ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence and epidemic trend of human brucellosis between 2007 -2010 in Qian'an county,and to provide a basis for future prevention and control measures. Methods Epidemiological data of brucellosis between 2007 - 2010 were obtained from the national disease surveillance report on management information system, population data were from the national disease surveillance information management system for basic information reporting system, and descriptive epidemiological methods was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 86 cases were infected with brucellosis in Qian'an county from 2007 to 2010, with 68 cases of male and 18 cases of female, and male to female ratio was 3.78 : 1. Patients were mainly in the age of 20 - 55, with 40 - ＜ 45 year-old group the highest. All patients were local residents. Most professional were livestock acquisition, processing and aquaculture personnel. The majority of patients lived in Jianchang town,with 51 cases, accounting for 59.30％. Thirteen patients were reported in 2007, incidence was 0.0201‰(13/ 647 983). Thirty-nine patients were reported in 2010, and incidence was 0.0563‰(39/657 380). There was a fluctuations increase from 2007 to 2010. In 2007 brucellosis occurred in only two townships(towns), which spread to eight townships (towns) and urban areas in 2010. ConclusionsThe epidemic of human brucellosis in Qian'an is in a spreading trend. We recommend the government to strengthen the quarantine of livestock, and the infected livestock should be timely treated. Strengthen the prevention and control in Jianchangying. At the same time increase the brucellosis propaganda, and enhance self-protection awareness of the occupational groups.

Objective To analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of epidemic hemorrhagic fever syndrome (EHF) from 2004 to 2010 and provide scientific basis for formulating control measures.Methods Epidemiological data of EHF between 2004 to 2010 were obtained from the“National Disease Surveillance Report on Management Information System”,and the population data were from the“National Disease Surveillance Information Management System for Basic Information Report System”.Descriptive epidemiological methods was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 173 cases were reported in Qian'an from 2004 to 2010.From 2004 to 2010,the cases were 86,67,12,1,0,1,and 7 cases,respectively,and the rate were 13.12/10 million ( 86/640 249 ),10.42/10 million (67/642 688 ),1.86/10 million ( 12/645 124),0.15/10 million (1/647 983 ),0(0/650 720),0.15/10 million( 1/653 839),and 0.11/10 million(7/657 380),respectively.The overall rate was 3.86/10 million(25/648 283) of population.From 2004 to 2008 the incidence reported declined rapidly,then increased slowly after 2009.The cases were found intensively in winter(November - next January) and spring season (february - may).The incidence in the age group of 10 - 45 was higher than that of other age groups,and the total number of cases was 82.08％(142/173).The incidence in males( 114 cases) was higher than that of females(59 cases).Occupational distribution mainly to peasants and students,which accounted for 87.86％ (152/173).Conclusions Epidemic in the city declines rapidly follows by a slow recovery,suggesting that in the future surveillance,mice-killing and protection of vulnerable population should be strengthened.

The disruption of the intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis has been reported to be one of the mechanisms of beta-amyloid (Abeta) neurotoxicity in Alzheimeros disease (AD). Abeta(31-35), a small active fragment of Abeta, is believed to possess the similar biological activities of full-length Abeta molecule. Humanin (HN) is a recently identified peptide that suppresses neuronal death initiated by AD-related insults. The present study was to investigate the effects of HN on Abeta(31-35)-induced elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in cultured cortical neurons by real-time fluorescence imaging technique using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye, Fura-2/AM. The elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) was observed in cultured neurons exposed to Abeta(31-35) (25 mumol/L) (F340/F380: 1 042.56+/- 83.54, compared with control group: 804.73+/- 48.230, P<0.05, n=10). Pretreatment of HN (10 mumol/L) for 10 min significantly decreased the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by Abeta(31-35) (25 mumol/L) (F340/F380: 918.788+/- 50.73, compared with Abeta(31-35) group, P<0.05, n=10). When neurons were treated with HN and Abeta(31-35) simultaneously, HN (10 mumol/L) could not change the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by Abeta(31-35) (F340/F380: 1 036.68+/- 88.96, compared with Abeta(31-35) group, P>0.05, n=10), while HN (20 mumol/L) diminished the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by Abeta(31-35) (25 mumol/L) significantly (F340/F380: 898.56+/- 76.46, compared with Abeta(31-35) group, P<0.05, n=10). The findings imply that: (1) the disruption of the calcium homeostasis induced by Abeta(31-35) is possibly the basis of the neurotoxicity of Abeta(31-35) in cultured cortical neurons; (2) HN suppresses the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by Abeta(31-35) in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Amyloid beta-Peptides ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Death ; Cells, Cultured ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Peptide Fragments ; pharmacology

The thermostability of the inulinase was studied in this resea rc h. Some alcoholic materials and thickening agent could enhance the thermostabli lity of the inulinase. Using glycerol、xanthic pastern and though orthogonal ex periments of three elements and three levels, a satisfying protective agent, whi ch included glycerin(6%), xanthan gum(0.6%) and CaCl_2 (100mmol/mL) and ha d a significant effect on the enhancement of the inulinase thermostability, was acquired.

0.05),but expression of VEGF,GLUT1 and MDR1 were all enhanced and overall proliferation was promoted,apoptosis inhibited [(11.46?0.28)% vs (29.27?0.18)%,(15.77? 0.49)% vs (31.13?0.08)%],and transmembrane behavior enhanced [(37?12)% vs (26?7)%, (40?9)% vs (28?5)%],and the variations were significant (P

Mounting evidence has shown that side population (SP) cells are enriched for cancer stem cells (CSCs) responsible for cancer malignancy. In this study, SP technology was used to isolate a small subpopulation of SP cells in human gallbladder cancer cell line GBC-SD, and SP cells which had superior potential for proliferation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo were identified. Importantly, the abundance of GBC-SD SP cells was increased by a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and this effect was accompanied with a strong up-regulation of ABCG2 mRNA expression, and a decreased sensitivity to mitoxantrone. SP cells were restored upon the removal of TGF-β and the reversion of the cells to an epithelial phenotype, and smad3-specific siRNA reduced SP abundance in response to TGF-β. In conclusion, TGF-β-induced EMT by smad-dependent signaling pathway promotes cancer development and anti-cancer drug resistant phenotype by augmenting the abundance of GBC-SD SP cells, and a better understanding of mechanisms involved in TGF-β-induced EMT may provide a novel strategy for preventing cancer progression.

OBJECTIVETo compare the shaping ability and the influence on apical foramen among hand ProTaper, stainless steel K-files and rotary ProTaper in preparing different curved root canal.

METHODSForty simulated resin root canal blocks were randomly divided into four groups and prepared by hand ProTaper, stainless steel K-file and rotary ProTaper, respectively. Of them, 12 blocks in group A, B, C consist of six 200 curved root canals and six 30 degrees curved root canals each group. The curvature of the other 4 blocks in group D was less than 5 degrees. Taking photos of the models to the root canal orthotopically and apical foramen using digital camera before and after instrumentation. Finally, the transportation of root canal and the size of apical foramen were analyzed using special image software Auto-CAD.

RESULTSThe transportation of center in group B was the highest than that in group A and group C (P<0.05). In some portions of root canal, the transportation of center in group C was higher than that in group A. The size of the apical foramen in group B was significantly bigger than the other groups and the size of the apical foramen in 30 degrees root canal was significantly bigger than that in 20 degrees root canal after instrumentation (P<0.05). There was no significantly different between group A and group C, though the size of apical foramen in group C was bigger than that in group A at the same curvature, and that in 30 degrees root canal was bigger than in 20 degrees root canal (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONBoth of the two instruments engender root canal transportation, and curvature is the main reason of transportation. Comparing with stainless steel K-files, NiTi files can maintain the shape of the root canal and apical foramen well.

Dental Pulp Cavity ; Humans ; Nickel ; Root Canal Preparation ; Root Canal Therapy ; Stainless Steel ; Titanium ; Tooth Apex

Objective To observe clone ability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into infertile mouse seminife-rous tubules and the effects of MSCs on reproductive function.Methods Busulfan was used to destroy endogenous spermatogenesis of the recipient mice.To isolate,culture and purify MSCs with adherent method before marked with Brdu and Hoechst 33258 respectively,and then transplanted into the seminiferous tubules by microinjection.The survival of MSCs in recipient testes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry stained for Brdu and Fluorescent microscopy for Hoechst 33258 observation at different times.The diameter of seminiferous tubules was detected with HMIAS-2000 high-definition colored analyzing system for medical pictures.SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data.Results The dosage of Busulfan resulted in 15% death in the mice,the testis of survived mice showed only basilar membrane in seminiferous tubules after 4 weeks.A lot of purified MSCs were obtained at the third generation and transplantation them into mouse seminiferous tubules survive for at least 4 months and appear to migration.The average diameter in experimental groups were higher than those in controls not only on 26 days but also on 120 days(P

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of humanin (HN) on primary cortical neuronal apoptosis induced by Abeta31-35, and explore the potential mechanisms. Cultured cortical neurons were pretreated with different concentrations of HN (5, 10, 20 micromol/L) for different time period (0, 8 and 16 h) respectively, and then exposed to Abeta31-35 (25 micromol/L) for additional 24 h and the neuronal apoptosis was examined by morphological analysis, flow cytometric assays and TUNEL staining. Caspase activities were measured using a spectrophotometer. Bax expression was measured by Western blot. The results were as follows. (1) Pretreatment with HN (20 micromol/L) for 16 h significantly prevented Abeta31-35-induced apoptosis in cortical neurons; (2) HN significantly decreased Abeta31-35-induced elevation of caspase-3 and -9 activities; (3) HN suppressed Abeta31-35-induced translocation of Bax from the cytosol to mitochondria, but had no effect on overall Bax expression. In conclusions, HN attenuated Abeta31-35-induced cortical neuronal apoptosis by blocking intrinsic caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways.
Amyloid beta-Peptides ; antagonists & inhibitors ; toxicity ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 9 ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Cerebral Cortex ; cytology ; pathology ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Neurons ; cytology ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Peptide Fragments ; antagonists & inhibitors ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) on central facial nerve paralysis after ischemic stroke, and explore dose-effect relationship among different stimulation intensities of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) as well as its optimal treatment plan.

METHODSAccording to different acupuncture stimulation intensities which were based on treatment time and needle insertion direction, fifty patients were randomly divided into a Hegu 1 group, a Hegu 2 group, a Hegu 3 group, a Hegu 4 group and a control group, ten cases in each one. Different stimulation intensities of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) combined with facial paralysis acupoints, including Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6) and Quanliao (SI 18), were applied in Hegu 1 to 4 groups; meanwhile acupuncture at stroke acupoints, including Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and medication treatment were adopted. Except acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4), the treatment of the control group was identical as Hegu groups. The treatment duration lasted for 14 days. The House-Brackmann facial never grading systems (H-B), Toronto facial grading system (TFGS), degrees of facial never paralysis (DFNP), facial disability index (FDI) and clinical efficacy were compared among groups.

RESULTS(1) Compared before the treatment, H-B, TFGS, DFNP and physical function score in FDI were all improved significantly in the Hegu 1 to 4 groups (all P < 0.05), but social function score in FDI was not obviously improved (all P > 0.05); all the scores in the control group were not evidently changed (all P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the control group, differences of H-B before and after treatment in the Hegu 1 to 4 groups, differences of TFGS in the Hegu 2 group and differences of DFNP in the Hegu 1 and Hegu 2 group were significantly improved (all P < 0.05). The differences of any scale among Hegu 1 to 4 groups were not significant (all P > 0.05), in which the most evident change was found in Hegu 2 group. (3) The total effective rate was 90.0% (9/10), 100.0% (10/10), 90.0% (9/10) and 80.0% (8/10) in Hegu 1 to 4 groups, which were significantly higher than 60.0% (6/10) in the control group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) has affirmative clinical efficacy on central facial nerve paralysis after ischemic stroke, in which oblique insertion along the opposite direction of meridian for 5 s of twirling manipulation has the best clinical effect.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Facial Paralysis ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; complications