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AIM:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol(E2)on retina light damage in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice and provide experimental data for the successful construction of a research model for E2 against retinal light damage.METHODS:Totally 40～45 adult female BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, 6 for each group: normal control, ovariectomized control, ovariectomized light(mice were stimulated with continuous white light at 10000 lx for 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24h after 14d of ovariectomy), intravitreal administration sham operation, saline and E2 pre-treatment groups(2μL saline or 10-5mol/L E2 were intravitreal injected respectively after 14d of ovariectomy operation and 24h of dark adaptation). The morphological and functional changes of the retina were detected by paraffin section HE staining, TUNEL staining and electroretinogram.RESULTS:In the ovariectomized light group, the thickness of the inner/outer nuclear layer decreased significantly from the 4h stimulation of 10000 lx white light group. Intravitreal administration of E2 significantly inhibited the apoptosis of retinal cells in the two strains of mice(P<0.01)and the decrease of amplitudes of a- and b-waves in max-ERG of C57BL/6 mice(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The light loss sensitivity of two strains of mice was different under the same light stimulation. E2 had a protective effect on both morphology and function of the retina in BALB/c mice, and had a significant protective effect on retina function in C57BL/6 mice.
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Objective:To discuss the strategy of fighting and containing COVID-19. Method:The speed of the spreading of the ordinary strain in Dalian on Dec. 15， 2021 caused by carrying cold-chain goods from a Russia-registered freighter and the Delta strain caused by imported cases in Guangzhou during May 20 to Jul. 23， 2021 was compared. Results:The incubation period of the first generation of the imported Delta strain of COVID-19 was 4 days， which was 5 days shorter than that of the ordinary strain of COVID-19； The time from the exposure to the Delta strain to spreading to the next person was 1/3 days shorter than that of the ordinary strain of COVID-19. The inactivated vaccine needs at least 8 days for recall immune response meanwhile the mRNA vaccine needs at least 4 days， which could not completely block the COVID-19 virus， especially the Delta strain， which can attack with an ultra-short incubation period. Meanwhile， some COVID-19 strains have an incubation period longer than 14 days， which was another reason for the outbreak. Conclusion:The time from the exposure to the COVID-19 Delta strain to spreading to the next person is 1/3 day shorter that of the ordinary strain of COIVD-19. Measures of full vaccination， physical quarantine and wearing masks in public should be taken to fight the epidemic of COVID-19， especially the Delta strain （or other variants） with an ultra-short or an ultra-long incubation period which can escape quarantine.
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Objective To analyze the staff structure, turnover and income of human resources in disease control and prevention institutions(CDCs)at different levels in China, to identify the existing problems, and to make policy recommendations accordingly. Methods A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data on the staff of CDCs at different levels in China from 2016 to 2018. Descriptive analysis and trend analysis were conducted on the number of staff, recruitment and turnover, income and other indicators in the three years. Results A total of 606 CDCs were included in the study. The proportion of job openings was 11.97% in 2018. Although the median proportion of professional personnel and health professional personnel in the CDCs reached the national standard(85% and 70%, respectively), a considerable number of institutions failed to meet the national standard. From 2016 to 2018, staff turnover in the CDCs has been increasing, with a minimum of 0.73(in 2016, municipal CDCs)and a maximum of 10.52(in 2018, provincial CDCs). In the staff who quit the CDCs, the proportion of junior professionals was the highest, while that of medium and senior professional increased gradually. Of them, the proportion of staff with graduate education in eastern China and provincial CDCs was higher than that of undergraduate education, while the proportion of staff with graduation education in other regions also increased. From 2016 to 2018, the average annual income in the CDCs in most regions did not reach the national average wage level of urban employees in health, social security and social welfare field in the same period. In county and district level CDCs in central and western China, personal income in 2018 was even less than the national average wage level in 2016. Conclusion Human resources in the CDCs at different levels in China remains insufficient and unbalanced, which warrants a"supporting policy"mechanism for public health personnel. The loss of the personnel in the CDCs continues to increase, in which the loss of senior professionals become increasingly serious. It raises a new concern to establish and improve the incentive mechanism of public health personnel. Furthermore, personal income in the CDCs is lower than the local average level. It is necessary to set personal income reasonably according to local economic level.
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Objective To explore the associations between physiological factors, psychosocial factors, dietary habits, lifestyles and hyperuricemia (HUA) and provide the evidence for hyperuricemia intervention. Methods From 2016 to 2017, adults during their checkup in the health management center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were interviewed with self-designed questionnaire and received the health examinations. To determine the influence of socio-economic data, life style habits and psychological factors on the risk of HUA, the classification tree model was adopted. Results A total of 4 118 subjects were enrolled in the study, with an average age of (52.8±7.9) years. The results showed that the prevalence of HUA was higher among people under 30 years old and 40-50 years old who are smoking, drinking and doing the sedentary work, who unsatisfied with their work and under a great mental stress. Factor analysis model identified three dietary patterns, traditional model,fried and smoked food and dessert model and high quality protein model, the cumulative variance contribution rate was 53.886%. In multivariate model, it was found that high-quality protein pattern, physical exercise and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were negatively associated with HUA. Male, smoking, drinking, having dyslipidemia, higher body mass index (BMI) were risk factors for HUA. Subgroup analysis showed that in both male and female, the high-quality protein patterns were negatively associated with HUA. The pattern of fried and smoked food and dessert patterns was the independent risk factors for HUA in female. Classification tree model showed that male, dyslipidemia, higher BMI grade, and the fried and smoked food and dessert pattern were the risk factors for HUA. Conclusions The influencing factors of HUA in different gender were different, which indicate the individualized health management should be adopted. Male who is overweight or obese should quit smoking and drinking. Women should pay more attention to avoid of the excess intake of fried and smoked food and dessert. Meanwhile, a high-quality protein diet and more physical exercise should be encouraged.
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Objective To explore the correlation of propaganda methods of pre-exposure prophylactic medication with sociodemographic characteristics and obtaining services of HIV prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western China by applying multiple correspondence analysis. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1 407 MSM who were selected from Chongqing, Sichuan, Guangxi province by snowball sampling method. Chi-square tests and multiple correspondence analysis were used for selecting variables and exploring correlation. Results Totally 1 323 qualified participants were recruited and only 31.49%(416/1 321) had ever heard of pre-exposure prophylactic medication. It was found that 74.00%(979/1 323), 65.00%(860/1 323), 44.22%(585/1 323) and 52.15%(690/1 323) of MSM were willing to obtain pre-exposure prophylactic medication knowledge via internet, traditional media, peer education and medical institutions, respectively. In multiple correspondence analysis the Cronbach α values were 0.661 and 0.632 while eigenvalues were 2.562 and 2.400 in two dimensions of all variables. Willing to obtain pre-exposure prophylactic medication knowledge via internet was strongly correlated with higher education, unmarried status, younger than 30 years old, no children and urban residency. Willing to obtain knowledge by peer education was strongly correlated with having ever received information from peers, having received promotional materials, having received free AIDS consultation and participated in activities of MSM. Conclusion Multiple correspondence analysis can directly reveal the correlation among propaganda methods of pre-exposure prophylactic medication, sociodemographic characteristics and services of HIV prevention, which provides a theoretical basis for propaganda and research of pre-exposure prophylactic medication among MSM in China.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) in human cervical cancer cell-line HeLa cells, and the effects of TLR8 agonist CL075 on the survival and proliferation of HeLa cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PCR and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of TLR8 in 13 cancer cell lines, and the expression of COX-2, Bcl-2, VEGF mRNA in the HeLa cells stimulated by TLR8 agonist CL075 were also measured by RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence technique was used to determine the exact location of TLR8 in the cells. The percentage of viable cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion after the HeLa cells were stimulated with TLR8 agonist CL075 (0.1 µg/ml, 0.5 µg/ml, 1.0 µg/ml, 2.5 µg/ml), and cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the proliferation was measured by MTT.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the other cancer cell lines, the expression of TLR8 in HeLa cells was the highest (703.7 ± 20.6). After stimulation by CL075, the cells had a remarkable increase of the percentage of cells in G(2)/M + S phases. In the control group, the percentage of cells in G(2)/M +S phases was (39.02 ± 2.33)%, whereas after stimulated with 1.0 µg/ml CL075, the percentage of cells in G(2)/M + S phases reached the highest ratio (57.67 ± 1.73)%, and the percentage of cells in G(2)/M + S phases had a less decrease after 2.5 µg/ml CL075 stimulation and the percentage was (56.14 ± 3.73)%. After the CL075 treatment, there was no significant changes of apoptosis compared with that of the control cells (P > 0.05), but after DDP treatment the apoptosis had a significant change (P < 0.01). After stimulation by 1.0 µg/ml CL075 for 24 h, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found by MTT test, but a significant difference was found at 48 h and 72 h (P < 0.01). An increased expression of COX-2, Bcl-2 and VEGF mRNA was observed in HeLa cells after stimulation by TLR8 agonist CL075 for 24 h and 48 h (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Expression of TLR8 is significantly increased in HeLa cells. The proportion of cells at different phases has a significant change after CL075 stimulation, which may up-regulate the proliferation of HeLa cells. These data suggested that TLR8 agonist may influence the tumor development and TLR8 may become a potential target in the treatment for cervical cancer.</p>
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Humans , Antineoplastic Agents , Pharmacology , Apoptosis , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Cisplatin , Pharmacology , Cyclooxygenase 2 , Genetics , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , HeLa Cells , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 , Genetics , Metabolism , Quinolines , Pharmacology , RNA, Messenger , Metabolism , Thiazoles , Pharmacology , Toll-Like Receptor 8 , Genetics , Metabolism , Up-Regulation , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To detect the expression levels of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) and Th17 cells transcription factors, related cytokines in peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and analyze the relations between HMGB1 and CRP, ESR, RF in RA patients. The other aim of this study is to identify the expression level of HMGBI and the relationship between HMGB1 and Th17 in RA patients. Methods The mRNA levels of HMGB1, RORyt, interleukin (IL)-17 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) from 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis,including 32 RA patients in stable phase and 48 patients in active phase, and 50 healthy volunteers. The concentration of HMGB1, IL-23, IL-17 in plasma were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), one-way ANOVA and Spearman's correleation were adopted for statistical analysis.Results The mRNAs of HMGBI, RORyt and IL-17 in RA patients were higher than that in healthy control group (P<0.05), especially in active RA patients [ HMGB 1 (0.424±0.262) pg/ml, RORγt (0.34±0.25) pg/ml,IL-17 (1.42±0.38) pg/ml,P<0.01 ] when compared with patients with stable disease. The concentration of HMGB1, IL-23 and IL-17 in the plasma of RA patients was higher than that of the healthy control group (P< 0.05), and was positively correlated with the expression levels of HMGB1, Th 17-associated factors and the level of CRP, ESR, RF in RA patients' plasma(P<0.05). Conclusion The HMGB1 and Thl7 cells levels are higher in active RA patients than those in patients with stable disease, arid there is significant positive correlation between them. Detection of peripheral HMGB1 and Thl7 cell-specific transcription factors or related cytokines can help to understand the development and progress of rheumatoid arthritis and provide clues for new treatment targets for RA.
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Objective To obtain acquired immunity evidence in hamsters elicited by third stage hookworm larvae of Necator americanas(NaL3).morphology changes of NaL3 and inflammatory responses in the skin and undedying subcutaneous tissue and muscles of hamsters were observed.Methods Hamsters were immunized subcutaneously with one dose of 150 NaL3 at 2 weeks earlier,and then challenged pereutaneously with 900 NaL3.Skins were excised from post-challenge hamsters at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks,and then examined under light microscopy.Non-immunized hamsters served as negative controls.Results In non-immunized hamsters the number of NaL3 were 15,33,11.0 and 0 at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks post-infection.No damaged or dead NaL3 section was observed.All NaL3 exhibited no structural damage and infihrating inflammatory cells were absent from the sunDunding tissues.There were no cutaneous changes.In contrast.the total number of Nak sections in the skin of immunized hamsters were 25,53,15,5 and 4 at 6,24,72 hours and 1,2 weeks post-challenge.Among these NaL3 sections,damaged and dead section number were 0,24,6,0,0 and 0,0,7,5,4.At 24 hours post-challenge the Nak exhibited cutieular swelling and damage.By 72 hours post-challenge pyknosis of the somatic cells nuclei and sparseness or loss of definition in the internal structures of NaL3 were seen.One or two weeks after chanenge,the NaL3 showed severe damage or even dead with remnants.Inflammatory responses including macrophages,epithelioid cells and eosinophils infiltrating and granulomata forming were mainly seen around the NaL3 sections in the skin of immunized hamsters.Conclusions Hamsters initially immunized with NaL3 exhibited obvious acquired immunity protection against percutaneously challenged infection as evidenced by vigorous inflammatory responses in the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue and muscle.
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@#ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between psychologic status and personality characteristics of certain recruits.Methods168 recruits were surveyed by Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ).ResultsIn 168 recruits, the factorial scores including interpersonal sensitivity, hostility and phobia were higher than the norm of Chinese and PLA (P<0.05～0.01). In junior high school recruits, the factorial scores including hostility and constrain were higher than the senior school recruits (P<0.05). Certain recruits showed higher scores of factor P, factor N, and lower scores of thinking factor, factor E and factor L and all the factors of SCL-90 compared with the norm of Chinese.ConclusionThe mental status and personality characteristics of certain recruits are poor. The company should strengthen psychological education and quickly adapt the recruits to the military circumstance.
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@#ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between psychologic status and personality characteristics of certain recruits.Methods168 recruits were surveyed by Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ).ResultsIn 168 recruits, the factorial scores including interpersonal sensitivity, hostility and phobia were higher than the norm of Chinese and PLA (P<0.05～0.01). In junior high school recruits, the factorial scores including hostility and constrain were higher than the senior school recruits (P<0.05). Certain recruits showed higher scores of factor P, factor N, and lower scores of thinking factor, factor E and factor L and all the factors of SCL-90 compared with the norm of Chinese.ConclusionThe mental status and personality characteristics of certain recruits are poor. The company should strengthen psychological education and quickly adapt the recruits to the military circumstance.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the schizontocidal activity of recrystallized or crude daphnetin against malaria parasites in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Schizontocidal activity of recrystallized or crude daphnetin at various dosages was assessed in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA using a "4-day suppress assay".</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The comparison of the reduction rate of parasitemia caused by either recrystallized or crude dephnetin showed that ED(50) of crude daphnetin was 18.36 mg/kg, with 95% confidence limit of 5.96-56.54 mg/kg while ED50 of recrystallized daphnetin was 11.46 mg/kg, with 95% confidence limit of 8.63-15.22 mg/kg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicate that the efficacy of recrystallized daphnetin is 37.6% higher than that of crude daphnetin.</p>
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Animals , Mice , Antimalarials , Pharmacology , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Malaria , Drug Therapy , Parasitology , Parasitic Sensitivity Tests , Plasmodium berghei , Umbelliferones , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the effects of mild and moderate hypoxia on human cognitive performance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen healthy young male volunteers performed a set of tests of human ergonomics at sea level (300 m in Xi'an) and simulated high altitude of 2 800 m, 3 600 m and 4 400 m for 1 h in hypobaric chamber, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The performance of continuous recognition memory tests compared with the controls' was deteriorated significantly (P < 0.01) after exposure to 2 800 m for 1 h. After exposure to 3 600 m for 1 h, in all test, the reaction time was much longer, the accurate rates were lower and the performance was worse than that of control (P < 0.05). All the parameters were deteriorated with the increment of altitude and the performance of all tests were much worse at 4 300 m for 1 h (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Different parameters of human cognitive performance may have different susceptible thresholds to hypoxia according to the results from our studies. The cognitive performance after exposure to 3 600 m for 1 h was not sufficiently effective for the demands of human ergonomics due to its significant deteriorating changes. However, the performance can be effectively restored after exposure to enough oxygen supply for 1 h.</p>
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Adolescent , Adult , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Altitude , Cognition , Hypoxia , Psychology , Reaction TimeABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM AND METHODS</b>To investigate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in the regulation of cells proliferation, the expression of MKP-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) in heart and aorta of spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and WKY were studied. We also investigated the effect of MKP-1 genes,which were transfected into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) using the classical calcium phosphate coprecipitation technique, on the incorporation of 3H-TdR in VSMC stimulated by angiotensin II (Ang II).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with that of WKY, MKP-1 expression in heart and aorta were significantly decreased by 53% (P < 0.01) and 45% (P < 0.01) in SHR, respectively. While the expression of ERK-1 in heart and aorta of SHR were higher than that of WKY (P < 0.01). The ratio of ERK-1/MKP-1 in heart and aorta of SHR were significantly higher than that of WKY. (2) 3H-TdR incorporation in VSMC stimulated by Ang II (10(-7) mol/L) was increased by 207% (P < 0.01), compared with control group. In the transfected cells with wild MKP-1 gene, Ang II-induced incorporation of 3H-TdR lowered 63%, compared with untransfected cells (P < 0.05). There were no marked inhibitive role between mutant MKP-1-transfected cells and blank vector-transfected cells in response to Ang II, compared with Ang II group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results showed that the expression of ERK-1 in heart and aorta isolated from SHR, which stimulated proliferation and hypertrophy of cells, is higher than that of MKP-1 which dephosphorylates and inactivated ERK-1. In addition, MKP-1 significantly inhibits Ang II-stimulated proliferation of VSMC.</p>