Association between congenital hypothyroidism and in-hospital adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results: A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above (OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above (OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Correlation between global burden of small vessel disease on MRI and impaired spatial navigation in patients with cerebral small vessel disease / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between global burden of small vessel disease(CSVD) on MRI and impaired spatial navigation in patients with CSVD.Methods:Patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital from November 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The global burden of CSVD was scored according to the head MRI findings, and was divided into mild group (0-1 points), moderate group (2 points), and severe group (3-4 points). All patients were tested for spatial navigation function. Multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze the correlation between the global burden of CSVD and the spatial navigation function.Results:A total of 101 patients with CSVD were enrolled, including 37 patients in the mild group (36.6%), 28 in the moderate group (27.7%), and 36 in the severe group (35.6%). Age, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatinine, as well as the proportions of hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in the moderate group and the severe group were significantly higher than those in the mild group, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower than that in the mild group (all P<0.05). The spatial navigation function test showed that the environment + self-navigation, self-navigation and environment navigation functions of the moderate group and the severe group decreased significantly compared with the mild group (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack history and years of education, the global burden of CSVD and environment + self-navigation ( β=0.518, P<0.001), self-navigation ( β=0.481, P<0.001) and environmental navigation ( β=0.699, P<0.001) function had significant correlation. Conclusion:The global burden of CSVD is correlated with spatial navigation functions.

Exosomal microRNAs: an emerging player in systemic lupus erythematosus / 生理学报

Exosomes are nanometer-sized membranous extracellular vesicles that can be secreted by almost all types of cells in the body. Exosomes are involved in cell-to-cell communication through autocrine and paracrine forms. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are stable in plasma, urine and other body fluids, and have various biological functions. They play an irreplaceable role in the occurrence, development, immune regulation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies have proposed that exosomal miRNAs have promising application prospects in the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and treatment of SLE. Therefore, this review aims to introduce the current research progress on exosomal miRNAs in SLE and analyze their potential application value.

Effect of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma on Intestinal Absorption of Ginsenosides in Dingzhi Xiaowan / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma on intestinal absorption of ginsenosides in Dingzhi Xiaowan,and reveal the mechanism of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma acting as " adjuvant drug" in this formula. Method: The contents of ginsenoside Rg1,Re and Rb1 were measured by UPLC-MS/MS and the absorption of three ginsenosides in different intestine segments was investigated by rat single pass intestinal perfusion in situ,including absorption rate constant(Ka) and apparent permeability coefficient(Papp).Everted intestinal sac model was used to investigate the absorption dosage of three ginsenosides affected by volatile oil from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and verapamil[Ver,a P-glycoprotein(P-gp) inhibitor]. Result:Papp values of three ginsenosides were ≤ 0.191×10-3 cm·min-1 in Dingzhi Xiaowan when lack of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma.Compared with lack of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in Dingzhi Xiaowan group,the Ka and Papp values of lack of volatile oil from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in Dingzhi Xiaowan group slightly increased without significant difference in the four intestinal segments,but when the prescription had Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma,the Ka increased by 3.97-8.35 fold and the Papp increased by 3.99-8.49 fold.The results of everted intestinal sac test showed that volatile oil of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma could significantly promote the intestinal absorption of ginsenoside Rg1,Re and Rb1,but there was no dose-dependent. Conclusion:Volatile oil of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma can promote the intestinal absorption of three ginsenosides in Dingzhi Xiaowan,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibiting function on P-gp.

A Study on the Effects of Occlusal Function on CTGF Expression in Orthodontics / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To investigate CTGF changes in the expression of the gum tissue before and after orthodontic treatment, and to preliminarily explore the modification mechanism of gingival tissue and the effectiveness of the intervention measures. Methods 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats of 12-week-old, weight about 250 g-300 g, randomly divided into 6 groups: blank control group (A), healthy teeth orthodontic group (B), low functional group (C), low occlusal function teeth orthodontic group (D), combined intervention group (E), bite orthodontic intervention group (F). The results of the study were compared at 1 w, 2 w, 4 w, 6 w.Results (1) HE staining results showed the atrophy of the gingival tissue, which suggested that occlusal hypofunction SD rats model were successfully established. (2) Fluorescence quantitative results of CTGF in gingival tissue: 6 w: group B was higher than group D and group F (P＜0.05). Conclusion (1) the expression of CTGF in the low occlusion group was lower than that of the normal control group with time, and the gum tissue was vulnerable to atrophy. (2) It remains to be further studied whether the bite force recovery is effective.

Early postnatal application of glucocorticoids for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a Meta analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect and safety of early postnatal application of glucocorticoids in the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP were comprehensively searched for articles on early postnatal application of glucocorticoids in the prevention of BPD in preterm infants published up to June 2016. Review Manager 5.3 was used for the Meta analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2 962 participants were enrolled in the 16 RCTs, with 1 486 patients in the trial group and 1 476 in the control group. The Meta analysis showed that early postnatal application of glucocorticoids reduced the incidence rate of BPD at a corrected gestational age of 36 weeks (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.61-0.87, P=0.0004), but there was an increase in the risk of hyperglycemia (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.24-2.09, P=0.0003), hypertension (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.11-2.38, P=0.01), and intestinal perforation (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.12-2.04, P=0.007).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>At present, it is not recommended to use glucocorticoids to prevent BPD in preterm infants. Its advantages and disadvantages need further studies, with special focuses on the adverse effects of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and intestinal perforation.</p>

Screening and follow-up for congenital heart disease in children aged 0-3 years in rural areas of Chongqing, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children aged 0-3 years in the rural areas of Chongqing, and to determine the suitable "screening-diagnosis-follow-up" system and screening indicators for CHD in these areas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Children aged 0-3 years from rural areas of the Fuling Disctrict of Chongqing were selected by cluster sampling. Using the "screening-diagnosis-evaluation system" employed at the levels of village/town, district/county, and province/city, the children were screened for seven indicators, i.e., family history of CHD, dyspnea, cyanosis, unique facial features, other congenital malformations, heart murmurs, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO<95%). Children who were positive for one or more indicators accepted echocardiography (ECG) for the diagnosis of CHD. CHD patients were evaluated for disease progression, given guided treatments, and followed-up by pediatric cardiologists.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Screening was performed for 10 005 out of the 10 281 children enrolled in the study (97.32% response rate). Among the 175 children who were positive for the indicators, 166 underwent ECG and 60 (0.6‰) were diagnosed with CHD, including 46 cases of simple CHD (76.65%), 11 cases of combined CHD (18.33%), and 3 cases of complex CHD (5.00%). Of the 7 screening indicators, heart murmur had the largest area under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of CHD. In addition, a combination of screening indicators (heart murmur, unique facial features, and other congenital malformations) was most effective for screening out CHD. The CHD patients were given surgical or intervention treatments, and followed up for 6 to 18 months. Ten patients improved without treatment, 13 patients received interventional or surgical treatment, 1 patient died of non-cardiac reasons. The remaining 36 patients were subjected to further follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Heart murmur alone and in combination with unique facial features and other congenital malformations are valuable tools for CHD screening in children aged 0-3 years. The "village/town-district/county-province/city" screening-diagnosis-evaluation systems are useful for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of CHD in infants and young children from the rural areas of Chongqing.</p>

Experimental Research Progress in Chinese Herbal Medicines with the Effects of Benefiting Qi and Activating Blood Circulation and Their Active Ingredients in Treating Pulmonary Fibrosis / 中国中医药信息杂志

Individual Chinese herbal medicines and the active ingredients have certain effects of anti-pulmonary fibrosis. Chinese herbal medicine with the effects of benefiting qi and activating blood circulation are commonly used in clinic. This article reviewed the experimental researches on Chinese herbal medicines with the effects of benefiting qi and activating blood circulation and the active ingredients in treating pulmonary fibrosis, with a purpose to find the target spot of the TCM treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and provide references for clinical treatment.

Effect of quercetin on doxorubicin-induced expression of MDR1 gene in HL-60 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Leukemia cells can acquire a multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype in response to a wide variety of chemotherapeutic agents including doxorubicin (Dox). In addition to the constitutive expression in the leukemia prior to chemotherapy, a complex phenotype of pleiotropic resistance is presented in the residual or recurrent leukemia. Recent studies showed Dox-induced coexpression of COX2 and MDR1 genes in human leukaemia cells, and whether Dox-induced MDR1 up-regulation in acute leukaemia cells is dependent on COX2-transcriptional activity and thus might be overcome or prevented with COX2-promotor inhibitor quercetin interfering with COX2 expression and activity. This study was purposed to investigate the impacts of quercetin on Dox-induced mRNA expression of MDR1 and COX2 genes in HL-60 leukemia cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The MDR1 and COX2 mRNA expression in HL-60 cells was detected by RT-PCR; the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release was measured by ELISA; the cytotoxicity of Dox was determined by MTT test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incubation of HL-60 cells with Dox not only up-regulated MDR1 mRNA, but also COX2 mRNA expression, and after co-incubation with quercetin or celecoxib, Dox-induced overexpression of MDR1 and COX2 mRNA were reduced by quercetin, not by celecoxib, whereas PGE2 release was significantly decreased with subsequent enhancement of Dox cytotoxic efficacy by both of them.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Dox-induced MDR1 up-regulation may be dependent on COX2-transcriptional activity, not PGE2, suggesting that the existence of causal link between COX2 and MDR1 expression induced by Dox, and modulation of COX2 transcriptional expression by quercetin would not only sensitize leukemia cells to Dox, but also prevent the acquisition of MDR during chemotherapy.</p>

Clinical analysis of lupus vulgaris: 12 case reports / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To study the clinical features and treatment of 12 cases of lupus vulgaris.Methods A comprehensive study was performed on 12 patients with lupus vulgaris.The clinical and histopathological features,misdiagnosis,treatment and prognosis of this entity were analyzed.Results Of these patients,83.3％ had a history of local trauma before the occurrence of lupus vulgaris.All the patients showed an early onset and long clinical course of lupus vulgaris,absence of obvious symptoms and variety in skin lesions.Lupus vulgaris was misdiagnosed at the first visit in all the patients.The final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology,purified protein derivative (PPD) test,acid-fast staining,Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture,DNA sequencing,etc.Satisfactory outcomes were achieved in these patients after standard anti-tuberculosis treatment.Conclusions Lupus vulgaris is easy to be misdiagnosed and improperly treated due to its complicated clinical features.Clinicians should expand their knowledge about this entity,which can be diagnosed by histopathology and culture.

Effect and safety analysis of carvedilol with metoprolol on children with dilated cardiomyopathy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To compare the effect,safety and tolerance of carvedilol and metoprolol on children with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Children with DCM from Sep.2006 to Nov.2011 in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University were randomly divided into carvedilol group [(24 cases,14 doys,10 girls; (3.05 ± 3.27) years old] and metoprolol group [(24 cases,13 boys,11 girls,(3.15 ± 2.42) years old].After controlling heart failure,the patients began to take oral carvedilol starting from 0.1 mg/(kg · d) or metoprolol starting from 0.5 mg/(kg · d).The 2 groups increased dose every 2 weeks.The largest dose was respectively 0.8 mg/(kg · d) or 2.0 mg/(kg · d),then maintaining the treatment for about 12 months.Cardiothoracic ratio,left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),left ventricular shortening fraction(LVFS),left ventricular mass (LVmass),drug safety and tolerance of 2 groups after treatment were evaluated.Results Cardiothoracic ratio,LVEDV,LVESV,LVmass significantly decreased but LVEF,LVFS significantly increased after treatment in comparison with before treatment in carvedilol group and metoprolol group(all P ＜ 0.05).Heart size and function were of no significant differences between carvedilol group and metoprolol group before treatment and after treatment (all P ＞ 0.05).The tolerated dose and safety of drug was slightly higher in carvedilol group compared with metoprolol group,but they did not have statistically significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Both carvedilol and metoprolol can reverse left ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function of children with DCM.Carvedilol and metoprolol have higher safety and better tolerance.Safety and tolerance of carvedilol may be better,and thus has better application prospect.

Effects of U0126 on growth and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in Aspergillus fumigatus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Invasive aspergillosis (IA), which is mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Despite considerable progress in currently available antifungals the mortality still remains high in critically ill patients. U0126 which is a highly selective inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2 in the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in mammalian cells has been demonstrated to have an anti-proliferative role in cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of U0126 on growth inhibition and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in A. fumigatus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Germination percentage and hyphae growth in A. fumigatus treated with U0126 were observed and compared with untreated controls. Western blotting analysis was used to detect changes in activation of SakA, MpkA and MpkB.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>U0126 inhibited germination and hyphae growth in A. fumigatus and enhanced the phosphorylation of SakA and MpkA under oxidative stress. U0126 at 10 µmol/L did not block the activation of MpkB during nitrogen starvation stress.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>U0126 shows promise as an antifungal candidate and the MAPK pathway may be a possible antifungal drug target for A. fumigatus.</p>

Survey of habits and customs and prevalence of dental fluorosis in high-fluoride areas of Zhaotong city Yunnan province in 2008 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To study local people's habits and customs concerning the prevention of dental fluorosis in an indoor coal-combustion-type fluorosis area of Zhaotong city Yunnan province, and to provide reference value for monitoring and control of the disease. Methods In 2008, 600 people of a 12-year-old group (400 people) and a 35 - 44-year-old group(200 people) were examined for dental fluorosis and oral health status in an indoor coal-combustion-type fluorosis area of Zhaotong. A questionnaire survey of 120 students and 60 adults was carried out on their habits and customs, stove changing status, knowledge of prevention of dental fluorosis, social psychology status, oral health behavior and their need for medical treatment. Results The total prevalence of dental fluorosis was 91.0% (546/600), dental fluorosis index was 2.58. The total prevalence of dental fluorosis of 12-year-old group was 86.5%(346/400), and dental fluorosis index was 2.12. The total prevalence of dental fluorosis of rural student was 90.5% (181/200), which was obviously higher in the rural group than the urban group [82.5% (165/200), χ2 = 5.48, P < 0.05]. The total prevalence of dental fluorosis of 35-44-year-old group was 100% (200/200), which was obviously higher than that of the 12-year-old group(χ2 = 29.67, P < 0.01). The rates of using coal, baking of food, changing stoves were 66.7% (60/90), 14.4% (13/90),57.8% (52/90), respectively, and these values of the urban were much lower than those of the rural[95.6%(86/90) ,31.1%(28/90) ,76.7%(69/90),χ2 = 24.51,7.11,7.29, all P < 0.01]. Only 23.3% (42/180) of people surveied had the knowledge of prevention of dental fluorosis, and the rate in the adult group[56.7% (34/60)]was higher than that of the student group [6.7% (8/120), χ2 = 55.9, P < 0.01]. The same rate in the urban student group was 0(0/60), and the rural student group was 13.3%(8/60), there was a significant difference between them(χ2 = 5.66, P < 0.05). Seventy-three point nine per cent( 133/180) of these people thought dental fluorosis had significant effect on their life, 91.1%(164/180) of these 'people wished to be treated. Eighty-four point four per cent( 152/180) of the people had a habit of toothbrushing,and 50.7% (77/152) of these people were still using toothpaste containing fluorine. Conclusions Zhaotong is a serious indoor coal-combustion-type fluorosis area. Enhancing health education to local people especially to students, and changing people's unhealthy habits and customs are keies to control the prevalence of indoor coal-combustion-type dental fluorosis.

Expression of hepatocyte-enriched transcriptional factors during the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived hepatocytes / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression and distribution of hepatocyte-enriched transcriptional factors during the differentiation of hepatocyte by rat bone marrow stem cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat bone marrow and induced into mature hepatocyte in vitro. The mRNA expression levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4 alpha), CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) alpha and beta were compared between induced and non-induced cultures using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The distribution pattern of HNF4 alpha was detected by immunofluorescence staining and observed by fluorescence microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Transcriptional factors HNF4 alpha, C/EBP alpha, and C/EBP beta were expressed in the induced cells during the culture process. The mRNA expression levels of HNF4 alpha and C/EBP alpha were significantly higher in induced cultures than those in non-induced cultures in the early stage, whereas C/EBP beta expression was significantly up-regulated in induced cultures at the late stage (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that HNF4 alpha was located in the cell nucleus of differentiated cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The characteristic time-dependent expression of transcriptional factors HNF4 alpha, C/EBP alpha, and C/EBP beta during the hepatocyte differentiation by bone marrow stem cells demonstrates that the expressions of these transcriptional factors are closely related to the initiation and maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation.</p>

Case-control study of risk factors in cholangiocarcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the risk factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathological data of 190 patients with cholangiocarcinomas (61 ICC and 129 ECC) diagnosed and treated in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 1998 and 2008 were collected. The clinicopathological data of 380 matched healthy controls were also collected. The information about liver diseases, family history, diabetes, smoking and drinking were recorded and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of HBsAg(+) and anti-HBc(+), HBsAg(-) and anti-HBc(+) and the incidence of choledocholithiasis or hepatolithiasis in ICC patients were 27.9%, 50.8% and 14.8%, respectively. The incidence of diabetes mellitus, cholecystolithiasis, choledocholithiasis or hepatolithiasis and previous cholecystectomy in ECC patients were 18.6%, 15.5%, 18.6% and 13.2%, respectively. The incidences of all above mentioned factors in the ICC or ECC patients were significantly higher than that in the controls (P < 0.05). Compared with the patients with ECC, the ICC patients had a significantly higher cirrhosis rate (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study results show that choledocholithiasis or hepatolithiasis, liver cirrhosis and chronic HBV infection are possible risk factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, while choledocholithiasis or hepatolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, cholecystolithiasis, history of cholecystectomy are risk factors for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.</p>

Effects of unpredictable chronic stress on behavior and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in CA3 subfield and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in different aged rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a stress-responsive intercellular messenger modifying hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. The interaction between stress and age in BDNF expression is currently not fully understood. This study was conducted to observe unpredictable stress effect on behavior and BDNF expression in CA3 subfield (CA3) and dentate gyrus of hippocampus in different aged rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight Wistar rats of two different ages (2 months and 15 months) were randomly assigned to six groups: two control groups and four stress groups. The rats in the stress group received three weeks of unpredictable mild stress. The depression state and the stress level of the animals were determined by sucrose preference test and observation of exploratory behavior in an open field (OF) test. The expressions of BDNF in CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were measured using immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Age and stress had different effects on the behavior of different aged animals (age: F = 6.173, P < 0.05, stress: F = 6.056, P < 0.05). Stress was the main factor affecting sucrose preference (F = 123.608, P < 0.05). Decreased sucrose preference and suppressed behavior emerged directly following stress, lasting to at least the eighth day after stress in young animals (P < 0.05). The older stress rats showed a lower sucrose preference than young stress rats (P < 0.05). Older control rats behaved differently from the younger control animals in the OF test, spending more time in the central square (P < 0.05), exhibiting fewer vertical movements (P < 0.05) and less grooming (P < 0.05). Following exposure to stress, older-aged rats showed no obvious changes in vertical movement and grooming. This indicates that aged rats were in an unexcited state before the stress period, and responded less to stressful stimuli than younger rats. There was significantly lower BDNF expression in the CA3 and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus following stress in both age groups (P < 0.05), a reduction that was still present at the eighth day after stress (P < 0.05). Stress and age were the main factors affecting the expression of BDNF (F = 9.408, P < 0.05; F = 106.303, P < 0.05). The aged stress group showed lower BDNF expression compared to the young stressed group at every testing time point.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Stress has age-dependent effects on behavioral responses and hippocampal BDNF expression in rats.</p>

Preparation and properties of chitosan film as a drug sustained-release system / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a best chitosan film for using as a drug sustained-release system through the evaluation of the sustained-release property, degradation property, and cytotoxicity to osteoblast.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Orthogonal experiments were designed to determine the best combination of chitosan film preparations. Drug release rate was determined with Coomassie brilliant blue G250. In a separate study, chitosan films were placed into the test tubes with buffer solution and 10(7) U/L lysozyme. The degradation rate was calculated. Osteoblasts derived from fetal rat calvarial were cultured on chitosan films. Cell proliferation was tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The relative growth rate was calculated and the cytotoxicity was graded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The best processing condition was 1% acetic acid, chitosan concentration of 2 mg/mL, 6% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentration, and cross-linking time of one hour. The resulting chitosan film released 33.13% of bovine serum albumin (BSA) within 8 d, 36.73% of BSA within four weeks and the cytotoxicity grade was 0 or 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This chitosan film possesses good sustained release property, and a good degradation rate.</p>

Expression and Regulation of Osteoprotegerin in Adipose Tissue

PURPOSE: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a potent inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption, has a variety of biological functions that include anti-inflammatory effects. Adipocytes and osteoblasts share a common origin, and the formation of new blood vessels often precedes adipogenesis in developing adipose tissue microvasculature. We examined whether OPG is secreted from adipocytes, therefore contributing to the prevention of neovascularization and protecting the vessels from intimal inflammation and medial calcification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA expression of OPG and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) was measured in differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes and adipose tissues. RESULTS: OPG mRNA expression increased with the differentiation of 3T3L1 adipocytes, while RANKL expression was not significantly altered. OPG mRNA was expressed at higher levels in white adipose tissue than in brown adipose tissue and was most abundant in the epididymal portion. In differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes, Rosiglitazone and insulin reduced the OPG/RANKL expression ratio in a dose- and time- dependent manner. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased the expression of both OPG and RANKL in a time-dependent manner. The OPG/RANKL ratio was at a maximum two hours after TNF-alpha treatment and then returned to control levels. Furthermore, OPG was abundantly secreted into the media after transfection of OPG cDNA with Phi C31 integrase into 3T3L1 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that OPG mRNA is expressed and regulated in the adipose tissue. Considering the role of OPG in obesity-associated inflammatory changes in adipose tissue and vessels, we speculate that OPG may have both a protective function against inflammation and anti-angiogenic effects on adipose tissue.

Effect of Qianjin Fubao on changes of behavior and estradiol level in chronic stress model rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Qianjin Fubao (QJFB) on behavior and estradiol level in femal chronic stress model rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Twenty four female Wistar rats (2 month old) were evenly randomized into normal control, animal model and QJFB (0.7 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) group. The QIFB group and the stress group were exposed to a chronic unpredictable stress for 21 days. Rats of the QJFB group received perfusion of Qianjin Fubao, and rats of stress and control group were perfused with normal saline. The behavior of three groups were determined with the method of Open-field before and after right stress respectively. Serum level of estradiol was detected with radioim munoassay.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The behavioral score and the serum level of estradiol of the stressed group were significantly lower than those of the control group after stress (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of behavioral score and the serum level of estradiol between QJFB group and control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The chronic unpredictable stress can induce the stressful change of behavior, and QJFB may recover the rats'abnormal behavior and improve the serum level of estradiol. QJFB may have protective effect on stress.</p>

Cloning and expression of human single-chain Fv antibody against amyloid beta peptide involved in Alzheimer's disease / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen out the specific antibody clones against amyloid beta peptide 40, and clone the antibody gene and express it in a bacterial system, so as to provide a solid basis for novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's Disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>beta amyloid peptide 40 was bound on the solid surface of Nunc plates as antigen to screen the binding clones from a phage-display human single-chain Fv antibody library. After five rounds of bio-panning, the host E. coli TG1 was infected with eluted filamentous phage from the last turn of selection. 55 well-separated colonies were picked randomly from the plates and the specific positive clones were identified by ELISA test. The single-chain Fv antibody gene was sequenced and their amino acids sequence was deduced. The scFv antibody gene was sub-cloned into a protokayotic expression vector pGEX-6P-1 and transformed into bacteria strain BL21 to express the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion single-chain antibody.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ELISA test showed that 33 of the 55 clones could bind amyloid beta peptide 40 and 10 of the 33 clones could be inhibited by amyloid beta peptide 40 itself to below 50% of its original binding activities. Five of the 10 clones could also be inhibited by amyloid beta peptide 1-16 to the same level, which meant that the binding epitope of the antibody from the 5 clones was between first to sixteenth amino acids at amino-end of amyloid beta peptide 40. DNA sequencing data demonstrated that the gene of the single-chain antibody specifically against amyloid beta peptide 40 was consisted of 768 bp and the deduced amino acids sequence confirmed its typical antibody structure. The complement determinant regions and framework regions were discriminated empirically. After cloning the antibody gene into a protokayotic system, the GST fusion antibody was expressed as the expected size.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After five rounds of bio-panning and subsequently serial ELISA testing, the specific antibody clones against amyloid beta peptide 40 were screened out successfully. The antibody gene DNA sequence and amino acids sequence were analyzed and confirmed. The fusion antibody was expressed as expected in the bacterial system.</p>