Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Myelitis ; complications ; therapy

The biotechnology of glycolipid fermented b y a bacillus coagulans was studied and the fermentation pro cess in 10L bioreactor was conducted.Suitable medium contained 6% bean oil as ca rbon source,3 5g/L NaNO 3 as nitrogen source,0 75g/L yeast extract and some i no rganic salts.The fermentation temperature of 30℃,initial pH of 8 5,strring rev olution of 150～240r/min and fermentation period of 96h proved to be optimal.The yield of glycolipid in 10L bioreactor was 7 073g/L.

Objective To compare the image quality of renal artery in-flow inversion recovery MR angiography (IFIR MRA), CTA and contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) and to assess the value of renal artery IFIR MRA. Methods Thirty five patients were prospectively included in this study.Renal artery CTA was performed in 19 patients and renal artery CE-MRA was performed in 16 patients. In addition to renal artery CTA or CE-MRA, all patients underwent renal artery IFIR MRA. Two radiologists separately graded renal artery image quality, renal venous artifact and the visualization of renal artery branches regarding these three different techniques. Wilcoxon signed rank test of paired samples was used to compare the grading results, t test of paired samples was applied to compare the results of renal artery (accessory renal artery) trunk diameter. The consistency evaluation of renal artery image quality and renal venous artifact grades between two radiologists employed Kappa analysis. Results There was no significant difference between IFIR MRA and CTA with renal artery image quality and renal venous artifact (P>0.05). There was significant difference between IFIR MRA and CE-MRA with renal artery image quality and renal venous artifact (P<0.05). The consistency evaluation results of renal artery image quality and renal venous artifact grades between two radiologists were both good. Kappa value were 0.425 to 1.000. CTA of 19 cases depicted 48 renal arteries (38 renal arteries, 10 accessory renal arteries), IFIR MRA depicted them all. The grades of visualization of renal artery branches about IFIR MRA and CTA were (3.7 ± 0.7) and (3.8 ± 0.6) respectively, renal artery trunk diameter of IFIR MRA and CTA were (4.9 ± 1.3) and (5.0 ± 1.4) mm respectively, there was no significant difference between IFIR MRA and CTA (P>0.05).CE-MRA of 16 cases depicted 38 renal arteries (32 renal arteries, 6 accessory renal arteries), IFIR MRA depicted them all. The grades of visualization of renal artery branches about IFIR MRA and CE-MRA were (3.4±0.8) and (2.5±0.9) respectively, and there was significant difference between IFIR MRA and CE-MRA (Z=-4.040, P<0.01). Renal artery trunk diameter of IFIR MRA and CE-MRA were (4.7±1.3) and (4.7±1.2) mm respectively, there was no significant difference between IFIR MRA and CE-MRA (P>0.05). Conclusions The image quality of renal artery IFIR MRA was equal to CTA and superior to CE-MRA. It could be considered as an alternative technique for renal artery angiography.

Objective To evaluate the effects of probioties on inflammation,intestinal flora and mucosal tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-?)expression in experimental colitis rats.Methods Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group(NC),model control group(UC),and pro- biotics treatment group(PC).The experimental colitis were induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonie acid (TNBS)/ethanol enema.Rats in PC group were fed with Bifico[live probiotics of combined bifidobacte- rium(Bif),lactobacillus (Lac) and enterococcus]by 2.2?10~9 colony-forming unit (CFU)/d for 4 weeks.Inflammatory scores and mucosal morphological changes under light microscopy were studied. Plasma endotoxin levels,expressions of TNF-?and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mueosa were measured. Enteric microorganisms in cecum were fostered with standard methods.Results Inflammatory scores in PC group decreased compared with those in UC group(7.94?0.85 vs 10.25?1.36,P＜0.05),but still higher than those in NC group(7.94?0.85 vs 4.35?0.88,P＜0.01).There was a significant alteration in the enteric microbial flora,Bif and Lac were decreased significantly in UC group,Bifico supplement ameliorated this imbalance.Plasma endotoxin and mucosal TNF-?levels in PC were lower than those in UC group[endotoxin:(93.33?21.22)pg/ml vs (121.25?39.07)pg/ml;TNF-?:67.51?14.63 vs 85.99?18.17,P＜0.05],but higher than those in NC group[endotoxin:(93.33?21.22) pg/ml vs(35.20?15.12)pg/ml;TNF+?:67.51?14.63 vs 43.28 4?19.98,P＜0.01].There was no statistically significant difference in mucosal IL-6 levels between PC group and UC group,though its level in PC group was lower than that in UC group(155.22?34.01 vs 184.09?29.11,P＞0.05),but higher than that in NC group(155.22?34.01 vs 108.73?37.35,P＜0.01).Conclusions Probiotics can attenuate inflammation of experimental colitis of rats through reinstituting gut flora bal- anee.Improving gut flora imbalance,reducing endotoxin and pro-inflammatory cytokines may be the effects of probiotics.

Objective To investigate the protein and mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on colons of rats with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)- induced colitis,and to evaluate the effects of probiotics.Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC group),model control group(UC group) and probiotics-treated group(PC group).The experimental colitis was induced by TNBS/ethanol enema.Rats in PC group were fed with Bifico [live probiotics of combined hifidobacterium(Bif),lactobaeillus(Lac) and enteroeoccus] by 2.2?10~9 CFU/d for 4 weeks.Inflammatory scores were studied.Expressions of protein and mRNA of TLR2 and TLR4 were measured by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR),respectively.Results Inflammatory scores in NC group,UC group and PC group were 4.35?0.88,10.25?1.36 and 7.94?0.85,respectively.The inflammatory scores in PC group were decreased compared with that in UC group (P

BACKGROUNDAscorbic acid (AA) represents one of the most important enzyme co-factors, antioxidants and neuromodulators and plays an important role in the cerebral system. Increasing evidence has suggested that AA could treat certain kinds of vertigo diseases such as Meniere's disease. To elucidate the neurochemical functions associated with AA in vertigo, the change of extracellular AA in the brain cortex following caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) was evaluated.

METHODSAn on-line electrochemical detection was coupled with in vivo microdialysis to continuously monitor the change of extracellular AA in the primary somatosensory (SI) area of guinea pigs following a caloric vestibular stimulation. Sixteen guinea pigs were divided into three groups, i.e., experimental group with irrigation of the ear canal with ice water (0 degrees C) (n = 8), and two control groups, one with irrigation of the ear canal with warm water (38 degrees C) (n = 4) and the other with irrigation of the auricle with ice water (n = 4).

RESULTSIn the experimental group, the ice water irrigation of the left external ear canal induced a horizontal nystagmus towards the right side lasting about 45 seconds. No nystagmus was induced by warm water irrigation of the external ear canal or by ice water irrigation of the auricle. The extracellular AA concentration significantly increased following the ice water vestibular stimulation, reaching a maximum of (130 +/- 20)% (n = 8) of the basal dialysate level (2.61 +/- 0.92) micromol/L (n = 8), lasting at least for an hour. AA level did not change distinctly after the irrigation of the left external ear canal with warm water or the irrigation of the auricle with ice water.

CONCLUSIONSThe concentration of extracellular AA in the brain cortex of the SI area increased following the ice water vestibular stimulation. This demonstration may be useful for the investigation of the neurochemical processes associated with AA in the process of vertigo.

Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; analysis ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; Electrochemistry ; methods ; Extracellular Space ; metabolism ; Guinea Pigs ; Ice ; Male ; Microdialysis ; methods ; Physical Stimulation ; methods ; Vestibule, Labyrinth ; physiopathology

As a therapeutic agent in thrombosis the fibrinolytic enzymes are of interest and the search for a new enzyme continues. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme was produced from Rhizopus chinensis 120, which was screened from the starter for brewing rice wine in the South of China, by solid fermentation, and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydrophobic interaction, ionic exchange and gel filtration chromatographies. The purified enzyme hydrolyzed fibrin, it cleaved the alpha-, beta- and gamma-chains of fibrinogen simultaneously, and it also activated plasminogen to plasmin. The enzyme hydrolyzed N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala- Pro-Phe-pNA, and Km was 0.23 mmol/L and Kcat 16.36 s(-1). The optimal temperature of the enzyme for hydrolying fibrin was 45 degrees C, and the optimal pH range of 6.8 - 8.8. The isoelectric point of the enzyme estimated by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis was 8.5 +/- 0.1. The enzyme was a glycoprotein. EDTA, PCMB, PMSF inhibited the activety of the enzyme, and SBTI, Lys, TPCK, Aprotinine had none obvious inhibition, which suggested that the activity centre of the enzyme had hydrosulfuryl, metal and serine. The first 12 amino acids of the N-termimal sequence of the enzyme were NH2-Ser-Val-Ser-Glu-Ile-Gln-Leu-Met-His-Asn-Leu-Gly, and had none homology with that of other fibrinolytic enzyme from other microbes. The novel fibrinolytic enzyme from Rhizopus chinensis 12# has potential to become a therapeutic agent in thrombosis.
Enzyme Stability ; Fermentation ; Fibrinolysin ; metabolism ; Fibrinolysis ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; chemistry ; Humans ; Plasminogen ; metabolism ; Rhizopus ; enzymology

BACKGROUNDAscorbic acid has important antioxidant properties, and may play a role in the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on later ischemia-reperfusion. Herein, we examined the role of endogenous extracellular ascorbic acid in ischemic preconditioning in the kidney.

METHODSWe developed a solitary rabbit kidney model where animals received ischemia-reperfusion only (ischemia-reperfusion group, n = 15) or ischemic preconditioning followed by ischemia-reperfusion (ischemic preconditioning group, n = 15). Ischemia-reperfusion was induced by occluding and loosening of the renal pedicle. The process of ischemic preconditioning included 15-minute brief ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion. In vivo microdialysis coupled with online electrochemical detection was used to determine levels of endogenous extracellular ascorbic acid in both groups. The extent of tissue damage was determined in kidney sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were also detected to assess renal function.

RESULTSDuring ischemia-reperfusion, the extracellular ascorbic acid concentration during ischemia increased rapidly to the peak level ((130.01 +/- 9.98)%), and then decreased slowly to near basal levels. Similar changes were observed during reperfusion (peak level, (126.78 +/- 18.24)%). In the ischemic preconditioning group there was a similar pattern of extracellular ascorbic acid concentration during ischemic preconditioning. However, the ascorbic acid level was significantly lower during the ischemia and early reperfusion stage compared to the ischemia-reperfusion group. Additionally, the extent of glomerular ischemic collapse, tubular dilation, tubular denudation, and loss of brush border were markedly attenuated in the ischemic preconditioning group. Levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were also decreased significantly in the ischemic preconditioning group.

CONCLUSIONSIschemic preconditioning may protect renal tissue against ischemia-reperfusion injury via use of extracellular ascorbic acid. In vivo microdialysis coupled with online electrochemical detection is effective for continuous monitoring extracellular ascorbic acid in the renal cortex.

Animals ; Ascorbic Acid ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; methods ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rabbits ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between the severity of psychic symptoms and that of clinical ones in CP patients.

METHODSWe investigated 300 CP patients with NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and a self-designed questionnaire, and analyzed the correlation between the scores. Based on the scores on pain and urinary symptoms in CPSI, the patients were divided into a mild, a moderate and a severe group.

RESULTSA total of 288 questionnaires were collected. Compared with normal males, the SCL-90 scores of the CP patients were not different in obsessive-compulsive (P > 0.05), lower in interpersonal-sensitivity (P < 0.01), higher in paranoid ideation (P < 0.05) and significantly higher in other factors and the number of positive factors (P < 0.01). There were no statistical differences among the mild, moderate and severe groups either in somatization and interpersonal-sensitivity (P > 0.05) or in phobic anxiety (P > 0.05), but there were between the mild and moderate groups in phobic anxiety (P < 0.05) and significantly among the three groups in other factors and the number of positive factors (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). No correlation was found between CPSI and SCL-90 in the total scores.

CONCLUSIONThere was a close correlation between the severity of psychic symptoms and that of clinical symptoms in CP patients. Psychotherapy, especially psychological intervention, plays an important role in the early stage of the disease.

Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatitis ; psychology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Objective:Based on the modified ultracentrifugation method, the outer membrane vesicles (OMV) secreted by Klebsiella pneumoniae were rapidly separated, identified and quantified. Methods:Standard strains of classic Klebsiella Pneumoniae (cKP) purchased from the Clinical Laboratory Center of the National Health Commission, and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) which was donated by Taiwan University were cultured in M9 basal media for 9 hours, and the OMV were extracted by modified ultracentrifugation. The shape and size of OMV were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), relative quantification by Stewart phospholipids analysis method. Two groups were compared using independent samples t test. Results:It was observed under the TEM that most of the OMV secreted by cKP and hvKP showed spherical vesicle structure and a small part were irregular. The diameter of OMV ranged from 20 to 250 nm, multiple vesicles could be seen in clusters. Relative quantification found that the number of OMV secreted by hvKP were more than cKP ( P<0.05). Conclusions:This study successfully achieved the extraction, identification and quantification of OMV from Klebsiella pneumoniae through the modified ultracentrifugation method, which provided a foundation for further study about the function and mechanism of OMV, and also provided new ideas for the treatment of bacteria. Based on the ultracentrifugation method, the OMV secreted by Klebsiella pneumoniae were rapidly separated and extracted, then identified and quantified.