OBJECTIVETo analyze and evaluate the fatigue of shoulder skeletal muscle caused by different lifting loads with surface electromyography (sEMG).

METHODSAccording to the loading standard of1 Repetition Maximum (1RM), ten male volunteers performed 3 tasks of upper limb flexion, i.e. 10%, 50% and 90%-1RM. During action process, the signals of Upper Trapezius (UT), Lower Trapezius (LT), Serratus Anterior (SA) and Anterior Deltoid (AD) were recorded by sEMG. The Mean Amplitude (MA) served as an index to evaluate the changes in skeletal muscle fatigue.

RESULTSThe scores of Borg were 15.6, 15.9 and 15.2 for 3 loads of 10%-1RM, 50%-1RM and 90%-1RM, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean amplitudes (MAs) of Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, Anterior Deltoid and Serratus Anterior in shoulders increased obviously. Under the load intensity of 10%-1RM, the MAs of Upper Trapezius and Anterior Deltoid increased significantly (P < 0.05), which were 0.898 and 0.736, respectively. After the exhaustion, the contribution of mean amplitude in shoulder muscle did not change significantly (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe low-load action for long time can induce easily the fatigue of upper trapezius and anterior deltoid.

Adult ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Lifting ; Male ; Muscle Fatigue ; physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal ; physiology ; Shoulder ; physiology ; Workload

DNA barcoding method was conducted for the authentication of pollen materials due to difficulty of discriminating pollen materials bearing morphological similarity. In this study, a specific focus was to identify cattail pollen (Puhuang) and pine pollen (Songhuafen) samples from their adulterants which are frequently mixed-together. Regions of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) from 60 samples were sequenced, and new primers for cattail pollen were designed according to the sequence information. The results from the NJ trees showed that the species of pine pollen, Puhuang and their adulterants can be classified as obvious monophyly. Therefore, we propose to adapt DNA barcoding methodology to accurately distinguish cattail pollen, pine pollen and their adulterant materials. It is a great help for drug regulatory agency to supervise the quality of medicinal materials.
China ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; classification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Pinus ; classification ; genetics ; Pollen ; classification ; genetics ; Quality Control ; Typhaceae ; classification ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of the autologous venous external stents on intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts in rabbits.

METHODSThirty-six male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 5 months and weighing 2.8 to 3.0 kg, were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A, group B and group C, with 12 rabbits in each group. First, a section about 6 cm long of vein was cut from the right external jugular vein of each rabbit and severed to have 3 equal-length segments. Next, each distal segment prepared for anastomosis. The proximal segment invaginating middle segment in group A and only middle segment in group B were used for the external stent. Later, the left common carotid artery was separated from surrounding tissue, from it a section about 0.5 cm long was cut away. Finally, the vein graft was inverted and end-to-end anastomosed to the two ends of the artery with a 9-0 suture. After bloodstream re-established, the diameter of each vein graft was measured. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperative, the graft veins were cut off and histologically examined by the means of HE staining and Masson staining. The smooth muscle cells (SMC) proliferation was studied by the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

RESULTSAfter bloodstream re-established, the diameters of vein graft of group A and group B and group C were (1.6 +/- 0.3) mm, (2.2 +/- 0.4) mm and (2.6 +/- 0.6) mm respectively (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks postoperative, the data of the ratio of intima to media thickness and the index of the proliferating cells of the intima were as follow: group A (1.01 +/- 0.07 and 6.84 +/- 1.98), group B (1.32 +/- 0.08 and 11.01 +/- 2.61), group C (1.55 +/- 0.03 and 14.96 +/- 4.14). Both the data of group A were obviously less than that in group B, and that of group B was less than group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe autologous venous two-layer external stents inhibit intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts.

Animals ; Hyperplasia ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Rabbits ; Stents ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Tunica Intima ; pathology ; Veins ; pathology ; transplantation

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility superselective embolization using microcatheters in treatment of intravertebral canal vascular malformation.

METHODSIn 128 patients with intravertebral canals vascular malformation, their AVMS or fistulae were treated with silk thread, Ivalon microspheres or tungsten microcoils.

RESULTSIn the 128 patients, 120 fistulae disappeared completely, but 8 were embolized 60% - 80%. Symptoms were improved in 113 patients. Improved muscular strength from grade I to IV was obtained in 8 patients, from grade II to III in 32, from grade III to IV in 32, and from grade IV to V in 41. The symptoms did not change in 15 patients.

CONCLUSIONSuperselective embolization through microcatheter is effective in the treatment of intraspinal canal vascular malformations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Canal ; blood supply

Aliquots of venous blood from healthy donor were collected in plastic blood storage bags with ACD, GMA or antioxidant solution (superoxide dismutase, SOD), respectively, and stored at 4 degrees C. After storage for varying periods, the parameters of the blood were detected in the blood samples. Results showed that the parameters of the blood stored at 4 degrees C for 75 days in SOD group were following: the recovery of RBC-Hb was 87.2%, plasma-Hb (mg/L) was 193.2, P50 (mmHg) was 34.0 (normal value was 33.1); deformability (DImax) was 0.2413 (74.3% of normal value). There was no evident hemolysis, color change, air bubble and clots. It was concluded that human RBC stored at 4 degrees C for 75 days with SOD solution, recovery of levels of RBC-Hb and plasma-Hb were accorded with the requirements of "Basic Demands of Blood Station" in China.
Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Cold Temperature ; Erythrocyte Deformability ; drug effects ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Hemoglobins ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Superoxide Dismutase ; pharmacology ; Time Factors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxing effect of vasonatrin peptide (VNP) on human intramammary artery (HIMA).The vasorelaxing effect of VNP on HIMA was measured by means of perfusion in vitro. The effects of HS-142-1, TEA, 8-Br-cGMP and methylene blue (MB) were also observed. It was found that VNP caused a concentration-dependent relaxation in HIMA which was independent of the endothelium. 8-Br-cGMP (0.1-1000 micromol/L) also caused a concentration-dependent relaxation in HIMA. The vasorelaxing effect of VNP disappeared in the presence of HS-142-1 (20 micromol/L), an antagonist of the natriuretic peptide guanylate cyclase (GC) receptor. MB (10 micromol/L), an inhibitor of GC, not only blocked completely the relaxation of HIMA, but also enhanced the vascular contraction induced by norepinephrine. TEA (1 mmol/L), an antagonist of calcium activated potassium channels (K(Ca)), reduced but not completely blocked the vasorelaxing effect of VNP. These findings suggest that VNP can relax HIMA, which is independent of the endothelium. This effect is possibly achieved by the binding of VNP with the natriuretic peptide GC receptors in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs), leading to an increase in intracellular cGMP level. Moreover, the vasorelaxing effect of VNP is associated with K(Ca).
Aged ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mammary Arteries ; drug effects ; physiology ; Middle Aged ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; metabolism ; Receptors, Guanylate Cyclase-Coupled ; metabolism ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; physiology

To explore the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies in HIV-1 CRF07_BC infections among intravenous drug users (IDU), the gp120 fragments of HIV-1 env gene were amplified from plasma samples collected from 6 CRF07_BC infected persons using single genome amplification and sequencing (SGA/ SGS) method, and 11 to 28 sequences were obtained from these samples, respectively, A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to describe the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies. The Simplot, segments' phylogenetic trees and diversity plots based on average pairwise distance (APD) were used to identify the recombination events between quasispecies. The SGA sequences derived from single specimen formed a large monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and showed the complex topologic structures of viral quasispecies. Of the 6 CRF07_BC infected patients, only one possessed the high genetic homogeneity, whereas the other five individuals showed high heterogeneity, with two to four subclusters inside the monophyletic cluster for each specimen. In addition, the recombinant events were identified among viral quasispecies from 3 cases. The results show SGA technique and phylogenetic analyses are useful tool to investigate the intrahost CRF07_BC gp120 complex quasispecies variation and high genetic diversity.
Adult ; Drug Users ; Female ; HIV Infections ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; virology ; Young Adult

Objective Qi-tonifying toxin-removing Chinese medicinals can tonify qi and remove toxin. This research studied its protective effects against acute radiation injury in mice.Methods There were six groups, including blank group, model group, high dose group of qi-tonifying toxin-removing Chinese medicinals, low dose group of qi-tonifying toxin-removing Chinese medicinals, amifostine group, and anduolin group.All of the above groups were administered for 14 days.At day 14 after drug administra-tion, all groups of mice, except the blank group, were given 4 Gy 60 Co gamma ray for total body irradia-tion to induce acute radiation injury.At day 3,7, and 14 after irradiation, the mice’ s white blood cell count, thymus index, spleen index, spleen pathological section, the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 +T lymphocyte of peripheral blood, SOD activity and MDA content of liver were examined respectively.Results After gamma ray irradiation in the model group, a significant reduction in white blood cell count were detected. Immune organ index of model group mice decreased significantly.There were also significant pathological changes in the spleen, and marked increase of CD4 +/CD8 +ratio, indicating impaired immunity.SOD activity decreased while MDA content increased significantly.At day 7 after irradiation, SOD activity and MDA content returned to normal level; At day 14 after irradiation, the spleen index returned to normal level.Compared with the model group, the spleen pathological changes of treatment groups were less severe.At day 3 after irradiation, the activity of SOD in liver of low dose group was significantly enhanced (p<0.01);hepatic MDA content significantly decreased (p<0.05).At day 7 after irradia-tion, the spleen index in low dose group and high dose group mice significantly increased (p<0.05), and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 +T lymphocyte in peripheral blood of low dose group significantly reduced ( p<0.05 ); At day 14 after irradiation, thymus index of low dose group significantly increased ( p <0.05 ) .Conclusion Low dose of formula has protective effects against sublethal doses of gamma ray induced acute radiation injury in mice.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of intervention with atherosclerosis(AS)by Qingre Huoxue Yangyin Decoction and its functional units.METHODS The AS model of SD rats was successfully established with high fat diet and balloon injury.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,whole group,Huoxue group,Yangyin group,Qingre group and positive group,and received the intragastric administration,respectively.The blank group was fed with normal diet without medication.The changes of each group on blood lipid,arterial lesion and Th1/Th2-related cytokines were observed af-ter 4 weeks.RESULTS ①Compared to the model group,the whole decoction significantly reduced the plaque proportion and TG(P<0.05),increased HDL-C(P<0.05);reduced Th1-related cytokines TNF-αand INF-γ(P<0.05),increased Th2-re-lated cytokine IL-4(P<0.05).②Each function unit compared with the model group:Yangyin group obviously elevated IL-4 and decreased TG(P<0.05),Qingre group obviously decreased the IFN-γ,LDL-C and plaque proportion(P<0.05),Huox-ue group significantly reduced plaque ratio(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Qingre Yangyin Huoxue Decoction and each function u-nit can play a role in anti-atherogenesis by lowering blood lipids and regulating Th1 and Th2 subpopulations differentiation im-balance.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis incidence rates as well as the retention rate in a cohort with 6-month follow-up study among female sex workers (FSWs).

METHODSFrom December, 2004, to January, 2005, a community-based baseline survey was conducted to recruit 343 FSWs for a prospective cohort study in Xichang county of Sichuan province, China. Follow-up visits were conducted at 6 months to analyze risk factors associated with cohort retention for subjects' baseline sociodemographic and sexual behavioral characteristics. Blood specimens were also collected to test antibodies against HIV and syphilis.

RESULTSDuring the 6-month follow-up period, HIV and syphilis incidence appeared to be 1.00 per 100 person-years and 6.23 per 100 person-years, respectively. The rate of retention in the cohort was 53.6% (184/343). Results from multivariate logistic regression model showed that factors were significantly associated with cohort retention including people with minority ethnic background (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.74), people having participated in AIDS prevention program (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.17-2.86) or being clients in the last 6 months > or = 50 (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11-2.77) and having changed living/working place (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.94).

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study showed that the syphilis incidence and unprotected sex behavior were high among local FSWs. People belonged to Han nationality, having participated in AIDS prevention program and having a steady living/working place were associated with cohort retention at 6-month follow-up study among FSWs, respectively.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Sex Work ; Sexual Behavior ; Substance-Related Disorders ; Syphilis ; epidemiology