Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system. Results:The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (allP<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

ObjectiveTo investigate the family history of other cancers in Chinese han women with familial or sporadic breast cancer.Methodswe analyzed the clinical date of 4 847 primary breast cancer patients cancer patients were treated at the Breast Cancer,Peking University Cancer Hospital between October 2003 and February 2011,among them,465 were familial and4 382 were sporadic breast cancer patients.The differences of family history of cancers other than breast or ovarian cancers were compared between the patients with familial breast cancer and sporadic breast cancer.Results The proportion of cancers other than breast or ovarian cancers in familial breast cancer patients was significantly higher than that in sporadic breast cancer patients(29.7％ vs 20.8％,odds ratio 1.61,P＜ 0.001).Furthermore,the proportion in pancreatic cancer,prostate cancer,and renal cancer in familial breast cancer patients was significantly higher than that of sporadic breast cancer patients ( pancreatic cancer:2.2％ vs 0.8％,P =0.002 ; prostate cancer:1.5％ vs 0.3％,P ＜ 0.001 ; renal cancer:1.1％ vs 0.4％,P =0.03,respectively).And the relative risks of pancreatic cancer,prostate cancer,and renal cancer in the familial breast cancer patients were 2.90-fold,6.07-fold,and 2.97-fold higher than that of sporadic breast cancerpatients,respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the relative risk of cancer other than breast or ovarian in familial breast cancer patients is significantly higher than that in sporadic breast cancer patients,especially pancreatic cancer,prostate cancer,and renal cancer.

OBJECTIVETo study the prevalent status of CRF01_AE strains of recombinant HIV-1 in Shenzhen and their source of infection in order to predict the epidemic trend and evolution.

METHODSA total of 489 samples of HIV-1 positive plasma were collected from 1992 to 2008 in Shenzhen. HIV-1 Env genes were amplified by nested-PCR from RNA. Subtype analysis were performed on the nucleotide sequence data. CRF01_AE sequences were analyzed by phylogenetic methods and characterized by calculating the genetic distance.

RESULTSA total of 300 CRF01_AE strain sequences were amplified, accounting for 64.5% of all genotyped samples of all the 465 samples. The CRF01_AE strains of recombinant in 1992 - 1999, 2000 - 2005 and 2006 - 2008 accounted for 56.8% (21/37), 68.4% (78/114) and 64.0% (201/314) of genotyped samples, respectively. And in these three periods of times, 52.4% (11/21), 43.6% (34/78) and 45.8% (92/201) were heterosexually acquired adults; 4.8% (1/21), 0.0% (0/78) and 22.4% (45/201) were homosexually acquired adults; 19.0% (4/21), 51.3% (40/78), 30.8% (62/210) were intravenous drug users, respectively.Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that HIV samples from different period of time showed distinct aggregation in time and transmission as well as cross infection. The gene divergence rate of CRF01_AE strains in the three different periods of time were (8.783 ± 4.717)%, (11.054 ± 7.141)%, and (13.218 ± 4.080)%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONCRF01_AE is the major epidemic strains in Shenzhen, which is transmitted through heterosexual contact, MSM and intravenous drug users. The gene variation increased gradually as time goes by.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; epidemiology ; virology ; China ; epidemiology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Genotype ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombination, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the roles of signal transduction and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and orosomucoid 1-like 3 (ORMDL3) in airway remodeling among asthmatic mice and to observe the effects of budesonide (BUD) on their expression.

METHODSThirty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, asthma, and BUD intervention group. The mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish a mouse model of asthma. The BUD intervention group received aerosol inhalation of BUD dissolved in normal saline 30 minutes before each OVA challenge, while normal saline was used instead of OVA solution in the control group. The pathological changes in the airway were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The interleukin-13 (IL-13) level in lung homogenate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3 was measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe asthma group showed more pathological changes in the airway than the control and BUD intervention groups, and the BUD intervention group had reduced pathological changes in the airway compared with the asthma group. The asthma and BUD intervention groups had significantly higher IL-13 levels and mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3 than the control group (P<0.05), and these indices were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the BUD intervention group (P<0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that STAT6 mRNA expression was positively correlated with ORMDL3 mRNA expression (r=0.676, P=0.032).

CONCLUSIONSSTAT6 and ORMDL3 may be involved in the airway remodeling of mice, and BUD can reduce airway remodeling in asthmatic mice, possibly by down-regulating mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3.

Airway Remodeling ; drug effects ; Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Budesonide ; pharmacology ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Interleukin-13 ; analysis ; Lung ; metabolism ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; STAT6 Transcription Factor ; genetics

Objective To compare the genetic characteristics of mumps virus strain circulating in Beijing with vaccine strain and to preliminarily analysis the reasons of vaccine ineffectiveness. Methods The following methods were used: Isolation and identification of the mumps virus which had been circulating in Beijing, immunization history analysis, SH gene sequence analysis and comparison genotype homology with reference strains and analysis of the key amino acid sites of HN variation. Results In 38 mumps cases that virus had been isolated from, another seven cases were IgM negative. In 2007 and 2008, the positive rates on virus isolation, RT-PCR and IgMdecreased significantly, while the cases with immunization history had an increase. Cases without histories of vaccination had both higher positive rates on virus isolation and IgM. Thirty-eight strains belonged to F genotype virus, but vaccine strain was A genotype. The circulating viruses showed 5.6% sequence divergence on SH gene nucleotide and 16.0%-18.1% from vaccine strain. Conservative hydrophobic amino acids on SH protein of some Beijing strains had changed. For example, there were 6 strains, from No.8: L→F. The circulating viruses showed 2.3% sequence divergence on HN protein amino acid sequences and 4.2%-5.3% from vaccine strain. Amino acids sites, which deciding the ability of cross-neutralization of the Beijing strains and vaccine strains were different. At the 354 and 356 sites, all the Beijing strains were different from the vaccine strains. The N-glycosylation sites on HN of Beijing strains were also different from those on vaccine strains. Locations 464-466 appeared to be NCS on Beijing strain, but locations 464-466 were NCR on the vaccine strains. Another 18 unknown function amino acids sites of all Beijing strains were different from those on vaccine strains. Conclusion In recent years, genotype F became the main genotype of circulating strains in Beijing without genotype variation, but larger difference was found between them. There was a big difference between SH and HN protein of Beijing strains and vaccine strain, which might explain the ineffectiveness of the vaccine.

OBJECTIVETo study the pathogens of meningococcal meningitis (MM) in Beijing, 2005.

METHODSBlood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens from MM patients were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Bacterial strains were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing.

RESULTS7 of the blood and 5 of cerebrospinal fluid specimens showed positive results. 105 of the Neisseria meningitides strains were isolated from the specimens of patients, close contacts and healthy carriers. Serogroup A and C Neisseria meningitides strains shared the same patterns of pulsed-fieldgel electrophoresis, respectively. The sequence type of serogroup A Neisseria meningitides belonged to ST7 while the sequence type of serogroup C Neisseria meningitides belonged to ST4821.

CONCLUSIONPatients suffered from meningococcal meningitis were caused by serogroup A (ST7) and C (ST4821) Neisseria meningitides in Beijing, 2005.

China ; DNA, Bacterial ; analysis ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Humans ; Meningitis, Meningococcal ; microbiology ; Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects and mechanism of SP600125-specificity inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)on lung ischemia /reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODSThe unilateral lung ischemia/reperfusion model was replicated in vivo. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group, ischemia/reperfusion group ( I/R group) and ischemia/reperfusion + SP600125 group (SP600125 group). The lung tissues sampled at the end of each experiment were assayed for wet/dry weight ratio (W/D),the injured alveoli rate (IAR), the expression of phosphorylation JNK (p-JNK) and JNK protein were detected by Western blot, the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3 protein were detected by immunocytochemistry techniques, the pneumocyte apoptosis index (AI) was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end abeling(TUNEL), the ultrastructure changes were observed under electron microscope.

RESULTSCompared to I/R group, the expression of p-JNK, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 protein were markedly decreased (all P < 0.01), the expression of Bcl-2 protein and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax were markedly increased in SP600125 group(all P < 0.01). The value of AI, W/D, IAR showed significantly lower than those in I/R group (all P <0.01). Meanwhile, light morphological and ultrastructure injury were found in SP600125 group.

CONCLUSIONSP600125 can suppress JNK signal pathway, up-regulate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax to inhibit Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis, so that it protects lung tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Animals ; Anthracenes ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Lung ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Phosphorylation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; pathology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this research was to explore quality of life (QOL) and acceptance of disability and social support of colostomy patients as well as the relationship between these factors.

METHODSA descriptive, correlational study was conducted using four scales: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Colorectal Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR38) scales, the Acceptance of Disability Scale (ADS), and the Social Relational Quality Scale (SRQS). A convenience sample of 111 colostomy patients from four hospitals in Guangzhou who underwent colostomy operation at least one month prior to the study and who visited the stoma clinic or association from August 2011 to February 2012 was evaluated for inclusion in the study. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTSThe patients' general health status was better than the reference level recommended by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and the overall ADS score was average. The SRQS score was similar to that found in a Hong Kong study. The general health status and dimensions of QOL were significantly correlated with ADS and all of its dimensions (P < 0.05). The general health status and dimensions of QOL were also significantly correlated with SRQS and all of its dimensions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSQOL, acceptance of disability, and social relational quality of colostomy patients were closely related. Our results emphasize that patients should work to form rational values and close bonds with families and friends to achieve a better QOL.

Aged ; Colostomy ; adverse effects ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Social Support ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on pneumocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein, as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, I/R group and PNS group. The unilateral lung I/R model was replicated by obstruction of left lung hilus for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min in vivo. The rats in PNS group were given intraperitoneal injection of PNS at 60 min before ischemia and 10 min before reperfusion. Some lung tissues sampled at the end of the experiment were assayed for wet/dry weight ratio (W/T). The expressions of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) and JNK protein were detected by Western blot. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein were detected by immunocytochemistry techniques. The pneumocyte apoptotic index (AI) was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidy1 transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The morphological and ultrastructure changes were observed under light microscope and electron microscope, and the injured alveolus rate (IAR) was counted as well. The results showed that compared to control group, I/R group showed increased expressions of p-JNK, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein (all P < 0.01), decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (P < 0.05), and increased values of AI, W/T and IAR (all P < 0.01). Moreover, light microscope and electron microscope showed serious morphological and ultrastructure injury in I/R group. Compared to I/R group, PNS group showed markedly decreased expressions of p-JNK, Bax and Caspase-3 protein (all P < 0.01), increased expression of Bcl-2 protein and ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (both P < 0.01), and lower values of AI, W/T and IAR (all P < 0.01). Meanwhile, light morphological and ultrastructure injury was found to be alleviated in PNS group. These results suggest that PNS can protect lung tissue from I/R injury, and the mechanism may correlate with suppressing JNK signal pathway, up-regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax which results in inhibition of Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis.
Alveolar Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Female ; Ischemia ; physiopathology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Lung ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Saponins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

Objective To evaluate the effect of SvO2-guided early goal directed fluid therapy on hemodynamic and oxygen dynamics in septic shock pig model. Methods Twelve Bama miniature pigs (male, 21-24 kg) were equally randomized into 2 groups, group C and group G. Septic shock was induced by intravenous infusion endotoxin. Group C received hemodynamic support aiming central venous pressure at 8 to 12 mmHg, urinary output 0.5 mL/kg per hour, and mean arterial pressure greater than 65 mmHg. Group G maintained SvO2 greater than 0.65 in addition to the above indicators. The interventions lasted 6 h and at T0-T8 (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 min) recorded temperature, hemodynamic and oxygen dynamics indexes for each group, and recorded 6 hours for accumulated liquid volume, vascular active drug, and changes of urine. Results There were no significant differences in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) at each time point between group G and group C ( P>0.05). Values of CI and CVP were increased at T4-T8 in group G (P<0.05). Values of MPAP and PVRI were decreased at T8 in group G (P<0.05). Values of SvO2 were increased at T3-T8, O2ER were decreased at T3-T8 (P<0.05), DO2 were increased at T4-T8 (P<0.05), Lac were decreased at T5-T8, andΔp(CO2) was decreased at T8 in group G (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in values of VO2 at T1-T8 between two groups (P>0.05). The amount of intravenous infusion and urine volume were more and the amount of norepinephrine was less in animals of group G (P<0.05). The dosage of dobutamine was more in animals of group G, and which was not used in animals of group C. Conclusion SvO2 guided fluid therapy is more effective than conventional treatment to stabilize hemodynamics and oxygen kinetics, which is characterized by the increased cardiac output, increased oxygen supply, normal oxygen uptake rate and good tissue perfusion.