Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan / Prevalência de infecção HCV ativa a distribuição genotípica entre a população geral do distrito de Mardan, Paquistão

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan / Prevalência de infecção HCV ativa a distribuição genotípica entre a população geral do distrito de Mardan, Paquistão

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Prevalência sorológica do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) no distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Prevalência sorológica do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) no distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

Resumo A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Determination of Nonylphenol and Its Ethoxylates by HPLC 1100 in Water Environment of Taiyuan City

The aim of this work is to study the occurrence of nonylphenol and its ethoxylates in Taiyuan industrial area. The present study has firstly determined best conditions of Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates detection by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) 1100 series, variating solvent, mobile phase and flow: rate. These conditions let secondly the concentration determination of these pollutants in water media. Samples were collected from surface and groundwater in the industrial area of Taiyuan city (Shanxi province). Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEOs) detection was better when solvent and Mobile phase were 2-propanol and Flow rate at 0.1 ml/min. Concentrations of Nonylphenol (NP) and NPEOs found in rivers and wastewaters collectors ranged from 80 to 933 µg/L and 38 to 743 µg/L respectively, while for groundwater, concentrations ranged from 24.6 to 151 µg/L and from 20 to 274 µg/L. These high concentrations found both in surface and groundwater, represent a risk of exposition to endocrine disruptors for humans and aquatic species. Actions should be taken to avoid or reduce the use of those compounds, or industries should apply some treatment before release their wastewater into environment. Attention should be paid especially to groundwater in case of human consumption. Introduction to groundwater way and degradation pathways from surface water to groundwater need to further study.

Long non-coding RNA CHCHD4P4 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibits cell proliferation in calcium oxalate-induced kidney damage

Kidney stone disease is a major cause of chronic renal insufficiency. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in calcium oxalate-induced kidney damage is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the roles of lncRNAs in glyoxylate-exposed and healthy mouse kidneys using microarray technology and bioinformatics analyses. A total 376 mouse lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups. Using BLAST, 15 lncRNA homologs, including AU015836 and CHCHD4P4, were identified in mice and humans. The AU015836 expression in mice exposed to glyoxylate and the CHCHD4P4 expression in human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells exposed to calcium oxalate monohydrate were analyzed, and both lncRNAs were found to be upregulated in response to calcium oxalate. To further evaluate the effects of CHCHD4P4 on the cell behavior, we constructed stable CHCHD4P4-overexpressing and CHCHD4P4-knockdown HK-2 cells. The results showed that CHCHD4P4 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in kidney damage and fibrosis caused by calcium oxalate crystallization and deposition. The silencing of CHCHD4P4 reduced the kidney damage and fibrosis and may thus be a potential molecular target for the treatment of kidney stones.

Quercetin alleviates pulmonary angiogenesis in a rat model of hepatopulmonary syndrome

Quercetin shows protective effects against hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), as demonstrated in a rat model. However, whether these effects involve pulmonary vascular angiogenesis in HPS remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of quercetin on pulmonary vascular angiogenesis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g underwent sham operation or common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Two weeks after surgery, HIF-1α and NFκB levels were assessed in rat lung tissue by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Then, CBDL and sham-operated rats were further divided into 2 subgroups each to receive intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (50 mg/kg daily) or 0.2% Tween for two weeks: Sham (Sham+Tween; n=8), CBDL (CBDL+Tween; n=8), Q (Sham+quercetin; n=8), and CBDL+Q (CBDL+quercetin; n=8). After treatment, lung tissue specimens were assessed for protein (immunohistochemistry and western blot) and/or gene expression (quantitative real-time PCR) levels of relevant disease markers, including VEGFA, VEGFR2, Akt/p-Akt, HIF-1α, vWf, and IκB/p-IκB. Finally, arterial blood was analyzed for alveolar arterial oxygen pressure gradient (AaPO2). Two weeks after CBDL, HIF-1α expression in the lung decreased, but was gradually restored at four weeks. Treatment with quercetin did not significantly alter HIF-1α levels, but did reduce AaPO2 as well as lung tissue NF-κB activity, VEGFA gene and protein levels, Akt activity, and angiogenesis. Although hypoxia is an important feature in HPS, our findings suggest that HIF-1α was not the main cause for the VEGFA increase. Interestingly, quercetin inhibited pulmonary vascular angiogenesis in rats with HPS, with involvement of Akt/NF-κB and VEGFA/VEGFR-2 pathways.

Iron Deficiency is an Ominous Predictor of Mortality in Elderly Patients with Stable Heart Failure: a Community Based Study.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) has been shown to be linked with poor outcomes within heart failure (HF) populations in previous clinical trials. The impact of ID has not been evaluated in stable chronic heart failure (HF) patients in the community. Our objective was to study the role of ID in stable HF patients and its impact on short term survival. Methods: In this study we analysed 512 patients with stable HF under the care of a regional nurse-led community heart failure team. The study started in June 2007 and ended in June 2010. Results: There were 92% of patients on loop diuretics; 83% on ACE Inhibitors, 92% on b- blockers and 48% on aldosterone antagonists. Mean age of the patients was 77.9 years, 43% were females and mean NYHA class was 2.2. Absolute Iron deficiency (ID) and anemia were defined as ferritin <100μg/L and hemoglobin (Hb)<12g/dl, respectively. Mean Hb levels were 14.1; 13.9; 14.0 and 13.7g/dL at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months. Mean serum ferritin levels in the entire study population were 212μg/L at the start, and 197μg/L at the end. The prevalence of ID and anemia was 21.3% and 9.4%at the start, and was 21.5% and 8.4% at the end of the study. The prevalence of ID was 63%vs. 19% in subjects with vs. without anemia [p<0.001]. Risk-adjusted hazard ratios for 24-month mortality were 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.98) for ID and 1.05 (95% confidence interval; 0.87-1.51) for anemic patients respectively. Conclusions: In our study, ID was prevalent in stable HF patients in the community and was linked with poor clinical outcomes. In addition, ID was a predictor for mortality than additionally to anemia.

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion exacerbates spleen injury caused by superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock

The intestinal lymph pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of organ injury following superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) shock. We hypothesized that mesenteric lymph reperfusion (MLR) is a major cause of spleen injury after SMAO shock. To test this hypothesis, SMAO shock was induced in Wistar rats by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion for 2 h. Similarly, MLR was performed by clamping the mesenteric lymph duct (MLD) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion for 2 h. In the MLR+SMAO group rats, both the SMA and MLD were clamped and then released for reperfusion for 2 h. SMAO shock alone elicited: 1) splenic structure injury, 2) increased levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide receptor (CD14), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, 3) enhanced activities of NO synthase and myeloperoxidase, and 4) decreased activities of superoxide dismutase and ATPase. MLR following SMAO shock further aggravated these deleterious effects. We conclude that MLR exacerbates spleen injury caused by SMAO shock, which itself is associated with oxidative stress, excessive release of NO, recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, endotoxin translocation, and enhanced inflammatory responses.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal multiple submucosal tumors originating from the muscular propria layer: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent years, submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) was applied more and more often for single gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumor (SMT). However, little is known about this technique for treating multiple SMTs in GI tract. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility and outcome of STER for upper GI multiple SMTs originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A feasibility study was carried out including a consecutive cohort of 23 patients with multiple SMTs from MP layer in esophagus, cardia, and upper corpus who were treated by STER from June 2011 to June 2014. Clinicopathological, demographic, and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All of the 49 SMTs were resected completely by STER technique. Furthermore, only one tunnel was built for multiple SMTs of each patient in this study. En bloc resection was achieved in all 49 tumors. The median size of all the resected tumors was 1.5 cm (range 0.8–3.5 cm). The pathological results showed that all the tumors were leiomyoma, and the margins of the resected specimens were negative. The median procedure time was 40 min (range: 20–75 min). Gas‑related complications were of the main complications, the rates of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and pneumoperitoneum were 13.0%, 8.7% and 4.3%. Another common complication was thoracic effusion that occurred in 2 cases (8.7%), among which only 1 case (4.3%) with low‑grade fever got the drainage. Delayed bleeding, esophageal fistula or hematocele, and infection in tunnel were not detected after the operation there were no treatment‑related deaths. The median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 2–9 days). No residual or recurrent lesion was found during the follow‑up period (median 18, ranging 3–36 months). CONCLUSION: Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection is a safe and efficient technique for treating multiple esophageal SMTs originating from MP layer, which can avoid patients suffering repeated resections.

Is endoscopic sphincterotomy plus large-balloon dilation a better option than endoscopic large-balloon dilation alone in removal of large bile duct stones? A retrospective comparison study.

Background: Several comparison studies have demonstrated that endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with large-balloon dilation (LBD) may be a better option than EST alone to manage large bile duct stones. However, limited data were available to compare this combination method with LBD alone in removal of large bile duct stones. Objective: To compare EST plus LBD and LBD alone for the management of large bile duct stones, and analyze the outcomes of each method. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one patients were included in the EST plus LBD group, and 48 patients were included in the LBD alone group retrospectively. The therapeutic success, clinical characteristics, procedure-related parameters and adverse events were compared. Results: Compared with EST plus LBD, LBD alone was more frequently performed in patients with potential bleeding diathesis or anatomical changes (P = 0.021). The procedure time from successful cannulating to complete stone removal was shorter in the LBD alone group significantly (21.5 vs. 17.3 min, P = 0.041). The EST plus LBD group and the LBD alone group had similar outcomes in terms of overall complete stone removal (90.2% vs. 91.7%, P = 1.000) and complete stone removal without the need for mechanical lithotripsy (78.7% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.542). Massive bleeding occurred in one patient of the EST plus LBD group, and successfully coagulated. Postoperative pancreatitis did not differ significantly between the EST plus LBD group and the LBD alone group (4.9% vs. 6.3%; P = 1.000). Conclusion: Endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with LBD offers no significant advantage over LBD alone for the removal of large bile duct stones. LBD can simplify the procedure compared with EST plus LBD in terms of shorten the procedure time.

Extracellular superoxide dismutase, a potential extracellular biomarker candidate for prolactinoma / Superóxido dismutasa extracelular - candidato potencial a biomarcador extracelular del prolactinoma

AIM: To investigate whether the extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) and manganese super-oxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) level changes during prolactinoma (PRL) development. METHODS: Surgical tissues from 37 female patients with PRL were tested for Mn-SOD and serum samples from such PRL patients were tested for EC-SOD level changes with Western Blot. The Mn-SOD level from blood cells was also investigated to show whether the Mn-SOD variation could locate tumorigenesis tissues. RESULTS: According to the patients' age analysis, age 20-40 years is high risk for getting PRL. There is a positive relationship between the PRL severity and EC-SOD. The Mn-SOD level from surgical tissues, but not blood cells, also shows a corresponding positive relationship to PRL severity, which indicates that elevated Mn-SOD might only happen in PRL tumorigenesis tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Extracellular superoxide dismutase is an extracellular protein and the serum EC-SOD could be a good candidate for the diagnoses of prolactinoma.

OBJETIVO: Investigar los cambios de niveles del superóxido dismutasa extracelular (EC-SOD) y el superóxido dismutasa de manganeso (Mn-SOD) durante el desarrollo del prolactinoma (PRL). MÉTODOS: Los tejidos quirúrgicos de 37 pacientes hembras con PRL fueron examinados para investigar los niveles de cambio de Mn-SOD, mediante la técnica de Western Blot. El nivel de Mn-SOD de las células sanguíneas fue investigado para ver si la variación de Mn-SOD puede indicar la localización de tejidos de tumorigénesis. RESULTADOS: Según el análisis de la edad de los pacientes, la edad de 20-40 años presenta un alto riesgo de desarrollar PRL. Hay una relación positiva entre la severidad del PRL y el EC-SOD. El nivel de Mn-SOD en los tejidos quirúrgicos - a diferencia de lo que ocurre en las células sanguíneas - muestra una relación positiva con respecto a la severidad del PRL, lo cual indica que un Mn-SOD elevado, sólo podría tener lugar en los tejidos de la tumorigénesis del PRL. CONCLUSIONES: El superóxido dismutasa extracelular (EC-SOD) es una proteína extracelular, y el EC-SOD sérico podría ser un buen candidato para diagnosticar el prolactinoma.

Rat Dlx5 is expressed in the subventricular zone and promotes neuronal differentiation

The molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications of neural precursor cells have recently been the subject of intensive study. Dlx5, a homeobox transcription factor related to the distal-less gene in Drosophila, was shown to play an important role during forebrain development. The subventricular zone (SVZ) in the adult brain harbors the largest abundance of neural precursors. The anterior SVZ (SVZa) contains the most representative neural precursors in the SVZ. Further research is necessary to elucidate how Dlx5-related genes regulate the differentiation of SVZa neural precursors. Here, we employed immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques to study the expression of Dlx5 and related homeobox genes Er81 and Islet1 in neonatal rat brain and in in vitro cultured SVZa neural precursors. Our results show that Dlx5 and Er81 are also highly expressed in the SVZa, rostral migratory stream, and olfactory bulb. Islet1 is only expressed in the striatum. In cultured SVZa neural precursors, Dlx5 mRNA expression gradually decreased with subsequent cell passages and was completely lost by passage four. We also transfected a Dlx5 recombinant plasmid and found that Dlx5 overexpression promoted neuronal differentiation of in vitro cultured SVZa neural precursors. Taken together, our data suggest that Dlx5 plays an important role during neuronal differentiation.

Three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene.

The LHX3 gene encodes LIM homeodomain class transcription factors that have important roles to play in pituitary and nervous system development.On the one hand,mutations of LHX3 are associated with deficiencies of growth hormone (GH),prolactin (PRL),luteotrophic hormone (LH),follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH);on the other hand,mutations of LHX3 are also associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases in human and animal models.To date,few polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene have been reported.In this study,polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP)and DNA sequencing methods were employed to screen the genetic variations within the bovine LHX3 gene in 802 Chinese indigenous cattle.The results revealed three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): AY923832: g.7553G >A, 7631C>T and 7668C>G.Among them,a synonymous mutation of exon II was identified: GAG ((Glu)> GAA (Glu) at position 72 aa (AY923832:g.7553G>A) of LHX3 ((403aa) in the four Chinese bovine breeds.Significant statistical differences in genotypic frequencies for exon II and its flanking region of the LHX3 gene implied that the polymorphic locus was significantly associated with cattle breeds by the X2-test (X2=68.975,df=6, P <0.001).Hence,the three novel SNPs not only extend the spectrum of genetic variations of the bovine LHX3 gene, but could also possibly contribute to conducting association analysis and evaluating these as genetic markers in bovine breeding and genetics,and CPHD detection.

Production of puerarin and isoflavones in cell suspension cultures of Pueraria lobata (Willd.): effects of medium supplementation with casein hydrolysate and coconut milk.

Callus induced from leaf explants of Pueraria lobata seedlings were suspended in Gamborg B5 medium supplemented with 1 mg l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1 mg l(-1) naphthalene acetic acid, 0.5 mg l(-1) kinetin and 30 g l(-1) sucrose. The effects of coconut milk and casein hydrolysate (CH) on cell growth and yields of puerarin and isoflavones in cells suspension were studied. The contents of total isoflavones and puerarin in suspension cultures were determined by spectrophotometry and HPLC. Coconut milk (10%, filter sterilized) decreased the growth of cell cultures and the accumulation of total isoflavones, while 0.2% CH promoted the growth of cell cultures and the accumulation and release of puerarin and total isoflavones. The total yield of puerarin and isoflavones were 34% and 40.8% higher than in the control, respectively. The optimum medium for cell cultures of leaves of P. lobata seedlings was B5 liquid medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, 1.0 mg l(-1) 2,4-D, 1.0 mg l(-1) NAA, 0.5 mg l(-1) kinetin and 20 mg l(-1) CH. The procedure use is a potentially useful for the production of isoflavones.

Blockade of NK-1 receptors in the lateral commissural nucleus tractus solitarii of awake rats had no effect on the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation

The neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), particularly of the sympatho-excitatory component, is not completely understood. There is evidence that substance P may play a role in the neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the NTS. Microinjection of substance P (50 pmol/50 nl, N = 12, and 5 nmol/50 nl, N = 8) into the commissural NTS of unanesthetized rats produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (101 +/- 1 vs 108 +/- 2 and 107 +/- 3 vs 115 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively) and no significant changes in heart rate (328 +/- 11 vs 347 +/- 15 and 332 +/- 7 vs 349 +/- 13 bpm, respectively) 2 min after microinjection. Previous treatment with WIN, an NK-1 receptor antagonist (2.5 nmol/50 nl), microinjected into the NTS of a specific group of rats, blocked the pressor (11 +/- 5 vs 1 +/- 2 mmHg) and tachycardic (31 +/- 6 vs 4 +/- 3 bpm) responses to substance P (50 pmol/50 nl, N = 5) observed 10 min after microinjection. Bilateral microinjection of WIN into the lateral commissural NTS (N = 8) had no significant effect on the pressor (50 +/- 4 vs 42 +/- 6 mmHg) or bradycardic (-230 +/- 16 vs -220 +/- 36 bpm) responses to chemoreflex activation with potassium cyanide (iv). These data indicate that the activation of NK-1 receptors by substance P in the NTS produces an increase in baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate. However, the data obtained with WIN suggest that substance P and NK-1 receptors do not play a major role in the neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the lateral commissural NTS

Urban-rural comparison of HBV and HCV infection prevalence among adult women in Shandong Province, China.

In order to make urban-rural comparison of the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV, respectively) infection in China, a twin survey was conducted in 1996 on two groups (50 subjects each) of 21-55 year-old, apparently healthy women for infection markers and serum enzyme levels; one group (the urban group) was in Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong Province, and the other (the rural group) was in a farming village in Zhangqiu area some 30 km away from Jinan City. Comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant (p > 0.10) difference in the prevalence of HBsAg+, anti-HBs+, anti-HBc+ and the cases positive to any of three HBV infection markers (i.e. HBV+). No age-dependent difference was detected within or between the groups. Thus the overall positivity rate was 8% for HBsAg+, 47% for anti-HBs+, 48% for anti-HBc+, and 64% for HBV+. No anti-HCV+ case was found either in the urban group or in the rural group. Liver function remained normal in all cases studied. The results together with perusal of published data suggest the urban-rural difference will not be remarkable, if present, in HBV and HCV infection in the regions studied, and possibly in China as a whole.

In vitro sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to eight antimalarials in China-Myanmar and China-Lao PDR border areas.

In 1991-1995 by using the Rieckmann in vitro micro-method, susceptibilities of Plasmodium falciparum to eight antimalarials in the China-Lao PDR and China-Myanmar border areas were tested. The resistant rates of P. falciparum to chloroquinine were 95.0%-100%; IC50 114-240nmol/l. P. falciparum resistant rates to amodiaquine resistance accounted for 83.5%-100%, IC50 52-72nmol/l. All cases were sensitive to quinine, IC50 470-608nmol/l. P. falciparum isolates from the Lao PDR frontier were highly sensitive to artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, and arteether. Resistant rates from other areas were 0-11%. P. falciparum from China-Myanmar and Lao PDR border areas were also sensitive to mefloquine, IC50 68-88nmol/l. A longitudinal survey of the sensitivity of P. falciparum in vivo on the China-Lao PDR border showed that the average defervescent time of falciparum malaria was treated by pyronaridine increased from 32.7 +/- 16.0 hours during 1984-85 to 56.2 +/- 27.4 hours in 1995; the recrudescence rate rose up from 15.2% to 37.5%. The results monitored in vitro showed that all cases assessed in 1988 for response to pyronaridine were sensitive, but 36.4% of cases had emerging resistance, IC50 increased from 13nmol/l to 40 nmol/l. The above results suggested that P. falciparum in these areas has expressed resistance to chloroquine and amodiaquine. However, the parasites are still sensitive to artemisinin, pyronaridine, mefloquine, quinine, but with a declining sensitivities.