OBJECTIVETo evaluate the time course of granulocyte-colony-stimulating-factor (G-CSF), estrogen and various doses of atorvastatin on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilization.

METHODA total of 48 male New Zealand White rabbits were treated with placebo, estrogen (0.25 mg.k(-1).d(-1)), Atorvastatin (2.5, 5, or 10 mg) and G-CSF (50 microg/rabbit/d), respectively. Peripheral EPCs number was surveyed weekly for 4 weeks by FACS analysis (double-positive for PE-CD34/FITC-CD133) and under fluorescent microscope (double-positive for FITC-UEA-1/Dil-acLDL). Serum nitric oxide (NO) and lipids were also measured at the third week.

RESULTSPeripheral EPCs was significantly increased in G-CSF treated animals and remained constant for 4 weeks compared to placebo treated animals. Atorvastatin increased peripheral EPCs dose-dependently from 2.5 to 5 mg and peaked at the third week while peripheral EPCs number was not affected by 10 mg.k(-1).d(-1) atorvastatin during the first 3 weeks and was significantly higher only in the fourth week compared to placebo group. Estrogen also significantly increased peripheral EPCs at the third and fourth week compared to placebo group. At the third week, serum NO was similar in G-CSF group, significantly higher in atorvastatin 5 mg.k(-1).d(-1) and estrogen groups while significantly lower in atorvastatin 10 mg.k(-1).d(-1) group compared to placebo group. Serum lipids were similar among various groups.

CONCLUSIONAtorvastatin, estrogen and G-CSF could mobilize EPCs. The mobilization efficacy is as follows: G-CSF > atorvastatin 5 mg.k(-1).d(-1) > estrogen > atorvastatin 2.5 mg.k(-1).d(-1) > atorvastatin 10 mg.k(-1).d(-1). NO might partly contribute to the mobilizing effect of estrogen and atorvastatin.

Animals ; Atorvastatin Calcium ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Heptanoic Acids ; pharmacology ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Pyrroles ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; Stem Cells ; drug effects

Objective To ascertain the energy and main nutrients intake among residents in Changning District of Shanghai.Methods A stratified multistage random survey was conducted among 72 families to collect their ADI (acceptable daily intake) of nutrients through 3 d 24 h dietary recall and family condimentweigh surveys in comparison with recommended ADI.Results A total of 148 persons were included,of whom males were 75 and females 73.Every standard person daily vitamin B1,B2,A and calcium intake was relatively low.Calcium intake for 85.81% of persons was was lower than EAR.Vitamin A intake for 62.84% of persons was lower than EAR.Vitamin B1 intake for 77.7% of persons was lower than EAR.Vitamin B2 intake for 73.65% of persons was lower than EAR.In various age groups,except for women aged 18-49,contribution rate of fat in total energy exceeded recommended ADI.Conclusion Energy and main nutrients intake basically meet the needs of residents in Changning district of Shanghai.But some nutrients were still deficient severely.The source of energy nutrients was not well-balanced.More intake is recommended of milk and dairy product,soybean and bean product,vegetables and fruit.

Objective To determine the level of radiation dose in port workplace for loading and unloading natural uranium ore containers, and to provide a basis for occupational health management of the operators. Methods Workplace investigation was conducted to understand the loading and unloading process of natural uranium ore containers, operation time and frequency, etc. A radiation dose rate meter was used to detect the radiation dose rate at 5 cm from the outer surface of 168 natural uranium ore containers. At the same time, we selected one container and detected the level of dose rate at 5-200 cm away from each side surface of the 5 container surfaces except for the bottom side. Results The dose rate level at 5 cm at outer surface of 168 containers ranged from 27 μSv/h to 44 μSv/h, and the average dose rate level was 35.6 μSv/h. The average dose rate levels at 5, 30, 50, 100 and 200 cm were 21.3, 14.6, 11.3, 7.1 and 3.5 μSv/h, respectively. In normal operation, the personal exposure dose of port worker were estimated to be less than 580 μSv/a. Conclusion In normal operation, the dose rate level at any workplace on the outer surface of natural uranium ore container is far below the national standard limit.

BACKGROUNDNon-adhesive liquid embolic agents are increasingly gaining importance in the embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We investigated the use of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) as a non-adhesive embolic agent in swine rete mirabile.

METHODSThe PNIPAM hydrogel was mixed with iohexol and embolization was performed in swine rete mirabile in 30 animals. The microcatheter was examined after embolization. Follow-up angiography was performed for embolic efficacy after embolization. Embolized retia were examined histopathologically, and the alterations of inside rete and surrounding tissue were observed.

RESULTSThe copolymer hydrogel was used for rete embolization in 30 swine, 28 swine survived the procedure, 2 swine died, 1 swine died of cerebrum infarction and the other died of embolic agent reflux into the occipital artery. The inside wall of the microcatheter was smooth, without copolymer adhering to it. Follow-up angiography was performed in 22 swine, there was no rete recanalization in 20 swine and partial rete recanalization in 2 swine because of the trunk embolization of ascending pharyngeal arteries. Histopathologically, the copolymer was found diffused into vessels of 100 - 150 microm in diameter. In acute group, neutrophils scattered surrounding the copolymer and endothelial integrity was observed, without endothelial denuding and necrosis. In subacute and chronic groups, the copolymer was found inside retia, a few mononuclear cells and eosinocytes scattered inside and surrounding it. The muscular layer was loosened with most muscular nuclei degraded.

CONCLUSIONExperimental rete embolization with PNIPAM, made radiopaque with iohexol, is technically feasible in swine. Because of its properties, PNIPAM has great potential as a therapeutic non-adhesive embolic agent.

Acrylic Resins ; Animals ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; therapy ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) can modulate the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to produce inflammatory cytokines (IL-12/IL-6) upon stimulation in vitro.

METHODSPurified adherent mononuclear cells isolated by Ficoll-hypaque density gradient centrifugation were cultured in complete medium containing granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor plus interleukin (IL)-4 to generate immature (i)DCs. Microscopic analysis and flow cytometry were performed to define the phenotypic characteristics of the iDCs. Then, different concentrations (1, 2 and 5 mug/ml) of HBeAg were added to the culture medium and for 24 hrs of incubation. To induce iDCs' maturation, the various groups of cells were incubated for 24 hrs in differentiation culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects on secreted inflammatory cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the cells' supernatants.

RESULTSAll concentrations of HBeAg led to significant reductions in IL-6 (all P less than 0.05). Similar significant reduction trends were seen for IL-12 at the HBeAg concentrations of 2 and 5 mug/ml (both P less than 0.05), but not at the 1 mug/ml concentration.

CONCLUSIONHBeAg may suppress the production of cytokines from DCs; this mechanism may contribute to the immune escape of HBV that supports persistent infection.

Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; immunology ; Humans ; Interleukin-12 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical therapeutic results of allograft tendon for anatomical reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of patellar dislocations.

METHODSFrom September 2008 to June 2013, 16 patients with patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstructions. There were 2 males and 14 females, aged 11 to 27 years old (16 years old on average). Patellar dislocations occurred in 11 left and 5 right knees. The disease course ranged from 3 to 10 years. The frequency of dislocation ranged from 9 to 33 times (19 times on average). Affected knee joints showed patellar instability; the range of action for patella obviously increased. The X-ray films showed patellar dislocation. The preoperative Q angle was (36 ± 9)°, and the congruence angle was (63 ± 18)°. Reconstruction was performed via allograft tendon. Allograft tendon was fixed through the superomedial pole of the patella, and the other end was fixed at the natural MPFL insertion site near the medial femoral condyle with an interference screw in a bone tunnel. All the patients were evaluated postoperatively; Kujala patellofemoral scores, objective knee function, complications, and reoperations were assessed.

RESULTSPrimary healing was achieved in all cases. No infection or necrosis and absorption of grafts was observed. All the patients were followed up for an average of 16.4 months (ranged, 10 to 24 months) postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, all the patients had no pain, swelling and patellar instability; neither patella redislocation nor fracture occurred. The X-ray films showed good position of tunnel 6 months after operation, and the congruence angle was (5 ± 9)°, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). The postoperative Q angle was (17 ± 8)°, the Kujala knee function score improved significantly from 45.20 ± 9.20 to 89.30 ± 6.40 at the latest follow-up, showing statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMPFL reconstruction improves clinical symptoms. Anatomical MPFL reconstruction is effective for patellar dislocation, and it offers good recovery of the premorbid patella mechanics. The interference screw provides firm fixation. Allograft can avoid the graft harvest site morbidity, but it increases the cost of the surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Allografts ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; surgery ; Male ; Patellar Dislocation ; surgery ; Patellofemoral Joint ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tendons ; transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of SINC, a secreted protein of Chlamydia psittaci, on autophagy of host cells and the role of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in mediating SINC-induced autophagy. METHODS: RAW 264.7 cells treated with recombinant SINC were examined for changes in expression levels of LC3-II, Beclin-1, phosphorylated and total ERK1/2 using Western blotting. The expression level of LC3 in the treated cells was detected using immunofluorescence analysis, and the formation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of pretreatment with U0126 (a specific ERK inhibitor) on the expression levels of LC3-II and Beclin-1 in RAW 264.7 cells exposed to different concentrations of SINC was examined using Western blotting, and LC3 puncta in the cells was detected with immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: The expression levels of LC3-II and Beclin-1 were the highest in RAW 264.7 cells treated with 2 μg/mL SINC for 12h. Immunofluorescence analysis showed exposure to SINC significantly increased the number of cells containing LC3 puncta, where the presence of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was detected. Exposure to 2 μg/mL SINC for 15 min resulted in the most significant increase of the ratios of p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 in RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with U0126 prior to SINC exposure significantly decreased the ratio of p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, lowered the expression levels of LC3-II and Beclin-1, and decreased LC3 aggregation in the cells. CONCLUSIONS SINC exposure can induce autophagy in RAW 264.7 cells by activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Chlamydophila psittaci ; Beclin-1 ; Signal Transduction ; Autophagy