Immobilization conditions of Candida tropicalis to be absorbed in polyurethane foam carrier materials were studied on the xylitol production from corn hemicellulosic hydrolysate. Optimum batch-fermentation conditions were as follows: inoculum amount, 7% (volume ratio); polyurethane foam quantity, 1.0 g/100 mL; 30?C; initial pH, 6.0. Shaking speed was divided into two-phase to accommodate the dissolved oxygen, with 200 r/min at 0~24 h and 150 r/min at 24 h~46 h. The immobilized cells on polyurethane foam carrier have high density and good resistance to inhibitors in the hydrolysates. Average xylitol yield and volumetric productivity of polyurethane foam immobilized fermentation were much higher than the fermentation without immobilization. Corn cob hydrolysates can be directly biotransformed to xylitol without decoloration or ion-exchange treatment. This process can effectively reduce production costs, and it shows broad prospects of applications. Average xylitol yield was 67.6% and xylitol volumetric productivity was 1.92 g/(L?h).

Objective To estimate the relative risk for lung cancer associated with genetic polymorphism of T6235C mutation in 3' non-coding region (Msp Ⅰ) of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and glntathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) in the Mongolian population in Inner Mongolian Region of China. Methods Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and multiplex PCR methods were used to analyze blood samples obtained from 263 case subjects and 263 control subjects to determine their genotypes for CYP1A1 and GSTM1.Control subjects were matched with case subjects by ethnic background, age and gender. Results The frequencies of the variant CYP1A1 genotypes (CYP1A1C) and GSTM1-null in lung cancer groups were higher than those in control groups (38.4% vs. 28. 5% and 57.8% vs. 48.0%). The individuals who corried with CYP1A1C genotype had a significantly higher risk of lung cancer (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.08 to 2.25, P=0.016) than those who carried with non-variation CYP1A1 genotype. The ones who carried with GSTM1-null genotype also had a significantly higher risk of lung cancer (OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.06 to 2.10, P=0.023) than these who carried with GSTM1-present genotype.When combination of polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 genotypes was analyzed, the risk of lung cancer for combination of CYP1A1C and GSTM1-null genotypes was increased significantly (OR=2.084, 95e CI=1.27 to 3.42, P=0.003). Susceptibility to lung cancer was related to smoking (OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.48 to 2.98, P=0.000). Considering smoking status, the risk of lung cancer for combination of smoking and CYP1A1C genotype was remarkably increased (OR=2.76, 950/0 CI=1.74 to 4. 37, P=0.000). It was the same case with combination of smoking and GSTM1-null genotype (OR=4. 38, 95% CI=2.35 to 8.15, P=0.000). Conclusion The polymorphisms of CYP1A1C genotype and GSTM1-null are the risk factors of lung cancer in the Mongolian population in Inner Mongolia Region of China. Smoking is also related to susceptibility to lung cancer. There may be a synergetic interaction between CYP1A1C and GSTM1-null in the elevated susceptibility of lung cancer. Smoking may have a synergetic interaction with CYP1A1C and GSTM1-null in the elevated susceptibility of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of adrenomedullin (ADM) on the pulmonary vascular collagen metabolism in hypoxic rats in order to study the effect of ADM on chronic hypoxic pulmonary vascular structural remodeling and its possible mechanism.

METHODSNineteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (n=6), hypoxia (n=7) and ADM-treated hypoxia (n=6). ADM was subcutaneously administered into rats of the ADM-treated hypoxia group by mini-osmotic pump (300 ng/h) for two weeks. After two weeks of hypoxic challenge, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was evaluated using a right cardiac catheterization procedure. The ratio of right ventricular mass to left ventricular plus septal mass[RV/ (LV+S)] was measured. The changes of pulmonary vascular microstructure were observed. Meanwhile, the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in pulmonary arteries were detected by immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSmPAP and RV/(LV+S) increased significantly in the hypoxia group compared with normal controls (P<0.01). The muscularization of small pulmonary vessels and the relative medial thickness of pulmonary arteries increased obviously in the hypoxia group compared with those in the normal control group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the expression levels of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β of pulmonary arteries in the hypoxia group increased markedly compared with those in the normal control group. However, mPAP and RV/(LV+S) were significantly reduced in the ADM-treated hypoxia group compared with those in the hypoxia group (P<0.01). ADM ameliorated pulmonary vascular structural remodeling of hypoxic rats, with a decrease in the expression of collagen I, collagen III and TGF-β of pulmonary arteries.

CONCLUSIONSADM might play a regulatory role in the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodeling, through inhibiting the expression of TGF-β and alleviating the collagen accumulation of pulmonary arteries.

Adrenomedullin ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; complications ; Male ; Pulmonary Artery ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo determine the genetic diversity of Eucommia ulmoides.

METHOD260 samples of 20 populations were analyzed through radom amplified polymorphic DHA (RAPD).

RESULTTotal polymorphic loci percentage was 96.36 and the average was 38.92. 110 bands were produced with 10 random primers and 106 were polymorphic. Nei's gene diversity (H) was 0.246 1, Shannon's Information index(I) was 0.386 8, Gst was 0.424 4, indicating that 42.44% of the genetic variation was distributed among populations and 57.65% within populations.

CONCLUSIONThe genetic variation was relatively high in E. ulmoides, so the genetic diversity conservation principle should mainly focus on protection of the populations.

China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Eucommiaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Phylogeny ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique

OBJECTIVETo optimize formulation of tanshinone II(A)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and compare the difference of two methods in preparation and quality of nanoparticles.

METHODThe two methods were nanoprecipitation method and emulsion-evaporation method. Single factor experiments and central composite design and response surface method were used to optimize the formulation of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized at size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, drug recovery rate, crystallinity and drug release in vitro.

RESULTThe mean diameters were 225 nm and 183 nm, the entrapment efficiency were 95.49% and 87.99%, the drug loading were 2.03% and 0.16%, and the drug recovery rates were 38.42% and 17.59% respectively for nanoprecipitation method and emulsion-evaporation method.

CONCLUSIONNanoprecipitation method was better than emulsion-evaporation method for preparation of tanshinone II(A)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

Chemical Precipitation ; Crystallization ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; Emulsions ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Phenanthrenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Volatilization

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA in cortex after acute traumatic cerebral injury, and to study the mechanism of HBO on brain injury.

METHODSAcute traumatic brain injury model was established with rest received free fall injury method in SD rats. 0.25 MPa HBO treatment was used 1 h or 12 h after brain injury and the cortex was isolated 6 h or 24 h after brain injury respectively. The expression of mRNA coding for nNOS, eNOS or iNOS were assayed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe expression of nNOS, eNOS and iNOS mRNA were significantly decreased in 0.25 MPa HBO treatment groups than those in acute cerebral injury groups (P < 0.01). The amount of nNOS, eNOS and iNOS mRNA was significantly lower in HBOT 24 h group than those in HBOT 6 h group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no significantly difference among nNOS, eNOS and iNOS mRNA in 0.25 MPa normoxic hyperbaric nitrogen groups and acute cerebral injury groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHBO may exert significant effects on the expression of nNOS mRNA/iNOS mRNA and protect cortical neuronal from traumatic cerebral injury.

Animals ; Brain Injuries ; metabolism ; therapy ; Female ; Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide donor NaHS administration against gastric mucosal injury induced by gastric ischemia-reperfusion (GI-R) in rats. GI-R injury was induced by clamping the celiac artery of adult male SD rats for 30 min and followed by reperfusion for 1 h. The rats were randomly divided into sham group, GI-R group, NaHS group, glibenclamide group and pinacidil group. Gastric mucosal damage was analyzed with macroscopic injured area, deep damage was assessed with histopathology scores, and the hydrogen sulfide concentration in plasma was determined by colorimetric method. The results showed that pretreatment of NaHS significantly reduced the injured area and deep damage of the gastric mucosa induced by GI-R. However, NaHS did not significantly alter the levels of hydrogen sulfide in plasma 14 d after NaHS administration. The gastric protective effect of NaHS during reperfusion could be attenuated by glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) blocker. However, K(ATP) opener pinacidil inhibited the GI-R-induced injury. These results suggest that exogenous hydrogen sulfide plays a protective role against GI-R injury in rats possibly through modulation of K(ATP) channel opening.
Animals ; Gastric Mucosa ; pathology ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; metabolism ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; KATP Channels ; metabolism ; physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Stomach ; blood supply ; Sulfides ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of endogenous brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on GAP-43 expression in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in rats following sciatic nerve injury.

METHODSBDNF antibody was injected intraperitoneally in rats with crushing injury of the sciatic nerve, and the control rats received normal saline only after sciatic nerve injury. At 7 and 14 days after the injection, the expression of GAP-43 in the anterior horn of the corresponding segments of the spinal cord was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expressions of GAP-43 protein and mRNA in the anterior horn of the spinal cord were significantly down-regulated in rats with BDNF antibody injection as compared with those in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONEndogenous BDNF may regulate the expression of GAP-43 in the spinal cord anterior horn after sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Animals ; Anterior Horn Cells ; metabolism ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; physiology ; Down-Regulation ; GAP-43 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sciatic Nerve ; injuries ; Spinal Cord ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETachycardia induced cardiomyopathy (TIC), secondary to various tachyarrhythmias, is a reversible condition which can lead to cardiac enlargement and heart failure. The impairment of both structure and function of heart can be reverted completely or partially if tachyarrhythmias are ceased without delay. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimen and outcome of TIC in children.

METHODSClinical data of 12 children with TIC, who came from Peking University First Hospital from Feb. 2003 to Jun. 2009, were retrospectively analyzed and followed up. The echocardiogram data on admission were compared with those from 12 homochronous cases with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy matched with 12 TIC cases in age and gender.

RESULTSAtrial tachycardia is the commonest arrhythmia in 12 TIC cases (75%). Four cases underwent catheterization for radiofrequency ablation and all succeeded. The cardiac rhythm of 6 out of 8 cases treated with drugs became sinus rhythm after 3 days to 2 weeks antiarrhythmic drugs treatment. The remaining 2 cases still retained atrial rhythm, but the ventricular heart rates declined to normal. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions of the 12 cases were decreased compared with those of pretherapy [(37.5 ± 5.3) mm vs. (43.0 ± 5.7) mm, P < 0.01], and the left ventricular ejection fractions were increased [(60.5% ± 5.6%) vs. (33.7% ± 10.3%), P < 0.01], after (3.4 ± 2.3) months. In our (4.3 ± 2.4) year-follow-up, all cases were fine, except in one case the tachyarrhythmia relapsed because of discontinuation of the drug treatment by her parents. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions in 12 TIC cases were smaller than those of the 12 age- and gender-matched idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy [(43.0 ± 5.7) mm vs. (54.8 ± 7.5) mm, t = 7.9, P < 0.01], and the ejection fractions were higher [(33.7% ± 10.3%) vs. (21.8% ± 7.5%), t = 3.7, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONThe diagnosis of TIC should be considered for the children with tachycardia, cardiac enlargement and cardiac insufficiency. The degree of cardiac enlargement and cardiac insufficiency might be of value for the differential diagnosis between TIC and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The rhythm control and ventricular rates control could all result in a favorite therapeutic efficacy.

Cardiomyopathies ; diagnosis ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; diagnosis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachycardia ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo study the effectiveness and safety of deferasirox (DFX) in the treatment of iron overload in children with β-thalassemia major.

METHODSTwenty-four β-thalassemia major children with iron overload who received regular blood transfusion were randomly enrolled. The serum feritin (SF) levels were measured in the patients after different doses of DFX treatment. The DFX treatment-related adverse events were observed. The values of cardiac MRI T2* and liver MRI T2* were compared between the patients receiving DFX treatment for 5 years and the patients treated with deferoxamine and deferiprone.

RESULTSThe patients with iron overload did not respond to DFX at the initial dose of 20-30 mg/kg•d. However, the SF level decreased significantly after the dose of DFX increased to 30-40 mg/kg•d (U=58, P<0.01). Serum liver transaminase elevation was the most common adverse effect, followed by non-progressive elevation in serum creatinine level. The mean SF level was significantly lower (1748±481 ng/mL vs 3462±1744 ng/mL; P<0.05), in contrast, the liver MRI T2* value was significantly higher (8.5±2.9 ms vs 2.7±1.9 ms; P<0.01) in patients receiving DFX treatment for 5 years than in the controls. There were no significant differences in the cardiac MRI T2* value between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSDFX can reduce SF levels in a dose-dependent manner in children with β-thalassemia major. It can significantly lower liver iron overload but not cardiac overload. Serum liver transaminase elevation and non-progressive elevation in serum creatinine level are major adverse effects in DFX treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Benzoates ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Ferritins ; blood ; Humans ; Iron Chelating Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Iron Overload ; drug therapy ; Male ; Transfusion Reaction ; Triazoles ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; beta-Thalassemia ; blood ; complications ; therapy