ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) pretreatment before total hysterectomy for adenomyosis patients with uterine volume ≥12 gestational weeks and moderate or severe anemia.Methods:From January 2018 to March 2023, 689 patients who underwent total hysterectomy for adenomyosis in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. According to the preoperative medication, they were divided into study group (127 cases) and control group (562 cases). Patients in the study group underwent GnRH-a pretreatment for 3 cycles before surgery, and the control group received operation directly. SPSS 26.0 software was used to perform 1∶1 matching for the two groups of patients through the propensity score matching method. Matching variables included age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, history of pelvic and abdominal surgery, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, dysmenorrhea score, initial diagnosis of cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), uterine volume and hemoglobin value. The dysmenorrhea score, uterine volume, hemoglobin value and CA 125 level before and after GnRH-a pretreatment in the study group were compared. And the duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative white blood cell count, perioperative blood transfusion cases, postoperative disease rate, duration of hospitalization, total hospitalization cost between the two groups were compared. Results:With propensity score matching, 119 patients in the study group and 119 patients in the control group were finally enrolled in this study. In the study group, before and after the treatment with GnRH-a, the dysmenorrhea score (7.4±1.7 vs 5.6±1.8), uterine volume [(362±160) vs (233±126) cm 3], hemoglobin value [(74.1±10.7) vs (102.5±13.5) g/L], and CA 125 level [(104±76) vs (64±51) kU/L] were statistically different (all P<0.05). There were statistical differences of operation time [(86±18) vs (116±31) minutes], intraoperative blood loss [(24±9) vs (43±22) ml], white blood cell count after 1 day of operation [(9.80±0.10)×10 9/L vs (9.90±0.10)×10 9/L], number of perioperative blood transfusion case [5.9% (7/119) vs 61.3% (73/119)], postoperative disease rate [5.0% (6/119) vs 16.0% (19/119)], hospitalization duration [(7.1±1.6) vs (7.9±1.6) days], and total hospitalization cost [(35 323±5 275) vs (37 159±5 640) yuan] between the study group and the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The pretreatment of using GnRH-a before total hysterectomy for adenomyosis patients with uterine volume ≥12 gestational weeks and moderate or severe anemia is not only conducive to improving dysmenorrhea, signs of anemia, reducing uterine volume, but also conducive to the implementation of surgery, reducing intraoperative and postoperative complications, and reducing hospital costs.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to obtain the first national estimate of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese children. We targeted the population of 6 to 12-year-old children for this prevalence study by multistage convenient cluster sampling. The Modified Chinese Autism Spectrum Rating Scale was used for the screening process. Of the target population of 142,086 children, 88.5% (n = 125,806) participated in the study. A total of 363 children were confirmed as having ASD. The observed ASD prevalence rate was 0.29% (95% CI: 0.26%-0.32%) for the overall population. After adjustment for response rates, the estimated number of ASD cases was 867 in the target population sample, thereby achieving an estimated prevalence of 0.70% (95% CI: 0.64%-0.74%). The prevalence was significantly higher in boys than in girls (0.95%; 95% CI: 0.87%-1.02% versus 0.30%; 95% CI: 0.26%-0.34%; P < 0.001). Of the 363 confirmed ASD cases, 43.3% were newly diagnosed, and most of those (90.4%) were attending regular schools, and 68.8% of the children with ASD had at least one neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Our findings provide reliable data on the estimated ASD prevalence and comorbidities in Chinese children.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to obtain the first national estimate of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese children. We targeted the population of 6 to 12-year-old children for this prevalence study by multistage convenient cluster sampling. The Modified Chinese Autism Spectrum Rating Scale was used for the screening process. Of the target population of 142,086 children, 88.5% (n = 125,806) participated in the study. A total of 363 children were confirmed as having ASD. The observed ASD prevalence rate was 0.29% (95% CI: 0.26%-0.32%) for the overall population. After adjustment for response rates, the estimated number of ASD cases was 867 in the target population sample, thereby achieving an estimated prevalence of 0.70% (95% CI: 0.64%-0.74%). The prevalence was significantly higher in boys than in girls (0.95%; 95% CI: 0.87%-1.02% versus 0.30%; 95% CI: 0.26%-0.34%; P < 0.001). Of the 363 confirmed ASD cases, 43.3% were newly diagnosed, and most of those (90.4%) were attending regular schools, and 68.8% of the children with ASD had at least one neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Our findings provide reliable data on the estimated ASD prevalence and comorbidities in Chinese children.
ABSTRACT
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with normal lung function who underwent elective thoracoscopic lung resection for the first time in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2018.According to the minimum serum albumin level obtained within 48 h before operation, the patients were divided into hypoalbuminemia group (<35 g/L) and normal albumin level group (≥35 g/L). The perioperative baseline data and intraoperative and postoperative conditions were compared between the two groups after propensity score matching.The risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in the perioperative period were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, and the patients were divided into complication group and non-complication group according to whether PPCs occurred.Among the 1 127 patients enrolled in the study, there were 306 cases in complication group, and 821 cases in non-complication group.Logistic regression analysis showed that hypoalbuminemia was an independent risk factor for PPCs in the patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection ( OR=1.643, 95% confidence interval 1.201-2.249, P<0.05). After matching the propensity score, there were 498 cases in normal albumin group and 178 cases in hypoalbuminemia group.The total incidence of PPCs and incidence of pneumonia were significantly higher in hypoalbuminemia group than in normal albumin level group ( P<0.05). In summary, preoperative hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for pulmonary complications after pneumonectomy.
ABSTRACT
The weight development can be used to indicate children's nutritional status. But the assessment of stature development in children is more complicated,which involves genetics,endocrine,nutrition and bone metabolism. Parents should regularly follow up on the growth and development of children. At the same time,the growth data of children should be kept by parents. Pediatricians can obtain important information from the child's development history to help assessment and diagnosis. Before dealing with this thorny problems of social and medical confusion,primary care pediatricians(PCP)should learn the knowledge of height growth during childhood,including the normal range and rules of height growth. Meanwhile,PCP need to understand the factors affecting the height growth in order to make proper management.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)through single-prolonged stress(SPS)and to observe the effect of social isolation on the behavior of the SPS model rats. Methods A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into the normal group, SPS model group and SPS combined with social isolation group. The rats in both SPS model group and SPS combined with social isolation group were modeled by single-prolonged stress,and the rats in the SPS combined with social isolation group were raised separately after modelling. The weight gaining,the total movement distance in open field test,the frequency of grid crossing,the single maximum movement distance,and the freezing frequency and time durations in the freezing behavior test were measured after 7 days of modeling. Results Compared with the normal group,the weight gaining and the single maximum movement distance of the rats in the SPS model group were significantly decreased(P < 0.01),as well as the total movement distance and the frequency of grid crossing(P < 0.05),while the freezing frequency and time in the freezing behavior test were significantly increased(P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group,the weight gaining and crossing times of the rats in the SPS combined with social isolation group was decreased(P <0.05),and the freezing frequency and time durations in the freezing behavior test were increased(P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the SPS model group,the total movement distance in the open field test,the frequency of grid crossing and the single maximum movement distance of the rats in the SPS combined with social isolation group were increased(P < 0.05). Conclusions The rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder is successfully established by single-prolonged stress, and 7 days of social isolation may alleviate the anxiety state of SPS model rats.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the application of clinical Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP),and to investigate the nutritional risks of inpatient children with gastroenterological diseases in Sichuan province and their associated clinical characteristics and the features of hygiene economics.Methods STAMP was utilized for nutrition screening of inpatient children with gastroenterological diseases in Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital from January 2015 to March 2017.All the enrolled children were divided into 3 groups according to the STAMP scores:low risk group (LR group),moderate risk group (MR group) and high risk group (HR group).Clinical and economic data were compared among 3 groups.Results A total of 3 672 assessments were accomplished,including 2 372 times for males and 1 300 times for females (＜ 2 years old:2 021 times,2-5 years old:803 times,＞5 years old:848 times).Among them,147 children were identified as LR(4.00％),2 296 children as MR (62.53％),and 1 229 children as HR (33.47％).Statistically significant differences were observed among 3 groups in average length of hospital stay (P ＜0.001),the total cost at hospital (P ＜0.001),drug cost (P ＜ 0.001),antibiotic use (x2 =21.66,P ＜ 0.001),parenteral nutrition administration (x2 =46.43,P ＜ 0.001),blood products use (x2 =45.00,P ＜ 0.001),while there was no significant difference in re-admissions for over 3 times (P ＞ 0.05).Malnutrition rate was 4.08％ (6/147 cases) in LR group,2.05％ (47/2 296 cases) in MR group and 31.90％ (392/1 229 cases) in HR group,respectively,and among them 146 patients were diagnosed as severe malnutrition.Digestive tract infections were the most common diseases in MR group(66.33％,1 523/2 296 cases) and HR group(68.27％,839/1 229 cases).Moreover,children with stomatitis,gastrointestinal postoperation,acute pancreatitis,inflammatory bowel disease,esophageal diseases,digestive malformations,cyclic vomiting,malnutrition,and acute intestinal obstruction were all in HR group.Conclusions Nutritional risk is likely to raise the burden of disease.STAMP is applicabile clinically when it is utilized for nutrition risk screening of inpatient children with gastroenterological diseases in Sichuan province and provides evidence for nutrition support treatment.
ABSTRACT
Meridians in human body were classified as white meridian and black meridian according to Tibetan medicine.Season and environment,improper diet,toxic heat and trauma were recognized as main reasons damaging the white meridian in Tibetan Medicine,leading to the emerge of white meridian disease induced by Long (one of the three factors) and blood disorder.White meridian disease in Tibetan medicine involved a series diseases,such as many clinical diseases,due to the damage of white meridian system caused by pathogenic factors.Stroke also belonged to white meridian disease.Drugs and treatments were selected based on the nature of disease such as cold and heat,onset,thelocation of disease and the three factors (Chi Ba,Long and Pei Gen).It was the fundamental principle of the treatment rules of white meridian disease in Tibetan medicine,namely,prescribing medication with the rule of diagnosis and treatment,comprehensive analysis of the causes of diseases and mastering the change law of diseases and syndromes in clinic.
ABSTRACT
[Objective]To study the change of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography(aEEG)and the relationship with neurological prognosis in children with brain injury.[Methods]This study included 100 brain injured children,100 normal children as the control group. Quantitative aEEG in frontal,temporal,parietal and central lobe were compared. The aEEG in brain injured chil?dren were reexamined after 1 week. The follow-up was observed after 3 months and pediatric cerebral performance category score (PCPC)was recorded for each patient.[Results]The 2-12 months group frontal and temporal lower margin amplitude were signifi?cantly increased,P<0.05,bandwidth in frontal,temporal and central channels were significantly decreased,P<0.05. In 13-35 months group all lower and upper margin amplitudes were significantly higher in brain injury group than normal control group ,P<0.05. In 36-71 months group,frontal,temporal,parietal and central lower margin amplitude were significantly increased,P<0.05. However,only upper margin amplitude in frontal and parietal lobe were significantly different,P<0.05. In 72-155 months group,the lower margin amplitude of frontal,central,parietal and temporal channels were significantly increased,P<0.05;the upper margin amplitude of frontal,central,parietal channels were significantly different,P<0.05;the bandwidth were significantly different in fron? tal and parietal channels,P<0.05. In 156-216 months group,the lower and upper margin amplitude of frontal,central,parietal and temporal channels were significantly increased ,P<0.05;the bandwidth were significantly different in frontal channel ,P<0.05.Correla?tion analysis shows that the PCPC after 3 months was significantly correlated to upper and lower voltage of parietal channels,r=0.222, 0.219,respectively.[Conclusion]The lower margin amplitude in brain injured children were changed,and the early aEEG of pari?etal channel have predict value for early prognosis.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Congenital heart defect is one of the most common birth defects. The isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) has higher morbidity, and spontaneous closure may occur. Previously many studies about the prognosis of ventricular septal defect in childhood were conducted; in contrast, few studies on evolution and prognosis of ventricular septal defect from fetus to postnatal life have been available. This research aimed to determine the evolution of isolated ventricular septal defect during the period of fetus and postnatal life, and analyze the association between the diameter or location of VSD and the spontaneous closure of VSD.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>All pregnant women seen at the prenatal diagnosis center of the West China Second Hospital were recruited. From June 2011 to June 2014, these participants underwent the fetal 2-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiographic examinations, and the fetuses with isolated VSD were included in the study, and those with other malformations or abnormal chromosome were excluded. This study was a prospective and longitudinal research. These fetuses were followed-up until the VSD closed spontaneously, or were surgically repaired or percutaneously closed. Outcomes of all the cases were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>There were 234 fetuses with isolated VSD who were recruited in our research cohort. Twelve of 234 lost to follow-up, 5 of 234 were still in uterus. Totally 217 fetuses were followed up. One hundred eighty-nine of 217 (87.1%) cases were delivered. The pregnancies were terminated in 28 of 217 (12.9%) cases. Ten cases died after birth. Of the 179 delivered cases, the rate of VSD spontaneous closure was 45.2% (81/179), the VSD of 49 cases (27.4%, 49/179) spontaneously closed in uterus. The VSD of 17.9% (32/179) cases spontaneously closed after birth and those of 75% (24/32) cases closed in the first year of life. Furthermore, these participants were divided into 3 groups according to the diameter of VSD in fetus. There were 87 cases in ≤ 2.0 mm group, 51 spontaneously closed (59%, 51/87) and 30 of 84 spontaneously closed (36%, 30/84) in 2.1-5.0 mm group. There were no spontaneous closure in > 5.0 mm group. There was a significant difference in spontaneous closure rate between the 3 groups (χ(2) = 15.200, P = 0.001). Nevertheless, these participants were divided into 2 groups according to the location of VSD in fetus (perimembrane VSD (P-VSD) group and muscular VSD (M-VSD) group). There were 152 cases in P-VSD group, 69 spontaneously closed (45.4%, 69/152) and 12 of 27 spontaneously closed (44%, 12/27) in M-VSD group. There was no significant difference in spontaneous closure between P-VSD and M-VSD (χ(2) = 0.008, P = 0.950).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was a high spontaneous closure rate of VSD in the period of late pregnancy. The most of postnatal VSD were spontaneously closed within one year of age. The spontaneous closure rates of fetal VSD with different diameter were different. The spontaneous closure rate of VSD with smaller diameter was higher.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , China , Chromosome Aberrations , Echocardiography, Doppler, Color , Fetal Diseases , Diagnostic Imaging , Pathology , Fetus , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular , Diagnostic Imaging , Pathology , Lost to Follow-Up , Prenatal Diagnosis , Prognosis , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Tibetan Medicine (TM) has become important source of feature industry in several main Tibetan regions with its unique cultural and natural resources. This article argued that the researches on TM basic theories are weak;ecological environment for TM is fragile;safety evaluation ability is relatively insufficient;standardization system for researches on TM is needed; reasonable talent team supporting the development of TM industry is required;The combination of production, learning and research is not close;innovation ability is low;guiding principles for the evaluation of new TM do not exist. All of these are main factors that restrict the development of TM industry. Therefore, the main measures for the promotion of TM are:improve research level of TM theories;strengthen the protection of TM resources;promote national standard construction of TM;improve collaborative innovation ability of TM;enhance talent team construction;formulate appropriate policies and create good marketing environment.
ABSTRACT
Traditional Tibetan medicine nature theory was the core of Tibetan medicine. This study was aimed to understand the scientific values of Tibetan medicine correctly and catch its unique advantages accurately. The history origin, nature and taste, target, effect, the relationship between diseases and Tibetan medicine and other aspects of traditional Tibetan medicine nature theory were discussed in this paper. Several points were put forward, which included the research of Tibetan medicine nature theory was the premise to maintain and develop Tibetan medicine; it was necessary to carry out literature research, definite and improve the nature theory; the data mining technology and systems biology should be applied to the theory research to elucidate the rules and scientific connotation of Tibetan medicine nature; building the model of experimental study with clinical research to determine its clinical values forward during the development of Tibetan medicine nature theory research.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of vitamin A (VA) combined iron supplements on iron metabolic homeostasis for preschoolers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>About 445 preschoolers with aged 3-6 years old from eight kindergartens in Pixian county, Chengdu were recruited into this trial from March to September, 2011. All subjects met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into four groups using random number table: sole VA supplementation group (VA group, a single oral dose of VA at about 200 000 units), sole iron supplementation group (FE group, daily oral supplementation with the element iron 1-2 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) for five days a week, lasting for 6 months), the combined supplementation of VA and iron group (VF group) and control group (CO group, no VA and iron supplementation). The concentration of serum VA, serum ferritin (SF), serum transferring receptor (sTfR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hemoglobin (Hb) were measured from 3 ml vein blood. The sTfR-SF index (TFR-F index) and total body iron content (TBIC) before and after intervention were calculated. The differences of these indexes between groups before and after intervention were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of sTfR before intervention in VA group ((1.78 ± 0.17) mg/L) was significantly higher than that of after intervention ((1.18 ± 0.11)mg/L) (t = 28.88, P < 0.01). The levels of TFR-F index and TBIC in FE and VF groups before intervention ( (1.59 ± 0.37), (1.63 ± 0.40) and (9.04 ± 2.71), (9.26 ± 2.33) mg/kg, respectively) were all lower than those of after intervention (TFR-F index:(1.84 ± 0.51), (1.87 ± 0.45) and TBIC:(12.42 ± 3.49), (13.01 ± 2.98)mg/kg) (t values were 3.93, 3.78, 7.57 and 9.41, respectively, all P values were <0.01). The incidence of iron deficiency in VA, FE, and VF groups before intervention were 26% (25/95), 31% (30/98) and 31% (28/90) and were 41% (39/95), 10% (10/98) and 18% (16/90) for after intervention, respectively. The difference of this index in VA, FE and VF groups were significant (χ(2) values were 4.59, 12.50 and 4.31, respectively, all the P values were <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined VA and iron was as effective as VA alone or iron alone in decreasing the iron deficiency, the impact of VA intervention on iron metabolic homeostasis was mainly manifested in iron usage and mobilization, but showed no effect on total body iron content.</p>
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Anemia, Iron-Deficiency , Epidemiology , Dietary Supplements , Homeostasis , Iron , Metabolism , Nutritional Status , Vitamin A , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficiency of a modified culture method for rat cerebral cortical astrocytes in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The astrocytes derived from the cerebral cortex of 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were first purified as described previously, then the cells were replanted at a low density. The culture flask was changed after 1 hour and substratum was replaced after 24 hours. Cells were syncretized to a monolayer, followed by cell passage. After three passages the cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% fetal serum for a long period. The derivation of the cells was identified by immunofluorescent staining with anti-GFAP polyclonal antibodies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A variety of morphologically distinct astrocytes with many long processes and small cell bodies were obtained. Finally an astrocytic network occurred through cellular process connections. The immunofluorescent staining demonstrated the percentage of GFAP-positive cells was above 98%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The modified culture method for astrocytes from rat cerebral tissue is reliable, with a high purity. The cultured astrocytes have a similar morphological development to those in vivo.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Astrocytes , Physiology , Cell Culture Techniques , Cerebral Cortex , Cell Biology , Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
Objective To explore the correlation between TCM constitution and sleep status in escort troops. Methods Standardized TCM Constitution Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to investigate escort troops. Factors of PSQI and constitution types were analyzed. Results The results of PSQI showed the number of escort troops who had bad sleeping (PSQI>7) was 64, which accounted for 46%of the escort troops, among which, 45 people (70.3%) were justified as biased constitution, while 19 were normal constitution (29.7%). The top three biased constitution in bad sleeping were:qi deficiency, phlegm-dampness and dampness-heat. PSQI factors such as sleep disorder, daytime dysfunction and total score had positive correlation with qi deficiency, yang deficiency, yin deficiency, dampness-heat and blood stasis, and negative correlation with normal constitution. Conclusion Sleep condition of escort troops has correlation with TCM constitution, which indicates that sleep status could be improved by regulating TCM constitution.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>As the intrauterine environment can affect childhood growth and development, this study aims to understand the relationship between birth gestational age, birth weight and physique development in 9 to 15-year-old children by a cross sectional investigation in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 7194 9 to 15-year-old school children were classified according to birth gestational age and birth weight: small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). Their heights and weights were measured. Parents completed a questionnaire.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of SGA was 6.23% (448 cases), and 5.13% of children in the SGA group did not undergo "catch-up growth" (lower than -2 SD). The mean height in these children at various stages was significantly lower than in the AGA group (P<0.05). The prevalence of LGA was 18.06% (1299 cases). A total of 179 children (13.78%) were found to be overweight and 57 children (4.39%) were found to be obese in the LGA group. The mean weight in the LGA group at various stages was significantly higher than in the AGA group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Height and weight development in children born SGA and LGA are different from normal children. More attention should be given to aspects of height and weight development in these school children.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Birth Weight , Body Height , Body Weight , Child Development , Infant, Small for Gestational AgeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the causative gene mutation in a Chinese family with split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM) and explore the genotype-phenotype relationship.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patients and their family members. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify all the exons of P63 gene and HOXD13 gene. Then the PCR products were sequenced bidirectionally to screen mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous 956G>A transversion in exon 7 of P63 gene was identified in all patients, which resulted in the substitution of histidine residue for arginine at position 280 of P63 protein (R280H). This mutation was not found in the unaffected family members.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients in this pedigree are characterized by symmetrical split hand and split foot with syndactyly. This condition is caused by the R280H mutation in P63 gene.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Asian People , Genetics , Base Sequence , DNA Mutational Analysis , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked , Genetics , Genotype , Homeodomain Proteins , Genetics , Limb Deformities, Congenital , Genetics , Membrane Proteins , Genetics , Pedigree , Phenotype , Syndactyly , Genetics , Transcription Factors , GeneticsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find a better method for harvesting highly purified neurons by comparing three methods used for co-culture of neurons and astrocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The co-culture models of neurons and astrocytes were established by primary culture, Banker's co-culture method or Transwell cell-culture inserts. The neurons and astrocytes cultured in vitro were from neonatal rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The highly purified neurons were not harvested by primary culture because the neurons and astrocytes grew on the same cover slip and it was difficult to control the growth velocity of astrocytes. The highly purified neurons were harvested by Banker's co-culture method or the method using Transwell cell-culture inserts, but the procedure of the former was more complicated than that of the later.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The culture method using Transwell cell-culture inserts is recommended for the establishment of the co-culture system of neurons and astrocytes.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Astrocytes , Cells, Cultured , Coculture Techniques , Neurons , Cell BiologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship between Ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) expression and the catch-up growth in rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of IUGR was established by food restriction during pregnancy. The small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) rat pups from the pregnant rats were used as the experimental group. The AGA rat pups from the pregnant rats without food restriction served as the control group. The samples from the stomach fundus and hypothalamus were taken postnatal days 0, 20 and 40. Ghrelin mRNA and GHSR mRNA expression were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (real-time FQ-PCR). Ghrelin protein and GHSR protein expression were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At postnatal day 0, both Gherlin mRNA and protein levels in the stomach fundus were significantly higher, while GHSR mRNA expression in the hypothalamus were significantly lower in SGA rats from food restriction group than those in AGA rats from restriction and control groups. At postnatal day 20, the ghrelin protein expression in the stomach of fundus, and GHSR mRNA and protein expression in the hypothalamus in SGA catch-up rats were significantly higher than those in SGA non-catch-up growth rats and AGA rats from the control group. At postnatal day 40, there were no significant differences among SGA catch-up growth rats, SGA non-catch-up growth rats and normal AGA rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ghrelin-GHSR might be involved in the physiological regulation and pathological process in IUGR rats. It is also possibly involved in the regulation of catch-up growth in the early life of SGA rats.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Pregnancy , Rats , Fetal Growth Retardation , Gastric Fundus , Chemistry , Ghrelin , Genetics , Physiology , Growth , Hypothalamus , Chemistry , Immunohistochemistry , Receptors, Ghrelin , GeneticsABSTRACT
Glutamate is a kind of excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system of mammals; at the same time, being with excitatory toxicity, its extracellular concentration is mainly modulated by the glutamate transporters. In the case of hypoxic-ischemia, the energy failure would lead to the generation of lactate and free radical, and to the crash of [Na+] gradient, thus exerting influence on the activity and the expression of glutamate transporters. As a result, the glutamate accumulates in the synaptic cleft, activates the glutamate receptors, and causes the death of neurons.