OBJECTIVETo observe the expression of Ginkgo biloba Tablet (GbT) on scavenger receptor A (SRA) of the aortic wall and changes of serum inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats, and to explore its new mechanism for fighting against atherosclerosis (AS).

METHODSTotally 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the GbT group, 15 rats in each group. Levels of blood glucose, blood lipids, blood calcium, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured in all rats. The expression of SRA in the aortic wall of atherosclerotic rats was observed by immunohistochemical assay. The correlation between the expression of SRA and levels of in-flammatory factors was also observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously increased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were significantly elevated (P < 0.01); neointimal areas were significantly thickened, increased intima percentage was significantly enlarged, narrowed lumen index was significantly reduced; levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly elevated in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, blood glucose and blood calcium obviously decreased (P < 0.05); levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the GbT group. Aortic lumens were obviously narrower in the model group than in the GbT group (P < 0.05). SRA expressed at the aortic wall. The aforesaid 3 indices were significantly improved in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in the GbT group than in the model group (P < 0.01). Serum levels of CRP, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were positively correlated with the percentage of SRA positive expression area (r = 0.701, 0.604, 0.581, all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSerum levels of inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic rats were elevated, and the expression of SRA in the aortic wall was enhanced. The expression of SRA was closely correlated with serum levels of inflammatory factors. GbT could decrease serum levels of inflammatory factors and inhibit the expression of SRA.

Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Calcium ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Scavenger Receptors, Class A ; metabolism ; Tablets ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood

S-adenosylmethionine-dependent uroporphyrinogen III methyltransferase (SUMT) is a novel red fluorescence indicator. However, the production of SUMT in Escherichia coli is restricted by its relatively low solubility, and little is known about the red fluorescent materials that are associate with SUMT. Two individual SUMT mutations, L166A and L88R/L89G double mutant were produced by site-directed mutagenesis. Both mutants were overexpressed in E. coli and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography. The reddish mixtures isolated from the purified L88R/L89G double mutant were analyzed by UV-visible spectra scanning and mass analysis(MS). The L88R/L89G double mutant has enzymatic activity in vivo, whereas L166A mutant loses the activity. Trimethylpyrrocorphin is identified as the main constituent in the isolated pigments. The purified L88R/L89G mutant increases protein solubility, which is applied potentially as the fluorescent indicator denoting the solubility of protein fusion partner.
Amino Acid Substitution ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Fluorescence ; Mass Spectrometry ; Methyltransferases ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Molecular Weight ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; methods ; Mutation ; Pigments, Biological ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Solubility ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet ; Zea mays ; enzymology ; genetics

The dynamic changes of germination percentage, germination potential, thousand-seed weight, antioxidase activity in Desmodium styracifolium seeds with different storage time were tested, and electrical conductivity, contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, starch in seed leach liquor were also determined in order to reveal the mechanism of seed deterioration. The results as the following. (1) The germination percentage, germination potential and thousand-seed weight of D. styracifolium seeds declined, while the seed coat color darkened with the extension of storage time. (2) The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) decreased with the prolongation of storage period. The SOD activity declined fastest in 1,095-1,185 d of storage, while the POD activity declined significantly in 365-395 d of storage. (3) The electrical conductivity and the contents of soluble sugar, starch in seed leach liquor increased, while the content of soluble protein declined with the extension of storage time. (4) Correlation analysis indicated that the germination percentage, germination potential and thousand-seed weight of D. styracifolium seeds have a significantly positive correlation with SOD and POD activity, while have a significantly negative correlation with the electrical conductivity, contents of soluble sugar and starch. It can be concluded that during the storage of D. styracifolium seeds, physiological and biochemical changes including decrease in antioxidase activity, rise in electrical conductivity, degradation effluent of soluble sugar and starch, degradation of soluble protein were the main factors leading to the seed deterioration.
Color ; Fabaceae ; chemistry ; enzymology ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Germination ; Peroxidases ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; metabolism ; Seeds ; chemistry ; enzymology ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Starch ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Time Factors

AIMTo establish a simple, rapid and accurate electroanalytical method for water soluble porphyrin meso-tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4); to clarify the reaction between water soluble porphyrins and bovine serum albumin (BSA); and to determine the interaction of TPPS4 with BSA in the absence of presence of cyclodextrins (CDs), separately.

METHODSThree methods including LSV, UV spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy had been employed to the relevant experiments. The way of employing three methods at the same time could make the experiment results more reliable.

RESULTSIn the supporting electrolyte of NaH2 PO4-Na2 HPO4 (pH 7.18), a sensitive reduction peak of TPPS4 was found by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), the peak potential (Ep) was -0.70 V (vs SCE). The relationship between the second derivative peak of LSV (ip") and the concentration of TPPS4 was linear from 1.0 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) to 1.0 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1), the square of correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.998 3 and 0.999 3, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.56% (n = 5). The mean recovery of TPPS4 was 99.59%. In NH4Cl-NH3 x H2O buffers (pH 9.05), it was proved that BSA and TPPS4 could interact with each other and form 1 : 1 TPPS4-BSA supramolecular system. Moreover, the interaction between TPPS4 and BSA had been investigated by adding cyclodextrins (CDs). The interaction of TPPS4 with BSA was facilitated both by hydroxypropyl-beta-CD (HP-beta-CD) and sulforbutylether-beta-CD (SBE-beta-CD).

CONCLUSIONAn electroanalytical method for TPPS4 has been established by LSV. The porphyrin drugs included by CDs could react with protein existing inside the human body easier. The consequences of this article also show that CDs will play important role in controlling and releasing the porphyrin drugs.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin ; Electrochemistry ; methods ; Electrodes ; Porphyrins ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Serum Albumin ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Spectrometry, Fluorescence ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry ; metabolism

Objective To develop the finite element model of six-year-old child occupant lower extremity with higher biofidelity and validate the model of knee joints,as well as analyze the biomechanical responses of growth plate under frontal impact load and injury mechanisms of the knee joint by using this model.Methods The sixyear-old child occupant lower extremity with growth plate was modeled based on children's anatomy and CT images,and corresponding material properties of the lower extremity model were assigned.The model was validated according to biomechanical experiments by Kerrigan et aL and Haut et aL and then was used to analyze the injury results of growth plate with different material properties.Results The model validation was qualified by comparing the curves from the experimental and simulation results.The growth plates at knee regions could change injury patterns of the child occupant lower extremity fracture.The material properties of growth plate could affect threshold of axial damage of the femur as well as relative position of the fracture.Conclusions The validated model can be used for related study and application on biomechanical responses and injury mechanisms of sixyear-old child occupant lower extremities.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) is the most commonly used internal fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fracture. However, a large amount of hidden blood loss makes negative effect on the functional recovery postoperatively. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of the modified incision and standard incision in PFNA for femoral intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were analyzed retrospectively, and were then divided into two groups, followed by treated with modified incision of PFNA (group A) or standard incision of PFNA (group B). The postoperative biomechanical stability, fracture healing time, complications, Harris scores at the last follow-up, proximal incision length, operation time, and blood loss were compared between two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. The fracture healing time, Harris scores at the last follow-up and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between two groups. (2) The intraoperative blood loss, total blood loss and total blood transfusion in the group A were significantly less than those in the group B (P < 0.05). (3) The proximal incision length and operation time in the group A were significantly shorter than those in the group B. (4) These results manifest that in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture, both methods exhibit good biomechanical properties and stability. Notably, compared with the standard incision method, the modified incision method has less trauma, shorter operation time, less blood loss and blood transfusion.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of cardamomine(CAR)on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by regulating the pyroptosis mediated by Notch/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signal pathway.Methods The rat model of cardiotoxicity was established by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin(DOX).The model rats were randomly divided into DOX group,CAR-L group,CAR-H group and Jagged1 group.Another 10 rats were taken as the control group.The control group and the DOX group were given the same amount of 0.9％NaCl.The CAR-L group and CAR-H group were given 40 and 80 mg·kg-1 CAR by gavage,respectively.The Jagged1 group was given 80 mg·kg-1 CAR+and 25 ng·kg-1 Jagged1 by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Myocardial injury markers creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)and troponin Ⅰ(cTn Ⅰ)were detected by kit.The expression of pyroptosis protein Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)and desquamate D(GSDM-D)were observed by immunohistochemistry.The expression of Notch1 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)protein in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results The levels of CK-MB in control group,DOX group,CAR-L group,CAR-H group and Jagged1 group were(48.51±5.39),(175.93±13.27),(106.83±9.73),(83.71±8.39)and(126.08±9.74)U·L-1;the levels of cTn Ⅰ were(1.95±0.18),(12.46±1.83),(7.15±0.64),(4.13±0.38)and(8.01±0.78)ng·mL-1;the average optical density of NLRP3 protein were 0.19±0.07,0.36±0.05,0.25±0.05,0.21±0.03 and 0.31±0.06;the average optical density of GSDM-D were 0.18±0.04,0.43±0.06,0.24±0.03,0.19±0.04 and 0.32±0.05.There were significant differences in the above indexes between DOX group and control group(all P＜0.05).There were significant differences in the above indexes between CAR-L group,CAR-H group and DOX group(all P＜0.05),and there were significant differences between CAR-L group and CAR-H group(all P＜0.05).The above indexes in Jagged1 group were significantly different from those in CAR-H group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion CAR can improve myocardial injury in DOX cardiotoxic rats,reduce oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction and pyroptosis,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Notch/NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the risk factors of postoperative renal failure (RF) in the patients with type A dissection of aorta operated on with cerebral perfusion and deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA).

METHODSFrom January 2004 to October 2007, 157 patients with type A dissection of aorta underwent surgical procedures with cerebral perfusion and DHCA. There were 115 male patients and 42 female patients with the age from 17 to 76 years old. Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through axillary artery was performed for 129 patients and retrograde cerebral perfusion from superior cava vein was performed for 28 patients. All the factors underwent univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTSMean cardiopulmonary bypass duration was (188.0 +/- 10.8) min and mean cerebral perfusion time was (36.0 +/- 3.1) min. Fifteen patients died in hospital and the hospital mortality was 9.6%. Permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) occurred in 8 patients (5.1%). Postoperative RF was observed in 20 patients (12.8%). Multivariate analysis showed the preoperative renal dysfunction (P = 0.042, OR = 4.41) and over seventy-year-old patients (P = 0.049, OR = 4.94) were found to be the risk factors of postoperative RF. There was a higher incidence of death (45%, P = 0.001) and PND (25%, P = 0.009) in the patients of postoperative RF when compared with the other patients.

CONCLUSIONThe preoperative renal dysfunction and elderly patients were found to be the risk factors of postoperative RF after type A dissection of aorta surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aneurysm, Dissecting ; surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; surgery ; Female ; Heart Arrest, Induced ; Humans ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perfusion ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Renal Insufficiency ; etiology ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular cytogenetic characteristics in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

METHODSInterphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect trisomy 12, deletion of 13q14 and 17p13 in 60 patients with CLL.

RESULTSOut of the 60 patients, 41 (68.3%) had at least one kind of molecular cytogenetic aberrations. Two (3.3%) had two kinds of abnormalities. Trisomy 12 was found in 12 (20.0%) cases, 13q14 deletion in 24 (40.0%) cases and 17p13 deletion in 5 (11.7%) cases. The number of trisomy 12 cells ranged from 4.0% to 34.0%, 13q14 deletion ranged from 22.0% to 93.0% and 17p13 deletion ranged from 6.0% to 68.0%. There was no significant difference among each Binet stages.

CONCLUSIONFISH is a more rapid, accurate and sensitive technique in analysis of chromosome aberrations in CLL. FISH may provide accurate information of molecular cytogenetics for CLL.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Trisomy

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of unilateral pedicle screw fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) through paraspinal muscle approach for recurrent lumbar disc herniation combined with lumbar instability.

METHODSA total of 35 patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation combined with lumbar instability were treated between March 2008 and May 2010, including 15 patients managed by the paraspinal muscle approach with unilateral pedicle screw fixation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) (unilateral fixation group) and 20 patients by the posterior midline approach with bilateral pedicle screw fixation and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (bilateral fixation group). Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were observed, preoperative and postoperative JOA score and VAS score in low back pain and legs pain, the interbody fusion condition were compared between two groups.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 6 to 30 months with an average 16.8 months. All clinical symptoms had obviously improved postoperatively. X-rays showed good interbody fusion (only 1 case did not obtain fusion in bilateral fixation group) without cage displacement or settlement and implant loosening or breakage. There was significant difference in operation time and the intraoperative blood loss between two groups (P < 0.05). Postoperative JOA score had obviously decreased than preoperative one (P < 0.05). At 1 week after surgery, there was significant difference in VAS score of low back pain between two groups and there was no significant difference in VAS score of legs pain between two groups (P > 0.05); at final follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS score of low back pain and legs pain between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTwo methods both can obtain satisfactory effect in treating recurrent lumbar disc herniation combined with lumbar instability. Through the paraspinal muscle approach with unilateral pedicle screw fixation and TLIF has advantages of smaller surgical incision, shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, faster relief in low back pain after operation, etc.

Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedicle Screws ; Recurrence ; Spinal Fusion ; methods