A collection of neurons in the upper lumbar spinal cord (lumbar segments 3 and 4) of male rats project to the lower lumbar spinal cord (lumbar segments 5 and 6) and release a gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) to the somatic and autonomic regions, which are known to regulate male sexual reflexes. The GRP plays some special functions when bound to the specific GRP receptor (GRPR). The spinal GRP system is regulated by androgens. Accumulating evidence shows that GRP plays an important role in rat penile erection and ejaculation, and pharmacological stimulation of GRPRs with a specific agonist can restore penile reflexes and ejaculation in castrated male rats. Therefore, the GRP system appears to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory dysfunction. The present paper briefly reviews the recent studies on the role of the spinal GRP system in regulating the sexual function of males.
Androgens ; metabolism ; Animals ; Ejaculation ; physiology ; Gastrin-Releasing Peptide ; metabolism ; physiology ; Male ; Penile Erection ; physiology ; Rats ; Spinal Cord ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphism of X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 3 (XRCC3) and susceptibility to lead poisoning in male lead-exposed workers.

METHODSPeripheral venous blood and morning urine samples were collected from 326 male lead-exposed workers in a storage battery factory in Fuzhou. Blood lead, urine lead, blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), blood calcium, and blood iron were measured. The genotype of XRCC3 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The relationship between XRCC3 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to lead poisoning in male lead-exposed workers was analyzed.

RESULTSGenetic polymorphism of XRCC3 was seen in the 326 subjects. The frequency distribution of XRCC3 genotypes, XRCC3-241CC (wild type), XRCC3-241CT (heterozygous mutation), and XRCC3-241TT (homozygous mutation), was in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in urine lead, blood ZPP, blood calcium, and blood iron between the lead-exposed workers with different XRCC3 genotypes (P > 0.05). The workers with XRCC3-241CT/TT had a significantly higher mean blood lead level than those with XRCC3-241CC (P < 0.05). With a blood lead level of 1.90 µmol/L as the cutoff value, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of workers with XRCC3-241CT/TT was significantly higher than that of workers with XRCC3-241CC in the subjects with high blood leads (P < 0.05) and that the risk of high blood lead was significantly higher in the workers with XRCC3-241CT/TT than in those with XRCC3-241CC (OR = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.61 ∼ 5.13); the multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the workers with XRCC3-241CT/TT had high blood lead levels (β = 0.116, P < 0.05), the workers with smoking habit demonstrated marked lead absorption (β = 0.188, P < 0.05), good individual protection could reduce lead absorption (β = -0.247, P < 0.05), and the individuals with low serum Ca²⁺ levels had high blood lead levels (β = -0.145, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONWhen exposed to the same level of lead at workplace, the workers with XRCC3-241CT/TT have a significantly higher blood lead level than those with XRCC3-241CC, so the genotype of XRCC3-241CT/TT accounts for higher susceptibility to lead poisoning.

Adult ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lead ; blood ; Lead Poisoning ; genetics ; Male ; Occupational Diseases ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the effect of chromosomal abnormality and polygenic inheritance factor in female children with short stature.Methods 1.Chromosome analysis:peripheral blood was drawn for 1 mL and cultured 72 h to analyze chromosome karyotype (Giemsa Banding ) of peripheral lymphocytes.2.Polygenic factor analysis:the children′s final height were estimated based on their parents average height,and analyzed the distribution characteristics of children′s final height and compared the estimate final height with the actual height.Results Eighty-three cases out of the 364 female children with short stature were chromosomal abnormality(22.80%).Among the 83 cases,the 45,XO and 46,X,i(Xq) occupied 70%.The distribution of children target height shifted left,and the target height of 76 cases was lower than 2 standard deviation (-2 s)and the consistency of target height and actual height reached 20.88%.The target height of 7 cases was lower than 2 standard deviation in those whose chromosome turned out to be abnormal,and the consistency of target height and actual height was 8.43%.Conclusions Chromosomal abnormality is one of the most important etiologic agents causing short stature in female children, and polygenic inheritance is another important etiologic agent.

Objective To provide information support for military medical service drilling with actual arms in field medical clinic. Methods The local netwok was built based on Intranet mode for military medical service. A distributed wartime military medical service information system was developed. The long-range consultation was carried through a consultation vehicle. The field medical clinic information system was integrated with No.1 Military Medical Project. Results The system has been used in drilling with actual arms of field medical clinic for three years. Conclusion The result shows that the system can satisfy the need of information management of field medical clinic and enhanced the efficiency of management greatly.

There exists a remarkably progress in molecular modification and artificial evolution of microbial enzymes in recent years. Error-prone polymerase chain reaction and DNA shuffling have been developed and successfully applied and a lot of startling achievements have been obtained in artificial evolution of enzymes.

In order to establish the stable andreliable ISSR-PCR System of Lysimachia christinae, L16 (4(5)) orthogonal design, which based on 7 levels of single factor experiment, were used in this study. The variance analysis was carried out by SPSS 19.0, and 5 main factors affecting the reaction system were optimized in 4 levels. The best annealing temperature was selected by the optimized reaction system. And the stability and reliability of this system was tested by 23 samples from different origins. The results showed that the five factors (DNA template, primer, dNTP, Mg2+ and Taq enzyme) were the most impacts on the amplified results of ISSR-PCR of L. christinae. The order of the influence was: primer > Taq enzyme > DNA template > Mg2+ > dNTP. The optimal system, which was determined by multiple comparison on different levels of each factor, was total volume of 25 microL, including DNA template 60 ng, primer 0.3 micromol x L(-1), dNTP 0.2 mmol x L(-1), Mg2+ 1.8 mmol x L(-1), Taq enzyme 1.25 U. The optimal system was stable and reliable tested by 23 samples from different origins. This study lays the foundation for genetic diversity analysis, fine varieties selection and molecular identification of L. christinae, and provides reference for optimization on ISSR-PCR system of other speciesin future.
DNA Primers ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; classification ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Primulaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Quality Control

BACKGROUND:Chronic venous insufficiency is a major health problem worldwide. Clinical treatments include venous valve repair and venous segment containing valve transplantation. However, these are invasive procedures, and the supply of vein containing valves is limited. Significant progress in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been made towards the creation of tissue engineered vascular grafts for the repair of damaged or malformed vessels. It has been reported that using tissue engineering, a tissue engineered vein containing valves constructed with self-derived endothelial cells and al ogeneic acellular matrices can provide the complex physiological valve structure and mechanical stability, but this elicited an immunogenic response.
OBJECTIVE:To create a viable and functional vein containing valves, which has the ability to grow, repair, and imitate natural tissues.
METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from Beagle dogs by density gradient centrifugation and adherence methods. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in vitro. Fol owing isolation and culture the cells were examined using flow cytometry and identified by direct induction towards the osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. We fabricated biodegradable venous scaffold containing valves using the method of injection molding combined with thermal y induced phase separation. Based on the self-made cast, a three-dimensional biodegradable vein scaffold containing valves was constructed from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Morphological structure was tested. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were used as seed cells to be seeded onto the lumen of the tissue engineered vein scaffold containing valves in vitro and then incubated for 2 weeks.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the scaffold demonstrated sufficient porosity. Cultured cells expressed mesenchymal cellmarkers, CD44 and CD29, but did not express hematopoietic cellmarkers, CD34 and CD45 at the same time point. Scaffolds were nontoxic to cells and were favorable for the growth and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. cells attached on the surface of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds formed a confluent layer after incubation. The cellular constructs were tested in vitro, and the valve leaflets were functional y capable of opening and closing when stimulated. These results suggested that the tissue engineered vein containing valves have been successful y constructed by using a three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as seed cells. Tissue engineered vein containing valves is potential y useful for the substitution and regeneration of vein valves.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of subtotal vertebrectomy, decompression and strut grafting in treating thoracolumbar burst fractures through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision.

METHODSFrom May 2005 to July 2008, 14 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with subtotal vertebrectomy, decompression and strut grafting through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision. There were 9 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 24 to 68 years, with an average of 42.3 years. All patients were single segment fractures, of them, T11 was in 1 case, T12 in 5, L1 in 5 and L2 in 3. According to AO classification in spinal fracture, type A3 was in 5 cases, B1 in 3, B2 in 3, C1 in 2, C2 in 1. According to the ASIA classification in neurological function, grade A was in 3 cases, B in 3, C in 5, D in 2, E in 1. The height of anterior border vertebral body, volume of spinal canal and neurological function were analyzed by X-ray films, CT scanning and ASIA classification preoperative, postoperative and at final follow-up.

RESULTSOperative time was from 3.5 to 5.5 hours with the mean of 4.0 hours; bleeding during operation was from 800 to 2 600 ml with the mean of 1 300 ml. Two cases with nerve root injury recovered without special handling after 3-6 months; 1 case with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid restored through lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage; 1 case with pleura tear healed through closed thoracic drainage. No iatrogenic vascular injury or infection was found. The follow-up time was from 8 to 36 months with the mean of 16.5 months. All patients had neurofunctional recovery at different degree, except that 3 patients in grade A. The height of anterior border vetebral body restored from (42.25 +/- 11.87)% preoperatively to (94.38 +/- 3.08)% postoperatively, and (92.87 +/- 3.32)% at final follow-up (P<0.05); volume of spinal canal (the actual volume of spinal canal/normal volume of spine canal) increased from (45.63 +/- 6.88)% preoperatively to (95.26 +/- 3.31)% postoperatively, and (96.13 +/- 2.56)% at final follow-up (P<0.05). Cobb angle were corrected from (25.64 +/- 4.40) degrees preoperatively to (5.80 +/- 1.14) degrees postoperatively; Cobb angle lost from 0 degrees to 6 degrees at final follow-up with (8.10 +/- 2.65) degrees. All patients obtained complete bony fusion without pseudarthrosis formation at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSubtotal vertebrectomy decompression and strut grafting through posterolateral approach via posterior midline incision is an effective and safe method in treating thoracolumbar burst fracture, which can restored height of intervertebral body, volume of spinal canal and physiological flexion of spinal column, and retain spinal permanent stability.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Spinal Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of gene promoter region INS 5′UTR single nu-cleotide and type 2 diabetes and serum IAA-Ab levels.Methods By Sequenom MassArray SNP genotyping detection technology, INS 3 pyomter regime single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs689,rs714641 77 and rs3842738)of 497 patients in Chongqing with type 2 diabetes cases(treatment group)and 500 cases(control group)were genotyped and analyzed.IAA-Ab levels in diabetes patients was detected.Theχ2 test statistic was used to analyze the treatment group and control groups.The genotype frequency distribution of IAA-Ab-positive and negative groups SNP was analyzed by non-conditional logistic regression,adjusted for sex,age impact,cal-culated the odds ratio (OR)and 95 % confidence interval(CI ).The polymorphic loci with type 2 diabetes susceptibility and serum GAD-Ab levels was evaluated.Results The genotype frequency distribution of rs689AA,TT and AT was 58.75%,28.77% and 12.47%,respectively.The control group are 50.40%,35.60% and 14.00% respectively.The difference was statistically significant (χ2 =3.923,P <0.05).Compared with the genotype of AA,TT genotype can decrease risky of diabetes,with OR values 0.35(95%CI :0.18-1.06).There was significant difference of AA,TT,AT genotypes between IAA-Ab negative and IAA-Ab positive pa-tients (P < 0.05 ).Conclusion INS polymorphisms might be related to the risky of type 2 diabetes and serum IAA-Ab level in chinses population.

Objective To explore the activated brain region of acute epilepsy in cat model induced by pentylenetetrazol(FFZ)with manganese enhanced-functional MR imaging(ME-fMRI),and evaluate the application of ME-fMRI on localization of the activated brain.Methods Forty cats were divided into 4 groups by random number table method as epileptic A and B groups as well as control A and B groups. Cats of epileptic groups were injected with PTZ(55 mg/kg)intramuscularly,and those of control groups were injected with the saline at same dose.The behavior change in the epileptic and control group A was observed and electroencephalogram(EEG)was also undertaken.Cats of epileptic and control group B were performed ME-fMRI,and the percentage of the enhanced signal intensity was then calculated.Results After injection with PTZ(55 mg/kg)intramuscularly,epileptic seizure was all evoked,and then EEG recording showed spike-wave and polyspike-wave complexes.The neocortex of cats of epileptic group B was diffusely phanero-enhanced on ME-fMRI.The percent enhancement of signal intensity in cortex of frontal lobe,parietal lobe and occipital lobe was(34.6?5.7)% and that in cortex of temporal lobe with(22.9? 6.5)%,whereas those of control group B with(14.9?4.5)% and(11.6?3.2)% respectively.And there was significant difference between the above different localization of the brain in the two groups (t=-10.43,-5.46 respectively,P