OBJECTIVETo explore effective pretreated methods for hydrosalpinx before frozen embryo transfer (FET).

METHODSA randomized controlled study was performed on 229 FET cycles of hydrosalpinx patients. They were assigned to two groups by random digit table, Group A (94 cases), Group B (89 cases), and Group C (46 cases). Patients in Group A received transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx combined with auricular point sticking. Those in Group B received transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx group. Those in Group C received no transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx. Pregnancy outcomes of FET, endometrial and subendometrial blood flow distribution on the embryo transfer day were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in the endometrial thickness on FET day, the number of transfer embryos, the number of transferred good quality embryos among the three groups (P > 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate and the embryo implantation rate were significantly higher in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05), and the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.05). The early abortion rate and the transfer cycle cancel rate were significantly lower in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05). Type A endometrial and subendometrial blood flow distribution was dominant in Group A, which was significantly higher in Group A than the rest two groups (P < 0.05). Type A distribution rate was also significantly higher in Group B than in Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx combined with auricular point sticking before FET could improve the endometrial receptivity and improve outcomes of IVF.

Embryo Implantation ; Embryo Transfer ; methods ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy Rate

Objective To observe the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and the inhibitory and dispersive effects of betaine on the biofilm.Methods The inhibitory and dispersive effects of 0.1％ betaine on the biofilm from 20 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were examined by crystal violet assay.Results All the 20 strains of Staphylococcus aureus formed biofilm.The biofilm of methicillinsensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was formed in 24 hours with peak value of absorbance (A590 nm) (1.99 ± 0.53).The biofilm of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus atureus(MRSA) was formed in 48 hours with peak value of absorbance(A590 nm) (1.13 ±0.47).After adding betaine,the absorbance(A590 nm) of MSSA biofilm fell down to(1.74 ± 0.61) in 24 hours,while the absorbance(A590 nm) of MRSA biofilm fell down to(0.40 ± 0.12) in 48 hours,which was significantly reduced compared with the controls (t =2.43,5.84,P ＜ 0.05 respectively).When adding betaine after the biofilm formed,the absorbancies (A590 nm) of both MSSA and MRSA showed no significant difference compared with the controls (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Betaine could inhibit biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus at concentration of 0.1％,but it could not disperse the mature biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective To investigate the effects of betaine on the formation and dispersion of biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its drug-resistance.Methods A total of 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained from clinical inpatients.The biofilm formation abilities of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated by violet staining,and the effects of betaine on the formation and dispersion of biofilm were studied.The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on ciprofloxacin were compared with the controls when biofilm was formed and inhibited.Results Biofilm was formed in all the 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 24 hours with absorbance (A590 nm) (1.90 ± 0.66).Betaine significantly inhibited biofilm formation of Pseudomonasaeruginosa in 24 hours compared with control group(t =4.36,P ＜ 0.01) and the maximum inhibition reached in 48 hours with absorbance(A590 nm) (1.12 ±0.60).The maximum dispersion of betaine on mature biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa reached in 24 hours.The MIC range of ciprofloxacin to the 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 0.03 to 4 μg/mL with 0.25 μg/mL of MIC50 and 2 μg/mL of MIC90.After the biofilm was inhibited by belaine,the MIC of ciprofloxacin to Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not changed.The MIC of ciprofloxacin to biofilm-formed Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more than 16 μg/mL.Conclusion Betaine could effectively inhibit the formation of biofilm and disperse the mature biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa,which may provide more choices for the treatment of clinical infection.The germicidal efficacy of ciprofloxacin has no changed on the biofilm-formed bacteria when inhibition of betaine was involved.

ObjectiveTo observe effects of rehabilitation training on behavior and sensory evoked potential of rats with acute cerebral infarction.Methods30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation groups (group A), model group (group B), and rehabilitation group (group C). Animal model was made by blocking the middle cerebral artery (MCA). For each group, the Bederson Neural Function was scored and balancing wood, rotating bar, and net screen were tested at the 24 hours, 3rd day and 7th day after operation respectively. The sensory evoked potential (SEP) latency of each group was also tested right after operation and on the 7th day after operation.ResultsComparing with group A, Bederson Neural Function scores of groups B and C indicated significant differences at each time (P<0.01). The ability of grasping, walking and coordinating of all groups handicapped 24 hours after operation, however, with time continuing, every function of group A restored and that of group B or C improved partly, but showed significant difference compared with group A (P<0.01). On the 3rd day after operation, balancing wood test of group C was better than that of group B (P<0.05), on the 7th day after operation, except Bederson Neural Function scores, there were significant difference between groups C and B (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Right after operation, compared with group A, the SEP latency of group B and C showed significant difference (P<0.01), on the 7th day after operation, the SEP latency of group C improved significantly compared with itself right after operation (P<0.01).ConclusionThe rehabilitation training can improve the MCAO rats' ability of equilibrating,grasping and walking and adjust the abnormal latency of SEP after MCAO, and prevent the nerve cells from damage caused by ischemic trauma.

Objective To determine the factors responsible for failed postnatal immunoprophylaxis for hepatitis B virus(HBV) in Qidong, China. Methods Eleven children who developed into chronic HBV infection after receiving HBIG and HBV recombinant vaccines were recruited into the study. Eleven paired mothers with chronic hepatitis and other 6 mothers whose children successfully generated anti-HBs after im-munoprophylaxis were included as the control in the study. Full-length HBV DNA was amplified through ser-um sample by PCR method and underwent cloning and sequencing. HBV DNA level was quantified by real-time PCR. Results The mean levels of HBV DNA in mothers who had HBV DNA positive children and healthy children were ( 1.2 ×107± 3.1 × 106 ) copies/ml and ( 1.6× 107±8.8×106 ) copies/ml, respec-tively. There was no significant difference between the groups (P >0.05). Meanwhile, viral load in chil-dren was unrelated to that in their mothers (r2 =0.2429). In 11 HBV DNA positive children, 4(36.4% ) demonstrated amino acid substitutions in HBsAg "a" determinant region with 6 different types, I.e. T125A, I126T, Q129H, M133V, D144V and G145A. All of the mothers showed the wild-type sequence in "a" epitope, indicating surface escape mutants were not acquired from the initial infection, but developed under the immune pressure. The mutation rates after immunoprophylaxis for preS1, preS2, S, X, preC/C and P genes were 0.38%, 0. 22%, 0.27%, 0.17%, 0.11%, and 0.11%, respectively, nt2999-3157 in preS1, nt529-677 in S, nt1955-2016 in C, nt923-1001 and nt2489-2602 in P genes were among the hottest muta-tional spots throughout the HBV genome. Conclusion HBV mutation may occur in all the open readingframes after passive and active immunoprophylaxis. In addition to S gene, HBV preS and P genes could alsoassociate with the escape mutants.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the material base and underlying mechanism of the effect of cluster needling of scalp acupuncture on the neuronal plasticity in rats with focal cerebral infarction.

METHODSThe model rats with acute cerebral infarction were made by blocking the middle cerebral artery with monofilament. One hundred and thirty two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operation group (A), model group (B), point-to-point scalp acupuncture group (C) and cluster-needling of scalp acupunture group (D). Puncturing from "Baihui (GV 20)" to "Qubin (GB 7)" was used in group C. Cluster needling of scalp acupuncture was used in group D, in which needles were inserted forward and slantingly into "Baihui (GV 20)" and its left and right sides at 4 mm. In both groups, the treatment was carried out with rapid twirling reinforcing-reducing for 1 min then retaining needle for 30 min, once a day, 6 days in one course, for treating 4 courses. There was no treatment for group A and B. The change of neurological function was evaluated with Bederson score, while the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) in the ischemic penumbra was examined with immunohistochemistry (streptavidin-peroxidase method).

RESULTSIn comparison,with group B, the score of neurological function in group D decreased on 7th day (P<0.05), while the scors in group C and D also decreased on 14th and 28th days (both P<0.05). As compared with group C, the score of neurological function in group D obviously decreased on 28th days (P<0. 05). Comparing with group B, the expression of MAP-2 on the ischemic cortex was significantly increased in group D and C on 7th, 14th and 28th days (all P<0. 05), however, this expression in group D was higher than that in group C on 14th and 28th days (P<0. 05).

CONCLUSIONCluster needling of scalp acupuncture can improve the neurological function of rats with focal cerebral infarction, and increase the expression of MAP-2 in the ischemic penumbra.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Animals ; Cerebral Infarction ; ethnology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Scalp

OBJECTIVETo discuss the urine biomarkers in 1,3-butadiene exposed workers, and to provide basement for establishing biological limit value.

METHODS44 BD exposed workers as exposure group and 25 BD non-exposed people as control group including 12 workers in boiler workshop in the same factory and 13 people in one public institute, we collected their in-end-of shift urine, then detected urine BD-derived mercapturic metabolites [3,4-dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (DHBMA),1- and 2-monohydroxy-3-butenyl mercapturic acid (MHBMA)] concentrations using UPLC-MS/MS method. Meanwhile, we detected air BD concentration with GC-FID in the workplace, and compared their relationship.

RESULTSlgDHBMA and lg (MHBMA + DHBMA) levels in exposed group (lgDHBMA: 2.51 ± 0.44) µg/L, lg [MHBMA + DHBMA: (2.68 ± 0.27) µg/L] were higher than which in control group (lgDHBMA: (2.20 ± 0.25) µg/L, lg(MHBMA + DHBMA: (2.49 ± 0.34) µg/L), and the differences were significant (P < 0.01). Urine DHBMA was obviously influenced by air BD concentrations (r = 0.539, P = 0.001). The equation of Multiple Regression Analysis was y = 2.417 + 0.520x (x represents air BD dose, and represents urinary DHBMA level). Adjusted R(2) of this model was 0.262. Urinary MHBMA was not affected by smoking, alcohol and years of works.

CONCLUSIONUrine metabolite DHBMA in BD-exposed workers might be major biological exposure indice.

Adult ; Biomarkers ; urine ; Butadienes ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathway in the rats of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODSSixty four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: 8-week control group (NG8w), 12-week control group (NG12 w), 8-week high-fat diet (HG8w), and 12-week high-fat diet group (HG12w), with 16 rats in each group. Glucose infusion rate (GIR) was tested by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp; aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acid (FFAs), fast insulin (FIns), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were tested by biochemistry automatic analyzer or RIA; The expression of JNK1, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phospho-IRS-1 Ser307 (p-IRS-1 Ser307), Protein kinase B (PKB) and phospho-PKB Ser473 (p- PKB Ser473) were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared to control group, body weight, liver index, serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, TC, FIns, FFAs, TNF alpha, and TC, TG FFAs, MDA in liver homogenates were increased, while the level of SOD, and GIR were decreased. The expression of JNK1 protein and p-IRS-1 Ser307 in liver tissue was up-regulated, while expression of p-PKB Ser473 was decreased (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the expression intensity of JNK1 and IR (Pearson correlation: 0.718, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe high-fat could induce the expression of JNK1, which in turn modulates the phosphorylation of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway, and induces insulin resistant.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Dietary Fats ; administration & dosage ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fatty Liver ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins ; metabolism ; Insulin Resistance ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction

The main factors which affected the isolation, purification and cultivation of Pinellia cordata protoplasts from leaves were studied. The results indicated that the optimum enzyme solution for P. cordata leaves was 13% CPW + 1.0% Cellulose +0.1% Pectolase, at pH 6.0, temperature (25-28 degrees C ) for 4 h. The sucrose density gradient centrifugation was adopted to purificate the protoplasts collected, when 25% sucrose was used as mediator, centrifugating at 500 rpm for 10 min. When the protoplasts were shallow liquid and liquid-solid double layer cultured on the medium of MS + 0.5 mg x L(-1) 6-BA + 0.25 mg x L(-1) NAA + 13% mannitol at the density of 2.5 x 104 protoplasts/mL, or fed and nursed cultured at the density of 100-500 protoplasts/mL, cell division could be observed for 3 days; granular calli appeared for 30 days. Calli was proliferated on the medium of MS + 0.5 mg x L(-1) 6-BA + 0.25 mg x L(-1) NAA solidified by 0.55% agar, and differentiated and regenerated after 5-6 months. Plant generation of P. cordata is successfully established.
Cell Separation ; methods ; Culture Media ; Pinellia ; physiology ; Protoplasts ; physiology ; Regeneration

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the apoptosis genes CASP3(rs12108497) and CASP9 (rs4646018) polymorphisms and the risk of developing stomach cancer.

METHODSIn this population-based case-controlstudy, 278 cases with stomach cancer and 278 age (± 5 years), gender, and residential area matched controls were recruited. The genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The unconditional Logistic regression analysis was utilized to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTSThe individuals with TC, CC genotypes of rs12108497 locus had significantly increased risk of stomach cancer in comparison to those carrying TT genotype (OR= 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01-2.07 for TC; OR= 2.17, 95%CI: 1.15-4.08 for CC). However, the rs4646018 locus of CASP9 gene polymorphism was not related to stomach cancer risk. Compared with the subjects carrying the both low-risk genotypes, those carrying 1 or 2 high-risk genotypes had a noteworthy increased risk of stomach cancer (OR= 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12-2.30). The combined high-risk genotypes appeared to be more evident in subjects of male (OR= 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.49), ever-smokers (OR= 1.87, 95%CI: 1.12-3.12), ever-drinkers (OR= 1.92, 95%CI: 1.02-3.65) and no family history of cancer (OR= 1.78, 95%CI: 1.18-2.68).

CONCLUSIONThe current findings suggest that the polymorphism of CASP3 rs12108497 might be associated with the risk of stomach cancer. However, the CASP9 rs4646018 polymorphism may not be related to the stomach cancer risk.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Caspase 3 ; genetics ; Caspase 9 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms ; enzymology ; genetics