The physiological effects of Panax notoginseng seedlings under simulated drought stress by PEG 6000 on antioxidant enzymes, osmotic substances and root activities were studied. The results showed that the activity of POD and APX in roots and leaves kept rising with increasing processing concentration and time. However, on the one hand, at the same processing time, SOD in roots and leaves firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of processing concentration. On the other hand, at the same processing concentration, SOD kept rising with the extension of processing time. In addition, the activity of CAT in roots and leaves tended to increase with the increasing concentration at the same processing time, while it increased at first and then decreased with the extension of time at the same concentration. The activity of SOD and APX in stem did not change obviously, whereas CAT activity in stem increased with the increasing processing time and concentration. With the increase of processing concentration and the extension of processing time, the MDA, soluble protein, proline content and root activity in leaves and roots apparently rose. Moreover, fluorescence signal of H2O2 and NO in root tip enhanced as the processing concentration increased after treated for 1 d. In summary, P. notoginseng seedlings could deal with drought stress by means of adjusting the system of antioxidant enzyme, permeating stress substances and impeded stress signal substances. Thus, when the concentration of PEG 6000 was more than 5%, it would have harm on P. notoginseng seedlings.
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Droughts ; Panax notoginseng ; drug effects ; physiology ; Polyethylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; Seedlings ; drug effects ; physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; physiology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

The physiological response and bioaccumulation of 2-year-old Panax notoginseng to cadmium stress was investigated under a hydroponic experiment with different cadmium concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 μmol · L(-1)). Result showed that low concentration (2.5 μmol · L(-1)) of cadmium could stimulate the activities of SOD, POD, APX in P. notoginseng, while high concentration (10 μmol · L(-1)) treatment made activities of antioxidant enzyme descended obviously. But, no matter how high the concentration of cadmium was, the activities of CAT were inhibited. The Pn, Tr, Gs in P. notoginseng decreased gradually with the increase of cadmium concentration, however Ci showed a trend from rise to decline. The enrichment coefficients of different parts in P. notoginseng ranked in the order of hair root > root > rhizome > leaf > stem, and all enrichment coefficients decreased with the increase of concentration of cadmium treatments; while the cadmium content in different parts of P. notoginseng and the transport coefficients rose. To sum up, cadmium could affect antioxidant enzyme system and photosynthetic system of P. notoginseng; P. notoginseng had the ability of cadmium enrichment, so we should plant it in suitable place reduce for reducing the absorption of cadmium; and choose medicinal parts properly to lessen cadmium intake.
Cadmium ; pharmacokinetics ; toxicity ; Hydroponics ; Panax notoginseng ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; drug effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

AIM:To explore the regulatory effect of chemokine CCL 3 on exosome secretion from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs).METHODS: hBMSCs were stimulated with chemokine CCL 3 at different concentrations in vitro.The proliferation of hBMSCs was measured by CCK-8 assay and viable cell counting.Exosome se-cretion from hBMSCs was qualitatively analyzed by transmission electron microscope(TEM)and flow cytometry, and the quantitative analysis was carried out by flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA).RESULTS:Compared with control group,the viability of the hBMSCs detected by CCK-8 assay was increased when hBMSCs were treated with CCL3(P<0.05).The results of viable cell counting demonstrated that the number of hBMSCs was raised in CCL 3 group in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).The results of flow cytometry showed that hBMSCs expressed 3 CCL3-related spe-cific receptors,CCR1,CCR5 and CCR9.Compared with control group,the fluorescence intensity of CCR9 in CCL3 group was obviously enhanced.However,no significant difference of fluorescence intensity for CCR 5 and CCR1 was observed be-tween the 2 groups.The results of NTA demonstrated that the secretion capacity of CCL 3-induced hBMSCs was far less than that in control group(P<0.05).However, the microvesicles larger than 100 nm in CCL3 groups were increased(P<0.05).The above results indicated that the higher concentration of CCL 3 induced the lower secretion of exosomes.In addi-tion,the results of flow cytometry demonstrated that CCL 3-induced hBMSCs showed lower quantity of CD 9 +exosomes than those in control group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:CCL3 promotes the proliferation of hBMSCs but depresses the secre-tion of exosomes in a dose-dependent manner.CCL3 affects the size distribution of exosomes and increases the number of nonfunctional microvesicles of larger than 100 nm in size.CCL3 induces the expression of CCR9 in hBMSCs.

Weight loss is frequently observed after acute exposure to high altitude. However, the magnitude and rate of weight loss during acute exposure to high altitude has not been clarified in a controlled prospective study. The present study was performed to evaluate weight loss at high altitude. A group of 120 male subjects [aged (32±6) years] who worked on the construction of the Golmud-Lhasa Railway at Kunlun Mountain (altitude of 4 678 m) served as volunteer subjects for this study. Eighty-five workers normally resided at sea level (sea level group) and 35 normally resided at an altitude of 2 200 m (moderate altitude group). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were measured in all subjects after a 7-day stay at Golmud (altitude of 2 800 m, baseline measurements). Measurements were repeated after 33-day working on Kunlun Mountain. In order to examine the daily rate of weight loss at high altitude, body weight was measured in 20 subjects from the sea level group (sea level subset group) each morning before breakfast for 33 d at Kunlun Mountain. According to guidelines established by the Lake Louise acute mountain sickness (AMS) consensus report, each subject completed an AMS self-report questionnaire two days after arriving at Kunlun Mountain. After 33-day stay at an altitude of 4 678 m, the average weight loss for the sea level group was 10.4% (range 6.5% to 29%), while the average for the moderate altitude group was 2.2% (-2% to 9.1%). The degree of weight loss (Δ weight loss) after a 33-day stay at an altitude of 4 678 m was significantly correlated with baseline body weight in the sea level group (r=0.677, P<0.01), while the correlation was absent in the moderate altitude group (r=0.296, P>0.05). In the sea level subset group, a significant weight loss was observed within 20 d, but the weight remained stable thereafter. AMS-score at high altitude was significantly higher in the sea level group (4.69±2.48) than that in the moderate altitude group (2.97±1.38), and was significantly correlated with baseline body weight. These results indicate that (1) the person with higher body weight during stay at high altitude loses more weight, and this is more pronounced in sea level natives when compared with that in moderate altitude natives; (2) heavier individuals are more likely to develop AMS than leaner individuals during exposure to high-altitude hypoxia.
Adult ; Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; physiopathology ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; China ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Male ; Weight Loss ; physiology

Objective To investigate the status of genotype of the KPC(Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase)-encoding genes in Pan-resistant K. Pneumoniae, isolated from the 98th Hospital of People' s Liberation Army, Huzhou district, Zhejiang province, China. Methods 19 strains of Pan-resistant K. Pneumoniae were isolated from the inpatients between November, 2008 and July,2009. Phenotypic confirmatory test for suspected carbapenemases production were carried out by Modified Hodge test. Carbapenemase gene of blaKPC was analyzed by PCR and verified by DNA sequencing. Results In 19 strains of K. Pneumoniae, the positive rates of Modified Hodge test and gene of blaKPC were both 100.0%. These genes all belonged to blaKPC-2 subtype confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis. Among them, the blaKPC-2 gene sequence of the HZ001 strain (its original serial number was HZ9871 ) had been registered in GenBank (GenBank Accession Number: GU086225).Conclusion All of the Pan-resistant K. Pneumoniae isolated from the inpatients harbored blaKPC-2 type carbapenemases gene and causing an outbreak in a hospital. Carbapenemases that producing type KPC-2 might be the major reason which causing the resistance to Carbapenems antibiotics.

A novel inhibitor series for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were designed and synthesized. Using succinate and malonate as zinc binding groups and long hydrophobic substituents to bind with S1' pockets, the compounds showed micromolar inhibition and selectivity for MMP-2 over others. And we found a better activity compound. It is a chance to find a better precursor of MMP-2 inhibitors with activity and bioavailability by further optimization of compounds.
Drug Design ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Molecular Structure ; Structure-Activity Relationship

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between heavy metals exposure and neurobehavioral function impairment in welders.

METHODSThe metals exposure in 82 welders and 51 operators were investigated with blood Pb, Cd and Mn via AAS, and the nervous impairment was evaluated with neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB).

RESULTSPb [(115.49 +/- 79.22) microg/L] and Cd [(3.67 +/- 3.19) microg/L] in welders were significantly higher than operators [(69.32 +/- 50.79) and (0.83 +/- 0.76) microg/L respectively] (P < 0.05). Welders had worse standard scores of NCTB 13 items such as depression-dejection than non-welders (P < 0.05). Significant difference of confusion-bewilderment and forward digit span in welders only existed in different groups of Pb and Mn, respectively. A dose-effect relationship was found between forward digit span and serum Mn level in welders. General linear regression analysis indicated that Pb exposure, Mn exposure and alcohol consume had negative relation with the loss of nervous system function.

CONCLUSIONThe nervous impairment in welders is attributed to occupational exposure to Pb and Mn, concomitantly.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; adverse effects ; Central Nervous System Diseases ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Metals, Heavy ; adverse effects ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Welding ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression and correlation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)and key enzymes both of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B( NF-KB) pathways in middle turbinate mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to investigate their roles in CRS pathogenesis.

METHODSTwenty-four lateral mucosa of CRS middle turbinates were equally divided into 3 groups according to FESS-97 Haikou criterion (CRS type I stage 2 in group 1, type II stage 2 in group 2, and type III in group 3), and 8 normal mucosa were enrolled as control. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) were performed to detect the expression of COX-2, ERK, p38MAPK, JNK and NF-kappaB subunits. The correlations between cox-2 and MAPK, NF-kappaB pathway were statistically treated by Pearson test.

RESULTSPositive expressions of COX-2, ERK, p38MAPK and NF-kappaB subunits were detected in CRS groups, which were stronger than those in control group, by immunohistochemistry and FQ-RT-PCR (P < 0.05). Statistic difference was not found among CRS groups (P > 0.05). Negative expression of JNK was detected in all groups. Significantly positive correlation between protein and RNA expression of COX-2,ERK,p38MAPK and NF-kappaB subunits in each CRS group was confirmed by Pearson correlation treatment (P < 0.05). Significantly positive correlation of protein and RNA expression between COX-2 and ERK, p38MAPK in same CRS group was also founded (P < 0.05). The expression of COX-2 and the nucleic expression of NF-kappaB subunits in same CRS group was proved to be positively correlated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSUpregulated expression of COX-2 is correlated with upstream ERK, p38MAPK and NF-kappaB pathway in CRS. It indicates the involvement of ERK, p38MAPK and NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway in regulation of COX-2 in CRS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Chronic Disease ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Nasal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Sinusitis ; metabolism ; Turbinates ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) on the behavior and the brain neurotransmitter levels in mice.

METHODSThirty mice were randomly divided into four groups, which were control group and groups of low, middle and high exposure (225, 450 and 900 mg/m3) to 1,2-DCE for 10 days (3.5 h a day) by inhalation. After the last exposure, the open field test was performed immediately. After exposure all mice were killed and the brain tissues were taken up rapidly. The levels of aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTSLevels of Asp and Glu in all exposure groups increased with doses. As compared to the control group, levels of Glu in all exposure groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). Levels of GABA in the low exposure group were significantly lower than those in control group, but those in the high exposure group were significantly higher than those in control group. The results of the open field test showed that effect of low exposure to 1,2-DCE on the behavior was stimulant, but the high exposure to 1,2-DCE inhibited behavior of exploration, excitement and sport.

CONCLUSIONSSubacute exposure to 1,2-DCE could result in the change of amino acid neurotransmitter content and ratio in the brain, thereby change the behavior of mice appeared, which might be the mechanism of neurotoxicity caused by 1,2-DCE in part.

Animals ; Aspartic Acid ; analysis ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Brain ; metabolism ; Ethylene Dichlorides ; toxicity ; Female ; Glutamic Acid ; analysis ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; metabolism ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and epidemiology of children with severe hand-foot-and-mouth disease during 2009 and 2010 in Shanghai to investigate some risk factors with fatal cases.

METHODAll the clinical records and laboratory results of serious patients were collected. A retrospective study was performed.

RESULTA total of 748 serious patients were enrolled into this study, and the ratio of male to female was about 1.7:1; 724 patients were categorized into stage 2 with 254 patients in 2009 and 470 in 2010; 24 patients were categorized into stage 3 with 17 in 2009 and 7 in 2010. The rate of severity in 2010 (1.5%) was lower than in 2009 (6.3%) (χ2=12.836, P<0.01). Seven patients of stage 3 died, with the fatality 29.2%, which was higher than in stage 2 (P<0.01). The children aged between 3 months 10 days to 12 years 9 months with onset median age of 25 months. Among them, 77.1% patients aged between 1 and 4 years which also accounted for 79.2% of the fatal cases (19/24). But there was no significant difference between the age and the severity (χ2=0.804, P>0.05). Fever (100%), vomiting (57.0%) and myoclonus jerk (62.3%) were the most frequent symptoms occurred in those serious cases. The average period of fever in children of stage 2 and 3 was (4.10±1.40) d and (5.05±1.05) d, respectively, which indicated significant difference between the two groups (t=3.173, P<0.05). The average values of white-blood-cell counts and blood glucose in fatal patients were (14.8±6.25)×10(9)/L and (8.63±3.51) mmol/L. They were higher when compared to those in stage 2 with the white-blood-cell counts of (11.8±4.23)×10(9)/L and blood glucose of (5.51±2.14) mmol/L (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in C-reactive protein or cerebrospinal fluid white-blood-cell counts; A total of 182 patients were enrolled for MRI study during the acute stage with 37 (37/182, 20.3%) presented abnormal findings. Among them, most frequent findings were hyperintense lesions seen in brain stem (11 cases). A stage 3 case who died presented brain edema on MRI examination.

CONCLUSIONThe epidemic of HFMD has some correlation with the area, season, health condition of the family and gender of the children. Children under 4 years of age especially those who lived in rural areas were susceptible to the HFMD. Frequent vomiting or myoclonus jerk may indicate the central nervous system involvement. But persistent high fever may indicate tendency to deteriorate. Some laboratory examinations can help find the fatal cases at an early time.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Hospitalized ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Enterovirus A, Human ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; virology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors