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@#Arthropods of medical importance such as mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies are one of the key drivers of arthropod-borne diseases outbreak, posing a great threat to global public health security. For further understanding the transmission mechanisms of arthropod-borne diseases and establishing the prevention and control measures, a series of experiments of arthropods infection need to be carried out under laboratory conditions. Besides the regular biosafety requirements, some specific considerations need to be taken into account when performing arthropod infection and the infected arthropod rearing. Except for the physical containment composed of biosafety facilities, a comprehensive assessment of the biosafety risks during operations and corresponding preventive measures are also critical to eliminate or mitigate the biosafety risks. In this paper, we introduce our practice in handling mosquito infection with Risk Group 2 pathogens in Arthropod Containment Level-2 (ACL-2) laboratory, with an aim to provide a reference for researchers in related fields.
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Preliminary research in our laboratory found that compound YZG-330 can reduce mouse body temperature, which could be blocked by adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) antagonist DPCPX. Based on the downstream signaling pathway of the A1R, the mechanism by which YZG-330 lowers body temperature was further studied. The pharmacodynamics of YZG-330 was evaluated by measuring the rectal temperature; expression of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel, the P38 protein and its phosphorylated form in mouse hypothalamic homogenate were detected by Western blotting. A Ca2+ fluorescent probe, Fluo-3AM, was added to cells to detect the effect of YZG-330 on the Ca2+ content of mouse hypothalamic cells. YZG-330 dose-dependently reduced the body temperature in mice, and the selective P38 inhibitor SB-203580 (20 mg·kg-1, i.p.) significantly inhibited the hypothermic effect of YZG-330. A TRPM8 antagonist 2 (0.1 μg per mouse, i.c.v.) markedly attenuated the hypothermic effect of YZG-330 (0.25 or 1 mg·kg-1, i.p.). YZG-330 (2 mg·kg-1, i.p.) significantly increased the phosphorylation of P38, an effect that could be attenuated by the A1R antagonist DPCPX (5 mg·kg-1, i.g.) in mouse hypothalamus. In addition, YZG-330 also prominently enhanced the expression of TRPM8, which could be blocked by SB-203580; YZG-330 (0.1-10 μmol·L-1) increased intracellular Ca2+ concetration in mouse hypothalamic cells in a dose-dependent manner, and was inhibited by the A1R inhibitor DPCPX (0.5 and 1 μmol·L-1) and TRPM8 antagonist 2 (1 μmol·L-1). In conclusion, YZG-330 exerts its hypothermic effect by activating the A1R to promote the phosphorylation of P38 protein and thereby up-regulating the expression and activity of the TRPM8 ion channel, resulting in increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration to stimulate mouse hypothalamus cells to down-regulate body temperature. All animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
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Macrophages are widely distributed immune cells that contribute to tissue homeostasis. Human THP-1 cells have been widely used in various macrophage-associated studies, especially those involving pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. However, the molecular characterization of four M2 subtypes (M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d) derived from THP-1 has not been fully investigated. In this study, we systematically analyzed the protein expression profiles of human THP-1-derived macrophages (M0, M1, M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d) using quantitative proteomics approaches. The commonly and specially regulated proteins of the four M2 subtypes and their potential biological functions were further investigated. The results showed that M2a and M2b, and M2c and M2d have very similar protein expression profiles. These data could serve as an important resource for studies of macrophages using THP-1 cells, and provide a reference to distinguish different M2 subtypes in macrophage-associated diseases for subsequent clinical research.
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Humans , Macrophages/metabolism , Phenotype , Proteomics , THP-1 CellsABSTRACT
This data article describes data acquired from the Database of Youth Health (DYH) program. The DYH program consisted of a multi-wave survey conducted annually in the academic year 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2020/2021 to investigate the status quo of health and health-related behaviors of Chinese junior and senior high school students. A total of 99,327 students from 186 secondary schools in 17 cities of Shandong province participated in the survey. The dataset is longitudinal and consists of rich parameters in aspects of individual information, social-economic status, social interaction, nutrition and diet, psychological cognition, mental health, school adaptation, quality of life, spare-time physical activity, risk behaviors, and physical fitness evaluation results based on the National Student Physical Fitness and Health 2014. It is the first open shared dataset about Chinese adolescents' health and health-related behaviors. It would be valuable and beneficial for policy makers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to generate or adjust the existing strategies for improving Chinese adolescents' wellbeing.
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Adolescent , Humans , China , Health Behavior , Quality of Life , Schools , StudentsABSTRACT
Objective@#The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic oral toxicity of sodium dehydroacetate (DHA-Na) and to determine the point of departure (POD), which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake.@*Methods@#DHA-Na was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats at dose levels of 0.0, 31.0, 62.0, and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day for 90 days, followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the control and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day groups. The outcome parameters were mortality, clinical observations, body weights, food consumption, hematology and clinical biochemistry, endocrine hormone levels, and ophthalmic, urinary, and histopathologic indicators. The benchmark dose (BMD) approach was applied to estimate the POD.@*Results@#Significant decreases were found in the 62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW groups in terms of the body weight and food utilization rate, whereas a significant increase was found in the thyroid stimulating hormone levels of the 124.0 mg/kg BW group. Importantly, the 95% lower confidence limit on the BMD of 51.7 mg/kg BW was modeled for a reduction in body weight.@*Conclusion@#The repeated-dose study indicated the slight systemic toxicity of DHA-Na at certain levels (62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW) after a 90-day oral exposure.
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Animals , Rats , Body Weight , Organ Size , Pyrones , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effects of acupoints, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion with different moxibustion methods on skin surface and inside temperature, and to provide references for the clinical standardization of moxibustion amount. Methods: The 42 big-ear white rabbits were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, a 1-cone direct moxibustion group, a 2-cone direct moxibustion group, a 3-cone direct moxibustion group, a 1-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a 2-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a 3-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, with 7 rabbits in each group. Shenque (CV 8), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) were used in each group, but the moxibustion methods, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion were different. Rabbits in each group received moxibustion once every other day for 5 times in total. During the intervention, a thermoelectricity coupled probe and a temperature recorder were used to record the real-time acupoint skin temperature and the temperature at different time points, so as to observe, analyze and process the real-time changes in the temperature difference between the surface and inside of acupoint skin. Results: For herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion, the best temperature for cone changing was (46.38±0.51) ℃ when the highest surface temperature was (49.20±0.52) ℃; the multi-factor comparison of acupoint × cone number × time and acupoint × moxibustion method × time showed that time × acupoint, time × moxibustion method and cone number × acupoint had interactive effects (all P<0.05). Comparing skin temperature differences between different cone numbers at the same acupoint, Shenque (CV 8) on the 1st and the 5th days, Shenshu (BL 23) on the 3rd and the 7th days, Zusanli (ST 36) on the 1st and the 9th days of experiment showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The skin temperature comparison of different moxibustion methods at the same acupoint all had statistical differences (all P<0.05), except for Shenque (CV 8) before moxibustion, Shenshu (BL 23) before moxibustion and on the 5th day; Zusanli (ST 36) only showed statistical differences on the 5th and 7th days (both P<0.05). The skin temperature differences of different acupoints after moxibustion in the 1-cone, 2-cone and 3-cone groups were statistically different (all P<0.05); direct moxibustion and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at different acupoints were all statistically different (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Cone changing temperature under the same specifications of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion was confirmed. Temperature difference between surface and inside of different acupoint skin at the same maximum temperature was significantly different due to the cone numbers and moxibustion methods, which showed the highest at Shenshu (BL 23), the second at Shenque (CV 8), and the lowest at Zusanli (ST 36). The influence of acupoint factor should be considered to determine the quantitative indicators of moxibustion.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism of Tojapride, a Chinese herbal formula extract, on strengthening the barrier function of esophageal epithelium in rats with reflux esophagitis (RE).@*METHODS@#Ten out of 85 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham group (n10), and 75 rats were developed a reflux esophagitis model (RE) by the esophageal and duodenal side-to-side anastomosis. Fifty successful modeling rats were divided into different medicated groups through a random number table including the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose of Tojapride as well as omeprazole groups (n10). Three doses of Tojapride [5.73, 11.46, 22.92 g/(kg•d)] and omeprazole [4.17 mg/(kg•d)] were administrated intragastrically twice daily for 3 weeks. And the rats in the sham and model groups were administered 10 mL/kg distilled water. Gastric fluid was collected and the supernatant was kept to measure for volume, pH value and acidity. Esophageal tissues were isolated to monitor the morphological changes through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and esophageal epithelial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-KBp65), κB kinase beta (IKKß), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the esophageal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The gastric pH value in the model group was significantly lower than the sham group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, gastric pH value in the omeprazole and medium-dose of Tojapride groups were significantly higher (P<0.05). A large area of ulceration was found on the esophageal mucosa from the model rats, while varying degrees of congestion and partially visible erosion was observed in the remaining groups. Remarkable increase in cell gap width and decrease in desmosome count was seen in RE rats and the effect was reversed by Tojapride treatment. Compared with the sham group, the IKKß levels were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). However, the IKKß levels were down-regulated after treatment by all doses of Tojapride (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The occluding and ZO-1 levels decreased in the model group compared with the sham group (Ps0.01 or Ps0.05), while both indices were significantly up-regulated in the Tojapride-treated groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tojapride could improve the pathological conditions of esophageal epithelium in RE rats. The underlying mechanisms may involve in down-regulating the IKKß expression and elevating ZO-1 and occludin expression, thereby alleviating the inflammation of the esophagus and strengthening the barrier function of the esophageal epithelium.
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Objective: To objectively evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacies of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia in treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS). Methods: One hundred patients diagnosed with ACS were divided into two groups using the random number method. The two groups both received same active rehabilitation exercises. Besides, 55 cases in the treatment group were given one session of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia, and 45 cases in the control group were given tuina treatment. Changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Melle score and pressure pain index were observed 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The therapeutic efficacies were also compared. Results: The total effective rate was 96.4％ at the 1-month follow-up and 96.4％ at the 3-month follow-up in the treatment group. The total effective rate was 33.3％ at the 1-month follow-up and 28.9％ at the 3-month follow-up in the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups comparing the total effective rate at the two time points (both P<0.05). The scores of VAS, Melle and pressure pain were significantly different at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups from those before treatment in the treatment group (all P<0.05); the three scores did not show significant differences at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups compared with those before treatment in the control group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the active rehabilitation exercises, one session of arthrolysis under brachial plexus anesthesia can release the adhesion and restore the range of motion and function of shoulder joint in ACS patients. It is superior to rehabilitation exercises plus tuina treatment comparing both short-term and long-term efficacies.
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Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion on colonic inflammation, and the expressions of ubiquitin and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) proteins in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the UC treatment. Methods: Clean grade male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (NG), a model group (MG), a moxa-stick moxibustion group (MSMG) and a Western medicine group (WMG). UC model was prepared by freely drinking 35 g/L dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution. Bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) were selected for mild moxibustion treatment in the MSMG; mesalazine solution was intragastrically administrated in the WMG. Rats in the NG and MG were only grasped and fixed as in the MSMG without any treatment. After treatment, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe and score the colonic pathological damage under light microscope; immunofluorescence method was used to determine the expression of colonic ubiquitin protein; immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expressions of colonic interleukin (IL)-1β and NLRP3 proteins. Results: The colon tissue was severely injured, and the pathological score was significantly increased in the MG than in the NG (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β in the colon were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the MG, the colonic damage was repaired, the inflammation and pathological scores were reduced, and the ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β protein expressions were decreased in the MSMG and WMG (all P<0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that the ubiquitin protein expression was correlated with the colonic pathological score and the NLRP3 protein expression (r=0.677, P<0.01; r=0.536, P<0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion can down-regulate the protein expressions of ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β in the colon of UC rats, which may be one of the mechanisms to promote the repair of colonic inflammatory lesions and exert anti-inflammatory effects.
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Objective::To investigate the effect of serum containing Yanghetang (YHT) on the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in breast cancer based on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38)/signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3 (STAT3) signal pathway. Method::YHT liquid with crude drug 1 g·mL-1 was prepared. Female SD rats were randomly divided into control group (distilled water), and high, medium and low-dose YHT groups (24, 12, 6 g·kg-1). YHT-medicated serum was prepared, and 10%medicated serum was used to intervene MCF-7 cells. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay (CCK-8) was used to detect the effect of serum containing YHT on MCF-7 cell proliferation, apoptosis of MCF-7 cells was detected by flow cytometry protein expressions of p38 and STAT3 were detected by Western blot, Quantitative Real-time PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expressions of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-xl(Bcl-xl) and Survivin mRNA. Result::CCK-8 assay showed that YHT serum inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner compared with the blank group. The inhibitory effect was most obvious in the high-dose group, with the inhibition rates of 38%, 45%and 54%at different time points (P<0.01). Flow cytometry showed that, compared with the blank group, the apoptosis rate in the medium and high-dose groups increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, with the apoptosis rates at 11.6%and 16.5%respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the blank group, the expressions of p38 and STAT3 protein was decreased in high, medium-dose YHT groups (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group, the expressions of Bcl-xl and Survivin mRNA were decreased in high, medium-dose YHT groups (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion::YHT serum can promote the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in breast cancer, which may be related to the p38/ STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Objective To investigate and analyze the prevalence, patterns and associated factors of domestic violence against married women in Wenzhou area. Methods a total of 705 married women took part in this cross-sectional study conducted in 2018. Conflict Tactics Scales and several short demographic questions were used in this study to collect basic information and the occurence of domestic violence within 12 months. Results Nearly 40% of married women experienced at least one incident of domestic violence during the past 12 months. 33.8% of respondents experiencing one episode of psychological violence in the past 12 months, followed by 19.5% experienced physical violence and 14.9%of sexual violence. The joint occurrence of multiple forms of violence was the most commonly reported features experiencing domestic violence. Some individual (education and Hukou), marital relationship (marital satisfaction, duration of marriage, marital autonomy marital models) and family (family model and sex roles) factors of the respondents, were negatively or positively associated with domestic violence against married women. Conclusion The results indicated that there was a high rate of domestic violence among married women in Wenzhou area. Accordingly, there is an obvious need of intervention and treatment activities to prevent and reduce the occurrence of domestic violence among the married women.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.@*METHODS@#Eighty patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a routine group, 40 cases in each group. Anesthesia at Yaoshu (GV 2) was given in the two groups. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3)，Guanyuan (CV 4)，Pangguangshu (BL 28) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency. After operation, induced urination was given, namely hot compress of bladder area and sound of hearing water. In the routine group，induced urination was given after operation. The score of the first urination waiting time, the distension of lower abdomen on the evening of the postoperative, the first time urinary volume and incidence of urinary retention were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The scores of the first urination waiting time after operation and distension of lower abdomen in the evening of the postoperative in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the routine group, the first time urinary volume was more than that in the routine group, and the incidence of urinary retention was lower than that in the routine group (5.0% (2/40) vs 22.5% (9/40), all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination can effectively prevent the incidence of urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.
Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Hemorrhoidectomy , Hemorrhoids , Urinary Retention , Therapeutics , UrinationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group A (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency), an electroacupuncture group B (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency) and an electroacupuncture group C (continuous wave, 100 Hz in frequency), 40 cases in each group. Electroacupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chengshan (BL 57) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation in all groups. The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the 3 groups, the visual anal pain score (VAS) and limb activity score at 4, 12, and 24 h after operation, the maximum VAS score within 24 h after surgery and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine were compared.@*RESULTS@#The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the electroacupuncture group A, the electroacupuncture group B and the electroacupuncture group C were 4, 5, 4 respectively, and there was not statistically significant (>0.05). There was no significant difference in the anal pain VAS score and limb activity score at 4 h after operation among the 3 groups (>0.05), at the 12 h after operation, the VAS scores and limb activity scores in the electroacupunctures group A and B were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group C (<0.05), at 24 h after operation, the VAS score and limb activity score in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (<0.05), the maximum VAS score within 24 h and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine within 24 h after operation in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different frequency electroacupuncture preconditioning has the effect of alleviating anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture with different frequencies is different. The electroacupuncture analgesic effect of 2 Hz /100 Hz dilatational wave is better than 2 Hz and 100 Hz continuous waves.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anal Canal , Electroacupuncture , Hemorrhoidectomy , Hemorrhoids , Therapeutics , Pelvic PainABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture with strong stimulation plus oral hiccup decoction in treating intractable hiccup. Method One hundred patients with intractable hiccup were allocated, using a random number table, to treatment and control groups, 50 cases each. In addition to oral hiccup decoction in the two groups, the treatment group received scalp acupuncture with strong stimulation at the stomach and chest areas and the control group, electroacupuncture, for two courses of treatment. The times to produce the effect and the symptom frequency scores were compared between the two groups. Result After one course of treatment, the cure rate, the cure and marked efficacy rate and the total efficacy rate were 42％, 66％ and 78％, respectively, in the treatment group and 24％, 40％ and 68％, respectively, in the control group. There were statistically significant difference in the cure rate and the cure and marked efficacy rate (P<0.05) but no in the total efficacy rate (P>0.05) between the two groups. After two courses of treatment, the cure rate, the cure and marked efficacy rate and the total efficacy rate were 68％, 78％ and 88％, respectively, in the treatment group and 40％, 60％ and 74％, respectively, in the control group. There were statistically significant difference in the cure rate (P<0.05) but no in the cure and marked efficacy rate and the total efficacy rate (P>0.05) between the two groups. After one and two courses of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference in the hiccup frequency score between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05). The time to produce the effect was 2-5 hrs in the treatment group and 5-8 hrs in the control group. Conclusion The total efficacy rate of scalp acupuncture with strong stimulation for intractable hiccup is not significantly different from that of electroacupuncture, but the cure rate of the former was significantly higher than that of the latter. Scalp acupuncture with strong stimulation can produce a quick effect, reduce the frequency of hiccups and relieve symptoms accompanying hiccup.
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Objective To explore the action mechanism of moxibustion in treating Crohn's disease (CD) by observing the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1) and IL-1β. Method Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of clean conventional grade were randomized into a normal control group (NG), a model control group (MG), a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion control group (MoxG), and a sham moxibustion control group (SMG). The CD rat models were developed by using the mixture of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and alcohol via enema. When the models were successfully developed, the MoxG received moxibustion intervention at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6), and the SMG were administered by unlighted moxa cones. At the end of treatment, the length of each rats' colon and the colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI) score were recorded, the histopathological variations of rats' colons were observed by adopting HE staining and light microscope, and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β in rats' colons were determined by using immunohistochemical technique. Result Compared to the NG, the MG had its rats' colons present with severe damages, fissured ulcers and inflammatory cell infiltration with edema, and granulomas in submucosa of some colons, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β increased significantly (P<0.05);compared to the MG, the MoxG had rats' colons present with improved structures and reduced intestinal inflammation, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β dropped significantly (P<0.05); the SMG had its rats' colon inflammation present similarly to the MG, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Herbal Cake-partitioned moxibustion can down-regulate the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β in CD rats' colons to promote the repair of colon damage.
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Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion on the protein and mRNA expressions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1) in hypothalamus of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis rats,and to explore the central mechanisms of moxibustion in improving visceral pain and the pain-related emotions in experimental colitis rats.Methods:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (NG),a model group (MG),a herb-partitioned moxibustion group (HPMG) and a sham herb-partitioned moxibustion group (SHPMG).Except the NG,rats in the remaining three groups all received TNBS enema to establish experimental colitis models.The HPMG received herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Qihai (CV 6) for intervention;for the SHPMG,the herbal cakes and moxa cones were only placed on the acupoints but not ignited;rats in the MG and NG were only fixed in the same way as those in the HPMG but did not receive any treatment.At the end of the intervention,the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score,the open field test (OFT) score and the elevated plus maze (EPM) score were observed to measure the changes in visceral pain and pain-related emotions of the rats.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the expressions of CRF and CRFR1 proteins in hypothalamus;the fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expressions of CRF and CRFR1 mRNAs in hypothalamus.Results:Compared with the NG,the AWR score increased significantly and the OFT and EPM scores dropped significantly in the MG (all P＜0.05),and the expressions of hypothalamic CRF and CRFR1 proteins and mRNAs increased significantly (all P＜0.01).Compared with the MG and SHPMG,the AWR score dropped significantly and the OFT and EPM scores increased significantly in the HPMG (all P＜0.01),and the expressions of hypothalamic CRF and CRFR1 proteins and mRNAs decreased significantly (all P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the MG and the SHPMG (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:HPM can down-regulate the abnormally increased expressions of CRF and CRFR1 proteins and mRNAs in hypothalamus of the TNBS-induced experimental colitis rats,which is plausibly one of its action mechanisms in mitigating visceral pain and the pain-related emotions in the experimental colitis rats.
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Objective To review year 1954-2016 literature on acupuncture treatment of ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic diseases and objectively reflect modern acupuncture-treated ophthalmologic and otorhino- laryngologic disease spectrum by literature metrology and evaluation to give full play to the advantage of acupuncture medicine.Method A statistical analysis was made by a method of metrological analysis according to the data from "China acupuncture-moxibustion information databank".Results and Conclusion The number of documents on acupuncture treatment of ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic diseases increased gradually. The proportion of clinical research literature to the annual total literature also increased gradually. Acupuncture-treated ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic disease spectrum had 85 kinds of diseases. From multi-angle data analysis, the ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic diseases against which acupuncture is effective were allergic rhinitis, deafness, myopia and tinnitus. Acupuncture is worthy to be popularized and applied to clinical treatment of ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic diseases. Acupuncture-treated ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic disease spectrum is still in a primary stage and needs further study and evaluation.
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Chemical biology is a new discipline developed in recent years, which is originated from chemistry and function as a coure to bridge medicine and biology. Chemical biology courses in Peking Union Medical College for the graduate students use the small-class teaching mode, penetrate case discussion into theory. This paper analyzes the present situation of chemical biology's course development, and summarizes the characteristics of the small-class teaching mode, as well as the practical experience of small-class teaching in the chemical biology course.
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The particle diameters of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients are important factors to the quality of preparations and have great significances in the reverse engineering to brand products and the consistent evaluation of generic drugs. In this study, a novel method was established for particle size determination to identify the selected component and eliminate other interferential particles by comparing the microscopic images before and after fusion caused by controllable heating. Stearic acid (SA) particles in irregular and spherical shape were selected as a typical excipient to demonstrate the methodology, which were identified from the mixed particles based upon its melting characteristics to detect their particle sizes as well as the size distributions. In the same approach, the morphology and particle size of fenofibrate particles as API in tablets were analyzed. The results illustrated that the particle diameters and particle size distributions of the selected components in the mixture of particles can be detected via the hot-melting characteristics under the prerequisite of proper pretreatment to separate selected components from other particles in microscopic field. In conclusion, this research provides a practical approach for the reverse engineering purpose to brand products and the consistent evaluation of generic drugs.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of lanthanum and to determine the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake (ADI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) testing guidelines, lanthanum nitrate was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at dose levels of 0, 1.5, 6.0, 24.0, and 144.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 90 days, followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the 144.0 mg/kg BW per day and normal control groups. Outcome parameters were mortality, clinical symptoms, body and organ weights, serum chemistry, and food consumption, as well as ophthalmic, urinary, hematologic, and histopathologic indicators. The benchmark dose (BMD) approach was applied to estimate a point of departure for the hazard risk assessment of lanthanum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant decreases were found in the 144.0 mg/kg BW group in the growth index, including body weight, organ weights, and food consumption. This study suggests that the NOAEL of lanthanum nitrate is 24.0 mg/kg BW per day. Importantly, the 95% lower confidence value of the benchmark dose (BMDL) was estimated as 9.4 mg/kg BW per day in females and 19.3 mg/kg BW per day in males.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present subchronic oral exposure toxicity study may provide scientific data for the risk assessment of lanthanum and other rare earth elements (REEs).</p>