[Research progress on the characteristics of artemisia pollen allergens and related pollinosis].

In recent years, the morbidity of pollinosis has been increasing year by year. Anemophilous flower pollen is the most important allergen causing pollinosis, among which artemisia pollen is one of the most common airborne allergens. In this paper, based on the immune biology characteristics of major sensitization protein components of artemisia pollen, and from the perspective of immunology, the main pathogenic mechanism of action and clinical characteristics of artemisia pollen are elaborated to provide the reference basis for the development of accurate and effective artemisia pollen disease prevention and control strategy, hoping to provide patients with scientific and effective prevention and control suggestions.

[Epidemiological investigation of allergic rhinitis in central cities and countrysides of Inner Mongolia region].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in 3 central cities (Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos) and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region, and to look for possible risk factors related to the disease. Methods: From March to October of 2019, a multi-stage stratified random sampling epidemiological survey was conducted in Chifeng, Hohhot, Ordos and rural areas. The AR-related factors of the population were obtained in the form of face-to-face questionnaire survey, and the skin prick test (SPT) was taken for the participants. AR disease was diagnosed according to the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (2015, Tianjin)". The daily airborne pollen situation in the three regions was monitored during the same period. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze all survey results. Results: A total of 6 818 questionnaires were recovered, with 6 393 valid questionnaires. The self-reported prevalence of AR was 27.72% (1 772/6 393) and the confirmed prevalence of AR was 17.10% (1 093/6 393). The prevalence of perennial AR was 1.83% (117/6 393) while the prevalence of seasonal AR was 15.27% (976/6 393). The prevalence of AR diagnosed in females was higher than that in males (19.19% vs 15.34%, χ²=16.594, P<0.001) and the prevalence of females in the two age groups of 36-45 years and 46-55 years was significantly higher than that of males (18.17% vs 9.73%, 14.13% vs 7.25%, χ2 value was 23.848, 18.772, respectively, all P<0.001). The prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in ethnic minorities was higher than that of Han nationality, and the prevalence of confirmed diagnoses in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas (23.13% vs 16.20%, 27.27% vs 9.71%, χ2 value was 24.516, 336.024, respectively, all P<0.001). The main nasal symptoms of AR patients were sneezing (91.31%), nasal congestion (85.91%) and nasal itching (85.00%). The most common concomitant disease of AR was allergic conjunctivitis (73.99%). Asthma (OR=6.629), food allergy (OR=3.236), drug allergy (OR=1.786), application of antibiotics (OR=1.553), recent home decoration (OR=2.307), and smoking (OR=1.322) were the AR related risk factors. The highest proportion of SPT positive reactions was Artemisia annua (80.15%). The peak period of clinical symptoms of AR patients in Inner Mongolia region was July to September, which was consistent with the second peak period of airborne pollen monitoring. Conclusions: The prevalence of AR in central cities and the surrounding rural areas of Inner Mongolia region is 17.10%, and Artemisia species is the most important pollen allergen in this area. History of asthma, food allergy, drug allergy, antibiotic use, home decoration and smoking history are the related risk factors for AR.

Environmental impacts of nitrogen emissions in China and the role of policies in emission reduction.

Atmospheric reactive nitrogen (Nr) has been a cause of serious environmental pollution in China. Historically, China used too little Nr in its agriculture to feed its population. However, with the rapid increase in N fertilizer use for food production and fossil fuel consumption for energy supply over the last four decades, increasing gaseous Nr species (e.g. NH3 and NOx) have been emitted to the atmosphere and then deposited as wet and dry deposition, with adverse impacts on air, water and soil quality as well as plant biodiversity and human health. This paper reviews the issues associated with this in a holistic way. The emissions, deposition, impacts, actions and regulations for the mitigation of atmospheric Nr are discussed systematically. Both NH3 and NOx make major contributions to environmental pollution but especially to the formation of secondary fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which impacts human health and light scattering (haze). In addition, atmospheric deposition of NH3 and NOx causes adverse impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to acidification and eutrophication. Regulations and practices introduced by China that meet the urgent need to reduce Nr emissions are explained and resulting effects on emissions are discussed. Recommendations for improving future N management for achieving 'win-win' outcomes for Chinese agricultural production and food supply, and human and environmental health, are described. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'.

Early enteral and parenteral nutrition on immune functions of neurocritically ill patients.

This study was designed to investigate the influence of early enteral and parenteral nutrition on immune functions of neurocritically ill patients. Patients who were admitted to the neurological intensive care unit (ICU) of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 2014 and January 2016 were selected. They had been hospitalized for more than one week and received enteral nutrition (EN) via nasogastric tube, with a gross energy of 25 kcal/(Kg • d). Patients were divided into EN group, EN + early PN (EPN) group and EN + supplemental PN (SPN) group according to the time of PN support. Differences in patients’ general information and changes in serum protein and immune indexes were compared between the three groups. On admission, patients’ Glasgow coma scale (GCS), age, immune functions and protein indexes had no obvious differences between the three groups. After nutritional support, serum protein level reduced in the EN group while prealbumin (PALB) and retinol binding protein (RBP) increased in the EN + EPN group and EN + SPN group after one week of admission to hospital, and the differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), PALB and transferrin (TRF) increased significantly in the EN + EPN group and EN + SPN group compared with the EN group (p < 0.05); before and after treatment, an increase was found in ALB in the EN + EPN group in comparison with EN + SPN group, with a notable difference (p < 0.05); C3, C4, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) increased in the EN + SPN group after nutritional support compared with before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA in the EN + EPN group increased after nutritional support comparing to prior to nutritional support, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). After nutritional treatment, IgA and IgG increased markedly in the EN + EPN group, and there was a statistical significance between the groups (p < 0.05); the EN + EPN group and EN + SPN group exceeded the EN group in total lymphocyte count (TLC), and the difference had a statistical significance (p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that neurocritically ill patients achieving the target energy can avoid malnutrition and immunodeficiency; serum protein decrease can cause malnutrition after one week of EN support; and enteral and parenteral nutrition can improve nutritional and immune indicators of neurocritically ill patients in the acute phase. In addition, EPN is more likely to improve malnutrition and immune functions of critical patients than SPN.

Effect of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-related oxidative stress in aged mice.

Oxidative damage of biomolecules increases with age and is postulated to be a major causal factor of various physiological function disorders. Consequently, the concept of anti-age by antioxidants has been developed. Lycium barbarum fruits have been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and the data obtained in in vitro models have clearly established the antioxidant potency of the polysaccharides isolated from the fruits. In the present study, the age-dependent changes in the antioxidant enzyme activity, immune function and lipid peroxidation product were investigated and effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-induced oxidative stress in different organs of aged mice was checked. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (200, 350 and 500 mg/kg b.w. in physiological saline) were orally administrated to aged mice over a period of 30 days. Aged mice receiving vitamin C served as positive control. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxides in serum and tested organs, and immune function were measured. Result showed that increased endogenous lipid peroxidation, and decreased antioxidant activities, as assessed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and immune function were observed in aged mice and restored to normal levels in the polysaccharides-treated groups. Antioxidant activities of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be compable with normal antioxidant, vitamin C. Moreover, addition of vitamin C to the polysaccharides further increased the in vivo antioxidant activity of the latter. It is concluded that the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be used in compensating the decline in TAOC, immune function and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thereby reduces the risks of lipid peroxidation accelerated by age-induced free radical.

Nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV) codes for a growth factor that induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

NOV (nephroblastoma overexpressed gene) is a member of the CCN (connective tissue growth factor [CTGF], Cyr61/Cef10, NOV) family of proteins. These proteins are cysteine-rich and are noted for having growth-regulatory functions. We have isolated the rat NOV gene, and the DNA sequence shares 90% identity with the mouse and 80% identity with the human sequences. The rat NOV gene was expressed in all rat tissues examined, including brain, lung, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, thymus and skeletal muscle. Higher levels of rat NOV mRNA were seen in the brain, lung and skeletal muscle compared to the other tissues. Examination of NOV expression in various human cell lines revealed that NOV was expressed in U87, 293, T98G, SK-N-MC and Hs683 but not in HepG2, HL60, THP1 and Jurkat. The human NOV gene was transfected into 293 cells and the expressed protein purified. When 3T3 fibroblasts were treated with this recombinant NOV protein, a dose-dependent increase in proliferation was observed. Analysis of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins revealed that when 3T3 cells were treated with NOV, a 221 kDa protein was phosphorylated. These data suggest that NOV can act as a growth factor for some cells and binds to a specific receptor that leads to the phosphorylation of a 221 kDa protein.

Expression and characterization of a putative high affinity human soluble leptin receptor.

Leptin, a circulating 16-kDa protein secreted by adipocytes, decreases body weight by reducing food intake and enhancing energy utilization. Leptin receptors that share homology to the glycoprotein gp130 have been recently cloned. In addition, differentially spliced leptin receptor messenger RNAs have been identified. Functional mutations in either the leptin or leptin receptor gene cause obesity. In the present study, expression of the full length human leptin receptor complementary DNA encoding the long cytoplasmic domain of leptin receptor in COS7 cells resulted in high affinity membrane binding of 125I-leptin (Ki approximately 200 pM); no detectable binding was present in the medium. In addition, we expressed the extracellular domain of human leptin receptor in COS7 cells and identified a soluble leptin receptor in the conditioned medium that binds human and mouse leptin with high affinity comparable with the full length membrane receptor. Transfected COS7 cells expressing the soluble leptin receptor also demonstrated modest specific 125I-leptin binding in whole cells, presumably due to association of the soluble leptin receptor to cell membrane proteins. Data from cross-linking studies identified two specific bands in the 125I-leptin/soluble leptin receptor complex with molecular masses of approximately 130-150 kDa and 300 kDa. The 130-150 kDa molecular mass was confirmed in Western blot analysis and Coomassie staining of the purified soluble receptor and probably represents the glycosylated form of the receptor. The 300-kDa band most likely represents a homodimer of the soluble leptin receptor complex because HPLC gel filtration analysis of the 125I-leptin/soluble leptin receptor complex identified a single peak corresponding to a molecular mass of approximately 340 kDa. The soluble leptin receptor antagonized 125I-leptin binding to the membrane receptor, suggesting its potential utility as a functional tool for determining the role of endogenous leptin.

[An experimental study on inhibitory effect of Chinese medicine tai-bao on antisperm antibody].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Chinese medicine Tai-bao could inhibit antisperm antibody in experimental mice. METHODS: The experimental immunoinfertility mice were due to antisperm antibody induced by injection of human sperm membrane antigens. The experimental immuno-infertile mice used in the present study were divided into four groups including Tai-bao high dose group (46.8 g.kg-1.d-1), Tai-bao low dose group (31.2 g.kg-1.d-1), prednisone group and normal saline group. The enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and microcytotoxic assay were used for detection of antisperm antibody. The change of levels of antisperm antibody before and after treatment, pregnant rate, and the number of implantation were investigated in tested mice. RESULTS: The pregnant rates in normal saline group, prednisone group, Tai-bao high dose group and low dose were 38.89%, 47.06%, 70.00% and 75.00% respectively. The rate of pregnancy in Tai-bao low dose group was significantly higher as compared with normal saline group (P < 0.05). The rate of implantation in Tai-bao low dose group was significantly higher than that in prednisone group (P < 0.05). The results of detection of the cytotoxic antibody to sperm showed that cytotoxic percentages in Tai-bao high dose group (63.0 +/- 10.3%) and prednisone group (56.3 +/- 13.7%) were significantly lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) than that in normal saline group (72.84 +/- 5.05%). CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine Tai-bao possesses regulatory effect on reproductive immune function, inhibitory effect on antisperm cytotoxic antibody, and promoting effect on pregnancy.

A survey of moniliformin contamination in rice and corn from Keshan disease endemic and non-KSD areas in China.

Keshan Disease (KSD) is an endemic heart disease and moniliformin (MF) has been suggested as one of the etiological factors. In this paper, thin layer chromatographic (TLC) and high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods were used for the determination of MF in the rice and corn samples collected from KSD areas and non-KSD areas. One hundred and twenty-three rice samples were analyzed and showed MF contamination in only 8 samples (KSD areas: 8.4% positive; non-KSD areas: 2.5% positive) ranging from 73.6 to 265.3 ng/g (mean concentration: KSD areas 156.3 ng/g; non-KSD areas 179.5 ng/g). One hundred and four corn samples in KSD areas and non-KSD areas were determinated by HPLC method, 45.2% samples were contaminated with MF (KSD areas: 81.4%; non-KSD areas: 19.7%) ranging from 52.3 to 1116.0 ng/g (mean concentration: KSD areas 488.9 ng/g; non-KSD areas 457.4 ng/g). The results showed that the contamination of MF in grains were significantly different between rice and corn, but not between the grains from the KSD areas and non-KSD areas, then casting doubt on the role of MF as an etiological factor of KS.

The isolation and structural elucidation of three new neolignans, piperulins [corrected] A, B, and C, as platelet activating factor receptor antagonists from Piper puberulum.

Three new neolignans, piperulins [corrected] A [1], B [2], and C [3], were isolated from Piper puberulum. Their structures and relative stereochemistries were determined from spectral data and the X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1. Compounds 1 and 3 inhibit specific platelet activating factor receptor binding with IC50 values of 7.3 and 5.7 microM, respectively.

[Preliminary study on pharmacologic action of Ligustrum japonicum].

The results of treatment with the Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. Var. Pubescens Koidz (LJ) in rabbits' model of hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis was observed. The results showed: (1) By the end of first to third month, the levels of serum TL and TC in groups B,C were lower than that of group A and there was significant difference between them (P < 0.05), the level of serum TG in groups B,C was lower than that of group A too, but there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). (2) By the end of first and second month, the level of serum LPO in groups B,C was lower than that of group A and there were significant difference between them (P < 0.05, 0.01), while there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P > 0.05). (3) The rabbits were sacrificed by the end of third month, arteriosclerotic area of aorta in groups B,C were less than that of group A, and that of group B was even less than group C, there was significant difference between group A and B (P < 0.01). (4) By the end of third month, the level of HCT in groups B,C was lower than that of group A and there was significant difference between them (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P > 0.05). These results showed that LJ could lower the levels of serum TL, TC, LPO, HCT and anti-arteriosclerosis as well, it could prevent cerebro- and cardio-vascular disease as the clofibrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of triptonide on mouse immune functions.

Triptonide (Tri) extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook inhibited the proliferation of mouse splenocytes induced by suboptimal concentration of concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide at concentrations of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 microgram.ml-1. It showed a suppressive effect on one way mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) at 0.1-0.4 microgram.ml-1. The lymphocytes harvested from the first Tri (0.4 microgram.ml-1)-containing MLC inhibited the second MLC after being washed and irradiated with 60Co source (30 Gy). Serum anti-sheep red blood cell antibody (hemolysin) formation and clearance of charcoal particles were also suppressed by Tri in vivo. Although delayed hypersensitivity (DH) reaction to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was inhibited by Tri 1.2, 2.5, and 5.0 mg.kg-1 (ip, qd x 5 d), the spleen cell interleukin-2 secretion activities of these mice were not suppressed. Graft vs host reaction (GVHR) was not inhibited by Tri 2.5 and 5.0 mg.kg-1 (ig, qd x 5 d). Helper T cells (Th)/suppressor T cells (Ts) ratio was reduced at 2.5 mg.kg-1. The effects of Tri on mouse thymus and spleen weight were related to the age. Tri (1.2, 2.5, 5.0 mg.kg-1) had no effect on thymus and spleen weights in 8-wk-old mice. However, it increased the thymus and spleen weights in 12-wk-old mice at doses of 1.2 and 2.5 mg.kg-1. The data indicated that Tri had extensive suppressive effects on mouse immune function and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of Th/Ts ratio and the induction of Ts cells.

[Effect of Equisetum hyemale on experimental hyperlipemia in rats and its toxic test].

The results of an experimental study in rats fed with Equisetum hyemale and hyperlipid food have proved that inhibiting effects on the elevation of triglyceride and cholesterol can be obviously observed in both high and low doses of Equisetum. The study also shows that Equisetum hyemale can antagonize the hyperlipemia in rats. The acute toxic test has proved its low toxicity.

Identification and structural characterization of further DNA elements in the potato and pepper genomes homologous to the transposable element-like insertion Tst1.

The molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of elements from potato and pepper that are related to the recently identified Tst1 element are described. Sequence analysis reveals considerable conservation of sequences internal to both the Tst1 element and two of the related elements identified here. In six potato clones analysed, the 11 bp inverted repeat first identified in the Tst1 element is conserved. Several of the elements are flanked by an 8 bp direct repeat. DNA fragments which were amplified from several pepper genomes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using the inverted repeat as sequence primers also display considerable conservation of sequences internal to the Tst1 element. These data further support the possibility that Tst1 is a non-autonomous transposable element and that Tst1 might be the first example of a transposable element which occurs in several genera of solanaceous plants.

cis regulatory elements directing tuber-specific and sucrose-inducible expression of a chimeric class I patatin promoter/GUS-gene fusion.

The 5'-upstream region of the class I patatin gene B33 directs strong expression of the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in potato tubers and in leaves treated with sucrose. Cis-acting elements affecting specificity and level of expression were identified by deletion analysis in transgenic potato plants. A putative tuber-specific element is located downstream from position -195. Nuclear proteins present in leaf and tuber extracts bind specifically to a conserved AT rich motif within this region. A DNA fragment between -183 and -143, including the binding site is, however, not able to enhance the expression of a truncated 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus. Independent positive elements contributing to a 100-fold increase relative to the basic tuber-specific element are located between -228 and -195; -736 and -509, -930 and -736 and -1512 and -951. Sucrose inducibility is controlled by sequences downstream of position -228, indicating that the tuber-specific and sucrose-inducible elements are in close proximity.

Gene expression during tuber development in potato plants.

Potato tubers are modified stems that have differentiated into storage organs. Factors such as day-length, nitrogen supply, and levels of the phytohormones cytokinin and gibberellic acid, are known to control tuberization. Morphological changes during tuber initiation are accompanied by the accumulation of a characteristic set of proteins, thought to be involved in N-storage (i.e. patatin) or defense against microbial or insect attack (i.e. proteinase inhibitor II). Additionally, deposition of large amounts of starch occurs during tuber formation, which is paralleled by an increase in sucrose synthase and other enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis (i.e. ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, starch synthases, and branching enzyme). Potential controlling mechanisms for genes expressed during tuberization are discussed.

Measurement of effects of the Chinese herbal medicine higenamine on left ventricular function using a cardiac probe.

The effects of the Chinese herbal medicine higenamine on left ventricular function were studied by means of an external radiation detector in 15 patients with heart disease. Higenamine, administered intravenously, markedly increased the ejection fraction of LV, as well as the ejection rate. The LVEF increased from 46% +/- 9% to 60% +/- 15% and 61% +/- 12% (P less than 0.005) after a 30- and 60-min infusion of higenamine, respectively. The percentage increase in LVEF paralleled the increase in the heart rate. The effects of higenamine on LV function were similar to the response obtained with isoproterenol. These results document the pharmacologic effect of the Chinese herbal medicine, higenamine, on heart function.