Objective To explore the differential expression of low molecular weight proteins in serum of ischemic stroke patients.Methods Serum samples obtained from ischemic stroke patients (n=33) and normal controls (n=39) were analyzed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The severity of stroke was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcome was assessed with modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results 55 peaks were significantly different between ischemic stroke patients and the controls (P<0.05). There were 7 peaks between 1000~2000 Da, 4 increased peaks and 3 induced peaks in serum of ischemic stroke patients. One induced peak at 1864(m/z) had highest peak intensity in controls and induced significantly in ischemic stroke patients. While induce degree of this peak didn't correlate with the NIHSS, mRS, stroke risk factors and laboratory data. Conclusion The application of this potential biomarker is not restricted to certain subgroups of ischemic stroke patients,so it may serve as one reverse direction biomarker and provide support for early diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke.

AIM: To investigate therapeutic efficiency of amniotic extraction on dry eye in rabbit model induced by topical benzalkonium chloride (BAC).
METHODS: Totally 26 rabbits (26 right eyes) with dry eye model were studied and divided into two groups:group A (control group with PBS eye drops, n = 13) and group B ( amniotic extraction group, n = 13). Another two rabbits were chosen as normal control. The SchirmerⅠ tests ( S Ⅰ t) and corneal fluorescein staining ( FL) were made, and the tear total protein content, amylase activity, lactoferrin, lysozyme contents, goblet cell density were performed in two groups before treatment and 1, 2, 4 and 8 wk after treatment.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in SIT, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density among different groups at different time points (P<0. 05). But, there was no significant differences in SⅠt, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density between two groups before treatment (P>0. 05). After 8wks' treatment with PBS, the mean differences of the group A showed great changes in SⅠt, lysozyme and goblet cell density compared with those before treatment ( P < 0. 05); but there was no significant differences in FL scores compared with those before treatment (P>0. 05). As for group B, 8wks after treatment, there were statistical changes in SⅠt, FL, lysozyme (P<0. 05); but there was no significant differences in goblet cell density compared with those before treatment ( P > 0. 05). It was evident that statistical differences were observed in S Ⅰ t, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density between two groups at each time point (P<0. 05). However, there were no significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity at different time points (P>0. 05). Meanwhile there was no significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity between two groups before treatment ( P > 0. 05 ). But there were significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity between two groups after 4 and 8 wks'treatment (P<0. 05).
CONCLUSION: Amniotic extraction has significant therapeutic effect on the dry eye in rabbit model.

Objective To investigate expression of Human papillomavirus (HPV) 11 type E7 protein antigen in prokaryotic cells and its potential use for the serodiagnosis of condyloma acuminatum (CA).Methods The full-length gene encoding for HPV11 E7 protein was amplified by PCR,and cloned into vector pET32a(+) to form recombinant pET32a(+)/HPVll E7 plasmid.The fusion His-E7 protein was expressed and analyzed by using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.Using ELISA assay,HPV11 E7 fusion protein were also used to screen human serum IgG antibody from 93 patients with CA,43 patients with cervix cancer and 58 healthy control subjects.Results Highly expressed fusion His-E7 protein was obtained,and purified protein served as a special diagnostic antigen to screen human serum antibody for CA serodiagnosis.It showed that CA group,cervix cancer group and healthy control human serum IgG antibody average value were 1.545?0.131,0.586?0.155 and 0.674?0.150 respectively,positive rate were 76.3% (71/93),11.6% (5/43) and 5.2% (3/58).There was significantly difference between the CA group to compare cervix cancer group and healthy control (P

Objective To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of suspension concentrate of niclosamide ethanolamine salt(SC-NE)against Oncomelania hupensis snails in laboratory and field. Methods The experiment of SCNE against the snails by using the immersing and spraying methods was performed in laboratory and field,with control groups of wettable powder of ni-closamide ethanolamine salt(WPN). Results In the laboratory,LC50(s) of SCNE for 24,48 h and 72 h by using the immersion method were 0.0926,0.0629 mg/L and 0.0549 mg/L,respectively. The mortality rates of snails for 24,48 h and 72 h by using the immersion method were all 100％ with the concentrations of 0.25 mg/L. The mortality rates of snails were all 100％ while spraying SCNE for 3 d in the laboratory with the concentrations of 0.25 g/m2. In Jiangling County,except 0.5 g/m3 SCNE immers-ing the snails for 24 h,the mortality rates of snails by using SCNE with the immersing method were all 100％. While the concen-tration of SCNE was 0.5 g/m3 or above,the mortality rates were all 100％after the use of it with the immersion method for 2 d in Gong'an County. In Jiangling County,the mortality rates of snails by using SCNE 0.5 g/m3 for 1 d,3 d,and 7 d with the spray-ing method were 87.5％,92.82％and 97.40％respectively. While the concentration of SCNE was 0.5 g/m3,the mortality rates were 85.94％,86.78％and 94.21％respectively after the use of it with the spraying method for 1 d,3 d,7 d in Gong'an Coun-ty,and the molluscicidal effect of SCNE(1.0 g/m2)was higher than that of WPN. Conclusion SCNE has a high molluscicidal effect in the laboratory and field,and it is a novel and simple formulation of niclosamide.

BACKGROUNDOsteoarthritis often affects the joint bilaterally, and the single-stage (SS) unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is advantageous in terms of a single anesthesia administration, a short hospital stay, lower medical costs, and enhanced patient convenience. However, the complication risk of SS UKA continues to be debated. The aim of this article was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, complications, and functional recovery of SS and two-stage (TS) UKA.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2013, we compared a series of 36 SS UKA with 45 TS UKA for osteoarthritis. The mean age was 65.4 years (range: 55-75 years). The mean body mass index was 25.2 kg/m 2 (range: 22-29 kg/m 2 ). The pre- and post-operative Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs), complications, operative times, tourniquet times, the amount of drainage, and hemoglobin (Hb) were evaluated. The Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and paired and grouped t-tests were used in this study.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up was 50 months. No complications of death, fat embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and prosthetic infection were reported. Patients who underwent SS UKA had a shorter cumulative anesthesia time (113.5 vs. 133.0 min, P < 0.01). There were no significant variations between the values of the mean tourniquet time, the amount of drainage, pre- and post-operative Hb in the different groups. No patient required a blood transfusion. No statistical differences were found in the complications between two groups (P > 0.05). At the final follow-up, the mean OKS improved from 39.48 ± 5.69 to 18.83 ± 3.82 (P < 0.01), with no statistical differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Patients who underwent SS UKA had a faster recovery.

CONCLUSIONSThe single-staged UKA offers the benefits of a single anesthesia administration, reduced total anesthetic time, decreased overall rehabilitation time, and absence of an increase in perioperative mortality or complications compared with the TS bilateral UKA.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Operative Time ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; surgery ; Recovery of Function ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo isolate and identify Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Streptococcus sobrinus (Ss) in dental plaque of children with high dmft and no caries by selective medium, biochemical methods and arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR).

METHODSA total of 401 3-4-year-old children from seven kindergartens were recruited using cluster sampling and their dental caries status were examined. From 30% of children with the highest dmft score (dmft >/= 5), 20 children were chosen randomly as test group and 20 age and gender-matched caries-free children were selected as control. Plaque samples were collected from buccal surfaces of the molars and plated onto TYCSB plate. Sm and Ss were primarily identified by colony morphology and biochemical characteristics. Then chromosomal DNA of the strains was isolated and Sm or Ss were confirmed by AP-PCR.

RESULTSThe proportion positive for Sm and Ss in children with high dmft was 100% and 40% respectively while that in caries-free children was 75% and 5% by AP-PCR analysis. The differences were statistically significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe proportions positive for Sm and Ss detected by AP-PCR method were significantly higher in children with high dmft than in caries-free children and it is a risk factor for high dmft in deciduous teeth harboring Sm and Ss.

Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries ; microbiology ; Dental Plaque ; microbiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Streptococcus mutans ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Streptococcus sobrinus ; genetics ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of aloesin and arbutin on normal cultured human melanocytes in synergetic method.

METHODSBuilding up the system of cultured human melanocytes. The cultured melanocytes in vitro were treated with the mixture of aloesin and arbutin. The cell viability and tyrosinase activity was measured by MTT assay, utilization of L-Dopa as the substrate respectively; melanin content was measured by image analysis system. Furthermore, the effects of the mixture on melanocytes were compared with that of aloesin and arbutin.

RESULTSThe mixture of aloesin and arbutin showed an inhibition on tyrosinase activity of human melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content. Between the mixture and the single use of aloesin or arbutin, there is significant difference (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the mixture has little influence on melanocytes viability and there is negative significance.

CONCLUSIONThe mixture of aloesin and arbutin can significantly inhibit the tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis of cultured human melanocytes. It showed the effects of aloesin and arbutin in a synergistic manner. It is worth to give farther study later.

Arbutin ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Synergism ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Melanocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; drug effects ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin using tissue engineering methods.

METHODSSurgically removed foreskins was used as the source of keratinocytes and melanocytes harvested by routine tissue digestion. The fibroblasts were enriched by tissue block culture and seeded into the scaffold constructed using mouse tail collagens to construct the pigmented skin equivalent model. The general structure and the melanocyte distribution and growth status in this model were observed with HE staining and Fontana Masson staining. The ultrastructure of the constructed pigmented skin equivalent was observed by transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe pigmented skin equivalent model was structurally intact, and allowed optimal cell growth. Fontana Masson staining identified in the basal layer numerous melanocytes in normal growth, and the constructed model was structurally similar to normal skin tissue, suggesting successful construction of the pigmented skin equivalent model.

Animals ; Foreskin ; cytology ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; Male ; Melanocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Skin Pigmentation ; Skin, Artificial ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate mitochondrial oxidative stress on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in cardiac sarcolemma and mitochondria after application of hypoxia postconditioning and free radical scavengers.

METHODSPrimary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to 3 h hypoxia (H) followed by (1) 6 h of reoxygenation (R) (H/R), (2) 3 intermittent cycles of 5 min H and R before 6 h of R (PC), (3) application of superoxide dismutase (SOD) before PC (SOD+PC), (4) application of catalase (CAT) before PC (CAT+PC), and (5) application of SOD plus CAT before PC (SOD+CAT+PC). Cardiac sarcolemma and mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected with fluorescent probes (DCFH-DA) and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in cardiac sarcolemma and mitochondria were measured by Western blot.

RESULTSMitochondrial ROS reduced significantly in PC, SOD+PC, CAT+PC and especially in SOD+CAT+PC groups (all P<0.01). The number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes reduced significantly in PC, SOD+PC and CAT+PC (all P<0.01) but not in SOD+CAT+PC groups. Bcl-2 levels increased while Bax levels decreased in cardiac sarcolemma and mitochondria in PC, SOD+PC and CAT+PC groups (all P<0.01), Bcl-2 levels decreased and Bax levels increased in H/R and PC+SOD+CAT groups (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPC attenuated H/R induced ROS and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which might be mediated by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating the Bax in mitochondria and sarcolemma; SOD or CAT alone did not but SOD plus CAT attenuate the anti-apoptotic effect of hypoxia postconditioning; mitochondrial ROS thus plays an important role in PC's cardioprotection.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Mitochondria ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols, arbutin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model.

METHODSFirst, we constructed the pigmented skin equivalent model in vitro. And then we detected the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols and arbutin on the cells' shape, tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin in the constructed pigmented skin equivalent.

RESULTSThree depigmenting agents showed an inhibition effect on the tyrosinase activity of melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content in the pigmented skin equivalent model, in which the tea polyphenols had the strongest effect, and then was the aloesin. But the tea polyphenols showed the strongest toxicity, while the aloesin and arbutin had a much lower toxicity.

CONCLUSIONSAll the three depigmenting agents showed a concentration dependent suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, in which the tea polyphenols was the strongest effect( P <0.05). Aoesin has a good suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, but has a much lower toxicity, which could be used as a safe depigmenting agent.

Arbutin ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Foreskin ; cytology ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Melanins ; biosynthesis ; Melanocytes ; drug effects ; Phenols ; pharmacology ; Pigmentation ; Polyphenols ; Skin ; drug effects ; Skin Aging ; drug effects