Objective To explore the changes of hydrogen sulfide(H2S) levels in plasma of newborn infants with pulmonary hypertension(PH) and its relationship with pulmonary hypertension,and provide scientific evidence for the decision of treating neonatal PH.Methods Sixteen children with PH and 16 children without PH in ICU from Mar.2005 to Mar.2006 were selected.Ultrasonic cardiogram(UCG) examination was performed for eachpatients.Pulmonary artery pressure(PAP) was measured.The plasma concentrations of H2S,cysteine and PAP of each patient were measured.Results PAP was 4.27-9.73 kPa[(6.49?1.79) kPa] in neonatal PH group,and PAP in control group was normal.The plasma levels of cysteine and H2S in neonatal PH group significantly increased compared with those of control group [(11.94?6.65) ?mol/L vs(6.43?2.08) ?mol/L,t=2.630 P=0.016;(26.99?1.33) ?mol/L vs(24.92?1.36) ?mol/L,t=4.373 P=0].Conclusions Endogenous H2S and cysteine were up-regulated during the development of neonatal PH;it might play an improtant role in the development of PH.H2S possibly depress the PAP by dilating the pulmonary artery to protect the patients with pulmonary hy pertension.

To identify the prevalence and the distribution of ticks infected with spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) in Xunke Area of Heilongjiang Province ,China ,partial outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) and citrate synthase gene (gltA) specific fragments were assessed using the PCR method .The positive products were sequenced .Result showed that the pres-ence of SFGR was 14 of 60 in detection Dermacentor silvarum cases ,while the overall positive rate was 23 .33% .Its nucleotide sequence of ompA showed 99 .3% and 99 .18% similarity with nucleotide sequence of Rickettsia sp .JL-02 and Rickettsia rao-ultii respectively .And the evolutionary positions of SFGR species were similar with Rickettsiamontana and Rickettsiamassili-ae .It's concluded that the nature focus of tick-borne spotted fever did exist in the area of Xunke Area of Heilongjiang Province , China .

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of half circle external fixation for the treatment of open tibial fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2005 to March 2011, 94 patients with open tibiofibula fractures were treated by closed manipulative or Kirschner-wire poking reduction with half circle groove external fixation including 63 males and 31 females with an average age of 39 years old ranging from 17 to 65 years old. Among these patients, 5 cases were cross shaped fractures, 19 were oblique form and spiral fractures, 70 cases were comminuted fractures. According to the fracture Gustilo classification, 49 cases were type IIIA, 45 were type IIIB. The incidence of wound infection, fracture healing time were observed. The function was evaluated according to the Johner-Wruhs standard.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 14 to 63 months (averaged 29 months). The wound healing time was from 16 to 39 weeks (means 21.4 weeks). No fracture nonunion, osteomyelitis and calf compartment syndrome occurred. The wounds of 81 cases were healed at the first period,deep wound infection occurred in 2 cases. According to the function Johner-Wruhs evaluation criteria:the result was excellent in 52 cases, good in 37 cases, fair in 5 cases.

CONCLUSIONClosed manipulative or Kirschner-wire poking reduction and half circle groove external fixation can reduce the infection rate of open tibiofibula fractures. For open tibiofibula comminuted fractures, after the half circle groove external fixation for 3 to 6 weeks, a middle Kirschner-wire was removed according to fracture end healing situation to make fixation dynamic and promote fracture healing.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Wires ; External Fixators ; Female ; Fracture Fixation ; instrumentation ; Fractures, Comminuted ; surgery ; Fractures, Open ; surgery ; Fractures, Ununited ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the possible mechanisms of Galectin - 1(Gal - 1)protein in promoting the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells. Methods After treated with different concentrations(0,1,5 μg/ mL)of Gal - 1 protein, the Trans - well model was used to analyze the invasion and migration ability of gastric cancer. WB and gelatin zymography method were used to detect the MMP - 9 expression and active form change in gastric cancer cells after Gal - 1 stimulate, in order to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of Gal - 1 protein in promoting the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells. Results In cell migration assay,the number of gastric cancer cells BGC - 823 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 117 ± 8. 19 and 167 ± 7. 55,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The number of gastric cancer cells 7 901 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 151 ± 5. 13 and 190. 3 ± 6. 8,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). In cell invasion assay,the number of gastric cancer cells BGC - 823 treated with 1and 5μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 51 ± 3. 6 and 76. 7 ± 9. 07,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The number of gastric cancer cells 7 901 treated with 1and 5 μg/ mL Gal - 1 stimulate were 74. 0 ± 7. 21 and 105. 3 ± 11. 37,higher than that treated with 0 μg/ mL(P < 0. 05). The migration and invasion level were significantly increased in gastric cancer cells after Gal - 1 stimulate. The MMP - 9 expression level and active form change in gastric cancer cells were also increased after Gal - 1 stimulate. Conclusion Gal - 1cound significantly promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion by up - regulated the MMP - 9 expression and active its enzyme activity.

The paper is to report the development of a method of quantitative analysis of multi-components by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for simultaneously determining paeoniflorin sulfonate (PS), paeoniflorin (PF) and albiflorin (AF) in sulfated Paeoniae Radix Alba. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of paeoniflorin sulfonate by MTT-assay and the acute toxicity of mice by administration of paeoniflorin sulfonate were evaluated. Chromatographic separation of paeoniflorin sulfonate, PF and AF were performed on a SHISEIDO CAPCELL PAK C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) for HPLC and a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.02% phosphoric acid solution (15 : 85) as the mobile phase. As detector a spectrophotometer set at 230 nm; column temperature 30 degrees C; flow rate 1.0 mL x min(-1). The toxicity of paeoniflorin sulfonate was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity carried out on mouse and human primary hepatocytes, and by acute oral toxicity test carried out on mice. The calibration curve of paeoniflorin sulfonate, PF and AF revealed linearity in the range of 0.041 8 - 1.045 0, 0.023 5 - 0.587 5, and 0.039 8 - 0.995 0 mg x mL(-1), respectively (r > 0.999 8). The average recovery was ranged from 99.11% to 101.71%, RSD < 2%. Paeoniflorin sulfonate does not have any cytotoxicity to cells at all the tested concentrations (< or = 300 micromol x L(-1)) in the in vitro cytotoxicity assay. The maximum tolerance dose of paeoniflorin sulfonate solution and extraction of Paeoniae Radix Alba to mouse is 5 g x kg(-1) and 80 g x kg(-1) respectively. The contents of these three components in the samples were determined with the developed method. It is a rapid, convenient and accurate method to determine multi-components. The content of PF in sulfated Paeoniae Radix Alba is significantly lower, and there is negative correlationship between the content of paeoniflorin sulfonate and PF. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay and in vivo mouse acute toxicity test showed that there is no obvious toxicity of paeoniflorin sulfonate and water-soluble extract of sulfated Paeoniae Radix Alba.
Animals ; Benzoates ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Bridged-Ring Compounds ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Glucosides ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Monoterpenes ; Paeonia ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Sulfur ; pharmacology ; Volatilization

Hamartoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Liver Diseases ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps for skin defects at forepart of feet.

METHODSFrom January 2004 to October 2008,15 cases of skin defects at forepart of feet were repaired with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps. The flap size ranged from 3.5 cm x 3.0 cm to 8 cm x 5 cm. The wounds at donor site were closed with skin graft.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived completely with no ulcer at the donor site. 10 patients were followed up for 1 to approximately 9 months. The skin color and texture were satisfactory. The patients could walk very well.

CONCLUSIONSIt is reliable to repair the skin defects at forepart of feet with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps. It is easily performed with less morbidity.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Foot Injuries ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Skin ; injuries ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; innervation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo define the ideal time window for intubation after rocuronium administration during target-controlled infusion (TCI) ofpropofol and sulfentanil.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty elective surgical patients (age range 18-55 years) were randomized into 4 groups (n=30) according to the intubation time after administration of the muscle relaxant. Patients with predicted difficult airway were excluded. General anesthesia was induced by TCI of propofol and sulfentanil. A senior anesthesiologist blinded for the randomization performed the intubations at 1, 2, 3, or 4 min after injection of rocuronium, and the vocal card visibility was evaluated upon full exposure of the vocal cord and the intubation conditions assessed according to Cooper's score.

RESULTSThe intubation conditions were excellent or good in all patients, but the vocal cord visibility at 2-4 min differed significantly from that at 1 min after rocuronium administration (P<0.01). Suppression of the neuromuscular function 1 min after rocuronium administration differed significantly from that at other time points (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe condition of vocal cord can be more suitable for intubation at 2-4 min than at 1 min after rocuronium administration as the ideal time window for intubation during TCI of propofol and sulfentanil.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Androstanols ; administration & dosage ; Anesthetics, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Intubation ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents ; administration & dosage ; Propofol ; administration & dosage ; Single-Blind Method ; Sufentanil ; administration & dosage ; Time Factors ; Vocal Cords ; drug effects ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the growth inhibition and apoptosis of gastric cancer cell MKN45 induced by oridonin and its mechanism.

METHODSThe MTT method was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of oridonin on MKN45 cells. The AO/EB and Hoechst 33258 staining were used to observe the cell morphologic changes of apoptosis induced by oridonin. Prophase apoptotic ratio and cell cycle change were evaluated by GuavaEasycyte PCA-96 system. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 proteins were determined by Western blot.

RESULTSOridonin significantly inhibited the proliferation of MKN45 cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Typical apoptotic features of the cells treated with oridonin were found by AO/EB and Hoechest33258 staining. When MKN45 cells were treated with different doses of oridonin for 12 h, the prophase apoptotic ratio was stepped up from 3.3% (untreated group) to 8.7%-17.9%; after 24 h, from 4.8% (untreated group) to 13.9%-29.3%. There was significant difference between treated and untreated groups (P <0.01). After treatment with oridonin for 24 h, MKN45 cells were arrested at G(2)/M phase. Western blot analysis showed up-regulated expression of Bax and caspase-3, and no significant change of Bcl-2, but Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONSOridonin significantly inhibits the proliferation of MKN45 cell. Apoptosis of MKN45 induced by oridonin may be associated with the up-regulated expression of Bax and the change of Bcl-2/Bax ratio, thus to activate the caspase pathway.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Diterpenes, Kaurane ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke spastic paralysis.

METHODSA systematic evaluation including all the relavant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis were carried out according to the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTSNine hundred and seventy-eight patients being included in fourteen papers met the enrolled criteria. However, their methodological quality was relatively poor. Meta-analysis of nine trials indicated that there was no significant difference between the treatment groups and the control groups in Ashworth scores, Carr-Shepherd scores, nerve defect scores and hip adductor tension scores. Whereas the Fugel-Meyer scores in one trial and the Barthel scores in three trials were better in the treatment groups than those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONA reliable conclusion can not be drawn from the present data because of the defects in methodological quality and insufficient numbers of trials, especially lack the long-term terminal outcomes, although it appears a tedency that acupuncture can improve the conditions of post-stroke spastic paralysis. Therefore, it is necessary to perform more multi-central RCTs of high quality in future.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Cerebral Palsy ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome