[Research advances of music therapy and its application in the field of burn treatment].

Different from other trauma, the scar and pigmentation formed after healing of burn wound not only hinder beauty but also easily lead to a series of sequential psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. Music therapy, as a supplementary treatment, is widely used in many fields including medical and health care and psychological regulation. However, affected by factors such as medical resources, the awareness and acceptance of music therapy among burn treatment workers in China are still low. Based on the clinical characteristics of burns, this paper matches the applicability of music therapy with it, summarizes the supplementary application of music therapy in the field of burn treatment, expounds this natural science with both science and aesthetics, and puts forward feasible suggestions for its future development.

[Effect analysis of sequential laser application in treating the hypertrophic scars of burn children at early stage].

Objective: To explore the effects of sequential application of intensive pulsed light and carbon dioxide laser in treating the hypertrophic scars of burn children at early stage. Methods: A retrospective cohort before-after control study in the same patients was conducted. From January 2016 to December 2018, 145 burn children with hypertrophic scar at the early stage who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University, including 82 males and 63 females, aged 1 to 12 (3 (2, 6)) years. All the children were firstly treated with intense pulsed light therapy (no anesthesia or intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia) at an interval of once per month, and then changed to carbon dioxide laser therapy (topical anesthesia or intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia) when the degree of scar hyperemia was reduced, at an interval of once every 3 months, for a total of 3 times. Before the first intense pulsed light treatment (hereinafter referred to as before the first treatment) and 3 months after the last carbon dioxide laser treatment (hereinafter referred to as after the last treatment), scar scoring was evaluated by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and scar hyperemia (denoted as hemoglobin level) was measured with Antera 3D® camera. The times of intense pulsed light, the time of single treatment, the anesthesia method, and the time of intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia of intense pulsed light and carbon dioxide laser treatment were analyzed. After the last treatment, Likert Scale was used to evaluate the efficacy satisfaction of both doctors and patients. Adverse reactions were recorded during the treatment. Data were statistically analyzed with Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, and paired sample t test. Results: The color, vascular distribution, thickness, and softness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children after the last treatment were significantly lower than those before the first treatment (Z=-6.05, -10.34, -9.84, -9.28, -10.43, P<0.01). The hemoglobin level of scar of children after the last treatment was 1.86±0.24, significantly lower than 2.27±0.32 before the first treatment (t=17.65, P<0.01). A total of 411 times of intense pulsed light therapy were performed, (2.8±0.6) times per person, and the single treatment time was 35 (20, 45) s. There were 392 times (95.38%) without anesthesia, and 19 times (4.62%) with intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia with time of 6 (5, 8) min. The single treatment time of carbon dioxide laser therapy was 5 (3, 10) min. There were 364 times (83.68%) of topical anesthesia and 71 times (16.32%) of intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia with time of 10 (8, 15) min. After the last treatment, the efficacy satisfaction scores of doctors and patients were (4.3±0.7) and (3.8±1.0) points, respectively. Blisters occurred in 5 cases after intense pulsed light treatment, which were healed naturally after drainage. One child developed local skin infection, skin redness and swelling accompanied by purulent exudate after carbon dioxide laser treatment, which was improved after skin disinfection and external use of mupirocin ointment. No inflammatory pigmentation, worsening of hyperplasia of scar, erythema, or other skin adverse reactions or anesthetics-related adverse reactions occurred in any child. Conclusions: Sequential application of intense pulsed light and carbon dioxide laser to treat the hypertrophic scars of burn children at early stage can obviously improve the appearance and texture of scar, with higher satisfaction of doctors and patients and fewer adverse reactions.

[Effects of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor gel on treatment of full-thickness frostbite wounds on foot and hand].

Objective: To explore the effects of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) gel on treatment of thefull-thickness frostbite wounds on foot and hand. Methods: From November 2013 to April 2017, a total of 45 patients of 71 full-thickness frostbite wounds on foot and hand meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University and the prospective randomized controlled study was done. The patients were divided into rhGM-CSF group of 24 patients with 35 wounds and control group of 21 patients with 36 wounds according to the random number table. There were 20 males and 4 females, aged (38±13) years among patients in rhGM-CSF group, and there were 19 males and 2 females, aged (36±14) years among patients in control group. Patients in 2 groups were performed with the same systemic treatment of rewarming, anti-inflammation, pain relief, anti-infection, anti-coagulation, and thrombolysis. Wounds of patients in rhGM-CSF group and control group were respectively treated with rhGM-CSF gel and aloe vera gel for external usage with 10 mg for every square centimeter and dressing change once every 24 hours, until wounds healed completely. The wound inflammatory response was scored on treatment day (TD) 1, 3, 7, 14, wound secretion was collected for bacteria culture and positive bacteria detection rate was calculated before treatment and on TD 6 and 12, adverse drug reaction after drug use was observed, and the complete wound healing time was recorded. Data were processed with Fisher's exact probability test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: The scores of wound inflammatory response of patients in 2 groups on TD 1 and 3 were close (t=0.37, 2.93, P>0.05). The scores of wound inflammatory response of patients on TD 7 and 14 in rhGM-CSF group were significantly higher than those in control group (t=5.77, 5.83, P<0.01). The results of bacteria culture of wound secretion of patients in 2 groups before treatment were negative. The positive bacteria detection rates of wound secretion of patients in rhGM-CSF group on TD 6 and 12 were 5.71% (2/35) and 22.86% (8/35), which were slightly lower than 13.89% (5/36) and 30.56%(11/36) in control group respectively, but there was no significantly statistical difference (P>0.05). No adverse drug response occurred in patients in rhGM-CSF group, while 1 patient in control group had adverse drug response, with symptoms of redness and swelling of wounds and patchy erythema on skin around wounds, which were alleviated by irrigating with normal saline. The complete wound healing time of patients in rhGM-CSF was (12.3±0.5) d, which was significantly shorter than (16.5±0.8) d in control group (t=24.89, P<0.05). Conclusions: The topical rhGM-CSF gel has effects of shortening time of wound healing and reducing inflammatory response of wound on treatment of full-thickness frostbite wounds on foot and hand, which is safe in clinical application.

Gingko biloba extract EGB761 alleviates heat-stress damage in chicken heart tissue by stimulating Hsp70 expression in vivo in vascular endothelial cells.

1. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Gingko biloba extract EGB761 on heat-stressed chicken heart in vivo and its underlying relevance to Hsp70.2. A total of 50 one-day-old female chicks were randomly divided into five groups: control (Con), heat-stress (HS), 0.1% EGB761 plus heat-stress (0.1%EGB+HS), 0.3%EGB761 plus heat-stress (0.3%EGB+HS) and 0.6%EGB761 plus heat-stress (0.6%EGB+HS) groups. After administration of EGB761 for 45 days, the chickens in each group were exposed to a single heat-stress event at 38 ± 1°C for 3 h.3. EGB761 attenuated the abnormal symptoms and pathological scores of myocardium of heat-stressed chickens. Despite a reduction in the transcription and translation of the Hsp70 gene in heat-stressed myocardium, EGB761 induced the expression of Hsp70 in endothelial cells of the microarteries and venules into the blood, and reduced heat-stress damage in vascular endothelial cells.4. Supplementation with EGB761 before heat-stress exposure protected chicken myocardium from damage by increasing serum Hsp70 protein from myocardial cells and cardiac microvascular endothelial cells and protected the microvascular system from adverse injury.

[My road to malaria control: an interview with Li Guoqiao].

In order to prevent and treat drug-resistant falciparum malaria, China began the task named "534" in 1967.Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine participated in this task, Li Guoqiao was one of the leaders.He and his team were sent to Hainan and Yunnan to prevent and cure falciparum malaria.Li risked his health to test clinical effect during the task. This made the therapy shift from acupuncture to antimalarial drugs, and researchers focus on the treatment of severe malaria and cerebral malaria. When he was working at Yunnan, he used oral artemisinin to treat patients with falciparum malaria and Cerebral malarial successfully. It is the first time proven that artemisinin could be used to cure malarial. After that Li and his team came back to Hainan, cooperated with other teams by using artemisinin to treat malarial. Li Guoqiao devoted himself to the international team work for the cure of artemisinin. From 1970s to 1990s, he once went to Cambodia and Vietnam to cure many local Cerebral malaria patients by using artemisinin.Also, he is the first person who invented "FEMSE" (Fast Elimination of Malaria by Source Eradication). He used this kind of method to help patients at Comoros, and achieved great objective. In order to benefit all people, Li Guoqiao is still exploring a new generation of artemisinin compounds that are more economical, and more convenient for patients.

Effect of fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves on nutrient utilisation, intestinal digestive function and antioxidant capacity in broilers.

1. A total of 648 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into six equal groups to investigate the effect of diet supplemented with fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FGBL) at different levels on nutrient utilisation, intestinal digestive function and antioxidant activity. 2. Broilers in the six groups were offered basal diet supplemented with either 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 g/kg FGBL during the 42-d experiment, respectively. 3. Birds fed with 3.5 g/kg FGBL diet exhibited increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of ether extract (EE) and relative weight of duodenum. Diets supplemented with FGBL increased (P < 0.05) antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations at different degrees in pancreas and small intestine. The expression of antioxidant related genes was up-regulated (P < 0.05) by the transcription factor Nrf2 in small intestine, especially with supplementation of 3.5 and 4.5 g/kg FGBL in the diet. However, 5.5 g/kg diet significantly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio and catalase activity (CAT) in the duodenum. 4. Body weight, relative weight of duodenum, amylase and trypsin activities in ileum, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and CAT in duodenum, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in ileum increased linearly and quadratically with FGBL content. Activities of amylase in pancreas, trypsin in jejunum, lipase in ileum, and GSH-PX in duodenum and jejunum increased linearly with FGBL content. Body weight gain, ATTR of EE, activities of trypsin in pancreas and amylase in jejunum, total superoxide dismutase activity in duodenum, T-AOC level and concentrations of MDA in the jejunum and ileum showed a quadratic (P < 0.05) dose response as supplemental FGBL level increased. 5. In conclusion, the addition of FGBL had the potential to improve nutrient utilisation, intestinal digestive function and antioxidant activity of broilers. The optimal dietary supplementation dose for broiler production seemed to be 3.5 to 4.5 g/kg.

High-dose dexamethasone or all-trans-retinoic acid restores the balance of macrophages towards M2 in immune thrombocytopenia.

Essentials M1/M2 imbalance is involved in many autoimmune diseases, and could be restored. The expressions and functions of M1 and M2 were investigated in an in vitro culture system. A preferred M1 polarization is involved in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). High-dose dexamethasone or all-trans-retinoic acid restores M1/M2 balance in ITP patients. SUMMARY: Background Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder. Deficiency of immune tolerance in antigen-presenting cells and cross-communication between antigen-presenting cells and T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Macrophages can polarize into proinflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes in response to different environmental stimuli, and have diverse immunologic functions. Objectives To investigate the M1/M2 imbalance in ITP and whether high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) or all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) could restore this imbalance. Methods The numbers of M1 and M2 macrophages in the spleens of ITP patients and patients with traumatic spleen rupture were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Monocyte-derived macrophages were cultured and induced with cytokines and drugs. The expression of M1 and M2 markers and functions of M1 and M2 macrophages before and after modulation by HD-DXM or ATRA were evaluated with flow cytometry and ELISA. Results There was preferred M1 polarization in ITP spleens as compared with healthy controls. Monocyte-derived macrophages from ITP patients had increased expression of M1 markers and impaired immunosuppressive functions. Either HD-DXM or ATRA corrected this imbalance by decreasing the expression of M1 markers and increasing the expression of M2 markers. Moreover, HD-DXM-modulated or ATRA-modulated macrophages suppressed both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and expanded CD4+ CD49+ LAG3+ type 1 T-regulatory cells. HD-DXM or ATRA modulated macrophages to shift the T-cell cytokine profile towards Th2. Treating patients with HD-DXM or ATRA revealed that macrophages induced from responders showed a predominant M2-like phenotype and immunosuppressive function. Conclusions Aberrant macrophage polarization is involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Either HD-DXM or ATRA is able to correct this imbalance.

Effect of supplemental fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves at different levels on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant status of breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens.

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation with different levels of fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FGBL) on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, antioxidant enzyme capacity, and free radical scavenging activities of muscles in broiler chickens. A total of 648 one-d-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated into six dietary treatments, including control group (CON group: basal diet), FGBL1, FGBL2, FGBL3, FGBL4, and FGBL5 groups (basal diet containing 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 g/kg FGBL, respectively). Body weight gain and feed intake were recorded at 1, 21, and 42 d. At 42 d, 2 birds from each replicate were slaughtered. The results indicated that 3.5 g/kg FGBL diet significantly increased (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG in 1 to 42 d and ADFI in 22 to 42 d compared with the CON group. In 1 to 21 d, 4.5 g/kg FGBL diet improved (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG. With dietary FGBL increasing, the feed: gain ratio (F/G) in 1 to 21 d was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). However, birds fed with 5.5 g/kg FGBL had a higher (P < 0.05) F/G compared with other groups in 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d. In addition, FGBL3 and FGBL4 showed lower (P < 0.05) L* value in breast muscle, cooking loss in thigh muscle and lower 24 h and 48 h drip loss in both breast and thigh muscles than those of other groups. Furthermore, birds in the FGBL3 and FGBL4 groups increased (P < 0.05) the activity of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capability in muscles, and the scavenging activities of 2,2΄-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid radical, OH•, and O2•- in thigh muscle, decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentration in thigh muscle, as compared to the CON group. In conclusion, FGBL had the potential to improve the growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. The optimal dose in the present study of FGBL in broiler diets was from 3.5 to 4.5 g/kg.

A single CT-guided percutaneous intraosseous injection of thermosensitive simvastatin/poloxamer 407 hydrogel enhances vertebral bone formation in ovariectomized minipigs.

UNLABELLED: The ultimate goal of osteoporosis treatment is prevention of fragile fracture. Local treatment targeting specific bone may decrease the incidence of osteoporotic fractures. We developed an injectable, thermosensitive simvastatin/poloxamer 407 hydrogel; a single CT-guided percutaneous intraosseous injection augmented vertebrae in ovariectomized minipigs. INTRODUCTION: The greatest hazard associated with osteoporosis is local fragility fractures. An adjunct, local treatment might be helpful to decrease the incidence of osteoporotic fracture. Studies have found that simvastatin stimulates bone formation, but the skeletal bioavailability of orally administered is low. Directly delivering simvastatin to the specific bone that is prone to fractures may reinforce the target bone and reduce the incidence of fragility fractures. METHODS: We developed an injectable, thermosensitive simvastatin/poloxamer 407 hydrogel, conducted scanning electron microscopy, rheological, and drug release analyses to evaluate the delivery system; injected it into the lumbar vertebrae of ovariectomized minipigs via minimally invasive CT-guided percutaneous vertebral injection. Three months later, BMD, microstructures, mineral apposition rates, and strength were determined by DXA, micro-CT, histology, and biomechanical test; expression of VEGF, BMP2, and osteocalcin were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blots. RESULTS: Poloxamer 407 is an effective controlled delivery system for intraosseous-injected simvastatin. A single injection of the simvastatin/poloxamer 407 hydrogel significantly increased BMD, bone microstructure, and strength; the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness increased nearly 150 %, bone strength almost doubled compared with controls (all P < 0.01); and induced higher expression of VEGF, BMP2, and osteocalcin. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided percutaneous vertebral injection of a single simvastatin/poloxamer 407 thermosensitive hydrogel promotes bone formation in ovariectomized minipigs. The underlying mechanism appears to involve the higher expression of VEGF and BMP-2.

Changes in erectile organ structure and function in a rat model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

There is a growing recognition of the association between chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and erectile dysfunction (ED); however, most of the reports are based on questionnaires which cannot distinguish between organic and functional ED. The purpose of this study was to determine the exact relationship between CP/CPPS and ED, and to investigate the changes in erectile organ structure and function in a rat model of CP/CPPS. We established a rat model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), which is a valid model for CP/CPPS. Erectile function in EAP and normal rats was comparable after cavernous nerve electrostimulation. The serum testosterone and oestradiol levels, ultrastructure of the corpus cavernosum and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the two groups were similar; however, there was a decrease in smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and an increase in transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression was observed in EAP rats. Thus, organic ED may not exist in EAP rats. We speculate that ED complained by patients with CP/CPPS may be psychological, which could be caused by impairment in the quality of life; however, further studies are needed to fully understand the potential mechanisms underlying the penile fibrosis in EAP rats.

Effects of dietary supplementation with fermented ginkgo leaves on antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and microbial ecology in broiler chicks.

1. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with three types of fermented Ginkgo-leaves (FGL) on growth, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and microbial ecology in broiler chicks. 2. A total of 300 d-old broilers were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replications of 10 birds each. Birds were fed on basal diets (Control) or basal diets supplemented with 0.5% FGL with Candida utilis (CF group), Aspergillus niger (AF group) or their combined fermentation (CAF group), respectively, for a 42 d feeding trial. 3. AF and CAF supplementation improved body weight gain (BWG) (22-42 d) and feed conversion ratio (22-42 d and 1-42 d). Concentrations of serum α-tocopherol in CAF group, as well as hepatic α-tocopherol in the three FGL groups were increased, while hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were greatly decreased in group AF and CAF. Chickens in AF and CAF groups had decreased hepatic protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as jejunal and ileal protein carbonyls. The total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) of both jejunum and ileum of the CAF group were higher than the other groups. 4. Duodenal and jejunal villous height of birds fed on the AF and CAF diets were increased, while jejunal crypt depth (CD) was decreased. Furthermore, birds fed on AF and CAF supplemented diets had increased ileal lactobacilli populations. Decreased ileal and caecal Escherichia coli and Salmonellas populations was found for the birds fed on CAF supplemented diets. 5. The present study may indicate that the improved feed efficiency and intestinal functions in the group supplemented with AF and CAF are directly connected with the improved antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbial ecology.

Oridonin inhibits tumor growth in glioma by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Glioma is the most common malignant intracranial tumors. Despite newly developed therapies, these treatments mainly target oncogenic signals, and unfortunately, fail to provide enough survival benefit in both human patients and mouse xenograft models, especially the first-generation therapies. Oridonin is purified from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens and considered to exert extensive anti-cancer effects on human tumorigenesis. In this study, we systemically investigated the role of Oridonin in tumor growth and the underlying mechanisms in human glioma. We found that Oridonin inhibited cell proliferations in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both glioma U87 and U251 cells. Moreover, these anti-cancer effects were also confirmed in a mouse model bearing glioma. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest in S phase was observed in Oridonin-mediated growth inhibition by flow cytometry. Cell cycle arrest in S phase led to eventual cell apoptosis, as revealed by Hoechst 33342 staining and annexin V/PI double-staining. The cell apoptosis might be accomplished through a mitochondrial manner. In all, we were the first to our knowledge to report that Oridonin could exert anti-cancer effects on tumor growth in human glioma by inducing cell cycle arrest and eventual cell apoptosis. The identification of Oridonin as a critical mediator of glioma growth may potentiate Oridonin as a novel therapeutic strategies in glioma treatments.

Effect of feeding fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves on growth performance, meat quality, and lipid metabolism in broilers.

Aspergillus niger-fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FR) and its comparative effect with vitamin E (VE) and nonfermented (NF) Ginkgo leaves on growth, lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broiler chicks were investigated. In total, 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 6 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as control group (basal diet), VE group (containing respectively 15 and 30 IU/kg of all-rac-α-tocopherol acetate in the starter and grower phase), NF group (containing respectively 0.35% and 0.7% NF in the starter and grower phase), and FR1, FR2, and FR3 groups containing respectively 0.2, 0.35, and 0.5% FR in the starter and 0.4, 0.7, and 1.0% FR in the grower phase. The results on performance showed that a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of feed:gain ratio of birds in the FR2 group (22-42 d and 1-42 d) was observed when compared with that of the control and NF groups. With dietary FR increasing, the serum α-tocopherol concentration increased linearly (P = 0.001). Compared with the control, broilers had higher (P < 0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein concentration, total superoxide dismutase activities, and total antioxidant capacity when they were provided with the FR2 and FR3 diet. Whereas the low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations were lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in broilers from FR2 or FR3 groups. As the dietary FR increased, abdominal fat (P = 0.002) and muscle malondialdehyde (P = 0.001) concentrations decreased. Furthermore, 24-h pH, 24-h drip loss, and cooking loss were greatly improved (P < 0.05) as the levels of FR increased. Birds fed with FR had a lower (P < 0.05) C16:0 and C18:0 concentrations but a greater (P = 0.001) concentration of C18:2, C18:3, and C20:4 than that of the control. In conclusion, FR can improve the growth performance and lipid metabolism of broilers with decreased abdominal fat deposition. Also, the antioxidant capacity and meat quality improving effects observed in broilers fed FR products might result from the increased retention of α-tocopherol and reduction in lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde and the increase in total superoxide dismutase activities.

Intestinal growth and morphology is associated with the increase in heat shock protein 70 expression in weaning piglets through supplementation with glutamine.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of oral Gln supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 in weaning piglets. A total of 65 piglets after weaning at 21 d of age (d 0) were used in this experiment. Five piglets were randomly selected and euthanized initially at d 0 to determine baseline values for the expression of Hsp70 in the small intestine. The remaining piglets were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments and received 0 or 1 g of oral Gln/kg of BW every 12 h. After piglets were humanely killed at d 3, 7, and 14 postweaning, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of piglets were sampled to evaluate intestinal morphology and the expression and localization of Hsp70. The results indicated that oral Gln supplementation increased plasma concentrations of Gln compared with those in control piglets (P < 0.05). Average daily gain and ADFI were greater in piglets orally supplemented with Gln than in control piglets during the whole period (P < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea in piglets orally supplemented with Gln was 24% less than (P = 0.064) that in control piglets at 8 to 14 d after weaning. The weights of the jejunum and ileum were greater in piglets orally supplemented with Gln compared with those of control piglets relative to BW on d 14 postweaning (P < 0.05). The villus height and the villus height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and the ileum were greater in piglets receiving oral Gln on d 14 postweaning (P < 0.05) than in control piglets. These results indicate that Gln supplementation can influence the intestinal morphology of weaned piglets. The expression of hsp70 mRNA and Hsp70 proteins in the duodenum and jejunum was greater in piglets supplemented with Gln than in control piglets (P < 0.05). However, Gln supplementation had no effect on the expression of hsp70 mRNA and Hsp70 proteins in the ileum. Moreover, the localization of Hsp70 in the cytoplasm indicated that Hsp70 has a cytoprotective role in epithelial cell function and structure. These results indicate that Gln supplementation may be beneficial for intestinal health and development and may thus mitigate diarrhea and improve growth performance. The protective mechanisms of Gln in the intestine may be associated with the increase in Hsp70 expression.

Effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol succinate on the growth and immunity in broilers.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 2 esters of alpha-tocopherol, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol acetate and RRR-alpha-tocopherol succinate (d-alpha-TOS) on growth and immunity in broiler chicks. Three hundred twenty 1-d-old commercial Arbor Acres broilers were randomly distributed to 4 treatments, each of which had 8 pens of 10 chicks per pen. Birds in the control group were fed with the diets supplemented with 30 mg/kg of all-rac-alpha-tocopherol acetate or the basal diet with d-alpha-TOS supplementation at 10 mg/kg (TOS1 group), 30 mg/kg (TOS2 group), and 50 mg/ kg (TOS3 group), respectively, for 42 d. The results showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in BW gain, feed intake, or G:F among the treatments. Significant positive correlations existed between dietary supplemental alpha-TOS levels and plasma (R(2) = 0.9831, P < 0.01) or hepatic (R(2) = 0.9336, P < 0.05) alpha-tocopherol concentrations and a negative correlation with plasma (R(2) = 0.9487, P < 0.05) or hepatic (R(2) = -0.9901, P = 0.0518) malondialdehyde levels. The concentrations of serum glutathione (GSH) were highest at 50 mg/kg at 42 d of age (P < 0.05), and hepatic GSH was significantly higher at 30 and 50 mg/kg compared with the other groups. Marked enhancement of splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation occurred in group TOS3 as compared with the other groups. The study suggests that the immunoenhancement effect observed in broilers fed additional d-alpha-TOS between 30 and 50 mg/kg might result from increased retention of alpha-tocopherol and reduction in lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde and the increase in GSH.

Control of nutrients after discharge to lakes through wastewater.

Control of nutrients as nitrogen and phosphorus after discharge into lakes is necessary since it is difficult and costly to control within wastewater plants currently in China. This paper studied the cycling of phosphorus and nitrogen with water and sediments from two lakes in China. It is found that oxygen plays a critical role in regulating phosphorus and nitrogen cycling within water and sediments. Three different oxygenation methods including aeration, calcium peroxide and hydrogen peroxide were studied to control phosphorus and nitrogen in overlying water. In anoxic conditions, the P concentration in water increased from an average 14 microg/L to 115.2 microg/L for Xili Lake, and from an average 24 microg/L to 1,000 microg/L for Jinchun Lake. The concentration of ammonia increased under anoxic conditions, while the concentration of nitrate increased under oxic conditions. In anoxic conditions, the nitrate concentration decreased probably through denitrification. Both N and P accumulation processes can be controlled under the three treatments. The phosphorus removal efficiency from the water body was in the order of CaO2 addition > aeration > H2O2 addition, while controlling effectiveness for ammonia was in the order of aeration > CaO2 addition > H2O2 addition.

In vitro investigation of factors important for the delivery of an integrin-targeted nonviral DNA vector in organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Polylysine-molossin is a 31 amino acid synthetic peptide that has previously been demonstrated to function as a DNA vector in vitro for cell lines and for the cornea. It incorporates the 15 amino acid integrin-binding domain of the venom of the American pit viper, Crotalus molossus molossus as the targeting moiety and a chain of 16 lysines as the DNA-binding moiety. The objective of this study was to evaluate several parameters of importance for in vivo applications. METHODS: Binding and tissue distribution of the vector/DNA complexes were followed by a monoclonal antibody to the vector, or by the use of fluorescein-labeled DNA. Standard in vitro transfections were used to monitor effective gene transfer. RESULTS: (1) Optimal DNA/vector concentration. Saturation of vector/DNA binding sites on the ECV304 cell line occurred at 6 microg/ml of DNA. The concentration of vector/DNA complexes required for optimal gene transfection was found to be 2-8 microg/ml of DNA, corresponding to the concentration needed for saturation binding. (2) Optimal target cell exposure time. Vector/ DNA complexes saturated target cell binding sites within 5 min of incubation. However, lengthy exposure times (>2-3 hr) to the transfection medium were essential for substantial gene transfer. This was a consequence of two complementary factors. First, it was important that target cells be exposed to vector/DNA complexes for approximately 1 hr at 37 degrees C. Saturation of target sites at 4 degrees C and then removal of the transfection medium was much less effective. Second, exposure to chloroquine for 8-10 hr after uptake of vector/DNA complexes was essential for optimal gene transfer. (3) Inhibitory effects of serum. Exposure of complexes to even 1% serum before transfection, markedly inhibited gene transfer. However, target cells previously saturated with vector/DNA complexes and then exposed to 10% serum showed substantial gene transfer. (4) Extravasation and binding stability in vivo. Cold ex vivo perfusion of rat hearts with vector/DNA complexes demonstrated that little, if any, complex moved out of the vascular system. After transplantation of the heart, most of the complex bound to the vasculature was lost within 30 min of reestablishing the blood circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Careful attention to several parameters of little importance in vitro need to be paid for optimal in vivo application of DNA vector systems.

[A further research on physiopathological basis of "Liver Yang Forming Wind Syndrome"].

The multiple experimental parameters of different aspects in this study were determined in the patients with "Liver Yang Forming Wind Syndrome (LYFWS)", "Qi Deficiency Blood Stagnation Syndrome (QDBSS)" and "Yin Deficiency Forming Wind Syndrome (YDFWS)". The results showed that cerebral hemorrhage was similar to cerebral infarction in almost all parameters and the two diseases were with LYFWS. It was found that there were several characteristics in LYFWS, i.e. 1. Hyperfunction of sympathetic adrenal medullary system. 2. Hypotriiodothyroidoglobulin syndrome. 3. The marked changes of the active substance regulating vessel smooth muscle function. 4. The increased inflammatory medicators. The pathophysiological parameters in patients with QDBSS were the same as those with YDFWS, but the changes of QDBSS and YDFWS weRe milder than those of LYFWS.

Relaxant effects of pyranocoumarin compounds isolated from a Chinese medical plant, Bai-Hua Qian-Hu, on isolated rabbit tracheas and pulmonary arteries.

Qian-Hu is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of respiratory diseases and pulmonary hypertension. We compared the relaxant effects of pyranocoumarin compounds, including (+)-praeruptorin A (Pra-C), Pd-Ia (=(+/-)-praeruptorin A), pteryxin, peucedanocoumarin II (P-II) and 8-methoxy-psoralen (8-MOP) purified from Bai-Hua Qian-Hu (BQ) in isolated rabbit tracheas and pulmonary arteries. Pra-C, pteryxin and Pd-Ia produced significant relaxant effects in tracheal preparations constricted with 40 mM KCl or 10 microM acetylcholine. The relaxant response to Pra-C, pteryxin or Pd-Ia in preparations constricted with KCl was significantly more potent than that in preparations constricted with acetylcholine. Pra-C, pteryxin or Pd-Ia at a concentration of 30 microM completely relaxed tracheas constricted with 40 mM KCl, whereas P-II at the same concentration showed only partial relaxation. In pulmonary arterial preparations, 8-MOP produced a significant relaxant effect on contractions by 10 microM phenylephrine, without any effect on the contraction by 40 mM KCl. These results suggest that Pd-Ia, pteryxin and Pra-C for their calcium antagonistic action, and 8-MOP for its inhibitory effect on contraction induced by phenylephrine, may be the active principles of BQ for relaxing the smooth muscle of tracheas and pulmonary arteries, and the principle may produce a synergistic effect.