Adolescent ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Endocrine System Diseases ; etiology ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Infant ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of metformin therapy on obese nondiabetic children with hyperinsulinemia.Methods Twenty-two obese nondiabetic children with hyperinsulinemia were divided into two groups:control group(dietary counseling and exercise) and treatment group(dietary counseling and exercise combined with metformin).The changes of body mass index(BMI),fasting glucose(FPG),fasting insulin(FINS),insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),2 h PG,2 h INS,total cholesterol(TC) and triglyceride(TG),before and after treatment were determined,and the findings were compared and analyzed.Results After treatment,there were significant differences in BMI,TC,FINS,HOMA-IR levels(P0.05),except the BMI(P

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a pathological process correlated with multiple disease causes and actively regulated by cardiac valve cells. In this study, porcine aortic valve myofibroblasts cultured in vitro were treated with 50 μg z L(-1) of pathological factor tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Tanshinone II A (TSN) with the concentration of 50 mg x L(-1) and TNF-α were combined in incubating cells for 72 h (3 d) and 120 h (5 d). The Western blotting and Real-time PCR were adopted to detect the changes in smooth muscle α actin (α-SMA), bone morphogenetic protein 2 ( BMP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in cells, and expressions of key effect proteins GSK-3β and β-catenin on Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. According to the findings, TNF-α can significantly increase the expression of myofibroblasts α-SMA and add the transformation activity to them, with nearly no expression of BMP2, ALP and mRNA in the control group and the TSN group but significant increase in their expressions in the TNF-α group (P < 0.01), which showed osteoblast-like phenotype. Moreover, TNF-α down-regulated the expression of up-streaming regulator GSK-3β and mRNA expression (P < 0. 01) , notably increased the expression of key effect protein β-catenin, but with no significant difference in mRNA with the control group and the TSN group. The result demonstrated that TSN showed a certain inhibitory effect on TNF-α's pathological impact (P < 0.05) in a time-dependent manner. Inflammatory factor TNF-α may promote the transformation of aortic valvular myofibroblasts to osteoblast-like phenotype by activating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in aortic valvular myofibroblasts, so as to cause AVC. Tanshinone II A can have a preventive effect in AVC by activating GSK-3β proteins and regulating signal transduction of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
Animals ; Aortic Valve ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Myofibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Swine ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; genetics ; metabolism

The two verities of Crgptococcus neoforinans were first observed as well growing with brown color changes on Guizotia abyssinica seed agar(GASA)and caffeic acid commeal agar(CACA.Then,C.neoformans var.neoformans was found in 18/26 pigeon droppings by both two media.C.neoformans var.gattii was not isolated by the two media in 76 Eucalyptus camaldulensis samples.However,an,overgrowth of filamentous fungus was more frequently seen on GASA.Our results suggest that CACA be capable of selevtively isolating C.neoformans with the advantages of less interference fron the overgrowth of filamentous fungi.

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects of the circumcision stapler, circumcision cerclage, and traditional circumcision in the treatment of phimosis and redundant prepuce.

METHODSUsing the circumcision stapler (group A), foreskin cerclage (group B), and traditional circumcision (group C), we treated 276 patients with phimosis or redundant prepuce. We made comparisons among the three groups in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and 24-hour postoperative pain scores, and incidence of postoperative complications. Results: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative pain score were (6.52 ± 2.45) min, (1.93 ± 0.82) ml, and 1.37 ± 0.68 in group A and (7.24 ± 1.86) min, (1.51 ± 0.72) ml, and 1.20 ± 0.79 in group B, all significantly lower than (28. 36 ± 4.22) min, (9.52 ± 3.29) ml, and 3.06 ± 0.75 in group C (P <0.05). The 24-hour postoperative pain score was remarkably higher in group B than in A and C (3. 18 ± 0. 82 vs 1. 85 ± 0. 63 and 1. 82 ± 0. 75, P <0. 05). The incidence rate of postoperative complications was markedly lower in group A than in B (5. 43% vs 14. 13%, P < 0.05), but with no significant differences between either A and C or B and C (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe circumcision stapler, with its advantages of simple operation, minimal invasiveness, fewer complications, and better cosmetic result, deserves a wider clinical application.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; Circumcision, Male ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Foreskin ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Pain Measurement ; Pain, Postoperative ; diagnosis ; Penis ; abnormalities ; Phimosis ; therapy ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period

OBJECTIVETo measure simultaneously the time course for the circadian rhythm of brown adipose tissue(BAT) thermogenesis and core temperature, and analyzing their temporal relationship.

METHODSThe circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tc), BAT temperature (T(BAT)), axillary temperature (Tax) and motor activity were simultaneously measured by telemetry in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C during a 12-h light:12-h dark photoperiod (lights on at 06:00 h and lights off at 18:00 h).

RESULTS(1) T(BAT) was 0.67 degrees C lower than Tc group under the light phase, but it was similar to that Tc during the dark phase. The rate of increase in T(BAT) was higher than corresponding increases in Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase, and increase in T(BAT) commenced approximately 8 min before Tc increases. Whereas at the start of transition from the dark to light phase, decrease in T(BAT) commenced approximately 4 min before Tc decreases. (2) The amplitude of the circadian Tax rhythm was similar to that of Tc. During either the light phase or dark phase, Tax was lower than simultaneous measurement of Tc. (3) Increases in behavioral activity commenced before increases in T(BAT) and Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase.

CONCLUSIONBAT thermogenesis contributes to increase in core temperature during the dark phase, indicating that circadian changes of BAT thermogenesis does indeed play significant role in the overall maintenance of the circadian rhythm of core temperature.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; Body Temperature ; physiology ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telemetry ; methods ; Thermogenesis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether Candida albicans-native phospholipomannan (PLM) induce an inflammation response through Toll-like receptor(TLRé2 in human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) cells.

METHODSHuman THP-1 monocytes were challenged with PLM in vitro. The mRNA expressions of TLR2, TLR4, proinflammatory cytokine [interleukin(IL)-6], and chemokine (IL-8) were assayed by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The secretions of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of TLR2 was analyzed with Western blot.

RESULTSPLM increased the mRNA expressions and secretions of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and chemokines (IL-8) in THP-1 cells (all P=0.0000). PLM up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR2 (P=0.0000), whereas the mRNA level of TLR4 was not altered. PLM hydrolyzed with β-D-mannoside manno hydrolase failed to induce gene and protein expressions of TLR2, IL-6, and IL-8. Anti-TLRS-neutralizing antibody blocked the PLM-induced secretions of IL-6 and IL-8 in THP-1 cells (P = 0.0003, P = 0.0010).

CONCLUSIONCanidada albicans-native PLM may contribute to the inflammatory responses during Candida infection in a TLR2-dependent manner.

Candida albicans ; chemistry ; Cells, Cultured ; Glycolipids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct an animal model infected by Trichophyton rubrum.

METHODSThree different strains of Trichophyton rubrum were separated from clinical specimen for the infection of guinea pigs. Corticosteroids were given before and after the construction of animal model to facilitate the infection. Direct microscopy, culture, and histopathologic methods were adopted to verify the construction.

RESULTSTen days after the inoculation of Trichophyton rubrum, with the intervention of corticosteroid, the guinea pigs were examined. Prominent scales and inflammation could be seen on the inoculation site of the Trichophyton rubrum infected guinea pig. Scales and hairs of Trichophyton rubrum infected guinea pig dealt with 10% potassium hydroxide, hypha out of the hair and microconidia or hypha in the hair shaft could be seen. Seven days after the inoculation of scales and hair on SDA plate, cultures of Trichophyton rubrum showed that the colonial morphology were identical to the original dermatophytes. PAS staining of infected guinea pig skin tissue showed that hypha and microconidia could be seen in the infundibula and hair root.

CONCLUSIONWith the intervention of corticosteroid, a stable guinea pig model infected by Trichophyton rubrum were successfully constructed.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Humans ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Tinea ; immunology ; microbiology ; Trichophyton ; pathogenicity ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of oxotremorine in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced hypothermia and its effects on the behavioral thermoregulatory response.

METHODSCore temperature (Tc), brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature and motor activities were monitored in undisturbed female SD rats using radiotelemetry. The behavioral thermoregulatory response was monitored in rats using radiotelemetric temperature gradient apparatus. Effect of AVP (10 microg/kg) and oxotremorine (0.25 mg/kg) on Tc, motor activities, BAT temperature (T(BAT)), grooming activities and the behavioral thermoregulatory response were observed in rats.

RESULTSAdministration of AVP and oxotremorine caused a significant drop in Tc, T(BAT), and an increases in grooming activities, respectively. The hypothermic responses were accompanied with a preference for cooler ambient temperature. Oxotremorine augmented the reduction of Tc, T(BAT), and the elevation of grooming activities resulting from AVP, and lasting a longer time. Administration of oxotremorine followed immediately by AVP injection in rats was also shown to induce a preference for cooler ambient temperature, but there was no significant difference compared with AVP.

CONCLUSIONAVP-induced hypothermia was related with the set point temperature reduction, inhibiton of BAT thermogenesis and an increases in grooming activities. Oxotremorine could participate in peripheral AVP-induced hypothermia by affecting BAT thermogenesis and behavioral thermoregulation.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; drug effects ; physiology ; Animals ; Arginine Vasopressin ; pharmacology ; Behavior, Animal ; Body Temperature Regulation ; Female ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Oxotremorine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the co-culture of keratinocytes with Malassezia isolates which cause the pityriasis versicolor with different color and to analyze the changes of cytokines associated with melanogenesis.

METHODSThe effects of Malassezia species with different proportions on the growth rate of keratinocytes was assessed with 5 g/L methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Co-culture of keratinocytes and Malassezia species were performed with isolates from hyer- and hypo-pigmentation areas of pityriasis versicolor. The supernatants were collected at different time points, and the changes of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), nerve growth factor-beta (NGF-beta), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), stem cell factor (SCF) were recorded. Three control groups were established accordingly.

RESULTSWhen the ratio between keratinocytes and Malassezia species was lower than 1: 10, the growth rate of keratinocytes was not affected by Malassezia (P > 0.05). When the ratio was increased above 1:20, the growth rate of keratinocytes was significantly inhibited by Malassezia (P < 0.01). The secretions of IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and ET-1 was significantly increased after the co-culture of keratinocytes and Malassezia (P < 0.01), while those of b-FGF, NGF-beta, and SCF had no significant changes (P > 0.05). Compared with the isolates from the hypo-pigmentation area, ET-1 induced by isolate from hyperpigmentation area significantly increased (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONWhen Malassezia isolates are co-cultured with keratinocytes, the secretions of cytokines associated with melanogenesis may differ from each other. ET-1 may play certain role in the hyper-pigmentation of pityriasis versicolor.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Malassezia ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Melanins ; biosynthesis ; Tinea Versicolor ; microbiology