BACKGROUND:Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA)may produce lactic acid and glycolic acid when PLGA degrades,thus leading to the acid accumulation and inducing the inflammatory reaction locally.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of lysine,histidine and arginine on regulating the acid accumulation of PLGA copolymer during the degradation.DESIGN:Repeated measurement and experiment.TIME AND SETTING:The experiments were performed in the College of Bioengineering.Chongqing University from July 2006 to August 2007.MATERIALS:PILGA(80:20)was produced by Sigma(USA);Lysine,histidine and arginine(purlty>99%)were purchased from Sigma(USA);Chitosan(deacetylation degree:85%)was purchased from Chengdu Kelong Chemical Reagent Factory;Algin(viscosity:1.05-1.15)was purchased from Tianiin Damao Chemical Reagent Factory.METHODS:Lysine,histidine and arginine were added into PLGA with the proportion of 5%(w/v)and 10%(w/v)respectively.The resultant film sample was put into a bottle with tri-distilled-water for 2-month degradation at 37℃.The pH value of degradation solution was detected by pH meter;Each film sample was taken out and lyophilized 12 hours to get its dry weight and calculate mass loss ratio.Each variety of the solution was sampled three specimens,the average pH value,average initial weight and average finial weight of these three specimens were taken as the indices at each sampling time point,respectively.Accordingly,the regulation effect of basic amino acid was comparexl with that of algin,chitosan and NaHCO3.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The changes of pH value of degradation solution;the mass loss ratio of the composite.RESULTS:Each basic additive could relieve the acid accumulation,among them,NaHCO3 was the strongest,while algin and chitosan showed a lowest capacity,basic amino acid was moderate;The suitable regulation effect could be achieved at a level of 5%lysine.CONCLUSION:Basic amino acid can effectively regulate the acid accumulation after PLGA degrades,and the optimal concentration of lysine is 5%.

This article was aimed to study anti-inflammatory effects of petroleum ether extract from Citrullus lanatus vine (PEECLV) and explore the mechanism. The methods of ear swelling with xylene, increasing of peritoneal capil-lary permeability, and paw edema with egg albumin were used in the establishment of mice models, respectively. Granuloma with cotton pellet, and paw edema with carrageenan were used in the establishment of rat models, re-spectively. Observation was made on anti-inflammatory effects of PEECLV. The content of nitrous oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), as well as the level of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum were measured among granu-loma with cotton pellet rat models. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 5-HT, histamine (His), and protein in inflammatory exudates from the paw edema with carrageenan rat model, as well as contents of NO and NOS in blood serum, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in order to study the possi-ble anti-inflammatory effects. The results showed that PEECLV can suppress the ear swelling with xylene, the in-creasing of peritoneal capillary permeability, and the paw edema with egg albumin in mice, as well as granuloma with cotton pellet, paw edema with carrageenan in rats. It had anti-inflammatory effects at different degrees. The content of NO and NOS, as well as the level of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum were reduced in granuloma with cotton pellet rat models. The content of MDA, PGE2, 5-HT, His, and protein content were reduced in inflammatory exudates from the paw edema with carrageenan rat model. The increasing of NO and NOS in blood serum was inhib-ited. And the activity of SOD was increased. It was concluded that PEECLV had certain anti-inflammatory effects. Its mechanism may be related to the influence of the production of inflammatory mediators and antioxidant.

BACKGROUND:Many types of mammalian cells aggregate and display three-dimensional multicellular spheroids when they are in normal physiological conditions. In order to observe and explore cellular natural states, many researchers try to use spherical cellculture in vitro, a common three-dimensional culture pattern.
OBJECTIVE:To use three different methods for spherical culture in vitro of adipose-derived stem cells and to observe their biological features.
METHODS:Adipose-derived stem cells were confirmed by the analysis of the markers for cellphenotypes as wel as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential assays. Three different methods of sphere cultures were used as fol ows:(1) ultra low attachment culture;(2) hanging-drop culture and (3) Eppendorf tube culture. The sphere formation was compared among above three methods. We used Imagej to calculate mean areas of these spheres. And we used Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay Kit for Animal Live&Dead cells to detect their vitality.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Adipose-derived stem cells were confirmed by the analysis of the markers for cellphenotypes, CD29, CD44, CD59 were positive, as wel as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential assays were positive. The conventional monolayer cultures of adipose-derived stem cells showed spindle and cloning growth within three passages. (2) Ultra low attachment culture, hanging-drop culture, Eppendorf tube culture al could elicit adipose-derived stem cells spherical growth. However, spherical size, shape and uniformity differed depending on cellnumbers, culture time and spherical culture methods. The ultra low attachment culture was comparatively difficult to control spherical shape and uniformity of adipose-derived stem cells. But hanging-drop culture and Eppendorf tube culture were able to form even cellspheres. (3) Spherical formation of adipose-derived stem cells using our three methods displayed good cellvitality.

Objective To explore differentiation in vitro of rat adipose-derived stem cells into photoreceptor cells and RPE cells.Methods The ADSCs were cultured by adhering to the flask surface and purified by continual passaging.Surface antigens including CD45、CD90、CD49d、CD106 were indentified by flow cytometry.ADSCs were induced to differentiate by EGF,activin A,taurine,retinoic acid(RA) and extracted liquid of retina respectively.Meanwhile,ADSCs were induced by EGF+taurine,EGF+RA,taurine + RA,EGF+taurine+RA respectively.Immunofluorescence was used for detecting the expression of rhodopsin,CK and S-100,and flow cytometry was used for quantification.Results For primary culture,the phenotypes of ADSCs were: CD45,CD90,CD49d and CD106,with a positive percentage of 1.6%,71.3%,7.8% and 3.5%,respectively.From passage 1 to 5,these phenotypes were: CD45(0.8%～9.3%),CD90(84.7%～94.8%),CD49d(16.8%～31.0%)and CD106(8.3%～22.2%).There was a higher CD49d percentage than CD106 in all the passages.The induction efficacy of ADSCs was 17.5%～46.0% for rhodopsin,19.7%～79.3% for CK and 27.3%～50.7% for S-100.Conclusion It is suggested that ADSC has potential to differentiate into photoceptors and RPE cells as evidenced by thepresence of the specific markers of photoceptors(rhodopsin) and RPE markers(CK and S-100).

Background Uveal effusion syndrome is uncommon in clinic.To understand the clinical characteristics of uveal effusion syndrome is helpful for rescuing visual acuity of patient.Objective This study was to discuss the diagnosis,classification and surgical outcome of uveal effusion syndrome.Methods This was a descriptive study.The clinical data of 14 eys from 10 patients with uveal effusion syndrome,ineluding ophthalmologic examination,B-scan sonography,ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM),fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA),indocyanine green angiography (ICGA),surgical treatment and prognosis,were retrospectively analyzed.The follow-up period was 6 months.Results The fundus findings of all impacted eyes showed bullous-shape retinal detachment (RD).B-scan sonography revealed retinal and choroidal detachment.A annular peripheral ciliochoroidal detachment was observed in the cases under the UBM.FFA exhibited leopard spots without any leakage from choroid into the subretinal space.ICGA demonstrated diffusely choroidal granular hyperfluorescence in the very early phase,which presented with an increasing intensity as time lapse until the late phase.Full-thickness sclerectomy was performed on 4 eyes of 2 patients and subscleral sclerectomy was performed in 1 eye of 1 patient,achieving a retinal anatomic reattachment after surgery.All of the patients finished the fellow-up.No recurrence of RD was seen during the followup duration.Conclusions Comprehensive preoperative evaluation,including ophthalmologic ultrasonography,MRI and CT,is crucial for accurate classification of uveal effusion syndrome and determine of proper management strategy.

BackgroundIdiopathic epiretinal membranes(ERMs) is a common eye disease condition that leads to progressive decline of visual acuity. Studying the risk factors relating to this disease will shed light on its pathogenesis and allow opthalmologists to screen the affected individuals among the high-risk population and prepare for prevention and management strategies. ObjectiveThis survey was to investigate the risk factors of idiopathic ERMs in the population undergoing routine health check-ups. MethodsThe clinical data of idiopathic ERMs was obtained from the population of routine health check-ups in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2009 to October 2010. The examination outcomes were compared between the individuals with and without idiopathic ERMs. The demographic and clinical factors associated with idiopathic ERMs were analyzed and assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Result A total of 27 400 people were included in the survey and idiopathic ERMs were diagnosed in 76 cases. No obvious eye complaint was obtained from the idiopathic ERMs. The number of people affected with idiopathic ERMs was 12 ( 12/11 659 ) in the below 40 years group, 21 (21/4595) in the 51-60 years group and 32 (32/2544) in the over 60 years group. Hypertension, diabetes, diedyslipidemia, renal function insufficiency ,and cataract were found in 42％ ,5％ ,66％ ,6％ and 8％ of the patients, respectively. The univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that significant correlations were found between age,hypertension,hyperlipidemia and history of cataract( P＜0. 01 ). Multivariate regression models showed that the risk of idiopathic ERMs increased in age of 51-60( OR=2. 5,95％ CI:1. 2-5.4,P=0.02) and over 60 years( OR =7.3,95％ CI:3.4-15.6 ,P＜0.01 ) and patients suffering from hyperlipidemia ( OR--2. 1,95％ CI:1. 3-3.5, P＜0. 01 ). ConclusionsOver the age of 50 years and hyperlipidemia are primary risk factors of idiopathic ERM.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality by highly reactive oxygen intermediates generated through the interaction of light with a photosensitizer. We treated actinic keratosis occurred on the face of a 65-year-old woman with topical PDT using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (MEDAC, Hamburg, Germany) and a 632nm diode laser (Creamoptec, Germany). 20% ALA was applied topically to the lesion sites which were then occluded for 6 hours. Light was administered at a wavelength of 632nm. The light intensity was 100mW/cm2 and the light dose was 100J/cm2. Although the diode laser was expensive, it was easy to handle the laser and the clinical results were excellent with respect to initial complete response and cosmetic outcome. There was only slight pain and a burning sensation during treatment.
Actins* ; Aged ; Burns ; Female ; Humans ; Keratosis, Actinic* ; Lasers, Semiconductor* ; Oxygen ; Photochemotherapy* ; Sensation

BACKGROUND: The differentiation between hemorrhagic(HS) and norhemorrhagic(NHS) stroke is the most important first step in the management of acute stroke because clinical management of the two disorders differs substantially. Neuroimaging studies are useful in diagnosing and distinctioning between HS and NHS. The use of clinical variables, such as Siriraj stroke scores(SSS), has led to good sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of the SSS in the Korean population and assess whether it could aid to expedite treatment decisions. METHODS: We reviewed 111 cases of stroke patients admitted to our hospital via the emergency department over a 6 months period from July to December 1998. Levels of consciousness, vomiting, headache, and atheroma markers used in the SSS were applied to these patients who met the criteria for a stroke. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, the SSS classified 83 with sensitivities of 81.1%(NHS) and 73.3%(HS) and positive predictive values of 84.3% and 68.8%, respectively. The overall accuracy rate was 78.3%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the SSS is not reliable in distinguishing stroke types in the Korean population. Definite neuroimaging studies are needed prior to thrombolytic therapy.
Consciousness ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Headache ; Humans ; Neuroimaging ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Stroke* ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; Vomiting

Objective: To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor on liver function and tissue in rats with hepatic hydatidosis. Methods: A model of liver echinococcosis was established in 100 female Wistar rats, 60 of 100 were, randomly divided into three groups, Control group (0.3 ml normal saline), Low dose group (50 μmol/L p38MAPK inhibitor SB-202190), High dose group (100 μmol/L SB-202190B). The reagents were given via the hepatic artery 1, 3, 7, 14 and 42 days after the rat model was generated. Rats were sacrificed 42 days after the intervention, liver tissue and blood samples were collected for liver function study. Results: Alanine aminotransferase levels were (49.58±2.38) U/L, (38.35±1.34) U/L and (30.93±1.51) U/L and aspartic aminotransferase levels were (67.45±5.14) U/L, (54.86±1.09) U/L and (45.76±1.04) U/L in the Control group, the Low-dose group and High-dose group, showing a decreasing trend, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Triglycerides in the Low-dose group were higher than those in Control group and the High-dose group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In the Control group, the hepatocytes were severely injured, with almost no normal hepatocytes left, and the normal hepatocyte boundaries were also disrupted, he normal hepatic lobule was replaced by the pseudolobules. In the Low-dose group, there were more inflammatory cells, and less replacement of normal liver cells by pseudolobules. High dose group of a small amount of inflammatory cells infiltration, roughly normal liver cells, normal liver cell line is clear, visible central vein of liver cells. Conclusion p38MAPK inhibitor SB-202190 improved liver function and reduced liver tissue damage in rats with hepatic hydatidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship the electrodiagnostic findings with the functional outcomes in spina bifida patients and to assess usefulness of follow up electrodiagnostic study. METHOD: Initial and follow up electrodiagnostic data of 100 patients who had been diagnosed as spina bifida were obtained retrospectively. Electrophysiological diagnosis and neurological level were investigated by the findings of needle electromyography. Each patients were divided into no change, improvement and deterioration group according to follow up study. The change of urodynamic study findings and clinical findings were also investigated. The recent functional outcomes and the presence of complications were evaluated by recent outpatient record. RESULTS: 56 patients had no change, 15 patients had improvement and 29 patients had deterioration electrophysiologically. The initial electrodiagnostic findings were associated with the functional outcomes in patients with spina bifida (p<0.05). However, neurological level by electrodiagnostic findings cannot predict functional outcomes except ambulation activities. The change of electrodiagnostic findings of follow up study were related with the change of clinical findings statistically (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Follow up electrodiagnostic study as well as initial study is necessary for the evaluation of the change of neurological states in the patients with spina bifida.
Diagnosis ; Electrodiagnosis ; Electromyography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Needles ; Outpatients ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Dysraphism ; Urodynamics ; Walking