Objective: To study the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 during midfacial sutural distraction osteogenesis in dogs and to probe the mechanism of sutural distraction osteogenesis. Methods: Eighteen mongrel dogs (12-week old) were randomly divided into distraction osteogenesis group(n = 12) and the control group(n = 6). Rigid external distractor was used for sutural distraction of the midfacial skeleton in the experimental animals. Two experimental and one control dogs were sacrificed at defined time points (on the 5th,10th and 15th day of distraction, the 10th and 20th day of fixation, and 30th day after completion of fixation). The expression of BMP-2 was observed by means of immunohistochemistry. Results: During the period of distraction and fixation, positive staining of BMP-2 was found in the proliferated preosteoblasts, the mesenchymal cells and the newly formed bone matrix at the sutural margin of the experimental dogs; weak expression was also noticed in the control dogs. Compared with that in the control group, the expression of BMP-2 in the experimental group increased and reached the peak on the 15th of distraction, then gradually decreased, the expression of BMP-2 nearly restored to the normal level 1 month after the removal of the distractor. Conclusion: The mechanical strain can lead to the generation of endogenous BMP-2, which may play an important role in the new bone formation.

Objective To analyze the syphilis epidemic characteristics and trends of Yongchuan District during 2010? 2015 to provide a basis for formulating the prevention and control strategy of syphilis.Methods The data of syphilis cases reported in Yongchuan District of Chongqing City during 2010-2015 were arranged,checked anal statisticallyanalyzed.Results The incidence rate of syphilis showed a reverse U type change trend from rising to declining,latent syphilis accounted for the highest proportion,congenital syphilis cases were decreased year by year.The analysis results showed that the constituent ratio of latent syphilis and congenital syphilis had statistical difference between 2010-2013 and 2014-2015(P＜0.05);syphilis high prevalent area was concentrated at the city and town area,while prevalence rate was slower in rural area.Most of syphilis patients were concentrated in the age group of 25-45 years old.There was no difference between women and men;syphilis cases generally had lower educational level,majority concentrated at the population of junior high school or below;the occupations in the syphilis patients were concentrated at the entertainment personnel,followed by migrant workers.Conclusion The incidence rate of syphilis is changed from rising to smoothly and steady decreased.It is necessary to adopt the pertinent prevention and control measures for the high-risk population.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the material base and underlying mechanism of the effect of cluster needling of scalp acupuncture on the neuronal plasticity in rats with focal cerebral infarction.

METHODSThe model rats with acute cerebral infarction were made by blocking the middle cerebral artery with monofilament. One hundred and thirty two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operation group (A), model group (B), point-to-point scalp acupuncture group (C) and cluster-needling of scalp acupunture group (D). Puncturing from "Baihui (GV 20)" to "Qubin (GB 7)" was used in group C. Cluster needling of scalp acupuncture was used in group D, in which needles were inserted forward and slantingly into "Baihui (GV 20)" and its left and right sides at 4 mm. In both groups, the treatment was carried out with rapid twirling reinforcing-reducing for 1 min then retaining needle for 30 min, once a day, 6 days in one course, for treating 4 courses. There was no treatment for group A and B. The change of neurological function was evaluated with Bederson score, while the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) in the ischemic penumbra was examined with immunohistochemistry (streptavidin-peroxidase method).

RESULTSIn comparison,with group B, the score of neurological function in group D decreased on 7th day (P<0.05), while the scors in group C and D also decreased on 14th and 28th days (both P<0.05). As compared with group C, the score of neurological function in group D obviously decreased on 28th days (P<0. 05). Comparing with group B, the expression of MAP-2 on the ischemic cortex was significantly increased in group D and C on 7th, 14th and 28th days (all P<0. 05), however, this expression in group D was higher than that in group C on 14th and 28th days (P<0. 05).

CONCLUSIONCluster needling of scalp acupuncture can improve the neurological function of rats with focal cerebral infarction, and increase the expression of MAP-2 in the ischemic penumbra.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Animals ; Cerebral Infarction ; ethnology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Scalp

Objective To know the quality of iodized salt and the current situation of the salt coverage in Tibet,and to provide scientific basis for proposing proper prevention and control measures to Iodine dificiency disorders(IDD). Methods In 2008, according to the "Sampling Methods of the Main Products in the Salt Industry",one batch fifteen salt samples were collected in iodized salt processing factory in Tibet. Five townships were chosen in each county based on 5 different directions of east, south, west, north and center. If the monitoring county has less than five townships, then all of the townships were sampled. In each township, four villages were selected withrandom sampling and importance sampling. In each township, 15 households were selected for salt collection. Results A batch of 15 salt samples in a salt processing plant were tested, and all of them were qualified with salt iodine(34.6±1.58) mg/kg. A total of 21 107 edible salt samples were tested, and 11 203 of them were qualified iodized salt. These results meant that the provincial iodized salt coverage rate was 53.08%. Shannan iodized salt coverage rate was 94.31% (3395/3600) which was the highest in Tibet. Those of Nagqu, Changdu, Ngari were lower, they were 29.84% (897/3006), 24.94% (823/3300) and 17.08% (205/1200), respectively. Conclusions The quality of iodized salt in Tibet is up to the national standard, but the coverage rate of iodized salt is very low.We suggest that the strategy should be carried out according to the national overall program strategy and supplement iodized oil capsule for special groups.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction that can have significant effects on a couple's relationship. Behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are both safe and effective methods of treating PE. Ancient Chinese fangzhongshu (sexual skills and methods), which reflects a summary of expert experiences in sexology, contains many therapies for sexual dysfunction that are similar to those used in behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. A brief introduction dealing with the latest definitions of PE and treatment strategies drawn from behavioral therapy and psychotherapy is provided. Typical therapies for PE from ancient Chinese fangzhongshu are listed and briefly analyzed in order to define their domain of applicability and instructions for use. Ancient Chinese fangzhongshu contains many effective and safe therapies for PE. It should be incorporated into modern medical practice after critical analysis, and its scientific aspects should be promoted as a way of improving reproductive health, both to benefit individuals affected by PE and to promote traditional Chinese culture. Based on an analysis of the condition of the individual patient, one or multiple therapies guided by fangzhongshu can be expected to have an effect on the patient. Ancient Chinese fangzhongshu is of great value and should to be popularized and applied as a remedy for PE.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Cognitive Therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Premature Ejaculation* ; Psychotherapy ; Reproductive Health ; Sexology

The effects of over-expression of testis-specific expressed gene 1 (TSEG-1) on the viability and apoptosis of cultured spermatogonial GC-1spg cells were investigated, and the immortal spermatogonial cell line GC-1spg (CRL-2053™) was obtained as the cell model in order to explore the function of TSEG-1. We transfected the eukaryotic vector of TSEG-1, named as pEGFP-TSEG-1 into cultured spermatogonial GC-1spg cells. Over-expression of TSEG-1 inhibited the proliferation of GC-1spg cells, and arrested cell cycle slightly at G0/G1 phase. Transfection of TSEG-1 attenuated the transcript levels of Ki-67, PCNA and cyclin D1. In addition, over-expression of TSEG-1 induced early and late apoptosis, and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of GC-1spg cells. Moreover, transfection of TSEG-1 significantly enhanced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and transcript levels of caspase 9, and decreased the expression of Fas and caspase 8 in GC-1spg cells. These results indicated over-expression of TSEG-1 suppresses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of GC-1spg cells, which establishes a basis for further study on the function of TSEG-1.

OBJECTIVETo study the pulmonary toxicity to rats induced by the nanosized SiO(2) or the standard SiO(2).

METHODSSeventy-two male SD rats were divided into three groups: the nanosized SiO(2) group, the standard SiO(2) group and the control group. 24 rats each group. The nanosized SiO(2) group and the standard SiO(2) group were instilled intratracheally with 0.5 ml suspension of 0.6 mg/ml nanosized SiO(2) or standard SiO(2) respectively while the control group was instilled with 0.5 ml physiological saline. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after exposure, six rats were sacrificed at each time point and the total white cells counts and total protein in BALF and the histopathological changes were observed. The pulmonary toxicities of the two SiO(2) dusts were compared.

RESULTSNanosized SiO(2) caused significant increase at 3rd, 7th, 14th day after the exposure [(16.0 +/- 6.0) x 10(6), (11.1 +/- 4.0) x 10(6), (12.2 +/- 4.6) x 10(6)] compared with saline (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the total numbers of white cells and on the 3rd after the exposure compared with standard SiO(2) [(5.7 +/- 3.7) x 10(6), P < 0.01]. Meanwhile, Nanosized SiO(2) significantly increased the total protein on the 14th, 28th day after the exposure (0.41 +/- 0.14, 0.41 +/- 0.19 g/L) compared with saline or standard SiO(2) and nanosized SiO(2) on the 3rd, 7th day after the exposure (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Nanosized SiO(2)-treated rats showed marked white cell infiltration in alveolar space or around brondum the blood vessel. Standard SiO(2) caused similar but less severe responses compared with nanosized SiO(2). Van Gieson's-stained sections showed no significant fibrosis in these dust-exposed rats at 28th day after the exposure.

CONCLUSIONNanosized SiO(2) can cause severer and longer pulmonary toxicity in rats than standard SiO(2). The pulmonary particle load threshold of nanosized SiO(2) may be lower than that of standard SiO(2).

Animals ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Particle Size ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Silicon Dioxide ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the roles of mitochondrial connexin43 (Cx43) and mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channe1 (mitoK(ATP)+) in the postconditioning protection for rabbits underwent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

METHODSIn anesthetized open-chest rabbits, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was occluded for 30 min and reperfused for 4 h and randomly divided into four groups (n = 16 each): sham operation group (Sham), ischemic reperfusion group (IR), ischemic postconditioning group (PC) and PC plus 5-HD, a specific mitoK(ATP)+ inhibitor (PC + 5-HD). Rabbits were sacrificed post 4 h reperfusion. Heart rate and the mean arterial pressure were recorded and plasma CK-MB and cTnI activity were measured at baseline, at the end of ischemia, and after 2 h and 4 h of reperfusion, respectively. Myocardial infarct size was determined and mitochondria structure was observed under electron microscope at the end of the experiment. Mitochondria were isolated and the protein content of the mitochondrial Cx43 was determined by Western blot.

RESULTSPlasma CK-MB, cTnI activity and myocardial infarct size were significantly reduced in PC [(19.1 +/- 3.9)%] group compared to IR [(35.7 +/- 5.8)%] and PC + 5HD [(34.2 +/- 3.9)%] groups (all P < 0.01). Degree of mitochondria damage was significantly reduced in PC group compared to IR and PC + 5HD groups (all P < 0.01). The mitochondria Cx43 content was significantly decreased in IR group and PC + 5-HD group compared to sham group (all P < 0.05) and restored in PC group.

CONCLUSIONIschemic postconditioning protected the heart from I/R injury by improving mitochondrial ultrastructure and by attenuating I/R induced decrease of mitochondria Cx43 expression. The protective effects of postconditioning was partly mediated by activating mitoK(ATP)+ pathway.

Animals ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mitochondria ; metabolism ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Rabbits

The permeability of cell membrane was enhanced by exogenous SA in the culture of Taxus cuspidata. Nuclei condense and fragments were observed in some cells by using fluorescent microscope, and the degraded chromosomal DNA was observed by using agarose gel electrophoresis. The changes in soluble proteins of the suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata induced by salicylic acids were analyzed by using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparing with the control, seven new protein spots were found and six protein spots were not found in the cultures grown with SA at 48h. The results obtained showed that SA could induce the expression of some special proteins that might be related with the action of SA in the suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata.
Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; drug effects ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Salicylates ; pharmacology ; Taxus ; genetics ; metabolism

To investigate the neuronal mechanism of retrieval of long-term digital memory in healthy volunteers, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique was used in the study. Twenty-two right-handed volunteers were subjected to a long-term digital memory test with block-design. The memory task and control task were adopted in the experiment alternatively. The fMRI data were recorded by a Siemens 1.5T MR machine and analyzed by SPM99. The activated brain regions were shown in the Talairach coordinate. The results showed that the Brodmann's area (BA) 9 region in left middle frontal gyrus was the most activated cortex during the long-term digital memory task. The left medial frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, left superior parietal lobule, right superior parietal lobule, right middle temporal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, right middle brain, cerebellum and right caudate nucleus tail were also involved. The activation in cortices showed obvious left predominance. It is suggested that a series of brain regions with left predominance are involved in long-term digital memory. Left lateral frontal cortex would be the most important structure for information extraction, while the other cortices and their connections may be important for processing and long-term storage of digital information.
Adolescent ; Brain ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory, Long-Term ; physiology ; Parietal Lobe ; physiology ; Young Adult