Objective To study the adverse effects of PM2.5 from Beijing urban areas on human lung adenocarcinoma cells(A549) and the expression of NF-?B in the cells. Methods A549 cells were treated with PM2.5 at 25,50,100 and 200 ?g/ml for 24 h. Cytotoxicity of PM2.5 was measured by MTT assay. The activity of NF-?B was measured by ELISA assay. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of NF-?B and NO levels was determined by using the nitrate reductase method. Results PM2.5 could induce A549 cell proliferation at low doses,but inhibit cell proliferation at high doses. The activity of NF-?B increased in the cell nucleus,but decreased in the cytoplasm after exposure to PM2.5 with a significant dose-dependent manner(P

The important function of the gastrointestinal tract in monitoring and sealing the host intestine from intruders is called the gut barrier.A variety of specific and nonspecific mechanisms are in operation to establish the host barrier,including luminal mechanism,secretion of the digestive enzymes,the epithelial cells together with tight junctions between them and the gut immune system.The pathogenesis of gut barrier dysfuntion is multifactorial.They can lead to the translocation of the intestinal bacteria.Sometimes,even the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome can happen.Nitric oxide,one of the smallest products of the cell,is known to have a very large role in diverse physiologic and pathological processes.Recent study shows its toxic metabolite,peroxynitrite(ONOO~(-)),play a major role in the intestinal mucosal injury.The purpose of this literature review is to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of the protection and injury to the gut barrier function about nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.

Objective To compare the results of clinical treatment of shoulder and neck pain in patients with and without upper cervical degeneration. Methods Fifty two patients with diagnosed shoulder and neck muscular fasciitis(with high tension and tenderness on the trapezius) were divided into 3 groups: group A,with upper cervical degeneration(16 cases);group B,with upper cervical degeneration(15 cases),and group C,without cervical degeneration(21 cases).There were no significant difference in gender,age and course of disease among the 3 groups.Patients in 3 groups were regularly treated by naprapathy and electric therapy(intermediate frequency).Cervical traction and manipulation was added to the patients in group A.Treatment for 3 groups lasted for 2 weeks.The Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores and Odom criteria before and after treatment were used for determining the results of clinical treatment. Results The VAS scores after treatment were significantly improved in group A and group C as compared with that in group B(P=0.000).Odom criteria of group A(93.8%) and group C(95.2%) were excellent and good without significant difference(P=0.692),but they were significantly higher than that of group C(P=0.001). Conclusions Patients with shoulder and neck pain accompanied by upper cervical degeneration(narrowing of intervertebral foramen) should be treated with cervical traction and manipulation beside the routine therapy.

AIM: To analyze clinical observation and the efficiency of intravitreal conbercept combined with 532-laser on Coats disease in adulthood.METHODS: This was an retrospective analysis.Six eyes from 6 patients(5 males and 1 female) with coats disease diagnosed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were enrolled.Before the injection, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS), non-contact tonometer, ophthalmoscope, fundus photography, FFA, and OCT were examined.The initial average visual acuity (ETDRS letters) were 51.17±15.15.The initial average central retina thickness (CRT) was 303.30±107.87μm.All affected eyes were treated with intravitreal conbercept 0.05mL (10mg/mL) combined with 532-laser.Patients were followed up for 6 to 12mo, with a mean duration of 7.33±1.26mo.Post-treatment BCVA were compared with baseline using repeat analysis.RESULTS: The mean BCVA showed significant improvement during 1 wk, 1, 3mo post-treatment and the latest follow up (P<0.01).During the latest follow up, the mean BCVA was obviously improved in 3 eyes (50%), improved in 2 eyes (40%), stable in 1 eyes (10%).Likewise, the subretina fluid absorption of different levels.No adverse events such as secondary retinal detachment or endophthalmitis were found during the follow-up.CONCLUSION: Coats disease in adulthood more likely to have lower symptom and have a better response on treatment.Intravitreal conbercept combined with 532-laser significantly improve visual acuity and absorb the subretina fluid.

Objective To explore the dosimetry of simplified intensity modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT)in the spinal component of craniospinal irradiation(CSI)compared with conventional plan(3D-CRT).Methods Five previously treated patients were adopted to generate 3D-CRT,3-and 5-field slMRT plans.The prescribed dose was 36 Gy to the planning target volume(PTV)in 20 fractions.The dose distributions of target volume and normal tissues,and homogeneity index(HI)were ananlyzed using the dose volume histogram.The total monitor units(MUs)were also analyzed to compare the delivery time indirectly.Results For 3D-CRT plans,the region of the neighbouring fields only received 70％ of the prescribed dose,and the maximum dose delivered in the normal tissues was increased to approximately 140％ of the prescribed dose.The homogeneity index(HI)of 3-and 5-field sIMRT were 0.09 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ±0.01,respectively,superior to that of 3D-CRT(0.18 ± 0.02,t=7.80,7.65,P＜0.05).The values of V10 for the heart of 3-and 5-field sIMRT were(8.4 ± 1.9)％ and(8.4 ± 2.0)％,respectively,lower than that of 3D-CRT((36.0 ± 6.0)％(t=13.3,13.0,P＜0.05).V20 for the thyroid gland were (12.4±1.5)％ and(12.4±1.6)％,respectively,lower than(69.4±5.7)％ of 3D-CRT(t=26.3,26.4,P＜0.05).V20 for the larynx were(17.2 ± 1.2)％ and(17.9 ± 1.5)％,respectively,lower than that of 3D-CRT[(89.4±7.0)％(t=25.5,26.5,P＜0.05)].V30for the NTwas(4.4±1.4)％,(4.9± 1.9)％,lower than that of 3 D-CRT[(31.9 ± 6.1)％(t=8.5,10.1,P＜0.05)].The averaged values of total MUs for 3-and 5-field sIMRT were 1100 ± 177 and 1160 ±204,respectively,higher than that of 3D-CRT(640 ± 151).Conclusions Compared with the 3D-CRT CSI technique,3-and 5-field sIMRT have better dose distribution and can improve target dose uniformity and protect the organs at risk.

BACKGROUND:Experiments have shown that the col agen substrate has the capability of stimulating cartilage generation, but the stimulating role of different types of col agen substrates remains controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of type I and type II col agen on the biological characteristics of human chondrocytes cultured in vitro. METHODS:Human chondrocytes at passage were cultured onto the ordinary culture plates (ordinary plate), type I col agen-coated culture plates (type I plate), and type II col agen-coated culture plates (type II plate). cellgrowth curves were determined by MTT method after cells were cultured for 10 days. By ELISA, PCR, and 1,9-dimethyl methyleneblue technology, type I and type II col agen and glycosaminoglycan contents were quantitatively detected in cartilage cells 28 days after culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The number of cartilage cells was the highest in type II plate, which was twice of that in type I plate and five times of that in ordinary plate. Cartilage cells in type II plate secreted the least amount of type I col agen, which showed significant differences compared with the ordinary plate (P<0.01) and had no statistical y significant difference with type I plate (P>0.01). Cartilage cells in type II plate secreted the most amount of type II col agen and glycosaminoglycan, showing significant differences compared with the other two plates (P<0.01). The cartilage cells cultured in col agen plates are better than that cultured in ordinary culture plate, type II col agen culture plate is better than type I col agen culture plate in maintaining cellshape, extending the dedifferentiation pattern, and promoting celldifferentiation.

Objective This study investigates the relationship of serum irfflammatory cytokine levels with intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) after surgery.Methods A total of 32 cases with severe TBI and placement of ICP monitor were prospectively enrolled.Serum was collected before surgery and every 12 h after surgery.Cytokines levels of interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-8,and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were analyzed and compared with outcome of patients.Hourly values of ICP were recorded.The degree of ICP above treatment threshold (20 mm Hg) were calculated every 12 h as pressure times time dose(PTD-ICP20),which was compared with serum cytokine levels before (Pre) and after (Post) the 12-hour time period using linear regression method.Results Serum IL-1β (P＜0.05),IL-8 (P＜0.01) and TNF-a (P＜0.01) levels elevated dramatically after severe TBI and were significantly associated with outcome of patients.Mean PTD-ICP20 was (42.9 ± 60.2)mm Hg/h and was correlated with increased Pre-IL-8 (r=0.554,P＜0.001),Pre-TNF-α (r=0.597,P＜0.001),Post-IL-8 (r=0.629,P＜0.001) and Post-TNF-α (r=0.538,P＜0.001) levels.Conclusion Serum IL-8 and TNF-α demonstrated the most promising candidate bio.rnarkers of impending ICP elevation in this study.These findings indicate a feasible way of monitoring patients with severe TBI.

Objective To explore morphologic variations and their spatial correlation among Oncomelania hupensis populations from the mainland of China. Methods Twenty-seven snail populations from ten provinces were collected. The morphologic indices of shells and geographic distances between the snail spots were measured respectively, and the morphologic variations among snail populations and the correlations between morphologic variations and geographical distances were analyzed. Results The median of Euclidean distances was 3.24 (95% CI: 2.88-3.81) among 20 snail populations of O.h.hupensis including a snail population from Guangxi Province, and was 3.15 (95% CI: 2.86-3.76) excluding the Guangxi snail population; the median was 1.69 (95% CI: 1.33-2.27) among 6 populations of O.h.robertsoni. Whether including a snail population from Guangxi Province or not, the median among O.h.robertsoni was less than that among O.h.hupensis (P0.05). The correlation coefficient was 0.2655 for O.h.hupensis including a snail population from Guangxi Province, 0.2567 not including it; and was 0.3121 for ribbed-shell population. Conclusions Morphologic variation among O.h.hupensis is bigger than that among O.h.robertsoni, and morphologic variation among ribbed-shell populations is bigger than that among smooth-shell populations. There is significant spatial structure among ribbed-shell snail populations of Oncomelania hupensis distributed in the mainland of China.

Objective To investigate the effects of cold preservation on the expression of GATA in intrahepatic bile duct.Methods The intrahepatic bile duct tissues of SD rats were obtained by collagenase perfusion combined with mechanical separation.After being cut into fragments,the intrahepatic bile duct tissues were cultured in rat tail collagen gel for 48 hours before experiment.All the rats were divided into the control group,cold preservation 1 hour (CP1 h) group and cold preservation 12 hours (CP12 h) group.There were 5 rats in each group.The mRNA and protein expressions of GATA were detected by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Measurement data with normal distribution were presented as (x) ± s.Comparison among 3 groups was done by ANOVA and pairwise comparisons were done by LSD test.Results The mRNA expressions of GATA3,GATA4,GATA6 were detected,while the mRNA expressions of GATA1,GATA2 and GATA5 were undetectable in intrahepatic bile duct tissue of the control group.The mRNA expressions of GATA4 in the CP1 h group,CP12 h group and the control group were 0.72 ± 0.08,0.56 ± 0.07 and 0.96 ± 0.06,with significant difference among the 3 groups (F =38.981,P ＜0.05).The mRNA expression of GATA4 in the CP12 h group was significantly lower than that in the CP1 h group and the control group,and the mRNA expression of GATA4 in the CP1 h group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The mRNA expression of GATA6 in the CP1 h group,CP12 h group and the control group were 0.83 ± 0.07,0.68 ± 0.12 and 0.98 ± 0.12,with significant difference among the 3 groups (F =10.175,P ＜ 0.05).The mRNA expression of GATA6 in the CP12 group was significantly lower than that in the CP1 h group and the control group,and the mRNA expression of GATA6 in the CP1 h group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The mRNA expressions of GATA3 in the CP1 h group,CP12 h group and the control group were 0.92 ± 0.06,0.89 ± 0.05 and 0.98 ± 0.11,with no significant difference among the 3 groups (F =1.674,P ＞ 0.05).The protein expressions of GATA4 in the CP1 h group,CP12 h group and the control group were 0.78 ± 0.07,0.64 ± 0.06 and 0.99 ± 0.10,with significant difference among the 3 groups (F =24.211,P ＜ 0.05).The protein expression of GATA4 in the CP12 h group was significantly lower than that in the CP1 h group and the control group,and the protein expression of GATA4 in the CP1 h group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The protein expressions of GATA6 in the CP1 h group,CP12 h group and the control group were 0.90 ± 0.04,0.75 ±0.06 and 0.98 ±0.11,with significant difference among the 3 groups (F=11.651,P＜0.05).The protein expression of GATA6 in the CP12 h group was significantly lower than that in the CP1 h group and the control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The expressions of GATA4 and GATA6 in the intrahepatic bile duct tissues are decreased significantly after cold preservation,which indicate that GATA4 and GATA6 might be involved in the pathophysiological process of the bile duct after cold preservation.

Increasing the production and secretion of endogenous opioid peptide by immune cell can significantly induce myocardial protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Gene therapy is promising to increase endogenous enkephalin (ENK). However, classical viral and plasmid vectors for gene delivery are hampered by immunogenicity, gene recombination, oncogene activation, the production of antibacterial antibody and changes in physiological gene expression. Minimalistic immunologically defined gene expression (MIDGE) can overcome all the deficients of viral and plasmid vectors. The exon of rat's preproenkephalin (PPENK) gene was amplified by PCR and the fragments were cloned into pEGFP-N1 plasmids. The recombined plasmids were digested with enzymes to obtain a linear vector contained promoter, preproenkephalin gene, RNA stable sequences and oligodesoxy nucleotides (ODNs) added to both ends of the gene vector to protect gene vector from exonuclease degradation. A nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was attached to an ODN to ensure the effective transport to the nucleus and transgene expression. Flow cytometry, laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting demonstrated that PPENK-MIDGE-NLS can transfect leukocyte of rat in vivo, increase the expression of proenkephalin (PENK) in tissue, and the transfection efficiency depends on gene vector's dosage. These results indicate that PPENK-MIDGE-NLS could be an innovative method to protect and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Animals ; Cloning, Molecular ; Enkephalins ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Leukocytes ; Plasmids ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Precursors ; genetics ; Rats ; Transfection ; Transgenes