Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a glycoprotein expressing on the surface of neurons, glial cells, bone cells and natural killer cells. NCAM plays an important role in the process of cell - cell adhesion and cell migration, and is also a model protein to study polysialic acid. In this paper, NCAM gene from mouse mammary gland cells (NMuMG) was cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors pcDNA3.1(+) and transfected into mutant Chinese hamster ovary cells ldlD-14. The stable transfection over-expressing NCAM was obtained through the G418 selection and confirmed by Western blotting. Due to unique characters of ldlD-14 cells, carbohydrate chain of NCAM molecule can be easily manipulated with or without adding galactose in the serum free medium, and this modification can provide the basis for further studies on the effect of glycosylation on NCAM molecular function.
Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Female ; Galactose ; Glycosylation ; Mammary Glands, Animal ; cytology ; Mice ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules ; biosynthesis ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry ; Sialic Acids ; chemistry ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo improve the method for monitoring sleep state and respiratory rhythm of SD rats, providing a solution for rats' chewing on the wires, signal loss and instability problems in the animal model of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS).

METHODSWe improved monitoring electrodes of both electrocorticogram (ECoG) and electromyogram (EMG), signal circuit and animal operation.

RESULTSOperation time was shortened and wound exposure time was reduced, which made it easier for postoperative recovery. The ECoG and EMG signals were more stable with sharp image, and signal circuit lines had better conductivity and material durability, achieving continuous monitoring for a long time and high success rate. We could precisely distinguish the sleep wake state and the sleep apnea events in rats according to these signals.

CONCLUSIONThe improved method is more reliable and practical to test the small animal model of SAS, and is more easily to operate and the signals are more stable.

Animals ; Electroencephalography ; methods ; Electromyography ; methods ; Models, Animal ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; methods ; Rats ; Respiration ; Sleep ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes ; diagnosis

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by germline mutations of B-cell tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene. It is characterized by decreased serum immunoglobulins levels and circulating mature B cells. This defect in humoral immunity leads to increased susceptibility to infection. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, ulcerating, neutrophilic dermatosis. Here we report PG in an 8-year-old patient with XLA. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in conjunction with prednisone and topical application of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment and the ulcer was almost completely healed in the 2 weeks of follow-up. The coexistence has been rarely reported. XLA may be a possible cofactor in the pathogenesis of PG.
Agammaglobulinemia* ; B-Lymphocytes ; Child ; Follow-Up Studies ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Immunoglobulins ; Neutrophils ; Prednisone ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Pyoderma Gangrenosum* ; Pyoderma* ; Skin Diseases ; Tacrolimus ; Ulcer ; X Chromosome

The objectives of the study were to select suitable wavebands for rice leaf area index (LAI) estimation using the data acquired over a whole growing season, and to test the efficiency of the selected wavebands by comparing them with feature positions of rice canopy spectra. In this study, the field experiment in 2002 growing season was conducted at the experimental farm of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Measurements of hyperspectral reflectance (350 approximately 2500 nm) and corresponding LAI were made for a paddy rice canopy throughout the growing season. And three methods were employed to identify the optimal wavebands for paddy rice LAI estimation: correlation coefficient-based method, vegetation index-based method, and stepwise regression method. This research selected 15 wavebands in the region of 350~2 500 nm, which appeared to be the optimal wavebands for the paddy rice LAI estimation. Of the selected wavebands, the most frequently occurring wavebands were centered around 554, 675, 723, and 1 633 nm. They were followed by 444, 524, 576, 594, 804, 849, 974, 1 074, 1 219, 1 510, and 2 194 nm. Most of them made physical sense and had their counterparts in spectral known feature positions, which indicates the promising potential of the 15 selected wavebands for the retrieval of paddy rice LAI.
Oryza ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology

Objective In this study,we investigated the relationship between oxidative stress,selenoproteins level and onset of Keshan disease (KD) through detecting the expression of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OH-dG),thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) in myocardial tissue.Methods Myocardium samples of autopsy patients including 8 cases of KD (KD group included 4 acute KD and 4 chronic KD) and 9 cases of non-KD (control group) were immunohistochemically stained for 8-OH-dG,TrxR1 and GPx1.The staining intensities subsequently quantified by using Olympus Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software.Results The positive rate of 8-OH-dG expression in myocardial nuclei was higher in the case group[(68.6 ± 20.4)％] than that of the control group[(2.4 ± 1.5)％,t =8.515,P ＜ 0.05].In addition,the positive rate of 8-OH-dG expression in acute KD[(91.7 ± 3.7)％] was significantly higher than that of chronic KD[(53.2 ± 7.9)％,t =6.409,P＜0.05].The distribution of TrxR1 and GPx1 was not associated with the distribution of myocardial damage.The expression of these two selenoproteins in KD group (401340 ± 59865,497590 ± 197082) were both lower than that of control group(2790300 ± 379298,1348400 ±615840; t =-28.493,-6.016,respectively,all P＜0.01).Conclusions Oxidative damage is detected in myocardium tissue of KD,and 8-OH-dG expression is associated with the degree of myocardial damage in KD.Selenoproteins,TrxR1 and GPx1,may be closely related to the pathogenesis of KD.

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PB) are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension (OR=6.78,95％ CI:2.27-20.29,P=0.001),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=1.53,95％ CI:1.06-2.21,P=0.022),and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester (OR=1.70,95％ CI:1.17-2.45,P=0.005) were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.48,95％ CI:0.32-0.74,P=0.001) and gestation ≥37 weeks (OR=0.01,95％ CI:0.00-0.02,P＜0.034) were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension (OR=3.36,95％ CI:1.26-8.98,P=0.016),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=4.38,95％ CI:3.26-5.88,P＜0.001),maternal meal intake of only twice per day (OR=1.88,95％ CI:1.10-3.20,P=0.021),and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt (OR=1.60,95％ CI:1.02-2.51,P=0.040) were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.66,95％ CI:0.47-0.93,P=0.018),distance of house from road ≥36 meters (OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.53-0.97,P=0.028),and living in rural area (OR=0.60,95％ CI:0.37-0.99,P=0.047) were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.

The aneurysms at the initial segment of splenic artery are rare. This paper aimed to investigate the methods to treat the true aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery by aneurysmectomy plus vascular reconstruction. Retrospectively reviewed were 11 cases of true aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery who were treated in our hospital from January 2000 to June 2013. All cases were diagnosed by color ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT) and angiography. Upon resection of the aneurysm, the auto-vein transplantation was performed in situ between the hepatic artery and the distal part of the splenic artery in 1 case; the artificial vessel bypass was done between the infra-renal aorta and distal portion of the splenic artery in 7 cases; the splenectomy was done in 2 cases; the splenectomy in combination with ligation of multiple small aneurysms were performed in 1 case. All cases were cured and discharged from the hospital 10-14 days after operation. A 1-14 year follow-up showed that 9 cases survived, and 2 cases died, including 1 case who died of acute myocardial infarction 2 years after aorta-splenic artery bypass operation and 1 case who died of acute cerebral hemorrhage 5 years after aneurysm resection and the splenectomy. Among 6 cases receiving aorta-splenic artery bypass, 1 gradually developed stenosis at anatomosed site, which eventually progressed to complete occlusion 2 years to 6 years after operation, without suffering from splenic infarction because the spleen was supplied by the short gastric vessel and its collaterals. The other 5 cases receiving aorta-splenic artery bypass and 1 case undergoing autologous vascular transplantation did not develop stricture or pseudoaneurysm at the stoma. Our study showed that the aneurysmectomy plus vascular reconstruction is a better treatment for aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery.
Aneurysm ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Splenic Artery ; surgery ; Survival Analysis ; Treatment Outcome ; Veins ; transplantation

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the rapid development of medical and tissue engineering has provided more choices for making nerve conduit preparation. OBJECTIVE: To review the application of nerve conduits in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: The first author retrieved the CNKI and PubMed databases to search relevant articles published from 2010 to 2016. The key words were "nerve conduit, peripheral nerve" in Chinese and English, respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The nerve conduit materials are mainly classified into biotype and non-biotype. Biotype materials mainly include muscle, amniotic membrane, vein and small intestinal submucosal layer. The non-biotype materials include chitosan, collagen, silk fibroin, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyaniline and silicone tubes. Some materials currently have been approved to enter the clinical stage. There are more or less problems in the clinical application of nerve conduits in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. For example, the length of a defect that can be repaired is limited; the mechanical properties and mechanical properties are not exactly matched with nerve regeneration; the degradation rate is inconsistent with the rate of nerve regeneration; and poor biocompatibility exists.

OBJECTIVETo compare therapeutic effects of acupoint-injection and Chinese herbs for treatment of lumbago-leg pain induced by primary osteoporosis.

METHODSNinety cases of lumbago-leg pain induced by primary osteoporosis were randomly divided into a Jiaji point group, a reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group and a medication group, 30 cases in each group. For the Jiaji point group, bilateral Jiaji points T11, L1, L3, L5 and S2 were selected; for the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group, Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Taibai (SP 3), Taichong (LR 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10) were selected and the medication group were treated with oral administration of Qianggu Capsules. Changes of bone mass density (BMD) and pain cumulative score after treatment were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 93.3% in the Jiaji point group, 73.3% in the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group and 60.0% in the medication group, the Jiaji point group being better than both the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group and the medication group (P<0.01, P<0.05). In reduction of pain cumulative score and improvement of BMD, the Jiaji point group was better than both the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group and the medication group (P<0.01), and the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group was better than the medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupoint-injection has a definite therapeutic effect on lumbago-leg pain induced by primary osteoporosis, and the therapeutic effect of the Jiaji point group is better than the reinforcing kidney and strengthening spleen point group.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; methods ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Bone Density ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Leg ; Low Back Pain ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; therapy

The effect of Rhizoma curcumae oil on the learning and memory in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia and the possible mechanisms were investigated. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups (14 animals in each group): control, chronic hypoxia, chronic hypoxia with low (5 mg/kg body weight), middle (10 mg/kg body weight) and high (20 mg/kg body weight) concentrations of Rhizoma curcumae oil injection. The animals undergoing chronic hypoxia were exposed to hypoxia in a hypoxic chamber containing 10% O(2) and 5% CO(2) for 10 h/d, lasting 28 d. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to obtain the scores of leaning and memory. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde (MDA) content were determined in the serum and hippocampus as well as [Ca(2+)](i) in the hippocampus. The expression of phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII) in the hippocampus was evaluated by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the control group, the chronic hypoxia group showed the following changes: (1) The escape latency to the hidden platform was remarkably prolonged (P<0.05); (2) The content of MDA and [Ca(2+)](i) were obviously higher, but the activity of SOD and the expression of p-CaMKII were significantly lower (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the chronic hypoxia group, groups with Rhizoma curcumae oil injection had the following changes: (1) The escape latency to the hidden platform was remarkably shorter in 10, 20 mg/kg body weight groups (P<0.05); (2) The content of MDA and [Ca(2+)](i) were markedly decreased in 5, 10, 20 mg/kg body weight groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the activity of SOD in the serum and the expression of p-CaMKII were significantly higher in 10, 20 mg/kg body weight groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results showed that the capacity of learning and memory was degraded following chronic hypoxia. The decrease in MDA content and [Ca(2+)](i) and (or) the increase in SOD activity and p-CaMKII expression might participate in the enhancing effect on learning and memory induced by Rhizoma curcumae oil.
Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 ; metabolism ; Curcuma ; chemistry ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Memory ; drug effects ; Plant Oils ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism