Objective To observe temporal expression of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteina-ses-1 (TIMP-1) in lung of newborn rats with hyperoxia induced chronic lung disease (CLD),and to explore the relationship of CLD with MMPs.Methods The neonatal rats within 24 hours after birth were randomly divided into hyperoxia-exposed group(n=40) and control group(n=40).On postnatal 1,3,7,14 and 21 days,lung tissue of rats in 2 groups were collected.Lung histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson stain;Collagen Ⅰ was detected by enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay;MMP-13 and TIMP-1 were identifide by immunohistochemistry.Results Exposured to hyperoxia enviroment for 21 days,the number of alveolar decreased,terminal air space enlarged,inter-alveolar septa thickened,and deposition of interstitial collagen fibers.On 14 and 21 days,collagen Ⅰ in the lung of hyperoxia-exposed group increased significantly compared with that of control group(P0.05),obviously decreased on 21 day(P

Object To identify Tadehagi triquetrum (L ) Ohashi Methods Characteristic identification, microscopic identification, and UV spectrometry were used Results Obvious variation was found in the tissue structures between the old and young leaves as well as the old and young stems Conclusion The result can be taken as the reference for identifying the quality of crude drug

Objective To analyze the relationships between the drinking water fluoride and bone mineral density (BMD), and serum osteocalcin (BGP) and to explore the BMD and serum BGP as significant early screening biomarkers for fluorosis especially for early bone damage in endemic fluorosis areas. Methods Wamiao (severe endemic fluorosis area, as fluoride exposed group) and Xinhuai (non endemic fluorosis area, as control group) Village were selected in 2006. One hundred and fouty-six objects were chosen from 2 villages (103 in Wamiao, 43 in Xinhuai). The sex, age, body height, body weight, drinking water fluoride in each object's household well, BMD, and serum BGP were investigated, and the dose-response relationships were analyzed between the drinking water fluoride and BMD, and serum BGP. CurveExpert 1.3 Software was used to fit the dose-response relationships between the rate of abnormal BMD, the rate of abnormal serum BGP, and the drinking water fluoride. Results The levels of drinking water fluoride in males' and females' families in fluoride exposed group were [(2.38±0.68), (2.62±0.91 )mg/L] significant higher than that in control group [(0.35±0.08), (0.36±0.07)mg/L], the difference being statistically significant(t values were 14.27 and 11.08,and P<0.01, respectively). BMD in males in fluoride exposed group [(0.78±0.07)g/cm2] was significant lower than that in control group[(0.83±0.08)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (t=2.37,P<0.05). Serum BGP in males and females in fluoride exposed group [(4.17±0.67), (4.11±0.57) μg/L] were significant higher than that in control group [(1.48±0.40), (1.44±0.39)μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (t values were 17.64 and 19.40, and P<0.01, respectively]. BMD in the group with drinking water fluoride≥2.92 mg/L[(0.66±0.15 )g/cm2] was significant lower than that in the group with drinking water fluoride<0.42 mg/L [(0.76±0.12)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The levels of serum BGP in the groups with the drinking water 0.42-,2.05-, ≥.92 mg/L[(3.83±1.07), (4.22±0.72), (3.99±0.63) μg/L] were significant higher than that in the group with the drinking water<0.42 mg/L [(1.44±0.37) μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The equation for the dose-response relationship between the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal BMD was y=(0.284-0.058x)-1.260, r=0.999 94; and y=100.05/(1+78.62e-4.5x), r=0.999 99 for the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal serum BGP. Conclusions There were significant dose-response relationships between drinking water fluoride and BMD and serum BGP. It indicated that BMD and BGP might be considered as early screening biomarkers for endemic fluorosis, especially for the bone damage.

Objective:To clone and express the Staphylococcus aureus Efb(extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein) protein in Escherichia coli, to purify the expression product and prepare its functional antibody and to detect the functions of Efb protein for further studies on S.aureus infection.Methods: Efb gene was amplified by PCR using S.aureus NCTC-8325 genome DNA as template and cloned into the recombinant expression vectors pET28a. E.coli BL21(DE3) with the plasmid was induced with IPTG for protein production. The protein was purified by Ni~(2+) affinity chromatography. The function of Efb protein was determined by complement activity assay and inhibition ELISA.The polyclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing the animals. Results: The purified recombinant Efb was obtained, which could inhibit the CH50 and AH50 effectively. The functional poly-antibodies of Efb were prepared.Conclusion:Efb could inhibit the classical pathway and alternative pathway of complement activation, and the antibodies against to Efb could block the inhibition of the classical pathway of complement activation induced by Efb.

OBJECTIVETo screen the learning and memory mutant from N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenic zebrafish F1, and to get the new model animal to study the mechanism of learning and memory.

METHODSZebrafish mutant was screened by inhibitory avoidance behavioral test and identified by the expression of gene c-fos with qRT-PCR.

RESULTSWe isolated a zebrafish mutant related to learning and memory, fgt. In this fgt zebrafish mutant long-term memory was much lower than that in wild-type when tested at 24 h after training. The 24 h long-term memory in about half of fgt mutant F2 (13/30) were significantly lower than those in wild-type, and the others relatively normal. Compared with the expression in wild-type fishes, the expression of immediate-early genes (IEGs) c-fos in half of fgt mutant F2 (13/30) after exploring in a novel environment increased distinctly from the basal control levels statistically, and the others relatively normal, which were in accordance with the behavioral results.

CONCLUSIONThe zebrafish mutant fgt is a dominant mutant with defect in long-term memory.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Genes, Immediate-Early ; Genetic Testing ; Male ; Memory, Long-Term ; Zebrafish ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the short-term efficacy and radiotherapy induced acute reactions of sarcandra glabra (SG) combined chemoradiotherapy for treating patients with local advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODSTotally 100 nasopharyngeal carcinoma phase III - IVa patients were randomly assigned to the control group and the observation group, 50 patients in each group. All patients received chemoradiotherapy. Patients in the observation group took SG decoction at the daily dose of 20 g.

RESULTSTotally 98 patients completed the treatment. There was no statistical difference in the complete remission rate, the partial remission rate, 1-year and 2-year total survival rates, or disease free progression rate between the two groups. The occurrence rate of II - III degree radioactive oral mucositis and dry mouth were obviously lower in the observation group than in the control group, showing statistical difference (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSG combined chemoradiotherapy could attenuate radiotherapy induced acute adverse reactions in treating advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Phytotherapy

Adult ; Humans ; Lateral Ventricles ; pathology ; Male ; Neurocytoma ; pathology

OBJECTIVEIn addition to regulating blood pressure, angiotensin II is involved in lung fibrogenesis. This study aimed to explore the effect of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, on lung fibrosis in neonatal rats with hyperoxia-induced chronic lung disease (CLD) and its possible mechanisms.

METHODSNeonatal Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups within 24 hrs after birth: room air exposure, hyperoxia exposure (85%-90% O2), hyperoxia exposure + losartan, and hyperoxia exposure + placebo. Losartan (5 mg/kg/d) or placebo was administered beginning on the 6th day after birth. After 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure, 8 rats in each group were sacrificed. Lung histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissues were determined by spectroscopy.

RESULTSHyperoxia exposure resulted in decreased alveolar septation, enlarged terminal air space, increased collagen deposition, pulmonary hemorrhage, and pulmonary consolidation. In the hyperoxia exposure + losartan group, the alveolar septum became thinner and lung fibrosis was alleviated, but the alveolar space was not obviously deflated and the number of secondary septum was not increased. Hyperoxia exposure increased significantly the HYP contents in lung tissues 14 and 21 days after exposure. Addition of losartan to the hyperoxia exposure resulted in decreased HYP contents (471.46 +/- 30.63 mu g/kg vs 545.15 +/- 34.90 mu g/kg for hypoxia alone; P < 0.01) after 21 days of exposure. SOD activity increased 7 days after hyperoxia exposure and then decreased to levels similar to the air exposure group. MDA levels increased to a peak at 7 days and remained at higher levels through 21 days of exposure when compared with the air exposure group (P < 0.01). Losartan treatment significantly increased SOD activities (82.94 +/- 4.62 U/mg protein vs 67.78 +/-8.02 U/mg protein; P < 0.01) and decreased MDA levels (30.54 +/- 5.89 nmol/mg protein vs 48.75 +/- 8.09 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.01) compared with the hyperoxia exposure group 21 days after exposure.

CONCLUSIONSLosartan attenuated lung fibrosis in neonatal rats with hyperoxia-induced CLD, possibly through an increase of antioxidase enzyme activity and reduction of lipid peroxidation.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Hydroxyproline ; analysis ; Hyperoxia ; complications ; Infant, Newborn ; Losartan ; therapeutic use ; Lung ; pathology ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Objective To find out the accurate resonance frequencies and vibration characteristics of intestine,lung,kidney,stomach,heart and liver of rat and rabbit in low frequency and to provide basic data for the study of organs' resonance injury and reaction.Methods Eight rats and eight rabbits were anaesthetized with 1.5％ sodium pentobarbital and acceleration sensor was fixed to the surface of their bowels.The rats were fastened on their back on the veneer hung horizontally by rubber band.The veneer was hammered upward from the down side,and the biggest value of frequency spectrum was considered the resonance frequency.Rabbits were fastened on their back on vibration platform and 2 mm amplitude vibration was given with the sweeping-frequency from 2 Hz to 50 Hz.The bowels amplitudes on each frequency point were measured.The frequency corresponding to the biggest amplitude was considered the resonance frequency.Results The resonance frequencies of rat intestine,lung,kidney,stomach,heart and liver were respectively 3.8,3.2,6.6,7.0,4,6 and 3.0 Hz within frequency interval of 0 Hz to 20 Hz.The resonance frequencies of rabbit intestine,lung,kidney,stomach,heart and liver were respectively 6.0,5.0,7.0,8.0,6.0 and 7.0 Hz within frequency interval of 2 Hz to 50 Hz.The vibration amplitude of lung was the biggest at the resonance frequency.The resonance frequencies of both rat and rabbit bowels showed no statistical correlations to body weights,bowel mass and bowel volumes.Conclusion Bowel resonance frequencies of rat and that of rabbit are evidently statistical different except for that of kidney.The resonance frequency values of rabbit bowels are closer to that of dog and monkey than to that of rat.Thus the resonance injury characteristic of rabbit bowels can be the research basis for dog,monkey,and even human bowels resonance injury.

Objective To analyze and compare the MRI appearances of ovarian thecoma with pathologic findings in order to improve the knowledge of the disease.Methods Nineteen cases of ovarian thecoma confirmed by histopathology were analyzed.MRI morphological characteristics and signal intensity of the lesions were observed and compared with findings of pathomorphology.Correlation analysis between tumor size and amount of ascites was made.Results Ovarian thecoma displayed iso-or hypointense signal on T_1WI and significant hypointensity in the focal lesion on T_2WI.Hyperintensity occurred when cystic degeneration of the lesions existed.Fibrous septation was detected in some lesions.After enhancement,most lesions showed mild early enhancement with slight increase on the delayed phase.Pathological necrosis and cystic degeneration were seen in 9 cases which corresponded to the number and shape of the cystic lesions on MRI.A large amount of collagen hyperplastic was found between the oncocytes microscopically in 15 cases, which displayed significant hypointensity in the focal lesion on T_2WI;another 4 cases showed relatively less amounts of collagen hyperplastic and more oncocytes,which appeared moderate intensity in the focal leisom on T_2WI.The amount of ascites was not significantly correlated with the lesion size(r=0.43,P=0.10). Conclusions Hypointensity on T_2WI and mild enhancement pattern due to poor blood supply are the characteristics of ovarian thecoma.The MR findings can reflect the pathologic features of the tumor,which is helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.