Objective This study is undertaken to evaluate the changes of serum cytokine levels in different stages of collagen induced arthritis(CIA)rats,to search for the specific proteins related with rheuma- toid arthritis(RA)pathogenesis and inflammation,and to explore the mechanism of RA pathogenesis.Methods Rat cytokine antibody array coated with 19 specific cytokine antibodies was used to examine serum samples at peak and late stage of CIA rats,and were compared to normal cytokine levels.At the same time,ELISA assay for serum TNF-?production was used to verify the array results.Results Among the target cytokines,10 up- regulating cytokines were kept in high expression in different phases of disease,while 1 showed significant change only at the peak of disease.There was no downregnlating cytokines in the results.Serum TNF-?assay results were consistent to the array results.Conclusion Cytokines show different expression in CIA at differ- ent stages,and specific cytokines can be used as the candidates to further study of the RA pathogenesis.This study also provides molecular makers for early diagnosis.

Objective: To investigate the changes of gene expression in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) under different growth environments. Methods: Umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB MNCs) were cultured in static and stirred systems. After 7 days of culture, CD34+ cells were isolated and total RNA was extracted. Gene expression patterns of CD34+ cells from fresh, static and stirred cultures were compared using differential display (DD). Results: 30 gene fragments displayed differential expression levels based on the conditions of DD. One of differentially expressed genes was identified as RAN, which is a member of oncogene RAS family. This gene may be associated with proliferation of hematopoietic cells. Conclusion: Different growth environments induced differential gene expression patterns of CD34+ HSPCs. These differentially expressed genes would give new insights into optimizing in vitro environments for expanding hematopoietic cells.

Objective To compare the differences of clinical characteristics between genotype B and C chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and to summarize clinical factors related to genotype C hepa- titis B virus(HBV)infection.Methods Seventy eight CHB patients who were diagnosed with genotype B or C infection by liver puncture biopsy and genotyping were enrolled.Their serum HBV DNA levels were detected.Severe hepatitis,liver cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma and HBeAg positive rate were analyzed to determine the pathologic inflammation and fibrosis degree of liver tissue.Chi square test and Logistic multiple regression analysis were employed for the statistical analysis.Results The serum albumin and pre-protein were lower in genotype C CHB patients than that in genotype B.The alanine aminotrans- ferase,total bilirubin and prothrombin time were higher in genotype C CHB patients than that in genotype B.The rates of genotype C patients increased significantly with the grade of liver necroin- flammation progressing from GO to G4(1.8%,11.1%,20.4%,33.3%,33.3%) and the stage of liver fibrosis progressing from SO to S4(5.6%,5.6%,14.8%,33.3%,40.7%),but the rates of genotype B patients did not change significantly with the grade of liver necroinflammation(16.7%, 25.0%,25.0%,20.8%,12.5%)and stage of liver fibrosis progressing(16.7%,29.2%%,20.8%, 16.7%,16.7%).There was statistical significance in grades of liver necroinflammation(X~2= 11.49,P=0.022)and stages of liver fibrosis(X~2=13.56,P=0.006)between genotype B and gen- otype C patients.The rates of genotype C CHB patients were higher than,similar with and lower than the rates of genotype B patients of HBV DNA level above 1.0?10~6 copy/mL,between 5.0?10~2-1.0?10~6 copy/mL and under 5.0?10~2 copy/mL,respectively(51.8% vs 12.5%,35.2% vs 45.8% and 13.0% vs 41.7%).There was statistical significance of HBV loads between genotype B and genotype C patients(X~2=13.25,P=0.001).HBeAg positive rate in genotype C patients was significantly higher than that in genotype B patients(61.1% vs 25.0%,X~2=8.67,P=0.003).The rates of decompensated cirrhosis,compensated cirrhosis and no-cirrhosis in genotype C patients were higher than,similiar with and lower than the rates in genotype B patients,respectively(40.7% vs 4.2%,22.2% vs 20.8% and 37.0% vs 75.0%).There was statistical significance of the rate of cirrhosis between genotype B and genotype C patients (X~2=12.47,P=0.002).Conclusions The degree of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis,the HBeAg positive rate and the incidence of cirrhosis are all related with genotype C HBV infection.

Objective To evaluate the effect of errorless learning on memory processes.Methods Eight- y-four participants were randomly divided into three groups:a group which received computer-assisted memory train- ing (CAMG,n=30) ,a therapist-administered memory training group (TAMG,n=24) and a control group (CG,n =30).A 20-session training course with a Chinese cultural background was tailor-made for Chinese subjects with memory disorders.It was administered over the course of one month to the test groups with a similar course structure and content but different delivery modes.The control group had no training.The Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test- Chinese Version (RBMT-CV) and the Hong Kong List Learning Test (HKLLT) were used to assess memory ability and process at the start and end of the training,and one month later.A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences across the three groups.Results Comparing pre-training with post-training and follow- up,RBMT-CV and HKLLT scores improved significantly.The CAMG group demonstrated better progress encoding and storage on the HKLLT (including the random and blocked conditions) than the TAMG group.Conclusions Errorless learning is likely to be an effective technique for improving memory function in patients with traumatic brain injury.Its effects last for at least one month.Computer-administered training was more effective than therapist-admin- istered face to face training,especially in improving encoding and storage memory processes.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of the magnetic c-erbB-2 antisense probe of different concentrations on the morphology and expression of SK-Br-3 cancer cells in vitro.

METHODSBreast cancer SK-Br-3 cells were transfected for 24 h by antisense probe at an iron concentration of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L, respectively. The distribution and content of iron particles in SK-Br-3 cells was determined by Prussian blue staining, electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectrometry. Cell viability was observed by trypan-blue exclusion and CCK-8 test. The protein expression of c-erbB-2 was assessed by the Western blot analysis. The changes of the signal strength were considered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTSc-erbB-2 antisense probe was uptake by SK-Br-3 cells in a concentration-dependence manner within a certain range (5, 10, and the Medicine Scientific Research Project of Chongqing Health Bureau (062025)25 mg/L). When the probe concentration was 25 mg/L, iron content in cells was (18.38±0.28) pg, the cell vitality, survival, and c-erbB-2 protein expression were reduced significantly (all P<0.05), and the T2 value was lower significantly (P<0.05). However, the results of 50 mg/L or 100 mg/L group showed no significant difference with the 25 mg/L group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe magnetic c-erbB-2 antisense probe can effectively transfect and specifically inhibit the expression of SK-Br-3 cell lines at the iron concentration of 25 mg/L.

Antisense Elements (Genetics) ; genetics ; Apoptosis ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Magnetics ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and safety of segmental pulmonary vein isolation (SPVI) and circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) guided by EnSite NavX system in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODSEighty-five patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF were enrolled in this study. Forty patients (30 with paroxysmal AF and 10 with persistent AF) underwent SPVI procedure, and 45 (31 with paroxysmal AF and 14 with persistent AF) underwent CPVA guided by EnSite NavX three-dimensional electrophysiological mapping system. All the patients were followed up for over six months.

RESULTSThe success rate was 65% in the SPVI group and 84.4% in the CPVI group (P=0.0332), with incidence of major complications of 17.5% and 6.7%, respectively (P=0.0845). In the SPVI group, 12.5% patients had pulmonary vein stenosis after the operation, which occurred in none of the patients in the CPVI group (P=0.0312). The total procedure time was 200.4+/-37.0 min in the SPVI group, significantly shorter than that in the CPVI group (226.5+/-26.1 min, P=0.002). The fluoroscopy time in the SPVI group was obviously longer than that in the CPVI group (54.7+/-9.7 vs 27.1+/-3.1 min, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSCPVI guided by EnSite NavX system is more effective than SPVI for treatment of atrial fibrillation with significantly shortened fluoroscopy time but prolonged procedure time. The two procedures results in comparable incidences of major complications, but CPVI is associated with reduced rate of pulmonary vein stenosis in comparison with SPVI.

Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Veins ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety of circumferential pulmonary vein ostial isolation guided by EnSite NavX three-dimensional electrophysiological mapping in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODSThirty-eight patients with drug refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent circumferential pulmonary vein ostial isolation and were followed up to investigate the efficacy and safety of the treatment.

RESULTSAll cases reached the endpoint of the ablation, and both sides of the pulmonary vein were completely isolated, with an average procedure time of 200.4-/+37.0 min, X-ray exposure time of 54.7-/+9.7 min, and three-dimensional left atrial geometry reconstruction time of 27.5-/+7.5 min. During the follow-up for 9-/+3 months, the success rate of initial ablation was 89.5%, and the incidence of procedure-related complications were 7.9%.

CONCLUSIONSCircumferential pulmonary vein ostial isolation guided by EnSite NavX three-dimensional electrophysiological mapping can be effective and safe for AF treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Veins ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

The effect of the calcium ion (Ca2+) on the growth and differentiation of the mouse epidermal keratinocytes cultured in serum-free medium was investigated. It was found that the optimal level of calcium ion in the medium was about 0.2 mmol/L. Under such a culture condition the colony forming efficiency, attachment percentage, percentage of the cells with cornified envelops, and percentage of the senesced cells were measured to be about 10.8%, 30.8%, 5.1%, and 26.8%, respectively. However, the Ca2+ concentrations in the medium above 0.6 mmol/L resulted in significant differentiation and senescence of the keratinocytes, which was found to be harmful for keratinocyte growth and expansion in vitro.
Animals ; Calcium ; pharmacology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Senescence ; drug effects ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice

Objective To understand the genetic polymorphism of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in Guangdong province, as well as to explore methods for identifying and tracing the source of these two foodbome pathogens. Methods Using the automated ribotyping system, two foodbome pathogens were tested with either EcoR Ⅰ or Pvu Ⅱ restriction enzymes. BioNumerics software was then applied for image analysis, database establishment and other corresponding analysis. Results Digestion of 32 Salmonella isolates with Pvu Ⅱ yielded 19 different ribotypes,and digestion of 14 Salmonella isolates with EcoR Ⅰ yielded 2 different ribotypes. Staphyloccus aureus isolates showed greater genetic diversity, whereas EcoR Ⅰ digestion of 49 different isolates yielded 31 different ribotypes. Conclusion Unique Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus isolates could be identified through ribotyping. Although Salmonella serotyping and ribotyping were not strongly correlated, the combination of both restriction enzymes could be used to more effectively identify the genetic relationship among different strains as well as the source of food poisoning. Thus, not only could the genetic relationships amongst the different strains be inferred through ribotyping skills, the source of food poisoning and mode of transmission could also be determined under the use of this method.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin on the learning and memory ability and the expression of the apoptosis signal transducers Abeta and betaAPP in AD rat brain.

METHODThe comparative observation method was adopted for the animal test. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, the model group, the aricept group, the qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group, with eight rats in each group. Abeta(25-35) (10 g x L(-1)) was injected into their bilateral amygdala to establish the AD rat model. Since the next day, they were intragastrically administered with Aricept (1.67 mg x kg(-1)), Qingxin Kaiqiao decoction (12.67 mL x kg(-1)), saponin (6.30 mg x kg(-1)) and double distilled water filling for 2 weeks to observe their spatial memory ability in a Morris water maze and study the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in brain tissues by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTEach traditional Chinese medicine groups showed significant improvement in the learning and memory ability of AD rats and notable differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with the control group. The qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group showed a decrease in the expressions of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cerebral cortex and hippocampus area, displaying notable differences (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONqingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin can obviously improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats with by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cortex and hippocampus.

Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; genetics ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cerebral Cortex ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Maze Learning ; drug effects ; Memory ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Saponins ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Time Factors