A duplex nested RT-PCR method for monitoring porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine delta-coronavirus.

BACKGROUND: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine delta-coronavirus (PDCoV) are economically important pathogens that cause diarrhea in sows and acute death of newborn piglets. Moreover, the emerging PDCoV was reported to infect children. The current situation is that vaccine prevention has not met expectations, and emergency containment strategies following outbreaks cannot prevent the damages and losses already incurred. Therefore, a more sensitive detection method, that is both convenient and enables accurate and effective sequencing, that will provide early warning of PEDV and PDCoV is necessary. This will enable active, effective, and comprehensive prevention and control, which will possibly reduce disease occurrences. RESULTS: Duplex nested RT-PCR (dnRT-PCR) is an ideal method to achieve early warning and monitoring of PEDV and PDCoV diseases, and to additionally investigate any molecular epidemiological characteristics. In this study, two pairs of primers were designed for each virus based upon the highly conserved N protein sequences of both PEDV and PDCoV strains retrieved from the NCBI Genbank. After optimization of the reaction conditions, the dnRT-PCR assay amplified a 749-bp fragment specific to PEDV and a 344-bp fragment specific to PDCoV. Meanwhile, the specificity and sensitivity of the primers and clinical samples were tested to verify and establish this dnRT-PCR method. The limit of detection (LoD)for both PEDV and PDCoV was 10 copies/µL. The results showed that among 251 samples, 1 sample contained PEDV infection, 19 samples contained a PDCoV infection, and 8 samples were infected with both viruses, following the use of dnRT-PCR. Subsequently, the positive samples were sent for sequencing, and the sequencing results confirmed that they were all positive for the viruses detected using dnRT-PCR, and conventional RT-PCR detection was conducted again after the onset of disease. As these results were consistent with previous results, a detection method for PEDV and PDCoV using dnRT-PCR was successfully established. In conclusion, the dnRT-PCR method established in this study was able to detect both PEDV and PDCoV, concomitantly. CONCLUSIONS: The duplex nested RT-PCR method represents a convenient, reliable, specific, sensitive and anti-interference technique for detecting PEDV and PDCoV, and can additionally be used to simultaneously determine the molecular epidemiological background.

The Efficacy of a Comprehensive Reminder System to Improve Health Behaviors and Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The health behaviors of hypertensive stroke patients in China are not satisfactory. In this study, we tested the effect of a Health Belief Model Comprehensive Reminder System on health behaviors and blood pressure control in hypertensive ischemic stroke patients after occurrence and hospital discharge. METHODS: A randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blinded experimental design yielded participation of 174 hospitalized hypertensive ischemic stroke patients. The intervention consisted of face-to-face and telephone health belief education, a patient calendar handbook, and weekly automated short-message services. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after discharge. RESULTS: Three months after discharge, the intervention group showed statistically, significantly better health behaviors for physical activity, nutrition, low-salt diet, and medication adherence. The intervention group also had statistically, significantly decreased systolic blood pressure and increased blood pressure control rate. Smoking and alcohol use behaviors were not affected. CONCLUSION: At 3 months, use of the Comprehensive Reminder System based on the Health Belief Model, yielded improvement in most health behaviors and blood pressure control in hypertensive ischemic stroke patients. Continued implementation of this intervention protocol is warranted to determine the long-term effect. Smoking and alcohol use behaviors need to be targeted with a different intervention.

[Decitabine Enhances the Sensitivity of Leukemia Stem Cell to Allo-NK Cell-Mediated Killing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allo-NK cell-mediated killing effect enhanced by decitabine on leukemia stem cells(LSC) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: LSC were separated from KG1a cells by using immunomagnetic beads. Allo-NK cells were isolated and purified from PBMC of healthy donors. Cytotoxicity of allo-NK cells against LSC were measured by LDH releasing assay. The apoptosis induced by allo-NK cells in LSC and the expressions of NKG2D ligands including MICA/B and ULBP1-3 on LSC were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The killing rate of allo-NK cells to LSC treated with 10 µmol/L decitabine for 24 hours was significant higher than that to LSC without treatment(60.52%±3.52% vs 22.08%±2.07%, 73.93%±2.33% vs 28. 99%±3.13%, 83.08%±1.32% vs 36.44%±2.40%, respectively)at the effector-target ratios of 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 (P<0.05). At the effector-target ratio of 10:1, decitabine significantly enhanced the apoptosis of LSC induced by allo-NK cells (7.84%±0.34% vs 3.33%±0.64%)(P<0.05). The expressions of NKG2D ligands(MICA/B,ULBP1,ULBP2,ULBP3) on LSC treated with decitabine 10 µmol/L for 24 hours were significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Decitabine may enhance the allo-NK cell-mediated killing effects on LSC by up-regulation of the expressions of NKG2D ligands on LSC.

Psychometric Properties of the Kessler 10 Scale in Chinese Parents of Children With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) has been widely used in rating psychological distress in general and clinical populations. However, whether it can be used in parents of children with cancer is unknown. Still lacking is the evidence on its reliability and validity in culturally diverse groups. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate the K10 into Mandarin Chinese and test its psychometric properties (especially the factor structure) of the Chinese version (C-K10) in parents of children with cancer. METHODS: By convenience sampling, 2 samples of parents of children with cancer (sample I, n = 206, and sample II, n = 103) were surveyed in Guangzhou, China. Sample I completed the C-K10, and the internal consistency reliability and exploratory factor analysis of the C-K10 were estimated. Sample II completed the C-K10, the State Subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale; confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity estimates were completed. RESULTS: The C-K10 demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = .93). Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 2-factor structure (ie, anxiety and depression). The concurrent validity was moderate with Pearson correlations greater than 0.50 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The C-K10 demonstrated very acceptable reliability and validity in screening psychological distress in Chinese parents of children with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provides evidence that the C-K10 is a valid tool that can be used in clinical settings to screen for psychological distress in Chinese parents of children with cancer.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive reminder system in the secondary prevention of hypertensive ischaemic stroke: randomized controlled trial protocol.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether the Comprehensive Reminder System based on the Health Belief Model improves health belief, health behaviours, medication adherence and blood pressure control as a means of decreasing the rate of stroke recurrence among hypertensive ischaemic stroke. BACKGROUND: Hypertensive patients having experienced recent ischaemic strokes are at high risk for stroke recurrence. Several trials attempted to improve secondary stroke prevention via patient education, however, patient outcomes remained poor. Long-term follow-up studies regarding secondary stroke prevention are limited. DESIGN: A multi-centre, 12-month, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled longitudinal trial. METHODS: Hypertensive patients having experienced an ischaemic stroke are the target population. The intervention consists of health belief education, a calendar handbook, a weekly automated short-message service and four telephone follow-up interviews. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months following discharge. The primary outcome is blood pressure control. The secondary outcomes include health belief, health behaviours and medication adherence. The clinical endpoint is the rate of stroke recurrence. DISCUSSION: Although many efforts to improve secondary stroke prevention have been undertaken, research indicates that improvements remain possible and warranted. This research protocol based on the Health Belief Model will improve our understanding of stroke education and transitional care needed in China and with the world-wide target population.

Effectiveness of Goal-Setting Telephone Follow-Up on Health Behaviors of Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adopting healthy behaviors is critical for secondary stroke prevention, but many patients fail to follow national guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and abstinence from risk factors. Compliance often decreases with time after hospital discharge, yet few studies have examined programs promoting long-term adherence to health behaviors. Goal setting and telephone follow-up have been proven to be effective in other areas of medicine, so this study evaluated the effectiveness of a guideline-based, goal-setting telephone follow-up program for patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: This was a multicenter, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Ninety-one stroke patients were randomized to either a control group or an intervention group. Intervention consisted of predischarge education and 3 goal-setting follow-up sessions conducted by phone. Data were collected at baseline and during the third and sixth months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Six months after discharge, patients in the intervention group exhibited significantly higher medication adherence than patients in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in physical activity, nutrition, low-salt diet adherence, blood pressure monitoring, smoking abstinence, unhealthy use of alcohol, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Goal-setting telephone follow-up intervention for ischemic stroke patients is feasible and leads to improved medication adherence. However, the lack of group differences in other health behavior subcategories and in themRS score indicates a need for more effective intervention strategies to help patients reach guideline-recommended targets.

Role of tumour necrosis factor-a in the regulation of T-type calcium channel current in HL-1 cells.

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels are increased in patients with AF, the role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of AF remains unclear. Besides L-type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,L ), T-type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,T ) also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AF. This study was designed to use the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and biochemical assays to explore if TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF through regulating IC a,T in atrial myocytes. It was found that compared with sinus rhythm (SR) controls, T-type calcium channel (TCC) subunit mRNA levels were decreased, while TNF-α expression levels were increased, in human atrial tissue from patients with AF. In murine atrial myocyte HL-1 cells, after culturing for 24 h, 12.5, 25 and 50 ng/mL TNF-α significantly reduced the protein expression levels of the TCC α1G subunit in a concentration-dependent manner. The peak current was reduced by the application of 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner (from -15.08 ± 1.11 pA/pF in controls to -11.89 ± 0.83 pA/pF and -8.54 ± 1.55 pA/pF in 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF-α group respectively). TNF-α application also inhibited voltage-dependent inactivation of IC a,T, shifted the inactivation curve to the left. These results suggest that TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably via decreasing IC a,T current density in atrium-derived myocytes through impaired channel function and down-regulation of channel protein expression. This pathway thus represents a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.

Left ventricular deformation associated with cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) transients delay in early stage of low-dose of STZ and high-fat diet induced type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: In the early stage of diabetes, the cardiac ejection fraction is preserved, despite the existence of the subclinical cardiac dysfunction to some extent. However, the detailed phenotype of this dysfunction and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. To improve our understanding of this issue, we used low-dose STZ and high-fat diet to induce type 2 diabetic models in rats. The effects and the mechanism associated with the early stages of the disease were analyzed. METHODS: The type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) in SD rats were induced through 30 mg/kg STZ and high-fat diet. Two-dimensional spackle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and the dobutamine test were performed to examine the cardiac function. Calcium transients of left ventricular myocytes were detected and the related intracellular signalling factors were analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: After 6-weeks, T2DM rats in left ventricular (LV) diastole showed decreased global and segment strain(S) levels (P < 0.05), both in the radial and circumferential directions. Strain rate (Sr) abatement occurred in three segments in the radial and circumferential directions (P < 0.05), and the radial global Sr also decreased (P < 0.05). In the systolic LV, radial Sr was reduced, except the segment of the anterior septum, and the Sr of the lateral wall and post septum decreased in the circumferential direction (P < 0.05). Conventional M-mode echocardiography failed to detect significant alterations of cardiac performance between the two groups even after 12 weeks, and the decreased ejection fraction (EF%), fractional shortening (FS%) and end-systolic diameters (ESD) could be detected only under stress conditions induced by dobutamine (P < 0.05). In terms of calcium transients in cardiac myocytes, the Tpeak in model rats at 6 weeks was not affected, while the Tdecay1/2 was higher than that of the controls (P < 0.05), and both showed a dose-dependent delay after isoproterenol treatment (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that in 6-week T2DM rats, myocardial p-PLB expression was elevated, whereas p-CaMKII, p-AMPK and Sirt1 were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A rat model of T2DM was established by low dose STZ and a high-fat diet. LV deformation was observed in the early stages of T2DM in association with the delay of Ca(2+) transients in cardiomyocytes due to the decreased phosphorylation of CaMKII. Myocardial metabolism remodeling might contribute to the early LV function and calcium transportation abnormalities.

Mitochondrial ROS-K+ channel signaling pathway regulated secretion of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

The objective was to investigate the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling regulation of pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) secretion in the condition of oxidative stress. Acrolein (40 µM) induced HPAEC mitochondrial generation of ROS, rotenone (2 µmol/L) blocked mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, cesium chloride (CsCl, 40 mmol/L)blocked K(+)channels, and saline (0.9 g/dl) were used as control. The generations of NOS, ET-1 and VEGF were determined with ELISA in the condition of different treatment reagents namely acrolein, acrolein plus rotenone, acrolein plus CsCl and saline. In the different reagent treatment of HPAECs, acrolein increased mitochondrial ROS, membrane potential, Kv1.5 mRNA and protein expression, intracellular calcium and the generation of NOS (determining NO production), ET-1 and VEGF, and those were reduced by rotenone. CsCl decreased the increment of membrane potential, the elevation of intracellular calcium and the upregulation of NOS, E-1 and VEGF expressions, which were induced by acrolein. The present study demonstrated that mitochondrial ROS-K(+)channel regulated HPAEC secretion of NO, ET-1 and VEGF in the condition of oxidative stress. Kv1.5 channel may be an important component of ROS-K+ channel signaling pathway, and intracellular calcium contributed to mitochondrial ROS-K(+) channel signaling modulation of HPAEC secretion.

The relationship between hospital work environment and nurse outcomes in Guangdong, China: a nurse questionnaire survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between hospital work environments and job satisfaction, job-related burnout and intention to leave among nurses in Guangdong province, China. BACKGROUND: The nursing shortage is an urgent global problem and also of concern in China. Studies in Western countries have shown that better work environments are associated with higher nurse satisfaction and lower burnout, thereby improving retention and lowering turnover rates. However, there is little research on the relationship between nurse work environments and nurse outcomes in China. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. Survey data were collected from 1104 bedside nurses in 89 medical, surgical and intensive care units in 21 hospitals across the Guangdong province in China. METHODS: Stratified convenience sampling was used to select hospitals, and systematic sampling was used to select units. All staff nurses working on participating units were surveyed. The China Hospital Nurse Survey, including the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory, was employed to collect data from nurses. Statistical significance level was set at 0·05. RESULTS: Thirty-seven per cent of the nurses experienced high burnout, and 54% were dissatisfied with their jobs. Improving nurses' work environments from poor to better was associated with a 50% decrease in job dissatisfaction and a 33% decrease in job-related burnout among nurses. CONCLUSION: Burnout and job dissatisfaction are high among hospital nurses in Guangdong province, China. Better work environments for nurses were associated with decreased job dissatisfaction and job-related burnout, which may successfully address the nursing shortage in China. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of this study indicate that improving work environments is essential to deal with the nursing shortage; the findings provide motivation for nurse managers and policy makers to improve work environments of hospital nurses in China.

[The effects of safflower injection on lipid peroxidation level and expression of heme oxygenase-1 of the rat liver with hypoxia and hypercapnia].

AIM: To investigate the changes of lipid peroxidation level and expression of heme oxygenase-1 of the rat liver with chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia, and the effects of Safflower injection (a compond of Chinese Traditional medicine). METHODS: Thirty male SD rats weighing 180 approximately 220 g were divided into three groups (n=10): control group (N group), chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia for four weeks group(F group), and Safflower injection group (H group). SOD and MDA in liver tissue were measured by spectrophotometric method. And methods Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the distribution of HO-1 protein. Pathological changes in liver tissues were observed in HE staining section. The mRNA expressions of HO-1 in liver were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The activity of SOD of the liver in F group were significantly lower than those in N group, and the content of MDA were significantly higher. The activity of SOD of the liver in H group were significantly higher than those in F group, and the content of MDA were significantly lower. In F group there were multiple dispersed immunoreactivity cells in liver. And compared to those in F group, the immunoreactivity cells were significantly decreased in H group. HE staining revealed that there were many hepatocytes with obvious adipose degeneration. Hepatic pathological damage in H group was slighter than that in F group. The expression of HO-1 mRNA of the liver in F group were significantly higher than those in N group (P < 0.01), and those in H group were significantly lower than those in F group (P < 0.01) . CONCLUSION: Chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia increases the level of oxidative stress. Safflower injection have a protective effect, maybe because of the accommodation of the expression of HO-1 of the liver and the elimination of free radicals.

[Study on changes of CT performance and pulmonary function in renal transplant recipients with pneumocystis pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate dynamic changes of CT performance and pulmonary function in renal transplant recipients with pneumocystis pneumonia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made upon the clinic data of chest CT, arterial blood gas and pulmonary function in renal transplant recipients with pneumocystis pneumonia from 2002 to 2006 in the first affiliated hospital of Wenzhou Medical College. RESULTS: 16 cases were enrolled, followed by average age (36 +/- 11) years, mean duration after transplantation (4.3 +/- 2.1) months, mean course of disease (4.5 +/- 1.8) days. CT performance after admission revealed diffuse alveolar exudates and consolidation in all patients, and others still showed focal emphysema. With effective treatment, CT performance showed resolution of lung opacities completely until the second month, just little fiber remained. The pulmonary dysfunction showed apparent restrictive ventilatory abnormal and decreased DLco. Pulmonary dysfunction improved in the coming 3 - 4 weeks, and all dysfunction became complete resolution by the third month. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic CT performance was focused on the alveolar, with exudates, consolidation and focal emphysema. The main pulmonary dysfunction showed restrictive ventilatory abnormality and decreased DLco. Under effective therapy, these abnormalities would improve significantly by the third month.

[The expression of the early growth responsive gene-1 in acute pulmonary embolism of rats].

AIM: To investigate the dynamic changes of Egr-1 expression in the lungs of acute pulmonary embolism of rats by infusion of autoblood thrombs. METHODS: The model of pulmonary embolism by infusion of autoblood thrombs in the pulmonary artery of rats was established and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was continuously monitored by computer, and the results were evaluated by lung perfusion scan and pathological changes. Expression of Egr-1 proteinum and mRNA were measured by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The mPAP of rats was increased significantly after infusion of autoblood thrombs at the half hour, and reached high level at the second hour, then remained the high level to four hours compared with group control at the same time point (P < 0.01). ECT image was showed significantly filling defect after infusion of autoblood thrombs at the first hour. The infused thromb was witnessed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. In the tracheal epithelium cells, alveolar epithelium cells and vascular smooth muscle cells of embolism rats, Egr-1 protein expression was increased significantly after embolization at the second hour compared with group control at the same time point (P<0.01), and was decreased slowly at the fourth hour. Egr-1 mRNA expression was showed the similar changes. CONCLUSION: Expression of Egr-1 was low level in group control, but increased significantly after infusion of autoblood thromb at the second hour in the specificity of cells, suggesting that Egr-1 expression might be an important link of pathological changes in the acute pulmonary embolism.

[Diagnostic value of DNA, RNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen examination in malignant pleural effusions by flow cytometry].

OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnostic value of DNA, RNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) examination in malignant effusion by multiparametric flow cytometry, and therefore to provide proof for clinical application. METHODS: Forty seven patients with pleural effusions in our hospital from August 2003 to February 2004 were divided into two groups: 19 suffering from benign pleural effusions and 28 from malignant effusions confirmed by pathologic examination. The cells for diagnosis were divided into four groups stained by PI (Propidium-iodide), PY (Pyronin), PCNA-FITC and PCNA-mouse-alpha-2a. The specimens were analyzed by a flow cytometer (FacS Caliber, Becton Dickinson). The sensitivity and the specificity of each examination and combined examination were calculated by statistic software SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: (1) The expression of DI, RI, and PI in benign pleural effusion was 1.03 +/- 0.06, 10.03 +/- 0.54, and (4.86 +/- 0.72)%, respectively, and those in malignant ones was 1.26 +/- 0.17, 11.65 +/- 1.45, and (11.97 +/- 1.50)%, respectively, the difference being statistically significant. The cutoff value of DI, RI and PI was 1.10%, 10.75% and 4.56%, and the sensitivity of DI examination was 89.3%, 78.6%, 75.0%, and the specificity was 89.5%, 98.5%, 84.2%, respectively. (2) In 6 cases suffering from malignant pleural effusions, RI was positive but DI was negative, indicating that DI combined with RI examination was better than DI examination alone. (3) In 5 cases suffering from malignant pleural effusions confirmed by tissue examination, the cytology was negative, but the result of DI and RI was abnormal, indicating that flow cytometry was complementary to pathologic examination. (4) The sensitivity of DI + RI, DI + PI, RI + PI and DI + RI + PI combined examination was 98.2%, 89.3%, 89.3%, 92.9%; the specificity was 84.2%, 89.5%, 84.2%, 94.2% respectively. The results demonstrated that DI + RI + PI combined examination was the best, which showed the least false negative and false positive results. The sensitivity of DI + RI combined examination was 98.2%, but the specificity was 84.2%, the false positive rate being higher than DI + RI + PI combined examination. In none of the benign pleural effusions was the DI + RI + PI higher than the cutoff value, suggesting that combined examination can exclude benign pleural effusions. CONCLUSIONS: DNA, RNA and PCNA examinations by flow cytometry are of value in the diagnosis of malignant effusion, especially for cases which can not be diagnosed by cytological examination. DI + RI + PI combined examination showed better results with the lowest false negative and false positive rates.

[Effect of curcumin on pulmonary hypertension and wall collagen of pulmonary arterioles of chronic hypoxic hypercapnic rats].

AIM: To study the effect of curcumin on pulmonary arterial pressure and type I collagen of pulmonary arterioles in pulmonary hypertensive rats induced by chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia. METHODS: Thirty six rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC), hypoxic hypercapnic group (HH) and hypoxic hypercapnia + curcumin group (HC). Collagen I in pulmonary arterioles was observed by the technique of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: (1) The findings from hemodynamics showed that the mPAP in group HH was significantly higher than that in group NC and HC. Differences of mCAP among groups were not significant (P > 0.05). (2) Light microscopy showed the value of WA/TA (vessel wall area/total area), SMC (the density of medial smooth muscle cells) and thickness of pulmonary arterial media smooth cell layer(PAMT) were significantly higher in group HH than group NC (P < 0.01) and group HC (P < 0.01). (3) Electron microscopy showed that structure of the endothelial cells in pulmonary arterioles in group HC was near to normal, and the proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers in adventitia was much lighter than those of group HH. (4) Expression of collagen I in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in group HH than group NC (P < 0.01) and group HC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Curcumin can decrease pulmonary arterial pressure, improve pulmonary vessel remodeling and inhibit the deposition of collagen I in pulmonary arterioles.

[Effect of hypoxic hypercapnia on expression of COX-2 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles].

AIM: To study the effect of chronic hypoxic hypercapnia on expression of COX-2 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group and hypoxic hypercapnic group. COX-2 mRNA was observed in pulmonary arterioles by the technique of in situ hybridization. RESULTS: mPAP, weight ratio of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle plus septum (LV + S) and COX-2 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles were much higher in rats of hypoxic hypercapnic group than those of control group. Light microscopy showed that vessel smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and vessel cavity straightness were found in hypoxic hypercapnic group. CONCLUSION: Changes of expressions of COX-2 mRNA may regulate hypoxic hypercapnic pulmonary hypertension.

[Alveolar damage of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in renal transplantation recipients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the alveolar ultrastructural changes and the interaction between Pneumocystis carinii (PC) and alveoli in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) patients after renal transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with suspected PCP after renal transplantation were examinated by bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). The BAL fluid was centrifuged and the sediments were stained for PC. Cases for which electron microscope showed alveolar tissue in TBLB specimen were included. Then the clinical features, PC, alveolar epithelial damage, exudate in alveolar space, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrous tissue in the interstitial space were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases were studied. The mean time from renal transplantation to onset of illness was 5.6 months, and that from onset of illness to hospitalization was 5.5 days. Clinical features included fever, dyspnea, unproductive cough, and scanty chest signs, to hypoxemic respiratory failure. Chest CT showed diffuse lung interstitial changes in 22 of the 23 cases, 9 with consolidation. After treatment with SMZco, the fever resolved in 1 - 5 days, and the general state of the patients became better, and 19 patients were dischaged within 1 month. PC in BAL fluid was found by special staining in 18 patients, while PC was found by electron microscope in 14 patients. In most cases PC was few in the lung tissue, but in 3 cases abundant PC filled the alveolar space. PC was seen in two forms, the cyst and the trophozoite. Electron and light microscopes showed alveolar exudate, inflammation in interstitium and alveolar space, interstitial fibrosis, and alveolar epithelial damage in all patients. CONCLUSION: In PCP patients after renal transplantation there was marked alveolar damage, which was the major pathological change in the lung.

[Effect of aspirin on pulmonary hypertension in rat during chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia].

AIM: To study the effect of aspirin on chronic hypoxia and hypercapnic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (A), hypoxic hypercapnic group (B), hypoxic hypercapnia + aspirin group (C). The concentration of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha in plasma and in lung were detected by the technique of radioimmunology. RESULTS: (1) mPAP was significantly higher in B group than those of A and C group. Differences of mCAP were not significant in three groups. (2) Light microscopy showed that WA/TA (vessel wall area/total area) and PAMT (the thickness of medial smooth cell layer) were significantly higher in B group than those of A and C group. (3) The concentration of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha in plasma and lung as well as the ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha were significantly higher in rats of B group than those of A and C group. CONCLUSION: Aspirin may inhibit hypoxic hypercapnia pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vessel remodeling.

[An experimental study on the regulation of pulmonary arterial remodeling by protein kinase C in chronic hypoxic rats].

AIM: To investigate the effect of protein kinase C regulating pulmonary arterial remodeling in chronic hypoxic rats. METHODS: Electron microscope, radioactivity, immunohistochemistry and image analyser were used. RESULTS: (1) Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of RV to LV + S were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.01). (2) WA/TA and SMC were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.01). Electron microscopy showed the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the disposition of collagenous fiber in pulmonary arterioles induced by hypoxia. (3) The total, cytosolic, particulate fraction PKC activity and the ratio of particulate fraction to total PKC activity were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.01). (4) Expression of PKC, collagen I were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.01), the difference of collagen III was not significant between two groups (P > 0.05). (5) There were good correlation between the total, particulate fraction PKC activity, the ratio of particulate fraction to total PKC activity, expression of PKC and SMC, collagen I in pulmonary arterioles. CONCLUSION: The PKC regulates the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and expression of pulmonary arterial collagen in chronic hypoxic rats, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension and structural remodeling of pulmonary arteries.

[Effect and mechanism of chimonin on pulmonary hypertention of chronic hypoxia and hypercapnic rats].

AIM: To study the effect of chimonin on chronic hypoxia and hypercapnic pulmonary hypertension and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (A), hypoxic hypercapnic group(B), hypoxic hypercapnia + chimonin group (C). HO-1 and HO-1 mRNA was observed in pulmonary arterioles of rats by the technique of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: (1) mPAP was significantly higher in rats of B group than that of A and C group. Differences of mCAP were not significant in three groups. (2) Blood CO concentration was significantly higher in rats of B group than that of A group, it was significantly higher in rats of C group than that of B group. (3) Light microscopy showed that WA/TA (vessel wall area/total area), SMC (the density of medial smooth muscle cell) and PAMT (the thickness of medial smooth cell layer) were significantly higher in rats of B group than those of A and C group. (4) Electron microscopy showed proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells and collagenous fibers of pulmonary arterioles in rats of B group, and chimonin could reverse the changes mentioned above. (5) HO-1 and HO-1 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles was significantly higher in rats of B group than that of A group, they were significantly higher in rats of C group than that of B group. CONCLUSION: Chimonin can inhibit hypoxic hypercapnia pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vessel remodeling by further increasing the expression of HO-1 mRNA.