Benzene ; poisoning ; China ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Occupational Diseases ; diagnosis ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects

Benzene ; poisoning ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Poisoning ; diagnosis

Objective To investigate the change of splenocyte subsets in Balb/c mice immunized with transgenic alfalfa(Medicago sativa)containing Eg95-EgA31 fusion gene of Echinococcus granulosus(Eg) and challenged with Eg protoscoleces.Methods Leaf protein was extracted from transgenic alfalfa containing Eg95-EgA31 fusion gene by heat-coagulation method,and concentration of 20 g/L was used in the study.Meanwhile,leaf protein extracted from the transgenic alfalfa containing blank vector(pBI121)and the normal alfalfa was served as control.Thirty-two female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups,8 mice in each group.Oral group was immunized with the leaf protein containing Eg95-EgA31 fusion antigen intragastrically(100μl per mouse);intranasal group was immunized with the leaf protein containing Eg95-EgA31 fusion antigen intranasally(10 μl per mouse);blank vector group was vaccinated intranasally with 10μl leaf protein with blank vector(pBI121);and normal control group was given 100μl normal leaf protein intragastrically.All mice in the above mentioned groups were immunized every 3 days for 2 months.Then,the mice were challenged intraperitoneally with Eg protoscoleces(50 protoscoleces per mouse)8 weeks after last vaccination and sacrified 24 weeks pest infection to separate the splenocytes.Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T ceils subsets.Resuits Compared with the normal control group(0.166±0.018,0.083±0.006,2.019 ±0.369),the percentages of CD4+(0.286±0.009)and CD8+(0.102±0.004)T cell subsets and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+(2.814±0.014)in oral group increased significantly (P<0.01 or<0.05).The percentage of CD4+ subset(0.269±0.016)and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+(2.955±0.986) in intranasal group was significantly higher than that ofthe normal control group(all P<0.01).The percentage of CD4+ subset in oral group was significantly higher than that of the intranasal group(P<0.05).No significant difference was found in the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ between the blank vector group(0.169±0.018,0.093±0.019,1.852±0.188)and the normal control group(all P>0.05).Conclusions CD4+ T cell may play an important role in the protection induced by transgenic alfalfa vaccine against the challenge of Eg protoscoleces.Intragastrical immunization may be a good route.

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of splenocyte cytokines in mice immunized with the transgenic alfalfa containing Eg95-EgA31 fusion gene of Echinococcus granulosus (Eg). Methods Eighty-eight Balb/c mice were divided into 2 groups randomly according to body weights,and immunized orally or intranasally with 100μl or 10μl extracted leaf protein from the transgenic alfalfa(20 g/L) respectively once per 3 days for 2 months. Four mice randomized from each group were killed to get splenocyte on week 0(control),2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18 and 20 after the last immunization. The splenocyte were cultured in medium for 48 hours with EgAg or concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation to induce the interleukin (IL)-12,interferon γ(IFN-γ) and IL-10,and cultured for 72 hours with EgAg or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus to induce the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Then the supernatant was collected to measure the level of IL-12,IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-10 by ELISA. Results In the oral immunization group,the level of IL-12,IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-10 increased significantly from week 4 to week 6,week 2 to week 8,week 2 to week 6 and week 4 to week 12,respectively,reaching the highest level(25.0±5.8)ng/L on week 4,(575.0±28.9)ng/L on week 2,(50.0±11.5)ng/L on week 2 and (42.5±2.9)ng/L on week 8,respectively,as compared with the values on week 0[(11.3±2.5),(125.0±28.9),(11.3±2.5),(12.5±2.9)ng/L,all P < 0.01]; in the intranasal immunization group,it was similar about the values of IL-12,IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-10 could be seen from week 4 to week 6,week 2 to week 10,week 4 to week 10 and week 6 to week 16,respectively,reaching the highest level(25.0±5.8)ng/L on week 6,(725.0±28.9)ng/L on week 4,(27.5±2.9)ng/L on week 6 and (60.0±11.5)ng/L on week 6,respectively,as compared with the values on week 0[(11.3±2.5),(125.0±28.9),(11.3±2.5),(12.5±2.9)ng/L,all P < 0.01]. The cytokine levels in the groups with EgAg,ConA or LPS stimulus were significantly higher than those in the corresponding splenocyte suspension groups(P < 0.05 or < 0.01),and the cytokine levels in the groups with ConA or LPS stimulus were obviously higher than those in the corresponding groups with EgAg stimulation (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). Conclusion The mixed responses of Th1 and Th2 types can be induced in mice immunized with the transgenic alfalfa in the early period post immunization(2-10 weeks).

AIM: Niflumic acid (NFA) is known as a kind of inhibitor of calcium-activated chloride channel. The inhibition and mechanism of NFA on the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were investigated. METHODS: Using [ 3H]-TdR incorporation method, we examined the effect of NFA (at concentration of 10 and 50 ?mol/L) on the proliferation of primarily ASMCs from BALB/c mouse. With confocal laser scanning microscope the [Ca 2+ ]i in ASMCs exposed to histamine was observed, and the opposed effects of NFA and nifedipine on histamine were also checked. Finally the effect of NFA on expression of MAPK in ASMCs was examined by indirect immunofluorescent assay. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the proliferation of NFA group was reduced markedly with dependent concentration. Histamine significantly improved the [Ca 2+ ]i in ASMCs, but NFA and nifedipine showed the inhibition on the effect of histamine. NFA reduced the level of MAPK expression in ASMCs. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that NFA inhibits the proliferation of ASMCs by reducing [Ca 2+ ]i and the expression level of MAPK. [

BACKGROUND:Taurine is an important non-enzymatic system antioxidant in the lens.The mechanism of its anti-oxidative effect is mainly to protect lens from oxidative injury by anti-lipid peroxidation.OBJECTIVE:This study was to observe the effect of exogenous taurine on lens epithefial cell apoptosis-induced by H2O2 in vitro.DESIGN:A randomized controlled animal experiment.SETTING:Department of Ophthalmology,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College.MATERIALS:Seventy-five adult New Zealand standard tabbits,of either gender,weighing 1.5-2.5 kg,were provided by Qingdao Laboratory Animal Center.Reagent kit for in situ detecting cell apoptosis(Sigma Company,USA),taurine and H2O2(Shanghai Guangda Chemical Reagent Factory,China)were included in this study.METHODS:This study was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology and Central Laboratory.Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College from Mav 2005 to June 2007.Rabbit lenses were harvested and randomly divided into 3 groups:control group,in which,clear lenses were incubated in non-serum and non-phenolsulfonphthalein MEM medium which was renewed every 24 hours,H2O2 group,in which,clear lenses were incubated in non-serum and non-phenolsulfonphthalein MEM medium containing 1 mmol/L H2O2 with addition of 62 μL H202(30 g/L)every 6 hours,and H2O2+taurine group,in which,clear lenses were incubated in non-serum and non-phenolsulfonphthalein MEM medium containing 1 mmol/L H2O2 and 10 g/L taurine.which was renewed every 6 hours.The protocol was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines for the use and care of animals.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Observation of lens opacity 6.12,24.48 and 72 hours after culture;Lens epithelial cell apoptosis determined by DNA in situ end labeling and DNA fragment analysis.RESULTS:Lens opacity:The lens opacity in the H2O2 group was aggregrated gradually along with the time of oxidative injury.The lens opacity in the H2O2 group was severer than that in the H2O2+taurine group.Lens epithelial cell apoptosis:There were no apoptotic cells in the control group within 72 hours.The number of apoptotic cells in the H2O2 group was increased gradually with the prolonged time of oxidative injury.Till the 72nd hour,the cells were all tamed into apoptotic cells.A few aopototic celIs were found in the H2O2+taurine group since hour 24,and then were more and more,and the number of apoptotic cells accounted for about 30%at hour 72.The apoptotic rate in the H202+taurine group was significantly lower than that in the H2O group at each time point(q=8.6845,P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in apoptotic rate between the H202+taurine group and the control group (P＞0.05). Findings of DNA fragmentation assay:The DNA"ladder"was found in the H2O2 group at hours 24,36,48 and 72,while no DNA"ladder"but only normal electrophoresis straps were present in the other two groups 24 hours after culture.CONCLUSION:Taurine can inhibit the oxidative injury-induced apoptosis of rabbit lens epithelial cells,and alleviate lens opacity.

Objective To investigate motor nerve function status in rats with diabetes mellitus by motor unit number estimation (MUNE), and discuss it′s early diagnostic value in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods Diabetic rat model (DM group) was induced by streptozotocin. The MUNE of gastrocnemius muscle and motor nerve conduction (MCV, CMAP) of the sciatic nerve were measured at the 4th, 8th and 12th week after onset of hyperglycemia in the DM group and the control group (normal SD rats). The ultrastructure of sciatic nerve was observed by electron microscope. Results At the 4th week, MUNE of gastrocnemius muscle was significantly decreased in DM group compared to that of the control group (275.88 ± 87.87 vs 369.71 ± 75.64,P<0.05). There were no significant differences in MCV and CMAP of sciatic nerve be?tween two groups. The electron microscopy observation showed that most nerve fibers were normal;a small amount of axonal atrophy, and myelin lamellar structure was separated in DM group. At the 8th week, compared with the control group, MUNE were reduced in gastrocnemius muscle in DM group (357.49±72.68 vs 221.26±92.41, P<0.01). There were no significant dif?ferences in MCV and CMAP of the sciatic nerve between DM group and control group. The electron microscope observation showed that part of nerve fibers were normal, the myelin focal plate layer was loose and separated, axonal atrophy, the axonal membrane and myelin sheath inner layer was separated with big gap. At the 12th week, MUNE of gastrocnemius muscle (127.87±19.80 vs 366.85±51.25), sciatic nerve MCV [(35.06±4.43) m/s vs (50.47±6.07) m/s] and CMAP [(2.91±1.37) mV vs (5.98±2.14) mV] were significantly decreased in DM group than those of control group (P<0.01). The electron microscopy observation showed severely damaged myelin flex and axonal squeeze. Conclusion MUNE is much earlier in detecting ear?ly motor nerve dysfunction in DM than conventional motor nerve conduction test.

Objective To assess the function of motor nerve fiber in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by single-fiber conduction studies.Methods According to the diagnostic standard of DPN issued in Toronto meeting in 2009,on the basis of the result of peroneal nerve conventional conduction study,a total of 65 patients with DPN in the Department of Endocrinology and the Department of Neurology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital from October 2012 to October 2013 were enrolled into the study,from whom 33 had abnormal sensory conduction (sensory-diabetic peripheral neuropathy group,S-DPN group),32 had abnormal sensory motor conduction (sensory motor-diabetic peripheral neuropathy group,SM-DPN group).Single-fiber conduction velocity (SF-CV) and single-fiber distal motor latency (SF-DML)were detected in all subjects.The obtained results were compared with the data from 34 healthy volunteers (control group).The relationship of SF-CV,SF-DML and the duration of diabetes mellitus,fasting glucose,HbA1 c was also studied in DPN patients.Results The SF-CV ((43.1 ± 3.6) m/s) was decreased in S-DPN group compared with control group ((47.5 ± 3.3) m/s,t =5.077,P ＜ 0.01).There were no significant differences in SF-DML ((3.6 ± 0.7) ms),motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV (49.5 ± 2.6)m/s) and DML ((3.4 ± 0.6) ms) in S-DPN group compared with that of control group ((3.4 ± 0.5) ms,(50.9 ± 3.5) m/s,(3.2 ± 0.5) ms,respectively).SM-DPN group had lower SF-CV ((35.2 ± 3.6)m/s,t =9.119,14.219),MCV ((40.9 ± 3.2) m/s,t =11.131,13.025) and increased SF-DML ((4.5±0.7) ms,t=5.692,7.231),DML ((4.2 ±0.7) ms,t=5.561,6.975) compared with the other two groups (P ＜0.01).SF-CV in DPN patients was negatively related to the diabetic duration (r =-0.340,P =0.006),while SF-DML had no correlation with duration of DM,fasting blood glucose and HbAlc.Conclusions Detection of SF-CV is easy to find early motor nerve dysfunction in DPN patients.SF-CV is decreased with the increasing duration of diabetes.

Objective:To investigate the compliance with early Warfarin anticoagulation therapy after cardiac mechanical valve replacement(MHVR)and its related factors in elderly patients.Methods:The convenience sampling method was used to prospectively recruit 210 patients undergone MHVR at the Ningbo Medical Center of Lihuili Hospital from January 2017 to October 2019.Six months after discharge, face-to-face interviews or telephone follow-ups were conducted to assess general information, warfarin anticoagulation knowledge, anticoagulant treatment compliance and social support.Results:The overall compliance of early Warfarin anticoagulation therapy was excellent, with 99.5% of patients compliant with medication and 99.0% compliant with INR monitoring, both higher than the rate of compliance with advised lifestyle adjustment(92.1%). Anticoagulation knowledge and age were the main influencing factors for compliance in elderly patients after MHVR.Conclusions:The compliance with early Warfarin anticoagulation therapy after MHVR is good in elderly patients in the Ningbo area.The correlation analysis suggests that medical professionals need to promote education on anticoagulation knowledge and pay more attention to anticoagulation compliance in elderly people.

Objective To cultivate and identify the transgenic affalfa containing Echinococcus granulosus Eg95 gene. Methods The alfalfa plants were transformed by co-cultivating alfalfa cotyledons via recombinant Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 harboring pBI-Eg95. The transgenic alfalfa explants were selected by kanamyein after calli formation, shoots and roots regeneration in the selective medium, the seedlings of transgenic plants were obtained which were finally transplanted into pots containing nutrient soil. After 2-3 months growth, the complete transgenic alfalfa plants containing Echinococcus granulosus Eg95 gene were obtained. To identify the transgenic alfalfa plants, the total DNA, RNA and leaf protein were extracted from fresh leaf tissue of the transgenic alfalfa plants and confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and Western blot assay. Results A specific band around 471 bp was amplified by PCR with total DNA, and the same band was obtained by RT-PCR with total RNA, which confirmed that the Eg95 gene was stably integrated into the transformed alfalfa genome. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the relative molecular mass(Mr) of the expressed protein was about 16.5×103, consistent with the Eg95 protein, and the level of Eg95 expression was up to 0.06% of total soluble leaf protein by Bio-Rad Quantity one assay. Western blot verified the expressed protein was reactive with the sera of mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Conclusion The transgenic alfalfa plants containing Echinococcus granulosus Eg95 gene are successfully cultivated.