OBJECTIVE To assess the efficancy of Yangxue Qingnao granules on simvastatin-induced vascular injury model in zebrafish. METHODS Since statins can inhibit vascular development in zebrafish,in this study,we developed a novel animal model using 1 to 3 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of simvastatin exposure.Five pro-angiogenic drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model. Zebrafish was treated with different concentration of Yangxue Qingnao granules( 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1)for 2 d then tested for the area of subintestinal vein vessels. RESULTS Vascular regeneration promoting effect of five pro-angiogenic drugs (calycosin, astragaloside, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and Panax Notoginseng Saponins)were 8-48%,24-51%,35-58%,28-75% and 37-69%,respectively.In 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1Yangxue Qingnao granules group,vascular regeneration promoting effect were 21% (P>0.05), 84%(P<0.01) and 53%(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish vascular injury model validated in this study could be used for in vivo angiogenesis studies and drug screening and for assessing pro-angiogenic drugs with different mechanisms.Yangxue Qingnao granules could promote the vascular regeneration in zebrafish.

SARS-CoV is a newly discovery pathogen causing severe acute respiratory problems.It has been established that the S protein in this pathogen plays an important rule in the adsorption and penetration of SARS-CoV into the host cell by interaction with the ACE2 receptor.To determinant which functional motif of the S protein was involved in the interaction with ACE2,seven truncated S proteins deleted from the N or C terminal were obtained by an E.coli expression system and purified by column chromatography to homogeneity.Each truncated S protein was fixed on to the well of an ELISA plate and an interaction was initiated with the ACE2 protein.The adsorption were quantified by ELISA,and the results indicated that amino acids from 388 to 496 of the S protein was responsible for the interaction with the ACE2 receptor,and the interaction could be completely disrupted by an antibody specific to these amino acids.Deletions adjacent to this domain did not appear to have a significant impact on the interaction with ACE2,suggesting that the S protein of SARS-CoV could be developed as a vaccine to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV.

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum is a common folk medicine in China. Now it is popular for its antioxidative effect and other medical functions. The adulterants of the herb confuse consumers. In order to identify a new adulterant of L. ruthenicum, a research was performed based on NCBI Nucleotide Database ITS Sequence, combined analysis of the origin and morphology of the adulterant to traceable varieties. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the materials, and nuclear DNA ITS sequences were amplified and sequenced; DNA fragments were collated and matched by using ContingExpress. Similarity identification of BLAST analysis was performed. Besides, the distribution of plant origin and morphology were considered to further identification and verification. Families and genera were identified by molecular identification method. The adulterant was identified as plant belonging to Berberis. Origin analysis narrowed the range of sample identification. Seven different kinds of plants in Berberis were potential sources of the sample. Adulterants variety was traced by morphological analysis. The united molecular identification-origin-morphology research proves to be a preceding way to medical herbs traceability with time-saving and economic advantages and the results showed the new adulterant of L. ruthenicum was B. kaschgarica. The main differences between B. kaschgarica and L. ruthenicum are as follows: in terms of the traits, the surface of B. kaschgarica is smooth and crispy, and that of L. ruthenicum is shrinkage, solid and hard. In microscopic characteristics, epicarp cells of B. aschgarica thickening like a string of beads, stone cells as the rectangle, and the stone cell walls of L. ruthenicum is wavy, obvious grain layer. In molecular sequences, the length of ITS sequence of B. kaschgarica is 606 bp, L. ruthenicum is 654 bp, the similarity of the two sequences is 53.32%.
Berberis ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; China ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; chemistry ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; chemistry ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; standards ; Lycium ; classification ; cytology ; genetics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVEUndried silver-hydroxyapatite-titania (Ag-nHA-nTiO2) nanoparticles slurry was used to make membrane with polyamide 66 (PA66) by co-polymerization method. The purpose of this study is to test the physical and chemical characteristics and antibacterial ability.

METHODSThe morphology, chemical components and structures of the membrane were characterized by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were utilized to test the antibacterial effect.

RESULTSXRD results demonstrated that the membrane have characteristic diffraction peaks of pure hydroxyapatite (HA). A homogeneous distribution of the Ca, P, Ti and Ag element in the membrane was confirmed by EDX. Both surface and section showed porous structure which was confirmed by SEM and the average hole size was 20-30 microm. The bacteria assay reflected to the antibacterial effect, 50.10% of S. aureus and 56.31% of E. coli were killed. However, 91.84% of P. gingivalis, 90.64% of F. nucleatum and 90.49% of S. mutans were killed and pictures of SEM showed obviously fewer cells on the surface.

CONCLUSIONThe nanocomposite membrane could be one of the bioactive materials with antibacterial properties for oral guided bone regeneration technique.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bone Regeneration ; Durapatite ; Escherichia coli ; Nanocomposites ; Nylons ; Silver ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Titanium ; X-Ray Diffraction

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the in vitro and in vivo function of anti-human bladder tumor human-mouse chimeric antibody ch-BDI and its future clinical application.

METHODSWith ch-BDI in high-expression cell-line medium, affinity chromatography was used for the purification. Labeled with (99m)Tc through reduction method, its immunoreactive fraction and association constant were measured. The constant was injected into nude mice with xenografted human bladder tumor. The biodistribution of the labeled ch-BDI was studied with radioimmunoimaging.

RESULTSch-BDI showed desirable immunoreactive fraction (76%) and association constant (3.56 x 10(9) M(-1)) in vitro and a terrific specific targeting effect in vivo.

CONCLUSIONch-BDI has fairly good function against human bladder tumor both in vitro and in vivo, and is promising in clinical use.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; immunology ; Antibodies, Neoplasm ; immunology ; Antibody Affinity ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; immunology ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of soft occlusal splint in the treatment of condylar fracture in children and adolescents.

METHODSTwenty-three children with condylar fracture aged from 3 to 16 were included in this study. Impressions of both jaws were taken and stone working models poured. After occlusion was recovered by mounting on a bionic articulator, a soft occlusal splint was fabricated. The occlusal splint was worn for 1 to 3 months accompanied with functional exercise. Follow-up was carried out by clinical observation and panoramic image.

RESULTSClinical satisfactory results were obtained in all the patients with good occlusion, unimpaired function and normal growth and development of the mandibles. Panoramic image showed reconstruction of the fractured condyles, which were flattened and short.

CONCLUSIONSSoft occlusal splint is a promising approach for treating condylar fracture in children.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dental Impression Technique ; Dental Occlusion ; Humans ; Mandible ; growth & development ; Mandibular Condyle ; injuries ; Mandibular Fractures ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Occlusal Splints

BACKGROUNDPulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal event, occurs more frequently in cancer patients than in the general population. To offer an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to such patients in China, we analyzed the incidence rate and clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with solid tumor hospitalized in the Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was made of the hospitalized patients with solid malignancies complicated with pulmonary embolism who had been admitted into the PUMC Hospital from January 2002 to December 2008.

RESULTSThe incidence of pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients with solid malignancies was 0.27% (120/43 967). The median age at diagnosis was 57.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1.0:1.4 (49:71). Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituted the largest proportion of the 120 patients (37.5%), followed by patients with breast (9.2%), ovarian (8.3%), pancreatic (6.7%), and liver cancer (6.7%). Eighty patients (66.7%) had stage IV cancer. Bone was the most common site of distant metastasis (46.3%). D-dimer level was elevated in 90.9% of the 66 tested patients. The incidence of bleeding due to anti-coagulation therapy was 3.6%. Thirty-six (30.0%) of the 120 patients had concurrent deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities. Seventeen patients developed acute pulmonary embolism within 2 weeks after surgery, 3 of whom died suddenly. Four patients presented with deep venous thrombosis and 1 with pulmonary embolism prior to the identification of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONSPatients with cancer of the lung, ovarian, breast, pancreas, and liver are more likely to be complicated with pulmonary embolism than those with other types of solid tumors. Patients with distant metastasis are at a higher risk of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism without concurrent deep venous thrombosis is more frequently observed than concurrence of both disorders in the clinical setting.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anticoagulants ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heparin ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; classification ; complications ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Pulmonary Embolism ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the role of pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) in the growth and invasion of human glioma cell line by introduction of exogenous microRNA to silence PTTG 1 gene expression. Methods Two double-stranded DNA pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR vectors (MIR-1, MIR-2) targeting human PTTG1 mRNA and a negative control plasmid (Neg) were constructed, and were transfected into human U251 cells with high metastatic potentials. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to quantify the mRNA and protein levels of PTTG1, respectively. Proliferation and invasiveness of transfected U251 cells were analyzed by MTT assay and Matrigel invasion assay. Results After transfection, Expression of PTTG1 mR.NA was inbibited significantly with inhibitory rates of 87.6% in MIR-2 group, and the protein levels were significantly lower than those of the other groups. There was significant difference in cellular growth rate among the 3 groups. The growth inhibiting rates in the MIR-2 group are 10.7%-34.7%. The migrating number of U251 cells transfected with MIR-2 with relative percentage (12.3±1.0)% was also significantly decreased as compared the Neg group (24.7±1.4)% and Mock group (24.0±2.0)%. Conclusion Introduction of exogenous miRNA to U251 cell line by transfection of MIR-2 can effectively reduce the PTTG1 expression, which can significantly inhibit the proliferation and decrease the invasiveness of glioma cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of nano-TiO(2) intratracheal instillation on the progression of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice.

METHODSThe nano-TiO(2) was ultrasound with phosphate-buffered saline solutions (PBS) into its suspension for exposure. A total of 46 specific pathogen free (SPF) level of 11-week-old male apolipoprotein E-knockout mice were randomly divided into groups by their body weights: non-treatment group (8 mice), PBS control group (9 mice), high dose group (1.0 mg/ml, 10 mice), medium dose group (0.5 mg/ml, 10 mice), and low dose group (0.1 mg/ml, 9 mice). Except the non-treatment group, mice from other groups were intratracheally instilled with 0.05 ml each time, twice a week. After exposure of 6 weeks, viscera index, blood TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and organic lipid ratio were assessed as biomarkers. Artery and aortic root issues were assessed by histopathology.

RESULTSAfter 5 weeks exposure, mice body weights in high dose group ((29.7 ± 1.9) g) started to drop, compared to PBS control ((31.3 ± 1.9) g, t = -1.58, P < 0.05) and low dose group ((31.4 ± 1.4) g, t = -1.17, P < 0.05); after 6 weeks, high dose group ((28.8 ± 1.5) g) was lower than PBS control ((30.4 ± 1.9) g, t = -1.60, P < 0.05), non-treatment group ((30.2 ± 1.3) g, t = -1.43, P < 0.05) and low dose group ((30.6 ± 1.0) g, t = -1.83, P < 0.05). TC levels of non-treatment, PBS control, high dose group, medium dose group and low dose group were (2.92 ± 1.18), (3.12 ± 0.73), (4.19 ± 1.86), (3.46 ± 0.72) and (2.57 ± 0.64) mmol/L, respectively; TG levels were (0.39 ± 0.13), (0.39 ± 0.08), (0.60 ± 0.21), (0.55 ± 0.19) and (0.41 ± 0.11) mmol/L, respectively; HDL-C levels were (1.67 ± 0.45), (1.54 ± 0.67), (0.93 ± 0.50), (1.02 ± 0.48) and (1.31 ± 0.64) mmol/L; TG levels of high dose group were higher than that of non-treatment group (t = 1.27, P = 0.03) and low dose group (t = 1.62, P = 0.01); TG levels of medium dose group was higher than PBS control (t = 0.16, P = 0.04), and TC levels of high dose group were higher than PBS control (t = 0.22, P = 0.01), non-treatment group (t = 0.22, P = 0.04) and low dose group (t = 0.20, P = 0.03), and HDL-C levels of high dose group were lower than PBS control (t = -0.61, P = 0.04) and non-treatment group (t = -0.74, P = 0.04); organic lipid ratio of each group were (2.27 ± 0.51)%, (2.06 ± 0.53)%, (2.90 ± 0.50)%, (2.60 ± 0.23)%, (2.24 ± 0.45)%; high dose group were higher than PBS control (t = 0.85, P = 0.00), non-treatment group (t = 0.64, P = 0.03) and low dose group (t = 0.67, P = 0.01); medium dose group was higher than PBS control (t = 0.54, P = 0.02). The plaque lipid content and calcium content which showed the progression of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture were elevated in medium and high dose groups.

CONCLUSIONIntratracheal instillation of nano-TiO(2) can induce dyslipidemia and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture in ApoE-/-mice.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; chemically induced ; Dyslipidemias ; blood ; chemically induced ; Instillation, Drug ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Nanoparticles ; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms ; Titanium ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the polymorphism of loci DXS6800, DXS6797, GATA172D05, DXS986 four loci in Hebei Han population.

METHODSThe genome DNA of unrelated individuals,the families and rotten materials were extracted with phenol-chloroform method and Chelex-100 method,respectively. The PCR products were detected by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis.

RESULTSAmong 150 unrelated males and 150 unrelated females from Hebei Han population, 25 alleles were found in the 4 loci. One hundred and thirty-eight haplotypes of the male were detected. The haplotype diversity reached 0.9986.

CONCLUSIONThe findings provided the polymorphic data of DXS6800, DXS6797, GATA172D05, and DXS986 loci in Hebei Han population. The four loci are relatively abundant in polymorphic information for identification and the obtained data of Hebei Han population can be applied to the X-STR genetic data bank.

Alleles ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; Female ; Genetics, Population ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Tandem Repeat Sequences ; genetics