Objective:In addition to dyspnea and edema,gastrointestinal discomfort is common among patients with heart failure(HF).Reduced cardiac output can lead to inadequate perfusion of the intestinal mucosa and subsequent im...Objective:In addition to dyspnea and edema,gastrointestinal discomfort is common among patients with heart failure(HF).Reduced cardiac output can lead to inadequate perfusion of the intestinal mucosa and subsequent impairment of the intestinal barrier.Levosimendan,a novel inotropic agent,binds to cardiac troponin C to enhance calcium sensitivity,activates ATP-dependent potassium channels in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells,exerts positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects,and reduces free radical generation,thereby improving systemic hemodynamics including intestinal circulation.However,clinical evidence regarding its protective effects on the intestinal barrier in HF patients remains limited,and the underlying mechanisms require further clarification.This study aims to investigate whether levosimendan confers protective effects on the intestinal barrier in HF patients and to explore its potential mechanisms.Methods:Network pharmacology was first used to analyze potential mechanisms of levosimendan in treating intestinal barrier dysfunction among HF patients.A total of 62 hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)were enrolled based on echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction.According to clinical medication regimens,patients were assigned to a conventional treatment group(n=31)or a levosimendan treatment group(n=31).The conventional treatment group received standard anti-HF therapy,while the levosimendan treatment group received levosimendan in addition to standard therapy.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure plasma levels and changes in the intestinal-barrier proteins zonulin,intestinal fatty acid binding protein(I-FABP),proinflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-17,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α],anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10,and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP).Improvements in cardiac function and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire(KCCQ)and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale(GSRS).Results:Network pharmacology indicated that the effects of levosimendan on intestinal barrier dysfunction in HF patients may involve inflammation-related pathways such as IL-17 and TNF.Clinically,after treatment,zonulin decreased by 32.94 ng/mL in the levosimendan treatment group versus 15.05 ng/mL in the conventional treatment group(P<0.05).I-FABP decreased by 6.97 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group but increased by 35.16 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group(P<0.05).IL-6,IL-17,and TNF-αdecreased by 1.11 pg/mL,1.21 pg/mL,and 2.83 pg/mL,respectively,in the levosimendan treatment group,whereas they increased by 7.68 pg/mL,0.67 pg/mL,and 2.38 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group(all P<0.05).IL-10 decreased by 24.48 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group but increased by 24.98 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group(P<0.05).NT-proBNP increased by 7.35 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group but decreased by 4.73 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group(P<0.05).KCCQ scores increased by 0.36 in the conventional treatment group and 1.86 in the levosimendan treatment group,GSRS scores decreased by 1.00 in the conventional treatment group and 2.40 in the levosimendan treatment group,respectively,but the differences were not statistically significant(both P>0.05).Conclusion:Levosimendan not only improves HF and gastrointestinal symptoms in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of HFrEF but also reduces plasma intestinal barrier factor levels.These effects may be associated with decreased plasma proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines after treatment,potentially involving IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways.展开更多
Objective:To systematically review the current implementation status of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority and analyze the barriers encountered during its implementation in China,providing countermeasu...Objective:To systematically review the current implementation status of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority and analyze the barriers encountered during its implementation in China,providing countermeasures and references for promoting the standardized implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.Methods:A secondary analysis of literature was conducted to systematically search for domestic and international literature related to nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.Meta-analysis was performed on eligible literature to evaluate the implementation effects.Simultaneously,semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare workers,patients,and policymakers.Content analysis was used to organize the interview data and extract core issues and barriers.Results:A total of 46 international articles were included in the Meta-analysis,which revealed that the implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority significantly improved patients’health management outcomes,enhanced healthcare service efficiency,and increased patient satisfaction.Conclusion:The implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority has demonstrated significant positive effects.However,China faces multiple barriers in its advancement,necessitating efforts in optimizing policy systems,constructing collaborative models,strengthening professional skills training,and improving social awareness to guide the scientific and rational implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.展开更多
Small high-quality Au/n type-GaAs Schottky barrier diodes （SBDs） with low reverse leakage current are produced using lithography. Their effective barrier heights （BHs） and ideality factors from current-voltage （...Small high-quality Au/n type-GaAs Schottky barrier diodes （SBDs） with low reverse leakage current are produced using lithography. Their effective barrier heights （BHs） and ideality factors from current-voltage （I-V） characteristics are measured by a Pico ampere meter and home-built I-V instrument. In spite of the identical preparation of the diodes there is a diode-to-diode variation in ideality factor and barrier height parameters. Measurement of topology of a surface of a thin metal film with atomic force microscope （AFM） shows that Au-n type-GaAS SD consists of a set of parallel-connected micro and nanocontacts diodes with sizes approximately in a range of 100-200 nm. Between barrier height and ideality factor there is an inversely proportional dependency. With the diameter of contact increasing from 5 μm up to 200 μm, the barrier height increases from 0.833 up to 0.933 eV and its ideality factor decreases from 1.11 down to 1.006. These dependencies show the reduction of the contribution of the peripheral current with the diameter of contact increasing. We find the effect of series resistance on barrier height and ideality factor.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Many studies have evaluated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in traumatic brain edema and hemorrhagic brain edema. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of VEGF expression on permeabil...BACKGROUND： Many studies have evaluated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in traumatic brain edema and hemorrhagic brain edema. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of VEGF expression on permeability of the blood-brain barrier （BBB） during high-altitude and hypoxia exposure, and to investigate the correlation between VEGF expression and BBB permeability with regard to Evans blue staining and brain edema during high-altitude exposure. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Tanggula Etape, Central Laboratory of Chengdu Medical College, and Central Laboratory of General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area Command of Chinese PLA, China, from July 2003 to November 2004. MATERIALS： Quantitative RT-PCR kit （Sigma, USA）, VEGF ELISA kit （Biosource, USA）, and Evans blue （Jingchun, China） were acquired for this study. METHODS： A total of 180 Wistar rats were equally and randomly assigned to 15 groups： low-altitude （500 m）, middle-altitude （2 880 m）, high-altitude （4 200 m）, super-high-altitude （5 000 m）, 1,3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21 days of super high-altitude exposure. Wistar rats were exposed to various altitude gradients to establish a hypoxia model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain water content was calculated according to the wet-to-dry weight ratio. BBB permeability to Evans blue was determined by colorimetric method. VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues were detected using RT-PCR and double-antibody sandwich ELISA. RESULTS： Brain water content, BBB permeability to Evans blue, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues increased with increasing altitude and prolonged exposure to altitude. The greatest increase was determined on day 9 upon ascending 5 000 m. Simultaneously, VEGF expression positively correlated to BBB permeability of Evans blue and brain water content （r = 0.975, 0.917, P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Increased VEGF protein and mRNA expression was responsible for increased BBB permeability, which may be an important mechanism underlying brain edema during high-altitude exposure.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and aerobic exercise training on oxidant-antioxidant balance,neurotrophic factor levels, and blood-brain barrier(BBB) function.Methods: Ten ...Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and aerobic exercise training on oxidant-antioxidant balance,neurotrophic factor levels, and blood-brain barrier(BBB) function.Methods: Ten non-obese healthy men(body mass index < 25 kg/m2) and 10 obese men(body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) were included in the study.Both groups performed treadmill exercise for 40 min 3 times weekly for 8 weeks at 70% heart rate reserve. Blood samples were collected to examine oxidant-antioxidant balance(reactive oxygen species(ROS) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity levels), neurotrophic factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), nerve growth factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor levels), and BBB function(S100βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE) levels) before and after exercise training.Results: The obese group showed significantly greater changes than the non-obese group in serum ROS(-0.46 ± 0.31 mmol/L vs.-0.10 ±0.17 mmol/L,p=0.005),serum S100 p levels(-8.50 ± 5.92 ng/L vs.-0.78 ± 5.45 ng/L,p=0.007),and serum NSE levels(-0.89 ± 0.54 μg/L vs.-0.01 ± 0.74 μg/L,p= 0.007) after training. At baseline,the obese group showed significantly higher serum ROS and S100β levels and significantly lower serum SOD activity and BDNF levels than the non-obese group(p < 0.05). The obese group showed significantly lower serum ROS, S100β,and NSE levels and significantly higher serum SOD activity and BDNF levels after training compared with baseline(p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that obesity can reduce serum neurotrophic factor levels and can induce BBB dysfunction. On the other hand,aerobic exercise can improve an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in obese subjects and limit BBB dysfunction.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1),a novel C-C chemokine,on brain-blood barrier(BBB)integrity in rat focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model.METHODS Antibodies against CKLF1 was ...OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1),a novel C-C chemokine,on brain-blood barrier(BBB)integrity in rat focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model.METHODS Antibodies against CKLF1 was applied to the rightcerebral ventricle immediately after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.Brain water content,Evans blue leakage and the expression of aquaporin-4(AQP-4),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin were measured.RESULTS After treatment with antiCKLF1 antibody,brain water content and Evans blue leakage in ipsilateral hemisphere were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h after reperfusion,but not changed in contralateral hemisphere.Anti-CKLF1 antibody reduced the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin.These results suggest that CKLF1 is involved in BBB disruption after reperfusion.CONCLUSION Inhibition of CKLF1 protects against cerebral ischemia by maintaining BBB integrity,possibly via inhibiting the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and increasing the expression of tight junction protein.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） is able to regulate blood spinal cord barrier function as well as influence neovascularization and cause edema. OBJECTIVE： Through establishment of a rabbit mo...BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） is able to regulate blood spinal cord barrier function as well as influence neovascularization and cause edema. OBJECTIVE： Through establishment of a rabbit model of syringomyelia, to explore the correlation between VEGF protein and mRNA expressions and function of blood spinal cord barrier and edema degree of spinal cord in presyrinx state. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized controlled animal study was performed in the Tumor Institute of the Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University from January to June 2007. MATERIALS： Atotal of 0.6 mL Kaolin solution （250 g/L, 37℃） was injected into the cisterna magna of 40 rabbits in the kaolin group to establish syringomyelia models. Goat anti-rabbit VEGF monoclonal antibody was provided by DIACLONE Company, USA; RT-PCR related reagents were provided by Huamei Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Beijing. METHODS： Sixty Chinese white rabbits were divided randomly into two groups： Kaolin group （n = 40） and control group （n = 20）. Physiological saline （0.6 mL at 37℃） was injected in rabbits of control group. On days 1,3, 7, 14 and 21 after kaolin injection, cervical cords samples were harvested after sacrifice of animal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： VEGF protein and mRNA expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after kaolin injection. A quantitative analysis of blood spinal cord barrier function was performed by Evans blue technique. Water content of the spinal cord was measured by dry-wet weight technique. The correlation between the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA and the function of blood spinal cord barrier in the upper cervical cord of the presyrinx state was analyzed by linear correlation analysis. RESULTS： The water content and Evans blue content increased in the kaolin group on days 1 and 3 postoperatively compared with the control group （F = 7.387, 61.35, P 〈 0.05, 0.01）, and reached a peak on day 7 （F = 135.94, 528.35, P 〈 0.01）. They declined slowly to day 21 postoperatively, but both contents were still higher than the control group （F = 11.51, 58.63, P 〈 0.01）. VEGF protein expression increased on day 1, and stronger positive expression was seen on days 3, 7 and 14. It decreased on day 21. VEGF protein expression was higher than the control group at each time point （F = 137.4-468.5, P 〈 0.01 ）. VEGF mRNA expression showed the same pattern in the cervical cord at different time points. By statistical analysis, the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA had a significantly positive correlation with the structural and functional changes of the blood spinal cord barrier in the presyrinx state （r = 0.604-0.979, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In the presyrinx state of syringomyelia, the expressions of VEGF protein and mRNA can influence the structure and function of the blood spinal cord barrier and play an important role in the formation and development of spinal cord edema and syringomyelia.展开更多
The purpose of this work was to investigate whether, by intranasal administration, the nerve growth factor bypasses the blood-brain barrier and turns over the spinal cord neurons and if such therapeutic approach could...The purpose of this work was to investigate whether, by intranasal administration, the nerve growth factor bypasses the blood-brain barrier and turns over the spinal cord neurons and if such therapeutic approach could be of value in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats with intact and injured spinal cord received daily intranasal nerve growth factor administration in both nostrils for 1 day or for 3 consecutive weeks. We found an in-creased content of nerve growth factor and enhanced expression of nerve growth factor receptor in the spinal cord 24 hours after a single intranasal administration of nerve growth factor in healthy rats, while daily treatment for 3 weeks in a model of spinal cord injury improved the deifcits in locomotor behaviour and increased spinal content of both nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptors. These outcomes suggest that the intranasal nerve growth factor bypasses blood-brain barrier and affects spinal cord neurons in spinal cord injury. They also suggest exploiting the possible therapeutic role of intranasally delivered nerve growth factor for the neuroprotection of damaged spinal nerve cells.展开更多
The homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） in atmospheric air between two symmetric-columnar copper electrodes with epoxy plates as the dielectric barriers is generated using a us pulse high voltage power su...The homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） in atmospheric air between two symmetric-columnar copper electrodes with epoxy plates as the dielectric barriers is generated using a us pulse high voltage power supply. The discharge characteristics are studied by measurement of its electrical discharge parameters and observation of its light emission phenom- ena, and the main discharge parameters of the homogenous DBD, such as discharge current and average discharge power, are calculated. Results show that the discharge generated is a homogeneous one with one larger single current pulse of about 2 #s duration appearing in each voltage pulse, and its light emission is radially homogeneous and covers the entire surface of the two elec- trodes. The influences of applied voltage amplitude, air gap distance and barrier thickness on the transition of discharge modes are studied. With the increase of air gap distance, the discharge will transit from homogeneous mode to filamentary mode. The higher the thickness of dielectric barriers, the larger the air gap distance for generating the homogeneous discharge mode. The average discharge power increases non-linearly with increasing applied voltage amplitude, and decreases non-linearly with the increase of air gap distance and barrier thickness. In order to generate stable and homogeneous DBD with high discharge power, thin barriers distance should be used, and higher applied voltage amplitude should be applied to small air gap.展开更多
Inflammatory factor aggregation and blood-brain barrier（BBB）damage occur around hematoma foci following intracerebral hemorrhage.Minocycline is lipophilic,can pass through the BBB,and shows anti-inflammatory effects...Inflammatory factor aggregation and blood-brain barrier（BBB）damage occur around hematoma foci following intracerebral hemorrhage.Minocycline is lipophilic,can pass through the BBB,and shows anti-inflammatory effects in models of central nervous system disease.We found that minocycline application at 6 hours after intracerebral hemorrhage reduced BBB permeability,decreased vascular endothelial growth factor expression,and increased nerve growth factor and heat shock protein 70 expression,primarily in neurons and microglia.Early intraperitoneal injection of minocycline attenuated BBB damage possibly by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression and enhancing nerve growth factor and heat shock protein 70 expression.展开更多
Effect of platelet activating factor(PAF) on blood spinal cord barrier in cervical cord injury was investigated. Methods: Spinal cord injury at C6 segment was induced with Allen’s ’method in cats. PAF and PAF recept...Effect of platelet activating factor(PAF) on blood spinal cord barrier in cervical cord injury was investigated. Methods: Spinal cord injury at C6 segment was induced with Allen’s ’method in cats. PAF and PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 were administered by arachnoid space and intravenous injection respectively, and their effects on PAF levels, blood spinal cord barrier and cervical cord edema in the injuried zone and adjacent cervical cord tissue following cervical cord injury were investigated. Results: PAF levels, Evens content and water content in the injuried and adjacent cervical cord tissues significantly increased following trauma. PAF levels, Evens content and water content were evidently elevated with PAF by arachnoid space injection. PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 could inhibit the increase in PAF levels and reduce Evens and water content in the cervical cord tissue following trauma. Conclusion: PAF is an important contributing factor causing post-traumatic damage to the blood spinal cord barrier, while PAF receptor antagonist can effectively relieve post-traumatic damage to the blood spinal cord barrier.展开更多
基金supported by the Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Major Special Fund(2021SK1020)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2023JJ30948)+1 种基金the Health Commission of Hunan Province(202203014687)the International Medical Exchange Cardiovascular Multidisciplinary Integrated Thinking Research Foundation(Z-2016-23-2101-20),China.
文摘Objective:In addition to dyspnea and edema,gastrointestinal discomfort is common among patients with heart failure(HF).Reduced cardiac output can lead to inadequate perfusion of the intestinal mucosa and subsequent impairment of the intestinal barrier.Levosimendan,a novel inotropic agent,binds to cardiac troponin C to enhance calcium sensitivity,activates ATP-dependent potassium channels in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells,exerts positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects,and reduces free radical generation,thereby improving systemic hemodynamics including intestinal circulation.However,clinical evidence regarding its protective effects on the intestinal barrier in HF patients remains limited,and the underlying mechanisms require further clarification.This study aims to investigate whether levosimendan confers protective effects on the intestinal barrier in HF patients and to explore its potential mechanisms.Methods:Network pharmacology was first used to analyze potential mechanisms of levosimendan in treating intestinal barrier dysfunction among HF patients.A total of 62 hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)were enrolled based on echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction.According to clinical medication regimens,patients were assigned to a conventional treatment group(n=31)or a levosimendan treatment group(n=31).The conventional treatment group received standard anti-HF therapy,while the levosimendan treatment group received levosimendan in addition to standard therapy.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure plasma levels and changes in the intestinal-barrier proteins zonulin,intestinal fatty acid binding protein(I-FABP),proinflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-17,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α],anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10,and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP).Improvements in cardiac function and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire(KCCQ)and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale(GSRS).Results:Network pharmacology indicated that the effects of levosimendan on intestinal barrier dysfunction in HF patients may involve inflammation-related pathways such as IL-17 and TNF.Clinically,after treatment,zonulin decreased by 32.94 ng/mL in the levosimendan treatment group versus 15.05 ng/mL in the conventional treatment group(P<0.05).I-FABP decreased by 6.97 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group but increased by 35.16 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group(P<0.05).IL-6,IL-17,and TNF-αdecreased by 1.11 pg/mL,1.21 pg/mL,and 2.83 pg/mL,respectively,in the levosimendan treatment group,whereas they increased by 7.68 pg/mL,0.67 pg/mL,and 2.38 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group(all P<0.05).IL-10 decreased by 24.48 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group but increased by 24.98 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group(P<0.05).NT-proBNP increased by 7.35 pg/mL in the conventional treatment group but decreased by 4.73 pg/mL in the levosimendan treatment group(P<0.05).KCCQ scores increased by 0.36 in the conventional treatment group and 1.86 in the levosimendan treatment group,GSRS scores decreased by 1.00 in the conventional treatment group and 2.40 in the levosimendan treatment group,respectively,but the differences were not statistically significant(both P>0.05).Conclusion:Levosimendan not only improves HF and gastrointestinal symptoms in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of HFrEF but also reduces plasma intestinal barrier factor levels.These effects may be associated with decreased plasma proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines after treatment,potentially involving IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways.
基金Scientific Research Fund Project of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education(Project No.:2024J2130)。
文摘Objective:To systematically review the current implementation status of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority and analyze the barriers encountered during its implementation in China,providing countermeasures and references for promoting the standardized implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.Methods:A secondary analysis of literature was conducted to systematically search for domestic and international literature related to nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.Meta-analysis was performed on eligible literature to evaluate the implementation effects.Simultaneously,semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare workers,patients,and policymakers.Content analysis was used to organize the interview data and extract core issues and barriers.Results:A total of 46 international articles were included in the Meta-analysis,which revealed that the implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority significantly improved patients’health management outcomes,enhanced healthcare service efficiency,and increased patient satisfaction.Conclusion:The implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority has demonstrated significant positive effects.However,China faces multiple barriers in its advancement,necessitating efforts in optimizing policy systems,constructing collaborative models,strengthening professional skills training,and improving social awareness to guide the scientific and rational implementation of nurses’non-pharmacological prescription authority.
文摘Small high-quality Au/n type-GaAs Schottky barrier diodes （SBDs） with low reverse leakage current are produced using lithography. Their effective barrier heights （BHs） and ideality factors from current-voltage （I-V） characteristics are measured by a Pico ampere meter and home-built I-V instrument. In spite of the identical preparation of the diodes there is a diode-to-diode variation in ideality factor and barrier height parameters. Measurement of topology of a surface of a thin metal film with atomic force microscope （AFM） shows that Au-n type-GaAS SD consists of a set of parallel-connected micro and nanocontacts diodes with sizes approximately in a range of 100-200 nm. Between barrier height and ideality factor there is an inversely proportional dependency. With the diameter of contact increasing from 5 μm up to 200 μm, the barrier height increases from 0.833 up to 0.933 eV and its ideality factor decreases from 1.11 down to 1.006. These dependencies show the reduction of the contribution of the peripheral current with the diameter of contact increasing. We find the effect of series resistance on barrier height and ideality factor.
基金Supported by:the Tackle Key Problem in Science and Technology during the "11~(th) Five-Year Plan" Period of Chinese PLA,No.06G030
文摘BACKGROUND： Many studies have evaluated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in traumatic brain edema and hemorrhagic brain edema. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of VEGF expression on permeability of the blood-brain barrier （BBB） during high-altitude and hypoxia exposure, and to investigate the correlation between VEGF expression and BBB permeability with regard to Evans blue staining and brain edema during high-altitude exposure. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Tanggula Etape, Central Laboratory of Chengdu Medical College, and Central Laboratory of General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area Command of Chinese PLA, China, from July 2003 to November 2004. MATERIALS： Quantitative RT-PCR kit （Sigma, USA）, VEGF ELISA kit （Biosource, USA）, and Evans blue （Jingchun, China） were acquired for this study. METHODS： A total of 180 Wistar rats were equally and randomly assigned to 15 groups： low-altitude （500 m）, middle-altitude （2 880 m）, high-altitude （4 200 m）, super-high-altitude （5 000 m）, 1,3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21 days of super high-altitude exposure. Wistar rats were exposed to various altitude gradients to establish a hypoxia model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain water content was calculated according to the wet-to-dry weight ratio. BBB permeability to Evans blue was determined by colorimetric method. VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues were detected using RT-PCR and double-antibody sandwich ELISA. RESULTS： Brain water content, BBB permeability to Evans blue, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues increased with increasing altitude and prolonged exposure to altitude. The greatest increase was determined on day 9 upon ascending 5 000 m. Simultaneously, VEGF expression positively correlated to BBB permeability of Evans blue and brain water content （r = 0.975, 0.917, P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Increased VEGF protein and mRNA expression was responsible for increased BBB permeability, which may be an important mechanism underlying brain edema during high-altitude exposure.
基金supported by the Dong-A University research fund
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and aerobic exercise training on oxidant-antioxidant balance,neurotrophic factor levels, and blood-brain barrier(BBB) function.Methods: Ten non-obese healthy men(body mass index < 25 kg/m2) and 10 obese men(body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) were included in the study.Both groups performed treadmill exercise for 40 min 3 times weekly for 8 weeks at 70% heart rate reserve. Blood samples were collected to examine oxidant-antioxidant balance(reactive oxygen species(ROS) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity levels), neurotrophic factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), nerve growth factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor levels), and BBB function(S100βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE) levels) before and after exercise training.Results: The obese group showed significantly greater changes than the non-obese group in serum ROS(-0.46 ± 0.31 mmol/L vs.-0.10 ±0.17 mmol/L,p=0.005),serum S100 p levels(-8.50 ± 5.92 ng/L vs.-0.78 ± 5.45 ng/L,p=0.007),and serum NSE levels(-0.89 ± 0.54 μg/L vs.-0.01 ± 0.74 μg/L,p= 0.007) after training. At baseline,the obese group showed significantly higher serum ROS and S100β levels and significantly lower serum SOD activity and BDNF levels than the non-obese group(p < 0.05). The obese group showed significantly lower serum ROS, S100β,and NSE levels and significantly higher serum SOD activity and BDNF levels after training compared with baseline(p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that obesity can reduce serum neurotrophic factor levels and can induce BBB dysfunction. On the other hand,aerobic exercise can improve an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in obese subjects and limit BBB dysfunction.
基金The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81302760)the Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation Project(2013M542510)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1),a novel C-C chemokine,on brain-blood barrier(BBB)integrity in rat focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model.METHODS Antibodies against CKLF1 was applied to the rightcerebral ventricle immediately after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.Brain water content,Evans blue leakage and the expression of aquaporin-4(AQP-4),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin were measured.RESULTS After treatment with antiCKLF1 antibody,brain water content and Evans blue leakage in ipsilateral hemisphere were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h after reperfusion,but not changed in contralateral hemisphere.Anti-CKLF1 antibody reduced the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin.These results suggest that CKLF1 is involved in BBB disruption after reperfusion.CONCLUSION Inhibition of CKLF1 protects against cerebral ischemia by maintaining BBB integrity,possibly via inhibiting the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and increasing the expression of tight junction protein.
文摘BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） is able to regulate blood spinal cord barrier function as well as influence neovascularization and cause edema. OBJECTIVE： Through establishment of a rabbit model of syringomyelia, to explore the correlation between VEGF protein and mRNA expressions and function of blood spinal cord barrier and edema degree of spinal cord in presyrinx state. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized controlled animal study was performed in the Tumor Institute of the Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University from January to June 2007. MATERIALS： Atotal of 0.6 mL Kaolin solution （250 g/L, 37℃） was injected into the cisterna magna of 40 rabbits in the kaolin group to establish syringomyelia models. Goat anti-rabbit VEGF monoclonal antibody was provided by DIACLONE Company, USA; RT-PCR related reagents were provided by Huamei Bioengineering Co., Ltd., Beijing. METHODS： Sixty Chinese white rabbits were divided randomly into two groups： Kaolin group （n = 40） and control group （n = 20）. Physiological saline （0.6 mL at 37℃） was injected in rabbits of control group. On days 1,3, 7, 14 and 21 after kaolin injection, cervical cords samples were harvested after sacrifice of animal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： VEGF protein and mRNA expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after kaolin injection. A quantitative analysis of blood spinal cord barrier function was performed by Evans blue technique. Water content of the spinal cord was measured by dry-wet weight technique. The correlation between the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA and the function of blood spinal cord barrier in the upper cervical cord of the presyrinx state was analyzed by linear correlation analysis. RESULTS： The water content and Evans blue content increased in the kaolin group on days 1 and 3 postoperatively compared with the control group （F = 7.387, 61.35, P 〈 0.05, 0.01）, and reached a peak on day 7 （F = 135.94, 528.35, P 〈 0.01）. They declined slowly to day 21 postoperatively, but both contents were still higher than the control group （F = 11.51, 58.63, P 〈 0.01）. VEGF protein expression increased on day 1, and stronger positive expression was seen on days 3, 7 and 14. It decreased on day 21. VEGF protein expression was higher than the control group at each time point （F = 137.4-468.5, P 〈 0.01 ）. VEGF mRNA expression showed the same pattern in the cervical cord at different time points. By statistical analysis, the expression of VEGF protein and mRNA had a significantly positive correlation with the structural and functional changes of the blood spinal cord barrier in the presyrinx state （r = 0.604-0.979, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In the presyrinx state of syringomyelia, the expressions of VEGF protein and mRNA can influence the structure and function of the blood spinal cord barrier and play an important role in the formation and development of spinal cord edema and syringomyelia.
基金supported by Proj.PRIN prot.2007AF3XH4_005,"Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Roma",and"Ministero della Salute"Grant No.RF-FGB-2005-150198
文摘The purpose of this work was to investigate whether, by intranasal administration, the nerve growth factor bypasses the blood-brain barrier and turns over the spinal cord neurons and if such therapeutic approach could be of value in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats with intact and injured spinal cord received daily intranasal nerve growth factor administration in both nostrils for 1 day or for 3 consecutive weeks. We found an in-creased content of nerve growth factor and enhanced expression of nerve growth factor receptor in the spinal cord 24 hours after a single intranasal administration of nerve growth factor in healthy rats, while daily treatment for 3 weeks in a model of spinal cord injury improved the deifcits in locomotor behaviour and increased spinal content of both nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptors. These outcomes suggest that the intranasal nerve growth factor bypasses blood-brain barrier and affects spinal cord neurons in spinal cord injury. They also suggest exploiting the possible therapeutic role of intranasally delivered nerve growth factor for the neuroprotection of damaged spinal nerve cells.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50707012)Opening Project of State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment in Xi'an Jiaotong University of China(No.EIPE11205)"Qing Lan Project" of Jiangsu Province,China
文摘The homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge （DBD） in atmospheric air between two symmetric-columnar copper electrodes with epoxy plates as the dielectric barriers is generated using a us pulse high voltage power supply. The discharge characteristics are studied by measurement of its electrical discharge parameters and observation of its light emission phenom- ena, and the main discharge parameters of the homogenous DBD, such as discharge current and average discharge power, are calculated. Results show that the discharge generated is a homogeneous one with one larger single current pulse of about 2 #s duration appearing in each voltage pulse, and its light emission is radially homogeneous and covers the entire surface of the two elec- trodes. The influences of applied voltage amplitude, air gap distance and barrier thickness on the transition of discharge modes are studied. With the increase of air gap distance, the discharge will transit from homogeneous mode to filamentary mode. The higher the thickness of dielectric barriers, the larger the air gap distance for generating the homogeneous discharge mode. The average discharge power increases non-linearly with increasing applied voltage amplitude, and decreases non-linearly with the increase of air gap distance and barrier thickness. In order to generate stable and homogeneous DBD with high discharge power, thin barriers distance should be used, and higher applied voltage amplitude should be applied to small air gap.
文摘Inflammatory factor aggregation and blood-brain barrier（BBB）damage occur around hematoma foci following intracerebral hemorrhage.Minocycline is lipophilic,can pass through the BBB,and shows anti-inflammatory effects in models of central nervous system disease.We found that minocycline application at 6 hours after intracerebral hemorrhage reduced BBB permeability,decreased vascular endothelial growth factor expression,and increased nerve growth factor and heat shock protein 70 expression,primarily in neurons and microglia.Early intraperitoneal injection of minocycline attenuated BBB damage possibly by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression and enhancing nerve growth factor and heat shock protein 70 expression.
文摘Effect of platelet activating factor(PAF) on blood spinal cord barrier in cervical cord injury was investigated. Methods: Spinal cord injury at C6 segment was induced with Allen’s ’method in cats. PAF and PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 were administered by arachnoid space and intravenous injection respectively, and their effects on PAF levels, blood spinal cord barrier and cervical cord edema in the injuried zone and adjacent cervical cord tissue following cervical cord injury were investigated. Results: PAF levels, Evens content and water content in the injuried and adjacent cervical cord tissues significantly increased following trauma. PAF levels, Evens content and water content were evidently elevated with PAF by arachnoid space injection. PAF receptor antagonist BN52021 could inhibit the increase in PAF levels and reduce Evens and water content in the cervical cord tissue following trauma. Conclusion: PAF is an important contributing factor causing post-traumatic damage to the blood spinal cord barrier, while PAF receptor antagonist can effectively relieve post-traumatic damage to the blood spinal cord barrier.
