Objective To investigate the levels and its clinical significance of activated platelets in patients with transient ischemic attack(TIA). Methods Color Doppler flow imaging was used to measure the degree of carotid atherosclerosis in 72 patients with TIA(TIA group). Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to measure the levels of PAC-1 and CD62P. They were compared with 30 healthy controls(NC guoup). Results The levels of PAC-1 and CD62P in TIA group were significantly higher than those in NC group (allP

Coxsackievirns A16(CVA16),together with enterovirus type 71(EV71),is responsible for most cases of hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD) worldwide.Recent findings suggest that the recombination between CVA16 and EV71,and the co-circulation of these two viruses may have contributed to the increase of HFMD cases in China over the past few years.It is therefore important to further understand the virology,epidemlology,virus-host interactions and host pathogeuesis of CVA16.In this study,we describe the viral kinetics of CVAI6 in human rhabdomyosarcoma(RD) cells by analyzing the cytopathic effect(CPE),viral RNA replication,viral protein expression,viral RNA package and viral particle secretion in RD cells.We show that CVA16 appears to first attach,uncoat and enter into the host cell after adsorption for 1 h.Later on,CVA16 undergoes rapid replication from 3 to 6 h at MOI 1 and until 9 h at MOI 0.1.At MOI 0.1,CVA16 initiates a secondary infection as the virions were secreted before 9 h p.i.CPE was observed after 12 h p.i.,and viral antigen was first detected at 6 h p.i.at MOI 1 and at 9 h p.i.at MOI 0.1.Thus,our study provides important information for further investigation of CVA16 in order to better understand and ultimately control infections with this virus.

The duck circovirus (DuCV) infection in sick ducks from Fujian Province was investigated. The liver samples of 43 sick Muscovy ducks with infectious serositis were collected from 12 duck farms in Fujian Province.Based on the published sequences of DuCV, two primers were designed for the detection of DuCV and four pairs of primers were designed to amplify four overlapping fragments that cover the complete genome of DuCV. The specific PCR products were amplified from positive samples. The fragments were then cloned into pMD18-T vector and sequenced, and the full length genomic sequence of the FJ0601 isolate of DuCV was obtained. PCR analysis showed that the proportion of ducks which were positive for circovirus was 79% and 10 out of the 12 farms were positive. Sequence analysis showed that the complete genome of DuCV-FJ0601 was 1988 bp and possessed features common to the family Circoviridae which included a stem-loop structure and the Rep protein motifs. Homology analysis showed that FJ0601 isolate of DuCV had 97.3%～97.5% nucleotide sequence identity to all the four Taiwan isolates (TC1/2002, TC2/2002, TC3/2002, TC4/2002), 82.9% identity to the America (33753-52) isolate and 82.3% identity to the Germany isolate. Phylogenetic analysis with Clustal W, however,showed that FJ0601 isolate of DuCV was on a common branch with Taiwan isolates, and Germany and America isolates belonged to the other branch.

Objective To explore the risk factors,the distribution of etiology and drug resistance status of patients with early infection (3 months) after liver transplantation,and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods The clinical data of 112 recipients from February 2014 to December 2015 were collected,and logistic regression analysis was performed on the risk factors of early postoperative infection in liver transplant patients.The independent risk factors of infection after liver transplantation were screened out.At the same time,the results of pathogen culture and drug sensitivity test were statistically described.Results The independent risk factors for infection at 3th month after liver transplantation included the operative time ≥600 min [P =0.003,odds ratio (OR) =9.996,95 ％ confidence interval (95 ％ CI),2.221-44.981],intensive care unit (ICU) ≥6 days (P =0.010,OR =6.306,95％ CI =1.563-25.437),Child-Pugh grade of C (P =0.023,OR =6.298,95％ CI =1.294-30.659).Of the 112 liver transplant recipients,59 had an infection (52.68％),and 168 stains of pathogens were isolated.The positive rate of the specimens was highest in sputum,followed by bile,ascites,drainage and catheter end,blood,deep vein catheter,middle urinary,pleural effusion and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).The detectable rate of gram-negative bacteria,gram-positive bacteria,fungi and viruses was 46.43％ (78 strains),29.76％ (50 strains),18.45％ (31 strains),and 5.36％ (9 strains) respectively.Infection occurred mainly within 1 month after surgery,accounting for about 80.36％ (135 strains),especially at 1st week after surgery,accounting for about 34.52％ (58 strains).Gram-positive bacteria had a higher drug resistance rate,including penicillins,macrolides,aminoglycosides,quinolones,linamides,etc.especially in the highest rate of Enterococcus faeciurr.Gram-negative bacteria were individualized based on the different strains of the bacteria,and they were relatively low in the resistance of the carbapene.Conclusion Infection is one of the most common complications after liver transplantation.To reduce the incidence of infection after liver transplantation,efforts should be made to shorten the duration of operation and ICU stay time,improve the basic nutritional status of recipients,and enhance monitoring of the recipient's infection after liver transplantation,to further increase the survival rate of postoperative liver transplantation recipients and improve the quality of life.

Objective　To study the value of renal CT scan in evaluating split renal function.Methods　147 patients undergone CT scan from June 2009 to June 2011 were involved in this study.There were 73 cases of obstructive hydronephrosis and 74 cases of renal tumors.66 patients were males and 81 were females with a mean age of 53 years ( range 17 - 87 years).GFR detected by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used as the reference of split renal function.The kidneys were divided into 3 groups according to the GFR:normal renal function (113 cases,GFR ≥ 34 ml/min),mildly impaired renal function (66 cases,GFR:20 -34 ml/min) and severely impaired renal function (41 cases,GFR ＜20 ml/min).One-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the results of CT scan and split renal functions.　Results　There were significant differences in the cortical thickness among the normal renal function,mildly impaired renal function and severely impaired renal function groups.The cortical thicknesses were (0.62 ±0.11) cm,(0.45 ±0.10) cm and (0.26 ±0.07) cm,respectively (P ＜ 0.01 ).The renal cortical thickness was strongly correlated with GFR (r =0.806,P ＜0.01 ).There were significant differences in the enhancement during the cortical phase among the 3 groups,which were (162.1 ±25.3) HU,(121.6 ±21.0) HU and (63.5 ±20.0) HU,respectively (P＜0.01).The enhancement during the cortical phase was strongly correlated with the GFR (r =0.851,P ＜ 0.01 ).The enhancement during the parenchymal phase and excretory phase was moderately correlated with the GFR ( r =0.467 and r =0.451,P ＜ 0.01 ).　Conclusions　The renal cortical tbickness and the enhancement during the cortical phase detected by CT scan might be useful for the clinical evaluation of split renal function.

OBJECTIVETo analysis the effect of sustained delivering two adjuncts alginate sodium (ALG) and carboxymethylated chitosan (CHI) on permeating of dexamethasone (DXM) through experimental apparatus to round window membrane.

METHODSThe experimental apparatus for round window membrane in vitro was designed by simulating the environment of middle ear and scala tympani. Different drugs of DXM sodium included variable concentrations of ALG and CHI were prepared. Using the experimental apparatus, DXM permeating from round window membrane was sampled in 9 hours while its quantities were measured with high performance liquid chromatography, and then different pharmaceutical equations were simulated.

RESULTSThe releasing quantity of control group (without any adjuncts) rose rapidly within 3 hours, and then approximated to balance. ALG (25 g/L) + CHI(4 g/L) or ALG(25 g/L) + CHI(6 g/L) showed the great effect of sustained release, but ALG (25 g/L) alone took the second place. CHI (4 g/L) alone enhanced the transmembranous permeability.

CONCLUSIONSWith the in vitro apparatus, DXM could permeate through the round window membrane. DXM added with appropriate component of ALG and CHI could be good drugs for sustained release.

Alginates ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Membrane Permeability ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Dexamethasone ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Glucuronic Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Guinea Pigs ; Hexuronic Acids ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Round Window, Ear ; drug effects

BACKGROUNDIn recent years the interest of sustained drug delivery into inner ear is promising, at the same time a great deal of novel oral drugs using biodegradable vehicles have been produced to achieve sustained drug release. The aim of this study was to use biodegradable vehicles to release dexamethasone in the round window membrane application.

METHODSDexamethasone gels composed of alginate and chitin were prepared and the release-permeating profiles were studied using a reproducible in vitro apparatus. A longer-period time course was simulated using the parameters acquired in this study. The data obtained in this study was compared with those of other studies in intratympanic drug delivery, and an appropriate initial dosage was extrapolated.

RESULTSThe combination of alginate and chitin could efficiently restrict dexamethasone diffusion and the time course suggested a sustained drug concentration within 24 hours. A higher initial dosage was estimated to achieve a stable therapeutic concentration in vivo.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of alginate and chitin could be used as vehicle for sustained release of dexamethasone in intratympanic application.

Alginates ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Dexamethasone ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Glucuronic Acid ; administration & dosage ; Guinea Pigs ; Hexuronic Acids ; administration & dosage ; Male ; Permeability ; Pharmaceutical Vehicles ; Round Window, Ear ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the expression and influence to tumor angiogenesis of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in esophageal carcinoma. Methods The expression of uPA and VEGF in the tissue of normal (18 cases) and esophageal carcinoma (68 cases) were evaluated by SP immunohistochemistry, CD34 was detected as marking tumor microvessel density (MVD). uPA and VEGF expression were assessed as to the pathologically biological features of esophageal cancer and to the influence to tumor angiogenesis. Results The positive rates of uPA were 27.8 % (5/18) and 70.6 % (48/68) in the tissue of normal and esophageal carcinoma, respectively, there was significant difference in two tissues (x2 =11.63, P <0.05). The positive rates of VEGF were 22.2 % (4/18)and 63.2 % (43/68) in the tissue of normal and esophageal carcinoma, respectively, there was significant difference in two eissues (x2 =9.78, P <0.05). The expressions of uPA and VEGF in esophageal carcinoma were uniformity (x2 =9.72, P <0.05). The mean of MVD was 42.38±11.62. The positive rates of uPA and VEGF were higher in the high MVD group than those in the low MVD group (x2 =6.13, P <0.05, x2 =10.12, P <0.05,respectively). uPA and VEGF expressions in malignant tumors weren' t associated with age, gender and pathological types (P >0.05), but associated with clinical stage, histologic grading and lymph node metastasis (P <0.05). Conclusion Rising expression levels of uPA and VEGF are common in esophageal carcinoma. Altered expression of uPA and VEGF may contribute to tumor angiogenesis of esophageal carcinoma, whose overexpression indicate worse prognosis.

The attenuated Chinese equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) vaccine is the first lentiviral vaccine that provides solid protective immunities to vaccinated horses. To investigate properties of EIAV vaccine, especially the relationship between its replication and the immunity, viral plasma loads of an EIAV vaccine strain EIAVFDDV in immune suppressed horses were detected. Three horses, which were immunized with EIAVFDDV for 16 months, were treated with dexamethasone for 14 days to suppress their immunities. Reduced immune response in these animals was confirmed by significantly declined lymphocyte proliferation rate detected after 10 days of the drug treatment. The plasma viral loads of EIAVFDDV, which was indicated by the genomic RNA copy numbers, in horses before and after the treatment of dexamethasone were monitored by real time RT-PCR. Results revealed that the viral plasma loads in two of three immune-suppressed horses were kept a steady low level around 103～ 104 copies/ml. The load was increased by 10 folds in the third horse, but was still among the standard levels for EIAVFDDV vaccinated horses. As a positive control, the viral copy number of an asymptomatic carrier of EIAV virulent strain EIAVLiao was jumped nearly 25 000-fold higher after being treated with dexamethasone. The typical clinical symptoms of EIA, characterized by febrile episodes and thrombocytopenia, were also appeared in this horse. These results clearly indicate that it is the unique biological feature of the attenuated EIAV vaccine, but not the immunity, resulted in EIAVFDDV remaining in low levels in the body harmlessly. In addition, the steady low level of viremia and the inability to cause clinical symptoms of EIAVFDDV in immune-suppressed hosts further demonstrated the safety of attenuated Chinese EIAV vaccines. The data provide a new sight for studies on the immunity to lentiviruses.

ObjectiveTo enhance understanding on echocardiographic and clinical characteristics of valve lesions of non-infective endocarditis (NIE), particularly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Comparative analysis of the diagnostic value of echocardiography was performed in patients with non-infective endocarditis and atypical infective endocarditis (IE).MethodsData from 38 patients with clinically diagnosed NIE in the institution were collected retrospectively during July 2005 and January 2015, including 10 patients with SLE, 10 with rheumatic heart disease, 11 with rheumatoid arthritis, and 7 with hepatitis B. Data of 42 patients diagnosed as atypical IE during the same period were collected as control group. All patients underwent examinations of blood culture, sero-immunological tests, electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Comparison was made between the two groups using SPSS 11.5 software package. ResultsThe difference in blood culture, sero-immunological tests and electrocardiogram was statistically signiifcant between the groups (χ2 value, 26.29, 5.53, and 4.80, respectively, allP<0.05), although there was no statistical difference in results of echocardiography (χ2=0.03,P>0.05). Echocardiography identiifed valvular vegetations in 27 of 38 patients, with NIE with a detection rate of 71.0%; The size of the vegetations ranged from 2 to 7 mm in diameter; Valve vegetations was found in 36 of 42 patients with atypical IE, with a detection rate of 85.7%; the other six cases demonstrated valvular thickening only; in this group, the vegetations ranged from 2 mm to 19 mm in size and were located in the left heart in 28 patients, 8 cases in the right heart. In the case group, two cases of valve lesions in patients with SLE were confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), while missed on TEE examination. Nine cases with more than mild valve regurgitation were identiifed. Ten cases were treated with hormones and cyclophosphamide, after which valve lesions resolution was found on serial echocardiography tests with a follow-up period of 5 days to 3 years.Conclusions Echocardiography is capable of detecting valve lesions at early stage in patients with NIE, particularly in patients with SLE. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in identifying the non-infective thrombotic vegetations, guiding clinical treatment and monitoring the therapeutic effects.