ObjeCtive To investigate the value of protein biochip in the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Methods The serum IgM and IgG antibodies against flagellin were detected by flagellin coated-and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) modified-biochips in 82 patients with neuroborreliosis (NB),35 patients with erythema migrans (EM) and 44 normal controls.The results were compared with those from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blot.Results The levels of both IgM and IgG antibodies were significantly higher in the NB patients than those in the normal controls (P

Paeoniflorin is the main active ingredient of Chinese herbaceous peony. This study is to investigate the protective effect of paeoniflorin (Pae) on acute brain damage induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. The mice were randomly assigned to the normal control, model control (LPS), as well as groups of paeoniflorin and lipopolysaccharide (Pae + LPS). Then the mice were administered intraperitioneally with normal saline or Pae (10, 30 mg · kg(-1)) once daily for 6 d. One hour after intrapertioneally treatment on the seventh day, each group were injected LPS (5 mg · kg(-1)) to establish the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide inflammation model except the normal group. The mice were sacrificed after 6 h and the brain homogenates were prepared and measured. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), succinatedehydrogenase (SDH), Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase were dectected by the colorimetric method. The levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein in subcellular fractions of brain tissue were detected by Western blot. The results demonstrated that the administration with paeoniflorin reduced the levels of the MDA production; significantly increase the activities of antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GSH-PX). In addition, paeoniflorin could enhance the total antioxidant capacity, decrease the level of H2O2, and increase the activities of SDH, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase. Furthermore, paeoniflorin can increase the expression of HO-1 and activate the nuclear transfer of Nrf2. Taking together, these findings suggest that paeoniflorin alleviate the acute inflammation in mice brain damage induced by LPS, which is related with its antioxidant effect and improvement of energy metabolism.
Animals ; Energy Metabolism ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Monoterpenes ; pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase ; metabolism

Background:To protect neurological tissues,underdosing occurs in most cases ofT4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with intracranial extension.In this study,we aimed to evaluate the effect of dosimetric inadequacy on local control and late neurological toxicities for patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plus chemotherapy.Methods:We prospectively enrolled patients who had non-metastatic T4 NPC with intracranial extension treated between January 2009 and November 2013.The prescribed dose was 66.0-70.4 Gy to the primary planning target volume (primary gross tumor volume [GTVp;i.e.,the nasopharyngeal tumor] + 5.0 mm).Dose-volume histogram parameters were calculated,including minimum point dose (Dmin) and dose to 95％ of the target volume (D9s).All patients received chemotherapy with the cisplatin,5-fluorouracil,and docetaxel regimen.Survivals were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.Results:In total,41 patients were enrolled.The local partial response rate was 87.8％ after induction chemotherapy.With a median follow-up of 51 months,7 patients experienced failure in the nasopharynx;the 3-year local failure-free survival and overall survival rates of the 41 patients were 87.4％ and 90.2％,respectively.The actual mean Dmin to the GTVp was 55.2 Gy (range 48.3-67.3 Gy),and D9s was 61.6 Gy (range 52.6-69.0 Gy).All doses received by neurological organs remained well within their dose constraints.No patients developed temporal lobe necrosis or other neurological dysfunctions.Conclusions:With relative underdosed IMRT plus effective chemotherapy,the patients achieved satisfactory local control with few late toxicities of the central nervous system.Determining the acceptable extent of dosimetric inadequacy requires further exploration.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus oral administration ofZeling Guanjie Xiaozhong Heji in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to liver-kidney yin deficiency.Method Totally 126 patients with active RA due to liver-kidney yin deficiency were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 63 cases in each group. The control group was prescribed with orally taking Methotrexate tablets and Leflunomide tablets, while the treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture plus oral administration ofZeling Guanjie Xiaozhong Heji in addition to the medications given to the control group. The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) was evaluated before and after intervention, and the therapeutic efficacies were compared based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatoid (ACR) and syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).Result The ACR total effective rate was 87.3% in the treatment group versus 65.1% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The total effective rate based on TCM syndrome was 87.3% in the treatment group versus 73.0% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the DAS28 score between the two groups after intervention (P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus oral administration of Chinese medication and western medication is an effective approach in treating RA due to liver-kidney yin deficiency, and it can significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy based on ACR20 and TCM syndrome.

This research is designed to detect the dynamic changes of microcirculatory ultrastructure and the MDA content, SOD and GSH-px activity in rat cerebrum immediately, 24h and 48h after exhaustive swimming. The results showed that there were obvious changes of ultrastructure in rat cerebral microcirculation immediately after exhaustive swimming. The changes were resumed in some degree after 24h and recovered almost to the normal after 48h. Immediately after exhaustive swimming, the MDA content did not change obviously; the activity of SOD increased markedly, and then it decreased markedly after 24h, but it increased again after 48h. The activity of GSH-px descended markedly after 24h; it descended synchronously with the decrease of SOD activity, showing that the consumption of SOD and GSH-px should be the most at this time. Therefore, the free radical should be removed in time for reducing the cerebral injury and promoting the recovery of cerebral microcirculation.
Animals ; Brain ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Capillaries ; ultrastructure ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Physical Exertion ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Objective: To establish a prediction model for high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) among residents aged 35 to 75 years, so as to provide the basis for improving CVD prevention and control measures. Methods: Permanent residents aged 35 to 75 years were selected from Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality using the stratified random sampling method from 2018 to 2023. Demographic information, lifestyle, waist circumference and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Influencing factors for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model, and a prediction model for high-risk CVD was established. The predictive effect was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A total of 6 968 individuals were surveyed, including 2 821 males (40.49%) and 4 147 females (59.51%), and had a mean age of (59.92±9.33) years. There were 1 155 high-risk CVD population, with a detection rate of 16.58%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, smoking, central obesity, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were influencing factors for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the established prediction model was 0.849 (95%CI: 0.834-0.863), with a sensitivity of 0.693 and a specificity of 0.863, indicating good discrimination. Conclusion The model constructed by eight factors including demographic characteristics, lifestyle and blood biochemical indicators has good predictive value for high-risk CVD among residents aged 35 to 75 years.

The effects of adrenomedullin (ADM) on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) were investigated in cultured hippocampal neurons. Changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy using Fluo 3-AM as the calcium fluorescent probe. [Ca(2+)](i) was represented by relative fluorescent intensity. The results showed that: (1) ADM (0.01-1.0 micromol/L) decreased the resting [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. (2) Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37) significantly inhibited the effects of ADM. (3) ADM significantly reduced the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by high K(+). (4) ADM markedly inhibited the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), while did not influence ryanodine-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i). These results suggest that ADM reduces [Ca(2+)](i) in cultured hippocampal neurons through suppressing Ca(2+) release from IP(3)-sensitive stores. Although ADM does not alter resting Ca(2+) influx, it significantly suppresses Ca(2+) influx activated by high K(+). These effects may be partly mediated by CGRP receptors. ADM in the CNS may act as a cytoprotective factor in ischemic/hypoxic conditions.
Adrenomedullin ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; metabolism ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; metabolism ; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Neurons ; cytology ; metabolism ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

Recently, we treated a patient with pulmonary vein sarcoma. The patient was a 41-year-old woman, had cough, short of breath and apsychia, with obvious jugular venous distention, rales in both lungs and a diastolic murmur at the apex. CT and Echo revealed a tumor in the left atrium. She received an emergency surgery to remove the mass in the heart. The pathological diagnosis demonstrated it as leiomyosarcoma. Though the patient accepted radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she still died of recurrence and metastasis of the sarcoma 10 months after operation.
Adult ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Humans ; Pulmonary Veins ; pathology ; surgery ; Sarcoma ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Vascular Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; surgery

Rsm (repressor of secondary metabolite) A is an mRNA binding protein which functions as a global repressor to control multiple genes at the posttranscriptional level. Using homologous recombination technique a chromosomal rsmA inactivated mutant strain M-18R was constructed in Pseudomonas sp. M-18, a strain of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, which could inhibit several soilborn phytopathogens by producing secondary metabolites including phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) and pyoluteorin (Plt) in one single strain. To further study the effect of RsmA on the synthesis of Plt and PCA in the wild type strain M-18, the dynamic curves of Plt and PCA produced respectively by M-18 and M-18R were measured in KMB medium under different temperature conditions such as 37 degrees C constant, 28 degrees C constant and nonconstant (37 degrees C 4 hours at first and then 28 degrees C constant) cultivation. The synthesis of both Plt and PCA were almost inhibited in the cultures under the condition of 37 degrees C. At 28 degrees C, however, compared with the wild type strain M-18, the mutant strain produced tenfold amount of Plt, while the production of PCA decreased only about 50%. When cultivated under the nonconstant condition, the amount of Plt produced by M-18R could reach 400 microg/mL while the PCA production was not significantly affected, but in the wild type strain M-18, the amount of Plt production decreased obviously while the PCA production was not affected in comparison with the results at 28 degrees C constant. These results suggest that a temperature sensitive factor exists to function as an activator independent of RsmA to promote the synthesis of Plt in the rsmA mutant strain M-18R while it may bind with RsmA to repress the synthesis of Plt in the wild type strain M-18. But this factor did not exert any affect on the synthesis of PCA.
Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutation ; Phenazines ; metabolism ; Phenols ; metabolism ; Pseudomonas ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Pyrroles ; metabolism ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Temperature

Objective To construct eukaryotic Flag (DYKDDDDK) expressing recombinant plasmids, pCMV-N-Flag-SND1-No1/2, which contain the coding sequence of human SND1-No1(from 1st AUG)or SND1-No2 (from 2nd AUG), and perform the cellular localization analysis of Flag-tagged SND1-No1/2 under stress condition to study the function of the two AUG in the SND1 containing stress granules formation. Methods The gene fragments of SND1-No1/2 were amplified by PCR from the whole SND1 transcript and inserted into pCMV-N-Flag expressing vector through BamHI/EcoRI double en-zyme digestion and T4 DNA Ligase connection. The recombinant pCMV-N-Flag-SND1-No1/2 plasmids were transfected in-to HeLa cells and the expression of Flag-SND1-No1/2 fusion proteins was examined by Western blotting assay. Immunofluo-rescence assay was performed to detect the co-localization of Flag-SND1-No1/2 with endogenous SND1 granule. Results The pCMV-N-Flag-SND1-No1/2 were sequenced and digested correctly by restriction single/double enzyme. The Flag-tagged SND1-No1/2 fusion proteins were also detected in transfected HeLa cell by Western blotting assay. Both of them showed the co-localization with endogenous SND1 granule. Conclusion The recombinant eukaryotic plasmids of pCMV-N-Flag-SND1-No1/2 were constructed successfully and expressed effectively. The depletion of 1st AUG failed to af-fect the formation of SND1 containing stress granules.