Background and purpose:Previous researches have shown that intravenous amino acid infusion during general anaesthesia prevents the decreases in core temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of amino acid infusion on postoperative liver and renal function in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Methods:Forty ASAⅠ orⅡ patients (33 males, 7 females) aged 65-75 years undergoing elective gastrointestinal can-cer operation under epidural block combined with general anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=20 each). GroupⅠ received intravenous infusion of mixed amino acids at a rate of 2 mL·(kg·h) -1 from induction of anesthesia to the end of operation (AA group); GroupⅡ received infusion of equal volume of normal saline (NS group). Snuff temperature was monitored for induction of anesthesia immediately, after 90 min and at closed abdomen. Renal and hepatic function was performed regularly before operation and on the 1st and 7th postoperative day.Results:The naso-pharyngeal temperatures at 90 min after the beginning of surgery and the time when the peritoneum was closed in AA group were signiifcantly higher than those in NS group (P<0.05). Hepatic and renal function indices were within the normal range in the AA and NS groups. There were signiifcant increases in TBIL, DBIL, ALT, and AST (P<0.05) after operation, whereas TP, ALB, BUN, Scr and UA decreased signiifcantly (P<0.05). There were no signiifcant differences in hepatic and renal function indices between the AA and NS groups (P>0.05).Conclusion:Intraoperative amino acid infusion has no signiifcant effects on the renal or hepatic function in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of PCR utilizing 16S-23S rRNA gene spacer regions in the identification of bacteria. METHODS Primers used in PCR were designed by using the target sequences from the genes encoding 16S-23S rRNA spacer regions. PCR was used for the detection of different standard and clinical bacterial strains. RESULTS Characteristic DNA maps were present after using the PCR to identify 27 standard strains from 27 species. The maps could be directly used for classification of the tested bacterial strains or further differentiated by RFLP. The sensitivity of the PCR may be as high as 2.5 CFU/ml. No non-specific amplification products were observed when using DNA from human PBMC funguses or viruses as templates. Thirty-two strains of bacteria isolated from clinical strains showed DNA maps similar to the DNA maps amplified from standard strains. CONCLUSION The PCR detection of bacteria using 16S-23S rRNA gene spacer regions is sensitive, rapid, specific and accurate for identification of bacteria and provides a new rapid method for determining the clinical diagnosis and the etiology of sepsis.

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical usefulness, accuracy, and safety of tele-manipulation for frameless stereotactic surgery using the CAS-R-5 robot system.

METHODSWe prospectively evaluated 32 patients underwent tele-manipulation of frameless stereotactic operations from Sep. 2005 to Sep. 2006. Tele-manipulations were performed via a digital data network by a neurosurgeon in Beijing while the patients were located in Yan'an. The distance is 1300 kilometers away. The accuracy of location and improvement of symptom were observed after operation. The period of follow-up was from 3 to 14 months (the average was 12 months).

RESULTSThe surgical operations in 32 cases were successful. Remote fiducial registration was performed with a mean accuracy of 1. 50 mm and the standard difference were 0.32 mm between the planned and actual target. There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONSDiagnosis and treatment for intracranial disease by tele-manipulation frameless stereotactic surgeries are reliable and safe.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain ; pathology ; surgery ; Brain Diseases ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Retrospective Studies ; Robotics ; methods ; Stereotaxic Techniques ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDFew reports have evaluated the efficacy of re-operation for relapse after initial surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct thrombosis (BDT). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of initial surgery and subsequent re-operation for HCC with BDT, and their effects on prognosis.

METHODSThe clinical data of 880 patients with HCC, including 28 patients with BDT, who underwent radical hepatectomy between 1998 and 2008 in our hospital, were reviewed. The effects of BDT and re-operation on prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThe 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 89.3%, 46.4% and 21.4%, respectively, in 28 patients with BDT versus 91.4%, 52.9% and 20.9% in 852 patients without BDT (P>0.05). Six patients with BDT underwent re-operation after disease relapse, and their survival time was significantly longer than those who did not undergo re-operation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that portal vein invasion and tumor size were independently associated with tumor relapse and prognosis (P<0.05). Univariate analysis and multivariate analyses showed that obstructive jaundice was not significantly correlated with tumor relapse or prognosis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHepatectomy plus BDT removal is an effective treatment option for HCC with BDT. Obstructive jaundice is not a contraindication for surgery. Re-operation after relapse can provide good outcomes if the cases are appropriately selected.

Adult ; Bile Ducts ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Thrombosis ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVENaFeEDTA was considered as a promising iron fortificant for controlling iron deficiency anemia. Soy sauce is a suitable food carrier for iron fortification and is a popular condiment in China. Iron absorption rates of NaFeEDTA and FeSO4 were observed and compared in adult female subjects.

METHODSThe stable isotope tracer method was used in Chinese females consuming a typical Chinese diet. Ten healthy young Chinese women were selected as subjects in the 15-day study. A plant-based diet was used based on the dietary pattern of adult women in the 1992 National Nutrition Survey. Six milligram of 54Fe in 54FeSO4 soy sauce and 3 mg 58Fe in Na58FeEDTA soy sauce were given to the same subjects in two days. Food samples and fecal samples were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSIron absorption rates of NaFeEDTA and FeSO4 were 10.51% +/- 2.83 and 4.73% +/- 2.15 respectively. The 58Fe (NaFeEDTA) absorption was significantly higher than that of 54Fe (FeSO4) (P < 0.01). The iron absorption rate from NaFeEDTA was 1.2 times higher than that from FeSO4 in Chinese adult women consuming a typical Chinese diet.

CONCLUSIONThe higher absorption rate of NaFeEDTA suggested that NaFeEDTA would be a better iron fortificant used in soy sauce for the controlling of iron deficiency anemia in China.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; Edetic Acid ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Ferric Compounds ; pharmacokinetics ; Ferrous Compounds ; pharmacokinetics ; Food, Fortified ; Humans ; Iron ; pharmacokinetics ; Soy Foods

BACKGROUNDCartilage repair is a challenging research area because of the limited healing capacity of adult articular cartilage. We had previously developed a natural, human cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived scaffold for in vivo cartilage tissue engineering in nude mice. However, before these scaffolds can be used in clinical applications in vivo, the in vitro effects should be further explored.

METHODSWe produced cartilage in vitro using a natural cartilage ECM-derived scaffold. The scaffolds were fabricated by combining a decellularization procedure with a freeze-drying technique and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological staining, cytotoxicity assay, biochemical and biomechanical analysis. After being chondrogenically induced, the induction results of BMSCs were analyzed by histology and Immunohisto-chemistry. The attachment and viability assessment of the cells on scaffolds were analyzed using SEM and LIVE/DEAD staining. Cell-scaffold constructs cultured in vitro for 1 week and 3 weeks were analyzed using histological and immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTSSEM and micro-CT revealed a 3-D interconnected porous structure. The majority of the cartilage ECM was found in the scaffold following the removal of cellular debris, and stained positive for safranin O and collagen II. Viability staining indicated no cytotoxic effects of the scaffold. Biochemical analysis showed that collagen content was (708.2-44.7) µg/mg, with GAG (254.7 ± 25.9) µg/mg. Mechanical testing showed the compression moduli (E) were (1.226 ± 0.288) and (0.052 ± 0.007) MPa in dry and wet conditions, respectively. Isolated canine bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) were induced down a chondrogenic pathway, labeled with PKH26, and seeded onto the scaffold. Immunofluorescent staining of the cell-scaffold constructs indicated that chondrocyte-like cells were derived from seeded BMSCs and excreted ECM. The cell-scaffold constructs contained pink, smooth and translucent cartilage-like tissue after 3 weeks of culture. We observed evenly distributed cartilage ECM proteoglycans and collagen type II around seeded BMSCs on the surface and inside the pores throughout the scaffold.

CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that a cartilage ECM scaffold holds much promise for in vitro cartilage tissue engineering.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cartilage ; cytology ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Dogs ; Extracellular Matrix ; physiology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

The prM/E gene of DV2 was cloned into the JEV (SA14-14-2 strain) replicon vector which had been constructed previously, and the resulting recombinant plasmid was named pPartialdeltaprM/E. The constructed chimeric clone was linearized and then was transcripted into RNA in vitro. The produced RNA was transfected into BHK-21 cells. Five to seven days later, CPE could be observed on the transfected BHK-21cells, and then the supernatant containing the chimeric virus was collected. The Supernatant was inoculated to BHK-1 cells and C6/36 cells, respectively. CPE could be observed about 4 days post the infection of C6/36cell with the chimeric virus. The results from RT-PCR, IFA, Western blot showed that the virus contained the chimeric RNA and the envelop protein of DV2. However, the chimeric virus could not be passaged in BHK-21 cell. The successful construction of the infectious clone JE/DEN-2 laid the basis for the further research of the DV vaccine.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Cricetinae ; Dengue Virus ; genetics ; Encephalitis Viruses, Japanese ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Reassortant Viruses ; genetics ; Recombination, Genetic ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To observe the ability of dengue virus recombinant envelope protein domain expressed in E. coil to inhibit virus infection and induce the neutralizing antibody. Methods E Ⅲ protein of Dengue virus serotypes 1-4 were expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) then purified. Recombinant proteins were tested to inhibit DV2 from infecting BHK-21 cell. Rabbits were immunized with recombinant proteins to produce anti-E Ⅲserum. Antibody titers were determined by neutralizing assay. Results The recombinant E Ⅲ proteins of Dengue virus serotypes 1-4 were expressed in E. coli. They effectively protected BHK cells in culture against DV2infection. All four type anti-E Ⅲ sera can neutralize DV2 but their efficacies are different. Conclusion E Ⅲproteins of dengue virus expressed in E. coli can directly inhibit DV2 infection. Neutralizing antibodies were induced by E Ⅲ proteins. Both E Ⅲ protein of dengue virus and the neutralizing antibodies they induced are more efficient in inhibiting homologous dengue serotypes infection than heterologous serotypes.

Objective To secreted express envelope glycoprotein (E) of dengue virus type 2 extracellularly. Methods The entire prM/E gene was amplified by RT-PCR. An optimized signal sequence gene from Japanese encephalits virus (JEV, SA14-14-2 strain) was introduced using fusion PCR. The impact of E protein transmembrane and cytoplasmatic domains was compared by amplifying prM and E with full length of E gene, with 20% truncation of the E gene at 3' terminus and one chimeric gene, which was generated by replacing the 3' terminal 20% region of E gene with the corresponding sequence of JEV ( SA14-14-2 strain). The PCR segments were inserted into the NheI and Notl sites of pcDNA5/FRT vector or into the Nhel and Xhol sites of pAcUW51-M. Then they were transfected into 293T cells or St9 cells respectively. The expression and secretion of E protein were detected by immunofluorescence assay ( IFA ) and Western Blot. Results After transected into 293T cells or St9 cells, all constructs expressed E protein intracellularly indentified by IFA while only two plasmids could secret detectable E protein into tissue culture using Western Blot analysis. Conclusion Signal peptide as well as the transmemhrane and cytoplasmatic domains is crucial for the secretion of dengue E protein.

Objective:To observe the effect of modified Bazhentang on the nutritional status and immune function of patients with Qi and blood deficiency syndrome in neoadjuvant chemotherapy （NAC） for gastric cancer. Method:One hundred and ten patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 55 cases each. Both groups accepted FOLFOX6 protocol. Patients in control group took Jianpi Shengxue tablets orally， 3 tablets/time， 3 times/day. Patients in observation group received modified Bazhentang， 1 dose/day. The course of treatment was six weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment， scores were graded according to patient generated-subjective global assessment （PG-SGA）， Qi and blood deficiency syndrome， and the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale （PFS-R）. Levels of serum total protein （TB）， albumin （ALB）， prealbumin （PAB）， CD4⁺， CD8⁺， helper T lymphocyte 17 （Th17）， regulatory T cell （Treg）， immunoglobulin G （IgG）， IgM， and IgA were detected before and after therapy. Body mass index （BMI） and fat free mass index （FFMI） were measured before and after treatment. Weight loss was recorded， and the acute or subacute toxicity of anticancer drugs was evaluated. Result:The degree of malnutrition in the observation group was lower than that in the control group （Z=2.401，P<0.01）. The levels of TB， ALB and PAB in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.01）. The CD4⁺， Treg and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.01）. The CD8⁺， Th17 and Th17/Treg levels were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01）. Besides， the levels of IgM and IgA in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.01）. The PG-SGA score and weight loss in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01）. The BMI and FFMI data of the observation group were higher than those of the control group （P<0.05）. The scores of PFS-R and Qi-blood deficiency syndrome were lower than those of the control group （P<0.01）. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in the observation group was 45.45% （25/55）， lower than 65.45% （36/55） in the control group （χ²=4.452，P<0.05）. Conclusion:Modified Bazhentang can be used to assist gastric cancer patients with NAC， which can improve nutritional status and immune function， promote immune balance， reduce clinical symptoms and fatigue， and reduce chemotherapy toxicity and side effects， so it is worthy of clinical use.