OBJECTIVE To analyze impulsive-like behaviors of SD rats induced by pramipexole in Y-maze avoidance tasks. METHODS Behaviors of SD rats in Y-maze avoidance tasks were recorded with a camera and analyzed by Noldus Etho Vision XT8 software after acute subcutaneous injection of pramipexole(0.1,1 and 10 mg · kg-1),including right reaction numbers of 20 consecutive avoidance tasks,shuttle number of times between the three arms of Y-maze, distance covered in Y-maze and time spent in safe arms during 20 consecutive avoidance tasks. Then,the prepulse inhibition(PPI)of the startle reflex test was used to assess the effect of pramipexole on sensorimotor gating (SG). Effects of pramipexole on the dialyzed content of monoamine neurotransmitter and its metabolites in the striatum and amygdala of SD rats were measured by microdialysis in vivo. RESULTS Compared with normal control group,the rats of pramipexole group showed a significant increase in the shuttle number of times and distance covered in Y-maze between Y-maze avoidance tasks(P<0.01),but a statistically significant decrease in the time spent in safe arms(P<0.01),while the number of right reactions in Y-maze avoidance tasks was not changed. Such premature responses were quite similar to certain impulsive-compulsive behaviors in rodent models,such as five-choice serial reaction time tasks. In the PPI test,pramipexole displayed an impairing effect on SG(P<0.01). The microdialysis results showed that there was an increase of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the striatum of pramipexole group, but not statistically significant. Monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites were not significantly changed in the amygdala. CONCLUSION Pramipexole can induce impulsive-compulsive behaviors in Y-maze avoidance tasks,which might be attributed to impaired SG.

Objective To analyze the characteristic colligation force vector curves in hemiplegic patients. Methods Eleven hemiplegic patients were recruited, and 11 healthy elderly served as control. The characteristic changes of the patients with regard to colligation force vector demonstrated on a feedback apparatus of the "X.O.S"system during the dynamic training exercise program were analyzed and compared with that of the control group. Results The value of the colligation force vector passing most of the regions were significantly decreased ( P

Objective To investigate the expression of JAM-1 after microwave irradiation and its correlation with blood-brain barrier integrity. Methods A total of 160 male Wistar rats were divided into a sham radiation group and a radiation group. The radiation group was subdivided into three sub-groups treated with micrewaves at average power densities of 10, 30 and 100 mW/cm2. Rats in each group were sacrificed and their brain tissue sampled at 6 hours and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after the irradiation. Evans blue ( EB ) dye, laser confocal microscopy,Western blotting, RT-PCR and image analysis were used to test the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the expression of JAM-1 in protein and at the gene level in the rats' hippocampus and cortex. Results There was an increase of EB in the hippocampus 3 to 14 days after 10 and 100 mW/cm2 microwave irradiation. The EB level increased progressively in the 10 and 30 mW/cm2 groups within 7 d after irradiation but recovered by the 14th day. It also increased progressively in the 100 mW/cm2 group within 14 d after irradiation. In the hippocampus, EB was observed only in the lumens of the blood vessels in the sham group, but EB had diffused out of the blood vessels in the irradiated groups by the 3rd day after irradiation. After 10 or 30 mW/cm2 microwave irradiation, JAM-1 protein in the hippocampus and cortex decreased significantly within 7 d after irradiation but recovered by the 14th day. It decreased progressively in the 100 mW/cm2 group within 14 d after irradiation. The expression of JAM-1 mRNA in the hippocampus decreased significantly at 6 h after irradiation at all power levels, but it recovered within 7 days in the 10 and 30 mW/cm2 groups. Conclusions Microwave radiation can decrease the expression of JAM-1 in the hippocampus and cortex. The degree of decrease is positively correlated with the microwave radiation power. The change might involve increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between lamivudine-resistant mutants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and serum HBV DNA loading before antiviral therapy.

METHODSThis study involved 106 patients with hepatitis B receiving lamivudine treatment for an average of 32 months (rang 12-48 months). Serum HBV DNA loadings were measured with PCR before and every 4 to 6 months during lamivudine therapy. HBV YMDD mutants were detected using mismatched PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) during lamivudine treatment.

RESULTSHBV DNA loading was significantly higher in patients infected with HBV YMDD mutants during lamivudine therapy than those infected with HBV without YMDD mutation.

CONCLUSIONHigh viral loading in hepatitis B patients before treatment is associated with high likeliness of HBV YMDD mutation during lamivudine treatment. HBV DNA loading may be indicative for the occurrence of YMDD mutation during lamivudine therapy.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; genetics ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; blood ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; genetics ; physiology ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; pharmacology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Viral Load ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic significance of basophil activation test (BAT) in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media through testing the content of CD63, mast cell-carboxypeptidase A3 (MC-CPA3), and terminal complement complex SC5b-9 of the individuals by testing their levels in the normal immune group and the anaphylaxis groups to β-lactam drugs and non -ionic contrast media. METHODS: The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of MC-CPA3 in blood serum and SC5b-9 in blood plasma were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood, the levels of MC-CPA3 and SC5b-9 of anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media and β-lactam drugs were significantly higher than that in normal immune group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION There is activation of basophilic granulocytes, mast cells and complement system in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media. BAT can be used to diagnose the anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media.
Anaphylaxis/diagnosis* ; Basophils/cytology* ; Carboxypeptidases A/metabolism* ; Complement Membrane Attack Complex/metabolism* ; Contrast Media ; Flow Cytometry ; Granulocytes/cytology* ; Humans ; Mast Cells/cytology* ; Tetraspanin 30/metabolism*

The GFP(green fluorescence protein)-streptavidin(SA) bi-functional fusion protein was generated and characterized in order to demonstrate novel platform for efficiently and durably modifying the cell surface with SA-tagged bi-functional proteins.The GFP-SA/pET24d construct was generated and expressed in BL21(DE3) host bacteria at the high level.The recombinant protein GFP-SA was purified through the Ni-NTA affinity chromatography,and then refolded.After biotinylation B16 tumor cells were modified with GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein and then subjected to fluorescent microscopy and FACS analysis.The effect of surface modification on the viability and growth of B16.F10 tumor cells was evaluated by MTT staining.The GFP-SA recombinant fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) at about 20 % of total bacterial proteins.The GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein exhibited the bi-functionality,i.e.,SA-mediated high-affinity binding to biotinylated cell surfaces and GFP-emitted green fluorescence.The cell surface modification with GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein did not affect the viability and growth of the modified B16.F10 tumor cells significantly.The GFP-SA bi-functional fusion protein was obtained and could be displayed efficiently on the surface of the biotinylated B16.F10 tumor cells through the specific and tight interaction between streptavidin and biotin,thus can be used as good trace protein and experimental control in the development of surface-modified tumor vaccine.

OBJECTIVE Respiratory depression hinders the use of anaesthetics and sedative hyp-notics.To explore the mechanism of LCX001 on protection against respiratory depression,a novel AMPA receptor modulator LCX001,synthesized by our Institute of Medicinal Chemistry,is expected to relieve suppressed respiration. METHODS LCX001 was tested to alleviate respiratory depression triggered by opioid(fentanyl and TH-030418),propofol and pentobarbital in the plethysmography recording.The acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests were conducted to evaluate analgesic effect of LCX001.Binding assay and whole-cell recording were used to analyze the property of LCX001 on positive modulation. The function of AMPA receptors were determined by location of receptors in the membrane and state of channel opening, and both processes were impressed by AMPA receptor regulatory proteins. Ac-cording to the theory,the effect of LCX001 on the expression of stargazin was measured firstly by west-ern blotting. The variation of receptor surface location was observed by live cell imaging. The regula-tion on neuronal Ca2+and cell function was investigated intensively by Ca2+imaging to clarify mecha-nism of LCX001. RESULTS LCX001 effectively rescued and prevented opioid (fentanyl and TH-030418), propofol, and pentobarbital-induced respiratory depression by strengthening respiratory fre-quency and minute ventilation in rats. The acetic acid writhing test and hot-plate test revealed potent anti-nociceptive efficacy of LCX001,in contrast to some ampakines that did not affect analgesia. Fur-thermore,LCX001 potentiated[3H]AMPA and L-glutamate binding affinity to AMPA receptors,and facili-tated glutamate-evoked inward currents in HEK293 cells stably expressing GluA2(R).Importantly,appli-cation of LCX001 generated a significant increase in GluA2(R) surface expression in a mechanism of stargazin up-regulation,and restrained opioid-induced abnormal intracellular Ca2+load,which might par-ticipate in breathing modulation. CONCLUSION The novel pharmacological effect and potential new mechanism of LCX001 might promote ampakines to be a therapeutic option for protection against respi-ratory depression.

OBJECTIVETo assess the role of probiotics in the prevention of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to investigate the risk factors for NEC.

METHODSA total of 2528 hospitalized neonates between January 2002 and May 2005 were assigned into either receiving prophylactic use of probiotics bifoco (Prevention group, n=1182) or without probiotics supplementation (Control group, n = 1346). The incidence of NEC was compared between the two groups. The risk factors for NEC were investigated by conditional logistic regression multifactorial analysis.

RESULTSThere were 19 cases of NEC in the Control group (1.41%), but only 6 cases in the Prevention group (0.51%) (P < 0.05). Gestational age (OR = 5.521), hypoxicdouble ended arrowischemic encephalopathy (OR = 3.887), specticemia (OR = 4.854) and critical illness scores (OR = 5.989) were the risk factors for NEC, while the prophylactic use of probiotics was an independent protective factor for NEC (OR = 0.255).

CONCLUSIONSThe prophylactic use of probiotics may reduce the incidence of NEC in neonates.

Case-Control Studies ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Probiotics ; therapeutic use

To prepare the aromatic, natural and bacteriostatic foot wash with skin care and research the inhibition effect on the different bacteria and pathogenic fungus which cause dermatophytosis. It was prepared by using Sophoraflavescens and Dictamnus dasycarpus as materials with the addition of Aloe extract, essential oil, surfactant, etc. The antifungal and antibacterial activity was researched by the levitation liquid quantitative method. The foot wash smelled faintly scent. The use of this product can produce a rich foam. The inhibitory rate were all more than 90%. The preparation process of the foot wash was simple. It has obviously bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect.
Anti-Infective Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Foot ; Fungi ; drug effects ; Humans ; Skin Care

OBJECTIVETo analyze the effects of long-term microwave exposure on hippocampal structure and function in the rat.

METHODSExperiments were performed on 184 male Wistar rats (three exposure groups and a sham group). Microwaves were applied daily for 6 min over 1 month at average power densities of 2.5, 5, and 10 mW/cm2. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus. Hippocampal structures were observed by histopathological analysis.

RESULTSFollowing long-term microwave exposure there was a significant decrease in learning and memory activity in the 7 d, 14 d, and 1 m in all three microwave exposure groups. Neurotransmitter concentrations of four amino acids (glutamate, aspartic acid, glycine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid) in hippocampus were increased in the 2.5 and 5 mW/cm2 groups and decreased in the 10 mW/cm2 group. There was evidence of neuronal degeneration and enlarged perivascular spaces in the hippocampus in the microwave exposure groups. Further, mitochondria became swollen and cristae were disordered. The rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited sacculated distension and there was a decrease in the quantity of synaptic vesicles.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that the hippocampus can be injured by long-term microwave exposure, which might result in impairment of cognitive function due to neurotransmitter disruption.

Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cognition ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microwaves ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar