OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of Ziyin Xiehuo Recipe (ZYXHR) for nourishing yin and lowering fire and Yishen Tianjing Recipe (YSTJR) for nourishing kidney and replenishing essence on regulating the gonadotrophic and somatotrophic functions of hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and to reveal the mechanisms of ZYXHR and YSTJR in modulating the course of pubertal development of children with precocious puberty. METHODS: The pubertal rats were fed with ZYXHR or YSTJR for 30 days, and the parameters of rats were monitored as the followings: The content of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the frequency and amplitude of GnRH impulse releasing, the releasing amounts of aminoacid neurotransmitters, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and beta-endorphin (beta-END) in the gonadotrophic area of the hypothalamus were detected with neurobiological methods (push-pull perfusion, homogenate, incubation of brain slices, and immunohistochemical staining). The levels of gene and protein expressions of GnRH, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SS) in hypothalamus, and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) in adenohypophysis as well as insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in metaphysis were determined with real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The ZYXHR could reduce the activity of GnRH neurons in hypothalamus through inhibiting the release of central exciting aminoacid neurotransmitters, whereas promoting the release of central inhibiting aminoacid neurotransmitters, NPY and beta-END in gonadotrophic area of hypothalamus. The expression levels of GnRH, FSH and LH mRNAs were down-regulated while the expression level of SS mRNA in hypothalamus was up-regulated in the ZYXHR-treated group. The GH mRNA in hypophysis and the IGF-I mRNA in metaphysis were both down-regulated by ZYXHR. The YSTJR could promote the activity of GnRH neurons in hypothalamus through inhibiting the release of NPY in gonadotrophic area of hypothalamus, up-regulating the expression levels of GnRH, FSH, LH and GH mRNAs in hypophysis, and IGF-I mRNA in metaphysis, while down-regulating the expression level of SS mRNA in hypothalamus. CONCLUSION: The ZYXHR and YSTJR could both regulate the gonadotrophic and somatotrophic functions of hypothalamic-pituitary axis through modulating the neuroendocrine regulation and the gene expressions of GnRH and SS in hypothalamus, GH, FSH and LH in hypophysis, and IGF-I in metaphysis. These may be the chief mechanisms of ZYXHR and YSTJR in modulating the course of pubertal development and ameliorating the skeletal development in children with precocious puberty.

Objective To investigate the effect of acute blood glucose on the level of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),interleukin-6 (IL-6),and the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).Methods The Wistar rats were infused intermittently or consistently with 50％ glucose solution.The level of GSH-Px was investigated with colorimetry.The level of IL-6 was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The expression of NF-κB was investigated with immunohistochemisty.Results The level of GSH-Px in aorta homogenate in the acute blood glucose fluctuation group [(6.26 ± 0.38) nmol/mgprot] was evidently lower than that of consistently high blood glucose group [(8.98 ± 0.56) nmol/mgprot] and the control group [(10.02 ±1.10)nmol/mgprot] (P ＜0.05).The level of IL-6 [(20.56 ±3.78)pg/ ml] and the expression of NF-κB in the aorta in the acute blood glucose fluctuation group [(16.35 ±2.45) pg/ml] were evidently higher than the other two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Acute glucose fluctuations induced the enhancing of oxidative stress and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the aorta,which leads to start NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathological characteristics of papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis.

METHODSUsing routine pathology and immunohistochemistry, we observed the surgically obtained samples from 2 cases of papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis, analyzed their pathological features and clinical presentations, and reviewed the related literature.

RESULTSThe 2 patients were both adult males. The tumors typically manifested as painless swelling in the epididymis, with occasionally dull pain and tenesmus in 1 of the cases. Pathologically, the lesions exhibited three morphological features, i. e., dilated ducts and small cysts surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, adenoid papillary hyperplasia into the cysts embraced by fibrovascular stroma, and acidophil substance present in the cysts. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumors were strongly positive for CK8/18, CK7, and EMA, but negative for CK20, CEA, MC, Calretenin, P53, P63, SMA, VHL, and CD10, with the positive rate of Ki-67 <1%. Follow-up visits revealed good prognosis in both cases.

CONCLUSIONPapillary cystadenoma of the epididymis is a rare benign tumor in the male urogenital system, which may be accompanied by the VHL syndrome. Surgery is the first choice for its treatment.

Adult ; Cystadenoma, Papillary ; chemistry ; pathology ; Epididymis ; Genital Neoplasms, Male ; chemistry ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Objective In order to investigate the impact of interactive online teaching in Laboratory Diagnosis, a randomized experimental study was conducted among the medical students in Grade 2009.Methods A total of 65 subjects were randomized into the experimental group (N=31) and the control group (N=34).In addition to the standard in-class presentation/discussion and school-wide refined online courses offered in the control group, interactive online teaching was added to experimental group.After completion of the course, the impact of interactive online teaching in the experimental group was compared to that in the control group through a final exam and a question-naire concentrating on motivation of study, problem solving and team working skills.Statistical signifi-cance of the comparison was evaluated using t-test.Results The results from the final exam showed that the average score in the experimental group was higher than the control group (87.20 ± 5.25 vs.82.69 ± 5.76), It is statistically significant (P=0.002).The average scores of short answer and case study questions in the experimental group was higher than the control group (26.16 ± 1.57 vs.25.31 ± 1.73, 18.94 ± 1.05 vs.15.53 ± 1.15), It is statistically significant (P=0.043,P=0.000).The satisfaction evaluation of interest in learning, timely answers to questions, learning, analytical skills, teamwork culture reflected by the questionnaire indicated statistically higher (P=0.041,0.000,0.000,0.000,0.000) average scores in the experimental group as compared to its counterparts in the control group (4.30 ± 0.65 vs.3.97 ± 0.62, 4.63 ± 0.49 vs.3.25 ± 0.88, 4.43 ± 0.57 vs.3.49 ± 0.65, 4.46 ± 0.57 vs.3.37 ± 0.73, 4.33 ± 0.66 vs.3.68 ± 0.58).Conclusion Interactive online teaching helps to improve the study performance of medical students in Laboratory Diagnosis.Incorporating interactive online teaching into the current course regarding Laboratory Diagnosis merits recommendation.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of blocking the JAK/STAT signal pathway on the activity of Caspase-3 in the synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis rats.MethodsFifty rat models of collageninduced arthritis,which had arthritis index more than 2 were divided into the model group,the low dosage of AG490 group,the medium dosage of AG490 group and high dosage of AG490 group.Inaddition,6 rats were treated as normal control group.Normal saline,AG490 1,5,10 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 were given by intraperitoneal injection.Then the volume claws and pathologic scores of the rat models were recorded and the activity of Caspase-3 in the synovial tissue were compared.The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD-t or Tamhane's T2 test.ResultsThe arthritis of the CIA models progressed fast,the volume of the claws and the pathological score of them were significantly higher than those of the control group.At the same time,no Caspase-3 positive express could be detected in the control group,whilethe model group had slightly increased expression.After different dosages of AG490 were applied,the swollen of joints was significantly improved compared with the model group.The histopathological score of the medium AG490 dosage of group and high dosage group(2.7±0.8,1.8+0.9) were remarkably decreased than those of the model group(4.3+1.2),the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.01).In addition,the Caspase-3 expression in the low,medium and high AG490 dosage group ( 1.90±0.15,3.13±0.33,3.56+0.34) was significantly higher than that of the model group(1.48±0.18)(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ).ConclusionBlocking JAK/STAT signal pathway can increase the activity of Caspase-3,reduce the excessive proliferation of synovial tissue,and improve arthritis symptoms.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of full-field digital mammography three-dimensional (3D) positioning system for localization and excision of nonpalpable breast lesions.Methods 106 patients with nonpalpable breast lesions and underwent preoperative localization were analyzed retrospectively.They underwent wire-localization operation guided by mammography 3D positioning system (GE Senogrphe DS).The depth of wire insertion was calculated manually and automatically.Combined with the manual measurement, systematic measurement, skin elasticity and breast parenchyma structure, the positioning wire was placed.Then, the clinical resection was performed according to the wire localization.Results The localization accuracy of mammography 3D positioning system was 100%.11 patients appearedsyncope.With the rest, psychological comfort and fluid infusion, patients recovered quickly.Conclusion Full-field digital mammography 3D positioning system can improve the accuracy of clinical resection of nonpalpable breast lesion.

Objective To study the effects of granisetron hydrochloride on vasovagal syncope(VVS) in rabbits.Methods Twenty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided stochastically into control group and intervention group,12 in each group. The control group was injected intravenously with normal saline. The intervention group was injected intravenously with granisetron hydrchloiride.Rabbit VVS models were established,each was taken at 4 points in time in the bloodletting process:T1,T2,T3,T4,to compare the bloodletting time,the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in T2,T3,T4 and the total blood volume between the groups,and monitor the heart rate, blood pressure during the entire process.Results 1.The time of intervention group in T2,T3,T4 was longer than the time of control group obviously(P

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

In order to ascertain prevalence rate of premarital sexual intercourse, unintended pregnancy and abortion, and evaluate associated factors of unintended pregnancy among undergraduates from all over China, the representative sample of unmarried undergraduates was obtained by using a multi-stage, stratified, probability cluster design, and data were collected by using a survey questionnaire. 62 326 available responders were gained. 11.6% of them acknowledged having experiences of premarital sexual intercourse (standardized prevalence rate of sexual intercourse was 13.8%). 31.5% of students active in premarital sex acknowledged undergoing unintended pregnancy. 76.2% of pregnant students selected abortion to end it. Of students active in premarital sex, 46.2% used contraception at the first sexual intercourse, 28.2% replied "always" using contraception in sexual intercourse. The rate of using condoms, oral contraceptives (OCs), and withdrawal among students who had used contraception was 52.0%, 31.0%, and 27.2% respectively. "No preparation for sex" (40.3%), "pleasure decrement" (32.1%), "won't-be-pregnancy in occasional sexual intercourse" (30.2%) were their common excuses for using no contraception. The identified risk factors for unintended pregnancy among students active in premarital sex by multivariate analysis were as follows: having no steady lover [having no steady lover vs having a steady lover: odds ratio (OR), 1.875; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.629-2.158], unaware of the course of conception (unaware vs aware: OR, 2.023; 95% CI, 1.811-2.260), considering abortion not endanger women's physical and mental health (no endangerment vs endangerment: OR, 2.659; 95% CI, 2.265-3.121), nonuse of contraception (never use vs always use: OR, 1.682; 95% CI, 1.295-2.185). Medical students were not less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy than nonmedical students (OR, 1.111; 95% CI, 0.906-1.287). The substantial proportion of unintended pregnancy among undergraduates indicates a need for convenient and targeted contraceptive education and services.

UNLABELLEDobjective: To investigate effects of buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on the rats' myocardial hypertrophic model induced by abdominal aortic constriction, and to clarify the molecular regulatory mechanisms for sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake.

METHODSHypertrophic myocardium rat model was induced by abdominal aorta constriction (AAC). Four weeks after modeling, rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group (Group S), the AAC model group (Group M), the Enalapril group (Group E), and the BYHWD treatment group (Group BYHWD), respectively. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), + dp/dtmax,-dp/dtmax, cardiac output (CO), heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were observed in each group after 12-week medication. The serum contents of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were detected using ELISA. The SERCA2a activity, the ex- pressions of SERCA2a, phospholamban (PLN), and PLN phosphorylation were observed finally.

RESULTSCompared with Group S, LVSP and LVEDP significantly increased,-dp/dtmax and CO obviously decreased, the myocardial tissue was obviously thickened, the serum contents of ANP and BNP increased, the activity and expression of SERCA2a decreased, the SERCA2a/PLN ratio and PLN phosphorylation degree decreased in Group M (all P <0.05). Compared with Group M, LVEDP obviously decreased, -dp/dtmax and CO obviously increased, the hypertrophy myocardial tissue was obviously lessened, the serum contents of ANP and BNP decreased, the activity of SERCA2a increased, the relative expression contents of SERCA2a, Ser16, and Thrl7 were elevated in Group BYHWD (all P <0.05). BYHWD had significant roles in elevating the SERCA2a/PLN ratio and PLN phosphorylation degree (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONBYHWD could significantly improve hemodynamics of heart failure rats, elevate CO, lessen cardiac hypertrophy, and improve the capabilities for sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake.

Animals ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; metabolism ; pathology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Constriction, Pathologic ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ; metabolism