Objective To investigate the expression levels and the roles of IL-17 and IL-23 in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia. Methods One hundred and three children with pneumonia admitted to pediatric department from February to May in 2012 were divided into MP pneumonia group and non-MP pneumonia group according to the results of MP antibody tests. Meanwhile, 42 healthy children were chosen as normal controls. Serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and MP antibodies were measured in all children. Immunoglobulin, C reactive protein, total white blood cell count and granulocyte count were detected in children with pneumonia. Results The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were signiifcantly different among three groups (P<0.05). The children in MP pneumonia group had higher levels of IL-17 and IL-23 than those in non-MP pneumonia group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were higher in two pneumonia groups (P<0.05). There was no signiifcant difference in levels of IL-17 and IL-23 between pneumonia patients with normal and with abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (P>0.05), while IL-17 and IL-23 levels were both positively correlated with granulocyte count (P<0.05).Conclusion IL-17 and IL-23 may be involved in the immune response of MP pneumonia and may contribute to the clearance of pathogens.

One marine actinomycete strain FIM02-523 was isolated from marine soil in the East China Sea in Fujian Province. The fermentation broth of strain FIM02-523 exhibited potent antitumor activities. Strain FIM02-523 grew well on most media tested, the colonies were orange to dark brown but lacked aerial hy-phae, no diffusible pigments were observed. Phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, morphological analyses, physiological and biochemical characteristics demonstrated that strain FIM02-523 belong to the genus Mi-cromonospora, may be a strain of the type species Micromonospora chalcea.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of baicalein on the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the TM4 Sertoli cells of the mouse testis and its related mechanism.

METHODSWe measured the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of baicalein on the TM4 Sertoli cells in the mouse testis by MTT, detected the fluorescence transfer of the TM4 Sertoli cells by parachute assay, and determined the expression of the protein connexin 43 ( Cx43) in the baicalein-treated cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTSBaicalein produced no obvious cytotoxicity on the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration below 60 µmol/L but significantly increased their GJIC at 0-20 µmol/L (P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 0-20 µmol/L baicalein remarkably elevated the expression of Cx43 in the TM4 cells (P < 0.01) and on the membrane of the TM4 cells.

CONCLUSIONBaicalein at the concentration of 0-20 µmol/L can significantly enhance GJIC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells by increasing the expression of the Cx43 protein.

Animals ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flavanones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Sertoli Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure

BACKGROUND:It is presumed that urinary trypsin inhibitor could have protective effects on local and systemic tissues and could inhibit osteoclast proliferation and activation under long-term chronic inflammation conditions and in ischemic and anoxic environment which was induced by prosthetic wear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the inhibitory effect of ulinastatin on receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced differentiation, proliferation and osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells and its effects on matrix metal oproteinase-2, matrix metal oproteinase-9 expression level and activity. METHODS:Mouse monocyte/macrophage cellline RAW264.7 was treated with different concentrations of urinary trypsin inhibitor (0, 500, 5 000 U/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Experiments were divided into four groups:the blank group (RAW264.7 cells), receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced group (0 U/mL ulinastatin), 500 U/mL ulinastatin group and 5 000 U/mL ulinastatin group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) MTT results indicated that there was no significant difference on the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells treated with urinary trypsin inhibitor at 0-5 000 U/mL (P>0.05) (2) Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results revealed that compared with receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced group, the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells was significantly less in the ulinastatin group (P<0.05), showing a time-dose dependent manner. (3) Immunohistochemisical results found that compared with receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced group, the percentage of matrix metal oproteinase-9-positive cells was apparently lower in the ulinastatin group. (4) Western blot assay results demonstrated that matrix metal oproteinase-9 expression was low in the RAW264.7 cells alone. At 48 hours after addition of receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand, matrix metal oproteinase-9 protein expression was large. At 72 hours after culture in the 5 000 U/mL ulinastatin group, matrix metal oproteinase-9 protein expression was evidently reduced. (5) Gelatin zymography results showed that compared with the receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced group, matrix metal oproteinase-9 expression was significantly lower in the 5 000 U/mL ulinastatin group (P<0.05). Results suggested that urinary trypsin inhibitor inhibited receptor activator for nuclear factor-κb ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis and diminished matrix metal oproteinase-9 expression and activity.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have indicated that ulinastatin can inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis on RAW264.7 cells and also lower matrix metal oproteinase-9 expression and activity. However, it remains be unclear whether ulinastatin has the intervention effect on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-induced MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast apoptosis or not. ＜br> OBJECTIVE:To explore the intervention role of ulinastatin on the PMMA-induced MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast apoptosis and its effects on type I col agen, osteocalcin, matrix metal oproteinase-2 mRNA expression. ＜br> METHODS:MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts at passages 6 and 7 were divided into four groups:blank group (only cultured MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast), PMMA-induced group (MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast+1 g/L PMMA bone cement suspension), low dose ulinastatin group (MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast+1 g/L PMMA bone cement suspension+500 U/mL ulinastatin) and high dose ulinastatin group (MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast+1 g/L PMMA bone cement suspension+5 000 U/mL ulinastatin). MTT method was adopted to detect the proliferation activity of proliferative activity of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast;alizarin red staining method was used to observe mineralization nodules of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast among different groups;the change of apoptosis rate for MC3T3-E1 cells was detected by flow cytometry analysis;semi-quantitative RT-PCR was taken to analyze type I col agen, osteocalcin, matrix metal oproteinase-2 mRNA expression level in MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts among different groups. ＜br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank group, PMMA significantly inhibited the proliferation activity of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast (P＜0.05), and however significantly promoted cells apoptosis (P＜0.05). After addition of different concentrations of ulinastatin (500, 5 000 U/mL), the proliferation activity of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts significantly raised (P＜0.05), and cells apoptosis rate significantly decreased (P＜0.05), showing the dose and time-dependent relation. Type I col agen and osteocalcin mRNA expression levels both significantly decreased after co-culture in PMMA group compared with the blank group (P＜0.05), matrix metal oproteinase-2 mRNA expression level, however, significantly increased (P＜0.05). After intervention with 5000 U/mL ulinastatin, type I col agen and osteocalcin mRNA expression levels both significantly increased, while matrix metal oproteinase-2 mRNA expression level significantly decreased (P＜0.05). PMMA group showed no obvious mineralization nodules. Yet, mineralization nodules were formed in the blank group, high and low dose ulinastatin groups. These results indicate that ulinastatin could have the inhibitory effect on the PMMA-induced MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast apoptosis, and it could promote type I col agen and osteocalcin mRNA expression and yet suppress matrix metal oproteinase-2 mRNA expression.

Objective To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in non-stroke population with over 50 years old from Dongcheng District and Shijingshan District of Beijing.Methods A total of 9 524 of non-stroke population with over 50 years old were selected as our subject,which were sampled from Dongcheng District and Shijingshan District of Beijing by using stratified cluster random sampling method.Investigation and physical inventory check were conducted on all subbjects conduct,and the results was statistical analyzed by using SPSS 17.0 software.Results Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of all subjects increased with the increasing of BML The prevalence of hypertension of three age groups were significant different between male and female (Z =-50.47,P ＜ 0.001).The prevalence of hypertension in males with 50-59 years old was considerably higher than that of females (x2 =14.74,P ＜0.001).However,the prevalence of hypertension in females with 60-69 years old and ≥70 years old group were higher than that of males (x2 =12.39,P ＜ 0.001 ; x2 =10.36,P =0.001).Overall,the prevalence of hypertension between males and females was no significant (male for 37.9％,female 37.3％,x2 =0.31,P =0.578).BMI increased with the increasing blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension,taking the people with BMI ＜ 18.5 kg/m2 as reference,OR values of the risk for male people with BMI 18.5-24.0kg/m2,24.0-28.0 kg/m2,and ≥ 28.0 kg/m2 to get hypertension people were 1.622 (95％ CI:0.653 -4.029),2.405 (95％ CI:0.940-5.940),4.248 (95％ CI:1.709-10.559) respectively,while for female people were 2.212 (95％ CI:1.193-4.104),3.870 (95％ CI:2.092-7.157),6.603 (95％ CI:3.557 -12.258) respectively.Conclusion Overweight and obesity are risk factors of hypertension.Obesity control contributes to the prevention and treatment of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly population.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the perioperative complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

METHODSFrom June 2009 to December 2011, 63 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture underwent PKP, there were 18 males and 45 females with an average age of 75.3 years ( ranged, 62 to 91). All patients with severe back pain and without neurological symptoms and signs, which were confirmed by X-ray and MRI. Among them,there were 63 cases with severe osteoporosis, 37 cases with hypertension, 10 with coronary artery disease, 29 with anemia, 26 with diabetes, 11 with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and 8 with gastritis and peptic ulcer. The common perioperative complications were retropectively reviewed.

RESULTSPreoperative complications occured in 9 cases (14.3%), including hypostatic pneumonia (1 case), electrolyte disturbances (2 cases), urinary tract infection (2 cases), moderate anemia(2 cases),electrolyte disturbances combined with moderate anemia (1 case), hypostatic pneumonia combined with delirium (1 case). Intraoperative and postoperative. complications occurred in 17 cases (26.9%), there were bone cement correlated complications in 9 cases (14.3%), in which 2 cases of toxic reaction of bone cement and 7 cases of leakage (2 cases had clinical symptoms); there were non-bone cement correlated complications in 3 cases (4.8%), in which 1 case of focal hematoma caused by paracentesis, 1 case of transient nerve injury, 1 case of left intercostal neuralgia;there were transient hyperpathia in 5 cases after operation. All complications result in no severe consequence after treatment.

CONCLUSIONPerioperative complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty are not uncommon,however,these complications may not cause serious consequence after active treatment,so prevention and treatment are important for it.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; surgery ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; etiology ; Kyphoplasty ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To determine whether the poking reduction and bone grafting technique with guide through bony tunnel can correct a Hill-Sachs lesion. Methods A total of 30 cadaveric humeri were equally divided into three groups, 10 cadaveric humeri per group. Hill-Sachs lesions were replicated with a osseous defect involving 10% (group A ) , 20% (group B ) and 30% (group C ) of the articular surface. All the bone defects in each group were measured and the poking reduction and bone grafting technique with guide through a bony tunnel was performed in group B and group C. The preoperative and postoperative transverse arc length, longitudinal are length, depth and volume of the osseous defects in group B and group C were compared by using paired t test. Results Before reduction, the transverse arc length of the bone defects was ( 10.9 ± 1.4 )mm in group B and ( 16.3 ± 2.3 ) mm in group C ; longitudinal arc length was ( 22.4 ± 2.4 ) mm in group B and ( 28.0 ± 2.2 ) mm in group C ;depth was (6.9±0.9) mm in group B and (11. 1 ±0.9) mm in group C; volume was (708.7±93.9) mm3 in group B and (1338.3 ± 185.6) mm3 in group C. After reduction, the transverse arc length of the bone defects was (5.1 ± 2.4 ) mm in group B and ( 7.6 ± 3.6 ) mm in group C ; longitudinal arc lengthwas (10.5 ±4.9) mm in group B and (12.3 ±5.3) mm in group C; depth was (0.3±0.1 ) mm in group B and (0.4 ±0.1 ) mm in group C; volume was (48.9 ± 16.1 )mm3 in group B and (70.3 ± 37.9) mm3 in group C. The comparison of all the parameters showed statistical difference (P <0. 01 ). Conclusion The poking reduction and bone grafting technique with guide through a bony tunnel can effectively correct the Hill-Sachs lesions with humeral head osseous defects involving 20% -30% of the articular surface.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupoint application at different groups of acupoints in treating bronchial asthma in remission stage. Methods:A total of 120 patients with bronchial asthma in remission stage were recruited and divided by the random number table method into acupoint application group 1, acupoint application group 2 and acupoint application group 3, with 40 cases in each group. In all the three groups, Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) were selected, with Dingchuan (EX-B 1) added in acupoint application group 1, Shenshu (BL 23) added in acupoint application group 2, and Gaohuang (BL 43) added in acupoint application group 3. Before intervention, one month and 3 months after intervention, clinical symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF) andforced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted value (FEV1％) of the three groups were observed, and their clinical efficacies were evaluated. Results: Comparing the therapeutic efficacy regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and signs, after 1-month treatment, the total effective rate was 87.5％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 62.5％ in acupoint application group 2 and 55.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After 3-month treatment, the total effective rate was 95.0％ in acupoint application group 1, versus 70.0％ in acupoint application group 2 and 65.0％ in acupoint application group 3, and the between-group differences were statistically significant. After intervention, the three groups all showed significant improvements in pulmonary function with statistical significance; among the three groups, the improvement in acupoint application group 1 was more significant than that in the other two groups. Conclusion: Tiantu (CV 22), Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) as basic prescription plus Dingchuan (EX-B 1) can improve symptoms of bronchial asthma in remission stage, and it works better in improving pulmonary function than the basic prescription plus Shenshu (BL 23) or Gaohuang (BL 43).

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression pattern of caspase-3 and HCLS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) at different time after cerebral contusion in rat, and explore the new method for estimating the injury interval. METHODS: The cerebral contusion model was established using adult SD male rats. Then the rats were randomly allocated into 8 groups: 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after cerebral contusion, sham-operation and normal control. Expression of caspase-3 and HAX-1 protein after cerebral contusion in rat was detected by Western blotting. Laser scanning confocal microscope was used to observe the number of HAX-1 positive cells and TUNEL-stained cells after cerebral contusion. RESULTS: The expression of caspase-3 increased parallelly with the time after cerebral contusion and reached the peak value on 3 d. The expression of caspase-3 decreased gradually and still maintained a high level expression on 7 d (P < 0.05). The expression of HAX-1 positive cell went up after injury, and reached the peak value at 6 h (P < 0.05), then turned down gradually after 12 h and went out of detection after 3 d. The number of TUNEL-stained cells increased obviously at 2 h and reached the peak value on 3 d. The number of TUNEL-stained apoptotic cells decreased gradually and still maintained a high level expression on 7 d (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The expression of caspase-3 and HAX-1 after cerebral contusion has time sequential regularity, which may provide new evidence for forensic diagnosis of cerebral contusion interval.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Brain Injuries/pathology* ; Carrier Proteins/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cerebellum/pathology* ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley