The Baculoviridae are a large family of enveloped DNA viruses exclusively pathogenic to arthropods. Baculoviruses have been extensively used in insect cell-based recombinant protein expression system and as biological pesticides. They have been deomostrated to be safe to mammals, birds and fish. Recently, baculoviruses has been shown to transduce different mammalian cells in spite of the fact that they cannot replicate in mammalian cells (11, 73, 76). This has resulted in the development of baculoviruses as mammalian expression systems and even as vestors for gene therapy.

Purpose To explore the relationship of Tei index and the concentration of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods Fifty healthy individuals (control group) and fifty dilated cardiomyopathy patients (study group) were recruited in this study. BNP level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Color Doppler echocardiography were performed to measure the cardiac indices including left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), interventricular septal thickness at diastole (IVSd), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Tei index was then calculated. The indices between the two groups were compared and correlation of Tei index and BNP with cardiac indices was analyzed. Results LVEDd, LVESd, Tei index, and BNP were significantly higher in study group than those in control group (t=14.4, 23.4, 21.9 and 22.3, P<0.01). IVSd and LVEF were significant lower in the study group (t=12.4 and 12.5, P<0.01). BNP was negatively correlated with LVEF (r= -0.266, P<0.05), and positively correlated with Tei index and LVEDd (r=0.401 and 0.326, P<0.05). Tei index was negatively correlated with LVEF and E/A (r= -0.480 and - 0.241, P<0.05), and positively correlated with LVEDd (r=0.375, P<0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the variates of BNP stepwise regression equation were Tei index, LVEF and LVEDd (t=5.984, -2.477 and 2.326, P<0.05); after correcting LVEF, the stepwise regression analysis showed closer relationship between Tei index and BNP (t=2.728, P<0.05). Conclusion There is correlation between Tei index and BNP. Tei index may be a good index for accurately estimating global ventricular function.

Baculovirus has many advantages as vectors for gene transfer. We demonstrated that recombinant baculovirus vectors expressing p35 (Ac-CMV-p35) and eGFP (Ac-CMV-GFP) could be transduced into human kidney 293 cells efficiently. The level of transgene expression was viral dose dependent and high-level expression of the target gene could be achieved under the heterogonous promoter. MTT assay suggested that both Ac-CMV-p35 and Ac-CMV-GFP did not have cytotoxic effect on human embryo kidney 293 cells. Cell growth curve showed the Ac-CMV-p35 and Ac- CMV-GFP transduced and non-transduced cells had similar proliferation rate, so baculovirus-mediated p35expression had no adverse effect on cell proliferation. In addition, baculovirus-mediated p35 gene expression protected human embryo kidney 293 cells against apoptosis induced by various apoptosis inducers such as Actinomycin D, UV or serum-free media. These results suggested that the baculovirus vector mediated p35 gene expression was functional and it could be widely used in molecular research and even gene therapy.

Objective To observe the effect of filtrate of normal human fresh dejecta on intestinal flora alteration.Methods 5 severe patients who treated with Cefoperazone suffered in intestinal flora alteration, 4 cases with candida albicans ans, 1 with Welch's basillus. After diagnosing, preserving clyster was done with filtrate of normal human fresh dejecta.Results 1 or 2 days after the treatment, the intestinal flora alteration disappeared.Conclusion The filtrate of normal human fresh dejecta is effective on the treatment of intestinal flora alternation.

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of ofloxacin by reduction of endotoxin on lung in rats with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS).

METHODSRat models of HPS were induced by ligating the bile duct to result in the biliary cirrhosis. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups with 10 animals in each one: sham operation group (the bile ducts were isolated and 2 ml NS was injected i.p), HPS model group (the bile ducts were ligated and 2 ml NS was injected i.p) and levofloxacin group (the bile ducts were did as the former group and 20 mg/kg ofloxacin injected i.p). After 6 weeks the portal pressure, ratios of dry weight to wet weight of lung (D/W), weight of spleen, plasma levels of endotoxin, MPO active and MDA contents in the lung. Plasma and lavage fluid of lung were examined. The results of the blood-gas analysis, the bacterial culture of blood, bile and ascites and the evaluation of pathologic change of lung be also investigated.

RESULTSIn levofloxacin group, portal pressure [(19.28 +/- 2.3) compare with (17.80 +/- 2.18)cm H2O, P<0.01], D/W [(5.1 +/- 0.7) compare with (4.9 +/- 0.7), P <0.01], plasma endotoxin levels [(59 +/- 6.2) compare with (268 +/- 35.6)ng/L, P<0.01], MPO active [(0.40 +/- 0.10) compare with (0.24 +/- 0.03)U, P<0.01] and MDA [(0.32 +/- 0.05) compare with (0.22 +/- 0.03) micromol/L, P<0.01] contents in the lung were significantly decreased compared with those in HPS group, and the inflammation of lung was also obviously alleviated.

CONCLUSIONReduction of endotoxin can attenuate the injury of lung in HPS rats.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Endotoxins ; blood ; Hepatopulmonary Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Levofloxacin ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Ofloxacin ; therapeutic use ; Portal Pressure ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo discuss the anti-tumor effect of Xihuang pill on tumor-bearing rats and its effect on the immune clearance function of tumor-bearing organisms.

METHODWalker256 tumor cells were adopted to establish the tumor-bearing rat model. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: the normal control group, the model control group, the lentinan group and Xihuang pill low dose, middle dose and high dose groups, with 10 rats in each group, and continuously treated and given drugs for 14 d after modeling. Blood and tumors were collected from abdominal aorta to calculate the tumor inhibition rate. The content of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and adhesion molecule B7-1 (CD80) in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The expressions of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in were determined by ELISA.

RESULTThe tumor inhibition rate of the Xihuang pill high dose group was 33. 1 percent. Compared with the model group, the Xihuang pill large dose group showed significantly low IL-2, IFN-gamma, CD3+, CD4+, B7-1 in peripheral blood, with statistical significance in their differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONXihuang pill could show its anti-tumor effect by enhancing the immune clearance function and increasing IL-2, IFN-gamma, CD3+ T, CD4+ T, B7-1 in peripheral blood.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; B7-1 Antigen ; genetics ; immunology ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; immunology ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immune System ; drug effects ; Immunologic Factors ; administration & dosage ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; immunology ; Interleukin-2 ; genetics ; immunology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Burden ; drug effects

Objective To study the tolerance to 188Re-1-hydroxy-1 ,1-ethylidene disodium phosphonate(HEDP) in patients with bone pain caused by osseous metastases. Methods Thirty-one patients(10with prostate cancer, 9 with breast cancer, 3 with lung cancer, 5 with liver cancer, 2 with rectal cancer, 1with esophageal cancer and 1 with renal cancer) received a single injection dose of 188Re-HEDP. The patients were divided into four groups according to the injection dose: 20 MBq/kg (6 patients), 30 MBq/kg(6 patients), 40 MBq/kg (9 patients), and 50 MBq/kg (10 patients). Haematological toxicity (WHO grading) of grade Ⅲ- Ⅳ was considered unacceptable. Vital signs and adverse effects after injection were recorded for 8 weeks. Blood counts were measured weekly during a period of 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters and electrocardiogram were assayed at week 4 and 8. Statistical analysis was performed for per-protocol (pp) population (t-test). Results Twenty-seven patients belonged to PP population with 5 in the group of 20 MBq/kg, 5 in the group of 30 MBq/kg, 8 in the group of 40 MBq/kg and 9 in the group of 50 MBq/kg.No obvious adverse effects and no significant change of vital signs, electrocardiogram, liver and renal function were found after injection. Alkaline phosphatase was slightly higher than baseline at week 4 and 8 after therapy, but the difference was not statistically significant. In the 20 MBq/kg group, reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia was noted in 1 patient. In the 30 MBq/kg group, 2 patients showed reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia including 1 alone with reversible grade Ⅲ thrombopenia. In the 40 MBq/kg group, reversible grade Ⅰ leucopenia and thrombopenia was observed in 1 patient and reversible grade Ⅱ leucopenia and thrombopenia in another patient. In the .50 MBq/kg group, 3 patients showed reversible grade Ⅱ leucopenia. The lowest level of thrombopenia was at week 4(143.5 × 109/L), leucopenia at week 6 (5.4 × 109/L) and anaemia at week 8(t = 3.1325, 3.3156, 3.4917, all P ＜ 0. 05 compared with baseline). At week 8, the mean level of platelet and leucocyte recovered to baseline. "Bounce pain" was found in 2 of 27 patients (7.41%).Conclusions The dose of 20 MBq/kg, 30 MBq/kg, 40 MBq/kg or 50 MBq/kg of 188Re-HEDP do not cause significant side effects on cancer patients with bone metastases, though there is a tendency that the haematological toxicity may increase as the dose of 188Re-HEDP increases.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of whole-period psychiatric rehabilitation on outpatients with schizophrenia.Methods90 outpatients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into the study group and control group with 45 cases in each group. All cases in two groups received pharmacotherapy, but cases of study group were added with whole-period psychiatric rehabilitation. Assessments were performed before and after study. All subjects were evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS).ResultsThe outcome of the study group was significantly superior to the control group on overall improvement according to the reductions of BPRS score, Anergia factor score, thought disturbance factor score, suspiciousness factor score and SDSS score(P<0.05-0.01).ConclusionThe whole-period psychiatric rehabilitation may play an important role in controlling symptoms and improving social function to outpatients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of the Pim-1 gene in the LNCaP cells of the animal model of orthotopically implanted prostate cancer by surgical castration simulating androgen-deprivation therapy.

METHODSWe equally allocated 32 male BALBc-nu mice into 4 groups, androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC), androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) , castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and blank control, and established the models of orthotopically implanted tumor using human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. We detected and ,compared the expressions of Pim-1, PSA, and androgen receptor (AR) in the tumor tissues of different groups by RT-PCR. qRT-PCR, ELSIA and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe relative gray scales in the ADPC and CRPC groups were 0.59 ± 0.01 and 1.14 ± 0.02, with statistically significant differences from 0.62 ± 0.03 in the ADT group (P < 0.05), and the Δ Ct values of Pim-1 were 6.15 ± 0.34 and 4.56 ± 0.23 in the former two groups, also with significant differences from 5.11 ± 0.21 in the latter (P < 0.05). The results of 2-ΔΔ Ct relative quantification analysis showed that the amplification products of Pim-1 in the ADT and CRPC groups increased 2.05 and 3.01 times respectively that of the ADPC group. The concentration of PSA was significantly higher in the ADPC ([480 ± 25] pg/ml) and CRPC ([870 ± 23] pg/ml) than in the ADT ([170 ± 32] pg/ml) and blank control groups (0 µg/L) (P < 0.01). The mean optical densities of Pim-1 and AR proteins were 0.017 ± 0.002 and 0.032 ± 0.009 in the ADPC group and 0.024 ± 0.002 and 0.040 ± 0.011 in the CRPC group, both with significant differences from those in the ADT group (0.018 ± 0.001 and 0.019 ± 0.006) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPim-1 is highly expressed in nude mice with prostate cancer receiving androgen-deprivation therapy and plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.

Androgen Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Disease Progression ; Gene Expression ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent ; metabolism ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-pim-1 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Androgen ; metabolism

Emerging data indicated that HCV subverts the antiviral activity of interferon (IF); however,whether HCV core protein contributes to the process remains controversial. In the present study, we examined the effect of HCV core protein on interferon-induced antiviral gene expression and whether the effect is involved in the activation and negative regulation of the Jak/STAT signaling pathway. Our results showed that, following treatment with IFN-α, the transcription of PKR, MxA and 2'-5'OAS were down-regulated in HepG2 cells expressing the core protein. In the presence of HCV core protein,ISRE-dependent luciferase activity also decreased. Further study indicated that the core protein could inhibit the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1, whereas the level of STAT1 expression was unchanged.Accordingly, SOCS3, the negative regulator of the Jak/STAT pathway, was induced by HCV core protein. These results suggests that HCV core protein may interfere with the expression of some interferon-induced antiviral genes by inhibiting STAT1 phosphorylation and induction of SOCS3.