Cartilage ; diagnostic imaging ; Ectodermal Dysplasia ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Radiography

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation of the gene polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 2 ( TLR2) and TLR4 with the susceptibility and recurrence of condyloma acuminatum (CA).

METHODSUsing Snapshot, we detected the gene polymorphisms of TLR2 597(T/C), 1350(T/C), 15607(A/G), and 2258(G/A) and TLR4 896(A/G) and 1196(C/T) in the peripheral blood of 140 CA patients and 105 HPV-negative controls. We made comparisons between the CA patients and controls as well as between the cases of recurrent CA and those of non-recurrence at 6 months after treatment.

RESULTSThere were 72, 48, and 20 cases of genotype TT, TC, and CC of TLR2 597 (T/C), respectively, in the CA patients, as compared with 71, 31, and 3 cases in the controls. The gene frequency of mutant C was 31. 43% in the patients, significantly higher than 17.62% in the controls (χ2 = 12.04, P < 0.01), and it was 38.68% in the recurrent cases, remarkably higher than 27.01% in the non-recurrent cases (χ2 = 4.16, P < 0.05). There were 74, 49, and 17 cases of genotype TT, TC, and CC of TLR2 1350( T/C), respectively, in the CA patients, as compared with 73, 29, and 3 cases in the controls. The gene frequency of mutant C was 29. 64% in the patients, significantly higher than 16. 67% in the controls (χ2 =11.05, P < 0.01), and it was 36.79% in the recurrent cases, markedly higher than 25. 29% in the non-recurrent cases (χ2 = 4.18, P < 0.05). There were 44, 66, and 30 cases of genotype AA, AG, and GG of TLR2 15607(A/G), respectively, in the CA patients, as compared with 26, 58, and 21 cases in the controls. There was no significant difference in the gene frequencies of mutant G between the two groups (χ2 = 0.33, P > 0.05). No mutant genes of TLR2 2508 (G/A) or TLR4 896(A/G) and 1196(C/ T) were detected in either the CA patients or the controls. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed a tight linkage between TLR2 597 (T/C) and 1350(T/C) (D' = 1, r2 = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONTLR2 597(T/C) is tightly linked to 1350(T/C), which is correlated with both the susceptibility and the recurrence of condyloma acuminatum.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Condylomata Acuminata ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Recurrence ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; genetics ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the characteristics of sperm single-stranded DNA breaks (SSB) and double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) in infertile men, explore the association of DSB with male infertility, and provide a new observation index and idea for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

METHODSThis study involved 60 infertile men (infertility group) and 30 normal healthy males with infertile wives (control group). We comparatively analyzed the seminal parameters of the two groups, determined sperm concentration and viability using the computer aided sperm analysis system, measured the sperm survival rate by hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test, examined sperm morphology by Diff-Quick staining, and detected sperm DNA damage by two-tail comet assay.

RESULTSNine two-tail comet models were established for detecting sperm DNA integrity. Comparisons between the fertility and control groups showed that the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was (33.8 ± 13.1) vs (16.3 ± 7.9)% (P < 0.01), the SSB-DFI was (19.2 ± 11.4) vs (14.9 ± 7.6)% (P > 0.05), the SSB-DFI/DFI was (56.8 ± 32.4) vs (91.4 ± 27.8)% (P < 0.01), the DSB-DFI was (23.9 +13.4) vs (6.1 ± 2.7)% (P < 0.01), and the DSB-DFI/DFI was (70.8 ± 19.5) vs (37.4 ± 11.3)% (P < 0.01). The optimal cut-off value of DSB-DFI/DFI in the diagnosis of male infertility was 39.5%, with the AUG, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.969, 98.3%, and 90%; that of DSB-DFI was 15.85%, with the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.912, 86.7%, and 80%; and that of DFI was 18.65%; with the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.861, 90%, 70%, respectively. In the infertile men, neither SSB-DFI nor SSB-DFI/DFI exhibited any correlation with semen parameters (P > 0.05); DFI was correlated negatively with the percentage of progressively motile sperm, sperm survival rate, and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but not correlated with sperm concentration (P > 0.05); both DSB-DFI and DSB-DFI/DFI showed a negative correlation with sperm concentration, sperm survival rate, and the percentages of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONDouble-stranded, rather than single-stranded DNA breaks, may be a factor inducing male infertility. The type of sperm DNA strand damage is of much reference value for the assessment of male fertility.

Case-Control Studies ; Comet Assay ; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded ; DNA Breaks, Single-Stranded ; DNA Fragmentation ; Fertility ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; Staining and Labeling

Objective To explore the association between inflammatory cytokines and islet β-cell function in chronic persistent asthma patients. Methods 112 adults with persistent asthma and 60 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. According to the severity of disease, all subjects were divided into persistent-mild group and persistent-moderate group. Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin6(IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin releasing test were performed. The ratio of the area under the curve of insulin to area under the curve of glucose ( AUC1/AUCG ), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index( ISI),homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function (HBCI) and early insulin secretion index(△I30/△G30)were calculated. The values of forced expiratory volume in l second ( FEV1 ), forced vital capacity(FVC)and FEV1/FVC were recorded. Results In patient groups, the values for plasma TNF-α, IL-6, CRP,AUC1, AUC1/AUCG, HOMA-IR, HBCI significantly increased compared with those in control group, while ISI declined ( t =2. 02～13.62, P ＜0. 05). Multiple step regression analysis showed that HOMA-IR was positively correlated with CRP, LDL-C, BMI, AUC1, TNF-α( P ＜0. 01 orP ＜0. 05), but negatively correlated with FEV1 ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion The results indicated that inflammatory cytokines ( TNF-α,IL-6,CRP) might result in insulin resistance in asthma patients who had hyperinsulinism at the same time.

Objective To investigate the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in children from Wuxi area.Methods A total of 2 747 cases of children diagnosed with acute respiratory infection in Wuxi during 2011 —2014 were collected.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect nine kinds of respiratory viruses,including influenza virus A (Flu A),influenza virus B (Flu B),parainfluenza virus (PIV)Ⅰ-Ⅳ,adenovirus (ADV),respiratory sycytial virus (RSV),human metaneumovirus (hMPV), human bocavirus (HBov),human coronaviruses (hCov)and human rhinovirus (HRV).The categorical data were compared using chi square test.Results A total of 856 among the 2 747 samples were tested positive for respiratory virus nucleic acid,with the positive rate of 31 .16%.The viral distribution was uneven in different seasons,and the infection peaked in winter and spring.The virus detection rate was highest in age 1 to 2 year group (up to 40.18%),and followed by age 6 to 12 year group (32.63%).Flu A virus was the most frequently detected virus,accounting for 7.54% (207/2 747);followed by PIV, accounting for 6.95 % (191/2 747);and Flu B accounted for 4.22%(116/2 747).There were 84 cases of mixed infection of two or more kinds of respiratory viruses,with positive rate of 3.06% (84/2 747 ). Conclusions Our study suggests that Flu A is the most common pathogen in children with acute respiratory infections in Wuxi area during 2011 —2014;virus detection rate is highest in age 1 to 2 year group;and parainfluenza virus is almost detected throughout the year,while the rest of respiratory viruses are commonly seen in winter and spring.

Objective　To investigate what effects BmKAS-1 (a polypeptide purified from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch ［BmK］ and named as BmK activator of skeletal-muscle ryanodine receptor) and its upstream mixture BmK1-3-2 have on Na+ channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) small diameter neurons. Methods　The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to investigate the effects of BmKAS-1 and BmK1-3-2 on Na+ current in rat small diameter DRG neurons. Results　About 50% peak Na+ current was suppressed by 10*!μg/ml of BmK1-3-2. 1.62*!μg/ml of BmKAS-1 also blocked 50% peak Na+ current, and there was an obvious dose-dependent relationship. Conclusion　Both BmK1-3-2 and BmKAS-1 have a blocking effect on Na+ channels, and this may one of the mechanisms for the analgetic effect of BmK1-3-2 and BmKAS-1.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at points along Foot Yangming Channel on metabolite of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats' cerebral cortex and to identify key metabolites by referring to Pi/Wei-brain related theory in Chinese medicine (CM).

METHODSThe UC rat model was set up by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group, 13 in each group. Another 13 rats were recruited as the blank control group. Rats in the blank control group and the model group received no EA. EA was performed at Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Tianshu (ST25) for 5 days by using disperse-dense wave. Then all rats were sacrificed. Their recto-colon and the ileocecal junction were pathomorphologically observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cerebral cortexes were extracted. Water-soluble and lipid-soluble brain tissue metabolites were respectively extracted for metabolic research using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR).

RESULTSEA could obviously improve the general condition of UC model rats, decrease the value of DAI, reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestinal tract, stabilize structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and so on (P <0.05). 1HNMR analysis showed that in the model group, contents of glutamic acid, cholesterol, very low density lipoproein (VLDL) in the pallium obviously decreased, while alanine and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased. After EA, levels of lactic acid, glutamic acid, total cholesterol (TC), and VLDL all increased, and levels of alanine and LDL decreased. All indices were approximate to those of the blank control group.

CONCLUSIONEA at Foot Yangming channel was found to have some effect on metabolites in the brain tissue of UC model rats, which had specific metabonomic material basis and mechanism based on the Pi/Wei-brain related theory.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Electroacupuncture ; Lipids ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Background Biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering must demonstrate several critical features for potentialutility invivo, includingtransparency, mechanicalintegrity, biocompatibilityand slow biodegradation. Silk film biomaterial had been characterized to meet these functional requirements. ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the feasibility of physico-crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film as tissue engineered corneal scaffold. MethodsHuman corneal epithelial cells(CECs) links were cultured by regular method and CECs in logarithmic phase were than incubated on physico-crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film membrane. The shape of cultured human CECs was observed after 24,48 and 72 hours under the inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope( SEM ) ,and the CECs were cultured on culture plates as controls. The growth state of CECs on regenerated silk fibroin film was observed daily for 7 days by MTT, and cell cycle analysis and the presence of apoptosis of human CECs were examined by flow cytometry after incubation on regenerated silk fibroin film. Regenerated silk fibroin filmCECs (4 mm×3 mm) were implanted into the corneal stroma of the right eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. At the end of 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, the appearance of the ocular surface was examined using slit lamp and corneal neovascular area was measured. Corneal histopathological examination was carried out to assess the degradation of graft materials and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of CD34 in the corneal tissue after operation. ResultsThe morphology and structure of CECs were identical using the two cultured Methods when observed under the inverted microscope and SEM after 24,48 and 72 hours. No significant difference was found in the A490 value 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 7 days after incubation on regenerated silk membrane and in culture plates ( Fmethod =0. 641 ,P＞0.05 ). The apoptosis rates of CECs on regenerated silk membrane or culture plates were 1.8％ and 2.0％ and the amount of cells in G2/G1 phase was 1. 956 and 1. 945, respectively. Histopathological examination showed that the regenerated silk membrane material degraded and was replaced by regular collagen tissue 2 months after implantation,and the presence of neovascular area and inflammatory cells were less prominent in 2 months than 1 month post-implantation. The expression level of CD34 in corneal tissue was evidently lower 1 and 2 months after operation than the Ad-VEGF165-induced positive control group (P＜0. 05), and no significant differences were seen when compared with normal CECs(P＞0.05). ConclusionsPhysico- crosslink regenerated silk fibroin film is an excellent biomaterial for tissue engineered corneal scaffold with good biocompatibility.

Adult ; Benzene ; poisoning ; Chronic Disease ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic

Objective To study the relationship between expression of NMDA receptor 1 ( NR1 ) mRNA and neuron apoptosis in rats during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) ,the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract(Egb) on them and related mechanism. Methods One hundred and forty SD rats were randomized into 3 groups: sham-operated group ( group Ⅰ, n = 20), ischemia-reperfusion group ( MCAO group/group Ⅱ, n = 60) and Egb treatment group ( group Ⅲ, n = 60).The rats were killed at 6, 24, 48, 96 h after reperfusion for TUNEL and in situ hybridization analysis. TUNEL was used to show cell apoptosis. Results Compared with group Ⅰ , the expression of NR1 mRNA and the number of apoptosis cells in I/R brain tissue increased significantly in group Ⅱ. Compared with group Ⅱ , NR1 mRNA expression and cell apoptosis decreased obviously in group Ⅲ. Conclusions The expression of NR1 mRNA in I/R brain tissue increased significantly than that in group I and might be closely related to neuron apoptosis. And Egb can inhibit the expression of NR1 mRNA in ischemic areas and the neuron apoptosis subsequently.