ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of infrared radiation and magnetic fields on the synovitis of rabbit with experimental knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsTwenty-four New Zealand grown rabbits were duplicated for OA model of the knee by extended fixation technique, and after 6 weeks, all rabbits were unchained from fixation. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group (no treatment), infrared group (treated with infrared radiation ), magnet-therapy group (treated with magnetic fields ) and the combined therapy group (treated with infrared radiation and magnetic fields). At the ends of the first, second and third week after treatment, 2 rabbits in each group were taken to measure the general change and histopathology of their synovium.ResultsCompared with other groups, the severity of synovitis (include the synovium line cells proliferation, the invading of granulation and blood vessels in the underlayer of synovium, the infiltration of inflammatory cells) declined significantly in combined therapy group. Scores of Ayral's index of combined group were significantly lower than other groups ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between infrared group and magnet-therapy group ( P>0.05).ConclusionThe combination of infrared radiation and magnetic fields can efficiently suppress the synovitis of OA and alleviate the tissue's destructions.

Objective To investigate the effect of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) on the angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor(ATlR) expression in mesangial cells (MC).Methods p38 MAPK activation and ECM protein expression were determined using AngⅡ-stimulated MC derived from normal and 12-LO knockout mice.AT1R expression was determined using 12-LO product 12(S)- HETE-stimulated MC,MC transfected with 12-LO gene and microdissected glomeruli derived from 12-LO knockout mice.RT-PCR and Western blot were used for evaluating mRNA and protein expression respectively.Results AngⅡstimulation increased p38 MAPK activation and ECM protein expression in normal MC,but not in MC derived from 12-LO knockout mice.Time-dependent and dose-dependent experiment showed that 12 (S)- HETE increased AT1R protein' expression in MC. Similarly,12 (S)-HETE increased AT1R mRNA expression in MC compared with control MC (P＜0.01). Furthermore,AT1R expression was lower in glomeruli derived from 12-LO knockout mice relative to genetic controls (P＜0.01) and MC stably overexpressing 12-LO had greater AT1R protein and mRNA expression relative to control MC (P＜0.01).Conclusion 12-LO activation can upregulate ATIR expression in MC.

Objective To explore the protocol that induced marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiating into islet-secreting cells in vitro and to provide new clues for the sources of islet transplantation.Methods Using a defined culture medium and technique for transdifferentiation, MSCs from adult SD rats were guided into specific insulin-secreting cells. The expressions of nestin and islet-specific hormones and proteins, such as insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx-1) were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence cytochemistry staining before and after induction. The expressions of pancreatic islet cell differentiation-related transcripts, such as nestin, insulin 1, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT 2), Isl-1, Pdx-1, Pax-4 and Pax-6 were detected by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). In addition, the quantity of insulin secretion was examined using radioimmunoassay. Results Five hours after induction, (44.6±7.3)% of differentiated MSCs expressed nestin and it increased to (61.8±8.4)% 24 hs after induction, but the expression of nestin almost disappeared at day 14. In the meantime, islet-like cellular clusters appeared after day 14 and became more apparent by day 28. Differentiated cells were found to be immunoreactive to insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and Pdx-1, and expressed insulin 1, GLUT 2, GK, Isl-1, PDX-1, Pax-4, Pax-6 mRNA. In addition, the results of cumulative quantities of insulin of 24 hs and the stimulation index showed that differentiated cells were able to produce insulin at higher levels, and displayed glucose-dependent insulin release in vitro. Conclusions Adult rat MSCs can be differentiated into insulin-secreting cells in vitro. This approach might lead to widespread cell replacement therapy for Type 1 diabetes.

Objective To document the MRI features of renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) containing minimal fat and to explore whether the MR features vary depending on the tumor size. Methods The MR findings of 15 cases of pathologically-proved RAML containing minimal fat were reviewed retrospectively from January 2008 to March 2010. All patients underwent MR in a 1.5 T or 3.0 T scanners. The MR features of the lesions were analyzed, with emphasis on the signal intensity and homogeneity on T2WI, in regards to pseudocapsule, lipid component, hemorrhage, cystic degeneration or necrosis, blood vessels, interface with renal parenchyma and enhancement pattern. All lesions were categorized into 2 groups; those with diameter ＞4 cm and those with diameter ≤4 cm. The difference of imaging characteristics between these two groups was analyzed using Fisher exact test. Results All 15 lesions demonstrated hypointensity on T2WI compared to the renal parenchyma. Homogeneous signal intensity on T2WI was seen in 6 lesions (6/15); peritumoral pseudocapsule in 3 lesions (3/15); cystic degeneration or necrosis, hemorrhage in 5 lesions (5/15); flow void of blood vessels in 2 lesions (2/15); lipid component in 4 lesions (4/15); angular interface with renal parenchyma in 10 lesions (10/15); homogeneous enhancement in 8 lesions (8/15). Fifteen lesions were divided into two groups; 9 categorized into group 1 (the maximum diameter ≤ 4 cm) and 6 into group 2 ( the maximum diameter ＞ 4 cm). Cystic degeneration or necrosis was seen in 0 of 9 in group one and 5 of 6 in group two respectively, hemorrhage(0 of 9 and 5 of 6 respectively) and pseudocapsule(0 of 9 and 3 of 6 respectively. The difference between these findings in the two groups demonstrated statistical significance (P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion The MR features of RAML containing miminal fat were hypointensity on T2 WI,angular interface with renal parenchyma and homogeneous contrast enhancement, however, these findings can vary depending on the tumor size.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; therapy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diet ; Glutarates ; metabolism ; urine ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Riboflavin ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the distribution of in-stent recurrent stenosis (1RS) after balloon-angioplasty and stenting in elderly cerebral ischemic patient and its correlative factors.Methods Totally 158 elderly cerebral ischemic patients with extra-and/or intracranial artery stenosis were treated with 172 stents in our hospital.The inhibition of platelet function was assessed by using the thrombus elasticity chart system in perioperative period,and the anti-platelet agents were adjusted correspondingly.150 patients were followed up by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the other 8 patients were followed up by CT angiography,during an average follow-up duration of 8.3 months.Results There were 11 (6.4％) IRS lesions,among which 10 lesions were at the vertebral artery origin and 1 lesion was at common carotid artery bifurcation.23.8％ of IRS happened after vertebral artery origin stenting,and all in-stent recurrent stenosis were in the origin of non-dominant vertebral artery,whose IRS rate was 66.7％.Conclusions IRS are more common found in vertebral artery origin than in other parts of vertebral artery and are more common found in nondominant side than in dominant side.

The expressions of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) mRNA in testes from 7,14,23 and 37 day-old piglets were studied by tissue in situ hybridization. The results indicated that in the testes of piglets, StARmRNA was expressed in Leydig cells of pig testes. The expression level of StARmRNA was lower in 7 days piglets but higher in 14,23,37 days. The results indicated that StAR gene played an important role in steroid biosynthesis.

Objective To investigate the effect of angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ) type 1 receptor blocker losartan on the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression in metabolic syndrome (MS)kidney. Methods Seven-week-old male obese Zucker rats,a model of MS,were randomly divided into losartan treated and untreated group,and lean Zucker rats were used as controls.The obese Zucker rata of treated group received losartan for 4 months continuously.COX-2 expression was examined for all rats after 4 months.AngⅡ-stimulated mesangial cells and cortical tissue from AngⅡ-infused C57BL/6 mouse kidney by osmotic minipumps were used in this study.RNA and protein were obtained from renal cortical tissue or mesangial cells for RT-PCR and Western blot.Results Compared to the lean controls,obese Zucker rats showed a significant increase of COX-2 expression in the renal cortical tissue and these abnormalities were prevented by administration of losartan. Furthermore,the direct stimulation of AngⅡincreased COX-2 expression in mesangial cells in vitro and renal cortical tissue in vivo.Conclusions MS-induced COX-2 expression in the kidney is regulated by AngⅡ.Losartan as a non COX-2 inhibitor can protect MS kidney,at least in part,by inhibition of COX-2 activation.

This study is designed to investigate the effects of chinfloxacin hydrochloride (CFX) on the kinetics of HERG K+ channel. Whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record HERG K+ currents from HEK293 cells transiently transfected with cgi-HERG-GFP plasmids and channel kinetics were assessed in the absence and presence of CFX and moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX). Results demonstrated that the open state of HERG K+ channel was inhibited by CFX in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 162.1 +/- 14.2 micromol x L(-1), two folds higher than its positive control MOX. But there were no significant effects on channel kinetics. In addition, the inhibitory effect of CFX on HERG was enhanced when cells were subjected to altered extracellular K+ concentration.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Aza Compounds ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology ; Fluoroquinolones ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Kinetics ; Molecular Structure ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium ; pharmacology ; Quinolines ; pharmacology ; Time Factors ; Transfection

Objective To reveal the characteristics and stability of the system through the analyzing the surveillance data of respiratory-feverous syndrome via the syndromic surveillance system which was established during the Shanghai World Expo in Pudong New District and provide references for the development and operation optimization on this Mass Gatherings Surveillance Systems.Methods Data used was from the surveillance data of respiratory-feverous syndrome collected from Pudong New District Syndromic Surveillance System,through May 1 to October 31,2010.On the basis of description of data characteristics,correlation analyses were conducted,when compared to the surveillance data of respiratory-feverous syndrome and Pudong influenza-like illness (ILI) used as reference.Comparison of variances on the surveillance data and the report lag time of the earlier and later surveillance periods were also carried out to evaluate the quality and stability of data.Results Reports on the respiratory-feverous syndrome showed a peak in late September with day-of-week effects and holiday effects.Correlation between respiratory-feverous syndrome and ILI was the strongest in the same day (r=0.596,P＜0.05).In the earlier surveillance period from 2010-05-01 to 2010-07-31,the correlation between respiratory-feverous syndrome and ILI was not obvious (r=-0.058,P＞0.05) ; however,the two-time series showed consistent trend with the correlation coefficient as 0.798 (P＜0.05),in the later period from 2010-08-01 to 2010-10-31.In addition,variability of the surveillance data on respiratory-feverous syndrome was less in the later period than in the earlier one,with quality of the report on relatcd data better in the later period.Analyses on the correlations of reference sequence,variability and quality of report indicated that the stability of the later surveillance period was better than the earlier one.Conclusion Only with the operation of syndromic surveillance system for a certain period of time,could data in the system maintain stability.Surveillance data showed both day-of-week effects and holiday effects,suggesting that there was a need to choose early warning models with short baseline data.