UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based urine and plasma metabonomics study on the ameliorative effects of aspirin eugenol ester in hyperlipidemia rats

The main objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) in hyperlipidemic rat. After five-week oral administration of AEE in high fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats, the impact of AEE on plasma and urine metabonomics was investigated to explore the underlying mechanism by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. Blood lipid levels and histopathological changes of liver, stomach and duodenum were also evaluated after AEE treatment. Without obvious gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, AEE significantly relieved fatty degeneration of liver and reduced triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TCH) (P<0.01). Clear separations of metabolic profiles were observed among control, model and AEE groups by using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA). 16 endogenous metabolites in plasma and 18 endogenous metabolites in urine involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid beta-oxidation, amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle, sphingolipid metabolism, gut microflora and pyrimidine metabolism were considered as potential biomarkers of hyperlipidemia and be regulated by AEE administration. It might be concluded that AEE was a promising drug candidate for hyperlipidemia treatment. These findings could contribute to the understanding of action mechanisms of AEE and provide evidence for further studies.

Integrative Profiling of Bee Communities from Habitats of Tropical Southern Yunnan (China)

Understanding and managing pollination service is hindered by taxonomic impediments and paucity of data, particularly in the tropics. Herein we apply integrative species delineation and taxonomy to test impacts of land use on the diversity of bee communities within Xishuangbanna (Yunnan, south China), a highly biodiverse tropical region which has undergone extensive land conversion to rubber plantation. 128 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) were inferred by an iterative and integrative approach. Bee activity differed significantly across land use samples, although community composition corresponded more to level of vegetation density, when accounting for spatial structure. Species diversity was high in young rubber plantations, although composition overlapped with other species-rich habitats (natural forest edge and river banks), and older plantations (>8 years) showed very low diversity under all measures. Community structures were similar between the natural forest interior and edge, although analysis indicated contrasting drivers of diversity, with clustering in the interior and overdispersion in the forest edge. Further, phylogenetic diversity and derived indices were underestimated when reference data were omitted from analysis. The description of bee communities herein permits more informed choices in land management with respect to ensuring continuation of essential services by bees.

[Prevalence of hearing disorders in China: a population-based survey in four provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity of hearing disorders and demographics of people with hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin, Guangdong, Shannxi and Gansu provinces in China. Methods: According to " WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol" , 144 clusters were chosen with probability proportional sampling(PPS) method from the four provinces covering 194, 688, 061 residents. Audiological test, otological examination and questionnaire surveying were conducted for all samples from August, 2014 to September, 2015. The hearing disorders were classified according to WHO criteria and classification. Results: Among 47 511 targeted residents, 45, 052 individuals (94.82% response rate) participated in the survey. The standardized prevalence rates of hearing disorders and disabling hearing disorders were 15.84 % and 5.17 % respectively. Almost 50% of people with hearing disorders had no awareness of it or its starting time. There was significant difference in the prevalence among people of different ages, genders, occupations, provinces, marital status and education levels. The prevalence of hearing disorders increased significantly as age grew. People above 60 years old occupied 55.31% of the total hearing disorders. The prevalence of hearing disorders among male, people of low education and those who lost husband or wife, as well as workers and farmers was relatively higher. Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing disorders is high, and hearing disorders are " invisible" . Demographics and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the prevalence of hearing disorders.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BAN HUANG ORAL LIQUID FOR TREATING BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASES

BACKGROUND

Ban Huang oral liquid was developed as a veterinary compound preparation by the Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the oral liquid preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, Ban Huang, is safe and effective for treating respiratory diseases in cattle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute oral toxicity experiments were conducted in Wistar rats and Kunming mice via oral administration. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug against Mycoplasma bovis in vitro with the double dilution method was 500 mg/mL, indicating good sensitivity. The results of laboratory pathogen testing, analysis of clinical symptoms, and analysis of pathological anatomy were combined to diagnose bovine respiratory diseases in 147 Simmental cattle caused by mixed infections of M. bovis, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, and Mannheimia haemolytica. These cattle were randomly divided into three groups: drug treatment group 1 (treated via Tilmicosin injection), drug treatment group 2 (treated with Shuang Huang Lian oral liquid combined with Tilmicosin injection), and drug treatment group 3 (treated with Ban Huang oral liquid combined with Tilmicosin injection). Treatment effects were observed within 7 days.

RESULTS

The results showed no toxicity and a maximum tolerated dose greater than 20 g/kg BW. For the 87 cattle in drug-treatment group, the cure rate was 90.80%, whereas the response rate was 94.25%. The cure rate of drug treatment group was increased by 14.13% in comparison with that of drug control group 1 and by 7.47% in comparison with that of drug control group 2 (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Ban Huang oral liquid is a safe and effective treatment for bovine respiratory diseases, especially for mixed infection caused by M. bovis, bacteria, and viruses.

Impact of Aspirin Eugenol Ester on Cyclooxygenase-1, Cyclooxygenase-2, C-Reactive Protein, Prothrombin and Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase in Healthy Rats

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a promising drug candidate which is used for the treatment of inflammation, pain, fever, and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study focuses on the effect of AEE on five proteins which are related to inflammation and thrombosis, including cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), C-reactive protein (CRP), prothrombin (FII) and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5). Meanwhile, the study was administrated to compare the drug effect between AEE and its precursor from the view of chemical-protein interactions. Healthy rats were given AEE, aspirin, eugenol and integration of aspirin and eugenol. Carboxyl methyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) was used as control. After drugs were administered intragastrically for seven days, the blood samples were collected to measure the proteins concentration by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the concentrations of key endogenic bioactive enzymes were significantly reduced in AEE groups when compared with CMC-Na and aspirin groups (P < 0.01). Drug effects of AEE on five proteins were stronger than aspirin and eugenol. From the view of chemical-protein interactions, AEE had positive effects on anti-inflammation and anti-thrombosis and showed stronger effects than aspirin and eugenol.

Lowering effects of aspirin eugenol ester on blood lipids in rats with high fat diet

BACKGROUND

Aspirin and eugenol were esterified to synthesize aspirin eugenol ester (AEE). As a pale yellow and odourless crystal, AEE reduced the gastrointestinal damage of aspirin and vulnerability of eugenol. The study was conducted to evaluate the preventive effects of AEE on blood lipids in rats with high fat diet (HFD).

METHODS

Suspensions of AEE and simvastatin were prepared in 5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na). In order to observe the intervention effects, the drugs and HFD were administrated at the same time. Based on individual weekly body weight (BW), AEE was intragastrically administrated at the dosage of 18, 36 and 54 mg/kg. Simvastatin (10 mg/kg) and CMC-Na (20 mg/kg) were used as control drug. After 6 weeks of administration, the changes of BW and blood lipid indices including triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TCH) were determined in the experiment.

RESULTS

The rat blood lipids profile in model group was remarkably different after feeding 6-weeks HFD. TG, TCH and LDL indexes in model group were increased significantly compared with those in control group (p < 0.01). AEE at the dosage of 54 mg/kg significantly decreased levels of TG, TCH and LDL (p < 0.01), and slowed the rate of BW gain in comparison with model group (p < 0.05). Moreover, high dose AEE showed better effects than simvastatin on reducing TCH level and similar effects on TG, HDL and LDL.

CONCLUSION

AEE could remarkably reduce levels of TG, TCH and LDL in rats with high fat diet, and slow the rate of body weight gain. It was conducted that AEE was a potential candidate on reducing blood lipids level. The mechanism of action of AEE should be investigated in further studies.

[Effects and related mechanism of quercetin on thrombin-induced proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and related mechanism of quercetin on thrombin-induced proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).

METHODS

Third to fifth generation VSMCs were divided into three groups, including control group (with PBS on the base of medium DMEM), thrombin group (with 1 U/ml thrombin on the base of medium DMEM) and quercetin group (treated with 100 μmol/L quercetin before 1 U/ml thrombin on the base of medium DMEM). The proliferation and migration capacitities were tested by CCK-8 kit and transwell chamber, respectively. The protein level of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphor-p38 were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

(1) According to the CCK-8 results, optical density value was significantly higher in thrombin group than that of control group(2.59±0.16 vs. 1.97±0.18, P<0.01), which could be significantly attenuated by pretreatment with quercetin(2.13±0.19, P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between quercetin group and control group(P>0.05). (2) The transwell results showed that the migrated VSMCs were significantly higher in thrombin group than in control group (1 337±162 vs. 99±26, P<0.01), which could be significantly reduced by pretreatment with quercetin (926±111, P<0.05), but still significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). (3) The protein expressions of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphor-p38 were significantly upregulated in thrombin group compared to control group (both P<0.05), which could be significantly downregulated by pretreatment with quercetin (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Quercetin can effectively attenuate thrombin-induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration, possibly through inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 pathway.

[Experimental study on the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells encapsulated in Pluronic F-127 hydrogel]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the biocompatibility and viability of nonionic triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127 as a cell scaffold for osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells(DPSC).

METHODS

DPSC were obtained via enzymatic digestion method and purified bylimited dilution method. The freeze dried hydrogel of 20% Pluronic F-127 was prepared and itsstructurewas observed usingscanning electron microscopy(SEM). After the encapsulation of cells of passage 3 in Pluronic F-127, the effects of hydrogel on the proliferations of DPSC were assessed with methyl thiazolyl terazolium(MTT) after one day and 3, 5, 7 days of incubations, respectively. On day 14, osteogenic abilities of DPSC encapsulated in the hydrogel were estimated by means of alizarin red S, immunocytochemical staining and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

DPSC were isolated and cultured successfully in the present study. SEM observations showed that porous structures which might be suitable for cell culture. A570 values of MTT were then normalized. A570 values of the cells in 2D cultures were 0.30±0.06, 0.30±0.17, 0.35±0.04 and 0.25±0.06 and A570 values of DPSC in 3D cultures were 0.36±0.06, 0.54±0.18, 0.70±0.10 and 0.32±0.10 on day 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively. A570 value peaks were found on day 5 in both groups. The proliferation of 3D cultured DPSC was higher than that of 2D cultured cells(P<0.05). After 14 days of osteogenic induction, there were no calcium nodules observed in the control group and the numbers of calcium nodulesin the 2D and 3D groups had no significant difference(P>0.05). Inmmunocytochemical staining demonstrated strong expression of osteoblast marker Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), type Ⅰ collagen(Col-Ⅰ) and relatively low expression of osteocalcin(OCN). Moreover, RT-qPCR showed no differences between the relative expression of ALP, RUNX-2, OCN in the 2D and 3D groups (P>0.05), but a higher relative expression of Col-Ⅰ was observed in the 3D group(P=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Pluronic F-127 is a promising cell scaffold or cell carrier for the osteobalst differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

Evaluation on antithrombotic effect of aspirin eugenol ester from the view of platelet aggregation, hemorheology, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α and blood biochemistry in rat model

Background

Based on the prodrug principle, aspirin and eugenol, as starting precursors, were esterified to synthesize aspirin eugenol ester (AEE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antithrombotic effect of AEE in an animal disease model. In order to compare the therapeutic effects of AEE and its precursors, aspirin, eugenol and a combination of aspirin and eugenol were designed at the same molar quantities as the AEE medium dose in the control group.

Methods

After oral administration of AEE (dosed at 18, 36 and 72 mg/kg) for seven days, rats were treated with k-carrageenan to induce tail thrombosis. Following the same method, aspirin (20 mg/kg), eugenol (18 mg/kg) and 0.5 % CMC-Na (30 mg/kg) were administered as control drug. Different drug effects on platelet aggregation, hemorheology, TXB₂/6-keto-PGF_1α ratio and blood biochemistry were studied.

Results

AEE significantly inhibited ADP and AA-induced platelet aggregation in vivo. AEE also significantly reduced blood and plasma viscosity. Moreover, AEE down-regulated TXB₂ and up-regulated 6-keto-PGF_1α, normalizing the TXB₂/6-keto-PGF_1α ratio and blood biochemical profile. In comparison with aspirin and eugenol, AEE produced more positive therapeutic effects than its precursors under the same molar quantity.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that AEE was a good candidate for new antithrombotic and antiplatelet medicine. Additionally, this study may help to understand how AEE works on antithrombosis in different ways.

Role of microRNA-129-5p in osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow have the capacity to differentiate into osteoblast, chondrocyte, nerve cell and myocardial cell in vitro, which are an ideal engraft in tissue-engineered repair. Osteoblast differentiation is a vital process in maintaining bone homeostasis in which various transcriptional factors, including signaling molecules, and microRNAs (miRNAs). In this research, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were induced differentiation into osteoblast in vitro after over-expression of miR-129-5p. The results showed that the hBMSCs could induce differentiation into osteoblast under the special condition medium, but when the miR-129-5p was over-expressed in hBMSCs, the differentiated efficiency and induced time of osteoblast from hBMSCs could be promoted. This reason was demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was a transcriptional repressor of osteoblast gene (Runx 2) expression during osteoblast differentiation, miR-129-5p reduced STAT1 levels, leading to the accumulation of correctly spliced Runx 2 mRNA and a dramatic increase in Runx 2 protein.

Dihydromyricetin induces cell apoptosis via a p53-related pathway in AGS human gastric cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on the AGS human gastric cancer cells and their underlying mechanisms. The effects of DHM on AGS cells were evaluated by using 3-(4, 5-di-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase, and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double-staining assays. The underlying mechanisms were determined by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that DHM significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited AGS cell proliferation and induced cell cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, Annexin V/PI double-staining assay showed that DHM promoted cell apoptosis in both, early and late stages. Furthermore, DHM also regulated the expression of apoptotic genes such as p53 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating the anticancer and pro-apoptosis effects of DHM on AGS human gastric cancer cells. The results strongly suggest that DHM may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Effect of new-pattern obstetrical nursing in reducing cesarean delivery rate

Spontaneous labor is the preferred delivery way ensuring health of fetus. However, recently, more and more puerperae tend to choose cesarean. However, cesarean delivery is likely to induce various short-term and long-term potential complications, severely threatening maternal and child health. To discuss the clinical effects of new-pattern obstetrical nursing in reducing cesarean delivery rate, 680 primiparas who delivered between December 2011 and December 2013 were selected from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, China as research subjects. They were randomly divided into an observation group (n=340) and a control group (n=340). Primiparas in the observation group were taken care of by new-pattern nursing measures during pregnancy and the puerperal period, while primiparas in the control group received traditional nursing measures. Cesarean delivery rate was compared between two groups. Cesarean delivery rate was statistically significant between the observation group and the control group (21.8% vs 32.9%) (P less than 0.05). Also, it was found that, the incidence rate of perioperative complications of the observation group was much lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). The findings suggest that new-pattern obstetrical nursing is effective in reducing the cesarean delivery rate, therefore is worth promoting and applying in clinical practice.

Regulation effect of Aspirin Eugenol Ester on blood lipids in Wistar rats with hyperlipidemia

Background

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a promising drug candidate for treatment of inflammation, pain and fever and prevention of cardiovascular diseases with less side effects. The experiment will be conducted to investigate the efficacy of AEE on curing hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats. The rats were fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia.

Results

Compared with the model group, the results showed that AEE at 54 mg/kg dosage could significantly decrease the hyperlipidemia indexes including triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TCH) (p < 0.01), increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05) for five weeks drug administration. Meanwhile, simvastatin had same effect on hyperlipidemia indexes such as TG, LDL, TC, but no significant increase in HDL.

Conclusion

AEE was effective against hyperlipidemia and had better anti-hyperlipidemic effect than its component, acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, ASA), eugenol and integration of ASA and eugenol. Under the experimental circumstance, the optimal dose of AEE to cure hyperlipidemia is 54 mg/kg for five weeks in Wistar rats.

Preventive Effect of Aspirin Eugenol Ester on Thrombosis in κ-Carrageenan-Induced Rat Tail Thrombosis Model

Based on the prodrug principle, aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) was synthesized, which can reduce the side effects of aspirin and eugenol. As a good candidate for new antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory medicine, it is essential to evaluate its preventive effect on thrombosis. Preventive effect of AEE was investigated in κ-carrageenan-induced rat tail thrombosis model. AEE suspension liquids were prepared in 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). AEE was administrated at the dosage of 18, 36 and 72 mg/kg. Aspirin (20 mg/kg), eugenol (18 mg/kg) and 0.5% CMC-Na (30 mg/kg) were used as control drug. In order to compare the effects between AEE and its precursor, integration of aspirin and eugenol group (molar ratio 1:1) was also designed in the experiment. After drugs were administrated intragastrically for seven days, each rat was injected intraperitoneally with 20 mg/kg BW κ-carrageen dissolved in physiological saline to induce thrombosis. The length of tail-thrombosis was measured at 24 and 48 hours. The blank group just was given physiological saline for seven days without κ-carrageenan administrated. The results indicated that AEE significantly not only reduced the average length of thrombus, PT values and FIB concentration, but also reduced the red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT) and platelet (PLT). The effects of AEE on platelet aggregation and anticoagulant in vitro showed that AEE could inhibit adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation as dose-dependence but no notable effect on blood clotting. From these results, it was concluded that AEE possessed positive effect on thrombosis prevention in vivo through the reduction of FIB, PLT, inhibition of platelet aggregation and the change of TT and PT values.

Alarmin HNPs 1-3 predicts theonset of lung injury after cardiac surgery in children (HUM1P.259)

Introduction:Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) 1-3 are endogenous mediators to be characterized as alarmins. Methods:Children younger than 3 years after cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled. Plasma concentrations of HNPs 1-3 and inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA during and after operation. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled which included 18 (60%) infants. Plasma HNPs 1-3 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels significantly increased immediately after CPB (P &lt; 0.001), while IL-8 increased 1 hour after operation (P = 0.002). The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels immediately after CPB were also significantly elevated compared with baseline (P &lt; 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the plasma HNPs 1-3 levels immediately after CPB was independent correlated with declined lung function, as reflect by the PaO2/FiO2 ratio on the first 2 days after operation (for the first day: OR, -1.067, 95% CI, -0.548 to -1.574; P &lt; 0.001; for the second day: OR, -0.667, 95% CI, -0.183 to -1.148; P = 0.009) and prolonged mechanical ventilation time (OR, -0.039, 95% CI, -0.005 to -0.056; P = 0.022). Plasma levels of HNPs 1-3, IL-8 and IL-10 returned to normal values, while IL-6 levels remained significantly higher than baseline 24 hours after operation (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated HNPs 1-3 levels correlate with impaired lung function, and HNPs 1-3 is a useful early alarmin biomarker for lung injury inchildren after cardiac surgery.

An inexact multi-objective programming model for water resources management in industrial parks of Binhai New Area, China

In recent years, Binhai New Area of Tianjin has been suffering severe water shortage due to climate change and industrial activities. Integrated and effective water resources management approaches are urgent for the sustainable development of industrial parks in Binhai New Area. However, uncertainties exist in many aspects of the water resources system and are inevitably problematic for water resources planning and policy-making. To address these uncertainties, an interval multiple-objective programming model was developed here to support the long-term planning of industrial water resources management in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, China. The model incorporated both multiple-objective programming and interval linear programming into a general programming framework. The developed model could handle the uncertainties and complexities of the water management system, and also allowed decision makers to adjust fuzzy objective control decision variables to satisfy multiple holistic and interactive objectives. The solutions are useful for planning adjustments of the existing water allocation patterns in Binhai New Area.

The application of high definition flow imaging in fetal hemodynamics

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to investigate the application of high definition flow imaging (HD-flow) in fetal hemodynamics, and establish reference range of hemodynamic parameters in fetal with different gestational ages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thousand of normal pregnant women were divided into five groups: 18-22, 23-27, 28-32, 33-37, and 38-40 gestational weeks. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and HD-flow were adopted to display the heart structure and measure the blood flow velocity. The pulmonary vein display results were scored. The results of HD-flow and CDFI were compared.

RESULTS

The catheter peak velocity of fetal mitral, tricuspid, aortic, pulmonary artery, aortic arch, ductal arch, the inferior vena cava, pulmonary vein, and venous catheter increased continuously with the increase of gestational age, showing a linear correlation. HD-flow was superior to CDFI on the display of pulmonary vein in 18-22, 23-27, and 28-32 weeks (p < 0.05), but was not in 33-37 and 38-40 weeks. HD-flow was an accurate positioning method for the pulmonary veins.

CONCLUSION

HD-flow can make accurate evaluation of fetal hemodynamics and the demonstration of low blood flow, such as pulmonary venous, is better than CDFI. Pulmonary veins can be accurately positioned with HD-flow. HD-flow can demonstrate the main blood vessels of the whole fetal circulation and can display the spatial relationship of the blood vessels. It is of important clinical significance in hemodynamic study.

The role of plasma gelsolin in cardiopulmonary bypass induced acute lung injury in infants and young children: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, CPB-ALI) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. And infants and young children are more prone to CPB-ALI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perioperative changes of plasma gelsolin (pGSN) in patients below 3 years of age with cardiac surgeries and CPB, and determine whether pGSN are associated with the occurrence and severity of CPB-ALI.

METHODS

Seventy-seven consecutive patients ≤3 years of age with congenital heart diseases (CHD) performed on open heart surgery with CPB were finally enrolled, and assigned to ALI and non-ALI groups according to the American-European Consensus Criteria. Plasma concentrations of gelsolin and total protein were measured at following 8 time points: before CPB (a), after CPB (b), 2 hours after CPB (c), 6 hours after CPB (d), 12 hours after CPB (e), 24 hours after CPB (f), 48 hours after CPB (g) and 72 hours after CPB (h).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (35.1%) patients developed CPB-ALI in the study, including eleven (14.3%) patients with ARDS. The earliest significant drop of pGSN and normalized pGSN (pGSNN) of ALI group both occurred at 6 hours after CPB (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01), which was much earlier than those of non-ALI group (48 hours, p = 0.03 and 24 hours, p < 0.01); PGSN of ALI group before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were both significantly lower than those of non-ALI group (p < 0.01); PGSNN of ALI group before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were both significantly lower than those of non-ALI group (p < 0.01, p = 0.04); PGSN before CPB was the only independent risk factor predicting the occurrence of CPB-ALI (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.007-1.039; p < 0.01) with an AUC of 0.753 (95% CI, 0.626-0.880); The optimal cutoff value of pGSN before CPB was 264.2 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 58.3% and a specificity 94.7%. And lower pGSN before CPB was significantly associated with the severity of CS-AKI (r = -0.45, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients developing CPB-ALI had lower plasma gelsolin reservoir and a much more amount and rapid consumption of plasma gelsolin early after operation. PGSN before CPB was an early and sensitive predictor of CPB-ALI in infants and young children undergoing cardiac surgery, and was negatively correlated with the severity of CPB-ALI.

A non-biological method for screening active components against influenza virus from traditional Chinese medicine by coupling a LC column with oseltamivir molecularly imprinted polymers

To develop a non-biological method for screening active components against influenza virus from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extraction, a liquid chromatography (LC) column prepared with oseltamivir molecularly imprinted polymer (OSMIP) was employed with LC-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). From chloroform extracts of compound TCM liquid preparation, we observed an affinitive component m/z 249, which was identified to be matrine following analysis of phytochemical literatures, OSMIP-LC column on-line of control compounds and MS/MS off-line. The results showed that matrine had similar bioactivities with OS against avian influenza virus H9N2 in vitro for both alleviating cytopathic effect and hemagglutination inhibition and that the stereostructures of these two compounds are similar while their two-dimensional structures were different. In addition, our results suggested that the bioactivities of those affinitive compounds were correlated with their chromatographic behaviors, in which less difference of the chromatographic behaviors might have more similar bioactivities. This indicates that matrine is a potential candidate drug to prevent or cure influenza for human or animal. In conclusion, the present study showed that molecularly imprinted polymers can be used as a non-biological method for screening active components against influenza virus from TCM.

N-(5-Nitro-1,3-thia-zol-2-yl)-4-(tri-fluoro-meth-yl)benzamide

There are two independent and conformationally dissimilar mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C11H6F3N3O3S; the dihedral angles between the benzene and thia-zole rings are 33.8 (2)° in A and 59.7 (2)° in B. The similarity of the C-N bond lengths in the amide group [1.379 (5) and 1.358 (5) Å for A, and 1.365 (5) and 1.363 (5) Å for B] indicates the presence of conjugation between the two rings. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming chains extending along [010]; weak N-H⋯Oamide inter-actions are also present in the structure.