Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Hypothalamic Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy

In order to establish the stable andreliable ISSR-PCR System of Lysimachia christinae, L16 (4(5)) orthogonal design, which based on 7 levels of single factor experiment, were used in this study. The variance analysis was carried out by SPSS 19.0, and 5 main factors affecting the reaction system were optimized in 4 levels. The best annealing temperature was selected by the optimized reaction system. And the stability and reliability of this system was tested by 23 samples from different origins. The results showed that the five factors (DNA template, primer, dNTP, Mg2+ and Taq enzyme) were the most impacts on the amplified results of ISSR-PCR of L. christinae. The order of the influence was: primer > Taq enzyme > DNA template > Mg2+ > dNTP. The optimal system, which was determined by multiple comparison on different levels of each factor, was total volume of 25 microL, including DNA template 60 ng, primer 0.3 micromol x L(-1), dNTP 0.2 mmol x L(-1), Mg2+ 1.8 mmol x L(-1), Taq enzyme 1.25 U. The optimal system was stable and reliable tested by 23 samples from different origins. This study lays the foundation for genetic diversity analysis, fine varieties selection and molecular identification of L. christinae, and provides reference for optimization on ISSR-PCR system of other speciesin future.
DNA Primers ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; classification ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Primulaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (fine particulate matter, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) on lung function of college students in autumn and winter in Wuhan.

METHODSIn this panel study, 37 college students (excluded subject of respiratory disease and smoking history) aged 19 - 21 were investigated by cluster sampling in a university in Wuhan. The follow-up study lasted for 28 days in total, including two study periods, Oct. 29 to Nov. 11, 2009 (autumn) and Dec. 23, 2009 to Jan.5, 2010 (winter), the peak expiratory flow (PEF) of the college students were measured daily in the morning and evening in the university. PM10 and PM2.5 were monitored indoors and outdoors. The effects of PM on lung function of college students were analyzed by using generalized estimating equation (GEE).

RESULTSAverage daily concentrations of indoor, outdoor PM2.5 in autumn were (91.3 ± 43.7) and (104.2 ± 49.4) µg/m(3) respectively, while in winter the concentrations of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 were (110.6 ± 42.3) and (143.5 ± 51.2) µg/m(3). The single pollutant model showed that in winter, the evening PEF decrement was significantly associated with increasing outdoor PM2.5. With an increase of 10 µg/m(3) outdoor PM2.5, the PEF measured in the evening decreased 1.27 L/min (95%CI: 0.02 - 2.52 L/min, respectively). Meanwhile, the results showed that 2-days lagged outdoor PM2.5 was also significantly associated with morning PEF. An increase of 10 µg/m(3) 2-days lagged outdoor PM2.5 caused the decrease of 1.82 L/min (95%CI: -3.53 - -0.11 L/min) of PEF measured in the morning. Controlling the influence of gaseous pollutants and building the two pollutants models, the results indicated that no significant changes of PEF of students being exposed to PM2.5 on same day (lag 0) were observed. However, under consideration of SO2 effect, significant association between an increase of 10 µg/m(3) 2-days lagged outdoor PM2.5 and changes of morning PEF (-1.81 L/min, 95%CI: -3.51 - -0.11 L/min, P = 0.037) was found. The relationship between changes of concentrations and PEF was not observed in autumn in this study.

CONCLUSIONIn our panel study, exposure to outdoor PM2.5 is significantly associated with PEF among college students in winter, but not in autumn.

Air Pollutants ; China ; epidemiology ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate ; Particulate Matter ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Seasons ; Students ; Young Adult

To investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on autophagy in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) and involvement of NF-κB pathway in it.Methods 1)HSC-T6 cells were treated with LPS at the concentraction of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L for 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h respectively, Microtubule-associated protein light chain Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ) and Beclin1 levels were detected by Western blot; 2)HSC-T6 cells were randomized into groups of control group, LPS group, PDTC group, LPS+PDTC group, PMA group and LPS+PMA group, Western blot assay was used to measure the levels of LC 3Ⅱand Beclin1, immunofluoresence was used to measure NF-κB P65 intracellular distribution.The levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp) were determined by the method of colorimetry and the levels of laminin (LN) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were determined by ELISA in the culture supernatants after corresponding processing .Results The levels of LC3Ⅱand Beclin1 were significantly increased after HSC-T6 cells were treated with LPS at the concentraction of 0.1 mg/L for 6 h and the levels of Hyp, LN, and HA in the culture supernatants increased remarkably as well (P<0.05).PDTC pretreatment increased the levels of LC3Ⅱand Beclin1 in the LPS-treated HSC-T6 cells while decreased the levels of Hyp , LN, and HA significantly (P<0.05).PMA pretreatmen decreased the levels of LC 3Ⅱand Beclin1 in the LPS-treated HSC-T6 cells while increased the levels of Hyp, LN, and HA (P<0.05).Conclusions LPS can promote autophagy and activation of NF -κB pathway in HSC-T6 cells.Activation of NF-κB pathway may inhibit the LPS-induced autophagy of HSC-T6 cells.

OBJECTIVEThe main objective of this study is to assess the the effect of simvastatin (sim) on myocardial no-reflow (NR) and explore the possible potential mechanisms.

METHODSAdult male Wistar rats were randomized into sham group (n = 12), I/R (90 min ischemia via coronary ligation/120 min reperfusion, n = 18) and I/R plus sim group (20 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1) sim pretreated via gavage beginning 3 days before I/R, n = 18). After reperfusion, area at risk/area of left ventricular (RA/LVA), area of NR, determined by the area not perfused by thioflavin-S/area at risk (NA/RA) and area of myocardial infarction/area at risk (MIA/RA) were measured. Myocardium homogenate was used to determine the activity of eNOS, iNOS and MPO, and the content of NO and MDA. Myocardial immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive index of NF-kappaB p65 in cardiomyocytes and arteriole.

RESULTSThe NR and myocardial infarction areas in I/R plus sim group were significantly smaller than those in I/R group (34.10 +/- 7.05 vs. 52.09 +/- 6.89, 78.80 +/- 7.60 vs. 90.13 +/- 5.72, each P < 0.05) while the ischemia area was similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The myocardial activities of iNOS and MPO, the contents of NO and MDA were significantly lower while eNOS activity was significantly higher in I/R plus sim group than those in I/R group (5.02 +/- 1.64 vs. 9.19 +/- 2.89, 586.21 +/- 126.97 vs. 744.49 +/- 137.53, 257.72 +/- 93.43 vs. 384.10 +/- 40.68, 72.10 +/- 18.56 vs. 111.84 +/- 38.58, 7.08 +/- 1.74 vs. 3.72 +/- 0.98, all P < 0.05). The positive index of NF-kappaB p65 in cardiocytes and arteriole at left ventricular wall near the area of myocardial infarction was significantly lower in I/R plus sim group than that in I/R group (21.59 +/- 10.5 vs. 34.32 +/- 9.55, 27.27 +/- 13.19 vs. 44.91 +/- 15.06, each P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSimvastatin could improve myocardial NR after ischemia-reperfusion by attenuating endothelial dysfunction and inhibiting inflammation and neutrophil activation.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Myocardial Reperfusion ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; drug therapy ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Simvastatin ; pharmacology

Glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis is the most frequent of all secondary types of osteoporosis, and can increase the risk of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). There are promising additions to current medical treatment for appropriately selected osteoporotic patients. Few studies have reported on the efficiency of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or kyphoplasty for whole thoracic and lumbar glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with intractable pain caused by successional VCFs treated by PVP.
Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy ; Fractures, Compression/*radiography ; Glucocorticoids/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Kyphoplasty ; Lumbar Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; Male ; Osteoporosis/*chemically induced/radiography/surgery ; Pulmonary Fibrosis/drug therapy ; Thoracic Vertebrae/radiography/surgery ; Vertebroplasty

OBJECTIVETo observe the morphological change of prominence through CT three-dimensional reconstruction before and after manipulative treatment and in order to investigate biomechanical effect of manipulation in treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH).

METHODSFrom December 2009 to May 2010, 24 patients with LIDH (32 herniated discs) with the unilateral typing,which were treated with manipulation (on alternate day one time and every time about 20 min, 3 weeks as a course of treatment). There were 10 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 25 to 54 years with an average of 36.2 years, in course of disease from 2 days to 10 years with an average of 6.9 years. Protrusible 12 discs were in L4,5 and 20 discs were in L5S1. According to typing of distance between prominence and zygapophysial joint or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), 5 cases were type I, 13 cases were type II and 6 cases were type III. After a course of treatment,the morphological changes of prominences were analyzed in the same level of CT three-dimensional reconstruction, including contour map of nerve root sheath side distance (TD), the distance between prominence and zygapophysial joint or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), the deviated angle of prominence (AN value) and the sagittal index (SI value).

RESULTSFrom the contour map of TD, 19 patients (79.2% of the total) can be identified morphological changes after the treatment; from the distance between prominence and zygapophysial joint or vertebral plate (ligamentum flavum), 7 cases with type II turned into type I and 2 cases with type III turned into type II after treatment; AN value increased after treatment (P<0.05),it showed prominence occurred morphological change toward deviated direction of intervertebral foramina; there was no significant difference in SI value between before and after treatment (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONStandard manipulation can make prominence change, the prominence and nerve roots release, and mutual position improve,which can provide imaging evidence for the study in biomechanical effects.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo achieve pregnancy with unaffected embryo using in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis(PGD) for the couples at risk of having children with beta-thalassemia.

METHODSA couple carrying different thalassemia mutations of codon 41/42 and codon IVS2 position 654 received standard IVF treatment and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo biopsy, single cell polymerase chain reaction and DNA analyses, and only the unaffected or carrier embryos were transferred to uterus. Pregnancy confirmation, and prenatal diagnosis were done at 20 week's gestation.

RESULTSA total of 13 embryos were analyzed in the IVF cycle. PGD indicated that 2 were normal 18.1 , 3 were affected 27.3 , and 6 were carriers 54.5 ; diagnosis was not possible in 2. Three embryos were transferred to uterus on the third day after oocyte retrieval. Ultrasonography showed twin pregnancy with one blighted ovum. The prenatal diagnoses revealed that both fetuses were unaffected, one normal baby and one carrier were born.

CONCLUSIONThese studies represent the successful application of PGD for beta-thalassemia in China.

Adult ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Preimplantation Diagnosis ; methods ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; beta-Thalassemia ; diagnosis ; genetics ; prevention & control

BACKGROUNDThe Notch-regulated ankyrin repeat protein (NRARP) is recently found to promote proliferation of breast cancer cells. The role of NRARP in carcinogenesis deserves extensive investigations. This study attempted to investigate the expression of NRARP in thyroid cancer tissues and assess the influence of NRARP on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasion in thyroid cancer.

METHODSThirty-four cases with thyroid cancer were collected from the Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between 2011 and 2012. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the level of NRARP in cancer tissues. Lentivirus carrying NRARP-shRNA (Lenti-NRARP-shRNA) was applied to down-regulate NRARP expression. Cell viability was tested after treatment with Lenti-NRARP-shRNA using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry. Cell invasion was tested using Transwell invasion assay. In addition, expressions of several cell cycle-associated and apoptosis-associated proteins were examined using Western blotting after transfection. Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), or Kaplan-Meier were used to analyze the differences between two group or three groups.

RESULTSNRARP was highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues. Lenti-NRARP-shRNA showed significantly inhibitory activities against cell growth at a multiplicity of infection of 10 or higher (P < 0.05). Lenti-NRARP-shRNA-induced G1 arrest (BHT101: 72.57% ± 5.32%; 8305C: 75.45% ± 5.26%) by promoting p21 expression, induced apoptosis by promoting bax expression and suppressing bcl-2 expression, and inhibited cell invasion by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression.

CONCLUSIONDownregulation of NRARP expression exerts significant antitumor activities against cell growth and invasion of thyroid cancer, that suggests a potential role of NRARP in thyroid cancer targeted therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Cycle ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Survival ; genetics ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; mortality ; pathology

BACKGROUNDSo far, in China, there has been no effective or easy procedure to define the control of asthma. This study assesses the validity of Asthma Control Test in Chinese patients.

METHODSThree questionnaires (Asthma Control Test, Asthma Control Questionnaire and the 30 second asthma test) were administered to 305 asthma patients from 10 teaching hospitals across China. Spirometry was also used. Asthma specialists rated the control of asthma according to patients' symptoms, medications and forced expiratory volume in first second. The patients were divided into noncontrolled group and controlled group according to the specialists' rating. Reliability, empirical validity and screening accuracy were conducted for Asthma Control Test scores. Screening accuracy was compared among 3 questionnaires. The patients' self rating and the specialists' rating were also compared.

RESULTSThe internal consistency reliability of the 5-item Asthma Control Test was 0.854. The correlation coefficient between Asthma Control Test and the specialists' rating was 0.729, which was higher than other instruments. Asthma Control Test scores discriminated between groups of patients differing in the percent predicted forced expiratory volume in first second (F = 26.06, P < 0.0001), the specialists' rating of asthma control (F = 88.24, P < 0.0001) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire scores (F = 250.57, P < 0.0001). Asthma Control Test showed no significant difference with Asthma Control Questionnaire in the percent correctly classified, while the percent correctly classified by Asthma Control Test was much higher than 30 second asthma test. The patients' self rating was the same as assessment of the specialists (t = 0.65, P = 0.516).

CONCLUSIONThe Asthma Control Test is an effective and practicable method for assessing asthma control in China.

Adult ; Aged ; Asthma ; diagnosis ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Spirometry ; Surveys and Questionnaires