ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of exogenous transforming growth factor β1 on the apoptosis of nerve cells and its functions following spinal cord injury in rats.MethodsNinety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:group A(control group),group B(spinal cord injured group),group C (spinal cord injuried +TGF-β1 treated group),group D (spinal cord injuried +anti-TGF-β1 treated group).The rat model of spinal cord injury was found by the Allen's method.In group C and D,drugs were injected into subarachnoid cavity continuously by minipump.The changes of spinal cord were observed by HE staining.Nerve cells apoptosis was detected by transferase-medi-ated dUTP nick end labeling (TNUEL) method and the expression of cell apoptosis factor Fas by immunohistochemistry staining.Functional recovery of hind limbs was measured by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor open field behavioral rating test.ResultsThe expression of TGF-β1and Fas increased following spinal cord injury.The amount of TGF-β1and Fas reached the peak 7days and 1day after injury.The apoptosis of neuron had increased and peaked 8 hours after injury.The apoptosis of neuroglia cells had increased and peaked 7 dayss after injury.The slight changes was found in spinal cord in group C.Both of the number of apoptosis of nerve cells and expression of the apoptosis factor (Fas) decreased significantly; compare with group B and D.The BBB score was higher in group C than that in group B and D.ConclusionTGF-β1 can improve the functional recovery of spinal cord by inhibiting the nerve cell apoptosis after the spinal cord injury.

This study sought to investigate the in vivo antiviral effect of amantadine (AM) and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) on hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HBV replication mice. HBV replication-competent plasmid was transferred into male BALB/c mice by using hydrodynamics-based in vivo transfection procedure to develop HBV replication mouse model. The model mice were matched by body weigh, age and serum levels of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and were divided into four groups: AM group, DDB group, AM+DDB group and NS group, with the last one as control, and the mice of each group were administered corresponding agent orally twice a day, in a medication course lasting 3 d. On the third day, the mice were sacrificed 4-6 h after the last oral intake. HBV DNA replication intermediates in liver were analyzed by Southern blot hybridization. The serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared to the animals in the control group, HBV DNA replication intermediates in liver and HBsAg and HBeAg in serum from the AM and AM plus DDB group of mice decreased, and there was no difference between these two groups of mice. The levels of HBV DNA intermediate from liver and the serum HBsAg and HBeAg between the control and DDB group, however, were not obviously different. In conclusion, the inhibition effect of AM on HBV was detected, but treatment with DDB for 3 days did not influence the viral replication and expression of HBV in the HBV replication mice.
Amantadine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; DNA Replication ; DNA, Viral ; biosynthesis ; Dioxoles ; pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hepatitis B ; virology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; physiology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Plasmids ; Transfection ; Virus Replication ; drug effects

Objective To develop a rapid,reliable and convenient approach for diagnosing the homozygous deletion of SMN1 gene.Methods SMN1 gene was amplified specifically with double allele-specific PCR(AS-PCR).Meanwhile,one inrelevant gene was amplified as internal control by PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis to determine whether the sick children were with homozygous deletion of SMN1 genes.Results The homozygous deletion of exon7 in SMN1 gene was identified by agarose gel electrophoresis or PAGE accurately.Conclusion Compared to PCR-RFLP and DHPLC used in the past,this approach can diagnose homozygous deletion of SMA much more accurate,easier and more convenient without completed following analyses.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the soft profile and hard tissue changes after maxillary protraction with skeletal anchorage implant in treatment of Class III malocclusion during growth period.

METHODS18 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were treated with maxillary protraction for about 9 months, (3.5 +/- 0.1) N, with skeletal anchorage implant and face mask. Cephalometric records were analyzed to assess the changes of maxillo-facial structure of the hard and soft tissue before and after treatment.

RESULTSAll patients' Class III profiles were corrected. Maxillary growth increased, chin clockwise rotated, facial convexity angle increased, lower lip protrusion decreased. Facial vertical height ratio, nasolabial angle, upper lip protrusion and mentolabial sulcus changed unconspicuously. Upper incisors kept in sites, lower incisor upright, maxilla moved forwards. SNA, ANB significantly increased. SNB decreased and the mandible clockwise rotated.

CONCLUSIONThe maxilla is effectively protracted without significant rotation by using skeletal anchorage implant. The undesired effects of conventional protraction therapies, such as labial tilt of upper anterior teeth and extrusion of the maxillary molars, are reduced or eliminated with skeletal anchorage implant. These effects can conspicuously correct profiles of the patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, make the profile more harmonious and aesthetic.

Cephalometry ; Chin ; Extraoral Traction Appliances ; Face ; Humans ; Incisor ; Lip ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Molar

Objective To analyze the imaging characteristics of lung cancer detected by LDCT ( low-dose CT )lung cancer screening. Methods Between July 1st, 2007 and June 30th, 2013, 7 141 asymptomatic enrolled participants aged 40-88 years old (male 4 710, female 2 431, median age 47), and 1 071 volunteer participants aged ≤39 underwent chest LDCT. The imaging characteristics were analyzed retrospectively in lung cancer pathologically proved. Three types were classified according to the imaging findings: solid lesion, part-solid lesion and non-solid lesion. Results A total of 31 participants (32 lesions) were diagnosed as lung cancer, including 30 adenocarcinomas, 1 carcinoid and 1 small cell lung cancer. The detecting rate of the lung cancer was 0.4%(31/8 212). The solid lesion was further classified as classical solid nodule, irregular solid lesion and atypical solid nodule, and the part-solid lesion was further classified as part-solid nodule, irregular part-solid lesion and cystic part-solid nodule. Lung cancer or probably lung cancer was diagnosed in 24 cases (77.4%), and uncertainty diagnosis was made in 3 cases (9.7%). Benign or probably benign was diagnosed in 3 cases, and another 1 cases were missed at baseline screening. The false positive rate and the false negative rate was 9.7%and 3.1%, respectively. Conclusion The imaging characteristics of lung cancer detected by LDCT are varied, which provide preliminary experience in lung cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and laboratory characteristics of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: The clinical and laboratory data of 428 RA cases from Department of of Rheumatology and Immunology Peking University Third Hospital from Jan 2013 to Dec 2018 were collected and used to analyse characters between ANA positive group and ANA negative group. T test was used for the quantitative data in accordance with normal distribution. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the quantitative data of non normal distribution. The qualitative data were analyzed by chi square test. But while 1≤theoretical frequency < 5, chi square test of corrected four grid table was used. And Fisher exact probability method was used when theoretical frequency < 1. RESULTS: The number of ANA positive group was 231 (54%). The female rate was obviously higher in ANA positive group (82.7% vs. 63.5%, χ²=20.355, P < 0.01). The rate of metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) involvement was lower in ANA positive group (22.1%) than in ANA negative group (33.0) (χ²=6.414, P < 0.05). The incidence of secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) was much higher in ANA positive group(19.5% vs. 4.1%, χ²=23.300, P < 0.01). The positivity of rheumatoid factor (RF), as well as the positivity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide(CCP) antibody was much higher in ANA positive group (77.1% vs. 53.8%, χ²=25.743, P < 0.01, 74.9% vs. 59.4%, χ²=11.694, P < 0.01, respectively). The levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) of ANA positive group were higher [(15.1±5.1) g/L vs. (13.8±5.3) g/L, t=2.359, P < 0.05, 1.25 (0.92) g/L vs. 1.05 (0.65) g/L, Z=-3.449, P < 0.01, respectively]. But the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and platelet (PLT) was lower in ANA positive group[(109.64±17.98) vs. (114.47±18.48) g/L, t=-2.734, P < 0.01; (266.4×10⁹±104.6×10⁹) vs. (295.9×10⁹±100.1×10⁹) /L, t=-2.970, P < 0.01, respectively]. CONCLUSION The incidence of sSS was obviously higher in ANA positive group than in ANA negative group. Serum IgG of ANA positive group was higher, but Hb and PLT were lower.
Antibodies, Antinuclear ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/epidemiology* ; Autoantibodies ; Female ; Humans ; Laboratories ; Peptides, Cyclic ; Rheumatoid Factor

Objective To investigate the immunological pathogenesis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) during highly active antiretroviral therapy( HAART), in this prospective cohort study we analyzed the lymphocyte subsets, lymphocyte activation, changes in regulatory T cells, and levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in both IRIS and non-IRIS groups. Methods Two hundred and thirty-eight AIDS patients received HAART and participated prospective research cohort for 24 weeks follow-up. Forty-seven IRIS cases and 191 non-IRIS cases were enrolled in the IRIS group or non-IRIS group respectively. Blood samples were collected in both groups at pre- and post-HAART 12 weeks, 24 weeks. Using flow cytometer to detect the immunophenotypes of lymphocyte subsets (CD4 + CD45RA+ CD62L+, CD8+ CD45RA+ CD62L+naive T cells; CD4+ CD45RO+, CD8+ CD45RO+ memory T cells), activated T lymphocytes (CD4+CD38 +, CD8 + CD38 + cells), and regulatory T cell ( CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + ). Blood samples collected at pre-and post-HAART4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and used ELISA to detect IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10and IL-7 cytokine serum levels. Results The percentages of CD4 + and CD8 + naive T cells and mlemory T cells exhibited no significant differences at the baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks of HAART initiation between both groups, but CD4 + and CD8 + memory T cells were demonstrated a trend towards to increase while compared to baseline during HAART. The percentages of CD4 + and CD8 + activated T cells are significantly higher at the baseline while compared to normal control and demonstrated a downward trend, but between both groups showed no significant difference. The percentages of CD4 + regulatory T cell was lower in IRIS group than non-IRIS group at the baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and the onset of IRIS. Th1 cytokines, IL-2 and IFN-γshowed an upward trend during HAART at the levels of IRIS group had significantly increased at 4 weeks and the onset of IRIS. Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10 showed a downward trend during HAART,and the levels of IL-10 in IRIS group had significantly decreased at 4 weeks and the onset of IRIS. IL-7 was higher than normal control at the baseline in two groups and showed a downward trend during HAART. The level of IL-7 was higher than non-IRIS group at all follow-up points. Conclusion Memory T cells appear rapid increase in the early stage of HAART and may play a significant role in the inflammatory response of IRIS. CD4 + and CD8 + naive T cells, memory T cells and activated T cells showed no significant difference between IRIS and non-IRIS group within 24 weeks after HAART started. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of regulatory T cells in IRIS group without obvious upward trend during HAART, suggesting that the immune suppression function of regulatory T cells in IRIS was impaired. IL-2 and IFN-γ significantly increased while IL-10 significantly decreased at 4 weeks post-HAART initiation and onset of IRIS in IRISgroup than non-IRIS group, suggested that IRIS was related to cytokines environment disorder. That is, a significant increase in inflammatory cytokines, while the relative lack of non-inflammatory cytokines. The level of IL-7 decreased gradually after HAART started, and it was higher in IRIS group when compared to non-IRIS group in the first 24 weeks after HAART started. Also IL-7 may play a role in the pathogenesis of IRIS.

Objective To evaluate the value of endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) in assessment of mesorectal fascia (MRF) invasion in rectal cancer.Methods Data of 44 patients who accepted preoperative ERUS and total mesorectal excision surgery within a week were retrospective analyzed.There were 18 patients who accepted preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 26 patients didn't acceped.Taking the pathological diagnosis of circumferential resection margin (CRM) as the gold standard,the diagnostic efficiency of ERUS for the MRF invasion in rectal cancer was evaluated.Results The final pathological T staging was T1 in 2 cases,T2 in 17 cases and T3 in 25 cases.There were 2 cases of CRM positive results,and 42 cases of CRM negative results.With regard to the location of tumor,there were 16 cases located in low,and 28 cases in mid rectum.There were 26 cases located in anterior or antero-lateral wall of rectum,13 cases in posterior or postero-lateral wall,and 5 cases with a circle of rectum.The diagnostic accuracy were 83.33 ％ (15/18) and 92.31％ (24/26) for cases of accepting and not accepting the preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy;80.77％ (21/26) for cases located in anterior or antero-lateral wall,and 100％ (13/13) for cases located in posterior or postero-lateral wall;75.00％ (12/16)and 96.43 ％ (27/28) for low position and mid position tumors.The total diagnostic accuracy was 88.64％ (39/44).Conclusion ERUS can be an effective method in preoperative assessment of the MRF invasion in rectal cancer.

Tooth bleaching agents may weaken the tooth structure. Therefore, it is important to minimize any risks of tooth hard tissue damage caused by bleaching agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying 45S5 bioglass (BG) before, after, and during 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching on whitening efficacy, physicochemical properties and microstructures of bovine enamel. Seventy-two bovine enamel blocks were prepared and randomly divided into six groups: distilled deionized water (DDW), BG, HP, BG before HP, BG after HP and BG during HP. Colorimetric and microhardness tests were performed before and after the treatment procedure. Representative specimens from each group were selected for morphology investigation after the final tests. A significant color change was observed in group HP, BG before HP, BG after HP and BG during HP. The microhardness loss was in the following order: group HP>BG before HP, BG after HP>BG during HP>DDW, BG. The most obvious morphological alteration of was observed on enamel surfaces in group HP, and a slight morphological alteration was also detected in group BG before HP and BG after HP. Our findings suggest that the combination use of BG and HP could not impede the tooth whitening efficacy. Using BG during HP brought better protective effect than pre/post-bleaching use of BG, as it could more effectively reduce the mineral loss as well as retain the surface integrity of enamel. BG may serve as a promising biomimetic adjunct for bleaching therapy to prevent/restore the enamel damage induced by bleaching agents.
Animals ; Biomimetic Materials ; analysis ; therapeutic use ; Cattle ; Ceramics ; analysis ; chemistry ; Chemical Phenomena ; Color ; Colorimetry ; Dental Enamel ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Electron Probe Microanalysis ; Glass ; analysis ; chemistry ; Hardness ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Protective Agents ; analysis ; therapeutic use ; Random Allocation ; Solubility ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Time Factors ; Tooth Bleaching ; methods ; Tooth Bleaching Agents ; pharmacology ; Water ; chemistry ; X-Ray Diffraction

Summary: Glomerulosclerosis, defined as phenotype transition of mesangial cell and deposition of extracelluar matrix, remains a chronic disease with excessive morbidity and mortality. The molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of mesangial cell activation is not fully understood. Since activation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPAR1,) has been proposed to decrease the effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on glomerulosclerosis, we examined here whether and how telmisartan, an angiotensin Ⅱ type Ⅰ receptor blocker with PPARγ-modulating activity, inhibited TGF-β-induced giomerulosclerosis in rat glomerular mesangial cells. Protein levels of PPARγ were detected by Western blot. Activation of PPARγ response element (PPRE) was analyzed by luciferase assays. Deposition of extracelluar matrix was tested by confocol laser scanning. The results showed that telmisartan, but not valsartan, another angiotensin Ⅱ type Ⅰ receptor blocker,up-regulated PPARγ protein levels in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Activation of PPRE, represented by luciferase activity, was also increased with higher concentration of telmisartan in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Furthermore, telmisartan inhibited TGF-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen IV secretion in mesangial cells. GW9662, an inhibitor of PPAR-γ,blocked the inhibitory effects of telmisartan on TGF-β-induced glomerulosclerosis in mesangial cells. Our study indicates a benefit of telmisartan as a PPARγ agonist against TGF-β-induced mesangial cells activation in renal glomerulus. It may provide possibility that telmisartan works as a potential agent against diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive renal disease.