OBJECTIVETo investigate the semen quality and its influencing factors in preconception males in Nanjing area so as to provide some evidence for working out effective intervention measures.

METHODSTotally 687 men receiving preconceptional physical examination were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted among the subjects along with an analysis of their semen quality.

RESULTSThe median of sperm concentration was 63.3 x 10(6)/ml (95% CI [19.88-119] x 10(6)/ml). The median of grade a sperm was 33.03% (95% CI [19.38-55.05]%), that of grade a + b sperm was 52.08% (95% CI [39.53-69.37]%), and that of teratosperm was 91.75% (95% CI [69-100]%). The median concentration of seminal plasma PMN-elastase was 195.55 ng/ml (95% CI [76.16-3330.38] ng/ml) and that of seminal plasma zinc was 7.62 μmol/L (95% CI [1.5-23, 45] μmol/L). The positive rates of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) were 42.4%, 0.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. The median of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of those whose wives had a history of adverse pregnancy was 20.25% (95% CI [2.15-68.25]%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that mental stress (OR 1.567, 95% CI [1.081-2.27]) and sedentariness (OR 1.772, 95% CI [1.211-2.592]) were independent risk factors for asthenospermia.

CONCLUSIONThe sperm quality of preconception males in Nanjing area is not encouraging, and it can be improved by changing undesirable lifestyle and reducing mental stress.

Adult ; Asthenozoospermia ; etiology ; China ; Chlamydia trachomatis ; isolation & purification ; DNA Fragmentation ; Gardnerella vaginalis ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Leukocyte Elastase ; analysis ; Male ; Preconception Care ; Semen ; microbiology ; Semen Analysis ; statistics & numerical data ; Sperm Count ; statistics & numerical data ; Spermatozoa ; Ureaplasma urealyticum ; isolation & purification

Objective To study the expression and significance of acid-sensing ion channels(ASICs)in rat articular cartilage with adjuvant arthritis. Methods Complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) was prepared by suspending heat-killed Bacillus Calmette Guerin(BCG) in liquid paraffin at 10 mg/ml. CFA-induced arthritis was developed by injection of 100 μl CFA emulsion intradermally into the right hind paw. The morphological changes of articular tissues was observed by light microscope; RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses were used to detect ASICs in rat articular cartilage with adjuvant arthritis. Results RT-PCR and western blot showed that ASIC1a, ASIC2a and ASIC3 were present in the articular cartilage of normal and model group, the ASICs mRNA levels in the model group were higher than in the normal group detected by semiquantitative analysis (P＜0.01), ASICs protein levels in model group were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.01) when examined by immunoblotting. Conclusion The results show that the expression of ASICs in AA articular cartilage is enhanced and it may be related with articular cartilage breakdown.

Objective To analyze characteristics of Nef-specific T lymphocyte responses in Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors. Methods 19 HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors infected within 1 year, 40 chronic infectors infected for more than 3 years were enrolled in this cohort study. Elispot assay was used to observe HIV-1 specific T lymphocyte responses in HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors. Results Nef-specific T lymphocyte responses of interferon-gamma secretion were identified in 15 Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors infected within 1 year. The specific T lymphocytes were mainly targeted at four peptides which span from Nef 83 to 135: EVA7081.1, EVAT081.5, EVA7081.6 and EVAT081.48. Responses were identified in 29(75. 2%) infectors with more than 3 years of infection and the specific T lymphocytes were mainly targeted at three peptides which span from Nef 63 to 101 : EVA7081.43, EVA7081.44, EVAT081.45, EVA7081.47, EVA7081.48 and EVA7081.49. The average magnitude of response in infectors with less than 1 year of infection was 284. 13 SFC/106 PBMC. The average magnitude of response in infectors with more than 3 years of infection was 152. 44 SFC/106 PBMC. There was a significant difference between the two groups (U = 91. 000, P = 0. 002). Conclusions HIV-1recombinant subtype B/C infectors at different stages of diseases (less than 1 year and more thank 3 years) can recognize central region of Nef. The magnitude of Nef-specific IFN-γ secretion T lymphocyte responses in this cohort gradually decrease with disease progression.

Objective To investigate the effect of KIR-HLA receptor-ligand model on the unrelated allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods The KIR genotype of 23 pairs of ALL patients and their HLA-matched unrelated donors obtained from the Database of China Marrow Donor Program. KIR genotype was determined using PCR-SSP. The expression of inhibitory KIR(iKIR) was determined by flow cytometry analysis on recipients after HSCT. Results Among all 23 donor/recipient pairs, 17 donors with KIR2DL2/L3 could find corresponding HLA-Cw1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 14 ligands in their recipients. Six donors with KIR2DL1 could match with HLA-Cw6, 15 in recipients. Sixteen donors with KIR3DL1 could recognize HLA-Bw4 and 12 donors with 3DL2 could find HLA-AI1 in their corresponding recipients, respectively. Ninteen patients were successfully transplanted, and the death rate of transplantation were 33.3% (2/6)and 40.0% (2/5) in KIR receptor-ligand matched model and the graft versus leukemia(HVG) KIR ligand-mismatching pattern. The frequency of acute graft versus host disease(GVHD) was 50.0% and death rate was 12.5% (1/8) in GVH KIR ligand-mismatching. The incidence rate of activated GVHD(aGVHD) was 20.0% in the HVG KIR ligand-mismatching. Five donor/recipient pairs of KIR gene typing were the KIR-haplotype A, 2 donor/recipient pairs with KIR2DS4 * 001/002 were died, 3 donor/recipient pairs with KIR2DS4 * 003-007 were obtained the disease free survival. The expression of CD158a/2DL1 was low when the patient had no aGVHD, but became much higher when aGVHD occurred. The percentage of NK cell of the patients was decreasing since transplantation, but still higher than normal after HSCT[ (23.4 ± 3.8 ) % vs (2.04 ± 0.58) %, P < 0.05 ]. Conclusion Analysis on KIR-HLA gene loci pattern may provide a useful parameter in predicting the clinical outcome of HLA-matched unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for leukemia patients. Moreover, it may help to increase overall survival and disease free survival after HSCT by preventing the development of GVHD.

Objective To analyze character of Nef-specific T lymphocyte responses in Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype C/B' and subtype B' infectors and to identify the common immunodominant re-gions recognized by these infectors. Methods Fifty-nine HIV-1 recombinant subtype C/B' infectors and 27 subtype B' infectors were tested by IFN-γ enzyme linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay using HIV-1 C/B' Nef overlapping peptides. Results Nef-specific T-cell responses of IFN-γ secretion were identified in 44 (74.58%) out of 59 HIV-1 recombinant subtype C/B' infectors. Ten peptides, EVA7081.1,5, 6, 7,43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49 were mainly recognized. Amino acid position was from Nef63 to 115 and 117 to 139. Twenty of 27 (74.07%) HIV-1 subtype B' infectors recognized peptides. EVA7081.1,2, 43 and 49 were mainly recognized. Amino acid position was from Nef 63 to 77 and 87 to 119. There was no correlation be-tween the Nef-specific IFN-production of HIV-1-specific T cells responses and viral load or CD4 T cell count in both subtype infectors. Conclusion The immunodominant regions, from Nef63 to 77 and 87 to 115 were recognized by both Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype C/B' infectors and subtype B' infectors. These re-gions could be used in design of vaccine.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of serum cytokines concentrations and A- PACHE scores in evaluating the illness state for critical trauma patients.Methods A clinical prospective self-control trial was performed,in which 36 patients admitted to ICU by SIRS were enrolled.Objects were divided into mild and severe trauma group according to APACHE score.The TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations were determined on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of admission,the APACHE score were assessed at the same time.Statistic analysis was performed according to this group.Results The TNF-?concentrations decreased continuously in the following days while IL-6 decreased from the 7th day in the mild trauma group.In the severe trauma group the TNF-?and IL-6,APACHE score concentrations kept increasing.There was a significant difference of TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations between severe trauma and mild trauma group.Conclusion Dynamic measurement of TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations with APACHE score provide great help to evaluate the illness state and predict the prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo establish the rats model of acute pulmonary edema induced by inhalation of high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

METHODS38 SD rats were divided into the experimental group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 8). 30 rats in the experimental group were exposed to (6747.47 ± 25.24) mg/m(3) NO2 in the exposure system. At the time point of 6, 12, 18, 24 h, chest X-ray examination was taken for the experimental group. And at each time point, 6 rats were sacrificed after taking blood samples. After sacrificing, the lung of rats was taken for pathological examination and calculated lung wet/dry weight ratio. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration of blood samples were detected.

RESULTSAcute pulmonary edema was successfully induced by exposure to NO2 in 30 rats within 24 hours. There were some cloudy shadows without clear edge on the chest X-ray. To the time point of 12 hours, shadows combined with each other, and to the time point of 18 hours, the whole lung became "white" on the X-ray. The situation stabilized but not improved at the time point of 24 hours. HE staining of the lung tissue showed that to the time point of 6 hours, the alveolar gap increased and small amount of eosinophilic liquid leaked into alveolar. To the time point of 12 hours, alveolar combined with each other and eosinophilic liquid increased in amount. To the time point of 18 hours, the whole alveolar was filled with eosinophilic liquid and the situation stabilized till the time point of 24 hours. Wet/dry weight ratio of the experimental group at each time point were 5.6 ± 0.20, 6.89 ± 0.25, 8.03 ± 0.47, 7.81 ± 0.45. There was significant difference compared with the control group which was 4.72 ± 0.06 (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference between 12, 18, 24 h and 6 h time points (P < 0.01). Moreover, statistical difference was observed between 18, 24 h and 12 h time points for wet/dry weight ratio (P < 0.01). The erythrocyte SOD activity reduced significantly. Compared with the control group, there was a statistical difference (P < 0.01) at each time point. After exposure of 18 and 24 hours, plasma ANP concentration (136.66 ± 35.37) and (134.10 ± 60.41) ng/ml respectively, which were higher than (31.31 ± 13.06) ng/ml of control group and (34.71 ± 13.42) ng/ml of 6 hours time point and (47.98 ± 7.86) ng/ml. The differences were significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONHigh concentrations of NO2 can induce acute pulmonary edema model successfully in SD rats.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Pulmonary Edema ; chemically induced ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of concealed penis on the morphology of the corpus cavernosum in rats.

METHODSRat models of concealed penis were established by intra-pocket-suture of the root of the penis. Fifty rats were equally assigned to Groups A (2-month) and B (4-month), each further divided into a buried (n = 15) and a normal subgroup (n = 10). Changes in the morphology of the penile cavernous tissue were observed under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSCompared with Group A, Group B showed significant ultra-structural pathological changes in the corpus cavernosum, including abnormal arrangement of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, massive hyperplasia of interstitial tissues, narrowed cavernous sinus, atrophic smooth muscle cells, degenerated mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticula, decreased dense bodies and contractile fibers, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. No significant differences were found in the appearance and weight of the corpus cavernosum between the buried and normal groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONConcealed penis does not significantly affect the appearance and weight of the corpus cavernosum, but causes ultra-structural pathological changes in it with the lengthening of time.

Animals ; Male ; Penis ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Phimosis ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Host genetic factors, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, are important in Human immunod-eficiency virus (HIV) infection and its progression to AIDS. HLA class I genes, especially highly polymorphicHLA-B genes, are involved in the activation of HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against HIV, andthus control susceptibility to or protect against this virus. The present study was aimed to determine the distributionof HLA-B alleles in the Chinese Uygur ethnic group and its association with HIV infection. One hundred ten healthycontrol (HIV negative) and 128 HIV positive Chinese Xinjiang Uygur ethnic individuals were used in this study.HLA typing for B allele was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence-specific primers (SSP).Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was calculated using POPGENE software for the healthy control group. The HLA-Bfrequency of each allele was compared between the patients and the controls using the chi-square test. In HIV-1-pos-itive group, gene frequency of allele B * 4901 was significantly higher compared to the healthy control subjects (P=0.02, OR=3.06, 95%CI=1.16～8.10 forB*4901). In contrast, the gene frequency of B * 40 in healthy controlswas significantly higher than in the HIV-positive patients (P=0.02, OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.07～0. 92 for B* 40).In this study, HLA allele B * 4901 may be associated with increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, whereas the B* 40 allele may be associated with resistance to H HIV-1 infection.

Fermentation of Phaffia rhodozyma is a major method for producing astaxanthin, an important pigment with industrial and pharmaceutical application. To improve astaxanthin productivity, single factor and mixture design experiments were used to investigate the effects of nitrogen source on Phaffia rhodozyma cultivation and astaxanthin production. Results of single factor experiments showed nitrogen source could significantly affect P. rhodozyma cultivation with respect to carbon source utilization, yeast growth and astaxanthin accumulation. Further studies of mixture design experiments using (NH(4))(2)SO(4), KNO(3) and beef extract as nitrogen sources indicated that the proportion of three nitrogen sources was very important to astaxanthin production. Validation experiments showed that the optimal nitrogen source was composed of 0.28 g/L (NH(4))(2)SO(4), 0.49 g/L KNO(3) and 1.19 g/L beef extract. The kinetic characteristics of batch cultivation were investigated in a 5-L pH-stat fermentor. The maximum amount of biomass and highest astaxanthin yield in terms of volume and in terms of biomass were 7.71 mg/L and 1.00 mg/g, respectively.
Bioreactors ; microbiology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Proliferation ; Computer Simulation ; Mitosporic Fungi ; physiology ; Models, Biological ; Nitrogen ; metabolism ; Xanthophylls ; biosynthesis