OBJECTIVEThis study measures the glutaredoxin (Grx) gene and protein expression in umbilical vein endothelial cells upon exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The involvement of the Akt-signaling pathway is also determined.

METHODSEA-hy926 cells were pretreated with 1,000 ng · mL⁻¹ P. gingivalis LPS for 4, 12, 18, and 24 h, and then real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect Grx1 expression. The effect of Grx on Akt activity was investigated using Western blot for the control, LPS (1,000 ng · mL⁻¹ LPS), and carmus- tine (BCNU) groups (1,000 ng · mL⁻¹ LPS, and the EA-hy926 cells were pretreated with 25 μmol · ml⁻¹ BCNU for 30 min).

RESULTSGene expression of Grx1 significantly increased in LPS group compared with that in the control group. The Grx1 expression reached the peak level in 12 h, and the variation between the expression in 4 and 12 h was significant (P < 0.05). After 12 h, the protein levels of Grx and phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) significantly increased in the LPS group (P < 0.05), whereas the BCNU group showed a considerable decrease in both Grx and p-Akt expression levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, a slight difference was observed in the total Akt protein levels in the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONGrx expression increased upon exposure of EA-hy926 cells to the LPS. Akt activity could be inhibited by BCNU (a Grx inhibitor), which indicated that Akt might act as a downstream regulator of Grx.

Endothelial Cells ; Glutaredoxins ; genetics ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Phosphorylation ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; pathogenicity ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; drug effects ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Umbilical Veins

Objective To test red cells of bone marrow and hematopoietic cells of rats with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome in different time period;To discuss the change rules in the blood system. Methods Rat models with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome were made by composite method of anger by restraint stress, clipping tails, over fatigue, and abnormal diet. The hemogram, red cells of bone marrow, marrow nucleated red blood cells, stem cell factor, and erythropoietin of male rats in normal group and model group were detected at 2nd, 6th and 9th weeks. Results Compared with normal group, hematokrit and metarubricyte in model group of 2 weeks was higher in the model group (P<0.05);erythropoietin in model group of 6 weeks decreased (P<0.01);red cell counts, red protein level, hemoglobin, hematokrit, and erythropoietin in model group of 9 weeks were lower (P<0.05);red cell counts, hemoglobin, hematokrit, prorubricyte, metarubricyte, and erythropoietin in model group of 6 and 9 weeks were significantly lower than those in model group of 2 weeks (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of marrow nucleated red blood cells in model group of 2 weeks decreased (P<0.05). Stem cell factor showed no significant difference. Conclusion The rats with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome can increase the number of red blood cells in a short time when they suffer from stress stimulation, so that they can fight the damage factors. But long-term stress stimulation will lead the rats to anemia, which may be associated with the reduction of erythropoietin.

Objective To probe into the application of left atrial volume tracking technique(LAVT)on the evaluation of right atrial function in patients with pulmonary hypertension.Methods Forty-one patients with pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary hypertension group) and 37 control subjects (control group) were involved.Right atrial maximal volume (RAVmax),right atrial presystolic volume(RAVpre),right atrial minimal volume (RAVmax),systolic right atrial filling rate (dv/dtS),early diastolic right atrial emptying rate(dv/dtE) and late diastolic right atrial emptying rate(dv/dtA) was derived by LAVT.Right atrial passive emptying volume (RAVp),right atrial passive emptying fraction (RAVpEF),right atrial active emptying volume (RAVa),right atrial active emptying fraction (RAVaEF),right atrial total emptying volume (RAVt)and right atrial total emptying fraction (RAVtEF) was calculated.All the right atrial volume parameter was corrected by body surface area to obtain right atrial volume index (RAVI).Results RAVImax,RAVImin,RAVIpre,RAVIt,RAVIa,dv/dtS and dv/dtA in pulmonary hypertension group was higher than that in control group [(78.39 ± 49.35) ml/m2 vs.(24.80 ± 11.91) ml/m2,(62.59 ± 46.56) ml/m2vs.(17.46 ± 8.40)ml/m2,(70.12 ± 48.03) ml/m2 vs.(20.02 ± 9.46) ml/m2,(18.77 ± 11.47) ml/m2 vs.(9.35 ± 6.74) ml/m2,(8.53 ± 9.81) ml/m2 vs.(3.25 ± 3.00) ml/m2,(145.85 ± 80.56) ml/s vs.(86.44 ± 48.46) ml/s,(155.63 ±126.47) ml/s vs.(67.74 ± 33.27) ml/s],and RAVIp in pulmonary hypertension group was lower than that in control group [(6.09 ± 5.16) ml/m2 vs.(10.23 ± 11.12) ml/m2],and there were significant differences (P ＜0.05).But there were no significant differences in RAVItEF,RAVIpEF,RAVIaEF and dv/dtE between two groups (P＞0.05).Conclusions In patients with pulmonary hypertension,right atrial booster pump function and reservoir function increases,while right atrial conduit function decreases.LAVT has a potential ability to evaluate right atrial function.

Objective To evaluate the efficiency and clinical value of modular flexible ureteroscope combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy for treatment of renal calculi. MethodsA total of 46 patients with renal calculi were treated with modular flexible ureteroscope combined with Ho:YAG lithotripsy in our hospital from December 2009 to May 2011.There were 19 cases in middle and upper calyx,8 cases in lower calyx,15 case in renal pelvic,and 4 cases in multiple calyxes.The calculi diameter ranged from 6mm to 31 mm (average in 15 ± 7.9 mm).Flexible ureteroscope was used to find renal calculus under epidural anesthesia,and Holmium laser lithotripsy was used at a maximum energy of 12 to 20W (0.8 - 1.0 J/15 -20Hz).F5 or F6 double-J tubes and catheters were indwelled routinely postoperatively.-examine with KUB and removethe catheter 2 days after operation.Re-examine with B-ultrasonography or KUB 4 weeks after op-eration to evaluate the stone free rate.Residual stones ≥4 mm were regarded as clinical significance of residual stone fragments. Results 45 operations were successful except one case changed to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) because of ureteral stricture.The operation time was 45 -150 min (average in 110.4 ±25.3 min).The patients were discharged from hospital in 2 -5 days(average in 3 days) after operation.The stone detection rate was 95.6％ (44/46),and the stone free rate was 86.9％ (40/46) after one operation. No severe complications such as ureteral perforation or hemorrhea occurred. Conclusions Modular flexible ureteroscope combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy is effective and safe for treatment ofrenal calculi,meanwhile it can decrease the high maintenance costs of integrated flexible ureteroscope.

To investigate the distribution of the genes of two major metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL; i.e., IMP and VIM) and class 1 integrons (intI) in the clinical imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a total of 65 isolates, from a university hospital in Sichuan between December 2004 and April 2005 were screened for MBL genes by PCR using primers specific for bla ( IMP-1 ), bla ( VIM ) and bla ( VIM-2 ) genes. The MBL-positive isolates were further assessed for class 1 integrons by PCR using specific primers. The nucleotide sequences of several PCR products were also determined. The results revealed that the bla ( VIM ) gene was found in 81.5% (53/65) of all isolates, bla ( VIM-2 ) gene was found in only 1 isolate and the intI gene was observed in 45.3% (24/53) of bla ( VIM )-positive isolates. One isolate carried simultaneously both bla ( IMP-1 ) and intI genes, and to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of such isolate in southwest China. These observations highlight that the genes for VIM beta-lactamase and class 1 integrons were predominantly present among the imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa tested, confirming the current widespread threat of imipenem-resistant, integron-borne P. aeruginosa.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; China ; DNA Primers/chemistry ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Imipenem/*pharmacology ; Integrons ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Models, Genetic ; Pseudomonas Infections/genetics ; Pseudomonas Infections/*microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/*metabolism ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; beta-Lactamases/*metabolism

BACKGROUND: Dialysis-related amyloid may occur during long-term dialysis for patients with uraemia, of which the main evocator is β_2-microglobulin (β_22M); therefore, how to eliminate 132M from blood is always the focus of research. OBJECTIVE: To observe ability of removal of β_2-microglobulin (β_2M) from serum using two kinds of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane materials with various degrees of sulfonation.METHODS: These materials were incubated in radio-labeled β_2M (~(125)Ⅰ-β_2M) solution and human serum respectively at appointed time at 37 ℃, and then the amounts of ~(125)Ⅰ-β_2M and serumβ_2M adsorbed by materials were measured by radio immunoassay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the ~(125)Ⅰ-β_2M system, amounts of ~(125)Ⅰ-β_2M adsorbed by the materials decreased in the following sequence PES with high degree of sulfonation > PES with low degree of sulfonation > PES, whatever the source of PES was. In the serum system, amounts of β_2M adsorbed reached maximums at 30 minutes and the final adsorptions decreased in sequence of PES with high degree of sulfonation > PES with low degree of sulfonaUon > PES. Sulfonated PES removed β_2M more than PES did and the adsorption of β_2M increases with the increase in the degree of sulfonation. Its ability to remove significant amount of β_2M may result in less β_2M available for incorporation into amyloid. The use of sulfonated PES membranes may lessen the likelihood of development of dialysis-related amyloidosis, which remains a major source of morbidity for patients treated with long-term hemodialysis.

Objective: To investigate the dietary nutritional status of the intellectuals in three cities in China. Methods: The intellectuals aged over 45, with senior academic title, working in universities or research institutes in Tianjin, Guangzhou and Chengdu, were selected as volunteers. Food frequency questionair was used to conduct the diretary survey. And the results were compared between the intellectuals of nutrition and non-nutrition speciality. Results: Compared with Dietary Guideline and Balance Diet Pagoda for Chinese Residents, the intakes of cereals, milk, fruits,and egg of the vulunteers were adequate, but the intakes of meat and oils were more, while those of fish and shrimp, legume,and vegetables were less than the suggested levels in Pagoda. The food pattern of the intellectuals in nutrition speciality was more advantageous than that in non-nutrition. Conclusion: The dietary pattern of the intellectuals should be improved, according to the Dietary Guideline and Balanced Diet Pagoda for Chinese Residents.

Objective • To explore the relationship among depressive symptoms, attributional style and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Methods • Seventy patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who met the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) (DSM- ) were selected. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to evaluate the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventor- Ⅱ (BDI- Ⅱ ) was used to measure the depressive symptoms, and the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to measure the attributional style. The correlations among obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive symptoms and attributional style as well as the mediating role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms between attributional style and depressive symptoms were analyzed. Results • The globality dimension of negative events in attributional style was positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms (both P<0.05), and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were also positively correlated with depressive symptoms (P=0.000). The mediating effect analysis showed that the mediating role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms between the globality dimension of negative events and depressive symptoms was 0.105 (95%CI 0.031-0.218), with an mediating effect ratio of 44.20%. Conclusion • Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder may play a completely mediating effect between the globality dimension of negative events in attribution style and depressive symptoms.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disabling disease with symptoms of repeated and persistent unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The current first-line treatment methods mainly include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and the combination of both, but nearly 40% patients still show no response to conventional treatment. Among the recently developed treatments, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are expected to alleviate the symptoms of various psychiatric disorders and improve cognitive function. tDCS has been applied to the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder and other mental diseases, and has achieved definite clinical effect. However, there are few studies about tDCS applying to the obsessive-compulsive disorder, especially in the number of randomized controlled trials. Most of the studies are open trials and case reports, and the results are inconsistent. By reviewing the effect of tDCS in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder patients in existing reports, the possibility of applying tDCS widely to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in the future is analyzed.

Objective To investigate the effect of escharectomy on rats' pulmonary NF-?B activation and the expression of pulmonary proinflammatory cytokines in early stage of burn injury.Method Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:group A(control group),group B(postburn without escharectomy),group C(escharectomy at early stage of burn injury).Thermal-injuried rats underwent 35% TBSA full-thickness burns. Activation of pulmonary NF-?B at 12 hours and 24 hours postburn was tested by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA),and at the same time expressions of pulmonary TNF-?mRNA were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and release of pulmonary TNF-?were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results Compared with control group,activity of pulmonary NF-?B in group B was markedly increased,reached(19.56?1.36)?10~4 A at 12 hours and(15.23?1.94)?10~4 A at 24 hours,which was higher than that in group A[(4.36?0.38)?10~4 A,P