Background The visual system of animal have to optimally adjust in various environmental conditions in order to obtain stable and effective visual funetion.However,the color vision system of animals which encounter uncertainty of spectral signals should be plastic.Whether the densities of various cones and expression of opsins change with long-time spectral deprivation is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the changes of cone density as well as the expression of corresponding opsin and mRNA following the long-term illumination of monochromatic light.Methods Thirty 3-day-old guinea pigs were randomized into 3 groups and exposed tO the 530 nm green light,400 nm purple light and white light for consecutive 8 weeks respectively.The flat-mounted retinal sample was prepared and divided into dorsal zone,ventral zone and mixed zone anatomically according to the distribution of difierent light-sensitive cone.The changes in density of cone cells sensitivited to different colored light were detected by single-1abel or double-label immunocytochemistry.The levels of opsin and its mRNA were determined using Western-blot and real-time PCR respectively.Results The density of green-sensitivity cones was significantly different in the dorsal zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group (F=234.28,P<0.01).Compared with white light group,the density of green-sensitive cones in dorsal retina of green light group was obviously higher but that of purple light group wag evidently lower(q=389.68,P<0.01；q=67.11,P<0.01).No significant difference was found in the density of purple-sensitive cones in the ventral zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group(F=3.14,P>0.05).The density of coexpression of the mixed cone cells was increased in green light group(q=157.55,P<0.01)but decreased in purple light roup (q=254.85,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.The expression levels of green-opsin and green-opsin mRNA in green light group was significantly elevated(q=184.45,P<0.01；q=4.71,P<0.05),but those of purple light group were evidently declined(q=5.87,P<0.05；q=346.66,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.There was no statistically significant differences were found in the expression of purple-opsin and its mRNA among all the groups(F=1.24,P>0.05；F=3.27,P>0.05).Conclusion After the exposure of long-time monochromatic light illumination,monochromatic cones density and its opsin in guinea pig occur the corresponding alteration to gain good spatial vision as a compensatory reaction.These outcomes imply that there is some plasticity during the development of color vision.The increase of green-sensitive cones might be from the differentiation of coexpression cones in transition region.

Child, Preschool ; Coronary Aneurysm ; etiology ; pathology ; Coronary Vessels ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; complications ; pathology

Objective To summarize the management of scrotal gangrene.Methods Totally,14 male patients (mean age,48 years;age range,27-74 years) with scrotal gangrene were treated from August 2003 to June 2005.Among these patients,scrotal gangrene was complicated by perianal and penile gangrene in 2 cases;by perianal,penile and inguinal gangrene in 10 cases;by perianal,penile,inguinal gangrene and abdominal subcutaneous gangrene in 2 cases.Three cases had concomitantly necrosis of the penis;and 5 ca- ses,orchitis.Bacterial cultures were performed in all 14 cases with the positive results.All patients underwent surgical treatment,including PhaseⅠincisions,aggressive debridement,drainage,irrigation,and scrotoplas- ty.After operation they received antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.Three cases of penile necrosis underwent complete penis amputation and transplanting the urethra before the anus.Five cases of orchitis un- derwent unilateral orchiectomy.Two cases of abdominal gangrene underwent surgical subcutaneous treatment, including incision,aggressive debridement,drainage,and irrigation.Results Twelve cases undergoing scrotoplasty achieved PhaseⅠhealing.Two cases undergoing urethral fistulation recovered well.Ten cases of penile skin gangrene received penile dermatoplasty 1 month later,and then recovered.Two cases who had al- ready had AIDS died 2 or 3 d after operation.Conclusions The management of scrotal gangrene primarily consists of early and aggressive debridement,antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.The PhaseⅠde- bridement and scrotoplasty as well as drainage are effective for the treatment of scrotal gangrene.

Objective To explore the associations between microsatellites in gonadal receptor genes and dysfunctional attitudes in adolescent with major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods Polymerase chain reaction(PCR),capillary electrophoresis and genetic scanning were performed in testing the length of microsatellites in first-onset adolescent depressive patients.Dysfunctional attitudes scale(DAS) was used in rating the dysfunctional cognition of adolescent depressive sample.These results were tested by correlative analysis and comparison analysis.Results 1.There existed significantly negative correlation between microsatellite′s length in estrogen receptor ?(ER?) gene and total score of DAS in female adolescent patients with first-onset depressive disorder.2.DAS′ total score of shorter alleles′ group was significantly higher than that of longer alleles′ group on female′ estrogen receptor ?(ER?) Gene.Conclusion The microsatellite′s length of ER? and ER? gene may have associations with dysfunctional attitudes of female adolescent with MDD.

In order to provide a scientific basis for the establishment of a Daphnes Cortex medicinal material fungus library and the screening of endophytic fungi that promote the growth of Daphnes Cortex and increase the content of daphnetin, we used Illumina high-throughput testing technology to analyze 9 Daphnes Cortex samples from Gansu and Shanxi provinces. A total of 632 766 valid sequences were obtained, including 348 OTUs, 4 phyla, 20 classes, 48 orders, 108 families, 154 genera, and 208 species. The sum of the first 3 fungal genera account for more than 65% of the total abundance, with the highest reaching 98.4%. Alternaria and Phoma are the main genuses of Daphne giraldii Nitsche, and Altemaria is the dominant genus. The endophytic fungi community of Daphnes Cortex is rich in diversity, and the order of fungal diversity in different producing areas is: Gangu County > Wutai County > Tanchang County.

The purpose of this study is to identify the electrical activity of neuron, the existence of the transition from bursting pattern to spiking pattern and the ion mechanism of the bursting pattern. The intracellular electrical activity patterns of single neurons in the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of crayfish were recorded when the extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) or calcium-dependent potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium concentration ([TEA](o)) were changed, using intracellular recording method. These single neurons were also functionally isolated from the ganglion by application of atropine and picrotoxin which could block the inhibitory acetylcholine synapses and glutamatergic synapses respectively. When [Ca(2+)](o) was decreased by increasing EGTA, the membrane potential of the neuron was increased, and the electrical activity patterns were changed from the resting state with lower potential value (resting state of polarization) to the bursting pattern firstly, and then to the spiking pattern, at last to the resting state with higher potential value (resting state of depolarization). When [TEA](o) was increased, the membrane potential of the neuron was increased, and the electrical activity pattern was changed from the resting state with lower potential value (resting state of polarization) to the bursting pattern firstly, and then to the spiking pattern. The duration of the burst of the bursting pattern was increased. When [Ca(2+)](o) was increased or [TEA](o) was decreased, an inverse procedure of the electrical activity pattern was exhibited. On one hand, the results indicate that a single neuron can generate various electrical activity patterns corresponding to different physiological conditions, and the regularity of the transitions between different electrical activity patterns. On the other hand, the results identify that the initiation and termination of the burst in bursting pattern are determined by calcium-activated potassium conductance, which is adjusted by intracellular calcium concentration influenced by inward calcium current. It may be the ionic mechanism of generation of the bursting pattern in a single neuron.
Action Potentials ; physiology ; Animals ; Astacoidea ; physiology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channels ; metabolism ; Ganglia, Invertebrate ; physiology ; Neurons ; physiology ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of real-time RT-PCR of housekeeping mRNA degradation in dead rats in order to seek new suitable techniques for post-mortem interval (PMI). METHODS: The levels of GAPDH mRNA and beta-actin mRNA in the brain and spleen of the rats were measured at different times after death by the SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR. The relative mRNA level was indicated with the Ct value, then the relationship between the Ct value and PMI were analyzed and the corresponding regression equation was obtained. RESULTS: The Ct values of GAPDH mRNA and beta-actin mRNA by SYBR Green I real time RT-PCR correlated well with the PMI. CONCLUSION The SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR is a reliable technique for studying mRNA degradation. Adoption of the housekeeping genes eliminates systematical errors of other genes which have individual difference. As an objective and dynamic indication, Ct value has a good correlation with PMI, and could be applied for estimating PMI, especially in late period.
Actins/genetics* ; Animals ; Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases/genetics* ; Postmortem Changes ; RNA Stability/genetics* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo discuss the perioperative management of hemophiliacs A with orthopaedic complications.

METHODSTo regulate the injection of factor VIII concentrate in peroperative period by testing the level of factor VIII:C in 27 cases. The lever of factor VIII:C was improved to 30% - 50% at the day before the operation. To the severe patients, it was maintained at 58.5% - 89.3% during the operation and at 47.0% - 78.4% in postoperation. While to the gentle, it was maintained at 38.5% - 52.5% during the operation and at 29.2% - 52.3% in postoperation. The individualized surgical procedures were carried out, such as arthrocentesis, open knee synovectomy or arthroscopic synovectomy, evacuation or curettage of haematoma, debridements, internal fixation.

RESULTSAll patients were cured in 14 - 105 days by regulating the injection of factor VIII during the peroperative period. The usage of factor VIII was 1 200 - 70 250 IU.

CONCLUSIONWhile the hemophiliacs have orthopaedic complications, it is necessary to promise the factor VIII:C being maintained at the lever of hemostasis during the peroperative period. The hemophiliacs are endurable to the operation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Factor VIII ; administration & dosage ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; surgery ; Hemarthrosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Hematoma ; etiology ; surgery ; Hemophilia A ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Perioperative Care ; Postoperative Complications ; blood

BACKGROUNDHemangiopericytomas (HPCs) have a relentless tendency for local recurrence and metastases, differentiating between benign meningiomas and HPCs before surgery is important for both treatment planning and the prognosis appraisal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations between CT perfusion parameters and microvessel density (MVD) in extra-axial tumors and the possible role of CT perfusion imaging in preoperatively differentiating benign meningiomas and HPCs.

METHODSSeventeen patients with benign meningiomas and peritumoral edema, 12 patients with HPCs and peritumoral edema underwent 64-slice CT perfusion imaging pre-operation. Perfusion was calculated using the Patlak method. The quantitative parameters, include cerebral blood volume (CBV), permeability surface (PS) of parenchyma, peritumoral edema among benign meningiomas and HPCs were compared respectively. CBV and PS in parenchyma, peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were also compared to that of the contrallateral normal white matter respectively. The correlations between CBV, PS of tumoral parenchyma and MVD were examined.

RESULTSThe value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05), while the values of CBV and PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly different (P > 0.05). MVD in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between CBV and MVD (r = 0.648, P < 0.05), PS and MVD (r = 0.541, P < 0.05) respectively. Furthermore, the value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly higher than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), the value of CBV in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly lower than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), while the value of PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly different with that of contrallateral normal white matter (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCT perfusion imaging can provide critical information on the vascularity of HPC and benign meningiomas. Determination of maximal CBV and corresponding PS values in the parenchyma may be useful in the preoperative differentiating HPC from benign meningiomas.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hemangiopericytoma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Meningioma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore whether daunorubicin (DNR) combined with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and DNR alone have similar effect on acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line NB4 and acute myeloblastic leukemia cell line HL-60 in vitro.

METHODSCell morphology, cells viability, and cell apoptosis (Annexin-V by flow cytometry assay) were analysed.

RESULTSAfter incubation with DNR plus Ara-C for 24 hours,NB4 cell viability [(36.75 +/- 3.82)%] (n = 6) and cell apoptosis rate [(21.24 +/- 5.82)%] (n = 3) did not change significantly compared to that treated with DNR alone for 24 hours [(35.73 + 6.28 )%, (22.55 +/- 3.26)%, respectively] (P > 0.05). However, HL-60 cell viability [(67.17 +/- 2.07)%] and cell apoptosis rate [(48.05 +/- 0.92)%] changed significantly in DNR plus Ara-C group compared with DNR alone [(63.31 +/- 1.80)% ,(41.51 +/- 0.89)%, respectively] (P < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONDNR plus Ara-C and DNR alone have similar effect on NB4 cells, but have different effect on HL-60 cells.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cytarabine ; pharmacology ; Daunorubicin ; pharmacology ; HL-60 Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; pathology