Objective To study the depressant effect of atorvastatin on arteriosclerosis of aortic allograft in rats.Methods The models of abdominal aorta transplantation were established in rats with the use of(micro-surgery).The recipients were divided into three groups:allograft control group,allograft experimental group and isograft control group.After 60 days of transplant,vascular intimal thickness(VIT) in all of the groups was observed by histological examination.The expression of PCNA and ?-SMA was determined by(immunohistochemistry).Results The degree of VIT in rats of the allograft experimental group was lower than that in the allograft control group;the VIT area ratio in the allograft control group,allograft experimental group and isograft control group was(12.40?2.65)%,(5.20?6.35)%,and(1.2?1.10)%,respectively,A statistical difference between these groups was observed(P

Objective To develop a promising type of radiation dosimeter based on doped hydroxyapatite,and to study the stability of dosimetric characteristics indepth.Methods The samples prepared by stereotyping techniques were stored under different temperatures,humidity and illumination conditions after 60Co γ-ray irradiation.Electron spin resonance (ESR) technique was used to quantitatively measure the radiation-induced free radical signal.Results The signal change was less than 3% when the dosimeter was preserved at 4℃ or room temperature within 3 months in the experiment.At 40℃,the signal changed by about 13%,but at room temperature with the humidity less than 36%,the signal changed less than 2%.The change rose to about 8% when humidity was 76%.However,no significant decay of signal strength occurred at relatively high temperatures and under high humidity conditions.When the samples were stored under average illumination of 1600 lux or in a light-resistant container,the signal changes were less than 3.8% or 3.4% respectively.Long-term stability inspection at room temperature suggested a signal change within 4.8%.Conclusion The dosimetric properties of the material don't change significantly below room temperature in a natural environment and exhibit good stability over long-term storage.The free radical signal is not influenced drastically by relatively strong light exposure.However,a high temperature or a highly humid environment may have some effect on the measurement process,which should be taken into consideration in further applications.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the homocysteine,sperm DNA fragmentation index and sperm counts of male with severe impaired spermatoqenesis.Methods From December 2015 to February 2017,56 male patients with severe impaired spermatoqenesis were enrolled in the study.The patients were divided into two groups according to the WHO criteria:severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia group (n =25) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia group (n =31),and the control group was a male with no reproductive impairment (n=27).The sperm parameters were analyzed by using the computer automatic semen analyzer,sperm DNA fragmentation index and serum Hcy level were detected by sperm chromatin diffusion method and enzyme colorimetric method.Results The median of Sperm DNA fragmentation index and homocysteine level in control groups were 33％ [95％CI(29.0％ ～34.4％)] and 13.2 μmol/L [95％CI(12.4 μmol/L～14.2 μmol/L)],and in severe spermatogenesis groups in these two indicators were 21％ [95％CI(19.0％ ～24.0％)] and 8.9 mol/L [95％CI(8.4 μmol/L～ 9.4 μmol/L)],respectively.The results of these two items were higher than the control group,the difference was statistically significant (t=6.793～7.543,P=0.000).Sperm survival rate in normal control group and severe spermatogenesis group was 71％ [95％ CI(67.8％ ～75.1％)] and 57％[95％CI(52.3％ ～58.0％)],respectively,and the difference was statistically significant (t=-8.475,P=0.000).Sperm DNA fragmentation index was positively correlated with serum Hcy level and sperm concentration,Passing-Bablok regression analysis was:Y=10.705 +0.053X,Y=21.071+0.286X,and Hcy level was negatively correlated with sperm concentration.Conclusion The increase of Hcy level and sperm DNA fragmentation index may be an importantcause of male with severe impaired spermatoqenesis,but the specific mechanism remains to be further studied.

Objective:To evaluate the changes in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in postoperative delirium rats.Methods:One hundred and forty-seven healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months, weighing 240-300 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=49 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), anesthesia group (group A) and postoperative delirium group (group P). Group C received no treatment.Group A received 2-h anesthesia with 1.4% isoflurane.Group S underwent an exploratory laparotomy under 1.4% isoflurane anesthesia.The behaviors of rats in each group were tested at 24 h before surgery and 6, 9 and 24 h after surgery using buried food test, open field test and Y maze test.Sodium fluorescence was injected through the tail vein at 6, 9 and 24 h after surgery.Then the rats were sacrificed, the choroid plexus (CP) was obtained, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of bilateral cerebral ventricles was collected, and the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin1, E-cadherin and VE-cadherin in CP was detected using Western blot.FITC-dextran 10, 40 and 70 kDa was injected through the tail vein at 6 h after surgery, and then CSF was collected for determination of the concentrations of NaFI, 10, 40 and 70 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran (FITC-dextran) in CSF by fluorescence spectrophotometry.CP was obtained to observe the morphology of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) of bilateral cerebral ventricles with a transmission electron microscope. Results:Compared with group C and group A, the latency to eat food in buried food test was significantly prolonged, the time of staying at the central region was shortened, the percentage of the number of entries into novel arm and percentage of time of staying at novel arm in Y maze test were decreased, the freezing time in open field test was shortened, the expression of ZO-1, occludin and claudin1 in CP was down-regulated, the concentrations of NaFI and 10 kDa and 40 kDa FITC-dextranin CSF were increased ( P<0.05 or 0.01), the CPECs arranged at random and loose, the microvilli of CPECs were absent, the tight junction was blurred, and the gap became wider in group P. Conclusion:The occurrence of postoperative delirium is related to the change in blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.

OBJECTIVETo study the genotoxicity of components of diesel engine exhausts with ethanol-diesel blending fuel. To provide scientific arguments to find more economical and less polluted fuels.

METHODSAmes test, comet assay and GC-MS technique were used to test the genotoxicity and 16 kinds of PAHs on diesel engine exhausts with different proportions of ethanol (E0, E5, E10, E20).

RESULTSBoth Ames test and comet assay were positive. It shows that diesel engine exhausts can lead to mutation and DNA damage, especially in pure diesel oil. But the content of 16 kinds of PAHs and DNA damage level decreased in exhausts of E5. With the increase of ethanol proportion in diesel oil, the content of 16 kinds of PAHs and DNA damage level increased.

CONCLUSIONCompared with pure diesel oil and high proportion of ethanol fuel, E5 can reduce the genotoxicity and the brake specific exhausts of PAHs.

Air Pollutants ; toxicity ; Air Pollution ; Carbon Monoxide ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; Ethanol ; toxicity ; Gasoline ; toxicity ; Mutagenicity Tests ; Particulate Matter ; Vehicle Emissions ; toxicity

Coronary Vessel Anomalies ; diagnosis ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Infant ; Pulmonary Artery ; abnormalities

This study evaluated the clinical value of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images in the knees following arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Sixty-five consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with single-incision and single-tunnel techniques. Preoperative and postoperative (12 months in between) clinical evaluation were performed using the Lysholm knee score and a KT-1000 arthrometer (side to side). Computed tomography (CT) of the knees was performed in a week after operation in all cases and at mean follow-up of 12 months. All of the clinical evaluation scales performed showed an overall improvement. 3D-CT images can display not only the bone tunnels of the knees including femoral and tibia very distinctly, but also the contour of the reconstructed ACL including adjacent structures. The average femoral tunnel diameter increased significantly (3%) from (9.15 +/- 0.03) mm postoperatively to (9.48 +/- 0.5) mm after 12 months; tibial tunnel increased significantly (12%) from (9.11 +/- 0.09) mm to (10.2 +/- 0.3) mm. There was no statistical difference between tunnel enlargements. So multi-slices spiral CT can evaluate the contour and changes of contour and changes of the knee after ACL reconstruction, which will be helpful in the intraoperative location and postoperative assessment of the knees.
Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; methods ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Knee Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between morphological characteristics of growth cycle for Epimedium acuminatium and accumulation level of secondary metabolites.

METHODAfter making habitat clear, methods of morphology observation, specimen preparation, organism charting were applied to record morphological characteristics of E. acuminatium at different stages. HPLC was employed to detect icariin content of different parts of the plant at the stage of vegetative growth and sexual reproduction.

RESULTThe growth cycle of E. acuminatium was divided into vegetative growth stage and sexual and asexual reproduction coexistence stage. Seven to eight years were needed for the plants flowering and seeding of E. acuminatimcan in open land of forest edge, but within good nutrition conditions, growth cycle is shortened into three to four years. The difference of icariin content in two growth stages was not significant.

CONCLUSIONMorphological change of lower and foliar organ can be utilized to estimate growth age. But after applying sexual propagation for both root and stem of grown plants, it's been difficult to determine their growth year. If individual biomass or yield is economical, plants can be harvested in both vegetative growth and sexual reproduction stages.

Biomass ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Epimedium ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Reproduction ; Seedlings ; metabolism

This study is to investigate the effect of osthol on osteoclasts' activity, bone resorption as well as apoptosis in vitro, and explore the mechanism of osthol in preventing osteoporosis. Osteoclasts were separated from long-limb bones of new born rabbits, cultured in 24-well plate with glass slices and bone slices, and treated by 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) osthol. Osteoclasts were identified by observing live cells with phase contrast microscope, HE staining, TRAP staining and toluidine blue staining of bone resorption pits. The numbers of bone resorption pits were counted as well as the surface area of bone resorption on bone slice. Osteoclasts were stained with acridine orange to detect the cell apoptosis. The ratio of apoptotic osteoclasts was observed under fluorescence microscope. The gene expression of RANKL, OPG, TRAP and p-JNK1/2 protein expression were examined using real time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Comparing with the control group without osthol, the rates of apoptotic osteoclasts increased obviously and the number and area of bone resorption pits decreased evidently with 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) osthol. There is significant difference between control group and experiment group treated by 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) osthol. Therefore, the osthol through RANK+RANKL/TRAF6/Mkk/JNK signal pathway inhibits the osteoclasts activity, enhances osteoclasts apoptotic and inhibits the bone resorption.
Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Bone Resorption ; Cells, Cultured ; Cnidium ; chemistry ; Coumarins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; Isoenzymes ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9 ; metabolism ; Osteoclasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Osteoprotegerin ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; RANK Ligand ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Signal Transduction ; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase

BACKGROUNDPancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with the worst mortality rate. Therefore, a rational strategy for future drug development is critical. Genistein is a small, biologically active flavonoid that is found in high amounts in soy. This important compound supports a wide variety of biological activities, but is best known for its ability to inhibit cancer progression.

METHODSTranswell chamber assay was performed to determine the effect of genistein on the invasion of the human pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-b1) in the different condition (5 ng/ml 24 hours and 10 ng/ml 48 hours); Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to estimate the mRNA levels of urinary plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metallopeptidase 2/9 (MMP-2/9), Smad4, E-Cadherin and Vimentin; Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of uPA, E-Cadherin, ERK1/2, P38 and P-P38, and the activity of MMP-2/9 protein were detected by gelatin zymography assay method. Cells structure was observed and analyzed by microscopy.

RESULTSGenistein can inhibit effectively TGF-b1-induced invasion and metastasis in Panc-1 by Transwell assay, which is through regulating the mRNA and protein expression of uPA and MMP2, but not MMP9 by RT-PCR/Western blotting, and is positively correlated with the concentration of genistein. At the same time, genistein also could improve the progress of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via morphology observation using light microscopy/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is mediated by the down-regulation of E-cadherin and the up-regulation of vimentin.

CONCLUSIONSTGF-b1 mediates EMT process via numerous intracellular signal transduction pathways. The potential molecular mechanisms are all or partly through Smad4-dependent and -independent pathways (p38 MAPK) to regulate the antitumor effect of genistein.

Anticarcinogenic Agents ; pharmacology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; drug effects ; Genistein ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology