A glucose biosensor was fabricated from a glucose oxidasE-immobilized by chitosan and oxygen electrode. The effects of concentration of chitosan(0.3%), enzyme loading(0.8 mg), pH 7.0, phosphate buffer concentration(300 mmol/L), and temperature 25 ℃ for the response of the biosensor were investigated. The glucose biosensor has a linear response range of 0.016-1.10 mmol/L with a detection limit of 8.0 μmol/L(S/N=3). The response time was less than 60 s. The biosensor showed extremely good stability with a shelf-life of at least 3 months. The biosensor exhibited good repeatable response to a 0.25 mmol/L glucose olution with a relative standard deviation of 2.5%(n=10). The precision of fabrication of the biosensors using four different membranes was good with a RSD of 4.7%. Some common potential components in sample such as niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Zn2+ showed no interferences on the response of the glucose biosensor. The biosensor was successfully applied to determine the glucose in commercial beverage samples.

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and to explore the effects of moxibustion on inflammatory damaging factors in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats; the relationship between the therapeutic effect of moxibustion on RA and the change in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was analyzed using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonists and agonists. Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion plus TLR4 agonist group (agonist group) and a moxibustion plus TLR4 antagonist group (antagonist group) according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal group, rats in the other four groups were subjected to model preparation with the wind, cold and wet environmental factors plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion, agonist and antagonist groups started to be treated with the moxibustion (cigarette-type moxa) at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) from the 4th day after the successful modeling, for 20 min each time with a total of 10 d. Rats in the agonist and the antagonist groups were injected with TLR4 agonist or antagonist [0.1 mg/(kg·bw)] via the tail vein 30 min before moxibustion. The concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the rat's right hind paw swelling was significantly obvious (P<0.01), there was a lot of inflammatory infiltration in the synovial tissues, the surface of the synovial membrane was unsmooth, the synovial membrane was hyperplasia and thicker, and the serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the paw swelling degrees of the rats in the moxibustion, the agonist and the antagonist groups reduced significantly (allP<0.01); the swelling degree in the antagonist group was milder than that in the agonist group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05); inflammatory infiltration and synovial membrane hyperplasia in the synovial tissues of the moxibustion group and the antagonist group were all relieved differently; the decrease of synovial layer number in the moxibustion group was more obvious, and there were no obvious improvements in inflammatory infiltration and synovial thickness in the agonist group; the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the moxibustion group were decreased, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (allP<0.01); there was no significant between-group difference in the IL-8 concentration (P>0.05); the concentrations of serum IL-8 and TNF-α in the agonist group increased significantly (both P<0.01), while the IL-6 concentration decreased without significant difference (P>0.05); the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in the antagonist group decreased but the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (bothP>0.05), and the TNF-α concentration significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the moxibustion group, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased in the agonist group, and the differences in the IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (both P<0.01); the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increased in the antagonist group, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); there was no significant difference in the IL-8 concentration between the groups (P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the antagonist group were lower than those in the agonist group (allP<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can reduce the joint swelling degree and inflammation in synovial tissue of RA model rats, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in RA model rats; the decreases of IL-6 and TNF-α are more significant than the decrease of IL-8; TLR4 agonist and antagonist can significantly attenuate the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, so that the change in TLR signaling pathway affects the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting the releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.

Objective To compare the prophylactic efficacy of combination of ganciclovir and acy- clovir or acyclovir alone against cytomegalovirus pneumonia in renal transplant recipients.Methods A to- tal of 217 renal transplant recipient(124 men and 93 women;mean age,32 years;age range,16-72 years) were divided into 3 groups randomly.In 51 cases,acyclovir was taken orally at a dose of 400 mg,3/d,from the third d to 3 months after transplantation.In 74 cases,ganciclovir was administered at a dose of 250 mg/d intravenously from the 21st d to 27th d to replace Acyclovir.In 92 cases,no prophylaxis against eytomegalov- irus pneumonia was performed.All patients were followed 3 months after transplantation.Comparison of the incidence rates of cytomegalovirus pneumonia among the 3 groups was performed using Fisher's exact test. Results Cytomegalovirus pneumonia developed in 20 cases in the 3 groups,including 4 cases(5.4%) in combined use group,2 cases(3.9%)in acyclovir alone group,and 14 cases(15.2%)in control group. Significant difference existed between the 2 experimental and control groups(P＜0.05).However,no signifi- cant difference existed between the 2 experimental groups(P＞0.05).Of the 20 cases,17(85.0%)were cured,and 3 died of respiratory failure.Conclusions Ganciclovir and acyclovir have prophylactic effect a- gainst cytomegalovirus pneumonia in renal transplant recipients.These 2 medications are inexpensive,and the patients have good compliance.

OBJECTIVETo verify the efficacy on lumbar disc herniation treated with Shu-needle therapy in combination with ozone injection of low concentration.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty cases of lumbar disc herniation were randomized into a Shu-needle therapy group and an acupotomy group, 65 cases in each one. In the Shu-needle therapy group, Shu-needle therapy was used in combination with ozone injection of low concentration. In the acupotomy group, the conventional acupotomy therapy was applied in combination with ozone injection of low concentration. The treatment was given once every 10 days, 3 treatments made one session. After one session treatment, the clinical efficacy of two groups was observed, scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were counted before and after treatment. The long-term efficacy was followed up in half a year.

RESULTSThe clinical curative rate was 69.2% (45/65) and the total effective rate was 96.9% (63/65) in the Shu-needle therapy group. The curative rate was 43.1% (28/65) and the total effective rate was 84.6% (55/65) in the acupotomy group. In comparison, the efficacy of the Shu-needle therapy group was superior to that of the acupotomy group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The scores of VAS and ODI were reduced obviously after treatment as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in the Shu-needle therapy group were superior to those in the acupotomy group (both P < 0.05). In the follow-up observation, the recurrence rate in the Shu-needle therapy group was lower than that in the acupotomy group [17.8% (8/45) vs 46.4% (13/28), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONShu-needle therapy in combination with ozone injection of low concentration achieves the superior efficacy on lumbar disc herniation as compared with the acupotomy group.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; drug effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ozone ; administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of astragalus on tubulointerstitial lesions in rats with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and to explore the possible mechanism.

METHODSTwenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups. The rat model of IgA nephropathy was induced by intragastric administration of bovine serum albumin and injections of LPS and CC14. Six weeks later, the rats with IgAN were randomly treated with oral astragalus (3 g/kg/d, for 6 weeks) or normal saline. Normal control rats which were not subjected to IgAN were treated with normal saline. The number of urinary erythrocytes and urinary protein and B-D-N-Acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG) contents were determined by Pan-automatic biochemistry analyzing meter. Expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in tubulointerstitial tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A semiquantitative score was used to evaluate the degree of renal pathologic lesions.

RESULTSThe number of urinary erythrocytes (74.02+/-16.58 / microL vs 383.23+/-4.94 /microL) and urinary protein (13.88+/-4.94 vs 59.82+/-14.73 mg/L) and NAG contents (2.84+/-0.31 vs 5.24+/-0.80 U/L) in the astragalus-treated IgAN rats decreased remarkably compared with those in the IgAN rats without astragalus treatment (P<0.01). Expression of the NF-kappaB and MCP-1 in the renal tissues in the IgAN rats without astragalus treatment was significantly higher than that in the astragalus-treated IgAN rats and normal control rats (P<0.01). There were significant differences in the scores of renal pathologic lesions between the IgAN rats with or without astragalus treatment (6.03+/-0.46 vs 10.57+/-1.23; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAstragalus can decrease the number of urinary erythrocytes and urinary protein and NAG contents, and relieves tubulointerstitial lesions, possibly through the down-regulation of NF-kappaB and MCP-1 expression in rats with IgAN.

Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; Chemokine CCL2 ; analysis ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney Tubules ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transcription Factor RelA ; analysis

To search for potential antitumor drugs with potent efficiency and low toxicity, a novel 1,4,7-triazacyclodecane and its platinum (II) complex were synthesized. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS spectra, thermoanalysis and conductivity measurement. Antitumor activity study indicated these compounds had strong antitumor activity in vitro to some extent. Inhibition of human liver tumor of CA was examined by antitumor rate and growth rate, complex C showed inhibition activity on transplanting-tumor growth of CA, 12 mg x kg(-1) was as potent as cisplatin, its ID50 was 853.6 mg x kg(-1).
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible mechanism of lycopene on protecting against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-injury.

METHODSPrimary cultured cardiomyocytes, isolated from neonatal mouse, were divided into three groups randomly: control group (C) ; H/R group(4 h H followed by 8 h R); lycopene+H/R group(L+H/R), in which the cardiomyocytes were pretreated with lycopene for 4 h before H/R. The survival of cardiomyocytes was counted. Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assays. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondrial matrix into the cytosol, the activity of caspase-3, intracellular ROS levels and the activity of calpain were also determined in these groups respectively at the same time.

RESULTSThe pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with lycopene significantly improved the survival of cardiomyocytes [C: (89.84 ± 5.15)%, H/R: (63.59 ± 5.11)%, L+H/R: (79.25 ± 1.48)%, P < 0.05] and reduced the extent of apoptosis [C: ( 10.37 ± 1.25)%, H/R: (32.03 ± 4.79)%, L+H/R: (22.57 ± 3.22)%, P < 0.05], significantly reduced caspase-3 activation [C: (2.61 ± 0.19), H/R: (5.82 ± 0.92), L+H/R: (3.74 ± 0.64) pNA pmol/µg protein, P < 0.05]. To further study the mechanism underlying the benefits of lycopene, interactions between lycopene and calpain activation were examined. Lycopene pretreatment of cardiomyocytes suppressed the activation of calpain(C:272.33 ± 300.46, H/R: 1156.00 ± 212.02, L+H/R: 607.33 ± 166.23, P < 0.05) by reducing the H/R induced increased intracellular ROS levels [C: 100%, H/R: (239.79 ± 27.27)%, L+H/R: (188.19 ± 17.63)%, P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONLycopene may protect against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury by preventing calpain activation.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Calpain ; metabolism ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytochromes c ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology

BACKGROUNDCathespin-B (cath-B) is an important proteolytic enzyme involved in the disease course of invasion in many types of cancer. Cath-B expression in subcutaneous heteroplastic pancreatic carcinoma in nude mice has not been studied. We investigated the role of cath-B in a model of heteroplastic pancreatic carcinoma in BALB/c nude mice.

METHODSThirty-two six-week-old female BALB/c nude mice were equally divided into four groups. PANC-1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the left axillary region. Besides volume, weight of subcutaneous tumor, and change in body weight, cath-B expression in each group was measured by immunohistochemical staining, PCR and Western blotting. Its relationship to microvessel density (MVD), CD44v6, and placenta growth factor (PLGF) was also examined. CA-074Me, a specific inhibitor of cath-B, was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at different stages of tumor growth in group B and C. Gemcitabine (GEM), was also injected (i.p.) in group D to compare anti-tumor efficacy with CA-074Me.

RESULTSExpression of cath-B at different levels was related to tumor growth, MVD, and PLGF expression. In group A (control group), cath-B expression was enhanced more than that seen in other groups. CA-074Me clearly inhibited cath-B expression and tumor growth in group B. There was no difference between group C and D with respect to anti-tumor effect.

CONCLUSIONSCath-B correlates with the growth and angiogenesis of tumors, but not with the adhesion induced by CD44v6. CA-074Me clearly inhibited cath-B expression and demonstrated an anti-neoplastic and anti-angiogenesis effect.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Blotting, Western ; Body Weight ; Cathepsin B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dipeptides ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Placenta Growth Factor ; Pregnancy Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transplantation, Heterologous

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome (PIH) on complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.

METHODSThe VLBW preterm infants were enrolled as research subjects, and according to the presence or absence of PIH in their mothers, they were divided into PIH group and non- PIH group. The incidence of major complications and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between the two groups in gestational age, birth weight, sex, incidence rate of maternal diabetes, and use of antepartum hormone. The PIH group had a significantly higher rate of birth of small-for-gestational-age infants than the non-PIH group. The PIH group had a significantly lower incidence rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) than the non-PIH group, while there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of apnea of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and intraventricular hemorrhage-periventricular leukomalacia, and the length of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome between the two groups, but the PIH group had a significantly lower proportion of infants who used pulmonary surfactant than the non-PIH group.

CONCLUSIONSPIH can alleviate respiratory complications and reduce the use of pulmonary surfactant and the incidence rate of BPD in preterm infants.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Incidence ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Pregnancy ; Pulmonary Surfactants ; therapeutic use ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn ; epidemiology

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effects and mechanism of autophagy on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Methods The experiment was divided into two group: control group and experimental group(IPF group, autophagy induction group, autophagy inhibition group). A549 cells were cultivated by the conventional method in control group. The A549 cells of the experimental group were induced by TGF-β1(5 ng/mL). Then, no further treatment was given to IPF group. Rapamycin(10 μg/L) or 3-Methyladenine(10mmol/L) was given to autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group respectively. The hydroxyproline content of lung tissue was measured, and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, LC3-Ⅱ or LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1, E-cadherin and Vimentin were tested by Realtime PCR and Western blot. Results At each time point, the hydroxyproline content of lung tissue and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and Vimentin in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. The above detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly lower or higher than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of LC3-Ⅱor LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1 and E-cadherin in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. Moreover, the same detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly higher or lower than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. Conclusion The autophagy and EMT played an important role in IPF. Induction of autophagy might inhibit the development of IPF by inhibiting EMT, and Inhibition of autophagy could promote the development of IPF by activating EMT.