Recent advances on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation by herbal medicines.

Biofilm formation is a fundamental part of life cycles of bacteria which affects various aspects of bacterial-host interactions including the development of drug resistance and chronic infections. In clinical settings, biofilm-related infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to tolerance to antibiotics. Bacterial biofilm formation is regulated by different external and internal factors, among which quorum sensing (QS) signals and nucleotide-based second messengers play important roles. In recent years, different kinds of anti-biofilm agents have been discovered, among which are the Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). CHMs or traditional Chinese medicines have long been utilized to combat various diseases around the world and many of them have the ability to inhibit, impair or decrease bacterial biofilm formation either through regulation of bacterial QS system or nucleotide-based second messengers. In this review, we describe the research progresses of different chemical classes of CHMs on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation. Though the molecular mechanisms on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation by CHMs have not been fully understood and there are still a lot of work that need to be performed, these studies contribute to the development of effective biofilm inhibitors and will provide a novel treatment strategy to control biofilm-related infections.

A phage cocktail combined with the enteric probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ameliorated mouse colitis caused by S. typhimurium.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is one of the most important foodborne pathogens that causes colitis in humans. In this study, we compared the effects of a therapeutic treatment using a phage cocktail (Pc) in combination or not with Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) in an S. typhimurium-induced colitis murine model. An oral administration of 4 × 108 CFU per mouse of S. typhimurium resulted in intestinal barrier disruption and severe inflammatory symptoms. S. typhimurium in the colon of the mice treated with the Pc and L. reuteri (PcLR) combination were completely removed compared to those in the single Pc or single L. reuteri treatment groups. Furthermore, compared with the infected group, the intestinal barrier and colonic pathological damage were significantly improved in the PcLR-treated group. Additionally, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the feces of the mice in the PcLR treatment group were significantly increased compared to those in the feces of the mice in the infected group. In addition, the combination of Pc with acetate and reuterin released by L. reuteri (PcReAc) can also achieve the same effect as PcLR treatment. Thus, these results indicated that the acetate and reuterin released by L. reuteri play an important role in the treatment. The extraordinary therapeutic effects of PcLR and PcReAc depend on the specific bactericidal activity of Pc and the broad-spectrum bactericidal activity and immunomodulation of L. reuteri (or acetate and reuterin) in the host. This study provides a new concept for the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by intestinal pathogens.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus using biolayer interferometry technology combined with phage lysin LysGH15.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), considered as a common foodborne pathogenic microorganism, usually causes food poisoning and various infectious diseases. Therefore, development of rapid and accurate bacterial detection method is the key to preventing food poisoning and achieving early diagnosis and treatment of various infectious diseases caused by S. aureus. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) technology is a novel technique of label-free optical analysis for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions. The C54A mutation induced the lytic activity loss of phage lysin LysGH15 but retained the capacity for specific recognizing and binding S. aureus. In this study, a novel method for the detection of S. aureus was established using the C54A mutant LysGH15 as the receptor in combination with BLI. Using this BLI-based method, S. aureus whole cells could be directly assayed and the limit of detection was 13 CFU/mL with a binding time of 12 min. Because the C54A mutant LysGH15 recognizes S. aureus with very high specificity, the method can exclude potential interference from other bacterial species. In addition, this method could also distinguish between viable and dead S. aureus. Moreover, S. aureus was successfully detected in ice cubes and light soy sauce by using this method. Collectively, these results indicate that the LysGH15-based BLI method can be used as an efficient and reliable diagnostic tool in the field of food safety and other related fields for the rapid, sensitive, label-free, and real-time detection of S. aureus.

Development of paclitaxel loaded pegylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved treatment efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): an in vitro and in vivo evaluation study.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate paclitaxel (PTX) loaded pegylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. METHOD: PTX loaded gelatin nanoparticles (PTX-GNP) were prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde aqueous solution. These nanoparticles (NPs) were further incubated with PEG 400 to form PEGylated NPs (PEG-PTX-GNP). The NPs were evaluated for surface morphology, size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity in an assay on cancer cell lines L132, in vitro cellular uptake in an assay in L132 and 293T cell lines, in vivo antitumor activity on female Balb/c mice, pulmonary deposition, histopathology, and immunohistochemical properties. RESULTS: The nanoparticles were of spherical shape with smooth surface characteristics. The observed DL was of 20.18 to 32.11%, as particle size was of 90 to 115 nm. Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) were within acceptable ranges. Encapsulation was effective when the NPs had a size of 80.50 nm to 98.12 nm. The PEGylated PTX loaded nanoparticles (PEG-PTX-GNP, GNP4) showed similar PTX release profile to that of the NP4 formulation. PEGylated NPs showed the desired PTX release pattern that is required for cancer treatment. In an in vitro cytotoxicity study, PEG-PTX-GNP showed the maximum antiproliferative activity over the period of 24 hours, followed by PTX-GNP, pure PTX and BPEG-GNP. PEG-PTX-GNP showed the highest internalization within both cell lines, followed by PTX-GNP and pure PTX. The survival rate of animals in PEG-PTX-GNP group was 100%, proving the safety and efficacy of the treatment. PEG-PTX-GNP showed the highest antitumor activity as compared to other formulations. The pulmonary deposition rate was the highest (6.5 to 12.55 µg/g) in PEG-PTX-GNP formulations. Histopathology and immunohistochemical study proved that PEG-PTX-GNP had greater anticancer potential than other tested formulations. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the potential use of paclitaxel loaded PEGylated gelatin targeted nanoparticles for improved efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.

Thoracic Intraspinal Ganglioneuroma with Cough as Its Main Symptom:Report of One Case / 中国医学科学院学报

The ganglioneuroma is a benign tumor originating from sympathetic ganglion cells.It often locates in the posterior mediastinum,retroperitoneum,and adrenal medulla.The intraspinal ganglioneuromas is relatively rare in clinical practice,which mainly locates in the cervical and thoracolumbar segments.A patient with main symptom of cough was examined by magnetic resonance imaging before operation in our center.Intraspinal ganglioneuromas was confirmed in the left intervertebral cavity area.Total resection of the tumor via the posterior median approach was performed.HE staining showed the mature ganglion cells were scattered.The patient was followed up for three months and no tumor recurrence occured.

Application of barcode technology to patient information management in hyperbaric medicine unit / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To apply barcode technology to the patient information management in the hyperbaric medicine unit to sim plify the workflow of outpatient registration and facilitate access to patient's information.Methods The barcode designed by some hospital and its use were introduced,and then compared with the traditional way on time consuming,patient satisfaction and etc.Results Barcode technology enhanced the nurse's efficiency and the patient's satisfaction.Conclusion Barcode technology simplifies the working flow in the hyperbaric oxygen outpatient,increases medical service quality,decreases medical disputes and meets the requirements for appointment treatment,and thus is worthy promoting practically.

Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cholesterol Based on Signal Amplification of Graphene / 分析化学

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated for determination of cholesterol ( ChO ) based on the molecularly imprinting and signal amplification of graphene. The sensor was prepared by electropolymerizing phenol on the surface of graphene modified glassy carbon electrode with ChO as template. The structure, properties and molecular imprinting effect of the imprinted membrane were studied by SEM, CV and DPV. The results showed that the sensor had good selectivity and high sensitivity to cholesterol. The calibration graph for the determination of cholesterol was linear in the range of 8. 0 × 10-8-2. 0 × 10-4 mol/L, with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 5. 6×10-8 mol/L. The sensor was applied to the determination of cholesterol in human serum samples with satisfactory results.

Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cholesterol Based on Signal Amplification of Graphene / 分析化学

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated for determination of cholesterol ( ChO ) based on the molecularly imprinting and signal amplification of graphene. The sensor was prepared by electropolymerizing phenol on the surface of graphene modified glassy carbon electrode with ChO as template. The structure, properties and molecular imprinting effect of the imprinted membrane were studied by SEM, CV and DPV. The results showed that the sensor had good selectivity and high sensitivity to cholesterol. The calibration graph for the determination of cholesterol was linear in the range of 8. 0 × 10-8-2. 0 × 10-4 mol/L, with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 5. 6×10-8 mol/L. The sensor was applied to the determination of cholesterol in human serum samples with satisfactory results.

An evaluation of self -efficacy application on the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients after ischemic stroke / 预防医学

Objective To evaluate the effect of self -efficacy training on hemiplegic patients after ischemic stroke. Methods Sixty cases were randomly divided into control group (n =30 )and self -efficacy training group (n =30).The self -efficacy group received rehabilitation training according to the self -efficacy theory (5 times /week, 40 min /per time,1 0 weeks of intervention).The movement and balance function were evaluated using Fugl -Meyer score (FMA)and the activities of daily living were evaluated by the task analysis scale and Barthel index.The self -efficacy level and quality of life were evaluated by the general self -efficacy scale (GSES)and medical outcomes study (SF -36).Results The scores of FMA,Barthel,SF -36 and GSES had no significant differences between the two groups before training (P >0.05 )and all indexes improved after training.Six scores of Barthel and all scores of FMA,SF -36 and GSES of self -efficacy group were significantly higher than those of control group after training (all P <0.05 ).Conclusion Self -efficacy application could improve the motor function on the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients after ischemic stroke.

HLA-DR expression on regulatory T cells is closely associated with the global immune activation in HIV-1 infected subjects naïve to antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: The frequencies of regulatory T cells (Tregs) increased over the HIV infection but its counts actually decreased. We proposed that the decrease of Treg counts may cause the reduction of inhibitory effect and thereby account for the over-activation of Tregs during HIV infection. However, it remains unknown whether Tregs are also over-activated and thereafter the activation induced death may lead to the decrease of Tregs. METHODS: Tregs were defined as CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(lo/-) T cells. Eighty-one HIV-1 infected patients were enrolled in our study, and twenty-two HIV-1 seronegative donors were recruited as the control. The levels of HLA-DR on Tregs were determined by FACSAria flow cytometer. RESULTS: Compared to HIV-1 seronegative donors, the levels of HLA-DR on CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(lo/-) Tregs were significantly increased in HIV-1 infected patients, and its increase was positively associated with viral loads (r = 0.3163, P = 0.004) and negatively with CD4 T-cell counts (r = -0.4153, P < 0.0001). In addition, significant associations between HLA-DR expression on CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(lo/-) Tregs and the percentages of HLA-DR, CD38, Ki67 expressing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were also identified. CONCLUSION: HLA-DR on Tregs is a good marker for viral replication and disease progression. The over-activation of Tregs might result in the decrease of Tregs.

Effect of FGF-2 on survivin and subcellular location of Smac in human small cell lung cancer cell NCI-H446 / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2)on survivin and subcellular location of Smac in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell NCI-H446.@*METHODS@#Western blot was used to detect the expression of survivin protein induced by FGF-2. The release of Smac from mitochondria to cytoplasm affected by FGF-2 was observed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis of NCI-H446 cells was detected with flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining.@*RESULTS@#The expression of survivin could be up-regulated in response to FGF-2 treatment in NCI-H446 cells, and the level of survivin expression is related to the concentration and time of FGF-2 treatment. FGF-2 could inhibit the release of Smac from the mitochondria to cytoplasm induced by serum starving. FGF-2 could inhibit the apoptosis induced by serum starving.@*CONCLUSION@#FGF-2 up-regulates the expression of survivin protein in NCI-H446 cells, and blocks the release of Smac from mitochondria cytoplasm. Survivin and Smac might play important roles in the apoptosis inhibited by FGF-2.

Association between serum level of C reactive protein and heart function impairment of hypertension patients / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To investigate the serum level of C reactive protein(CRP) in the hypertension patients with heart function impairment.Methods 68 hypertension patients who had no,mild or severe heart function impairment were se- lected and accordingly divided into 3 groups,while 30 healthy subjects served as normal controls.The levels of HS-CRP and LVEF was measured.Results All the hypertension patients had a high CRP level than normal controls(P

Proliferation inhibition of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 transfected by RASSF1A gene / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of exogenous RASSF1A gene on the proliferation and expression of P65 and subunit of NF-kappaB, in lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549.@*METHODS@#pcDNA3.0-RASSF1A and pcDNA3. 0 were introduced into A549 cell line by lipofectin transfection, and the A549 cells stably expressing RASSF1A gene were established by G418 selection. The expression of RASSF1A was detected by Western blotting. The cytobiologic characterizations of the positive clone were analyzed by methythiazoletertraolium (MTT) assay and cytometry. The expressing of P65 was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#A549 cells stably expressing RASSF1A protein were established by lipofection mediated transfection and selected for further study. Compared with the nontransfected and vector transfected cells, the positive clone cells grew more slowly. Flow cytometric data showed that more positive clone cells went into phase G0/G1 and fewer cells went into phase S. The expression of P65 in nuclear protein in positive clone cells was lower than that of the control group while there was no obvious difference between the expression of p65 mRNA and P65 protein in total protein among the 3 groups.@*CONCLUSION@#RASSF1A gene might suppress the proliferation of A549 cells through blocking the activity of P65 protein.

Expression of survivin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in human non-small cell lung cancer / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the expressions of survivin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore its clinical pathological significance.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expressions of survivin and PCNA in 43 patients with NSCLC and 15 normal epithelial tissues of the lung. PCNA labeling proliferative index was assessed. Forty-three patients with NSCLC were followed up for more than 5 years.@*RESULTS@#The positive expression of survivin in NSCLC (79.1%) was significantly higher than that in normal epithelial tissues of the lung (P 0.05). The mean proliferative index of PCNA in NSCLC was much higher than that in normal epithelial tissues of the lung (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was present between the proliferative index and the tumor size, lymph node metastase, and clinical stage (P <0.01), while a negative correlation between the proliferative index and survival time (P <0.01). There was no correlation between proliferative index and age, sex, site, histological type and grade. The proliferative index was larger in patients with moderate or strong positive survivin expression than that in patients with negative or weak survivin expression (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Over expression of survivin and PCNA is closely correlated to the progression and prognosis of patients with NSCLC, which is helpful to evaluate the progression of cancer and to predict the prognosis of NSCLC. The up-regulation of survivin expression and its close relationship with the cell proliferation in NSCLC suggest that survivin may play an important role in the carcinogenesis and development of lung cancer.