Objective: To study the relationship of folic acid, homocysteine with pancreatic cancer. Methods: A case-control study was performed in which the case group was defined as patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer and the control group were population-based healthy individuals. ELISA assay was used to determine the plasma levels of folic acid, homocysteine, vitamine B6 and vitamine B12 in all the subjects. The general information (such as demology data, smoking history, diet, etc) was collected by face to face talking using a standard questionnaire. Univariate analyses were performed using Chi-square tests for norminal variables and unpair t-tests for continuous variables. The variables with a P value no more than 0.25 in univariate analyses were selected as candidate variables for a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Forty-two patients with pancreatic cancer and 42 healthy individuals were included in the present study. The results of univariate analyses showed that the plasma folic acid, homocysteine, vitamine B12 and vitamine B6 were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05); they were potentially associated with pancreatic cancer (P<0.25), but were not significant risk factors (P>0.05). The consumptions of vegetables, fruits, white meat and milk in case group was significantly less in the pancreatic cancer group than in the control group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratios (95% CI) of plasma folic acid, vitamin B6, and homocysteine for pancreatic cancer were 0.571 (0.383-0.851), 0.750 (0.557-1.011), and 1.514 (0.986-2.326), respectively. Conclusion: Increased plasma folic acid can decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer. Plasma vitamin B6 might be a protective factor and homocysteine might be a risk factor of pancreatic cancer.

Objective To explorethe relationship between urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and blood pressure of young migrant builders in Shanghai. Methods A total of 3 195 builders (age ranged from 18 to 50) were selected from migrant builders of Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. by using random clustersampling method. They were subjected to questionnaire interview, physical examination, and biochemical tests, including UACR, renal function, serum uric acid, serum lipid, and serum glucose. The participants were divided into 4 groups (I, II, III, and IV) according to the levels of UACR, and the ordinal multinomial logistic regression model was employed todetermine the relationship between UACR levels and blood pressure grouping (normal, pre-hypertension, and hypertension). Results Among the 3 195 builders, 3 112 (97. 4%) finished interview. The UACR (median [Q1-Q3]) levels and high-UACR ratio for the normal, pre-hypertension and hypertension groups were 0. 8 (0. 6-1. 2) mg/mmol, 0. 9 (0.7-1. 4) mg/mmol, and 1. 0 (0.8-1. 7) mg/mmol, and 6. 8%, 8. 0%, and 15. 6 %, respectively, with significant differences for both UACR levels and high-UARC ratios (P<0. 05) among the 3 blood pressure groups. According to the 25%, 50%, and 75% quartiles of UACR values, builders were classified into 4 groups. After adjustment of the other factors such as age, the average systolic pressures of the I, II, III, and IV UACR groups were (126. 8± 13. 3), (127. 9 ± 14. 2), (129.9 ± 14. 4), and(134. 2 ± 19. 0) mmHg (1 mmHg= 0. 133 kPa), and the average diastolic pressures of the 4 groups were (77. 6±9. 7), (78. 8±9. 2), (79. 2 ± 10. 4), and (81. 8 ± 12. 5) mmHg, respectively. UACR was positively correlated with both the average systolic pressures and diastolic pressures (P<0. 05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting the factors such as age, body mass index, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) of pre-hypertension and/or hypertension, compared with I group, were 0. 98 (0. 80-1. 20), 1. 29 (1. 05-1. 58), and 1. 86 (1. 52-2. 28) for II, III, and IV groups, respectively. Conclusion The UACR is positively correlated with pre-hypertension and hypertension among young migrant builders in Shanghai.

Objective To study the changes and significance of Bid gene expression in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal rats.Methods The animal models of HIBD were made. Total RNA from ipsilateral cerebral hemisph ere was extracted.RT-PCR was used to evaluate the levels of Bid gene expression at different time points after hypoxic-ischemic. Results The levels of Bid mRNA were higher in HIBD rats than those in normal rats.The ex pression of Bid mRNA in ipsilateral hemiphere following cerebral hypoxic-ischem ic began to increase at 6 h, increased to the highest level at 24 h, and then gr adually returned.Conclusion The upregulation of Bid mRNA can play a role in the induction of apoptosis fol lowing cerebral hypoxic-ischemic. J Appl Clin Pediatr,2005,20(2):121-122

Objective To investigate the bid gene expression and cell death in brain after cerebral hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats and the effects of dexamethasone(DEX)on bid gene expression,so as to elucidate the possible mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of DEX pretreatment on rats following cerebral hypoxia-ischemia.Methods Twenty-four SD neonatal rats were divided randomly into hypoxia-ischemia brain damage(HIBD),normal,dexamethasone-pretreated and 9 g/L NaCl(NS)control group.The animal models of HIBD were made.Total RNA from ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere was extracted.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to evaluate the level of bid gene expression after hypoxia-ischemia.Cerebral apoptosis was determined by terminal-deoxynucleotidy transferase mediated d-UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL).Results The levels of bid mRNA were higher in HIBD rats than those in normal rats.The number of positive apoptosis cells significantly increased in HIBD group(P

Objective To explore the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1(cIAP1)gene expression and Caspase-3 activity in brain after cerebral hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats and the influence of dexamethasone(DEX)on cIAP1 gene expression and Caspase-3 activity,so as to elucidate the possible mechanism of the neuro-protective effect of DEX pretreatment on rats following cerebral hypoxia-ischemia.Methods Twenty-four SD neonatal rats were divided randomly into hypoxic-ischemic brain damage group(HIBD group),normal group(NS group),dexamethasone-pretreated group(DEX group)and 9 g/L NaCl control group(NS group).The animal models of HIBD were made.Total RNA from ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere was extracted.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to evaluate the level of cIAP1 gene expression after hypoxia-ischemia.Caspase-3 relative activity of brain tissue was determined by colorimetric assay.Results The levels of cIAP1 mRNA were lower in HIBD group than those in NS group.Caspase-3 relative activity significantly increased in HIBD group(P

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Danggui Yinzi (DY) on delayed allergy in model mice with qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS).

METHODSQBDS model was established in 48 Kuming mice of SPF grade by using reserpine and acetophenone hydrazine. Forty of them were then randomly divided into the model group, the loratadine group, the high dose DY group, the middle dose DY group, and the low dose DY group, 8 in each group. Another 8 in line with the same standard were recruited as a blank group. Mice in high, middle, and low dose DY groups were administered with DY concentrated solution at 60, 30, 15 g/kg by gastrogavage. Mice in the loratadine group were administered with loratadine solution at 1.66 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to mice in the model group and the blank group by gastrogavage. All medication was given once per day for 1 successive week. Except those in the blank group, the rest mice were evenly smeared with 1% DNCB solution on the abdomen. Five days after skin allergy, 1% DNCB solution was smeared to right ear of all mice to stimulate allergic reaction. Mice in the blank group were smeared in the same way without allergenic reaction. The auricle swelling and the inhibition ratio were determined at 24 h after attack. Blood was collected from orbit and serum IgE level detected using double-antibody sandwich ELISA.

RESULTSCompared with the blank group, auricle swelling obviously increased and serum IgE level was obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, auricle swelling obviously decreased and serum IgE level was obviously reduced in the 3 dose DY groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the auricle swelling degree was superior in high and middle dose DY groups to that in the loratadine group (P < 0.05). The inhibition ratio of auricle swelling was sequenced from high to low as 67.3% in the high dose DY group, 56.0% in the middle dose DY group, 48.1% in the low dose DY group, 47.3% in the loratadine group.

CONCLUSIONSDY could inhibit auricle swelling and lower serum IgE level. It also could inhibit delayed allergic reaction in model mice with QBDS to some extent.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Edema ; drug therapy ; Hypersensitivity, Delayed ; drug therapy ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Loratadine ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Qi ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution and drug resistance of the isolated bacteria from children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Dalian.

METHODSBetween January 2006 and February 2007, 930 children with ARI were enrolled, including 364 with acute upper respiratory infection (AURI), and 566 with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). The AURI children, who did not receive antimicrobial agent treatment or received oral antimicrobial agents 1-2 times, had bacterial cultures of pharyngeal swab. The ALRI children, who received intravenous antibacterial agents more than 3 days, had bacterial cultures of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Isolated bacteria were identified by the ATB system (Bio-Merieux, France). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by means of Kirby-bauer.

RESULTSA total of 404 isolates (43.4%) were identified. Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 22.5%, 12.1% and 7.4% respectively. In the isolates from AURI, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 43.9%, 22.0% and 9.1% respectively; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Nonfermenters accounted for 4.5%, 8.3% and 3.0% respectively. In the isolates from ALRI, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 12.1%, 7.4% and 6.6% respectively; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Nonfermenters accounted for 16.9%, 13.2% and 21.8% respectively. The resistant rates of Haemophilus to ampicillin and TMP-SMZ were 29.3% and 32.9% respectively, and to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefalotin, cefaclor, cefuroxime and cefotaxime were 12.1%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 11.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The resistant rate of Haemophilus to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefaclor, tetracycine and TMP-SMZ in the ALRI group were significantly higher than that in the AURI group (P<0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSIn Dalian, Haemophilus was the main isolate of children with ARI. The distribution of bacteria was different between ALRI and AURI. In ALRI, Gram-negative bacilli were in a higher proportion, and the resistant rates of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefaclor were higher.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology

Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism(SSCP) is an effect method for investigating environment microbial genetic polymorphism, with its characterization of rapidness, simplicity, and sensitivity. However, many factors can influence the results of SSCP in the analysis of complex environment samples, and its optimization is highly needed. In this paper, optimal PCR-SSCP conditions were discussed based on PAGE concentration, formamide deionized in denaturing loading buffer, electrophoresis time and temperature. The resluts showed that the optimal conditions were as follows: 16S rDNA V1~V3 was selected as the targeted gene, the ratio of acrylamide to N, N-dimethylacrylamide in 12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE)gel was 49:1, the ratio of formamide deionized in denaturing loading buffer was 1:3, running the SSCP gel at 300 V for 18 h (under 4 ℃). Aside from this, the validations using samples from a simultaneous desulfurification and denitrification bioreactor were conducted under this optimal conditions.

OBJECTIVETo examine the effect of multiple micronutrients supplementation on anti-oxidative activity and decreasing oxidized DNA damage of lymphocytes in Chinese children.

METHODS82 healthy children in a rural areas, aged 9-11 years, were selected and randomized allocated into group receiving supplements and control group with each of them 41. 24-hour dietary recall was used to collect data on daily nutrient intakes of the research subjects. The subjects in the supplement group were given vitamin A (VA) 600 microg, beta-carotene (beta-C) 1.0 mg, vitamin E (VE) 100 mg, vitamin C (VC) 300 mg and Na2SeO3(Se) 200 microg in a tablet on daily base while those in the control group took a same-sized color placebo tablet. The trial lasted 8 weeks. 5 ml blood samples from each subject were taken during 7 to 9 o'clock in the morning. DNA damage of lymphocytes and levels of plasma VA, VE, VC, beta-C, Se, malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were then analyzed twice before and after the 8-week of trial.

RESULTSThe low intakes of VA, VC and Se only accounted for 50.6%, 65.6% and 67.3% of their recommended nutrient intake (RNI) respectively. After the trial, levels of plasma beta-C, VA, VE, VC and Se in the supplemented group increased by 13.4%, 32.8%, 11.5%, 46.9% and 24.6% respectively, compared with the control group, indicating that nutritional status regarding antioxidant nutrients had largely been improved. GSH-Px activity had a significant increase in the supplement group than before the supplement and in the control group (P < 0.01). GSH-Px before the trial (the 100.4 U/ml) also showed significant increase after the trial (161.7 U/ml) (P < 0.01). However, the values of SOD and MDA significantly decreased after the trial. Analysis of DNA damage indicated that there was no significant difference in the intrinsic damage of DNA (P > 0.05). Significant decreases of oxidized DNA damage induced by 5 micromol/L, 10 micromol/L and 25 micromol/L H2O2 were found more in peripheral lymphocytes of the supplemented group, than in pre-supplement and the control group after the trial (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSupplementation of multiple micronutrients could effectively increase the levels of beta-C, VA, VE, VC and Se in plasma, and GSH-Px activity. In the meantime, MDA and oxidized DNA damage induced by a low level H2O2 decreased significantly after the trial. The reason accounted for the decrease of SOD activity after the trial needs to be further studied.

Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; Ascorbic Acid ; administration & dosage ; Child ; China ; DNA Damage ; drug effects ; Dietary Supplements ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Nutrition Surveys ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; genetics ; Rural Health ; Selenium ; administration & dosage ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Vitamin A ; administration & dosage ; Vitamin E ; administration & dosage ; Vitamins ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo study organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) superfamily member 4a1 (oatp4a1) mRNA expression in the Pi deficiency model rats, thus exploring its mechanism for transporting and transforming the dampness.

METHODSSix SD rats of SPF grade were used to prepare over-fatigue impairing Pi model. Another 12 SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group and the high fat diets group, 6 in each. The special binding tube was used for the over-fatigue impairing Pi model group on the odd day, 3 h each time. Then the rats were forced to swim in the cold water (10 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C) for 7 min on the even day, for 2 successive weeks. Rats in the model group and the blank control group were granulated feed for 12 weeks, while rats in the high fat group were fed with high fat diet for 12 weeks. All rats were free to take food and drink water. The mRNA and protein expressions of oatp4al were detected in the Fei, Pi, Gan, Shen, Wei, Xiaochang, and Dachang using Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTSRats in the model group were idled together with lousy defecate and coarse skin. They ate and drank less, and lost body weight (P<0.05). They were consistent with clinical manifestations of Pi deficiency syndrome, indicating that the over-fatigue impairing Pi animal model was successfully established. Rats in the high fat group started to have poor appetite and languish spirit, move lazily and addict to sleep, have coarse, dark, and colorless hair 9 weeks later, indicating phlegm dampness syndrome. Compared with the blank control group, the average body weight increased in the high fat group at the 9th week (P<0.05). The oatp4a1 mRNA expressed in the Fei, Pi, Gan, Shen, Wei, Xiaochang, and Dachang. There was no statistical difference in the oatp4al mRNA expression among all tissues (P>0.05). The oatp4al mRNA expressions were higher in the Fei and Shen of the high fat group than in the Gan (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSoatp4al might be one of the basic substances in the transportation and transformation of phlegm dampness. Of them, Fei, Shen, and Dachang might play important roles in the transportation and transformation of phlegm dampness.

Animals ; Antiporters ; metabolism ; Diet, High-Fat ; Eye Proteins ; metabolism ; Fatigue ; metabolism ; Male ; Organic Anion Transporters ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Yin Deficiency ; metabolism