Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; alpha-MSH ; pharmacology

Objectives To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of different intensities on learning-memory function and expression of β-amyloid protein 1-40 (Aβ1-40) in hippocampus CA1 region in rats with vascular dementia (VD) and to seek the best intensity of EA treatment.Methods A total of 60 male SD rats (SPF grade) were enrolled.Eight rats were selected as sham operation group with random number table method;others were used to copy the VD model with the modified four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method.According to the random number table method,the successful model of the rats (n=24) were completely randomly divided into a model group,a 1 am EA group (frequency,2/15 Hz,intensity,1 mA,needle retention time,20 min),and a 3 mA EA group (frequency,2/15 Hz,intensity,3 mA,needle retention time,20 min;n=8 in each group).DU20 (BaiHui) and DU14 (DaZhui) in the EA group were acupunctured once a day for 10 d,and took a rest for 2 d as 1 treatment course.After 2 treatment courses,Morris water maze test was used to detect the ability of learning and memory of rats in each group.Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression level of Aβ1-40 mRNA.Results The mean escape latencies of the water maze test from 2 to 5 days in the sham operation group,model group,1 mA EA group,and 3 mA EA group were 46.8±1.9,40.6±2.3,24.6±1.5,19.4 ±1.2 s;56.3±3.5,51.2±2.6,45.9±2.1,40.8±1.4 s,52.7±1.5,46.0±2.3,31.3±1.2,27.7±1.6 s;and 50.8±3.9,41.5±2.1,29.0±1.1,25.6±1.3 s,respectively;the first time across the original platform were 23.3±1.6,53.9±1.3,30.2±1.4,and 28.1±0.8 s,respectively;the first across the original platform within 120 s were 9.4±0.9,2.6±0.5,6.4±0.7,and 7.2±0.9,respectively;the expression levels of Aβ 1-40 mRNAs in the CA1 regions were 17.3±1.1,40.7±1.1,24.0±1.7,and 22.4±1.8,respectively.There were significant differences among the groups (the F values were 195.88,861.605,103.876,and 380.609,respectively;all P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the mean escape latencies,the first time across the original platform were reduced significantly.Compared with the model group,the times across the original platform within 120 s were increased significantly.Compared with the model group,the gene expression level of Aβ 1-40 mRNA in the center of CA1 region was decreased significantly,and the 3 mA EA group was significantly superior to that of the 1 mA EA group.The difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05).Conclusion EA may improve the learning and memory ability in VD rats and lower the expression level of Aβ 1-40 mRNA in the CA1 region of hippocampus.Effect of 3 mA EA is better than that of the 1 mA EA.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec(SCCmec) genotype characteristics and antibiotic-resistant genes in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) isolated from Lianyungang.METHODS The SCCmec of clinically isolated MRSA strains were genotyped with a novel multiplex PCR strategy reported by Zhangetal.Antibiotic-resistant genes of aac(6′)/aph(2″),aph(3′)Ⅲ,tetM,erm,TEM,and ant(4′,4″) were analyzed by traditional PCR.RESULTS The isolates were almost SCCmec Ⅲ positve,only one isolate couldn′t be typed.The positive rates of aac(6′)/aph(2″),aph(3′)Ⅲ,tetM,and erm were 98%,46%,72% and 86%,respectively.TEM and ant(4′,4″) tested were all negative.CONCLUSIONS Almost all genotypes of MRSA prevailing in Lianyungang carry the SCCmec Ⅲ gene.There are high positive percentages of antibiotic-resistant genes of aac(6′)/aph(2″),aph(3′)Ⅲ,tetM and erm in the isolates.The novel multiplex PCR strategy recommended by Zhang et al can be applied into genotyping study of MRSA SCCmec effectively.

Objective To explore the difference in pain threshold between related acupoints and the specificity of acupoints in cholecystitis patients.Method Actual measurement was made in 80cases, a normal group of 30 cases (volunteers without psychological and physiological diseases) and a patient group of 50 cases (volunteers with cholecystitis). The probe of an algometer was perpendicularly placed on the selected acupoint, the pressure point was pushed and pressing was stopped immediately after the subject felt pain. The pain thresholds displayed by the measured acupoints were recorded. The pain thresholds of the selected acupoints were compared between the normal and patient groups and thedifferences were analyzed to explore the specificity of acupoints.Result A comparison of the pain thresholds of the Back-Shu points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang between the patient and normal groups showed that there were no significant differences in the thresholds of the left Back-Shu points Geshu (BL17), Ganshu (BL18), Danshu (BL19), Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21) and Dachangshu (BL25) of the bladder meridian between the two groups (P>0.05) and there were significant differences in the thresholds of the right Back-Shu points Geshu, Ganshu, Danshu, Pishu, Weishu and Dachangshu of the bladder meridian between the two groups (P<0.01). The pain threshold was significantly lower in thepatient group than in the normal group. A comparison of the pain thresholds of the main points of the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang and the stomach meridian between thepatient and normal groups showed that there were significant differences in the thresholds of the right points Liangmen (ST21), Riyue (GB24) and Qimen (LR14) of the liver, gallbladder and stomach meridians (P<0.01) and no significant difference in the threshold of the right point Taichong (LR3) between the two groups (P>0.05). The pain thresholdwas significantly lower in thepatient group than in the normal group. There were no significant differences in thethresholds of the left points Liangmen, Riyue, Qimen and Taichong of the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang and the stomach meridian between the patient and normal groups (P>0.05).Conclusion The pain sensitivity of ipsilaterali related acupoints increase and the relative specificity of acupoints exist in cholecystitis patients.

Objective To investigate the expression of aquaporin-5(AQP5) in lipo-polysaccharide(LPS)-cigarette smoking inducible SD rats,and the effect of ambroxol chloride(AMB)on its expression. Methods Twenty-one SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: AMB intervention group,model group(LPS-cigarette smoking induction group) and control group.TNF-? was determined from lung homogenate supernatant,bronchial alveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and serum by ELISA.The semi-quantitation of AQP5 transcription and expression were measured by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry,respectively. Results TNF-? from lung homogenate supernatant and BALF in model group was more than AMB intervention group and control group(P

Objective To investigate the correlations between the clinical manifestations based on pathologic grades and renal pathological features of Henoch - Schonlein purpura nephritis(HSPN)in children. Methods The clinical data of 77 patients with HSPN in the Department of Nephrology,Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital from Ja-nuary 2004 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between clinical manifestation and pathologi-cal features was analyzed. Results Among the 77 patients,21 cases(27. 3% )had both abdominal symptoms,and ar-thritis was reported in 15 cases(19. 5% ),28 cases(36. 4% )had abdominal symptoms and arthritis,and 13 cases (16. 9% )had no such symptoms. Hematuria and proteinuria were the most common clinical types[48. 1%(37 / 77 ca-ses)],followed by simple hematuria or proteinuria[27. 3%(21 / 77 cases)],nephrotic syndrome[23. 4%(18 / 77 ca-ses)],and chronic nephritis[1. 3%(1 / 77 cases)]. The major of pathological changes in HSPN were grade Ⅱ[46. 8%(36 / 77 cases)]and grade Ⅲ[45. 5%(35 / 77 cases)],the minority of them were grade Ⅰ[6. 5%(5 / 77 cases)]and grade Ⅳ[1. 3%(1 / 77 cases)]. The severity of urine protein was positively associated with pathologic classification (r s = 0. 472,P = 0. 000). According to the glomerular deposition of immune complex,there were 6 types. The percen-tage of deposition of IgA + IgM was 62. 3%(48 / 77 cases),IgA + IgG + IgM was 19. 5%(15 / 77 cases),IgA 14. 3%(11 / 77 cases),that of IgA + IgG 1. 3%(1 / 77 cases),and the IgM 1. 3%(1 / 77 cases),no Ig 1. 3%(1 / 77 cases). In these cases,76. 6%(59 / 77 cases)had complements C3 deposition;pathologic stage characterized by Ⅲ level and a-bove were common[54. 2%(32 / 59 cases)],Ⅱ level 42. 2%(25 / 29 cases),Ⅰ level 3. 4%(2 / 59 cases). Among the different types of immune complex depositions,there was no statistically significant difference in pathological types of distribution,while the clinical type and complements C3 deposition were significantly associated with pathologic classifi-cation(rs = 0. 361,P = 0. 001). Sixty - two cases were rated as level 1(80. 5% ),and 15 cases was level 2(19. 5% );in different clinical group,rating in glomeruli was statistically different(χ2 = 17. 2,P = 0. 004). Renal tubular interstitial rating of all the patients were level 1(100% ). Conclusions The severity of urine protein,complements C3 deposition is associated with pathologic classification. Pathologic classification can basically reflect the renal damage in HSPN.

BACKGROUND:When immunological rejection occurs following liver transplantation,liver cells are destroyed by infiltrated T lymphocytes,leading to progressive deterioration of hepatic function owing to reduction of liver cells.Induction of immunological tolerance of liver transplantation remains a challenge.OBJECTIVE:To observe the influences of pretransplant intraportal infusion of recipient blood into donor on the apoptosis of hepatic allograft-infiltrating T lymphocytes in rats.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A randomized,controlled,animal experiment was performed at the Organ Transplant Unit,China University between May 2002 and May 2004.MATERIALS:Inbred rats were developed into models of orthotopic liver transplantation.Twenty-four female ACI rats(RT1a)served as donors,and an additional twenty-four male LEW rats(RT11)served as recipients.METHODS:A modification of cuff method was employed for orthotopic liver transplantation in rats.Twenty-four recipient rats recipient blood was infused into each donor rat via the portal vein.All blood infusions were performed 7 days prior to liver transplantation.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Rat survival time,serum content of γ- interferon,histological changes of hepatic allograft,number of dendritic cells in the hepatic allograft,and T lymphocyte apoptosis following liver transplantation.RESULTS:Rat survival time was significantly longer in the intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood group than in the control group(P＜0.01).At 3 and 5 days after liver transplantation,the intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood group exhibited significantly higher serum content of y- interferon than the control group(P＜0.05).No significant differences in rat survival time and serum content of γ- interferon were found between intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood and intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood groups and control group(P＞0.05).In the intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood group,infiltrated T lymphocytes in the hepatic allograft were significantly reduced,and a large number of donor-sourced dendritic cells were detected.The number of apoptotic cells per square millimeter of hepatic tissue was significantly higher in the intraportal infusion of non-recipient blood group than in the control group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Pretransplant intraportal infusion of recipient blood into donor can prolong the survival time of hepatic allograft and promote the apoptosis of hepatic allograft-infiltrating T lymphocytes.

Monascus spp.,a kind of filamentous fungi,produce abundant of important metabolites which were widely used in the fields of food and medicine.Until now,there are few reports on the important functional genes of the Monascus spp.due to little genetic information.In this paper,the feasibility of gene deletion mediated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens on the basis of homologous recombination was analyzed by studying on the deletion of the RGS domain of putative G-protein signaling regulator gene mrfA in Monascus ruber.The length of homologous arms of deletion vector pC805S were 958 bp and 824 bp,respectively.There were 26 transformants in which homologous recombination occurred in 138 transformants and the recombination rate was 18.8%.The result showed it was feasible to identify the function of unknown gene in M.ruber with the targeted-deletion technology mediated via A.tumefaciens.

Objective To evaluate MRI in the diagnosis of the bone contusion of the knee joint and its clinical significance.Methods Using special coil for knee joint,coronal,sagittal,axial and oblique sagittal plane scanning with fast spin-echo sequence(T_1WI,T_2WI,PDWI+FS)was performed on knee joint in 205 patients in three days after injury.According the distributing bone marrow edema and injury mechanism,bone contusion were classified five types as pivot shift injury,clip injury,dashboard injury, hyperextension injury and lateral patellar dislocation.Results One hundred and forty-five cases of the 205 patients were found bone marrow edema without fracture on X-ray films.Among them,pivot shift injury was found in 43 cases accompanied with anterior cruciate ligament rupture in 30 cases,tear of the posterior horn of the lateral or medial meniscus in 12 and tears of the medial collateral ligament in 8 cases;clip injury in 53 cases accompanied with anterior cruciate ligament rupture in 10 cases,tear of the posterior horn of the lateral or medial meniscus in 15 and tears of the medial collateral ligament in 38 cases;dashboard injury 40 cases accompanied with posterior cruciate ligament rupture in 16 cases,hyperextension injury 9 cases accompanied with anterior cruciate ligament rupture in 2 cases,posterior cruciate ligament rupture in 5 cases.No lateral patellar dislocation was found.Forty-eight of 145 patients had undergone arthroscopy, 43 cases(89.6%)of them were in accordance with MRI diagnosis.Bone contusion were defined as geographic regions of abnormal signal intensity,that is,low signal intensity in T_1-weighted images and high signal intensity in PD-weighted or T_2-weigeted images with fat saturation.Conclusion MRI can accurately display the location and area of bone contusion of the knee joint as well as its adjunctive structure injury and deduce their injury mechanism.MRI should be used routinely for knee trauma.

Aim To investigated the possible effect of COX-2 on the BMP9-induced activation of PI3K/Akt signal in progenitor cells.Methods The activity of alkaline phosphatase(ALP) was measured using histochemical staining or chemiluminescence.The mRNA level of ALP was determined using real-time PCR assay.The protein levels of osteopontin(OPN), osteocalcin(OCN), COX-2, Akt1/2 and phosphorylated Akt1/2 were detected by Western blot.The mRNA level of COX-2 was assayed with RT-PCR, and the mineralization was measured with Alizarin Red staining.Results The ALP activity was apparently increased by BMP9 in C2C12 cells, as well as the protein level of OPN and OCN.The mineralization was also markedly induced by BMP9 in C2C12 cells.BMP9 increased the level of phosphorylated Akt1/2 greatly, although no substantial effect was observed on total protein level of Akt1/2.The BMP9-induced ALP activity was dramatically decreased by the inhibitor of PI3K.The mRNA and protein level of COX-2 were both increased by BMP9 in C2C12cells, and the BMP9-induced ALP activity and mineralization were greatly attenuated by the inhibitor of COX-2.The BMP9-induced phosphorylation level of Akt1/2 was increased by the exogenous expression of COX-2, but decreased by the inhibitor of COX-2.Conclusion Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling may be a critical event in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation, and this process may be mediated by the BMP9-upregulated COX-2 in stem cells at least.