BACKGROUND:The successful establishment of human embryonic stem cel lines in vitro is of great significance to human embryonic development mechanism and developmental biology, cel and tissue transplantation in the treatment of certain diseases. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the progress of in vitro culture of embryos and establishment of embryonic stem cel lines, to explore the influential factors for in vitro culture of embryos, and the methods of culturing human discarded embryos, isolating inner cel mass and establishing embryonic stem cel lines, as wel as the establishing conditions for embryonic stem cel lines. METHODS:With the key words of“embryo, embryonic stem cel s, coculture, sequential culture”, the first author searched CNKI and SCI databases for literatures concerning in vitro culture and transplantation of embryos and establishment of embryonic stem cel lines published from 2000 to 2014. Systematic evaluation was conducted. Final y, 58 literatures were retained for result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The culturing condition for embryos in vitro is the key factor affecting embryo transfer outcomes, including culture medium component and culture system. In previous studies, the component and application of culture medium have changed greatly, and the culture system has altered from single culture to coculture and sequential culture. Ethical issues and embryonic origin restrictions restrict the establishment of human embryonic stem cel lines. Clinical y discarded low-quality embryos can be used as one of the material sources to establish human embryonic stem cel lines, which can effectively lessen the problem of embryo shortage during the establishment of human embryonic stem cel lines and reduce ethical disputes.

ObjectiveTo systematically review and evaluate the predictive factors of interstitial lung disease(ILD) in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM), and provide evidence for early clinical diagnosis. MethodsThe predictive factors of PM/DM-related ILD from 23 published papers were analyzed by Meta-analysis. Analysis of heterogeneity and sensitivity were performed and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95％ confidence interval(95％CI) were calculated using either fixed or random effects models by Rev-Man 4.2 software. Stata 10.0 software was used to identify publication bias. ResultsMeta-analysis was performed to analyze seven factors including anti-Jo-1 antibody, fever, arthritis/arthralgia, Gottron's sign,antinuclear antibody(ANA), and dysphagia Raynaud's phenomenon. Factors correlated with ILD in patients with PM/DM and their OR values and 95％CI were as follows: the presence of anti-Jo-1 antibody 6.94 (4.74～10.16), fever 4.90(3.82～6.29), arthritis/arthralgia 3.93(3.21～4.80), Gottron's sign 2.52(1.24～5.14), and the presence of ANA 1.59( 1.02～2.47 ). Raynaud's phenomenon and dysphagia were not correlated with ILD in patients with PM/DM with OR values and 95％CI as 1.40 (0.97～2.01), and 1.21(0.94～1.56) respectively.ConclusionThe presence of anti-Jo-1 antibody, fever, arthritis/arthralgia, Gottron's sign and ANA are major predictive factors for ILD in patients with PM/DM.

BACKGROUND: Early mammalian embryonic development and implantation is a very complex process, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines. Moreover, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, insulin-like growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor play an important role in this regulation process.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce cytokines related to early embryonic development, including types, structural features and molecular mechanisms, and meanwhile to review the effects of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, insulin-like growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in the early embryonic development.
METHODS:A literature retrieval was performed to search relevant articles published from 1989 to 2015 using the keywords of “embryos development, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, insulin-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor”. Active effects of these five kinds of cytokines in overcoming the mammalian embryonic development block were reviewed and summarized to provide theoretical and experimental basis for further optimization of the embryonic culture system in vitro.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Cel growth factors involved in embryonic development is the focus of the study. Insulin-like growth factor is capable of promoting the embryonic growth; epidermal growth factor exhibits multiform functions in the embryonic development; leukemia inhibitory factor directly affects oocyte cel development, and progesterone increases the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor to provide a good cytokine microenvironment for embryonic development; vascular endothelial growth factor promotesin vitro oocyte maturation, and plays a very important role in various stages of embryonic development. To clarify these regulatory patterns of cytokines cannot only contribute toin vitro embryonic culture, but also reduce embryonic apoptosis, which is of great significance for promoting embryonic development.

This paper analyzed the importance of improving the humanistic quality of the students in medical university and explored the way to integrate humanistic spirit education into clinical microbiology course.

Objective To analyze the clinical risk factors of the occurrence of severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after scleral reattachment surgery. Methods A total of 4 031 eyes of 4 031 consecutive patients with reghmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and PVR (grade C1 or less), on whom the scleral buckling was performed, were retrospectively studied. Twenty-two clinical characteristics of the patients (including the ocular tension, condition of lens and vitreous, characteristics of retinal detachment, whether or not with choroidal detachment, et al) were recorded. In 4 031 patients, 2 660 were followed up for more than 3 months, and 72 (in PVR group) of the 2 660 patients underwent the second surgery (vitreoretinal surgery) because of the occurrence of postoperative severe PVR; in the other 2 588patients, 72 (72 eyes) with retinal reattachment for more than 3 months were selected randomly as the control. The data were analyzed in SPSS (10.0) software. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that the significant risk factors for PVR were incomplete posterior vitreous detachment (P2 DD,P

Objective To observe and compare the regulating effect between electroacupuncture and sham electroacupuncture on the symptoms of menopausal transition and levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), for evaluating the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in mitigating the relevant symptoms of menopausal transition. Method Thirty eligible subjects with menopausal transition were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 15 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture at the ordinary acupoints, while the control group was by electroacupuncture at non-meridian points. The E2, FSH, and LH contents were detected after intervention and at the 20th week during the follow-up study, the flush score and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were evaluated respectively after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study, and the safety of electroacupuncture was also estimated.Result The flush and MRS scores were significantly changed after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study in both groups compared to that before the treatment in the same group (P<0.01,P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the changes of MRS score after 8-week treatment between the two groups (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of flushing scores between the two groups after 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study (P<0.01). The serum levels of E2, FSH, and LH were significantly changed in the treatment group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of FSH and LH levels between the two groups after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). The difference in comparing the change of serum E2 level between the two groups at the 20th week during the follow-up study was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the flushing intensity and produce a benign regulation on the relevant hormone levels in menopausal transition, though this regulation is insignificant when the treatment terminates.

BACKGROUND:Chitosan (CS) holding a good biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial property and hemostasis effect cannot only promote wound healing and tissue repair, but also exhibit sustained-control release when carrying berberine hydrochloride (Bh). Therefore it functions as an excellent antibacterial and hemostatic material. OBJECTIVE:To prepare the porous CS/Bh composite xerogel and observe its antibacterial and hemostatic properties. METHODS:The porous CS/Bh composite xerogel was prepared using freeze-drying method, and its microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The biocompatibility was detected through MTT assay and the in vitro antibacterial and hemostatic properties were observed through antibacterial test and blood clotting index. RESULTS AND COCNLUSION:The porosity of the CS/Bh composite xerogel was 83.1%-90.5%and almost degraded after 72 hours of immersion in PBS. The in vitro antibacterial and hemostatic properties of the composite xerogel were significantly better than those of CS, which were enhanced with the Bh content increasing. Additionally, the CS/Bh (10%) composite xerogel showed the best hemostatic and antibacterial abilities in vitro. To conclude, the CS/Bh composite xerogel possesses a good biocompatibility and strong hemostatic and antibacterial abilities, which is a promising postoperative antibacterial and hemostatic material.

AIM: To observe the role of endothelin antagonist bosentan that inhibits cultured neonatal mice cardiomyocyte from endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced cell hypertrophy. METHODS: Digested by trypsin, neonatal mice cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured in 4 groups. With a group of regular culture cells as control, other three groups were respectively treated by bosentan 10 -8 mol?L -1, ET-1 10 -10 mol?L -1 andET-1 10 -10 mol?L -1+bosentan 10 -8 mol?L -1 which were initially administered to the culture medium. The cell growing was observed carefully through micrography. 72 hours later, the level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and ET-1 in the media of the 4 groups were determined by method of radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The values of ANP in different groups were: 6.46? 0.38 ?g?L -1 in control, 4.87? 0.56 ?g?L -1 in bosentan group, 13.60? 1.12 ?g?L -1 in ET-1 group and 9.42? 0.58 ?g?L -1 in ET-1+bosentan group. Also by micrographic observation, endothelin induced cell hypertrophy was proved, and the hypertrophy could be reversed by bosentan. CONCLUSION: Endothelin induces hypertrophy of cultured neonatal mice cardiomyocytes, but it can be inhibited by endothelin antagonist of bosentan.

Objective To compare the influences of different routes of nutrition on the outcome and respiratory muscle strength of elderly patients in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). Methods Totally 147 elderly patients in RICU were equally randomized into combined nutrition group ( combinination of parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition), total enteral nutrition (EN) group, and total parenteral nutrition (PN) group. The changes of energy metabolism, respiratory muscle strength, and short-term outcome were observed or determined.Results Plasma albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), creatinine (Cr) levels, and nitrogen balance significantly increased in all group 7 days later ( all P ＜ 0. 01 ), while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) significantly decreased ( P ＜0.01 ). The increase of ALB, Hb, Cr levels, and nitrogen balance were significantly more remarkable than that in EN group and PN group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The decrease of BUN level in the combined nutrition group was significantly more remarkable than that in EN group ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). After nutritional support, the maximum inspiratory pressure in the combined nutrition group (P =0. 021 ) and EN group (P = 0. 011 ) became significantly higher, and occlusion pressure at 0.1 second inspiration level in the combined nutrition group became significantly lower ( P =0. 025). The incidences of infectious and non-infectious complications in PN group were significantly higher than those in EN group (P = 0. 002 and 0. 017, respectively) and combined nutrition group ( P = 0. 005 and 0. 004, respectively). Gastric retention was more common in EN group than that in PN group ( P = 0. 035). The weaning time,length of RICU stay, length of hospital stay and 20-day-mortality were significantly decreased in the combined nutrition group than those in the other two groups ( all P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion The effectiveness of the combined application of PN and EN is superior to PN or EN alone in improving nutritional status and respiratory muscle strength as well as in improving the short-term outcome in elderly patients in RICU..

Objective To quantitatively observe the actual levels of 4977 bp and 3895 bp mitochon-drial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in healthy human skin of different age, and to explore their relationship with intrinsic aging and photoaging. Methods Seventy-one samples of skin tissue were obtained from healthy volunteers, including 40 samples from UV-protected areas (buttock, thigh, waist or abdomen) and 31 from UV-exposed areas (neck, back of hands, forehead or face). Nuclear and mitochundrial DNA was extracted from these samples. Conventional PCR was performed to detect the incidence of 4977 bp and 3895 bp mtDNA deletion. Then, SYBR Green real-time PCR was applied to quantitatively analyze the target mutations in posi-tive samples. Results Conventional PCR showed that the incidence of both 4977 bp deletion and 3895 bp deletion increased with age. For example, the incidence of 4977 bp deletion and 3895 bp deletion accounted for 47.5% (19/40) and 30% (12/40), respectively in samples from volunteers older than 40 years, signifi-cantly higher than that in those from volunteers younger than 40 years (X2 = 4.673, 6.118, respectively, both P < 0.05). The total incidence of 4977 bp deletion and 3895 bp deletion in UV-exposed areas was 48.4% (15/31) and 32.3% (9/31), respectively, which did not differ from those in UV-protected areas. The results from real-time PCR revealed a positive correlation of the copy number of 4977 10p deletion and 3895 bp deletion with age (rg = 0.907, 0.845, respectively, both P < 0.05). When the UV-exposed area was compared with the UV-protected area, no significant difference was found in the copy number of 4977 bp deletion ( P = 0.264), whereas a higher level of 3895 bp deletion was noticed in UV-exposed area (P = 0.014). Conclu-sions The 4977 bp mtDNA deletion is primarily associated with chronological aging, and might serve as a biomarker for the process of chronological aging of skin. Deletion of 3895 bp mtDNA seems to be more sus-ceptible to ultraviolet radiation.