Objective To investigate the contribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)variation in folate metabolism pathway genes and its interaction with environmental risk factors to the etiology of NTD. Methods In 275 families from central China, a total of 278 aborted fetal tissues or blood samples were collected from NTD individuals, 478 maternal and/or paternal blood samples were also obtained as controls. Folate supplementation, maternal diabetes mellitus and medication before pregnancy and during the first trimester of pregnancy were investigated. SNP analyses of all samples were performed by CEQ 8800. Case-parent control study and transmission/disequilibrium tests (TDT) were performed according to environmental cofactors stratification to evaluated 28 SNP in 12 folate pathway genes associated with human NTD. Results Only gene MTHFR rs1801133 was significantly associated with NTD, and synergistic effects of environmental risk factors (no folate supplementation and maternal diabetes) were shown on the occurrence of NTD. Linkage disequilibrium between BHMT rs3733890 and NTD existed in case of no folate supplementation,whereas the genotype alone did not contribute to the etiology of NTD. Other SNP were not significantly associated with NTD. Conclusions MTHFR rs1801133 is a risk factor of NTD, but BHMT rs3733890 is not an independent risk factor. Further investigations in folate and methionine cycle genes are requird in larger scale to enclose the interactions between gene and gene, or gene and environmental factors.

Objective To apply team based learning (TBL) in the teaching of dental endodontics for undergraduates in order to expand and deepen the TBL teaching in stomatology education.Methods TBL was used among 2008 grade oral undergraduates in Chongqing Medical University.Average test scores of 2008 grade undergraduates before and intra class were calculated and questionnaire was designed.At the same time,final examination scores between 2007 grade and 2008 grade under-graduates were compared.Results There was no significant correlation in average test scores before and intra class (r =0.027,P ＞ 0.05).Final examination scores were higher in 2008 grade than in 2007 grade.Based on the questionnaire survey,learning interests,sense of teamwork and classroom knowledge grasp of 2008 grade undergraduates were obviously elevated.Conclusions TBL teaching significantly improve students' learning effect and it can be promoted in stomotology education.

Objective To study the correlation between drug-resistance of paclitaxel and the expres- sion levels of anti-apoptotic protein survivin and the role of matrine reversal resistance of PTX in non-small cell lung cancer.Methods The expressions of survivin in 120 samples of human lung cancer with paclitaxel chemotherapy were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The positive expression rate of sur- vivin was 57.5%.In the positive expression of survivin group,chemotherapy combined matrine could improve response rate and survival time(P0.05).Conclusion The survivin expression was related to the response rate of paclitaxel in lung cancer.It might be a valuable new marker to predict the drug-resistance of paclitaxel.In this prospective research,survivin protein,which promoted the apoptosis caused by paclitaxel,may be the target of martine.It could partly reverse the drug re- sistance to paclitaxel.

[Summary] Neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcer ( NDFU) is characterized by infection, ulceration of deep tissues, neurological abnormalities, and various degrees of peripheral vascular disease in the lower limbs. The patients often have multiple risk factors such as older, longer duration, cardiovascular disease. The treatment is very difficult. The prognosis depends on the severity of complications, tissue range of infections, and the peripheral vascular disease. In this article, the treatment process of an old inpatient with NDFU and severe complications was reviewed and to propose a standard pathway for its management.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; transmission ; China ; HIV Infections ; transmission ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical

This study was aimed to explore the difference of NK cell receptor NKG2D and NKG2A expression on NK cells and CD3(+) T cells and their ligand MHC-I A/B (major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains A/B) and HLA-E expression in leukemia cells, as well as its immunological significance. Flow cytometry was used to detect the killing rate of NK92 cells to 8 leukemia cell lines, and the expression of NKG2D and NKG2A on NK cells and CD3(+) T cells as well as their ligand MHC-I A/B and HLA-E expression on leukemia cells. The results indicated that the NK92 showed different killing activity to different leukemia cell lines. The positive expression rate of NKG2D and NKG2A on NK cells and CD3(+) T cells in ALL patients was no significantly different from that in AML patients (p > 0.05), but positive expression rate of MHC-I A/B and HLA-E in ALL patients was obviously higher than that in AML patients (p < 0.05). It is concluded that there is difference of immune cell function between ALL and AML patients, this difference may be associated with the expression difference of NKG2D and NKG2A ligands on leukemia cells while does not associated with the killing and inhibiting receptors expressed on NK cells and CD3(+) T cells.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C ; genetics ; metabolism ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K ; genetics ; metabolism ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective: To observe the effects of different doses of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on serum trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) levels, as well as the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa of rats with spleen deficiency syndrome, therefore, to explore the possible mechanism and the dose-effect characteristics of ginger-partitioned moxibustion in spleen deficiency syndrome. Methods: Seventy-five SPF grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (group A), a model group (group B), a 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C1), a 6 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C2) and a 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C3) using random number table method, 15 rats in each group. Except group A, rats in the other groups received intragastric administration of 4 ℃200% concentrated Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) to prepare spleen deficiency syndrome model. After successful modeling, rats in group B received no treatment; rats in group C1, C2 and C3 were treated with 3, 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) respectively for 8 continuous days. The general symptom score of rats was observed. The serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of EGFR protein in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: After the treatment, compared with group A, the spleen deficiency symptom score was increased in group B, the levels of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC, the EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues of group C1, C2 and C3 were significantly increased (all P<0.01); compared with group B, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C1, C2 and C3, and the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, as well as EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with group C1, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C2 and C3, the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, and the expression of EGFR protein in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01), however, there was no significant difference between group C2 and C3 (all P>0.05). The mechanism may be related to the increase of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC levels and activation of EGFR protein. Conclusion: Ginger-partitioned moxibustion can improve the symptoms, as well as promote the proliferation and repair of gastric mucosa in rats with spleen deficiency. The therapeutic efficacy of 6 or 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion is better than that of 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion, while the efficacies are equivalent between 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion groups.

Objective To observe effects of different dosages of moxibustion with ginger-separated moxibustion on expressions of mitogen extracellular kinase (MEK) 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 of gastric tissue in rats with spleen deficiency; To explore the possible mechanism and the dose-effect relationship. Methods Seventy-five SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, ginger-separated moxibustion for three zhuang group, six zhuang group and nine zhuang group according to random digits table method, with fifteen rats in each group. The rat model of spleen deficiency was established by intragastric administration with 200% Rhei Radix et Rhizoma infusion at 4 ℃. Ginger-separated moxibustion groups were treated with different dosage of moxibustion at "Zusanli", "Zhongwan" for eight days after the modeling. Pathological changes of gastric tissue by HE staining were observed under light microscope, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in gastric tissue of rats. Results Compared with the blank control group rats, the gastric mucosa injury in the model group was obvious, which showed that the damage and abscission was more serious; compared with the model group, the gastric mucosa of rats was partly exfoliated and the damage was improved in three zhuang group, and the surface of gastric mucosa of rats was more complete and damage was improved obviously in six zhuang group and nine zhuang group; compared with the blank control group, the expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in gastric tissue increased obviously in other groups (P<0.01);compared with three zhuang group, the expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in gastric tissue increased in six zhuang group and nine zhuang group (P<0.01), but the effects of the two group were similar, without statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion Ginger-separated moxibustion can repair gastric mucosa in rats with spleen deficiency, which may be closely associated with its effect in increasing the expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in gastric tissue and activating the MEK/ERK signal transduction pathway.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of different liquid therapies on the intracranial pressure, brain water content, and expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue.

METHODSTwo intervention factors including the colloids (two levels: 4% gelofusine; 6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection) and the crystal/gel ratios (two levels: 0:1; 1:1) were set based on the results of the analysis of variance of factorial design. Thirty-two patient who had undergone epilepsy surgery were equally and randomly divided into four groups: group A (4% gelofusine, crystal/gel ratio 0:1); group B (6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection, crystal/gel ratio 0:1); group C (4% gelofusine, crystal/gel ratio 1:1); and group D (6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection, crystal/gel ratio 1:1). The intracranial pressure during operation was recorded. After the operation, the intracranial pressure and brain water content were measured and the expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue were determined with Western blot. Glasgow coma scores were obtained 2 hours after operation.

RESULTSThe intracranial pressure (F=55.714, P=0.000; F=142.432, P=0.000) and the brain water content (F=31.477, P=0.000; F=84.896, P=0.000) significantly increased after the application of the 6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection and crystal/gel ratio 1:1, and the expressions of aquaporin-4 (F=37.205, P=0.000; F=149.652, P=0.014) and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1(F=29.664, P=0.000; F=65.951, P=0.000) in the brain tissue significantly increased. There were additive effects between two of them (the intracranial pressure: F=11.056, P=0.002; the brain water content: F=8.007, P=0.008; the expression of aquaporin-4: F=9.845, P=0.004; and the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate-1: F=5.020, P=0.033). However, the Glasgow coma score showed no significant difference after the administration (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe liquid therapy with 4% gelofusine and crystal/gel ratio 0:1 can result in better control on the intracranial pressure, brain water content and expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue better than the liquid therapy with 6% hydroxyethyl starch and crystal/gel ratio 1:1 during neurosurgery, although it may not improve the coma status.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aquaporin 4 ; metabolism ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Fluid Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Intracranial Pressure ; drug effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; N-Methylaspartate ; metabolism ; Water ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEExposure to high concentrations of oxygen in the neonatal period may impair lung growth and is a major contributing factor to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Cell death from hyperoxic injury may occur through either an apoptotic or nonapoptotic pathway. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hyperoxia on caspase-3 and p53 gene expression and apoptosis in the lungs of neonatal rats, so as to determine the type of cell death that occurs in the lungs of neonatal rats exposed to hyperoxia.

METHODSHyperoxic lung injury model was established by exposing to 95% O(2) in the neonatal period of Spraque-Dawley rats. The levels of caspase-3 mRNA and p53 mRNA expression in the lungs of neonatal rats exposed to 95% hyperoxia or room air were detected by RT-PCR. To quantify PCR products, PCR products were electrophoretically separated with 1.5% agarose gels. The optical density (A) values of the DNA bands were quantified by complete gel documentation and analysis system. The A ratios of p53/beta-actin denoted the relative content of p53 mRNA, results were showed as mean +/- standard deviation. The specific positive or negative bands of caspase-3 in electrophoresis gels were counted, Fisher's exact test of propabilities was used to determined statistically significant differences between two groups. We determined the extent of apoptosis taking place in the lungs of neonatal rats exposed to 95% hyperoxia using terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-fluorescence nick-end labeling (TUNEL) in 7-d-old neonatal lung. Under light microscope, five areas of lung parenchyma were systematically and randomly photographed from each animal and positive cells among 500 lung cells were calculated. Results were showed as mean +/- standard deviation.

RESULTSWe found increased levels of p53 messenger RNA, a gene associated with apoptosis, in the lungs of neonatal rat born and raised in 95% hyperoxia. Moderate increase in the level of p53 mRNA was found in the hyperoxic-treated group at 24 h (q = 3.2305, P > 0.05). Significant increase in the level of p53 mRNA was found in the hyperoxic-treated group at 48 h (q = 7.2941, P < 0.01). The levels of p53 mRNA expression in neonatal rat lungs exposed to 95% O(2) for 72 h or 96 h returned to normal level. The levels of caspase-3 mRNA expression were very low or absent in the hyperoxic-treated groups at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h or in the air-breathing groups at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. An increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis was found in the hyperoxic-treated group at 7 d (F = 56.5010, P < 0.001) which was significantly greater than the number of apoptotic cells found in the lungs of rats of the same age exposed to room air.

CONCLUSIONOur results suggested that 95% hyperoxia could temporarily up-regulate the gene expression of p53, which induced the transcription of p21(WAF/CIP1) mRNA. Furthermore, p21(WAF/CIP1) could lead to cell cycle arrest and inhibit proliferation of lung cells. Meanwhile, p53 could also promote apoptosis of lung cells. Therefore, exposure to high concentrations of oxygen in the neonatal period may impair lung growth and is a major contributing factor to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and hyperoxia may affect the future lung growth and lead to barrier of lung development. The treatments of anti-apoptosis and promoting alveoli growth hold a promising perspective in hyperoxic lung injury. The level and ratio of caspase-3 gene expression were very low or absent in the lungs of neonatal rats exposed to 95% O(2) or room air. We speculated that caspase-3 gene expression was not essential in the hyperoxia induced lung cell apoptosis in neonatal rats.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hyperoxia ; metabolism ; pathology ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism