Elderly population is a group of people who need more medical care and acquiring immediate medi-cal treatment in time is important for the aged to get a good health status. The article demonstrates the differences of medical accessibility between rural and urban seniors and analyses the influencing factors and changes of the dispari-ties using the 2011 waves of CLHLS data. Results indicate that compared to rural seniors, the aged living in urban area are more likely to achieve immediate treatment when they are seriously ill. The mechanism of the disparities is made by the different socioeconomic development level and social and medical security system. Moreover, the main reasons not to visit doctor when necessary are having no money and inconvenience to travel;the proportion of having no money and far from hospital are significantly larger in rural area than urban.

Objective To investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on the number and function of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods The model of chronic renal failure was established by a two-stage 5/6nephrectomy procedure in rats. Experimental rats were randomly divided into four groups (n =7,respectively): sham operation group, CRF group, CRF rats treated with 30 U/kg EPO (low-dosage group) and with 50 U/kg EPO (high-dosage group). CRF rats were given EPO by hypodermic injection for 6 weeks, then EPCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The ability of cell proliferation, adhesion and vasculogenesis in vitro was further observed. Results Compared to sham operation group, the ability of cell proliferation,adhesion and vasculogenesis in vitro in CRF rats was remarkably decreased (P＜0.05, respectively).Such ability was promoted significantly in dose-dependent manner by EPO treatment (P＜0.05,respectively). Conclusion EPO can improve the number and ability of endothelial progenitor cells from rats with chronic renal failure.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic action of secreted endostatin (ES) on breast cancer cells. METHODS: Retroviral-mediated endostatin gene was transferred to breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The ES biological properties and function were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), MTT and a murine xenograft model. RESULTS: After retroviral transduction, endostatin genetically modified breast tumor cells were confirmed by PCR, and the integration and durative expression of endostatin gene was successfully committed. Compared with controls, endostatin secreted by genetically modified cells markedly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation (P0.05). The results of the transplanted subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice suggested that the subcutaneous growth of MDA-MB-231 was significantly inhibited by the expression of endostatin gene (P

Objective To investigate the effects of erythropoietin(EPO)on the function of glomerular endothelial cells in rats with chronic renal failure(CRF). Methods The CRF model was established by a two stage 5/6 nephrectomy procedure in rats.Experimental rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation group (control group),CRF group,CRF rats treated with 30 U/kg EPO(low-dosage group)and with 50 U/kg EPO (high-dosage group).CRF rats received EPO by hypodermic injection for 6 weeks and then were sacrificed.Serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen fBUN),urine protein,haematoglobin (Hb) and blood pressure were measured.The renal morphologie changes were evaluated on periodic acid-schiff (PAS) stained sections.The CD34 and CD31 expressions in glomerulus were detected by immunohistochemistry method.The mRNA of endothelin 1(ET-1),endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by RT-PCR. Results The expressions of CD34 and CD31 protein in glomerulus,and the expressions of eNOS and VEGF roRNA in renal tissue were higher in EPO treatment group than those in CRF model group(all P<0,05).The expression of ET-1 mRNA in renal tissue was lower in EPO treatment group than that in CRF model group.In addition,the Scr,BUN,urine protein and blood pressure in EPO treatment group were significantly lower than those in CRF model group (all P<0.05).Haematoglobin in EPO treatment group was higher than that in CRF model group (P<0.05).Reanl pathological injury wss improved by EPO treatment in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion EPO can ameliorate renal pathological injury and renal function in rats with chronic renal failure,maybe through promoting the renovation of glomerular capillary endothelium and improving the function of glomerular endothelial cells.

AIM: To clone and express the metalloproteinase domain of human von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (vWF-cp). METHODS: The metalloproteinase domain of human vWF-cp, amplified from the plasmid containing the vWF-cp cDNA gene by using polymerase chain reaction, was cloned into pUC18, and its accuracy was verified by sequencing. Then the domain was inserted into the multiclone site of pET28a(+) and included a 6?His Tag at its amino terminal. After induced by IPTG, the recombinant protein was purified by using a Ni-NTA column and confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of our cloned domain with the GenBank sequence revealed no difference. High-level expression of the recombinant protein was yielded after 5-hour induction, which amounted to 28% of total bacteria protein in inclusion body. Western blot demonstrated that it possessed high specificity. CONCLUSION: The metalloproteinase domain of vWF-cp was high efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. This might contribute to the further study of the relationship between its structure and function. [

Objective To study the effect and safety of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to rapamycin in kidney transplantation recipients with chronic allograft nephropathy.Methods In 82 kidney transplant recipients enrolled in this study,72 cases were diagnosed as having chronic allograft nephropathy by biopsy.Recipients (SRL group) were administered with rapamycin after withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors.The doses of CNI in other recipients (non-SRL group) were not changed.Renal function,proteinuria,blood pressure,blood fat,hepatic function and hemogram were observed for 24 months in each group.Results During the follow-up period,serum creatinine level was dropped significantly in SRL group (P＜0.05),but it was increased in non-SRL group (P＜0.05).SRL group showed increased proteinuria,serum cholesterol and triglycerides (P＜0.05),and reduced Plt (P＜0.05).According to the renal function before conversion,the recipients who were administered rapamycin divided into four groups.In group A (Scr ＜ 120 μmol/L),there was no significant difference in diverse variables before and after conversion.In group B (Scr 120-200 μmol/L and Banff Ⅰ-Ⅱ),renal function was improved,and proteinuria alleviated.In group C (Scr 120-200 μmol/L and Banff ＞ Ⅱ),and group D (Scr ＞200 μmol/L),renal function was damaged to varying degrees and proteinuria was deteriorated.Conclusion It is safe and effective for patients with chronic allograft nephropathy to convert from calcineurin inhibitors to rapamycin.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important human pathogen which can cause a chronic condition with a high relapse rate despite the aggressive antimicrobial treatment. Recent studies showed that intracellular pattern recognition receptors (including NOD) in response to bacteria or bacterial products play a proinflammatory role by activating nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB). But how NOD2 mediates the proinflammatory response to S. aureus in mast cells (MCs) is unclear. So, in this study, we attempted to examine the role of NOD2 in inflammatory responses of MCs to S. aureus. P815 cells (a mouse mast cell line) were cultured. Real-time PCR was used to detect the NOD2 mRNA expression in P815 cells during S. aureus infection. The siRNA against NOD2 gene was synthesized and transfected into S. aureus-infected P815 cells. By using the methods of ELISA and flow cytometry, the effects of NOD2 gene silencing on cell phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, NF-κB activation and cell apoptosis of the S. aureus-infected P815 cells were examined. It was found that S. aureus infection could increase the expression of NOD2 mRNA in P815 cells. NOD2 gene interference in P815 cells reduced the number of S. aureus engulfed by P815 cells, the level of cytokines and the activation of NF-κB. In addition, S. aureus could induce the apoptosis of P815 cells, but NOD2 gene silencing did not affect the cell apoptosis rate. Our data suggested that NOD2 plays a key role in pathogen recognition, signal transduction, and NF-κB activation in the inflammatory responses of MCs infected by S. aureus.

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for content determination of schizantherin E,gomisin J,angeloylgomisin H,schisantherin A,schisantherin B,schisanhenol,anwuligan,schizandrin A,schizandrin B and schizandrin C in Wuzhi tablets.METHODS:RP-HPLC method was adopted.The determination was performed on Symmetry C18 column with acetonitrile-0.1％ phosphoric acid solution (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.The detection wavelength was set 225 rm,and the column temperature was 30 ℃.The sample size was 10 μL.RESULTS:The linear ranges of schizantherin E,gomisin J,angeloylgomisin H,schisantherin A,schisantherin B,schisanhenol,anwuligan,schizandrin A,schizandrin B and schizandrin C were 2.25-67.5ng(r=0.999 6),2.1-63 ng(r=0.999 8),28-840 ng(r=0.999 9),124.6-3 738 ng(r=0.999 9),22.7-681 ng(r=0.999 9),32.7-981 ng(r=0.999 9),47-1 410 ng(r=0.999 9),208-6 240 ng(r=0.999 9),5.36-160.8 rig(r=0.999 9),4.48-134.4 ng(r=0.999 8).The limits of quantitation were 14.17,13.32,9.33,11.37,14.62,19.88,14.66,12.50,16.40,13.55 rg.The limits of detection were 4.62,4.60,3.08,3.76,4.81,6.74,4.93,4.16,5.86,5.03 ng.RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were less than 3.0％;the recoveries were 96.36％-100.00％(RSD=1.83％,n=6),95.00％-100.00％(RSD=2.07％,n=6),95.00％-98.00％(RSD=1.22％,n=6),95.37％-98.91％ (RSD=1.29％,n=6),95.62 ％-103.71％ (RSD=2.85％,n=6),97.33％-102.67％ (RSD=2.00％,n=6),95.00％-99.33％ (RSD=1.75％,n=6),97.24％-104.93％ (RSD=2.63％,n=6),95.00％-97.50％ (RSD=1.42％,n=6),96.00％-102.00％ (RSD=2.45％,n=6),respectively.CONCLUSIONS:The developed method is accurate,sensitive and reproducible,and it can be used for content determination of 10 lignanoids in Wuzhi tablets.

Background:Cold storage and ischemia-reperfusion injury of liver grafts are critical for the prognosis of patients undergoing liver transplantation. Establishing a stable cold storage and reperfusion animal model is a fundamental measure for related studies. Aims:To establish a modified isolated perfused rat liver model for comprehensive assessment of liver grafts in studies on preservation of liver grafts before transplantation. Methods:Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two groups. Livers of rats in control group were retrieved and perfused immediately for 90 minutes without preservation. In experimental group,liver grafts underwent a 30-minute warm ischemia followed by 24-hour cold storage before ex vivo perfusion. The perfusate was collected dynamically for monitoring the levels of transaminases,electrolytes and pH value;the portal vein pressure of liver grafts was measured by pressure sensor,and the hepatic hydrogen peroxide (HPO)level was assessed by microprobe for free radicals. The bile production was recorded after the ex vivo perfusion;meanwhile,the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA)and superoxide dismutase (Cu/ Zn SOD),the histopathological changes and apoptosis of hepatocytes of liver grafts were examined. Results:Compared with the control group,the levels of AST and ALT,the portal vein pressure and the HPO level of liver grafts in experimental group were obviously increased throughout the perfusion. Furthermore,the bile production and level of Cu/ Zn SOD of liver grafts in experimental group were significantly decreased. The histopathological injury and hepatocytes apoptosis of liver grafts were milder in control group. Conclusions:The liver function and antioxidant effect were reduced in warm ischemic and cold preserved liver grafts. The modified isolated perfused rat liver model established in this study is useful for monitoring and evaluation of the cold storage and reperfusion injury in liver grafts.

Objective To investigate the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and its relationship with infiltrating lymphocytes in lichen planus(LP).Methods Tissue specimens were obtained from the lesions of 60 patients with LP and normal skin of 20 human controls.Immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expression of TNF-α,and infiltrating lymphocytes were counted in TNF-α-positive tissue sections.Results TNF-α was expressed in 72％ of the LP specimens but in none of the control specimens(P ＜ 0.01).Positive staining for TNF-α was mainly located in the membrane of prickle cells,cytoplasm or membrane of dermal infiltrating lymphocytes.The expression of TNF-α in LP was uncorrelated with age,sex or disease course(all P ＞ 0.05),but was positively correlated with infiltrating lymphocyte number (rs =0.47,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion TNF-α seems to play a certain role in the pathogenesis of LP.