The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of the nickel ion and provide with basic data for the biological evaluation of those medical devices containing nickel. Seven cell lines were chosen. They were L929, h9c2(2-1), 293[HEK-293], hFOB1.19, THLE-3, H9 and IM-9 respectively. According to the principle of biological evaluation of medical devices, MTT method was chosen to test the cytotoxicity in different concentrations of nickel ion. For each cell line, the relative growth rate (RGR) was obtained and the cytotoxic grade was classified. Besides, IC50 values were calculated. As a result, it was found that the sensitivity was different among all cell lines. H9 was the most sensitive one, while the L929 was the most tolerant one. The concentration which is not above 1.25 mg/L was safe for all seven cell lines, because the cytotoxicity for all cells exposed in this concentration were not higher than grade 1. According to the criteria for medical devices, the concentrations not above 5 mg/L were safe for L929 cells. This result helps us to roughly assess the cytotoxicity and systematic toxicity caused by nickel contained in medical devices.
Cell Line ; Equipment and Supplies ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Ions ; toxicity ; Nickel ; toxicity

Abstract: Schistosomiasis, an important zoonotic parasitic disease, is one of the six major tropical diseases identified by WHO, and also one of the most important parasitic diseases for prevention and control in China. After more than 70 years of efforts, the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in China has made great achievements, and the current epidemic of schistosomiasis in China has entered an extremely low epidemic state, but the distribution base of the only intermediate host of schistosomiasis, Oncomelania hupensis, is still large. For now, the techniques used to monitor schistosomiasis have shortcomings such as time-consuming, laborious and low sensitivity, which cannot meet the current needs of China. Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to DNA that can be extracted from environmental samples (such as soil, water or air) without isolating any target organisms, which is a complex mixture of genomic DNA and its degradation products from different organisms in the same environment. eDNA technology can reflect the community or species composition information in the ecosystem through DNA extraction and detection of environmental samples. Compared with traditional biological monitoring methods, eDNA technology has the advantages of high efficiency, high sensitivity and environmental friendliness. eDNA has been successfully used for the specific detection of Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum. This paper reviews the current detection methods of eDNA, the application and technical limitations of eDNA technology in schistosomiasis monitoring, aiming to provide scientific reference for research in the field of schistosomiasis surveillance.

Objective To evaluate the TriVex system in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities,focusing on postoperative complications and management.Methods Clinical data of 108 patients (146 legs) of varicose veins of the lower extremity undergoing TriVex procedure were retrospectively analyzed.Deep veinons patency was verified in all patients by preoperative sonography.Above knee stripping of the great saphenous vein was done first when necessary.The below knee phlebectomy of the side branches was done with the new system (Trivex System/Smith and Nephew).Postoperative patients were followed-up,and results were evaluated.Results Procedure was successful in all cases.98 cases were followed up for 1 ～ 24 months.The mean operation time per leg was (34±8) minutes.Complications were as following:26 legs (17.8%) developed postoperative hematoma which was healed by conservative therapy including two cases in which the tension seroma,which was successfully managed by puncture aspiration.Transien skin numbness or paraesthesia developed in 13.0% (19/146).Subcutaneous induration in 11.6%(17/146) cases.Residual varicose and recurrence in 3.4% (5/146).Incision related complications developed in 4.8% (7/149) cases.Conclusion Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TriVex) is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure for less invasive varicose vein surgery.

Objective To evaluate X-ray,CT and MRI findings of soft tissue infections in AIDS. Methods Three cases of soft tissue infections with AIDS were retrospectively analyzed by comparing the imaging findings with pathological results.All patients were performed MRI,X-ray was in 1 case,CT was in 1 case.Results Cellulitis was in 1 case:MRI showed extended thickening of subcutaneous tissues, ill-defined hypointense areas on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and reticular pattern on GRE. Necrotizing fasciitis was in 1 case:MRI showed obvious thickening of subcutaneous tissues and deep fasciae, abnormally increased signal intensity on T_1 and T_2WI.Fluid collections were within muscles and muscles interval on fat-suppressed T2 WI.Tuberculosis was in 1 case:CT demonstrated multiple low density areas in the subcutaneous tissues and clear peripheral rim enhancement.MRI appeared hypointense on T_1WI and hyperintensity on T_2WI,and peripheral rim enhancement following gadolinium injection.Conclusion Infections of soft tissue are common complication in patients with AIDS,radiology is important in early diagnosis and treatment planning in this population.

Objective To find a non-volatile positive material control which showed moderately or severely cytotoxic and could be obtained easily. Methods The in vitro cytotoxicity study was conducted according to the agar diffusion method in ISO 10993.5-2009 and YY/T 0127.9-2001. Each sample was placed in contacted with the surface of an agar layer overlaying a monolayer of L-929 Mouse Fibroblast cel s which were stained with neutral red vital stain at the bottom of the plate. As the sample, Mytomycin C was diluted to 2 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL. Results In the group of 2 mg/mL Mytomycin C, it was observed that the cytotoxicity grade was 3. In the group of 1 mg/mL Mytomycin C, it was observed that the cytotoxicity grade was 3. In the group of 0.5 mg/mL Mytomycin C, it was observed that the cytotoxicity grade was 2. Conclusion 2 mg/mL Mytomycin C could be used as a positive material control of agar diffusion.

Objective: To explore whether the pro-inflammatory effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in placental tissues involves in the genesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Forty gravidas who underwent regular prenatal examinations and delivered at Tongji Hospital were recruited from January to December, 2016. Among them, 20 were GDM women (GDM group), and the remaining twenty were served as the control, which were selected from those without GDM and matched for age and gestational weeks to the GDM group. Placental tissues were collected from the two groups. The ultrastructure of endoplasmic reticulum in trophoblast cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. The expression of glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78), a marker protein for endoplasmic reticulum stress, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were detected using Western blotting. Five placental tissue samples were collected from normal gravidas for explant culture. Three subgroups were set up according to different culturing methods including culturing with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 20 h (IL-1β model group), 30 μmol/L thapsigargin (TG, an endoplasmic reticulum stress agonist) for 2 h after treating with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 18 h (IL-1β+TG intervention group) or with no stimulation (blank control group). Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of GRP-78, CHOP and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in placenta explants. The mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, LSD and t test. Results: (1) In the GDM group, increased number and size of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae were observed in trophoblast cells. Moreover, obviously dilated endoplasmic reticulum and different size of fragments and vesicles were also seen under electron microscope. While the endoplasmic reticulum in the placental tissues of the control group showed no obvious swelling. (2) The expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein in the GDM group were higher than those in the control group (0.90±0.17 vs 0.48±0.08, t=2.24; 0.85±0.13 vs 0.46±0.12, t=2.10; both P<0.05). (3) Compared with the blank control group, the expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein in the IL-1β model group increased significantly (0.87±0.18 vs 0.36±0.07, t=2.67; 1.14±0.09 vs 0.78±0.06, t=3.20; both P<0.05); but the expression of GLUT4 protein significantly decreased (1.00±0.14 vs 2.21±0.49, t=2.40, P<0.05); the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA significantly increased (0.89±0.23 vs 0.30±0.06, t=2.31; 0.62±0.16 vs 0.17±0.09, t=2.29; both P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β model group, the expression of GRP-78 and CHOP protein significantly increased in IL-1β+TG group (2.02±0.32 vs 0.87±0.18, t=3.11; 2.18±0.31 vs 1.14±0.09, t=3.16; both P<0.05); the expression of GLUT4 protein significantly decreased (0.39±0.19 vs 1.00±0.14, t=2.66, P<0.05); the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA increased significantly (1.67±0.25 vs 0.89±0.23, t=2.26; 1.42±0.27 vs 0.62±0.16, t=2.51; both P<0.05). Conclusions Endoplasmic reticulum stress may be associated with increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in placental tissues of some GDM women and involved in the onset and development of GDM.

Objective To determine the value of 2-18F-2-deoxy-β-D-glucose (18F-FDG)PET/CT in malignancy tumor detection of patients suspected as having paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS).Methods The clinical data of 54 patients suspected as having PNS, underwent PET/CT study in our hospital fiom June 2007 to December 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT on positive detection rate, positive predictive value of malignant tumors and on the detection of malignant tumor markers were analyzed with the results of pathological findings and clinical data;whether the course of disease could affect these detection was also analyzed. Results Positive results of 18F-FDG PET/CT were noted in 17 patients (31.5%), and 13 of them were confirmed as malignant tumors with pathological results. The positive predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 76.5%. The durations of patients with malignancies were not different from those of patients without malignancies.PET/CT enjoyed a significantly higher efficacy rate in identifying malignant tumors in patients with elevated tumor markers than in patients with tumor markers in normal range (P＜0.05). Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT improves the tumor detection rate in PNS suspects, especially in patients enjoying elevated tumor markers.

Objective To explore the effect of nursing educational examination on improving comprehensive competence in nursing students. Methods A total of 87 probationer nurses in surgery section from July 2009 to February 2010 were surveyed in the time of attending school classes and his lecture time,awareness of assessment necessity, will of becoming nursing educationist and gains of attending assessment.Results 81.6% nursing students hold that nursing educational assessment is necessary. 82. 8% nursing students considered that the assessment is helpful to renew knowledge and enhance express ability,communication ability, lesson planning skill and monitoring skill. Conclusions Nursing educational examination is an effective method for improving comprehensive competence in nursing students.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus and cerebral blood flow in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) in the second and third trimesters using ultrasound imaging.

METHODSForty fetuses (23-33weeks) with ToF diagnosed using ultrasound imaging between December, 2015 and September, 2016 were analyzed in this study. The development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus was evaluated by measuring the parietal-occipital fissure (POF) depth, POF angle, sylvian fissure (SF) depth, SF width, uncovered insular width, calcarine fissure (CF) depth, hemisphere depth on the views of POF, SF and CF, uncovered insular ratio, biparietal diameter (BPD), and head circumference (HC). Cerebral hemodynamics were assessed by measuring the umbilical artery resistance index, umbilical artery pulsation index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index (MCA-PI), middle cerebral artery resistance index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio, and the cerebroplacental ratio.

RESULTSIn ToF fetuses, the POF depth, SF depth, CF depth, BPD, HC and hemisphere depth on the views of parietal-occipital sulcus and calcarine sulcus were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The middle cerebral artery resistance index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio and the cerebroplacental ratio were also significantly lower in ToF fetuses than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe cerebral sulci and gyrus in ToF fetuses in second and third trimesters show underdevelopment compared with those in normal fetuses, and the changes in hemodynamics caused by abnormal cardiac structure might be one of the reasons for cerebral sulci and gyrus underdevelopment in fetuses with ToF.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of pre-acupuncture and immediate acupuncture on kidney function and oxygen free radical metabolism in rats with simulated weightlessness.

METHODSTwenty male clean-grade Wister rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, a pre-acupuncture group and an immediate acupuncture group, 5 rats in each one. The rats in the normal control group did not receive any treatment but free activities for 4 weeks. The rats in the rest groups received 4-week tail suspension to establish the model of simulated weightlessness. One week before the tail suspension, the rats in the pre-acupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture at "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Pishu" (BL 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 30 min per treatment, once a day for 7 days. The rats in the immediate acupuncture group received tail suspension and acupuncture at the same time; during the tail suspension, the electroacupuncture was applied at "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Pishu" (BL 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 30 min per treatment, once every other day for 14 days. The colorimetric method was used to measure the content of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum as well as activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and content of malonaldehyde (MDA) in renal tissue in each group.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the content of BUN in the model group was increased significantly (P<0.01), the activity of SOD and GSH-PX in nephridial tissue was significantly reduced (both P<0.01), and the content of MDA was increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the content of BUN in the pre-acupuncture group and immediate acupuncture group was significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the activity of GSH-PX in the pre-acupuncture group was obviously increased (P<0.05) and the content of MDA in the immediate acupuncture group was increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the immediate acupuncture group, the content of MDA in the pre-acupuncture group was lower (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe pre-acupuncture and immediate acupuncture both have the capacity to improve the kidney function and anti-oxygen free radical injury in rats with simulated weightlessness, however, the capacity to increase the protection ability of the kidney and eliminate free radical in the pre-acupuncture group is superior to that in the immediate acupuncture group, which is likely to be related with improving antioxidant ability of kidney.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Kidney Diseases ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Space Flight ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Weightlessness ; adverse effects