Background The sex hormones plays an important role in the incidence of dry eye,especially for the regulation of function.However,the effects of sex hormones on lacrimal gland epithelial cells are below understand.Objective This study was to investgate the effects of estradiol and testosterone on the apoptosis of lacrimal gland cells induced by H2O2.Methods The lacrimal gland tissue was obtained from 2- or 3-month-old clean male New Zealand rabbits and the lacrimal gland epithelial cells were cultured in vitro using esplant culture method.The cells were identified by pan cytokeratin antibodies with immunocytochemistry.lacrimal gland epithelial cells were incubated in the 96 well plate at the density of 5 × l04 cells/ml for 44 hours.Estradiol or testosterone with the concentrations of 1 × 10-5,1 × 10-6,1 × 10-7,1 × 10-8 mol/L were added into the medium for 24 hours respectively and 1× 10-4 mol/L H2O2 treated the cells for 1 hour to induce the apoptosis in experimental groups.The cells treated by only 1 × 10-4 mol/L H2O2 were used as apoptotic control group,and the cells cultured by regular method were used as blank control group.The cell viability in different groups was detected using MTT at 570 nm ( A570 ),and the apoptotic rates of the cells were assayed using Annexin V/PI double staining.This use and maintain of experimental animals followed the Regulation for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results The cultured cells showed the irregular polygon in shape,and about 80％ cells was positive response for cytokeratin.MTT assay showed that the lower A570 values were detected in the H2O2-induced group,various concentrations of estradiol or testosterone groups compared with blank control group (P＜0.01 ).The A570 values in 1 × 10-5,1 × 10-6,1 × 10-7 mol/L estradiol groups or 1 × 10-6 mol/L testosterone group were significantly higher than ones of H2 O2-induced group (P＜0.01 ).Compared with corresponding concentrations of testosterone groups,the A570values in various concentrations of estradiol groups were elevated( P＜0.01 ).The apoptosis rates at the early and later phase were significantly declined in both estradiol group and testosterone group in comparison with H2 O2-induced group (P ＜ 0.01,P＜ 0.05 ),and those in estradiol group were lower than the testosterone group( P＜0.01,P＜0.05 ).Conclusions Estradiol and testosterone suppress the apoptosis of lacrimal gland cells induced by H2O2,and the stronger effect is found in estrogen.The inhibition of estrogen on lacrimal gland cell apoptosis show a dose-dependent manner to some extent.

PURPOSE: Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborn, particularly in preterm. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence rate, causative pathogens and clinical features of neonatal sepsis in one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 6 years. METHODS: This study was retrospectively performed to review the clinical and laboratory characteristics including sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, length of hospitalization, length of total parenteral nutrition, presence of central venous catheter, underlying diseases, laboratory findings, microorganisms isolated from blood culture, complications and mortality in 175 patients between January 2003 and December 2008. RESULTS: 1) Sepsis was present in 175 of 3,747 infants for 6 years. There were more gram-positive organisms. 2) The gram-negatives were more prevalent in preterm. There were no significant differences of other clinical features between two groups. 3) Underlying diseases were found in 73.7%, and the most common disease was cardiovascular disease. The most common organisms of gram-positives and gram-negatives were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Serratia marcescens. 4) There was statistically significant difference on platelet counts between two groups (P<0.05). 5) Complications were found in 18.3% and septic shock was the most common. MRSA was the most common pathogen in sepsis with complication. 6) The mortality rate was 7.4%. 7) There were differences in monthly blood stream infection/1,000 patient-days. CONCLUSION: The studies about the factors that can influence neonatal sepsis will contribute to decrease the infection rates in NICUs.
Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Central Venous Catheters ; Gestational Age ; Gram-Negative Bacteria ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Platelet Count ; Retrospective Studies ; Rivers ; Sepsis ; Serratia marcescens ; Shock, Septic ; Staphylococcus aureus

The effects of beta-cypermethrin (consisting of alpha-cypermethrin and theta-cypermethrin) on the transient outward potassium current (I(A)) and delayed rectifier potassium current (I(K)) in freshly dissociated hippocampal CA3 neurons of rats were studied using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The results indicated that alpha-cypermethrin increased the value of I(A) and theta-cypermethrin decreased the value of I(A), though both of them shifted steady activation curve of I(A) towards negative potential. theta-cypermethrin contributed to the inactivation of I(A). The results also showed that alpha-cypermethrin and theta-cypermethrin decreased the value of I(K), and shifted the steady state activation curve of I(K) towards negative potential. Both alpha-cypermethrin and theta-cypermethrin had no obvious effects on the inactivation of I(K). theta-cypermethrin prolonged recovery process of I(K). These results imply that both transient outward potassium channels and delayed rectified potassium channels are the targets of beta-cypermethrin, which may explain the mechanism of toxical effects of beta-cypermethrin on mammalian neurons.
Animals ; CA3 Region, Hippocampal ; cytology ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Insecticides ; toxicity ; Male ; Neurons ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; drug effects ; physiology ; Pyrethrins ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

The present study was designed to observe the influence of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury on learning and memory in hyperlipidemic rats and estimate the changes of activity of autonomic nervous system. Twenty-three male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, named control group (C group, n=10), hyperlipidemia group (H group, n=6) and hyperlipidemia-ischemia group (HI group, n=7), respectively. The rats in H and HI group were fed a high-fat diet for 2 weeks and the rats in all groups were examined through Morris water maze (MWM) task. The rats in HI group underwent ischemia/reperfusion by 2-vessel occlusion (2-VO) method, and had electrocardiogram (ECG) recording simultaneously. The MWM task and ECG recording were taken again after 7 d of recuperation. The following results were obtained: (1) In the second place navigation performance and probe trial performance, the frequency of memory in quadrant of hidden-platform and memory score decreased significantly in HI group compared to that in C and H groups. (2) The heart rate in HI group decreased slowly after ischemia; the power at high frequency band (HF) reduced gradually, meanwhile the power at middle frequency band (MF) and the ratio of power at MF and HF decreased clearly compared to baseline value. (3) After 7 d of ischemia/reperfusion, the heart rate in HI group was significantly higher than that in H group (P<0.05). While there was no statistical change in the power at MF, the power at HF decreased and the ratio of MF/HF increased significantly (P<0.05). The data demonstrated that ischemia/reperfusion decreased the activity of autonomic nervous system, and the reduction of sympathetic nerve activity was much more than that of vagus nerve activity. The results suggest that the hippocampus neuron injury caused by ischemia induces cognitive disorder and imbalance of vago-sympathetic nerve activity accompanied by vagus nerve suppression.
Animals ; Autonomic Nervous System ; physiopathology ; Brain Ischemia ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Hippocampus ; physiopathology ; Hyperlipidemias ; complications ; Learning Disorders ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Memory Disorders ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reperfusion Injury ; pathology ; physiopathology

Objective To understand the status on care and nutrition of children living in the rural areas (so called 'left-behind' children) while their parents were seeking for jobs in the urban areas. Methods Cross-sectional study was employed in this investigation.The group of‘left-behind' children (n=774) and the comparison group (n=774) were identified.The ascertainment methods mainly included questionnaire,anthropometries measurements,food-frequency,and laboratory examination.Results be poorly attended (X2=6.671,P=0.036;X2=15.053,P=0.001 ).Mothers who chose to work outside of their households would tend to choose bottle-feeding or decrease the duration of breastfeeding for their infants (X2=5.051,P=0.031;t=-7.201,P=0.001).The intake of milk and bean products in children were obviously lower than that seen in the control group (t=-2.150,P=0.032 ;t=-2.054,significant difference when comparing with the control group (X2=4.560,P=0.033 ).Conclusion communities,parents and extended families would facilitate more attention and effective intervention programs to improve the situation.

Purpose To investigate the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins on the phenotype-transforming marker protein expression of db/db renal cells in mice model of type 2 diabetes,and to explore the protective mechanism of grape seed extract on diabetic renal injury in db/db mice.Methods Male db/db diabetic mice were randomly divided into two groups:diabetic group (db/db group) and diabetic + grape seed proanthocyanidin extract group (db/db + GSPE).The same week-old male db/m mice was used as normal controls (db/m) and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract gavage treatment group (db/m +grape seed proanthocyanidin extract group,db/m + GSPE).The mice of db/db + GSPE group and db/m + GSPE group were administered daily with grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (5mg/kg) by gavage.Results Renal tissues of db/db diabetic mice showed increased expression of α-SMA,p-p38MAPK,pERK1/2 and 8-OHdG level,and down-regulation in E-cadherin expression compared with db/m group (P ＜ 0.05).However,the alternations of α-SMA,p-p38,p-ERK1/2,E-cadherin protein levels,and 8-OHdG level,in db/db group were reversed by addition of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated protein,by decreasing ROS production,and activating p38 MAPK and ERK1/2.These findings suggest that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract provides a treatment option for diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVETo detect serve acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-like-CoV in fruit bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.

METHODSTotally 927 bats of 9 species (Cynopterus sphinx, Rousettus leschenaulti, Miniopterus schreibersi, Hipposideros pratti, Rhinolophusasinicus, Scotophilusakuhlii, Hipposideros Pomona, Rhinolophus affinis, and Rhinolophus pusillus) captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity from September 2004 to November 2005 were available for this investigation, from which 3,043 samples (813 throat swasb, 524 sera, 853 lung tissues and 853 colorectal tissue specimens) were obtained. SARS-Cov and SARS-like-CoV were detected in these specimens using diagnostic kit for novel coronavirus N protein (ELISA), SARS-CoV Virus RNA detection kit, fluorescence PCR, Genchip, RT-PCR and cell isolation culture methods.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONNo SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV were detected in the 3043 samples, indicating the current absence of SARS-CoV and SARS-like-CoV in the bats captured in Guangzhou and its vicinity.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Chiroptera ; virology ; Disease Vectors ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Nucleocapsid Proteins ; metabolism ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; SARS Virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; transmission ; virology

OBJECTIVETo analyze the epidemiological features of severe chest trauma (SCT) and investigate the risk factor of its mortality in the Three Gorges Area of China.

METHODSThe clinical data of 1834 SCT patients who were admitted in three hospitals in this area from January 1990 to December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Th epidemiological features of SCT were analyzed using a database. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to analyze 15 possible risk factors affecting mortality.

RESULTSThe morbidity rates of blunt trauma (68.5% vs. 74.7%,p=0.006) and sharp instrument injury (12.2% vs. 15.9%,p=0.039) showed significant differences before and after 2000. The pre-hospital time [(3.45±2.38)h vs. (2.20±4.39)h,p<0.01] and transfer rate (32.39% vs. 36.80%,p=0.01) significantly improved. The thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)(3.56±0.71vs. 3.43±0.58,p<0.01)score and Revised Trauma Score (RTS)(7.14±2.18 vs. 6.93±1.07,p<0.01) significantly increased. Treatment for pulmonary infection (12.63±4.79 vs. 17.16±6.41,p=0.019) and hemorrhagic shock (2.4±0.75 vs. 3.4±1.34,p=0.008 )was significantly improved. The leading cause of death was hypovolemic shock (59.41%). The independent rik factors of death among these SCT patients included: hemorrhagic shock (B=1.710,OR=1.291,p=0.001), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (B=3.453,OR=1.028,p<0.001), pulmonary infection(B=2.396,OR=10.941,p<0.001), abdominal organ injury(B=1.542,OR=1.210,p=0.005), and thorax AIS(B=0.487,OR=1.622,p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of SCT shows an increasing trend in the Three Gorges Area in recent years, but with a decreased rate of complications and improved treatment. Age, complications, thorax AIS, and GCS are useful prognostic indicators.

China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Injuries ; epidemiology ; mortality

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 alleles and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Yunnan Hans.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers(PCR-SSP) genotyping method was conducted in 108 Han patients with type 2 diabetes and 56 ethnically matched controls from the same area of Yunnan Province.

RESULTSHLA-DQA1*0301(RR=3.092, P<0.01) and DQA1*0501 (RR=3.257, P<0.05) allelic frequencies in type 2 diabetic patients were significantly higher than those in non-diabetic control subjects respectively. HLA-DQA1*0401 (RR=0.371, P<0.01) allelic frequencies in patients were significantly decreased, compared with controls; HLA-DQA1*0302 (RR=3.356, P<0.01) allelic frequencies in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONHLA-DQA1*0301 and DQA1*0501 are susceptible genes of type 2 diabetes in Yunnan Han nationality; in reverse, HLA-DQA1*0401 is a resistant gene. HLA-DQA1*0302 is a susceptible gene of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alleles ; China ; ethnology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; genetics ; Female ; HLA-DQ Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DQ alpha-Chains ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic

The liver injury induced by Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) was investigated based on idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity model co-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a non-hepatotoxic dose. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were intragastrically administered with three doses (18.9, 37.8, 75.6 g crude drug per kg body weight) of 50% alcohol extracts of PM alone or co-treated with non-toxic dose of LPS (2.8 mg·kg(-1)) via tail vein injection. The plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were assayed and the isolated livers were evaluated for histopathological changes. The dose-toxicity relationships of single treatment of PM or co-treatment of LPS were investigated comparatively to elucidate the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM. The results showed that no significant alterations of plasma ALT and AST activities were observed in the groups of solo-administration of LPS (2.8 mg·kg(-1), i.v.) or different dosage (18.9, 37.8 and 75.6 g·kg(-1), i.g.) of PM, compared to normal control group (P > 0.05); while significant elevations were observed in the co-administration groups of PM and LPS. Treatment with LPS alone caused slight infiltration of inflammatory cells in portal area but no evident hepatocytes injury. Co-treatment with LPS and PM (75.6 g·kg(-1), i.g.) caused hepatocyte focal necrosis, loss of central vein intima and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in portal areas. When further reduce the dosage of PM, significant increases of plasma ALT and AST activities (P < 0.05) were still observed in co-administration groups of LPS and PM (1.08 or 2.16 g·kg(-1)), but not in LPS or PM solo-administration groups. Nevertheless, the co-treatment of low dosage of PM (0.54 g·kg(-1)) with LPS did not induce any alteration of plasma ALT and AST. In conclusion, intragastric administration with 75.6 g·kg(-1) of PM did not induce liver injury in normal rats model; while the 2 folds of clinical equivalent dose of PM (1.08 g·kg(-1)) could result in liver injury in the LPS-based idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity model, which could be used to evaluate the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM.
Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; pathology ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Polygonum ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley