Objective To evaluate the application of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in diagnosis and screening of thalassemia. Methods Automated HPLC was used to measure HbF and HbA2 in 100 genetically diagnosed thalas-semic patients and 35 normal children. The results were compared with those from traditional tests including alkali denaturation test and cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The diagnose accordance rates, sensitivity and specificity were compared. Results Seventy-fourβthalassemia, 64 were heterozygous with single mutations and 10 were compound heterozygous with double muta-tions. Twenty-sixαthalassemia, 25 were compound mutations and one was heterozygous with single mutation. The HbF percent-age from HPLC was higher than that from alkali denaturation tests in either thalassemia or normal children (P<0.01). HbF level from HPLC inα-thalassemia was signiifcantly different from that in the normal children (P=0.011). The percentage of HbA2 from HPLC was higher than that from cellulose acetate electrophoresis (P=0.010). HbA2 in the single heterozygousβ-thalassemia were twice higher than that in the double heterozygous mutatedβ-thalassemia (P<0.01). The combination of HbF-HbA2 (≥4.0%) from HPLC with MCV (<80 lf) and MCH (<27 pg) had high accordance rates (99.3%), sensitivity (99.0%) and speciifcity (100.0%) in diagnosis of thalassemia. Conclusions When the results of HPLC are combined with MCV and MCH, it can be applied to the diagnosis of thalassemia with high speciifcity, high sensitivity and has high diagnostic accordance rate with genetic results. HPLC can be an ideal approach to screenβthalassemia.

Objective:To study the qualitative identification and quantitative analysis of Paeoniae radix Rubra in Fufang Fuqing lotion. Methods:TLC was used to identify Paeoniae radix Rubra. The content of paeoniflorinl was determined by HPLC. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0. 01% phosphonic acid (13 ∶87), and the detection wavelength was 230 nm,the flow rate was 1. 0ml·min-1, the column temperature was 40℃,and the sample size was 10μl. Results:The results of TLC showed that the relevant spots were clear without any interference from the negative sample. The calibration curve of paeoniflorinl was linear within the range of 0. 070-4. 500 μg (r=1. 000 0). The average recovery was 98. 36% with RSD of 2. 73%(n=6). Conclusion:The methods are accurate and quick in the qualitative identification and quantitative assay of the preparation, which can be used for the quality control of Fufang Fuqing lo-tion.

Objective:To optimize the processing technology of prepared Morinda officinalis based on nystose content. Methods:Orthogonal experiments and the nystose determination method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition) were used to optimize the pro-cessing technology. A Welch AQ-C18(250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm)chromatographic column was applied with methanol-water(3∶97)as the mobile phase, the column temperature was at 25℃, the flow rate was 0. 8 ml·min-1 , the injection volume was 10μl, and the drift tube temperature was at 40℃ with low temperature atomization. Results:The linearity of nystose was good within the range of 0. 214 8-0. 644 4 mg·ml-1 and the recovery was 99. 5%(RSD=3. 5%,n=6). Conclusion: On the basis of nystose content determination, the optimal processing technology of prepared Morinda officinalis is as follows:liquorice of 4%, stir fry time of 15min and the boiling pot temperature of 200℃.

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has introduced a new paradigm into gene regulatory systems. Since inception, computational methods have been an invaluable tool complementing experimental approaches, and many discoveries have been obtained through combination of experimental and computational approaches. The knowledge that has been accumulated about the principles of miRNAs and target recognition were reviewed. The currently available computational methodologies and software for prediction of miRNA and their target genes also have been discussed.

Objective To observe expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and cholecystokinin (CCK) in the hippocampus and spinal cord in morphine withdrawal or tolerance mice treated by electroacupuncture or catgut embedding and explore the difference between the regulating effects of electroacupuncture and catgut embedding on morphine withdrawal and tolerance.Methods Fifty-six male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to withdrawal control, withdrawal model, withdrawal catgut embedding and withdrawal electroacupuncture groups, and tolerance control, tolerance model, tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance electroacupuncture groups, 7 mice in each group. A model of morphine withdrawal was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride using 7-day increasing addiction method. The withdrawal control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline at the same time points. In the withdrawal electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at bilateral points Shenshu was performed using a Han’s acupoint nerve stimulation device (HANS-200) at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. In the withdrawal catgut embedding group, 0.5 cm chromic catgut was embedded in bilateral points Shenshu at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. Addiction was promoted by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone 4 mg/kg at 10 o’clock on the seventh day’s morning and Withdrawal reactions were observed in the mice. The score was recorded using the Ryuta Tomoji opioid withdrawal symptoms evaluation scale. NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A model of morphine tolerance was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine 10 mg/kg. The tolerance control group was injected with tolerance normal saline 10 ml/kg at the same time. In the tolerance catgut embedding group, catgut was embedded in point Shenshu at the first day after model making. In the tolerance electroacupuncture group, point Shenshu was given electroacupuncture at the first day after model making. After seven days of treatment, NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by ELISA.Results There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR2B expression between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the withdrawal catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the withdrawal model group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A and NR2B expressions between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the tolerance model and tolerance control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR1 expression between the tolerance electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model or tolerance catgut embedding group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in spinal cord CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model group (P<0.05).Conclusions Both catgut embedding and electroacupuncture at point Shenshu have a reducing effect on morphine tolerance and withdrawal. The therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture is better than that of catgut embedding.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of using new tracheal prosthesis made of biomaterials to replace extensive circumferential tracheal defects in mongrel dogs.

METHODSThree types of tracheal prostheses were developed, whose basic skeleton of tubular mesh was knitted with polypropylene monofilament and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) fiber. The inner side of type-I tubular mesh was first coated with polyurethane solution and then with collagen. The exterior of type-I was then immobilized with collagen-hydroxyapatite composites. In contrast, the internal and external walls of type-II were coated with polyurethane solution, which produced a prosthesis similar to a nonporous one, while type-III was coated only with collagen solution. Surgical resection and replacement of a segment of the cervical trachea was performed in 16 adult mongrel dogs. The efficacy of the implanted prosthesis periodically evaluated postoperatively.

RESULTSIn group A, only one died from prosthetic dehiscence, another from anastomotic leakage, and the others had uneventful postoperative courses. The implanted prosthesis was completely incorporated with the recipient trachea, where different length of reepithelialization occurred on the luminal surface of the reconstructed trachea. Macroscopic examination showed scattered and different sizes of neo-ossification surrounding the implanted prosthesis. The prosthesis was roentgenopaque when exposed to routine X rays. In contrast, a relatively high number of complications occurred postoperatively in group B and C.

CONCLUSIONType-I tracheal prosthesis may be used effectively for long-segment circumferential tracheal replacement, and appears very promising for clinical application, with further improvements in promoting the epithelialization.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Collagen ; Dogs ; Female ; Male ; Polyglycolic Acid ; Polypropylenes ; Polyurethanes ; Prostheses and Implants ; adverse effects ; Prosthesis Design ; Prosthesis Implantation ; Trachea ; surgery

Objective To investigate the predictive value of early measurement of serum inflammatory mediators for infectious pancreatic necrosis secondary to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 166 patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2012 to January 2017.According to the presence or absence of secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis,the patients were divided into infection group with 58 patients and non-infection group with 108 patients.The serum levels of inflammatory factors were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for the analysis of indices with statistical significance.The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi -square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.Results Of all 166 SAP patients,58 experienced secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis,resulting in an incidence rate of 34.9％.Compared with the non-infection group,the infection group had significantly higher serum lipase,procalcitonin (PCT),C-reactive protein (CRP),and APACHE Ⅱ score (t =8.679,20.416,18.429,and 8.563,all P ＜0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that serum lipase,PCT,CRP,and APACHE Ⅱ score had areas under the ROC curve of 0.647,0.877,0.823,and 0.655,respectively,with cut-off values of 612.5 U/L,7.5 ng/ml,226.5 mg/L,and 16.5 points,sensitivities of 68.5％,91.2％,86.8％,and 60.5％,and specificities of 59.3％,83.6％,80.1％,and 68.7％,respectively.Conclusion The abnormally elevated serum levels of CRP and PCT have a certain predictive value for infectious pancreatic necrosis secondary to SAP with convenient and fast operation,and therefore,it holds promise for clinical application.

OBJECTIVETo design and develop a novel esophageal prosthesis by selecting appropriate biomaterials, developing special manufacturing techniques, and investigating the feasibility of replacement of cervical esophagus in mongrel dogs.

METHODSIn accordance with the requirements of ideal esophageal substitutes, we designed a new type of esophageal prostheses. The inner stent were made with polyurethane of medical grade, and the outer surface of the prosthesis was coated with collagen-chitosan sponge. The silicone tube was used as a control. Thirteen adult mongrel dogs that were divided into two groups were used to establish the experimental models.

RESULTSIn the experimental group (n = 8), the esophageal prostheses were completely incorporated with the native esophagus and adherent to the surrounding host connective tissues. Epithelial linings of varying degrees were formed on the luminal surface, and complete epithelization was seen in 1 month postoperatively. The granulation at the sites of the anastomosis in this group was less significant than that of the control group. One dog has been surviving for 12 months up to now without any complications. In the control group (n = 5), esophageal epithelial was not observed on the luminal surface, constriction of the regenerated esophagus progressed and all the dogs died within 2 months after operation.

CONCLUSIONThese observations suggest that this esophageal prosthesis made of composite biomaterials has high biocompatibility and potential for long-segment esophageal reconstruction, which is promising for the clinical repair of esophageal defects.

Absorbable Implants ; Animals ; Artificial Organs ; Biocompatible Materials ; Chitosan ; Collagen ; Dogs ; Esophagus ; Implants, Experimental ; Models, Animal ; Polyurethanes ; Prosthesis Design ; methods ; Prosthesis Implantation

AIMTo study the structure and crystal forms of chlorobenzylidine.

METHODSKarl Fischer titrimetry, FTIR, thermal analysis, single and powder X-ray diffraction were used for the studies of the structure of chlorobenzylidine and for the identification of two forms of chlorobenzylidine.

RESULTSChlorobenzylidine and its diastereoisomer have been studied in this article. They can be distinguished by their different melting points. Two crystal forms of chlorobenzylidine (form A and form B) have also been detected and studied. Form A was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, it crystallized in the triclinic system, space group P1(-), with two formula units per cell, is monohydrate. Karl Fischer titrimetry, FTIR, thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffraction were used for identification of the two forms.

CONCLUSIONThe studies of structure and crystal forms of chlorobenzylidine are very useful for the clinical research and the selection of recrystallization process.

Benzylidene Compounds ; Crystallization ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Differential Thermal Analysis ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Polycyclic Compounds ; chemistry ; Stereoisomerism

Objective To investigate the effect of single dose intraosseous injection of simvastatin on tumor vascular structure and function in murine breast cancer. Methods BALB/c mice and 4T1 murine breast cancer cells were used to establish a subcutaneous xenograft model. The mouse model of orthotopic breast cancer received intraosseous injection of a single dose of simvastatin (50 μg) or vehicle only. Frozen tumor tissue sections were prepared for co-immunostained with CD31 andα-SMA. Evans blue dye was injected into the tail vein to observe the vascular permeability. The expression level of HIF-1αwas detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Immunofluorescence dual staining showed that intraosseous injection of simvastatin increased the number of perivascular pericytes in the tumor vessel(P < 0. 05), Evans blue dye content showed that in vivo vessel permeability in the tumor tissue was significantly decreased(P < 0. 05), and the immunohistochemistry results showed that local hypoxic area was significantly improved. Conclusions Single dose intraosseous injection of simvastatin can promote the normalization of tumor vasculature by improving the coverage of pericytes.