BACKGROUND:Chitosan and gelatin have good biocompatibility and biodegradable properties.More and more attentions have been given to the application of the composite membrane of chitosan/hydroxyapatite(HA)and gelatin/HA as the tissue scaffolds.OBJECTIVE:To prepare a biocompatible composite membrane of chitosan/HA/gelatin having nanometer multilayer HA,and to investigate whether such a membrane might be a candidate of the tissue scaffolds for the bond repair and regeneration,DESIGN:Controlled observation.SETTING:College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering,Jianghan UniversityMATERIALS:The experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Fine Chemistry,College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering,Jianghan University from February to August 2007.Chitosan (Yuhnan Ocean Biochemistry Co.,Ltd,Zhengjiang,China,Mw 13.44×104,93% degree of deacetylation),and gelation(provided by Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co.,Shanghai,China)were used in the present study.METHODS:The mixture chitosan/CaCl2 solution was casted on a glass plate to give the membrane of chitosan/CaCl2.Then,the membrane was soaked in KH2PO4 solution,0.1 mol/L NaOH solution,and 3 wt% gelatin aqueous solution,respectively.The resulted membrane was washed and dried to obtain the chtiosan/HA/gelatin composite membrane.The morphological observation of the composite membrane and HA crystal were carded on a scanning electron microscope.The mechanical properties of the composite membrane were measured using the universal testing machine.The tensile strength(σb)and the elongation at break (ε)were calculated.The thermal stability of composite membrane was determined using a WCT-2C thermobalance.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The morphologies,the mechanical properties,and the thermal stability of the composite membrane and HA crystal were observed.RESULTS:The multilayer HA crystal with 400 nm thickness in the composite membrane was observed.The tensile strength(σb)and the elongation at break(ε)of the composite membrane were 3.83-10.25 MPa and 3.97%-10.14%,respectively.The decomposition temperature of HA-treated membrane was 310℃,which was higher than that of chitosan/gelatin membrane(305℃).CONCLUSION:The composite chitosan/HA/gelatin membrane was prepared by using chitosan/CaCl2,KH2PO4 and gelatin solutions.Such a biocompatible composite membrane with multilayer HA might be a promising tissue scaffold.

Objective To explore the effect of the association of low molecular heparin and Galectin-3 on the cell migration and cell proliferation of vascular endothelial cell from mesenchymal stem cells.Methods Depending on the administration, this study was divided into four groups: low molecular weight heparin group, adding 20 mg/L low molecular weight heparin into the cells;Galectin-3 group, adding 5 mg/L Galectin-3 into the cells;combination group, adding 20 mg/L low molecular weight heparin and 5 μg/ml of Galectin-3 into the cells;control group, equal volume of PBS buffer into the cells.The proliferation of vascular endothelial cell was to be detected by EdU incorporation,the cell growth cycle of vascular endothelial cell was to be detected by flow cytometry,and the cell migration of vascular endothelial cell was to be detected by scrath test.Then to investigate the effect of different conditions on the migration and proliferation of vascular endothelial cell.Results The OD490 of MWH group, Galectin-3 group, combined group and control group were (0.285±0.018), (0.297±0.041), (0.351±0.016), and (0.233±0.005) respectively, which indicates that the combined group could increase the cell proliferation significantly(P<0.05).Cultured for 24 hours, the cell migration rate was(42.02±7.62), (45.82±3.96), (68.53±11.22),and (34.21±3.99), suggesting that combined group have the largest cell migration(P<0.05).Conclusion The association of low molecular heparin and Galectin-3 could improve the cell migration and cell proliferation of vascular endothelial cell from esenchymal stemcells significantly.

Objective To determine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD), and to determine the effect of butylphthalide on them and its significance. Methods Sixty male adult rats were randomly divided into a model group, a Butylphthalide group, and a control group. AD models were established by injecting β-amyloid protein 1-42 into the hippocampus of rats. Sixty days later,the rats were sacrificed and both sides of the hippocampus were sectioned for immunohistochemistry. Results Positive cells of GFAP in the hippocampus of the model group increased and the expression of VEGF decreased statistically, compared with the control group(P<0.01). The positive cells of GFAP in the hippocampus of the butylphthalide group decreased and the expression of VEGF increased significantly, compared with the model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Butylphthalide may protect the neuron-vascular unit of the hippocampus of Alzheimer model rats by inhibiting the expression of GFAP and increasing the expression of VEGF.

Objective To explore the genotype distribution of lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphism at Ser447Stop locus and its possible association with metabolic syndrome and dietary intakes. Method Ser447Stop polymorphism was determined by PCR-PFLP method in 222 adults with MS and 222 normal adults as control. Their physical examination,dietary investigation and levels of biochemical profile,including BG,TG,TC and HDL-C were analyzed. Results (1) The genotype frequencies of Ser447Stop SS,SX and XX were 85.6%,13.3% and 1.1% respectively,which were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no significant difference in frequencies of genotypes or allele between MS and the control,and between male and female. (2) After adjusting age and gender,the levels of serum TG were significantly different among three genotype groups,the highest in SS genotype and the lowest in XX genotype. (3) After adjusting age,gender and body mass index,the intakes of protein and carbohydrate were significantly different among three genotype groups. (4) There was significantly different in negative correlation between the intakes of protein and serum TG levels after adjusting age,gender and body mass index. Conclusion Lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphism influenced serum TG levels,while associated with protein intakes. It might contribute to the predisposition in metabolic syndrome response to dietary intervention.

Objective To study immunoregulatory activity of polysaccharide of mudan cortex (PSM) on immunodepressive mice. Method The immunodepressive mice model was established with cyclophosphamide treated and tumor-bearing. PSM was orally administered to mice for 10 d. MTT method was used to observe the prolifernation of lymphocytes. The function of macrophage in abdominal activity was measured. Sectrophotometric determination was adopted to evaluate the ability of plaque forming cell. Result PSM could enhance the function of macrophage, increase the content of plaque forming cell, and promote the prelifernation of lymphocytes. Conclusion PSM could enhance immunofunction of immunodepressive mice.

Objective To analyse the changes of metabolic parameters and condition of metabolic syndrome(MS)in females with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS),and explore the interaction between OSAHS and MS.Methods Sixty females undergoing polysomnography were included,and were divided into simple snorer group(n=19),mild OSAHS group(n=21)and moderate to severe OSAHS group(n=20).Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS)scores and metabolic parameters were compared among groups.Forty-one patients with OSAHS were subdivided into group with MS(MS group,n=15)and group without MS(non-MS group,n=26).ESS scores,apnea hypopnea index(AHI),oxygen desaturation index(ODI)and lowest pulse oxygen saturation(LSpO_2)were compared between MS group and non-MS group.Results There was no significant difference in age,body mass index(BMI),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low density cholesterol(LDL),high density cholesterol(HDL),apolipoprotein A-I(apoA-I)and apolipoprotein B(apoB) among simple snorer group,mild OSAHS group and moderate to severe OSAHS group(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed ESS was positively related to AHI(r=0.327,P=0.011).ESS scores and proportions of hypertension,fasting plasma glucose(FPG)and MS were significantly higher in moderate to severe OSAHS group than those in simple snorer group(P<0.05).BMI,FPG,TG,proportion of hypertension,ODI and ESS score in MS group were significantly higher than those in non-MS group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in AHI and LspO_2 between these two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion ESS score may reflect the severity of OSAHS in females.Females with OSAHS matched for age and BMI have no difference in blood fat.With the increase of severity of OSAHS,glycometabolism can be impaired,the prevalences of hypertension and MS increase.MS can exacerbate the severity of OSAHS,indicating that MS and OSAHS interact with each other.

BACKGROUND: We conducted this study to verify whether a mechanical ventilator is adequate for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: A self-inflating bag resuscitator and a mechanical ventilator were used to test two experimental models: Model 1 (CPR manikin without chest compression) and Model 2 (CPR manikin with chest compression). Model 2 was divided into three subgroups according to ventilator pressure limits (P(limit)). The self-inflating bag resuscitator was set with a ventilation rate of 10 breaths/min with the volume-marked bag-valve procedure. The mode of the mechanical ventilator was set as follows: volume-controlled mandatory ventilation of tidal volume (Vt) 600 mL, an inspiration time of 1.2 seconds, a constant flow pattern, a ventilation rate of 10 breaths/minute, a positive end expiratory pressure of 3 cmH2O and a maximum trigger limit. Peak airway pressure (P(peak)) and Vt were measured by a flow analyzer. Ventilation adequacy was determined at a Vt range of 400-600 mL with a P(peak) of < or = 50 cmH2O. RESULTS: In Model 1, Vt and P(peak) were in the appropriate range in the ventilation equipments. In Model 2, for the self-inflating bag resuscitator, the adequate Vt and P(peak) levels were 17%, and the P(peak) adequacy was 20% and the Vt was 65%. For the mechanical ventilator, the adequate Vt and P(peak) levels were 85%; the P(peak) adequacy was 85%; and the Vt adequacy was 100% at 60 cmH2O of P(limit). CONCLUSIONS: In a manikin model, a mechanical ventilator was superior to self-inflating bag resuscitator for maintaining adequate ventilation during chest compression.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation* ; Manikins* ; Models, Theoretical ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; Thorax ; Tidal Volume ; Ventilation* ; Ventilators, Mechanical*

We report a mild variant of hypomelia-hypotrichosis-facial hemangioma syndrome in a 3 month-old female. The patient showed major features of the previously reported cases including flexion deformities of both upper extremities, sparse light colored hair, mid-facial hemangioma and a characteristic facial appearance. Roentgenogram showed radio-humeral synostosis at both elbow joints by which shortening of upper limbs could be anticipated. However, intra- and extrauterine growth retardation were not remarkable and the lower limbs were not affected.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Elbow Joint ; Female ; Hair ; Hemangioma* ; Humans ; Hypotrichosis ; Lower Extremity ; Synostosis ; Upper Extremity

OBJECTIVETo establish and evaluate a BA-ELISA method for the quantitative detection of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein.

METHODSWe deliberately selected three tables of CFTR and made the synthetic peptide be expressed in E. coli, then used the antigen to immunize rabbits to obtain the anti-CFTR polyclonal serum. After that, 96 well plates were coated with the purified antibody against CFTR. The antigen CFTR which was extracted from human sperm was detected by anti-CFTR antibody labeled with biotin, horseradish peroxidase conjugated avidin, and the substrate. The concentrations of two kinds of antibodies and the experiment parameters were optimized. Thereby, the double antibody sandwich BA-ELISA method for the quantitative detection of CFTR protein was established. Furthermore, the reproducibility, specificity and so on were evaluated by clinical specimens of sperm.

RESULTSThe optimal concentration of coated anti-CFTR IgG was 4 µg/ml, while the biotin labeled anti-CFTR IgG was 10 µg/ml; the optimal blocking buffer was 1% BSA-PBST, the optimal time of the reaction between antigen and antibody was 60 min, the optimal chromogenic time was 15 min, the intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient were 2.16%-9.23% and 2.29%-11.71% respectively; The lowest detectable limit was 0.15 ng/ml; the standard curve had a good linear correlation of R2 = 0.962.

CONCLUSIONThe BA-ELISA method for the quantitative detection of CTFR protein is successfully established, and it is demonstrated that the method has strong specificity, high sensitivity and good reproducibility. It provides the basis and evidence of the further application of the method.

Animals ; Antibodies ; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ; analysis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; Humans ; Peptides ; Rabbits ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

It is very desirable to clarify the situation of fertility, family planning and attitude toward family size of the women residing in the sub-urban slum area because of underprivilege of socio-economiccondition of the residents and negligible health services (especially MCH and family planning) to the people in the area. The study area was selected a slum and primary fixation place of the people immigrated from rural area: Taegu, Dong Ku, Shin Chun Dong, 2 Ka and Taegu, Suh Ku, Ri San Dong, 1 Ka The survey was conducted by family planning workers at Health Center from December 1974 to February 1975. The results were obtained as follows: Thirty-eight percent of residents immigrated from rural area and most of there consist of nuclear family. Average monthly income per family was 38,000 won and 74 percent of them haven't their own houses. Number of pregnancy and live births per womon were 3.8 and 3.0 respectively. The rates of spontaneous and induced abortion to total married women were 9.5% and 36% respectively. Regarding delivery conditions, 86% of deliveries were performed at home and 70% of them were cared by non-professional person or without helpers. Ideal number of children account for 1.58 for sons, 1.08 for. daughters 2.655 for both, but the rate of 2 children regardless sex difference was only 3.4%. The factors influencing to family size were age and educational level of women and economic status of the hosehold. Regarding family planning, the rate of experience of contraception in the past was 48 percent while the rate of present contraception was 24%. Most frequent pregnancy order at the first contraception was 4th and most frequent age group of the women was 35-39 years in the past while the most frequent pregnancy order and the age of women were 3rd and 30-34 years at the first contraception in the present. Average fertility rate per year to total eligible women for 5 years 20.8% indicating somewhat higher than those of oter places. Age specific marital fertility rate showed higher in younger age groups than those of other places, and total fertility rate accounts for 1548.4 showing similar to rural total fertility rate in 1970 and higher than those of other urban areas.
Abortion, Induced ; Birth Rate* ; Child ; Contraception ; Daegu* ; Family Characteristics ; Family Planning Services* ; Female ; Fertility* ; Health Services ; Humans ; Live Birth ; Nuclear Family ; Poverty Areas ; Pregnancy ; Sex Characteristics