Adult ; Automobile Driving ; Computer Simulation ; Fatigue ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Humans ; Male

Adult ; Ergonomics ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo detect the "high pathogenicity island" of Yersinia enterocolitica WA in E. coli and the to provide evidence for theory base of bacterial evolution process and the different structures in different E. coil.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleic acid hybridization in situ were used to detect and identify HPI. DNA sequencing was used to compare the gene homology of HPI among E. coli with Yersinia enterocolitica (Yen).

RESULTSThe irp2 and fyua genes of Yen HPI were investigated in E. coli strains. Among them, 30 strains were isolated from 93 Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains and 3 strains were positive in 10 strains Enteropathogenic (EPEC). HPI was also detected in Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) strain. In most of these isolates, HPI was bordered by an asntRNA locus, as in Yersinia sp. Through sequential comparison, the gene sequence homology was higher between in EPEC and EAggEC than ETEC and Yersinia enterocolica.

CONCLUSIONSETEC, EPEC and EAggEC were pathogenicity bacterias and many of them harboring HPI of Yen and the HPI had the same position in E. coli chromosome as Yersinia enterocolitica but the diversity of structure and sequence in these E. coli might suggest that the HPI of these different serotype E. coli were from different ancient bacterias. At the same time, the high positivity rate of HPI in E. coli might be crucial to virulence change, virulence evolution and virulence regulation in E. coli.

Bacterial Proteins ; analysis ; genetics ; Enterotoxins ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; pathogenicity ; Escherichia coli Infections ; microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; Virulence ; genetics ; Yersinia enterocolitica ; genetics ; pathogenicity

BACKGROUNDSinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac anomaly, and SVA with discrete membranous subaortic stenosis is even rarer. The aim of the study was to make sure the incidence of SVA with discrete membraneous subaortic stenosis in SVA and their surgical results. We retrospectively analyzed 234 patients receiving surgical repair of SVA and reported the incidence of ventricular septal defect, aortic regurgitation, and discrete membranous subaortic stenosis. We also reported seven cases of SVA combined with discrete membranous subaortic stenosis and their surgical results.

METHODSBetween January 1999 and December 2009, seven patients of SVA with discrete membranous subaortic stenosis underwent surgical repair of SVA and resection of subaortic discrete membrane. There were six male and one female patients. The mean age was (33.71 ± 13.25) years (range 16 - 52 years). Associated cardiovascular lesions were aortic regurgitation (n = 7), ventricular septal defect (n = 5), coarctation of aorta (n = 1), bicuspid aortic valve (n = 1), patent ductus arteriosus (n = 1), and aortic valve stenosis (n = 1). The aortic valve was replaced in four patients and valvuloplasty was done in three. The other co-existing anomalies were corrected at the same time. All the seven patients were followed up from 18 to 125 months (mean (63.14 ± 39.54) months). Among 234 SVA patients who underwent surgical repair, the number of cases with coexisting ventricular septal defect, aortic regurgitation, and discrete membranous subaortic stenosis was 129, 108, and 7, respectively.

RESULTSThere was neither early death after operation nor late death during the follow-up period. All the seven patients were in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes I and II. There was no recurrence of discrete subaortic membrane during the follow-up period. The incidence of ventricular septal defect, aortic valve incompetence, and discrete membranous subaortic stenosis among 234 SVA patients was 55.13%, 46.15%, and 2.99%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSurgical repair of SVA with discrete membranous subaortic stenosis showed good mid-term results. Resection of discrete subaortic membrane should be done actively while repairing SVAs. Long-term results need to be followed up.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Discrete Subaortic Stenosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sinus of Valsalva ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyse the male reproductive toxicity of carbaryl.

METHODSThirty-one male carbaryl exposure workers and 46 male administrators in the office in a pesticide factory were selected as the exposure group and internal control group respectively, and 22 male administrators in a center for disease control and prevention were served as the external control group. In order to evaluate the exposure levels, the concentrations of carbaryl, methyl isocyanate, ammonia and phenol in the ambient air of the work place in these three groups were monitored simultaneously for three consecutive days. Moreover, three workers in the exposure group and the external control group were selected to evaluate the amount of carbaryl of individual and dermal contamination for three consecutive days. After the semen were collected according to the standard method, the workers'semen qualities were analysed with WHO method, the sperm morphology and the sperm motility were evaluated using micro-cell slide spectrum technology and computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) respectively.

RESULTSIn the exposure group, the concentrations of carbaryl and phenol (52.41 mg/m(3) and 0.08 mg/m(3) respectively) were significantly higher than those in the internal and external control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the carbaryl exposure area the geometric mean concentration of carbaryl with the individual sampling was 7.38 mg/m(3), and the geometric mean of dermal contamination detected in the carbaryl exposure area was 862.47 mg/m(2). Carbaryl was not found in the external control area (P < 0.01). The seminal volume [(2.39 +/- 1.44) ml] and the sperm motility [(1.77 +/- 0.61) grade] were significantly lower than those in the external control group (P < 0.05), and sperm motion parameters such as linearity (LIN, 39.89% +/- 6.00%), straightness (STR, 71.51% +/- 11.22%), straight line velocity [VSL, (26.29 +/- 7.84) microm/s] and beat cross frequency [BCF, (3.99 +/- 1.55) Hz] were lower than those in the internal and external control group (P < 0.05), while the abnormal rates of viscidity, sperm motility and total aberration rate were higher than those in the external control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOccupational exposure to carbaryl production can affect the workers'sperm and semen quality to certain extent.

Adult ; Carbaryl ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Insecticides ; adverse effects ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; Semen ; drug effects ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Spermatozoa ; abnormalities ; drug effects

OBJECTIVESTo summarize the experience of surgical repair of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right atrium and to compare the difference between through right atrium repair and transaortic combined with right atrium approach.

METHODSBetween January 2004 and December 2009, 53 patients with ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right atrium underwent surgical repair. There were 35 male and 18 female, aged from 15 to 63 with a mean of (33 ± 9) years. Repair through right atrium had undergone in 40 patients (group I), while transaortic combined with right atrium approach in 13 patients (group II). Surgical results between the two group and group were compared in cardiopulmonary bypass time, clamp aorta time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU time and postoperative stay time.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between two groups in cardiopulmonary bypass time [(86 ± 29) min vs. (96 ± 30) min], clamp aorta time [(59 ± 29) min vs. (71 ± 25) min], mechanical ventilation time [(9 ± 4) h vs. (16 ± 23) h], ICU time [(35 ± 23) h vs. (35 ± 23) h], postoperative stay time [(7.1 ± 0.9) d vs. (7.7 ± 2.8) d] (P > 0.05). Follow-up was performed from 1 to 64 months, with a mean of (32 ± 21) months. There was no death during follow up. One needed operation due to severe aortic valve regurgitation. One combined with coronary artery disease used medication. Heart function (NYHF) of the other patients were I and II degree during follow up.

CONCLUSIONSSurgical repair of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right atrium shows good result. There is no significant difference between through right atrium repair and transaortic combined with right atrium approach.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aorta ; surgery ; Aortic Rupture ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Atria ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Sinus of Valsalva ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with or without transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted for 62 small HCC cases undergoing RFA with or without TACE, and in each case, the tumors were not more than 3 with a diameter below 5 cm. Nineteen cases were managed with RFA alone (RFA group) while the other 27 underwent RFA combined with TACE (TACE+RFA group). Percutaneous RFA (RITA 1500) procedure was performed under CT guidance 1-3 weeks after TACE in TACE+RFA group.

RESULTSThe complete tumor necrosis rate was 77.8% (21/27) in TACE+RFA group, significantly higher than that in RFA group [57.9% (11/19), P<0.01], and the former group had a significantly lower local recurrence rate than the latter [22.2% (6/27) vs 42.1% (8/19), P<0.01]. Postoperative fever, local pain and temporary hepatic function abnormality were the common complications that were relieved after proper interventions, and mortality did not occur in these cases.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of TACE and RFA significantly increases the complete tumor necrosis rate and decreases the recurrence rate of small HCC. CT-guided percutaneous RFA can be a safe and effective therapy for small HCC.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo study the effects of fenvalerate exposure on the semen quality of occupational workers in order to find out the early effective biomarkers.

METHODSThirty-two male workers who exposed to fenvalerate and 46 male administrators in the office in a pesticide factory were selected as the exposure group and internal control group, respectively, and 22 male administrators in a center for disease control were served as the external control group. In order to evaluate the exposed levels, the concentration of fenvalerate, toluene and xylene in the ambient air of working place in these three groups were monitored simultaneously for three consecutive days. After the semen were collected according to the standard method, the workers' semen qualities were analysed with University of California at Davis (UCDavis) method and the sperm motility were evaluated using computer assisted sperm analysis(CASA).

RESULTSIn the exposure group, the concentrations of fenvalerate were significantly higher than those in the internal and external control group (P < 0.01), while no significant difference of the concentration on toluene or xylene was found (P > 0.05). Sperm motion parameters in the exposure group such as linearity(LIN), straightness(STR), and the sperm count were decreased significantly, and the abnormality rate of viscidity, coagulation and sperm count were increased significantly as compared with the internal and the external control groups(P < 0.05). Furthermore, the sperm progression and beat cross frequency (BCF) in the exposure group were also lower significantly than those in the external control group(P < 0.05), while the abnormality rate of sperm progression was increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONSIn such a low concentration, occupational exposure to fenvalerate can affect workers' semen quality, especially the sperm count and sperm movement ability.

Adult ; Humans ; Insecticides ; toxicity ; Male ; Nitriles ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Pyrethrins ; toxicity ; Semen ; drug effects ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects

To construct a recombinant replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 expressing Cap protein of PCV2 and test the immunological efficacy in mice. In this study, the recombinant replication-defective human adenovirus type 5, named as rAd5-Cap (wt-rAd5), was constructed through homologous recombination internally in the HEK293AD cells after co-transfection of the Pac I-linearized backbone plasmid and the shuttle plasmid pacAd5CMV-Cap containing the open reading frame (ORF2) of the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) cap protein or pacAd5CMV without inserted fragment. Furthermore, the rAd5-Cap could induce the expression of PCV2 cap protein in the HEK293AD cells with high efficacy evaluated by the RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The virus titer of rAd5-Cap could reach up to 10(8.5) TCID50/mL similarly to that of wt-rAd5, indicating that there was little affect on the virus proliferation after the insertion of PCV2 cap protein gene. The humeral immune responses could be activated and detected 14 days after the inoculation of the mice with 10(7) TCID50 rAd5-Cap intramuscularly, and constantly in crease in another 14 days. These molecular biological and animal experiments results demonstrated that the PCV2 cap protein could be efficiently expressed by the recombinant adenovirus rAd5-Cap in eukaryotic cells and induce robust immune responses in mice, which laid a good foundation for the development of new type vaccine against porcine circovirus.
Adenoviruses, Human ; genetics ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Circovirus ; immunology ; Defective Viruses ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Virus Replication

OBJECTIVETo establish a reverse remodeling heart model in rats and observe collagen and TGF-β expression and relevant microRNAs changes during reverse remodeling.

METHODSLewis rats were divided into four groups including sham (NL, n = 10), abdominal aortic constriction (AAC, n = 10), heterotopic transplantation of abdominal aortic constriction (AAC-HT, n = 9) and heterotopic transplantation of normal heart (HT, n = 8). Left ventricular wall thickness and LV cavity were measured by echocardiography. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined on HE stained sections. Immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR were used to detect collagen and TGF-β expressions. miRNAs were detected by MicroRNA microarray.

RESULTSHeart weight, left ventricular wall thickness and CSA were significantly increased in AAC hearts compared to those in the NL and AAC-HT hearts. The collagen and TGF-β were increased in AAC hearts and further increased in AAC-HT hearts. miRNA microarray evidenced more than two folds changes on 82 miRNAs compared to NL (10 in AAC, 32 in AAC-HT and 40 in HT).

CONCLUSIONRat abdominal aortic constriction and heterotopic transplantation could be used as a reverse remodeling heart model and significant collagen and TGF-β as well microRNA expression changes were evidenced in this model.

Animals ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Heart Ventricles ; metabolism ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Ventricular Remodeling