OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of H2S pretreatment after cerebral schemia/reperfusion injury and its mechanisms in rats.

METHODSThe rat model of global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion combined with hemorrhagic hypotension.30 rats were randomly divided into four groups(1)sham group(n=5),in which rats received sham surgery only,with their bilateral vertebral artery and bilateral common carotid artery exposed but without ischemia treatment;(2)global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model group(IR group,n=5),in which the global cerebral ischemia was induced by 10-min occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries combined with hypotension;(3)H2S pretreatment group(n=15),in which H2S(12,24,48 Μmol/kg)was intraperitoneally injected before operation;(4)NaCl pretreatment group(n=5),in which the rats were intraperitoneally injected with saline 30 minutes before operation.The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the levels of malondialdeehyde(MDA)in brain were measured by spectrophotometry.Brain water content was detected.The expression of heat shock protein 70(HSP70) in the hippocampus was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTSThe SOD activities were significant increased in groups pretreated with 12Μmol/kg H2S(P=0.042),24Μmol/kg H2S(P=0.002),and 48Μmol/kg H2S(P=0.000),and the SOD activity was significantly lower in the ischemia group than in the Sham group(P=0.003).The MDA activities in the 24Μmol/kg group(P=0.026)and the 48Μmol/kg group(P=0.015)groups were significantly lower than in the IR group.The brain water content was decreased in H2S pretreatment group(24Μmol/kg and 48 Μmol/kg)compared with IR group(P=0.018,P=0.008),and it was also significantly higher in the IR group than in the sham group(P=0.009).The expression of HSP70 were decreased in H2S pretreatment group(24 Μmol/kg)compared with the IR group(P=0.000),and the expression of HSP70 were significantly higher in the IR group than in HSP70 group(P=0.000).The expression of HSP70 also significantly differed between NaCl group and HSP70 group(P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONH2S has protective effects on cerebral ischemia and reperfusion,which may be achieved by improving SOD activity,removing oxygen free radicals,inhibiting lipid peroxidation,and down-regulating the expression of HSP70 in the hippocampus.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; Free Radicals ; metabolism ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Agmatine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Analgesia ; methods ; Animals ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Morphine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between the content of the secondary metabolites and the anti-bacterial activity of Sargentodoxa cuneata tables.

METHODSThe content of secondary metabolies was determined by spectrometers. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were used as the experimental strains. The minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) was calculated using agar plate dilution method on Kirby-Bauer disk. The minimal bacterialcidal concentration (MBC) was calculated using tube dilution method. Two-way analysis and Turkey's test was employed in the statistical analysis.

RESULTThe anti-bacterial activities on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis of the first batch of S. cuneata tables produced in Anhui was the highest [the diameter of anti-bacterial zone, MIC, MBC was (9.67 +/-0.29) mm, 12.5 mg/ml, 31.25 mg/ml and (10.17 +/-0.58) mm, 12.5 mg/ml, 31.25 mg/ml, respectively]. Those of the second batch of S. cuneata tables produced in Jiangsu was the lowest [the diameter of anti-bacterial zone, MIC, MBC was (7.67 +/-0.29)mm, 25 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml and (8.17 +/-0.29)mm, 25 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml, respectively]. There was significant difference in the antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus between different producing areas of S. cuneata tables and batches (P<0.01), while there was also significant difference in the antibacterial activity on Bacillus subtilis between different producing areas (P<0.01) and no significant difference between different batches (P>0.05). The contents of 6 secondary metabolites of S. cuneata tables produced in different areas and in different batches were different. The total content of 6 secondary metabolites of the first batch of S. cuneata tables produced in Anhui was the highest with mean 3.61%. Those of the second batch produced in Jiangsu were the lowest with mean 1.90 %. There was significant difference in the content of total alkaloid and dissociated emodin between different producing areas (P<0.01) and no difference between different batches (P>0.05). For the content of total chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, total tannin and total saponin, there was significant difference between different producing areas and batches (P<0.01). The correlation analysis showed that the main secondary metabolites influencing the anti-bacterial activity were total saponin, total tannin, dissociated emodin and total chlorogenic acid.

CONCLUSIONThere is difference among the content of the secondary metabolites and anti-bacterial activity of S. cuneata tables produced in different areas and different batches. There is significant correlation of the anti-bacterial activity with the content of total saponin, total tannin, dissociated emodin and total chlorogenic acid in S. cuneata tables.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Bacillus subtilis ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Emodin ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Ranunculaceae ; chemistry ; Saponins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects ; Tablets ; Tannins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo measure the vertical height of mesio-distal marginal ridge to cusp in posterior teeth, which may be helpful to brackets positioning.

METHODSThe study groups comprised of 60 patients (30 men, 30 women, mostly aged 12-14 years) who underwent orthodontic treatment without tooth extraction and matched the Andrews normal occlusion standard after treatment. Study model of each patient was made. Three-dimensional laser measurer was used to evaluate the vertical height of mesio-distal marginal ridge to mesial cusp in posterior teeth. The data were stored in a personal computer and submitted to statistical analysis of paired t test.

RESULTSNo statistical significant difference was found in the same teeth between men and women. Not only in maxilla but also in mandible, there was no significant difference between the left and the right (P>0.05). The average vertical height of maxillary first premolars was (1.70+/-0.50) mm, the maxillary second premolars was (1.24+/-0.45) mm, and for maxillary first molars, the result was (0.83+/-0.40) mm. The difference between each result was statistically significant (P9< 0.01). The average vertical height of mandibular first premolars was (2.25+/-0.45) mm, the mandibular second premolars was (1.55+/-0.45) mm, and for mandibular first molars, the result was (1.18+/-0.40) mm. The difference between each result was statistically significant (P<0.0 1).

CONCLUSIONThe vertical height of brackets position in posterior teeth should be considered to guarantee that mesio-distal marginal ridges of deferent posterior teeth located in the same plane, so that satisfying goal could be achieved, If the vertical height in the first molar was X mm, the vertical height in the second premolar should be (X+0.5) mm, and (X+1.0) mm might be suit for the first premolar.

Bicuspid ; Dental Occlusion ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Tooth ; Tooth Extraction ; Tooth Movement Techniques

BACKGROUNDThe role of B-cell remains an enigma in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study aimed to investigate the distributions of B-cells and subsets in peripheral blood of AS patients and observe their changes in etanercept-treated AS patents.

METHODSWe detected the proportions of CD19(+) B-cell, naive B-cell (CD19(+)CD27-), memory B-cell (CD19(+)CD27dim) and plasmablast (CD19(+)CD27high) in peripheral blood of 66 patients with AS (39 at active stage, 27 at stable stage; 35 patients with peripheral joint involvement, 31 patients with axial involvement alone), 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 healthy volunteers using flow cytometry. And then we observed the changes of the above indexes of 39 active AS patients treated with etanercept in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

RESULTS(1) Percentages of CD19(+) B-cells in active or peripheral joint involvement AS patients increased more obviously than those in stable or axial involvement alone AS patients (both P = 0.001), and percentage of CD19(+)CD27high B-cells in AS patients with peripheral joint involvement was significantly higher than that in cases with axial involvement alone or healthy volunteers (P = 0.005 and 0.006, respectively); (2) The percentage of CD19(+) B-cells in AS patients was positively correlated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores, Patient's Global Assessment (PGA) scores, total back pain scores and nocturnal back pain scores (r = 0.270, 0.255, 0.251 and 0.266, P = 0.029, 0.039, 0.042 and 0.031, respectively); (3) At week 6 and week 12, there were no statistical differences of the percentages of B-cells and subsets between etanercept group and placebo group of AS patients (P > 0.05); the percentage of CD19(+) B-cells in etanercept group was higher than that in healthy volunteers at week 12 (t = 3.320, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONSMisbalance is present in B-cells and some subsets in peripheral blood of active AS patients with peripheral joint involved. B-cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS patients. The high percentage of CD19(+) B-cells in active AS patients cannot be down-regulated after 12-week etanercept treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, CD19 ; immunology ; B-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Etanercept ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; therapeutic use ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 ; immunology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDThe incidence of no reflow phenomenon limits the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the immediate protective effects of intensive statin pretreatment on myocardial perfusion and myocardial ischemic injury during PCI.

METHODSAltogether 228 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were randomly assigned to standard statin group (SS group, n = 115) and intensive statin group (IS group, n = 113). Patients in the SS group received 20 mg simvastatin and patients in the IS group received 80 mg simvastatin for 7 days before PCI. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade (TFG), corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) of the intervened vessel were recorded before and after stent deployment. Creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme MB, troponin I and plasma level of high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) were measured before and 24 hours after the procedure.

RESULTSThe TFG after stent deployment was significantly improved with less TIMI 0-1 and more TIMI 3 blood flow in the IS group than in the SS group (all P < 0.05). Patients with no reflow phenomenon were less in the IS group (P < 0.001). The CTFC was lower in the IS group than in the SS group (P < 0.001). TMPG was also improved in the IS group than in the SS group (P = 0.001). Although PCI caused a significant increase in CK-MB 24 hours after the procedure, the elevated CK-MB value was lower in the IS group than in the SS group (18.74 +/- 8.41 vs 21.78 +/- 10.64, P = 0.018). Similar changes were also found in troponin I (0.99 +/- 1.07 in the IS group vs 1.47 +/- 1.54 in the SS group, P = 0.006). CK-MB elevation occurred in 27.8% (32/115) of the patients in the SS group vs 15.9% (18/113) in the IS group (P = 0.030). Myocardial necrosis was detected in 4.4% (5/115) of the patients in the SS group, whereas 0.9% (1/113) in the IS group (P = 0.341). But no myocardial infarction was found. Similarly, the patients with increased level of troponin I were much more in the SS group (36.5%, 42/115) than in the IS group (19.5%, 22/113) (P = 0.04). Among them, myocardial necrosis was detected in 13.0% (15/115) of the patients in the SS group, while 4.4% (5/113) in the IS group (P = 0.021). Myocardial infarction was found in 4.4% (5/115) of the patients in the SS group and 0.9% (1/113) in the IS group (P = 0.213).

CONCLUSIONSIntensive statin pretreatment for 7 days before PCI can further improve myocardial blood perfusion, protect the myocardium from ischemic injury. These effects are associated with the lowered levels of hs-CRP, P-selectin and ICAM.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; drug therapy ; pathology ; therapy ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Heart ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Simvastatin ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationships of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endometrial cancer of Uighur Women in Xinjiang.

METHODSThe serum of 50 endometrial cancer patient's and 70 healthy women' s were collected. VEGF expressions were tested by ELISA method and the correlations of endometrial cancer with VEGF were analysed. The variety of serum VEGF in different clinical stages of endometrial cancer was analyzed.

RESULTSSerum VEGF expressions on endometrial cancer were significantly higher than normal ones (P < 0.01); The serum VEGF level in late stage was significantly higher than early stage (P < 0.01). The serum VEGF level significantly increased from well differentiated to the poorly differentiated cases (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONhigh level expressions of VEGF are related to the endometrial cancer. Uighur Women in Xinjiang, particularly high expressed in advanced and poorly differentiated endometrial cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; blood

BACKGROUNDRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation at the synovial membrane. Although great progress has been made recently in exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of RA, its molecular pathological mechanism remains to be further defined and it is still a great challenge in determining the diagnosis and in choosing the appropriate therapy in early patients. This study was performed to screen candidate RA-associated serum proteins by comparative proteomics to provide research clues to early diagnosis and treatment of RA.

METHODSSera isolated from 6 RA patients and 6 healthy volunteers were pooled respectively and high-abundance proteins were depleted by Plasma 7 Multiple Affinity Removal System. The protein expression profiles between the two groups were then compared by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and the proteins over/under-expressed by more than 3-fold were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. To validate the differential expression levels of the identified proteins between the two groups, ELISA was performed in two of the identified proteins in individual sera from 32 RA patients and 32 volunteers.

RESULTSEight proteins which over/under-expressed in sera of RA patients were identified. Among them, chain A of transthyretin (TTR) was under-expressed, while serum amyloid A protein, apolipoprotein A (ApoA)-IV, ApoA-IV precursor, haptoglobin 2, ceruloplasmin (Cp), immunoglobulin superfamily 22 and HT016 were over-expressed. ELISA test confirmed that Cp expressed remarkably higher while TTR obviously lower in RA group compared with volunteer group.

CONCLUSIONThere were 8 identified proteins differentially expressed between RA group and volunteer group, which might be candidate RA-associated proteins and might be promising diagnostic indicators or therapeutic targets for RA.

Adult ; Apolipoproteins A ; blood ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; blood ; Blood Proteins ; analysis ; Ceruloplasmin ; analysis ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prealbumin ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Serum Amyloid A Protein ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo analyze the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region sequence variation in Tibet Mini-Pigs in relation to the blood parameters and provide the molecular genetic basis for developing new species of laboratory animals.

METHODSThe genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples of 59 Tibet mini-pigs to amplifying the mtDNA D-loop for sequence analysis. Nine physiological and nine biochemical blood parameters of Tibet mini-pigs were measured .

RESULTSBased on the variation of the tandem repeat motif, the mtDNA D-loop region of Tibet mini-pigs was classified into two types, namely type A and B with the percentage of 57.6% and 42.4%, respectively, roughly matching the 3 transform sites (305, 500, 691) at the 5' end. In the 18 blood parameters, only red blood cell count showed significant differences between types A and (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONBased on the sequence variation of the mtDNA D-loop region, Tibet mini-pigs can be divided into two types that show a significant difference in red blood cell count.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; chemistry ; genetics ; Hematologic Tests ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Swine ; blood ; genetics ; Tibet

Objective To explore the effect of forgiveness intervention on improving the happiness index and self-esteem of the elderly.Methods Totally 103 cases who had been offended and did not relieved were enrolled in this research.Two groups were assigned using digital random method.There were 49 cases in the experimental group and 50 cases in the control group that were counted in final statistics according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The experimental group received 8-week forgiveness therapy,control group re-ceived no special intervention.Results The scores of well-being,forgiving self,forgiving others and self-es-teem respectively were 3.06±0.97,3.23±0.62,3.01±0.63 and 2.71±0.35 respectively.Forgiving others was positively related with well-being and self-esteem(r=0.296,0.273,P<0.01),and there was no correlation between forgiving self and well-being(r=0.113,P>0.05). Forgiving others(t=5.309,P<0.01),self-esteem (t=2.732,P=0.008),well-being(t=2.732,P=0.008)in experimental group were improved after the inter-vention,but no difference was found in forgiving self(t=1.413,P=0.165). And there were significant differ-ence in both main effect and interaction effect in forgiving others(Fmain=39.05,Pmain<0.01; Finter=34.96, Pinter<0.01),self-esteem(Fmain=26.41,Pmain<0.01; Finter=35.83,Pinter<0.01),well-being(Fmain=20.96,Pmain<0.01;Finter=18.06,Pinter<0.01)at the pre-test,post-test and 1 month after intervention in experimen-tal group. In the control group,there was no significance in main effect(Fmain=1.98,Pmain=0.152),but the interaction effect was significantly different(Finter=10.98,Pinter<0.01).Conclusion Forgiveness interven-tion can improve forgiveness for elderly people.This intervention method has a positive effect on improving the overall happiness index and self-esteem of elderly people who have been subjected to other offenses,unfair treatment or interpersonal conflicts.