Objective · To investigate the prevalence of passive smoking among pregnant women in Shanghai and to analyze its influencing factors and to provide the basis and suggestion for making related intervention measures to reduce the harm of secondhand smoke on the health of pregnant women. Methods · From July to October 2014, pregnant women and their spouses were recruited for a questionnaire investigation at the antenatal care clinics of 3 maternity hospitals and 3 community hospitals in Shanghai. The questionnaire included demographic information, family basic situation and cognitive status of passive smoking. Results · The passive smoking rate before pregnancy in the 2831 pregnant women, who were involved in the investigation, was 17.1%. The passive rate during pregnancy was 7.8%. The difference between these two rates was statistically significant (P<0.05). 71.0% of the pregnant women have passive smoking for 15~59 min each day. Relative to home and work place, the passive smoking rate of pregnant women in public place was the highest (P<0.05). The passive smoking rate of pregnant women was significantly associated with the educational level of smoking spouses and the attitude of pregnant women when they faced the smokers. Conclusion · The passive smoking rate of pregnant women is influenced by the educational level of their spouses and the pregnant women's feedback to the smokers face to face. Public places are the most important exposure places to secondhand smoke for pregnant women. In order to reduce the harm from passive smoking to pregnant women and their fetuses, the related measures of smoking control at home education and smoking ban in public place should be made.

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of the spinal cord during neck flexion in Hirayama disease for diagnosis.Methods MRI examinations in neutral neck position and a fully flexed neck position were performed on 18 cases of Hirayama disease and 31 young normal control subjects.We measured an antero-posterior diameter(APD)and transverse diameter(TD)of the cervical cord at the superior margin of the C6 vertebral body for each position,and investigate the dynamic changes.The different in frequency of these findings between the control and patient groups was examined by means of the x~2 test.The group means were compared by independent-sample t-test.Significance was defined as P

OBJECTIVETo determine whether the matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene (MMP9) polymorphism is associated with the onset or progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in Chinese Han female.

METHODSThree single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs17576, rs2250889, rs1805088) were genotyped through TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay in 190 AIS patients and 190 controls, all of whom were females from Chinese Han population with matched age. Analyses performed included Hardy Weinberg equilibrium test, Pearson chi-square test, Logistic regression analysis, linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype analysis. The mean maximum Cobb angles with different genotypes in case-only dataset were also compared.

RESULTSAll 3 SNPs have reached Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the controls. Genotype and allele frequencies of all SNPs were found similar between cases and controls by Pearson chi-square test and Logistic regression. Genotype-phenotype analysis showed that patients with CC genotype in rs2250889 featured larger maximum Cobb angles.

CONCLUSIONMMP9 may not be a predisposition gene of AIS in Han female. However, homozygous mutation in rs2250889 can render scoliosis more severe, implying that MMP9 defect may result in deterioration of AIS.

Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child ; China ; Female ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; Scoliosis ; genetics

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells are involved in the skin repair after scald, but the hydrogel made of the excreta by adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells is rarely reported in the treatment of skin scald. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the therapeutic effect of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium hydrogel in a mouse model of skin scald. METHODS: Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from adipose tissues by enzyme digestion combined with adherent culture method. Morphological and flow cytometry were used to identify phenotype and induce differentiation. Secondly, the stable proliferative phase cells were harvested to obtain the conditioned medium, and chitosan, mannitol, beta-glycerol phosphate sodium and hyaluronic acid were added to prepare the thermosensitive hydrogel. Then the 95 ℃ aluminum block was used to rapidly establish a model of degree III skin scald on the left (experimental group) and right (control group) sides of the back of 24 C57BL/6 mice. In the experimental group, adipose derived stem cell conditioned medium hydrogel was applied twice a day on the right side of the mouse back, and in the control group, fresh medium hydrogel was applied twice a day on the left side of the mouse back. The treatment period lasted for 7 days. Healing time and healing process were observed to calculate the healing rate. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining at paraffin sections at 4, 14, 28 days after skin scald. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells had fibroblast-like morphology and proliferated vigorously, and the average doubling time was 55 hours. These cells could be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. High expression of CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105 were observed on these cells with low expression of CD31 and CD34, which met the standard of mesenchymal stem cells. (2) Thethermosensitive hydrogel prepared by the conditioned medium was cool and transparent viscous liquid at 4-20 ℃, and was changed into semi-solid gel at( 37 ℃ after 15 minutes. (3) The normal structure) subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue (of 95 ℃ aluminum block scalded mice wer) standards of degree III burns. The wound area was roughly 3 cm2. (4) In the repair process, shorter wound healing time, less scar and better dermis structure were observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. (5) Inflammatory infiltration, thickness of granulation tissue, epidermal thickness, fibroblasts and vascular density were significantly improved in the experimental group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium hydrogel can promote the wound healing and promote the quality of regenerated skin after skin scald.

Objective To investigate the effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on insulin secretion and gene expressions of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 ( PDX-1 ) and forkhead box-containing protein O-1 ( FoxO1 ),which were important transcription factors for insulin secretion.Methods Insulin secretion level in RIN-m5f cells was detected by rat insulin ELISA detection kit.The mRNA expression levels of PDX-1 and FoxO1 in RIN-m5f cells were analyzed by real-time PCR.The protein expression of PDX-1 was measured by Western blot.Results Insulin secretion levels in RIN-m5f cells treated with repaglinide ( 10 nmol/L) plus NMN ( 100 μnol/L) was significantly higher than those in the blank control,the DMSO control group,and the NMN (50μmol/L) treated group (P ＜0.05 ).The mRNA expression levels of PDX-1 in RIN-m5f cells treated with NMN ( 10,50 and 100 μmol/L) for 36 h were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜0.05,P ＜ 0.01,and P ＜ 0.001,respectively).There was marked differences in the mRNA expression levels of PDX-1 among different concentrations of NMN (P ＜0.001 ),but no significant differences in the mRNA expression level of FoxO1 ( P ＞ 0.05).No significant difference was found in the protein expression levels of PDX-1 in RIN-m5f cells treated by NMN (50,100,and 200 μmol/L) for 36 or 48 h compared with the control group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion NMN can stimulate insulin secretion and upregulate the mRNA expression of PDX-1 in RIN-m5f cells.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of an external film of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the rats wound healing.

METHODSForty-eight SD rats were randomly separated into eight groups of 6 rats each. Bilateral dorsal cuts were performed on each rat, left wound was used as the experiment with HA external film and right wound was used as the control only with normal saline. The process of healing was observed histologically following 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days postoperatively.

RESULTSInflammation was lighter and epidermal healing was faster in the experimental group than those in the control. The fibroblasts degenerated and the collagen fiber changed to slim and loose bunches in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that HA external film could have powerful infiltrating activity at the early stage of wound healing, it could accelerate the healing of epidermis and delay the formation of keratinization layer.

Animals ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Drug Administration Routes ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Hyaluronic Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of 15-methyl-lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on mesangioproliferative nephritis in rats and the possible mechanisms.

METHODSMesangioproliferative nephritis was induced by a single intravenous injection of the mouse monoclonal anti-Thy1.1 antibodies (ER4) in 20 rats. Ten nephritic rats were injected with 15-methyl-LXA4 at 10 minutes before ER4 antibody injection and then 8-hourly until the rats were sacrificed on day 4 after nephritis induction. The nephritis was evidenced by presence of proteinuria, histologic examination with light microscopy, infiltrating leukocyte assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and mesangial cell proliferation assessed by proliferation scoring and by immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 protein or mRNA in glomeruli were determined by radioimmunoassay or RT-PCR, respectively. Phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K), Akt1 and p27(kip1) in glomeruli were analyzed by Western Blot. Activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in glomeruli were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

RESULTSThere were increases in glomerular infiltration of leukocyte, expressions of IL-1beta and IL-6 protein and mRNA, and activities of NF-kappaB in nephritic rats between days 1 and 4 after nephritis induction. The enhanced proteinuria, score of mesangial proliferation, glomerular PCNA positive cells, activities of phosphorylated PI3-K, Akt1 and STAT3, and reduced p27(kip1) expression were found on day 4 after nephritis induction. 15-Methyl-LXA4 treatment significantly reduced the proteinuria, glomerular infiltration of leukocyte, expressions of IL-1beta and IL-6 protein and mRNA, score of mesangial proliferation, glomerular PCNA positive cells, activities of phosphorylated PI3-K, Akt1, NF-kappaB and STAT3, and increased the p27(kip1) expression.

CONCLUSIONS15-Methyl-LXA4 can markedly inhibit the proteinuria, glomerular inflammation, and mesangial cell proliferation induced by anti-Thy1.1 antibodies. The inhibition effects are related to PI3-K/Akt1/p27(kip1)/cyclin pathway, STAT3 and NF-kappaB pathway-dependent signal transduction.

Animals ; DNA ; metabolism ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative ; drug therapy ; Interleukin-1 ; genetics ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; Lipoxins ; therapeutic use ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo identify the relationship between amino acid mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and their antibiotic resistance.

METHODSPI gene fragments of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from 17 clinical isolates were obtained with PCR amplification. They were cloned into the PCR cloning vector pBS-T to form pBS-T-PI and sequenced. The sequences of PI genes were analyzed. At the same time, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin and tetracycline to these 17 isolates were measured and contrasted with the corresponding PI sequence.

RESULTSThe recombinants of PI gene from 17 clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were successfully constructed and sequenced. They were divided into PIA and PIB subtypes according to the results from blastn software by comparing the sequences with the GenBank. Mutations were found at the sites of 120 and 121. There were only some of the sequences having an aspartic acid (D) mutation on 120 and 121 sites, which was not the same as reported. On the other hand,there were two PI sequences,5-9 and 6-1, whose mutations on No. 120 were lysine, similar to those documented.

CONCLUSIONSome relationship between PI amino acids mutations at sites 120 and 121 in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Chengdu, China and their resistance to penicillin and tetracycline were found. However,further studies need to be done in the future to confirm this hypothesis.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Bacterial ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Mutation ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To evaluate the control effect of the policy sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders on the disease status after 15 years salt iodization, and to provide a scientific basis for the relevant policy adjustments. Methods Probability sampling method (PPS) was used to select 30 counties in Jiangsu province(except those iodine excess areas), of each county 40 children aged 8 - 10 were selected as the investigation objects, their thyroids were examined by palpation and B ultrasound, urinary iodine(UI), household salt iodine, and intelligence quotient(IQ) were also investigated. A questionnaire-based health education survey of children and women was also conducted. Results A total of 1200 salt samples were detected and the coverage and qualified rates of iodized salt were 97.5%(1170/1200) and 94.5%(1134/1200), respectively. Five hundred and ninety eight urinary samples of children aged 8 to 10 were detected. The median urinary iodine was 325.3 μg/L. Of 1200 children aged 8 to 10 examined, goiter was 1.70% (20/1200) by palpation and 1.00% (12/1200) by B ultrasound. Average IQ of those 598 children was 112.4 ± 13.2, and the proportion of mental retardation was 0.5% (3/598). The health education awareness were 95.9%(1830/1908) and 96.4%(431/447) for 636 students and 149 family women, respectively. Conclusions The control effect of iodine deficiency disorders is significant in Jiangsu province. Salt iodine concentration should be adapted to people's iodine nutritional status. Iodine nutrition needs of special population such as pregnant, lactation women and infants should be taking into account, and should also be combined with salt iodization status surveillance at county level.

Objective To study the inducement of U251 glioblastoma cell apoptosis in vivo through up-regulating PUMA expresion and knocking down miR-221/222, and explore its mechanism.Methods Nude mouse xenograft models were established in 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice by subcutaneous vaccination of U251 glioblastomas; 1 week later, they were treated with intratumoral injection of lipofcctamine-mediated miRNA-221/222 antisense oligonucleotides (GroupA), nonsense sequences (Group B) and controls (Group C),respectively (n=8).The tumor growth was monitored until the end of observation period (28 d after the treatment) and pathological changes of the glioblastoma tissues were observed by HE staining at the end of observation.Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and real-time PCR were employed to measure the miR-221 and miR-222 expressions. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the apoptosis of glioblastomas.Immunohistochemistry and Westem blotting were used to detect the expressions of PUMA,bax,bcl-2 and p53 in removed tumor specimens. Results The volume in Group A was significantly smaller than that of those in group B and group C 6-28 dater treatment (P=0.006). The miR-221 and miR-222 mRNA expressions in Group A were significantly decreased as compared with those of those in group B and group C.HE staining indicated that decreased heteromorphism and reduced number of new vessels in Group A were noted as compared with those in group B and group C.The cell apoptotic index in Group A was significantly higher than that in group B and group C (P＜0.05).Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of PUMA and bax in Group A was significantly up-regulated as compared with those in group B and group C, while the expression of bcl-2 in Group A was significantly down-regulated as compared with that in group B and group C; and no significant changes were noted in the p53 expression. Conclusion By up-regulating PUMA expresion,knocking down miR-221/222 can induce U251 glioma apoptosis in vivo.