Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation can attenuate renal podocyte injury and alleviate proteinuria in rats in a simulated high-altitude environment.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to understand whether podocyte injury is involved in proteinuria after rapid ascent to high altitude and to explore whether hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is involved in the adaptive regulation of this proteinuria. METHODS: Rats in the experimental group were housed in a low-pressure oxygen chamber to simulate a high-altitude environment (5,000 m). The intervention group was placed under the same conditions as the experimental group and prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) was intraperitoneally injected. The control group was housed in a low altitude environment (500 m). On days 0, 7, 14, and 28, urinary albumin quantification and electrophoresis were performed. The expression levels of CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), nephrin and HIF-1α were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The medium and large molecule proteins with molecular weights ranging from 63 to 75 kD were present in the urine of rats in the experimental group and that the urinary albumin levels first increased and then decreased with time and the increase on day 14 was most significant (24.58 ± 4.30 mg on day 14 VS 5.13 ± 1.58 mg on day 0). Electron microscopy revealed podocyte lesions in rats in the experimental group. Immunofluorescence results showed that the protein expression levels of CD2AP and nephrin in the glomeruli of rats in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001) and that the expression levels of which in the intervention group were higher than those in the experimental group (P < 0.001). The expression of HIF-1α protein in the renal tissues of rats in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001) and lower than that in the intervention group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The podocyte injury may be involved in the occurrence of proteinuria after rapid ascent to high altitude. PHI may have a potential role in reducing proteinuria by upregulating local HIF-1α expression in the kidney to alleviate podocyte injury.

Association Between Serum C1q Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Protein 9 and the Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: C1q tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 9 (CTRP9) is a novel member of the C1q/TNF superfamily. According to our previous review, CTRP9 plays a vital role in the process of cardiovascular diseases, including regulating energy metabolism, modulating vasomotion, protecting endothelial cells, inhibiting platelet activation, inhibiting pathological vascular remodeling, stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, and protecting the heart. We proposed that CTRP9 could play multiple positive and beneficial roles in vascular lesions in ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we aimed to study the relationship between serum CTRP9 and the etiology, severity, and prognosis of IS patients. METHODS: A total of 302 patients with IS and 173 non-stroke controls were selected from the same hospital, and all patients with IS were followed up 12 months after stroke onset. Stroke etiology was classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Symptomatic severity was determined using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. The lesion volume of acute cerebral ischemia was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The unfavorable functional outcome was a combination of death or major disability 12 months after stroke onset. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) statistics were applied in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: We found that serum CTRP9 levels and the ratios of CTRP9/total cholesterol (TC), CTRP9/triglyceride (TG), CTRP9/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and CTRP9/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with the presence of IS. Moreover, the serum CTRP9 concentration was positively associated with the severity of IS. Incorporation of CTRP9/LDL-C levels into a fully adjusted model for IS-cardioembolic (CE) improved discrimination and calibration, and significantly improved reclassification. In addition, CTRP9 was a predictor of unfavorable functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: All the findings indicated that serum CTRP9 could be a promising blood-derived biomarker for the early evaluation and prognosis assessment of IS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800020330.

Redox fluctuations shape the soil microbiome in the hypoxic bioremediation of octachlorinated dibenzodioxin- and dibenzofuran-contaminated soil.

The biodegradation of polychlorinated-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) has been recently demonstrated in a single reactor under hypoxic conditions. Maintaining hypoxic conditions through periodic aerations results in a marked fluctuation of reduction-oxidation (redox) potential. To further assess the effects of redox fluctuations, we operated two fed-batch continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) with sophisticated redox controls at different anoxic/oxic fluctuations to reduce PCDD/Fs in contaminated soil. The results of long-term reactor operation showed that the CSTR with redox fluctuations at a narrow range (-63 ±â€¯68 mV) (CSTR_A) revealed a higher substrate hydrolysis level and PCDD/F degradation rate than did the CSTR with a redox potential that fluctuated at a broad range (-13 ±â€¯118 mV) (CSTR_B). In accordance with analyses of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, the designated hypoxic conditions with added compost supported survival of bacterial populations at a density of approximately 109 copies/g slurry. The evolved core microbiome was dominated by anoxic/oxic fluctuation-adapted Bacteroidetes, Alphaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, with higher species diversity and functionality, including hydrolysis and degradation of dioxin-like compounds in CSTR_A than in CSTR_B. Taken together, the overall results of this study expand the understanding of redox fluctuations in association with the degradation of recalcitrant substrates in soil and the corresponding microbiome.

NFAT5 protects astrocytes against oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation/restoration damage via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a multifunctional cytokine family. NFAT5 was recently reported to be involved in many neuronal functions, but its specific function remains unclear. In this study, our aim is to investigate whether NFAT5 overexpression can protect astrocytes against oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation/restoration (OGSD/R) damage. In vivo, rats were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, resulting in increased water content, infarct volume, and expression of NFAT5 protein in rat spinal cord. After primary culture for spinal cord astrocytes, the in vitro OGSD/R model was established. The results of the CCK8 assay and flow cytometry showed that, in the OGSD/R group, astrocyte cell viability was downregulated, but astrocyte apoptosis increased. Caspase 3 activity increased as well. Levels of NFAT5, as detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot, decreased under OGSD/R, as did SIRT1. Commercial kits for activity assays were used to show that OGSD/R inhibited SIRT1 activation but accelerated SOD activation after OGSD/R. Next, pcDNA-NFAT5 or NFAT5 siRNA was transfected into astrocytes. Overexpression of NFAT5 not only promoted the survival of the astrocytes and SIRT1 activation under OGSD/R but also inhibited cell apoptosis and SOD activation. Moreover, overexpression of NFAT5 apparently diminished histone acetylation and promoted the nuclear transport of Nrf2. Our results show that NFAT5 protects spinal astrocytes in a manner that depends on activation of the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. These findings present a novel potential molecular mechanism for NFAT5 therapy in the context of spinal cord injury.

What is the impact of n-3 PUFAs on inflammation markers in Type 2 diabetic mellitus populations?: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the possible role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lowering inflammation markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: PubMed, CNKI and Cochrane databases were searched until December 30, 2015; references from papers or reviews were also retrieved and screened. Screening was performed by two independent researchers, and randomized controlled trials reporting the specific n-3 PUFA type, dose, frequency, and duration of treatment, as well as the baseline and follow-up concentrations of inflammation markers, including interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were selected for final analysis. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 955 participants were included; all reported CRP. Only one included study reported IL-2 or IL-6 while two studies reported TNF-α. N-3 PUFAs significantly reduced CRP concentration compared with control [SMD 95 % CI, 1.90 (0.64, 3.16), Z = 2.96, P = 0.003, random effect model]. CONCLUSIONS: N-3 PUFAs decrease CRP concentration in type-2 diabetes mellitus. However, larger and rigorously designed RCTs are required to confirm this finding and extend it into other inflammatory biomarkers.

Impact of Heat Shock Protein A 12B Overexpression on Spinal Astrocyte Survival Against Oxygen-Glucose-Serum Deprivation/Restoration in Primary Cultured Astrocytes.

Heat shock protein A 12B (HSPA12B) is a newly discovered member of the heat shock protein 70 family. Preclinical evidence indicates that HSPA12B helps protect the brain from ischemic injury, although its specific function remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether HSPA12B overexpression can protect astrocytes from oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation/restoration (OGD/R) injury. We analyzed the effects of HSPA12B overexpression on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and spinal astrocyte survival. After ischemia-reperfusion injury, we found that HSPA12B overexpression decreased spinal cord water content and infarct volume. MTT assay showed that HSPA12B overexpression increased astrocyte survival after OGD/R treatment. Flow cytometry results showed a marked inhibition of OGD/R-induced astrocyte apoptosis. Western blot assay showed that HSPA12B overexpression significantly increased regulatory protein B-cell lymphocyte 2 (Bcl-2) levels, whereas it decreased expression of the Bax protein, which forms a heterodimer with Bcl-2. Measurements of the level of activation of caspase-3 by Caspase-Glo®3/7 Assay kit showed that HSPA12B overexpression markedly inhibited caspase-3 activation. Notably, we demonstrated that the effects of HSPA12B on spinal astrocyte survival depended on activation of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway. These findings indicate that HSPA12B protects against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and may represent a potential treatment target.

[Characteristics of blood type irregular antibodies in Han population of Chinese Sichuan area].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution of irregular antibody of red blood cells in Han population of Chinese Sichuan area, so as to provide valuable information for the safety of transfusion and decrease of immune hemolytic transfusion reaction. METHODS: Blood samples from June 2006 to May 2013 were tested for irregular antibody screening and identification, calculating the composition rate, group characteristics and the positive detection rate of irregular antibody. RESULTS: A total of 36287 blood samples were tested, out of them 571 samples were the irregular antibody positive, the positive rate was 1.574%(571/36 287), specific alloantibodies were found in 312 samples, the positive rate was 0.860%(312/36287). And autoantibody was found in 259 samples, the positive rate was 0.714%(259/36 287). The specific alloantibodies ratio in Rh system was the highest, reaching to 73.72%(230/312) with the positive rate of 0.634%;36 cases in Lewis system, account for 11.54%(36/312) with the positive rate of 0.099%; 34 cases in MNS system account for 10.89%(34/312) with the positive rate of 0.094%; direct coomb test showed positive result in 284 samples, the rate was 0.78%. The detected rate of positive irregular antibody in female is obviously higher than that in male patients (P<0.001), and it is also higher in people with pregnancy or transfusion than that in those without it (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The irregular antibody screening and identification are very important in blood transfusion, especially for female and people with transfusion or pregnant history.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open radical resection of gastric remnant cancer: a clinical comparison.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative clinical data between hand-assisted laparoscopic and open radical resection of gastric remnant cancer, and analyze the feasibility and advantages of hand-assisted laparoscopic resection of gastric remnant cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 18 patients with gastric remnant cancer who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic (n=9) or open surgery (n=9) were retrospectively analyzed to compare the perioperative outcomes and recovery between December 2007 and October 2014. RESULTS: All 18 patients underwent surgery without post-operative complications. In the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, none required conversion to open surgery, and no intraoperative auxiliary injury occurred. The incision length was (8.78±0.62) cm in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (14.06±0.81) cm in the open surgery group (t=15.565, P=0.000). The duration of the operation averaged (221.11±19.48) min in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (212.89±14.30) min in the open surgery group (t=-1.021, P=0.323). The intraoperative blood loss was (105.56±35.04) ml in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (147.78±41.92) ml in the open surgery group (t=2.319, P=0.034). The number of lymph nodes scavenged was (16.22±2.99) and 16.67±3.28 in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group and in the open surgery group, respectively (t=-.300, P=0.768). The postoperative time to passage of gas by anus was (68.67±10.00) hr in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (79.78±9.16) hr in the open surgery group (t=2.458, P=0.026). Mild postoperative hemorrhage occurred at the anastomotic site in one patient in each surgery group. These complications resolved after treatment. And no serious perioperative complications, such as anastomotic site fistula, massive hemorrhage in the peritoneal cavity or digestive tract or death occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical resection of gastric remnant cancer is feasible, is of comparable efficacy to open surgery, and offers several advantages including small incisions, mild intraoperative hemorrhage, rapid postoperative recovery, and few postoperative complications.

Comparison of lower extremity atherosclerosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients using multidetector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity atherosclerosis (LEA) is among the most serious diabetic complications and leads to non-traumatic amputations. The recently developed dual-source CT (DSCT) and 320- multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) may help to detect plaques more precisely. The aim of our study was to evaluate the differences in LEA between diabetic and non-diabetic patients using MDCT angiography. METHODS: DSCT and 320-MDCT angiographies of the lower extremities were performed in 161 patients (60 diabetic and 101 non-diabetic). The plaque type, distribution, shape and obstructive natures were compared. RESULTS: Compared with non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients had higher peripheral neuropathy, history of cerebrovascular infarction and hypertension rates. A total of 2898 vascular segments were included in the analysis. Plaque and stenosis were detected in 681 segments in 60 diabetic patients (63.1%) and 854 segments in 101 non-diabetic patients (46.9%; p <0.05). Regarding these plaques, diabetic patients had a higher incidence of mixed plaques (34.2% vs. 27.1% for non-diabetic patients). An increased moderate stenosis rate and decreased occlusion rate were observed in diabetic patients relative to non-diabetic patients (35.8% vs. 28.3%; and 6.6% vs. 11.4%; respectively). In diabetic patients, 362 (53.2%) plaques were detected in the distal lower leg segments, whereas in non-diabetic patients, 551 (64.5%) plaques were found in the proximal upper leg segments. The type IV plaque shape, in which the full lumen was involved, was detected more frequently in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients (13.1% vs. 8.2%). CONCLUSION: Diabetes is associated with a higher incidence of plaque, increased incidence of mixed plaques, moderate stenosis and localisation primarily in the distal lower leg segments. The advanced and non-invasive MDCT could be used for routine preoperative evaluations of LEA.

[Joint diagnostic value of four temperature sensation tests in elderly patients with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the joint diagnostic value of four temperature sensation tests in elderly patients with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Thermal sensory analyzer-II were applied to measure cool sensation (CS), warm sensation (WS), cold pain sensation (CP)and heat pain sensation (HP) of 308 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Logistic regression model was adopted to create the new variable Temp4 from four temperature sensation tests to diagnose type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The ROC curve analysis was used to determine the best cut-off points of the four temperature sensation and Temp4, and the diagnostic value of it was evaluated. RESULTS: The means of temperature sensation tests of the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) group were significantly different from those of the non-DPN group (P < 0.05). According to the current reference intervals of the four temperature sensation tests to diagnose the DPN, the sensitivity of WS test was the highest, and the value was 0.710; but the specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden index, diagnostic accuracy and Kappa value of cold sensation test were the highest, and the values were 0.842, 0.746, 0.799, 0.528, 77.92% and 0.535, respectively; the Kappa values of the other three temperature sensation tests were all greater than 0.4 (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the new variable Temp4 was 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.96), and was larger than the four temperature sensation tests (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and diagnostic accuracy of Temp4 were 0.823, 0.897, 0.719 and 86.69%, respectively. The new best cut-off points of the CS test, WS test, CP test, HP test and Temp4 was 27.5 degrees C, 34.7 degrees C, 20.5 degrees C, 43.5 degrees C and 0.416, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the four temperature sensation quantitative tests were in good agreementand could be applied to diagnose DPN; the new variable Temp4 could be used for diagnosis of DPN with a higher diagnostic accuracy.

Factor analysis of a health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP): application to older adults in Mainland China.

UNLABELLED: This research reports preliminary psychometric properties, especially the factor structure, of a Chinese version of a health-promoting lifestyles profile designed for older adults; and examines the distribution of the health-promoting behavioral patterns - both for the purpose of developing culturally sensitive health advancement strategies for Chinese seniors. Responses to this questionnaire were used to measure health-promoting behaviors in a random sample of 1012 elderly Chinese from thirty communities in Xi'an Shaanixi-Province. DESIGN: Factor analysis relied on polychoric correlations with ordinal categorical data were used to evaluate reliability and validity of a revised Chinese version of the health-promoting lifestyles profile (HPLP-C). Because this revised version was used to assess elderly adults, we termed it the HPLP-CE. This factor analysis supported a six-factor model of the original HPLP-C scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit, with factors explaining 88.1% of the common variance of the HPLP-CE scores. Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.91 for the revised instrument, and ranged from 0.67 to 0.88 for six dimensions. The split-half reliability was 0.92, while the test-retest reliability was 0.68. Relationships between HPLP-CE, perceived health status, SF-36 scale scores, and associations with selected demographic variables were significantly positive. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that this revised scale, based on the 40-item HPLP-C, was considered suitable for measuring health-promoting lifestyles of older adults in China. Mental and inner self-reflection planes were the most salient factors for assessing health-promoting behaviors of seniors. Such factors need to be considered if preventive programs are to be designed to promote seniors' health.

Continuous renal replacement therapy and blood transfusions in treating patients with crush syndrome: 8 Case studies from the Wenchuan earthquake.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the efficacy of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with blood transfusion for patients with crush syndrome from an earthquake. METHODS: Eight patients with crush syndrome were included. CRRT were performed in six of eight patients with crush syndrome, and transfusion was performed in all eight patients. Routine blood tests, urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood coagulation function, electrolyte levels, and serum myoglobin were determined and analyzed. RESULTS: Two patients regained their health completely, four patients required amputation but recovered well, and two patients died. The total amount of red blood cells transfused in the eight cases was 521U (mean volume=68.25U). CRRT was performed 164 times in six patients (mean 27.33 times per person). The routine blood test results and coagulation and renal function parameters improved obviously (P<0.05) in the six surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient blood transfusion and early dialysis treatment effectively improved the conditions of patients with crush syndrome.

PCP can enhance dendritic cells to present the HBsAg peptide.

AIM: To investigate the influence of paraclorophenol (pCP) on dendritic cells loading and presenting HBsAg from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy volunteers identified as hepatitis B vaccine nonresponders. METHODS: The density gradient centrifugation was performed to isolate mononuclear cells from 10 hepatitis B vaccine nonresponders. The adherent monocytes were incubated with HBsAg adding rhGM-CSF and rhIL-4 in the presence of absence of pCP for 7 days. Then the supernatant was collected for ELISA assays. The culture medium system without pCP was used as negative control and without pCP or HBsAG was named blank control. the matured DCs were co-incubated with autologous T lymphocytes for 72h and the supernatant was also collected for ELISA assays. RESULTS: In the presence of pCP, the level of IL-12 in supernate (265.68± 16.21) ng/L was significantly higher than the negative control (168.76±10.01) ng/L (P<0.05) and blank control (87±5.79)ng/L (P<0.05); after co-incubated with autologous T lymphocytes for 3 days, the level of IFN-γ with pCP (773.04±32.73) mg/L was also significantly higher than the negative control (573.59±26.11) mg/L (P<0.05) ans blank control (362.81±24.27)mg/L (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: pCP can effectively enhance the dendritic cells loading and presenting HBsAg from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy volunteers identified as hepatitis B vaccine nonresponders, which also can dramatically increase te autologous T lymphocytes response.7

Comparison of carotid and cerebrovascular disease between diabetic and non-diabetic patients using dual-source CT.

PURPOSE: To clarify the differences of the carotid and cerebrovascular disease between patients with and without type 2 diabetes using dual-source CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dual-source CT angiography of the carotid and cerebrovascular arteries was performed in 79 type 2 diabetic patients and 207 non-diabetic patients. The type, extent and distribution of plaques, and luminal stenosis were compared. RESULTS: Compared with non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients had a higher overall incidence of plaque (p<0.05) and cerebral infarction (p<0.05). Among these plaques, no differences were observed in the subtype of plaques between these two cohorts (all p>0.05), as well as for the number of diseased segments and the distribution of plaques; both mainly involved the bilateral cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. As for the stenosis, non-obstructive lesions were more common in diabetic patients (p<0.05). There was no difference in the segment number of stenosis (≥30% and ≥70%) between these two groups (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Diabetes is associated with a higher incidence of plaque and non-obstructive stenosis. However, no significant differences were observed in the type, extent and distribution of involved plaques between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

[Influence on costal cartilage reparative regeneration by replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence on costal cartilage reparative regeneration by replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage into the perichondrial pocket at the donor-site. METHODS: 16 rabbits (8-10 weeks old, 1.8-2.2 kg) were randomly divided into four groups as three experimental groups and one control group. The 1.5 cm in length of costal cartilage defect was made in experimental groups with the perichondrium and costochondral junction left completely intact. The cartilage defect was closed by 3 methods as saturation directly, or replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage, or plugging bio-protein jelly after cartilage replanting. Each experimental group was handled with two methods in two sides of costal cartilage. No operation was performed in control group. All the rabbits were sacrificed 16 weeks after operation. The appearance of thoracic cage and new-formed tissue at the defect site were examined grossly. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to evaluate the characteristics of new-formed tissues and biomechanical detection was used to measure intension of new-formed tissues. RESULTS: The appearance of thoracic cage was normal in every experimental group. Histological study showed that the defect was filled with abundant fibrous tissue in each group. The chipping of cartilage survived effectively with little proliferation. Biomechanical detection showed that the intension of new-formed tissue in the non-replanted group [(193.92 +/- 41.41) N] was obviously less than that in the replanted group [(318.88 +/- 28.28) N], or bio-protein jelly group [(301.00 +/- 39.52) N], or control group [(300.54 +/- 38.35) N] (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the latter three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although replanting the chipping of cartilage can't promote reparative regeneration of hyaline cartilage, it can definitively strengthen the intensity of new-formed tissue, reinforce thoracic stability. It may also indirectly decrease the incidence rate of postoperative chest wall deformity.

Effects of intestinal intervention on bacterial translocation in a rat model of acute liver failure in vivo.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The study aimed to confirm bacterial translocation (BT) in rats with acute liver failure (ALF), to explore the correlation between the concentration of lipopolysaccharides and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, and further, to evaluate the curative effects of lactulose and montmorillonite (smecta) in this setting. METHODS: D-Galactosamine was injected into the abdominal cavity of rats to induce ALF. Escherichia coli JM109 labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein was administered to track BT. Simultaneously, the rats were given lactulose or smecta. Blood samples were collected for measuring liver function, cytokines, endotoxins, and TLR4 expression. Representative tissue specimens from the liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes were aseptically harvested for bacterial identification by agarose gel electrophoresis, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: BT occurred in ALF, accompanied by impaired liver function with increased cytokines, endotoxins, and TLR4 expression. After the treatment with lactulose or smecta, all these parameters decreased, including the relative quantity of translocated bacteria while albumin increased. Furthermore, compared with the lactulose treatment group, the parameters in the smecta treatment group improved. Moreover, in the group in which smecta was given for prophylaxis, there was greater improvement than with treatment. CONCLUSION: Intestinal intervention with lactulose or smecta can ameliorate BT; moreover, smecta has a better effect than lactulose, and its preventive effect was also better than its therapeutic effect.

The expression of seven 14-3-3 isoforms in human meningioma.

14-3-3 proteins comprise a large family of highly conserved, acidic polypeptides, expressed in all eukaryotic organisms, with highest concentration found in the brain. Multiple isoforms of 14-3-3 proteins have been shown to play an essential role in regulating differentiation, proliferation and transformation. In the previous study, the expression levels of all seven 14-3-3 isoforms were examined in astrocytoma. However, the expression of seven 14-3-3 isoforms in meningioma still remains unknown. This study is the first examination of 14-3-3 isoforms in three grades of meningioma by immunohistochemistry. 14-3-3epsilon, zeta and theta were specifically expressed in meningioma, and their expression levels increased with the increase of pathological grade of meningioma. The 14-3-3 eta, beta, gamma and sigma isoforms were negatively expressed in meningioma. In conclusion, The 14-3-3 epsilon, zeta and theta may be involved in tumorigenesis of meningioma and be efficient markers for predicting the degree of malignancy in meningioma.

[Effects on structure and secretion of pituitary gland in rats after electromagnetic pulse exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the exposure effect of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on the structure and secretion of pituitary gland in rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Four groups were subject to the EMP exposure of 200 kV/m and the others received a sham exposure. At different time points (12, 24, 48 & 96 h) post-exposure, the pathological changes of pituitary gland were observed by light and transmission electron microscope. And the serum levels of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured dynamically by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: At 12 h post-exposure, swollen mitochondria with cristae loss, dilatation of Golgi complex and diffusive lysosomes were found in endocrine cells of pituitary gland. The above changes became gradually worse. Mitochondrial vacuolization, the formation of myelin figures, distinct dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum, the occurrence of numerous secondary lysosomes and the clustering of heterochromatin under the nuclear membranes could be observed at 48 h. These lesions were alleviated to some degree at 96 h. The serum levels of PRL and ACTH both increased significantly at 12 h (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and returned to normal at 24 h. The level of GH decreased significantly at 12 h and then returned gradually to normal at 48 h. The level of TSH decreased at 12 h and reached the lowest point at 24 h, then returned to normal at 96 h. LH increased significantly from 24 h to 96 h. CONCLUSION: The EMP exposure of 200 kV/m may induce the changes of the structure and secretion of pituitary gland in rats.

The relationship between cyclooxygenase-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is the fourth most prevalent malignancy in China. The relationship between COX-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Expression of COX-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 was examined, using the streptavidin-peroxidase method, in 82 ESCC and 30 normal esophageal mucosa (NEM) samples from the Shaanxi Province in China. RESULTS: The positive rates of COX-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 were 73.2% (60/82), 64.6% (53/82), and 24.4% (31/82), respectively in ESCC, but 6.7% (2/30), 3.3% (1/30), and 90% (27/30), respectively in NEMs. There was a statistically significant difference between NEMs and ESCCs (p < 0.05). Expression of COX-2 showed a positive statistical correlation with expression of CD44v6 (r = 0.4732, p < 0.0001), and an inverse correlation with nm23H1 (r = -0.3226, p = 0.0035). Expression of COX-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 had no significant correlation with gender or age (p > 0.05), but increased expression of COX-2 and CD44v6 showed statistical correlation with invasion and lymph node metastasis, respectively (p < 0.05). Decreased expression of nm23H1 was statistically correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0007) but had no correlation with invasion (p = 0.8221). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a significant correlation between COX-2, CD44v6, and nm23H1 in ESCC. This knowledge might help us to further understand the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression of ESCC.