OBJECTIVEThis study aims to construct a long-term, osteogenesis-targeting HU-308 drug delivery implant by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly (LBL) technique, and observe the features of its delayed release in vitro.

METHODSA heparin (Hep) and chitosan (Chi) multilayer was coated on pure titanium using the LBL technique, and the titanium implants were dipped into the solution to load HU-308. The amount of loaded drug and release rates were measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The relationships between the loading efficiency, release time, and multilayer films were evaluated. The morphology of all the multilayers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

RESULTSThe results showed that the Hep/Chi self-assembly multilayer was gradually fabricated on the titanium surface. HU-308 was successfully loaded on the titanium implants. The amount of loaded drug increased with the amount of multilayer films, except in the T20 group. In vitro drug release study showed that drug release was more difficult in the system with thicker films, and large amounts of multilayer films decreased the release speed. Both SEM and AFM measurements showed typical LBL deposition of Hep and Chi.

CONCLUSIONThe HU-308 drug delivery implant is successfully fabricated via LBL technology. It could provide sustained release of HU-308 over 30 d. This type of implant may provide a new possi- bility of promoting implant-bone osseointegration for osteoporotic patients.

Cannabinoids ; Chitosan ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Osseointegration ; Osteogenesis ; Prostheses and Implants ; Titanium

Objective This study aims to construct a long-term, osteogenesis-targeting HU-308 drug delivery implant by the layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly (LBL) technique, and observe the features of its delayed release in vitro. Methods A heparin (Hep) and chitosan (Chi) multilayer was coated on pure titanium using the LBL technique, and the titanium implants were dipped into the solution to load HU-308. The amount of loaded drug and release rates were measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The relationships between the loading efficiency, release time, and multilayer films were evaluated. The morphology of all the multilayers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results The results showed that the Hep/Chi self-assembly multilayer was gradually fabricated on the titanium surface. HU-308 was successfully loaded on the titanium implants. The amount of loaded drug increased with the amount of multilayer films, except in the T20 group. In vitro drug release study showed that drug release was more difficult in the system with thicker films, and large amounts of multilayer films decreased the release speed. Both SEM and AFM measurements showed typical LBL deposition of Hep and Chi. Conclusion The HU-308 drug delivery implant is successfully fabricated via LBL technology. It could provide sustained release of HU-308 over 30 d. This type of implant may provide a new possibility of promoting implant–bone osseointegration for osteoporotic patients.

ObjectiveTo study the early diagnosis and prevention of fungal infection in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP). Method 1.SAP patients from July 1998 to June 2002 were prospectively randomized into 3 groups: garlicin prevention group, fluconazole (low dosage) prevention group and control group, the incidence of fungal infection in SAP was compared between the groups. For fungal infection patients, the fungal clearance and mortality rate were observed. 2.Clinical data of SAP patients with fungal infection and with simple bacterial infection was compared by multivariate logistic regression, and clinical characters and risk factors of fungal infection were evaluated. Results 1.There were lower incidences of fungal infection in garlicin group (16% vs. 30%,P

HLA genes constitute a highly polymorphic multigene system. In the present study, HLA-B oligonucleotide chips were manufactured by using a set of sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes derived from polymorphic regions in exon 2 and exon 3 of HLA-B gene spotted by microarrayer onto the aldehyde modified glass slides. In addition, the sequenced HLA-B gene clones used as standard samples were amplified from exon 2 and exon 3 by PCR. Together with the correct hybridization and wash conditions, the PCR products were bound with the array probes on the chip, and the hybridization patterns were transformed to HLA-B genotypes. The results showed that the genotypes of standard samples by the HLA-B oligonucleotide chips were completely identical with the sequenced clones. In conclusion, the oligonucleotide chip method presented here for HLA-B genotyping is a rapid, accurate, sensitive and attractive high throughput biochemical way.
Genotype ; HLA-B Antigens ; classification ; genetics ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo compare the apical microleakage of Vitapex (calcium hydroxide based paste) with that of AH-plus and zinc oxide eugenol sealer when used with laterally condensed gutta percha obturation technique.

METHODSOne hundred single rooted human anterior teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into three experimental groups (A, B, C) of 30 teeth each and two control groups (D, E) of 5 teeth each. Group A was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using Vitapex as sealer. Group B was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using AH-plus as sealer. Group C was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using zinc oxide eugenol as sealer. Group D was the positive control. Group E was the negative control, which were coated with nail polish to entire root surface. Teeth were then suspended in 2% methylene blue. After this, teeth were demineralized dehydrated and cleared. Linear dye penetration was determined under stereomicroscope with calibrated eye piece.

RESULTSThe mean dye penetration for group A, B, C were respectively (0.57 +/- 0.56) mm, (0.79 +/- 0.96) mm and (1.07 +/- 1.12) mm. Group D demonstrated maximum dye penetration. Group E showed no dye penetration. There was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C (P > 0.05). However, there was statistically significant difference between group A and group B, C (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThis study showed that Vitapex used as endodontic sealer material are better than AH-plus sealer and zinc oxide eugenol sealer.

Calcium Hydroxide ; Dental Leakage ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; Molar ; Root Canal Filling Materials ; Root Canal Obturation ; Silicones ; Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement

OBJECTIVETo explore the determinants of 'signing a agreement for establishing smoke-free homes' among the parents of secondary school students.

METHODS2019 parents were surveyed with self-administered questionnaires on their socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, attitude toward tobacco control at home and related data of their children. At the same time, parents were asked to sign an agreement for making the 'home as smoking-free'. 'Parents signing the agreement' was defined as dependent variable (0=no, 1=yes), and parent's age, gender, educational level, etc. were defined as independent ones. Multi-variant logistic regression analysis was conducted for identifying the determinants of the parents to sign an agreement for establishing 'smoking-free homes'.

RESULTSOf the 2019 surveyed parents, 1047 (51.86%) had signed the agreement including 49.25% of the fathers and 55.73% of the mothers. The results from multi-variant logistic regression analysis indicated that father's 'signing action' was significantly associated with (a) their intention of carrying out the agreements (OR = 3.37), (b) to teach their children about the consequence between smoking and health (OR = 2.10), (c) knowing tobacco control program at school (OR = 1.38), (d) reading tobacco control material provided by school (OR = 1.38), (e) being current smoker (OR = 0.53) compare to that the mother's 'signing action' was significantly associated to (a) intention to carrying out agreements (OR = 2.36), (b) teaching children not to smoke (OR = 2.22), (c) reading tobacco control material provided by school (OR = 1.57).

CONCLUSIONChanging parental cognition and attitude toward smoking was beneficial to promote parental participation in tobacco control campaign and to establish 'smoking-free homes'.

China ; Data Collection ; Female ; Housing ; Humans ; Male ; Parents ; Smoking ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; prevention & control

Perihepatic capsulitis is associated with various diseases, such as Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, perforated cholecystitis, perforated hepatic abscess, and tuberculous peritonitis. Miliary tuberculosis is present in about 2% of all reported cases of tuberculosis and is characterized by the widespread millet-like hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We describe a 24-year-old virgin patient presenting with right upper quadrant and costovertebral angle pain. Diffuse perihepatic capsular enhancement was observed in abdominal computed tomography scans. Chest radiography showed miliary tuberculosis, and a polymerase chain reaction hybridization assay of sputum revealed the presence of M. tuberculosis. Symptoms improved after administering anti-tuberculosis medications. This report describes a rare case of miliary tuberculosis accompanying perihepatitis.
Cholecystitis ; Humans ; Liver Abscess ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Peritonitis, Tuberculous ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Radiography ; Sputum ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Miliary ; Young Adult

Objective To determine the prevention and therapy of fungal infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods Seventy patients with SAP admitted from July,1998 to June,2002 were randomly divided into 3 groups: garlicin prevention group, fluconazole (low dosage) prevention group and control group.The incidence of fungal infection, the fungal clearance and mortality after the treatment were compared. Results The incidence of fungal infection in garlicin group and fluconazole group was lower than that in control group. (16%∶30%,P

OBJECTIVE: To establish a 15-plex rapid STR multiplex amplification system. METHODS: Fourteen auto-chromosome loci and one sex-chromosome were selected to compare the situations of allelic losses and nonspecific amplication under different conditions. FastStart Taq DNA polymerase and DNA standard sample 9947A were used during amplification and optimization process.15-plex rapid STR amplification system was achieved by performing various experiments including selection of amplification conditions and the volume of DNA polymerase, adjustment of inter-locus balance, optimization of rapid amplification, screening of reaction buffers, selection of reaction volume, and a variety of additives. RESULTS: Using 10 μL rapid PCR system, including 1 ng DNA templates, 0.4 μL polymerase and 10xFastStart high fidelity reaction buffer, a complete and well-balance DNA profile of 15 STR loci for standard genomic DNA was obtained in 32 minutes, without the allele drop-out and non-specific amplicons. Meanwhile, 5% glycerinum, 0.01% gelatin, 0.05% gelatin and 5 mmol/L ammonium sulfate could be used as the reactive additive during the amplification procedure. CONCLUSION The 15-plex rapid STR multiplex amplification system can be used to decrease reaction time and enhance sample throughput.
Alleles ; Chromosome Mapping ; DNA/genetics* ; DNA Fingerprinting/methods* ; Forensic Genetics/methods* ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Racial Groups/genetics* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tandem Repeat Sequences

OBJECTIVETo analyze the direct and indirect outcomes of influencing factors on smoking behaviors among adolescents.

METHODSSelf-administered questionnaires were used to collect smoking-related information from 2021 respondents. Measurement models were built by confirmatory factor analysis and parameters were estimated by ERLS method. The final structural equation model was determined by comprehensive evaluation and necessary modification.

RESULTSThree latent variables were extracted from 10 manifest variables of environment, while only one latent variable was identified from 9 manifest variables of attitudes. The goodness of fit for the structural equation model was satisfactory that all indices had met corresponding requirements. The final model could explain 38.8% of the variance of smoking behaviors. Four factors (smoking environment, smoking restriction from parents and teachers, determination of cigarette refusal and attitudes toward smoking) were directly affecting the smoking behaviors, while another three factors (grade, health knowledge and school environment) had indirect impacts. According to the percentages of their contribution, the risk factors were ranked as follows: smoking environment (45.76%), attitudes toward smoking (19.88%) and grade at school (0.44%). Similarly, the top protective factor were: determination of cigarette refusal (16.61%), followed by smoking restriction from parents and teachers (10.51%), health knowledge (3.89%) and school environment (2.92%).

CONCLUSIONSHeath knowledge had minor effect on smoking in adolescents but could indirectly affect their smoking behaviors through changing their belief. Grade at school had a doubled influence on smoking, but mainly served as a risk factor. Tobacco control measures for adolescents should not only be limited to health education but environment factors as well.

Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Smoking ; psychology ; Students