BACKGROUND:Studies on high glucose exposure in human periodontal ligament cel s usual y focus on the biological behaviors, pathways and secretory factors, but whether the metabolic memory is involved is little known. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the metabolic memory of high glucose exposure in human periodontal ligament cel s. METHODS:Human periodontal ligament cel s were primarily cultured and identified. Cel s at 5-8 passages were selected and randomized into four groups. Group A (controls):DMEM containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose for 8 days;group B (5-day memory group):DMEM containing 35 mmol/L glucose for 3 days and DMEM containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose for 5 days;group C (3-day memory group):DMEM containing 35 mmol/L glucose for 5 days and DMEM containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose for 3 days;group D (8-day high glucose group):DMEM containing 35 mmol/L glucose for 8 days. The cel proliferation was detected by cel counting kit-8, the cel apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the levels of total proteins and alkaline phosphatase were investigated using ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, the cel proliferation in the other three groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the number of apoptotic cel s was significantly increased, while the levels of total proteins and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased (P<0.05). These results suggest that high glucose causes persistent changes in human periodontal ligament cel s by inhibiting cel viability, increasing the apoptosis and downregulating the levels of the total proteins and alkaline phosphatase

Objective To investigate the structural and functional changes of lower motor neuron distal to the site of spinal cord injury in rats. Methods Seventies Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 6 groups: sham-operation group (controls, n=10) and 3 day group (n=10), 1 week group (n=10), 2 week group (n=10), 4 week group (n=15) and 8 week group (n=15) after spinal cord transaction at T10. Neuronal apoptosis and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of spinal cord at L4- 6 were observed by using the terminal deoxynucleotidal transferase- mediated DUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and the semiquantitative enzyme cytochemistry, respectively. Results The assessment of apoptosis by TUNEL labeling showed that fluorescent markers were observed occasionally in anterior horn distal to the site of injury. The optical density (OD) value of AchE positive motor neurons (area > 300 μm2) initially decreased about 3 days after transaction and then overshot 1 week or so. However, after that, the OD value decreased again, the lowest about 4 weeks. Then the OD value increased again, though at 8 weeks was still lower than that of controls (P<0.05). Conclusion The findings on indistinctive apoptosis provided the proof of no significant changes of lower motor neuron distal to the site of transection. Semiquantitative histochemical results about AChE reflected marked metabolic changes of motoneurons caudal to the transaction, which represented as part of functional reorganization.

Objective To investigate clinical effect of surgical repair and reconstruction of traumatic floating shoulder injuries (FSI). Methods Sixteen patients with FSI were treated with open re-duction and reconstructive internal plate fixation. Of all, one patient was with transverse clavicle fracture, six with oblique clavicle fracture and nine with comminuted clavicle fracture. There was one patient with type Ⅰ scapula fracture, three with type Ⅱ, four with type Ⅲ, six with type Ⅳ and two with type Ⅴ. The combined injuries included rib fracture plus hemopneumothorax in six patients, traumatic moist lung in two, craniocerebral injuries in two, hepatic and splenic rupture in two and brachial plexus damage in one. The average time from primary injury to operation was seven days (3-21 days). Results Fifteen out of 16 patients were followed up for 6-28 months (average 11 months). All patients obtained bone u-nion, without infection, loosening or breakage of internal fixation. According to Herscvici evaluation standard of function, the shoulder joint outcome was rated as excellent in 11 patients, good in three and fair in one, with excellence rate of 93%. Conclusion The surgical repair and reconstruction of FSI can, to a greatest extent, recover the anatomical structure and stability around the shoulder joint and shorten the immobilization period of joint, which is beneficial to functional restoration of the joint and de-crease of occurrence of complications.

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes and relevance of H reflex and spasticity after cervical or thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsH reflex of 13 healthy adults as controls and 30 SCI patients (subacute, n=18; chronic, n=12) was measured twice from soleus muscle once a month. In the same time, the evaluation of spasm was performed by the modified Ashworth scale.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean Hmax amplitude and Hmax/Mmax ratio between different SCI stages(P>0.05). However, the mean Hmax amplitude of the patients was smaller than that of controls(P<0.01). During subacute stage there was quadratic correlation between the mean Hmax amplitude and spasticity, Hmax/Mmax ratio and spasticity. But there was linear correlation between Hmax/Mmax ratio and spasticity during chronic stage.ConclusionThere was closer relation between spasticity and Hmax/Mmax ratio after spinal cord injury. However, the quantitative evaluation need to be proved by larger samples.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of chronic stress on the spatial learning-memory and the role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP) in different age mice.

METHODSThe chronic stress model mice in 21 days with multiple chronic unpredictable stressors were applied. The spontaneous behavior and spatial learning-memory ability of mice were tested, using Open field and Morris water maze task, and the expression of GDNF in HP and PFC were detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSCompared with young mice, the spontaneous behaviors were significantly decreased and the spatial learning-memory function were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in aged mice. The GDNF expression in the CA3, DG of HP and PFC were significantly reduced in aged mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After chronic stress, the spontaneous behaviors were remarkably decreased and the ability of spatial learning-memory of the stress group mice were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with those of the control group mice. The expression of GDNF in HP and PFC were remarkably reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in stress group mice. The aged stress mice had more serious changes after chronic stress.

CONCLUSIONThe brain aging and chronic stress in mice causes behavioral changes and the damage of spatial learning-memory function, and which may be nearly related to the expression of GDNF in HP and PFC.

Aging ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; Cognition Disorders ; metabolism ; Female ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Maze Learning ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Stress, Physiological

Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) is a new treatment method for intestinal diseases, especially for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection(CDI), which is very effective.It can reconstruct the intestinal flora of patients and effectively correct the disorder of intestinal flora.In recent years, the clinical application of fecal transplantation has been more and more extensive.This paper reviews the development history, operation process, clinical application and adverse reactions of fecal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To construct the expressing vector of siRNA which can inhibit the Smad3 activity. METHODS: Sixty-four bases of 2 pair oligos for hairp in RNA expression which targeted Smad3 gene were chemically synthesized and annealed. pSUPER vector was linearized with BgL II and Hin d III treated with alkaline phosphatase (CIP). Anneled oligos were inserted into the downstream of the treated pSUPER's pol III H1 promoter to construct RNAi plasmid (pSUPER Smad3). Oligos with a scrambled sequence were used as a negative control. pSUPER Smad3 was transfected into human renal tubular epithelial cells (HKC). RESULTS: Recombinant pSUPER Smad3 vector was identified by the digestion with Eco R I and Hin d III, and confirmed by the sequencing analysis with T3 primer. Sixty-four bases had been inserted into the expected site. Furthermore, the insertion sequence was exactly corrected. The activity evaluation indicated that mRNA and protein of Smad3 but not Smad2 were inhibited by pSUPER Smad3 in HKC. CONCLUSION The pSUPER Smad3 system has been constructed successfully, and has high inhibition and specificity in vitro.
Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; Plasmids ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Smad3 Protein ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective To understand the current status and relative factors on knowledge, attitude, practice to contraception among college students in Beijing and to provide evidence for developing aimed contraceptive service and education in colleges. Methods Quantitative surveys were employed, questionnaire was conducted anonymously among 12 450 unmarried college students under informed consent. Results Among 12 129 students, acknowledgement of contraceptive knowledge among females was superior to males in college(P=0.000). Rates on the favor for unmarried sexual practice and 'sexual liberation' were 81.9% and 60.2% for males, comparing to 74.8% and 54.3% for females respectively. The prevalence rates for masturbation were 74.3% for males and 24.9% for females respectively. 18.4% of the male and 10.5% of the female students had ever experienced unmarried sexual intercourse. Among those students who had sexual experiences, 29.4% of the males had made their sex partners pregnant and 23.1% of the female students had experienced unexpected pregnancy. Statistical significance was found between males and females (P=0.000) in terms of attitudes and behaviors. 51.3% of the male and female students took contraceptive measures during the episode of first sexual intercourse. The excuses for not taking any measures would include: sexual intercourse happened incidentally, not interested in using condom, only one sexual experience would not cause pregnancy, etc. Conclusion The prevalence of unmarried sexual intercourse among college students had been rising. Among those who had experienced unmarried sexual intercourse, the rate of taking contraceptive measures was low and the incidence of unexpected pregnancy was high. It is urgent to strengthen the education and service programs on contraception among college students.

Objective To improve the diagnosis accuracy and treatment quality of juxtaglomerular cell tumor.Methods The clinical data of 2 female patients(20 and 36 years,respectively)with juxtaglo- merular cell tumor were presented and discussed in combination with review of the literature,including the onset characteristics,imaging features,treatment,pathology and prognosis.Case 1 presented with hyperten- sion of 180/110 mm Hg.The laboratory examinations showed that in decubitus and standing position,the plasma rennin activity(PRA)was 3.2?g - L~(-1)?h~(-1)and 36.5?g?L~(-1)?h~(-1);angiotensinⅡwas 54.3 pg/ml and 183.5 pg/ml;aldosterone was 193.5 prnol/L and 489.4 pmol/L,respectively;serum kalium was 2.6 mmol/L.Case 2 presented with hypertension of 210/120 mm Hg.The laboratory examination results were as follows:in decubitus and standing position,PRA was 4.3?g?L~(-1)?h~(-1)and 37.0?g?L~(-1)?h~(-1);angio- teusinⅡwas 55.6 pg/ml and 200.4 pg/ml;aldosterone was 162.4 pmol/L and 506.3 pmol/L,respectively; serum kalium was 3.0 mmol/L.On CT scan,both cases had renal tumor,with the diameter of 3.0 cm and 3. 5 cm,respectively.Results Case 1 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Case 2 who had artery stricture and severe functional injure of the right kidney underwent laparoscopic right nephrectomy.The oper- ative time was 3.0 h and 2.0 h,and the blood loss was 175 ml and 112 ml,respectively.There was no mor- tality or postoperative complication.In 1 or 2 postoperative weeks,Case 1 had blood pressure(BP)of 120/70 mm Hg;in deeubitus and standing position,PRA was 1.5?g ~ L~(-1)?b~(-1)and 12.8?g?L~(-1)?h~(-1);angio- tensinⅡwas 30.6 pg/ml and 97.5 pg/ml;aldosterone was 78.5 pmol/L and 192.2 pmol/L,respectively ;se- rum kalium was 4.2 mmol/L.Case 2 had BP of 125/75 mm Hg;in decubitus and standing position,PRA was 1.6?g.L~(-1)?h~(-1)and 12.3?g.L~(-1)?h(-1);angiotensinⅡwas 34.3 pg/ml and 83.5 pg/ml;aldoste- rone was 62.6 pmol/L and 292.5 pmol/L,respectively;serum kalium was 4.8 mmol/L.Pathology showed that the juxtaglomerular cell tumor had intact envelop.Light microscopically,the tumor was very much like a hemangiopericytoma,showing active proliferation and nuclear atypia.The immunohistochemical staining showed positive Vimentin,CD_(34)expression,and negative MSA,EMA,Bcl-2,?-SmA,AG/AG3,34?En, CD_(117),CD_(31),Iv glue,Ki-G~-(＜2%)expression.Ultrastructural changes of the nuclei and some organelles in the cytoplasm were observed under electron microscope.The conspicuous ultrastructural feature was the pres- ence of secretion granules and rhomboid-shaped,crystal-like structures in the dilated cisternae of rough endo- plasmic reticulum and vesicles of Golgi complex.The follow-up was 14 and 6 months,respectively;the renal function was normal and no tumor recurrence was found.Conelusions Juxtaglomerular cell tumor is a rare tumor which can produce renin.It is characterized by severe hypertension and low serum potassium.La- boratory examination results are helpful for the diagnosis:PRA and angiotensinⅡincrease obviously ;aldoste- rone is 1-10 times more than normal;serum kalium is commonly between 2.1-3.5 mmol/L.The definite diagnosis depends on clinical presentations,immunohistochemistry,light and electron microscopic examina- tions.Laparoscopie operation is the first choice of surgical treatment.

Objective To explore the approach and early effects of endovascular stent-graft deployment in the treatment of portal stenosis of cancerous thrombus.Methods Six cases with portal vein stenosis of cancerous thrombus,which caused by primary hepatic carcinoma(5 cases)and eholangiocarcinoma(1 case)and the severity of stenosis showed on contrast enhanced CT were more than 75% or occluded,were performed percutaneous transhepatie or transsplenic portography.FLUENCY~(TM) endovascular stent-graft(10 mm diameter)was placed at the position of stenosis after gastroesophageal varices embolization.Portal pressure was measured pre-and post-deployment.Results Stents were successfully placed in all patients.The average portal pressure decreased from 50.7 cm H_2O(1 cm H_2O = 0.098 kPa)to 41.3 cm H_2O after endovascular stent-graft deployment.The restenosis were found in 2 cases after one month.Haematemesis and refractory aseites appeared in one case respectively,the other 4 cases showed no significant symptoms above caused by portal hypertension.Conclusion It is safe and feasible for endovaseular stent-graft deployment in the treatment of portal stenosis of cancerous thrombus.Selecting the suitable indications,the symptoms of portal hypertension can be controlled effectively.