Objective To discuss effects of anti-inflammatory mechanism of amygdalin on rats with type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods Wistar rats were randomized into normal group, model group, amygdalin group, and tripterygium group. Type II CIA rat models were established. From the 15th day after the modeling establishment, each administration group was given corresponding dose of medicine for continuous 28 days. Levels of TNF-αand sICAM-1 were detected by ELISA in serum of rats, and expression of TNF-α was detected by immuno-histochemical method. Results TNF-α positive expression in amygdalin group and tripterygium group was similar and significantly reduced compared with model group. Levels TNF-α and sICAM-1 in amygdalin group and tripterygium group significantly decreased compared with those in model group (P<0.05), without significant difference compared with normal group (P>0.05). Conclusion Amygdalin can inhibit the expression of TNF-α and levels of TNF-α and sICAM-1, in order to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To histomorphometricly assess changes occurred in the alveolar ridge following different methods of socket preservation and to compare them against natural healing without interventions. Methods The second、 third and fourth mandibular premolars were extracted from six beagles. Six extraction sites in each dog were randomly assigned to three treatments as follows:natural healing (T1), Bio-Oss Collagen (T2) and immediate implant with Bio-Oss (T3). Six month after surgery, the dogs were euthanized and tissue samples were sectioned, fixed and mounted, then were stained with toluidine blue. The histologic studies and morphological measurements were performed by using an optical microscope and a digital image software. Results Reabsorption in the buccal aspect of the alveolar crest of ridge was showed in all groups. With respect to the mean vertical bone loss of the buccal bone plate, T3 is lower than T1 and T2(P<0.001 ), while no significant differences were observed between T1 and T2. With regard to horizontal dimension of the alveolar process , a statistical significance could be found at 3mm and 4mm below the crest of ridge in group T1 and T3(P=0.017, P=0.042), while no statistical differences were found between other groups. Conclusions Both techniques of alveolar ridge preservation were not able to completely preserve the original bone volume after tooth extraction. Immediate implant placement in combination with Bio-Oss seems to have the potential to limit the reabsorption of the alveolar process efficiently , but the bone preserving effect of Bio-Oss Collagen is undesirable.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of vasectomy with the risk of prostate cancer in Chinese men.

METHODSWe systematically searched the databases CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for the literature relating the relationship between vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer in Chinese males up to December 2014. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two investigators independently selected the eligible publications, evaluated their quality, and extracted relevant information, followed by a meta-analysis with the software STATA 12.0.

RESULTSNine studies were included in the analysis involving 1 202 cases of prostate cancer and 4,496 controls. Random-effect model analysis revealed no statistically significant correlation between vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.62-1.79), with an obvious heterogeneity (P < 0.001, I2 = 85.7%). No significant publication bias was found among the included studies (Egger, P = 0.824; Begg, P = 0.348).

CONCLUSIONThe results of our meta-analysis do not support the association of vasectomy with the increased risk of prostate cancer in Chinese population.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; ethnology ; etiology ; Risk Assessment ; Vasectomy ; adverse effects

1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) is an important material for chemical industry, therefore, there is much interest in the production of 1,3-PD. The gene dhaT encoding 1, 3-propanediol dehydrogenase ( PDOR) of Citrobacter freundii was amplified by PCR. Sequence analysis of the similarity at the nucleotide and amino acid level between the gene encoding C. freundii PDOR and that of C. freundii ( U09771 ) were 78% and 90% , respectively. The recombinant plasmid pSE-dhaT was constructed by inserting dhaT gene into expression vector pSE380 and then transformed E. coli JM109. The recombinant strain was induced by IPTG to express dhaT. Further more the recombinant enzyme was purifed from recombinant E. coli by Ni-nitrilotriacetate affinity chromatography followed by Sephacral S-300 gel filtration. A single obvious protein about 42kDa could be obtained by the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of recombinant enzyme. The purified enzyme was used to determined enzyme property on the substrate of propionaldehyde and 1, 3-PD. The optimal temperature and optimal pH of the purified enzyme were 37℃, 8.0 for reduction and 25℃, 10. 5 for oxidation, respectively; and the kinetic property of PDOR about Km and V max were 10. 05mmol/L, 37. 27?mol/min/mg for propionaldehyde and 1. 28mmol/L, 25. 55?mol/min/mg for 1,3-PD, respectively; The deduced dhaT gene product (388 amino acids) showed a specific reduction activity of 49. 50U/mg and oxidation activity of 79. 92U/ mg. There also have a putative iron-binding motif ( G-XX-H-X-X-A-H-X-X-G-X-X-X-X-X-P-H-G) as a fingerprint pattern in the recombinant enzyme, the motif is fully conserved among these 1, 3-propanediol dehydrogenase. It is beneficial to the researches of high producing 1, 3-propanediol by gene engineering strain.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study investigated the protection provided by gabexate mesylate thermo-sensitive in-situ gel (GMTI) against grade III pancreatic trauma in rats. METHODS: A grade III pancreatic trauma model with main pancreatic duct dividing was established, and the pancreas anatomical diagram, ascites, and serum biochemical indices, including amylase, lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were examined. The pancreas was sliced and stained with hematoxylin eosin and subjected to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. RESULTS: Ascites, serum amylase, lipase, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the pancreas trauma (PT) groups with prolonged trauma time and were significantly decreased after GMTI treatment. The morphological structure of the pancreas was loose, the acinus was significantly damaged, the nuclei were irregular and hyperchromatic, and there was inflammatory cell invasion in the PT group compared to the control. After GMTI treatment, the morphological structure of the pancreas was restored, and the damaged acinus and inflammatory cell invasion were decreased compared to the PT group. Moreover, the cell apoptosis index was significantly increased in the PT group and restored to the same levels as the control group after GMTI treatment. CONCLUSIONS: GMTI, a novel formulation and drug delivery method, exhibited specific effective protection against PT with acute pancreatitis therapy and has potential value as a minimally invasive adjuvant therapy for PT with acute pancreatitis.
Amylases ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Ascites ; C-Reactive Protein ; DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Gabexate* ; Hematoxylin ; Interleukin-6 ; Lipase ; Methods ; Necrosis ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Rats*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of Dendrobium chrysotoxum.

METHODThe chemical constituents were isolated by various column chromatographic methods and structurally elucidated by spectral evidences.

RESULTTen compounds were obtained and identified as (+)-syringare sinol (1), 5alpha, 8alpha-epidioxy-24( R)-methycholesta-6, 22-dien-3beta-ol (2), trans-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-acrylic acid octacosyl ester (3), defusin (4), 3, 4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (5), 3, 4-dimethoxy-benzoic acid (6), vanillic acid (7), 3, 4-dimethoxy-benzoic acid methyl ester (8), 3, 5-dibromo-2-aminobenzaldehyde (9), heptadecanoic acid 2, 3-dihydroxy-propyl ester (10).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1, 2 and 6-10 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Furans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Vanillic Acid ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

Aim To investigate the effect of the novel benzoxazolone derivative 4-( 5′-dimethylamino )-naph-thalenesulfonyl-2 ( 3H )-benzoxazolone ( W3D ) on TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-in-duced RAW264.7 cells. Methods The cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and COX-2 in the cell supernatant were analyzed using ELISA methods. The protein ex-pression of IL-6, TLR4, MyD88, p-IRAK4 and NF-κB were investigated by western blot analysis, and the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and IL-6 were an-alyzed by RT-PCR. Results W3D could obviously in-hibit the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS- induced RAW264.7 cell supernatant, but it had no effect on the release of COX-2. Compared with the model group, the expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and IL-6 were decreased significantly in a dose dependent manner. Meanwhile, the expressions of p-IRAK4 and nucleus of NF-κB were decrease in W3D treated group compared with the model group. Conclusion The no-vel compound W3D could inhibit the release of the in-flammatory mediators through the regulation of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics of Streptococcus pneumonia-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (SP-HUS) in children.

METHODClinical and laboratory data of a pediatric case of SP-HUS were retrospectively analyzed and the key points of diagnosis and therapy were reviewed.

RESULTAn 18-month old girl was admitted with chief complaint of fever and cough for 5 days combined with mild labored breath. Breath sound was found weakened in right lung with lower lobe dullness on percussion. Laboratory tests revealed: WBC 3.7×10(9)/L, Hb 83 g/L, PLT 11×10(9)/L, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 180 mg/L. Morphological study of the RBCs showed marked anisocytosis and schistocytosis. Urinalysis showed 42.66 RBCs per high-power field, occult blood (+++), proteinura (++++). Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from blood, pleural fluid and sputum. Serotyping with simplified chessboard system was 3. The direct Coombs test was positive. Serum complement levels (C3 and C4) were depressed at 0.699 g/L, 0.064 g/L, respectively. Chest X-ray showed pleural effusion and infection of the right hemothorax. The computerized tomographic scan of the chest revealed pneumatoceles in the right lower lobe. The diagnosis on admission we considered was SP-HUS. Intravenous antibiotic therapy (vancomycin + cefoperazone/sulbactam) was administered. The renal replacement theraphy was administered to maintain electrolyte and fluid balances and adequate nutrition. Transfusions of washed red blood cells were administered to correct the anemia. One month after admission the patient was good with recovery. Liver and renal function recovered and the pneumonia was resolving, anemia and platelets were corrected. The direct Coombs test turned to be negative. Serum complement levels (C3 and C4) were normal. After 3-month follow-up, no clinical anomalies were detected.

CONCLUSIONSP-HUS should be suspected when the following occurs in the context of pneumococcal infections: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure and a positive Coombs test result. Serotype 3 of SP was associated with HUS.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; Coombs Test ; Female ; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome ; diagnosis ; etiology ; microbiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Pleural Effusion ; etiology ; Pneumococcal Infections ; complications ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Serotyping ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; classification ; isolation & purification

Objective To investigate the characteristics of radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RON) in patients with nasopharypgeal carcinoma after radiotherapy,and explore its risk factors.Methods A retrospective study was performed on the clinical data of 22 RON patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy,admitted to our hospital from January 1997 to January 2011.Their clinical manifestations,eye examinations and cranial MRI data were concluded.Results Visual deterioration,or even,blindness,was the most common manifestation.RON occurred after the initial radiotherapy in 18 cases,and during the initial radiotherapy in 2 cases.And 2 cases developed RON in re-irradiation for recurrences.Blindness developed in 8 eyes,and decreased vision occurred in 27 eyes; 14 patients displayed retinal optic nerve atrophy in the eye examinations.Typical radiological imaging of the skull showed optic nerve enlargement in 30 eyes,optic nerve atrophy in 5 eyes; and the incidence of optic neuropathy was high when radiation dose was over 70 Gy.Conclusion RON may occur in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients following radiotherapy,having vision disorders,visual field changes,abnormal visual evoked potential and typical cranial imaging performances; the occurrence of RON may be correlated with radiation field and radiation dose; routine eye and imaging examination is of great significance.

The microRNA (miRNA) regulation mechanisms associated with atherosclerosis are largely undocumented. Specific selection and efficient validation of miRNA regulation pathways involved in atherosclerosis development may be better assessed by contemporary microarray platforms applying cross-verification methodology. A screening platform was established using both miRNA and genomic microarrays. Microarray analysis was then simultaneously performed on pooled atherosclerotic aortic tissues from 10 Apolipoprotein E (apoE) knockout mice (apoE-/-) and 10 healthy C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Differentiated miRNAs were screened and cross-verified against an mRNA screen database to explore integrative mRNA-miRNA regulation. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to describe the potential pathways regulated by these mRNA-miRNA interactions. High-throughput data analysis of miRNA and genomic microarrays of knockout and healthy control mice revealed 75 differentially expressed miRNAs in apoE-/- mice at a threshold value of 2. The six miRNAs with the greatest differentiation expression were confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in atherosclerotic tissues. Significantly enriched pathways, such as the type 2 diabetes mellitus pathway, were observed by a gene-set enrichment analysis. The enriched molecular pathways were confirmed through qRT-PCR evaluation by observing the presence of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and SOCS3-related miRNAs, miR-30a, miR-30e and miR-19b. Cross-verified high-throughput microarrays are optimally accurate and effective screening methods for miRNA regulation profiles associated with atherosclerosis. The identified SOCS3 pathway is a potentially valuable target for future development of targeted miRNA therapies to control atherosclerosis development and progression.
Animals ; Aorta/metabolism/pathology ; Apolipoproteins E/*deficiency/metabolism ; Atherosclerosis/genetics/pathology ; Down-Regulation/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; MicroRNAs/*genetics/metabolism ; Models, Biological ; *Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism ; Reproducibility of Results ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction/*genetics ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Up-Regulation/genetics