BACKGROUND: The parameters of blood platelet(B-PLT) can reflect its thrombo-function, but the variation of blood-platelet parameters in patients with thrombotic disease is controversial and not unanimous.OBJECTIVE: To observe the changing rule of the B-PLT parameters in patients with cerebral infarction(CI), and investigate whether blood cell counter can be used in the evaluation of the variation of B-PLT parameters in CI patients.DESIGN: A case-control and experimental study based on patients and healthy people.SETTING: Department of laboratory and internal medicine in a university.PARTICIPANTS: During the January and March 2002, 37 CI patients including 28 males and 9 females aged 45 - 87 years were selected from Department of Neurology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Among 37 healthy people,20 males and 17 females aged 40 - 60 years were selected as control group.METHODS: Platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-large cell ratio(P-LCR) and the changing quantity of B-PLT of 37 CI patients were analyzed with blood cell counter, meanwhile,the healthy people were analyzed as control subjects.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes of B-PLT parameters in two groups respectively.RESULTS: A positive relation between PDW and P-LCR was observed and between P-LCR and MPV as well( r = 0. 99, 0.92, P ＜ 0. 001 ). A negative correlation between B-PLT quantity and MPV was observed and also between B-PLTquantity and P-LCR(r= -0.58, -0.59, P ＜0.05) .In CI patients, PDW, MPV and P-LCR were(14.51 ± 2. 88)%, (10.95 ± 1.48) fl and(34.24 ± 11.23)% respectively, which were higher than those of healthy people [ (12. 86 ± 2.02)%, (10. 19 ± 1.29) fl, (28.47 ± 9.41 )% ]respectively, and the difference was significant( P =0. 019 31, 0. 021 77 and 0.026 35), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in B-PLT quantity.CONCLUSION: The blood platelets' parameters in CI patients, which reflect the function of the B-PLT, are significantly higher than those in healthy people. It shows that the enhanced function of platelet is a risk factor of cerebral infarction, the use of blood cell counter in analysis can observe the variation of the platelets' function rapidly and accurately. It can be a useful method of the therapy and prevention in CI patients.

Objective To explore clinical characteristics and treatment of the thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) induced by malignant hypertension, and provide a better understanding of the disease. Methods The clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, therapeutic methods and prognosis of 15 TMA patients induced by malignant hypertension were analyzed retrospectively. Results The clinical manifestations were characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and kidney injury. None of the patients required plasma exchange therapy. After antihypertensive treatment, all of 15 patients were discharged with improved clinical condition, remoglobin levels and platelet count. Conclusions The TMA induced by malignant hypertension is different from the classic TMA. Improving the understanding of TMA induced by malignant hypertension will contribute to early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Differential display-PCR was used to clone the differential expressed genes between Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence strain H37Rv and its avirulent mutant H37Ra. All of different genes were cloned, sequenced and some were analyzed by Northern-blotting. Two cDNAs that appeared to be expressed in H37Rv, but not in H37Ra, were cloned and sequenced. Rv0170, and Rv1894c, code for proteins with unknown functions. The two gene were present in H37Ra, but not expressed. These results show that mRNA DD methodology can represent a potential tool for investigation of M. tuberculosis gene expression.

Objective To investigate the effects of H_2O_2 on growth and proliferation in CNE-2Z cells.Methods To identify the effects of H_2O_2 on the growth and proliferation in CNE-2Z cells,Cell growth curves,MTT assay and plate colony formation rate were used;Meanwhile,Cell cycle distribution,proliferation index and apoptosis analysis were performed by flow cytometry(FCM) in human NPC cells CNE-2Z in vitro,before and after the action of H_2O_2;the protein expressions of Egr-1,p53,p16,Cyclin D1 were detected by Western-Blotting analysis.Results There were no EGR-1 and P16 proteins expressions in CNE-2Z cells by Western-Blotting analysis before the action of H2O2;the growth and proliferation of CNE-2Z cells were inhibited significantly by H_2O_2 compared with the control cells,and the apoptosis cells were increased.The increased expressions of EGR-1,P53,and Cyclin D1 protein were also shown in CNE-2Z cells by means of Western-Blotting analysis after the action of H_2O_2;but no P16 protein expression;The expression of EGR-1 protein was significant correlation with P53 protein expression,but no significant correlation with Cyclin D1 protein expression.Conclusion There was no EGR-1 protein expression in CNE-2Z cells,and EGR-1 protein can be induced expression rapidly and transiently by H_2O_2,which probably have an important!role in the growth inhibition and apoptosis.The promotor of Egr-1 gene also can be induced activation by radiation(ROS,reactive oxygen species),there is an important application in therapy of NPC and other tumors.

Objective To explore the clinical significance of serum concentrations of Cystatin C (CysC) in children with kidney disease in different disease courses. Methods The serum concentrations of CysC, creatinine(Cr) and endogenous creatinine clearance rate(Ccr) were determined in 182 children with kidney disease. They were divided into five study groups:normal renal function group (73 cases), compensatory renal disfunction group (44 cases), non-compensatory renal disfunction group (35 cases), renal failure group(22 cases) and end stage of renal failure group(8 cases). Meanwhile 70 healthy children were involved in control group. Relationships among CysC, Cr and Ccr were calculated and the diagnostic efficiency was assessed by comparing the areas under the ROC curves. Results The serum concentrations of CysC increased in different courses of renal function impairment in children and were significantly related to the severity of impairment. CysC was positively correlated to Cr and negatively correlated to Ccr. The areas under the ROC curves of Cr and CysC were 0.764 and 0.725. Conclusions The serum concentrations of CysC can accurately identify different impairment grades of renal function and the function of glomerular filtration. As an indicator of early reduction of renal function, its sensitivities and specificities are superior to Cr and Ccr. CysC can be a sensitive endogenous marker for glomerular filtration rate determination. With simple, convenient and applicable assays methods, CysC is essential for early diagnosis of children kidney diseases.

Objective: To compare the contents of saikosaponin a, d and total flavonoids in different parts of Hollow bupleurum to provide reference for the clinical use of medicinal parts.Methods: The determination was performed on a SHIMADZU Inertsil C18(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)column.The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water with the ratio of 40∶60, and the flow rate was 1.0 ml·min-1.The detection wavelength was 210nm, the column temperature was 40℃, and the injection volume was 10 μl.A colorimetric method was used to detect total flavonoids with the detection wavelength of 500 nm.Results: The calibration curve of Saikosaponin a, d and total flavonoids showed a good linear relationship respectively over the range of 0.21-1.26 mg·ml-1(r=0.999 6),0.25-1.51 mg·ml-1(r=0.9997) and 4.00-25.00 μg·ml-1(r=0.999 6).The average recovery was 99.27%(RSD=2.15%, n=6),99.4%(RSD=2.14%,n=6)and 99.03%(RSD=1.34%,n=6), respectively.The content of saikosaponin a and d respectively was 0.31% and 0.50% in the root, while that in the other parts was low.The content of total flavonoids was as high as 8.48% in flowers, and that in leaves, stem and root reduced in turn.Conclusion: The aerial parts of Hollow bupleurum are rich in flavonoids, and the content of saikosaponin in root is higher, therefore, the whole plant with root is more reasonable in the clinical use.

Objective To establish a rat model of pulmonary hypertension induced by left-to-right shunt and explore the influence of high pulmonary blood flow on pulmonary vascular collagen remodeling.Methods Abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava shunting was produced in rats. Pulmonary artery meanpressure (PAMP) of each rat was measured by using a right cardiac catheterization.Pulmonary artery collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ were detected using immunohistochemisty.Results After 11 weeks of shunting the Qp/Qs was 3.3∶1.0,indicating a large shunt. Pulmonary artery mean pressure was increased as compared with controls[(23.0?0.9) mm Hg vs (15.7? 1.1) mm Hg,P

Objective:To evaluate the effects of 2 kinds of fiber posts with different optical conductivity on the polymerization of resin cement in deep root canal.Methods:16 human premolars with single root were decoronated and randomly divided into 2 groups(n=8),which were restored using fiber posts with and without optical conductivity(i-TFC optical fiber post and Panavia post) respectively.Fiber posts were luted with light-curing resin cement and light cured.3 dentin slabs with fiber posts located at cervical,middle and apical 1/3 were harvested from each root.Knoop microhardness(HK) of the resin cement in each slab was measured using microindentation and the relative curing rate (RCR) was also examined,data were submitted to two-way ANOVA.Results:As the depth in the canal increased,the HK and RCR of the resin cement was decreased in both groups.At the cervical and middle 1/3 HK and RCR were not statistically different between the 2 groups(P＞0.05).At the apical 1/3 of the optical and Panavia group,the RCR of the resin cement was 69.89％ and 50.05％ (P＜0.05),the HK was 33.25 ± 3.04 and 23.08 ± 5.93 (P＜0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The optical fiber post is useful in promoting the polymerization of the resin cement in deep root canal.

Hierarchical medical system is a high priority in China ’s health reform,bearing significant impacts on remolding of its healthcare system,in which tertiary public hospitals must redefine its role.Five strategies have been proposed as follows:the first is internal management;The second is high-tech;Third is paring assistance;Fourth is telemedicine;Fifth is better medical conditions.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Tangke Decoction (TD) on the expression of TGF-beta1/Smad4 of rats with early diabetes and to explore the effect and mechanism of TD against the renal injury induced by diabetes.

METHODSSD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n = 12), the model group (n = 10), the Chinese herbs prevented group (n =10), the Chinese herbs treated group (n = 10), and the Western medicine control group (n = 10). TD (18 mg/kg) was given by gastrogavage to rats in the Chinese herbs prevented group immediately after successful modeling for 12 weeks, once daily. At the 4th week of successful modeling, rats in the rest 4 groups were administered by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the normal control group. Benazepril suspension (1 mg/kg) was administered by gastrogavage to rats in the Western medicine control group for 8 weeks, once daily. TD (18 mg/kg) was given by gastrogavage to rats in the Chinese herbs treated group for 8 weeks, once daily. The body weight, kidney weight, index of kidney weight, fasting blood sugar, 24 h urinary albumin excretion rate were examined after experiment. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by HE staining, Masson staining, and electron microscope. The expression of renal transforming growth factor-beta1, (TGF-beta1) and Smad4 were detected using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the body weight of rats decreased significantly; the kidney weight, index of kidney weight, blood sugar, 24 h urinary protein excretion, the urinary albumin excretion rate,TGF-beta1 and Smad4 expression increased significantly in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the aforesaid indices were improved in each treatment group with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the Western medicine control group, the kidney weight, index of kidney weight, blood sugar, 24 h urinary protein excretion, and the urinary albumin excretion rate were obviously improved in the Chinese herbs prevented group (P < 0.01). The renal pathological changes were most obvious in the model group significantly, but they were improved in all treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONTD could obviously improve the symptoms of diabetes and down-regulate the expression of renal TGF-beta1 and Smad4 of early diabetic nephropathy rats, which suggested that TD had certain preventive effect on early diabetic nephropathy.

Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism