Objective To investigate the effect of 9-cis retinoid acid(c-RA),a retinoid X receptor(RXR)agonist,on hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)induced apoptosis in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyoeytes,and to explore the mechanism.Method Cultured cardiomyocpes were randomly divided into three groups:normal group treated with vehicle(N group),H2O2 group treated with 100 μmol/L H2O2(H group),and c-RA group pretreated with 100nmol/L c-RA(H+R group).Cell viability was detected by MTT.Morphological changes of apoptotic cardiomyocytes were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining under fluorescence microscope.The apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry.Mitochondrial membrane potential(△(ψ)m)was measured by JC-1 dye.Cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe.All measurement data wIe expressed as(x±s),and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA analysis and Dunnett test.Differences were considered significant when P was＜0.05.Results Treatment with c-RA significantly enhanced cell viability,reduced apoptosis ratio,stabled mitoehondrial membrane potential and reduced level of cellular reactive oxygen species.Conclusions RXR agonist c-RA inhibits H2O2-induced myocyte apoptosis in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes,which may be related to alleviate oxidative stress injury.

Objective To describe the clinical and pathological features and survival of juvenile patients with pancreatic carcinoma ( age ≤ 40 years old ) and to explore whether pancreatic carcinoma in young patients was a particular subtype. Methods As a case control study, the clinical data and follow-up data of sporadic 29 cases diagnosed as juvenile pancreatic carcinoma in Ruijin hospital from January, 2000 to December, 2007 were analyzed and compared with randomly selected 89 cases of senile eases (age≥ 61 years old) with pancreatic carcinoma. Results The percentage of juvenile pancreatic carcinoma was 3.6% (29/811 ) and the male/female ratio was 2.5: 1. The incidence rate of abdominal pain was significantly higher in the juvenile patients than in the senile patients (72.4% vs 48.3% , P < 0.05 ) ;the incidence of malnutrition was significantly lower in juvenile patients than that in senile patients ( 13.8% vs 38.0%, P <0.05 ) ;and the rate of patients with advanced stage disease ( Ⅲ～Ⅳ ) was significantly higher in juvenile patients than in senile patients (69.0% vs 55. 1%, P < 0.05). The percentage of radical operation in juvenile patients was not statistically different from that in senile patients ( 34.5% vs 30.34%, P > 0.05 ), and analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test revealed no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups ( median survival time : 7.0 vs 8.0 months, P > 0.05 ). Conclusions The age onset of the pancreatic carcinoma tended to be younger. The predominant clinical manifestations of juvenile pancreatic carcinoma were abdominal pain or back pain. Juvenile pancreatic carcinoma may be a particular subtype of pancreatic cancer.

Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of interventional transcatheter destruction of the aortic valve to establish an animal model with acute aortic valve regurgitation. Methods Eight healthy goats were used for this study. A limited sternotomy approach was used to access the apex of the heart. Puncturing of the apex of the heart was performed to establish a wire track, then, under fluoroscopic guidance a 10 F sheath was inserted along this track of hard wire until to the ascending aorta above the aortic valve. The internal sheath was removed. Via the 10 F sheath a 10 mm occluder of ventricular septal defect (VSD) was introduced into the ascending aorta above the aortic valve. The sheath was pulled back to the left ventricle, while the occluder remained in the ascending aorta above the aortic valve. Then the occluder was quickly pulled back into the left ventricle in order to make some certain damage to the aortic valve. And an acute aortic valve regurgitation model was thus established. Angiography of ascending aorta above the aortic Among the 8 animals, two died of acute left ventricular failure on the spot due to excessive regurgitation blood flow after the operation. Macroscopically, damage of the aortic valve was seen. In the six survivors, angiography of ascending aorta above the aortic valve and Doppler echocardiography showed that moderate degree of regurgitation was detected in 5 and small amount of regurgitation in one. Two experimental goats with moderate degree of regurgitation died of heart failure separately at seven days and fifteen days after the operation. The remaining four experimental goats survived for more than three months. Follow- up checkups with echocardiography suggested the presence of mild- moderate degree of regurgitation. Conclusion Acute aortic valve regurgitation model in experimental goats can be established through transapical transcatheter damage of aortic valve by quickly pulling back a VSD occluder which has been placed in the ascending aorta above the aortic valve. This method is clinically feasible, technically simple and repeatable, the result is reliable, and the degree of regurgitation is controllable.

Objective To investigate the role of mucosal mast cells infiltration and degranulation with nerve growth factor (NGF)in development of visceral hypersensitivity in Sprague-Dawley (SD)rats. Methods The model of visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)was established in 19 neonate SD rats with intestinal stimulation (rectalballon distention)on 8th,10th and 12th postnatal days. The other 19 neonate SD rats without colonic distention were assigned to the control group.After rats grew up (six to eight weeks old),the visceral sensitivity was tested by abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR)in 10 rats of each group.Mast cell infiltration and degranulation were observed with toluidine blue staining in colon tissue slides.The NGF level of intestinal tissues was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)methods in the left nine rats of each group.The culture system of dorsal root ganglias (DRG)from the neonatal rats was set up.The changes of electrophysilogical characters of DRG stimulated with NGF (100 ng/mL)for four days were recorded with patch-clamp.Paired t test was performed for comparison between groups.Results The results of AWR indicated that neonatal colonic stimulation could significantly increase visceral sensitivity after growing up.Under 20,40 and 60 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)distention pressure,visceral sensitivity scores of visceral hypersensitivity rats and rats of control group were 1 .00±0.50 vs 1 .67 ±0.50,1 .89 ±0.31 vs 2.89 ±0.34 and 2.89 ±0.33 vs 3.89±0.33,the differences were statistically significant (t=-2.83,-6.00 and -6.00,all P <0.05 ). The results of master cells staining in tissue slides showed colonic master cells infiltration was obvious in rats with visceral hypersensitivity,and part of mast cells were degranulation.The result of ELISA demonstrated that NGF level of visceral hypersensitivity rats was significantly higher than that of control group ((11.07±3.06)pg/mg vs (2.38 ±1.88)pg/mg,t =-6.93,P <0.05).The results of electrophysilogical tests of primary cultured DRG indicated that compared with blank control growp,the action potential threshold of neuron in NGF 100 ng/mL group significantly decreased ((-18.0±2.1 )mV vs (-29.0 ± 2.5 )mV,t = 12.26,P <0.05)and discharge frequency increased ((5 .0± 1 .4 )/800 ms vs (12.0 ± 3.2)/800 ms,t=-8.40,P <0.05 ).Meanwhile,neuron voltage-gated K+ current density remarkably decreased,most were sustained delayed rectifier K+ current (I K )decreasing ((279.0 ±48.0)pA/pF vs (203.0±39.0)pA/pF,t=6.18,P <0.05).Conclusion Colonic stimulation in neonatal rats could cause intestinal master cells infiltration and degranulation,which induced changes of neuron electrophysilogical characters and resulted in visceral hypersensitivity after growing up.

Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of domestic amisulpride hablets and imported tablets.Methods A single oral dose of 200 mg domestic and imported amisulpride tablets were given to twenty healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.4 mL blood was col-lected at scheduled time.The concentrations of amisulpride were deter-mined bv HPLC-MS/MS method.Resuits The main pharmacokinetic parameters of two preparations were as follows:AUC_(0-48) were(3.01±0.86),(2.94±0.88)μg·h·mL~(-1),C_(max) were(392.19±135.35),(419.84±154.25)ng·mL~(-1),t_(1/2) were(9.42±3.02),(8.89±3.05)h,t_(max) were(3.70±0.80),(3.80±0.77)h,respectively.The relative bioavailability of domestic and imported amisulpride tablet to im-ported tablet was(104.0±17.1)%.Conclution The results demon-strated that the two preparations were bioequivalent.

Objective To investigate the effect of early intervention on the quality of life of patients with post-stroke depression. Methods A total of 246 patients with post-stroke depression assessed by self-rated depression scale (SDS) were divided into control group (n=92) and intervention group in which oral antidepressants were prescribed (n=154). All the patients were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), modified Barthel index (MBI) and quality of life index (QLI) at the beginning and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the antidepression therapy, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results Compared with the control group, the patients receiving early intervention of post-stroke depression had lowered HAMD score, increased MBI score and QLI score at 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment (P<0.05), with also obvious relief of depression, improved ability of daily activity and quality of life. Conclusion Early intervention of post-stroke depression may improve the depression and promote the recovery of bodily functions of the patients to increase their satisfaction with life and quality of life.

OBJECTIVEOptimization of combining electroencephalography (EEG), short latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SLSEP) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) techniques to diagnose brain death.

METHODSOne hundred and eleven patients (69 males, 42 females) from the major hospitals of Zhejiang Province were examined with portable EEG, SLSEP and TCD devices. Re-examinations occurred < or =12 h later.

RESULTSThe first examination revealed that the combination of SLSEP and EEG led to more sensitive diagnoses than the combination of SLSEP and TCD. Re-examination confirmed this and also revealed that the combination of TCD and EEG was the most sensitive.

CONCLUSIONThe results show that using multiple techniques to diagnose brain death is superior to using single method, and that the combination of SLSEP and EEG is better than other combinations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain Death ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Child ; Electroencephalography ; methods ; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial ; methods ; Young Adult

Cancer incidence(1950 ～ 1995) among 27 011 medical X-ray workers in comparison with 25 782non X-ray medical specialists between 1950 and 1980 in China was investigated. The average cumulative dose received by the X-ray workers also reconstructed by retrospective dosimetry methods. Significant cancer risk was seen among medical X-ray workers(RR = 1.2). Significantly elevated risks were found in leukemia, cancer of skin, female breast, lung, liver, bladder and esophagus, the RRs were 2. 2, 4. 1,1.3, 1.2, 1.2, 1.8 and 2. 7 respectively. The patterns of cancer risk were associated with years since beginning of X-ray work, age and calendar year of initial employment and cumulative dose suggest that the risks of leukemia, skin cancer and female breast cancer, possibly thyroid cancer were related to occupational exposure to X-rays. A significant cancer risk could be induced by prolonged exposure to low dose ionizing radiation when the cumulative dose reached a certain level.

The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) and plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) are specialized native species of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The goal of this study was to examine physiological differences in skeletal muscle glycolysis and hepatic lactate metabolism between these two species. The partial sequence of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) gene was cloned and sequenced. The mRNA expression levels of PC and lactate dehydrogenases (LDH-A, LDH-B) were determined by real-time PCR. The enzymatic activity of PC was measured using malic acid coupling method. The concentration of lactic acid (LD) and the specific activities of LDH in liver and skeletal muscle of two species were measured. The different isoenzymes of LDH were determined by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The results showed that, (1) LDH-B mRNA level in skeletal muscle of plateau zokor was significantly higher than that of plateau pika (P < 0.01), but no differences was found at LDH-A mRNA levels between them (P > 0.05); (2) PC, LDH-A and LDH-B mRNA levels in liver of plateau pika were significantly higher than those of plateau zokor (P < 0.01); (3) The LDH activity and concentration of LD in skeletal muscle and liver, as well as the PC activity in liver of plateau pika were significantly higher than those of plateau zokor (P < 0.01); (4) The isoenzymatic spectrum of lactate dehydrogenase showed that the main LDH isoenzymes were LDH-A4, LDH-A3B and LDH-A2B2 in skeletal muscle of plateau pika, while the main LDH isoenzymes were LDH-AB3 and LDH-B4 in skeletal muscle of plateau zokor; the main isoenzymes were LDH-A3B, LDH-A2B2, LDH-AB3 and LDH-B4 in liver of plateau pika, while LDH-A4 was the only isoenzyme in liver of plateau zokor. These results indicate that the plateau pika gets most of its energy for sprint running through enhancing anaerobic glycolysis, producing more lactate in their skeletal muscle, and converting lactate into glucose and glycogen in the liver by enhancing gluconeogenesis. As a result, the plateau pika has a reduced dependence on oxygen in its hypoxic environment. In contrast, plateau zokor derives most of its energy used for digging activity by enhancing aerobic oxidation in their skeletal muscle, although they inhabit hypoxic underground burrows.
Animals ; Glycolysis ; Hypoxia ; metabolism ; Isoenzymes ; metabolism ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Lactic Acid ; metabolism ; Lagomorpha ; physiology ; Liver ; enzymology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; enzymology ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) on transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA (TGF-beta1 mRNA) expression in rat skin and explore the molecular mechanisms of photorejuvenation.

METHODSFifteen SD rats were exposed to IPL in 3 dermal regions with triple pulses (duration of 4, 5, and 6 ms) at the energy density of 34 J/cm2 and pulse delay of 20 or 25 ms. On days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 30 after the treatment, skin specimens from the treated and non-treated areas were obtained to detect TGF-beta1 mRNA expression with in situ hybridization.

RESULTSIn the UPL-exposed skin areas, TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was detected in the epidermal keratinocytes and dermal cells 1 day after the exposure, reaching the highest expression level on day 7 followed by gradual decrement since day 15, and till day 30, only weak expression was found in the dermal cells. In the non-exposed regions, the cells remained negative for TGF-beta1 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONIPL can enhance TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in the skin, suggesting that TGF-beta1 plays an important role in dermal remodeling in photorejuvenation.

Animals ; Female ; Male ; Phototherapy ; adverse effects ; methods ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rejuvenation ; Skin ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; radiation effects