Objective To investigate the apoptotic effects of hypertrophic scar fibroblast (HSF) induced by HMME-PDT.Methods Fibroblasts were cultured from nontreated hypertrophic scars,and cells at passages 4-6 were used for the experiments (photosensitizer dose 4 μg/ml,λ630 nm,pow er density 10 mw/cm2,energy fluence 2.5 J/cm2).Morphological and biochemical changes in fibroblasts were assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy.The rate of apoptotic or necrotic cells was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) through double staining of Annexin V -FITC and popodium iodide (PI),respectively.Results Marked morphological features of cell apoptosis were viewed under the fluorescent microscope through Hoechst 33258 staining.The analysis of FCM indica ted that the apoptotic rate was significantly increased after HMME PDT [(34.82 ± I.42) ％ vs (3.12±0.28) ％,P＜0.05],and apoptotic rate was higher than necrosis rate [(14.65±1.02) ％ vs (34.82±1.42) ％,P＜0.05].Conclusions Low level exposure to 630 nm PDT mediated by HMME appears to induce fibroblast apoptosis.

Animals ; Brain Injuries ; blood ; cerebrospinal fluid ; chemically induced ; Endotoxins ; toxicity ; Female ; Male ; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type ; analysis ; Neurotensin ; analysis ; Rabbits

In this study, the optical data of tongue color of different syndromes in primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) were detected by optical spectrum colorimetry, and the chromaticity of tongue color was compared and analyzed. The tongue color characteristics of different syndromes in PHC and the relationship between different syndromes and tongue color were also investigated.

This paper introduces an EMG multi-gateway analysis diagnosis and information management system. The clinical applications show that this system has higher efficiency and standard report contents, and easy statistical analysis. And it also offers EMG standard figure, normal value data, nerve and muscle select scheme etc, for reference.
Automatic Data Processing ; Computers ; Electromyography ; instrumentation ; methods ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; methods ; Management Information Systems ; Medical Records Systems, Computerized ; standards ; Software

BACKGROUNDMolecular testing is more precise compared to serology and has been widely used in genotyping blood group antigens. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of blood group antigens can be determined by the polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) assay. Commercial high-throughput platforms can be expensive and are not approved in China. The genotype frequencies of Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Scianna, and RhCE blood group antigens in Jiangsu province were unknown. The aim of this study is sought to detect the genotype frequencies of Kidd, Kell, Duffy, Scianna, and RhCE antigens in Jiangsu Chinese Han using molecular methods with laboratory developed tests.

METHODSDNA was extracted from EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples of 146 voluntary blood donors collected randomly within one month. Standard serologic assay for red blood cell antigens were also performed except the Scianna blood group antigens. PCR-SSP was designed to work under one PCR program to identify the following SNPs: JK1/JK2, KEL1/KEL2, FYA/FYB, SC1/SC2, C/c and E/e.

RESULTSSerologic antigen results were identical to the phenotypes that were predicted from genotyping results. The allele frequencies for Jk*01 and Jk*02 were 0.51 and 0.49, respectively; for Fy*A and Fy*B 0.94 and 0.06; for RHCE*C and RHCE*c 0.68 and 0.32; and for RHCE*E and RHCE*e 0.28 and 0.72. Among 146 blood donors, all were KEL*02/KEL*02 and SC*01/SC*01, indicating allele frequencies for KEL*02 and SC*01 close to 1.00.

CONCLUSIONSThe use of PCR-SSP working under the same condition for testing multiple antigens at the same time is practical. This approach can be effective and cost-efficient for small-scale laboratories and in developing counties. These molecular tests can be also used for identifying rare blood types.

Blood Group Antigens ; genetics ; Butyrophilins ; China ; ethnology ; Duffy Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Kell Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Kidd Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo construct an eukaryotic coexpression vector containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) controlled by cytomegalovirus promoter using pIRES-EGFP vector.

METHODSThe mtHSP70 gene fragment was amplified by PCR from pVAX-mtHSP70-HSV2gD using specific primers. The PCR product was cloned into the vector pMD 18-T vector, and the correct clone was selected according to DNA sequence analysis. The interested mtHSP70 gene fragment was subcloned into pCMV-IRES-EGFP vector with XhoI and EcoR I digestion. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into mouse melanoma B16 cell line, and the green fluorescent cells were detected by fluorescence microscopy and mtHSP70 expression was detected by Western blotting.

RESULTSThe recombinant plasmid obtained was confirmed by enzyme digestion. The transfected mouse melanoma B16 cells exhibited green fluorescence under fluorescence microscopy and expressed mtHSP70 protein as demonstrated by Western blotting.

CONCLUSIONThe eukaryotic coexpression vector PCMV-mtHSP70-IRES-EGFP has been established to allow further investigation of the role of mtHSP70 gene in tumor immunotherapy.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cancer Vaccines ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cytomegalovirus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Dry eye syndrome is a relatively common disease of the tears and ocular surfaces that results in discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with possible damage to the ocular surfaces. Microvascular submandibular gland (SMG) transfer offers a surgical alternative for a permanent autologous substitution of tears using the basal secretion of a transplanted SMG. Long-term follow-up reveals that this technique is a lasting and effective solution for patients with severe dry eye syndrome. The uncomfortable symptoms were relieved, and the frequency of use of pharmaceutical tear substitutes was reduced. Objective examination showed significant improvement in tear film and some features of ocular surface such as breakup time of tear film and corneal staining. Patients may suffer from obstruction of Wharton's duct or epiphora after surgery. Activation of secretion-related receptors could improve the early hypofunction of the denervated SMG and prevent the duct obstruction. Reduction surgery, partial SMG transplantation, uses of atropine gel or Botulinum toxin A could be the choices of treatment for epiphora.
Atropine ; Botulinum Toxins ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca* ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases ; Salivary Ducts ; Submandibular Gland* ; Tears

BACKGROUNDImmunostimulating agents made from bacterial extracts represent a class of medications that contains antigens derived from several bacterial strains and their potential ability to prevent bacterial infections results from the stimulation of the nonspecific component of the immune system. The present study investigated the effect of the oral immunostimulant Broncho-Vaxom, which includes material from eight different species of bacteria that are frequently present in the lower respiratory tract, on the frequency and severity of acute exacerbation in patients with chronic bronchitis accompanied by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODSNinety patients with chronic bronchitis complicated with COPD were randomly divided into groups A and B. Forty-nine subjects in group A received oral capsules containing 7 mg Broncho-Vaxom, while 41 patients in group B received similar placebo capsules. Both groups took one capsule daily for the first 10 days of each month for 3 consecutive months. The frequency of acute exacerbation, symptom scores, and lung function were recorded for the following one year period.

RESULTSThere was a significant decrease in the incidence, duration, and severity of acute exacerbation, as well as a reduction in the course of antibiotics administered and in the dosage of bronchodilator and mucolytic agent in group A, as compared to group B (P < 0.05, respectively). Symptom scores for cough, sputum, dyspnea, as well as symptoms observed upon auscultation of the chest also improved significantly in group A as compared to group B (P < 0.05, respectively). The bacterial clearance rate in sputum cultures from patients who received no antibiotics for the first 3 months was also significantly higher in group A compared to group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSOrally administered Broncho-Vaxom is associated with a decrease in the incidence of acute exacerbation and a decrease in the need for antibiotics and symptomatic relief medications in patients with chronic bronchitis accompanied by COPD. Broncho-Vaxom is also associated with a decrease in symptom scores. Without causing any apparent adverse effects, this drug may also help to eradicate pathogenic bacteria in the airways.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacteria ; Bronchitis ; complications ; Cell Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; physiopathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo discuss the clustering of Yunnan unexplained sudden death (YUSD) in household and village.

METHODSFifty-two cases were found by YUSD surveillance system in 2005. Poisson distribution and beta-binomial distribution (BBD) were employed in studying the household distribution of the disease. Poisson distribution and negative binomial distribution (NBD) were employed in studying the village distribution of the disease.

RESULTSBBD were fitted household distribution of YUSD very well (chi(2) = 0.25, P = 0.62), while Poisson distribution was consistent with it (chi(2) = 46.01, P < 0.001). And NBD were fitted village distribution of YUSD very well (chi(2) = 0.05, P = 0.58), however the consistency in Poisson distribution was not observed (chi(2) = 110.57, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONHousehold and village clustering of YUSD does exist.

Bias ; Binomial Distribution ; Cause of Death ; China ; epidemiology ; Death, Sudden ; epidemiology ; Family ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

METHODSThe vector containing short hairpin RNA of iNOS was transfected into Tca8113 cells using the RNA interference (RNAi) technique. The gene and protein expression of iNOS and VEGF was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSThe expression of iNOS, VEGF gene in Tca8113 cells was significantly different between the experimental and control groups 24 h and 48 h after transfection (P < 0.05). The protein expression of iNOS was different between the two groups 36 h and 48 h after transfection, and of VEGF was also different between the two groups 48 h after transfection (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of VEGF could be down-regulated by silencing the iNOS gene in Tca8113 cells.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; Tongue Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism