Objective To study the mechanism of pregnancy immune tolerance induced by adoptive transferring of FasL gene-modified dendritic cells(DC). Methods The mouse models of spontaneous abortion(CBA/J ? DBA/2) and normal pregnancy(CBA/J ? BALB/c) were established.Five different experimental groups were included: mice of normal pregnancy(CBA/J?BALB/c)(n=17),served as control group;mice of spontaneous abortion without treatment(CBA/J?DBA/2)(n=37),mice injected with DC culture medium(DCCM)(n=25);mice immunized with empty plasmid pcDNA3.1-DC(n=6);and mice immunized with pcDNA3.1-FasL-DC(n=5).Embryo resorption rates of pregnant mice in each groups were observed.Annexin V-FITC was used to detect the apoptosis of T cells.Immunohistochemical staining(SABC) was used to detect the expression of FasL in decidual membranes of pregnant mice. ResultsThe embryo resorption rate of mice immunized with FasL-DC was decreased significantly as compared with that of mice of spontaneous abortion without treatment,DCCM group and immunized with pcDNA3.1-DC(P0.05). Conclusion The decreased apoptosis rate of peripheral T cells and the reduced expression of FasL in decidual membranes may be an important mechanism for the pathogenesis of abortion.Adoptive transfer of FasL gene-modified DC may induce pregnancy immune tolerance by increasing FasL expression of maternal-fetal interface and decreasing embryo resorption rate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the comprehensive treatment of stage-IIIb testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) based on the chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin (BEP) and nerve-sparing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (nsLRPLND).

METHODSWe reported a case of stage-IIIb testicular NSGCT, analyzed the clinical data and treatment methods and reviewed the relevant literature.

RESULTSThe patient underwent chemotherapy with etoposide (0. 18 g/d for the first 3 days), cisplatin (30 mg/d for the first 5 days), and bleomycin (30 mg/d on day 2, 9 and 16) for 3 cycles, followed by nsLRPLND. Both chemotherapy and surgery were successfully performed. The operation time was 175 min, with intraoperative blood loss of 50 ml, but no severe perioperative complications. No recurrence and distant metastasis were found during the 6-month follow-up after surgery.

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive treatment based on BEP chemotherapy and nsRPLND can be used as an option for stage-IIIb testicular NSGCT.

Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; methods ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Testicular Neoplasms ; therapy

The anaerobic granular sludge from an Internal Circulation (IC) reactor of a paper mill wastewater treatment plant were seeded in an Anammox upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor. After 185 days operation, the reactor was finally started up by increasing the influent ammonium and nitrite concentrations to 224 mg/L and 255 mg/L, respectively, with volumetric nitrogen removal rate increasing to 3.76 kg/(m3·d). The physicochemical characteristics of the cultivated Anammox granules were observed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results suggested that during the start-up course, the granular sludge initially disintegrated and then re-aggregated. FTIR spectra results revealed that the Anammox granular sludge contained abundant functional groups, indicating that it may also possess good adsorption properties. The ecological structure of the granular sludge, analyzed by the metagenomic sequencing methods, suggested that the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial community in the seeding sludge, i.e., Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, significantly reduced, while Planctomycetes which contains anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria remarkably increased from 1.59% to 23.24% in the Anammox granules.
Ammonia ; chemistry ; Bacteria ; Bioreactors ; Nitrogen ; chemistry ; Sewage ; microbiology ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; methods ; Waste Water ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the relationship of plasma homocysteine with the genotype distribution of MTHFR and MTRR among Chinese Han women in Xiangtan. Methods MTHFR C677T, A1298C and MTRR A66G geno?typing was analyzed to detect the distribution of gene polymorphisms among 1 701 women from Xiangtan city then the data were compared with the rest of the Han women in Zibo, Zhengzhou, Yantai, Zhenjiang, Songzi, Huizhou, Qionghai. Plasma Hcy levels from 110 patients were measured and analyzed the correlation with gene polymorphisms. Results The frequency of MTHFR C677T genotype and allele frequencies in Xiangtan is 12.6%which is higher than Huizhou (10.9%) and Qionghai (6.1%) but lower than Zibo (43.6%), Zhengzhou (36.8%), Yantai (32.2%), Zhenjiang (21.8%) with statistically significant dif?ference (P<0.05). There is no significant different in MTHFR C677T between Xiangtan and Songzi. The frequency of MTH?FR A1298C genotype and allele frequencies in Xiangtan is 4.8%which is lower than Qionghai(7.1%)but higher than Zibo (1.4%),Zhengzhou(2.4%), Yantai(1.8%), Zhenjiang(3.5%)and Songzi(2.6%)with statistically significant difference. The frenquency of MTRR A66G genotype and allele frequencies in Xiangtan is 6.8%which is higher than Zibo (4.8%) but lower than Qionghai (9.3%) with statistically signifcant difference. Plasma Hcy concentration correlate with MTHFR C677T, Hcy concentration in TT population is higher than that in CT and CC population(μmol/L:8.52±2.01 vs 5.94±1.47 vs 5.71± 0.18);Plasma Hcy concentration also correlate with MTHFR A1298C and Hcy concentration in CC population is higher than AA and AC population(μmol/L:9.83 ± 2.26 vs 6.35 ± 2.13 vs 5.55 ± 1.75);Plasma Hcy concentration does not correlate with MTRR A66G. Conclusion The gene polymorphism of MTHFR C677T, A1298C and MTRR A66G among the Han women in Xiangtan was statistically different from other selected regions of China. Mutation in MTHFR C 677T and A1298C were associated with elevated plasma levels of Hcy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy with open pyloromyotomy in treatment of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis(CHPS). METHODS: Fifteen patients (age 20%ape;90 days, body weight 2.5 approximate, equals 5.0 kg) with CHPS underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (Group I) and 10 patients (age 26 approximate, equals 90 days, body weight 2.8 approximate, equals 4.5 kg) with CHPS underwent open pyloromyotomy (Group II). Ambulatory 24 hr esophageal pH metry and gastroesophageal mamometry were studied in two groups before and after surgery. RESULTS: All patients presented gastroesophageal reflux (GER) before operation and all reflux parameters were significantly decreased after operation (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between two groups in reflux parameters after surgery. Intragastric pressure (GP) significantly reduced in two groups after operation(3.83+/-1.45)mmHg compared with (2.38+/-0.54)mmHg P<0.01 in Group I,(4.52+/-1.96)mmHg compared with (2.38+/-0.72)mmHg P<0.05 in Guoup II). There was no significant difference in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), lower esophageal sphincter length (LESL) before and after operation in two groups. The mean operative time for Group I was (32+/-19) mins, which was close to that of Group II after an initial trail. Oral feeding was started 6 h postoperatively in Group I, which was earlier than that in Group II. No technical failures and complications in Group I were encountered. One wound infection and dehiscense was seen in Group II. CLUSION: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is safe and feasible, which has lesser complication and similar effect of antireflux as open pyloromyotomy.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a technique for decreasing the tension of the nasal floor during the procedures of repairing complete clef lip.

METHODSWith the designation of an inferior turbinate mucosal flap combined with an oral mucosal flap in the splitting side, the tension was effectively decreased and the nasal floor was closed easily. Eighteen patients was selected for the treatment with this technique since 2000. The follow-ups were 10 to 24 months.

RESULTSAll of the patients showed wound healing well with the significant improvement in the donor site.

CONCLUSIONThe above mentioned technique may effectively decrease the tension and be used to close the nasal floor safely. It could also reduce the incidence of the complications.

Cleft Lip ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Nasal Mucosa ; blood supply ; surgery ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surgical Flaps ; supply & distribution ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the potential risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS)-related deaths in Beijing.

METHODSEpidemiological data were collected among the confirmed SARS patients officially reported by Beijing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC), and information was also supplemented by a follow-up case survey. Chi-square test and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTSOld age (over 60 years) was found to be significantly associated with SARS-related deaths in the univariate analysis. Also, history of contacting SARS patients within 2 weeks prior to the onset of illness, health occupation, and inferior hospital ranking as well as longer interval of clinic consulting (longer than 1 day) were the risk factors for SARS-related deaths. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis found four risk factors for SARS-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONOld age (over 60 years) is the major risk factor for SARS-related deaths. Moreover, hospital health workers, the designated hospitals for SARS clinical services and the interval of consulting doctors (less than 1 day) are protective factors for surviving from SARS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; mortality

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and minimally invasive treatment of prostatic utricle cyst.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 9 cases of prostatic utricle cyst, of whom 5 presented with frequent or urgent micturition, 3 with difficult urination or thinning urinary stream, and the other 1 with hemospermia. All the cases underwent ultrasonography and MRI. Transurethral cyst deroofing was performed for 3 of the patients with smaller cysts close to the prostatic urethra, and laparoscopic excision of the prostatic utricle was conducted for the other 6 with bigger cysts behind the prostatic urethra.

RESULTSThe duration of transurethral cyst deroofing ranged from 30 to 50 min and intraoperative bleeding was 20 -70 ml; the mean time of laparoscopic excision of the prostatic utricle was 100 - 150 min and intraoperative bleeding was 30 -50 ml. All the patients were followed up for 3 - 12 months, which revealed normal penile erection and ejaculation, and no urinary tract irritation or difficult urination.

CONCLUSIONUltrasonography and MRI are excellent imaging modalities for accurate depiction of prostatic utricle cyst. Transurethral cyst deroofing is valuable for prostatic utricle cyst close to the prostatic urethra. Laparoscopic excision of the prostatic utricle, owing to its safety, effectiveness, minimal invasiveness, fewer complications and rapid recovery, can be used as the first option for the treatment of prostatic utricle cyst.

Adult ; Cysts ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Prostatic Diseases ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE : To study the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of bear bile powder (BBP) in Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill (STDP) , and to provide scientific evidence for treating atherosclerosis (AS) by its therapeutic characteristics of cool resuscitation.

METHODSAS model was duplicated using ApoE-/- gene knocked mice fed with high-fat diet. Thirty ApoE-/- deficient male mice were divided into four groups according to body weight using random digit table, i.e., the model group (A, n =9), the STDP group (B, n=E7), the STDP without BBP group (C, n =7), and the BBP group (D, n =9). Besides, another 9 C57BL/6J male mice of the same age were recruited as a normal control group (E). All mice in Group B, C, and D were respectively administered with corresponding drugs (30, 30, and 0. 33 mg/kg) by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to mice in Group A and E. All medication lasted for 8 successive weeks. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α), interferon y (IFNγ), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined using biochemical assay. Contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aortic root was detected by dihydroethidum (DHE) fluorescent probe. Expression levels of microRNAs (such as miR-20, miR-21, miR-126, and miR-155) were detected by real-time PCR.

RESULTSThe fluorescence intensity of the aorta was obviously enhanced in Group A. But it was obviously attenuated in Group B, C, and D, and the attenuation was the most in Group B. Compared with Group E, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, oxLDL, and MDA all increased (P <0. 01), GSH contents and SOD activities decreased (P <0. 01), expression levels of miR-126, miR-21, and miR-155 in aorta increased (P <0. 01), and the expression level of miR-20 decreased in Group A (P<0. 01). Compared with Group A, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, oxLDL, and MDA were all down-regulated (P <0. 01), GSH contents and SOD activities were up-regulated (P <0. 01), expression levels of miR-126, miR-21, and miR-155 in aorta were down-regulated in Group B, C, and D (P <0. 01). The expression level of miR20 was up-regulated in Group B and D (P <0. 01). Compared with Group B, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ increased (P <0.01); GSH contents and SOD activities decreased, levels of MDA and oxLDL increased (P <0. 01) in Group C and D. Expression levels of miR-20 and miR-155 were down-regulated in Group C and D (P <0. 01).

CONCLUSIONSSTDP played roles in significantly regulating inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors. Its mechanism might be possibly associated with regulating expressions of miR-126, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-20 in aorta. BBP played significant roles in STDP.

Animals ; Aorta ; Apolipoproteins E ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; Bile ; Cytokines ; Diet, High-Fat ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oxidative Stress ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; drug therapy ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Ursidae

Objective To construct the bait plasmid of HNP-3 mature peptide in yeast two-hybrid system and examine whether the recombinant bait plasmid has self-activating and toxicity effect.Methods Using RT-PCR technique,the cDNA fragments of HNP-3 mature peptide gene were amplified from the extracted RNA in cultured HL-60 cells.The fragment was firstly cloned into pBluescript-SK-II vector,confirmed by sequencing,then sub-cloned into the bait plasmid pGBKT7 and identified with PCR and sequence analysis techniques.The recombinant plasmid was introduced into the yeast cell AH109,and its self-activating and toxicity effect was tested by auxotrophic selective culture.Results DNA sequencing indicated that the inserted fragment in pBluescript-SK-II vector was HNP-3 mature peptide gene sequence,and the sub-cloned recombinant pGBKT7-HNP-3 was no mismatch.The recombinant bait plasmid didn't have self-activating effect and did not show toxicity to yeast AH109 cell.Conclusion The bait plasmid of HNP-3 mature peptide was constructed successfully.This was helpful for investigating the proteins interacting with HNP-3 mature peptide by yeast two-hybrid technique.