Effects of intrauterine exposure to thyroid dysfunction on the development of brain neurons in neonatal rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of MCT8, DCX, SHH and ARC/ARG3. 1 in brain neurons of neonatal rats exposed to thyroid dysfunction in uterus. Methods Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups that rats were drunk water with 1, 3, or 5 ppm propylthiouracil ( PTU). The thyroid function and morphological changes of PND1 and PND7 were detected. The expression of MCT8, DCX, SHH, ARC/ARG3. 1 protein in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were detected by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. Results (1) The levels of TT4 decreased significantly in PND1 pups of PTU 3 ppm and 5 ppm groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The TSH levels significantly increased while FT4 levels significantly decreased in pups of PTU 5 ppm group on PND7 ( P＜0. 05). ( 2) The number NV, V, S, and cross-sectional area of thyroid follicles in offspring of PTU groups were significantly higher than those in the control group on postnatal day 1 and 7 (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01, respectively). (3) The expression of MCT8 in cortex and hippocampus gradually increased with the increase dose of PTU on two postnatal days, but there was significant change in PTU 5 ppm group on PND1 ( P＜0.05). The expression of SHH in pup cortex decreased with the increase of PTU exposure dose on PND7. DCX protein expression in the pup cortex on two postnatal days showed an uptrend with the increase of PTU exposure dose. ARC/ARG3.1 protein levels in hippocampal CA1 area of the pups increased significantly in PTU 1 ppm group on PND1 than that in the same-day control group ( P＜0. 05). Conclusion The damaged neurons of neonatal rats exposed to hypothyroidism in utero can be improved with the gradual recovery of thyroid function, but can not be completely restored to normal level.

Comparison and Correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Severity in Nonhuman Immunodeficiency Virus Patients with Cryptococcal Infection of Central Nervous System / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis among immunocompetent patients increases, especially in China and imaging plays an important role. The current study was to find the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestation and clinical severity in nonhuman immunodeficiency virus patients with cryptococcal infection of central nervous system (CNS).@*Methods@#A total of 65 patients with CNS cryptococcal infection from August 2014 to October 2016 were retrospectively included in this study. All the patients had MRI data and clinical data. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the patients were confirmed with identifiable underlying disease. Comparison and correlation of MRI and clinical data in both groups were investigated using independent sample t- test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman rank correlation analysis.@*Results@#In all 65 patients, 41 cases (41/65, 63.1%; Group 1) had normal immunity and 24 cases (24/65, 36.9%; Group 2) had at least one identifiable underlying disease. Fever, higher percentage of neutrophil (NEUT) in white blood cell (WBC), and increased cell number of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were much common in patients with underlying disease (Group 1 vs. Group 2: Fever: 21/41 vs. 21/24, χ = 8.715, P = 0.003; NEUT in WBC: 73.15% vs. 79.60%, Z = -2.370, P = 0.018; cell number of CSF: 19 vs. 200, Z = -4.298, P < 0.001; respectively). Compared to the patients with normal immunity, the lesions are more common in the basal ganglia among patients with identifiable underlying disease (Group 1 vs. Group 2: 20/41 vs. 20/24, χ = 7.636, P = 0.006). The number of the involved brain areas in patients with identifiable underlying disease were well correlated with the number of cells and pressure of CSF (r = -0.472, P = 0.031; r = 0.779, P = 0.039; respectively).@*Conclusions@#With the increased number of the involved brain areas in patients with identifiable underlying disease, the body has lower immunity against the organism which might result in higher intracranial pressure and more severe clinical status.

Effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on repairing the periodontal bone of Beagle canines

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the repairing effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the Beagle canines periodontal bone defect.@*METHODS@#A total of 12 Beagle dogs with periodontal bone defect model were randomly divided into control group, LIPUS group, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) group and LIPUS+GTR group, with three in each. After completion of the models, no other proceeding was performed in control group; LIPUS group adopt direct exposure to radiation line LIPUS processing 1 week after modeling; GTR group adopted treatment with GTR, following the CTR standard operation reference; LIPUS+GTR group was treated with LIPUS joint GTR. Temperature change before treatment and histopathological change of periodontal tissue after repair was observed.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in temperature changes of periodontal tissue between groups (P>0.05). The amount and maturity of LIPUS+GTR group were superior to other groups; new cementum, dental periodontal bones of GTR group were superior to the control group but less than LIPUS group; new collagen and maturity of the control group is not high relatively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LIPUS can accelerate the calcium salt deposition and new bone maturation, thus it can serve as promoting periodontal tissue repair, and shortening the periodontal tissue repair time.

Diterpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum episcopale / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the diterpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum episcopale. Methods: The obtained compounds were isolated by different chromatographic methods and their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data. Results: Ten diterpenoid alkaloids were isolated and identified as talatizamine (1), chasmanine (2), crassicauline A (3), foresaconitine (4), acoforestinine (5), yunaconitine (6), 3-deoxy-8-deacetyl-yunaeonitin (7), leucanthumsine D (8), pengshenine B (9), and macrorhynine B (10). Conclusion: Compounds 2-5 and 7-10 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Erythropoietin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis complicated with anemia / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the potential decrease of serum erythropoietin (EPO) level in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) complicated with anemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The serum EPO levels were detected in the patients with MS complicated with anemia (MS group, n=31), patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA group, n=33), and healthy subjects (normal control group, n=80) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood routine test, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin, and indexes of liver and kidney function were also detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum EPO level in MS group was significantly lower than those in IDA group [(101.3±17.6)U/L vs.(166.1±8.7)U/L, P<0.01]. Moreover, the serum EPO level decreased as the severity of anemia in the MS group increased: it was (95.7±9.6), (101.7±8.1), and (123.7±9.3) U/L in patients with mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively (P<0.05). Other indicators including blood routine findings, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin, and liver and kidney function parameters showed no significant difference between the MS group and the IDA group (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The serum EPO level decreases in patients with multiple sclerosis complicated with anemia, and the decreasing levels are related with the severity of anemia. Thus EPO therapy may be beneficial for these patients.</p>

Rat fertility and early embryo development toxicity of intragastric administration of realgar / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To observe the toxicity effect of realgar on rat fertility and early embryo development. METHODS: Male and female SD rats were divided into control group, realgar low (50 mg · kg-1), medium (125 mg · kg-1) and high (250 mg · kg-1) dose groups. Realgar (batch No. H2007052401) was given by i.g. daily to male rats from six weeks before mating until the successful mating day and to females from two weeks before mating until the sixth day of pregnancy. Male rats were sacrificed after mating, and female rats were sacrificed on the 15th day of pregnancy. The numbers of corpus luteum, implantation spot, and survival fetus were recorded. Histopathological examination was carried out. Statistical analysis was done to compare with the control group. RESULTS: The mating rates, pregnancy rates, live fetus rates, loss rates before and after implantation, the number of corpus luteum, the number of implantations and reproductive organs in realgar groups were not significantly different when compared with the control group. Histopathological examination showed that there were micro-vacuolization in liver cells, focal infiltration of mononuclear cells and steatosis in liver in some female rats (3/10) and male rats (1/10) in realgar high-dose groups. And some female rats (2/10) in realgar high-dose group had interstitial fibroblasts proliferation with lymphocyte infiltration and focal renal tubular basophilic change. CONCLUSION: Realgar has no significant toxicity effect on rat fertility and early embryo development, but has certain toxicity to liver and kidney.

Role of alpha smooth muscle actin positive cells in early myocardial ischemia / 中国地方病学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the role of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive cells (pericytes)in early myocardial ischemia.MethodsThirty healthy female Wistar rats were randomly divided by body weight into normal control group and subcutaneous multi-point injection of isoprenaline(Isp) group.Five rats were anesthetized after 0,2,4,6,12,24 and 48 h in each group.Blood was taken in eyeballs and,serum was separated,heart was taken and fixed in 4％ paraformaldehyde solution.The myocardial enzymes [serum apartate aminotransferase ( AST ),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),creatine kinase (CK),creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB)] were determined by biochemical automatic analyzer,the expression of α-SMA and vimentin in myocardial tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining and changes of pericytes in early myocardial ischemia was observed by morphometric analysis.ResultsThe level of myocardial enzymes AST[(160.25 ± 3.86),(172.60 ± 8.82),(192.20 ± 25.35)U/L],and LDH[(1466.25 ± 643.38),(1645.20 ± 326.83),(1701.60 ± 640.06)U/L],12,24 and 48 h after subcutaneous injection of Isp,were higher than that[(129.18 ± 19.65),(849.45 ± 248.54)U/L,all P ＜ 0.05] of the control group.The level of CK[(1097.60 ± 301.57),(1247.20 ± 243.84),(1263.75 ± 271.22),(1448.00 ± 647.00),(1268.40 ± 479.81)U/L],and CK-MB[(217.12 ± 35.89),(229.08 ± 97.11),(251.70 ± 46.82),(318.80 ±77.76),(249.04 ±:98.54)U/L],4,6,12,24 and 48 h after subcutaneous injection of Isp,were higher than that [(713.45 ± 146.30),(147.05 ± 25.75)U/L,all P ＜ 0.05] of the control group.The number of α-SMA positive cells(61.00 ± 17.25),4 h after Isp injection,was significantly increased compared with that(28.20 ± 5.81,18.20 ± 2.17) of 24 and 48 h after Isp injection.The number of α-SMA positive cells in 48 h group was less than that(50.00 ± 3.61,P ＜ 0.05) of 6 h group.The number of vimentin positive cells in 6,12,24,48 h groups (4.17 ± 2.49,5.24 ± 2.84,8.37 ± 2.18,7.73 ± 2.49) were higher than that(1.88 ± 1.85,2.21 ± 1.54) of the control group and 4 h group(all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with 24 and 48 h groups,the level of vimentin protein was increased in 6 and 12 h groups(P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionThe number of pericytes in early myocardial ischemia is higher than that of other mesenthymal cells,and pericytes may be the main effector cells in the generation and development of myocardial fibrosis.

Relationship between maternal thyroid function during the 1st and 2nd gestational trimester and child brain and neural development / 中国地方病学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the thyroid status of pregnant women during the 1st and 2nd trimester of gestation,and its role in brain and neural development of their offspring's.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2009,pregnant women from nine townships of two counties in Wushi and Baicheng in Aksu prefecture of Xinjiang were selected as research subjects according to the survey standard.After informed consent signed,their urinary iodine,serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) and free thyroxin(FT4) were analyzed.The value of thyroid hormone of normal pregnant women was used in diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinemia in pregnant women.From 2010 to 2011, The brain and neural development status among offspring born by those pregnant women were evaluated with DDST.In accordance with the results of Denver Development Screen Test (DDST) screening,pregnant women were classified into survey and control groups,and the survey group was the suspicious and abnormal of the result of DDST screening(delay),the control group was normal of the result.According to gestational age,pregnant women were divided into 4 gestation groups:G1(6 to 13 weeks),G2(14 to 18 weeks),G3 ( 19 to 23 weeks) and G4(24 to 28 weeks).ResultsA total of 396 cases of pregnant women during the 1st and 2nd trimester of gestation were investigated(survey group 102 cases,control group 294 cases).The median value of urinary iodine concentration among pregnant women in survey group was 152.4 μg/L The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinemia among pregnant women was 10.78％(11/102) and 3.93％(4/102),respectively.In control group,the median value of urinary iodine concentration was 180.0 μg/L The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinemia among pregnant women was 7.48％ (22/294) and 4.42％ (13/294),respectively.During the pregnant period from G1 to G3,the median serum TSH of pregnant women in DDST survey group (2.24,3.49,2.85 mU/L) was higher than that of DDST control group( 1.59,2.70,2.28 mU/L).Especially,the difference of TSH between the two groups during the period of G3 was statistically significant (t =4.906,P ＜ 0.05 ).ConclusionsHypothyroidism tendency of pregnant women during the period from gestation week 19th to 23rd may be an important factor in the development of brain abnormalities of their offsprings.

Gray matter involvement in patients with multiple sclerosis as shown by magnetic resonance imaging / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the main findings seen on conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to assess gray matter (GM) involvement in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>The data used in this review were obtained mainly from studies reported in the PubMed database using the terms of multiple sclerosis, gray matter, magnetic resonance imaging.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Relevant literatures on studies of GM involvement in MS patients were identified, retrieved and reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MS is the most common chronic, disabling central nervous system disease in young adults. Although traditional thinking has considered MS to be a chronic inflammatory demyelinating condition affecting solely the white matter (WM) of the central nervous system, over the last few years it has been shown that GM pathology is also common and extensive. GM demyelinating lesions can not only be found in the cerebral cortex but also in the deep gray nuclei. Apart from focal demyelinated lesions, diffuse neuronal loss and atrophy is also present in the GM of MS patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The widespread use of conventional and quantitative MRI based techniques in MS has led to an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes of the disease. However, more researches are needed to unravel GM pathology in MS patients, which at present remains enigmatic.</p>

Short-term iron deficiency on rat thyroid function / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of short-term iron deficiency on thyroid function of rat and its mechanism, and to provide new clues and ideas for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders. Methods Twenty-two healthy SPF/VAF level weaning male SD rats were randomly divided into control group(iron content in diet was 65 mg/kg) and iron deficiency group(iron content in diet was 15 mg/kg) by body weight, and 11 in each group respectively. After 4 weeks feeding, body weight and thyroid glands weight were measured, and the relative weight of thyroid gland was calculated. Rat whole blood was collected and serum was separated. Hemoglobin, serum iron levels and total iron binding capacity were tested using biochemical assay;serum free iodine thyroid three original acid (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were detected by chemiluminescence;after thyroid were fixed in formalin, embedded with paraffin and sectioned regularly, and immunohistochemical stained, the protein expression of thyroid peroxidase(TPO) was observed. Results Compared with control group [(243.8 ± 16.4)g], iron deficiency group of animals had less body weight[(214.3 ± 18.1 )g, t = 4.002, P ＜ 0.01];there was a lower absolute thyroid weight in iron deficiency group[(11.9 ± 1.6)mg]than in control group[(13.4 ±1.3)mg, t = 2.369, P ＜ 0.01], but no significant changes of the relative weight of thyroid gland between the two groups[(0.055 ± 0.004),(0.055 ± 0.006)g/kg, t = 0.162, P ＞ 0.05]. Hemoglobin and serum iron in iron deficiency group were ( 100.4 ± 8.9)g/L and (7.0 ± 0.8)μmol/L, which were less than that in control group[( 146.5 ±16.3)g/L, (26.1 ± 5.1 )μmol/L, t = 8.233,12.277, all P ＜ 0.01]. Total iron binding capacity in control group was (74.0 ± 4.6)μ mol/L and that in iron deficiency group[(124.8 ± 6.3)μmol/L], and the difference was significant (t = 21.531, P＜ 0.01). At the same time, their serum hormones FT3, FT4 and FT3/FT4[(4.71 ± 0.53), (29.69 ±2.63)pmol/L, 0.16 ± 0.02]were lower than that in control group[(5.69 ± 0.61),(31.98 ± 2.49)pmol/L, 0.18 ±0.01, t = 4.044,2.096,3.255, P ＜ 0.01 or ＜ 0.05]. The expression of TPO protein decreased in iron deficiency group than in control group. Conclusions Iron deficiency reduces thyroid function, which perhaps is due to the reduction of TPO activity. Combined supplementation of iodine and iron will possibly improve the prevention effect on iodine deficiency disorder in iron deficiency areas.

A comparative study on alkaline ashing method and chloric acid digestion method for determination of human milk iodine / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective Take alkaline ashing method as golden standard to explore the accuracy of chloric acid digestion method in determination of human milk iodine. Methods Sixty one breast milk samples collected in Hexi district of Tianjin was measured by the method for determination of iodine in foodstuff by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry (referred to as the alkaline ashing method) published in 2008 and the method for determination of iodine in urine by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry(referred to as acid digestion) published in 1999, respectively. were highly correlated(r = 0.960, t = 26.3, P < 0.01), and the regression equation was (Y) = - 28.1 + 0.808X, in which X was independent variable, that is the results of alkaline ashing method; (Y) was dependent variable, that is the estimated data of chloric acid digestion method. The average difference of the results measured by the two methods was 68.3 μg/L, and the results from chloric acid digestion was 38.9% which lower than that of alkaline samples were diluted by 3,4 and 5-fold and then digested by chloric acid, the liquid clarification rates were 80.3% ashing and chloric acid digestion method were, respectively, 165.4, 110.0 μg/L. Conclusions Compared with alkaline ashing method, the results determined by chloric acid digestion method are significantly lower. It is suggested that there are systemic errors in chloric acid digestion method, which means that alkaline ashing method can not be replaced by the chloric acid digestion method.

Preliminary experimental study on iodine concentration in iodized Nang(bread) / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of iodized Nang(bread) prepared with iodized salt and non-iodized rock salt as vehicle of iodine. Methods Two kinds of Nang, each of 10 respectively, were grilled with 30 g iodized salt water and non-iodized rock salt water mixed with 2 kg flour by the local cooker, then put inside of Nang oven using traditional methods of grilled Nang in Xinjiang. The samples were collected from different parts of Nang, including the layers facing oven wall and the fire, as well as inside of Nang. The method for determination of iodine in foodstuff by dry ashing As ~Ⅲ-Ce~(4+) catalytic spectrephotometry was used to determine iodine concentration in Nang. Results Iodine content in iodized and non-iodized Nang was (0.654 ± 0.076)mg/kg and (0.075 ± 0.022)mg/kg, respectively. In addition, Iodine content in two kinds of Nang was significantly different and iodine content of Nang with iodized salt was much higher than that with non-iodized rock salt(t = 13.520, P <0.01 ). Iodine content in two kinds of Nang from the layers facing oven wall and the fire, as well as inside of Nang were (0.700 ± 0.100), (0.064 ± 0.029)mg/kg; (0.647 ± 0.076), (0.070 ± 0.019)mg/kg; (0.659 ± 0.073), (0.073 ±0.030)mg/kg, respectively. Iodine content in two kinds of Nang of the same parts was significantly different(t =3.826,4.201,4.103, all P < 0.01 ). There was no significant difference of iodine content in different parts of the same kind of Nang(F = 0.220,0.190, all P > 0.05). Conclusions Grilled Nang with iodized salt contains sufficient iodine, and the iodine content of the same kind of Nang in different parts has no significant difference. Our studydemonstrated that Nang is a vehicle available for iodine fortification since Nang is very popular food for local population in Xinjiang.

Toxicity reduction of municipal wastewater by anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was conducted to optimize the operational parameters of anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A²/O) processes to reduce the toxicity of municipal wastewater and evaluate its ability to reduce toxicity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A luminescent bacterium toxicity bioassay was employed to assess the toxicity of influent and effluent of each reactor in the A²/O system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The optimum operational parameters for toxicity reduction were as follows: anaerobic hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 2.8 h, anoxic HRT = 2.8 h, aerobic HRT = 6.9 h, sludge retention time (SRT) = 15 days and internal recycle ratio (IRR) = 100%. An important toxicity reduction (%) was observed in the optimized A²/O process, even when the toluene concentration of the influent was 120.7 mg·L⁻¹.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The toxicity of municipal wastewater was reduced significantly during the A²/O process. A²/O process can be used for toxicity reduction of municipal wastewater under toxic-shock loading.</p>

Investigation on iodine nutritional status and intelligent development in target populations in Akesu Prefecture of Xianjing Autonomous Region / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of school children, lactating women and infants in iodine deficient areas of Baicheng and Wushi Counties in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Methods According to the geographic location of east, south, west and north of county, 10 primary schools of 8 townships were selected. In each school, 10 children among each gender and age group from 8 to 10 years old were selected. A total of 300 school children were chosen. One hundred and four infants aged 0-2 years old and their mother were selected in 8 townships. Iodine content in edible salt at household level, the urinary iodine in school children and lactating women, total goiter rate(TGR) and the status of the intelligence quotient (1Q) of school children, the status of psychological development of infants were observed. Direct titration assay for testing the salt iodine, colorimetric ceric-arsenic assay and vitriolic ammonium assimilation were used for testing urinary iodine. The size of thyroid gland was measured by palpation. The Combined Raven Test for Chinese Rural was used to test the IQ. The psychological development of infants was tested by Danver Development Screening Test (DDST). Results The coverage rate of iodized salt at household level was 73.1% (123/182), however, the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt was 64.1% (118/182). The medium of urinary iodine in school children was 103.7 μ/L, with 47.8%(75/157) less than 100 μg/L and 28.0% (44/157) less than 50 μg/L; it was 123.0 μg/L in Baieheng County, with 44.4%(28/63) less than 100 μg/L and 33.3%(21/63) less than 50 μg/L; it was 100.3 μg/L in Wushi County, 50.0%(47/94) less than 100 μg/L and 24.5%(23/94) less than 50 μg/L. The medium of urinary iodine in locating women was 143.3 μg/L, it was 119.7 μg/L and 184.6 μg/L in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The total rate of goiter in school children was 14.3%(43/300), it was 10.8%(13/120) and 16.6%(30/180) in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The average IQ in school children was 80.6±11.6, it was 83.0±11.6 and 79.0±11.7 in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The proportion of mental retardation in school children (IQ≤69) was 13.0% (39/300), it was 6.7% (8/120) and 17.2%(31/180) in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. In addition, the proportion of psychological development in infants being normal, suspicious and abnormal was 78.8%(82/104), 12.5% (13/104) and 8.7%(9/104), respectively. Conclusion This study confirms the fact that there is also existence of mental retardation in children and infants, caused by iodine deficiency.

Investigation on iodine and iron nutritional status of lactating women in Aksu Prefecture of Xinjing Autonomous Region / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To understand iodine and iron nutritional status of lactating women in Aksu Prefecture of Xinjing Autonomous Region, and to provide proper intervention in control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) combined with iron deficiency. Methods Four townships as survey points were selected in Baicheng County of Aksu, where severe iodine deficiency was confirmed, 30 to 40 lactating women were investigated for this study in each townships. Samples of urine and drinking water from their family were collected, and then the iodine concentrations were determined. Whole blood was collected by venipuncture for determinations on serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), total-iron-binding capacity(TIBC), and their thyroid function, including FT3, FT4, TSH. Results Median urinary iodine concentration in 137 lactating women was 134.99 μg/L, however, median urinary iodine in lactating women in Daqiao (99.73 μg/L), Tuokexun(44.17 μg/L) of 4 townships was below 100 μg/L. The proportion of urinary iodine below 50 μg/L was higher than 20% in Chaerqi [21.1% (8/38)], Daqiao [21.4% (6/28)], Tuokexun [47.8% (11/25)]. The medium of iodine concentration in drinking water, that was collected from 78 resident families, was 2.15 μg/L. Lactating women of serum SF, SI, FT4, that lower than the normal value, was accounted for 47.6% (59/124), 16.9%(21/124), 11.8% (15/127)respectively. Lactating women of serum TIBC, TSH, that higher than the normal value, was accounted for 20.2% (25/124),10.2% (13/127). Conclusion There is existence in of the combination severe iodine and iron deficiency in a historical serious IDD endemic area in Aksu Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, and iron deficiency may be another important environmental factor for the deterioration of IDD prevalence.

Effects of Ciwujia in inducing marrow stromal cell differentiation into neuron-like cells in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of the traditional Chinese herbal drug Ciwujia in inducing the differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) into neuron-like cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat MSCs isolated from the whole bone marrow were amplified by adherent culture in vitro and induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells using serum-free DMEM/F12 containing Ciwujia. The protein and mRNA expressions of nestin, beta-Tubulin III and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the differentiated cells were detected by indirect immunofluorescence method, Western blotting and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The third-passage MSCs showed positive expression rates for CD44 and CD54 beyond 90% with decreased CD14 expression rate to 2.37%. Induction by Ciwujia of the MSCs resulted in cell body shrinkage and protrusion of the cell processes resembling those of neurons. The differentiated cells were positive for nestin and beta-Tubulin III expression and negative for GFAP as shown by immunofluorescence assay, Western blotting and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ciwujia can induce the differentiation of rat MSCs into neuron-like cells in vitro.</p>

Effect of siRNA targeting centromere protein-A gene on biological behavior of HepG2 cells / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of siRNA inhibition of CENP-A expression on the biological behavior of HepG2 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three pairs of 21 bp reverse repeated motifs of CENP-A target sequence with 9 spacer were synthesized and inserted into vector pSilencer 2.1-U6 neo to generate siRNA eukaryotic expression plasmids. After stable transfection into HepG2 cells, cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycles and plate clone forming efficiency were investigated. Expressions of CENP-A mRNA was monitored by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein expression of CENP-A, bcl-2, Bax, p53, p21waf1 and mdm2 were detected by Western-blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two eukaryotic expression plasmids with significant siRNA specific inhibition to the CENP-A gene were created. Compared with control cells, HepG2 cells transfected with the constructs showed G1 phase delay (P < 0.01) and cell number decrease in the S phase (P < 0.001), along with an increased apoptotic rate (P = 0.003), significant increase of Bax expression and decreased bcl-2 expression (P< or =0.001). The protein expressions of p21waf1 was higher and mdm2 was lower than those of the control groups. However, the wild type p53 protein expression was not effected by CENP-A siRNA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>An altered expression of CENP-A may be related to the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma through cell cycle regulation involving an altered bcl-2/Bax expression, that may be p53 independent.</p>

Study of mechanism on differentiation of marrow stroma cells into neuron-like cells induced by Ciwujia injection in vitro / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study whether the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) play a role in differentiation of marrow stroma cells (MSCs) into neuron-like cells induced by Ciwujia injection in vitro.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Rats were randomly divided into control group and Ciwujia induced group. Cell morphology was observed with invert microscope; MSCs phenotype, expression of neural marker protein and nucleus translocation of NF-kappaB subunit RelA (p65) after induction were observed by immunofluorescence; Expression of IkappaBalpha in Ciwujia induced group and control group was detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The decreased volume of some MSCs, strengthened three-dimensional structure and shrinkage of cell body with formation of spire or round was observed after induction by Ciwujia for 1 hour. After 5-hour exposure to Ciwujia, changes in the morphology of MSCs were as follows: appearance of more triangular or round shapes cells, retraction of microfilament in MSCs, formation of slender process from pseudopod with reticular structure, exfoliation and necrosis. After 7-day induction, most MSCs became triangular and round shapes, exhibiting a typical neuronal structure. Immunofluorescence method showed that nestin expression displayed intensively positive in Ciwujia group at 1 hour, and still remain positive at 7 day. However, beta-III Tubulin expression was weakly positive at 1 hour and intensive positive at 3 and 5 hour. It was still positive at 7 day. NSE expression was weakly positive at 3 hour and intensive positive at 5 hour and 7 day. GFAP expression was negative. However, in the control group, every expression of marker protein was negative or weakly positive. Expression of p65 was in cytoplasm. Western blot method showed IkappaBalpha protein relative IA was 1.000 before induction. It was 0.4556 +/- 0.1008 after induction in Ciwujia group and decreased significantly than before induction (P < 0.01). It was 0.0296 +/- 0.0099 after induction in control group and decreased significantly than before induction and in Ciwujia group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The data showed that MSCs can induce differentiation into neuron-like cells by Ciwujia, and Ciwujia could inhibit the translocation of NF-kappaB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, which may be relate to the differentiation of MSCs into neuron-like cells.</p>

Expression of centromere protein A in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of centromere protein A (CENP-A) and its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression levels of CENP-A mRNA in 20 samples of HCC and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical study for CENP-A and p53 proteins was also performed on tissue microarrays containing 80 samples of HCC and adjacent liver tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of CENP-A mRNA in HCC (0.64 +/- 0.18) was higher than that in adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue (0.09 +/- 0.09) (t = 12.78, P < 0.01). Of the 80 samples of HCC, 57 cases (71.25%) and 60 cases (75%) expressed CENP-A and p53 proteins respectively. The positivity rates of CENP-A and p53 proteins in non-neoplastic liver tissue were 43.75% (35/80) and 16.25% (13/80) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in CENP-A and p53 protein expression between HCC and non-neoplastic liver tissue (P < 0.01). The coincident rate between CENP-A and p53 expression was 88.75% (71/80). Expression of CENP-A protein showed a positive correlation with that of p53 protein (r = 0.57, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The over-expression of CENP-A occurs at transcriptional level and may be related to malignant proliferation of HCC via possible interaction with p53 gene.</p>

Study on corresponding areas the liver and lung channels in brain with fMRI / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore distribution of the Liver and Lung Channels in the brain so as to provide imaging basis for construction of channel theory in the brain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty healthy student volunteers were randomly divided into a Liver Channel group (I) and a Lung Channel group (II), and the each group was further divided into five subgroups with 6 volunteers in each subgroup, based on five-shu-point principles which, were Dadun (LR 1, I 1), Xingjian (LR 2, I 2), Taichong (LR 3, I 3), Zhongfeng (LR 4, I 4), Ququan (LR 8, I 5), Shaoshang (LU 11, II 1), Yuji (LU 10, II 2), Taiyuan (LU 9, II 3), Jingqu (LU 8, II 4), and Chize (LU 5, II 5), respectively. In order to observe the brain activating patterns during acupuncture at the different acupoints, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique was adopted. All image data were then analyzed with SPM 2 software. The statistical parameter gram was composed of the pixel P < 0.01, and anatomic location was made according to Talairach coordinate, attaining experimentally activated areas, and the commonly activated area of five-shu-point of each channel was considered as the brain distribution of the Liver and Lung Channels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The common areas activated by the five-shu-points of the Liver Channel were homolateral Brodmann area (BA) 34, BA 47, red nucleus, contralateral BA 19, BA 30, BA 39, the superior parietal lobule, cerebellum decline, and bilateral BA 3 and culmen. The common areas activated by the five-shu-points of the Lung Channels included homolateral BA 2, BA 18, BA 35, and contralateral BA 9 and substania nigra.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are relatively specific corresponding brain areas for the Liver and Lung Channels, indicating that there is possible relatively specific connection between channels and the brain.</p>