Objective To analyze the correlation between quantitative evaluation of high-resolution CT (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evaluate the characteristics of PFT in different CT phenotypes of COPD. Methods 65 patients with COPD underwent CT chest scan and PFT. The dimensions of subsubsegmental apical bronchi of right upper lobes were measured , which included the following parameters:airway wall thickness (T), total airway diameter (D), and pulmonary artery (PA), ratio of airway wall thickness and pulmonary artery (T/PA), thickness diameter ratio (TDR), percentage of wall area (WA%) and percentage of airway luminal area (Ai%). The percentage of total lung area occupied by low attenuation area (LAA%) was measured by lung density software. The relationship between the measurements and PFT parameters were analyzed. Patients were classified into three phenotypes based on the presence of emphysema or bronchial wall thickening evaluated by HRCT. Phenotype A: without or with little emphysema (LAA% < 25%), with or without bronchial wall thickening; Phenotype E: emphysema without bronchial wall thickening (LAA%≥25%, T/PA < 30%); Phenotype M: emphysema with bronchial wall thickening (LAA%≥25%, T/PA≥30%). The characteristics of different CT phenotypes were analyzed. Results LAA% had a good correlation with PFT parameters. PA, T/PA, WA% and Ai% also had correlation with PFT parameters. There was 53 patients of Phenotype A, 12 patients of Phenotype M. PA, T/PA, LAA%and PFT were different in two groups. Conclusions LAA%and airway quantitative measurements in HRCT have certain correlation with PFT parameters. Patients with different CT phenotypes differs in PFT parameters , which can provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo study the in vitro antibacterial activity of cefdinir against clinical isolates of respiratory tract pathogens in Children.

METHODSMIC values of cefdinir against 380 strains were determined with E-test method and compared with those of cefaclor.

RESULTSAll penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PSSP) strains were also susceptible to cefdinir and cefaclor. Both cefdinir and cefaclor were not active against penicillin-resistant SP (PRSP). Against penicillin-intermediate SP (PISP) the susceptibility rates of cefdinir and cefaclor were 70.1% and 57.4%, respectively. The activity of cefdinir and cefaclor against beta-lactamases negative Hemophilus influenzae (HI) was excellent, but the susceptibility rates of cefdinir and cefaclor against beta-lactamases positive HI were 85.0% and 70.0%, respectively with MIC(90) of 1.5 mg/L vs. 256.0 mg/L. Cefdinir presented higher activities and lower MIC values than cefaclor against Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), Group A streptococcus (GAS), methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pn). Both cefdinir and cefaclor were not susceptible to ESBLs positive E. coli and K. pn.

CONCLUSIONSCefdinir exhibits excellent activity against PSSP, PISP, HI, as well as MC, GAS, MSSA and ESBLs negative E. coli or K. pn.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Cephalosporins ; pharmacology ; Child ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Respiratory System ; microbiology

Objective To explore the effects of smoking and alcohol drinking on arsenic metabolism of people exposed to different concentrations of arsenic in drinking water.Methods Residents in Shanxi exposed to different concentrations of arsenic in drinking water and age ≥ 18 years old adults were chosen as the subjects for this study in 2008,the subjects were divided into three groups according to the concentrations of arsenic in drinking water: high-arsenic exposure group (more than 0.05 mg/L),low-arsenic exposure group (between 0.01 and 0.05 mg/L) and control group(less than 0.01 mg/L),excluded recently had eaten seafood and had poisoning symptoms of chronic arsenic in drinking water in the crowd.Smoking and alcohol drinking habits were investigated by questionnaire.Arsenic species in the urine samples were detected with hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy.Total arsenic(tAs) was the sum of iAs％,MMA％ and DMA％.iAs％,MMA％ and DMA％ were calculated as iAs/tAs,MMA/tAs and DMA/tAs,respectively.The first methylation ratio(FMR) and the secondary methylation ratio(SMR) were calculated as (MMA + DMA)/tAs and DMA/(MMA + DMA),respectively.Results Three hundred and ninety-five adults were chosen in this study.In the high exposure group the alcohol drinking and smoking subjects had higher MMA％(16.24％) but lower SMR(82.19％ ) than the non-drinking and non-smoking subjects (12.16％ and 86.13％,respectively).The differences of both MMA％ and SMR were significant(P ＜ 0.05 ).No significant difference was observed between the non-smoking/non-drinking subjects and the smoking or the drinking subjects(all P ＞ 0.05 ).In the low exposure group there were higher MMA％( 13.86％,13.99％) lower DMA％(72.87％,77.76％)and lower SMR (83.48％,83.90％ ) in those with smoking or drinking/smoking compared with the non-drinking and non-smoking subjects (11.83％,80.35％ and 86.54％,respectively,all P ＜0.05 ).No significant difference was observed between drinkers and non-drinking/non-smoking subjects(P ＞ 0.05).In the control group there were a higher MMA％( 17.27％,17.06％) lower DMA％ (73.89％,72.29％) and lower SMR (81.48％,82.58％ ) in those with smoking or drinking/smoking compared with the non-drinking and nonsmoking subjects( 11.52％,79.68％ and 87.19％,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).No significant difference was observed between drinkers and the non-drinking/non-smoking subjects (all P ＞ 0.05).ConclusionThe arsenic methylation capacity of people with drinking and smoking is poorer than that of non-drinking and non-smoking subjects after arsenic exposure.

Objective To evaluate the effecof bilateral ovariectomy combined with hormone injection on the bone mineral density and biomechanical property of sheep proximal femu.Method16 healthy adulsheep were divided into the sham operation group (n=8) and the experimengroup (n=8) randomly .Bilateral ovariewere only exposed in the sham operation group .The ex-perimengroup waperformed bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and began to conducthe intramusculainjection of methylprednisolone (0 .45 mg · kg -1 · d-1 ) aftepostoperative 1 month fo10 month.The bone density (BD) of all sheep proximal femuwameas-ured before OVX and in postoperative 1 yea.The compression tesand the axial pullouteswere performed to evaluate biome-chanical property of postoperative 1 yeaproximal femu.ResultBD of proximal femubefore surgery had no statistically signifi-candifference between the two group,and which in the sham operation group had no statistically significandifference between before and aftesurgery (P＞0 .05) .BD of proximal femuin postoperative 1 yeain the experimengroup wasignificantly de-creased and significantly lowethan thain the sham operation group (P＜0 .05) .The maximal compression stresand the energy absorption value in the experimengroup were significantly lowethan those in the sham operation group with statistically signifi-candifferences(P＜0 .05);the maximal axial pulling force and the energy absorption value in the experimengroup were signifi-cantly lowethan those in the sham operation group with statistically significandifference (P>0 .05) .Conclusion The method of bilateral ovariectomy combined with hormone injection can significantly decrease BD and biomechanical intensity of sheep proximal femu.

Sweetpotato starch thermal properties and its noodle quality were analyzed using a rapid predictive method based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This method was established based on a total of 93 sweetpotato genotypes with diverse genetic background. Starch samples were scanned by NIRS and analyzed for quality properties by reference methods. Results of statistical modelling indicated that NIRS was reasonably accurate in predicting gelatinization onset temperature (T(o)) (standard error of prediction SEP=2.014 degrees C, coefficient of determination RSQ=0.85), gelatinization peak temperature (T(p)) (SEP=1.371 degrees C, RSQ=0.89), gelatinization temperature range (T(r)) (SEP=2.234 degrees C, RSQ=0.86), and cooling resistance (CR) (SEP=0.528, RSQ=0.89). Gelatinization completion temperature (T(c)), enthalpy of gelatinization (DeltaH), cooling loss (CL) and swelling degree (SWD), were modelled less well with RSQ between 0.63 and 0.84. The present results suggested that the NIRS based method was sufficiently accurate and practical for routine analysis of sweetpotato starch and its noodle quality.
Food Technology ; methods ; Ipomoea batatas ; chemistry ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; methods ; Starch ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the relation of the anogenital distance (AGD) with cryptorchidism in male newborns.

METHODSThis study included 350 male infants delivered in two community hospitals between September 2013 and September 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, a pediatric surgeon measured the AGD of the neonates and determined whether they had cryptorchidism. According to the testicular position, we divided the undescended testes into three types: upper scrotal, inguinal, and non-palpable.

RESULTSTotally 39 cases of cryptorchidism were found in the 350 newborns. The AGD of the cryptorchidism infants was significantly shorter than that of the normal neonates ([2.01 ± 0.22] vs [2.35 ± 0.19] cm, P < 0.01), and statistically significant differences remained even when preterm and low birth-weight infants were excluded ([2.32 ± 0.14] vs [2.06 ± 0.19] cm; (2.37 ± 0.17) cm vs (2.12 ± 0.12) cm, all P < 0.01). The newborns with higher-position cryptorchidism had a shorter AGD, though with no significant difference (F = 0.434, P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the AGD between unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism ([1.96 ± 0.13] vs [2.02 ± 0.17] cm, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONShorter AGD is associated with a higher incidence of cryptorchidism in male newborns. AGD could serve as a potential biomarker for disruption of androgen action during the male programming window period.

Androgens ; physiology ; Cryptorchidism ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Male ; Perineum ; abnormalities

The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-30a(+)/sBLyS was constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21 (lambda DE3). The recombinant protein was found to be highly expressed by the plight of soluble part and inclusion body. For the sake of enhancing the proportion of the soluble part, inducement at 16 degrees C for 12 h was ascertained. The expressing product was then purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography gel. PI of the recombinant human sBLyS(rhsBLyS) is about 7.1-7.3 and it assembles into a homotrimer. The effect of rhsBLyS on B lymphocytes by MTT method told us the B lymphocytes' proliferating capacity dose depended on concentration and also stimulating time of the rhsBLys. With rhsBLyS(2 micrograms/mL) stimulating 3 days, B lymphocytes can proliferate the most.
B-Cell Activating Factor ; B-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Humans ; Isoelectric Point ; Lymphocyte Activation ; drug effects ; Membrane Proteins ; biosynthesis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Temperature ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of angiogenesis inhibitor and its combine with chemical drug in suppressing the growth of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

METHODSAcc-M cells were inoculated subcutaneous into BABL/C nu/nu mice. The mice were divided into control, different dose of TNP-470 treatment groups, 5-Fu treatment group and TNP-470 plus 5-Fu treatment group. Treatments were given 48 hours after inoculation. The mice were sacrificed on the 22nd day and excised tumors were weighted. Tumors were also investigated by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural observations.

RESULTSTNP-470 100 mg/kg/qod efficiently inhibited the growth of Acc-M tumors. TNP-470 30 mg/kg/qod combined with 50 mg/kg/week 5-Fu also resulted in significant growth inhibit of the tumors. TNP-470 suppressed tumor growth by inhibiting neovascularization, therefore inducing apoptosis of Acc-M cells. All experimental groups had different degrees of VEGF and bFGF express.

CONCLUSIONSince ACC is a slow developing tumor, blood supply is not so sufficient as sarcomas. Angiogensis inhibitor may inhibit its growth in high dosage. Combining medium dosage of angiogensis inhibitor with chemical drug may have synergistic result in inhibiting ACC growth.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; drug therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclohexanes ; pharmacology ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Sesquiterpenes ; pharmacology

This study was aimed to investigate the sensitizing effect of recombinant human PDCD5 (rhPDCD5) protein on chemotherapy of U937 cell line and its mechanism. The flow cytometry was performed to assess the changes of cell apoptosis and cell cycle influenced by rhPDCD5. Hochst 33258 staining was used to observe morphology of the apoptotic cells. The activity change of caspase-3 was detected to analyse the possible mechanisms of rhPDCD5-induced apoptosis. RT-PCR was performed to observe the expression level of drug-resistant genes. The results showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells and the activity of caspase-3 remarkably increased in U937 cells treated with rhPDCD5 combined with chemotherapeutic drug; the cell cycle arrest induced by anti-tumor drug was also enhanced when combined with rhPDCD5; meanwhile, the expression levels of drug-resistant genes were down-regulated in jointly treated U937 cells. It is concluded that the chemosensitizing mechanisms of rhPDCD5 are complex. rhPDCD5 may increase the cytotoxicity of anti-tumor drugs by promoting the caspase-3-related apoptosis, influencing cell cycle, decreasing the expression of drug-resistant genes and reversing drug-resistance.
Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; pharmacology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Humans ; Neoplasm Proteins ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; U937 Cells

Based on the sequence of BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) along with the Cre/lox P system, the gene-targeting vectors to multiple loci of the repetitive internal transcribed spacers between rDNA genes in Leghorn chicken were constructed. The key material of multiple loci gene targeting in vivo would be obtained. First, the plasmid of pYLSV-TDN with TK, HRDS2, and Neo genes was constructed. The TK-HRDS2-Neo DNA fragment obtained from the plasmid of pYLSV-TDN was digested by Not I/HindIII and inserted into the upstream of the lox P site of BAC plasmid for obtaining the selective vector of BAC-TDN. The expression vector of pYLVS-GID with EGFP, hIFN genes, and HRDS1 was then obtained. The plasmid of BAC-TDN-VS-GID was obtained by cotransformation of the selective vector of BAC-TDN and the expression vector of pYLVS-GID to E. coli NS3529 through the action of Cre/lox P system. The gene-targeting vector of BAC-TDN-GID to multiple loci of the ITS region in Leghorn chicken was obtained by cleaving the sequence of pYLVS with the homing endonuclease of I -Sce I and ligating with the linker of LS. The insertion and the insert direction of DNA fragments were identified by restriction digestion or PCR and sequencing in each clone. The significance of the technique ofgene-targeting vector to multiple loci are shown as follows. First, the targeting loci were increased to 100 - 300. Second, the problems of unstable expression of inserted genes were partially solved. Third, the need for safety against toxicity integration was resolved. Fourth, the forbidden zone of gene integrating on the repetitive DNA sequences was broken through.
Animals ; Attachment Sites, Microbiological ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Restriction Enzymes ; metabolism ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Integrases ; genetics ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; Transformation, Genetic