BACKGROUND: Intra-articular injection of cells targeting to change the microenvironment in lesions can act on early osteoarthritis of inflammatory chondrocytes. Implanted cells affect the progress of the disease by the cell characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To explore the synergistic effect of mesenchymal stem cells from human knee adipose (ADMSCs) and synovial tissues (SDMSCs) to inhibit the degeneration of inflammatory chondrocytes. METHODS: ADMSCs, SDMSCs and inflammatory chondrocytes were primary cultured. Under in vitro two-dimensional culture conditions, cell proliferation assay (MTS) was performed to detect the proliferation of three kinds of cells. Differences in chondrogenic markers at mRNA and protein levels between three kinds of adherent cells were detected by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Under in vitro three-dimensional mixed culture conditions, three groups were set up: (1) ADMSCs+inflammatory chondrocytes (A+C group), (2) SDMSCs+inflammatory chondrocytes (S+C group), and (3) ADMSCs-SDMSCs+inflammatory chondrocytes (A+S+C group). Alcian blue staining, safranin O staining and type Ⅱ collagen immunohistochemistry staining were performed on the mixed-cultured cell mass paraffin sections followed by quantitative analysis. Chondrogenic differentiation in each group was detected by quantitative PCR. Culture supernatants were collected to detect the secretion of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Under the two-dimensional culture, the proliferative rate of ADMSCs was significantly higher than that of inflammatory chondrocytes and SDMSCs (P < 0.05). The expression of type Ⅱ collagen mRNA and protein and proteoglycan protein in inflammatory chondrocytes was significantly higher than that in the other two kinds of cells (P < 0.01). Under the three-dimensional culture, the percentage of chondrogenic area per total area was significantly higher in the A+S+C group than the S+C and A+C groups (P < 0.05). The expression of type Ⅱ collagen and proteoglycan was significantly higher in the A+S+C group than the S+C and A+C groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the S+C group showed higher levels of interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, but lower level of interleukin 10 (P < 0.05). To conclude, the combined use of ADMSCs and SDMSCs synergistically inhibits the degeneration of inflammatory chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVETo research the effects of incorporating tetrapod-like zinc oxide whisker (T-ZnOw) of different proportions on the antibacterial activity of different kinds of soft denture liners.

METHODSThe minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of T-ZnOw against Saccharomyces albicans (S. albicans) were examined by the broth dilution test. Add T-ZnOw 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% to Silagum soft denture liners and soft denture liners respectively. The antimicrobial rate of S. albicans was determined by the membrane covering method.

RESULTSThe MIC of T-ZnOw against S. albicans was 78 microg mL(-1) and the MBC was 156 microg mL(-1). Comparing 1%, 2%, 3% T-ZnOw group with control group, the results showed significant difference (P<0.05). And as the T-ZnOw antibacterial agent added ratio increased, antibacterial increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONThe soft denture liners incorporating with 1%, 2%, 3% of T-ZnOw can improve antibacterial activity. Following the increased proportions of T-ZnOw, antibacterial rate was significantly increasing.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Denture Liners ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Vibrissae ; Zinc Oxide

Objective To observe the maximal heart rate changes, atrioventricular (A-V) conduction block and atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility in dogs with vagosympathetic trunk exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Methods The vagosympathetic trunk of adult dogs was separatedand exposed to EMFs 0.043 kHz(2.87 μG, n=5) and to EMFs 2 kHz(0.34 μG, n=6) for two to three hours. Simultaneously, the vagosympathetic trunk was stimulated with 20 Hz frequency and 1-8 V intensity for 0.1 ms. Heart rate, presence of A-V conduction block and AF inducibility were determined. Results After 5-minutes exposure to EMFs 0.043 kHz (2.87 μG), the maximal heart rate decreased 29%, the voltage applied to vagosympathetic trunk required to induce A-V conduction block decreased by 60% in experimental group versus 5% increase in control group. This effect lasted 2 to 3 hours.While vagosympathetic trunk exposure to EMFs 2 kHz (0.34 μG) was associated with significant increase in the incidence of atrial premature beats, atrial tachycardia and AF, these effects could be blocked by propranolol and atropine. Conclusions Our results showed that 0.043 kHz (2.87 μG) EMFs exposure might reduce while 2 kHz(0.34 μG) EMFs exposure might increase AF inducibility. Our study thus suggested autonomic nervous system of dogs could be affected by EMFs exposure and 0.043 kHz (2.87 μG) EMFs exposure might be a novel option for AF prevention.

Objective To establish the coculture model of H2O2-injuryed astrocytes and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), observe the effect of BMSCs on self-repair and survival ability of H2O2-injured astrocytes and investigate the mechanism by which BMSCs repair the brain injury.Methods H2O2-injured passage 2 astrocytes were cocultured with passage 3 BMSCs in serum-free medium as coculture group. These two kinds of cells were cultured respectively with the same cell density in same serum-free medium as astrocyte alone group and BMSCs alone group. After 3 d and 7 d cultivation, the morphological changes were observed under light microscope. After 1 d and 3 d cultivation, the supematants from the cell cultures were harvested and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to quantify the levels of nerve growth factor(NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and epidermal growth factor(EGF)in culture supernatants. Results After 3 d and 7 d cultivation, the astrocytes and BMSCs in coculture group grew better compared with astrocyte alone group and BMSCs alone group. The NGF,BDNF and bFGF concentrations in coculture medium were higher than the total of the concentrations in astrocyte alone medium and BMSCs alone medium after 1 d and 3 d cultivation, but the EGF concentration in coculture medium was lower than the total of the concentrations in astrocytes alone medium and BMSCs alone medium after 1 d and 3 d cultivation. Conclusions Coculture of H2O2-injured astrocytes with BMSCs can promote the self-repair ability of astrocytes and increase astrocyte survival rate.Coculture of H2O2-injured astrocytes with BMSCs can also raise NGF, BDNF and bFGF production.The therapeutic efrect of BMSCs for injured brain afcer transplantation might be in part due to the BMSCs conferred protection to astrocytes and increased neurotrophic factor production.

Cholelithiasis is a kind of common and multiple diseases.In recent years,traditional laparotomy has been challenged by a minimally invasive surgery.Through literature review,the therapeutic method,effect,and complications of minimally invasive treatment of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones by combining our practical experience were summarized as follows.(1) For intrahepatic bile duct stones,the operation may be selected by laparoscopic liver resection,laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE),or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy.(2) For concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones,the surgical approach can be selected as follows:laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation,LC plus laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration,LC plus LCBDE,and T-tube drainage or primary suture.(3) For concomitant intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones,laparoscopic liver resection,choledochoscopy through the hepatic duct orifice on the hepatectomy cross section,LCBDE,EST,and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy could be used.According to the abovementioned principle,the minimally invasive treatment approach combined with the surgical technique and equipment condition will be significant in improving the therapeutic effect and avoiding the postoperative complications or hidden dangers of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones.

OBJECTIVETo study the HIV incidence and risk factors among sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province.

METHODSA cohort of sero-negative spouses of the HIV patients had been developed and followed up since November, 2005. HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months.

RESULTSBy the end of June, 2008, 790 sero-negative spouses of HIV patients had been recruited, of whom 702 were followed-up for at least one time. During the total 1202.35 person-years, 31 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 2.58/100 person-years. The HIV incidence rates were 2.22/100 person-years in 2006, 2.95/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.74/100 person-years in 2008. Data from the Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that those who resided in Yingjiang county [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.37, 95%CI: 1.48 - 12.90, P = 0.008], ever using drugs (HR = 3.49, 95%CI: 1.09 - 11.18, P = 0.035), or having an HIV-infected spouse who never exposed to antiretroviral treatment (HR = 3.60, 95%CI: 1.41 - 9.16, P = 0.007) were at higher risk for HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONSero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province had a relatively high incidence of HIV new infection during 2006-2008. More efforts should put on those people living in these areas, having a history of drug use or having an HIV-infected spouse who had never been exposed to antiretroviral treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; HIV Seronegativity ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sexual Behavior ; Spouses ; Young Adult

Objective To study the HIV incidence and risk factors among sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province. Methods A cohort of sero-negative spouses of the HIV patients had been developed and followed up since November, 2005.HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months. Results By the end of June, 2008, 790 sero-negative spouses of HIV patients had been recruited, of whom 702 were followed-up for at least one time. During the total 1202.35 person-years, 31 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 2.58/100 preson-years. The HIV incidence rates were 2.22/100person-years in 2006, 2.95/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.74/100 person-years in 2008. Data from the Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that those who resided in Yingjiang county [hazard ratio (HR) =4.37, 95% CI: 1.48-12.90, P=0.008] , ever using drugs (HR=3.49, 95% CI:1.09-11.18, P=0.035) , or having an HIV-infected spouse who never exposed to antiretroviraltreatment (HR=3.60, 95% CI: 1.41-9.16, P=0.007) were at higher risk for HIV infection.Conclusion Sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province had a relatively high incidence of HIV new infection during 2006-2008. More efforts should put on those people living in these areas, having a history of drug use or having an HIV-infected spouse who had never been exposed to antiretroviral treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To clone the full-length gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase iron-sulfur protein of Schistosoma japonicum (SjSDISP) Chinese strain and express it in Escherichia coli. METHODS: According to the published incomplete EST (BU804141) of SjSDISP and the sequence of multiclone sites of lambda gt11 vector, 2 pairs of primers were designed and synthesized. Then the 3' and 5'ends of the EST of the SjSDISP from adult Schistosoma japonicum cDNA library were amplified by anchored PCR. After sequencing, a full-length cDNA sequence of the SjSDISP was obtained, and then it was cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-4T-1. Identified by agarosed gel electrophoresis, endonucleases digestion and PCR, the resultant recombinant plasmid was used for the expression under the temperature-dependent condition and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: A 1,071 bp sequence was obtained. Sequence analysis showed that the fragment contained a complete open reading frame (ORF), encoding 278 amino acid residues. This target fragment was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-4T-1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. SDS-PAGE revealed that the molecular weight of the expressed fusion recombinant product was 56 kD. Western blot showed that the recombinant protein was recognized by polyclonal rabbit antiserum immunized with Schistosoma japonicum adult worm antigen. CONCLUSION Cloning of the full-length gene encoding SjSDISP and its bacterial expression were successfully done.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; metabolism ; Helminth Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Iron-Sulfur Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Schistosoma japonicum ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sequence Homology ; Succinate Dehydrogenase ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Objective To trace and provide HIV-testing among those having contacts with HIV-infected individuals at various levels in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province and to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of such investigation as a supplemental strategy for HIV testing and control. Methods Newly reported HIV infections from August throughout October in Dehong prefecture, in 2008 were asked to provide contact information of persons whom they had high risk contacts with. Persons having had risk contacts with HIV-infected cases were hereof interviewed and their blood tested on the sero-status of HIV. Results A total of 335 HIV cases were newly reported during this three-month period. A total of 309 cases of them and 148 HIV infections identified thereafter from their risk contacts were under informed consent, to participate in this study. A total number of 3395 risk contacts were reported, of whom only 20.7% (704/3395) had 'contact information' and 51.3% (361/704) were successfully located and interviewed, including 117 previously confirmed HIV infections and 244 people with unknown HIV status. The majority of them (203 or 83.2% of 244) were then tested for HIV and 56(27.6% of 203) were tested positive for HIV. The proportion of having detailed contact information and the proportion of being traced or followed among reported risk contacts of HIV infections were 68.8% and 68.2% for spouses of HIV patients, respectively, which were much higher than those among commercial sex partners (1.2% and 16.7%), casual sex partners (37.3% and 22.3% ) and peers who sharing needles (34.1% and 56.4% ). Conclusion Newly reported HIV infections reported a large number of risk contacts and new HIV infections were identified among them. It was extremely difficult to trace commercial sex partners or casual sex partners on their HIV infection status. Nevertheless, tracing the risk contacts of newly reported HIV infections seemed to be helpful in identifying new HIV infections and in understanding the nature of transmission towards controlling the HIV epidemics.