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Objective To establish the instability model of goat cervical vertebrae, and test biomechanical stability of the novel arc cervical titanium mesh with endplate ring. Methods The anatomical data from cervical vertebrae of adult goats were measured, so as to select a new type of arch cervical titanium mesh with endplate ring which was suitable for goat cervical vertebrae. A total of 24 goats with preserved articular capsule, ligaments and intervertebral disc were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group A (n=6, normal group) didn’t receive any special treatment, while Group B (n=6, model group) received partial resection of C4 vertebrae as well as upper and lower intervertebral disc. On the basis of models in Group B, Group C (n=6, experimental group) was installed with the novel arch cervical titanium mesh and fixed by plate and screw, and Group D (n=6,control group) was installed with traditional straight titanium mesh and fixed by plate and screw. The ranges of motion (ROMs) for 4 groups of specimens during flexion, extension, left/right lateral bending, left/right rotation under 2.0 N·m load were measured, and their three-dimensional (3D) motion stability was tested. The displacement of Group C and Group D under 200 N compression force was measured, the stiffness was calculated, and the anti settlement ability of the whole specimen was tested. Results The ROMs of Group A in all directions were smaller than those of Group B,the ROMs of Group A were larger than those of Group C, and the ROMs of Group C during flexion were smaller than those of Group D (P<0.05). The stiffness of Group C was higher than that of Group D (P<0.05).The compression displacement of Group C was smaller than that of Group D(P<0.05). Conclusions Compared with the straight titanium mesh, the novel arc titanium mesh is more consistent with the physiological curvature of cervical verebrae, and has better stability than the traditional titanium mesh during the most frequent flexion activities of cervical verebrae. Moreover, compression displacement of the novel arc titanium mesh under short-term stress is smaller than that of the straight titanium mesh, and its postoperative anti-settlement is better than that of the straight titanium mesh, which is worthy of further experiment and clinical promotion.
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The training effects of experimental courses determine the practical abilities of undergraduate students. Therefore, it is essential to establish a comprehensive experimental course system that adapts to the undergraduate education of environmental science. Here, we introduce the "basic-specialized-comprehensive" experimental course system of Xiamen University, which is established following the principles of being systematic, comprehensive, and modular. To establish this course system, we first increased the investment of lab facilities and enhanced the management of student labs. Then, we improved the contexts of teaching and training according to the requirements of industry and society. Showing how this course system is developed stepwise and the training effects of this system, we hope to provide a reference for the experimental courses of environmental science in colleges and universities.
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Humans , Curriculum , Environmental Science , Students , UniversitiesABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the regulation function of miR-106a on the proliferation of human ovarian granulosa cells, and to explore its possible target.METHODS: The expression of miR-106a in granulosa cells was regulated by cell transfection, and its expression level was detected by RT-PCR. The MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation activities of cells. Bioinformatics methods were used to predicted the possible target genes of miR-106a, which were verified them by double-luciferase assay. The expression of target protein was detected by Western blot. RESULTS:The expression of miR-106a in KGN cells was significantly higher than that of normal ovarian epithelial cell (IOSE80), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The proliferation activity of KGN cells was significantly decreased after inhibiting the expression of miR-106a (P<0.05). The results of dual luciferase assay showed that miR-106a could directly target TIMP-2 gene. Western blot results showed that the expression level of TIMP-2 protein was significantly decreased after overexpression of miR-106a (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miR-106a can promote the proliferation of KGN cell; The mechanism is related to the targeted reduction of TIMP-2 expression level.
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OBJECTIVE@#To test the hypothesis that the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis in oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic-vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) was associated with suppression of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway by Pollen Typhae total flavone (PTF).@*METHODS@#Primary HA-VSMCs were cultured and identified. The cultured HA-VSMCs were randomized into 5 groups, including a normal control group, an ox-LDL group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL), an HPTF group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+500 μg/mL PTF), an MPTF group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+250 μg/mL PTF), and a LPTF group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+100 μg/mL PTF) in the first part; and a normal control group, an ox-LDL group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL), an MPTF group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+250 μg/mL PTF), a shRNA group (transducted with PERK shRNA lentiviral particles), a scramble shRNA group (transducted with control shRNA lentiviral particles), an MPTF+ox-LDL+shRNA group (250 μg/mL PTF+70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+PERK shRNA lentiviral particles) and an ox-LDL+shRNA group (70 μg/mL high ox-LDL+PERK shRNA lentiviral particles) in the second part. The protein expression levels of ER-associated apoptosis proteins were detected by Western blot, and their mRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to test cell viability, and the level of apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#The MTT assay and flow cytometry showed that the ox-LDL group had a significant increase in apoptosis, which was attenuated in PTF treatment groups and shRNA groups. Moreover, the ox-LDL group had increased protein and mRNA levels of binding immunoglobulin protein and ER-associated apoptosis proteins, such as PERK, eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP, which were attenuated in PTF treatment groups and shRNA groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The apoptosis induced by ox-LDL had a strong relation to ER stress. The protective effect of PTF on ER stressinduced apoptosis was associated with inhibition of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway, which might be a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.
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Objective:To observe the effect of 3 Hz and 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods:From June, 2016 to September, 2017, 60 inpatients with ischemic stroke were randomly divided into sham rTMS group (n = 19), 3 Hz-rTMS group (n = 21) and 10 Hz-rTMS group (n = 20). All the patients received routine training and their own rTMS for two weeks. Their rest motor threshold (RMT) was measured, and they were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment, and at six weeks follow-up. Results:There were 48 patients completing the trial, while five in 3 Hz-rTMS group, five in 10 Hz-rTMS group and two in the sham rTMS group dropped. The RMT increased in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups (t > 2.390, P < 0.05) after treatment, but there was no significantly difference among the three groups (F = 0.164, P > 0.05). The MAS scores of elbow and wrist decreased gradually over time in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups (P < 0.05), and the MAS scores of elbow was less in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups than in the sham rTMS group at follow-up (P < 0.05). The interaction of time and group was significant on the FMA-UE scores (F = 14.243, P < 0.001), and the FMA-UE scores improved more in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups than in the sham rTMS group at different stages (P < 0.01). The interaction of time and group was not significant in MBI score (F = 1.481, P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference among the three groups at any time (F < 2.925, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS can promote the recovery of upper limb motor function in ischemic stroke patients safely and effectively, and 10 Hz rTMS is recommended as less time is needed.
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Objective:To observe the effect of 3 Hz and 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods:From June, 2016 to September, 2017, 60 inpatients with ischemic stroke were randomly divided into sham rTMS group (n = 19), 3 Hz-rTMS group (n = 21) and 10 Hz-rTMS group (n = 20). All the patients received routine training and their own rTMS for two weeks. Their rest motor threshold (RMT) was measured, and they were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment, and at six weeks follow-up. Results:There were 48 patients completing the trial, while five in 3 Hz-rTMS group, five in 10 Hz-rTMS group and two in the sham rTMS group dropped. The RMT increased in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups (t > 2.390, P < 0.05) after treatment, but there was no significantly difference among the three groups (F = 0.164, P > 0.05). The MAS scores of elbow and wrist decreased gradually over time in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups (P < 0.05), and the MAS scores of elbow was less in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups than in the sham rTMS group at follow-up (P < 0.05). The interaction of time and group was significant on the FMA-UE scores (F = 14.243, P < 0.001), and the FMA-UE scores improved more in 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS groups than in the sham rTMS group at different stages (P < 0.01). The interaction of time and group was not significant in MBI score (F = 1.481, P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference among the three groups at any time (F < 2.925, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both 3 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS can promote the recovery of upper limb motor function in ischemic stroke patients safely and effectively, and 10 Hz rTMS is recommended as less time is needed.
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Objective:To observe the clinical effects of targeted percutanous ozone ablation on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients with high intensity zone (HIZ) in lumbar disc annulus fibrosus on MRI T2 weighted imaging.Methods:136 LDH patients with HIZ in lumbar disc annulus fibrosus on MRI T2 were divided into two groups according to therapy methods.In group A,75 patients were injected with 2 ～5 mL of 40 μg/mL mixture of O3 and O2 after targeted percutanous puncturing under the guidance of X-Ray machine with C-type arm.In group B,61 patients were treated with conservative treatment.MacNab score criterion and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used in assessment of the efficacy.Results:Except 24 patients,all the other cases were followed up for 18 ～ 44 months.At the postoperative 1st,2nd,3rd,6th,9th,12th and 18th month,according to MacNab score criterion,the effective rates were respectively 88.00 ％,90.67 ％,93.33 ％,89.39 ％,84.85 ％,78.13 ％ and 73.44 ％ in group A and respectively 68.85 ％,62.30 ％ 55.74 ％,61.82 ％,58.12 ％,54.17 ％ and 47.92 ％ in group B.There were significant differences between two groups at the same time point (P＜0.05).At the postoperative 12th and 18th month,ODI was lower in group A,and there was no significant difference between two time points (P＞0.05).But it was significant different with that preoperatively and in group B at the same time point (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Targeted percutanous ozone ablation is an effective method with stable clinical efficacy in treating LDH with HIZ in lumbar disc annulus fibrosus on MRI T2 weighted imaging.
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BACKGROUND:Cuttlebone/racemic polylactic acid composite artificial bone has been prepared in the previous studies to improve the incomplete degradation of cuttlebone. OBJECTIVE:To observe the degradation and biocompatibility of cuttlebone/racemic polylactic acid composite artificial bone in animals. METHODS:Thirty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Models of right radial defects were prepared in rabbits, and model rabbits were subjected to implantation of cuttlebone/racemic polylactic acid composite artificial bone into the defects and muscular sac between the radial lateralis muscle and rectus (experimental group), implantation of cuttlebone into the defects and muscular sac between the radial lateralis muscle and rectus (control group 1), implantation of racemic polylactic acid into the defects and muscular sac between the radial lateralis muscle and rectus (control group 2), or no treatment (blank control group), respectively. At 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation, X-ray and histological examinations were performed in the four groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Compared with the other three groups, the bone mineral density of the experimental group was significantly higher at 4 and 8 weeks after material implantation into the defects (P < 0.05), and moreover, the bone mineral apposition rate of the experimental group was significantly higher at different time after operation (P< 0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the bone tissues in the experimental group grew from the both ends to the center to form multiple bone island-like structures, with less residual materials, and the marrow cavity and implanting material were in a traffic manner; in the control group 1, there were many residual materials, and no intercommunication was found between the marrow cavity and implant material. (2) At 2 weeks after material implantation into the muscle capsule, there were more inflammatory cels, but the inflammation relieved at 4 weeks and disappeared basicaly at 8 weeks, and the material was degraded partialy. These findings indicate that the cuttlebone/racemic polylactic acid composite artificial bone is a kind of good bone substitute material that has good biocompatibility and degradability.
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Objective To evaluate the curative effect of selective window decompression surgery for over 80-year-old patients with mul-tiple segment lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods The patients received the operation through posterior median approach. The location of le-sions were determined according to patients' symptom,physical examination and imaging examination,the selective window decompression sur-gery was performed in patients,JOA scoring method was used to evaluating the effect of surgery. Results In the recent follow-up of first 6 months after surgery,the response rate of 52 patients with follow-up was 100%. During the mid-term follow-up after 24~36 months,the re-sponse rate of 47 patients with follow-up is 90. 4%,the average follow-up time was 30. 4 months. The preoperative JOA score and postopera-tive score were (6. 93 +0. 52) and (11. 98 +0. 72) respectively,of which 40 cases achieved optimal standard (76. 9%),10 cases (19. 2%) achieved a good standard,2 cases reached the standard (3. 9%),the excellent rate was 96. 1%. The JOA score of mid-term fol-low-up was (12. 06 +0. 46),of which 36 cases reached optimal standard (76. 6%),10 cases achieved a good standard (21. 3%), but standard was in 1 case (2. 1%),the excellent rate was 97. 9%. The difference of JOA scores was statistically significant (P<0. 01). Con-clusion Selective windowing decompression has the advantages of small trauma,short recovery time and satisfied curative effect,which is suitable for elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to construct a long-term, osteogenesis-targeting HU-308 drug delivery implant by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly (LBL) technique, and observe the features of its delayed release in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A heparin (Hep) and chitosan (Chi) multilayer was coated on pure titanium using the LBL technique, and the titanium implants were dipped into the solution to load HU-308. The amount of loaded drug and release rates were measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The relationships between the loading efficiency, release time, and multilayer films were evaluated. The morphology of all the multilayers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that the Hep/Chi self-assembly multilayer was gradually fabricated on the titanium surface. HU-308 was successfully loaded on the titanium implants. The amount of loaded drug increased with the amount of multilayer films, except in the T20 group. In vitro drug release study showed that drug release was more difficult in the system with thicker films, and large amounts of multilayer films decreased the release speed. Both SEM and AFM measurements showed typical LBL deposition of Hep and Chi.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The HU-308 drug delivery implant is successfully fabricated via LBL technology. It could provide sustained release of HU-308 over 30 d. This type of implant may provide a new possi- bility of promoting implant-bone osseointegration for osteoporotic patients.</p>
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Cannabinoids , Chitosan , Microscopy, Atomic Force , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Osseointegration , Osteogenesis , Prostheses and Implants , TitaniumABSTRACT
Objective: To establish and optimize ISSR-PCR reaction system for Asparagus cochinchinensis and lay foundation for its genetic diversity research. Methods: The single-factor test and orthogonal design were applied for optimizing seven factors in the ISSR-PCR reaction system including Mg2+, dNTP, primers, Taq DNA polymerase, the template DNA, extension time, and cycle times. Results: The suitable PCR reaction system contained 1.25 mmol/L Mg2+, 320 μmol/L dN TP, 1.2 μmol/L primer, 1.5 U Taq DNA polymerase, and 40 ng template DNA in total 25 μL reaction solution. On this basis, 13 primers were screened with stable amplification and rich polymorphism from 50 ISSR primers. The optimal annealing temperature for ISSR-PCR reaction was proposed by gradient PCR. Conclusion: It is proved that the established and optimized ISSR reaction system would be stable and credible by the germplasm testing result of 17 A. cochinchinensis populations. This would provide the basis for the genetic analysis of A. cochinchinensis.
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INTRODUCTION: Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in selected patients has been found to be safe and can reduce postoperative discomfort without increasing complications. The challenges of tubeless PCNL via supracostal access are inadequate drainage and postoperative bleeding, conditions that may increase pulmonary complications. We compare the efficacy and safety of the tubeless supracostal versus the standard supracostal PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Supracostal PCNL with one percutaneous renal access, no significant bleeding, extravasation and residual stone was performed in 95 patients. Of these, 43 were tubeless PCNL (Group-I) and 52 were PCNL with standard routine postoperative nephrostomy tube (Group-II). In group-I, PCNL was done by the standard supracostal technique with the placement of a postoperative external ureteral catheter for 48 hours. The operative time, success rate, hospital stay and ensuing complications were compared between group-I and group-II. RESULTS: Patients in the tubeless PCNL group (Group-I) were 90.7 percent stone -free while those with standard routine postoperative nephrostomy tube(Group-II) were 84.6 percent stone -free. Additionally, stone fragments of less than 4 mm in diameter were found in 9.3 percent of patients in group-I and 25.4 percent in group-II. The success rate, hematocrit change and complication were not significantly different between both groups. The analgesic requirement, operative time and hospital stay were all significantly less in the tubeless supracostal group (Group-I). None of group I and only one patient of group II needed intercostal drainage. CONCLUSION: Tubeless supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients is effective with acceptable complications. This technique offers the advantage of lower analgesic requirement, shorter operative time and hospital stay. The pulmonary complication is the same as the standard supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
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Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Kidney Calculi/surgery , Lung Diseases/etiology , Nephrostomy, Percutaneous/adverse effects , Postoperative Hemorrhage/etiology , Nephrostomy, Percutaneous/instrumentation , Nephrostomy, Percutaneous/methods , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the biomechanical effect of anterior screw fixation on the type II fractured odontoid process.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty fresh human C1-C2 vertebrae specimens were harvested and randomly divided into three groups. The angle of type II fracture line was 0 degree in group I (n=6), 17 degrees in group II (n=8) and 25 degrees in group III (n=6). The fractures were treated by anterior screw fixation. Insertion torque,maximal axial pullout force and stiffness of the bone-screw were tested.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference of screw insertion torque and the pull-out strength between each group. The displacement of the odontoid fragment had an association to the angle of the fracture line,the displacement of the small angle was significantly higher than that of the large one (P < 0.5). No significant difference of structure stiffness of the bone-screw was found between each group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anterior screw fixation is feasible for type II odontoid fracture with certain fracture line extends from anteroinferior to posterosuperior.</p>
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Humans , Biomechanical Phenomena , Bone Screws , Cervical Vertebrae , Wounds and Injuries , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Methods , Spinal Fractures , General SurgeryABSTRACT
A new biocompatible apatite-wollastonite magnetic glass ceramic has been synthesized via sol-gel process. Characteristics of the materials were determined with differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), inductively couple plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and so on. Results showed that the main crystalline phases of the material were hydroxyapatite/fluoroapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH, F)), beta-wollastonite[beta-CaSiO3] and calcium europium oxide silicate Ca2Eu8[(SiO4)6O2]. The magnetization of the sample contanining 2% Eu2O3 in weight reached 2.18 emu/g for an applied field of 10 000Oe. Hydroxyapatite layer could form on the surface of the sample while soaking for 14 days in simulated body fluid. Good bioactivity was demonstrated. So it is a potential bone repairing material as well as a hyperthemia treatment material for pateints with cancer.
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Apatites , Chemistry , Biocompatible Materials , Chemistry , Bone Substitutes , Chemistry , Ceramics , Chemistry , Europium , Chemistry , Magnetics , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Porosity , Silicic Acid , Chemistry , X-Ray DiffractionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the process of smoking prevention and control among Chinese adolescent with a model on health promotion in junior high school.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cluster-randomized, controlled and schooled-based trial on smoking prevention was conducted among 2343 students at four secondary schools in Huangpu District of Guangzhou. Students 'reports and investigators' daily records were used to evaluate the intervention measures.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the one-year period of intervention (Dec. 2004 through Dec. 2005), eighteen activities had been implemented among students, teachers, parents and cigarette retailers. Ranked by the rate of awareness, the top six activities were shown as follows: "the nicotine toxicity experiment" (90.7%), "agreement of building families free of smoking"(77.7%), "a letter to parents" (77.1%), "no-smoking signs" (76.5%), "Blackboard information about health and smoking" (75.0%), and "signature on the 18th World Day of No Smoking" (70.2%). Among all the activities, "the nicotine toxicity experiment" had the highest rate of participation (88.5%), followed by "a letter to parents" (73.6%), "agreement of building families free of smoking" (69.8%), "health education through experiments"(68.6%), "health education through multimedia" (65.7%) and "signature on the 18th World Day of No Smoking" (65.6%). The top seven activities in which students showed greatest interests were "the nicotine toxicity experiment" (64.5%), "signature on the 18th World Day of No Smoking" (33.0%), "health education through experiments" (31.2%), "health education through multimedia" (29.8%), "class meetings with a thesis of smoking" (26.8%), "health pamphlets" (26.6%), "specific textbooks" (25.9%). The extent of students' general satisfaction to the work of tobacco control in school during the last year was 52.4%. The biggest perceived shortcoming for the intervention plan was the low participation of students.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Some intervention measures had not been fully carried out among the students and only covered part of them. It is necessary to adjust the previous intervention measures through keeping the nicotine toxicity experiment, health education through multimedia and other measures with extensive participation of students and at the same time, to avoid literal materials, exhibition boards and traditional single-way health education program.</p>
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Humans , China , Health Education , Health Promotion , Smoking Prevention , StudentsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the determinants of 'signing a agreement for establishing smoke-free homes' among the parents of secondary school students.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>2019 parents were surveyed with self-administered questionnaires on their socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, attitude toward tobacco control at home and related data of their children. At the same time, parents were asked to sign an agreement for making the 'home as smoking-free'. 'Parents signing the agreement' was defined as dependent variable (0=no, 1=yes), and parent's age, gender, educational level, etc. were defined as independent ones. Multi-variant logistic regression analysis was conducted for identifying the determinants of the parents to sign an agreement for establishing 'smoking-free homes'.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 2019 surveyed parents, 1047 (51.86%) had signed the agreement including 49.25% of the fathers and 55.73% of the mothers. The results from multi-variant logistic regression analysis indicated that father's 'signing action' was significantly associated with (a) their intention of carrying out the agreements (OR = 3.37), (b) to teach their children about the consequence between smoking and health (OR = 2.10), (c) knowing tobacco control program at school (OR = 1.38), (d) reading tobacco control material provided by school (OR = 1.38), (e) being current smoker (OR = 0.53) compare to that the mother's 'signing action' was significantly associated to (a) intention to carrying out agreements (OR = 2.36), (b) teaching children not to smoke (OR = 2.22), (c) reading tobacco control material provided by school (OR = 1.57).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Changing parental cognition and attitude toward smoking was beneficial to promote parental participation in tobacco control campaign and to establish 'smoking-free homes'.</p>
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Female , Humans , Male , China , Data Collection , Housing , Parents , Smoking , Tobacco Smoke PollutionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the direct and indirect outcomes of influencing factors on smoking behaviors among adolescents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect smoking-related information from 2021 respondents. Measurement models were built by confirmatory factor analysis and parameters were estimated by ERLS method. The final structural equation model was determined by comprehensive evaluation and necessary modification.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three latent variables were extracted from 10 manifest variables of environment, while only one latent variable was identified from 9 manifest variables of attitudes. The goodness of fit for the structural equation model was satisfactory that all indices had met corresponding requirements. The final model could explain 38.8% of the variance of smoking behaviors. Four factors (smoking environment, smoking restriction from parents and teachers, determination of cigarette refusal and attitudes toward smoking) were directly affecting the smoking behaviors, while another three factors (grade, health knowledge and school environment) had indirect impacts. According to the percentages of their contribution, the risk factors were ranked as follows: smoking environment (45.76%), attitudes toward smoking (19.88%) and grade at school (0.44%). Similarly, the top protective factor were: determination of cigarette refusal (16.61%), followed by smoking restriction from parents and teachers (10.51%), health knowledge (3.89%) and school environment (2.92%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Heath knowledge had minor effect on smoking in adolescents but could indirectly affect their smoking behaviors through changing their belief. Grade at school had a doubled influence on smoking, but mainly served as a risk factor. Tobacco control measures for adolescents should not only be limited to health education but environment factors as well.</p>
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Adolescent , Humans , Male , Adolescent Behavior , China , Smoking , Psychology , StudentsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the importance of the specific structure of L-4F, an apolipoprotein A-1 mimetic, in inhibiting atherosclerosis. The study was designed to compare the effect of L-4F and scramble-4F (SC-4F) in preventing low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced endothelial cell dysfunction. L-4F and SC-4F has the same amino acids but different nucleotide sequence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were incubated with single L-4F 10 microg/ml or SC-4F 10 microg/ml, or LDL 6.2 mmol/L in the absence or presence of L-4F 10 microg/ml or SC-4F 10 microg/ml for 24 h and assayed for (1) changes of superoxide anion (O2-*) generation in BAEC by superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable ferricytochrome C reduction, and (2) the production of nitric oxide (NO) in BAEC by ozone chemiluminescence with VCL3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) L-4F and SC-4F themselves had no affect on BAEC O2-* generation. (2) LDL significantly increased O2-* generation in BAEC and LDL-induced O2-* generation was inhibited by pretreatment of LDL with L-4F. However, pretreatment of LDL with SC-4F had no effect on inhibition of LDL-induced O2-* generation. (3) LDL significantly inhibited NO generation in BAEC and pretreatment of LDL with L-4F could inhibit LDL-induced decrease of NO generation, but pretreatment of LDL with SC-4F still inhibited NO generation in BAEC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>L-4F can prevent LDL induced endothelial cell dysfunction by maintaining the balance of NO and O2-*, but SC-4F doesn't. It suggests that the specific structure of L-4F may play a crucial role in preventing atherosclerosis and it may provide a new clue for searching a novel approach on prevention and therapeutics of atherosclerosis in the future.</p>
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Animals , Cattle , Atherosclerosis , Cells, Cultured , Endothelial Cells , Physiology , Lipoproteins, LDL , Nitric Oxide , Peptides , Pharmacology , Superoxides , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective:To establish the best way of tumor-bearing nude mice model with epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods:CAOV3 (wall-attached cell) and COC2 (suspended cell) cell lines were transplanted subcutaneously to the nude mice by injection with different cell concentration or tissue block implantation. Results:The rate and time of tumor formation in the two cell lines were not related to cell concentration in the range from 5?10 6/0.2 ml to 6?10 7/0.2 ml. Time of tumor formation was earlier(especially in the manner of tissue block implantation),the successful rate of tumor formation was higher and the speed of tumor growth was relatively retarded in the nude mice bore CAOV3 cell line's tumor than that in COC2 cell line's. But once tumors were formed in nude mice bearing COC2 cell line, the mice died too fast to make experiment because of very quick speed of tumor growth. Conclusion:Wall-attached cell line, tissue block implantation with trocar may be the best way to establish tumor-bearing nude mice model in epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma cell lines.
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Atosiban is a representative drug of oxytocin receptor antagonists and has a good effect on preterm's treatment. It inhibits oxytocin's effect competitively by binding to oxytocin receptor on myometrial and decidual. It also prevents the second messager formation and calcium mobilization. The studies up to date have shown that Atosiban effectively inhibits uterine contractions with little side effects. The article briefly summarizes the current understanding of Atosiban.