Dietary alpha-ketoglutarate enhances intestinal immunity by Th17/Treg immune response in piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge.

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is important for improving intestinal and systemic immune function. This study aimed to explore whether AKG enhances gut immunity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets by modulating the immune-related helper T cells 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) balance pathway. A 2 × 2 factor design was used on 24 pigs, with the major factors being diet (basal diet or 1% AKG diet) and immunological challenge (saline or LPS). Piglets were fed with a basal or AKG diet for 21 d and then received intraperitoneal injection of LPS or saline. The results demonstrated that AKG supplementation enhanced growth performance compared with the control group (P < 0.05). AKG improved the ileal morphological structure (P < 0.01). Finally, AKG supplementation increased interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor beta-1, forkhead box P3, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 genes expression whereas decreasing IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17, IL-21, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and rar-related orphan receptor c genes expression (P < 0.05). These findings suggested that dietary AKG can improve the growth performance of piglets. Meanwhile, dietary AKG can alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation through Th17/Treg immune response signaling pathway.

Immature digestive and immune systems cause a variety of problems. The balance of helper Tcells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) is critical in maintaining normal immune function in animals. Piglets' growth performance and immune function are all influenced by alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG). However, how AKG exerts its effect on intestinal immunity in piglets through modulating the immune signaling of Th17/Treg biology has not been explored. In this study, an inflammation model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. This study was to test the hypothesis that AKG can enhance growth performance and attenuate LPS-challenged intestinal inflammation by modulating Th17/Treg response. We concluded that dietary AKG can improve the growth performance of piglets. Dietary AKG alleviated intestinal inflammation induced by LPS through the Th17/Treg response, thereby improving intestinal immunity. These findings can provide a theoretical foundation for utilizing AKG in weaned piglet diets for the regulation of intestinal immune activity through nutrition.

Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To exploring the role of vitamin D or calcium supplementation in reducing all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: The search was restricted to systematic reviews or meta-analyses published from January 1, 2010, to July 7, 2019. An additional search was performed to identify recently published randomized controlled trials (from January 1, 2015, to July 7, 2019). Homogeneous results from different studies were pooled using Revman 5.3 software. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies involving 89,251 participants were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. No associations were observed between the supplementation and composite cardiovascular outcomes, consisting of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and other MACEs. CONCLUSIONS: Whether used alone or in combination, vitamin D and calcium supplementation do not exert meaningful effects on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACEs or MI among community-dwelling adults.

Idiopathic Neonatal Subpial Hemorrhage with Underlying Cerebral Infarct: Imaging Features and Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neonatal subpial hemorrhage with underlying cerebral infarct is a previously described but poorly understood clinicoradiographic syndrome. We sought to further characterize the cranial ultrasound and MR imaging characteristics and associated outcomes of this condition across the full range of gestational ages, including extreme and very preterm neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single tertiary pediatric center retrospective case series. Brain MR imaging and cranial ultrasound of neonates with subpial hemorrhage with underlying cerebral infarct were identified from a population-based radiology registry (2006-2020). Original images were reviewed by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to history and outcome. Clinical presentation, course, and outcome at >12 months were abstracted from medical records. The diagnostic utility of cranial ultrasound was compared with that of MR imaging. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included (median gestational age, 36.5 weeks; range, 27-41 weeks; 31% premature). MR images were obtained acutely at the time of presentation between days 0 and 9 of life. On T2WI and DWI, a consistent presence of a hypointense subpial bleed and an underlying hyperintense cerebral cortex were recognized, which created a distinct MR imaging pattern resembling the yin-yang symbol. Findings of all the MRAs and MRVs were normal. Cranial ultrasound detected 6 of 7 MR imaging lesions with sonographic features correlating well with MR imaging. The 3 extreme or very preterm neonates did not survive. The remainder survived with relatively mild neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Subpial hemorrhage with underlying infarction is a recognizable condition with unique MR imaging and sonographic features. Improved recognition may advance understanding of risk factors and outcomes.

[Clinical analysis of 12 cases of acute myeloid leukemia complicated with synchronous primary solid tumor].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated with simultaneous multiple primary cancer (SMPC). Methods: The data of 12 AML patients with SMPC hospitalized in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College, the Xinhua District Hospital of Pingdingshan City and the First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan City from March 2014 to July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, and their clinical features, treatment and prognosis were summarized. Results: Among the 12 patients, there were 6 males and 6 females, with a median age of 58 years (39-70 years). AML classification: according to French-American-British (FAB) classification, the 12 AML patients were classified as M0 1, M1 1, M2a 5, M2b 1, M3 2, M5 2; according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) prognosis stratified, low risk group 1 case, medium risk group 4 cases, high risk group 7 cases; classification of solid tumors: 3 cases of lung cancer, 1 case of breast cancer, 2 cases of gastric cancer, 3 cases of esophageal cancer, 1 case of rectal neuroendocrine tumor, 1 case of invasive hydatidiform mole and 1 case of sigmoid colon cancer. The median time interval for the diagnosis of two primary malignant tumors was 4 (from 2.6 to 5.6) months. Results of gene mutation detection: AML prognostic gene detection results: a total of 12 kinds of gene abnormalities including ASXL1, JAK2, TET2, U2AF1, ABCB1, FLT3-ITD, RUNX1, SETBPIT, TET2 (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP), p53, IKZF1 and IDH2 were detected, and solid tumor related genes were detected: a total of 4 kinds of gene abnormalities including Her-2, EGFR, K-RAS and MSI were detected. Survival: among the 12 patients, 1 case was lost during follow-up, 2 cases were still in treatment, 3 cases ended treatment and the condition was stable, 6 cases died. The median overall survival of 12 patients was 12.5 (from 3.8 to 48.0) months. Conclusions: It is not clear whether there is a certain correlation between the simultaneous occurrence of AML and solid tumors. Patients with AML and synchronous solid tumors are not unusual. Both tumors should be treated aggressively at the same time.

[The prognostic value of the international prognostic index, the national comprehensive cancer network IPI and the age-adjusted IPI in diffuse large B cell lymphoma].

Objective: To explore the prognostic value of the international prognostic index (IPI), the national comprehensive cancer network IPI(NCCN-IPI)and the age-adjusted IPI (aa-IPI) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Methods: A total of 311 patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) diagnosed from 2003 to 2012 in Nanfang hospital were included. All patients were divided into CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone) and R-CHOP (rituximab, CHOP) groups. Survival analysis was compared among IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI models. Discrimination of three different prognostic models was assessed using the Harrell's C statistic. Results: A total of 311 patients were analyzed. Among them, 128 patients were treated with CHOP regimen and other 183 patients were treated with R-CHOP regimen. In CHOP groups, both NCCN-IPI (5-year OS: 59.7% vs 26.8%, P<0.001) and aa-IPI (5-year OS: 71.0% vs 25.0%, P<0.001) showed better risk stratification for low-intermediate and high-intermediate group than the IPI (5-year OS: 47.6% vs 36.6%, P=0.003). However, in the patients treated with R-CHOP, NCCN-IPI showed better risk stratification in low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate groups (5-year OS: 96.0% vs 83.0% vs 66.5%, P=0.009). According to the Harrell's C statistic, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for overall survival (OS) were 0.546, 0.667, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.611,0.654, 0.695 in R-CHOP group respectively. In patients younger than 60 years old, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for OS were 0.534, 0.675, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.584, 0.648, 0.695 in R-CHOP respectively. Conclusion: The NCCN-IPI is more powerful than IPI and aa-IPI in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP. aa-IPI is a preferable model in predicting prognosis than IPI and NCCN-IPI in anthracycline-based chemotherapy without rituximab.

[Downregulation of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in paraventricular nucleus contributes to sympathoexcitation in rats with chronic heart failure].

Objective: To elucidate the association between large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa) in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and sympathetic outflow in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF) . Methods: Male Wistar rats (6-7 weeks old) were randomized to sham operated group and CHF group (coronary artery ligation) . Two weeks after operation, BKCa inhibitor Iberiotoxin (IBTX) was infused into PVN by osmotic minipumps, rats were divided into following groups: sham+aCSF, CHF+aCSF, sham+low dose IBTX (0.125 nmol/nl) , CHF+low dose IBTX, sham+moderate dose IBTX (1.25 nmol/nl) , CHF+moderate dose IBTX, sham+ high dose IBTX (12.5 nmol/nl) , and CHF+high dose IBTX (n=6 each) . Additional rats were grouped as follows: sham+vehicle, sham+KCNMB4 knockdown (by rAAV2-KCNMB4 shRNA virus injection in PVN) , CHF+vehicle, CHF+ KCNMB4 knockdown group (n=6 each) . The cardiac function was determined by echocardiography, left ventricular hemodynamics were measured invasively, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded at 6 weeks after coronary artery ligation or sham operation. The contents of norepinephrine (NE) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein and mRNA expression of KCNMB4 in PVN were measured by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and real-time PCR, mRNA expression of BKCa in PVN was detected by real-time PCR. Results: Compared with the sham operation group, the cardiac function of the heart failure group was significantly reduced (P<0.05) , and the plasma NE and the serum NT-proBNP were significantly elevated (P<0.05) . The protein and mRNA expression of KCNMB4 in PVN were obviously down-regulated in CHF rats (P<0.05) . After perfusion of IBTX or KCNMB4 knockdown by microinjection of rAAV2-KCNMB4 shRNA virus,right ventricular weight/body weight and lung weight/body weight ratio as well as left ventricular end-diastolic diameter were increased and left ventricular ejection fraction was decreased (all P<0.05) , the sympathetic driving indexes was increased in sham rats, changes of these parameters further aggravated in CHF rats (P<0.05) . KCNMB4 knockdown further downregulated protein expression in PVN of CHF rats. Conclusion: Downregulation and blunted function of BKCa in PVN may contribute to sympathoexcitation and deterioration of cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure.

[Sorafenib in combination with chemotherapy as first-line therapy for FLT3-ITD positive acute myeloid leukemia].

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of acute myeloid leukemia patients with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation and the therapeutic effect of sorafenib in combination with chemotherapy as first-line therapy for these patients. Methods: Clinical features and therapeutic effect were retrospectively analyzed in 53 AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutation diagnosed in Henan Cancer Hospital from January 2013 to August 2016. The biological characteristics and clinical efficacy of chemotherapy in combination with or without Sorafeinb were analyzed. Results: FLT3-ITD mutation was identified in 53 AML patients, 22 cases (41.5%) were M(5) subtype. The median of the peripheral WBC was 61.00 (0.98-920.00) ×10(9)/L, and there were 50 (94.3%) patients with WBC>10×10(9)/L. The median of blast cell in bone marrow was 0.730 (0.234-0.966) . The total remission rate of all these 53 patients was 56.6% (30/53) . The complete remission (CR) rates in patients treated with chemotherapy in combination with sorafenib and patients with chemotherapy alone were 86.4% (19/22) and 35.5% (11/31) , respectively. The 1-year overall survival rates of the two groups were 78.3%% and 50.0% (P=0.041) , and 1-year progression free survival rates were 75.9% and 42.4% (P=0.044) , respectively. Conclusion: AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutation have the characteristics of high peripheral WBC, high blast cells in bone marrow and accompanying with M(5) subtype. Sorafeinb combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve CR rate and short term survival.

The protective effect of Shenfu injection against elderly severe pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Shenfu injection (SFI) on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the interleukin (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) of elderly patients who suffered from severe pneumonia. METHODS: From June 2012 to September 2014, we performed in our department 89 cases of elderly patients with severe pneumonia. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (45 cases) and the control group (44 cases). The control group was given the treatment of anti-infection, reducing sputum, and support therapy, while the treatment group was fed by SFI intravenously based on the control group. The TNF-α and the interleukin were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the changes in the inflammatory response indicators, the blood gas analysis, and the parameters of vital signs were measured and compared before and after therapy. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, there is no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group (p > 0.05); after the treatment for 7 days, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly decreased, while the level of IL-10 was obviously increased. The APACHE II score was significantly decreased in comparison to that before the treatment (p < 0.05), and the time of mechanical ventilation, the duration of time in ICU, and the application time of vasoactive drugs were notably shortened. CONCLUSION: The application of Shenfu injection exhibited a positive and effective effect on removing the inflammation media during the treatment of elderly severe pneumonia.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum on growth performance, antioxidation, and immune function of broilers.

To investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum on growth performance, antioxidation, and immune function of broilers, 320 one-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male chicks were assigned to one of 5 treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design for 42 d. The 5 treatments were basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 2.5×10(8) cfu C. butyricum/kg (CB1), basal diet supplemented with 5×10(8) cfu C. butyricum/kg (CB2), basal diet supplemented with 1×10(9) cfu C. butyricum/kg (CB3), and basal diet supplemented with 150 mg aureomycin/kg (antibiotic). The results showed that all C. butyricum-supplemented groups during d 1 to 21 and the CB2 group during d 22 to 42 had higher ADG compared with the control (P<0.05). Chicks fed the CB3 diet had higher glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity (P<0.05), and chicks fed the CB2 diet had a higher glutathione (GSH) concentration in duodenal and ileal mucosa at 21 d of age than those in the control group (P<0.05). Chicks fed the CB3 diet had a lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in duodenal mucosa than those in the control and CB1 groups (P<0.05). Chicks fed the CB2, CB3, and antibiotic diets had a lower MDA concentration in ileal mucosa than those in the control and CB1 groups (P<0.05). Broilers fed the CB3 diet had greater superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the ileal mucosa on d 21 and in jejunal mucosa on d 42 than those in the other groups (P<0.05). Chicks fed the CB2, CB3, and antibiotic diets had a higher GSH concentration in duodenal and jejunal mucosa on d 42 than those in the control group (P<0.05). Broilers fed the CB2 and CB3 diets had a lower MDA concentration in the jejunal mucosa on d 42 than those in the control and CB1 groups. Chicks fed diets supplemented with C. butyricum had a higher IgM concentration than those in the control group at 21 and 42 d of age (P<0.05). The results indicate that C. butyricum improves broilers' growth performance, antioxidation, and immune function.

The effect of equol injection in ovo on lipid metabolism and hepatic lipogenic gene expression in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of in ovo administration of equol (Eq) on post-hatch growth and hepatic lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. Fertilized eggs (146 eggs/group) were injected with 0 µg (control, Con), 20 µg (low dose, L) and 100 µg (high dose, H) Eq in the albumen on the 7th day of incubation. Except a trend increase in the weight of total fat (P = 0.09), Eq had no effect on growth or liver weight in broilers at 49 days of age. Males presented higher liver and BWs and lower total fat and relative liver weights than females (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant effects of Eq or Eq-gender interactions on growth performance or tissues weight (P > 0.05). With respect to lipid parameters in the serum, the results showed that female broilers presented higher triacyglycerol (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations than males, whereas there was no gender difference in serum total cholesterol (TC) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentration (P > 0.05). Eq administration significantly decreased serum TG and TC but increased HDLC concentrations in serum of broilers at 49 days of age (P < 0.05), whereas there were no interactions between gender and Eq (P > 0.05). To elucidate the mechanism behind the significant changes of serum TG and TC levels, the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in the liver was investigated in female chickens using reverse transcription-PCR. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPTI) messenger RNA (mRNA) was significantly upregulated by 20 and 100 µg Eq (P < 0.05). High-dose Eq significantly decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and enhanced cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) mRNA levels in the liver (P < 0.05). Eq had no significant effects on acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, malic enzyme, low-density lipoprotein receptor or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase mRNA in the liver (P > 0.05). These results in female broilers suggest that Eq decreased blood TG by upregulating CPTI and downregulating FAS mRNA expression in the liver, and that high serum cholesterol levels stimulated CYP7A1 gene transcription in the liver.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) have the potency to proliferate and differentiate into odontoblasts and play an important role in dentine formation and reparation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs. METHODS: hDPCs were incubated with different concentrations of ginsenoside Rg1 (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L). The effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferative ability of hDPCs were evaluated by a fibroblast colony forming test, MTT assay and flow cytometry for cell cycle. The control group, osteogenic induction group, ginsenoside Rg1 (5 µmol/L) group and combination group were designed, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and FQ-PCR for gene expressions of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1) were performed to evaluate the differentiation of hDPCs. RESULTS: The proliferative ability of hDPCs in ginsenoside Rg1 was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), especially in the ginsenoside Rg1 (5 µmol/L) group. ALP activity and gene expressions of DSPP and DMP1 were increased in the induction group, ginsenoside Rg1 group, and their combination group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that ginsenoside Rg1 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs.

Protective activity of the ethanol extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (BUNGE) Kitagawa on treating herpes simplex encephalitis.

To date there has been no valid treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSV). This study explores the protective activity of ethanol extract of Cynanchum paniculatum (bunge) kitagawa for treatment of HSV. Cell models and animal models were established and divided into 4 groups: normal group, virus group, cynanchum paniculatum group and Dexamethasone group. Flow cytometry was employed to detect apoptosis of cell model and TUNEL assay was chosen to detect apoptosis of animal tissues. The survival time of the animal models was observed. ELISA was used to measure TNF-alpha expression and the Greiss method to measure Nitric Oxide (NO) expression in the mouse brain. As a result, it was found that extract of Cynanchum paniculatum can improve the survival rate of HSV-infected mice. The extract could prevent apoptosis in the neuron cell model and reduce apoptosis rate in brain tissue after HSV infection. With the extract intervention, TNF-alpha and NO levels in brain tissue were significantly decreased in the animal model. In conclusion, the extract of Cynanchum paniculatum can prevent HSV-inducing impairment in the cell and animal model of HSE.

Cysteamine improves growth performance and gastric ghrelin expression in preweaning piglets.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cysteamine on growth performance of preweaning piglets and gastric expression of ghrelin mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Twelve litters of newborn piglets were allocated randomly to control and treatment groups. From 15 d of age, piglets in the control group were fed basal creep diet, whereas the treatment group received basal diet supplemented with 120 mg cysteamine per kg of diet until weaning on 35 d of age. Body weight gain, creep feed consumption, and diarrhea rates were recorded, and gastric mucosal tissues were collected for quantifying mRNA expression. To evaluate the direct effect of cysteamine on gastric ghrelin expression, primary cultures of gastric mucosal cells isolated from 35-d-old piglets were exposed to cysteamine for 20 h at 0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Dietary cysteamine increased (P < 0.05) average daily creep feed consumption and BW gain in preweaning pigs, which was accompanied by reduction in diarrhea rates. At 35 d of age, piglets treated with cysteamine showed increased (P < 0.05) ghrelin and gastrin and decreased (P < 0.05) somatostatin mRNA expression in gastric mucosa. Moreover, dietary cysteamine treatment increased serum concentration of gastrin (P < 0.05). In vitro, cysteamine significantly increased ghrelin mRNA expression in gastric mucosal cells at the concentration of 10 µg/mL. In conclusion, dietary cysteamine is effective in improving the growth performance and health condition of preweaning piglets, which is associated with its stimulatory effects on gastric ghrelin mRNA expression both in vivo and in vitro.

The effects of residual tetracycline on soil enzymatic activities and plant growth.

A pot trial was carried out to investigate the adverse effects of tetracycline (TC) on soil microbial communities, microbial activities, and the growth of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L). The results showed that the presence of TC significantly disturbed the structure of microbial communities and inhibited soil microbial activities in terms of urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase (p < 0.05). Plant biomass was adversely influenced by TC, especially the roots with a reduction of 40% when compared with the control. Furthermore, TC decreased the assimilation of phosphorus by the plant although the concentration of phosphorus was increased by 20% due to decreased plant biomass. TC seemed to increase the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (by 20%) in soil. The findings implied that the agricultural use of animal manure or fishpond sediment containing considerable amounts of antibiotics may give rise to ecological risks.

Emission characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from combustion of different residential coals in North China.

Emission properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from combustion of six residential coals in North China were investigated. The results indicated that, the total emission factors (EFs) for 15 PAH species in gaseous and particulate phases ranged from 52.8 to 1434.8 mg/kg with a decreasing sequence of local bituminous coals and anthracite coals, and honeycomb briquettes were largely dependent on the raw coals used to produce them. Particulate phase, dominated by median or high molecular weight components, made a major contribution (68.8%-76.5%) to the total EFs for bituminous coals, while gaseous phase with principal low molecular weight species accounted for most (86.3%-97.9%) of the total EFs for anthracite coals. The phase partitioning of PAH emission for honeycomb briquettes was similarly dependent on the crude coals. The total EFs, phase partitioning and component profiles of emitted PAHs were mainly influenced by the inner components of the studied coals. Burning mode and flue number on household coal-stoves also affected the emission characteristics by means of the oxygen supply. A sum of seven carcinogenic PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene(BaP)-equivalent carcinogenic power and total toxicity potency expressed in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin(TCDD) toxic equivalence exhibited that bituminous coals and produced honeycomb briquettes had remarkably elevated values. Fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene from anthracite coals showed higher levels of BaP-based toxic equivalent factor, though the other toxicity indices were rather low for this type of coal.

Antidepressant effect of Yueju-Wan ethanol extract and its fractions in mice models of despair.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Yueju-Wan (YJ), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression-related syndromes in China. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ ethanol extract (YJ-E) and its four different fractions, the petroleum ether fraction (YJ-EA), ethyl acetate fraction (YJ-EB), n-butanol fraction (YJ-EC) and final aqueous fraction (YJ-ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experimental despair animal models: the mice tail suspension test (TST) and the mice forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ-E and its fractions. These extracts or fractions were administered orally for 7 days, while the parallel positive control was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLU) in TST and imipramine hydrochloride (IMI) in FST respectively. RESULTS: YJ-E high dose (YJ-E2), YJ-EA, YJ-EC and the positive control groups could decrease the duration of immobility in the TST and FST and have no significant changes in locomotor activity. YJ-E low dose (YJ-E1), YJ-EB, YJ-ED and the vehicle solvent (VEH) control group have no obvious effect on these same tests. CONCLUSIONS: In these despair animal models, YJ ethanol extract, the petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction show potent antidepressant effects. The petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction appear to be the active fractions of YJ-E.

Reversing adriamycin resistance of human breast cancer cells by hyperthermia combined with Interferon alpha and Verapamil.

One of the major obstacles related to chemotherapy is resistance against anticancer drugs, including Adriamycin (ADM). The purpose of the present work is to investigate the reversal effects on ADM resistance by hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C) combined with two reversal agents (Interferon alpha and Verapamil) in MCF-7/ADR (ADM-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell line), and its relevant molecular mechanism of action. The cell survival rate and ADM IC50 of different experiment groups were measured by MTT test. The quantitative expression of MDR1 gene in cells was detected by Real-time PCR, and the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the cells surface and the intracellular ADM accumulation was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The ADM IC50 of the MCF-7/ADR cells decreased 830-fold after combined with Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and Verapamil (VRP). Although there was no distinction in the mRNA expression of MDR1, the P-gp on the MCF-7/ADR cell membrane was significantly reduced and the cellular ADM uptake increased markedly as compared to pretreatment. Our results suggeste that hyperthermia induces a considerably reversal activity against ADM resistance synergizing other reversal agents (IFN-alpha and VRP). The reversal mechanism needs further study. However, these features of hyperthermia may be exploited in clinical cancer chemotherapy.

Deep grey matter "black T2" on 3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging correlates with disability in multiple sclerosis.

T2 hypointensity (black T2, BT2) in the deep grey matter of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients correlate weakly with disability at 1.5 T. BT2 is likely to be caused by abnormal iron deposition. We compared the correlation between disability and deep grey matter BT2 measured on 3 T MRI and on 1.5 T MRI in 17 MS patients. We observed a significant correlation between expanded disability status scale and signal intensity on 3 T MRI in the globus pallidus and the caudate nucleus (r = -0.5, P < 0.05). BT2 at 3 T may be a useful MRI measure associated with disability in MS and warrants further study.

Medicinal herbs for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are sometimes used as an adjunct to radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of cancer. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and possible adverse effects of the addition of Chinese medicinal herbs to treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Group Trials Register, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), CBM (Chinese Biomedical Database), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Cochrane Centre Controlled Trials Register and CISCOM (The Research Council for Complementary Medicine) (up to June 2004). Databases of ongoing trials, the internet and reference lists were also searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing the use of radiotherapy or chemotherapy with and without the addition of Chinese medicinal herbs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors extracted data and assessed trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies were included. The numbers of participants in these two trials were 42 and 80, 122 in total. Both studies were analysed separately because of the differences in interventions used. Although one study reported a positive result, the majority of outcome measurements from the two studies showed no significant benefit with the addition of Chinese herbal medicines to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. There was statistically significant improvement in quality of life with the additional Huachansu injection, however, no statistically significant improvement was found in short-term therapy effects, one-year survival rate or the adverse effect of radiation-induced esophagitis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The included studies were of low quality. The results suggest Zhenxiang capsules or Huachansu injection may not improve short-term therapy effects or one-year survival rate when used as adjunct treatment to chemo- or radiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer. The quality of life may be improved by Huachansu injection. The results suggest that more high-quality trials on Huachansu injection and other Chinese herbal medicines are needed in the future.