OBJECTIVETo study the effect of reserpine (RSP) for changing salivary protein secretion in Pi-deficient rats and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSTwenty rats allocated in the RSP group were given subcutaneous injection of RSP [0.4 mg/(kg x d)] for 9 successive days, while the other 20 rats in the control group were injected with same volume of saline instead. On the 10th day, ten rats randomly selected from each group were subjected for extracting saliva to detect salivary amylase activity (sAA) before and after an acid stimulation; and drawing blood from the orbital vein to measure the contents of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Then they were sacrificed and their parotids were taken out for pathological examination with HE staining, as well as for VIP and cAMP measuring, and zymogen granules counting under a transmission electron microscope. The remainder animals were stopped injecting and normally fed to 40 days, then subjected to be detected as above-mentioned.

RESULTSFood intake and body weight reduction were more significantly in the RSP group than in the control group. On the 10th day, the ratio of sAA before/after stimulation in the RSP group was 0.39 +/- 0.18, significantly lower than that in the control group (0.80 +/- 0.21, P < 0.01), but it was restored rapidly, reaching the normal range on the 25th day, on the 40th day, it became significantly different to the level on the 10th day (P < 0.05) and approached the level in the control group (P > 0.05). No significant pathological change of parotid was found in both groups; but the number of zymogen granules in the RSP group was remarkably more than that in the control group (41.4 +/- 4.9 vs 34.6 +/- 5.2, P < 0.01). Serum level of VIP in the RSP group was significantly less while that of cAMP was higher than that in the control group (22.5 +/- 13.1 mg/L vs 38.5 +/- 14.1 mg/L, and 125.8 +/- 15.5 micromol/L vs 105.3 +/- 16.7 micromol/L, both P < 0.05), but no inter-group difference was found in parotid tissue contents of both VIP and cAMP. All the indices detected became equivalent in the two groups on the 40th day.

CONCLUSIONThe reduction of salivary protein in Pi-deficient rats induced by RSP may be related to the regulatory pathway of VIP and cAMP.

Animals ; Cyclic AMP ; blood ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reserpine ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Salivary Proteins and Peptides ; metabolism ; Salivation ; drug effects ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; blood

Hot-melt extrusion was applied to prepare mesoporous silica/ethylcellulose mini-matrix for sustained release, and fenofibrate was used as a model drug, ethylcellulose and xanthan gum were chosen as sustained-release agent and releasing moderator, respectively. This novel matrix obtained the controlled release ability by combining mesoporous silica drug delivery system and hot-melt extrusion technology. And mesoporous silica particle (SBA-15) was chosen as drug carrier to increase the dissolution rate of fenofibrate in this martix. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, small angle X-ray powder diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption were introduced to determine the particle morphology, particle size and pore structure of the synthesized SBA-15. The results showed that SBA-15 had a very high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area, a narrow pore size distribution, large pore volume and a ordered two-dimensional hexagonal structure of p6mm symmetry. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction results demonstrated that fenofibrate dispersed in an amorphous state inside the pores of the mesoporous silica which contributed to the improvement in the dissolution rate. The drug release of mini-matrices was influenced by ethylcellulose viscosity grades and xanthan gum concentration, which increased with the increasing of xanthan gum concentration and decreasing of ethylcellulose viscosity. Mini-matrix containing 22% xanthan gum exhibited a good sustained release performance, and the drug release behavior followed the first-order kinetics.
Adsorption ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Cellulose ; analogs & derivatives ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Porosity ; Powder Diffraction ; Powders ; Silicon Dioxide ; Solubility ; X-Ray Diffraction

To evaluate the adjuvant effect of recombinant enterovirus 71 (EV71) subunit vaccine formulated with chitosan, rabbits were orally immunized with recombinant VP1 (rVP1) or rVP1 mixed with chitosan adjuvant. Levels of virus-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in sera, mucosal wash buffer (intestine, nasal cavity, and lung), and feces were determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The titers of neutralizing antibodies against EV71 were determined using cytopathic effect-based neutralizing assay, and levels of cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-4) secreted from in vitro-cultured rabbit splenic lymphocytes under antigen stimulation were also determined by ELISA. Results showed that immunization with rVP1 alone could only induce low levels of serum IgG and mucosal IgA, while rVP1 combined with chitosan adjuvant were able to induce significantly higher levels of antibodies, rVP1 can only induce neutralizing antibodies when used in combination with chitosan. Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the group immunized with rVP1 plus chitosan were significantly higher than those in the group immunized with rVP1 only or those in the control groups. Our study lays the foundation for development of oral VP1 vaccine against EV71 infection.
Adjuvants, Immunologic ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; immunology ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; immunology ; Enterovirus A, Human ; genetics ; immunology ; Enterovirus Infections ; immunology ; prevention & control ; virology ; Female ; Humans ; Rabbits ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Subunit ; administration & dosage ; genetics ; immunology ; Viral Proteins ; administration & dosage ; genetics ; immunology ; Viral Vaccines ; administration & dosage ; genetics ; immunology

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Organophosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Failure ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo assess the impact of the heat wave in 2005 on mortality among the residents in Guangzhou and to identify susceptible subpopulations in Guangzhou, China.

METHODSThe data of daily number of deaths and meteorological measures from 2003 to 2006 in Guangzhou were used in this study. Heat wave was defined as ⋝7 consecutive days with daily maximum temperature above 35.0 °C and daily mean temperature above the 97th percentile during the study period. The excess deaths and rate ratio (RR) of mortality in the case period compared with the reference period in the same summer were calculated.

RESULTSDuring the study period, only one heat wave in 2005 was identified and the total number of excess deaths was 145 with an average of 12 deaths per day. The effect of the heat wave on non-accidental mortality (RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.11-1.37) was found with statistically significant difference. Also, greater effects were observed for cardiovascular mortality (RR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.13-1.59) and respiratory mortality (RR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.02-1.69). Females, the elderly and people with lower socioeconomic status were at significantly higher risk of heat wave-associated mortality.

CONCLUSIONThe 2005 heat wave had a substantial impact on mortality among the residents in Guangzhou, particularly among some susceptible subpopulations. The findings from the present study may provide scientific evidences to develop relevant public health policies and prevention measures aimed at reduction of preventable mortality from heat waves.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; History, 21st Century ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Weather ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and its type I receptors activin-like kinase 1 (ALK1) and ALK5 mRNA in the development of brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM).

METHODSThe mRNA expressions of TGFbeta1, ALK1and ALK5 were detected with semiquantitative RT-PCR in patients with BAVM.

RESULTSThe expressions of TGFbeta1 and ALK5 mRNA increased significantly in BAVM, and their relative expression quantity were 0.777-/+0.047 and 0.585-/+0.074, respectively. However, ALK1 mRNA expression declined significantlies with a relative expression of 0.173-/+0.044 in comparison with the control group (0.720-/+0.098, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe balance of TGFbeta1 and its type I receptors ALK1 and ALK5 mRNA expressions may play important role in the development of BAVM.

Activin Receptors, Type II ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation by K-wire and tension band wire fixation, and to improve the safety and stability of this technique.

METHODSThis study consisted of 9 cases, 6 males and 3 females with the mean age of 25 years (range, 9-62 years). The causes were traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 1 case and fight in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 2 hours to 7 days. There were 5 left dislocations and 4 right dislocations; 8 anterior dislocations and 1 posterior dislocation, including one combined with left scapular fracture and one with left olecranon fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires and tension band wires were performed to treat dislocations.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, 10 months on average. According to Rockwood's rating scale on postoperative sternoclavicular joint, 8 cases achieved excellent outcomes with an average score of 13.88, and the rest case achieved a good outcome with the score of 12. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases. There were no such postoperative complications as severe infection, injury to blood vessel and nerve, failure of fixation, etc. Patients were all satisfied with the anatomical reduction and functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONSThe technique of K-wire and tension band wire fixation is safe, simple, effective, less invasive and has been successfully used in orthopedic surgery. It is effective in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation though it has some disadvantages.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Wires ; Child ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of coccygectomy in patients with coccydynia after a failure of conservative treatment.

METHODSFrom May 2002 to January 2010, 31 patients with coccydynia were treated by coccygectomy in our department after conservative measures had failed to produce significant relief. A questionnaire, which included the extent of relief in the painful area, improvement in quality of life, intensity of pain in the sitting position, and pain score during daily activities, was used to evaluate the results.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 1 to 6 years (mean 3.3 years). The results were excellent in 20 patients (64.5%), good in 7 patients (22.6%), moderate in 3 patients (9.7%) and poor in 1 patient (3.2%). The excellent and good rates amounted to 87.1%. All patients except one had complete resolution of their symptoms and were subjectively highly satisfied with the outcomes of the surgery. Only 2 cases of superficial infection were observed postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONCoccygectomy is a feasible management option for patients with coccygodynia that has no response to conservative treatments.

Activities of Daily Living ; Adult ; Aged ; Coccyx ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Low Back Pain ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Radiography

Objective To analyze the risk factors of repeat revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients.Methods A total of 315 patients,aged 60-99 (72.89±7.80) years hospitalized during 2004 and 2015 due to coronary heart disease and received PCI therapy in the geriatric department of Peking University First Hospital were enrolled.Patients who received repeat revascularization were divided into the target lesion repeat revascularization (TLR)group and the non target lesion revascularization (non-TLR)group.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to make comparisons with non repeat revascularization group respectively and evaluate related risk factors.The median follow-up was 62months.Results The rate of TLR was less than non-TLR in elderly patients.Multivariate regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus (HR 4.56,95％ CI 1.94-10.75,P＜0.05) and number of stents (HR 1.55,95％ CI 1.05-2.29,P＜0.05) were related risk factor of TLR,while age (HR 0.94,95％ CI 0.90-0.98,P＜0.05),the value of LDL-C reduction (HR 2.51,95％ CI 1.56-3.99,P＜0.05),the proportion of bifurcation lesions (HR 2.24,95％ CI 1.20-4.17,P＜0.05) and residual SYNTAX score (rSS) (HR 1.07,CI95％ 1.02-1.11,P＜0.05) wererelated risk factors of non-TLI.Conclusions The incidence of non-TLR were higher than TLR in elderly patients.Increased total number of stent implantation and diabetes mellitus were related risk factors of TLR,while the lower average age,less reduction of LDL-C,increased proportion of bifurcation lesions and higher rSS were related risk factors of non-TLR.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus is a newly emerging virus in China, enveloped with a tripartite, single-stranded RNA genome of negative polarity. The regulatory elements for viral transcription and replication, as well as encapsidation and packaging signals, are thought to be located within these noncoding regions (NCRs). The terminal nucleotides are genus specific and highly conserved. The function of the remaining nucleotides of the NCRs is still not well understood. In this study, we developed the plasmid-driven RNA polymerase I minireplicon system for SFTSV firstly, using reporter genes GFP and luciferase. The function of the noncoding regions of the three Bunyaviridae RNA segments (L, M, S) in transcription was analyzed. Reporter genes are successfully expressed in SFTSV minireplicon system. Our results suggest that the NCRs of SFTSV from all three segments contain the necessary signals to initiate transcription. Quantitative detection of the luciferase expression level shows that promoter activity in the three segments is different.
Bunyaviridae Infections ; virology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Genome, Viral ; Humans ; Phlebovirus ; genetics ; physiology ; Replicon ; Viral Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Virus Replication