The MPN method was used to enumerate ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in water and sediments of several shallow lakes. The suitable incubation time, medium types and substrate (ammonium sulphate) concentrations were studied. The results showed that, MPN values increased with the incubation time, reaching a stable maximum at some time stages, which was 40 days in all the samples for MSF medium. Among the three media used (XZ-AOB、MSF、SW), MSF give the highest MPN value. In addition, am- monium sulphate concentration in medium was an important factor affecting MPN estimation of AOB. Compared to AOB in lake sediments, AOB in lake water was more sensitive to ammonium sulphate concentration.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Salvianolate on myosin heavy chain (MHC) in cardiomyocytes of congestive heart failure (CHF) rats.

METHODSSixty male SD rats were divided into 6 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the normal control group (NCG), the model group, the Captopril group (CAG), the low dose Salvianolate group (LSG), the high dose Salvianolate group (HSG), the Captopril and high dose Salvianolate group (CSG), 10 in each group. CHF rat model was established with peritoneal injection of adriamycin in all rats except those in the NCG. Equal volume of normal saline was peritoneally injected to rats in the NCG, once per week for 6 successive weeks. Corresponding medication was started from the 5th week of injecting adriamycin. Rats in the CAG were administered with Captopril solution at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Rats in the LSG and the HSG were administered with Salvianolate solution at the daily dose of 24.219 mg/kg and 48.438 mg/kg respectively by gastrogavage. Salvianolate was dissolved in 2 mL 5% glucose solution and administered by peritoneal injection. Rats in the CSG were peritoneally injected with high dose Salvianolate solution and administered with Captopril solution by gastrogavage. Two mL normal saline was peritoneally injected to rats in the model group, once per day for 8 successive weeks. Eight weeks later, the cardiac function and myocardial hypertrophy indices were detected by biological signal collecting and processing system. mRNA expression levels of alpha-MHC and beta-MHC in cardiac muscle were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Expressions of protein kinase C (PKC) in cardiac muscle were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, heart mass index (HMI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, HMI and LVMI decreased in HSG, CAG, and CSG groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). It was more obviously lowered in the CSG group than in the CAG group (P < 0.05). Compared with the NCG, the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC in cardiac muscle decreased, the mRNA expression level of p-MHC and the expression of PKC in cardiac muscle increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC in cardiac muscle was increased, and the mRNA expression level of beta-MHC and the expression of PKC in cardiac muscle were decreased in HSG, CAG, and CSG groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was statistical difference between the CSG group and the CAG group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSalvianolate could up-regulate the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC, and down-regulate the mRNA expression level of beta-MHC in cardiac muscle. Its mechanism might be related to decreasing the expression of PKC.

Animals ; Captopril ; Doxorubicin ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Heart Failure ; metabolism ; Male ; Myocardium ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; metabolism ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo observe the synergic or antagonistic effect of needling acupoints Fengchi (GB 20) and Tianzhu (BL 10), and Jiaji C4-C6 (EX-B2) on vertebro-basilar insufficiency (VBI).

METHODSSelf-control method was used and 20 cases of VBI were respectively treated with acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) and Tianzhu (BL 10), Jiaji (EX-B2). Their combination and the changes of vertebro-basilar artery's (VBA) systolic velocity of blood flow was detected.

RESULTSThe VBA's systolic velocity of blood flow after acupuncture were increased in all the 3 groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), with no significant difference among the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) and Tianzhu (BL 10) or Jiaji (C4-C6 ) or their combination can increase VBA's systolic velocity of blood flow, improving blood supply of vertebro-basilar artery, but they have no synergic or antagonistic effects.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Self-Control ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ; therapy

Objective To evaluate the size,aspect ratio and configuration in ruptured aneurysms. Methods Three-dimensional CT angiogram of 61 confirmed ruptured saccular aneurysms were analyzed.The maximum diameter and aspect ratio were measured,and the configuration of the aneurysms were observed. Results The average maximum diameter was 8.54 mm,and 78.8% of the aneurysms were less than 10 mm in maximum diameter.The average aspect ratio was 2.15,and more than 65% of the aneurysms had an aspect ratio over 1.6.45.9% of the aneurysms harbored a bleb or were multi-lobular in shape. Conclusion Aneurysms less than 10 mm in maximum diameter are also easy to rupture.More than 60% of the ruptured aneurysms had an aspect ratio over 1.6.Bleb and multi-lobular change are common in ruptured aneurysms.

Accidents, Traffic ; statistics & numerical data ; China ; Humans ; Wounds and Injuries ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo develop an effective method for screening recombinant hairpin RNA expression plasmids using single restriction endonuclease analysis.

METHODSThe double-strand DNA fragment containing a ClaI site (the flanking sequences of which were not complementary) was annealed and ligated into small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector pSilencer-4.1 that did not contain ClaI site to construct the circular pSilencer-4.1-ClaI vector. With BamHI and HindIII, the pSilencer-4.1-ClaIwas digested and ligated with the DNA template of green fluorescence protein (GFP) shRNA that did not include a ClaI site. The plasmid DNA of the positive clones was extracted and digested with ClaI, and the inserted DNA sequence of the non-linearized plasmid was identified by sequence analysis.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONDNA sequencing showed that pSilencer-4.1-ClaI was correctly constructed and the plasmids resistant to ClaI digestion were all recombinant vectors encoding GFP shRNA. The constructed pSilencer-4.1-ClaI can be used as a universal vector to construct the shRNA expression plasmid, and the incorporated ClaI sites may allow efficient screening of recombinant shRNA expression vectors.

Base Sequence ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Engineering ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; Inverted Repeat Sequences ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Restriction Mapping ; methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVEThis is a preliminary study of the endoscopic technique on open surgery. The purpose of this study is to introduce the use of endoscopic technique for the reconstruction of the condyle with costochondral graft through a preauricular incision.

METHODS33 patients of temporomandibular joint diseases (n=49) underwent reconstruction of mandibular condyle with costochondral graft. After preparation of the recipient site through a preauricular incision, maxillo-mandibular fixation, and preparation of the costochondral graft, the graft was fixed to the lateral side of the mandible ramus under the supervision of arthroscope.

RESULTSAll the patients had successful reconstruction of the condyle with costochondral graft without any severe bleeding or craniocerebral injury.

CONCLUSIONThis case series demonstrates the feasibility of endoscopic technique for the reconstruction of the condyle through a preauricular incision. It has the advantage of high efficiency, minimal postoperative morbidity, great patient comfort, and little appearance impairment. The endoscopic technique has a promising future.

Adult ; Arthroscopes ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Mandibular Condyle ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

OBJECTIVETo explore the relative factors on the failure in digit replantation in order to take preventions to control the risk factors.

METHODSFrom January 2013 to December 2013, 236 consecutive patients (311 fingers) underwent digit replantation were collected to analyze retrospectively, involving 183 males and 53 females with an average age of 34.5 years old ranging from 2 to 62 years old (6 cases under 6 years old and 230 cases elder than 6 years old). There were 51 thumbs, 87 index fingers, 78 middle fingers, 63 ring fings and 32 little thumbs. Forty cases(forty fings) who were failured as the observation group, the others as the control group. The factors of age, gender, finger, cause of injury, smoking history, ischemia duration, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair we assessed.

RESULTSAll 236 cases with 311 fingers were replanted, 40 fingers were failured after operation. The relative factors on the failure in digit replantation included smoking history, cause of injury, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair (P< 0.05). There were no significant correlation between the failure and age, gender, finger and ischemia duration (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSmoking history, causes of injury, plane of division, condition of venous drainage and condition of arterial repair are risks of failure in digit replantation. Before choosing the type of operation, it should be think about the patient's general conditions, injury status, grasp firmly the operative indications and actively carry out surgical treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Finger Injuries ; surgery ; Fingers ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Replantation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thumb ; injuries ; surgery ; Treatment Failure ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the expression of turnor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in fat tissue of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats and insulin resistance, and the long-term effects of early different nutritional diet.

METHODSThe IUGR rat model was established by food restriction of pregnant rats. A total of 32 newborn IUGR rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: IUGR model (S/N) group, IUGR high caloric diet (A) group, IUGR high caloric and high protein diet (B) group, IUGR high protein diet (C) group. Only the mother rats were given those different diets individually, and all IUGR newborn pups were lactated for 3 weeks. From the beginning of the 4(th) week, all IUGR pups were weaned and fed with normal diet till the end of the experiment. Eight normal birth weight newborn rats were used as the control group fed with the normal diet. Weight, perirenal fat weight, fasting glucose and insulin concentration and quantified TNF-alpha mRNA expression in adipose cell were measured at the 48(th) week. The insulin sensitive index (ISI) and the relation index between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight, fat weight/body weight (fw/bw) ratio and ISI were calculated.

RESULTSISI of IUGR model group, IUGR A and B groups was lower than normal control group, while perirenal fat weight, fw/bw and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in adipose cells were all significantly higher (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in these indexes between IUGR C group and normal control groups (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight and fw/bw (r(1) = 0.755, r(2) = 0.782, P = 0.000). Significant inverse associations between ISI and TNF-alpha mRNA (r = -0.556, P = 0.000) and fw/bw (r = -0.513, P = 0.02) were also found.

CONCLUSIONThe occurrence of insulin resistance in IUGR rats is possibly associated with central obesity and accumulation of the abdominal fat and adipose cell over-expression of TNF-alpha. The adipose TNF-alpha may be an important pathogenic factor of insulin resistance of IUGR. High protein diet is a reasonable nutritional intervention. Because it promotes the skeleton muscle catch-up growth but not fat catch-up growth, it can avoid the occurrence of central obesity and insulin resistance in IUGR rats.

Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Animals ; Diet ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Insulin Resistance ; Nutritional Status ; Pregnancy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of pregnancy malnutrition on the occurrence of insulin resistance (IR) in rat offspring during adult stage and to find out the relationship between TNF-alpha and IR; and to find out a reasonable early nutritional intervention measure for the prevention of IR, through giving different diets to offspring.

METHODSAn IUGR model was built by maternal nutrition restriction. 80 newborn IUGR female pups were randomly divided into 4 groups, the mother rats were given the following diet respectively for 3 weeks after delivery, pups were fed by mother milk: (1) The IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation) rat model was used and the animals were divided into: IUGR control group (group S/N) fed with normal diet, (2) IUGR high-caloric diet group (group A), (3) IUGR high-protein and high-caloric diet group (group B) and (4) IUGR high-protein isocaloric diet group (group C). Each group had 20 pups and another 20 normal female pups were fed with normal diet as the normal control group (group C/N). All pups were weaned at the 4th week of age and fed with normal diet till the end of the experiment. At the 12th week (adulthood) and 48th week (senility) of life, body weight and length, the fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, TNF-alpha of adipose tissue and body weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI), ISI (insulin sensitive index), IRI (insulin resistant index) and HBCI (beta cell insulin excretion index) and their correlation to TNF-alpha were calculated.

RESULTSAt 12th week and 48th week of life, the insulin sensitivity of IUGR model group was significantly lower than group C/N, although there was no significant difference of body weight between these two groups. TNF-alpha was negatively correlated with ISI, positively correlated with IRI and no relation to HBCI. Group A and B was fatter and developed more severe IR. There were no significant differences in ISI, IRI, HBCI and TNF-alpha between group C and group C/N.

CONCLUSIONSIUGR offspring of pregnancy malnutrition mother rats showed IR at the age of 12th week. TNF-alpha was closely related to the occurrence of IR in IUGR pups. IUGR pups fed with high caloric diet or high protein and caloric diet at the early postnatal period amplified the metabolic abnormality. The high protein isocaloric diet is effective early nutritional intervention measure for the prevention of occurrence of IR at adulthood.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; growth & development ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Dietary Proteins ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; blood ; etiology ; Insulin Resistance ; physiology ; Malnutrition ; physiopathology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism