Background The pathogenesis of dry eye is complicated,hormone level is thought to be one of impact factors in the development of dry eye.The regulation of the synthesis process of metalloproteinases(MMPs) in tissue has been reported.However,the effects of hormone on expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland is not clear.Objective This study was to investigate the effects of estrogen and androgen on the expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland in ovariectomized rats,and explore the role of MMP-2 in dry eye.Methods Sixty-four 3-monthold clean female Wistar rats were randomized into control group(8 rats),sham operation group(8 rats)and experiment group(48 rats).Ovariectomy(OVX) was performed on the rats of experiment group,and only fat tissue of abdominal cavity was cut off in the rats of the sham operation group.After 5 months of OVX,the experimental rats were subdivided into model control group,vehicle group,estrogen and androgen systemic or topical utilization groups and 8 rats for each group.Six weeks after administration of the drugs,the lachrymal gland was obtained.The expression of MMP-2 mRNA in the lachrymal gland was detected by reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR),β-actin mRNA was used as an internal control,and the expression of MMP-2 protein was detected by Western blot,GAPDH was used as protein loading control.The use and care of the rats complied with the ARVO Statement.Results The expression of MMP-2 mRNA was strongest in the systemic estrogen group and was weakest in the systemic androgen utilization group.A significant difference in the MMP-2 mRNA expression was found among the 8 groups(F=18.60,P＜0.01),and the MMP-2 mRNA was significantly higher in the model group than that of the normal control group(0.66±0.10vs.0.47±0.10)(q=3.01,P＜0.05).In addition,the MMP-2 mRNA was significantly higher in the systemic estrogen group compared with the model group (0.83 ±0.10 vs.0.66-0.10) (q =2.79,P＜0.05) ; while the expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly declined in the systemic androgen group in comparison with the model group(0.12±0.04 vs.0.66±0.10)(q=11.41,P＜0.01).The MMP-2 protein presented with a strongest expression in the systemic estrogen utilization group and a weakest expression in the systemic androgen utilization groups.The expression level of the MMP-2 protein in the lachrymal gland was significantly different among the 8 groups(F =7.28,P＜0.01).The MMP-2 in the model group was significantly higher than that of the normal group(0.55±0.13 vs.0.38±0.08) (q =2.39,P＜0.05),and that in the systemic estrogen group was increased in comparison with the model group(0.69±0.12 vs.0.55±0.13) (q =1.85,P＜0.05).However,the MMP-2 in the systemic androgen group was significantly lowed in comparison with the model group(0.27±0.07 vs.0.55±0.13) (q =4.32,P＜0.01).Conclusions Estrogen may up-regulate the expression of MMP-2 in lachrymal gland,but the effect of androgen is opposite.Hormone level may play an important role in the regulation of the function of lachrymal gland.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; immunology ; HIV Infections ; immunology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; T-Lymphocytes ; physiology

AIM:To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy of the Qi ming granule for macular edema ( ME ) in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification.
METHODS:In this was a prospective clinical comparison study, 57 diabetic patients ( 76 eyes ) who underwent phacoemulsification were recruited and divided into two groups:treatment group (34 eyes) and control group (42 eyes) . All the patients in treatment group were given oral administration Qi ming granule (4. 5g, tid) and vitamin C ( 0. 1g, tid ) for 6mo postoperatively, while vitamin C ( 0.1g, tid ) for the controls. General clinical examinations, including blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin, as well as comprehensive standardized ophthalmic examinations were performed. Optical coherence tomography ( OCT ) were used to detect macular edema incidence and measure central field retinal thickness.
RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the levels of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, course of disease, and macular thickness between the two groups during the initial visits. At the 6th month, 2 eyes ( 6%) eyes had clinically apparent macular edema in treatment group, while 6 ( 14%) eyes had clinically apparent macular edema in control group (P=0. 285). The central subfield retinal thickness values were significantly lower in the treatment group ( 211. 76±41. 21μm ) than those in control group (278. 36±48. 94μm) (P<0. 01).
CONCLUSION:Qi ming granule can significantly reduce the incidences of macular edema and suppresses increasing retinal thickening after phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Objective To observe the effect of bilateral movement training on upper extremities dysfunction in stroke patients in convalescent phase. Methods 52 patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and control group (n=26). The treatment group accepted bilateral upper extremities movement training, and the control group accepted routine neurodevelopment training mainly with affected upper extremities, for 6 weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper-extremity section (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. Results The FMA-UE and MBI scores improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Bilateral movement training may improve upper extremity function and activities of daily living more effectively for stroke patients in convalescent phase.

BACKGROUNDIt is known that ultraviolet irradiation can affect cellular function through a number of signaling pathways. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major effective component in green tea and can offer protection from ultraviolet-induced damage. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanism of EGCG on human dermal fibroblasts damaged by ultraviolet A (UVA) in vitro.

METHODSTranscription factor Jun protein levels were measured by Western blot. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in conjunction with computer-assisted image analysis. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 proteins were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSEGCG decreased transcription activity of Jun protein after induction by UVA. Both the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1 were increased by UVA irradiation, while no significant changes were observed in TIMP-1 levels. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 showed statistically significant differences compared with the control. EGCG decreased the ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 by inhibiting UVA-induced MMP-1 expression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEGCG can protect human fibroblasts against UVA damage by downregulating the transcription activity of Jun protein and the expression of MMP-1. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1, rather than the levels of MMP-1 or TIMP-1 alone, may play a significant role in human skin photodamage.

Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun ; analysis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Ultraviolet Rays

OBJECTIVETo investigate the aciduric bacteria in different stages of the fissure caries in order to determine potential roles of the microflora in the development of dental caries.

METHODSPlaque samples were taken from 10 incipient carious fissures of the first permanent molars. Plaque samples were also collected from sound fissures of the first permanent molars in 10 other subjects who kept caries free over the past 2 years and from the above 10 subjects. The predominant bacteria were isolated by using both the most probable method in media at pH7.0 and 5.2, and the conventional plating methods. Streptococcus spp. was identified by means of API 20 Strep commercial kit.

RESULTSS. mutans was the predominant aciduric bacteria infissures of caries-free children and more frequently recovered at neutral pH. Whilst, S. sanguis was predominant at pH5.2 in sound and carious of fissures of caries-active children. The proportion of Gram-positive rods at pH5.2 was 82%, significantly greater than that of 61% at pH7.0.

CONCLUSIONThe ecology of plaque is complex and the composition of microflora at each stage of caries could be different. The composition of bacteria was consistent with the changes of local pH in the plaque.

Bacteria ; Child ; Dental Caries ; Dental Plaque ; Humans ; Molar

OBJECTIVETraditional detection approaches for non-O157 STEC are both time and labour consuming in diseases surveillance. Virulence genes detection based on multiplex PCR could not only improve the detection efficiency but also increase the accuracy.

METHODSSix virulence genes of non-O157:H7 (stx1, stx2, eae, hly, etpD, katP6) were detected by two groups of trebling PCRs. The multiplex PCRs were optimized by melting curve analysis in SYBR Green I real-time PCR. Testing result of multiplex PCR was consistent with serological testing.

RESULTSThe sensitivity limits of the multiplex PCR for stx1, stx2, eaeP, etpD, katP, and hly were 10 ng/ml, 120 ng/ml, 110 ng/ml,165 ng/ml, 85 ng/ml, and 15 ng/ml, respectively, which is similar with that of single PCR. When the multiplex PCR was applied in 120 adults and 90 children diarrhea samples detection, 13 cases were detected for non-O157 positive.

CONCLUSIONThe method we established can be used for non-O157 STEC virulence genes detection and screening with high efficiency and accuracy.

Escherichia coli Infections ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; Escherichia coli Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Virulence Factors ; genetics

Gastric carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an extremely rare tumor. So far, only six cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report an additional case of this tumor in a Chinese 78-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. Physical examination and gastroscopy revealed a tumor in the gastric antrum. The biopsy and pathological findings indicated a gastric adenocarcinoma with OGCs, which were present in both the tumor and the metastatic lymph nodes. Further immunohistochemical staining indicated that OGCs were reactive with CD68, CD45, and vimentin protein, but not with pancytokeratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, or epithelial membrane antigen, suggesting the monocytic/histiocytic derivation of these OGCs. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus showed no nuclear positivity in either adenocarcinoma or OGCs. Postoperative follow-up showed that the patient had survived for at least 6 months without recurrence. Further investigation is warranted to clearly define the prognostic significance of OGCs in gastric carcinoma.
Aged ; Giant Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Osteoclasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVEUsing doubly labeled water method to validate the colmputer science application's activity monitor (CSA) in assessing physical activity of free-living adults in Beijing, in order to develop equations to predict total daily energy expenditure (TEE) and activity related energy expenditure (AEE) from activity counts (AC) and anthropometric variables.

METHODSA total of 72 healthy adults (33 males and 39 females, mean age 43.6 +/- 4.0 yr) were monitored for 7 consecutive days by CSA. TEE was simultaneously measured using doubly labeled water method. Average AC (counts/min(-1)) was compared with TEE, AEE and physical activity level (PAL).

RESULTSPhysical activity determined by AC was significantly related to data on energy expenditures: TEE (r = 0.31, P < 0.01), AEE (r = 0.30, P < 0.05), and PAL (r = 0.26, P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that TEE was significantly influenced by gender, fat-free mass (FFM) or BMI and AC (R(2) = 0.52 - 0.70) while AEE was significantly influenced by gender, FFM and AC (R(2) = 0.25 - 0.32).

CONCLUSIONAC from CSA activity monitor seemed a useful measure in studying the total amount of physical activity in free-living adults while AC significantly contributed to the explained variation in TEE and AEE.

Activities of Daily Living ; Adult ; Anthropometry ; Body Weight ; Calorimetry, Indirect ; Energy Metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; instrumentation ; Motor Activity ; physiology ; Physical Fitness ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among pigs in Henan province.

METHODSA total of 623 swine sera, collected from 5 districts, were divided into two groups, under 3-month of age and over 3-month of age. They were tested for HEV antigen and antibody by using ELISAs, respectively. The sera positive for HEV antigen were tested for HEV RNA with RT-PCR. The positive products of RT-PCR were cloned and sequenced.

RESULTSThe positive rates of anti-HEV antibody of the groups under 3-month and over 3-month of age were 90.27% and 92.55%, respectively, without statistical difference, while those of HEV antigen were 15.93% and 5.69%, respectively, with significant difference. The positive rates of anti-HEV antibody and HEV antigen were significantly different among different districts. HEV RNA was detectable in 5 of 47 HEV antigen positive samples. The sequence analysis showed that in 4 of 5 specimens the sequence belonged to genotype 4 while in the remaining one the sequence was genotype 1.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence rate of HEV infection in pigs was high in Henan province and the rate differed in different districts.

Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; analysis ; immunology ; Antigens, Viral ; analysis ; immunology ; China ; Genotype ; Hepatitis E ; epidemiology ; immunology ; veterinary ; virology ; Hepatitis E virus ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral ; analysis ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Swine ; virology ; Swine Diseases ; epidemiology ; immunology ; virology