Background Acanthamoeba keratitis is a sort of serious infectious eye disease with high causing-blindness rate.Acanthamoeba keratitis often is misdiagnosed as fungal keratitis or viral keratitis in the early stage.Because conventional clinical diagnosis methods show a low specificity and take a long time,timely treatment often is delayed.Conventional PCR does not apply well because the lesion sample is not enough to extract DNA.However,direct PCR can amplify 18S rRNA conserved sequence of acanthamoeba keratitis without the extraction of DNA.Objective This study was to discuss the feasibility for rapid diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis using direct PCR to amplify the gene 18S rRNA fragment.Methods Ten acanthamoeba strains were isolated from 10 eyes with acanthamoeba keratitis in Qingdao Eye Hospital.The sensitivity of the direct PCR assay was tested using different numbers of amoebas.The specificity of the assay was tested using DNA extracted from acanthamoeba,candida albicans,pseudomonas aeruginosa,herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and normal human corneal epithelial cell.Acanthamoeba keratitis models were established using infected method in clean 6-week-old female BALB/c mice.Corneal lesion samples were obtained 1 day,3,5,7,10,15 days after modeled.The effectivity and feasibility of the direct PCR assay for rapid diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis were evaluated and compared with culture method,corneal smear examination and real-time PCR.Results Direct PCR primers could only amplify DNA of acanthamoeba rather than other pathogens,and 10 stains of acanthamoeba were detected at least in each sample.During the development of acanthamoeba keratitis in the mice,the diagnosis positive rate of direct PCR was 80.0％,90.0％,80.0％,70.0％,70.0％ and 50.0％ in 1 day,3,5,7,10,15 days after modeled with the total positive rate 73.3％,which was higher than 31.7％ of culture method,56.7％ of corneal smear examination and 61.7％ of realtime PCR,with a significant difference between the direct PCR and culture method (P =0.005),but no significant difference was seen in the total positive rate between the direct PCR and real-time PC R (P =0.172) or corneal smear examination (P =0.056).Conclusions The direct PCR assay is a simple,rapid,highly specific and sensitive method for the rapid diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis,especially for the limited lesion sample.

Lysins are efficient bacteria cell wall digesting enzymes encoded by DNA bacteriophage. Gram-positive bacteriophage lysins feature similar domain structure, high lytic efficiency, synergic antibacterial effect with antibiotics, rare neutralization by antibodies, less chance of developing drug-resistant strains, et al. The past decade has seen a considerable amount of research worldwidely focused on lysin, and lysins have been used successfully in a variety of animal models to control pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria found on mucosal surfaces and infected tissues. The great potential of lysins as an anti-infective agent prompted this review.

Objective Investigated the treatment effect of ISCOM leukemia vaccine combination with 1-methyl tryptophan on tumor burden mice .Methods Saponin was added lipase protein (1 mg/mL) 7 ℃ for 12 h ,adding 80 μL lipid mixed solution and 5 mL saponin solution (1 mg/mL ) to prepare ISCOM leukemia vaccine .C57BL /6 mice were randomly divided into model group , ISCOM leukemia vaccine group ,1-methyl tryptophan group and combination group ,Mice were injected FBL-3 cell to built leukemia tumor-burdened mice model .After treatment for 4 weeks ,tumors weight ,NK and Mφ and CTL cell killing activity ,serum levels of IL-10 ,IL-12 were detected .Results Tumor weight in combination group was less than 1-methyl tryptophan and ISCOM leukemia group [(0 .64 ± 0 .26)g vs .(2 .49 ± 0 .91)g ,P< 0 .01 ,(0 .64 ± 0 .26)g vs .(1 .28 ± 0 .73)g ,P< 0 .05] ;NK cell killing activity in com-bination group was higher than 1-methyl tryptophan group[(38 .41 ± 8 .27)% vs .(67 .22 ± 12 .74)% ,all P< 0 .01)] ;M φ activity in combination group was significantly higher than 1-methyl tryptophan group[(55 .69 ± 13 .69)% vs .(69 .47 ± 14 .79)% ,P< 0 .01] ;CTL activity in combination group was significantly higher than 1-methyl tryptophan group and ISCOM leukemia group[(43 .77 ± 8 .89)% vs .(69 .68 ± 11 .44)% ,P< 0 .01 ,(58 .87 ± 9 .45)% vs .(69 .68 ± 11 .44)% ,P < 0 .05] ;IL-10 in combination group were significantly lower than 1 - methyl tryptophan group and ISCOM leukemia group [(76 .2 ± 6 .82)pg /L vs .(98 .3 ± 13 .4)pg/L ,P<0 .01 ,(76 .2 ± 6 .82)pg/L vs .(202 .3 ± 44 .5)pg/L ,P < 0 .01] ;IL-12 in combination group were significantly higher than 1-methyl tryptophan group and ISCOM leukemia group[(381 .2 ± 47 .3)pg/L vs .(332 .1 ± 30 .2)pg/L ,P < 0 .05 ,(381 .2 ± 47 .3)pg /L vs . (291 .2 ± 17 .3)pg/L ,P< 0 .01] .Conclusion Combination with 1-methyl tryptophan and ISCOM leukemia vaccine has a well anti-tumor effect ,its mechanism may be through mediated and the expression of IL-12 and IL-10 .

Objective To investigate the MRI and echocardiography manifestations of noncompaction of ventricular myocardium(NVM)and assess the role of MRI in the diagnosis of NVM by comparing it with echocardiography.Methods Fourteen cases of NVM diagnosed by echocardiography were examined with MRI,including scanning of black-blood sequences,double inversion recovery fast spin echo (DIRFSE)and triple inversion recovery fast spin echo(TIRFSE),and white blood sequence:fast imaging employ steady state acquisition(FIESTA).Scanning plane includes short axis view,four-chamber view and long axis view.Results Both MRI and echocardiography displayed involvement of left ventricles in thirteen cases and involvement of double ventricles in one case.Apexes of heart and the intermedius are commonly affected.MRI showed 54 segments and echocardiography showed 53 segments affected,and there is no significant difference between the capability of MRI and echocardiography(P=1.000).The affected myocardium consisted of two layers:subendoeardial noncompacted myocardium and epicardial compacted myocardium,and the ratio measurement of N/C by MRI was 3.37?0.89 and it was 3.19?0.82 by echocardiography.Noncompacted myocardium was characterized by prominent and excessive myocardial trabeculations and deep intratrabecular recesses,in which the blood flow was communicated with the ventricle.One case was complicated with ventricular aneurysm,and coronary arteriography was performed with unremarkable findings.One case underwent heart transplantation because of progressive heart failure, Gross findings demonstrated prominent muscular trabeculations with deep intratrabecular recesses,which coincided well with MRI findings.Conclusion The MRI manifestation of NVM is characteristic,and MRI with multiple series and planes is helpful in the diagnose of NVM.Compared with echoeardiography,MRI could display the pathological cardiac muscle more clearly,because of its high soft-tissue resolution and spatial resolution.

Objective To study the osteogenic effects of induced endothelial cell(EC)on bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)of rabbits in co-culture condition.Methods BMSCs were obtained from rabbits by density gradient centrifugation.The adhesive ceils were preserved to passage in culture.The cultured cells were divided into four groups:group A(BMSCs),group B(BMSCs osteogenic induction),group C(EC induction)and group D (co-culture of induced BMSCs and EC).The cell morphology,immunofluorescence,cell proliferation,alkaline pbosphatase(ALP)activity,osteocalcin synthesis were observed to determine the effects of induced autologous EC on the osteogenic potential and cellular compatibility of BMSCs.Results The immunochemical staining showed that the BMSCs were induced into EC in group C.The cellular compatibility of BMSCs and EC was good.The ALP activity and osteocalcin content were obviously higher in group D than in any other groups(P＜0.05).The cell proliferation difference was not obvious between groups(P＞0.05).Conclusions The cellular compatibility of induced osteoblasts and induced EC is perfect.The ECs can significantly increase the viability and ALP activity of induced osteoblasts.

Objective To demonstrate the MRI manifestations of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation(CCAM)and to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI.Methods Thoracic axial,sagittal and coronal plane scanning were performed with SSFSE in 9 fetuses diagnosed or suspected of CCAM by ultrasound(US)within 1—2 days after US examination.The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal autopsy or follow-up.Results In nine fetuses,seven cases of CCAM were diagnosed with MRI and confirmed by autopsy,one case was congenital pulmonary sequestration,one was normal on MRI and two weeks late US.In seven cases of CCAM(5 males and 2 females),four cases were in the right side,three in the left.Four cases of macrocystic type CCAM showed single or multiple cystic long T_2 signal in the unilateral lung,three cases of microcystic type CCAM presented long T_2 signal without cyst.Vessels with flow void phenomenon were found in 2 cases of CCAM and 1 case of pulmonary sequestration.Conclusion MRI can clearly show the location,range and contour of CCAM.The vessel originated from the aorta is suggestive of pulmonary sequestration.

BACKGROUNDGreen tea is an important source of flavonoids in human diets and epidemiological data correlate green tea consumption with a reduced cancer risk. Given its complicated properties at effective concentrations, we put epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that previously reported on its anti-proliferative activities against several cancer cell lines on our research agenda to further examine the mechanism of its chemopreventive potential.

METHODSRNA interference (RNAi) expression vector pSilencer 3.1-H1 was used to construct recombinant nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-targeting RNAi plasmids. EGCG (5 microg/ml) was added into the culture fluid of cells before and after transfection. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A in cells. Forty male BALB/c mice were assigned to four groups: a normal unexposed control and three groups treated with varying doses of EGCG. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed, and their colon tissues were subjected to mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and UGT1A via RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTSEGCG up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and increased the level of UGT1A in cells. The blockade of Nrf2 activity via RNA intervention largely attenuated the induction of UGT1A expression by EGCG. In mice, the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and UGT1A detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting increased (both P < 0.05 compared with the control). This increase in Nrf2 expression also had a positive correlation with an increased UGT1A expression.

CONCLUSIONSEGCG mediated its effect in part by inducing the NRF2 signaling pathway and increasing UGT1A expression. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the role of NRF2 and UGT1A expression in the potential use of EGCG as a possible chemopreventive agent and supported further study of EGCG for cancer treatment.

Animals ; Anticarcinogenic Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Blotting, Western ; Caco-2 Cells ; Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Colonic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glucuronosyltransferase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous

OBJECTIVETo select the best preparation method of vincristine transfersomes (VCR-T) and predict its possibility of being a new formulation of VCR.

METHODOrthogonal design was used to optimize the preparation methods on the basis of single factor pretests; and the permeation tests in vitro were performed in modified Franz diffusion cells.

RESULTThe optimum formula was: pH was equal to 7.3, the ratio of lecithin to sodium deoxycholate is 70/20, the weight of VCR is 10 mg, hydrating time is 30 minutes. The optimized solution was light yellow and transparent colloid solution. The VCR-T are spherical and smooth with average diameters of 94 nm and an encapsulation ratio of 90%. The test in vitro showed that VCR-T could permeat through mouse skin at zero rate with the cumulative penetrating quality amounting to 63.8%.

CONCLUSIONTransfersomes may become a promising carrier of VCR for clinic use.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Deoxycholic Acid ; Drug Carriers ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mice ; Particle Size ; Phosphatidylcholines ; Skin Absorption ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics

Embryonic hematopoiesis in mammals is characterized by successive temporal and spatial changes. Previous investigations indicate that in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ES cells) derived from 129 mice can mimic embryonic hematopoiesis to some extent. To investigate the in vitro hematopoietic differentiation capacity of ES cells derived from C57BL/6 mice, the authors initially established the murine ES cell line with standard identification methods employed. Next, two-step culture system was utilized for embryoid bodies formation and the appearance of different hematopoietic precursors was confirmed by CFC assay, cellular chemical staining as well as RT-PCR. The results demonstrated that the ES cell line MES-1 fulfilled the criteria of ES cell line and its progeny after in vitro differentiation included primitive and definitive erythrocyte precursors, mixed colony-forming cells and granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed the molecular consistence of transcription factors and hematopoietic markers with cellular event. In conclusion, MES-1 established from C57BL/6 mice was able to differentiate in vitro to a variety of hematopoietic precursors, thus could partly recapitulate embryonic hematopoiesis.
Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Differentiation ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Embryo, Mammalian ; cytology ; Erythroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Erythroid Precursor Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors ; Gene Expression ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Time Factors ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; genetics