The roles of NF-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expression, Bax activity and cytochrome C (Cyt C) release, apoptosis of islet cells induced by high concentration glucose were explored in vitro. Pancreatic islet cells, which were isolated from Kunming mice, were cultured with different concentrations of glucose in DMEM, and divided into the following groups: G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 groups, corresponding to the glucose concentrations of 5.6, 7.8, 11.1, 16.7, 22.5, and 27.6 mmol/L, respectively. After culture for 120 h, insulin secretion was evaluated by radioimmunoassay, and the NF-kappaB expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. Bax activity and Cyt C release were measured by immunofluorescence, and apoptosis was examined by Hoechst33342 assay. The results showed that in G1, G2 and G3 groups, insulin secretion was enhanced with the increase of glucose concentration, and the NF-kappaB expression was also increased (P<0.05), but Bax activity, Cyt C release and apoptosis rate showed no significant difference among them. However, in G4, G5, and G6 groups, apoptosis rate of islet cells, NF-kappaB expression, Bax activity, and Cyt C release were all significantly increased, and insulin secretion was impaired as compared with G1, G2, and G3 groups (P<0.05). It was concluded that the exposure of islet cells to high glucose could induce islet cells apoptosis as well as impaired insulin secretion. The NF-kappaB signaling pathway and mitochondria pathway in islet cells might play some roles in the progressive loss of islet cells in diabetes. The inhibition of the NF-kappaB expression could be an effective strategy for protecting pancreatic islet cells.

AIM: To investigate the effect of hypercapnia on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and the changes of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and extracellular matrix collagen cross-links in the rat.METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normoxia group, hypoxia group, hypercapnia group and hypoxia+hypercapnia group.LOX activity was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry.LOX protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The mRNA expression of LOX in the pulmonary artery was detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS: The levels of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), RV/(LV+S) and WA/TA in hypoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group (P<0.01).Moreover, the levels of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were significantly lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01).However, no significant difference of mPAP and RV/(LV+S) between hypercapnia group and normoxia group was observed.In hypoxia group, the collagen cross-links in the lung tissue was significantly higher than that in normoxia group and hypercapnia group (P<0.01).Importantly, collagen cross-links in the lung tissue of hypoxia+hypercapnia group was significantly lower than that in hypoxia group (P<0.01).There was no significant difference in collagen cross-links between hypercapnia group and normoxia group.The expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries of hypoxia group were significantly increased as compared with normoxia group (P<0.01).Furthermore, the expression of LOX at mRNA and protein levels and its activity in the pulmonary arteries in hypoxia+hypercapnia group were lower than those in hypoxia group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Hypoxia not only up-regulates LOX but also promotes collagen cross-linking in the rat lung, which contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension.Hypercapnia inhibits hypoxia-induced LOX expression and collagen cross-linking, therefore impairing the progress in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Objective To understand the distribution,variance and dynamics of Oncomelania snails in the water system of the Bianmin River after the river bank being protected with concrete.Methods The snails in the water system of the Bianmin River were investigated with the systemic sampling method and environmental spot-checking method in spring from 2002 to 2005.The indexes including area with snails,area with infected snails,rate of frames with snails,density of living snails and infection rate of snails in different environments were collected,analyzed and compared year by year.Results From 2002 to 2005,in the main river of the water system of the Bianmin River,irrigation areas and the adjacent marshlands of the Yangtze River,the areas with snails were 20.94-31.88,39.30-48.08 hm2 and 275.13-292.31 hm2,respectively;the rates of frames with snails were 9.96%-21.88%,29.61%-58.54% and 62.14%-85.97%,respectively;the mean densities of snails were 0.97-1.86,0.92-3.96 snails/0.1 m2 and 7.72-11.15 snails/0.1 m2.In 2005,in the main river,irrigation areas and the adjacent marshlands,the rates of frames with snails were 21.88%,39.33% and 83.81%,respectively;the densities of living snails were 1.30,3.96 snails/0.1 m2 and 11.15 snails/0.1 m2.During the last four years,the rates of frames with snails increased quickly in the main river of the water system of the Bianmin River;the densities of snails increased by 4 times in the irrigation areas;the indexes mentioned above were stable in the adjacent marshlands of the Yangtze River.However,the rate of frames with snails in the marshlands was 2-3 times higher than that in the irrigation areas and the mean density of snails in the marshlands was 3-8 times higher than that in the irrigation areas.Conclusions The main factor causing the increase of snails is that the river beach has not been cleaned yet in the water system of the Bianmin River,and so the key of schistosomiasis control is that first,the river beach should be cleaned completely,and at the same time,strengthening the snail control in the irrigation areas and the snail surveillance and snail control with molluscicides in the outfalls of the rivers of the water system of the Bianmin River to the Yangtze River.

Objective To evaluate the mid-term effectiveness of the medium-and-long-term programme of the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in Jiangsu Province. Methods The programme was carried out in Jiangsu Province and the comprehensive measures relied mainly on snail control, detection and chemotherapy of schistosomiasis for residents and livestock. The mid-term effectiveness of the programme was observed and evaluated longitudinally. Results The coverage rate of snail control areas and the ratio of chemotherapy of schistosomiasis for residents and livestock rose year after year. The snail areas, the infected snail areas and the infection rate of schistosome for residents and livestock reduced year after year. There were negative correlations between the coverage rates of snail control and the infected snail areas, the number of settings with infected snails, the infection rate of schistosome for residents, the infection rate of schistosome for livestock and the morbidity of acute schistosomiasis, respectively (rInfected snail areas=-0.897,P=0.039;rNo. of settings with infected snail=-0.937,P=0.019;rInfection rate for residents=-0.913,P=0.031;rInfection rate for livestock=-0.991,P=0.001;rMorbidity of acute schistosomiasis=-0.894,P=0.041). There were negative correlations between the ratio of chemotherapy of schistosomiasis for residents and the infected snail areas, and between the ratio of chemotherapy of schistosomiasis for livestock and the infected snail areas (rRatio of chemotherapy for residents =-0.965,P=0.008;rRatio of chemotherapy for livestock=-0.921,P=0.027). There were negative correlations between the funds of schistosomiasis control and the infection rate of schistosome for residents livestock, respectively (rInfection rate for residents=-0.897,P=0.039;rInfection rate for livestock=-0.971,P=0.006). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that there were the linearity relationships between the infection rate of schistosome for residents and the coverage rates of snail control, and between the infection rate of schistosome for livestock and the coverage rates of snail control, and between the morbidity of acute schistosomiasis and the coverage rates of snail control. Conclusions The effect of the comprehensive strategy of schistosomiasis control which relies mainly on snail control, detection and chemotherapy of schistosomiasis for residents and livestock are remarkable. The snail control and chemotherapy are effective and immediate. The increased funds would be essential guarantee for control and elimination of schistosomiasis.

Objective To study the effects of benzyl propionate nandrolone (BPN ) on the nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt), insulin receptor substeate-2 (IRS-2 )and pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1)expressions, cell cycle changes as well as insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cell NIT-1 lines, and to explore the influence of BPN in the Nampte xpression in NIT-1 cells and insulin signaling molecules in high glucose oxidation stress.Methods The NIT-1 cells were cultured with different concentrations (5.6,11.1,16.7,and 27.6 mmol·L-1)of glucose,then they were treated with 10 mg·L-1 BPN for 48 h with no BPN treatment as corresponding control groups.The expression levels of Nampt,IRS-2,and PDX-1 were tested by Western blotting assay.The changes of cell cycle were determined by FCM and the cell insulin secretion levels were measured with radioimmunoassay.Results Compared with corresponding control groups,the expression levels of Nampt,IRS-2, and PDX-1 proteins in the NIT-1 cells in various BPM groups were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The G0/G1 phase arrest was relieved (P<0.01)when the cells was cultured in low glucose (5.6 mmol·L-1 )condition,and the G2/M block was remitted significantly in high glucose (27.6 mmol·L-1 )condition (P<0.01),furthermore, the cell insulin secretion was promoted compared with control groups except 1 1.1 mmol· L-1 glucose group (P<0.01).Conclusion BPN can promote the expression levels of Nampt,ISR-2 and PDX-1 proteins in NIT-1 cells. There is close relationship between the Nampt expression in NIT-1 cells and insulin signaling pathway and BPN prevents the cells from insulin resistance.

Objective To study the expressions of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt)in main energy metabolism organs (liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and kidney ) of the rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM),and to explore the correlation between the expression and distribution of Nampt and the occurrence of diabetes.Methods The SD rat diabetes model was established by injecting with streptozotcin (STZ).The SD rats were randomly divided into diabetes group and control group. Immunohistochemical Envision staining assay was used to detect the distribution and protein expressions of Nampt in liver,pancreas,muscle,and kidney tissues of the rats,at the same time the blood glucose and serum insulin levels were also be detected. Results The blood glucose level of the rats in diabetes group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01),and the fasting insulin level was lower than that in control group (P<0.01).The Nampt expression in the liver tissue of the rats in diabets group was significantly increased,which distributed near the hepatic sinus in diabetes rats,and the Nampt expression was also increased in skeletal muscle in which the whole cell was thick dying;the Nampt expression mainly distributed in the renal tubular epithelial cells. Compared with control group, the positive expression rates of Nampt in liver,skeletal muscle,and kidney tissues of the rats in diabets group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).There was nearly no Nampt expression in pancreas tissue of the rats in diabetes group and the Nampt expression level was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion The Nampt expressions are much different in main energy metabolic organs of the rats with diabetes.It is suggested that Nampt may be used as a specific indicative marker in the process of diabetes.

Objective To describe the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum in goat and the intensity and tem?poral distribution of eggs excreted by goat feces,so as to provide baseline data for the control and elimination of the role of goat in the transmission of schistosomiasis. Methods The goat animal models of schistosomiasis were established,and stool sam?ples were collected for parasitological examinations. The number of adult worms recovered,variation of schistosomes in goat at different time points post?infection,number of eggs in schistosomes,variation in number and temporal profiles of eggs excreted from goat feces were observed. Results Of the 6 schistosome?infected goat,415 adult worms were recovered,with a mean adult worm recovery of 34.58%(range,23.00%to 45.50%). Among the 5 goat infected with 200 cercariae each,47,93,77, 74 and 73 adult worms were recovered 2,5,8,11 and 14 months post?infection,respectively. There were(200.00 ± 42.33), (226.20±45.88),(168.20±25.85),(183.80±55.13)and(190.80±53.53)eggs detected in female schistosomes. The mean pre?patent period of eggs excreted by 10 infected goat was(37.7±3.02)d. From 2 to 14 months post?infection,7 batches of goat fe?ces were hatched,and there were 30,23,14,1 and 2 times for miracidium intensity of“++++”,“+++”,“++”,“+”and“-”, respectively,with 42.86%,32.86%,20.00%,1.43%and 2.86%constituent ratios of miracidium intensity. Conclusions Ap?proximately 1/3 S. japonicum cercariae may develop to adults in goats post?infection,and the prepatent period of eggs is(37.7± 3.02)d. There is no remarkable decrease seen in the number of adult worms,eggs in female schistosomes and eggs in goat feces within 14 months post?infection. Our findings suggest a long duration for infected goat in the transmission of schistosomiasis ,and there is no evidence to prove the“self?cure”phenomenon in goat,indicating that goat is an important source of infection for schistosomiasis japonica.

Objective To explore the enrichment technique of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae on the water surface,so as to establish a new method combined with the existing technology to detect the cercarial infested water body quickly and sensitive-ly. Methods Soybean oil,gasoline,kerosene and isophorone were screened as expanding agents. The cercariae were enriched by the thrust of the expanding agents when diffusing on the water surface,and PE adsorption film and C-6 film were applied to seize them so as to determine the infectivity of the water quickly. The relationship between the dose of expanding agents and dif-fusion radius were explored. Results Gasoline,kerosene and isophorone were suitable expanding agents,and the diffusion ef-fect of isophorone was the best. After the enrichment by the expanding agents,the detection rate of cercariae of the method seiz-ing cercariae with the film significantly improved in the water. Conclusion This new method could effectively improve the de-tection rate of the cercarial infested water and is suitable for the low-degree infested water.

Objective: To assess the outcomes of partial cricotracheal resection (CTR) and extended cricotracheal resection (ECTR) for severe laryngotracheal stenosis. Methods: From November 2009 to September 2017, 18 patients underwent CTR and ECTR at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University for severe laryngotracheal stenosis were reviewed retrospectively. There were 12-male and 6-female patients, with the age ranged from 4 to 56 years (median 25 years). The causes were postintubation in 11 cases, cervical trauma in 4, idiopathic in 3. The stenosis located in subglottic and tracheal (n=12), glottic and subglottic and tracheal (n=3), subglottic (n=2), and glottic and subglottic (n=1). Two patients had concurrent unilateral vocal cord palsy.One patient had undergone previous endoscopic balloon dilation and 8 patients had previous laryngotracheal reconstruction. The stenosis was graded according to modified Myer-Cotton classification as follows: Ⅲb (n=1), Ⅲc(n=1), Ⅳa (n=2), Ⅳb (n=12), Ⅳc (n=2). The surgical outcomes and complications were recorded. Results: Among 18 patients,11 of the 12 patients undergoing CTR were decannulated. Five of the 6 patients undergoing ECTR were decannulated. Resected airway length ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 cm (median 2.8 cm). Surgical complications included infection of incision wound in 2 cases, anastomotic granulation in 2, cervical subcutaneous emphysema in 1, aspiration in 1, and unilateral arytenoid prolapse in 1. No recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or tracheoesophageal fistula occurred. The median follow up was 11 months. Conclusions CTR is efficient for severe subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis while ECTR is efficient for subglottic stenosis extended to the glottis. Both procedures also provide a salvage therapy for patients with previous failed treatments.

Objective To develop a machine simultaneously integrating mechanized environmental cleaning and automatic mollusciciding and to evaluate its effectiveness of field application,so as to provide a novel Oncomelania hupensis snail control technique in the large?scale marshlands. Methods The machine simultaneously integrating mechanized environmental clean?ing and automatic mollusciciding,which was suitable for use in complex marshland areas,was developed according to the mech?anization and automation principles,and was used for O. hupensis snail control in the marshland. The effect of the machine on environmental cleaning and plough was evaluated,and the distribution of living snails was observed at various soil layers follow? ing plough. The snail control effects of plough alone and plough followed by mollusciciding were compared. Results The ma?chine could simultaneously complete the procedures of getting vegetation down and cut vegetation into pieces,plough and snail control by spraying niclosamide. After plough,the constituent ratios of living snails were 36.31% ,25.60% ,22.62% and 15.48% in the soil layers at depths of 0-5,6-10,11-15 cm and 16-20 cm respectively,and 61.91% living snails were found in the 0-10 cm soil layers. Seven and fifteen days after the experiment,the mortality rates of snails were 9.38% and 8.29% in the plough alone group,and 63.04% and 80.70% in the plough + mollusciciding group respectively(c27 d = 42.74,c215 d =155.56,both P values < 0.01). Thirty days after the experiment,the densities of snails were 3.02 snails/0.1 m2 and 0.53 snails/0.1 m2 in the soil surface of the plough alone group and the plough + mollusciciding group,which decreased by 64.92% and 93.60% ,respectively,and the decrease rate of snail density was approximately 30% higher in the plough + mollusciciding group than that in the plough alone group. Conclusions The machine simultaneously integrating mechanized environmental cleaning and automatic mollusciciding achieves the integration of mechanical environmental cleaning and automatic niclosamide spraying in the complex marshland areas,which provides a novel technique of field snail control in the large?scale setting in Chi?na.