Protein kinase C epsilon-mediated modulation of T-type calcium channels underlies alcohol withdrawal hyperexcitability in the midline thalamus.

BACKGROUND: Millions of people struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Abrupt abstinence after a period of chronic alcohol use can precipitate the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which includes hyperexcitability and, potentially, seizures. We have shown that T-type Ca2+ channels are novel, sensitive targets of alcohol, an effect that is dependent upon protein kinase C (PKC). The purpose of this study was to (1) understand midline thalamic neuronal hyperexcitability during alcohol withdrawal and its dependence on PKC; (2) characterize T channel functional changes using both current clamp and voltage clamp methods; and (3) determine which PKC isoform may be responsible for alcohol withdrawal (WD) effects. METHODS: Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed in midline thalamic neurons in brain slices prepared from C57bl/6 mice that underwent chronic intermittent alcohol exposure in a standard vapor chamber model. The recordings were compared to those from air-exposed controls. T-channel inactivation curves and burst responses were acquired through voltage-clamp and current-clamp recordings, respectively. RESULTS: Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings of native T-type current exhibited a depolarizing shift in the voltage-dependency of inactivation during alcohol withdrawal compared to air-exposed controls. A PKCε translocation inhibitor peptide mitigated this change. Current clamp recordings demonstrated more spikes per burst during alcohol withdrawal. Consistent with voltage clamp findings, the PKCɛ translocation inhibitor peptide reduced the number of spikes per burst after WD. CONCLUSION: We found that alcohol WD produces T channel-mediated hyperexcitability in the midline thalamus, produced in part by a shift in the inactivation curve consistent with greater availability of T current. WD effects on T current inactivation were reduced to control levels by blocking PKCε translocation. Our results demonstrate that PKCε translocation plays an important role in the regulation of alcohol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability in midline thalamic circuitry.

Mechanism of Guishao Yunpi Decoction in Prevention and Treatment of Mammary Gland Hyperplasia Based on PTEN/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveStudy on the mechanism of Guishao Yunpi decoction in preventing and treating breast hyperplasia based on phosphatase and tensin homolog （PTEN）/ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） pathway. MethodSeventy SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into blank group （n=15） and modeling group （n=55）. The mammary gland hyperplasia model of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency was established by the comprehensive modeling method （hunger and satiety abnormality + tail stimulation + estradiol benzoate + progesterone）， and then 5 rats were randomly selected for model verification. The modeled rats were then randomly assigned into five groups： model group， positive control （4 mg·kg-1·d-1 tamoxifen） group， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （17.2， 8.6， 4.3 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） Guishao Yunpi decoction groups， with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the blank group and model group were given 10 mL·kg-1·d-1 distilled water， and those in other groups were orally administrated with corresponding drugs. After 30 days of treatment， the general living conditions of rats were observed， and the thickness of breast tissue was measured by an ultrasonic diagnostic instrument. The open field test was carried out for behavioral evaluation. The levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X （Bax） in the breast tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA and protein levels of PTEN， PI3K， and Akt in the breast tissue were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with those in the blank group， the rats in the model group were irritable， curled up in clusters， and showed positive behavior in the open field test. The modeling led to nipple swelling and increased the breast thickness （P<0.05）. Moreover， the modeling elevated the level of Bcl-2 and lowered that of Bax in the breast tissue （P<0.05）， down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of PTEN， and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and Akt （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， drug administration relieved the general survival state， the degree of nipple swelling， and the positive behavior in the open field test and reduced the breast thickness （P<0.05）. In addition， drug administration reduced the level of Bcl-2 and increased that of Bax in the breast tissue （P<0.05）， up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of PTEN， and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and Akt （P<0.05）. ConclusionGuishao Yunpi decoction can improve the general living conditions and alleviate the mammary gland hyperplasia of rats with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency， which may be realized by the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Improved Glass Bead-Vortex Oscillation Method for DNA Extraction from Diatom / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To examine the effect of improving diatom DNA extraction by glass bead - vortex oscillation method.@*METHODS@#The DNeasy PowerSoil Pro kit was used as control, two plant DNA extraction kits with different principles (New Plant genomic DNA extraction kit and Plant DNA Isolation kit) and one whole blood DNA extraction kit (whole blood genomic DNA extraction kit) were selected to extract diatom DNA from lung tissue and water sample of the same drowning case. The combination of mass ratio of glass beads with different sizes and vortex oscillation time was designed, and the optimal DNA extraction conditions were selected with the addition of glass beads oscillation. The extracted products of the conventional group and the modified group were directly electrophoretic and detected by diatom specific PCR. Finally, all the extracts were quantified by qPCR, and the Ct values of different groups were statistically analyzed.@*RESULTS@#When the frequency of vortex oscillation was 3 000 r/min, the optimal combination of DNA extraction was vortex oscillation for 4 min, and the mass ratio of large glass beads to small glass beads was 1∶1. The DNeasy PowerSoil Pro kit was used as a reference, and the Ct value of 10 mL water sample was greater than that of 0.5 g tissue. The Ct values of the other three kits used for plant DNA extraction decreased after the glass beads-vortex oscillation method was used, and the Ct values of the tissues before and after the improvement were statistically significant (P<0.05). The whole blood genomic DNA extraction kit used in this study could successfully extract diatom DNA, the extraction of water samples was close to DNeasy PowerSoil Pro kit, after the modified method was applied to tissue samples, the difference in Ct value was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, when the three kits were used to extract diatom DNA from water samples, Ct values before and after the improvement were only statistically significant in New Plant genomic DNA extraction kit group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The improved glass bead-vortex oscillation method can improve the extraction efficiency of diatom DNA from forensic materials, especially from tissue samples, by plant and blood DNA extraction kits.

Preliminary study on 99Tc m-3PRGD 2 imaging to verify the anti-angiogenesis mechanism and efficacy of Mongolian medicine Sendeng-4 decoction for rheumatoid arthritis / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Mongolian medicine Sendeng-4 decoction for rheumatoid arthritis by 99Tc m-hydrazinonicotinamide-(polyethylene glycol) 4-E[(polyethylene glycol) 4-c((Arg-Gly-Asp)fk)] 2 (3PRGD 2) imaging. Methods:A total of 200 female SD rats (age: 6-7 weeks) were divided into collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group ( n=176) and blank control group ( n=24). Rats in the CIA group were divided into Sendeng-4 decoction treatment group ( n=24), etanercept treatment group ( n=24), and negative control group ( n=24) by simple random sampling method. 99Tc m-3PRGD 2 SPECT/CT imaging was performed before and after modeling and treatment. The differences of target/non-target (T/NT) ratio and serological, pathological, and immunohistochemical results among groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The correlation was analyzed by Pearson correlation or Spearman correlation analysis. Results:There were 95 (95/176) CIA models successfully established. The T/NT ratios of Sendeng-4 decoction treatment group and etanercept treatment group were lower than that of negative control group (0.260± 0.094, 0.238±0.099, 0.766±0.144 ; F=163.00, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between the two drug treatment groups ( P>0.05). After drug treatment, serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and α vβ 3 were significantly lower than those of negative control group ( F values: 49.43-92.36, all P<0.001), pathological score was also lower than that of negative control group ( H=34.25, P<0.001), and levels of immunohistochemical makers (VEGF, TNF-α, α vβ 3, CD31, CD34) were also lower than those of negative control group ( H values: 13.51-26.84, all P<0.001), while there were no significant differences between the two drug treatment groups (all P>0.05). The T/NT ratios were positively correlated with above indictors in Sendeng-4 decoction treatment group ( r values: 0.56-0.59, rs values: 0.49-0.69), etanercept treatment group ( r values: 0.50-0.55, rs values: 0.46-0.70) and negative control group ( r values: 0.55-0.80, rs values: 0.58-0.86, P<0.001 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Verified by 99Tc m-3PRGD 2 SPECT/CT imaging and molecular pathology, Mongolian medicine Sendeng-4 decoction can inhibit neovascularization by down-regulating vascular factors such as VEGF, resulting in delaying the progression of the disease and improving clinical symptoms.

Application and effect evaluation of " ChaoXing + Zoom" teaching in nursing experimental teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of online teaching mode on nursing experimental course.Methods:A total of 615 students in 4 classes of the Batch 2017 nursing undergraduates completed learning tasks such as teaching videos, notifications and tests on the ChaoXing platform (hereinafter as "ChaoXing"). And they learned online and had interactive discussions through Zoom cloud meeting system (hereinafter as "Zoom"). Online questionnaires were conducted to collect feedback on classroom teaching effects. SPSS 25.0 was performed for statistical analysis.Results:Among all nursing students, 445 (76.72%) students rated the content of the experimental course with a score of 16 or above, 540 (93.11%) ones felt that the "course content integrity" was good, 439 (75.70%) ones felt that "they have enough time to understand the important and difficult knowledge", 432 (74.48%) ones thought that "this learning method is very interesting", and 181 (31.21%) ones believed that "compared to the traditional way, this kind of teaching method is preferred" and thought online teaching could effectively enhance the enthusiasm for learning at home. While, 185 (31.90%) students disagreed with those above because that the instability of the network affected the sense of class experience, the lack of molds at home and the simulated clinical environment affected the sense of participation, and the inconvenience of taking notes or without books, etc.Conclusion:The "ChaoXing + Zoom" teaching method has been applied to nursing experimental teaching and achieved good results, but it still needs to assist offline practice to consolidate operational knowledge and skills. This teaching method is worthy of popularization and application during the epidemic period.

Experimental study of SPECT myocardial blood flow quantitative analysis in animals with coronary microvascular disease / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To compare the quantitative parameters of myocardial blood flow based on SPECT imaging and those determined by PET imaging in coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) animal models, in order to clarify the accuracy and feasibility of SPECT quantitative analysis in CMVD.Methods:Seven Saanen milk goats (either male or female; (20±5) kg), were selected for establishing CMVD animal models by microsphere embolization. Dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging (DMPI) with one-day method of resting + ATP stress 99Tc m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT was performed before and after the modeling, respectively. One-day method of resting + ATP stress 13N-ammonia PET DMPI was performed after the modeling. The quantitative parameters determined by SPECT and PET after the modeling, including stress myocardial blood flow (SMBF), resting myocardial blood flow (RMBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR), were compared by paired t test. Parameters based on SPECT after modeling were compared with those of baseline levels. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to access the agreement between SPECT and PET. Results:Four of the seven experimental goats were fully imaged. The RMBF(ml·g -1·min -1; 1.52±0.27 vs 1.29±0.20), SMBF(ml·g -1·min -1; 0.74±0.19 vs 0.99±0.26), and MFR (0.53±0.16 vs 0.76±0.10) of the left ventricle (global) obtained by SPECT and PET in CMVD models were not significantly different ( t values: 3.121, 1.195, 1.930, all P>0.05). Among left anterior descending branch (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) and right coronary artery (RCA), the RMBF, SMBF and MFR values quantified by SPECT and PET were neither statistically significant ( t values: 0.182-2.734, all P>0.05). Bland-Altman analysis showed the quantitative parameters measured by SPECT and PET DMPI in left ventricle, LAD, LCX, RCA had a good consistency. The difference between the two methods for determining RMBF was up to 0.63 ml·g -1·min -1, and that of SMBF was up to 0.66 ml·g -1·min -1. All points are within the 95% confidence limit; MFR differs at most by 0.56, and 14/16 points were within 95% confidence limit. The RMBF (ml·g -1·min -1) of left ventricle measured by SPECT after modeling was not significantly different from that before modeling (1.52±0.27 vs 1.57±0.36; t=0.166, P>0.05); the SMBF (ml·g -1·min -1) and MFR after modeling were significantly lower than those before modeling (0.74±0.19 vs 2.34±0.89, 0.53±0.16 vs 1.39±0.31, t values: 3.836, 6.309, both P<0.05). Similar results were found when comparing the parameters of LAD/LCX/RCA after modeling with those before modeling (RMBF t values: 0.191, 0.235, 0.195, all P>0.05; SMBF/MFR t values: 0.411-19.911, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The blood flow quantitative parameters measured by SPECT imaging have a good consistency with those based on PET imaging, and the myocardial blood flow quantitative analysis of SPECT can evaluate the blood flow perfusion of CMVD.

Selective Blockade of T-Type Ca2+ Channels is Protective Against Alcohol-Withdrawal Induced Seizure and Mortality.

AIMS: We have previously demonstrated that blockade of T-type calcium channels by the non-selective antagonist, ethosuximide (ETX), is effective at reducing electrographical and behavioral correlates of alcohol-withdrawal (WD) seizure. Here, we investigated whether blockade of these calcium channels with the selective antagonist TTA-P2 also reduces alcohol-WD seizure. SHORT SUMMARY: The non-specific T-type calcium channel antagonist, ETX, is protective against alcohol-WD seizure. However, the mechanism of this effect is unclear. Here, we provide evidence that further suggests selective blockade of T-type calcium channels are protective against alcohol-WD seizure and WD-related mortality. METHODS: We used an intermittent ethanol exposure model to produce WD-induced hyperexcitability in DBA/2 J mice. Seizure severity was intensified with the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). RESULTS: TTA-P2 (10 mg/kg) reduced seizure severity in mice undergoing alcohol WD with concurrent PTZ treatment (20 mg/kg). Moreover, TTA-P2 (20 and 40 mg/kg) was also protective against PTZ-induced (40 mg/kg) seizure and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with prior results using ETX, and suggest that the protective effects of ETX and TTA-P2 against EtOH WD seizures are mediated by T-type calcium channels.

High-Performance Thin-layer Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata and Its Related Species / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish the high-performance thin layer chromatographic(HPTLC) fingerprints of volatile oil and flavonoids in Alpinia katsumadai Hayata so as to provide scientific information for its quality control, and determine the fingerprints similarity of with its related species. METHODS: The separation was performed on the pre-coated HPTLC GF254 silica gel plates. The volatile oil was developed with solvent system of toluene-ethyl acetate(9: 1). The relative humidity was 18%. The spots were visualized with 5% vanillin sulfuric acid solution. The flavonoides compounds were developed with solvent system of toluene-ethyl acetate-acetic acid (8: 1.5: 0.5). The spots were visualized with 5% aluminium chloride ethanol solution which needed to be observed at 365 nm. The common patterns of HPTLC fingerprints were obtained by CHROMAP 1.5 solution software, and authentication and quality assessment were performed by similarity and principle component analysis. RESULTS: The common patterns of the volatile oil and flavonoids consisted of 10 characteristic peaks and 7 characteristic peaks, respectively. Eucalyptol and alpinetin were identified by chemical reference substances. CONCLUSION: The qualities of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata collected from different areas are not distinctly different. Obvious difference exists in the chemical compositions of the volatile oil and flavonoids between Alpinia katsumadai Hayata and its counterfeit and other related species. This method is simple and rapid, which can serve as an effective identification and quality assessment method for Alpinia katsumadai Hayata.

Expression of IL-25 and IL-33 and the count of EOS in peripheral blood of children with allergic rhinitis receiving immunotherapy / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the expression of IL-25,IL-33 and EOS in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).@*METHODS@#Ninety-four AR children receiving immunotherapy and 23 healthy people were concluded in the study. The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 were detected by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and a count of EOS were measured.@*RESULTS@#The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the mild group were higher than control group (0.05). The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the severe group were higher than those in mild group (<0.05). The serum levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in the severe group were higher than control group (<0.05). The count of EOS in the severe group were higher than those in mild group (<0.05). The count of EOS in the severe group were higher than those in control group (<0.05). Spearman test showed the serum levels of IL-25 in the children with AR patients have positive correlation with the serum levels of IL-33 (<0.05, =0.238).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Expression of IL-25 levels, IL-33 levels and the count of EOS in patients with AR are enhanced, which shows that IL-25, IL-33 and the count of EOS are involved in the AR. If we can understand the mechanism of them, it will profound implications for treatment.

Difference in detection results and antimicrobial resistance of multidrug-resistant organisms in intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To understand detection results and difference in multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs) in intensive care unit(ICU)and non-ICU.Methods Strains isolated from clinical specimens of hospitalized patients in a hospital from January 2015 to December 2016 were analyzed, 6 kinds of MDROs were conducted targeted monitoring, isolation and antimicrobial resistance of 6 kinds of MDROs from ICU and non-ICU patients were compared. Results A total of 1 013 strains of 6 kinds of MDROs were monitored, isolation rate was13.13％.Isolation rate of MDROs in ICU was higher than that of non-ICU (24.60％vs 5.47％, P＜0.001).Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)was the main isolated MDROs, accounting for 69.40％;of different pathogenic organisms, isolation rate of CRAB was the highest(55.75％).The main MDROs detected in ICU and non-ICU were both CRAB, accounting for 76.32％and 48.62％respectively;Of isolated pathogens, isolation rate of MDROs in ICU was higher than that of non-ICU(47.95％vs 8.02％, P＜0.001).Antimicrobial resistance rates of Escherichia coli isolated from ICU to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, and gentamicin were all higher than that of non-ICU, resistant to piperacillin was lower than non-ICU, difference was statistically significant(all P≤0.05);resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from ICU to common antimicrobial agents(except piperacillin)were all higher than non-ICU(all P＜0.05).Resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from ICU to common antimicrobial agents were all higher than non-ICU (all P＜0.05).Resistance rates of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from ICU to oxacillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin were all higher than non-ICU (all P＜0.05), and resistance rates of Enterococcus faeciumto quinupristin/dafoeleptin and tetracycline were both lower than non-ICU (both P＜0.05).Conclusion Isolation rate of MDROs in ICU is high, resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents are also higher than non-ICU, monitoring on MDROs in ICU should be strengthened, and according prevention and control measures should be formulated.

Application of DDI in prediction of fertility outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the application of difficulty degree index (DDI) in predicting patients′s fertility outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was carried out on 118 patients with subserous myoma or intramural myoma undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy from January 2005 to December 2014. The rate of post-operative pregnancy, delivery outcome and disease recurrence were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of DDI, the age of patients undergoing surgery, presence of infertility history etc, on the patients′ reproductive outcome following the surgery.@*Results@#Follow-up for 1 to 10 years,118 cases were included in the study, the rate of post-operative pregnancy, live birth, vaginal delivery were 72.9% (86/118) , 52.5% (62/118) and 24.2% (15/62) respectively. No cases of uterine rupture and obstetric complications occurred. Univariate analysis showed that the independent variables of post-operative pregnancy rate were DDI, patient′s age at the time of surgery, presence of infertility history and myoma recurrence (all P<0.05) . In multivariate analysis, the factors of post-operative pregnancy rate were DDI (OR=3.131, 95%CI:1.012-8.894) , patient′s age at the time of surgery (OR=2.722, 95%CI:1.048-7.067) and presence of infertility history (OR=8.509, 95%CI: 2.102-34.445) .@*Conclusions@#DDI could be applied to predict post-operative pregnancy rate, with the increasing of DDI the post-operative pregnancy rate decreasing. The patients with high DDI scores, age>35 years old or presence of infertility history should get ready for pregnancy positively.

Risk assessment and seasonal variation of heavy metals in settling particulate matter (SPM) from a typical southern Chinese mariculture base.

Settling particulate matter (SPM) samples were collected monthly during a 21-month-long (April 2014 to December 2015) monitoring program from a fish cage and a large seaweed (Gracilaria lemaneiformis) cultivation in a typical mariculture base in eastern coast of Guangdong Province, South China. The concentrations of eight heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, V and Mn) showed a clear seasonality with relatively higher levels in the rainy season for most metals. In addition, five metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn) showed slightly higher concentrations in the fish cage than in the large seaweed cultivation. A principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that Ni, Cu and Zn were influenced by human activities, whereas the rest of the metals mainly by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. SPM in the two different mariculture areas had a 21% probability of toxicity based on the mean effects range-median quotient.

Tuning the Geometrical Structures and Optical Properties of Blue-Emitting Iridium(III) Complexes through Dimethylamine Substitutions: A Theoretical Study.

The geometrical structures and photophysical properties of Ir(4,6-dFppy)2(pic) (FIrpic) and its derivative (o-FIr, m-FIr, p-FIr) with dimethylamine substituted at the picolinic acid (N∧O) ligand were fully investigated by density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The simulated electronic structure, as well as absorption and emission spectra of FIrpic are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The introduction of dimethylamine at the N∧O ligand at different positions is beneficial to extend the π-electron delocalization, increase HOMO energy levels, and hence improve the hole injection and transfer ability compared with those of FIrpic. Furthermore, o-FIr, m-FIr, and p-FIr have large absorption intensity and participation of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) contribution in the main absorption spectra, which would be useful to improve the intersystem crossing (ISC) from the singlet to triplet excited state. More importantly, the high quantum yield of o-FIr (which is explained based on the detailed analysis of triplet energy, ET1), participation of ³MLCT contribution in the phosphorescent spectra, and energy difference between ³MLCT and triplet metal centered (³MC) d-d excited state compared with m-FIr and p-FIr indicate that o-FIr is expected to be an excellent blue phosphorescence emitter with high efficiency.

Synchronous dynamic research on respiratory and intestinal microflora of chronic bronchitis rat model.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine theory that Fei (Lung) and Dachang (Large Intestine) are exteriorly and interiorly related via synchronous observation on the dynamic changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora. METHODS: Forty specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into blank (10 rats) and chronic bronchitis model groups (30 rats). The blank group rats were put into the smoke-free environment and the model group rats were put into the smoke environment in order to establish pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis) model. Then the corresponding changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflflora of the model on 20th, 50th and 70th days were synchronously observed. RESULTS: The respiratory tract microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced anaerobic amount signifificantly on 20th day in the respiratory tract microflflora (P<0.05 or 0.01). On 50th day, total aerobic, total anaerobic amount and bififidobacterium signifificantly increased (P<0.05). On 70th day, Staphylococcus aureus reduced and lactobacillus increased signifificantly (P<0.01). The intestinal microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacter and enterococcus significantly increased on 20th day (P<0.05 or 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus on 50th day increased significantly (P<0.05). Total aerobic and enterococcus increased, total anaerobic and Clostridium perfringens reduced signifificantly on 70th day (P<0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION: The microecosystem of respiratory tract and intestine of rat model during the pathological process showed a dynamic disorder, indicating an interaction between the lung and large intestine which may be one of the connotations as they exteriorly and interiorly related.

A new styrene dimer derivative from Litsea greenmaniana / 中国中药杂志

A new styrene dimer derivative has been isolated from the branch of Litsea greenmaniana by column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. Its structure was identified by spectroscopic data analysis (MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) as (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenol, named as listeanol. At a concentration of 1×10-5 mol•L⁻¹, compound 1 was inactive in the assays, including cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines (HCT-8, Bel-7402, BGC-823, A549 and A2780), antioxidant activity in Fe²⁺-cystine-induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation, neuroprotective activity against serum deprivation or glutamate induced neurotoxicity in cultures of PC12 cells, and the inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B).

Water soluble constituents from the twigs of Litsea cubeba / 中国中药杂志

Twenty five known aromatic glycosides (1-25) and three known sesquiterpene glycosides (26-28) have been isolated from the twigs of Litsea cubeba by using various chromatographic techniques. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis (MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) as (7S,8R)-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4,9'-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),(7S,8R)-5-methoxydihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(2), (7S,8R)-urolignoside(3), (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4), saposide B(5), lanicepside A(6), matairesinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), tyraxjaponoside B(8), (+)-lyoniresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), alaschanisoside A (10), syringin (11), psoralenoside (12), isopsoralenoside (13), scopolin(14), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (15), 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (16), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-β-D-glucopyrnoside (17), 2-(4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (18), (+)-catechin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (19), 3'-O-methylepicatechin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (20), kaempferitrin (21), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranside (22), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (23), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-O-β-D-galactopyr anoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (24), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (25), staphylionoside D(26), vomifoliol 9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (27), dihydrovomifoliol-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (28). Compounds 1-21 and 24-28 were obtained from this genus for the first time.

Synchronous dynamic research on respiratory and intestinal microflora of chronic bronchitis rat model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the mechanism of the Chinese medicine theory that Fei (Lung) and Dachang (Large Intestine) are exteriorly and interiorly related via synchronous observation on the dynamic changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflora.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into blank (10 rats) and chronic bronchitis model groups (30 rats). The blank group rats were put into the smoke-free environment and the model group rats were put into the smoke environment in order to establish pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis) model. Then the corresponding changes of the respiratory and intestinal microflflora of the model on 20th, 50th and 70th days were synchronously observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The respiratory tract microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced anaerobic amount signifificantly on 20th day in the respiratory tract microflflora (P<0.05 or 0.01). On 50th day, total aerobic, total anaerobic amount and bififidobacterium signifificantly increased (P<0.05). On 70th day, Staphylococcus aureus reduced and lactobacillus increased signifificantly (P<0.01). The intestinal microflflora showed an increase in the total aerobic, Clostridium perfringens, enterobacter and enterococcus significantly increased on 20th day (P<0.05 or 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus on 50th day increased significantly (P<0.05). Total aerobic and enterococcus increased, total anaerobic and Clostridium perfringens reduced signifificantly on 70th day (P<0.05 or 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The microecosystem of respiratory tract and intestine of rat model during the pathological process showed a dynamic disorder, indicating an interaction between the lung and large intestine which may be one of the connotations as they exteriorly and interiorly related.</p>

Effect of lisinopril on cardio-pulmonary function and 6 minutes walking distance in patients with hypertension / 中国基层医药

Objective To compare the difference of antihypertensive efficacy,the result of heart and lung function test(CPET)and 6 minutes walking distance(6MWD)in hypertension patients with different angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE)gene polymorphisms.Methods 120 patients with hypertension were randomly divided into four groups:the control group treated with nifedipine zyban,perimental group of group A(II),group B(ID),group C(DD)treated with lisinopril tablets.The blood pressure control situation,the changes of the CPET and 6MWD results were compared in the four groups 3 and 6 months after treatment.Results After 3 months,there were no significant changes in blood pressure drop of the four groups,and the differences were no statistically significant among the four groups in the range of blood pressure drop(all P>0.05),the body mass,maximum oxygen uptake(VO2/kg)and 6MWD of the four groups were not significantly changed..After 6 months,the blood pressure of the four groups decreased,and there were no statistically significant differences between the four groups in the drop of blood pressure(all P>0.05),VO2/kg(mL):the control group(17.94±1.51)mL,group A(18.04±1.85)mL,group B(19.70±1.25)mL,group C(21.25±2.20)mL and 6MWD:the control group(448.66±50.26)m,group A(445.07±41.21)m,group B(488.56±55.66)m,group C(500.54±53.25)m.The improvement range of VO2/kg and 6MWD was group C>B>A(group B compared with group A:ct=12.01,P=0.03;group C compared with group B:dt=17.26,P=0.02),there were no statistically significant differences between the control group and group A(all P>0.05).Conclusion This study found no ACE genotype associated with the antihypertensive effects of lisinopril,but found improvement of CPET and 6MWD result in different groups,DD type is superior to the ID,the ID type is better than type II.

Establishment of a reliable method for detecting the residual hek293 host cell protein in recombinant adeno-associated virus vector / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reliable method to measure host cell protein(HCP)content of HEK293 cells in rAAV2-KAL vectors for clinic application. METHODS: The rAAV2-KAL vectors used for this study was purified by CsCl ultracentrifugation twice,then were subjected to by Western blot. The optimal linear range, minimum detection limit,and the accuracy and precision were verified by ELISA. Three batches of rAAV2-KAL were prepared by CsCl method. The change of HCP content during purification was determined to verify the method suitability and reliabilities. RESULTS: The optimal linear range of the method developed was 4-200 ng·mL-1, while the minimum detection limit of 4 ng·mL-1. The recovery rates of HEK293 cell protein at various concentrations were at range of 77.0%-115.0%,with a coefficient of variation of less than 20%. The HCP contents in three batches of rAAV2-KAL were less than 100 ng·mL-1, all data taken together indicated that HCP was effectively removed by CsCl ultracentrifugation. CONCLUSION: A reliable ELISA assay for residual host cell protein of HEK293 cells is successfully developed,which might be used for determination of HCP content in CsCl ultracentrifugation purified rAAV2-KAL for clinical application.