To analyze the problems in teaching regulation of gene expression in biochemistry and investigate the teaching method which can improve the teaching of the contents.

Introduction Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Drug treatment is effective in eradicating the bacilli but does not prevent lepra reaction. Despite much attention being focused on the problem of lepra reactions, very limited data has been published on the epidemiology of lepra reactions especially this part of the world. The aim of the study is to improve the understanding of lepra reaction and to determine the demographics and clinical patterns of lepra reactions in Penang General Hospital. Materials and Methods This retrospective study covers a 10-year period from 1997 to 2006. Demographic characteristic and clinical patterns of lepra reactions were analysed with SPSS 13.0 version. Results Of the 95 patients who were enrolled in the study, 67 (70.5%) were male and 28 (29.5%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 40.4 ± 17.9 years (range 3-91 years). There were 35 Malays (36.8%), 34 Chinese (35.8%), 5 Indians (5.2%) and 21 foreigners (22.2%). 35.8% of patients presented with LL (n=34), 18.9% BT (n=18), 17.9% TT (n=17), 13.7% BB (n=13) and 13.7% BL (n=13). In our series, the lepra reaction rate among leprosy patient was 51.6% (n=49). Among those with lepra reaction, 53.1% cases were type 1 reaction (n=26), 44.9% cases were type 2 reaction (n=22) and 2.0% cases were Lucio phenomenon (n=1). Common manifestations observed in lepra reaction were worsening of skin lesions (100%), inflammatory oedema of hands, feet and face (53.1%), nerve pain (46.9%), fever (20.8%) and nerve tenderness (20.4%). Only 4 cases had involvement of other organs like the eye and joint. 30.6% of the reactions observed in our cohort were severe. Type 1 reaction commonly involved those in borderline spectrum whereas type 2 reaction commonly involved those in the lepromatous spectrum. Lepra reactions occurred before treatment (24.5%), during treatment (71.4%) or even after treatment has been stopped (4.1%). Most of the lepra reactions occurred during the treatment period especially the first 12 months of therapy. Conclusion Our study showed a more severe and higher reaction rate compared to other studies. Lepra reaction is a common presentation of leprosy. Type 1 reaction commonly involved those with borderline disease but type 2 reaction commonly involved those with lepromatous spectrum of disease. Lepra reaction occurred before, during and even after the treatment has stopped. Most of the lepra reactions occurred during treatment period especially the first 12 months of therapy.

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between central obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) in community population.MethodsOne thousand and fifty-three individuals aged≥18 (mean,45.6),including 542 men and 511 women,were recruited for questionnaire survey and medical exarmnation from 4 communities of Hangzhou during March and November 2007.Their blood pressure,waist circumference,serum glucose,lipid profile,and other biochemical markers were measured.All data were used for variance analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of MS,central obesity,hypertension,and diabetes mellitus (DM) was 11.2%,23.6%,30.5%,and 8.5%,respectlvely.The prevalence of MS,DM,and hypertension was increased with waist circumference(P<0.05).Waist circumference was positively correlated to body mass index (BMI).systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DSP),fasting blood sugar,total cholesterol,and triglyceride (r=0.812,0.649,0.712,0.657,0.598,and 0.676,respectively),although negativelv with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(r=-0.578).Waist circumference also showed positive rclationship with the number of lipid metabolism abnormity(r=0.658,P<0.01).CondusionFor Hangzhou community population.central obesity might be one of the risk factors of MS.

Objective To present the experience of surgical treatment of 12 patients with advanced carcinoma of esophagus involving aorta. Methods Resection of esophageal carcinoma and cervical esophago-gastrostomy or supraaortic esophago-gastrostomy were done in 12 patients. In all 12 patients, the resection of limited aortic adventitia was performed in 2 patients, excision of aorta and simple suture in 2 patients and aortoplasty with Gore-Tex patch in 7 patients, the resected segment was replaced with artificial vessel in 1 patient. Results Complete recovery was achieved in 2 weeks in 12 patients, without severe complications such as aortic fistula. Conclusion Surgical treatment expands the operative indications for patients suffering from esophageal carcinoma involving aorta and improves their life quality.

Background Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The principal manifestations are skin lesions and peripheral neuropathy. The aims of the study is to improve the understanding of leprosy cases managed in Penang General Hospital and to analyse the demographics, clinical patterns, treatment regimen and outcome of leprosy in Penang Hospital. Materials and Methods This retrospective study covered a 10-year period from 1997 to 2006. Demographic characteristics, clinical patterns, treatment regimen of leprosy and outcome were analysed. Results A total of 95 patients were diagnosed to have leprosy (prevalence rate of 0.68 per 100,000). The mean age at presentation was 40.4 years ± 17.9 (range from 3 to 91 years old). There were 35 Malays (36.8%), 34 Chinese (35.8%), 5 Indians (5.2%) and 21 others. Patients experienced symptoms for a mean of 21.4 months before being referred to our clinic. Only 29 patients (30.5%) had a family history of leprosy. 34 patients (35.8%) presented with lepromatous leprosy. 95 patients (100%) presented with skin lesions, 61 patients (61.2%) with nerve lesions, 17 patients (17.9%) with deformities and 12 (12.6%) with reactions. The skin lesions occurred predominantly over the lower limbs, face and trunk. 95.8% of skin lesions were hypo/anaesthetic. Common thickened nerves observed were ulnar nerve (40.0%), great auricular nerve (38.9%) and posterior tibialis nerve (25.3%). The lepra reaction rate was 51.6%. Type 1 reaction commonly involved those with borderline spectrum but type 2 reaction commonly involved those with lepromatous spectrum. Common side effects observed with MDT were dapsone induced hemolytic anaemia (10.5%), cutaneous adverse drug reaction (8.4%) and drug induced hepatitis (2.1%). None of them experienced severe drug toxicity. In terms of treatment for leprosy, 71.6% of patients had completed their treatment and 18.9% were still on treatment. 24.1% of patients had their regimen changed because of side effects and drug resistance. 6 patients died (due to unrelated cause) and another 3 patients defaulted treatment. Conclusions Our study showed similar epidemiological findings as other studies except for a higher reaction rate. There was a significant delay in diagnosis in our cohort. Identification of the reasons of delay in diagnosis, and the risk factors of lepra reaction are important in the management of leprosy. Anti-leprotic treatment is relatively safe and effective in treating leprosy.

Objective To investigate the effects of 4 °C hypertonic saline (HTS) on S100 protein in serum and brain tissues of rats after cardiac arrest (SCA). Method Thirty SD male rats were randomly divided into shame-operated group (A), NS group (B) ,4℃ NS group (C), HTS group (D) and 4℃. HTS group (E), in e-qual number ( n = 6). Drugs were given to the rats of all groups at the initiation of CPR except group A. The rat model of CA was induced by asphyxia. Over 24 hours after restoration of spontanous circulation ( ROSC), venous blood sample was drawn to detcect the concentration of serum S100 protein in each group, and the rats were sacrificed and their brain tissues were taken for comparing the expressions of S100 protein in hippocampus. One-way analysis of variance and q -test were used for comparison among groups. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Compared with group A, the concentration of serum S100 protein in other groups were much higher ( P < 0.01). Compared with group B,the concentrations of serum S100 protein in groups C, D and E were also much lower ( P < 0.01). Compared with groups D and E, the concentration of serum S100 protein in group C was much higher ( P < 0.01). Compared with group D, the concentration of serum S100 protein in group D was higher ( P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the expressions of S100 protein in rats brain tissues of groups B,C and D were much higher ( P < 0.01). The expression of S100 protein in brain tissue of rats in group E was also higher than that in rats of group A ( P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the expressions of S100 protein in brain tissues of rats in groups C,D and E were lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Compared with group C, the expressions of S100 protein in brain tissues of rats in groups D and E were lower (P < 0.01). Compared with group D, the expression of S100 protein in brain tissue of rats in group E was lower (P < 0.05). Conclusions After CA the 4℃ HTS can decrease serum S100 protein level and inhibit the expression of S100 protein in hippocampus, then protecting the brain tissue.

Objective To investigate the value of vessel size index(VSI) in grading oligodendroglioma by vessel size imaging technique. Methods Twenty-four histologically confirmed oligodendroglioma cases were enrolled (13 gradeⅡand 11 gradeⅢ) . All patients underwent conventional MRI scanning, followed by multi gradient-echo spin-echo sequence from dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion to generate VSI maps. Region of interests were contoured on VSI color maps to obtain hot-spot value of mean VSI of microvasculature (VSImean) and maximum VSI of microvasculature (VSImax). Paraffin sections of each case was stained with CD34 to acquire microvascular caliber (VShis). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between VSImean, VSImax and VShis respectively. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare VSImean, VSImax and VShis between grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ oligodendrogliomas. ROC analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of VSImean, VSImax and VShis in grading oligodendrogliomas. Results Both VSImean and VSImax were strongly correlated with VShis (r=0.738, 0.705,P<0.05). For gradeⅡand Ⅲ oligodendrogliomas, VSImean were 38.93(17.96 to 81.18)μm and 91.49(36.94 to 144.68)μm, VSImax were 45.12(22.30 to 89.65)μm and 121.19(57.29 to 164.00)μm, VShis were 8.51(5.25 to 12.76)μm and 11.03(7.59 to 21.96)μm respectively. VSImean, VSImax, and VShis showed significant difference (Z=-3.505,-3.911, -2.729,P<0.05) between grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ oligodendrogliomas. ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of VSImean was 52.58 μm, 90.91%, 92.31%, 0.923 respectively, 81.18μm, 90.91%, 100.00%, 0.972 for VSImax, and 9.01μm, 90.00%, 84.62%, 0.838 for VShis respectively. Conclusions Vessel size imaging derived VSI correlated well with histopathology. It could provide valuable information in the pre-operative grading of oligodendroglioma.

Objective To study the impacts of different applicators on dose distribution in 192 Ir brachytherapy. Methods The inner tubes of two cylinder applicators from Nucletron,#101?001 and#084?350, were made of plastic and stainless steel, respectively. The cylinder parts of them were made of plastic, and had four different radiuses:1?00 cm, 1?25 cm, 1?50 cm, and 1?75 cm. EGSnrc program was used to simulate dose distribution when applicators were present in a phantom, and the results calculated by the treatment planning system were compared with the results of EGSnrc. The impacts of applicators on dose distribution were analyzed with different materials, thickness, and numbers of resident source. Results There was no significant relationship between dose deviation and the radius for the two applicators. When an applicator was present, the actual dose delivered to a patient was smaller than the planned dose. The dose deviation of the applicator#101?001 was no more than 1%, while the dose deviation of the applicator#084?350 was close to 3%. The dose deviation remained the same when the number of resident source changed. Conclusions The plastic applicator, if possible, is the best choice for brachytherapy right now. In a long term, in order to promote the accuracy of brachytherapy, current dosimetry algorithm should be improved, and the impacts of the applicator made of metal, such as stainless steel, on dose distribution should be taken into account.

Objective To summarize and evaluate the clinical feature and misdiagnosis of pulmonary granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA).Methods The clinical data of 47 patients of pulmonary GPA were analyzed retrospectively.The clinical feature and misdiagnosis were summarized.Results These patients were most commonly misdiagnosed as pulmonary infectious disease (61.8％,34/55) and pulmonary malignancy (27.3％,15/55) was the next in line.70.2％(33/47) patients had nose and sinus involvement,40.4％(19/47) patients had kidney involvement,25.5％ (12/47) patients had rash,19.1％(9/47) patients had eyes involvement,6.4％ (3/47) patients had peripheral neuritis,6.4％ (3/47) patients had gastrointestinal bleeding,4.3％(2/47) patients had pericardial effusion,87.2％(41/47) patients had positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic(cANCA),76.6％(36/47) patients had positive for proteinase-3.Conclusions Almost all pulmonary GPA patients have extra-pulmonary multi-systemic involvement.They are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary infectious diseases and malignancy.Educating doctors on GPA constantly and screening possible patients with cANCA testing may help reduce the misdiagnosis.

AIM: To define the indications of C2 pedicle lag screw or C2 pedicle screw associated with C3 lateral mass screw to treat Hangman fracture, and evaluate the clinical applications. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with Hangman fracture were selected from Changzheng Hospital between February 2000 and December 2004, including 10 patients of type Ⅰ, 12 patients of type Ⅱ, and 8 patients of type Ⅱa, 4 patients of type Ⅲ. Levine-Edwards classification and graded: 2 patients of grade C spinal injury, 12 patients of grade Ds and 20 patients of grade E according to Frankel scale. Patients with typeⅠHangman's fracture were fixed by C2 pedicle lag screw, and patients with typeⅡ, Ⅱa and Ⅲ Hangman fracture were fixed by C2 pedicle screw associate C3 lateral mass screw. Postoperative neurofunctional recovery and fracture healing were studied. RESULTS: A total of 34 subjects were involved in the analysis of results. ① Frankle classification of postoperative neurofunctional recovery: There were 2 cases of grade C, 1 case recovered to grade E, and one case recovered to grade D. There were 12 cases of grade D, including 11 cases of recovered to grade E and one without change. ② In 3-6 months follow-up, X-ray of anterior-posterior and lateral position showed that all fractures healed without loose screw, vertebra artery injury or other complications. CONCLUSION: C2 pedicle lag-screw, C2 pedicle screw associated with C3 lateral mass screw are safe, effective in the treatment of Hangman fracture, which can to retain the function of upper cervical spine as great as possible.