Objective To explore the expression changes of C/EBP homologous binding protein (CHOP)in intermittent hypoxic rats with cognitive function decline and clinical significance.Methods We randomly divided 75 adult male Wistar rats into normal group (NC group),5% intermittent hypoxia group (5% CIH group)and 10%intermittent hypoxia group (10% CIH group),with 25 rats in each.Then the three groups were further divided into 3 d,7 d,14 d,21 d and 28 d subgroups,and each time a subgroup had 5 rats.The control group was exposed to the air while 10% CIH group and 5% CIH group were exposed to CIH for eight hours from 8:00 to 1 6:00 each day. After exposure for 3 d,7 d,14 d,21 d and 28 d,the cognitive function of rats was assessed with Morris water maze, the expression of CHOP in the hippocampus was assayed qualitatively by immunohistochemical technique,and the apoptosis of neurons was detected by TUNEL method.Results ① With prolonged hypoxia,the time of escape latency obviously prolonged,the time spent crossing the target quadrant shortened (P < 0.05 ),and the apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons in the CIH groups was increased gradually compared with those in control group (P <0.05).The above-mentioned indexes changed more significantly in 5% CIH group than in 10% CIH group (P <0.05).②.The expression of CHOP protein at each time point was increased (P <0.05 ).In 10% CIH group it reached the peak at 28 d while in 5% CIH group it decreased after it peaked at 21 d.③ The expression of CHOP in the two CIH groups was positively correlated with apoptosis index and animal escape latency time,but negatively correlated with the target quadrant time.Conclusion Intermittent hypoxia,which is likely to induce the high expression of CHOP and activation of neural CHOP mediated apoptosis,causes cognitive impairment of various degrees.

Objective To investigate the effect of inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase?3 beta ( GSK?3β) activity on sevoflurane postconditioning?induced cardioprotection in diabetic rats. Methods Healthy adult male Sprague?Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, in which diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal 1% streptozotocin 60 mg∕kg combined with high?fat and high?sucrose diet and confirmed by blood glucose level >16. 7 mmol∕L. Forty rats with diabetes mellitus were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table: sham operation group ( S group ) , ischemia?reperfusion ( I∕R ) group, sevoflurane postconditioning group ( SP group) , GSK?3β inhibitor SB216763 group ( SB group) , and sevoflurane postconditioning plus SB216763 group ( SS group ) . Myocardial ischemia was induced by 30 min occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfu?
sion. The rats inhaled sevoflurane with the end?tidal concentration of 2.5% for 5 min starting from 1 min be?fore reperfusion in group SP. SB216763 0.2 mg∕kg was injected via the caudal vein at 1 min before reperfu?sion in group SB. In group SS, the rats inhaled sevoflurane with the end?tidal concentration of 2.5% for 5 min starting from 1 min before reperfusion, and SB216763 0.2 mg∕kg was injected via the caudal vein at 1 min before reperfusion. At 120 min of reperfusion, blood samples were collected from the carotid artery for determination of serum creatine kinase?MB (CK?MB) activity and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentra?tions. Myocardial specimens were collected at 120 min of reperfusion for microscopic examination of the pathological changes and for determination of myocardial infarct size ( by 2,3,5?triphenyltetrazolium chlo?ride staining) and phosphorylated GSK?3β (p?GSK?3β) expression (by Western blot). Results Com?pared with group S, the myocardial infarct size and serum CK?MB activity and cTnI concentration were sig?nificantly increased, and the expression of p?GSK?3βwas significantly down?regulated in I∕R, SP, SB and SS groups (P<0.05). Compared with group I∕R, the myocardial infarct size and serum CK?MB activity and cTnI concentration were significantly decreased, and the expression of p?GSK?3β was significantly up?regulated in SB and SS groups (P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters men?tioned above in group SP ( P>0.05) . Compared with group SB, the myocardial infarct size and serum CK?MB activity and cTnI concentration were significantly decreased, and the expression of p?GSK?3β was sig?nificantly up?regulated in group SS (P<0.05). The pathological changes of myocardium were significantly attenuated in SB and SS groups as compared with group I∕R and group SP . Conclusion Inhibition of GSK?3β activity can improve sevoflurane postconditioning?induced cardioprotection in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVETo study the periodontal health status of Hui and Han adults in Ningxia Hui autonomous region, thus to provide scientific basis for the establishment of oral health care policies in this region.

METHODS2 628 adults in Ningxia Hui autonomous region were investigated in this study according to the criterion issued by World Health Organization on the basic methods of oral health investigation and China oral health third epidemiological survey protocol. The inspection item included gingival bleeding (bleeding on probing, BOP), dental calculus, probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL). SPSS 15.0 statistical software was applied to analyze the results.

RESULTS1) The positive rate of BOP sites, detection rate of calculus and PD were peaked in 36-45 and 46-59 years old, but in the > or = 60 age group rather lower. The prevalence of periodontitis and the percentage of AL > or = 4 mm sites were increased with the adults' age. 2) In addition to the percentage of AL > or = 4 mm sites, the differences of the other indicators between the genders were not statistically significant. 3) The positive rate of BOP sites, detection rate of calculus, PD, the prevalence of periodontitis and the percentage of AL > or = 4 mm sites were higher for the mountain areas than the plain areas. 4) Hui population's positive rate of BOP sites, detection rate of calculus, PD, the prevalence of periodontitis and the percentage of AL > or = 4 mm sites were significantly lower than the Han population in Ningxia.

CONCLUSIONThe periodontal health status of adults in Ningxia Hui autonomous region is associated with age, gender, nationality and region.

Adult ; China ; Female ; Health Status ; Humans ; Male ; Periodontal Attachment Loss ; Periodontitis

OBJECTIVETo study the two metal catalysts Ag/Al2O3 and Cu/Al2O3 that interdict the transmission pathway for SARS and other respiratory infectious diseases.

METHODSTwo metal catalysts Ag/Al2O3 and Cu/Al2O3 were pressed into wafers. One hundred microL 10(6) TCID50/mL SARS-CoV, 100 microL 10(6) PFU/mL recombinant baculovirus expressing hamster's prion protein (haPrP) protein and roughly 10(6) E. coli were slowly dropped onto the surfaces of the catalyst wafers and exposed for 5 and 20 min, respectively. After eluted from the surfaces of wafers, the infectivity of viruses and propagation of bacteria were measured. The expression of PrP protein was determined by Western blot. The morphological changes of bacteria were observed by electronic microscopy.

RESULTSAfter exposure to the catalysts surfaces for 5 and 20 min, the infectivity of SARS-CoV in Vero cells and baculovirus in Sf9 cells dropped down to a very low and undetectable level, and no colony was detected using bacteria culture method. The expression of haPrP protein reduced to 21.8% in the preparation of Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus exposed for 5 min and was undetectable exposed for 20 min. Bacterial membranes seemed to be cracked and the cytoplasm seemed to be effluent from cell bodies.

CONCLUSIONExposures to the surfaces of Ag/Al2O3 and Cu/Al2O3 destroy the replication and propagation abilities of SARS-CoV, baculovirus and E. coli. Inactivation ability of metal catalysts needs to interact with air, utilizing oxygen molecules in air. Efficiently killing viruses and bacteria on the surfaces of the two metal catalysts has a promising potential for air-disinfection in hospitals, communities, and households.

Aluminum Oxide ; Animals ; Baculoviridae ; pathogenicity ; Catalysis ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Copper ; Cricetinae ; Disinfection ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; pathogenicity ; Prions ; metabolism ; SARS Virus ; pathogenicity ; Silver ; Vero Cells

OBJECTIVETo construct inducible lentiviral vector containing human Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) gene and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and to study its expression in PC12 cells.

METHODSNICD cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from human placenta tissue. EGFP gene was amplified by PCR from pEGFP-C1. Both NICD and EGFP were cloned into pcDNA 3.1 (+) plasmid to form pcDNA3.1-Notch1-EGFP. Then the Notch1-EGFP fragment was separated and cloned into pLVX-Tight-puro to form pLVX-Notch1-EGFP. The lentivirus were packaged and harvested, which were used to infect PC12 cells. After antibody selection for 2 weeks, the PC12 cells were induced by doxycycline (Dox). The expression of Notch1-EGFP was detected by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe recombinant inducible lentiviral vectors (pLVX-Notch1-EGFP) were success fully constructed. The EGFP positive cell percentage was over 90% in transfected PC12 cells after 500 ng/ml Dox induction for 36 h. The expression of Notch1 was posited correlated to the Dox concentration. The expression of Notch1 increased with the duration of Dox induction, which got the peak at 36 h after Dox induction.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant inducible lentiviral vectors containing Notch1 and EGFP gene are successfully constructed, which provides an effective and simple method to regulate the expression of Notch1 in PC12 cells.

Animals ; Genetic Vectors ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; PC12 Cells ; Plasmids ; Rats ; Receptor, Notch1 ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo obtain specific anti-epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) single chain antibody (ScFv) by phage antibody library display system.

METHODSThe total RNA was extracted from the spleen B cells of BALB/c mice immunized with pep-3-OVA protein, and the first-strand cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription. Antibody VH and VL gene fragments were amplified and joined to a ScFv gene with the linker. The ScFv gene was ligated into the phagemid vector pCANTAB5E, which was transformed into competent E. coli TG1. The transformed cells were then infected with M13KO7 helper phage to yield the recombinant phage to construct the phage ScFv library. Pep-3-BSA protein was used to screen the phage antibody library and ELISA carried out to characterize the activity of the antibody.

RESULTSThe VH and VL gene fragments of the antibody were about 350 bp and 320 bp in length as analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The ScFv gene was 780 bp, consistent with the expected length. The recombinant phagemid with ScFv gene insert was rescued, and an immune phage ScFv library with the content of 5.0x10(6) was constructed. The recombinant ScFv phage had a titer of 3.0x10(4) cfu/ml, and the fourth phage harvest yielded 56 times as much as that of the first one. SDS-PAGE demonstrated a molecular mass of the soluble ScFv of about 28 kD. ELISA results indicated good specificity of the ScFv to bind EGFRvIII.

CONCLUSIONAn immune phage ScFv library is successfully constructed, and the ScFv antibody fragment is capable of specific binding to EGFRvIII.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Antibody Specificity ; Base Sequence ; Immunoglobulin Fragments ; genetics ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutant Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Peptide Library ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; genetics ; immunology ; Single-Chain Antibodies ; genetics ; immunology

The purpose of study was to investigate the impact of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and its ligand on haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. 74 cases were analyzed for the distribution frequencies and characteristics of KIR and its ligand as well as the impact of KIR ligand for the haploidentical bone marrow transplantation in terms of the overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), GVHD and relapse. The results showed that among the 19 KIR genotypes currently nominated KIR2DL1, KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL2-3 could be detected in all the cases. Other high frequency genotypes included KIR3DP1 (98.6%), KIR2DP1 (98.6%), KIR3DL1 (97.3%) and KIR2DL3 (97.3%). Inhibitory receptor genotypes were 1.37-fold of activating receptor genotypes. KIR2DL1, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3 and KIR2DL4 were found in all haplotypes and at least one genotype of KIR2DL2 and/or KIR2DL3 existed in all haplotypes. Among the 14 genotypes found in the test, the HLA-Cw7 was the most popular (37.8%) and the group 2 (HLA-Cw1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14) recognized by KIR2DL2/2DL3 counted for 43.2%. The incompatibility of KIR for 32 cases of haploidentical BMT was 43.8%, of which 9/14 were KIR2DL incompatible, 5/14 were KIR2DL2 or KIR3DL1 incompatible. Among the 46 cases of haploidentical BMT, 29 cases were HLA-Cw matched and 14 cases were mismatched. The completed mismatch ratio of HLA-Cw was 30.4% and the match ratio was 63.4%. The survival rate was higher for the 14 cases of KIR genotype compatible group than the 13 cases of KIR genotype incompatible group (p = 0.032). The disease-free survival was significantly higher for the 17 cases of mismatched KIR ligands (HLA-Cw) group than the matched group (p = 0.024). The survival rate was higher in GVHD group than that in non-GVHD group when the KIR ligand was missing. The acute and severe GVHD was related to the existence of activating receptor of KIR2DS1/2DS2. The incompatibility group was accompanied with frequent acute and severe GVHD and less relapse and vice versa for the compatibility group. One patient died after BMT among the 14 mismatched KIR ligand group suffering from myelogenous leukemia while 4 patients out of 12 patients died in the matched group. It is concluded that the haploidentical BMT is characterized by mismatch between donor and recipient and its immunological reactions also features by the incompatibility of KIR genotype and missing ligand. The missing ligand for the donor KIR has strong effect on the outcome of BMT and it means a lot to analyze the KIR genotype and its ligand for the selection of best donor and prognostic evaluation in haploidentical BMT.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Genotype ; Graft vs Host Disease ; immunology ; HLA-C Antigens ; genetics ; immunology ; Haplotypes ; genetics ; immunology ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; therapy ; Histocompatibility ; genetics ; immunology ; Humans ; Ligands ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, KIR ; genetics ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the in vitro effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on hepcidin of monocytes and its molecular mechanisms.

METHODSHepcidin and signaling molecules including C/EBPalpha, Smad1/5/8, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3 were detected by real time PCR and Western blot. THP-1 monocytes were stimulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EPO receptor (EPOR) antibody was added to observe its antagonistic effect on EPO and impact on the signaling proteins.

RESULTSEPO suppressed mRNA expression of THP-1 hepcidin of monocytes induced by 20 ng/ml IL-6 or 1 microg/ml LPS in both dose and time dependent manner. The most decrease of hepcidin expression was observed at 2 IU/ml EPO for 6 hours. EPO also down-regulated hepcidin protein induced by 20 ng/ml IL-6. At 2 IU/ml EPO for 6 hours hepcidin protein was down-regulated, as was C/EBPalpha, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3. Antibody to EPOR antagonized the down-regulation of EPO on hepcidin and signaling proteins.

CONCLUSIONSMonocytes hepcidin can be reduced by EPO when stimulated by IL-6 or LPS. The mechanism of which may be at least in part, via suppression of C/EBPalpha, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3 signaling.

Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Erythropoietin ; pharmacology ; Hepcidins ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

BACKGROUNDOccluders licensed for clinical use are not fit for some special Krichenko E patent ductus arterioses. The Amplatzer vascular plug I (AVP1) has not been licensed for use for closure of patent ductus arteriose. We report our initial experience to occluding special type patent ductus arterioses with the AVP1-a single lobe device of single layer Nitinol mesh for short vessel landing zones.

METHODSPatients referred with small and long Krichenko E patent ductus arterioses 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter underwent occlusion using AVP1. All cases underwent pre-, intra- and post-procedural echocardiography and chest X-ray at the completion of the procedure, the next day and at a 30-day, 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Device sizing for device waist diameter and length was based on aortography.

RESULTSFrom April 2008 to June 2012, 26 patients with a mean age of (7.6 ± 8.0) years (range 6 months-32 years) and a mean weight of (23.8 ± 14.8) kg (range 7-67 kg) underwent successful patent ductus arteriose closure. The mean ductus diameter was (2.1 ± 0.7) mm (range 1-3 mm). Transpulmonary (22/26) and transaortic approaches (4/26) were used. No persistent patency was observed after 24 hours and after one month. No device displacement, residual flow and iatrogenic coarctation of the aorta were observed after three months and six months.

CONCLUSIONSThe AVP1 makes it easy to close some Krichenko E patent ductus arterioses. Smaller delivery catheter profile and symmetric cylindrical device shape allow for use for small and long Krichenko E patent ductus arterioses 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter and small patients through transaortic approaches. Broader experience is required to further delineate device and patient selection as well as to document its long-term efficacy and safety.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Septal Occluder Device ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency perforation and valvuloplasty in infants with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS).

METHODSFour infants (body weight 4 - 10 kg) aged 11 months, 9 months, 12 days and 9 months old, respectively, were hospitalized for dyspnea and cyanosis. All patients had a continuous murmur in the left second intercostal space. Doppler echocardiogram showed membranous pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Right ventriculogram showed a tripartite right ventricle, vasiform infundibulum, and membranous pulmonary valve atresia without ventriculocoronary connections. Descending thoracic aortogram showed good-sized confluent pulmonary arteries being filled from a ductus arteriosus. All the patients were taken up for radiofrequency perforation followed by a balloon dilatation. A 6F Judkins right coronary guiding catheter was positioned in the right ventricular outflow tract and under the atretic pulmonary valve membrane. The radiofrequency perforation catheter along with coaxial injectable catheter was then passed through the right coronary guiding catheter, using it as the guide to the imperforate membrane. The proximal end of the radiofrequency perforation catheter was then connected to radiofrequency generator. After the cusps of pulmonary valve were perforated, the coaxial injectable catheter was moved into the main pulmonary artery. A tiny floppy-tipped coronary guidewire was then passed through the coaxial injectable catheter into the main pulmonary artery and directed through the patent ductus arteriosus into the descending thoracic aorta or directed into pulmonary arteriola. Thereafter, serial balloon dilation catheters were introduced across the pulmonary valve, and dilations were sequentially performed with increasing balloon diameters. The balloon was dilated until the concave of the balloons disappeared. The radiofrequency energy (5 to 8 W) was delivered for 2 to 5 seconds once, but commonly twice, to perforate the valves. After a predilation with a 3 mm x 20 mm to 5 mm x 20 mm balloon at 6 - 14 atm pressure, the valve was subsequently dilated with 10 mm x 30 mm to 14 mm x 30 mm balloon once or twice. The duration of procedures was 120 to 150 min and exposure time was 25.4 to 43.9 min.

RESULTSThe primary procedure was successful in all the infants except one who died early of cardiac perforation with tamponade. After a follow-up period ranging from 2 to 8 months (mean 4.3 m), the remaining 3 survivors achieved complete biventricular circulation. Two of them were awaiting occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus and 1 needed right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction because of infundibular obstruction.

CONCLUSIONPA/IVS consists of 0.7% to 3.1% of congenital heart defects. 85% of the untreated patients die within half a year. Surgical repair for the infants with PA/IVS is associated with a high mortality. In carefully selected patients with PA/IVS, radiofrequency perforation and balloon dilatation of the pulmonary valve is feasible and may represent a new alternative to surgery due to its low mortality and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Balloon Occlusion ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Catheterization ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pulmonary Atresia ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Pulmonary Valve ; surgery ; Ventricular Septum