The results of open-field test,step-through passive avoidance task and radial-arm maze experiment showed that changes of locomotor activity,anxiety-related behaviour and ability of learning and memory were associated with the increased apoptosis of neurons in hippocampus in rats with perinatal hypothyroidism.

The peeled stem of Syringa pinnatifolia is a Mongolia folk medicine, mainly distributed in Helan mountain, inner Mongolia and Ningxia provinces of China. It has been used for the treatment of cardiopalmus, angina pectoris, and cardiopulmonary diseases for a long history. Contemporary research revealed the presence of major lignans, sesquitepenes, and essential oils, and showed myocardial ischemia related diseases. This review summarizes the plant origins, taxonomic disputes, phytochemical and pharmacological research progress, hopefully to provide reference for full medicinal utilization, clarification of biological effective substance, and drug development.
Animals ; Drug Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Mongolian Traditional ; Molecular Structure ; Syringa ; chemistry

Palladium hydrogel capped by β-cyclodextrins (Pdβ-CD) was prepared by a facile method with β-cyclodextrins and palladium(II) chloride,which were then modified onto the surface of gold electrode. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared palladium hydrogel were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the electrochemistry behaviors of gold electrode modified by Pdβ-CDwere investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry(DPV). The results indicated the sensor had high electrochemistry response to hydrazine hydrate in the presence of K+,Na+,Mg2+,NH+4,Ni+2,Mn2+,Cl-,NO-3,SO2-4,PO3-4,HCOO-, C6H5O-3. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidized peak current showed linear relationship with the concentration of hydrazine hydrate in the concentration range of 25-950 μmol/L and the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.6 μmol/L(S/N=3).Owing to the facile preparation,high sensitivity and selectivity,the sensor has potential applications in determination of hydrazine hydrate in real water samples

OBJECTIVEThe fabrication of all-ceramic dental restorations is challenged by ceramics' relatively low flexural strength and intrinsic poor resistance to fracture. This paper aimed at investigating the relationships between powder-size gradation and mechanical properties of Zirconia toughened glass infiltrated nanometer-ceramic composite (Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2)).

METHODSAl(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics powder (W) was processed by combination methods of chemical co-precipitation and ball milling with addition of different powder-sized ZrO(2). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the particle size distribution and characterize the particle morphology of powders. The matrix compacts were made by slip-casting technique and sintered to 1,450 degrees C and flexural strength and the fracture toughness of them were measured.

RESULTS1. The particle distribution of Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics powder ranges from 0.02 - 3.5 micro m and among them the superfine particles almost accounted for 20%. 2. The ceramic matrix samples with addition of nZrO(2) (W) showed much higher flexural strength (115.434 +/- 5.319) MPa and fracture toughness (2.04 +/- 0.10) MPa m(1/2) than those of pure Al(2)O(3) ceramics (62.763 +/- 7.220 MPa; 1.16 +/- 0.02 MPa m(1/2)).

CONCLUSIONSThe particle size of additive ZrO(2) may impose influences on mechanical properties of Al(2)O(3)-nZrO(2) ceramics matrix. Good homogeneity and reasonable powder-size gradation of ceramic powder can improve the mechanical properties of material.

Aluminum Oxide ; chemistry ; Dental Porcelain ; chemistry ; Hardness ; Nanomedicine ; Nanotechnology ; Particle Size ; Powders ; Tensile Strength ; Zirconium ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the modulatory effect of insulin on apoptosis of skeletal myoblast (L6 cells) by serum of scalded rat and its mechanism.

METHODSL6 cells cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% FBS were divided into control (C, added with 20% normal rat serum), serum from rat with scald injury (S, added with 20% serum from scalded rat), insulin (I, added with 20% normal rat serum and 100 nmol/L insulin), and serum of scalded rat + insulin (SI, added with 20% serum of scalded rat + 100 nmol/L insulin) groups according to the random number table. After being cultured for 48 hours, apoptosis was observed with Hoechst 33258 staining and its number counted, annexin V -FITC/PI double-labeling method was used to assess apoptosis rate, the protein levels of phosphorylated (p-) Akt, p-PI3K, Bax, Bcl-2, and active caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with grouped or paired t test.

RESULTS(1) The amount of apoptosis with typical morphological change in S group [(59.6 +/- 3.9) per visual field] was more than that in C, I, and SI groups [(4.9 +/- 2.6), (5.5 +/- 2.1), (19.7 +/- 2.3) per visual field, with t value respectively 28.53, 29.86, 21.53, P values all below 0.01]. (2) Apoptotic rate in S group was (18.5 +/- 1.8)%, which was markedly higher than that in C, I, and SI groups [(1.1 +/- 0.6)%, (1.5 +/- 0.3)%, (7.8 +/- 0.6)%, with t value respectively 22.41, 22.83, 13.92, P values all below 0.01]. (3) Compared with those in C group, the protein levels of Bax and active caspase-3 in S group were up-regulated (1.12 +/- 0.63 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.03, 2.15 +/- 0.51 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.03, with t value respectively 3.80, 10.69, P values all below 0.01), the protein level of p-Akt was lowered (0.20 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.07, t = -8.46, P < 0.01), and the protein levels of p-PI3K and Bcl-2 showed no statistical difference (0.19 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.09, 0.17 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.07, with t value respectively -2.73, - 1.14, P values all above 0.05). The protein levels of Bax (0.40 +/- 0.14) and active caspase-3 (0.83 +/- 0.18) in SI group were lowered (t = -3.23, P < 0.05; t = 6.66, P < 0.01) and the protein levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2, and p-PI3K in SI group were elevated (0.39 +/- 0.10, 0.78 +/- 0.03, 0.47 +/- 0.12, with t value respectively 4.07, 18.71, 5.05, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) as compared with those in S group.

CONCLUSIONSSerum from scalded rat can induce apoptosis in skeletal myoblast, and the effect can be inhibited by insulin through PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Burns ; blood ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Insulin ; pharmacology ; Male ; Myoblasts, Skeletal ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serum ; immunology ; Signal Transduction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

Objective:To investigate the relationship between adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene polymorphism and postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 236 GDM postpartum women admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from June 2020 to June 2021 as observation subjects. They were divided into a T2DM group and a non T2DM group based on the occurrence of T2DM after delivery. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. The double deoxygenation end termination method was used to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the ADIPOQ gene, and the four loci rs17366568, rs822395, rs1501299, and rs2241766 were classified. The relationship between ADIPOQ genotype polymorphism and postpartum T2DM was analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results:The G allele carrying the rs2241766 locus in ADIPOQ gene was negatively correlated with the occurrence of T2DM ( OR=0.71, 0.68, P<0.05). Compared with T2DM patients with TT genotype, the GT+ GG genotype at the rs2241766 locus had a lower risk of occurrence for gestational age ≥2 and HbA 1c>85%. Similarly, T2DM patients with pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI)>25 kg/m 2 were more likely to be carriers of the rs2241766 TT genotype ( P=0.026). The (GT+ TT) genotype carrying the T allele at the rs1501299 locus was a protective factor for gestational age and HbA 1c in T2DM patients. Conclusions:The rs2241766 and rs1501299 polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ gene are associated with susceptibility to postpartum T2DM in GDM women. Individuals with rs2241766 and rs1501299 mutant genotypes belong to the high-risk population for T2DM.

OBJECTIVETo explore an appropriate measure to repair tissue defects and deformities in mandibulo-cervical region.

METHODSEighteen cases with severe tissue defects and deformity in jaw and neck were repaired with thoracic skin flap with multiple blood supply system in our unit from Jan. 2006 to Nov. 2008. Anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, intercostal branch of internal thoracic artery and lateral thoracic artery were included in the pedicles.

RESULTSAll skin flaps survived, except in one patient in whom a small belb appeared at the distal end of the island flap with anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, and it was healed after a few dressing changes. The functions and appearances were satisfactory after 6-month to 2-year follow-up, without showing secondary deformity.

CONCLUSIONSThe blood supply of thoracic skin flap is abundant and constant, which is an ideal method for repair of tissue defects and deformities in jaw and neck after taking into account some factors, such as the demand of the patient, general physical condition, and the size of the defect.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin ; blood supply ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Thoracic Wall ; surgery ; Wound Healing ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDRecent studies showed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) had risk of ectopic bone formation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of growth and differentiation factor 6 (GDF-6) on the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro, and then combined with small intestine submucous (SIS) to promote tendon regeneration in vivo.

METHODSThe BMSCs were isolated from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) rats, and were characterized by multi-differentiation assays following our previous study protocol. BMSCs cultured with different concentrations of GDF-6, without growth factors served as control. After 2 weeks, mRNA expression and protein expression of tendon specific markers were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting to define an optimal concentration of GDF-6. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the difference in relative mRNA expression among all groups; P ≤ 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. The GDF-6 treated BMSCs combined with SIS were implanted in nude mice and SD rat acute patellar tendon injury model, the BMSCs combined with SIS served as control. After 12 and 4 weeks in nude mice and tendon injury model, the samples were collected for histology.

RESULTSAfter the BMSCs were treated with different concentration of GDF-6 for 2 weeks, the fold changes of the specific markers (Tenomodulin and Scleraxis) mRNA expression were significantly higher in GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) group (P ≤ 0.05), which was also confirmed by Western blotting result. The BMSCs became parallel in orientation after GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treatment, but the BMSCs in control group were randomly oriented. The GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs were combined with SIS, and were implanted in nude mice for 12 weeks, the histology showed neo-tendon formation. In the SD rat patellar tendon window injury model, the histology also indicated the GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs combined with SIS could promote tendon regeneration.

CONCLUSIONSGDF-6 has tenogenic effect on the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) has better tenogenic effect compared to other concentrations. The GDF-6 (20 ng/ml) treated BMSCs combined with SIS can form neo-tendons and promote tendon regeneration.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Growth Differentiation Factor 6 ; pharmacology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration ; drug effects ; Tendons ; drug effects ; physiology

OBJECTIVEto investigate the effect of somatostatin on inflammatory immune disorders and prognosis in patients with severe sepsis caused by abdominal diseases.

METHODSfifty-three patients with severe abdominal sepsis (age > 18 years, APACHE-II score > 15) from June 2005 to June 2009 were randomly divided into Somatostatin group (n = 23) and SSC Group (n = 30). Fifteen healthy volunteers of the same age range were chosen as Control group. The SSC group was treated with classical SSC therapy, and the Somatostatin Group was treated with the same regime plus 14-peptide somatostatin continuous infusion at the dose of 6 mg/24 h for 7 days. The serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by using ELISA. CD(4)(+), CD(8)(+) T cell subsets were determined by fluorescence activated cell sorter(FACS) and CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) was calculated. APACHE-II score was observed on admission (d1) and day 3, 7 and 14 after treatment. Morality rates in 28 days in two groups were recorded.

RESULTScompared with Control group, IL-10 and TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in patients with severe abdominal sepsis (P < 0.05), while CD(4)(+), CD(8)(+) T cell and CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the Somatostatin group CD(4)(+), CD(8)(+) T cell and CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) on d7 and d14 in SSC Group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while IL-10 and TNF-α decreased significantly(P < 0.05). APACHE-II scores on d3, d7, d14 of Somatostatin group were significantly lower than those of SSC group, and 28 d mortality rate also declined.

CONCLUSIONSin patients with severe abdominal sepsis, systemic inflammatory response and immune suppression exist simultaneously. Somatostatin has a dual immunomodulatory activity in these patients.

APACHE ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Male ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Sepsis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; immunology ; Somatostatin ; therapeutic use ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objectives: To explore the modulating effects and related mechanisms of p53-miR-34a-SIRT1 feedback loop in the process of replication senescence of vascular endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). Methods: EPC derived from umbilical cord blood were cultured and identified. Differences on senescence, cell apoptosis, cell cycle and blood tube formation were observed in EPC of 3rdand 6thgeneration. Protein expression of p53, Acetyl-p53, and SIRT1 was also detected by Western blotting in EPC of 3rdand 6thgeneration. The miR-34a inhibitor lentiviral vector was constructed and used to identify whether miR-34a inhibitor can protect 6thgeneration EPC from apoptosis. Results: EPC derived from umbilical cord blood were successfully cultured. The cells senescence rate and apoptosis rate of the 6thgeneration EPC were significantly higher than those of the 3rdgeneration EPC. The cell cycle of 6thgeneration EPC was mainly arrested at G0/G1 phase. The protein expression level of p53 was significantly higher, while the protein expression of acetyl-p53 and SIRT1 was significantly lower in the 6thgeneration EPC than in the 3rdgeneration EPC, all P<0.05. The senescence was significantly attenuated, and late apoptotic cells were significantly reduced, while angiogenesis ability was significantly enhanced in the 6thgeneration EPC transfected with lentiviral vector carrying miR-34a inhibitor. Conclusions: p53-miR-34a-SIRT1 is an important feedback mechanism in the process of EPC replication senescence. The miR-34a inhibitor may be the potential target of delaying EPC senescence.