Advances in the study of the interaction between schistosome infections and the host's intestinal microorganisms.

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharziasis, is a neglected tropical disease induced by schistosomes that infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In the life cycle of schistosomiasis, eggs are regarded as the main pathogenic factor, causing granuloma formation in the tissues and organs of hosts, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and liver granulomatous immune responses and irreversible fibrosis. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome influences the progression of schistosomiasis and plays a central role in liver disease via the gut-liver axis. When used as pharmaceutical supplements or adjunctive therapy, probiotics have shown promising results in preventing, mitigating, and even treating schistosomiasis. This review elucidates the potential mechanisms of this three-way parasite-host-microbiome interaction by summarizing schistosome-mediated intestinal flora disorders, local immune changes, and host metabolic changes, and elaborates the important role of the gut microbiome in liver disease after schistosome infection through the gut-liver axis. Understanding the mechanisms behind this interaction may aid in the discovery of probiotics as novel therapeutic targets and sustainable control strategies for schistosomiasis.

Transcriptome and single-cell transcriptomics reveal prognostic value and potential mechanism of anoikis in skin cutaneous melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly lethal cancer, ranking among the top four deadliest cancers. This underscores the urgent need for novel biomarkers for SKCM diagnosis and prognosis. Anoikis plays a vital role in cancer growth and metastasis, and this study aims to investigate its prognostic value and mechanism of action in SKCM. METHODS: Utilizing consensus clustering, the SKCM samples were categorized into two distinct clusters A and B based on anoikis-related genes (ANRGs), with the B group exhibiting lower disease-specific survival (DSS). Gene set enrichment between distinct clusters was examined using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. RESULTS: We created a predictive model based on three anoikis-related differently expressed genes (DEGs), specifically, FASLG, IGF1, and PIK3R2. Moreover, the mechanism of these prognostic genes within the model was investigated at the cellular level using the single-cell sequencing dataset GSE115978. This analysis revealed that the FASLG gene was highly expressed on cluster 1 of Exhausted CD8( +) T (Tex) cells. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have established a novel classification system for SKCM based on anoikis, which carries substantial clinical implications for SKCM patients. Notably, the elevated expression of the FASLG gene on cluster 1 of Tex cells could significantly impact SKCM prognosis through anoikis, thus offering a promising target for the development of immunotherapy for SKCM.

Efficacy of modified kidner procedure combined with subtalar arthroereisis treating adolescent type 2 painful accessory navicular with flexible flatfoot.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified kidner procedure combined with subtalar arthroereisis in the treatment of adolescent type II painful accessory navicular with flexible flatfoot. Methods: From January 2018 to January 2022, 25 adolescent patients (40 feet) with painful type II accessory navicular and flexible flatfoot admitted to our hospital were enrolled in the study, including 13 males (23 feet) and 12 females (17 feet). All patients underwent modified kidner procedure combined with subtalar joint arthrodesis. The Meary's Angle, the first metatarsal Angle of talus (APTMT), the second metatarsal Angle of talus, Pitch Angle, talus tilt Angle, talonavicular coverage Angle (TCA), talus calcaneal Angle (LTCA), and calcaneal Angle were measured on weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral x-ray films before operation and at last follow-up. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the improvement of foot function and pain. Results: All patients were followed up for average 17.4 ± 2.6 months (12-24). The incisions of 25 patients healed by first intention. The weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral x-ray films of the foot showed that the suture anchors did not pull out or break, and the foot arch did not collapse further. There was no screw withdrawal or secondary operation to remove the screw in all patients. At the last follow-up, the postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the affected foot was significantly lower than that before operation (P < 0.01), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) foot function score was significantly higher than that before operation (P < 0.01). At the last follow-up, the weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral foot x-ray films showed that: The Meary's Angle, the first metatarsal Angle of the talus (APTMT), the second metatarsal Angle of the talus, Pitch Angle, talar tilt Angle, talonavicular overbite Angle (TCA), talocalcaneal Angle (LTCA), and calcaneal Angle significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The modified kidner procedure combined with subtalar arthroereisis has a good clinical effect in the treatment of adolescent type II painful accessory navicular with flexible flatfoot, which can effectively improve the pain symptoms, improve the foot function and imaging manifestations, and correct the flatfoot deformity.

Regulatory Effect of Ellagic Acid on Immune Function in Burned Rats.

To investigate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) treatment on immune function in burned rats. First, 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were established as a deep second-degree burn model. They were randomly divided into three groups: Model group, EA 50 mg/kg, and EA 100 mg/kg group. The wound area of rats at 0-7 days was measured and the wound healing rate was calculated. The levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM in rat serum were evaluated by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4 +/CD8 + T cell ratio, levels of Foxp3 + Treg cells, and CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Treg) cells levels in the peripheral blood of rats. On the fourth to seventh day of the burn, EA treatment could significantly promote the decrease of the wound area and the increase of the wound healing rate in burned rats. Further examination revealed that the levels of inflammatory factors in serum were remarkedly decreased and immunoglobulins levels were increased in the EA group, compared with the Model group. Meanwhile, the levels of CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells and Foxp3+ Treg cells were significantly decreased, whereas the CD4+/CD8 + T cell ratio was observably increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Altogether, EA effectively promotes the wound healing of burned rats by regulating the levels of inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin, and T cells in burned rats, and improves the symptoms of burn immunosuppression.

Exposure profiles and predictors of a cocktail of environmental chemicals in Chinese men of reproductive age.

Personal care products, such as additives, have raised widespread concerns about the potential threat to male reproductive health. The spermatogenesis in humans lasts for approximately 90 days, the average levels of these chemicals remain unclear during spermatogenesis. In our study, we pooled urine samples from each man during the days of 1-15, 16-31, 32-63, and ≥64, and examined exposure to 48 typical additive chemicals. By principal component analysis (PCA), k-means clustering, and Spearman's rank correlations, we then identified 6 PC scores and 4 clusters based on profiles of these chemicals. Some industrial, commercial or structural similar chemicals (e.g., phthalates) were significantly correlated compared to unrelated chemicals (e.g., benzophenone). PCA scores were associated with individual lifestyles (e.g., household income, tea consumption, and drinking tap water). Distinct exposure components and exposure patterns of personal care products may help the reproductive health assessment of men. We suggested more concerns for widespread exposure to these chemicals for men.

The associations of birth outcome differences in twins with prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and its alternatives.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, including BPF and BPS, exhibit endocrine disruption activities. However, the effects of bisphenols on fetal growth in twins remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations of prenatal BPA, BPF, and BPS exposure with birth outcome differences in twins. METHODS: We recruited 289 twin pregnant women who visited the hospital for prenatal examination during the first trimester from 2013 to 2016. Urinary bisphenol levels were determined during the first, second, and third trimesters. The associations of maternal exposure to bisphenols with birth outcome differences in twins were analyzed after stratification by different trimesters. We applied the multiple informant model to estimate trimester-specific associations between urinary bisphenol concentrations and birth outcome differences in twins. RESULTS: We found low reproducibility (ICC<0.40) for maternal urinary BPA and moderate reproducibility (0.40 < ICC<0.75) for BPF and BPS. Urinary BPA concentrations were positively associated with within-pair twin birth weight difference when comparing the third vs. the first tertile in each of the three trimesters (i.e., 133.06 g, 95% CI: 68.19, 197.94; 144.5 g, 95%CI: 81.82-207.18 g; and 135.04 g, 95%CI: 71.37-198.71 g for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester, respectively). The effect of urinary BPA concentration on increased birth length difference within-pair twins were also observed across different trimesters (All P for trends < 0.05). Urinary BPA levels were positively associated with the within-pair birth weight and birth length differences across pregnancy trimesters (All of Type 3 P for values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maternal BPA exposure appeared to influence birth wight and birth length differences in twins. Our results warrant further confirmation.

Neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on traumatic brain injury: Involvement of neuronal apoptosis and HSP70 expression.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on traumatic brain injury (TBI), and further evaluate whether the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms are associated with neurological apoptosis and the expression of 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) in the hippocampus. A total of 90 adult male Sprague­Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=30/group): Sham, TBI and Dex groups. The rat models of TBI were established using a modified weight­drop device and Dex (15 µg/kg) was intravenously administered immediately following TBI. The brain edema and neurological function outcomes of TBI were assessed using wet­dry weight analysis and the Neurological Severity Score method. The expression levels of B­cell lymphoma­2 (Bcl­2) and Bcl­2­associated X protein (Bax) in the rat hippocampus were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. The protein levels of HSP70 in the hippocampal region were analyzed using western blot analysis. The results of the present study revealed that administration of Dex post­TBI improved brain edema and neurological outcomes, due to the attenuation of the TBI­induced reduction of Bax expression and increase of Bcl­2 and HSP70 expression. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that administration of Dex may serve as a neuroprotective agent against brain injury, at least partially via the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and upregulation of HSP70 expression in the hippocampus.

Observation on safety and effects of analgesic and sedative treatment in severely burned patients during shock stage / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To observe the safety and effects of application of analgesic and sedative drugs in severely burned patients during shock stage.@*Methods@#One hundred and eighty patients with severe burns, conforming to the study criteria, were admitted to our unit from August 2014 to August 2016. Patients were divided into analgesia and sedation group and control group according to whether receiving analgesic and sedative treatment or not, with 90 cases in each group. Patients in control group received conventional treatment, while those in analgesia and sedation group received analgesic and sedative treatment for 24 hours besides conventional treatment. Before and at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24, pain degree of patients in two groups was scored by visual analogue scale (VAS). At drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24, sedation degree of patients in two groups was scored by richmond agitation sedation scale, and the success rate of sedation was calculated. Mental state of patients within 24 hours of drug administration was observed, while pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were observed and dynamically evaluated every 2 hours. The accidental extubation, tachycardia, hypertension, hypoxia, bradycardia, hypotension, urinary retention, and respiratory depression of patients within 24 hours of drug administration were monitored and recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, t test, chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher′s exact probability test.@*Results@#(1) The VAS scores of patients in two groups were close before drug administration (t=0.675, P>0.05). The VAS scores of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 were (3.8±0.4), (3.9±0.6), (3.9±0.5), and (3.9±0.9) points, respectively, significantly lower than (6.0±0.9), (6.0±1.2), (6.2±0.6), and (6.3±0.4) points in control group (t=0.785, 0.730, 0.805, 0.895, P<0.05). The success rate of sedation of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 were 91.1% (82/90), 86.7% (78/90), 93.3% (84/90), and 90.0% (81/90), respectively, significantly higher than 7.8% (7/90), 6.7% (6/90), 14.4% (13/90), and 5.6% (5/90) in control group (Z=8.035, 7.946, 8.129, 8.014, P<0.05). (2) The respiratory rate of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 8, 16, and 24 were (15.78±0.69), (16.08±0.59), and (16.21±0.20) times per minute, and the heart rate were (87±9), (83±7), and (76±9) times per minute, respectively, significantly lower than (16.80±0.81), (17.09±0.50), and (17.02±0.61) times per minute and (89±8), (86±7), and (85±6) times per minute in control group (t=7.655, 7.022, 6.536, -6.931, -7.053, -10.196, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant difference in SpO2, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure before and at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 between the two groups (t=3.417, -2.894, -6.501, -3.719, -4.573, 2.336, 3.315, 0.942, -1.583, 1.907, 1.147, -0.968, 0.931, -1.682, 1.076, P>0.05). (3) The rates of respiratory depression, hypoxia, bradycardia, urinary retention, and hypotension of patients in the two groups were close (χ2=0.310, P>0.05). The rates of hypertension, accidental extubation, and tachycardia of patients in analgesia and sedation group were significantly lower than those in control group (χ2=16.364, 5.143, 73.309, P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Proper application of analgesic and sedative drugs in severely burned patients during shock stage has good clinical effect with low incidence rates of complications.

Protective effect of paeoniflorin against PM2.5-induced damage in BEAS-2B cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of paeoniflorin against PM2.5-induced damage in BEAS-2B cells and explore the possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With a factorial design, this study was performed to observe the protective effects of different doses of paeoniflorin against PM2.5-induced BEAS-2B cell growth inhibition and the effects of paeoniflorin on the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell cultures.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Exposure to increased PM2.5 concentrations caused significant decrease in the cell survival rate (P<0.05) with a clear dose-response relationship (r=-0.759, P<0.05). Treatment of the cells with paeoniflorin significantly attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of BEAS-2B cell survival (P<0.05), but the effect of paeoniflorin was not dose-dependent (P>0.05). PM2.5 exposure also significantly increased the contents of MDA and intracellular ROS (P<0.05), and paeoniflorin obviously antagonized these effects of PM2.5.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Paeoniflorin can protect BEAS-2B cells from PM2.5-induced growth inhibition, and the mechanism might be related to the anti-oxidant effects of paeoniflorin.</p>

[Effects of extracellular heat shock protein 70 on intestinal immune function of rats with severe scald injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the change in the expression of extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHSP70) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) and their correlation in intestine of rats with severe scald injury, and to observe the effects of eHSP70 on CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Peyer's patch of intestine in rats with severe scald injury in vitro. METHODS: (1) Sixty male SD rats were divided into normal control group (NC, n=10, only anesthetized) and scald group (S, n=50) according to the random number table. Rats in scald group were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness scald on the back. Ten rats from group NC immediately after anesthetization and 10 rats from group S at post injury hour (PIH) 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 were sacrificed to harvest their small intestines. The expressions of eHSP70 and IL-2 were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and their correlation was analyzed. (2) Another 2 male SD rats were inflicted with the same injury as above. At PIH 12, CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Peyer's patch of small intestine were isolated and cultured with RPMI 1640 nutrient solution containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were divided into blank control group (BC) and 5, 10, 20 µg/mL eHSP70 groups according to the random number table, with 6 wells in each group. Cells in group BC didn't receive any other treatment, while cells in the latter three groups were treated with corresponding mass concentration of recombinant rat eHSP70. After being cultured for 48 hours, the proportions of Th1 and Th2 in CD3(+) T lymphocytes, and the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes were detected with flow cytometer, while the expressions of IL-2 and IL-10 in culture supernatant of cells were determined with ELISA. The cell experiments were repeated for 10 times. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, SNK-q test, and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: (1) Compared with those in group NC [(1 278±135) and (48.6±4.9) ng/mg], the levels of eHSP70 [(728±93), (412±31), (314±21), (528±40), (1 028±97) ng/mg] and IL-2 [(38.6±2.3), (32.3±1.0), (25.3±3.6), (33.9±4.1), (44.3±2.6) ng/mg] in intestine of rats in group S obviously decreased at PIH 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 (with q values from 3.48 to 5.32, P values below 0.05), reaching the nadir both at PIH 12, with a significantly positive correlation between the level of IL-2 and the level of eHSP70 (r=0.920, P<0.01). (2) Compared with those in group BC [(8.6±1.1)% and (3.75±0.45)%], the proportion of Th1 obviously increased [(11.3±2.1)%, (15.7±1.8)%, (10.8±1.5)%, with q values from 2.97 to 4.57, P values below 0.05], while the proportion of Th2 obviously decreased [(2.39±0.38)%, (1.05±0.23)%, (2.67±0.26)%, with q values from 2.48 to 4.32, P values below 0.05] in CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats in 5, 10, 20 µg/mL eHSP70 groups. Compared with those in group BC [(34.3±2.2)% and (254±16) pg/mL], the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes obviously decreased [(26.1±2.6)%, (20.7±1.5)%, (31.5±2.4)%, with q values from 3.47 to 4.95, P values below 0.05], while the level of IL-2 obviously increased [(417±22), (587±19), (307±27) pg/mL, with q values from 3.02 to 4.98, P values below 0.05] in culture supernatant of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats in 5, 10, 20 µg/mL eHSP70 groups. There was no significant difference in the level of IL-10 in culture supernatant of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats among the four groups (F=2.12, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of eHSP70 and IL-2 in intestine of rats are decreased after severe scald, with a obviously positive correlation between them. eHSP70 can promote the differentiation of CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Th1 orientation, decrease the apoptosis rate of the cells, and promote the release of IL-2 of cells in Peyer's patch of intestine in rats with severe scald injury in vitro.

Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against traumatic brain injury in rats: Involvement of synaptic proteins and neuronal autophagy.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves primary and secondary injury cascades that underlie delayed neuronal dysfunction and death, leading to long­term cognitive deficits, and effective therapeutic strategies targeting neuronal death remain elusive. The present study aimed to determine whether the administration of resveratrol (100 mg/kg) was able to significantly enhance functional recovery in a rat model of TBI and whether resveratrol treatment was able to upregulate synaptic protein expression and suppress post­TBI neuronal autophagy. The results demonstrated that daily treatment with resveratrol attenuated TBI­induced brain edema and improved spatial cognitive function and neurological impairment in rats. The expression of synaptic proteins was downregulated following TBI and this phenomenon was partly reversed by treatment with resveratrol. In addition, resveratrol was observed to significantly reduce the levels of the autophagic marker proteins, microtubule­associated protein light chain 3­II and Beclin1, in the hippocampus compared with the TBI group. Therefore, these results suggest that resveratrol may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for TBI, and that this protection may be associated with the upregulation of synaptophysin, postsynaptic density protein 95 and the suppression of neuronal autophagy.

Effects of extracellular heat shock protein 70 on intestinal immune function of rats with severe scald injury / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the change in the expression of extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHSP70) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) and their correlation in intestine of rats with severe scald injury, and to observe the effects of eHSP70 on CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Peyer's patch of intestine in rats with severe scald injury in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) Sixty male SD rats were divided into normal control group (NC, n=10, only anesthetized) and scald group (S, n=50) according to the random number table. Rats in scald group were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness scald on the back. Ten rats from group NC immediately after anesthetization and 10 rats from group S at post injury hour (PIH) 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 were sacrificed to harvest their small intestines. The expressions of eHSP70 and IL-2 were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and their correlation was analyzed. (2) Another 2 male SD rats were inflicted with the same injury as above. At PIH 12, CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Peyer's patch of small intestine were isolated and cultured with RPMI 1640 nutrient solution containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were divided into blank control group (BC) and 5, 10, 20 μg/mL eHSP70 groups according to the random number table, with 6 wells in each group. Cells in group BC didn't receive any other treatment, while cells in the latter three groups were treated with corresponding mass concentration of recombinant rat eHSP70. After being cultured for 48 hours, the proportions of Th1 and Th2 in CD3(+) T lymphocytes, and the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes were detected with flow cytometer, while the expressions of IL-2 and IL-10 in culture supernatant of cells were determined with ELISA. The cell experiments were repeated for 10 times. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, SNK-q test, and Pearson correlation analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with those in group NC [(1 278±135) and (48.6±4.9) ng/mg], the levels of eHSP70 [(728±93), (412±31), (314±21), (528±40), (1 028±97) ng/mg] and IL-2 [(38.6±2.3), (32.3±1.0), (25.3±3.6), (33.9±4.1), (44.3±2.6) ng/mg] in intestine of rats in group S obviously decreased at PIH 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 (with q values from 3.48 to 5.32, P values below 0.05), reaching the nadir both at PIH 12, with a significantly positive correlation between the level of IL-2 and the level of eHSP70 (r=0.920, P<0.01). (2) Compared with those in group BC [(8.6±1.1)% and (3.75±0.45)%], the proportion of Th1 obviously increased [(11.3±2.1)%, (15.7±1.8)%, (10.8±1.5)%, with q values from 2.97 to 4.57, P values below 0.05], while the proportion of Th2 obviously decreased [(2.39±0.38)%, (1.05±0.23)%, (2.67±0.26)%, with q values from 2.48 to 4.32, P values below 0.05] in CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats in 5, 10, 20 μg/mL eHSP70 groups. Compared with those in group BC [(34.3±2.2)% and (254±16) pg/mL], the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes obviously decreased [(26.1±2.6)%, (20.7±1.5)%, (31.5±2.4)%, with q values from 3.47 to 4.95, P values below 0.05], while the level of IL-2 obviously increased [(417±22), (587±19), (307±27) pg/mL, with q values from 3.02 to 4.98, P values below 0.05] in culture supernatant of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats in 5, 10, 20 μg/mL eHSP70 groups. There was no significant difference in the level of IL-10 in culture supernatant of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of rats among the four groups (F=2.12, P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expressions of eHSP70 and IL-2 in intestine of rats are decreased after severe scald, with a obviously positive correlation between them. eHSP70 can promote the differentiation of CD3(+) T lymphocytes in Th1 orientation, decrease the apoptosis rate of the cells, and promote the release of IL-2 of cells in Peyer's patch of intestine in rats with severe scald injury in vitro.</p>

Neuroprotective effects of brilliant blue G on the brain following traumatic brain injury in rats.

The P2X7 inhibitor, brilliant blue G (BBG), has been reported as a neuroprotective drug against a variety of disorders, including neuropathic pain and brain ischemia. Currently, no studies have examined the potential for BBG to provide neuroprotection in animal models of TBI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of BBG on TBI and to determine the underlying mechanisms. The rats were subjected to a diffuse cortical impact injury caused by a modified weight-drop device, and then divided randomly into three groups: the sham-operated, BBG treatment and vehicle groups. In the BBG treatment group, 50 mg/kg brilliant blue G (BBG; 100% pure), a highly specific and clinically useful P2X7 antagonist, was administered via the tail vein 15 min prior to or up to 8 h following TBI. The co-localization of NeuN and protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) was followed with immunofluorescent staining. The expression of P2X7, PKCγ and inflammatory cytokines was identified by western blot analysis. Wet-dry weight method was used to evaluate brain edema, and motor function outcome was examined using the neurological severity score. The present study demonstrated that the administration of BBG attenuated TBI-induced cerebral edema and the associated motor deficits. Following trauma, BBG treatment significantly reduced the levels of PKCγ and interleukin-1ß in the cortex. The results provide in vivo evidence that BBG exerted neuroprotective effects by attenuating brain edema and improving neurological functions via reducing PKCγ and interleukin-1ß levels following TBI.

Breakthrough trichosporonosis in patients receiving echinocandins: case report and literature review / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Trichosporon species now ranks as the second most common cause of disseminated yeast infections with a high mortality rate. Breakthrough trichosporonosis in patients receiving echinocandins therapy is being recognized recently. We present a case of breakthrough trichosporonosis with acute viral myocarditis while receiving caspofungin therapy. Trichosporon infection should be considered in patients, who have risk factors for invasive fungal infection and develop unexplained clinical manifestations of infection despite treatment with echinocandins.

Environment surveillance of filamentous fungi in two tertiary care hospitals in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Invasive fungal infections have constituted an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In this study, a surveillance project was conducted in three different intensive care units of two large tertiary hospitals in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A one-year surveillance project was conducted in two tertiary hospitals which located in northern China and southwest China respectively. Air, surfaces and tap water were sampled twice a month in a central intensive care unit, a bone marrow transplant unit, a neurosurgery intensive care unit and a live transplant department. Environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature and events taking place, for example the present of the visitors, healthcare staff and cleaning crew were also recorded at the time of sampling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The air fungal load was 91.94 cfu/m(3) and 71.02 cfu/m(3) in the southwest China hospital and the northern China hospital respectively. The five most prevalent fungi collected from air and surfaces were Penicillium spp., Cladospcrium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp. and Saccharomyces spp. in the southwest China hospital, meanwhile Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp. and Cladospcrium spp. in the northern China hospital. The least contaminated department was intensive care units, and the heaviest contaminated department was neurosurgery intensive care unit. Seventy-three percent of all surfaces examined in the northern China hospital and eighty-six percent in the southwest China hospital yielded fungi. Fifty-four percent of water samples from the northern China hospital and forty-nine percent from the southwest China hospital yielded fungi.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings suggested that the fungus exist in the environment of the hospital including air, surface and water. Air and surface fungal load fluctuated over the year. Air fungal load was lower in winter and higher in summer and autumn, but seldom exceeded acceptable level. The higher values were created during May to August in the northern China hospital and May to June and September to October in the southwest China hospital. A correlation between air fungal load and humidity, as well as personnel was observed.</p>

Uncommon characteristics of the structure and development of Trichosporon asahii / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) is one of the most important pathogenic fungus in the genus of trichosporon. Although the species identification of T. asahii was based upon the complicated results of morphologic, biochemical and biologic examination, the morphology characteristic is still the first clue to the species. Some common structures of T. asahii had been described such as arthrofilaments and arthroconidia, but other important structures of T. asahii were unclear.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six strains of T. asahii were incubated on the slant and micro culture of Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 30 degrees C for 7 days. Samples were fixed using 2% paraformaldehyde and 2.5% glutaraldehyde. T. asahii was observed under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The detailed characteristics of the diverse sites of germination, as well as some uncommon structures such as giant cell, sarcinate, and club-shaped macroconidia, were presented. The pseudohyphae of T. asahii were noted to produce true hyphae, either along the longitude axis or on the flank. T. asahii was noted to have blastic and thallic conidiation. Digitated branches, trichoid structures and septa inside the spores were detected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results may add our knowledge to the structure and development of T. asahii.</p>

Pathogenicity of Trichosporon asahii in a murine model of disseminated trichosporonosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In recent years, superficial and deep mycoses caused by trichosporon were occasionally reported. In 2001, we reported the first case of disseminated trichosporonosis caused by Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) in China. In this study, the pathogenicity of T. asahii was investigated in a murine model of disseminated trichosporonosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-five mice were randomly divided into 7 groups. Each group was inoculated with T. asahii, through intradermal, gastrointestinal tract or intravenous injection. The mice in the experimental groups were given an intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CY) to induce granulocytopenia. Mice in the therapeutic group were given both liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole. The main viscera of the mice were examined by means of tissue culture and pathologic sections.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the two intravenous inoculation groups, T. asahii was isolated from at least one organ in 10 of the 12 granulocytopenic mice and 2 of the 14 immunocompetent mice. Two of the 7 mice in the granulocytopenia group presented with lesions in the inoculation position, but none of the 30 mice in the granulocytopenia and the control group which were inoculated intradermally or through the gastrointestinal tract had viscera infection. In the therapeutic group, the ratio of consequently dead mice, the number of involved viscera, and the incidence of systemic infection were significantly less than the untreated group. Acute purulent inflammation and granulomatous inflammation were the main pathological changes in the course of the infection. Arthrospores and filaments were found in the focus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>T. asahii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes cutaneous and visceral infections in immunologically impaired hosts. An immunocompetent host was to be infected by the invading T. asahii. Several organs, namely the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen and heart, were predisposed. The therapy of combining liposomal amphotericin B with fluconazole can prevent the host from an infection and inhibit the diffusion of the infection.</p>

Effects of marrow-derived cardiac stem cell transplantation after myocardial infarction in rats / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic potential of marrow-derived cardiac stem cell (MCSC) transplantation after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MCSC were selected from the marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MMSC) of male SD rats by single-cell cloning culture. MI was induced by left anterior descending artery ligating in female SD rats. Equal volume PBS, MMSC and MCSC were transplanted at the border zone of the infarct one week after MI. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at four weeks after cell transplantation. The hearts were removed and morphological changes of scar tissue were examined with HE staining and Masson trichrome staining, VEGFR-1(+) capillary vessels were labeled with immunohistochemical staining. Scar area and vessel density were measured by image analyzer. MCSC containing Y chromosome were examined using in situ fluorescent hybridization, and cardiomyocyte cTnT expression was also analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cardiac transcription factor Nkx2.5 was expressed at low level in c-kit(+) MCSC. Four weeks after cell transplantation, left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction were significantly higher while scar area was significantly lower in MCSC group compared to MMSC group and control group. cTnT was expressed in cells containing Y chromosome and these cells were connected with myocardium of recipient rats in the rats transplanted with MCSC. Vessel density around the infarcted tissue in MCSC group was similar as that in MMSC group and significantly higher than that in control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MSCS could effectually differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes at the border zone of the infarct, and MCSC transplantation post MI significantly improved cardiac functions and promoted angiogenesis.</p>

Effect of rhodiola on expressions of Flt-1, KDR and Tie-2 in rats with ischemic myocardium / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of rhodiola on expression of vascular endothelial growth factors receptors (VEGFR) in myocardium of rats after myocardial infarction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On the basis of successful establishment of myocardial infarction rat model, the experimental animals were divided into the model group, the rhodiola group, the positive control group and the sham-operated group, they were sacrificed after 6 weeks feeding. Their hearts were resected and embedded in paraffin to make sections with standard immunohistochemistry stain. Then the stained slices were analyzed in the IMS cell imagine analysis system using immunohistochemical quantitative analysis software. The field of vision of left ventricular myocardial tissue in three sites selected from the marginal area of infarction in each slice were determined, the mean value was then converted to positive area. Meanwhile, the mean optical density (OD) was calculated and the various expressions of VEGFR, i.e. Flt-1, KDR and angiopoietin receptor (Tie-2) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of Flt-1 and Tie-2 in myocardial tissue were significantly increased in the rhodiola treated group after treatment, showing significant difference as compared with those in the positive control group and the model group (P < 0.05). The expression of KDR in myocardium after rhodiola intervention was higher than that in the sham-operated and nonintervened group (P < 0.05), but insignificantly different to that in the positive control group and model group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rhodiola could improve angiogenesis to ameliorate myocardial ischemia by regulating the expression of Flt-1 and Tie-2 in ischemic myocardium.</p>

The surveillance and molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus in the environment and patients at liver transplant department and intensive care units / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To explore the possible relationship between environmental contamination by Aspergillus and invasive aspergillosis.Methods From November 2005 to October 2006,samples were collected from the environment (air in corridors,air in wards,surfaces and tap water) twice a month,and from patients (nose,pharynx and sputum) at a liver transplantation department (LTD),neurologic surgery intensive care unit (NSICU) and central intensive care unit (CICU) in our hospital,and subjected to fungal culture.The Aspergillus density was determined in these environments.The isolates of Aspergillus flavus were genotyped by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay to investigate the origin of infection.Results The mean aspergillus density was 12,10.75,0 and 20 cfu/m~3 at LTD,NSICU,CICU and corridors respectively.The five most prevalent species of aspergillus in these environments in decreasing order were Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus niger,Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus clavatus.RAPD demonstrated that the genotypes ofA.flavus isolated from two patients were identical to those of the environmental strains in NSICU.The A.flavus genotypes from 3 patients in CICU were all different from those of the environment strains in CICU,but the genotypes were identical from two of the three patients.Conclusions Aspergillus contamination of different degree does exist at LTD,NSICU and CICU. The genotypes of A.flavus are identical from patients and environment in NSICU,suggesting that the clinical infection may originate from hospital environment.