Recent Progress in Stimuli-Responsive Antimicrobial Electrospun Nanofibers.

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes have garnered significant attention in antimicrobial applications, owing to their intricate three-dimensional network that confers an interconnected porous structure, high specific surface area, and tunable physicochemical properties, as well as their notable capacity for loading and sustained release of antimicrobial agents. Tailoring polymer or hybrid-based nanofibrous membranes with stimuli-responsive characteristics further enhances their versatility, enabling them to exhibit broad-spectrum or specific activity against diverse microorganisms. In this review, we elucidate the pivotal advancements achieved in the realm of stimuli-responsive antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers operating by light, temperature, pH, humidity, and electric field, among others. We provide a concise introduction to the strategies employed to design smart electrospun nanofibers with antimicrobial properties. The core section of our review spotlights recent progress in electrospun nanofiber-based systems triggered by single- and multi-stimuli. Within each stimulus category, we explore recent examples of nanofibers based on different polymers and antimicrobial agents. Finally, we delve into the constraints and future directions of stimuli-responsive nanofibrous materials, paving the way for their wider application spectrum and catalyzing progress toward industrial utilization.

[Analysis of Ultraviolet Aerosol Index in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area].

This study examines the current aerosol pollution scenario in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao (GHM) Greater Bay Area, based on OMAERUV daily data products, to define the spatial and temporal distribution from 2008 to 2019 and predict variation trends of the ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI). Changes and potential source areas were analyzed, and their influencing factors were identified. The annual time series of UVAI in the GHM Greater Bay Area showed a downward trend, with an average annual decrease of 2.3%; the monthly time series showed an inverted "V" shape beginning in spring, with the highest seasonal UVAI occurring in spring, followed by winter and autumn. Summer exhibited the lowest UVAI; spatially, the central region has consistently exhibited high values, with an average annual UVAI of 0.35 calculated over 12 years. The distribution of UVAI in the time series is mainly sustainable, and 82.69% of the area will show a downward trend in the future. The main potential sources from beyond the study area are carbon sources and marine biological sources produced by eastern industry; the main potential sources of UVAI are carbon and biomass sources in spring, biomass aerosol sources in summer, and carbon sources in autumn. It accounts for the largest proportion, and aerosol sources of sand and dust in winter have increased. Through correlation analysis, aerosols and PM2.5 were found to be interdependent. Industrial production activities are an important contributor of atmospheric aerosols, and precipitation can reduce the atmosphere. Due to the aerosol content produced by industrial production, secondary industrial activities will accelerate the formation of aerosols when the temperature rises.

The expression of cytokines in aqueous humor of high myopic patients with cataracts.

Purpose: To analyze the expression of 440 human cytokines in aqueous humor of high myopic patients with cataracts. Methods: Eighty-five patients with cataracts were recruited in this study. In the screening stage, the RayBio G-Series Human Cytokine Antibody Array 440 was used to assay the aqueous humor samples collected from nine high myopic patients with cataracts and eight non-myopic patients with cataracts right before the surgery. The array was further used for verification of the screened cytokines, with aqueous humor samples obtained from 34 eyes of high myopic patients with cataracts and 34 eyes of non-myopic patients with cataracts. Results: Compared with the non-myopic patients with cataracts, the expression levels of decorin, receptor activator of NF-kB (RANK), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), C-X-C motif ligand 16 (CXCL16), ß-inducible gene-h3 (bIG-H3), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), and interleukin-17B (IL-17B) were statistically significantly higher in high myopic patients with cataracts (all p<0.000114). The matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) level also increased in the aqueous humor of high myopic patients with cataracts (p = 0.0034). The concentrations of ANG-1 and MMP-2 were also increased in the aqueous humor of the confirmatory stage (all p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, numerous cytokines in aqueous humor were detected in high myopic patients with cataracts and non-myopic patients with cataracts, and it was confirmed that the MMP-2 level in the aqueous humor of patients with high myopia was statistically significantly increased. Further verification also revealed the elevation of ANG-1 in the aqueous humor of high myopic patients with cataracts, which suggests that ANG-1 may be related to the pathogenesis of high myopia.

Application of convolutional neural networks in the diagnosis of schizophrenia / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the program of convolutional neural networks for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and evaluate its effects. Methods Using the convolutional neural network,the training model was trained in the lead data of 138 normal people and 183 schizophrenic patients,and the model was valida-ted by 20-fold cross-validation. Results The true positive rate of schizophrenia prediction using the convolu-tional neural network training model was 0. 749, the false positive rate was 0. 275, and the accuracy was 0. 738. Conclusion This model can achieve a strong diagnostic ability for patients with schizophrenia. Therefore,convolutional neural network for the diagnosis of schizophrenia will become an important research direction in the future.

Immunogenicity of adenovirus and DNA vaccines co-expressing P39 and lumazine synthase proteins of Brucella abortus in BALB/c mice.

Brucella poses a great threat to animal and human health. Vaccination is the most promising strategy in the effort to control Brucella abortus (B. abortus) infection, but the currently used live vaccines interfere with diagnostic tests and could potentially result in disease outbreak. Therefore, new subunit vaccines and combined immunization strategies are currently under investigation. In this study, immunogenicity and protection ability of a recombinant adenovirus and plasmid DNA vaccine co-expressing P39 and lumazine synthase proteins of B. abortus were evaluated based on the construction of the two molecular vaccines. Four immunization strategies (single adenovirus, single DNA, adenovirus/DNA, DNA/adenovirus) were investigated. The results showed that the immunization strategy of DNA priming followed by adenovirus boosting induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses, and it significantly reduced the numbers of B. abortus in a mouse model. These results suggest that it could be a potential antigen candidate for development of a new subunit vaccine against B. abortus infection.

Effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on healing of wounds with full-thickness skin defects in mice / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on healing of wounds with full-thickness skin defects in mice.@*Methods@#ADSCs were isolated from the lumbar and abdominal fat donated voluntarily by a healthy woman undergoing liposuction in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Area Command, and the cells were cultured and identified. ADSCs of the second passage were used in the following experiments. The venous blood of the volunteer was taken, and PRP was obtained by secondary centrifugation. Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were divided into simple injury group (n=12), simple ADSCs treatment group (n=12), and ADSCs+ PRP treatment group (n=12) according to the random number table. Each mouse was inflicted with a 1 cm×1 cm wound with full-thickness skin defect on the back. Immediately after injury, the wounds of mice in simple injury group were subcutaneously injected with 1 mL normal saline, the wounds of mice in simple ADSCs treatment group were subcutaneously injected with 1 mL phosphate buffer solution-blended ADSCs suspension (with concentration of 5×105 /mL, the same below), and the wounds of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group were subcutaneously injected with 1 mL mixture of PRP and ADSCs (1∶2 volume ratio). Three mice in each group were taken on post injury day (PID) 3, 5, 7, and 14 to observe the gross condition of wound, and the wound healing rate was calculated. On PID 3, 5, and 7, the non-healing wound tissue and 0.5 cm normal skin tissue around the wound margin were taken after gross observation. The inflammation, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis of tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the re-epithelialization rate was calculated. The collagen synthesis of tissue was observed by masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of macrophages of tissue samples collected on PID 3 and 5. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design and Least-Significant Difference test.@*Results@#(1) On PID 3, the wounds of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group were with granulation tissue regeneration, redness, and swelling, and the wounds of mice in the other two groups were ruddy and with effusion. On PID 5, the wounds of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group had less redness and swelling, which were dry with obvious scab, and wounds of mice in the other two groups were obviously red and swollen. On PID 7, scab formed basically on wounds of mice in the three groups. On PID 14, the wounds of mice in the three groups basically healed, and their crusts were off. On PID 3, 5, 7, and 14, the wound healing rates of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group were obviously higher than those of the other two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On PID 5 and 7, the wound healing rates of mice in simple ADSCs treatment group were obviously higher than those of simple injury group (P<0.01). (2) On PID 3, granulation tissue regeneration of wounds in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group was more than that in the other two groups. On PID 5, inflammatory reaction of wounds of mice was mild in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group, which was severe in the other two groups. On PID 7, the re-epithelialization process of wounds of mice was almost completed in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group, and the number of new vessels was more in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group than in the other two groups. The migration distance of regenerated epithelia around the wound edge in simple injury group and simple ADSCs treatment group was short. On PID 3, 5, and 7, the re-epithelialization rates of wounds of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group were (37.6±4.5)%, (59.1±1.3)%, and (89.2±4.3)%, respectively, significantly higher than (25.7±1.5)%, (34.5±4.4)%, and (50.8±2.7)% in simple injury group and (29.1±0.8)%, (42.6±2.9)%, and (72.9±3.0)% in simple ADSCs treatment group (P<0.01). On PID 5 and 7, the re-epithelialization rates of wounds of mice in simple ADSCs treatment group were significantly higher than those in simple injury group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) On PID 3 and 5, a quite large number of new collagen fibers appeared in granulation tissue of wounds of ADSCs+ PRP treatment group, while the collagen fibers in the other two groups were less. On PID 7, the granulation tissue of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group decreased, and a large number of new collagen fibers appeared. The collagen fibers in wounds tissue of mice in simple ADSCs treatment group increased, while the collagen fibers deposited in wounds tissue of mice in simple injury group was still less. (4) On PID 3 and 5, the numbers of macrophages in wounds tissue of mice in simple ADSCs treatment group were 4.7±0.6 and 5.3±0.6 respectively, obviously lower than 6.3±0.6 and 7.7±0.6 in injury group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the numbers of macrophages in wounds tissue of mice in ADSCs+ PRP treatment group were 3.0±1.1 and 2.7±0.5, significantly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Human PRP and ADSCs are involved in the early inflammation, metaphase of tissue proliferation, and re-epithelialization and shaping process of late stage of wounds with full-thickness skin defects in mice. The combination of ADSCs and PRP may be a comparatively good combination to improve the speed and quality of wound healing.

Study of the sensitivity and specificity on near-infrared spectroscopy in diagnosis of depression / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the sensitivity and specificity of near-infrared spectroscopy ( NIRS) in the diagnosis of depression. Methods From March 2013 to August 2013,62 patients with de-pression and 70 normal controls were collected from Peking University Sixth Hospital. Optical Tomography System (52 channels) was used to collect the NIRS data during the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT),and the number of words produced during VFT task was recorded. The wave analysis was performed by a professional psychiatrist. Results There was statistical difference in the number of words produced during VFT task be-tween the patients with depression (8.65±0.49)and control group(10.19±0.43) ( t=2.385, P<0.05). Through the wave analysis of NIRS to test patients with depression,the results demonstrated that the sensitivi-ty was 66.1% and the specificity was 91.4%. Conclusion The results of NIRS test display high specificity in the diagnosis of depression,which can be used as an objective index for clinical auxiliary diagnosis.

Effects of emotion on cognitive function in depression / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of emotion on cognitive function in patients with depression.Methods Self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale (SDS) and the typical one-back task were done by 397 patients with depression in Peking University Sixth hospital out-patient and hospitalization during 2012 June to 2013 October.Results Both of the SAS standard score (51.81 ± 11.50) and SDS standard score (62.94 ± 13.06) were significantly related (r=0.125,P＜0.05.r=0.176,P＜0.01) to the reaction time of one-back task ((590.27±213.96)ms),and the correlation between SAS standard score and SDS standard score was significant (r=0.682,P＜0.01).The results of regression analysis suggested that,only SDS score could predict the reaction time of one-back task.Conclusion The emotion of anxiety and depression in patients with depression are correlated with cognitive function,and the emotion of depression is the main factor to affect the cognitive function.

Comparison of the adipogenesis in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes from Bamei and Landrace pigs.

Fat deposition is a complex process involving proliferation, differentiation, and lipogenesis of adipocytes. Bamei and Landrace are considered to represent fat- and lean-type pig breeds. Subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) pre-adipocytes were cultured to compare the proliferation and lipogenesis in these breeds. The differentiated adipocytes were exposed to glucose or insulin to evaluate their effects on lipogenesis and lipogenic gene expression. Pre-adipocytes proliferated dramatically faster in SC vs. IM cells, and in Bamei vs. Landrace breeds. Lipogenesis and lipogenic gene expression had a greater increase in Bamei than in Landrace, and in SC vs. IM in the process of differentiation. Glucose markedly promoted lipogenesis and lipogenic gene expression in differentiated adipocytes. The stimulation of high-glucose levels on lipogenesis and ChREBP and lipogenic gene expression was higher in SC than IM adipocytes, and in Bamei vs. Landrace. Insulin largely increased SREBP-1c expression, however it modestly stimulated lipogenesis and lipogenic gene expression, and there was no difference between cell populationsor between breeds. These data demonstrated that regional and varietal differences obviously existed in the development of porcine adipocytes. The proliferation and differentiation capacity of pre-adipocytes, and the adipocyte lipogenesis stimulated by glucose, are stronger in Bamei than Landrace, and in SC vs. IM adipocytes independent of breed.

Vacuum sealing drainage technology in combination with multiple factors for treatment of severe soft tissue injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The technique of vacuum sealing drainage, initialy used for better wound healing, has been widely applied to al kinds of refractory wounds. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the research progress in vacuum sealing drainage for treatment of severe soft tissue injury. METHODS: An electronic retrieve was performed in Wanfang database, VIP database and PubMed database from January 1989 to August 2014 was performed for papers regarding the vacuum sealing drainage technology with the key words of “vacuum sealing drainage technology; injury; gentamicin; hyperbaric oxygen; nerve growth factor; chymotrypsin” in Chinese or English. Finaly 48 articles were involved in the final analysis according to the inclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Vacuum sealing drainage is a highly effective treatment technique to promote wound healing which can promote wound blood circulation, reduce sweling, inhibit bacterial growth, stimulate growth of granulation tissue by mechanical stress, inhibit cel apoptosis, thereby helping wound healing. Compared to conventional open-dressings, vacuum sealing drainage has a faster wound healing speed, lower infection rate, and fewer dressing change frequency. With recent advances in medicine, vacuum sealing drainagetechnology cannot be simply used for treatment of skin soft tissue damage, but in combination with gentamicin, hyperbaric oxygen, nerve growth factor and chymotrypsin to achieve better therapeutic effects.

Correction of secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity by anatomical restoration and cartilage of nasal septum / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the clinical methodology and effects of correction of secondary unilateral cleft lip nasaldeformity by anatomical restoration and cartilage of nasal septum.Methods With the Goodman's incision in the columella and nasal vestibule,we cut out the cartilage of nasal septum and built a new support structure of tip to reshape the nasal shape after the adequate anatomical restoration under the magnifier of 2.5 times.Results The operation corrected alanasi collapse skewed columella and nostrils symmetry,etc.21 cases were treated and followed up for a month and fifteen months,showing stablized effect with columella centerno alanasi collapse,symmetric nostril and no recurrence.Conclusions On the base of nasal anatomy,a good therapeutic effect has been archeived by the adequate anatomical restoration,cutting out the cartilage of nasal septum and builting a new support structure of tip to reshape the nasal shape.

The role of brain natriuretic peptide and serum triiodothyronine in the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum triiodothyronine (T3) in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: 156 cases of CHF patients and 75 cases of cardiac function I patients hospitalized over the same period were utilized in this study. On admission, the patient's BNP and T3 plasma concentrations were measured. The correlation analysis of plasma BNP and T3 in CHF patients with cardiac function classification was conducted. RESULTS: According to the NYHA grading systems, the plasma BNP levels in patients with II, III, and IV grade CHF were significantly higher than those with cardiac function I (P < 0.05); BNP levels and NYHA grading of cardiac function correlated positively. The BNP concentrations increased with CHF progression (P < 0.01). The T3 level and NYHA grading of cardiac function correlated negatively.TheT3 level decreased as the degree of heart failure increased. Using CHF in combination with BNP to predict the occurrence of CHF had a sensitivity value of 90.8% with 95.5% specificity, 86.3% accuracy, and a negative predictive value of 87.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BNP was more sensitive than T3 in the diagnosis of CHF. The T3 was more meaningful than the BNP in the prognosis of CHF. The BNP and T3 combination detection was more valuable in determining the severity of CHF and prognosis.

Efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy for regional hepatolithiasis / 中华消化外科杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy for regional hepatolithiasis.MethodsThe clinical data of 81 patients with regional hepatolithiasis who received laparoscopic hepatectomy at the Southwest Hospital from March 2007 to March 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the classification of the Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis 2007 version and indications for open surgery,hepatic lobes with calculi,biliary stricture or dilated bile ducts were resected laparoscopically after preoperative examination.Bile ducts of the remnant hepatic lobes were explored using fiber choledochoscope or electronic choledochoscope for the prevention of residual stones. Results Laparoscopic hepatectomy was successfully performed on 72 patients,and the other 9 patients were converted to open surgery. Left lateral lobectomy ( segments Ⅱ,Ⅲ ) was performed on 20 patients,left hemihepatectomy ( segments Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ ) on 30 patients,right posterior lobectomy ( segments Ⅵ,Ⅶ ) on 11 patients,right anterior lobectomy ( segments Ⅴ,Ⅷ ) on 6patients,right hemihepateetomy (segments Ⅴ,Ⅵ,Ⅶ,Ⅷ ) on 9 patients,hepatic Ⅲ segmentectomy on 2 patients and hepatic Ⅵ segmentectomy on 3 patients.Gallbladders were resected,and intermittent portal triad clamping was performed on 15 patients.Hepateetomy combined with biliary exploration and stone removal was performed on 57 patients.The mean operation time and operative blood loss were (328 ± 80)minutes and (451 ±288) ml,respectively.No operative mortality was observed.Sixteen patients had postoperative complications,including pulmonary infection in 2 patients,pleural effusion in 4 patients,encapsulated effusion in the resection margin in 6 patients,abdominal infection and abscess in 2 patients and wound infection in 2 patients.Of the 16patients with complications,9 were cured by medicine,6 by pleural or abdominal drainage and 1 by wound debridement.The mean duration of hospital stay was ( 13 + 6)days.The intraoperative stone clearance rate was 96％ (69/72),and the residual stone in 3 patients were removed by choledochoscopy.Sixty-nine patients were followed up for 7-55 months,7 patients had symptoms of cholangitis and 2 patients had common bile duct stone recurrence.ConclusionsLaparoscopie hepatectomy is sate and effective for regional hepatolithiasis.Accurate positioning of the stones and lesions pre- and intra-operatively,reasonable designing of the parenchymal transection plane,and anatomical liver resection are the key points for achiving good therapeutic effects.

Effect of interleukin 21 and/or interleukin 12 on the antitumor activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with endometrial cancer / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the role of interleukin (IL) 21 alone, IL12 alone, and IL21 plus IL12 for inducing the antitumor activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with endometrial cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PBMCs were isolated from peripheral blood in patients with endometrial cancer in vitro, and kept the culture with low-level IL2. IL2-stimulated PBMCs were cocultured under different conditions (with anti-IL21 antibody, IL21 alone, IL12 alone, or IL21 plus IL12) for 72 h. The cytotoxicity of PBMCs was then examined by lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) released assay. CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) regulatory (Treg) cell and CD4(+) IL17A(+) T-helper (Th17) cell proportion were determined with flow cytometry. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay and flow cytometry, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In comparison to control group, both IL21 and IL12 significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of PBMCs. The IL21 plus IL12 group had superior effect to IL21 alone and IL12 alone. IL21 and IL12 significantly decreased the percentages of Treg cells and the rate of PBMCs apoptosis. IL21 or IL12 had no significant effect on the differentiation of Th17 cells and the proliferation of PBMCs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IL21 and IL12 can enhance the cytotoxicity of PBMCs in patients with endometrial cancer, which can be further strengthened with treatment of IL21 plus IL12. Such effects may be achieved by inhibiting the differentiation of Treg cells and the apoptosis of PBMCs, but not by the differentiation of Th17 cell.</p>

Clinical application of laparoscopic hepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the indications, techniques and results of laparoscopic hepatectomy. Methods The clinical data and follow-up results of 463 patients who received laparoscopic hepatectomy at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. Results From March 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011, 463 cases of laparoscopic hepatectomy were successfully carried out. Of the 463 patients,165 were with primary liver cancer, 29 with metastatic liver cancer, 143 with hepatic hemangioma, 81with hepatolithiasis and 45 with other benign liver diseases (including hepatic angiomyolipoma, hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia and chronic liver abscess). The surgical approaches included laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy (93 cases), left hepatectomy (71 cases), extended left hepatectomy (4 cases), right hepatectomy (29 cases), right posterior lobectomy (24 cases), hepatectomy of segment Ⅵ (56 cases), extended right hepatectomy (2 cases), central hepatectomy (8 cases) and hepatectomy of segments Ⅶ/Ⅷ, Ⅳa, caudate lobe and the junction of segment Ⅵ and Ⅶ (41 case).Nonanntomic and wedge resection were performed on 121 patients, and combined resection on 14 patients. The mean operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay and incidence of postoperative complications were (244.71 ± 105. 07) minutes, (460. 26±425.81) ml, (15.51 ±4.36) days and 9.29%, respectively. And no operative death occurred. In the 194 cases with malignant liver lesions,185 cases were followed up for 2 to 50 months. The 1 year and 3 year overall and disease free survival rate were 90. 8% and 87.9% , 84.2% and 73. 7% respectively. Conclusions As a means of minimally invasive surgical approach, laparoscopic hepatectomy can be selectively adopted for the treatment of all kinds of liver diseases which located at different parts of the liver, with the advantages of smaller trauma, quick recovery and cosmetic benefits. The short-term results of laparoscopic hepatectomy is superior to and its long-term results is equal to that of open surgery. Benign liver diseases, small hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver cancer are the good indications for laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Effects of pravastatin on the proliferation and invasion of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of pravastatin on the proliferation and invasion of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of pravastatin on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells was observed by MTT assay, Boyden chamber assay and motility assay. p38 activity was measured, and the expression of p-p38, MKP-1, RhoC and MMP-2 was analyzed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pravastatin inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The intracellular p38 activity and expressions of p-p38, RhoC and MMP-2 were decreased, while MKP-1 expression was elevated in pravastatin treated cells. In addition, pravastatin inhibited the invasion and motility.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pravastatin can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HepG2 cells.</p>

[Studies on isolation, purification and antibacterial activities of beta-defensin in Yak neutrophils].

AIM: To isolate and purify beta-defensin from the neutrophils of Yak. METHODS: The method of percoll gradient centrifugation was employed to purify neutrophils from Yak peripheral blood. The crude extraction from Yak neutrophils was isolated respectively through a way of extraction by 50 mL/L acetic acid, acid soluble extract of Yak neutrophils was obtained. Then it was further purified by Bio-Gel P-10 Polyacrylamide gel filtration and RP-HPLC, and 9 out of 22 apices showed antibacterial activity. 9 apices showing antibacterial activity were selected to be analyzed by mass spectrograph.The antibacterial activities of the extracts from every step were analyzed by agarose radial diffusion assay. RESULTS: The molecular weight of the purified Yak BNBD-1-3 was determined to be 4.2, 4.6 and 4.8 kDa by mass spectrograph. BNBD-1-3 from Yak neutrophils were able to effectively kill Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. CONCLUSION: Yak neutrophils have beta-defensin which have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, Yak defensin has an important part in innate immunity.

[Establishing and identifying insulin resistance 3T3-L1 adipocytes cell model].

OBJECTIVE: To establish insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes cell model. METHODS: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and induced to differentation. We established insulin resistant 3T3-L1 induced by dexamethasone and determined the change of glucose concentration in cell culture. RESULTS: In high glucose DMEM culture media, the glusose concentration significantly decreased. Achieved the peak of insulin-resisitant at the 96th hour induced by dexamethasone, and at this time compared with the blank the mRNA expression of Resistin of the model step up about three times. CONCLUSION: 3T3-L1 adipocyte exposed to 1 micromol/L dexamethasone for 24 hours are able to induce a state of insulin resistance which can be maintained for 216 hours.

Characterization of the 3a protein of SARS-associated coronavirus in infected vero E6 cells and SARS patients.

Proteomics was used to identify a protein encoded by ORF 3a in a SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Immuno-blotting revealed that interchain disulfide bonds might be formed between this protein and the spike protein. ELISA indicated that sera from SARS patients have significant positive reactions with synthesized peptides derived from the 3a protein. These results are concordant with that of a spike protein-derived peptide. A tendency exists for co-mutation between the 3a protein and the spike protein of SARS-CoV isolates, suggesting that the function of the 3a protein correlates with the spike protein. Taken together, the 3a protein might be tightly correlated to the spike protein in the SARS-CoV functions. The 3a protein may serve as a new clinical marker or drug target for SARS treatment.