PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify the degree of self-image and social support among Korean-Chinese adolescents and investigate the relationship between these variables. METHOD: A total of 621 Korean-Chinese adolescents in five middle schools in YanBian, China were recruited from March 1st to the 9th, 2005. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and ANOVA with the SPSS 11.5 program. RESULT: In Korean-Chinese adolescents, the total self-image score was statistically different for age, parents' education status, parents' job and living with parents. In the 12 subscales, scoresof emotional tone, impulse control, sexuality, social functioning, vocational attitudes and self-reliance had significant differences between groups regarding gender. The total self-image was in the average range. However, areas of mental health and family function were lower than average and the scale of idealism washigher than average. The adolescents perceived parent's support was higher then friend's support. There was a positive correlation between self-image and social support. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest there is a need to examine self-image and social support of Korean- Chinese adolescents according to their parents' marital status and a need to develop a program to help these broken family's adolescents.
Socioeconomic Factors ; *Social Support ; *Self Concept ; Male ; Korea ; Humans ; Female ; Family ; China/ethnology ; Child ; *Adolescent Psychology ; Adolescent

Objective To study the mechanism of killing and apoptosis-inducing effects of Capparis spinosa alkaloid (CSA) on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Methods The killing effect of CSA on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 was studied by MTT method. Morphological observation of HepG2 cells was carried out by fluorescence microscope. Results The CSA had obvious cytotoxicity on the HepG2 in a dose-dependent manner and its IC50 value was 142.82 ?g/mL. The HepG2 cells showed the characteristic morphologic changes of apoptosis by the function of CSA and the apoptosis percentage is higher than that of the natural one. The progress of cells cycle from S phase to G2 phase had been blocked by CSA. The intracellular Ca2+ level had been increased by the function of CSA, which was positively related with drug concentration. Conclusion CSA has obviously killing and apoptosis-inducing effects on human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 and calcium overload might also be invovled in these events.

The GFP(green fluorescence protein)-streptavidin(SA) bi-functional fusion protein was generated and characterized in order to demonstrate novel platform for efficiently and durably modifying the cell surface with SA-tagged bi-functional proteins.The GFP-SA/pET24d construct was generated and expressed in BL21(DE3) host bacteria at the high level.The recombinant protein GFP-SA was purified through the Ni-NTA affinity chromatography,and then refolded.After biotinylation B16 tumor cells were modified with GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein and then subjected to fluorescent microscopy and FACS analysis.The effect of surface modification on the viability and growth of B16.F10 tumor cells was evaluated by MTT staining.The GFP-SA recombinant fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) at about 20 % of total bacterial proteins.The GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein exhibited the bi-functionality,i.e.,SA-mediated high-affinity binding to biotinylated cell surfaces and GFP-emitted green fluorescence.The cell surface modification with GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein did not affect the viability and growth of the modified B16.F10 tumor cells significantly.The GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein was obtained and could be displayed efficiently on the surface of the biotinylated B16.F10 tumor cells through the specific and tight interaction between streptavidin and biotin,thus can be used as good trace protein and experimental control in the development of surface-modified tumor vaccine.

OBJECTIVETo establish a method for real-time recording the oxygen consumption of mice under normobaric hypoxia.

METHODSThe experimental apparatus was made up of animal container, filling water control system, electronic balance, hose, a computer with weight recording software, etc. The working principle was that the oxygen consumed by animal was replaced by water filling which was controlled by the pneumatic and hydraulic actuator. The water was weighted by an electronic balance and the weight signal was recorded into excel file at the same time. The accuracy and precision of the apparatus were detected by a 10 ml syringe. The oxygen consumption characteristics of 6 acute repetitive hypoxia mice and 6 normal mice were observed.

RESULTSThe P value for the paired t test was 1 and the CV value was 4%. The survival time and total oxygen consumption of acute repetitive hypoxia mice were both significantly increased compared to normal mice (P < 0.05), which were (58.8 +/- 6.8) min and (46.0 +/- 8.7) min respectively for the survival time and (85.1 +/- 8.5) ml and (73.6 +/- 5.4) ml respectively for total oxygen consumption.

CONCLUSIONThe hypoxia tolerance of the acute repetitive hypoxia mice can significantly improved by taking more oxygen in the animal cabin. The accuracy and precision of the apparatus are high and it can be used for the determination of oxygen consumption in hypoxia research.

Animals ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; instrumentation ; Oxygen Consumption ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the purification, refolding and bioactivity of streptavidin-tagged human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (SA-TNF-alpha) bi-functional fusion protein.

METHODSSA-TNF-alpha fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) host bacteria, purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and refolded by dilution and dialysis followed by identification using Western blotting. The effect of SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein against L929 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the surface modification of biotinylated MB49 tumor cells by SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein.

RESULTSRecombinant SA- TNF-alpha fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) at about 30% of total bacterial protein, with a purity of about 95% after purification. The SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein existed as dimmers, tetramers and higher order structures after refolding. The fusion protein exhibited a bi-functionality by inhibiting L929 cells and SA-mediated high-affinity binding to biotinylated cell surfaces, with an anchor modification rate of above 90%.

CONCLUSIONThe dimmers, tetramers and higher order structures of the obtained SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein all exhibit a bi-functionality, and may serve as a potential candidate therapeutic agent for tumors.

Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Nickel ; Protein Folding ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Streptavidin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of GORE-TEX Dual Mesh fixing into peritoneum in sigmoid-colostomy on the prevention of peristomal hernia.

METHODSSixty patients undergone sigmoid-colostomy from Jan. 2003 to Jan. 2005 in the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Patients received papillary sigmoid-colostomy through rectus abdominis and peritoneum in control group and GORE-TEX Dual Mesh fixing into peritoneum during sigmoid-colostomy in observation group. Complications and recurrence rate were recorded in follow-up period.

RESULTSPeristomal hernia occurred in eight patients (8/30) in control group (26.7%), while no hernia happened in observation group (0/30).

CONCLUSIONGORE-TEX Dual Mesh fixing into peritoneum in sigmoid-colostomy can prevent peristomal hernia.

Adult ; Aged ; Biocompatible Materials ; Colon, Sigmoid ; surgery ; Colostomy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Hernia ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneum ; surgery ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Surgical Mesh

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ginsenoside-Rg3 on lung metastasis of ribonuclease inhibitor (RI) gene-transfected mouse B16 melanoma.

METHODSC57BL/6 mice were iv injected with parental or RI-transfected B16 melanoma cells. Lung metastasis was assessed by the number of surface tumor nodules. Mice were divided into 6 groups. Group I, II and III of mice were given parental, mock-transfected and RI-transfected B16 melanoma cells, respectively while in group IV, V and VI, Rg3 (1.5 mg/kg, iv q.o.d. x 10) was given to mice bearing parental, mock-transfected and RI-transfected B16 melanoma, respectively. Micovessel density (MVD) of the lung metastatic tumor was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of factor VIII-R expression.

RESULTSThe number of tumor nodules was significantly decreased in mice injected with RI-transfected B16 melanoma (Gp III, compared to Gp I and II). Rg3 treatment per se could also decrease the number of lung tumor nodules but to a lesser extent (Gp IV and V compared to Gp III). However, Rg3 synergized with RI transfection resulting in most significant inhibition of lung metastasis (Gp VI). Mice in Gp I and II died within 26 days of the experiment, whereas all the mice in Gp VI were alive during the observation period of one and one half month. MVD was significantly decreased in the lung tumor nodules in mice injected with RI-transfected B16 melanoma. It was further decreased when additional Rg3 was given (Gp VI).

CONCLUSIONTransfection of ribonuclease inhibitor gene significantly reduces the metastatic potential of B16 melanoma. Ginsenoside-Rg3 has a synergistic effect.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Ginsenosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; secondary ; Male ; Melanoma, Experimental ; genetics ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Panax ; chemistry ; Placental Hormones ; genetics ; Transfection

Calcium sensitizers exert positive inotropic effects without increasing intracellular Ca(2+). Thus, they avoid the undesired effects of Ca(2+) overload such as arrhythmias and cell injury, but most of them may impair myocyte relaxation. However, MCI-154, also a calcium sensitizer, has no impairment to cardiomyocyte relaxation. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effects of MCI-154 on Ca(2+) transient and cell contraction using ion imaging system, and its influence on L-type Ca(2+) current and Na(+)/ Ca(2+) exchange current with patch clamp technique in rat ventricular myocytes as well. The results showed that: (1) MCI-154 (1-100 micromol/L) had no effect on L-type Ca(2+) current; (2) MCI-154 concentration-dependently increased cell shortening from 5.00+/-1.6 microm of control to 6.2+/-1.6 microm at 1 micromol/L, 8.7+/-1.6 microm at 10 micromol/L and 14.0+/-1.4 microm at 100 micromol/L, respectively, with a slight increase in Ca(2+) transient amplitude and an abbreviation of Ca(2+) transient restore kinetics assessed by time to 50% restore (TR(50)) and time to 90% restore (TR(90)); (3) MCI-154 dose-dependently increased the electrogenic Na(+)/ Ca(2+) exchange current both in the inward and the outward directions in rat ventricular myocytes. These results indicate that MCI-154 exerted a positive inotropic action without impairing myocyte relaxation. The stimulation of inward Na(+)/ Ca(2+) exchange current may accelerate the Ca(2+) efflux, leading to abbreviations of TR(50) and TR(90) in rat myocytes. The findings suggest that the improvement by MCI-154 of myocyte relaxation is attributed to the forward mode of Na(+)/ Ca(2+) exchange.
Animals ; Calcium ; physiology ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; drug effects ; Calcium Signaling ; drug effects ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Heart Ventricles ; cytology ; Myocardial Contraction ; drug effects ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Pyridazines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sodium-Calcium Exchanger ; drug effects ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors of local recurrence after radical resection of rectal carcinoma.

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 535 patients with rectal carcinoma, received radical resection between August 1994 and July 2004 in our department, were reviewed retrospectively. The association of clinicopathological factors and local recurrence was analyzed using Log-rank test. Cox multiple variate analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors.

RESULTSAll the 535 rectal carcinoma patients underwent radical resections. Local recurrence occurred in 53 cases (9.9%), and distant metastasis co-occurred in 39 cases (7.3%). The time from the first operation to the recurrence was 4-54 months with a median of 12 months. The Log-rank test showed that the primary tumor site (P<0.01), differentiation(P<0.01), histological type(P=0.038), lymph node metastasis(P=0.023), Dukes staging(P=0.045), blood transfusion(P=0.001), and total mesorectum excision (TME)(P<0.001) were associated with the recurrence, but the operative style(P=0.908), invasive depth of primary tumor(P=0.735), massive pathological type(P=0.562), degree of surgeon(P=0.171) and post-operative chemotherapy (P=0.772) were not associated with the recurrence. Cox multiple variate analysis revealed that blood transfusion, primary tumor site, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TME principle were independent prognostic factors affecting local recurrence after radical resection of rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONSBlood transfusion, low position of tumor, poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis are the risk factors associated with local recurrence in rectal cancer. Application of TME principle is the key point to decrease the local recurrence rate.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mesentery ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Period ; Rectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in manganese chloride (MnCl(2))-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

METHODSThe model that MnCl(2) induced apoptosis in PC12 cells was established. The apoptotic effect of MnCl(2) on PC12 cells was analyzed with the MTT, the flow cytometry and the DNA fragmentation. The production of ROS and ATP in MnCl(2)-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells was examined. The influence of MnCl(2) on the expression of bcl-xl, bax and the activity of Caspase 3 was also analyzed.

RESULTSMnCl(2) triggered PC12 cells apoptosis in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The rate of apoptosis was significantly increased (P < 0.01) when MnCl(2) of 2 mmol/L induced PC12 cells for 36 hours. The production of ROS was increased (P < 0.001) and the quantity of ATP was decreased (P < 0.01) in PC12 cells with the same inducement of MnCl(2). The expression of bcl-xl was inhibited and the bax was activated in this process (P < 0.01). Caspase 3 was also activated (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMnCl(2) induces apoptosis of PC12 cells, which is related to the increase of ROS, the inhibition of the mitochondria and the activation of Caspase 3.

Adenosine Triphosphate ; biosynthesis ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Chlorides ; toxicity ; DNA Fragmentation ; drug effects ; Manganese Compounds ; PC12 Cells ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis ; bcl-X Protein ; biosynthesis