Quite recently,among new emerging contaminants,pharmaceutical and personal care products(PPCPs)and their active metabolites are an emerging environmental issue,due to their presence in the aquatic environment and potential for impacts on wildlife and humans.Carbamazepine is one of the most frequently and at the relatively high concentration levels detected pharmaceuticals in surface water and even in drinking water.Moreover,this drug has displayed high chronic ecotoxicity.A strain of carbamazepine-degrading bacterium was isolated from activated sludge treating pharmaceutical wastewater in Suzhou,China.It was identified as Acinetobacter sp.HY-7,based on biochemical test,16S rRNA and gyrB gene se-quence analysis.Strain HY-7 could grow in liquid mineral salt medium with carbamazepine as sole source of carbon,nitrogen and energy.HPLC analysis revealed the carbamazepine degradation percentage by HY-7 after 10 days was 48% at pH 6.0 and 25?C.Among carbamazepine and the similar structure compounds,in-dole,catechol,naphthalene,anthracene could also be utilized by strain HY-7 for growth,which exhibited a very broad substrate profile.

The cDNA encoding human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 165 (VEGF165) was amplified using RT-PCR from human tonsil tissue and cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+). The recombinant plasmid pcDNA/V was transferred into 293 cells mediated by liposome and the cells stably expressing VEGF were selected under the pressure of G418. ELISA and Western blotting demonstrated that the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA/V was successfully constructed and its corresponding protein could be expressed efficiently in vitro. Chick Charioallantoic Membrane (CAM) bioassay showed that recombinant protein has biological activity of hVEGF. Model rats with acute myocardial ischemia were used to further study the expression of VEGFin vivo. The model rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group, pcDNA3.1 (+) group and pcDNA/V group. 50microL naked plasmid DNA or saline was intramyocardially injected at three sites into the border zone of infarction. The hearts of rats were excised and fixed histologically, then the infarction sizes were studied by immunohistochemical staining and electron microscope after four weeks. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF appeared to be negative in control and pcDNA3.1 (+) groups. In pcDNA/V group, myocardial cells in infarction border zone showed positive staining for VEGF in cytoplasm. Ultrastructural anaylsis showed that there were visible hyperplasia of vascular endothilium in pcDNA/V group. The control and pcDNA3.1 (+) groups showed less capillary hyperplasia. In this study, VEGF165 gene was successfully cloned and its protein expressed in vitro and in vivo was of bioactivity, which provides a basis for the further study of biological functions of human VEGF.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Chickens ; Chorioallantoic Membrane ; blood supply ; Disease Models, Animal ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; therapeutic use ; Transfection ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of ovulation stimulation protocol with gradual increment of gonadotropin in women with high ovarian response.

METHODSA retrospective study was conducted between june 2005 and April 2006 in 70 women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The clinical outcomes of the women using gradual increment protocol were compared with those of women receiving other ovulation-stimulating protocols.

RESULTSThe mean number of large follicles (>or=14 mm) and retrieved oocytes on the day of retrival was significantly lower, but the duration of stimulation was significantly longer in the gradual increment group than in the control group. The rate of follicular puncture was also higher in the former group. The clinical pregnancy rate, total gonadotropin dosage, cancellation rate and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were similar for the two groups.

CONCLUSIONOvulation stimulation protocol with gradually increased gonadotropin may provide a promising alternative for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with a strong ovarian response.

Adult ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Gonadotropins, Pituitary ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; prevention & control ; Ovulation Induction ; methods ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of tongfei mixture (TFM, a Chinese recipe mainly consisted of angelica and rehmannia root) on nocturnal hypoxia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODSSixty patients with COPD of remission phase were randomly divided into 3 groups, 20 in each group. Group A was the control group; Group B, the group simply treated with oxygen; Group C, treated with oxygen and TFM. Changes of pulmonary function, diaphragm muscle mobility (DMM), 6 min walk distance (6MWD), morning arterial blood gas, nocturnal lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), mean blood oxygen saturation (MSaO2), the percentage of saturation lower than 90% time account for total sleeping time (SLT90%) and ultrasonocardiogram before and after treatment were observed.

RESULTSLevels of LSaO2, MSaO2 and SLT90% in Groups B and C were significantly higher than those in Group A (P<0.05, P<0.01). The lowering of PaCO2 in Group C was more significant than that in Group B (P<0.05). The mPAP level in Group C was lower, FEV1, 6MWD and DMM were improved than those in Group A and B, showing significant difference (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCombined use of oxygen therapy and TFM could not only improve the nocturnal hypoxia, but also lower PaCO2. TFM is an important supplement of oxygen therapy.

Aged ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Lung Diseases, Obstructive ; complications ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Sleep ; physiology

Objective:To study the molecular biology mechanisms of Wistar rats after spinal cord injury, and find out key microRNAs. Methods:A total of 15 Wistar rats were divided into control group (n = 3) and spinal cord injury group (n = 12). The latter group was divided into four hours, three days, seven days and 14 days subgroups, with three rats in each subgroup. Microarray 3.0 was used to investigate microRNA expression profiles of Wistar rats with spinal cord injury. Bioinformatics was used to predict microRNAs playing key regulatory roles, and to predict target genes. Reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect the expression of miR-20a-3p. Western blotting was employed to detect the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 level. The correlation between target protein and microRNA expression trend in each group was analyzed. The key microRNA was inhibited in the neurons. The relationship between target protein expression and axon growth was observed with immunofluorescence. Results:In the rats with spinal cord injury, totally 658 microRNAs had changed at least once. In all the altered microRNAs, miR-20a-3p was upregulated obviously. It predicted that the target gene of miR-20a-3p was STAT3 via application of bioinformatics analysis. The expression trend of STAT 3 and miR-20a-3p in spinal cord was opposite. After the inhibition of miR-20a-3p, the expression of STAT3 in neurons was unregulated and axonal growth was extended. Conclusion:The upregulation of miR-20a-3p leads to downregulation of STAT3, and miR-20a-3p is one of the key targets in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families through family-based association study.

METHODSA total of 457 Cantonese nuclear families,consisting of 2134 members, were recruited as subjects. Each family included two parents and at least one offspring with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP1A1 named m1 (rs4646903) and m2 (rs1048943), were genotyped by PCR-RFLP assay and verified by directly sequencing. The genotype data were analyzed with family-based association test (FBAT) software to check the linkage and association between the two genetic markers and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

RESULTSFBAT analysis showed that the minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the two SNP were 0.442 (C) and 0.339 (G) respectively. For m1 polymorphism in CYP1A1 gene was not significantly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in our study population whether stratified with VCA-IgA or not (without stratification: chi2 = 2.399, P = 0.301; with stratification: low-titer group (VCA-IgA <1:80), MAF = 0.457 (C), chi2 = 1.221, P = 0.543; high-titer group (VCA-IgA > or = 1:80), MAF = 0.427 (C), chi2 =2.832, P = 0.243) . For m2 polymorphism, when VCA-IgA <1:80, the G allele showed decreased transmission under additive and dominant model (MAF = 0.347 (G); Zadditive = -2.120, Padditive = 0.034; Zdominant = - 2.303, Pdominant = 0.021) and a boundary P value was got with global statistic (chi2 = 5.394, P = 0.067) . Haplotype TG (0.057), constructed by m1 and m2, might decrease nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk (Z= -2.002, P=0.045). A boundary P value was also got with global statistic (chi2 =7.067, P=0.070).

CONCLUSIONThere was no statistical significance between m1 polymorphism and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families. And this study showed that m2 polymorphism might associated with the decrease of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families.

Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo examine the role of Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) in the migration and invasiveness of human colorectal cancer cells.

METHODSNine colorectal cancer cell lines were cultured. Cell lines with the highest level of PLK1 expression was selected by PCR and Western blot. Three siRNA oligo segments targeting PLK1 were designed and selected cell lines transfected. Successful transfection was confirmed using real-time PCR and Western blot. Changes in migration and invasiveness of the selected cell line were evaluated by Transwell test.

RESULTSColorectal cancer cell line SW1116 was selected with the highest expression of PLK1 at both mRNA level and protein level. The expression of PLK1 in SW1116 was reduced by the three siRNA oligo segments to varying degrees, and the No.1 siRNA oligo segment was the most efficient. In migration test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 44 ± 14, which was lower than that in the negative control group (242 ± 40) and in blank control group(240 ± 38). In invasion test, the number of cells crossing through chambers in PLK1-siRNA group was 62 ± 3, which was lower than that in negative control group (207 ± 12) and in blank control group (211 ± 15). These differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPLK1 silencing by siRNA may inhibit the migration and invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that PLK1 might play an important role in the infiltration and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Cell Cycle Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective To explore the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among elderly veterans. Methods 2 674 veterans ( aged 60 years and over) from 26 military sanatorium in Shijiazhuang city were studied. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Global Deterioration Scale, Activity of Daily Living, Hachinski Ischemic Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale were served as screening tools. Results The prevalence of total MCI was 8 08% in elderly people. The standardized prevalence of MCI was 6 87% in male and 10 38% in female (P

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of lanthanum hydroxide on renal injury and vascular calcification in rats caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the underlying mechanism. Methods A CKD model was constructed by adenine, and the rats were randomly divided into model group, lanthanum hydroxide low, medium and high dose groups, lanthanum carbonate group and calcium carbonate group. After eight weeks, serum phosphorus ( Pi ), calcium (Ca), serum creatinine ( Scr), blood urea nitrogen ( BUN ), parathyroid hormone ( PTH ), fibroblast growth factor 23 ( FGF23 ) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b ( TARP-5b) levels were measured. Histopathological staining was used to assess the degree of calcification of blood vessels, and the expressions of smooth muscle protein 22α ( SM22α), Runt-related transcription factor 2 ( RUNX2 ), hypoxia inducible factor 1 ( HIF-1) pathway mRNA and protein expression in blood vessels were detected. Results Lanthanum hydroxide can significantly reduce the levels of Pi, Scr, BUN, PTH, FGF23 and TARP-5b in the serum of CKD rats, significantly reduce the calcium deposition of the thoracic aorta of CKD rats, the expression of BMP-2, VEGF in the cytoplasm, the expression of RUNX2, HIF-1α in the nucleus, and increase the mRNA and protein expression of SM22. Conclusion Lanthanum hydroxide can markedly improve hyperphosphatemia in CKD rats, and can improve vascular calcification in CKD rats by blocking HIF-1α signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo better understand the proportions of reported hepatitis B cases in pilot surveillance cites through investigation and laboratory testing.

METHODSTo confirm the reported cases of hepatitis B by collecting blood specimen and laboratory testing on HBsAg, IgM of Anti-HBc, Anti-HAV in 18 pilot surveillance counties.

RESULTSAmong 2858 cases of hepatitis B reported in 2006, 23.97% of them were reported as suspected acute cases, 14.87% as acute cases, 20.33% as suspected chronic cases, 34.67% as chronic cases, 4.09% as cirrhosis and 2.06% as HCC. Among 1681 reported hepatitis B cases confirmed by laboratory testing, results showed that 24.16% of them were diagnosed as acute hepatitis B, but only 15.37% were confirmed as acute hepatitis B. Although the proportion confirmed as hepatitis B kept consistent as before, misclassification was found.

CONCLUSIONIn current surveillance system, reported hepatitis B cases were mainly chronic, only up to one third belonged to acute hepatitis B. The reported incidence of hepatitis B did not reflect the real incidence due to misclassification. To better define the burden on hepatitis B disease, it was necessary and urgent to revise the diagnostic criteria and to conduct surveillance on hepatitis B, under separate reporting categories which including acute and chronic cases of the disease.

China ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis B ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Humans ; Incidence ; Pilot Projects ; Population Surveillance