Objective To investigate the causes for death in rats after spinal cord injury.Methods A total of 120 adult Wister rats were selected for the study. The animal model with acute spinal injury at T10 was established by using Allen' s combat (25 g · cm). The dissection analysis was performed in death rats. Results Of all, 25 patients died, with mortality rate of 21%. Of death rats, five rats were died before awakening, with no abnormal anatomy; 12 rats died within three days after injury and three died of injuries 3-7days injury. Anatomy found pulmonary bleeding and edema, even hematocele bladder in some rats. There were three rats died within 1-2 weeks, one died of injury only after 2-3 weeks, with lung infection and urinary tract infection. There was no death after three weeks. Conclusions The early causes for death of rats with spinal cord injury is mainly due to lung congestion and pulmonary edema, whereas the leading cause of late death of rats is pulmonary and urinary tract infection.

Objective To study the role of cell density in the tyrosol production and morphology for Candida albicans biofilms. Methods C. albicans SC5314 and clinical isolates were propagated in yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) medium. Cells were collected by centrifugation and washed twice in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) before this study, then resuspended in RPMI 1640 supplemented with L-glutamine and adjusted to a desired concentration of 5 × 10~6 cells/ml, 5×10~5 cells/ml, 5 × 10~4 cells/ml, 5 × 10~3 cells/ml after counting with a hematocytometer. Standardized C. albicans cells were prepared as above description and 2000 μl of this standardized cell suspension was dispensed into the wells, then C. albicans biofilms were formed on the bottom of the polystyrene wells. In this study, tyrosol synthesized by SC5314 and clinical isolates of C. albicans biofilm was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of tyrosol on morphology of C. albicans biofilms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Tyrosol production of C. albicans biofilms was affected by cell densities. At lower inoculation size(5 μ 10~3 cells/ml), there was too less tyrosol production to be detected at the early stage of the biofilms formation. At higher inoculation size (5 μ10~6 cells/ml), tyrosol can be detectable at the early stage or at the mature stage of biofilms formation. There was a sharp increase in tyrosol concentration at 24 h, while there was a decrease in tyrosol concentration after that time from the strains when the strains were at an inoculation size of 5 × 10~6 cells/ml and 5 × 10~5 cells/ml. Cell densities affected the morphology formation of the C. albicans biofilms. At the early stage of the biofilms formation, C. albicans grew less germ tube at lower cell densities than that at the higher cell densities. With the mature of the biofilms, C. albicarts grew more hyphae at higher cell densities than that at the lower cell densities. All these above showed that cell densities played an important role in the propagation for the C. albi-cans in the biofilm formation. Conclusion Cell density play an important role in the formation of the C. albi-cans biofilms and the production of the tyrosol.

We wished to undertake molecular characterization of the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene and overlapping surface (S) gene in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Sequencing analyses of the HBV RT/S gene of isolates from 25 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with the YMDD mutation and 30 treatment-naïve CHB patients were undertaken. In patients with the YMDD mutation, rtM2041 was the major type of mutation (20/25, 80%). rtL80I was present in most of the patients with rtM204I (14/20, 70%). rtL180M coexisted with rtM204V (5/5, 100%). Patients with the YMDD mutation had a significantly higher prevalence of mutation of the RT gene than treatment-naïve CHB patients (P < 0.05). Classical primary resistance and secondary/compensatory mutations were detected at only five sites (rtL80, rtV173, rtL180, rtM204, rtM250) in CHB patients with the YMDD mutation. The frequency of nucleos(t)ide analog resistance (NAr) mutation within the RT gene in patients with the YMDD mutation was significantly higher than that in treatment-naïve patients (P < 0.05). Amino-acid mutations within the RT gene were also associated with other types of NAr in patients with the YMDD mutation. The rate of amino-acid variants within the S gene region was significantly higher in patients with the YMDD mutation than that in treatment-naïve patients (P < 0.05). sM133L and sG145R variants were also present in patients with the YMDD mutation. These observations suggest that CHB patients with the YMDD mutation also have NAr mutations related to other NA drugs, which might lead to cross-resistance in CHB patients. Variants present in the S gene region could cause changes in the antigenicity of HBsAg, which could result in a false-negative diagnosis of HBsAg and immune in escape of the HBV.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antigens, Surface ; genetics ; Antigens, Viral ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; genetics ; Young Adult

Objective:To investigate the improving effect of simvastatin on the related indices of hyperlipidemia Patients at the early stage in Talimu oil field, and analyze the correlation between the pulse wave velocity ( PWV) and the other indicators. Methods:Totally 59 patients with hyperlipidemia in Talimu oil field hospital received simvastatin for 6 months. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C) , PWV and ankle-brachial index ( ABI) were assessed before and after the treatment. Moreo-ver, the correlation between PWV with the other factors were analyzed by a multiple linear regression method. Results: After the six-month treatment, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed no significant change;TC and LDL-C were significantly decreased ( P<0. 05), while HDL-C was increased. PWV was significantly decreased, and ABI was improved significantly (P<0. 05). The chan-ges in PWV were correlated with age and hs-CRP(P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Conclusion:Simvastatin can significantly improve the relat-ed indices in the patients with hyperlipidemia, reduce PWV, increase ABI and decrease serum hs-CRP level. The determination of PWV and hs-CRP can predict the degree of atherosclerosis better, which plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular dis-eases.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in men and related studies have achieved great breakthrough in recent years.But because of the lack of effective in vivo animal models, the process to translate basic research into clinical application has been severely hampered.Patient derived prostate tumor xenograft ( PDPTX) model is an ideal animal model in which freshly isolated tumor tissues from patients were inoculated into immunodeficient mice.This model can duplicate the heterogeneity of primary tumor in a better way and keep the tumor complexity at molecular, genetic and pathological levels.Particularly, the PDPTX model, in which the isolated tumor tissue is inoculated under the renal capsule, is even better, because it solves the clrawbacks of traditional subcutaneous inoculation model.In traditional mod-els, the success rate is low, it’s not easy for lower grade tumor to form xenograft, and it’s not easy to reconstruct metasta-sis, etc.PDPTX provides a more ideal in vivo model for prostate cancer studies.It has irreplaceable advantages, especially in target therapy, new drug screening and individualized tumor treatment.

Objective To study the protective effects and mechanism of aqueous extract of arctium lappa root on vas?cular endothelial cell injury in hypertensive rats. Methods The hypertensive rat model was induced by N-nitro-L-argi?nine. Rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, positive control group (aptopril 15 mg/kg), low concentration of aqueous extract of arctium lappa root (0.5 g/kg), medium concentration of (1 g/kg) and high concentra?tion of (2 g/kg) groups. After six weeks of continuous intragastric administration, the systolic blood pressure levels at tail ar?tery were measured at 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 29, 36 and 42 d after treatment. And other indicators related to inflammato?ry factors were detected including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6. The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level was detected by taking samples of thoracic aorta. Results (1) The systolic blood pressure level at tail ar?tery was significantly lower in aqueous extract of arctium lappa root group than that of model control group ( P<0.05). (2) The aqueous extract of arctium lappa root can significantly improve the vascular endothelial cell injury, suppress vascular endo?thelial cell loss and blood cell adhesion, and cell proliferation with collagen fibers in muscle membrane. ( 3) The serum levels of IL-6, CRP and vascular endothelial ICAM-1 were significantly reduced in aqueous extract of arctium lappa root group than that of model control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Aqueous extract of arctium lappa root can significantly improve vascular endothelial cell injury in hypertensive rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory cyto?kines like IL-6, CRP and the expression of ICAM-1, and the improvement of chronic inflammatory response in vascular en?dothelium of hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of fewer courses and prolonged intervals of chemotherapy on survival rate of advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated by sequential chemo-radiation therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2001, 54 untreated advanced NSCLC patients (2 stage IIIa, 18 stage IIIb, 34 stage IV) were treated by sequential chemo-radiation therapy combined with TCM. The courses of chemotherapy were reduced and the intervals of chemotherapy were longer than that of the standard regimen. The efficacy and survival rate were documented and the prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Complete remission (CR) was observed in 1 case and partial remission (PR) in 20 cases. The overall objective response rate was 40.4%. Median survival was 15.3 months, 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate were 53.7%, 28.9% and 9.6% respectively. The median survival of stage III and IV were 21.8 months and 12.5 months respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of stage III were 65.0%, 49.5%, 24.7% and that of stage IV were 47.0%, 23.3%, 0%, respectively. The quality of life was improved in most of the patients. Cox's proportional hazards regression showed that improved quality of life and treatment of TCM were the significant prognostic factors of overall survival. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined with TCM is beneficial to extending the interval of chemotherapy, improving the quality of life, and increasing the survival rate of advanced NSCLC patients.

Commonly, the interbacterial transfer of circular plasmids is initiated by nicking at an internal sequence, oriT, followed by transferring one strand as single-stranded DNA through a type Ⅳ secretion channel on cell membrane. In contrast, Streptomyces conjugative linear plasmids, containing a free 3'-end but a protein-capped 5'-end, can potentially undergo cell-to-cell transfer by transfer of non-nicked DNA. It was reported that circular derivatives of the Streptomyces lividans linear plasmid SLP2, as well as the parental linear plasmid itself can transfer efficiently. And the genetic requirements for such transfer was described. Efficient transfer of plasmid requires six co-transcribed SLP2 genes, encoding a Tra-like DNA translocase, cell wall hydrolase, two cell membrane proteins that interact with an ATP binding protein, and a protein of unknown function. Reduced transfer efficiency of plasmid from SalⅠ R-/M-to Sal Ⅰ R/M hosts argues that transfer of both the circular and linear forms of the plasmid involves double-stranded DNA. These results suggest that conjugal transfer occurs by a similar mechanism for SLP2-derived linear and circular plasmids, and cellular membrane/wall functions in the transfer process.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation of the tympanic injection of triamcinolone acetonide, middle ear pressure (MEP) and radioactive secretory otitis media (RSOM) with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. METHOD: Fifty-two patients suffering NPC without otitis media before radiotherapy were randomly divided into three groups. 17 cases with 34 ears were distributed into treatment group I, and radiotherapy 1 hour before the start of each side of the tympanic cavity injection of triamcinolone acetonide injection, 1-7 weeks 1 times a week. Treatment group I had 17 cases with 34 ears,and radiotherapy 1 hour before the start of each side of the tympanic cavity injection of triamcinolone acetonide injection, 1-12 weeks 1 times a week. And control group consisted of 18 cases with 36 ears who didn't accept such treatment. In all 104 ears, MEP was tested at the begin of radiotherapy and the end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd month after radiotherapy. RESULT: From the beginning of radiotherapy to the end of th 1st, 2nd, 3rd month after radiotherapy, the morbidity of RSOM gradually increased and MEP decreased in the treatment group I , II and the control group, in which treatment group II showed the lowest morbidity of RSOM and MEP was maximum (P < 0.01), and the treatment group I showed the lower morbidity of RSOM and MEP was greater (P < 0. 05), while the control group showed the highest morbidity of RSOM and MEP was minimum (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Tympanic injection of triamcinolone acetonide could reduce radiation injury, and medication time was positively correlated with the MEP, and a negative correlation with RSOM morbidity, and the longer treatment, the more significant the effect is. The difference is most obvious at the end of 3rd month after radiotherapy. It may be due to the more active repairation after radiation damage in middle ears, but long-term efficacy must continue to observe.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; Carcinoma ; Ear, Middle ; Humans ; Injections ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Otitis Media with Effusion ; drug therapy ; Radiation Injuries ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; administration & dosage

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of ultrashort waves combined with medication on children with cerebral dysfunction syndrome (CDS) accompanied with pneumonia.Methods76 children with CDS accompanied with pneumonia were randomly divided into treatment group (n=38, treated with anti-inflammatory and ultrashort waves one time per day for ten days) and control group (n=38, treated only with anti-inflammatory). The effective rate and the days of rales vanished of children in two groups after treatment were compared.ResultsIn the treatment group, 14 cases cured, 20 cases got significant result, 4 cases were effective, total effective rate was 100%; in the control group, 10 cases cured, 14 cases got significant result, 9 cases were effective, 5 cases were invalid, total effective rate was 86.8%. There was a significant difference between therapeutic effects of two groups ( P<0.05).ConclusionThe ultrashort waves therapy is an effective method for the children with CDS accompanied with pneumonia.