Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial structure and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats. Methods: A 12-week treadmill running training was performed to create an exercise-induced fatigue rat model. Sixty eligible male specific-pathogen-free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a control group, a model group, a non-meridian non-acupoint group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group and a Shenque (CV 8) group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group did not receive treadmill running training or moxibustion. Rats in the control group did not receive treadmill running training but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). Rats in the model group received treadmill running training but no moxibustion. Rats in the non-meridian non-acupoint group, the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group received moxibustion at the non-meridian non-acupoint points, Zusanli (ST 36) or Shenque (CV 8) immediately after each treadmill running training, 15 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days a week at a 2-day interval, 60 times of moxibustion in total. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDv), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSv), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E) and late diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (A) of each group before and after the last treadmill running training were measured. Blood was collected 6 h after the last treadmill running training, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected. Finally, the heart was separated, the heart mass (HM) was measured, the cTnT level of the myocardial tissue was detected, the ultrastructural changes of the left ventricular myocardium were observed by transmission electron microscope, the left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), E/A and heart mass index (HMI) were calculated. Results: Compared with the same group before treatment, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, LVDv, LVSv, SV, E and A were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the rat LVFS, E/A and EF were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group after treatment; the rat cardiac SV, LVDv, LVSv, E and A were all increased (all P<0.01), while E/A and EF were decreased (all P<0.01) in the Zusanli (ST 36) group after treatment; the rat cardiac LVDv, E and A were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and E/A was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the Shenque (CV 8) group after treatment. After treatment, compared with the blank group, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, the serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and the myocardial cTnT were increased (all P<0.01), and the LVFS, E/A and EF were all reduced (all P<0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, rats in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group showed decreased LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and myocardial cTnT (P<0.01 or P<0.05), along with increased LVFS, E/A and EF (all P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, Mb and A of the Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased (both P<0.01), while both E/A and EF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy examination showed that myofibrils in the blank group and the control group were neatly arranged with clear light and dark bands; the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group showed different degrees of myofibril disintegration and breakage, increased and aggregated mitochondria of different sizes, and increased electron density. The myofibrils in the Shenque (CV 8) group and Zusanli (ST 36) group were arranged neatly with clear light and dark bands, and compensatory hyperplasia of mitochondria. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) both can effectively improve the occurrence of myocardial remodeling in exercise-induced fatigue rats, and the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is better in improving cardiac function.

Animals ; Aorta ; pathology ; Apolipoproteins E ; deficiency ; Atherosclerosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glycosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polygonum ; chemistry ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct a eukaryotic expression vector for expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) recombinant NS5B-EGFP fusion protein and obtain a stable transfected HepG2 cell line.

METHODSThe coding region of NS5B gene of HCV was amplified by PCR and was digested by Xho I/Kpn I. This fragment was inserted into pEGFPN3 with T4 ligase and transformed E. coli TG1. The positive recombinant plasmid was selected, then the recombinant plasmid was transfected into HepG2 cell by Lipofectin AMINE 2000. Cells containing stable transformants were selected by the ability of resistance to G418 and isolated with a limited dilution. The stable transfected cell line expressing high level NS5B-EGFP fusion protein was obtained.

RESULTSThe eukaryotic expression vector named pEGFPN3-ns5b was successfully constructed and the stable transfected HepG2 cell line expressing NS5B-EGFP fusion protein was obtained.

CONCLUSIONThe stable transfected HepG2 cell line could express NS5B-EGFP fusion protein, could be used for anti-HCV infection with ns5b gene as the target.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

Based on the full-length cDNA of BmalphaTX14 from Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK), gene of the mature peptide of BmalphaTX14 was cloned into the yeast expression vector pPIC9K. After transforming, screening and inducing, tricine-SDS-PAGE and Western blot proved that rBmalphaTX14 protein was expressed in the medium for up to 84 hours, getting nearly 120 mg/L. Recombinant BmalphaTX14 was purified rapidly and efficiently through Ni-NTA-agarose, polyethylene glycol precipitation and gel filtration chromatography. The purified rBmalphaTX14 proved to have the anti-insect activity by toxicity assay. Meanwhile, genomic gene of BmalphaTX14 was cloned and sequenced by PCR method, sequence analysis of this gene showed that BmalphaTX14 had an intron of 408 base pairs located at the signal peptide encoding region, which was similar with the characteristic of other alpha-type sodium ion-channel toxin. Considering both the genomic organization and the peptide function, BmaTX14 proved to be a membership belonging to alpha-type sodium ion-channel toxin.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Scorpion Venoms ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Scorpions ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVETo identify and characterize the epitope associated with the virus attachment protein (VAP) of hantaan virus.

METHODSThe monoclonal antibody 3G1 was used as the ligand to biospan from a phage-displayed 12-amino acid peptide library, then the positive phage clones were chosen and sequenced. The amino acid sequences of them were compared with that of hantaan virus G2 in homology. The characteristics of positive phage were studied by IFA and ELISA. A decapeptide combining to cell membrane was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM).

RESULTSThe conservative motif PX(1-2) HX(0-2) H displaying on positive clones shared homologous amino acid sequence with G2 96YPWHTAKCHY105.

CONCLUSIONG2 96YPWHTAKCHY105 might play some roles in virus binding to host cell, and might be a possible key epitope of hantaan virus VAP.

Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epitopes ; immunology ; metabolism ; Hantaan virus ; immunology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Oligopeptides ; immunology ; metabolism ; Peptide Library ; Vero Cells ; Viral Proteins ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the morphologic features and clinical significance of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) suspicious but not diagnostic of cancer in prostatic biopsies.

METHODSThe slides of 11 cases of prostatic needle biopsies collected during a two-year period with the diagnosis of ASAP were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for 34betaE12, p63 and P504S was performed on the archival paraffin sections.

RESULTSAll the 11 ASAP cases were characterized by the presence of a few compacted small acini in the prostatic stroma. Six cases had acini of less than three in number. The acini were round or slightly irregular in shape. The nuclei were enlarged, round or irregular, arranged in single layer and focally separated by broad interval. The nucleoli were usually prominent. Cytoplasm was amphophilic or pale and the lumen border was often well-defined. Basophilic mucus was also seen in some of the lumen. Immunohistochemical study for 34betaE12 and p63 was negative, while that for P504S was positive. In 4 of the 11 cases, the acini were more than three in number, round or slightly irregular, but without cytologic atypia. The nuclei were slightly enlarged with small or inconspicuous nucleoli. Immunohistochemical study for 34betaE12 and p63 was negative or at most focally positive. P504S staining was either negative or weakly positive. Second repeat biopsy was carried out in all cases, and 4 of them (36%) showed definite adenocarcinomatous changes. The positive cases were those with fewer acini but definite cytologic atypia in the initial biopsy.

CONCLUSIONSASAP is a morphologic interpretation closely associated with prostatic adenocarcinoma. The histologic features are suspicious of but not diagnostic of cancer, due to insufficient criteria in terms of acinar number, cytologic or architectural abnormalities. The positive rate in subsequent repeat biopsy is higher than that for cases with usual nodular hyperplasia.

Adenocarcinoma ; enzymology ; pathology ; Aged ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; enzymology ; pathology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; enzymology ; pathology ; Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; enzymology ; pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; enzymology ; pathology ; Racemases and Epimerases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the time trends of cancer mortality among residents in Kaifeng county, Henan province.

METHODSData on cancer mortality from the vital registration system in Kaifeng county from 1988 to 2005 was analyzed. A total of 9543 death records (5974 males and 3567 females) due to malignant tumors were studied. A two-year-period age-specified standardized mortality rates were directly adjusted by the world standard population, and the annual percentage change (APC) of mortality were estimated by a linear logarithm regression.

RESULTSThe crude cancer death rate for male was 95.09/100,000 and its age-standardized death rate was 117.41/100,000. While, the crude cancer death rate for female was 59.13/100,000 and the age-standardized death rate was 57.15/100,000. There was a significant growth tread for lung cancer (APC: 6.54%), liver cancer (5.07%) in males and breast cancer (7.04%) in females in the groups aged over 18. On the contrary, the decreasing treads for esophageal cancer in both of sexes (-7.09%, -13.53%) were also observed in this study. Meanwhile, there was no other significant changes in the trend, either in the tumor sites or mortality, was observed.

CONCLUSIONIn the past two decades, there has been a significant increasing trend for cancer mortality in Kaifeng county, of Henan Province. Hence, it is necessary to enhance epidemiological survey to identify risk factors at the earlier stages.

China ; epidemiology ; Death Certificates ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mortality ; trends ; Neoplasms ; mortality ; Rural Population

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible role of STAT3 and p38 in the carcinogenesis of sporadic colorectal tubular adenoma.

METHODSThe expression of STAT3 and p38 at protein level was studied in 107 sporadic colorectal tubular adenomas with different dysplasia (SCTA-D) or with cancerous changes (SCTA-Ca) by immunohistochemical staining method, meanwhile the expression of STAT3 at mRNA level was detected by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical staining results showed that the positive expression rate of STAT3 and p38 was 12.0%, 59.0%, 91.7% and 8.0%, 47.0%, 91.7% in normal colorectal mucosa (NCM), SCTA-D and SCTA-Ca, respectively, with a statistically significant difference of STAT3 and p38 expression among the SCTA-D, SCTA-Ca and NCM (P < 0.05). The expression of STAT3 and p38 was positively correlated with the degree of dysplasia from mild to severe SCTA-D (P < 0.05). In situ hybridization results showed that the positive expression rate of STAT3 at mRNA level in NCM, SCTA-D and SCTA-Ca was 8.00%, 51.8% and 100.0%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference among these either (P < 0.05). The positive expression of STAT3 at mRNA level was not only positively correlated with the degree of dysplasia (P < 0.05), but also with the expression of p38 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTAT3 and p38 may be involved in the carcinogenesis of sporadic colorectal tubular adenoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Precancerous Conditions ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of electromagnetic navigation system to locate the distal locking screw of tibia intramedullary nail. Methods From February 2010 to December 2016, 79 cases of tibia shaft fractures requiring treatment with intramedullary nailing were selected and divided into the navigation group and free hand locking group according to intramedullary nail locking methods. Forty-four cases in navigation group used an electromagnetic navigation system to lock the distal end of the intramedullary nail,while 35 cases in free hand locking group used a free-hand technique. The intraoperative X-ray exposure time,distal locking time,healing time, and the success rate of one-time distal locking were recorded compared between two groups. Results The average time of diatal locking using electromagnetic navigation technology was less than that of the free hand locking group,and the exposure time of fluoroscopy was also reduced, the differences were significant(P ＜ 0. 05). There was no difference in fracture healing time between the two groups(P ＞ 0. 05), one-time success rate of navigation group was 100％,which was higher than 37. 34％ of the free hand locking group, the difference was significant(P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion Compared with free hand technology, the advantage of using electromagnetic navigation system to lock the distal nail of tibia intramedullary nail is high efficiency, short locking time and no radiation.

OBJECTIVETo put some improvements to the traditional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and discuss its clinical significance.

METHODSCompleted the traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and TLIF procedure in 12 fresh cadavers, dissect further to expose the surrounding anatomical structures, and put the modified TLIF surgery according to the anatomical findings. And simulated the operation in 12 fresh cadavers, analyzed its feasibility and potential advantages.

RESULTSThe early anatomical study found that the related nerve root was in a state of high tension and certain risk of injury when completed the traditional PLIF and TLIF surgery, and found certain operational area between the superior articular process and the midline structures of the spinous processes and interspinous ligaments. Put the modified TLIF surgical approach according to the anatomical findings, which the operating area is located in PLIF outside and TLIF inside. As the following words: Take a posterior-middle incision, preserve the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, and the spinous processes, dissect the bilateral paravertebral muscle, expose lamina and facet joints, not including transverse process, and remove unilateral inferior two third lamina, inferior articular process and expose the articular surface of the superior articular process, then dispose the intervertebral space for interbody fusion obliquely in the unilateral approach. Successfully completed the modified TLIF procedure in 12 fresh cadavers, the results showed that the technique has the following advantages. (1) Only remove unilateral inferior two third lamina and inferior articular process, preserve the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, and the spinous processes, not expose the transverse process. (2) Both central canal, and lateral recess and nerve root canal of the operative side can be decompressed effectively simultaneously. (3) Avoid excessive traction to the thecal sac and traversing nerve roots and decrease the injury rate due to the reservation of the midline structures and the oblique manipulation, and less injury rate of the exiting nerve root, because of not necessary to expose it routinely.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified TLIF is safe and feasible, could effectively reduce the nerve roots injuries. Maybe it's a better choice for most of the Chinese patients at present.

Autopsy ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods