Background Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was related to oxidative stress which has been shown to play an important role in ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction(MI).Probucol is a hypolipidemic and antioxidant agents.Several reports demonstrated its cardioprotective effect after MI.However,the exact effect of probucol on the modification of the apoptosis related gene Bcl-2 and Bax is not clear.Objective To investigate the effects of probucol on mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2,Bax and oxidative stress in myocardial infarcted rats.Methods Forty-one SD rats that survived 24 h after ligating left anterior descending coronary artery were randomly to receive placebo-saline(5 mL/d,n=20)or probucol(probucol 60 mg/kg?d,n=21).Twelve rats underwent sham operation were served as control(n=12).Six weeks after treatment,hemodynamic pararmeters and left ventricular function were measured with catheterization.Cardiomyocytes apoptosis were determined by TUNEL method.Myocardium mRNA of Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels in the non-infarcted myocardium were as- sessed by RT-PCR.The myocardium protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the non-infarcted myocardium were de- termined by Western blot.Colorimetry was used to determine oxidative metabolism index in myocardium.Results 1)Compared with the sham rats,all MI rats showed marked decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression in myo- cardium with increase of Bax mRNA and protein expression and apoptosis index(P

Objective To explore the application of question-based lectures made by students in teaching chapter of nuclear chemical and biological weapon damage among field military nursing.Methods The participants were junior students of four-year undergraduate program.Questions on emergency treatment and care of chemical and biological weapon damage were proposed after a lecture by teacher.Students were divided into three groups after class and each group was assigned to a lecture on emergency treatment and care of one kind of weapon damage.Students had to collect information and prepare PPT for the next lecture.After lectures given by students at next class,discussion on the lectures was organized and comments were given by teachers.Results All students approved this kind of teaching activities,97.44％ believed that it can arouse their interest in study,94.87％ participated in the collection of data,89.74％ took part in the discussion,and 87.18％ obtained the sense of achievements.Conclusion Question-based lectures made by students are helpful in stimulating their interest in learning,cultivating their abilities of acquiring and applying knowledge.The teaching activities achieve the preferable results through proper application and meticulous organization.

Cyclohexanones ; poisoning ; Ethylene Dichlorides ; poisoning ; Humans ; Infant ; Male

In the present study, terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique was applied to assess the diversity and tissue distribution of the fungal endophyte communities of Alpinia officinarum collected from Longtang town in Xuwen county, Guangdong province, China, at which the pharmacological effect of the medicine plant is traditional considered to be the significantly higher than that in any other growth areas in China. A total of 28 distinct Terminal-Restriction Fragment (T-RFs) were detected with HhaI Mono-digestion targeted amplified fungal nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region sequences (rDNA ITS) from the root, rhizome, stem, and leaf internal tissues of A. officinarum plant, indicating that at least 28 distinct fungal species were able to colonize the internal tissue of the host plant. The rDNA ITS-T-RFLP profiles obtained from different tissues of the host plant were obvious distinct. And the numbers of total T-RFs, and the dominant T-RFs detected from various tissues were significantly different. Based on the obtained T-RFLP profiles, Shannon's diversity index and the Shannon's evenness index were calculated, which were significantly different among tissues (P < 0.05). Furthermore, two types of active chemicals, total volatile oils by water vapor distillation method and galangin by methanol extraction-HPLC method, were examined in the each tissue of the tested plant. Both of tested components were detected in all of the four tissues of the medicine plant with varying contents. And the highest was in rhizome tissue. Correlation analysis revealed there were significant negative correlations between both of the tested active components contents and calculated Shannon's diversity index, as well as the Shannon's evenness index of the fungal endophyte communities of the host plant (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≤ -0.962), and significant positive correlations between both of the tested active components contents and 325 bp dominant T-RF linkage to Pestalotiopsis (P = 0, Pearson correlation coefficient ≥ 0.975). In conclusion, A. officinarum is colonized by diverse fungal endophytes communities. The diversity of the fungal endophytes was found in the A. officinarum varied with differences of the tissue types of the host plants and was closely correlated with the accumulation of main active components, total volatile oils and galangin contents in the host plant tissue.
Alpinia ; chemistry ; microbiology ; Biodiversity ; China ; DNA, Fungal ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Endophytes ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development ; isolation & purification ; Fungi ; classification ; genetics ; growth & development ; isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; microbiology ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective To understand pathogenic microorganism contamination status of medical waste sharps containers with different use time, explore the reasonable duration of service time of sharps containers, provide reference for the management of medical waste.Methods Twelve 2 L sharps containers on treatment trolleys in a tertiary first-class infectious disease specialty hospital were randomly selected, viral loads of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as bacterial colonies on inner and outer surfaces of sharps containers at different time points were detected, three unused sharps containers were taken as control at the same time.Results Sixty eluent specimens of outer surface and contents of sharps containers in trial group and control group were collected respectively at four time points (48 h, 72 h, 5 d, 7 d), no HIV and HCV were detected, and no HBV was detected in specimens of outer surface of sharps containers, HBV was detected in the eluent of contents in one sharps container 72 hours after the use, concentration of HBV was 2.20 E+01 IU/mL. Changes in bacteria in the eluent of used sharps containers: 100％ of the eluent of contents in sharps containers grew bacteria on the 5 th day after use, bacterial load of the eluent of contents in sharps containers on the 7 th day after use was incalculable. Bacterial load on the outer surface of sharps containers ranged from 1 to 9 CFU/cm2. No significant changes were observed in the inner and outer surfaces of all sharps containers, and no discomfort odor emerged.Conclusion With the storage time prolonged to 7 days, bacterial colonies on the outer surface of sharps containers didn't increase significantly, HIV, HBV and HCV were not detected. It is suggested that service time of sharps containers with small production of contents should not be set compulsorily at 48 hours (even if the contents in sharps container is less than 3/4 of storage capacity after 48 hours of use).

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Biejia Ruangan Tablet ([symbol in text], BRT)-containing serum on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts.

METHODSDifferent BRT-containing sera were prepared by gastric gavages to rats with the high-dose (7 g/kg), mid-dose (3.5 g/kg), and low-dose (1.75 g/kg) BRT respectively. The expression of extracellular matrix in NRK-49F cells was induced by treatment with human transforming growth factor-β1 (recombined human TGF-β1), and BRT-containing serum. Western blotting and Northern blotting were used to measure type I and III procollagen, MMP-9, and TIMP-1.

RESULTSThe high dose BRT-containing serum could decrease the type I and III procollagen gene expression which boosted by TGF-β1, at the same time cut down TIMP-1 protein and gene expression which increased by TGF-β1 (P <0.05). Treatment of cells with recombined human TGF-β1 had no significant effect on MMP-9 expression and BRT-containing serum also had no effect on MMP-9 expression.

CONCLUSIONSHigh dose BRT has anti-fibrosis effects in NRK-49F cells, as indicated by its inhibition of type I and III procollagen and TIMP-1 expression.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Kidney ; cytology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serum ; metabolism ; Tablets ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of irinotecan combined with xeloda (CAPIRI regimen) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin.

METHODSTotally 38 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin were enrolled. Patients received xeloda 1 000 mg/m2 orally twice daily on day 1 to 14 and intravenous irinotecan 100 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8 every 3 weeks.

RESULTSThe median age of 38 patients was 58.5 (27-77) years. CAPIRI regimen was used 11.0 (3.0-24.0) months after the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (CAPIRI regimen as second-line chemotherapy in 33 patients, third-line in 4 patients, and fourth-line in 1 patient). A total of 121 cycles of chemotherapy (median 3.0) were administered. Thirty-four patients were evaluable for response. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 5.9% and 61.8%, respectively. The median time to progression and overall survival were 4.5 months (95% CI, 3.4-5.6 months) and 11.0 months (95% CI, 10.2-11.8 months), respectively. All 38 patients were evaluable for safety. The most common adverse events were leukopenia (73.7%), neutropenia (65.8%), nausea and vomiting (60.5%), and diarrhea (28.9%). The occurrence rates of these grade 3-4 events were 10.5%, 13.2%, 10.5%, and 7.9%, respectively. All adverse events were tolerable.

CONCLUSIONCAPIRI regimen is effective and well-tolerated in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Camptothecin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Capecitabine ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of HPA and HIF-1alpha in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their relationship with cancer development, invasion and metastasis.

METHODSThe expression of HPA mRNA and HIF-1alpha protein in 23 mucosa specimens of incisal margin, 26 para-tumorous dysplastic tissues and 70 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma specimens were detected by in situ hybridization assay and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.

RESULTSThe positive expression of HPA mRNA and HIF-1alpha protein were significantly increased as the epithelial cells progressed into carcinoma (P < 0.05). The expression of HPA mRNA and HIF-1alpha protein in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were significantly correlated with the invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and clinical staging (P < 0.05), while it was not correlated with the differentiation of tumors (P > 0.05). There was a close correlation between the expression of HPA mRNA and HIF-1alpha protein in the carcinoma tissues (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe high expression of HPA mRNA and HIF-1alpha protein is correlated with carcinogenesis, progression, invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. There may be a positive cooperation between two of them in the carcinogenesis and development of esophageal carcinoma. The determination of HPA mRNA and HIF-1 alpha will be useful in predicting tumor biological behavior.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Esophagus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glucuronidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of dutasteride inhibiting fertility by studying its effects on the expressions of the epididymal epithelial junction proteins Claudin1 and β-catenin in rats.

METHODSSixteen 3-month-old SD male rats were equally divided into an experimental and a negative control group to be treated intragastrically with dutasteride at 40 mg/kg per day and the same dose of solvent, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. Then, the sperm motility and morphology of the rats were detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis, the serum levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) measured by ELISA, changes in the tight junction of epididymal cells observed under the transmission electron microscope, the protein and gene expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and the conception rate of the mated female rats calculated.

RESULTSDutasteride significantly suppressed the serum DHT level, sperm motility, and fertility of the rats (P <0.05). Interspaces between epididymal epithelial cell tight junctions were observed, the volume of epididymal fluid obviously increased, and the expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin gene and protein remarkably downregulated in the experimental rats (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONDutasteride can significantly inhibit the fertility of male rats by reducing the serum DHT level, suppressing Claudin1 and β-catenin expressions, and damaging epididymal epithelial cell junctions.

Animals ; Azasteroids ; pharmacology ; Claudin-1 ; metabolism ; Dihydrotestosterone ; blood ; Dutasteride ; Epididymis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Fertility ; drug effects ; Humans ; Intercellular Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Testosterone ; blood ; Urological Agents ; pharmacology ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of oxidative stress on ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats.

METHODSAMI was induced in 20 SD rats by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery, and another 12 rats without the ligation served as the sham-operated group. Six weeks after the operation, the heart mass index (HMI), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), right ventricular mass index (RVMI), the indexes of heart function, cardiac myocyte apoptosis index, collagen content and collagen I/III ratio and the indexes of oxidative stress were measured.

RESULTSAfter AMI, HMI, LVMI and RVMI increased significantly (P<0.05), the heart function deteriorated significantly (P<0.01), and the cardiac myocyte apoptosis index in the non-infarct area, collagen content and collagen I/III ratio in the infarct and non-infarct areas were all significantly increased (P<0.05 or 0.01). Myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly lowered after AMI, which resulted in significantly increased myocardial malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreased ratio of SOD/MDA (P<0.05). Correlations were found between the indexes of oxidative stress in myocardium, those of the heart function and those pertaining to ventricular remodeling after AMI.

CONCLUSIONOxidative stress may be involved in ventricular remodeling after AMI, and antioxidants can be an option for treatment of ventricular remodeling.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Ventricular Remodeling ; physiology