Objective To explore the common complications and methods of treatment in the malignant obstruction of upper alimentary tract with stent insertion. Methods With interventional procedure under fluoroscopic guidance fourteen self expanding stents were implanted in twelve patients, including nine with strictures or obstructions of esophagus, three with obstructions of gastroduodenum. Of the fourteen, nine were coated stents and five were uncoated stents. Results All stents were implanted successfully, but complications after the procedure occurred sometimes. There complications included: 1. Food bolus obstructed in three patients. 2. Chest pain occurred in four patients. 3. Tumour overgrowth or hyperplasia of granulation tissue in three patients caused restenosis of gastrointestinal tract. 4. Stent replacement in three patients. 5. Hemorrhage occurred in two patients (over 300 ml) causing threat to life. Conclusions The implantation of self expanding stent is a simple and effective method offering good palliation for upper alimentary tract obstructions. The complications shoud be treated correctly.

Objective To explore the effect of autotransplantation of hair with intact follicle on pubic hair reconstruction in patients with congenital loss of pubic hair. Methods The scalps strips of 12 female patients were harvested from the back of the head, close to the hairline. Under the microscope, the strip was then divided into a series of follicular-unit micrografts. The hair was transplanted to defective pubic area with the needle of syringe (0.9 mm × 38. 0 mm). Four hundred to 700 follicle units (U) were transplanted for small areas with the shape of inverted triangle or diamond. The density of transplanted hair was 20 U/cm2 in the area of mons pubis. The further from the area of mons pubis the distance was, the lower the density was. But it was not less than 10 U/cm2. Results The patients were followed-up for nine months to two years. The hairs transplanted grew well. The appearance was close to the normal distribution of pubic hair. All of the patients were treated by this one-session operation, and satisfied with the results. The incision scar of donor area on the back of the head was inconspicuous. Conclusions The above-mentioned technique is a simple, safe and effective method for pubic hair reconstruction. It might be an ideal method for pubic hair reconstruction with the appearance much closer to a normal pubic hair.

Objective To establish a multiple regression equation of long delayed recall of the amnestic mild cognitive impairment,in order to predict the scores.Methods 248 old people were investigated by convenience sampling.Auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) was used to evaluate the ability of memory of the old people,and their general demographic data were collected.Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted,the regression model was established and AVLT-long delayed recall scores (N5) to the predicted value got from the 3 times scores of study stage scores (N1,N2,N3) and short delayed recall (N4) of Auditory Verbal Learning Test were compared.Results The multiple linear regression equation between the variables was established.There was no significant difference between N5 and the predicted value.Conclusions N2,N3,N4 could be used to predict N5 during screening of amnestic mild cognitive impairment to make the screening process faster and briefer.When the score ≤4 points,the screening continues,if the score ＞5 points,the screening ceases in order to improve the efficiency of screening.

Objective To investigate the specific immune responses induced by DNA vaccine com-bined with recombinant adenovirus carrying major outer membrane protein ( MOMP) gene of Chlamydia trachom-atis (Ct) serovar E.Methods Recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX 1-MOMP and recombinant adenovirus Ad-MOMP were constructed and purified .Four immunization strategies were designed including DNA immunization (DNA group), recombinant adenovirus immunization (Ad group), DNA prime-recombinant ade-novirus boost regimen ( DNA/Ad group ) and recombinant adenovirus prime-DNA boost regimen ( Ad/DNA group) .Two weeks after the final immunization , vaginal wash specimens , blood samples and spleens were col-lected from all mice for the evaluation of humoral and cellular immune responses .Results Th1 responses and mucosal responses were not found in DNA group .Ad group induced both Th 1 responses and local mucosal re-sponses , and its IgG and IgA levels were significantly higher than those in DNA group .DNA/Ad group and Ad/DNA group induced stronger Th 1 responses and humoral responses than DNA and Ad group .Serum antibodies and mucosal antibodies in DNA/Ad group were higher than those in Ad/DNA group, but Th1 responses in DNA/Ad group were impaired than those in Ad/DNA group.Conclusion The recombinant adenovirus could induce Th1 responses and genital mucosal responses .Combined immunization of DNA/Ad or Ad/DNA showed enhanced specific immune responses in comparison with the single immunization with DNA or Ad .The differ-ences between the two combination methods were that DNA /Ad group stimulated higher levels of specific anti-body responses , while Ad/DNA group produced stronger Th 1 responses .The study provided a reference for the enhancement and development of vaccines against Chlamydia trachomatis in further studies .

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recognized as the only method of curing chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Lmatinib mesylate (STI571) is a competitive inhibitor of the bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, as a represent of synthetic gene-targeting drug in recently, which has been used more and more on the Philadelphia chromosome positive CML patients.OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of STI571 to related allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of CML patients.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A controlled observation between ST1571 treated group and transplantation group was performed in the Department of Hematology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between April 2002 and October 2006. PARTICIPANTS: All 90 patients with CML in the chronic phase were selected from Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and they were diagnosis based on the examinations of bone marrow morphologic, cytogenetics and/or molecular genetics. METHODS: All 90 patients with CML in the chronic phase were divided into two groups. 67 patients received oral STI571 (400 mg/day) in succession at the beginning time from April 2002 to June 2006, and the observation ended until October 2006, Blood routine will be done weekly, and bone marrow morphologic and cytogenetic examination would be done every three months. Other 23 patients selected from Union Hospital from March 1999 to April 2006 accepted allo-HSCT, with BuCy2 or modified BuCy2 as conditioning regimens. Cyclosporin A combining with short-term MTX were used in all patients for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hematology responses, eytogenetic response and two years survival in two groups were observed. RESULTS: Complete cytogenetic response was achieved in 60% and 100% of the patient treated with STI571 and transplantation respectively (P < 0.01). But two years survival of ST1571 and transplantation were 83.33% and 77.03% respectively, and no difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). No one died or discontinued therapy for adverse effects, and 4 out of 67 (5.97%) had grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and/or leucopenia in the ST1571 group. Moreover, in transplantation group, 7 patients (30.4%) developed grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD, but 4 died of failed treatment. CONCLUTION: Compared with transplantation, patients treated with ST1571 achieved low complete cytogenetic responses and the treatment-related complications were mild and manageable or no need for treatment.

AIM:To investigate whether Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( Mp)-induced interleukin-1β( IL-1β) pro-duction in RAW264.7 cells is through the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome via reactive oxygen species (ROS).ME-THODS:RAW264.7 cells were randomly divided into 3 groups.In normal group , RAW264.7 cells were treated without Mp.In model group, RAW264.7 cells were treated with 1∶10 multiplicity of infection ( MOI) of Mp.In NAC group, RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with N-acetylcysteine ( NAC) at a concentration of 5 mmol/L for 30 min before infection with Mp.The RAW264.7cells were infected with Mp (1∶10 MOI) for 4, 8, 16 and 24 h in model group and NAC group , respectively.The intracellular ROS level was analyzed by flow cytometry .The mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were detected by real-time PCR.The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 p20 were determined by Western blot.The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1βin the supernatant were measured by ELISA .RESULTS:Compared with normal group , the production of ROS were significantly increased at 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after infection, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were increased at 8, 16 and 24 h after infection, the protein levels of NL-RP3, ASC and caspase-1 p20 were increased at 16 and 24 h after infection, and the releases of IL-1βwere increased at 24 h after infection in model group (P<0.01).Compared with the model group, the level of ROS in NAC group decreased, so as the expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 at mRNA and protein levels and the releases of IL-1βin the superna-tant at the corresponding time points .CONCLUSION:Mp may stimulate the ROS production to activate NLRP 3 inflam-masome in RAW264.7 cells.

AIM: To observe the influence of the selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) and caecosomy/colonic irrigation on gut endotoxin/bacteria translocation following acute severe pancreatitis (ASP). METHODS: Twenty three pigs weighing 16-22 kg were divided into four groups. Group I (n=5): sham-control; Group Ⅱ (n=6): ASP-control; Group Ⅲ (n=6): gntamicin [(8.55?10~5?5.70?10~4) units/time] and nystatin [(1.37?10~5?9.00?10~3) units/time] were fed orally every 8 h for 1 week before the induction of ASP; Group Ⅳ (n=6): caecostomy was performed before the induction of ASP. ASP was induced by infecting 1 mL/kg BW of combined solution of 5% sodium taurocholate and (8-10)?10~6 BAEE units/L of trypsin into pancreas via pancreatic duct. Systemic plasma endotoxin levels were quantified by the chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) technique. Specimens of tissue from mesenteriolum and mesocolon lymph nodes, lung, lymph nodes in hilus pulmonis, pancreas and the samples of both portal and systemic blood were collected before and at 72 h following ASP and cultured for aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria growth. Positive specimens were subcultured and the bacteria identified by standard procedure. RESULTS: Preventive SDD not only effectively reduced the amount of bacteria in stool (P

Aim To observe the protective effect of quercetin on rat cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by adriamycin and explore its possible mechanism.Methods Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into six groups:normal control group, adriamycin group,quercetin control group, adriamycin+quercetin(25,50,100 ?mol?L-1)groups. The activity of LDH was detected by chromatometry, the cardiomyocyte viability was measured by MTT, the ultrastructure of cardiomyocyte was observed by electron microscope, the expression of protein Bcl-2 and Bax was analyzed by immunocytochemical, and the mRNA and protein of caspase-3 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively.Results Compared with the control group, the activity of LDH was increased but the viability of cardiomyocyte was decreased; the expression of Bax and caspase-3 was up-regulated while Bcl-2 was down-regulated in ADR group.Compared with ADR group, the above changes were lightened in adriamycin+quercetin groups. But the quercetin control group, in which cultured myocardial cells only exposed to quercetin without ADR, had no obvious changes.Conclusions Quercetin significantly inhibits the apoptosis induced by ADR in the cultured myocardial cells. Its mechanism is involved in the apoptosis-related pathways, including caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2.

Objective To discuss the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Biifdobacterium on intestinal tissue of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) newborn rats. Methods Seventy-five newborn Sprague-Dawley rats (born within 2 h) were randomly divided into five groups, each group with 15 rats. Group A was the NEC model group, and the rats were fed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and formula. Group B was the Biifdobacterium treatment group, and the rats were fed LPS and formula and Biifdobacterium micro-capsule. Group C was the artificial feeding control group, and the rats were fed formula. Group D was the Biifdobacterium control group, and the rats were fed formula and Biifdobacterium micro-capsule. Group E was the breastfeeding control group, and the rats were fed rat breast milk by mothers. LPS 30 mg/kg was administered by gavage once per day for 3 days. Bifidobacterium micro-capsules were given as 1×1010 colony forming units/ml by gavage with formula once per day. After fed for 72 h and fasted for 12 h, the five groups of rats were killed by decapitation. Morphological changes in the terminal ileum tissue were observed under a light microscope and intestinal injury was scored. The expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, and nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB p65 was detected by immunohistochemical methods. Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance, corrected Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistics. Results The morbidity of NEC in group A to E was 11/15, 4/15, 3/15, 2/15 and 0/15, respectively;the intestinal injury score in group A to E was 3.37±0.27, 1.53±0.44, 1.75±0.37, 0.92±0.39 and 0.30±0.18, respectively; the expression level of TLR2 in group A to E was 0.35±0.05, 0.30±0.03, 0.32±0.04, 0.30±0.02 and 0.29±0.03, respectively;the expression level of TLR4 in group A to E was 0.48±0.05, 0.34±0.03, 0.36±0.03, 0.37±0.04 and 0.35±0.02, respectively;the expression level of NF-κB p65 in group A to E was 0.43±0.03, 0.29±0.03, 0.35±0.02, 0.32±0.02 and 0.30±0.02, respectively. The differences in NEC morbidity, intestinal injury score, and the expression levels of TLR4, TLR2 and NF-κB p65 among the five groups were all statistically significant (χ2, H or F=23.863, 70.290, 8.803, 38.599 and 75.076, respectively, all P<0.05). The values in the NEC model group were all significantly higher than those in the other four groups (all P<0.05). The morbidity of NEC in the Biifdobacterium treatment group compared with the three control groups was not significantly different (all P > 0.05). The intestinal injury score in the Bifidobacterium treatment group was significantly higher than that in the Bifidobacterium control group and the breastfeeding control group (both P < 0.01), but was not significantly different to that in the artificial feeding control group (P > 0.05). The expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the Biifdobacterium treatment group were significantly lower than those in the artificial feeding control group and the Biifdobacterium control group (all P < 0.05), and were not significantly different to those in the breastfeeding control group (P>0.05). The expression level of TLR2 in the Biifdobacterium treatment group compared with the three control groups was not significantly different (all P > 0.05). Conclusions Biifdobacterium may inhibit pathogenic bacteria or regulate the negative feedback of TLR2 to reduce the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in intestinal mucosa cells, inhibit the NF-κB pathway, attenuate the inflammatory reaction, and play a role in the prevention and control of NEC.

Objective_To study the effect of human insulin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis of rat liver cell line BRL-3A in vitro.Methods_MTT method was used to observe the effect of insulin on cell activity, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle.qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of related genes.Results_Human insulin induced the proliferation of BRL-3A cells in a dose-dependent manner ( P<0.05 or P<0.01);After 3 days treated by human insulin (500 nmol/L), the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phases re-markably decreased (P<0.05).Moreover, pro-apoptotic BAX was down-regulated (P<0.05), while cell prolif-eration-related gene CCNA2 was up-regulated (P<0.05).Conclusions_Human insulin may inhibit the apoptosis of BRL-3 A cell line and induce proliferation due to the down-regulated expression of BAX and up-regulated expres-sion of CCNA2 .