Guanylin family, described in recent 10 years, is a series of small peptides (including guanylin, uroguanylin and lymphoguanylin) with structural and functional similarities to heat-stable enterotoxins (STs) elaborated by various pathogenic bacteria. They are abundance of cysteines and are endogenous activators of guanylyl cyclase-C (GC-C) receptors. Immunoreactive guanylin family peptides are localized in many human organs and tissues, especially in gastrointestinal tract and kidney, and play an important role in regulation of water and salt homeostasis. Recent studies showed that the mRNA levels of guanylin family peptides were down-regulated in colorectal cancers; oral intake of uroguanylin might suppress polyp formation in Apc(Min/+) mouse, and ~(111)In-labeled-ST peptide analog might specifically target human colon cancers. These evidences highlight that guanylin family may have a potential application in diagnosis and therapy effects of colorectal cancers.

Nowadays,oil-pollution of seawater in the world has severely threatened the security of sea entironment.Bioremediation offers one available option for an oil spill response.The aspects as follows are introduced some evolvement of microbial ecology,including new method of survey of microbial diversity without cultivation,new isolated method and the properties of main hydrocarbon degradated strain.But we have little or no understanding of the vast majority of marine bacteria that remain uncultured,and more efforts should be made to improve current methods for isolating oil-degrading or oil-emulsifying bacteria,not only for assessing the fate and effects of the spilled oil,but also for isolating novel bacteria that would be useful for the petroleum industry.

A low-temperature hydrocarbon-degrading strain T7-2, isolated from sea-mud of Bohai polluted area and identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis, was found to produce an extracellular, nondialyzable emul- sifying agent (referred to as bioemulsifier) when grew with hexadecane as carbon source. The results showed that, this bioemulsifier which could remarkably emulsify hydrocarbons such as diesel oil, is consisted of three parts-carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, the proportion of which was 55.43:31.24:12.65. The mono- saccharide compositions were identified as mannose and rhamnose; the lipid compositions included de- canoic acid, lauric acid, hexadecanoic acid and stearic acid, and the protein constituents were composed of sixteen amino acids. Besides, according to the study of the physic-chemical properties of the bioemulsifier, it possesses the obvious advantages of character stability, high function efficiency and wide adaptation range, therefore this bioemulsifier is believed to have extensive application values for bioremediation of marine oil pollution, petroleum exploitation and etc.

Objective To repair segmental mandibular defects with autogenous bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)and?-triealcium phosphate.Methods Isolated BMSCs were in vitro expand- ed.A 3 cm-long segmental mandibular defect was created at right mandible in 12 canines,of which de- fects in six canines were repaired with BMSCs and?-tricalcium phosphate(?-TCP)and that in other six cases repaired with?-TCP,which was used as control.The engineered bone was evaluated by X-ray, CT,DXA,gross and histological examination,immunohistochemistry and biomechanical test 4,12,26,32 weeks after operation respectively.Results In induced BMSCs,histochemistry showed AKP activity. Oral X-ray showed obvious callus formation 4-26 weeks after operation in experimental group but minimal bone formation in control group.At 32 weeks after operation,gross observation,X-ray and CT demonstra- ted well bony-union in experimental group but bony-nonunion in control group.DXA indicated that the bone density of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group.Biomechanical test revealed no statistical difference upon mechanical strength of mandibula between experimental group and normal group.Conclusions Canine segmental mandibular defects can be well repaired with the tissue- engineered bone generated by autogenous osteogenic BMSCs and?-TCP scaffold.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the key indicators in the pituitary-target gland axes in the animal model of Shen-yang deficiency syndrome (SYDS).

METHODSThe 8 biological indicators [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), 3, 3', 5-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol (CORT)] in the pituitary-target gland axes were grouped using factor analysis. Then the sensitivity of every indicator was calculated according to the sensitivity function defined in this paper, so as to find all the most sensitive indicators in every group as key indicators of SYDS.

RESULTSThe key indicators in the early period of SYDS were T, LH, T4, and CORT. The key indicators in the middle period were LH,T, CORT, and ACTH. The key indicators in the late period were LH, T, CORT, and FSH.

CONCLUSIONST, LH, and CORT were the common key indicators of the three periods, and other different key indicator of SYDS in the early, middle and late period were T4, ACTH, and FSH respectively, which changed from the thyroid axis to the adrenal axis and then to the gonadal axis as the period changed. The key indicators in the late period were mainly in the gonadal axis, showing gonadal dysfunction in the late period.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Estradiol ; analysis ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; analysis ; Hydrocortisone ; analysis ; Luteinizing Hormone ; analysis ; Male ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testosterone ; analysis ; Thyrotropin ; analysis ; Thyroxine ; analysis ; Yang Deficiency ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of three categorized formulas for tonifying Shen yang, i.e. Shenqi Pill (SP), Yougui Pill (YP), and Yougui Drink (YD) based on rough set, thus exploring the law of compatibility between the core herbs and the edge herbs as well as the law of compatibility between the yang-tonifying herbs and the yin-tonifying herbs in the core herbs.

METHODSThe rats were divided into the normal group, the Shen-yang deficiency model group, and the original prescription group, the core herbs group, and the edge herbs group of this three categorized formulas for tonifying Shen yang, 11 groups altogether. Thyroxine (T4), cortisol (CORT), and testosterone (T) were detected respectively. The decision rules model based on rough set was set up, the interactions between various herbs were analyzed according to the decision rules.

RESULTSThere were synergies between yam and cinnamon, yam and aconite, as well as yam and wolfberry. Poria alisma, Cortex Moutan, and oriental waterplantain tuber had no effect themselves, but they had synergistic effects with the core herbs in SP. Angelica had a certain effect itself, but its functions were different to different core herbs in YP. Licorice had no effect itself, and it was antagonistic with the core herbs in YD.

CONCLUSIONSThe compatibility of core herbs of categorized formula for tonifying Shen yang should focus on benefiting both yin and yang, as well as mutual rooting of yin-yang. Appropriate edge herbs should be chosen for compatibility according to different core herbs. The decision rules model based on rough set has a good prospect in exploring the law of compatibility of the categorized formulas.

Animals ; Drug Incompatibility ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVESTo study the pathologic features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in the phase of heart failure.

METHODSEight cases underwent heart transplantation in Fuwai Hospital during the period from May, 2004 to July, 2007 with pathologic diagnosis of ARVC were studied. The age of patients ranged from 15 to 54 years. They had history of palpitation and syncope for 1 to 22 years. Severe heart failure was diagnosed according to the New York Heart Association Classification System. The recipient hearts were examined and the following parameters were evaluated: weight of heart, presence of cardiac dilatation, myocardial hypertrophy, fatty infiltration, fibrosis, parietal thrombosis and myocarditis. The degree of left ventricular involvement was also analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 8 cases studied, 7 cases with prominent right ventricular lesion (fibrofatty replacement) were classified as classic type. One case with prominent left ventricle lesion and mild right ventricle involvement was classified as left predominant type. No biventricular type and no pure fatty infiltration were found. The cases of classic type showed moderate to severe dilatation of right ventricle, sometimes with aneurysm formation. Left ventricle was involved in 6 cases, which showed diffuse interstitial fibrosis, patchy fibrous replacement and subepicardial fatty infiltration. Mild to moderate dilatation of left ventricle, myocardial hypertrophy and vacuolation were also observed in these cases. The case of left predominant type had severe hypertrophy and dilatation of left ventricle, with prominent diffuse interstitial fibrosis and transmural fatty infiltration. Besides, 3 cases showed left ventricular hypertrophy and parietal thrombosis in both ventricles. Focal lymphocytic myocarditis was noted in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONSLeft ventricular involvement is common in the heart failure phase of ARVC. Extensive interstitial fibrosis, marked hypertrophy and degeneration of myocardial fibers, as well as severe cardiac dilatation with organized thrombi, represent the major pathologic changes which resembles dilated cardiomyopathy.

Adipose Tissue ; pathology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia ; complications ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; etiology ; Female ; Fibrosis ; etiology ; Heart Failure ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocarditis ; etiology ; pathology ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) in predicting the early-stage outcome of liver transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease.

METHODSThe MELD scores of 87 liver transplantation recipients with end-stage liver disease were calculated, and their early-stage complications and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTSThe incidence of severe complications was 20.7%; in these recipients, with the 28-day and 3-month survival rates of 89.7%; and 88.5%;, respectively. The mean MELD scores showed significant differences between the complication-free group and survival group (14.6 vs 12.9, P<0.05), and also between the complication group and death group (21.6 vs 29.4, P<0.05). Compared to patients with MELD no greater than 15, patients with MELD between 16 and 24 showed significantly increased complication rate but had comparable survival rate (P>0.05); but in patients with MELD no less than 25, the survival rate was significantly decreased with also increased complication rate.

CONCLUSIONSA higher MELD score before liver transplantation is associated with greater likeliness of early-stage complication rate and mortality. High MELD score (over 25) can be a useful index in predicting severe complications and death in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Liver Failure ; etiology ; pathology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Biological ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Survival Analysis ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the etiology and clinical significance of axial symptoms after posterior operative procedures for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

METHODSFrom February 2005 to February 2010, 76 patients with OPLL treated were retrospectively experienced. There were 34 male and 42 female with average of 52.1 years (range from 37 to 74 years), the average duration of the disease was 32.1 months (range from 11 to 56 months). Nineteen patients underwent traditional laminectomy in group A, 33 patients received open-door laminoplasty in group B and 24 patients underwent lateral mass screw fixation in group C. All patients underwent X-ray examination pre- and post operative, computed tomography were used for diagnosis of OPLL, the recovery rate was calculated using pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for each patient. Pre- and postoperative cervical curvature index and axial symptoms were measured and compared. χ(2) test and SNK test were used as statistical methods.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 14 - 35 months, average (21 ± 5) months. Loss of cervical curvature index was 4.2% ± 1.7% in group A, 2.9% ± 2.2% in group B and 2.3% ± 1.9% in group C. The difference was significant in loss of cervical curvature indice between group A and B (q = 2.94, P < 0.01), group A and C (q = 4.23, P < 0.01). The average JOA recovery rate was 58.3% for group A, 64.3% for group B and 66.7% for group C. There was no significant difference in JOA recovery rate among the three groups (P > 0.05). The rate of early evident axial symptoms was 7/19 in group A, 30.3% in group B and 33.3% in group C and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of late evident axial symptoms was 5/19 in group A, 12.1% in group B and 8.3% in group C, the difference was not significant between group B and C (χ(2) = 13.762, P < 0.01), but of statistical difference between group A and B(χ(2) = 6.368, P < 0.01), group A and C (χ(2) = 11.481, P < 0.01). No kyphotic deformity in the group A, no "Close Door" phenomenon in group B and no internal failure in group C.

CONCLUSIONThe incidence of early axial symptoms are of no significant difference among the three groups, but late axial symptoms are higher in the laminectomy than other groups, which may be associated with loss of cervical lordosis.

Adult ; Decompression, Surgical ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of batch preparing cryopreserved fresh platelet-rich plasma (cryo-FPRP) derived from the volunteer donors, platelet count (Plt), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plasma pH, plasma lactic acid concentration, and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration, germiculture, CD62p positive rate, PAC-1 positive rate, and the fluorescence intensity of platelet GPIb-IX-V were detected in ACD whole blood, fresh platelet-rich plasma (FPRP), FPRP with 5% dimethyl sulphoxide DMSO (DMSO-FPRP), and thawed cryopreserved FPRP (cryo-FPRP); the procoagulant activity of FPRP and cryo-FPR was determinated. The results showed that (1) 70 percentage of platelet were separated from the whole blood into FPRP, and the counts of residual erythrocyte and leucocyte were below 1 x 10(9), and below 1 x 10(7) per unit respectively. (2) The plasma pH, lactic acid concentration and PAC-1 positive rate retained a stable level during the preparing, storing and thawing process. (3) Plasma LDH concentration, platelet CD62p positive rate and GPIb-IX-V concentration in platelet surface were enhanced significantly after being frozen and thawing. (4) The plasma clotting time induced by cryo-FPRP were significantly shorter than that induced by FPRP. It is concluded that: (1) The batch platelet preparing process can efficiently obtain platelet from whole blood donated by volunteer, and the process didn't activate the platelet. (2) Cryopreservation can prevent lactic acid accumulation, pH reduce and activation of GPIIb/IIIa. (3) The membrane of partial platelets are affected by freezing and thawing. (4) The density of GPIb-IX-V complexes in platelet surface and its procoagulant activity are enhanced significantly after the FPRP freezing and thawing process.
Blood Platelets ; cytology ; metabolism ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; E-Selectin ; blood ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; blood ; Lactic Acid ; blood ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; metabolism ; Reproducibility of Results