AIM: To confirm that the inflammation response after mechanical arterial injury correlates with the neointimal hyperplasia in animal model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent left common carotid balloon angioplasty were injected twice with a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 ng/rat) before and after surgery. Next, just after neointima formation, the animals were sacrificed for the evaluation by morphometric analysis, histological observation and immunostaining. Western blot was used to investigate the protein expression of several known mediators of apoptosis. RESULTS: Serum interleukin-1 beta levels as a marker of inflammation were increased after LPS treated. Early neotimal lesions were characterized by intimal thickening and the presence of SMCs. Neointima with smooth muscle alpha-actin negative were observed at 7 days after injured. These areas of neointima demonstrated a relatively high proliferation index by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody staining, whereas the proliferation index in media was low. Neointimal thickness was significantly increased at 4 weeks after injury in LPS treated animals compared with controls, from (151.2?14.5 to 173.9?15.3) ?m2. Activation of caspase-3 was observed, indicating that smooth muscle cells of neointima was associated with apoptosis. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed NF-?B expression located to the adventitia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that nonspecific stimulation of low-level LPS facilitates neointimal formation and may be an important factor in the restenosis of angioplasty.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the possible association between the gene ALOX5AP encoding 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP)and coronary artery disease(CAD)in the Han population of North China.METHODS:A total of 680 cases underwent selective coronary angiography(SCA)from Shenyang General Hospital of Chinese PLA was recruited from January 2006 to September 2007.According to the results of SCA.680 cases were divided into CAD group with angiography positive(n=336)and control group with angiography negative or the stenosis of coronary arteries<50%(n=344)without evidence of cardiac ischemia.Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ALOX5AP gene was screened in 48 unrelated Han individuals of North China by polymerase chain reaction fPCR)-Re-sequencing method and 7 polymorphisms were found.The genotype and allele distribution of T(-1340)G polymorphism between two groups was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment Iength polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)analysis in CAD and controI subjects.RESULTS:The genotype frequencies of TT,TG and GG in the ALOX5AP T(-1 340)G polymorphism were 26.79%,51 179%and 21.43%in CAD patients,33.72%,47.38%and 18.90%in the controls,respectively(x~2=3.90,P>0.06).The genotype distribution between two groups was in accordance with hardy-weinberg equilibrium.There are no significant differences in the distribution of three genotypes between the two groups.The frequencies of ALOX5AP G allele in cases and controls were 47.32%,42.59%,respectively(x~2=3.08,P>0.05).Subsequent stratified analysis by gender also showed no statistical significance in the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies between the two groups.CONCLUSION:The result suggests that T(-1340)G polymorphism of the ALOX5AP gene might not be associated with CAD in the Han population of North China.

Aim To determine the function of nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κB ) in immunological liver injury of rat model and its effect on CYP2E1 expression, content and metabolic activity. Methods The immunological liver injury rat model was prepared by injection of Ba-cillus Calmette Guérin ( BCG,125 mg · kg-1 ) for 14 days. The hepatic tissue injury was revealed by hema-toxylin and eosin ( HE ) method and serum concentra-tion of alanine aminotransferase( ALT) , aspartate ami-notransferase ( AST ) respectively. CYP450 total con-tent in hepatic homogenate was determined by spectro-photography. The expression of CYP2E1 protein was detected by Western blot analysis. The enzyme kinetics of CYP2 E1 probe drug chlorzoxazone was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC ) as-say. Results The results showed that BCG-pretreat-ment ( 125 mg · kg-1 ) significantly increased the weight of liver and spleen, serum levels of ALT and AST(P<0. 01) , and decreased CYP2E1 expression, content and metabolic activity ( P <0. 05 ) . Adminis-tration of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (50, 100, 200 mg·kg-1) reversed the a-bove hepatic injury stimulated by BCG in vivo. Moreo-ver, PDTC dose-dependently inhibited the down regu-lation of CYP2 E1 ( P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion Passiva-tion of NF-κB can inhibit the down regulation of CYP2 E1 in liver tissue of immunological liver injury rats;NF-κB may be involved in CYP2 E1 down-regula-tion.

Objective To explore neurocognitive characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients ,and to compare the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART ) among patients with different cognitive functions .Methods Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) Chinese version in 118 HIV-positive patients and 62 HIV-negative controls .Among 59 patients on HAART ,CD4 + T cell count and viral load were assessed at enrollment and one-year follow-up .The mean of measurement data was compared using t test ,and enumeration data was analyzed using chi-squared or Fisher exact test when appropriate .Univariate and multivariate analysis were examined using bivariate Logistic regression models .Results Compared with control group ,HIV-infected group was characterized by higher rate of neurocognitive impairment (46 .6% vs 12 .9% , t =20 .30 ,P< 0 .05) ,and generally lower MoCA subscores for visuospatial abilities ,the clock drawing test , naming ,attention ,abstraction and delayed recall (t= - 3 .761 , - 2 .638 , - 4 .263 , - 3 .769 , - 3 .858 and- 3 .111 ,respectively ,all P< 0 .05) .Among patients on HAART ,subjects who scored < 26 showed no significant differences in viral load at three time points (pre-HAART ,post-HAART at enrollment and one-year follow-up) with those who scored ≥ 26 (t = 0 .557 ,0 .737 and - 0 .758 ,respectively ,all P >0 .05) .The former group had lower CD4 + T cell counts both at enrollment ([286 ± 127]/μL vs [363 ± 160]/μL) and one-year follow-up ([334 ± 122]/μL vs [411 ± 152]/μL) than the latter group (t= - 2 .027 and - 2 .067 ,respectively ,both P < 0 .05 ) ,while there were no obvious differences of pretreatment CD4 + T cell counts ([135 ± 77]/μL vs [155 ± 80]/μL) and HAART duration ([22 .29 ± 21 .20] months vs [18 .74 ± 16 .63] months) between these two groups (t= - 0 .968 and 0 .702 ,respectively ,both P>0 .05) .Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR = 1 .044 ,95% CI :1 .008 - 1 .081 , P < 0 .05) and education time (OR = 0 .820 ,95% CI :0 .723 - 0 .930 , P < 0 .05 ) were independent predictors for neurocognitive impairment among HIV-infected patients . Conclusions Neurocognitive impairment is common among HIV-infected patients ,which is characterized by poor performance in multiple domains , and patients with neurocognitive impairment performed poorly in immune recovery .MoCA could be a useful screening tool of cognitive function in HIV-infected patients . Neurocognitive function has no relationship with pre- and post-treatment viral levels .

Objective:To establish cell lines stably expressing Rab5a and its the inactive mutant Rab5aN133I,analyze the effect of Rab5a on the expression of cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells .Methods:RAW264.7 cells were transfected with Rab5a and its inactive mutant vector Rab5a N133I separately,and then screened by G418.Rab5a stable expressing cell lines were identified by Real time-PCR.The growth of the stable cell lines was analyzed by MTT assay.After the stable cell lines were stimulated by LPS for different time periods,the expression of iNOS,TNF-αand IL-6 was detected.Results:Rab5a and Rab5aN133I transfection resulted in elevated Rab5a mRNA expression compared with the control cells ( P<0.05 ).Rab5a overexpression enhanced the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells.However,the proliferation of Rab5aN133I cells was significantly slower than the control cells ( P<0.05).Overexpression of Rab5a promoted LPS-induced production of iNOS,TNF-αand IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.01). Conversely,overexpression of Rab5aN133I abolished the stimulating effects of Rab5a.Conclusion: Rab5a promoted LPS-induced expression of iNOS,TNF-αand IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages in a GTP-binding ability-dependent manner.

Background: Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is a typical treatment for severe epigastric cancer pain, but the therapeutic effect is often affected by the variation of local anatomical structures induced by the tumor. Greater and lesser splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) had similar effects to the NCPB, and was recently performed with a paravertebral approach under the image guidance, or with the transdiscal approach under the guidance of computed tomography. This study observed the feasibility and safety of SNN via a transdiscal approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: The follow-up records of 34 patients with epigastric cancer pain who underwent the splanchnic nerve block via the T11-12 transdiscal approach under fluoroscopic guidance were investigated retrospectively. The numerical rating scale (NRS), the patient satisfaction scale (PSS) and quality of life (QOL) of the patient, the dose of morphine consumed, and the occurrence and severity of adverse events were recorded preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery. Results: Compared with the preoperative scores, the NRS scores and daily morphine consumption decreased and the QOL and PSS scores increased at each postoperative time point (P < 0.001). No patients experienced serious complications. Conclusions SNN via the transdiscal approach under flouroscopic guidance was an effective, safe, and easy operation for epigastric cancer pain, with fewer complications.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in seminal paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in infertile male patients and assess the clinical value of seminal PON-1 examination in the diagnosis of male infertility.

METHODSSeminal PON-1 activity was detected by spectrophotometric method in the semen samples from 270 infertile male patients and 50 health fertile males (control), and the semen parameters were analyzed using a computer-assisted semen analysis system.

RESULTSIn the male infertility group, seminal PON-1 activity was 1.22∓0.76 U/L in the patients with normal semen parameters and 0.64∓0.54 in the patients with abnormal semen parameters, both significantly lower than that of the control group (3.17∓0.89 U/L, P<0.01). In patients with asthenospermia, the declined sperm motility was associated with decreased seminal PON-1 activity, which showed significant differences between patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthenospermia. Seminal PON-1 activity was positively correlated with the percentage of sperm viability (P<0.01), but inversely with the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm (P<0.01). According to ROC curves, the area of seminal PON-1 activity under the curve was 0.907, showing a statistical significance (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe detection of seminal PON-1 activity can provide a laboratory evidence for the diagnosis of male infertility.

Adult ; Aryldialkylphosphatase ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Male ; Semen ; metabolism ; Semen Analysis ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the prevalence and epidemic characteristics of overweight, obesity, and central obesity in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Methods Multi-stage stratified random sampling method was conducted in Pudong New Area in 2013. Residents over 15 years old were randomly selected from 13 communities and participated in the cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information and physical examination, biochemical assays were also conducted. SPSS 20. 0 was used to analyze the results. Results The averagebodymassindexofparticipantswas(25.04±3.79)kg/m2andtheaveragewaistcircumferencewas(82.44± 9. 51) cm. The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 41. 67%, 17. 70%, and 31. 32%respectively. Standardized prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 34. 39%, 16. 96%, and 25. 66% respectively, according to 2010 national age composition of population. Statistically significant sex differences were found among the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central obesity groups(all P<0. 05). The prevalence of central obesity in female was raised by increasing age. Residents with hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic disorders had higher prevalences in overweight, obesity, and central obesity ( all P<0. 05). Conclusion The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity among the residents in Shanghai Pudong New Area were relatively high. Relevant risk factors should be explored to promote health education that may enhance people′s awareness of weight management.

In this study, eight-month-old ectomycorrhizae of Tuber borchii with Corylus avellana were synthesized to explore the influence of T. borchii colonization on the soil properties and the microbial communities associated with C. avellana during the early symbiotic stage. The results showed that the bacterial richness and diversity in the ectomycorrhizae were significantly higher than those in the control roots, whereas the fungal diversity was not changed in response to T. borchii colonization. Tuber was the dominant taxon (82.97%) in ectomycorrhizae. Some pathogenic fungi, including Ilyonectria and Podospora, and other competitive mycorrhizal fungi, such as Hymenochaete, had significantly lower abundance in the T. borchii inoculation treatment. It was found that the ectomycorrhizae of C. avellana contained some more abundant bacterial genera (e.g., Rhizobium, Pedomicrobium, Ilumatobacter, Streptomyces, and Geobacillus) and fungal genera (e.g., Trechispora and Humicola) than the control roots. The properties of rhizosphere soils were also changed by T. borchii colonization, like available nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable magnesium, which indicated a feedback effect of mycorrhizal synthesis on soil properties. Overall, this work highlighted the interactions between the symbionts and the microbes present in the host, which shed light on our understanding of the ecological functions of T. borchii and facilitate its commercial cultivation.
Colon ; Corylus ; Fungi ; Magnesium ; Mycorrhizae ; Nitrogen ; Phosphorus ; Podospora ; Rhizobium ; Rhizosphere ; Soil ; Streptomyces

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognosis of older human immunodeficiency virus (HIV )-infected patients under antiretroviral therapy (ART ) in China .Methods This study was carried out in a retrospective cohort of HIV-infected patients initiated ART between January 2004 and December 2012 at The First Affiliated Hospital ,China Medical University .The patients were enrolled and divided into two groups ,including <50 years group (young and middle-aged group) and≥50 years group (older group) .Immunological and virological responses and mortality were analyzed . Data were analyzed by t test ,chi-square test ,two-way analysis of variance and log-rank test .Results Totally 291 subjects were included ,among whom 97 subjects were older patients and 194 subjects were young and middle-aged patients .Male was predominate in both groups ,which accounted for 91 .8％ and 87 .6％ ,respectively .The CD4+ T lymphocyte count in the older group before treatment was (151 .9 ±96 .2) cells /μL ,which was significantly lower than that in the young and middle-aged group (183 .4 ± 93 . 5) cells/μL (t= 2 .657 , P=0 .009) .At month 12 of treatment ,the CD4+ T lymphocyte count in the older group was significantly lower than that in the young and middle-aged groups (t= 2 .120 , P=0 .035) ,while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at month 24 (t=1 .025 ,P=0 .299) .The percentage of CD4+ T lymphocyte count increasing to 500 cells/μL in the older and youth groups during follow-up were 11 .3％ and 16 .0％ ,respectively (χ2=1 .127 ,P =0 .376) .Log-rank analysis showed that the mean times of virus inhibition in older group and young and middle-aged group were 7 .9 (95％ CI:6 .8-8 .5) and 7 .6 (95％ CI:6 .5 -9 .3) ,respectively ,with no statistically significant difference (χ2 =0 .002 , P=0 .961) .Virological failure was reported in 4 patients (4 .1％ ) in older group and 11 patients (5 .7％ ) in young and middle-aged group . Chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 0 .15 , P= 0 .78) .During follow-up , 19 .6％ (19/97) in older group and 3 .6％ (7/194) in young and middle-aged group died .The former was significantly higher than the latter (χ2 = 21 .113 , P< 0 .01 ) .Conclusions Older patients show a poor immunologic response ,similar viral suppression and higher risk of mortality compared with young and middle-aged patients . Future research should be aimed at the feasible and specific strategy for early diagnosis and timely treatment for older patients to improve treatment efficacy and reduce mortality .