Aim To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the novel compoundpivanampeta in the early and later stages of atherosclerosis evolution. Methods Rats or rabbits wererandomly assigned to the control, the mod...Aim To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the novel compoundpivanampeta in the early and later stages of atherosclerosis evolution. Methods Rats or rabbits wererandomly assigned to the control, the model and the pivanampeta-treated groups. The rats or rabbitsin the model group and the pivanampeta-treated group were fed with hypercholesterol diet. Thecarotids of rabbits were cut into pieces and stained with HE. The rat or rabbit serum levels of TC,LDL-CHO, HDL-CHO, IL-8, ET-1, PGI_2, TXA_2, and NO were assayed. The expressions of MCP-1 and IL-8mRNA on rabbit carotid were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results Pivanampeta exerted aninhibitory effect on TXA_2 formation without PGI_2 production in the early and later stages ofatherosclerosis. The significantly increased release of NO and the decreased release of IL-8 in theanimals in pivanampeta-treated group were both detected in the rat atherosclerosis model. In therabbit atherosclerosis model the expressions of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA in pivanampeta-treated groupwere decreased significantly. However, the treatment with pivanampeta had no effect on the levels ofplasma cholesterol, MDA and SOD. Conclusion The increase of serum NO contents and the decrease ofplasma TXA_2 level, as well as its inhibition of expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 are probably involvedin the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effects of pivanampeta.展开更多
A polynomial model, time origin shifting model(TOSM, is used to describe the trajectory of a moving target .Based on TOSM, a recursive laeast squares(RLS) algorithm with varied forgetting factor is derived for tracki...A polynomial model, time origin shifting model(TOSM, is used to describe the trajectory of a moving target .Based on TOSM, a recursive laeast squares(RLS) algorithm with varied forgetting factor is derived for tracking of a non-maneuvering target. In order to apply this algorithm to maneuvering targets tracking ,a tracking signal is performed on-line to determine what kind of TOSm will be in effect to track a target with different dynamics. An effective multiple model least squares filtering and forecasting method dadpted to real tracking of a maneuvering target is formulated. The algorithm is computationally more effcient than Kalman filter and the percentage improvement from simulations show both of them are considerably alike to some extent.展开更多
AIM: The GFAP was traditionally considered to be a biomarker for neural gila (mainly astrocytes and nonmyelinating Schwann cells). Genetically, a 2.2-kb human GFAP promoter has been successfully used to target astr...AIM: The GFAP was traditionally considered to be a biomarker for neural gila (mainly astrocytes and nonmyelinating Schwann cells). Genetically, a 2.2-kb human GFAP promoter has been successfully used to target astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. More recently, GFAP was also established as one of the several makers for identifying hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In this project, possible application of the same 2.2-kb human GFAP promoter for targeting HSC was investigated. METHODS: The GFAP-lacZ transgene was transfected into various cell lines (HSC, hepatocyte, and other nonHSC cell types). The transgene expression specificity was determined by X-gal staining of the β-galactosidase activity. And the responsiveness of the transgene was tested with a typical pro-fibrotic cytokine TGF-β1. The expression of endogenous GFAP gene was assessed by real-time RT-PCR, providing a reference for the transgene expression. RESULTS: The results demonstrated for the first time that the 2.2 kb hGFAP promoter was not only capable of directing HSC-specific expression, but also responding to a known pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 by upregulation in a doseand time-dependent manner, similar to the endogenous GFAP. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these findings suggested novel utilities for using the GFAP promoter to specifically manipulate HSC for therapeutic purpose.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effect of intratracheally administered BCG DNA on a murine model of asthma. Methods: BALB/C mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control group, asthma model group, BCG DNA administered...Objective: To investigate the effect of intratracheally administered BCG DNA on a murine model of asthma. Methods: BALB/C mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control group, asthma model group, BCG DNA administered before OVA sensitization group, BCG DNA administered after OVA challenge group. The asthma models were developed by immunizing BALB/C mice with OVA. A total of 100 μg BCG DNA was intratracheally administered before OVA sensitization and after OVA challenge. WBC count and eosinophil percentage (EOS%) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Changes of IL 4 , IL 5,IL 12, IFN γ in BALF were determined by ELISA. Pulmonary inflammation was observed on normal pathological slides and the proliferation and mucus secretion of goblet cells stained by AB PAS were also observed. Results: IL 4 , IL 5,IL 12, IFN γ in BALF of normal control group were(32.3±5.7)pg/ml,(15.6±3.9)pg/ml,(80±8.5)pg/ml,(153.2±9.4)pg/ml respectively. IL 4,IL 5 in BALF of asthma model group increased to (299±15.6)pg/ml and (206.7±9.3)pg/ml, while IL 12 and IFN γ decreased to (20.4±4.1)pg/ml and (51.6±5.5) pg/ml respectively. BCG DNA administered intratracheally before OVA sensitization and after OVA challenge significantly increased IL 12 [(71.6±8.3)pg/ml,(67.8±8.1pg/ml)] and IFN γ [(119.0±11.3)pg/ml,(114.7±10.1)pg/ml] in the BALF. Meanwhile, BCG DNA decreased IL 4 [(82.1±6.1)pg/ml,(86.3±5.9)pg/ml] and IL 5 [(32.3±4.6)pg/ml,(37.4±5.3)pg/ml]. Eosinophil level in BALF was inhibited and the pulmonary inflammation was dramatically relieved compared to asthma model group. Conclusion: Intratracheally administered BCG DNA can induce IL 12 and IFN γ secretion,inhibit Th2 response which can relieve allergic airway inflammation and provide a new way in the treatment and prevention of asthma.展开更多
Cardiomyopathies are diseases that primarily affect the myocardium, leading to serious cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Out of the three major categories of cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated and restrict...Cardiomyopathies are diseases that primarily affect the myocardium, leading to serious cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Out of the three major categories of cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated and restrictive), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is less common and also the least studied. However, the prognosis for RCM is poor as some patients dying in their childhood. The molecular mechanisms behind the disease development and progression are not very clear and the treatment of RCM is very difficult and often ineffective. In this article, we reviewed the recent progress in RCM research from the clinical studies and the translational studies done on diseased transgenic animal models. This will help for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the etiology and development of RCM and for the design of better treatments for the disease.展开更多
With the development of society and economy, English gradually becomes a worldwide language. However, due to various kinds of reasons and restrictions, many problems still exist in present English language teaching in...With the development of society and economy, English gradually becomes a worldwide language. However, due to various kinds of reasons and restrictions, many problems still exist in present English language teaching in public English classes. This paper focuses on the application and effect of some useful motivational strategies in English classroom, such as making use of affective factors, developing good classroom atmosphere, and becoming an efficient manager. The researcher hopes that this contribution can offer some valuable guidelines to English teachers. Therefore, the existing problems can be solved gradually.展开更多
文摘Aim To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the novel compoundpivanampeta in the early and later stages of atherosclerosis evolution. Methods Rats or rabbits wererandomly assigned to the control, the model and the pivanampeta-treated groups. The rats or rabbitsin the model group and the pivanampeta-treated group were fed with hypercholesterol diet. Thecarotids of rabbits were cut into pieces and stained with HE. The rat or rabbit serum levels of TC,LDL-CHO, HDL-CHO, IL-8, ET-1, PGI_2, TXA_2, and NO were assayed. The expressions of MCP-1 and IL-8mRNA on rabbit carotid were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results Pivanampeta exerted aninhibitory effect on TXA_2 formation without PGI_2 production in the early and later stages ofatherosclerosis. The significantly increased release of NO and the decreased release of IL-8 in theanimals in pivanampeta-treated group were both detected in the rat atherosclerosis model. In therabbit atherosclerosis model the expressions of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA in pivanampeta-treated groupwere decreased significantly. However, the treatment with pivanampeta had no effect on the levels ofplasma cholesterol, MDA and SOD. Conclusion The increase of serum NO contents and the decrease ofplasma TXA_2 level, as well as its inhibition of expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 are probably involvedin the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effects of pivanampeta.
文摘A polynomial model, time origin shifting model(TOSM, is used to describe the trajectory of a moving target .Based on TOSM, a recursive laeast squares(RLS) algorithm with varied forgetting factor is derived for tracking of a non-maneuvering target. In order to apply this algorithm to maneuvering targets tracking ,a tracking signal is performed on-line to determine what kind of TOSm will be in effect to track a target with different dynamics. An effective multiple model least squares filtering and forecasting method dadpted to real tracking of a maneuvering target is formulated. The algorithm is computationally more effcient than Kalman filter and the percentage improvement from simulations show both of them are considerably alike to some extent.
基金Supported by the Biomedical Research Councilthe Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology,the Republic of Singapore
文摘AIM: The GFAP was traditionally considered to be a biomarker for neural gila (mainly astrocytes and nonmyelinating Schwann cells). Genetically, a 2.2-kb human GFAP promoter has been successfully used to target astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. More recently, GFAP was also established as one of the several makers for identifying hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In this project, possible application of the same 2.2-kb human GFAP promoter for targeting HSC was investigated. METHODS: The GFAP-lacZ transgene was transfected into various cell lines (HSC, hepatocyte, and other nonHSC cell types). The transgene expression specificity was determined by X-gal staining of the β-galactosidase activity. And the responsiveness of the transgene was tested with a typical pro-fibrotic cytokine TGF-β1. The expression of endogenous GFAP gene was assessed by real-time RT-PCR, providing a reference for the transgene expression. RESULTS: The results demonstrated for the first time that the 2.2 kb hGFAP promoter was not only capable of directing HSC-specific expression, but also responding to a known pro-fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 by upregulation in a doseand time-dependent manner, similar to the endogenous GFAP. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these findings suggested novel utilities for using the GFAP promoter to specifically manipulate HSC for therapeutic purpose.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effect of intratracheally administered BCG DNA on a murine model of asthma. Methods: BALB/C mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control group, asthma model group, BCG DNA administered before OVA sensitization group, BCG DNA administered after OVA challenge group. The asthma models were developed by immunizing BALB/C mice with OVA. A total of 100 μg BCG DNA was intratracheally administered before OVA sensitization and after OVA challenge. WBC count and eosinophil percentage (EOS%) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Changes of IL 4 , IL 5,IL 12, IFN γ in BALF were determined by ELISA. Pulmonary inflammation was observed on normal pathological slides and the proliferation and mucus secretion of goblet cells stained by AB PAS were also observed. Results: IL 4 , IL 5,IL 12, IFN γ in BALF of normal control group were(32.3±5.7)pg/ml,(15.6±3.9)pg/ml,(80±8.5)pg/ml,(153.2±9.4)pg/ml respectively. IL 4,IL 5 in BALF of asthma model group increased to (299±15.6)pg/ml and (206.7±9.3)pg/ml, while IL 12 and IFN γ decreased to (20.4±4.1)pg/ml and (51.6±5.5) pg/ml respectively. BCG DNA administered intratracheally before OVA sensitization and after OVA challenge significantly increased IL 12 [(71.6±8.3)pg/ml,(67.8±8.1pg/ml)] and IFN γ [(119.0±11.3)pg/ml,(114.7±10.1)pg/ml] in the BALF. Meanwhile, BCG DNA decreased IL 4 [(82.1±6.1)pg/ml,(86.3±5.9)pg/ml] and IL 5 [(32.3±4.6)pg/ml,(37.4±5.3)pg/ml]. Eosinophil level in BALF was inhibited and the pulmonary inflammation was dramatically relieved compared to asthma model group. Conclusion: Intratracheally administered BCG DNA can induce IL 12 and IFN γ secretion,inhibit Th2 response which can relieve allergic airway inflammation and provide a new way in the treatment and prevention of asthma.
文摘Cardiomyopathies are diseases that primarily affect the myocardium, leading to serious cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Out of the three major categories of cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated and restrictive), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is less common and also the least studied. However, the prognosis for RCM is poor as some patients dying in their childhood. The molecular mechanisms behind the disease development and progression are not very clear and the treatment of RCM is very difficult and often ineffective. In this article, we reviewed the recent progress in RCM research from the clinical studies and the translational studies done on diseased transgenic animal models. This will help for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the etiology and development of RCM and for the design of better treatments for the disease.
文摘With the development of society and economy, English gradually becomes a worldwide language. However, due to various kinds of reasons and restrictions, many problems still exist in present English language teaching in public English classes. This paper focuses on the application and effect of some useful motivational strategies in English classroom, such as making use of affective factors, developing good classroom atmosphere, and becoming an efficient manager. The researcher hopes that this contribution can offer some valuable guidelines to English teachers. Therefore, the existing problems can be solved gradually.