CFH 90414T was a member of the genus Agromyces. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis indicated that strain CFH 90414T was most closely related to Agromyces italicus JCM 14320T (98.07 %) and Agromyces lapidis JCM 14321T (97.18 %). The whole genome of CFH 90414T was 3.64 Mb, and showed a G+C content of 71.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between CFH 90414T and the other species of the genus Agromyces were found to be low (ANI <78.99 % and dDDH <22.9 %). The whole-cell sugars were rhamnose, mannose, ribose, glucose and galactose. The isolate contained l-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, d-alanine, d-glutamic acid and glycine in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-12. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain CFH 90414T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Agromyces, for which the name Agromyces agglutinans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 90414T (=DSM 105966T=KCTC 49062T).

Cx32 promotes autophagy and produces resistance to SN­induced apoptosis via activation of AMPK signalling in cervical cancer.

The roles of gap junctions (GJs) and its components, connexins, in the autophagy of cervical cancer cells have been rarely investigated. Our previous study demonstrated that connexin 32 (Cx32) exerted an anti­apoptotic effect on cervical cancer. However, as an important regulator of apoptosis, whether the autophagy is involved in the function of Cx32 on cervical cancer cells is not well defined. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Cx32 on autophagy and apoptosis inhibition in cervical cancer cells. The expression levels of Cx32 and the autophagy­associated protein LC3­â…¡ in paracancerous cervical tissues (n=30) and cervical cancer (n=50) tissues were determined via western blotting. In total, 45 cervical cancer specimens were used to evaluate the clinical relevance of Cx32 and LC3­â…¡. It was found that both Cx32 and LC3­â…¡ were upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared with those in paracancerous cervical tissues. The effect of Cx32 on autophagy was examined by detecting the change of LC3­â…¡ using western blotting, transfection with enhanced green fluorescent protein­LC3 plasmid and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Overexpression of Cx32 significantly enhanced autophagy in HeLa­Cx32 cells, whereas knockdown of Cx32 suppressed autophagy in C­33A cells. The flow cytometry results demonstrated that Cx32 inhibited the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by promoting autophagy. Moreover, Cx32 triggered autophagy via the activation of the AMP­activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling, regardless of the presence or absence of GJs. Collectively, it was identified that Cx32 exerted its anti­apoptotic effect by activating autophagy via the AMPK pathway in cervical cancer, which demonstrates a novel mechanism for Cx32 in human cervical cancer progression.

The global prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cats during 1988-2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonosis caused by Cryptosporidium. This disease causes a global public health problem. The cat is considered to be one of the potential hosts for transmitting Cryptosporidium to humans. In this study, a global meta-analysis for Cryptosporidium infection in cats was performed. The articles related to Cryptosporidium infection in cats were systematically searched in databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP Chinese Journal Database, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Finally, 92 articles published from 1988 to 2021, which met the criteria of systematic review and meta-analysis, were collected. During the selected period, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium among cats was identified to be 6.0%. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium detected by microscopy, coproantigens, and molecular biology methods were 4.2%, 8.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. Among 9 species/genotypes (C. felis, C. parvum, C. muris, Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV, C. baileyi, C. ryanae, C. hominis, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III and most closely related to Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III), the prevalence of C. parvum (4.2%) was significantly higher than that of other species/genotypes. Among five continents, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Africa (30.5%) was significantly higher than in other continents. We also analyzed the effects of different geographical factors (longitude, latitude, altitude, mean temperature, precipitation, and humidity) on Cryptosporidium infection among cats. The results showed that cryptosporidiosis was common in cats all over the world. This systematic review and meta-analysis has systematically introduced the global epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in cats and correlated risk factors. Health authorities, doctors, veterinarians and cat owners' awareness of the prevalence, risk factors and complications of Cryptosporidium are important for the development of effective prevention strategies for cryptosporidiosis.

Brachybacterium subflavum sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from the foregut of grass carp.

A novel actinobacterium, designated CFH 10395T, was isolated from the foregut of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), which had been fed with ginseng extract supplement. The taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Cells of CFH 10395T were Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, ovoid-shaped, non-spore-forming and non-motile. On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, CFH 10395T was most closely related to Brachybacterium endophyticum KCTC 49087T, Brachybacterium squillarum JCM 16464T and Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum JCM 17781T (97.85%, 97.51 and 97.29% similarity, respectively). CFH 10395T grew at 4-37 °C, pH 5.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 10.0 % NaCl (w/v). The dominant menaquinone was MK-7. The whole-cell sugars were rhamnose, glucose, mannose and galactose. meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The genome size was 3.99 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 71.9 mol%. On the basis of the results of phylogenetic analysis, physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics, low average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DDH (dDDH) results [ANI calculated using MUMmer (ANIm) <87 %, ANI calculated using blast (ANIb) <83 % and dDDH <23 %], it is concluded that CFH 10395T represents a novel species of the genus Brachybacterium, for which the name Brachybacterium subflavum sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is CFH 10395T (=CGMCC 1.13804T=KCTC 49235T).

Repeated production of 6-(N-hydroxyethyl)-amino-6-deoxy-α-L-sorbofuranose by immobilized Gluconobacter oxydans cells with a strategy of in situ exhaustive cell regeneration.

The major troubles in 6-(N-hydroxyethyl)-amino-6-deoxy-α-L-sorbofuranose (6NSL) production from N-2-hydroxyethyl glucamine (NHEG) by Gluconobacter oxydans were low cell yield during cell preparation and loss of cells' biocatalytic ability during biotransformation, resulting in high production cost and low 6NSL production. The target of this work was to enhance 6NSL production by reusing cells and improving the cells biocatalytic ability. First, inhibitory effects of substrate and product on 6NSL production, and optimization of cell regeneration condition were investigated, respectively. Then repeated production of 6NSL by immobilized cell using a strategy of in situ exhaustive cell regeneration in a bubble column bioreactor was developed. As a result, the bioprocess underwent nine cycles, the average 6NSL production and conversion rate of NHEG to 6NSL reached 42.6 g L-1 and 83.1% in each batch was achieved, respectively.

A Comparison of Midazolam, Lorazepam, and Diazepam for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus in Children: A Network Meta-analysis.

Midazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam were recommended as emergent initial therapy for status epilepticus. However, there are no current studies to confirm the best agent for pediatric status epilepticus. We compared the efficacy of midazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam in treating pediatric status epilepticus using a network meta-analysis method. In total, 16 randomized controlled trials containing 1821 patients were included. Nonintravenous midazolam, intravenous lorazepam, and intravenous diazepam were more successful in achieving seizure cessation when compared with nonintravenous diazepam (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% credibility interval: 1.62, 3.10; odds ratio = 2.71, 95% credibility interval: 1.25, 5.89; odds ratio = 2.65, 95% credibility interval: 1.12, 6.29; respectively). Among lorazepam, midazolam, and diazepam, midazolam had the highest probability (surface under the cumulative ranking area [SUCRA] = 0.792) of achieving seizure cessation, and lorazepam had the largest probability (surface under the cumulative ranking area = 0.4346) of being the best treatment in reduction of respiratory depression. In conclusion, nonintravenous midazolam and intravenous lorazepam were superior to intravenous or nonintravenous diazepam, and intravenous lorazepam was at least as effective as nonintravenous midazolam in treating pediatric status epilepticus.

[Design of obstetrical "potential severe disease" score and its application in 3269 pregnant women].

OBJECTIVE: To study the applicability and practicability of "potential severe disease" score in prognosticating severity of potential disease in late pregnancy and puerperal mother and newborn. METHODS: "Potential severe disease" score was designed based on the characters of obstetrical patients, and 3269 puerperal women were surveyed and the condition of mother and child were investigated after delivery. RESULTS: The mean rank of "potential severe disease" score in the group with severe illness (n=137) was extremely higher than that of smooth pregnancy group (n=3132, 2969.390 vs. 1576.630, Z=-18.052, P<0.01). The result indicated the score could evaluate the degree of illness. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the "potential severe disease" score was 0.926, the optimal cut-off point of score was 3, with sensibility 73.72%, specificity 92.21%. There was no significant difference in the mean rank of "potential severe disease" score between fetal distress group (n=507) and normal fetus group (n=2726, 1572.920 vs. 1646.400, Z=-1.498, P>0.05), therefore it indicated that the "potential severe disease" score had not the identification ability on fetal distress. CONCLUSION: Obstetrical "potential severe disease" score may be applied for obstetrics because of speediness, simplicity and better identification in evaluating the disease in late pregnancy.

Morphology-dependent resonance of the optical forces on Mie particles in an Airy beam.

Morphology-dependent resonance (MDR) of the optical forces for a particle illuminated by Airy beams is investigated with respect to its internal field distribution. We find the ring structures arising from the resonance transform significantly with the parametric evolution of Airy evanescent wave, and the interference of the internal waves have a great impact on the Q factor and the background of the resonant peak, but it's not proper for Airy transmitted wave. The multiple reflections of the evanescent wave between the particle and the interface are also investigated, which show significant impacts on the region where the energy concentrate in.

[Study on "multi-dimensional structure and process dynamics quality control system" of Danshen infusion solution based on component structure theory].

As traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation products feature complex compounds and multiple preparation processes, the implementation of quality control in line with the characteristics of TCM preparation products provides a firm guarantee for the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM preparation products. Danshen infusion solution is a preparation commonly used in clinic, but its quality control is restricted to indexes of finished products, which can not guarantee its inherent quality. Our study group has proposed "multi-dimensional structure and process dynamics quality control system" on the basis of "component structure theory", for the purpose of controlling the quality of Danshen infusion solution at multiple levels and in multiple links from the efficacy-related material basis, the safety-related material basis, the characteristics of dosage form to the preparation process. This article, we bring forth new ideas and models to the quality control of TCM preparation products.

[The change in Toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in skeleton of endotoxemia mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in gene expression of bone in endotoxemia in mice. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intraperitoneally to reproduce an endotoxemia model in mice. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into eight groups: normal group, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after LPS injection groups, with 6 mice in each group. To evaluate endotoxemia whole blood was collected for leukocytic count, eye sockets blood was obtained for liver and renal functions tests. mRNA expression level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in bone was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The pathological changes of bone and tissue slides were prepared with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for observing under microscope. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, leukocyte count of 4-hour LPS-treated group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). However, after 4 hours, leukocyte count became higher gradually and remained at high level at 72 hours compared with that of normal group (P<0.05). Compared with normal group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level reached to a high level in LPS-treated groups at 4 hours and 6 hours (both P<0.05), and then decreased gradually showing a tendency to return to normal level after 8 hours (P>0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was increased at 6 hours (P<0.05), reaching to the highest level at 8 hours (P<0.05) and tended to become normal level after 12 hours (P>0.05). Six hours after LPS treatment, the expression of TLR4 mRNA was enhanced (P<0.01) and reached the peak at 24 hours (P<0.01), and it remained at a high level at 72 hours (P<0.05). However, there were no significant pathological changes in bone structure after LPS treatment. CONCLUSION: Expression level of TLR4 mRNA in bone is significantly increased in endotoxemia mice.