Administration, Oral ; Chronic Disease ; Glucocorticoids ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Sinusitis ; drug therapy

Objective To investigate the effect of nicorandil pretreatment on myocardial mitochondria in a rabbit model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Methods Tirty-two healthy male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.0-2.5 kg aged 4 months were randomly allocated into 4 groups ( n = 8 each): Ⅰ group sham operation (group S); Ⅱ group I/R; Ⅲ group nicorandil pretreatment (group N) and Ⅳ group nicorandil + 5 hydroxydecanoic acid (group N + 5-HD). Myocardial I/R was induced by 30 min occlusion of left circumflex coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion. In group N and N + 5-HD a bolus of nicorandil 100 μg/kg was given iv at 10 min before myocardial ischemia followed by continuous infusion at 10 μg· kg-1 · min-1 until the beginning of myocardial ischemia. In group Ⅳ a bolus of 5-HD 5 mg/kg was injected iv at 20 min before myocardial ischemia.The animals were sacrificed at the end of 120 min reperfusion. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by flow cytometry using JC-1 fluorescence probe as indicator. Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome c protein expression was determined by immuno-histochemistry. Myocardial ultrastructure was examined with transmission electron microscope. Results Red fluovescence intensity indicating normal live cells was significantly higher, the green fluorescence intensity indicating apoptotic cells was lower and red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was higher; the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly higher and cytochrome c protein expression lower in group N than in group I/R.5-HD administration negated the protective effect of nicorandil pretreatment against myocardial I/R injury. Conclusion Nicorandil stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential, decreases cytochrome c protein releasing, and suppresses mitochondrial apoptotic signal transduction by opening the mito-KATP channels.

OBJECTIVE: To establish regression model between craniofacial lines and body height by measuring craniofacial lines in Southwest Han males using CT and to accumulate data for the study of forensic anthropology. METHODS: Head CT data of 273 Han males in Southwest were collected and 7 craniofacial lines were determined. Multiplanar reconstruction and volume rendering were performed by image post-processing software and the selected lines were measured. The relationship between each measuring indicator and body height was analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. The regression equation of body height estimation was established and 50 samples were selected again and put into the mathematics models to verify its accuracy. RESULTS: The linear regression equations of 7 lines were established (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients of the unary linear regression equations were 0.190-0.439 and the standard errors of the estimate (SEE) were 4.597-5.023 cm. The correlation coefficients of the multiple linear regression equation were 0.494-0.524 and the SEE were 4.418-4.458 cm. The return tests showed that the highest ± 1SEE accuracy of the multiple regression equation: y = 83.959+3.589 x6+2.573 x2, were 30%; and the highest ± 2SEE accuracy of the multiple regression equation: y = 72.646+3.316 x6+1.586 x2+1.553 x4+2.211 x3, were 92%. CONCLUSION There is significant linear correlation between 7 selected lines and the stature in this study, and the plural linear regression equation established could be applied for estimating the stature of Southwest Han males.
Asian People ; Body Height ; Face/anatomy & histology* ; Forensic Anthropology ; Head/anatomy & histology* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Linear Models ; Male ; Software ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVE: To establish the linear regression equation between body height and combined length of manubrium and mesostenum of sternum measured by CT volume rendering technique (CT-VRT) in southwest Han population. METHODS: One hundred and sixty subjects, including 80 males and 80 females were selected from southwest Han population for routine CT-VRT (reconstruction thickness 1 mm) examination. The lengths of both manubrium and mesosternum were recorded, and the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum was equal to the algebraic sum of them. The sex-specific linear regression equations between the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum and the real body height of each subject were deduced. RESULTS: The sex-specific simple linear regression equations between the combined length of manubrium and mesostenum (x3) and body height (y) were established (male: y = 135.000+2.118 x3 and female: y = 120.790+2.808 x3). Both equations showed statistical significance (P < 0.05) with a 100% predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION CT-VRT is an effective method for measurement of the index of sternum. The combined length of manubrium and mesosternum from CT-VRT can be used for body height estimation in southwest Han population.
Asian People ; Body Height ; Female ; Forensic Anthropology ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; Manubrium/anatomy & histology* ; Regression Analysis ; Sternum/anatomy & histology* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Animals ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Humans ; Periodontal Diseases ; immunology ; pathology ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th17 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of non-gonococcal Neisseria on the diagnosis and treatment of male genitourinary infection.

METHODSThe samples of urethral exudates, prostatic secretions or/and semen were collected from 8 cases of male patients with acute urethritis or chronic prostatitis, then inoculated into gonococcal agar medium, blood agar medium, Sabouraud agar medium and Mycoplasma agar medium, respectively. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasmae, fungi and other bacteria were isolated, Chlamydiae examined by Gemenez staining, and the gram-negative diplococci from the samples identified by oxidase test, biochemical examination and drug sensitivity test. The PCR products of the cryptic plasmid pJD1 gene of the isolated strains were amplified for the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Based on the results of drug sensitivity tests, intravenous or oral antibiotics were selected for treatment.

RESULTSEight strains of gram-negative diplococci were isolated in this study, 3 identified as N. mucosa, 4 as N. cinerea and the other 1 as N. lactamica. The PCR identification test of the cryptic plasmid pJD1 gene showed the same positive results in all the strains as in N. gonorrhoeae. The non-gonococcal Neisseria isolated from the male genital tract secretions exhibited a multidrug resistance, especially to quinolones and fosfomycin. All the symptoms disappeared and no pathogens were detected in the patients after a 7-day treatment with Cephalosporins or/and Minocycline.

CONCLUSIONSome Neisseria species normally parasitizing the upper respiratory tract can also cause male genitourinary infections, such as gonorrhea-like urethritis and chronic prostatitis. Neisseria gonorrhea could be clinically and etiologically misdiagnosed through such conventional methods as morphological examination, oxidase test and PCR identification test of cryptic plasmid and other nonspecific genes. Intravenous and/or oral antibiotic medication based on the results of drug sensitivity tests can cure acute urethritis and chronic prostatitis induced by non-gonococcal Neisseria in males. Drug resistance of non-gonococcal Neisseria directly affects the success of treatment.

Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neisseria ; isolation & purification ; Neisseriaceae Infections ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Prostatitis ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Urethritis ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; microbiology

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate how different surface roughness of opaque porcelain influence reflectance and CIE L* value of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations.

METHODS48 casted Ni-Cr alloy metal specimens (12.0 mm x 1.0 mm) were fabricated with ShoFu Vintage Halo porcelain and divided into six groups, eight pieces for each group. The specimens in the first group without polishing were used as control. Other groups were polished against 200-, 400-, 600-, 800-, and 1000-grit sandpaper after sintered, respectively. Surface roughness and color parameters of the specimens were measured with a Surface Roughometer EX2154-13 and a spectrocolorimeter, respectively. Ra (arithmetical mean deviation of the profile) was the main standard value to describe the surface roughness of many kinds of meatal or porcelain materials, and here we used it to express surface roughness of opaque porcelain. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05) in SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSThe reflectance value increased from 72.386 +/- 3.953 to 78.671 +/- 3.408, and CIE L* value from 90.189 +/- 1.200 to 93.496 +/- 1.070 with the increasing of surface roughness (Ra) of opaque porcelain from (0.226 +/- 0.069) microm to (0.706 +/- 0.082) microm. The same magnitude were also observed after body porcelain and enamel porcelain were sintered on with reflectance increased from 76.301 +/- 3.097 to 81.529 +/- 4.028, and CIE L* value from 80.694 +/- 1.564 to 84.604 +/- 2.964.

CONCLUSIONThe surface roughness of opaque porcelain had effects on the reflectance and value of PFM restorations. Within the limitation of this study, the recommended Ra range of opaque porcelain was 0.23-0.50 microm.

Color ; Dental Porcelain ; Materials Testing ; Metal Ceramic Alloys ; Metals ; Surface Properties

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibition effect of curcumin on the proliferation of the human esophageal carcinoma cell line Ec109 and its impact on PEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

METHODSEsophageal carcinoma Ec109 cells were cultured in vitro conventionally and were treated with curcumin at different concentrations. The cell proliferation level was examined by MIT colorimetry, the ultrastructure of curcumin-treated Ec109 cells were detected with transmission electron microscope (TEM) and cell apoptosis was observed by FCM with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double staining. The protein levels of PTEN, Akt, GSK3P and Caspase 3 of curcumin-treated Ec109 cells were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSMTT test showed that curcumin could inhibit the proliferation of Ec109 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. TEM examination indicated that curcumin could induce Ec109 cell apoptosis. FCM detection showed that Ec109 cell apoptotic rate increased significantly with the increase of drug concentration. On the other hand, curcumin could promote the expression of PTEN, GSK3beta and Caspase 3 yet reduce the expression of Akt.

CONCLUSIONCurcumin could obviously up-regulate the expression of PTEN, GSK3beta and Caspase 3, surpress PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and hence inhibit the proliferation of Ec109 cells.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Humans ; Oncogene Protein v-akt ; metabolism ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; metabolism ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

Objective To find out the potential risk factor of plague in Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of plague. Methods Rodents were captured by rat traps/cages at night and identified into species in Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area from 2001 to 2009. Flea was counted and serum antibodies against plague F1 of rats, cats and dogs were detected by indirect hemagglutination (IHA). Plague surveillances were performed in human beings and rats. Results The rodents captured belonged to 9 species, 2 families, 2 orders and 1 classes. The average indoor rodent density was 1.16% (961/82 558), and was 1.12% (1345/119 671) outdoors. Rattus norvegicus was the dominant species,accounting for 50.37%. The proportion of R. Flavipectus was 3.80% in 2004, 4.50% in 2008 and 10.12% in 2009,showing an increasing trend year by year. There were three kinds of mice infected fleas in Wanzhou, which including Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Ctenocephalides felis. The average rate of flea infected mice was 1.18%(82/6959) and the total flea index was 0.036. No F1 antibody against plague was detected in 6959 dogs and 160 cats serum samples. Conclusions No plague is found in Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area. But R.Flavipectus, Xenopsylla cheopis and Leptopsylla segnis are dominant species in Wanzhou section, and the proportion of which shows an increasing trends year by year. There is a potential risk of plague outbreaks in Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area.

Objective To investigate the expressions of nerve growth factor(NGF)/TrkA in pancreatic cancer and evaluate their association with perineural invasion and pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods Twenty-eight patients with pancreatic cancer were divided into group A wim pain(n=14)and group B without pain(n=14),and in all the patients the expressions of NGF/TrkA in the pancreatic CanCel tissue were detected by Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.The molecular findings were analyzed in relation to the perineural invasion scores and pain scores.Results Perineural invasion scores in group A were significantly higher than that in group B (P＜0.05).Northern blot analysis revealed significantly higher NGF/TrkA levels and NGF/TrkA immunoreactivity in group A than in group B (P＜0.05).Immunohistochemistry showed that NGF was strongly expressedin the cytoplasm of the pancreatic cancer cells but TrkA Was localized in the perineurinm of the pancreatic Berve.NGF and TrkA mRNA expressions in the tumors were found to positively correlate to perineural invasion of the tumors(r=622,P＜0.05,and r=0.681,P＜0.05,respectively)and the pain scores(r=0.624,P＜0.05;r=0.632,P＜0.05).The immunohistochemical scores of NGF and TrkA expressions in the tumor were also positively correlated to perineural invasion of the tunlor(r=0.602,P＜0.05;r=0.551,P＜0.05)and the pain scores(r=q).603,P＜0.01;r=0.612,P＜0.01).Conclusions The NGF/TrkA system might play important roles in nerve infiltration by the tumor cells and pain sensation in pancreatic cancer patients.