To determine arsenic content in Changtong oral liquid, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed, which generated linear calibration curves in the range of 5-25 ng/ml for As (r=0.9998). The average recovery of As was 98.94% (n=5, RSD=2.58%).
Arsenic ; analysis ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats and explore the mechanisms.

METHODSSixty SD rats were randomized into 4 equal groups, including a blank control group, adhesion model group, and high-, moderate-, and low-dose STS-treated groups, and were subjected to injuries of the parietal peritoneum and cecum to induce peritoneal adhesions, followed by intraperitoneal administration of saline and STS at the doses of 20, 10, and 5 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Another 15 untreated rats served as the blank control group. The adhesion scores in each group were recorded after the treatments; the activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in peritoneal lavage fluid was measured, tPA/PAI-1 protein ratio in the peritoneal tissue was determined by ELISA, and the expressions of TGF-β1 and collagen I were detected by immunohistochemistry. The anastomotic healing model was used to assess the impact of STS on wound healing.

RESULTSIntraperitoneal administration of STS effectively prevented peritoneal adhesion without affecting anastomotic healing in the rats. Compared with the adhesion model group, the STS-treated groups showed increased peritoneal lavage fluid tPA activity and tPA/PAI-1 ratio in the ischemic tissues with lowered TGF-β1 and collagen I expressions in the ischemic tissues.

CONCLUSIONSIntraperitoneal administration of STS can prevent peritoneal adhesion and enhance local fibrinolysis in rats, and these effects may be mediated by TGF-β signaling pathway.

Animals ; Cecum ; injuries ; pathology ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Fibrinolysis ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Peritoneum ; injuries ; pathology ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; metabolism ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Adhesions ; prevention & control ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Changtong oral liquid (CTOL) on the proliferation of cultured fibroblasts derived from normal peritoneum (NFs) and adhesive peritoneum (AFs) of rats.

METHODSTwenty male SD rats were randomized into 4 groups, including a normal serum group and 3 CTOL groups with CTOL treatment at low, medium or high doses. Serum samples were obtained from the abdominal arteries of the rats after oral treatment with CTOL for 7 days. The fibroblasts were isolated from the peritoneum by means of tissue culture, and the passage 3-8 cells were cultured with the sera of the normal control and CTOL groups for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. MTT assay was used to observe the proliferation of the fibroblasts.

RESULTSThe dose of CTOL was inversely correlated to the absorbance but positively to the growth inhibition rates. Compared with the NFs cultured in normal control rat serum, the NFs in serum from CTOL groups showed no obviously changes in the absorbance at 24 and 48 h, but displayed significant reduction at 72 and 96 h (P<0.01). Compared with the AFs in normal rat serum, the AFs in the 3 CTOL groups all showed significantly decreased absorbance at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h (P<0.05). At the same time point, the inhibition rate of AFs in low-dose CTOL group showed no significant difference from that in the normal control group, but CTOL at a medium dose resulted in a significantly higher inhibition rate of AFs at 72 h (P<0.05). High-dose CTOL produced significant differences in the inhibition rates of AFs and NFs (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCTOL can inhibit the proliferation of AFs and NFs in vitro. AFs appear to be more sensitive to CTOL, which has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of AF proliferation.

Adhesiveness ; Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Male ; Peritoneum ; cytology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) on the proliferation of cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells and explore which subtypes of EP prostanoid receptor mediate the action.

METHODSRT-PCR was used to determine COX-2 and EP receptor mRNA expression levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep3B and human normal hepatocyte line QSG7701. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to investigate the effect of PGE(2), selective EP2 receptor agonist butaprost and EP3/EP4 receptor agonist PGE1 alcohol on the proliferation of the cells.

RESULTSCOX-2 mRNA was highly expressed in Hep3B cells but scarcely in QSG7701 cells. Hep3B cells expressed the mRNAs for all the EP receptor subtypes, but EP2 and EP4 receptors were much more strongly expressed than EP1 and EP3 receptors. PGE(2) significantly promoted Hep3B cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and 10 µmol/L PGE(2) increased the cell proliferation by 22.57% (P<0.001) after a 48-h incubation; treatment with 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µmol/L PGE(2) for 72 h resulted in significantly increased cell proliferation by 12.13% (P<0.01), 17.58% (P<0.01) and 33.07% (P<0.001), respectively. EP2 receptor agonist butaprost (20 µmol/L) increased Hep3B cell proliferation by 21.96% (P<0.001), but the EP3/EP4 receptor agonist PGE(1) alcohol (2-20 µmol/L) exhibited no significant mitogenic effect in Hep3B cells, and 200 µmol/L PGE(1) alcohol decreased the cell viability.

CONCLUSIONSelective activation of EP2 receptor promotes Hep3B cell proliferation, indicating the predominant role of EP2 receptor in mediating the mitogenic effect of PGE2.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dinoprostone ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the method of auricular reconstruction for concha-type microtia.

METHODSTwo-staged auricular reconstruction was applied in 13 cases (14 ears) with concha-type microtia. The cartilage auricular framework was fabricated and implanted in the first stage, followed by ear elevation and cranio-auricle angle formation at the second stage.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 2 months to 2 years with satisfactory aesthetic result. The reconstructed ears had a good appearance and position, and were symmetric to the healthy ears.

CONCLUSIONSThe two-staged auricular reconstruction with autologous cartilage framework is ideal for concha-type microtia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cartilage ; transplantation ; Child ; Ear Auricle ; surgery ; Ear, External ; abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Ribs ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo suggest a chemical surface treatment for titanium and to initiate the formation of hydroxycarbonated apatite (HCA) on titanium surface during in vitro bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF).

METHODSTo improve the bone-bonding ability of Ti implants, commercially pure titanium (cpTi) by a simple chemical pre-treatment in orthophosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)) with different density was activated, and then the phosphorylation specimens were soaked in SBF to investigate the function of biomineralization.

RESULTSThe scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showed that the surfaces of the pre-treated samples were characterized by a complex construction, which consisted of a mesh-like morphology matrix (a micro-roughened surface) and an uniform surface with different morphous of titanium dihydrogen orthophosphate [Ti(H(2)PO(4))(3)] crystal. After 14 days in SBF a homogeneous biomimetic apatite layer precipitated.

CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that the treatment of titanium by acid etching in orthophosphoric acid is a suitable method to provide the titanium implant with bone-bonding ability.

Acid Etching, Dental ; methods ; Biomimetics ; Body Fluids ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; Dental Bonding ; Dental Implants ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Phosphoric Acids ; chemistry ; Phosphorylation ; Surface Properties ; Titanium ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap with partial preservation of abdominal rectus muscle based on the anatomic study in cadavers.

METHODS5 adult female cadavers which provided by department of anatomy of Fujian Medical University were dissected after injection with medical red latex from the starting point of the inferior epigastric artery and superior epigastric artery. The TRAM flap with partial preservation of lateral abdominal rectus muscle were dissected for breast reconstruction. The location, route, branches and anastomosis of inferior and superior epigastric arteries were observed. Based on the anatomic study, breast reconstruction were performed in 8 cases with muscle-sparing TRAM flaps.

RESULTSThe inferior epigastric artery arises from external iliac artery (9/10, 90%) or femoral artery (1/10, 10%) at the joint point between the internal third and lateral two third. There are extensive anastomoses between superior and inferior epigastric arteries above the umbilicus, mostly between the 2cm below the first tendinous intersection and umbilical level. From Sept. 2009 to Sept. 2010, 8 cases received breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing TRAM flap. The patients were followed up for 3 months to one year. Fibrosis happened in subcutaneous fat at flap IV zone in 2 cases, borderline necrosis and subcutaneous fat liquefaction occurred in some areas of flap IV zone in 2 cases, which healed after debridement. The other 4 cases healed with no complication. Except for unsatisfied shape in one case, good result achieved in 7 cases. There was no abdominal weakness, hemia or other complication.

CONCLUSIONSIt is an effective and safe method in breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing TRAM flap. It is practical with comparatively short operation time and less morbidity in donor site.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Rectus Abdominis ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps

Objective To establish a discriminant model and to provide a relatively accurate scientific basis for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and detection of the close contacts. Methods Through logistic regression analysis, key factors were selected according to Bayes theory and key factors of TB incidence of the close contacts were screened as well as a discriminant model was established. Results The non-TB incidence discriminant function of the close contacts was described as: Y1= -39.831 (constant) + 1.927 X, (sputum-frequency) + 3.528 X2 (education) + 0.309 X3 (contact time) + 5.893 X4 (evade) + 2.140 X5 (ventilation) + 8.706 X6 (cough) + 30.970 X7 (fever). The discriminant function of non-TB incidence of the close contacts was as: Y2 =-57.875 (constant) + 2.343 X1 (sputum-frequency) + 3.965 X2 (education) + 0.361 X3 (contact time) + 6.296 X4 (evade) + 1.348 X5 (ventilation) + 12.984 X6 (cough) + 36.555 X7 (fever). Conduslon The diseriminant model night be used to contribute to the early diagnosis, early intervention and timely treatment on those close contacts of tuberculosis cases.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical, molecular and cytogenetic features of 46, XX (SRY positive) male syndrome.

METHODSThe clinical features of 4 patients with 46, XX (SRY positive) male syndrome were analyzed retrospectively. Karyotyping, FISH, PCR amplification of the SRY gene, and Y-chromosome microdeletion were performed to study their molecular cytogenetic features.

RESULTSThe Four patients were all sociopsychologically males of short stature and came to hospital for infertility. Physical examination revealed that their testes were small in volume and soft in texture, but their penes were normal. Semen analyses showed complete azoospermia. Detection of serum sexual hormone suggested hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. All were karyotyped as 46, XX. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of the SRY gene and absence of AZFa, b and c of the Y chromosome. FISH analysis showed that SRY genes were translocated to Xp in 3 of the patients.

CONCLUSIONPhenotypically 46, XX (SRY positive) male patients are males generally, for the presence of the SRY gene in the whole genome and azoospermia due to the deletion of AZF. The clinical characteristics of the patient include testis dysgenesis, infertility and short stature. The long arm of the Y chromosome might contain the gene associated with body height. Extensive molecular and cytogenetic studies on 46, XX male syndrome may help to elucidate its genotype-phenotype relation.

Adult ; Body Height ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Estradiol ; blood ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Genes, sry ; Gonadal Dysgenesis, 46,XX ; blood ; genetics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prolactin ; blood ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo determine the level of uric acid (UA) in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of chronic prostatitis patients and explore its clinical significance.

METHODSA total of 91 patients with chronic prostatitis diagnosed by NIH standard were divided into a III A (n = 48) and a III B (n = 43) group, and healthy volunteers were selected as the control. The scores on the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) and the WBC count, pH value and UA level in EPS were evaluated for all the three groups.

RESULTSThe EPS UA concentration was (257.02 +/- 144.84) micromol/L in Group III B, significantly higher than in Group III A, (159. 73 +/- 121.49) micromol/L, (P < 0.01), and the control, (78.55 +/- 44.53) micromol/L, (P < 0.01). The level of EPS UA was correlated negatively with pH value (r = -0.398, P = 0.000), but positively with CPSI-P, CPSI-U and CPSI-T (r = 0.436, 0.316 and 0.403, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBackflow of urine into prostatic ducts might cause chemical inflammation reaction by increasing UA concentration. There is a close relationship between the UA level in EPS and chronic prostatitis symptoms. Determination of the UA level in EPS is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate ; pathology ; secretion ; Prostatitis ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Uric Acid ; analysis