As antigen-presenting cells, DCs are the most potent and unique,they can stimulate the primitive T cells. They play a major role in initiating the immune response. Tumor infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) can reflect the antitumor immune capability of the host. The density of TIDC perhaps is associated with the prognosis in some cancers. The disablement of TIDCS is partly due to the phenotype they have. Perhaps it is the immunosuppressive factors secreted by tumor cells that have changed their phenotype.The studies about TIDCs provide the basis for DC-mediated antitumor immune therapy,and suggest the use of DC to treat tumors through different approaches.

Twenty-three histone methyltransferase genes were obtained from transcriptome dataset of Lonicera japonica. The nucleotide and proteins characteristics, subcellular localization, senior structural domains and conservative forecasting were analyzed. The result of phylogenetic tree showed that 23 histone methyltransferases were mainly divided into two groups: lysine methyltransferase and arginine methyltransferases. The result of gene expression showed that 23 histone methyltransferases showed preference in terms of interspecies and organs. They were more expressed in buds of L. japonica than in L. japonica var. chinensis and lower in leaves of L. japonica than in L. japonica var. chinensis. Eight genes were specific expressed in flower. These results provided basis for further understanding the function of histone methyltransferase and epigenetic regulation of active ingredients of L. japonica.
Computational Biology ; Gene Expression ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase ; genetics ; Lonicera ; enzymology ; genetics ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to investigate the effects of different tooth preparations on the fracture strength and pattern of failure of teeth with severe wedge-shaped defect restored with post and core crowns.

METHODSAccording to whether the teeth above the wedge-shaped defect was removed (represented by B) or not (represented by A), the ferrule next to the wedge-shaped defect was prepared (represented by D) or not (represented by C), the cast post-and-core was chosen (represented by E) or glass-fiber post and resin core was chosen (represented by F). A total of 64 human mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups: A1-1 (A + C + E), A1-2 (A + C + F), A2-1 (A + D + E), A2-2 (A + D + F), B1-1 (B + C + E), B1-2 (B + C + F), B2-1 (B + D + E), B2-2 (B + D + F), each group 8 teeth. All the teeth were prepared and restored accordingly and then mounted on an electronic pressure universal testing machine. The maximum fracture strength and the patterns of failure were recorded.

RESULTS1) The fracture strength of Group A1-1 > that of Group B1-1, Group A1-2 > Group B1-2, Group B2-1 > Group B1-1, and Group B2-1 > Group B2-2 with significant differences (P < 0.05). 2) The patterns of repairable fracture in Group A1-2 and B1-2 were both 37.5%, and that of the other groups were 0. Furthermore, the difference was significant, and Group A1-2 and B1-2 were higher than other groups.

CONCLUSIONThe maintenance of the overhang above the severe wedge-shaped defect aid in the improvement of the fracture strength of the tooth restored with post and core crown. The ferrule of the wedge-shaped defect is not recommended to be prepared. Furthermore, the glass-fiber post and resin core is favorable for the re-repair of the teeth than the cast post and core.

Bicuspid ; Crowns ; Glass ; Humans ; Incisor ; Post and Core Technique ; Tooth Fractures ; Tooth Preparation

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. It is very important to explore the biomarkers for the early prediction of preeclampsia. Some peptides released from placenta, such as soluble Flt-1 and placenta growth factor (PlGF), have been revealed for definite prospects of application. Meanwhile, the recent advances in proteomics, metabolomics and microRNA shed light on searching of new biomarkers for preeclampsia prediction.

Objective To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on dysphagia after stroke.Methods 40 patients with dysphagia after stroke were divided into control group and research group randomly.Both groups were treated with rehabilitation training and medicine.Research group was managed with electrical stimulation in addition.They were assessed with the classification of dysphagia.Results Dysphagia was reduced in both groups,but was better in the research group than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Electrical stimulation can improve the recovery of deglutition.

A total of 12 775 SSRs were identified from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi genomic database, accounting for 2.56% of the total genomic sequences. The result showed that S. baicalensis SSRs were based on 68.32% dinucleotide and 18.63% trinucleotide repeats; CT/GA and TTC/GAA were predominant in the dinucleotide motifs and the trinucleotide motifs respectively. Nine primers were selected to produce highly reproducible SSR bands and were used in studying the genetic diversity of S. baicalensis, 50 individuals from ten populations. 68 SSR polymorphic loci were detected, these loci were polymorphic and displayed 4 to 12 alleles per locus with a mean number of 7; the effect number of alleles was 3. Expected heterozygosities were 0.6 and were far more greater than the average in dicotyledonous plants. PIC (polymorphism information content) was 0.72, Shannon's information index was 1.32, these all proved that S. baicalensis had a high genetic diversity in general. Genetic differentiation among population Gst was 0.131, genetic variation among population accounted for 13.1% and genetic variation within population accounted for 86.9%. The cluster analysis showed that 10 populations S. Baicalensis were classified into 2 groups, but it was not associated with geographical distribution.
Alleles ; Cluster Analysis ; Genetic Variation ; Genomics ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeats

The DNA demethylase genes are widespread in plants. Four DNA demethylase genes (LJDME1, LJDME2, LJDME3 and LJDME4) were obtained from transcriptome dataset of Lonicera japonica Thunb by using bioinformatics methods and the proteins' physicochemical properties they encoded were predicted. The phylogenetic tree showed that the four DNA demethylase genes and Arabidopsis thaliana DME had a close relationship. The result of gene expression model showed that four DNA demethylase genes were different between species. The expression levels of LJDME1 and LJDME2 were even more higher in Lonicera japonica var. chinensis than those in L. japonica. LJDME] and LJDME2 maybe regulate the active compounds of L. japonica. This study aims to lay a foundation for further understanding of the function of DNA demethylase genes in L. japonica.
Computational Biology ; DNA, Plant ; chemistry ; Genes, Plant ; Lonicera ; enzymology ; genetics ; Oxidoreductases, O-Demethylating ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Transcriptome

Objective To evaluate the causes,prevention and treatment ot laparoscopic comphca- tions in urologic surgery.Methods From May 2000 to May 2004,135 urologic laparoscopies were per- formed,including 17 transperitoneal laparoscopies and 118 retroperitoneal laparoscopies.Of the135 cases,26 had adrenal adenoma extirpation;31 had roof-removal and decompression of renal cyst;25 had radical ne- phrectomy;6 had pyeloplasty;2 had partial resection of renal capsula and encapsulation of the great omen- tum;2 had partial nephrectomy;4 had pelviureteral resection;13 had ligation of renal pedicle lymphatic ves- sel;2 had ureterolysis;7 had ureterolithotomy;12 had ligation of spermophlebectasis;5 had exploration,re- duction and fixation of undescended testis.The intra-and post-operative complications were retrospectively reviewed and clinically analyzed.Results Overall,14 cases(10.4%)had complications.Intraoperative complications occurred in 10 cases,including 6 cases of peritoneal injuries,which were clamped during oper- ation;4 of vascular injuries,which resulted in conversion to open surgery.Postoperative complications oc- curred in 4 cases,including 2 of subcutaneous emphysema,which was spontaneously absorbed at 5 and 7 d after operation;1 of incision seepage,which was drained for 40 d and then disappeared;and 1 of urine reten- tion,for which urethral catheterization was kept for 3 d and then the patient had voluntary voiding.No death occurred in this series.Conclusions Understanding the characteristics of laparoscopic complications in u- rologic surgery and systematic training of the surgeons can reduce the occurrence of complications.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) on the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs).

METHODSHRMCs were cultured in vitro with medium containing different doses of AGE-BSA or BSA (50,100, 200, 400 mg/L) for 48 hours, or with AGE-BSA (200 mg/L) for different times (12, 24, 48, 72 h). Immunocytochemistry assay was used to estimate the protein level of RAGE. The ROS in cells were measured by flow cytometry and the mRNA expression of MCP-1 were analyzed by semi-quantiative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after treatment with AGE-BSA or BSA.

RESULTSThe protein level of RAGE was upregulated in the HRMCs with AGE-BSA. The expression of ROS and MCP-1 significantly enhanced by incubation of AGE-BSA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The effects of AGE-BSA-induced up-regulation of ROS and MCP-1 level was significantly blocked by neutralizing antibodies to RAGE, while the expression of ROS and MCP-1 stood nearly unchanged after cultured with huamn IgG.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of ROS and MCP-1 in HRMCs is induced by AGE-BSA through RAGE, which may have potential effects in the pathgenic mechanism of diabetic nephropathy.

Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mesangial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products ; Receptors, Immunologic ; metabolism ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; pharmacology

Basic life support ( BLS ) is a very important clinical skill for medical students. However,current BLS education is lack of proper BLS skills evaluation protocol to give educational feedback both to instructors and students. This article is aimed to discuss the necessity of protocol of skills evaluation in basic life support education for medical students prior to their internship.