Background Platelet-derived growth facto(PDGF) affectthe proliferation of human lenepithelial cell(LECs),and human LECexpresPDGF-α recepto(PDGFR-α) throughoutheilifetime.The binding of activated PDGF-α receptowith PDGF promotethe synthesiof DNA.Othestudiedemonstrated thasilencing of PDGFR-α by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide(ASODN) inhibitthe growth of RPE cellin proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR),buwhethethitechnique ifeasible foLECiunclear.Objective Thistudy wato investigate the effecof the knockdown of the PDGFR-α on the proliferation of human LECin vitro,and to offean experimental basifothe gene therapy of posteriocapsule opacification.MethodHuman LECstrain SRA01/ 04 wacultured in α-MEM containing fetal bovine serum.The cellwere incubated in 6-well platea5 × 104 cells/ well and transfection of ASODN-containing liposome waperformed.The cellwere divided into the blank control group (with blank liposome),PDGFR-α missense oligodeoxynucleotide(MSODN) group (with PDGFR-α MSODN + liposome),0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group (with 0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN+liposome) and 1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group (with 1.0 μ mol/L PDGFR-α ASODN+liposome).The morphology of LECwaexamined undean inverse microscope 24 houraftetransfection.The expression of PDGFR-α mRNin the cellwadetected by reverse transcription-PC(RT-PCR).The rate of proliferation (A490) of the cellwaassayed using Mtand the inhibitory rate of PDGFR-α ASODN on proliferation wameasured.The percentage of LECin G1 phase waanalyzed by flow cytometer.ResultThe LECgrew well and exhibited polygonal shape in the blank control group and PDGFR-α MSODN group 24 houraftetransfection.Buin the 0.5 μmol/L and 1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN groups,the cellappeared round in shape and the numberof cellwere obviously decreased.The expression of PDGFR-α mRNdetected by RT-Pcdemonstrated highelevel in the blank control group and PDGFR-α MSODN group;however,the PDGFR-α mRNexpression waobviously lowein the 0.5 μmol/L and 1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN groups.The A490 value wa0.661 ± 0.036,0.655 ± 0.016,0.529 ± 0.030 and 0.441 ± 0.039 in the blank control group,PDGFR-α MSODN group,0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group and 1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group,respectively,showing significandecline in the 0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group and 1.0 μ mol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group in comparison with the blank control group (F=34.08,P＜0.01).The percentageof LECin G1 phase were (47.73±1.18)％,(49.48±1.09)％,(53.31±1.30)％ and (59.98±0.95) ％ in the blank control group,PDGFR-α MSODN group,0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group and 1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group,showing significandifference among them (F =68.41,P＜0.01),and thain the 0.5 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group o1.0 μmol/L PDGFR-α ASODN group showed significantly increase in comparison with the blank control group (P＜0.05).ConclusionPDGFR-α silencing could inhibithe proliferation of human LECin vitro.

Objective To investigate the effect of neutral amino acid on preventing Parkinson disease.Methods Mice were injected with L-Valine,L-Pheylalanine,D-Valine or L-Lysine before or after paraquat administration,by which prakinsonian mouse model was constructed.The paraquat immunoreactivity was observed within nigral cell bodies.Then neurodegeneration and ?-synuclein aggregation were observed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results Paraquat immunoreactivity was abolished by the administration of L-Valine,L-Pheylalanine before paraquat exposure.Pre-treatment with these two amino acids also protected the paraquat-induced loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic cells and formation of thioflavine S-positive aggregates.In contrast, paraquat-induced toxicity was unaffected if animals were injected with these two amino acids after paraquat exposure or pre-treated with D-Valine or L-Lysine.Conclusions L-type neutral amino acids such as L Valine and L-Pheylalanine can prevent paraquat-induced neurodegeneration and a synuclein pathology through a competitive inhibition mechanism with stereospecificity in the central nervous system (CNS).Neutral amino acid could protect the dopaminergic neuron in substantia nigra and may prevent Parkinson disease.

A method of comprehensive chemical pattern recognition of Atractylodis Rhizoma was established by GC-MS fingerprint, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. A DB-wax column (0.25 mm x 60 m, 0.25 microm) with El ion source and 70 V electron multiplier were used for GC-MS analysis. Using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis, 15 common peaks of sample fingerprints for chemical pattern recognition research were analysed. The same results were obtained from the fingerprint, principal component analysis and cluster analysis, which could use to distinguish genuine Atractylodes lancea, ungenuine A. lancea and A. chinensis. Thus, this method could be used for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Atractylodis Rhizoma.
Atractylodes ; chemistry ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

The clinical outcomes of five groups of infertility patients receiving frozenthawed,cleavage-stage embryo transfers with exogenous hormone protocols with or without a depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist were assessed.A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 1003 cycles undergoing frozen-thawed,cleavage-stage embryo transfers from January 1,2012 to June 31,2015 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region.Based on the infertility etiologies of the patients,the 1003 cycles were divided into five groups:tubal infertility,polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),endometriosis,male infertility,and unexplained infertility.The main outcome was the live birth rate.Two groups were set up based on the intervention:group A was given a GnRH agonist with exogenous estrogen and progesterone,and group B (control group) was given exogenous estrogen and progesterone only.The results showed that the baseline serum hormone levels and basic characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between groups A and B.The live birth rates in groups A and B were 41.67％ and 29.29％,respectively (P＜0.05).The live birth rates in patients with PCOS in groups A and B were 56.25％ and 30.61％,respectively (P＜0.05).The clinical pregnancy,implantation and on-going pregnancy rates showed the same trends as the live birth rates between groups A and B.The ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B.We concluded that the live birth rate was higher and other clinical outcomes were more satisfactory with GnRH agonist cotreatment than without GnRH agonist co-treatment for frozen-thawed embryo transfer.The GnRH agonist combined with exogenous estrogen and progesterone worked for all types of infertility tested,especially for women with PCOS.

OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical and molecule genetics features of four Ph-positive leukemia patients characterized by pericentric inv(9)(p22q34) with the der(9)t(9;22)(q34;q11).

METHODSCytogenetic analysis was carried out on bone marrow directly or after short-period culture. R banding was used for karyotype analysis. BCR/ABL fusion gene was detected with interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosome painting was carried out using specific probes. RT-PCR was used to detect BCR/ABL chimeric transcripts.

RESULTSOne patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presented three clones, which included one with a normal karyotype, one with t(9;22)(q34;q11), and one with inv(9)(p22q34) involving the der(9)t(9;22) and additional t(8;12)(q12;p11). The inv(9)(p22q34) has always co-occurred with der(9)t(9;22)(q34;q11) accompanied by der(22)t(9;22)(q34;q11) in all metaphases from the three patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). B3a2 transcript was detected in all patients by RT-PCR. Inv(9)(p22q34) was found in both CML and AML, and was associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONInv(9)(p22q34) is a novel, rare, but recurrent secondary chromosomal abnormality for Ph-positive leukemia. Leukemia with der(9)t(9;22) and inv(9)(p22q34) has unique clinical and laboratory characteristics.

Adult ; Chromosome Inversion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; genetics ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Translocation, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo establish the scale of the norm of occupational stress on the professionals and put it into practice.

METHODST scores were linear transformations of raw scores, derived to have a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. The scale standard of the norm was formulated in line with the principle of normal distribution.

RESULTS(1) For the occupational role questionnaire (ORQ) and personal strain questionnaire (PSQ) scales, high scores suggested significant levels of occupational stress and psychological strain, respectively. T scores >/= 70 indicated a strong probability of maladaptive stress, debilitating strain, or both. T scores in 60 approximately 69 suggested mild levels of maladaptive stress and strain, and in 40 approximately 59 were within one standard deviation of the mean and should be interpreted as being within normal range. T scores < 40 indicated a relative absence of occupational stress or psychological strain. For the personal resources questionnaire (PRQ) scales, high scores indicated highly developed coping resources. T scores < 30 indicated a significant lack of coping resources. T scores in 30 approximately 39 suggested mild deficits in coping skills, and in 40 approximately 59 indicated average coping resources, where as higher scores (i.e., >/= 60) indicated increasingly strong coping resources. (2) This study provided raw score to T-score conversion tables for each OSI-R scale for the total normative sample as well as for gender, and several occupational groups, including professional engineer, professional health care, economic business, financial business, law, education and news. OSI-R profile forms for total normative samples, gender and occupation were also offered according to the conversion tables.

CONCLUSIONThe norm of occupational stress can be used as screening tool, organizational/occupational assessment, guide to occupational choice and intervention measures.

China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupations ; Reference Values ; Stress, Psychological ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; standards ; utilization

OBJECTIVETo establish the norm of occupational stress on the professionals in Chengdu and Chongqing area.

METHODSAccording to the "Occupation Sorting Canon in the People's Republic of China", the professionals of the above-mentioned area were sorted out and randomly stratified. The normative data were derived from a sample of 2 064 participants. The modified Occupation Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R) was used to test the targets' occupational stress level (including stressors, strain and coping resources).

RESULTS(1) In these professionals, the sex ratio was about 1:1, average age (36.4 +/- 9.4) years, average length of service (15.9 +/- 10.0) years, 63.07% people were college educated and over 80% married. (2) Descriptive statistics for OSI-R scale scores for the total normative sample, for gender samples and for occupational group samples were modulated. (3) The gender norm showed that there were heavier role overload and stronger occupational strains in males than those in females (P < 0.01). The score of personal resources in the males was not different from that in females (P > 0.05). (4) In terms of different occupations, the scores of occupational role and personal strain among various groups indicated significant differences (P < 0.01). The score of personal resources did not manifest difference (P > 0.05). (5) The major factors influencing OSI-R were sex, occupation and length of service.

CONCLUSIONThe norm established can basically represent the occupational stress on professionals in Chengdu and Chongqing area.

Adult ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupations ; Research Personnel ; psychology ; Stress, Psychological ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of mental workload of teachers in primary schools.

METHODSNational Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was used to assess the mental workload levels for 397 teachers of primary schools in a city.

RESULTSThe mental workload (64.34+10.56) of female teachers was significantly higher than that (61.73+ 9.77) of male teachers (P<0.05). The mental workload (65.66+10.42) of "-35" years old group was the highest. When age of teachers was younger than 35 years old, there was a positive correlation between the mental workload and age (r=0.146, P<0.05). When age of teachers was older than 35 years old, there was a negative correlation between the mental workload and age (r=-0.190, P<0.05). The teachers with higher education level felt higher mental workload (unstandardized coefficients B=1.524, standardized coefficients /=0.111, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the mental workload and working hours per day (unstandardized coefficients B =4.659, standardized coefficients/3 =0.223, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONMental workload of the teachers in primary schools is closely related to age, educational level and work hours per day. Work hours per day is an important risk factor for mental workload. Reducing work hours per day (8 hours) is an effective measure of alleviating the mental workload of teachers in primary schools.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Faculty ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Schools ; Stress, Psychological ; epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Workload ; psychology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate the vasodilatation activity of the coumarin-containing Angelica dahurica var. formosana and to further analyze active components in the herb extracts.

METHODS(1) The vasodilatation effects induced by different extracts (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, 95 % ethanol and water) of Angelica dahurica var. formosana on mouse thoracic aorta pre-contracted with phenylephrine were investigated. (2) The amount of imperatorin and isoimperatorin in each extract was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. (3) The vasodilatation effects of imperatorin and isoimperatorin on mouse thoracic aorta were compared using the same in vitro method. (4) The vasodilatation mechanism of imperatorin in the mouse thoracic aorta pre-contracted with phenylephrine was studied using the methods of denuded endothelium, NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and propranolol.

RESULTS(1) The cyclohexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Angelica dahurica var. formosana decreased the maximal response of phenylephrine-induced mouse thoracic aorta contraction dose-dependently, with 50% inhibiting concentration (IC(50)) values of 35.3+/-12.4 mg/L and 40.5+/-12.0 mg/L, respectively. The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin and isoimperatorin was dose-dependent. (2) The cyclohexane extract, showing the strongest vasodilatation effect, possessed the highest contents of imperatorin (4.09%) and isoimperatorin (0.27%, w/w). There was a correlation between the vasodilatation activity and the contents of imperatorin and isoimperatorin in the extracts. (3) The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin was about 4-fold stronger than that of isoimperatorin. (4) The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin was signifificantly attenuated to 24.88%+/-4.06% in the denuded endothelium group compared with the intact endothelium group. And 1 mmol/L L-NAME reduced the imperatorin-induced vasorelaxation by 32.18 %+/-11.29 %.

CONCLUSIONSThe principal effective component of Angelica dahurica var. Formosana was found to be imperatorin. Imperatorin-induced vasodilatation is at least partially regulated by nitric oxide, and has no correlation to beta-receptor.

Angelica ; chemistry ; Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Endothelium, Vascular ; physiology ; Furocoumarins ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide ; physiology ; Phenylephrine ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Propranolol ; pharmacology ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

Background:Previously,dihydroceramide (d1 8:0/24:0) (dhCer (d1 8:0/24:0)) was reported to be a potential biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) prognosis.In this study,we further explored the role of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in the progression of ACLF to validate the biomarker using ACLF rat model.Methods:ACLF rats were sacrificed at 4 and 8 h post-D-galactosamine (D-gal)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to investigate the liver biochemical markers,prothrombin time and liver histopathology.Change in dhCer and other sphingolipids levels were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).Rats were treated with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) to examine the mortality rate and its role in improving ACLF.Results:LPS/D-gal administration resulted in significant elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.Prothrombin time was prolonged and histopathological examination showed abnormality.HPLC-MS/MS results showed total dhCer levels in ACLF group (64.10 ± 8.90 pmol/100 μL,64.22 ± 6.78 pmol/100 μL for 4 and 8 h,respectively) were decreased significantly compared with control group (121.61 ± 23.09 pmol/100 μL) (P ＜ 0.05).In particular,dhCer (d18:0/24:0),dhCer (d18:0/20:0),and dhCer (d18:0/22:0) levels were decreased.Treatment with 4-HPR significantly increased the levels of dhCers,including dhCer (d18:0/24:0) compared with ACLF group,for the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in 4-HPR group was 20.10 ± 8.60 pmol/100 μL and the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in ACLF group was 9.74±2.99 pmol/100 μL (P ＜ 0.05).This was associated with reduced mortality rate and prolonged survival time.The ALT and AST in 4-HPR group were significandy decreased compared with ACLF group.The prothrombin time of 4-HPR group (41.49 s) was significantly lower than the prothrombin time of ACLF group (57.96 s) (P ＜ 0.05).4-HPR also decreased plasma ammonia levels slightly,as the plasma ammonia levels in 4-HPR group and ACLF group were 207.37 ± 60.43,209.15 ± 60.43 μmol/L,respectively.Further,4-HPR treatment improved histopathological parameters.Conclusions:DhCer,especially dhCer (d 18:0/24:0),is involved in the progression of ACLF.Increasing the levels of dhCer can reduce the mortality rate of ACLF rats and alleviate liver injury.