Animals ; In Vitro Techniques ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; physiology ; Progesterone ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Trachea ; drug effects

Objective To assess the accuracy of mixed venous oxygen saturation ( S(-v)O2 ) in reflecting the change in CO during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) .Methods Twenty-five NYHA Ⅰ -Ⅲ patients of both sexes, aged 50-75 yr, weighing 55-85 kg, undergoing OPCABG, were studied. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam, fentanyl, etomidate and pipecuronium and maintained with propofol infusion and intermittent iv boluses of fentanyl and pipecuronium supplemented with isoflurane if necessary. The patients were mechanically ventilated (VT 8-10 ml/kg, RR 8-10 bpm, I:E 1:2). PETCO2 was maintained at 35-45 mm Hg.Radial artery was cannulated and pulmonary catheter was placed. CI, S(-v)O2 and Hb were monitored and recorded before skin incision, during anastomosis with left anterior descending artery (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA)and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), when the chest was closed, when the patients' body position was changed and the heart was manipulated. S(-v)O2 and CI were scaled immediately after the pulmonary artery catheter was placed and before anastomosing LAD. Results The CO change in S(-v)O2 was real-time and accurate in reflecting the body positioning and elevation of hearts. There was no simultaneous significant change in CI.Conclusion The CO change in S(-v)O2 is real-time and accurate in reflecting the body positioning and elevation of hearts during OPCABG.

In this study,a series of new sildenafil analogues 11-27 possessing a guanidine group were synthesized to investigate their PDE5 inhibitory activity and selectivity using[~3H]cGMP SPA kit in vitro and efficacy in the rat model of erection.Most of the compounds showed potent activity against PDE5,and more importantly,several compounds exhibited higher PDE5 selectivity over PDE6 than that of sildenafil.Structure-activity relationship of these sildenafil analogues was also discussed.Within this series of compounds,compound 15(IC_(50) =1.7 nmol/L)not only exhibited more potent PDE5 inhibitory activity than that of sildenafil (IC_(50) = 6.5 nmol/L),but also showed functional efficacy in the rat model of erection.

AIMBy genechip cDNA microarray, the genes expressions of Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (Scd-2) and brain fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP) were studied in the central nervous system (CNS) of the mice to discuss the mechanism of exercise-induced fatigue.

METHODSBuilding the model of fatigued animal and using the genechip cDNA microarray, the genes expressions were analyzed between the control group and fatigue group mice.

RESULTSThe genes expression of Scd-2 and B-FABP were obvious different in the brain of fatigued group mice than of control group.

CONCLUSIONExercise-induced nerve center fatigue is correlated with genes expressions of lipid metabolism.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Brain ; metabolism ; Fatigue ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 7 ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To learn the present status of defluoridation water improvement project in Shanxi province in order to provide scientific basis for speeding up the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control" from 2005 to 2009, the investigation points were selected in the counties that implemented the measures of water improvement and defluoridation,the status of drinking water defluoridation Project was investigated, and the water fluoride levels were determined by fluoride selective ion electrode. Results The primary status was surveyed in 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects in 51 counties. The resource of drinking water for water improvement and defluoridation projects was mostly ground water[accounting for 93.12% (1544/1658)]. Among 1658 water improvement and defluoridation projects 1405 projects worked well(accounting for 84.74%) and 190 projects intermittently worked (accounting for 11.46%). Sixty three projects abandoned (accounting for 3.80%), in Datong basin the abandoned projects accounted for 36.36% (12/33). Water fluoride content of 1595 water improvement and defluoridation projects had been determined, among them water fluoride content of 874 projects were above 1.0 mg/L (accounting for 54.80%). The situations of exceeded national standard in the five basins was different(H = 33.22,P ＜ 0.01). The rate of over national standard of fluoride levels in drinking water was 88.37%(38/43) in Datong basin. Therefore, in Datong basin water improvement should be strengthened. Conclusions In Shanxi province the water improvement and defluoridation projects are basically running normally. However, the qualified rate is lower for the water improvement and defluoridation projects. The water improvement status varies dramatically among areas.The situation is still grim in Shanxi province. Water improvement and defluoridation needs to be strengthened to improve the effect of prevention and control of the disease.

AIMTo study effects of proanthocyanidins (PA) on contractile activity of isolated aortic smooth muscle in rats and rabbit platelet aggregation.

METHODSIsolated rat aortic muscle rings were adopted to observe the effects of PA on their contraction induced by noradrenaline (NA) or KCl, and their tensions were recorded by BL-310 experimental system of biological function. Rabbit platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and collagen (Coll) was assayed by turbidimetry.

RESULTSPA could significantly inhibit the contraction induced by NA (10(-6) mol/L), low the concentration-response curves of NA and the maximal response on the endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded aortic rings. But PA couldn't relax the aortic rings precontracted with KCl and had no influence on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by AA, ADP, and Coll.

CONCLUSIONPA can inhibit the contraction induced by NA but not by KCl on isolated rat aortic rings. It also has no influence on rabbit platelet aggregation.

Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; In Vitro Techniques ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; physiology ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Potassium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Proanthocyanidins ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Vitis ; chemistry

BACKGROUNDContrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported to have higher sensitivity for detecting leptomeningeal disease compared with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI (CE T1WI). However, currently there are no studies showing the potential value of clinical applications of contrast-enhanced FLAIR (CE FLAIR) sequence in diagnosing intracranial tumors in a larger group of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CE FLAIR in comparison with CE T1WI for intracranial tumors and to provide more information for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

METHODSOne hundred and four consecutive cases of intracranial tumors referred for CE brain MRI were analyzed with regard to FLAIR and T1WI pre- and post-administration of Gd-DTPA. The CE FLAIR and CE T1WI were evaluated independently by two radiologists for the number of examinations with one or more enhanced lesions, the number and location of enhanced lesions per examination, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-enhancement ratio (CER) of lesions, as well as the size and extent of the enhanced lesions.

RESULTSIn 98 of 104 cases, enhanced lesions were seen both on the FLAIR and T1W images. More lesions were seen on CE T1WI (n = 120) than those on CE FLAIR sequence (n = 117), but no differences of statistical significance were found between the two sequences (P > 0.05). Four lesions were revealed only on the CE FLAIR images whereas 7 lesions were only found on CE T1WI. Enhanced lesions located in the cerebral hemisphere or the forth ventricle were revealed much more on CE T1WI than on CE FLAIR images. However, CE FLAIR images may be useful in showing superficial abnormalities and those located in the sulcus or lateral ventricle. The CER and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) on CE T1WI was significantly higher (t = 7.10, P = 0.00; t = 9.67, P = 0.00, respectively), but grey matter/white matter contrast was lower (t = 2.46, P = 0.02) than those on CE FLAIR images. The SNR did not show any statistically significant difference between the two sequences (t = 1.1, P = 0.27). The size and extent of lesions on the CE FLAIR images were significantly larger than those on CE T1WI (t = 4.13, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSIONSCE FLAIR and CE T1WI may complement each other in showing intracranial tumors and the CE FLAIR sequence should be selected as a routine MRI sequence.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Gadolinium DTPA ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of FXR on scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression.

METHODSHuman vascular endothelium Eahy926 cells were treated with FXR agonist androsterone, and the specific target gene of FXR SHP mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. SR-BI mRNA and protein were determined using RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTSThe level of SHP mRNA in Eahy926 cells increased after androsterone treatment at different concentrations for 24 h, demonstrating FXR activation in the cells. RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting detected increased SR-BI expression at both mRNA and protein levels after FXR activation.

CONCLUSIONFXR increases the expression of SR-BI in human vascular endothelium cells.

Androsterone ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; agonists ; metabolism ; Scavenger Receptors, Class B ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo investigate whether the human PC-3 cell infected with recombinant Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 can steadily produce PTEN and p27Kip1 protein and change the biologic behaviors such as cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. The synergistic effect of PTEN and p27Kip1 on the therapy for prostate cancer has also been investigated.

METHODSWe constructed recombinant adenovirus vector of human tumor suppressor gene PTEN and p27Kip1. The viral titer was examined by plaque assay and the mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN and p27Kip1 in human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. MTT assay was used to determine the effect of PTEN and p27Kip1 on growth and proliferation of PC-3 cell; the change of cell cycle and apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry, and to compare between the combined therapy group and single gene therapy group.

RESULTSThe viral titers of Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 were 1.8 x 10(7) pfu/ml and 1.2 x 10(9) pfu/ml respectively. After infected by adenovirus, it had been verified that the mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and p27Kip1 were steady in human PC-3 cell. Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27 Kip1 inhibited the growth and proliferation of PC-3 cells. The progression of cell cycle of PC-3 cell was arrested in G(0)-G(1) phase, meanwhile the apoptosis rate of PC-3 was also affected after Ad-PTEN or/and Ad-p27 Kip1 infected. There was significant difference between combined therapy group and single gene therapy group.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 vector were constructed successfully and the expression of specific PTEN and p27Kip1 was high, steadily in PC-3 cell line. These results suggested that combination of PTEN with p27Kip1 has an application value in treatment of prostate cancer in future.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 10 ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 ; Gene Deletion ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Male ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Transfection

Objective To explore the long-term effect of endemic arsenism on oxidative stress and immune function, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease in the areas. Methods In 2009, Using cluster sampling and typical investigation, the cross-sectional study was completed. The patient groups and the internal control group were selected in the arsenism areas after 5 years quality improvement of drinking water(Silizhuang village, Daying village and Gucheng village in Shanyin county, Gucheng city, Shanxi province) and they were divided into mild, moderate, severe case and internal control groups, respectively. The external control group was selected in a non-arsenism area(Yangzhuang village in Heshengbu city). The Oxidative stress indicators were determined and analyzed [serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with xanthine oxidase method, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity was determined with 2-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid method, and mmuuity malondisldohyde(MDA) levels was determined with thiobarbituric acid method]. The immune function was determined and analyzed [immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined with radioimmunoassay method, and serum lysozyme was determined with turbidimetric method]. Results A total of 252 people were surveyed, in which the external control group, the internal control group, mild, moderate and severe patient groups were 56, 57, 49,44 and 46, respectively. Serum SOD activities were (72.19 ± 11.75), (66.96 ± 12.02), (49.79±11.07), (48.54 ±10.56) and (47.68 ± 10.68)kU/L, respectively. The difference of serum SOD activities between the groups was statistically significant(F = 52.42, P ＜ 0.01 ). Serum SOD activities in the external control group were significantly higher than other groups (all P ＜ 0.05). The value in the internal control group was significantly higher than the 3patient groups (all P ＜ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the case groups (P ＞ 0.05). Serum GSH-Px activities of the five groups were (197.41 ± 38.54), (195.02 ± 31.93), (187.26 ± 28.22), (187.24 ± 25.40),(186.88 ± 21.84)U/mg, respectively, and the difference between the groups was not significant(H = 4.21, P ＞0.05). Serum MDA levels of the five groups were (4.51 ± 2.14), (5.88 ± 2.00), (6.44 ± 2.83), (5.89 ± 2.57),(5.88 ± 2.40)μ mol/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(F = 3.36,P ＜ 0.05). The external control group was significantly lower than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum IgG levels were(11.16 ± 2.08), (8.15 ± 1.44), (8.77 ±2.54), (9.19 ± 1.97), (8.44 ± 2.52)g/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant(H = 52.92, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Serum lysozyme levels were (13.57 ± 5.16), (10.05 ± 3.96), (8.78 ± 3.35), (8.72 ± 3.76), (9.38 ± 4.26)mg/L, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (H = 35.00, P ＜ 0.01 ). The external control group was significantly higher than other groups(all P ＜ 0.05). No significant difference was observed between other groups(all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The effect of arsenic on the body's oxidative stress response and immune function persists after 5 years of drinking low arsenic water. In addition to intensify arsenic removal from drinking water, it should also strengthen the monitoring of population's health in the diseased areas.