Comparison of 17β-estradiol against retinal light damage in BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol(E2)on retina light damage in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice and provide experimental data for the successful construction of a research model for E2 against retinal light damage.METHODS:Totally 40～45 adult female BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, 6 for each group: normal control, ovariectomized control, ovariectomized light(mice were stimulated with continuous white light at 10000 lx for 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24h after 14d of ovariectomy), intravitreal administration sham operation, saline and E2 pre-treatment groups(2μL saline or 10-5mol/L E2 were intravitreal injected respectively after 14d of ovariectomy operation and 24h of dark adaptation). The morphological and functional changes of the retina were detected by paraffin section HE staining, TUNEL staining and electroretinogram.RESULTS:In the ovariectomized light group, the thickness of the inner/outer nuclear layer decreased significantly from the 4h stimulation of 10000 lx white light group. Intravitreal administration of E2 significantly inhibited the apoptosis of retinal cells in the two strains of mice(P<0.01)and the decrease of amplitudes of a- and b-waves in max-ERG of C57BL/6 mice(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The light loss sensitivity of two strains of mice was different under the same light stimulation. E2 had a protective effect on both morphology and function of the retina in BALB/c mice, and had a significant protective effect on retina function in C57BL/6 mice.

Treatment strategy on traumatic mid-lumbar spondyloptosis with concomitant multiple injuries: A case report and literature review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Spondyloptosis in the clinic is rarely reported. We herein present a 47-year-old female, who suffered from a crush injury directly by a heavy cylindrical object from the lateral side. She was diagnosed to have traumatic L3 spondyloptosis with multiple traumas. Staged surgical procedures were conducted and a three-year follow-up was obtained. Eventually, normal spinal alignment was restored, and neurological deficits were gradually improved. At three years follow-up, the motor strength scores and function of the sphincters were incompletely improved. Previously published reports on traumatic lumbar spondyloptosis were reviewed and several critical points for management of this severe type of spinal injury were proposed. First, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junction were mostly predilection sites. Second, numerous patients involving traumatic lumbar spondyloptosis were achieved to American Spinal Injury Association grade A. Third, lumbar spondyloptosis was commonly coupling with cauda equina injury. Finally, the outcomes were still with poorly prognosis and recovery of patients was correlation to spondyloptosis severity. Based on this case report and literatures review, we highlighted that the spinal alignment restoration relying on staged operations and following rehabilitation hereof are both important once facing with multiple traumas. Furthermore, we suggested to perform routine CT angiography during lumbar spondyloptosis to justify whether there are large vessel compression or injury.

Steroids from Uncaria rhynchophylla / 中国中药杂志

Thirteen steroids(1-13) were isolated from the non-alkaloid constituents of Uncaria rhynchophylla by column chromatography on silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by analyses of the MS and NMR spectral data. All the compounds were isolated from the genus Uncaria for the first time, and 1 was a new compound. The ~1H-NMR and ~(13)C-NMR data of two compounds(12 and 13) in deuteron-chloroform were completely assigned. This study enriched the steroid constituents of U. rhynchophylla and provided scientific references for the elucidation of active constituents and further development and utilization of U. rhynchophylla.

Effect of Ranae Oviductus on Follicular Development Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Ranae Oviductus (RO) on ovarian follicular development， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway， and pregnancy function in rats, and the estrogen-like mechanism of OR. Method:Seventy female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group， a progynova+ luteohormone group (1 mg·kg^-1+40 mg·kg^-1), a clomiphene group (10 mg·kg^-1), and high-dose(400 mg·kg^-1) and low-dose(200 mg·kg^-1) RO groups. Rats were administered correspondingly by gavage for eight weeks. After seven weeks of intragastric administration, the estrus cycle of all rats was measured. After eight weeks of intragastric administration， four rats from each group were selected to give birth. For other rats, blood was collected on the day of estrus， and the serum levels of estradiol (E₂)，progesterone (P)， testosterone (T)， follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)， and luteotropic hormone (LH) were detected. Uterus and ovaries were extracted and weighed to calculate organ index. One ovary was made into pathological sections, and the follicles at different developmental stages and corpus luteum were counted. Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）and Western blot were performed on the other ovary to detect mRNA and protein changes in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Forty female Kunming mice were randomly divided into a normal group and RO groups (400 mg·kg^-1) with 14 days， 28 days， and 56 days of intervention. Mice in the RO groups were raised with male mice in cages after intragastric administration of OR for 14， 28， and 56 days， respectively. After 18 days, the number of intrauterine fetuses on both sides and the number of stunted fetuses were counted. Result:After eight weeks of intragastric administration of OR， the rats showed decreased uterine index (<italic>P</italic><0.05)， declining serum LH (<italic>P</italic><0.05)， reduced luteum (<italic>P</italic><0.01)， dwindled primary follicles (<italic>P</italic><0.05)， and increased rate of follicle atresia (<italic>P</italic><0.01). Additionally， more luteal or interstitial glands degenerated into interstitial structures in the ovarian cortex in a short time. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt in the ovary were elevated (<italic>P</italic><0.01)， while the mRNA expression levels of mTOR and PTEN were reduced (<italic>P</italic><0.01). The phosphorylation level of Akt protein showed a downward trend without significant difference. For the rats， the number of fetuses was decreased (<italic>P</italic><0.05). The pregnancy rate of mice was decreased to varying degrees after administration of RO for different durations， with the lowest in the 14 day RO group， as low as 30%. After 28 days of intragastric administration of RO， the difference in left and right uterine pregnancy increased (<italic>P</italic><0.05). Conclusion:Long-term administration of RO can lead to premature ovarian failure by over-stimulating the ovary， which is similar to clomiphene. Short-term administration can result in decreased pregnancy rate， excessive ovulation on one side， and inhibition of ovulation on the other side. The influence on follicles needs further exploration.

Rescue of male infertility through correcting a genetic mutation causing meiotic arrest in spermatogonial stem cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Azoospermia patients who carry a monogenetic mutation that causes meiotic arrest may have their biological child through genetic correction in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). However, such therapy for infertility has not been experimentally investigated yet. In this study, a mouse model with an X-linked testis-expressed 11 (TEX11) mutation (Tex11

Rehepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To observe the safety and efficacy of rehepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation for patientswith recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: A consecutive sample of 159 recurrent HCC patients whounderwent rehepatectomy(n=77) or radiofrequency ablation(n=82) from January 2005 to December 2014 were analyzedretrospectively. Propensity score analysis was used. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.RESULTS: Propensity score analysis chose 41 pair patients. Patients in the radiofrequency ablation group were with lower rate ofperioperative mortality and morbidiy,shorter length of hospital stay. When calculate the survival time from the date ofrehepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation,or calculate the survival time from the date of the first hepatectomy,the twoarms showed similar overall survival(P=0.258,0.820). Moreover,overall survival were similar after propensity scoreanalysis(P=0.443,0.917).CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation was safety,associated with shorter length of hospitalstay and similar long-term overall survival with rehepatectomy for recurrent HCC.

Protective effects of urocortin on diabetic cardiomyopathy and relationship via Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the effects of UCN on TGF-β1 and CTGF in rats with DCM, and to explore the protective effects of UCN on DCM and its possible signaling pathway. Methods The rats were divided into five groups: Control group, DCM group, UCN group, UCN + Astressin group, and UCN + Triciribine group. After 12 weeks of feeding and 4 weeks of treatment, blood glucose, urinary sugar, urine volume and the levels of TGF-β1, CTGF in serum were determined, and the expression of TGF-β1, CTGF, Akt, GSK-3β, p-Akt and p-GSK-βof cardiomyocytes were also determined. Results The myocardial HE staining in DM rats was consistent with DCM. The levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF in serum and myocardium of rats with DCM increased significantly, while the levels of p-Akt and p-GSK-3J3 in myocardium of rats with DCM decreased significantly ( P < 0. 05 ). The levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF in UCN group decreased, both as-tressin and triciribine could inhibit the role of UCN, and the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3(3 in myocardial cells in UCN group increased significantly, then astressin could inhibit the role of UCN ( P < 0. 01). Conclusions The protective effects of UCN on DCM might be related to the activation of Akt/GSK-30 signaling pathway after binding with CRH-R receptor, and then decreasing the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF.

Study on Therapeutic Regimen for Threatened Abortion with Low Estrogen / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To study the relationship between estradiol (E2) and embryonic development, and to explore the optimal therapeutic regimen for threatened abortion with low estrogen. Methods One hundred and sixty threatened abortion patients 14 days after frozen embryo transfer (FET) with E2 in the range of 100-200 pg/mL were randomized into Chinese medicine group 1, Chinese medicine group 2, Chinese and western medicine group, and control group, 40 cases in each group. Chinese medicine group 1 was treated orally with Shoutai Sijun Decoction, Chinese medicine group 2 was treated orally with Shoutai Sijun Decoction combined with Placenta Hominis Granules, Chinese and western medicine group was treated orally with Shoutai Sijun Decoction combined with Femonstone white tablets, and the control group was treated orally with Femonstone white tablets. Pregnancy rate and the changes in E2 level before and after treatment in the 4 groups were compared. The sensitivity and specificity of E2 level to the prognosis of pregnancy were also investigated. Results (1) The pregnancy rate of Chinese medicine group 1, Chinese medicine group 2, Chinese and western medicine group, and control group was 70.0％, 75.0％, 95.0％, 77.5％ respectively, and Chinese and western medicine group had the highest pregnancy rate(P<0.05).(2) E2 level in the pregnant patients of 4 groups after treatment was increased, and the difference was significant compared with that on ET day 14 (P < 0.05 or P <0.01). (3) The results of prognosis of E2 for pregnancy were as follows: sensitivity was 92％, specificity was 80％, and the area of curve was 0.820 when threshold of E2 being 281 on ET day 22. Conclusion The low post-FET E2 level is correlated with disordered pregnancy, and the early monitoring of E2 and prompt intervention should be performed. Shoutai Sijun Decoction combined with Femonstone white tablets is effective on increasing E2 level rapidly and leading to a higher pregnancy rate, and the effect of Shoutai Sijun Decoction combined with Placenta Hominis Granules comes next.

Determination of Glucose Based on Carbon Quantum Dots as Peroxidase Mimetic Enzyme / 分析化学

Water soluble carbon quantum dots ( CQDs) were prepared by using soot as carbon source. The obtained CQDs showed an excellent intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which could catalyze the oxidization of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2and thus resulted in color change. Glucose could react with dissolved oxygen to produce H2O2in the presence of glucose oxidase ( GOx) . A colorimetric method using CQDs as peroxidase mimetic enzyme was developed for glucose determination. When TMB was acted as a substrate, the effect of a series of conditions, such as temperature and pH on the catalytic activity of the obtained CQDs, was systematically studied. Under optimal conditions, e. g. pH 3. 5 and temperature 35℃, 0. 5 mmol/L TMB and 1 μg/mL CQDs, the absorbance at 652 nm showed linear response with glucose concentrations ranging from 0. 025 mmol/L to 0. 40 mmol/L, with detection limit of 5. 10 μmol/L (3σ/k). The proposed method exhibited excellent selectivity and the common substances did not interfere with detection of glucose. This method was successfully applied to detect glucose in real samples with recoveries of 95. 0%-105. 1% .

Study of Intermolecular Interactions Between Pterostilbene and Human Serum Albumin by Fluorescence Spectrometry-Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy / 分析化学

The binding mechanism between pterostilbene ( PTE) and human serum albumin ( HSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectrometry and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) under simulated physiological conditions. The experiment result showed that the effect between PTE and HSA was a static fluorescence quenching with F?rsterˊ s non-radioactive energy transformation, and PTE could bind HSA strongly with a 1: 1 molar ratio. The binding distances between PTE and HSA was 1. 495 nm, and the binding constants (KA) between PTE and HSA were 1. 12 × 104 (298 K), 4. 07 × 104 (304 K) and 2. 45 × 105 L/ mol (310 K). SERS revealed that PTE combined with HAS by methoxy group. Thermodynamic data indicated that the interaction between PTE and HSA was mainly hydrophobic interaction. Marker competition experiments pointed out that the primary binding site for PTE was located at site Ⅲ in HSA. Three-dimensional, synchronous fluorescence spectrum and SERS showed that the conformation of HSA changed apparently with the addition of PTE, resulting in the tryptophan residue of HSA exposing to a less hydrophobic micro-environment. However, the conformation of PTE did not change apparently with the addition of HSA.

Association of waist-to-hip ratio with chronic kidney disease in non-diabetic subjects / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in non-diabetic subjects and compare the difference between male and female subjects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed a cross-sectional survey among 2142 community-based southern Chinese participants without diabetes from June to October 2012. We divided all the participants into 4 groups according to the gender-specific quartiles of WHR. Logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of WHR with CKD in these subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the unadjusted model, WHR was significantly associated with CKD in women (OR=7.29, 95% CI: 3.56-16.32, P<0.001), and the association was still significant (OR=6.13, 95% CI: 2.56-15.20, P=0.003 ) after adjustment for the potential confounders (including age, history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, current smoker, physical inactivity, education level, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, serum high density lipoprotein, blood glucose, and BMI). The odds ratio (OR) for having CKD in the highest versus lowest quartile of WHR levels was 2.44 (95% CI: 0.98-4.97, P=0.103) in men in the unadjusted model.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>WHR levels are associated with CKD in non-diabetic women but not in non-diabetic male subjects.</p>

Effects of Shoutai Pill Containing Serum on Bioactivity Behavior of Trophoblast Cells of Spontaneous Abortion Patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Shoutai Pill (STP) containing serum on bioactivity behaviors of trophoblast cells in spontaneous abortion (SA) patients such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration and secretion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Trophoblast cells in artificial abortion in normal pregnancy and SA patients were isolated and cultured in vitro, which were then treated with STP containing serum at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, respectively). Blank serum was taken as the normal control group and dydrogesterone containing serum as the dydrogesterone control group. The proliferation, cycle distribution, invasion and migration capacity, and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (p-HCG) level were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetry, flow cytometry (FCM), Transwell experiments, and ELISA, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the activity of cell proliferation obviously decreased, ratios of apoptotic cells (SubGO/G1) and G2/M phase were obviously elevated, S phase cell ratio was obviously reduced (all P < 0.05). Transwell experiments indicated invasion and migration capacity obviously decreased, secreted beta-HCG level were obviously reduced after 72-h intervention (P < 0.05). Compared with the SA group, the activity of cell proliferation obviously increased, ratios of apoptotic cells and G2/M phase were obviously reduced, S phase cell ratio was obviously elevated, invasion and migration capacity were obviously enhanced, secreted beta-HCG level were obviously elevated after 72-h intervention in the dydrogesterone control group and each STP containing serum group (all P < 0.05). The activity of trophoblastic cell proliferation, S phase cell ratio, invasion and migration capacity, and secreted beta-HCG level were strengthened along with increased STP containing serum. Besides, the effects of 20% STP containing serum group were significantly superior to those of the dydrogesterone control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>STP containing serum could dose-dependently enhance the proliferative activity of trophoblastic cells, invasion and migration capacity, secretion of beta-HCG, and reduce the apoptosis of trophoblast cells, which might be one of mechanisms for STP preventing and treating SA.</p>

Influence of artificial insemination with donor sperm on the pregnancy outcomes and safety of the offspring / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the factors influencing the pregnancy outcomes of artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID), improve the pregnancy rate, and evaluate the safety of the offspring.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 7,761 cycles of AID for 5,109 infertile couples performed between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2013 in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of Shenyang No 204 Hospital, the outcomes of pregnancy, and the incidence of birth defects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally, 2 252 clinical pregnancies were achieved by AID, in which the pregnancy rate per cycle was 29. 02% and the cumulative pregnancy rate was 44. 08%. The clinical pregnancy rate was remarkably higher in the females of ≤ 35 years than in those of > 35 years old (30.31% vs 20.18%, P < 0.01), in the women with < 5-year infertility than in those with > 5-year infertility (30.83% vs 28.16%, P < 0.01), and in the patients of the ovarian stimulation group than in those of the natural cycle group (33.22% vs 28.68%, P < 0.01) The clinical pregnancy rate was the highest in the first treatment cycle (29.87%), with statistically significant difference from the fourth cycle (23.61%) (P < 0.05), but not between the other cycles (P > 0.05). There were 28 cases of birth defects in the offspring (1.40%), including 6 cases (21.43%) involving the cardiovascular system, 4 (14.29%) involving the musculoskeletal system, 3 (10.71%) involving the urogenital system, 3 (10.71%) involving the central nervous system, 2 cases (7.14%) of cleft lip and palate, 2 (7.14%) involving the respiratory system, 2 (7.14%) involving the gastrointestinal digestive system, and other anomalies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Female age, infertility duration, and ovarian stimulation treatment are important factors influencing the clinical pregnancy rate of AID. Artificial insemination with cryopreserved donor sperm does not increase the incidence of birth defects, which is considered as a relatively safe technique of assisted reproduction.</p>

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and prediabetes and associated risk factors: a community-based screening in Zhuhai, Southern China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prediabetes has increased in China, and at different rates in different locations. Therefore a community-based screening research was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of CKD and prediabetes, and to analyze associated risk factors of CKD and prediabetes in a city of Southern China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 7801 community residents aged 18 year and older from 6 communities were screened by a stratified random cluster sampling method. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Age-standardized prevalence was calculated by the direct method with the use of data on the population distribution in China in 2006. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of CKD and prediabetes, and association of insulin resistance (IR) with CKD and prediabetes was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age-standardized prevalence of CKD was 12.5%, eGFR < 60 ml×min(-1)×1.73 m(-2) was 2.7% and ACR (albumin to creatinine ratio) > 30 mg/g was 10.3%. The age-standardized prevalence of prediabetes was 12.1%. Logistic regression suggests that IR was a common independent risk factor of CKD and prediabetes. Further analysis show that HOMA-IR was increased with the aggravation of kidney injury and FPG.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CKD and prediabetes have become a major public health problem in Zhuhai, Southern China; insulin resistance may be an important risk factor.</p>

Prevalence and distribution of metabolic syndrome in a southern Chinese population Relation to exercise, smoking, and educational level

To investigate the prevalence and distribution of metabolic syndrome [MetS] and the impact of exercise, smoking, and educational level on the risk of MetS in a southern Chinese population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhuhai City, China from June to August 2012. Data on exercise, smoking, and educational level, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, lipid, and glucose levels were collected. The prevalence of MetS [as defined by the International Diabetes Federation] was determined. Data necessary to evaluate MetS, the socio-economic characteristics, and lifestyle were obtained for 4645 subjects aged 18-75 years old. A total of 19.8% of the participants had MetS. The adjusted odds of having MetS were lower among males [adjusted odds: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-1.01] compared with females. Those participants who currently smoked had a higher risk of developing MetS compared with non-smokers [adjusted odds: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13-2.50]. Those who had no physical exercise had a higher risk of developing MetS compared with those who physically exercised more than 60 minutes/day [adjusted odds: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.12-2.23;]. Compared with those with no education, every category of attained educational level had a lower risk of developing MetS [P<0.001]. The findings in this study revealed that current smokers had a greater risk of developing MetS compared with non-smokers. Increased physical activity and higher levels of education attained served as protective factors for the population

Comparison of viremia formation between guinea-pigs infected with wild and attenuated (SA14-14-2) Japanese encephalitis viruses / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the viremia formation in guinea-pigs infected with wild type and attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Guniea pigs were inoculated intraperitoneally with different wild JEV strains and the attenuated vaccine strain and its parent virulent strain. Viremia was detected on different days following virus inoculation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the guinea-pigs inoculated with the wild JEV strains induced different levels of viremia (1.00-3.40 Lg pfu) on the 1st and 3rd day post inoculation. Using a virus titer of 10(4) pfu for inoculation, the animals inoculated with the SA14 parent strain induced relatively high viremia (10(2.4)-10(3.4) pfu), however no viremia coulds be detected on any tested days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The degree of viremia in guinea pigs can be used as a new method to evaluate the attenuation of JEV.</p>

Studies on the biological and genetic characteristics of a highly neurovirulent Japanese encephalitis virus strain SA4 / 病毒学报

The biological and genetic characteristics of a highly neurovirulent JE virus strain SA4 were studied. Mice were inoculated intracerebrally with strain SA4 and SA14, and observed for 14 days, respectively. On different days, mice brains were harvested for titrations of the virus content in the brains. Full-length genome of SA4 was sequenced and compared with SA14 as well as other JE virus strains in the world. The results indicated that the mice inoculated by SA4 induced sickness and death more rapidly (24 hours faster) than those induced by the SA14. The virus titers in the brains of mice infected with SA4 were 0.5-1.0 lg PFU/mL higher than that infected with SA14. The sequence comparison indicated that the nucleotide and amino acid homology between SA4 and the other 21 JE strains were 84.6%-99.0% and 95.2%-99.7% respectively. Comparison with strain SA14 revealed that there were 17 amino acid differences between the two strains, of which 5 were in the E protein region. The results demonstrate that strain SA4 is a highly neurovirulent strain. The substitutions of the 17 amino acids in the SA4 strain can be the molecular basis for the biological characteristics of high neurovirulence.

Study on the phenotypic characteristics of Japanese encephalitis virus strains isolated from different years / 病毒学报

In order to reveal the phenotypic characteristics of 17 JE virus strains isolated from different years, plaque sizes, mice neurovirulence and mice neuroinvasiveness of the isolates were studied and compared. BHK21 cell monolayers were used for testing the plaque sizes. The virus neurovirulence was tested in 9-11g mice inoculated intracerebrally and the virus neuroinvasiveness was tested in 9-11g and 14-16g by subcutaneous inoculation. Results showed that all the viruses produced clear plaques on the BHK21 cell monolayers with different sizes and all the virus strains appeared high neurovirulence in the mice with higher than lg8. 0/0.03 mL virus titers, while no apparent difference among them. The neuroinvasiveness (subcutaneous virulence) tested in the 9-11g mice had shown a little difference, but when tested in the 12-14 g mice,the difference was apparent. The results demonstrated that JEV in nature were highly neurovirulent with no apparent difference. However the neuroinvasiveness of the JEV in nature was greatly different, which didn't relate to the years of isolation and genotypes, but most of the viruses isolated from patients showed higher neuroinvasiveness.

Effects of acupuncture promoting embryo implantation and development in the rat with dysfunctional embryo implantation / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore effects of acupuncture on embryo implantation and development in the rat with dysfunctional embryo implantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The pregnant rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an acupuncture group. In the model group and the acupuncture group, the dysfunctional embryo implantation were developed by Mifepristone, and the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture for one consecutive week fro the first day of pregnancy. The pregnant rate, the average embryo implantation number, weight of the uterus, ovary and the size and weight of single embryo were compared among the 3 groups, and optical microscope was used for comparison of the morphological structures of the endometrium and ovary were compared among the 3 groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the acupuncture group, the pregnant rate, the average embryo implantation number were more significantly increased as compared with the model group (P < 0.01); in the model group, the weight of the uterus and ovary were lighter than those in the control group and the acupuncture group, with poor development of the endometrium in the model group, but development of the endometrium in the acupuncture group was similar to that in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture can reverse Mifepristone's anti-implantation effect to a certain extent, and promote implantation and development of embryo in the rat.</p>

Preliminary study on the mechanisms of acupuncture in promoting embryo implantation in rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of acupuncture on embryo implantation in rat model of embryo implantation dysfunction, and to primarily explore its possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pregnant rats were randomly allocated into the control group, the model group and the acupuncture group. The pregnancy rate and average number of blastocyst were observed, the serum levels of estrodiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and prolactin (PRL) were detected by RIA, and the protein and mRNA expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in endometrial tissue of implantation site were determined using immunohistochemical assay and RT-PCR respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pregnancy rate and average number of blastocyst were significantly higher in the acupuncture group than those in the control group respectively (P <0.01). The serum levels of P4 and PRL as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of PR and PRLR in the model group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture can promote embryo implantation in rats to a certain degree, and its mechanism might be related with the effects of acupuncture in mediating the sexual hormone levels and the receptor expression of rats.</p>