Objective To determine the degree of damage to hairs by Geotrichum, and to compare the difference in infection duration and intensity by Geotrichum silvicola isolates from skin lesions and blood and Geotrichum candidumn isolates between hairs from different age groups. Methods In vitro hair perforation test was carried out on the hairs from healthy individuals of different age groups. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe hairs perforated by Geotrichum silvicola isolates from skin lesions and blood as well as Geotrichum candidumn isolates. Results Both Geotrichum silvicola and Geotrichum candidumn isolates could perforate hairs. The time taken to perorate hairs was significantly different between isolates of Geotrichum silvicola from skin lesions, blood and Geotrichum candidumn in every age groups (all P ＜ 0.05).The Geotrichum silvicola isolates from blood perforated hairs in the shortest time (range: 53 - 64 days, mean:58.07 ± 3.15 days), followed by those from skin lesions (range: 57 - 66 days, mean: 61.05 ± 2.55 days), and Geotrichum candidumn (range: 61 - 74 days, mean: 67.11 ± 3.78 days). The time taken to perforate hairs by Geotrichum significantly increased with age, and significant difference was observed between hairs from the four age groups, i.e., ＜ 2 years, 2 - 13 years, 14 - 19 yeas, ＞ 19 years, but not between the age group of ＜ 2 years and that of 2 - 13 years (P ＞ 0.05 ). As scanning electron microscopy showed, both Geotrichum silvicola and Geotrichum candidumn could damage hairs, and the degree of damage by Geotrichum silvicola was more severe than that by Geotrichum candidumn. Conclusions The damage to hairs by Geotrichum silvicola is earlier and more severe than that by Geotrichum candidumn. The younger the age, the more liable the hairs to be damaged by Geotrichum.

Objective To report a case of kerion caused by Geotrichum in China. Methods A 9 year-old-boy had kerion-form lesion on his scalp with swollen posterior auricular lymph nodes, and did not show other definite underlying disease. The pathogenic fungus was identified according to culture, scanning electron microscopy, biochemical tests and DNA sequencing. The hair infection test was performed and the infected hairs were examined by scanning electron microscope. Animal test confirmed the pathogenicity of the fungus. Results The fungal colonies were the same when the tissue cultures were repeated. The colonies showed milky white to yellowish in color. The hyphae could be identified at the periphery on Sabouraud′s agar culture at 27 ℃, which were moist and smooth on the surface at 37 ℃. Under microscope, there were many rectangular arthrospores, round or oval spores with or without buddings, as well as branched hyphae. The isolated fungus was identified as a Geotrichum silvicola by culture, scanning electron microscope, biochemical test and DNA sequencing. The patient′s condition was improved markedly after treatment of terbinafine for 4 weeks. Conclusions This is the first case report of kerion caused by Geotrichum in China, and terbinafine is effective.

Objective To report a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with geotrichosis due to Geotrichum silvicola. Methods The exudates from the body surface, blood and urine of the patient were examined by microscopy and simultaneously inoculated onto the Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium. The isolate was examined by microscopy, PCR which amplified the D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA, and gene sequencing. Homologous sequences were searched in the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ/PD nucleotide sequence library, and the genetic relationship was analyzed with the genealogical tree. Results Microscopy of pus from the abscess on the dorsa of left hand revealed a lot of spores and a few hyphae, which were not observed in the blood or urine specimens. Meanwhile, whitish colonies were grown in all the three successive cultures of blood and urine specimens, rather than the exudates on the body surface. After itraconazole and garlicin were administered for one week, both microscopic exam and fungus culture were negative. Microscopic exam of the isolate showed arthrospores arranged in chains, budding spores and a few of hyphae. It was found that there was a one-base difference between our isolate (Hebei-1) and the isolate from kerion -like eruptions (Changzheng-1), and a four-base difference between our isolate and the reference Geotrichum silvicola strain as well, in the D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA. This isolate was identified to be most close to Changzheng-1 in the phylogenetic tree. Conclusion The patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis is associated with geotrichosis due to Geotrichum silvicola.

The cytotoxicity of medical ultrasonic couplant was tested by MTT assay and agar overlay test. By MTT assay, when the inoculum density was high, the cytotoxicity level was low, or vice versa. The cytotoxicity grade tested by agar overlay was not accord to MTT assay's too. MTT assay is suitable to test the cytotoxicity of medical ultrasonic couplant because it is quantitative and more sensitive, however, the experimental condition and the preparative method of extraction should be determined.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Colorimetry ; Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic ; methods ; Mice ; Ultrasonics

Objective To explore the imaging features of external iliac artery-related postpartum hemorrhage, and to discuss its interventional therapy measures. Methods The clinical data and imaging findings of one patient with external iliac artery-related postpartum hemorrhage was retrospectively analyzed. The patient received interventional therapy at the intervention department of Shanxi provincial people ’s hospital. The relevant academic papers published in medical literature were reviewed. The common features of this condition were summarized, and the imaging features and the interventional therapy measures were discussed. Results A total of 4 patients, including authors’ case, with external iliac artery- related postpartum hemorrhage were reported in China. Of the 4 case , right external iliac artery-related postpartum hemorrhage was seen in 2 and bilateral external iliac artery-related postpartum hemorrhage was seen in other two. Embolization therapy of three abnormal branches of deep circumflex iliac artery that participated in the uterine blood supply was carried out. Immediately after the embolization the bleeding stopped. Conclusion For the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, uterine arterial embolization should be followed by abdominal aorta angiography so as to check the external iliac artery. When recurrent bleeding occurs after uterine arterial embolization, the possibility that the abnormal branches of external iliac artery participates in the uterine blood supply should be considered. In performing the embolization of abnormal branches of external iliac artery, the catheter should be inserted to the distal end of the target vessel. Under DSA monitoring the embolic agent should be slowly injected into the targeted artery and the patient should be kept under close observation for blood reflux. Usually, the embolization of abnormal branches of external iliac artery will not cause ischemic symptoms of the pelvis and distal limbs.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of dual stent placements for the treatment of occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site. Methods The clinical data of 9 patients with occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site were retrospectively analyzed. Stent implantations in the affected subclavian artery and vertebral artery were separately performed; the patients were followed up for 3-12 months after the treatment. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the clinical symptoms and Doppler ultrasonic examination. Results Successful implantation of two stents was accomplished in all 9 patients, with the technical success rate of 100%. After the treatment, the blood flow in both the subclavian and vertebral arteries was unobstructed. Following-up examination showed that the subjective symptoms were obviously improved in all 9 patients, and no serious procedure-related complications occurred. Doppler ultrasound examination showed that no in-stent restenosis or stent displacement was observed. Conclusion For the treatment of occlusion/stenosis of subclavian artery associated with stenosis of adjacent vertebral artery initial site, dual stent placement technique is a safe and feasible means with satisfactory effect in improving vertebro-basilar arterial insufficiency.

Objective: To discuss the action mechanisms of Takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type) of acupuncture. Methods: We applied acupuncture therapy with the principle of warming Yang and supplementing Qi, removing obstruction in the meridians and recovering pulse, to treat patients with takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type). Before and after treatment, we detected the TCD (Transcranial Doppler) changes of the average velocity of blood flow (AVBF) and arterial pulsatility index (PI) of related arteris. Results: After treatment,acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the abnormal blood flow rate in endocranial correlated arteries by two sides, in the AVBF while, elevate the elasticity of endocranial vessels.Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate cerebrovascular function of patients with takayasus arteritis (brachiocephalic artery type), increase the perfusion of cerebral blood flow, and adjust abnormal state of endocranial hemodynamics. This is possibly the important action mechanisms acupuncture in treating this disorder.

Objective To explore the expression of early growth response gene-1 (EGR-1) in T cells that were positive for Tax protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and its possible reg-ulatory mechanism .Methods A series of expression structures carrying the regulatory elements of EGR-1 in different length and luciferase reporter genes were constructed .TaxP cells were transfected with the con-structs containing reporter genes and cultured with 5μmol/L of NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 or equal vol-ume of DMSO.After cultured for 24 hours the cells were collected to test the luciferase activity .BAY 11-7082 or equal volume of DMSO was added into the supernatant of TaxP cell culture to test the expression of EGR-1 protein by Western blot after 24 hours of culture .Tax and its mutants M22 and M47 were transfected into 293 T cells respectively to test the expression of EGR-1 protein by Western blot after 24 hours of culture . Results The expression structures carrying the regulatory elements of EGR-1 in different length and their mutants followed by luciferase reporter genes were successfully constructed .The luciferase activity in the cells transfected with the constructs containing the elements E 1 and E2 were higher than that transfected with E3, DelE and MutE, but the reporter gene expressions were decreased with the interference of BAY 11-7082 (P<0.01).However, there were no significant changes with the luciferase activity in the cells transfected by elements E3, DelE and MutE.Western blot analysis indicated that the expression of EGR-1 protein was significantly decreased with the interference of BAY 10-7082 .The expression of EGR-1 protein in M22 mu-tants-transfected 293 T cells were decreased significantly in comparison with those by wild type tax-and M47-transfected cells .Conclusion NF-κB was the key nuclear factor in regulating the expression of EGR-1 pro-tein in Tax-positive T cells .

Objective To investigate the preparation of influenza virus vaccine without thimerosal for children dose and its sta-bility .Methods H1N1 ,H3N2 ,B-type influenza virus were inoculated into allantoic fluid to prepare three batches of influenza virus vaccine without thimerosal for children dose and the vaccine stability test was performed .Single radial immunodiffusion(SRID) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) were used to detect the concentration of hemagglutinin and egg albumin .Total protein concentration ,appearance ,sterility test ,endotoxin ,free formaldehyde and the pH value of vaccine were also measured .Results The pH value of vaccine was 7 .2 ,with total protein concentration of 182-189 mg/mL .Hemagglutinin concentrations of H1N1 ,H3N2 and B-type influenza virus decreased when they had been placed in 2-8 ℃ for 3 ,6 ,9 ,12 ,18 months or (37 .0 ± 2 .0) ℃ for 7 ,14 days ,however ,they maintained at 6 .0 μg/0 .25 mL or more at last .Conclusion Influenza virus vaccine without thimerosal for chil-dren dose shows improved safty and is accord with the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2010 edition) .

Objective To evaluate whether the size,number or location of fibroids affect therapeutic efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE).Methods 84 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who had received uterine fibroid embolization with the use of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)or gelfoam sponge particles(GSP).According to the lesion's size,number or location,all patients were divided into different groups and following -up as outpatients. Patient's symptomatic improvement and imaging following -up was assessed after UAE.Results A technically suc-cessful embolization was done in all patients.Postoperative 12 -month following -up was performed in 77 cases.No major life -threatening complications were found and the clinical symptoms were improved after UAE.In the different groups,the uterine size and the leiomyoma size after UAE were markedly decreased(t =5.842,P <0.05).Further comparison showed that the mean reduction in fibroids volume after UAE was not significant between the two groups, so was the mean reduction in uterine volume.Solitary leiomyoma group showed no significant difference in volume reduction rate of fibroids and uterine after UAE as compared with multiple leiomyoma group.Changes were not signifi-cantly in Submucosal uterine fibroids,Subserosal uterine fibroids,Intramural uterine fibroids.Conclusion UAE is an effective treatment for uterine fibroids.In this study,the size,number,and location of fibroids did not affect therapeutic efficacy or the complication rate of UAE.