Animals ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; etiology ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; etiology ; Homocysteine ; metabolism ; Humans ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVE To survey the antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and medical treatment among the aged patients suffering from underlying disease.METHODS A total of 326 strains of P.aeruginosa were isolated among the aged patients with underlying disease by sputum culture.Drug susceptibility was performed and effective antibiotic treatment was given.RESULTS Amikacin(8.0%),imipenem(12.0%) and piperacillin/tazobactam(16.0%) could be chosen.The symptom of 326 patients was alleviated after clinical treatment,while some sputum samples were found still positive.CONCLUSIONS Combined use of two kinds of medicines may produce better effects in the patients with underlying disease,who infected with P.aeruginosa,but sputum should not be emphasized to converse negative in this case.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of different administrations of antibodies against adipocyte plasma membrane proteins on growth and fat deposition in rats.

METHODNinety six female SD rats that weighed approximately 140 g were allotted randomly into four groups which were given negitive control yolk and positive yolk containing antibody (IgY) against adipocyte plasma membrane (APM) proteins by intragastric administration (i.g.) and subcutaneous injection (s.c.) respectively. Rats were given 1 ml of yolk for every three days in i.g. groups. Rats were given 1 ml of yolk for 4 consecutive days, and the procedure was repeated after one month. The trial lasted for 75 days after which rats were slaughtered for carcass analysis and sampling.

RESULTSThe body weight gain and food intake of rats were not different between treatment and control groups. In i.g. goups, positive yolk decreased mesemteric fat index, paramertrial fat index and perirenal fat index (P < 0.05), reduced serum triglycerides (P < 0.05) and increased serum free fatty acids (FFA) (P < 0.01), and also decreased serum leptin, insulin and TNF-alpha levels ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but did not affect gastrocnemius muscle index and serum cholesterol. In s.c. groups, positive yolk increased gastrocnemius muscle index (P < 0.05), reduced serum triglycerides and serum leptin (P < 0.01), increased serum TNF-alpha (P < 0.05), but did not affect adipose tissue depots, serum FFA, cholesterol and insulin.

CONCLUSIONAdministration of yolk antibody against APM proteins could effectively improve body composition of rats, and the treatment by intragastric administration could give better effect than by subcutaneous injection.

Adipose Tissue ; growth & development ; Animals ; Antibodies ; pharmacology ; Body Composition ; Egg Yolk ; immunology ; Female ; Growth and Development ; physiology ; Immunization ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective:To study the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Pericardium Meridian on the heart function of volunteers with acute hypoxia, and to provide scientific evidence for the acupoints selection along the affected meridian in acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. Methods:Based on a self-control design, eighteen healthy volunteers were recruited in the study. Points from the Pericardium Meridian [Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4), Quze (PC 3) and Tianquan (PC 2)], non-Pericardium Meridian point [Shousanli (LI 10)], non-meridian and non-acupoint points [1.0-1.5 cm lateral to Neiguan (PC 6) and Ximen (PC 4), respectively on both sides], and a blank control (only inhaling low-oxygen gas without EA stimulation) were selected to observe, once every week, 10 sessions in total, and only 1 acupoint was observed once. The volunteers inhaled low-oxygen gas mixture (10.8% O2 and 89.2% N2) for 30 min to imitate acute hypoxia. EA was conducted when the gas mixture was inhaled for 10 min and then lasted for 20 min; meanwhile, hemodynamic indexes such as cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), left cardiac work (LCW), left cardiac work index (LCWI) and heart rate (HR) were recorded on a hemodynamic monitor. Results:EA at the acupoints of Pericardium Meridian significantly down-regulated the increased CO/CI, LCW/LCWI, and HR (P<0.05), and significantly up-regulated the decreased SVR/SVRI in hypoxia (P<0.05); EA at other meridian acupoints or at non-meridian and non-acupoint points didn't produce such effects. Conclusion: EA at the Pericardium Meridian can obviously improve the cardiac hyper-activation caused by acute hypoxia in healthy volunteers.

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of targeted population in the high-risk areas of iodine deficiency disorders in Chongqing, so as to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures. Methods Six towns were selected in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties to found suspected dementia patients born after first Jan, 1997. Two hundred children aged 8-10 years were investigated in every town. The thyroid volume, intelligence quotient(IQ) and urinary iodine of the children were examined. Forty women (pregnant and nursing women) were investigated in every town. The iodine content of salt from their home was measured. The thyroid volume was examined by palpation and B-uhrasound. IQ was measured by combined Raven Test in China(CRT-RC2). Urinary iodine was determined using the acid digest arsenic-cerium contacting method, and iodined salt was detected using direct titration method. Results Six suspected dementia patients were found in the local town hospital. Five eases were excluded. There was 1 case born in other place. The rates of goiter by palpation and B-ultrasound were 9.58%(92/960) and 8.89%(65/731), respectively. The median of urinary iodine of children and women was 319.15 μg/L and 248.42 μg/L, respectively. The mean of IQ of the children was 103.32. The coverage rate of iodine salt from residents was 98.82%(336/340). Conclusions The iodine nutrition of children was good and there is no newly occurred cretinism in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties. Goiter rate and median of urinary iodine aged 8-10 years and of women, coverage rate of iodine salt from resident has meet the standard set for basical elimination iodine deficiency disorders.

AIMTo investigate the vasodilating effect and its mechanism of ethanol on isolated rat thoracic aorta at different resting tension.

METHODSThe tension of the isolated Sprague-Dawley rat thoracic aorta rings perfused with different concentrations of ethanol was measured using organ bath technique.

RESULTSAt different resting tension (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 g), ethanol (0.1-7.0 per thousand) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation on endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with KCl (6 x 10(-2)mol/L) or phenylephrine (PE, 10(-6) mol/L), and the vasodilating effect was the most potent when the aortic rings were at the resting tension of 3 g. Ethanol had much less vasodilating effect on endothelium-intact aortic rings. Ethanol at 3 per thousand (the maximum-effect concentration) inhibited the CaCl2 induced contraction and downward shifted concentration-response curve of endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted with KCI or PE at the resting tension of 3 g. Incubation of aorta with ruthenium red (10(-5) mol/L) or heparin (50 mg/L) decreased the vasodilating effect of ethanol (3.0 per thousand) on endothelium-denuded aorta precontracted with PE at the resting tension of 3 g.

CONCLUSIONEthanol induces endothelium-independent relaxation on rat thoracic aorta, which is concerned with the resting tension. This effect of ethanol may be mediated by the inhibition of voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels in the vascular smooth muscle cells. The inhibition of the ryanodine receptor and trisphosphate inositol (IP3) pathway may also contribute to this effect.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Inosine Triphosphate ; metabolism ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel ; drug effects ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to examine the in vitro effects of fenvalerate on steroid production and steroidogenic enzymes mRNA expression level in rat granulosa cells.

METHODSUsing primary cultured rat granulosa cells (rGCs) as model, fenvalerate of various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25, 125, 625 micromol/L) was added to the medium for 24 h. In some cases, optimal concentrations of 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (25 micromol/L), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 2 mg/L), or 8-Bromo-cAMP (1 mmol/L) were provided. Concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol(E2) and progesterone (P4) in the medium from the same culture wells were measured by RIA and the steroidogenic enzyme mRNA level was quantified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSFenvalerate decreased both P4 and E2 production in a dose-dependent manner while it could significantly stimulate rGCs proliferation. This inhibition was stronger in the presence of FSH. Furthermore, it could not be reversed by 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol or 8-Bromo-cAMP. RT-PCR revealed that fenvalerate had no significant effect on 3 beta-HSD, but could increase the P450scc mRNA level. In addition, 17 beta-HSD mRNA level was dramatically reduced with the increase of fenvalerate dose after 24 h treatment.

CONCLUSIONFenvalerate inhibits both P4 and E2 production in rGCs. These results support the view that fenvalerate is considered as a kind of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The mechanism of its disruption may involve the effects on steroidogenesis signaling cascades and/or steroidogenic enzyme's activity.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases ; analysis ; metabolism ; 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Estradiol ; analysis ; metabolism ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; pharmacology ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Hydroxycholesterols ; pharmacology ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Progesterone ; analysis ; metabolism ; Pyrethrins ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rats ; Steroids ; metabolism

Using the character of natural aggregation of CHO cells, and an ultrasonic and sedimentation column combined perfusion system to promote cells aggregation and retention into bioreactor,recombinant CHO cell strain MK3-A2 was cultured,which could secrete rhTNK-tPA, by a serum-free perfusion culture system. The culture periods in this two experiments were as long as 77 and 110 days respectively. The cells density reached 2?107 cells /ml. The average volumetric productivity of rhTNK-tPA was 89 mg/L?d, and the highest one was 216mg/L?d.The cells aggregation rate was approximately 90%, and the diameters of most of them were 285～570?m. During the perfusion culture the cells retention rate almost kept in 95% and the viability of cells was more than 85%.Thus, it means that aggregation culture with such perfusion system could be used to scale up produce biopharmaceuticals instead of microcarrier culture system.

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic effect of agonistic CD40 monoclonal antibody combined with tumor specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) on B lymphoma.

METHODSHuman B lymphoma cell line, Daudi cells, were cultured with CD40 mAb (5C11) for 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Annexin V/PI-binding assay was employed to analyze apoptosis, and FCM to analyze Fas (CD95) expression. Human peripheral monocyte-derived DC were loaded with apoptotic Daudi cells and stimulated by SC11 for further maturation. Tumor specific CTL were generated in vitro by co-culture of mature DC with autologous T lymphocytes. DNA fragmentations of Daudi cells treated with 5C11, CTL or 5C11 combined with CTL were determined by JAM assay. To establish the B lymphoma model, Daudi cells were subcutaneously injected into humanized SCID mice (hu-SCID). 1 or 3 weeks after tumor transfer. tumor-bearing mice were respectively treated with SC11, CTL, 5C11 combined with CTL by intraperitoneal injection. Tumor volume in differently treated mice was measured every week after therapy, and the survival of tumor-bearing mice was recorded.

RESULTS5C11 significantly up-regulated FAS expression in Daudi cells, but had no significant effect on apoptosis rate of Daudi cells. Tumor-specific CTL could effectively kill Daudi cells. Fragmentation of Daudi cells co-cultured with CTL was remarkably enhanced by combination with SC11. Tumor growth in hu-SCID mice was apparently delayed by treatment with SC11, CTL, or SC11 combined with CTL. Moreover, minimal tumor burden mice got 30.0% or 70.0% complete remission (CR), respectively, when received CTL treatment or combination treatment of SC11 with CTL, and the lifespan of tumor bearing mice was also prolonged significantly.

CONCLUSIONSC11 may enhance the sensitivity of Daudi cells to apoptosis by up-regulation of Fas expression and promote cytotoxicity of CTL in vitro and therapeutic effect in vivo.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; immunology ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; immunology ; CD40 Antigens ; immunology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Coculture Techniques ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunotherapy, Adoptive ; methods ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; immunology ; pathology ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Remission Induction ; Survival Analysis ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; cytology ; immunology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; fas Receptor ; immunology

Objective To find out the distribution pattern of environmental fluoride in the coal-burning endemic fluorosis areas to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures in Chongqing. Methods According to historical data in Chongqing In 2008, 4 endemic villages(Lingyun and Lizi Villages of Wushan County, and Taiping and Daqing Villages of Pengshui County) and 2 non-endemic villages (ShuangLou and XianLong Villages of Yongchuan County) were investigated. Dental fluorosis of children in 8 to 12 year old and residents over 16 years of age for clinical skeletal fluorosis were examined in four endemic villages. Five households from each of 6 villages were taken, where 500 g of coal, mixed clay with coal, mixed coal of soil, coal cinder, soil were sampled; 15 people were taken in each village, each household gathering 500 g of corn, rice, potatoes, vegetables, grain and vegetable, 100 g of dried pepper and 250 ml of drinking water were sampled from 15 families of each village. Household drinking water samples were collected 1, each 250 ml. For those having tea-drinking habit, each household was collected 50 g of tea and 600 ml of drinking tea, the amount of fluoride were determined. Indoor and outdoor air was collected and measured in 5 households in each village. Results The detected rate of dental fluorosis of children in endemic areas was 74.65% (736/986). The detected rate of skeletal fluorosis of adult was 7.20%(736/986). The average fluoride content of coal, mixed clay with coal, mixed coal of soil, cinder coal, soil in the endemic villages was (310.56±209.46), (360.51±224.96), (293.62±65.15), (186.59±133.66), (497.54±294.70)mg/kg. The average fluoride content in non-endemic villages was (48.68±10.62), (275.66±62.69), (152.20±34.43), (209.14±188.66),269.98±58.21)mg/kg. The fluoride content level of endemic villages was significantly higher than that of non-endemic villages(t=7.67,31.54,5.82, 5.82, all P<0.05). The average fluoride content of drinking water, corn, pepper, flee, potato and vegetable in the endemic villages was (0.30±0.14)mg/L, (1.83±2.67), (23.50±91.80), (0.77±0.25), (0.44±0.11), (0.48±0.18)mg/kg, The average fluoride content in non-endemic village was (0.18±0.06)mg/L, (2.21±0.46), (2.82±2.51), (1.31±0.21), (0.64±0.41), (1.10±0.77)mg/kg. The fluoride content in drinking water and pepper in the endemic villages was significantly higher than that of the non-endemic villages(t=7.79, 2.33, all P<0.05). The fluoride content of rice, potato and vegetable in the non-endemic villages was significantly higher than that of the endemic villages(t=39.29,4.69,4.01, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference of fluoride content of tea and drinking tea between endemic villages[(99.41±55.83)mg/kg, (1.59±0.91)mg/L] and non-endemic villages[(79.95±43.78)mg/kg, (1.80±1.16)mg/L, t=1.01, 0.27, all P>0.05]. The amount of drinking tea in the endemic village[(1.45±0.68)L/d] was higher than that in non-endemic village[(1.00±0.47)L/d, t=4.27, P<0.05]. The average fluoride content of indoor air in the endemic village[(12.77±8.08)μg/m3] was higher than that in non-endemic village [(1.16±1.08)μg/m3, t=9.49, P<0.01]. There was no significant difference of fluoride content of outdoor air between endemic village and non-endemic village[(1.10±1.57), (0.39±0.31)μg/m3, t=2.01, P>0.05)]. Conclusions The fluoride source of coal-burning endemic fluorosis areas are coal and mixed coal of soil in Chongqing. Fluoride enters into human bodies mainly via respiratory, not from food. Although fluoride is rich in pepper, people don't eat it, so reducing the fluoride content in indoor air is the principle measure. Drinking tea may be was one factor of endemic fluorosis, which needs to be further studied.