Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

BACKGROUNDMechanical asynchrony is an important parameter in predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy, but detailed knowledge about cardiac timing in healthy persons is scarce. Therefore, in the current study, we sought to investigate the physiological status of interventricular synchronicity using pulse wave flow and tissue Doppler imaging in a healthy Chinese population.

METHODSEighty-eight healthy volunteers underwent standard flow and tissue Doppler echocardiographic examinations. Ventricular inflow and outflow pulse wave flow Doppler patterns were recorded together with annulus pulse tissue Doppler imaging. Time intervals from the beginning of the QRS complex to the onset, peak and end of each wave were measured.

RESULTSThe onsets of systole between left and right ventricles were highly synchronized by both imaging modalities. However, the left ventricle reached the peak flow ejection and peak mechanical contraction earlier than the right ventricle, (165.61 ± 26.23) ms vs. (204.3 ± 34.55) ms (P < 0.01) and (133.62 ± 26.19) ms vs. (191.25 ± 38.47) ms (P < 0.01). Time to peak early diastolic relaxation was earlier in the left ventricle than in the right heart, (500.23 ± 56.52) ms vs. (524.94 ± 47.42) ms (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSLeft and right ventricles were well synchronized at the onsets of systole and diastole even though interventricular peak systolic and peak early diastolic dyssynchrony was observed in healthy people by pulse wave Doppler imaging. In addition, diastolic timing events were slightly affected by age and gender.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Diastole ; physiology ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; methods ; Female ; Heart Ventricles ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Systole ; physiology ; Ventricular Function, Left ; Ventricular Function, Right ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the actual relationship between the impacted mandibular third molars (IMTM) and the mandibular canals on panoramic radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods A cress-sectional study design was used and panoramic radiographs of 390 patients (645 sides developed IMTM) were included in the present study. The relationship between the IMTM and the mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs was defined in three types: 'untouched', 'touching in point',and 'superimposition or line touching'. The IMTM superimposing and line touching with mandibular canals on panoramic radiographs were examined by CBCT. Results The relationship types on panoramic radiographs were as follows: 'untouched' type 441 IMTM (68.4%), the type of 'touching in point' 149 IMTM (23. 1%) and the type of 'superimposition and line touching' 55 IMTM (8.5%). CBCT showed that 25 (50%) of 50 IMTM of superimposition and line touching type impinged on the mandibular canals. Conclusions More than 90% of IMTM which do not have intimate relationship with the mandibular canals can be screened out by panoramic radiographs. The IMTM which belong to the line touching and superposition type on panoramic radiographs should be examined by CBCT.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)in judging the relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar(IMTM)and the inferior alveolar canal(IAC).Methods Sixty IMTM superimposing on the canal partially or touching the canal in line on panoramic radiograms were examined by CBCT. All CBCT images of these cases were observed by two dentists respectively. Then, all these IMTM were extracted by minimally invasive surgery, and the conditions of the IMTM sockets were observed. Two dentists observed the CBCT images independently and reached a consensus. Diagnosis test was performed in this study. Results Eight IMTM sockets were bleeding during the extracted operation, and whether the IAC wall was broken could not be judged. The other 52 IMTM sockets were clear and the walls of IAC were broken in 29 IMTM extractions. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CBCT were 82.8%, 87.0%, 88.9% and 80.0% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy judged by the two dentists and Kappa coefficient were calculated as 84.6% and 0.800. Conclusions The CBCT examination had good authenticity and reliability, and it was very helpful in predicting the actual relationship between the IMTM and IAC.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of fascioliasis in yaks, Bos grunniens, from 3 counties of Gansu Province in China. A total of 1,584 serum samples, including 974 samples from white yaks from Tianzhu, 464 from black yaks from Maqu, and 146 from black yaks from Luqu County, were collected and analyzed using ELISA to detect IgG antibodies against Fasciola hepatica. The overall F. hepatica seroprevalence was 28.7% (454/1,584), with 29.2% in white yaks (284/974) and 27.9% in black yaks (170/610). The seroprevalence of F. hepatica in yaks from Tianzhu, Luqu, and Maqu was 29.2%, 22.6%, and 29.5%, respectively. Female yaks (30.9%) had higher F. hepatica seroprevalence than male yaks (23.4%). Also, F. hepatica seroprevalence varied by different age group from 24.1% to 33.8%. Further, the seroprevalence ranged from 21.8% to 39.1% over different seasons. Interestingly, the season and age of yaks were associated with F. hepatica infection in yaks in the investigated areas. These findings provided a basis for further studies on this disease in yaks from 3 counties of Gansu Province in northwestern China, which may ultimately support the development of effective control strategies of fascioliasis in these areas.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Cattle* ; China* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fasciola hepatica ; Fascioliasis* ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Male ; Ranunculaceae ; Risk Factors* ; Seasons ; Seroepidemiologic Studies*

OBJECTIVETo establish a simple, rapid, inexpensive and sensitive method for detecting hot region for mutations in exon 7 of PAH gene.

METHODSHigh-resolution melting (HRM) technology was used to detect a c.728G>A mutation in exon 7 in 88 patients with classical type phenylketonuria. Suspected mutations were validated by direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe results detected by HRM are in good agreement with the results obtained by direct sequencing.

CONCLUSIONHRM analysis is a simple, rapid, inexpensive and sensitive method for detecting hot mutational region in exon 7 of PAH gene.

Base Sequence ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mutation ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Nucleic Acid Denaturation ; Phenylalanine Hydroxylase ; genetics ; Phenylketonurias ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Transition Temperature

OBJECTIVEMalignant transformation of epithelial cell frequently coincides with loss of E-cadherin. Here we study the expression of Snail and E-cadherin and correlate their expression with cell differentiation and in vitro invasion.

METHODSThe expression and localization of Snail and E-cadherin were studied by Northern blot and laser confocal microscopy in two normal cell lines (MDCK, NIH 3T3) and six carcinoma cell lines (A431, MCF-7, MDA-MB-453, HepG2, MDA-MB-435s, MDA-MB-231). Boyden chamber assay was done to detect the invasive ability of cells in vitro.

RESULTSSnail mRNA and protein were detected in fibroblasts NIH 3T3 and poorly differentiated carcinoma cell lines HepG2, MDA-MB-435s and MDA-MB-231. On the contrary, E-cadherin mRNA and protein were detected in normal epithelial cell line MDCK and well differentiated carcinoma cell lines A431 and MDA-MB-453. In MCF-7 cells, Snail and E-cadherin expressions were revealed both at mRNA and protein levels. The cells with higher expression of Snail had stronger ability of invasion than those with lower expression of Snail.

CONCLUSIONThere is an inverse correlation between Snail and E-cadherin expressions and their expressions are correlated with cell differentiation and tumor invasiveness.

3T3 Cells ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cadherins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; metabolism ; Dogs ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Mice ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Snail Family Transcription Factors ; Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of 11, 12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11, 12-EET) preconditioning and postconditioning on Ca(2+)-handling proteins in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in rats and reveal the effects and mechanism of 11, 12-EET on cardioprotection. METHODS The IR injury model was built by stopping perfusion for 40 minutes followed by reperfusion for 30 minutes. The isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were divided into 4 groups: control group, IR group, EET preconditioning (Pre-EET) group and EET postconditioning (Post-EET) group. The computer-based electrophysiological recorder system was used to measure the changes of the maximal rate of pressure increased in the contraction phase (+dp/dt(max)), the maximal rate of pressure decreased in the diastole phase (-dp/dt(max)), the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and the difference of left ventricular pressure (delta LVP). The activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum was measured with colorimetric method. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the gene expression of C(a2+)-handling protein [sarcoplasic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR,), and 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate inositol receptor type 2 (IP3 R2) ] mRNAs level.

RESULTSCompared with IR group, the myocardial functions, the value of Ca(2+)-ATPase, and the expressions of IP3 R2 mRNA were significantly increased and the expression of PLB mRNA was significantly decreased in both Pre-EET group and Post-EET group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). And the expression of SERCA mRNA was significantly increased in Pre-EET group (P < 0. 05). However, no significant differences were detected between Pre-EET and Post-EET groups. Moreover, the expression of RyR2 mRNA was not significantly different among all groups.

CONCLUSIONS11, 12-EET preconditioning and post-conditioning can protect myocardium from IR injury by elevating the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum, up-regulating the expression of IP3 R2 mRNA, and down-regulating the expression of PLB mRNA. Moreover, up-regulating the expression of SERCA mRNA maybe one of mechanisms of 11, 12-EET preconditioning on cardio protection against IR injury.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; methods ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Rats ; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel ; metabolism ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; drug effects ; metabolism

According to the reported gene sequence of Rhizopus oryzae glucoamylases, the glucoamylase gene containing four introns was cloned from the total DNA of the natural Rhizopus arrhizu. Specific primers were designed to delete introns by overlapping PCR and a new cDNA sequence of Rhizopus arrhizu glucoamylase was obtained. The accession number in gene bank is DQ903853. This gene is successfully expressed in the Picha pastoris, producing a new protein with a high activity of glucoamylase.
Biocatalysis ; Blotting, Western ; Cloning, Molecular ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; Glucan 1,4-alpha-Glucosidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pichia ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; metabolism ; Rhizopus ; enzymology ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting survivin on adhesion and invasion of human colon carcinoma cell line SW480 in vitro.

METHODSAccording to the sequence of the coding region of survivin gene, two strings of 19 nucleotides of inverted sequence flanking the loop sequence of two complementary 9-base oligonucleotides were designed and synthesized to prepare the hairpin construct as the DNA templates for the target shRNA. The shRNA templates were cloned into shRNA expression vector pRNAT-U6.1/Neo, and the resulted vector pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-survivin was transfected into SW480 cells using Lipofectamine 2000. Western blotting was performed to evaluate survivin gene silencing induced by shRNA transfection at the protein level, and the biological behaviors of the SW480 cells were investigated by cell-matrix adhesion, invasion and gelatin-zymography assays.

RESULTSWestern blotting revealed significantly lowered survivin protein expression in transfected SW480 cells, and survivin gene silencing induced by shRNA significantly suppressed the metastatic potential of SW480 cells in association with suppressed MMPs activity.

CONCLUSIONSSurvivin may play an important role in modulating human colorectal carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis, and survivin gene silencing can inhibit human colorectal cancer cell invasion and the production of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Survivin may affect invasion and metastasis of human colorectal carcinoma cells via regulating the production of MMPs.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colonic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; Inverted Repeat Sequences ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; secretion ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; deficiency ; genetics ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; genetics ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics