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Yu Xia,1– 3 Yu-Dong Zhao,4 Gui-Xiang Sun,1,2 Shuai-Shuai Xia,1 Zheng-Wang Yang3 1Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410208, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410208, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410007, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Gui-Xiang SunProvincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 300, Xueshi Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410208, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13787272837, Email 84663423@qq.comObjective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disease as well as an important cause of maternal and perinatal death. This study aimed to analyze the placental transcriptional data and clinical information of PE patients available in the published database and predict the target genes for prevention of PE.Methods: The clinical information and corresponding RNA data of PE patients were downloaded from the GEO database. Cluster analysis was performed to examine the correlation between different genotyping genes and clinical manifestations. Then, bioinformatic approaches including GO, KEGG, WGCNA, and GSEA were employed to functionally characterize candidate target genes involved in pathogenesis of PE.Results: Two PE datasets GSE60438 and GSE75010 were obtained and combined, thereby providing the data of 205 samples in total (100 non-PE and 105 PE samples). After eliminating the batch effect, we grouped and analyzed the integrated data, and further performed GSEA analysis. It was found that the genes in group 1 and group 2 were different from those in normal samples. Moreover, WGCNA analysis revealed that genes in group 1 were up-regulated in turquoise module, including SASH1, PIK3CB and FLT-1, while genes in group 2 were up-regulated in the blue and brown modules. We further conducted GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses and found that the differential genes in turquoise module were mainly involved in biological processes such as small molecular catabolic process, while being highly enriched in pathways, including MAPK signaling pathway and Rap1 signaling pathway.Conclusion: FLT-1 was conventionally used to predict PE risk, and sFLT-1 could also be used as an indicator to evaluate PE treatment effect. As a candidate biomarker for predicting PE, SASH1 may participate in proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transformation of human trophoblast cells by regulating MAPK pathway and Rap1 signaling pathway, thus affecting the progression of PE. The mechanism allowing PIK3CB to regulate PE development was not clear, while the gene could be another candidate biomarker for PE risk prediction. This is an exploratory study and our findings were still required verification in further studies.Keywords: preeclampsia, SASH1, PIK3CB, FLT-1, MAPK signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway

Objective To observe the changes of metabolomics in the evolution process of blockade of heart vessel syndrome (BHVS). Methods The formation of BHVS in three stages were sim- ulated by using high-fat forage and ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Increased blood lipid was in the early stage of blood stasis syndrome (BSS) group. Atherosclerosis (AS) was formed in the middle stage of BSS group (sub-BSS). Coronary artery was ligated on the basis of AS was the 3rd stage of BSS (BHVS group). There were 8 rats in each group. Totally 24 rats was used as the blank con- trol group and each stage had 8 rats. The changes of metabolite contents were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares method (PLS) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) among different groups. Results (1) In the 32 kinds of identified metabolites, citric acid was closest associated with the evolution process of BHVS, followed by cholesterol, inositol, ornithine, proline, isoleucine, octadecanoic acid, lactic acid, urea, leucine, linoleic acid, mannose. (2) Metabolic markers in the three stages: octadecanoic acid, lactic acid (positively correlated) , and mannose (negatively correlated) in the early stage of BSS. Ornithine, proline, inositol (positively correla- ted) , and isoleucine (negatively correlated) in the middle stage of BSS (sub-BSS). Leucine, isoleucine, citric acid (positively correlated) , and lactic acid (negatively correlated) in the BHVS stage. Conclusions High fat diet causes disordered in vivo lipid metabolism in pre-stage BSS, and the organism initiates anti- inflammation. Continued high fat diet leads to disordered urea cycle, imbalanced intestinal flora, changed vascular morphology, and liver dysfunction in the sub-BSS stage. Acute myocardial ischemia leads to glucose metabolism disorder in the BHVS stage.

Objectives To systematically review the effects of tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) induced by different methods on liver transplantation and their possible mechanisms of action. Methods PubMed and EMbase were searched for relevant articles through 31 December 2013. The effects of Tol-DCs on liver allograft survival were semiquantitatively evaluated, and the possible mechanisms by which Tol-DCs prolong graft survival were analyzed. Results Seven articles were included, and classified according to methods of induction, sources, and methods of infusing Tol-DCs. Tol-DCs induced from immature DCs (imDCs), with cytokines, and by gene modification induced liver transplant tolerance for 33.1 ± 32.5 days (2.7-fold vs. control), 26.17 ± 16.20 days (1.8-fold vs. control), and 11.7 ± 1.6 days (2.3-fold vs. control), respectively. DCs derived from recipient bone marrow, donor bone marrow, and donor spleen induced liver transplant tolerance for 51.0 ± 0.0 days (5.9-fold vs. control), 21.4 ± 26.8 days (2.4-fold vs. control), and 15.0 ± 0.0 days (2.3-fold vs. control), respectively. The primary mechanisms by which Tol-DCs induce liver transplant tolerance were the induction of T-cell hyporeactivity and Th2 differentiation. Conclusions Tol-DCs induced by three different methods could extend liver allograft survival, with imDCs showing optimal results. The optimal infusion method was intravenous injection of 1–2 × 106 Tol-DC, similar to findings in renal transplantation. Tol-DCs prolonged liver transplant tolerance more than renal transplant tolerance.

Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of transfusing Tol-DCs induced by different methods on renal transplantation and survival time. Method PubMed and EMbase were searched for relevant articles from inception to July 20th, 2013. Renal allograft survival time was regarded as the endpoint outcome. The effects of Tol-DCs on renal transplantation were evaluated semi-quantitatively. Results Sixteen articles were included. There were three sources of Tol-DCs, including bone marrow, spleen, and thoracic duct lymph node. Rats were administrated cells intravenously and 83% of mice through the portal vein. Four subtypes of bone marrow Tol-DCs enhanced renal allograft time: immature DCs enhanced allograft survival 4.9-fold in rats and 2.0-fold in mice, gene modified DCs enhanced allograft survival 4.4-fold in rats and 2.2-fold in mice, and drug and cytokine induced enhanced allograft survival 2.9-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, in rats. Tol-DCs from the spleen and thoracic duct lymph nodes prolonged allograft survival 2.7-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, in rats. 1-2×106 doses of Tol-DCs extended the survival time of rats following renal transplantation. The key mechanisms by which Tol-DCs enhance allograft and overall survival included: (i) inducing T-cell hyporeactivity; (ii) reducing the effects of cytotoxic lymphocytes; and (iii) inducing Th2 differentiation. Conclusion Bone marrow Tol-DCs can extend allograft survival and induce immune tolerance in fully MHC-mismatched renal transplantation in rats and mice. The effects of imDCs and gene modified Tol-DCs in mice are less marked. In conclusion, a single-injection of 1-2×106 doses of bone marrow Tol-DCs (i.v.), in combination with an immune-suppressor, a co-stimulator, and accessory cells can significantly extend renal allograft survival.

To study the possible relationship between serum zinc levels and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Chinese children.Following a systematic search for case-control studies on the serum zinc levels in Chinese children with ADHD published between 2000 and 2015, a Meta analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0 software.A total of 17 studies, including 2 177 children with ADHD and 2 900 normal children, were enrolled. The Meta analysis showed that serum zinc levels in children with ADHD were lower than normal children (SMD= -1.33; 95%CI: -2.22, -0.44; P=0.003). The sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were reliable. Eggerγs test did not find the existence of publication bias.Serum zinc levels may be associated with susceptibility to ADHD in children.

Troponoid esters and amides connected with cholest‐5‐ene‐3β‐carboxylic acid have been synthesized to characterize their mesomorphic properties and to compare them with those of the corresponding benzenoids. 5‐Alkoxytroponyl esters and amides with a long alkoxy group exhibited a twist grain boundary A* phase, as well as chiral nematic and smectic A* (SmA*) phases. The corresponding benzenoid esters exhibit SmA* and blue phases and the benzenoid amides only a SmA* phase. The differences between the mesomorphic properties are discussed in terms of the structural features of the core.

To investigate the risk factors for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to provide a basis for future prevention and treatment of this disease.Following a systematic search for case-control studies on the risk factors for ADHD in China between 2000 and 2014, relevant family risk factors were extracted accordingly. The quality of selected studies was evaluated according to the NOS scale. A Meta analysis on the selected studies was conducted using Stata 12.0 software.A total of 16 studies were selected, involving 2 167 children with ADHD and 2 148 normal controls. Results of Meta analysis showed that good parenting (OR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.26-0.40), nuclear family (OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.41-0.76), high education level of father (OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.41-0.76), high education level of mother (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.47-0.89), and extroversion of mother (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.61) are favorable factors for ADHD. Poor parental relationship (OR=1.90, 95% CI: 1.17-3.06) and family history of ADHD (OR=5.86, 95% CI: 3.67-9.35) are risk factors for ADHD.Good parenting, nuclear family, high education level of parents, and mother with extroversion are protective factors for ADHD, whereas poor parental relationship and family history of ADHD are associated with an increased risk for ADHD.

Four types of 4,4′-bis(benzoyloxy)biphenyls were synthesized to investigate the effects of the lateral polar nitro group on appearance of mesophases as well as improvement of the mesomorphic property. In the case of 4,4′-bis(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)biphenyls and 4,4′-bis(3,4- and 2,4-dialkoxybenzoyloxy)biphenyls, their transition temperatures were reduced by the introduction of the polar lateral nitro group because of the increasement of the molecular breadth. The nitro group in 4,4′-bis(3,4,5-trialkoxybenzoyloxy)biphenyls enhanced the transition temperatures and mesomorphic properties since the trialkoxy derivatives without a nitro group were not mesomorphic and those with a nitro group had a hexagonal columnar phase. The introduction of the nitro group did not increase the molecular breadth of the trialkoxy derivatives because they already have the wide molecular breadth.

To systematically review the effects of tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) induced by different methods on liver transplantation and their possible mechanisms of action.PubMed and EMbase were searched for relevant articles through 31 December 2013. The effects of Tol-DCs on liver allograft survival were semiquantitatively evaluated, and the possible mechanisms by which Tol-DCs prolong graft survival were analyzed.Seven articles were included, and classified according to methods of induction, sources, and methods of infusing Tol-DCs. Tol-DCs induced from immature DCs (imDCs), with cytokines, and by gene modification induced liver transplant tolerance for 33.1 ± 32.5 days (2.7-fold vs. control), 26.17 ± 16.20 days (1.8-fold vs. control), and 11.7 ± 1.6 days (2.3-fold vs. control), respectively. DCs derived from recipient bone marrow, donor bone marrow, and donor spleen induced liver transplant tolerance for 51.0 ± 0.0 days (5.9-fold vs. control), 21.4 ± 26.8 days (2.4-fold vs. control), and 15.0 ± 0.0 days (2.3-fold vs. control), respectively. The primary mechanisms by which Tol-DCs induce liver transplant tolerance were the induction of T-cell hyporeactivity and Th2 differentiation.Tol-DCs induced by three different methods could extend liver allograft survival, with imDCs showing optimal results. The optimal infusion method was intravenous injection of 1-2 × 10(6) Tol-DC, similar to findings in renal transplantation. Tol-DCs prolonged liver transplant tolerance more than renal transplant tolerance.

In this paper, the lithospheric isostatic gravity anomaly with its distribution features in the Central Asian region (30°–70°N, 50°–140°E), according to the research of the lithospheric isostatic principle, is discussed. Moreover, some primary structures and seismic activities in this region are discussed.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of transfusing Tol-DCs induced by different methods on renal transplantation and survival time.PubMed and EMbase were searched for relevant articles from inception to July 20(th), 2013. Renal allograft survival time was regarded as the endpoint outcome. The effects of Tol-DCs on renal transplantation were evaluated semi-quantitatively.Sixteen articles were included. There were three sources of Tol-DCs, including bone marrow, spleen, and thoracic duct lymph node. Rats were administrated cells intravenously and 83% of mice through the portal vein. Four subtypes of bone marrow Tol-DCs enhanced renal allograft time: immature DCs enhanced allograft survival 4.9-fold in rats and 2.0-fold in mice, gene modified DCs enhanced allograft survival 4.4-fold in rats and 2.2-fold in mice, and drug and cytokine induced enhanced allograft survival 2.9-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, in rats. Tol-DCs from the spleen and thoracic duct lymph nodes prolonged allograft survival 2.7-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, in rats. 1-2 × 10(6) doses of Tol-DCs extended the survival time of rats following renal transplantation. The key mechanisms by which Tol-DCs enhance allograft and overall survival included: (i) inducing T-cell hyporeactivity; (ii) reducing the effects of cytotoxic lymphocytes; and (iii) inducing Th2 differentiation.Bone marrow Tol-DCs can extend allograft survival and induce immune tolerance in fully MHC-mismatched renal transplantation in rats and mice. The effects of imDCs and gene modified Tol-DCs in mice are less marked. In conclusion, a single-injection of 1-2 × 10(6) doses of bone marrow Tol-DCs (i.v.), in combination with an immune-suppressor, a co-stimulator, and accessory cells can significantly extend renal allograft survival.

This study was aimed to explore changes of platelet function in vitro during storage by thrombelastography (TEG). 12 units plateletpheresis were randomly selected and stored at 20 to 24 degrees C with agitation. Thrombelastography variable parameters R, K values and maximal amplitude (MA) were measured on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days of platelet storage. Platelet concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), hypotonic shock response (HSR), CD62p expression and CD62p reexpression on platelet surface were detected at the same time. Changes of platelet function in virto were systematically evaluated by above-mentioned indexes. The results showed that MPV augmented slightly with prolongation of preserved time (p0.05), and CD62p expression on platelet surface increased remarkably (p0.01), while CD62p reexpression decreased gradually (p0.01). There were no significant differences in HSR level of platelets during storage (p0.05). R value increased with prolongation of preserved time (p0.01). There were no obvious changes on K value and alpha Angle during storage (p0.05). There were no obvious changes in MA from 1 to 4 days, and MA decreased slightly on day 5 (p0.05). It is concluded that there was no significant change in MA and HSR which reflects comprehensive coagulation of platelets during storage. Platelets on the end of storage have excellent function of hemostasis; Thrombelastography parameter MA value can be used as a valuable indicator for evaluation of platelet function in vitro during storage.

Radiation nephritis is the principle late toxicity seen after total body irradiation in barrier-maintained rats when hematologic toxicity is prevented by bone marrow transplantation. Renal dysfunction is observed for single doses as low as 7.5 Gy. Hepatic blood flow, as measured by indocyanine green clearance, is decreased after 8.5–9.5 Gy single-dose total body irradiation. Serum albumin levels are decreased after 9.5 Gy single-dose total body irradiation. Hypoalbuminemia is a symptom of hepatic damage, but can also be caused by renal damage or edema. No decrease in total serum protein is observed, indicating that proteinuria resulting from renal damage is not the cause of hypoalbuminemia. No edema and some dehydration are observed. These data indicate that hepatic damage as well as renal damage may be occurring after total body irradiation plus bone marrow transplantation. Animals given total body irradiation plus bone marrow transplantation show decreased tolerance to a wide variety of immunosuppressive and cytotoxic drugs, even when these drugs are given months after total body irradiation. Altered drug clearance after total body irradiation plus bone marrow transplantation is observed for cis-platinum, vincristine, and adriamycin. The increase in cis-platinum toxicity after total body irradiation plus bone marrow transplantation is caused by decreased renal drug clearance. The decrease in vincristine tolerance and the alterations in adriamycin and vincristine pharmacokinetics are caused by altered drug distribution after total body irradiation plus bone marrow transplantation. These results indicate that bone marrow transplant survivors may show altered clearance of, and decreased tolerance to, a wide variety of drugs that are used after bone marrow transplantation.

The study was purposed to explore the suitable platelet activators to be used in slide platelet aggregation test. Experiments were as follows: (1) to detect the intensity and time in 15 healthy donors' platelet aggregation tests induced by cationic propyl gallate (c-PG) and the usual platelet activators: ADP, collagen, epinephrine, arachidonic acid and ristocentin, respectively; (2) to detect the time in platelet aggregation tests of 15 healthy donors induced by c-PG and the above usual platelet activators respectively after addition of PGI2, cAMP or EDTA; (3) to detect the time in 15 healthy donors' platelet aggregation tests induced by c-PG after addition of heparin; (4) to detect the intensity and time of platelet aggregation induced by c-PG at the platelet count of (240-15) x 10(9)/L, (5) to detect the time of platelet aggregation induced by c-PG in eight patients each of whom had taken 100 mg aspirin per day for five days. The results showed that (1) c-PG reduced the strongest intensity of platelet aggregation and the time taken was appropriate, (2) c-PG was the most effective activator to reveal the inhibitive effect on platelet by PGI2, cAMP or EDTA, (3) 0.5 - 3 U/ml heparin did not significantly change the platelet aggregation induced by c-PG, (4) 15 healthy donors' platelet aggregation induced by c-PG displayed clearly on the slide until the platelet count below 30 x 10(9)/L, (5) The platelet aggregation time induced by c-PG was significantly prolonged in eight patients who had taken aspirin. In conclusion, compared to the usual platelet activators, c-PG has remarkable potential advantages when used in slide platelet aggregation test.

The purpose of this study was to establish a set of techniques for cryopreservation of platelets with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) to insure high quality of cryopreserved platelet. The methods were as following: (1) DMSO was filtered in stead of being sterilized before infusion into the bag with platelets. (2) The whole blood was centrifuged immediately after blood collection and the attached tube was tied on the top of the bucket. (3) The related centrifugal force was 480 x g, the accelerating and braking grades of the centrifuge for acceleration and deceleration were 9 and 4 respectively. (4) The flow rate of platelet rich plasma (PRP) could not be too high, 80 - 100 ml PRP should be harvested at 1 minute or so. The infusion rate of DMSO into the PRP was 1 ml/min. After the infusion of DMSO, the PRP bag must be put into the -80 degrees C ultra low freezer at once to make the product to be freezed as soon as possible. The cryopreserved platelet should be thawed in the cycling warm water at the temperature of 38 - 40 degrees C. (5) After thawing of platelet, the platelet, red blood cell and white blood cell were counted, and the bacteria culturing, tests for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, TP and ALT were carried out. The results showed that altogether 14 800 units of cryopreserved platelets were prepared including 80 units collected with blood cell separator, of which quality control was accomplished in 300 units. The manually collected platelet mean count/= 2.4 x 10(10)/unit, while the apheresis platelet count/= 2.5 x 10(11)/unit. The yield was over 70%. The contaminated red and white blood cells were/= 1 x 10(9) and/= 1 x 10(7)/unit respectively. All the bacteria cultures were negative, while tests for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and TP were negative too. The ALT values were all in normal range. The transfusion of cryopreserved platelets showed obvious effect of haemostasis. In conclusion, the cryopreserved platelets prepared with this method were of high quality and efficaciousness in haemostasis clinically.

To investigate the prevalence of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) among adults aged over 30 yr in Chengde city of Hebei province.1 168 subjects (over 30 yr) were derived from a random sample of the population among the Shuangqiao district in Chengde city. All subjects were asked at home to answer questions about their snoring, daytime sleepiness, and habits of smoking and drinking. According to the degree of snoring, 127 moderate and severe snorers were measured by portable PSG for a whole night and the prevalence of SAHS was estimated according to AHI and ESS scores.1 168 subjects (95.42%) answered the questions. The prevalence of snoring was 53.76%. The prevalence of moderate and severe snoring (or= second degree) was 28.25%. The prevalence of snoring increased with age before the age of 70. The prevalence of snoring in males was significantly higher than that in females. Smoking and drinking groups were associated with a higher prevalence of snoring. The prevalence of snoring was higher in drivers (42.00%) than that in other populations. The estimated prevalence of SAHS according to both the AHI5 and the ESSor= 9 was 4.63%.The estimated prevalence of SAHS among adults aged over 30 yr in Chengde city was 4.63%. It means that SAHS needs better understanding and more study.