Naringin alleviates pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae infection by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) is an important pathogen of hospital-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to sepsis and death in severe cases. In this study, we simulated pneumonia induced by Kpn infection in mice to investigate the therapeutic effect of naringin (NAR) on bacterial-induced lung inflammation. Mice infected with Kpn exhibited increases in white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils in the peripheral blood and pathological severe injury of the lungs. This injury was manifested by increased expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)- 18, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6, and elevated the expression of NLRP3 protein. NAR treatment could decrease the protein expression of NLRP3, alleviate lung inflammation, and reduce lung injury in mice caused by Kpn. Meanwhile, molecular docking results suggest NAR could bind to NLRP3 and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) analyses also confirm this result. In vitro trials, we found that pretreated with NAR not only inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB protein P65 but also attenuated the protein interaction of NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC and inhibited the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome in mice AMs. Additionally, NAR could reduce intracellular potassium (K+) efflux, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These results indicated that NAR could protect against Kpn-induced pneumonia by inhibiting the overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. The results of this study confirm the efficacy of NAR in treating bacterial pneumonia, refine the mechanism of action of NAR, and provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of NAR as an anti-inflammatory adjuvant.

[Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in locally advanced gastric cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in locally advanced gastric cancer patients with neoadjuvant SOX chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy. Methods: Between November 2020 and April 2021, patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who were admitted to the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were: (1) patients who signed the informed consent form voluntarily before participating in the study; (2) age ranging from 18 to 75 years; (3) patients staged preoperatively as cT3-4N+M0 by the TNM staging system; (4) Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group score of 0-1; (5) estimated survival of more than 6 months, with the possibility of performing R0 resection for curative purposes; (6) sufficient organ and bone marrow function within 7 days before enrollment; and (7) complete gastric D2 radical surgery. Exclusion criteria were: (1) history of anti-PD-1 or PD-L1 antibody therapy and chemotherapy; (2) treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppre- ssants within 14 days before enrollment; (3) active period of autoimmune disease or interstitial pneumonia; (4) history of other malignant tumors; (5) surgery performed within 28 days before enrollment; and (6) allergy to the drug ingredients of the study. Follow-up was conducted by outpatient and telephone methods. During preoperative SOX chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy, follow-up was conducted every 3 weeks to understand the occurrence of adverse reactions of the patients; follow-up was conducted once after 1 month of surgical treatment to understand the adverse reactions and survival of patients. Observation indicators were: (1) condition of enrolled patients; (2) reassessment after preoperative therapy and operation received (3) postoperative conditions and pathological results. Evaluation criteria were: (1) tumor staged according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system; (2) tumor regression grading (TRG) of pathological results were evaluated with reference to AJCC standards; (3) treatment-related adverse reactions were evaluated according to version 5.0 of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; (4) tumor response was evaluated by CT before and after treatment with RECIST V1.1 criteria; and (5) Clavien-Dindo complication grading system was used for postoperative complications assessment. Results: A total of 30 eligible patients were included. There were 25 males and 5 females with a median age of 60.5 (35-74) years. The primary tumor was located in the gastroesophageal junction in 12 cases, in the upper stomach in 8, in the middle stomach in 7, and in the lower stomach in 3. The preoperative clinical stage of 30 cases was III. Twenty-one patients experienced adverse reactions during neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, including four cases of CTCAE grade 3-4 adverse reactions resulting in bone marrow suppression and thoracic aortic thrombosis. All cases of adverse reactions were alleviated or disappeared after active symptomatic treatment. Among the 30 patients who underwent surgery, the time from chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy to surgery was 28 (23-49) days. All 30 patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, of which 20 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical gastric cancer resection; 10 patients underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, combined with splenectomy in 1 case and cholecystectomy in 1 case. The surgery time was (239.9±67.0) min, intraoperative blood loss was 84 (10-400) ml, and the length of the incision was 7 (3-12) cm. The degree of adenocarcinoma was poorly differentiated in 18 cases, moderately differentiated in 12 cases, nerve invasion in 11 cases, and vascular invasion in 6 cases. The number lymph nodes that underwent dissection was 30 (17-58). The first of gas passage, the first postoperative defecation time, the postoperative liquid diet time, and the postoperative hospitalization time of 30 patients was 3 (2-6) d, 3 (2-13) d, 5 (3-12) d, and 10 (7-27) d, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 23 of 30 patients, including 7 cases of complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or above. Six patients improved after treatment and were discharged from hospital, while 1 patient died 27 days after surgery due to granulocyte deficiency, anemia, bilateral lung infection, and respiratory distress syndrome. The remaining 29 patients had no surgery-related morbidity or mortality within 30 days of discharge. Postoperative pathological examination showed TRG grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 in 8, 9, 4, and 9 cases, respectively, and the number of postoperative pathological TNM stages 0, I, II, and III was 8, 7, 8, and 7 cases, respectively. The pCR rate was 25.0% (8/32). Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery after neoadjuvant SOX chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy. Early detection and timely treatment of related complications are important.

[Techniques in prophylactic ileostomy reversal]

In order to prevent and reduce the severity of anastomotic leakage after low rectal cancer surgery, prophylactic ileostomy is often performed by the clinician simultaneously. There are many controversies about prophylactic ileostomy in medicine, such as ileostomy indications, ileostomy complications, ileostomy reversal time, ileostomy reversal method and technique. Based on relevant literature and our own experience, we discussed the timing, method and complications of ileostomy reversal in this article to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ileostomy reversal as well as the life quality of the patients after ileostomy reversal.

[Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with sporadic multiple primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of sporadic multiple primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Case inclusion criteria: (1) postoperative pathological diagnosis of GIST; (2) primary GIST with single lesion or sporadic multiple primary GIST (sporadic GIST was defined as primary GIST other than familial and syndrome-related GIST, and multiple primary GIST was defined as the number of primary GISTs in the same patient ≥ 2); (3) patients with complete clinicopathological data. Those with tumor recurrence or distant metastasis, and with other malignancies were excluded. Medical records of patients with primary GIST who underwent surgical resection in the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2010 to December 2020 were collected. Patients were divided into sporadic multiple primary GIST group and single primary GIST group according to the number of primary GIST lesions. The clinicopathological data and prognosis of the two groups were observed and compared. Results: A total of 1200 patients with primary GIST were enrolled in this study, including 628 males (52.3%) and 572 females (47.7%), with a median onset age of 58 (19-93) years. Among them, 1165 cases (97.1%) were sporadic primary GIST with single lesion; 35 cases (2.9%) were sporadic multiple primary GIST. Among 35 cases of sporadic multiple primary GIST, 3 cases (8.6%) had acid reflux as the first symptom, which was higher than the single primary GIST group (22/1165, 1.9%) (χ(2)=7.437, P=0.006). There were no significant differences in other clinical characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). Patients in the sporadic multiple primary GIST group contained a total of 80 primary tumors. Compared with the single primary GIST group, the sporadic multiple primary GIST group had a higher proportion of tumors originating in the stomach [87.5% (70/80) vs. 59.1% (689/1165)], lower proportion of spindle cell in histology [85.0% (68/80) vs. 93.7% (1092/1165)], higher proportion of positive CD34 [97.5% (78/80) vs. 87.6% (1021/1165)], smaller maximum diameter [maximum diameter ≤2.0 cm: 61.2% (49/80) vs. 28.8% (335/1165)], lower mitotic rate [≤5/50 high-power fields (HPF): 93.8% (75/80) vs. 74.5% (868/1165)], lower risk of recurrence [60.0% (48/80) vs. 23.3% (271/1165)], and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). The 3-year recurrence-free survival rate in the sporadic multiple primary group and the single primary GIST group was 96.6% and 89.3% respectively (P=0.160), and the 3-year overall survival rate was 100.0% and 92.8%, respectively (P=0.088). Conclusions: The most common type of sporadic multiple primary GIST is multiple tumors originating in the stomach at the same time. Compared with primary GIST with single lesion, sporadic multiple primary GIST presents smaller maximum diameter and lower mitotic rate. The prognosis of patients between two groups is not significantly different.

[Recommendations for general surgery clinical practice in 2019 coronavirus disease situation]

The 2019 coronavirus disease(COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease, has a long incubation period and a variety of clinical manifestations, which has a significant impact on public health and life. Afterwards, scientific and standardized work processing during the epidemic is of great significance for prevention and control. In order to implement the central government's decision-making deployment and defeat the COVID-19 as soon as possible, we had focused on the key points in the clinical work of general surgery according to latest relevant guidelines, literature and experience in epidemic prevention. Finally, we drafted the prevention and control strategies and recommendations to make a reference for medical staff of general surgery to fight against COVID-19.

[Recommendations for general surgery clinical practice in novel coronavirus pneumonia situation]

Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) is a highly infectious disease, has a long incubation period and a variety of clinical manifestations, which has a significant impact on public health and life. Afterwards, scientific and standardized work processing during the epidemic is of great significance for prevention and control. In order to implement the central government's decision-making deployment and defeat the NCP as soon as possible, we had focused on the key points in the clinical work of general surgery according to latest relevant guidelines, literature and experience in epidemic prevention. Finally, we drafted the prevention and control strategies and recommendations to make a reference for medical staff of general surgery to fight NCP.

[Early postoperative complications and risk factors in laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer]

Objective: To investigate the morbidity and treatment of early postoperative complications after laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and to explore the risk factors. Methods: A case-control study was performed to retrospectively collect clinicopathological data of 764 patients undergoing laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at our department between January 2015 and December 2017. Patient inclusion criteria: (1) gastric cancer diagnosed by preoperative electronic gastroscopy and biopsy, and confirmed by postoperative pathology; (2) without invasion into adjacent organs by preoperative evaluation of tumors; (3) tumors without definite liver and distant metastasis; (4) R0 resection of gastric cancer and standard D2 lymph node dissection; (5) patients with informed consent. Exclusion criteria: (1) unperformed laparoscopic D2 radical resection; (2) other types of gastric tumor confirmed by pathology; (3) cases with incomplete clinical data. Complication occurring within two weeks after laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy was defined as early postoperative complication. Patients were divided into two groups: non-complication group (693 cases) and complication group (71 cases) according to the occurrence of complications after operation. The clinicopathological data of two groups were analyzed and compared with t test and χ(2) test, and the factors of P < 0.2 were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors of postoperative complications. Results: Of 764 patients, 71 (9.3%) developed early postoperative complications, with median onset time of 3 (1 to 11) days. Surgical complications accounted for 7.9% (60/764), including 13 cases (1.7%) of abdominal hemorrhage, 12 cases (1.6%) of anastomotic leakage, 10 cases (1.3%) of incision infection, 8 cases (1.0%) of anastomotic bleeding, 7 cases (0.9%) of gastric stump weakness, 4 cases (0.5%) of abdominal infection, 4 cases (0.5%) of duodenal stump leakage and 2 cases (0.3%) of small intestinal obstruction. Non-surgical complications accounted for 1.4% (11/764), including 6 cases (0.8%) of pulmonary infection and 5 cases (0.7%) of cardiovascular disease. Two cases (0.3%) died of sepsis caused by severe abdominal infection; 9 cases (1.2%) recovered after receiving the second operation, among whom 5 cases were abdominal hemorrhage, 2 cases were anastomotic leakage and 2 cases were duodenal stump leakage; the remaining patients were healed with conservative treatment. Compared with patients without complications, patients with complications had higher proportions of BMI ≥24 kg/m(2) [42.3% (30/71) vs. 24.2%(168/693), χ(2)=10.881, P=0.001], comorbity [64.8% (46/71) vs. 33.5% (232/693), χ(2)=27.277, P<0.001], combined organ resection [70.4% (50/71) vs. 20.5% (142/693), χ(2)=85.338, P<0.001], and pTNM stage of III [70.4% (50/71) vs. 40.1% (278/693), χ(2)=24.196, P<0.001], meanwhile had longer time to postoperative flatus [(4.2±2.1) days vs. (2.9±1.2) days, t=4.621, P=0.023], longer hospital stay [(34.6±12.6) days vs. (14.2±6.2) days, t=9.862, P<0.001] and higher hospitalization cost [(126.8±64.5) thousand yuan vs. (85.2±35.8) thousand yuan, t=11.235, P<0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI ≥24 kg/m(2) (OR=3.762, 95% CI: 1.960-8.783, P=0.035), accompanying disease (OR=8.620, 95% CI: 1.862-29.752, P<0.001), combined organ resection (OR=6.210, 95% CI: 1.357-21.568, P=0.026), and pTNM stage (OR=4.752, 95% CI: 1.214-12.658, P<0.001) were the independent risk factors of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy is a safe and effective approach for gastric cancer. Most early postoperative complications can obtain satisfactory efficacy after conservative treatment. Perioperative management should be strengthened for those patients with high BMI, accompanying diseases, combined organ resection, and advanced pTNM stage.

[Laparoscopic versus open surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors in unfavorable location: a propensity score-matching analysis]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in unfavorable location by comparing with open surgery. Methods: Clinicopathological and follow-up data of 176 patients with gastric GIST in unfavorable location admitted at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2005 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 94 males and 82 females, aging of (57.4±12.7) years (range: 20-90 years). Of the 176 patients, 64 underwent laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopic group) and 112 underwent open surgery (open group). One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the covariance between laparoscopic group and open surgery group. Before PSM, the differences between the two group in tumor size and modified National Institutes of Health risk classification were significant. After PSM, there were 63 pairs (63 cases in laparoscopic group and 63 cases in open group) and the baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05). The difference of short-term outcome between the two groups were compared using t test, χ(2) test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The survival curve was established by Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test was used to compare the survival of the two groups. Results: The operation time of laparoscopic group was shorter ((141.6±100.6) minutes vs. (100.4±67.7) minutes, t=2.681, P=0.008), the hospitalization cost was higher ((5.2±0.7) ten thousand yuan vs. (4.2±0.8) ten thousand yuan, t=7.357, P=0.000) than open group. The time to first flatus ((49.1±8.2) hours vs. (71.0±4.6) hours, t=-18.482, P=0.000) and preoperative hospital stay ((10.3±6.0) days vs. (14.8±7.6) days, t=-3.717, P=0.000) was shorter in laparoscopic group. With a median follow-up time of 44 months (range: 10 to 154 months), the 1-, 3-, 5-year relapse-free survival rates in the laparoscopic group and open group were 98.3%, 92.1%, 92.1% and 100%, 86.3%, 83.2%, respectively (χ(2)=0.696, P=0.404). The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rates in the laparoscopic group and open group were 96.6%, 94.7%, 94.7% and 100%, 91.1%, 81.4%, respectively (χ(2)=0.366, P=0.545). Conclusions: In experienced medical centers, laparoscopic resection is safe and feasible for GIST in unfavorable location. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic resection achieves a faster postoperative recovery and a similar long-term prognosis.

[Preliminary clinical application of complete digital workflow of design and manufacturing occlusal splint for sleep bruxism]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a complete workflow of digital design and manufacturing occlusal splint for sleep bruxism, which can be preliminarily applied in clinical use, thus observe the clinical efficacy.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with sleep bruxism were recruited in the study and randomly divided into two groups by using random number tables. Digital-occlusal-splint (experimental group) treatment plan and traditional-occlusal-splint (control-group) treatment plan were carried out for each group, respectively. For experimental group, digital models of patients' both dental arches and the occlusion relationship after elevation were captured using an intraoral scanner. The occlusal splint was carried out by computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), including splint designing and milling. For control group, the traditional soft occlusal splint was fabricated by vacuum laminator. The two kinds of occlusal splints were tried in the patients from each group, and the occlusal contacts were tested respectively by T-scan analysis system, which recorded the changes of occlusal indicators in the two groups. The retention, appearance and occlusal comfort degree were evaluated by the two groups of patients. Mann-Whitney test was performed with IBM SPSS 20.0 software, and bilateral test was performed. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

The complete workflow of digital design and manufacturing occlusal splint was successfully established. During the clinical use, there was no statistical difference in the retention evaluation of two kinds of occlusal splints between the two groups of patients (Z=-0.538, P=0.590). The appearance score (Z=2.038, P=0.042) and the occlusal comfort score (Z=-2.579, P=0.010) of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences. The T-scan analysis results showed that only the second molar on both sides of the traditional occlusal splint had occlusal contact in intercupsal position, while the digital occlusal splint had stable and bilaterally balanced contact between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Furthermore, the occlusal force was uniformly distributed in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

The complete workflow of digital occlusal splint improves the occlusal design, greatly simplifies and optimizes the traditional process of making occlusal splint. This new method is resource-saving and environmental-friendly, and it is able to serve patients more conveniently and efficiently.

[Role of ash2 (absent, small, or homeotic)-like and Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 on histone methylation of interferon-gamma gene and their associations with vascular damage of Kawasaki disease]

Objective: To investigate the impacts of ash2 (absent, small, or homeotic)-like (Ash2L) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (Jmjd3) on histone methylation of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) gene and association with vascular damage of Kawasaki disease (KD) in acute phase. Methods: This study was performed among 36 children with KD in acute phase (KD group) and 28 age-matched health children (control group), who were treated or underwent physical examination in our hospital between February 2015 and June 2016. Patients were further divided into KD groups with or without coronary artery lesions (KD-CAL(+) , 16 cases; KD-CAL(-), 20 cases). All KD patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. The proportion of type 1 helper T(Th1) cells and protein levels of IFN-γ, T-box expressed in T cells(T-bet), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(pSTAT1) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4(pSTAT4) were analyzed by flow cytometry.Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to determine histone methylation (histone H3 tri-methyl K4(H3K4me3), histone H3 tri-methyl K27(H3K27me3)) and binding levels of Ash2L, Jmjd3 and Ezh2 associated with IFN-γ in CD4(+) T cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine mRNA levels of IFN-γ, interferon γ receptor 1(IFN-γR1), interferon γ receptor 2(IFN-γR2), interleukin 12 receptor subunit beta 1(IL-12Rβ1), interleukin 12 receptor subunit beta 2(IL-12Rβ2), interleukin 18 receptor subunit beta α(IL-18Rα), interleukin 18 receptor subunit beta β(IL-18Rβ), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1), toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1(RIP-1) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88) in CD4(+) T cells. Plasma concentrations of IFN-γ, interleukin 12(IL-12), interleukin 18(IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Results: (1)The proportion of Th1 and its protein level of IFN-γ were significantly higher in KD group than those in control group and higher in KD-CAL(+) group than in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05), and lower after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). (2)Compared with control group, mRNA level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-associating H3K4me3 was increased, while level of IFN-γ associating H3K27me3 in CD4(+) T cells was reduced in KD group (all P<0.05), which resulted in a higher rate of H3K4me3/H3K27me3 (P<0.05) in KD group, which was positively correlated with IFN-γ mRNA in KD group(r=0.55, P<0.05). Similar results were found between KD-CAL(+) group and KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). Level of IFN-γ associating H3K27me3 was increased, and mRNA level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ associating H3K4me3 was decreased after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). (3)Expression of T-bet protein and binding levels of Ash2L and Jmjd3 with IFN-γ gene were significantly higher in KD group than those in control group(all P<0.05), higher in KD-CAL(+) group than those in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). These parameters were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (all P<0.05). Binding level of Ezh2 with IFN-γ gene was similar among various groups (all P>0.05). (4)In comparison with control or after treatment, surface receptors(IFN-γR1/2, IL-12Rβ1/2, IL-18Rα/β, TNFR1 and TLR4) and its downstream molecules(pSTAT1, pSTAT4, RIP(1) and MyD88) in CD4(+) T cells, and plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α) were found to be higher in KD group(all P<0.05). These parameters were also higher in KD-CAL(+) group than in KD-CAL(-) group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Aberrant histone methylation of IFN-γ associating H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 caused by over-binding of Ash2L and Jmjd3 might be involved in immune dysfunction and vascular damage in KD in the acute phase.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from northern China

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite causing significant health problems to humans and animals. In recent years, a number of investigations about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in China have been reported, but little is known on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in northern China. In the present study, a total of 288 sheep serum samples were collected from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Hebei provinces of northern China for T. gondii antibody survey using a latex agglutination test (LAT). Of these, 87 (30.2%) serum samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and the antibody titres ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep was 17.1% in Inner Mongolia, 33.8% in Heilongjiang, 24.6% in Jilin and 46.3% in Hebei. Age and rearing system significantly affected seropositivity. The present survey indicates antibodies to T. gondii are widely prevalent in sheep in northern China, which may cause public health problems in these provinces.

Effect of mannose on the lung function of rats with acute pancreatitis

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which mannose protects the lung injury induced in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP). An AP combined with Acute Lung Injury (ALI) model was established. A total of 90 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300±50g weight) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (SO group), severe acute pancreatitis lung injury group (SAP group), and mannose intervention group (MT group). Subsequently, each group was divided into two subgroups based on the time passed from intervention, namely 6 and 12 h. Each subgroup comprised 15 rats. The ratio of wet/dry weight of the lung tissue exhibited no significant change at different time points in the SO group. This parameter was significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the SO group at each time point of the treatment (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly lower in the MT group than that in the AP group (P less than 0.05) and it was significantly increased in the AP group at each time (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The levels of TNF-α in the lung tissue in the SO group exhibited no significant change at different time points, but they were significantly decreased in the MT group at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SAP group. The mannose receptor (MR) mRNA and protein levels in the lung tissues exhibited no significant change at different time points. The mRNA and protein levels of MR in the SAP group were significantly decreased at each time point (P less than 0.05) compared with the SO group. The mRNA and protein levels of MR, in the lung tissue of the MT group were significantly increased at each time point compared with the SAP group (P less than 0.05). Mannose could reduce the injury caused to the lung tissue of rats with severe acute pancreatitis by up-regulation of the expression of MR mRNA and protein.

Molecular detection and genotyping of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. infections in sheep and cattle from the northeast region of China

Anaplasmosis and theileriosis are significant tick-borne diseases threatening the livestock industry worldwide. In the present study, we screened 127 cattle and 115 sheep blood DNA samples from northeastern China for Theileria and Anaplasma pathogens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers. The result showed that only Theileria orientalis and Anaplasma ovis were detected, with a prevalence of 2.9% for T. orientalis in cattle and 57.4% for A. ovis in sheep. Fragments of Anaplasma ovis major surface protein 4 (AoMSP4) and Theileria orientalis major piroplasm surface protein (ToMPSP) genes were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Sequence analysis showed that the AoMSP4 gene was conserved, with 100% sequence identity value among sheep samples. However, the ToMPSP gene was relatively diverse, with sequence identity ranging from 87.6%-99l.0% among cattle samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ToMPSP gene sequences isolated from 4 cattle samples were classified into type 1, type 2 and type 7, while the AoMSP4 gene sequences obtained from 66 sheep were classified into genotype I, according to the neighbour-joining distance method. This study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases and genetic diversity of these pathogens in the northeast region of China.

Molecular Detection of Theileria species in Cattle from Jilin Province, China

Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that is hampering the development of the domestic cattle industry in northern China. This study involved a molecular survey of bovine Theileria species in 137 blood samples from cattle in the Jilin province of China. The DNA samples were screened by species-specific 18S rRNA PCR. Results revealed that 19.7% (27/137), 17.5% (24/137) and 10.9% (15/137) were found to be infected with Theileria sinensis, Theileria orientalis, respectively. Mixed infection was found in 8.8% (12/137). The overall detection rates of Baishan, Yanji, Jilin and Liaoyuan districts was 60.0%, 17.5%, 5.3% and 0%, respectively. There is little information on the detection and distribution of bovine Theileria species in northern China. Therefore, this study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of Theileria species and designing appropriate approaches for the diagnosis and control of bovine theileriosis in northern China.

Expression and clinical significance of rhubarb on serum amylase and TNF-alpha of rat model of acute pancreatitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of rhubarb extract on acute pancreatitis. Ninety-six healthy Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 301±5.12 g were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham surgery (group A), acute pancreatitis model (group B), acute pancreatitis with normal saline (group C), and acute pancreatitis model with rhubarb (group D). The levels of serum amylase (AMY) and TNF-α were measured at 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hour after modeling, and the pancreatic tissue were used to observe the pathologic changes. Compared to the sham group, the serum AMY and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in the other groups (p <0.05). Compared to the model group and the saline group, the serum AMY, serum TNF-α level and pathological changes of rats in the rhubarb group were significantly lower (p <0.05). The serum AMY and TNF-α levels increased in acute pancreatitis. The rhubarb reduced the serum AMY and TNF-α level in rats with acute pancreatitis and reduced the pathological changes of pancreas and other tissues.

EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF Aster tataricus L. F

BACKGROUND

Aster tataricus L. f. is used as a traditional Chinese drug to relieve cough and asthma symptoms and to eliminate phlegm. However, Aster tataricus L. f. possesses toxicity, and little systematic research has been conducted on its toxic effects in the laboratory.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The acute group was administered 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. in a single dose. A subchronic toxicity study was performed via daily oral administration of Aster tataricus L. f. at a dose of 0.34 g/kg body weight in SD rats. The rats were divided into six groups: a petroleum ether extract (PEA) group, an ethyl acetate extract (EEA) group, an n-butyl alcohol extract (NEA) group, a remaining lower aqueous phases (REA) group, a 75% alcohol extract (AEA) group and a control group. Quantitative measurements of cytokines were obtained by fluorescence with a laser scanner using a Cy3 equivalent dye.

RESULTS

The LD₅₀ of the 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f. was 15.74 g/kg bw. In the subchronic toxicity study, no significant differences were observed among groups in relative organ weights, urine traits, liver antioxidase levels, or cytokine levels. However, significant sporadic differences were observed in body weight gains, haematology indices, biochemistry values, and histopathology features in PEA, EEA group. In addition, sporadic changes in other groups in measures such as WBC, MCHC, CK, ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, T-BIL, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC were observed.

CONCLUSION

The toxicity study showed that Aster tataricus L. f. can produce toxic effects, mainly on the liver; much less on the heart. The LD₅₀ was 15.74 g/kg BW in mice, and the subchronic toxicity study, used a dosage of 0.34 g/kg/d.BW, showed that the toxic components of Aster tataricus L. f. were mainly concentrated in the petroleum ether fraction, followed by the ethyl acetate fraction, the n-butyl alcohol fraction, the lower aqueous phase and the 75% ethanol extracts. Abbreviations: PEA, petroleum ether extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; EEA, ethyl acetate extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; NEA: n-butyl alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; REA: lower aqueous phases of Aster tataricus L. f.; AEA, 75% alcohol extract of Aster tataricus L. f.; WBC, white blood cell; RBC, red blood cell, PLT, platelet; HCT, haematocrit; MCV, mean corpuscular volume; HGB, haemoglobin; MCH, mean corpuscular haemoglobin; MCHC, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; CREA, creatinine; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; T-BIL, total bilirubin; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; TP, total protein; ALB, albumin; Glu, glucose; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; CK, creatine kinase; GSH, Glutathione; MDA, malondialdehyde; T-SOD, total superoxide dismutase; TNF, tumour necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; MCP, monocyte chemotactic protein C.

Effect of artesunate on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of artesunate on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats.

METHODS

EIU was induced in male Long-Evans rats by footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS 200 μg in 0.1 mL PBS; LPS-only group [LG]). PBS (0.1 mL), prednisolone (10 mg/kg in 0.1 mL PBS; prednisolone group [PG]), and artesunate of three concentrations (1, 10, 100 mg/kg; artesunate groups A, B, C [AGA, AGB, AGC]; all in 0.1 mL of PBS) were injected intravenously, respectively, 1 hour after LPS injection. Twenty-four hours after LPS injection, infiltrating cells and protein concentration in the aqueous humor, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, were measured.

RESULTS

Rats in AGA did not have significant difference in infiltrating cell number (61.6 × 10(5) cells/mL; range, 20.0-147.8 cells/mL; P = 0.287), protein concentration (48.0 mg/mL; range, 18.0-101.8 mg/mL; P = 0.349), NO concentration (86.9 μM/L; range, 30.5-192.5 μM/L; P = 0.363), but had significant difference in TNF-α (1144.3 pg/mL; range, 460.0-1840.0 pg/mL; P = 0.038), PGE2 (12.8 ng/mL; range, 4.8-27.2 ng/mL; P = 0.005), and MCP-1 (6136 pg/mL; range, 20.0-147.8 pg/mL; P = 0.009) with those of LG. Artesunate at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg significantly suppressed the infiltrating cells, protein concentration, TNF-α, NO, PGE2, and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor induced by LPS (P = 0.011-0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Dose-dependent decreases of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, TNF-α, PGE2, NO, and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor by artesunate treatment after LPS injection indicate that artesunate can suppress the inflammation of EIU by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.

Significance of serum connective tissue growth factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and relationship with angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression changes variously in different human malignancies. The role of CTGF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of serum CTGF in patients with HCC and its correlation with HCC angiogenesis.

METHODS

CTGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were measured by ELISA in preoperative sera of 88 patients with HCC with tumor resection and 39 healthy subjects. The relationship between CTGF and HCC clinicopathological parameters was observed. Prognostic significance of CTGF for survival of patients with HCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperative serum CTGF level was significantly higher in patients with HCC than in healthy subjects (median, 63.5 vs. 11.4 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Serum CTGF correlated significantly with a series of clinicopathological parameters (big tumor size, advanced pathological tumor-node-metastasis stage, absence of tumor capsule, portal vein invasion). Serum CTGF showed a significant correlation with disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with HCC. Patients with high serum CTGF (>63.5 ng/ml) had a poorer disease-free survival time than the others (CTGF < or = 63.5 ng/ml; median disease-free survival time, 9.6 vs. 19.3 months). Patients with high serum CTGF had poorer overall survival time (median, 13.1 months) than the others (median, 21.7 months). In multivariate Cox analysis, CTGF was identified as an independent and significant prognostic factor of survival of HCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CTGF plays an important role in the progression of HCC. Serum CTGF may be a potential indicator of angiogenesis of HCC.

Relationship between serum heparanase and microscopic venous invasion in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The serum heparanase level of 92 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (median, 91.4 U/mL) was higher than that of 19 healthy control subjects. Serum heparanase levels were higher in patients with HCC characterized by large tumors (>5 cm), advanced pTNM stage (III and IV), tumor capsule absence, and portal vein invasion. Positive correlations between serum heparanase and tumor heparanase expression were observed in 92 patients with HCC, 53 among them treated with tumor resection. In these 53 patients, the rate of microscopic venous invasion was significantly higher in 18 cases with high serum heparanase levels (>91.4 U/mL) than in the other 35 cases with low heparanase levels (14/18 vs 10/35; P = .001). Serum heparanase and vascular endothelial growth factor were identified as independent predictive factors for HCC microscopic venous invasion. The postoperative recurrence-free time (median, 8.7 months; range, 4.1-22.9 months), recurrence rate (72% [13/18]), 1.5-year disease-free survival rate (29.7%) were significantly worse in these 18 patients.

Induction treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis with leflunomide combined with prednisone: a prospective multi-centre observational study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide in the treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis, a prospective multi-centre observational study was conducted. Patients with biopsy proven proliferative lupus nephritis were assigned to receive either leflunomide or cyclophosphamide with concomitant prednisone. Leflunomide was given orally with a loading dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 3 days followed by 30 mg/day. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was administered monthly at a dose of 0.5 g/m2 of body-surface area. A total of 110 patients were enrolled, 70 in the leflunomide group and 40 in the cyclophosphamide group. The complete remission rate in the leflunomide group was 21% and partial remission rate 52%, as compared with 18% and 55%, respectively, in the cyclophosphamide group. Renal parameters and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index improved significantly and similarly in both groups. Serum creatinine decreased or stabilized in both treatment groups. No significant difference was noted with respect to clinical outcome between groups. Repeat biopsy also showed a significant reduction of active lesions in kidney pathology after 6 months of leflunomide treatment. Major adverse events, similar in both treatment groups, included infection, alopecia and hypertension. Leflunomide, compared with cyclophosphamide, in combination with prednisone was effective in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis and was generally well-tolerated.

Restricted intake of dietary advanced glycation end products retards renal progression in the remnant kidney model

Diet-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute significantly to accumulation of AGEs in renal insufficiency. To test whether modulation of dietary AGEs would impact on progression of chronic renal disease, 5/6 nephrectomy rats were randomly placed on three diets that differed only in AGEs content (low AGEs diet (LAD), high AGEs diet (HAD), and standard rodent diet (SRD)) for 5-13 weeks. Compared with SRD- or HAD-fed rats, LAD-treated animals showed decreased proteinuria and retarded decline of creatinine clearance without alteration of blood pressure. Glomerular volume was reduced by 23% compared with HAD-fed rats at week 13 (P<0.001). Renal fibrosis progressed with time in the remnant kidneys from HAD-fed rats. However, LAD-fed animals presented a better-preserved structure of the kidneys. LAD-fed rats demonstrated significantly decreased serum and renal AGEs concentration (P<0.01 and P<0.01). This was associated with marked decrease of intrarenal advanced oxidation protein products and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as well as increase of glutathione peroxidase activity. LAD treatment also downregulated expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and transforming growth factor-1 and ameliorated macrophage infiltration in the remnant kidney. These results demonstrated that restriction of dietary AGEs intake retards progression of renal fibrosis and dysfunction in the remnant kidney model.

Cell Death-Inducing DFF45-Like Effector May Take Part in Neuronal Apoptosis of the Lumbar Spinal Cord after Sciatic Nerve Injury Caused by a Firearm

OBJECTIVE

To investigate neuronal apoptosis and gene regulation after peripheral nerve injury caused by a firearm.

METHODS

A rabbit model of sciatic nerve injury caused by a firearm was used. Neuronal apoptosis was determined by using terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling and flow cytometry. Differentially expressed genes were screened with mouse_8192S GeneChips. Cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector (CIDE-B) gene expression in spinal cord after sciatic nerve injury was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The size of the injury caused by the firearm was widely extended. Neuronal apoptosis was found in days 1, 3, and 7 groups. The expression of apoptosis-related gene CIDE-B was high according to analysis of the GeneChips and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detection. The trend of CIDE-B expression was consistent with neuronal apoptosis after nerve injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuronal apoptosis is an important pathological change after peripheral nerve injury caused by firearms, and CIDE-B may be an important regulator.

Identification of differentially expressed genes from spinal cord after firearm injury to rabbit sciatic nerves

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral nerve regeneration depends on gene regulation by central neurons. To search for more effective treatment methods to improve the regeneration of wounded peripheral nerves, gene expression profile of spinal cord after firearm injury to rabbit sciatic nerves are studied with DNA micro-array technique.

METHODS

A total of 54 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: Groups d1, d3, d7 and normal control group. Lumbar spinal cords were sampled. RNA and mRNA were extracted, labeled by Cy3 and Cy5, and analyzed by mouse_8192S gene chips.

RESULTS

A total of 1367, 923, and 61 genes with differential expression were found on day 1, day 3, and day 7 after trauma respectively. Five expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences demonstrated differential expression during 7 days after trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

There is complex gene profile with differential expression after firearm nerve injury, among which AW701496, U84291, W13926, X04017 and AW822394 EST sequences may be important regulation factors that involved in regeneration of peripheral nerve injury.

Commercial polyurethanes: the potential influence of auxiliary chemicals on the biodegradation process

This investigation elucidates some aspects of auxiliary chemicals on the biodegradation of two commercial polyurethanes (Pellethane and Corethane). The materials were incubated for 28 days with cholesterol esterase and/or with phosphatidylcholine. Extraction studies were carried out on the two materials, using different solvents, chosen on the basis of solvent polarity. FT-IR spectra for the extracted materials indicated the presence of poly(methylene)n oxide moities, silicone oil, bis-ethylene-stearamide, aromatic moities, and alkyd-urea compounds in Pellethane. Corethane materials were shown to contain some fatty acids, hydrocarbon waxes, ester-based species, and chlorinated compounds. Analysis of incubation solutions by high performance liquid chromatography failed to isolate methylene dianiline (MDA) or any of its derivatives from the various polymer incubation solutions. However, a methanol extract of Corethane samples that were incubated for 28 days in cholesterol esterase did show the presence of MDA. The absence of MDA in the Pellethane methanol extracted samples may reflect the differences in surface additives found for this material versus the Corethane. FT-IR/ATR analysis of polymer surfaces exposed to cholesterol esterase/phospholipids mixture showed that there was an increase in the uptake of phospholipids over samples that were incubated in phospholipid dispersion alone. The results of this study show that some of the auxiliary chemicals found in commercial polyurethanes may hinder the specific release of hydrolytic degradation products and delay polymer degradation. However, it should be recognized that the surface layer containing these compounds is susceptible to change following the interaction between the polyurethane-based devices and elements of the host environment (i.e. lipids, enzymes, etc.). Hence, recognition and identification of these changes will ultimately be important in assessing a commercial polymer's blood compatibility characteristics.

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectrometric identification of breakdown products associated with the biological hydrolysis of a biomedical polyurethane

As part of ongoing investigations into the biological degradation of biomaterials, methods have been developed to isolate and chemically analyze polymer biodegradation products. The use of these methods can provide information on the biodegradation product profiles and yield concentration levels for the isolated products. The latter information is required to assess the toxicological nature of biomaterials and their related degradation products. In this study a model biomedical polyurethane was synthesized with toluene diisocyanate, polyester diol and ethylene diamine, and then incubated at 37 degrees C in a biological solution containing enzyme. The biodegradation products were isolated from the in vitro system and prepared for HPLC analysis, by using a combination of ultrafiltration, freeze drying and liquid-solid extraction. The ultrafiltration and the liquid-solid extraction effectively removed protein contamination. The separation of more than 20 degradation products, with gradient HPLC, was optimized using a photodiode array detector. The separated degradation products were identified using a tandem mass spectrometer. The model polyurethane was labeled with 14C in different segments, in order to assist in confirming the efficiency of the sample preparation and isolation methods. A detection limit of 2 ng was found. No toluene diamine - a suspected human carcinogen associated with some medical implants - could be found in the test samples. This represents a significant finding since the amount of this injected sample actually contained a total of 28 microg of degradation products isolated from the incubation medium.

Biodegradation of a poly(ester)urea-urethane by cholesterol esterase: isolation and identification of principal biodegradation products

Synthesized poly(ester)urea-urethanes with 14C-labeled toluene diisocyanate or 14C-labeled chain extender ethylene diamine were incubated with cholesterol esterase in a phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. A number of biodegradation products, generated at the level of 2.8 micrograms/cm2 of polymer surface area, were isolated from this simulated physiologic system. Individual products were obtained by separation with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The two different radiolabels were used to assist in the identification of degradation products from hard- and soft-segment domains. Approximately 20 degradation products were isolated; however, toluene diamine (TDA) was not detected from the chromatographic separation. Two principal products were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Both products are TDA derivatives (secondary aromatic diamine) substituted with end units of the polyester segment at N and N' positions of TDA. The absence of free TDA suggests that there could be a stabilization of urethane and urea linkages within the toluene diisocyanate (TDI) segments of the polyurethanes. For TDI-synthesized polymers, this finding raises awareness to the potential biological importance of degradation products other than TDA, particularly to their interaction with surrounding cells.

[The compensatory changes of unstriped muscles of portal vein and superior mesenteric artery in rabbits infected with schistosomiasis]

We observed the changes of unstriped muscle of portal vein and superior mesenteric artery in rabbits infected with schistosomiasis in different stages with Masson trichrome stain. The results showed compensatory hypertrophy and hyperplasia of unstriped muscle of internal and medial layer of portal vein and superior mesenteric artery. It is concluded that the portal system is volume vessel as well as resistance vessel, which can counteract the intrahepatic resistance, maintaining the liver blood flow supply. The hyperdynamic circulation of viscera contributes to elevation of constrict power of the superior mesenteric artery, resulting in compensatory hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the unstriped muscle.