The paper introduces the survey on the current conditions of higher stomatolo-gy education in Papua New Guinea which locates in the south Pacific and is slow on some as-pects,however it has its own characteristics worth of using for reference.The paper also ana-lyzes the disadvantage of teaching system in China and puts forward some reform consideration based on our real situation.

Objective To investigate the effects of substance P (SP) on the expression of apoptosis-associated genes in fibroblasts derived from pathological scars. Methods Fibroblasts derived from keloid, hypertrophic scar and normal skin were cultured separately in media containing SP and SP receptor antagonist. PCNA, bcl-2 and bax protein in fibroblasts were assessed by means of immunohistochemistry. Results SP enhanced PCNA and bcl-2 expression in all three kinds of fibroblasts, whereas, bax expression was inhibited significantly. SP inhibited the expression of bax in keloid scar fibroblasts (KSFB) more remarkably than that in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFB) or normal fibroblasts (NFB), and the effect was stronger on HSFB than on NFB. SP receptor antagonist could inhibit those effects of SP totally or partially. Conclusion SP may play an important role in the formation of pathological scars by modulating the expression of apoptosis-associated genes, which is mediated by SP receptor.

The connotations of "du-fu" and "Sanli" in "Sanli acupoint for du-fu diseases" are discussed in this paper, which can provide theoretical foundation for the clinical application of "Sanli acupoint for du-fu diseases". Based on ancient literature combined with related theories in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Classic), a deep discussion is performed through the relationship between Zusanli (ST 36) and stomach, indication and mechanism of Zusanli (ST 36) on du-fu diseases and comparison between Zusanli (ST 36) and Shousanli (LI 10). It is believed that "du" should be pronounced as "dŭ", meaning stomach, and it indicates that Zusanli (ST 36) is closely related to stomach and spleen when it is used for du-fu diseases; "fu" means abdomen area, including liver-gallbladder, spleen, stomach-intestine, kidney, uterus, triple energizer; "sanli' means exclusively the acupoint of Zusanli (ST 36).
Abdominal Cavity ; anatomy & histology ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; Books ; history ; China ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Meridians

In order to explore the effect and mechanisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the activity of the acyl coenzyme A: cholesteryl acyltransferase (ACAT), THP-1 monocytes were cultured and induced to differentiate into macrophages with phorbol ester. TNF-alpha (60 ng/mL) was added at different time points into the macrophage-containing medium and the ACAT enzyme activity was measured by quantifying the incorporation of [1-(14)C] oleoyl CoA into cholesteryl esters. The expression of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA was respectively detected by Western blotting and RT-PCR in THP-1 macrophages 24 h after treatment with TNF-alpha (60 ng/mL). The results indicated that ACAT activity in THP-1 macrophages treated with TNF-alpha was increased in a time-dependent manner. The expression levels of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased in THP-1 macrophages after treatment with TNF-alpha (P<0.05). It was suggested that TNF-alpha could increase the activity of ACAT in THP-1 macrophages by up-regulating the expression of ACAT-1 gene.

This study examined the effects of combined administration of tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on heroin withdrawal syndromes and mental symptoms in detoxified heroin addicts. In the cluster-randomized placebo-controlled trial, 83 detoxified heroin addicts were recruited from a detoxification treatment center in Wuhan, China. Patients in the intervention group (n=41) were given the combined treatment with tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and 5-HTP and those in the control group (n=42) were administered the placebo. The sleep status and the withdrawal symptoms were observed daily throughout the study, and the mood states were monitored pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that the insomnia and withdrawal scores were significantly improved over time in participants in the intervention group as compared with those in the control group. A greater reduction in tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia and total mood disturbance, and a greater increase in their vigor-activity symptoms were found at day 6 in the intervention group than in the control group (all P<0.05). It was concluded that the neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention is effective in alleviating the withdrawal and mood symptoms and it may become a supplementary method for patients' recovery from heroin addiction.

Objective To study the relationship between the expression of p53 and its downstream effecter p21~(waf1)protein and multi-drug resistance(MDR) of Tca8113/BLM cell line.Methods The cDNA of wildtype p53 gene was introduced into the drug-resistance cell line Tca8113/BLM by Lipofectamine-mediated transfection.The expression of p53 mRNA in Tca8113/BLM and its parental counterpart Tca8113 cell lines were analyzed using molecular beacons.The expression of p53,p21~(waf1),P-gp,and MRP proteins in Tca8113/BLM cell line transfected by wt-p53 cDNA,the untransfected control Tca8113/BLM cell line,its parental counterpart Tca8113 were analyzed by Western blotting.MTT assay was used to determine the drug-sensitivity of different cell lines.The cell cycle distribution and apotosis of different cell lines were also observed by flow cytometery(FCM) and laser confocus microscope(LCM),respectively.Results The expression of p53 protein was significantly lower,and no p21~(waf1) protein was detected in Tca8113/BLM cells.The protein expression of P-gp and MRP were significantly higher in Tca8113/BLM cells than in Tca8113 cells.By Western Blotting,the expression of p53 and p21~(waf1)proteins was significantly increased,while the expression of P-gp and MRP proteins was significantly decreased in Tca8113/BLM/p53 cells.Comparing to Tca8113/BLM cells,the sensitivity of BLM treatment in Tca8113/BLM/p53 cells was 10.1 fold increased.Tca8113/BLM/p53 cells decreased at G1 and S phase,and increased at G2 phase.LCM results showed that the apoptosis of Tca8113/BLM/p53 cells was more obvious than Tca8113/BLM cells when treated with the drug BLM.Conclusion The multi-drug resistance in Tca8113/BLM cell line is involved in down-regulation of p53 and p21~(waf1) protein levels,and up-regulation of P-gp and MRP protein levels.

Objective To analyze nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene mutations in exon 12 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and evaluate the clinical appliance of three methods which are frequently used for detecting gene mutation. Methods Genomic DNA from bone marrow of 54 AML patients was detected by PCR for NPM1 exon 12 and screened by PCR-capillary electrophoresis, denature high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and direct sequencing separately. FLT3-ITD (FMS-like tyrosine kinease internal tandem duplication) was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and PCR-capillary electrophoresis. Results Seven AML sample harbored NPM1 gene mutations. Five of them were the most common mutation, known as type A (an insertion of a TCTG tetranucleotide at position 960 bp). One of them was type D (an insertion of a CCTG tetranuclectide at position 960 bp). The new variant was a deletion of a TGGCAGTG sequence at 958 bp and insertion of a GCCCGCGGTTTA sequence instead. The detection ratio of the three methods was all 100% and capillary electrophoresis was more rapid, reliable and easier than the other two methods. Moreover it could detect FLT3-ITD simultaneously. The resolving power of DHPLC was affected by many factors. The direct sequencing method was tedious and the heterozygous sequence might be misread. Conclusions There is a new mutation at position 958 bp with a 12-nucleotide insertion and substitution. PCR-capillary electrophoresis is convenient to screen NPM1 mutations of AML in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the relationship between cardiac vagus nerves and changes of connexins(Cx)and intracellular gap junction(GJ)distribution pattern in superior vena cava(SVC)myosleeve in dog with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods Twenty four hybrid dogs were divided into sham operation group(Sham group,n=8),SVC-AO fat pad removed group(RM group,n=8)and SVC-AO fat pad reserved group(RS group,n=8).In RM group and RS group,right atrial pacing was performed at a frequency of 500～650/min for 6 weeks to establish AF model.AF was induced by programmed stimulation or burst stimulation of atrial pacing.The expression and distribution of Cx40 and Cx43 in the SVC myosleeve tissue in three groups were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the uhrastructural organization of gap junction(GJ).Results The rate of inducing sustained AF(＞ 15 min)in RS group was significantly higher than that in RM group (P ＜ 0.01).The expression of Cx40 and Cx43 in the SVC myosleeve in sham group and RS group were significantly higher than that in RM group(P ＜ 0.05).Furthermore,the expression of Cx40 and Cx43 in RS group were obviously higher than that in sham group(P ＜0.05).The ratio of end-to-end to side-to-side in RS group was lower than that in Sham group and RM group.Comparing with RM group,the channel of GJ became shorter and wider in RS group(P ＜0.05).Sarcomere was dissolved and mitochondrion showed vacuole degeneration in RS group.Conclusion The remodeling of Cx40 and Gx43 in SVC myosleeve tissue may be mediated by vagus nerves.It is conducive to the maintenance and stability of AF.However,this effect can be weakened by removing SVC-AO fat pad of canine.

Objective To verify whether iron can accelerate the process of liver fibrosis in rats. Methods The rats were divided into control group, high fat diet group, high iron group, high fat diet and high iron group, high fat diet and de?iron group, each with 24 rats. The rats were allowed to freely take normal diet and high fat diet, while the high iron rats, high?fat diet plus high iron rats received intramuscular injection of 50 mg/kg iron dextran every other day;high?fat di?et plus de?iron group rats received tail intravenous injection of 30 mg/kg deferoxamine one month before death, 3 times/week. 8 rats were selected at 4th, 5th, 6th month of intervention, to detect serum hyaluronic Acid (HA), collagen type IV ( COL?IV) , laminin ( LN) , procollagen III ( PC III) , and observe pathological changes in the liver with Masson staining. Results At 5th month of intervention, serum HA level of the high?fat diet plus high iron group was significantly higher than those of high fat diet group and control group. At 6th month of intervention, serum COL?IV and LN levels of the high?fat diet plus high iron group were significantly higher than those of the high fat diet group. At 6th month, serum PC III level was 1. 63 time of those of the high fat diet group. At the 6th month, liver tissue of high fat diet plus high iron group ap?peared collagen deposition revealed by Masson staining, which was not the case in other groups. Conclusions Iron can accelerate high fat?induced liver fibrosis.

Drug abuse continues to be a serious public health threat worldwide. Most drug abuse prevention research has been conducted with predominantly American or European adolescent populations. Little is known about approaches that work best to prevent the initiation of Chinese adolescent drug use. For targeting risk factors of drug initiation in Chinese adolescents, a school-based health intervention program named "Cognition-Motivation-Emotional Intelligence-Resistance Skills" (CMER) was developed to enhance cognition upon drug use, to decrease motivation of drug use and to improve emotional adjusting and drug resistance skills in this study. A total of 798 students from 3 senior high schools in Wuhan, a city in central China, were assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the CMER program in which knowledge, development of positive attitude and motivation towards drugs and training of peer resistance skills were basic elements. The immediate impact was compared by measuring the above mentioned elements prior to and three-month after the training session. Students from both groups were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic items, self-reported drug use behavior, cognition, attitude, and motivation associated with the initiation of drug use and resistance skills. Three months after the intervention, significant effects were found on "illegal substance use at least once" (P<0.05) between the intervention and control groups. Immediate effects of the intervention were also found on knowledge, motivation and peer resistance skills (P<0.05), but there was no clear evidence for any effects on attitude towards substance use (P>0.05). It was concluded that the CMER program, which significantly increased the knowledge of drugs and peer resistance skills, was effective in the drug abuse prevention in a sample of school students in Wuhan, China.