Background The visual system of animal have to optimally adjust in various environmental conditions in order to obtain stable and effective visual funetion.However,the color vision system of animals which encounter uncertainty of spectral signals should be plastic.Whether the densities of various cones and expression of opsins change with long-time spectral deprivation is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the changes of cone density as well as the expression of corresponding opsin and mRNA following the long-term illumination of monochromatic light.Methods Thirty 3-day-old guinea pigs were randomized into 3 groups and exposed tO the 530 nm green light,400 nm purple light and white light for consecutive 8 weeks respectively.The flat-mounted retinal sample was prepared and divided into dorsal zone,ventral zone and mixed zone anatomically according to the distribution of difierent light-sensitive cone.The changes in density of cone cells sensitivited to different colored light were detected by single-1abel or double-label immunocytochemistry.The levels of opsin and its mRNA were determined using Western-blot and real-time PCR respectively.Results The density of green-sensitivity cones was significantly different in the dorsal zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group (F=234.28,P<0.01).Compared with white light group,the density of green-sensitive cones in dorsal retina of green light group was obviously higher but that of purple light group wag evidently lower(q=389.68,P<0.01；q=67.11,P<0.01).No significant difference was found in the density of purple-sensitive cones in the ventral zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group(F=3.14,P>0.05).The density of coexpression of the mixed cone cells was increased in green light group(q=157.55,P<0.01)but decreased in purple light roup (q=254.85,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.The expression levels of green-opsin and green-opsin mRNA in green light group was significantly elevated(q=184.45,P<0.01；q=4.71,P<0.05),but those of purple light group were evidently declined(q=5.87,P<0.05；q=346.66,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.There was no statistically significant differences were found in the expression of purple-opsin and its mRNA among all the groups(F=1.24,P>0.05；F=3.27,P>0.05).Conclusion After the exposure of long-time monochromatic light illumination,monochromatic cones density and its opsin in guinea pig occur the corresponding alteration to gain good spatial vision as a compensatory reaction.These outcomes imply that there is some plasticity during the development of color vision.The increase of green-sensitive cones might be from the differentiation of coexpression cones in transition region.

Objective To observe the changes of rat microglial inflammation and migration after exposure to sodium metavanadate(NaVO3·2H2O), and to analyze the possible mechanisms of vanadium neurotoxicity. Methods Primary cultured rat microglial cells were incubated with NaVO3·2H2 O. Morphological changes and the Iba1 expression of microglia were tested by immunofluorescence assay. iNOS, Cox-2, ERK and p-ERK protein expressions were determined by western blotting. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the culture medium were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The migration of microglia was tested by immunofluorescence staining using wound-healing assay. Results Microglia changed from resting state with ramous shape to round shape in activated state after NaVO3·2H2 O exposure, and the expression of Iba1 increased obviously. The protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 increased significantly compared with the control. The levels of TNF-αand IL-1βwere also increased significantly. NaVO3·2H2 O promotes the migration of microglia through ERK pathway. Conclusions Exposure to NaVO3·2H2 O promotes primary cultured rat microglial inflammation and migration. These results suggest that the inflammatory reaction of microglia may be one of the possible mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by vanadium exposure.

OBJECTIVETo study the serum proteomics in hypertension patients with Gan-Dan damp-heat syndrome (GDDH) for tentatively find special proteins associated with the syndrome.

METHODSStudy was performed in 60 hypertensive patients and 39 healthy persons as control. In the patients enrolled, 40 were differentiated as GDDH syndrome and the other 20 as non-GDDH syndrome. Their serum proteins were captured by weak cation nano-magnetic beads, and proteomic fingerprint was made by matrix assistant laser demodulation ionizing time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) through mapping with protein chip reader type PBS II-C. After all the proteomic fingerprints being analyzed by Biomarker Wizard 3.1, the special expressed proteins for GDDH syndrome were identified by Biomarker Patterns Software 5.0 to create the syndrome decision model.

RESULTSTotally, 182 difference protein peaks between patients of GDDH and healthy persons (P<0.05); and 132 difference protein peaks between patients of GDDH and non-GDDH were detected (P<0.05). A decision model consisted 5 screened out protein peaks with mass-to-charge ratio of 2761.555, 6624.362, 2487.192, 2461.610 and 2744.318 was created, which could well differentiate the GDDH syndrome, with the sensitivity of 96.55%, specificity of 90%, false positive rate of 10% and false negative rate of 3.45%. Further blind test for prospective check showed its sensitivity being 81.82%, specificity 89.66%, false positive rate 10.34% and false negative rate 18.18%.

CONCLUSIONThe differently expressed protein is the material foundation of GDDH syndrome; molecular biological decision model established on the basis of this foundation can offer a tool for making Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation more objectively and accurately.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Proteins ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Young Adult

Chymosin is an important industrial enzyme widely used in cheese manufacture. To improve expression efficiency of recombinant bovine chymosin in Kluyveromyces lactis strain GG799, we designed and synthesized a DNA sequence encoding bovine prochymosin gene (GenBank Accession No. AA30448) by using optimized codons. The synthesized prochymosin gene was amplified by two-step PCR method, and then cloned into the expression vector pKLAC1, resulting in pKLAC1-Prochy. pKLAC1-Prochy was linearized and transformed into K. lactis GG799 by electrotransformation. Positive clones were screened by YEPD plates containing 1% casein. A recombinant strain chyl with highest activities and multi-copy integration which was detected by using specifical integration primers was chosen and fermented in flask. Prochymosin was expressed in K. lactis successfully. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the purified recombinant bovine prochymosin had a molecular mass of 41 kDa. After acid treatment, molecular weight of chymosin is about 36 kDa, the same as native bovine chymosin. Activity tests showed that the chymosin activity of the culture supernatant was 99.67 SU/mL after 96 h cultivation. The activities of chymosin were not prominent increased when galactose was used as carbon source instead of glucose, which proved that the fermentation of recombinant strain does not need galactose inducing. The recombinant K. lactis strain obtained in this study could be further used to produce recombinant chymosin for cheese making.
Animals ; Cattle ; Chymosin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Enzyme Precursors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Kluyveromyces ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Protein Engineering ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo discuss the role of early growth response factor (Egr)-1 and it's upstream signaling pathway in the development of silicosis.

METHODSThe expression and localization of Egr-1 were analyzed by immunofluorescence and in-situ hybridization. The activity of Egr-1 was observed in treated cells by using a reporter plasmid and EMSA, the activity of ERK1/2 in RAW264.7 incubated with SiO(2) by using a kinase assay, and further by using a kinase inhibitor assay to investigate the role of upstream kinase in the signal pathway of the activation of Egr-1.

RESULTSThe obvious increase of expression and transcription of Egr-1 was observed shortly after being treated by silica and its activity increased abruptly. There was an increase of the activity of ERK1/2 in RAW264.7 cells treated, which reached a peak at 30 minutes. The expression and transcription of Egr-1 decreased maniferstly after using kinase inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONEgr-1 expression can be induced by silica dioxide in RAW264.7 cells, and the ERK1/2, p38 kinases may take part in this process which suggest the pathway of SiO(2), ERK1/2, p38 and Egr-1 may play an important role in the development of silicosis.

Animals ; Butadienes ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; physiology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its symptoms in Haidian district of Beijing, identify its associated risk factors and analyze the relations between GERD and history of other diseases.

METHODS2615 residents of 18-80 years old were selected to participate in the study by multi-stage sampling from Haidian district from June and September in 2008. Questionnaires were distributed to obtain the information on demographic characteristics, diseases history and the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ).

RESULTSThe prevalence of GERD in the population was 8.4% (220/2615), and the prevalence of heartburn, reflux, both heartburn and reflux were 1.0% (25/2615), 6.2% (163/2615) and 1.2% (32/2615), respectively. Multi-factor analysis showed rural area (OR = 2.237, 95%CI: 1.422 - 3.517), female (OR = 1.456, 95%CI: 1.085 - 1.955), high education (OR = 1.242, 95%CI: 1.001 - 1.542), pressure (OR = 1.277, 95%CI: 1.089 - 1.497), bad emotional status (OR = 1.320, 95%CI: 1.046 - 1.665), and family history of gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.594, 95%CI: 1.075 - 2.365) were significantly associated with GERD. Rural area (OR = 2.481, 95%CI: 1.278 - 4.818), female (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 0.902 - 3.386), drinking (OR = 1.838, 95%CI: 0.916 - 3.690), no exercise (OR = 2.091; 95%CI: 1.131 - 3.867) and bad emotional status (OR = 1.657, 95%CI: 1.123 - 2.446) were significant risk factors for heartburn. Rural area (OR = 2.171, 95%CI: 1.326 - 3.556), female (OR = 1.505, 95%CI: 1.102 - 2.056), high education (OR = 1.347, 95%CI: 1.063 - 1.706), pressure (OR = 1.317, 95%CI: 1.113 - 1.558), bad emotional status (OR = 1.266, 95%CI: 0.992 - 1.616), and family history of gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.739, 95%CI: 1.163 - 2.600) were significantly associated with reflux symptom. History of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, depression, peptic ulcer, gastritis, and renal diseases were found to be significantly related to GERD and its symptoms.

CONCLUSIONThis area has epidemic of GERD, which was related to mental problems and unhealthy life style, and should be paid more attention by conducting effective community-based interventions.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the whole body MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI in detecting intranodal lesions in patients with lymphoma.

METHODSWhole body MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) were performed in 23 patients with histologically proven lymphoma. A conventional coronal MRI scan from head to inguinal groove was done for whole body scanning. In the DWI, axial MRI scans were performed after segmentation based on SENSE technique, and all images were merged into whole body image reconstruction by software.

RESULTS417 lymph nodes were detected by MRI in the 23 patients. The overall positive rate of whole body MRI and DWI was 79.1% and 89.7%, respectively. It was 70.9% versus 85.2% and 79.4% versus 90.1% for the lymph nodes of < 2 cm and 2-3 cm in diameter, with a significant difference between the two methods (P < 0.01). However, it was 94.7% versus 97.9% for the lymph nodes of > 3 cm in diameter, not significantly different between the two methods (P > 0.05). Both methods had similar sensitivity in detecting the lymph nodes in the neck, supraclavicular and infraclavicular fossae, mediastinum and axillary fossa. However, the positive rate of whole body MRI was 51.2%, 43.8% and 52.2%, significantly less sensitive than 83.7%, 71.9% and 87.0%, respectively, by DWI in detecting the lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal space, pelvic cavity and inguinal groove (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBoth whole body MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI have a relative high sensitivity in detecting intranodal lesions for patients with lymphoma, showing a certain value in clinical application.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Whole Body Imaging ; methods ; Young Adult

Dental caries (tooth decay) is caused by a specific group of cariogenic bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, which convert dietary sugars into acids that dissolve the mineral in tooth structure. Killing cariogenic bacteria is an effective way to control or prevent tooth decay. In a previous study, we discovered a novel compound (Glycyrrhizol A), from the extraction of licorice roots, with strong antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria. In the current study, we developed a method to produce these specific herbal extracts in large quantities, and then used these extracts to develop a sugar-free lollipop that effectively kills cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. Further studies showed that these sugar-free lollipops are safe and their antimicrobial activity is stable. Two pilot human studies indicate that a brief application of these lollipops (twice a day for ten days) led to a marked reduction of cariogenic bacteria in oral cavity among most human subjects tested. This herbal lollipop could be a novel tool to promote oral health through functional foods.
Aged ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; toxicity ; Candy ; analysis ; Child ; Dental Caries ; prevention & control ; Glycyrrhiza ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; drug effects ; Lactobacillus casei ; drug effects ; Mice ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mutagenicity Tests ; Phytotherapy ; Pilot Projects ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Plant Roots ; Pterocarpans ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; toxicity ; Safety ; Saliva ; microbiology ; Streptococcus mutans ; drug effects ; Streptococcus sobrinus ; drug effects ; Sweetening Agents

Objectives To screen the high-risk population of stroke in China using color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI)and to establish a stroke risk prediction model in Chinese population in order to prevent and treat stroke early. Methods Forty-one base hospitals and 715 286 people in the project areas of the first 6 provinces of China conducted routine physical examinations and investigated the related risk factors for cardiocerebrovascular diseases from July 2011 to April 2012 using a cross-sectional study,among them 61 860 patients underwent carotid CDFI screening,and 49 386 of them were high-risk population (exposed to≥3 risk factors). The bilateral common carotid interma-media thickness (IMT),the number of plaques and the degree of carotid stenosis were screened and documented. And whether carotid IMT thickening or not,with or without carotid plaques,and degree of carotid artery stenotic rate 0-49% and≥50% were performed by multivariate logistic regression analysis with the risk factors for stroke,respectively. Results (1)Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension,atrial fibrillation,smoking,and lack of physical exercise were the independent risk factors for carotid IMT thickening (hypertension:OR,1. 17;95%CI 1. 12-1. 22;atrial fibrillation:OR,1. 15;95%CI 1. 09-1. 21;smoking:OR,1. 13;95%CI 1. 08-1. 17;and lack of physical exercise:OR,1. 12;95%CI 1.08-1. 16). (2)Hypertension,atrial fibrillation, smoking,and diabetes were the independent risk factors for carotid plaque and carotid artery stenosis rate≥50%(carotid plaque,hypertension:OR,1. 55;95%CI 1. 47-1. 62;atrial fibrillation:OR,1. 13;95%CI 1.06-1. 21;smoking:OR,1. 16;95%CI 1. 11-1. 22;and diabetes:OR,1. 30;95%CI 1. 24-1. 37). Carotid stenosis rate≥50%,hypertension:OR,1. 78;95%CI 1.55-2. 03;atrial fibrillation:OR,1. 59;95%CI 1. 39-1. 81;smoking:OR,1. 33;95%CI 1. 20-1. 48;and diabetes:OR,1. 30;95%CI 1. 17-1. 45. Simple obesity did not increase the incidences of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and carotid artery stenosis ≥50%(OR,0. 78, 0.83;95%CI 0. 75-0. 82 ,0. 75-0. 92,respectively). Conclusions Neck vascular ultrasound can be used as a valuable means for screening high-risk population and detecting risk factors of stroke. It has an important clinical significance for the early diagnosis and treatment of carotid atherosclerosis disease.

Objective To establish a comprehensive evaluation system for the patient monitor clinical application based on real world data(RWD)to provide references for levels of medical institutions to purchase patient monitors.Methods RWD method was used to collect clinical application data of the monitors from 14 medical institutions in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and a Chinese brand X(including X1 series for mid-end products and X2 series for high-end products)and a foreign brand Y(including Y1 series for mid-end products and Y2 series for high-end products)with the highest market share were selected to construct a monitor clinical application evaluation system involving in five indicators such as clinical efficacy,applicability,reliability,instrument function and service system.Data processing was carried out with Mantel-Haenszel analysis,propensity score analysis and pairwise comparison method to calculate the clinical application evaluation scores of X and Y brands of monitors.Results In the mid-end products,X series gained advantages over Y series in clinical efficacy,reliability and applicability(P＜0.05),while the differences between the service systems were not statistically signifi-cantly(P＞0.05);in the high-end products,there were no significant differences between the clinical efficacy,applicability,reliability and service systems(P＞0.05).Brand X and Y monitors were equipped with similar basic and advanced functions.Conchision The evaluation system established based on real-world data can be able to effectively evaluate the clinical appli-cation of the monitor,which provides references for clinical application evaluation of medical devices in China.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2023,44(11):71-78]