Objective To investigate the changes and significance of concentration of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of bacterial meningitis(BM) in rabbits. Methods A total of 36 rabbits were randomly divided into m eningitis group, meningitis cefotaxime-treated group and control group. BM indu ced by escherichia coli(Ec) via cerebellomedullary cistern inoculated. Normal sa line was injected in control group. CSF was sampled in different time. The conce ntration of CSF sICAM-1 was detected by ELISA.Results 1.There was a low concentration of sICAM-1 in CSF in 85 percent of normal rabbi ts.2.In meningitis group, there was a sharp rise in the concentration of CSF sIC AM-1 at 6 hours after Ec was inoculated, reached a peak level at 12 hours, and t here was higher concentration of CSF sICAM-1 between 6 and 24 hour than that at 0 hour.3.In meningitis cefotaxime-treated group, the concentration of CSF sICAM -1 at 6 hour and 12 hours was similar to meningitis group, the time that get pe ak level was at 24 hours that at 12 hours after making use of antimicrobial agen t.The peak level was higher than meningitis group. The concentration of CSF sICA M-1 decreased markedly at 48 hours that made use of antimicrobial agent 36 hour s later,but the concentration was still higher than the peak level of meningitis group.Afterwards, with the time of making use of antimicrobial agent lengthened ,the concentration of CSF sICAM-1 decreased gradually.4.Experimental results in dicated by correlating analysis to these data that there was positive correlatio n in the concentration of CSF sICAM-1 with the brain water content.Conclusions sICAM-1 participates in the pathological process of BM, and contributes to the damage of blood brain barrier and the formation of brain edema.There is importan t significance that drugs which can resist the discharge of sICAM-1 will be impl ied. J Appl Clin Pediatr,2005,20(2):163-165

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 6 residual organic solvents in aprepitant raw material as methanol,ethanol,acetone,isopropyl alcohol,methyl tert-butyl ether and tetrahydrofuran.METHODS:Headspace capillary gas chromatography was adopted.The determination was performed on DB-624 capillary column using temperature programming.The temperature of injector port was 180 ℃,and flame ionization detector was used with temperature of 260 ℃.Nitrogen was used as carrier gas with flow rate 3.0 mL/min.The spilt ratio was 5 ∶ 1,and head-space injection volume was 1.0 mL.The head-space equilibrium temperature was set at 80 ℃,and equilibrium time was 40 min.RESULTS:The linear ranges of methanol,ethanol,acetone,isopropyl alcohol,methyl tert-butyl ether,tetrahydrofuran were 6.052-605.232 μ g/mL (r=0.999 9),9.987-998.718 μg/mL(r=0.999 9),9.998-999.768 μg/mL(r=0.999 8),9.986-998.634 μg/mL(r=0.999 9),9.991-999.090 μg/mL (r=0.999 7),1.461-146.133 μg/mL(r=0.999 5),respectively.The limits of quantitation were 1.782 1,2.079 0,0.749 8,1.777 8,0.223 1,0.607 0 μg/mL;the limits of detection were 0.594 0,0.693 0,0.249 9,0.592 6,0.074 4,0.202 3 μg/mL,respectively.RSD of precision test was lower than 2.0％.Only acetone and isopropyl alcohol were detected in stability test and reproducibility tests,RSD＜2.0％.Their recoveries were 99.34-100.75％ (RSD=0.52％,n=9),98.20％-100.24％ (RSD=0.69％,n=9),98.07％-100.07％ (RSD=0.84％,n=9),99.86％-101.32％ (RSD=0.58％,n=9),97.87％-104.02％ (RSD=2.13％,n=9),98.26 ％-100.58 ％ (RSD =0.75 ％,n =9),respectively.CONCLUSIONS:The established method is simple,accurate and reproducible,and can be used for simultaneous determination of 6 residual organic solvents in aprepitant raw material.

The desired DNA product of KGPcd and KGP-hag was obtained from the total DNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis by PCR with two pairs of gene specific primers. The segment of KGPcd and KGP-hag (about 1.5kb and 1.6kb) was inserted into pGEM-T easy Vector. The double-stranded DNA of the postitive clone was analyzed by restriction endonuclease mapping and DNA sequenceing. The sequences of KGPcd and KGP-hag were consistent with those of the references appeared. The proteins of KGPcd and KGP-hag will be obtained for further study.

OBJECTIVETo observe the long-term apparent and structural change of the neo-urethra inner wall reconstructed with different kinds of tissue. To compare the difference between normal and reconstructed urethra for urethra reconstruction with more appropriate materials.

METHODSThe neo-urethra inner wall was observed during operation, through urography and urethroscope. The tissue section of neo-urethra inner wall was observed through light microscope and electron microscope.

RESULTSWith unchanged structure, the appearance of neo-urethra reconstructed with skin or mucosa could be close to normal urethra after a long time. Neo-urethra made of buccal mucosa possesses some of the most important basic structures for normal urethral microenvironment to form. The structure of neo-urethra made of bladder could be close to normal urethra after a long time.

CONCLUSIONSBuccal and bladder mucosa may be a better material than skin for urethra reconstruction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Biocompatible Materials ; Child ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; surgery ; Male ; Mouth Mucosa ; transplantation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Culture Techniques ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Transplantation ; methods ; Urethra ; surgery ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDAn increasing incidence of Crohn's disease has been found in China in recent years. Our study has been focused on evaluating the diversity of the clinical manifestations of Crohn's disease in order to improve early diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.

METHODSThirty patients with active Crohn's disease were enrolled and their clinical data, including diagnostic and therapeutic results, were analyzed. Endoscopy combined with histological examination of biopsy specimens provided characteristic features of the disease. Transabdominal bowel sonography (TABS) was used for detecting intestinal complications. Nutritional supportive therapy was given to 20 subjects with active cases of the disease.

RESULTSMost patients were young adults with a higher proportion of females to males (ratio: 1.14:1). The disease affects any segment or a combination of segments along with the alimentary tract (from the mouth to the anus). In this study, the colon and small bowel were the major sites involved. Recurrent episodes of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant and watery diarrhea were the most common symptoms. Granulomas were identifiable in nearly one-third (30.8%) of all biopsy specimens. In moderate cases of the disease, remission was achieved more quickly through the use of oral prednisone therapy than with SASP or 5-ASA. Beneficial effects on the host's nutritional status were observed. Immunosuppressives were used on an individual basis and showed variable therapeutic effects. Sixteen patients had surgery due to intestinal obstruction or failure to respond to drug therapies. Rapid improvement after surgery was reported.

CONCLUSIONEndoscopy (with biopsy) and TABS were both crucial procedures for diagnosis. SASP (or 5-ASA) and prednisone were effective as inductive therapies. Azathioprine has demonstrable benefits after induction therapy with prednisone. Surgery, as an alternative treatment, provided another effective choice in selected patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Azathioprine ; therapeutic use ; Biopsy ; Child ; Crohn Disease ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mesalamine ; administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; Sulfasalazine ; administration & dosage ; Ultrasonography

To explore a rapid and easy method to detect labile iron of pool (LIP) in cells, HL-60 and K562 cells were cultured at a concentration 1 x 10(6)/ml in RPMI 1640 containing 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum. The iron deprivation was induced by adding desferrioxamine (DFO) 10 - 100 micromol/L for 0 - 48 hours. The intracellular LIP was measured by probe calcein-AM. Calcein fluorescence was monitored in 1420 multilabel counter. The results indicated that when HL-60 and K562 cells were incubated with different concentrations of DFO, the calcein fluorescence intensity was higher than that of control group at 12, 24 and 48 hours (P < 0.05). Fluorescence value of representing LIP in DFO groups was lower than that in the control group. In conclusion, DFO can decrease LIP in leukemia cells. The approach used in this study may provide a simple and reliable method for detection of intracellular iron homeostasis.
Cation Transport Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Deferoxamine ; pharmacology ; Fluoresceins ; Fluorescent Dyes ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Iron ; metabolism ; Iron Chelating Agents ; analysis ; metabolism ; Iron-Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; K562 Cells

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of rituximab (RTX), a chimeric human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, on lymphoma cell injury induced by X ray irradiation. The human Burkitt EBV-infected and moderate radioresistance lymphoma cells (Namalwa) were used in the this study. Cytotoxicity of rituximab combined with X ray irradiation on Namalwa cells was measured by sulforhodamine B (SRB)-staining; the apoptosis of Namalwa cells was detected by flow cytometry with FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining; the morphologic changes of cells were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the change of intracellular free calcium level ([Ca(2+)]i) in response to irradiation and rituximab was determined by means of the fluorescent dye fluo-3 and confocal microscopy. The results showed that the growth inhibition in Namalwa cells exposed to irradiation was enhanced by treatment with rituximab. Compared with irradiation alone, rituximab combined with irradiation significantly induced the cell apoptosis and a sustained rise of intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) level in Namalwa cells; the serial apoptotic appearances of cells could be observed under TEM. It is concluded that rituximab can enhance the sensitivity of lymphoma cells on X ray irradiation as to induce cell more apoptosis, in this process the intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i), as an intracellular signaling molecule probably plays an important role.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Antigens, CD20 ; immunology ; Apoptosis ; Calcium ; analysis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects ; Rituximab

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the genetic variant of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934 C→T and the risk of premature coronary artery disease (pCAD).

METHODSThis study included 226 pACD patients and 275 gender and age matched pCAD-free controls hospitalized in our hospital, diagnosis was made based on coronary angiography (CAG) results. The genotypes of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934 C→T were detected by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTSCompared with the wide genotype CC, subjects with the variant genotypes CT of rs9548934 C→T was associated with a 45% lower risk of pACD (adjusted OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.36 - 0.82, P = 0.003), and the subjects with CT/TT genotypes were also associated with a significantly lower risk of pACD (adjusted OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.44 - 0.92, P = 0.015). Using the median serum TG level (1.20 mmol/L) in control group as the cutoff value, subjects with higher serum TG levels were associated with increased risk of pACD after adjustment for age, gender and BMI (adjusted OR = 2.32, 95%CI = 1.57 - 3.41, P < 0.001). In addition, subjects with higher HDL-C levels were associated with significantly lower risk of pACD (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.31 - 0.75, P = 0.001). Stratified analyses showed that the risk reduction for pCAD in CT/TT genotypes carriers was more significant in the female subjects (adjusted OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.30 - 0.97, P = 0.040), and in subjects with lower TG, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C levels (adjusted OR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.39 - 0.98, P = 0.040; adjusted OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.35 - 0.85, P = 0.008; adjusted OR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.22 - 0.87, P = 0.018; adjusted OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.32 - 0.75, P = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism of miRNA-1 target gene COG6 rs9548934C→T is associated with lower risk of pCAD, especially in female subjects and subjects with lower serum lipid levels.

Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport ; genetics ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of vector-mediated RNA interference for HER-2-positive breast cancer therapy.

METHODSA plasmid vector capable of mediating HER-2 RNA interference was constructed, and HER-2-positive breast cancer cell line SKBR-3 was transfected with this constructed vector. The expression of HER-2 mRNA and protein was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, and the growth and apoptosis of SKBR-3 cells was analyzed after transfection.

RESULTSThe expressions of HER-2 mRNA and HER-2 protein was downregulated in response to vector-mediated HER-2 RNA interference, which also resulted in tumor cell growth inhibition and increased number apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSIONHER-2 is a good target for RNA interference and RNA interference targeting HER-2 can lead to HER-2 breast cancer cell apoptosis and growth inhibition.

Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of one dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix on deep partial thickness burns.

METHODSFrom January 1997 to January 2004, sixty-seven cases of deep partial thickness total burned surface area (TBSA) from 50% to 90% burn wound were treated by a single dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix (the porcine acellular dermal matrix group). Ten cases of deep partial thickness burned patients with the same TBSA treated by exposure method served as the exposure method group. The healing time of the wound was observed. The patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years, and the scar proliferation was observed.

RESULTSThe deep partial-thickness wound would be healed without dressing change in the porcine acellular dermal matrix group, and the average healing time was (12.2 +/- 2.6) days. The average healing time of the exposure method group was (27.4 +/- 3.5) days. Follow up of the patients within 3 months to 2 years showed that scar proliferation in the porcine acellular dermal matrix group was much less than that in the exposure method group, even no scar proliferation was observed in some patients.

CONCLUSIONWithout tangential excision, autografting and dressing change, a single dressing of porcine acellular dermal matrix on deep partial thickness burn wound could shorten the healing time and inhibit scar proliferation.

Animals ; Biological Dressings ; Burns ; pathology ; therapy ; Cicatrix ; prevention & control ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Swine ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing