Since Hosobuchi first found that spinal cord stimulation had the effect of significantly increasing cerebral blood flow (CBF) more than two decades ago, spinal cord stimulation had attracted wide attention in the field of treating cerebral ischemia. A large number of animal and clinical studies have been performed in this field, which make it another research focus following thrombolysis and interventional therapy. This article reviews the research history, mechanisms, and current status of clinical applications of spinal cord stimulation in cerebral ischemia protection.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible differences in antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from different samples in children.

METHODSSix hundred and twenty-nine samples from urine, sputum, blood and secretion were collected from June 2004 to May 2009 for bacterial identification by VITEK-32 automatic system and antimicrobial susceptibility tests by Kirby-Bauer method. The drug resistance rate of Escherichia coli isolated from different samples was compared.

RESULTSTwo hundred and sixty strains of Escherichia coli were isolated , and 108 of which were from urine , 64 from sputum, 54 from secretion and 23 from blood. ESBLs were detected in 96 (36.9%) of the 260 isolates, AmpC enzymes in 32 (12.3%), and ESBLs+AmpC in 8 (3.1%). The ESBLs positive rate of Escherichia coli isolates from sputum was significantly higher than that from other samples (P<0.05). The antimicrobial resistance rate of Escherichia coli strains from different samples to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefepime, gentamicin, cotrimoxazole, and nitrofurantoin was different. The resistance rate of the strains from sputum samples was higher than that from the other samples (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEscherichia coli isolated from different samples have different antimicrobial resistance rates in children, so the selection of antibiotics for infections confirmed by bacterial cultures from different samples should based on drug sensitivity results.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli ; drug effects ; enzymology ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; beta-Lactamases ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the protection of high intensity microwave radiation on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) activity and hippocampal CA1 structure in rats and the protectiveeffect of Qindan Granule (QG) on radiation injured rats.

METHODSTotally 48 Wistar rats were randomlydivided into 8 groups, i.e., the normal control group, post-radiation day 1, 7, and 10 groups, 7 and 10days prevention groups, day 7 and 10 treatment groups, 6 in each group. Rats in prevention groups wererespectively administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4. 75 g crude drugs) for 7 days and 10 days bygastrogavage and then microwave radiation. Then preventive effect for radiation injury was statisticallycalculated with the normal control group and the post-radiation day 1 group. Rats in treatment groupswere firstly irradiated, and then administered with QG liquid (1 mL/100 g, 4.75 g crude drugs). Finally preventive effect for radiation injury was statistically calculated with the normal control group, post-radiation day 7 and 10 groups. Contents of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), beta endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were detected. Morphological changes and structure of hippocampal CA1 region were observed under light microscope.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly decreased in each radiation group. Serum contents of ACTH and beta-EP significantly increased in post-radiation day 1 and 7 groups (P < 0.05). Compared with radiation groups, beta-EP content in serum and pituitary significantly increased, and serum ACTH content significantly decreased in prevention groups (P < 0.05). Pituitary contents of CRH and beta-EP significantly increased in prevention groups. Serum contents of ACTH, beta-EP, and HSP70 were significantly lower in day 7 treatment group than post-radiation day 7 group (P < 0.05). Morphological results showed that pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region arranged in disorder, with swollen cells, shrunken and condensed nucleus, dark dyeing cytoplasm, unclear structure. Vessels in partial regions were dilated with static blood; tissues were swollen and sparse. In prevention and treatment groups pathological damage of hippocampal CA1 region was obviously attenuated; neurons were arranged more regularly; swollen, pycnotic, or deleted neuron number were decreased; vascular dilatation and congestion was lessened.

CONCLUSIONQG could affect HPAA function and activity of high intensity microwave radiated rats, showing certain preventive and therapeutic effects of microwave radiated rats by adjusting synthesis and release of partial bioactive peptides and hormones in HPAA, improving pathological injury in hippocampal CA1 region.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; blood ; Animals ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal ; drug effects ; pathology ; radiation effects ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Pituitary-Adrenal System ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; beta-Endorphin ; blood ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible association between the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene (GCLC) C-129T and modifier subunit gene (GCLM) G-23T polymorphisms with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese population.

METHODSGCLC C-129T and GCLM G-23T genotypes were determined in 212 CHD patients and 218 healthy individuals using a PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Odds ratio (OR) for CHD and 95% confidence interval (CI) from unconditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate relative risks.

RESULTSThe T allele of the GCLC C-129T polymorphism was more frequently found in CHD cases than in controls (P < 0.01) and individuals with GCLC-129T allele had a significantly higher risk for CHD (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.25 - 4.54) as compared to individuals with the -129C allele. When compared with CC homozygote, CT heterozygote had a 2.14-fold higher risk for CHD (95% CI: 1.08 - 4.24, P < 0.05) and carriers of the-129T allele (CT or TT genotype) also had a similarly 2.28-fold higher risk for CHD (95% CI: 1.16 - 4.49, P < 0.05). In contrast, the frequency of T allele of the GCLM G-23T polymorphism was lower in CHD patients than that of controls (0.174 vs. 0.264) and individuals with the GCLM-23T allele had a significantly lower risk for CHD (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42 - 0.82, P < 0.01) as compared to the -23G allele. When compared with GG homozygote, the OR of CHD for GT heterozygote was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.47 - 1.08, P > 0.05), for TT homozygote was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.06 - 0.55, P < 0.01), and for carriers of the -23T allele (GT or TT genotype) was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.42 - 0.92, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe GCLC C-129T polymorphism may be one of the genetic risk factor while the GCLM G-23T polymorphism may be one of the genetic protective factors for CHD in this Chinese population.

Aged ; Alleles ; Coronary Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism (R72P) and the risk of colorectal liver metastases.

METHODSThe p53 R72P genotype was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 78 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases and 214 age- and sex-matched cases with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.

RESULTSThe R allele of the p53 R72P polymorphism was more frequently found in metastatic cases than in nonmetastatic cases (P=0.075). Carriers of the 72R allele had a 2.25-fold (95% CI (confidence interval)=1.05 to approximately 4.83) increased risk of liver metastases. On the stratification analysis, 72R-carrying genotype conferred a 3.46-fold (95% CI=1.02 to approximately 11.72) and a 1.05-fold (95% CI=0.36 to approximately 3.08) increased risk of liver metastases for p53 overexpression-positive and negative colorectal cancers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThese results demonstrate for the first time that the 72R allele of the p53 polymorphism has an increased risk for liver metastases in colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression.

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Case-Control Studies ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; DNA, Neoplasm ; blood ; genetics ; Female ; Genes, p53 ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; secondary ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with different subtypes of breast cancer: basaloid, HER-2 and luminal types, and try to find the evidence of individualized treatment for the patients.

METHODS1280 histologically and immunohistochemically proven patients with resectable breast cancer were treated, and the clinical data including characteristics, relapse and survival of the patients with different subtypes of breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSOf the 1280 breast cancer patients, basaloid, HER-2 and luminal types accounted for 20.9%, 23.2% and 55.9%, respectively. Basaloid type was more likely to be found in younger patients frequently with a family history of breast cancer. HER-2 type usually had a tumor of larger size with more advanced stage disease and more metastatic lymph nodes. Luminal type was likely to occur in aged patients with an earlier stage disease. The recurrence rates in basaloid, HER-2 and luminal types were 25.0%, 27.9% and 11.7%, respectively. Patients with basaloid or HER-2 type were found to have a significantly higher recurrence rate than the patients with luminal type breast cancer (P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between the basaloid and HER-2 types. However, patients with basaloid type breast cancer were more likely to develop lung metastasis than HER-2 type (13.4% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.017). Up to December 2006, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for patients with basaloid, HER-2 and luminal types were 72.2%, 68.2% and 86.2% (P < 0.001), respectively. The overall 5-yr survival (OS) rates of the three groups were 88.6%, 83.8% and 95.8% (P < 0.001) , respectively. Of the patients with luminal type breast cancer, HER2-negative patients had a higher DFS (86.2% vs 57.0%, P < 0.001) and OS (95.8% vs 87.7%, P = 0.0001) compared with those with HER2-positive. The results of Multivariate Cox Regression showed that tumor size and lymph node state were the most important factors influencing the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONEach subtype of breast cancer has somewhat its own specific clinical features in terms of recurrence pattern and prognosis, therefore, individualized treatment regimen may be required.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast Neoplasms ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Mastectomy ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Estrogen ; metabolism ; Receptors, Progesterone ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of mRNA and protein of p38, Osx, PI3K, Akt1 in the rats bone with chronic fluorosis.

METHODSDental fluorosis were observed and the fluoride contents in the urine and bone were detected by fluorin-ion selective electrode. The morphologic changes and ultrastructure of rats' bone were observed by light and electronic microscopy. The expressions of protein and mRNA of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. The contents of BALP and BGP in serum were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe rates of dental fluorosis in the fluorosis rats were increased, and the fluoride contents in bone and urine of the fluorosis rats were increased compared to the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The bone trabeculae thickness and density and the thickness of bone cortex in fluorosis rats were remarkably increased, the space of bone trabeculae was reduced, and in accordance with the matching morphometrical indices, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) as compared with the control rats. The contents of BALP [(54.61 ± 2.27) U/L] and BGP [(2.38 ± 0.16) µg/L]in the fluoride groups were higher than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ultrastructurally, the broadening of the osseouslacuna was observed. The reduced protuberances of the osteocytes, the unclear organelle structure, pyknosis, karyotheca increasation and edged chromatin were also observed. Compared to the control group, the expressions of protein and its mRNA of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 were higher in the fluorosis rats than those in the control rats, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There is no any expression of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 in the osteocytes in fluorosis rats.

CONCLUSIONSThe over-expression of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 in bone tissue of fluorosis rats may relate to the accumulation of fluorine in the body. The bone injury mainly occur in the stage of the differentiation and proliferation. The upregulation of P38MARK signal path and PI3K/Akt1 signal path may be involved in the pathogenesis of bone injury caused by fluoride.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; blood ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Fluoride Poisoning ; metabolism ; pathology ; Fluorides ; metabolism ; urine ; Fluorosis, Dental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Osteocalcin ; blood ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; Sodium Fluoride ; toxicity ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the alteration of protein Z (PZ) in patients with cardio-cerebral thrombotic diseases, its clinical significance and relations with FX.

METHODSPZ and FX:Ag were measured by ELISA, and plasma FX:C by first stage method. In 170 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 40 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 60 healthy adults as contrast, PZ, FX:C and FX:Ag were measured and compared between incipience and recurrence, different ages and genders.

RESULTSIn AIS and AMI groups, PZ levels decreased significantly to (940.02 +/- 229.82) microg/L and (1071.44 +/- 180.52) microg/L, respectively \[the contrast group was (2257.97 +/- 479.76) microg/L, P < 0.001\]. But FX:C and FX:Ag raised to (136.73 +/- 34.93)% and (135.54 +/- 54.39)% in AIS group; and to (139.53 +/- 29.18)%, (129.75 +/- 21.91)% in AMI group, respectively, while in the contrast group they were (94.33 +/- 22.00)% and (77.22 +/- 13.19)% (P < 0.001). In the comparative research between the AIS group, AMI group and the contrast group, PZ level was clearly found to negatively relate to the level of FX:C and FX:Ag (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, PZ level, FX:C and FX:Ag in recur-AIS group and recur-AMI group exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) from those in the primary AIS and AMI groups, suggesting that the decrease of PZ levels reflected the pathological process of the disease. In addition, PZ level gradually decreased with the increase of age (P < 0.05), while FX:C and FX:Ag had no relations with age (P > 0.05). No correlation was found in sex with PZ level, FX:C, FX:Ag (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPZ level was significantly decreased in AIS and AMI patients and was negatively related to FX:C and FX:Ag. The mechanism leading to FX increase may partially related with the decreased of PZ. PZ level was different in the primary and recurrent disease and was gradually decreased with the increase of age. Lack of PZ might be a etiological factor of cardio-cerebral thrombotic diseases.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Factor X ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; blood ; Stroke ; blood

BACKGROUNDThe development of new adjuvants for human use has been the focus of attention. This study's aim is to explore the possibility of using nanoparticle Ca nanoparticles (CA) as a vaccine adjuvant of anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 against schistosomiasis and its protective mechanisms.

METHODSNanoparticle CA-NP30 conjugate (CA-NP30) was fabricated. BALB/c mice were immunized actively with CA-NP30 to evaluate its effects of protective immunity on mice. The serum levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies against NP30 and the concentrations of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in supernatant of splenocytes were determined via ELISA.

RESULTSNanoparticle CA could enhance significantly the protective immunity of NP30 against infection of Schistosoma japonicum and the worm reduction rose from 36.0% (NP30 alone) to 52.6%. The serum levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies against NP30 increased remarkably, as compared with those of the group immunized with NP30 alone. The concentration of IFN-gamma in supernatant of splenocyte was drastically elevated [the groups immunized with CA-NP30 and NP30 alone were (493.80 +/- 400.74) pg/ml and (39.03 +/- 39.58) pg/ml, respectively], but the concentration of IL-4 showed no significant difference from that of NP30 alone [(27.94 +/- 9.84) pg/ml vs (27.28 +/- 14.44) pg/ml].

CONCLUSIONSNanoparticle CA could act as a vaccine adjuvant of anti-idiotypic antibody NP30 against schistosomiasis. The mechanism could be that CA-NP30 enhances humoral and cellular immune responses in mice.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; Animals ; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; immunology ; Antibodies, Helminth ; immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nanotechnology ; Schistosomiasis ; prevention & control ; Vaccines

OBJECTIVEA functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 72 of the gene for p53 protein (p53 R72P) has been implicated in a variety of human cancers, but the relationship between this SNP and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains obscure despite the fact that the critical role of p53 protein in HCC has been documented. This study was conducted to evaluate the link between the polymorphism with HCC stratified by chronic hepatitis B infection status in a Chinese population.

METHODSFour hundred and sixty-nine HCC cases (359 HbsAg-positive, 110 HbsAg-negative) and 567 controls (137 HbsAg-positive, 430 HbsAg-negative) were studied. The p53 genotypes were determined by a PCR based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method.

RESULTSOverall, no correlation between HCC and the R72P genotypes was found when comparing all cases to controls or when comparing the HbsAg-positive HCC subgroup to controls. However, in HbsAg-negative subjects, the 72P allele was significantly associated with the presence of HCC (P=0.01) and had a higher risk (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.25-2.27) of HCC as compared to the 72R allele. By comparison to R/R homozygotes, the R/P heterozygotes and P/P homozygotes had a 1.73-fold (95% CI: 0.96-3.11) and a 3.29-fold (95% CI: 1.58-6.86) increased risk for HCC, respectively. The subjects with the 72P allele and a family history of HCC and those with the 72P allele and male gender also yielded an 11.14-fold (95% CI: 1.62-76.67) and a 9.39 fold (95% CI: 3.08-28.62) increased risk of HCC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe P allele of the p53 R72P polymorphism has an increased risk for HCC in HbsAg-negative subjects, and exerts a synergistic influence on the risk for HCC when combined with HCC family history and the male gender.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; ethnology ; genetics ; China ; Codon ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Liver Neoplasms ; ethnology ; genetics ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics