Objective:To understand the clinical diagnosis and treatment ability of Chinese and French medical students, so as to improve the education of clinical medicine in China, improve the diagnosis and treatment ability of medical students, and provide reference for improving training quality of medical personnel.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical skills competition of Chinese and French medical students, and the percentages of three categories of students' scores were compared (1 team of general practice residents, 3 teams of Chinese undergraduates, and 3 teams of French undergraduates).Results:In clinical basic skills such as electrocardiogram and imaging interpretation site, the scores of general practice residents were higher than those of Chinese and French undergraduates, and there was no significant difference between Chinese and French undergraduates. In clinical virtual case sites, except for few items in surgery site, general practice residents and Chinese undergraduates were better than French undergraduates in many evaluation items. In the internal medicine site, 6 out of 8 scoring items of French undergraduates were higher than those of Chinese undergraduates. In the medical team comprehensive first-aid site, 8 out of 10 scoring items of Chinese undergraduates were higher than those of French undergraduates.Conclusion:Clinical thinking and decision-making of undergraduates in our university need to be improved compared with that of French students. The general practice residents in our school need to be strengthened in the aspects of clinical thinking, decision-making and the cooperation with emergency team.

The effect of triptolide on proliferation and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells in vitro, as well as the roles of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and IκBα was investigated. The effect of tritptolide on the growth of RPMI-8226 cells was studied by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechest 33258 staining and Annexin V/PI double staining assay. The expression of NF-κB and IκBα was observed by Western blot and confocal microscopy. The results showed that triptolide inactivated NF-κB apoptotic pathway in human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells. Triptolide at nM range induced proliferation inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner and apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in RPMI-8226 cells. Besides, we observed the inhibition of NF-κB /p65 in the nuclear fraction was correlated with the increase in the protein expression of IκBα in the cytosol. These results suggested that triptolide might exhibit its strong anti-tumor effects via inactivation of NF-κB/p65 and IκBα.

OBJECTIVEIn our study, the function of the third-order branches of the mesentenc artery was measured by microvascular ring technique, which can be used to detect microvascular function in some disease related to microvascular dysfunction.

METHODSIsolated, fixed, standardized and then activated the third-order branches of rat mesenteric artery. Microvascular tone was measured by systolic and diastolic drags respectively, with the help of DMT tension apparatus and PowerLab data acquisition system.

RESULTSThe third-order branches of rat mesenteric artery showed excellent response to vasoactive drugs. The contraction effect of norepinephrine (NE) reached 19 in mN. When acetylcholine (Ach) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) of 10(9)-10(5)mol/L was added, vascular tones showed gradient drop: 80% of maximal relaxation when adding ACh, while 95% of maximal relaxation when adding SNP.

CONCLUSIONThe third-order branches of the mesenteric artery function was successfully detected by using microvascular ring technique.

Acetylcholine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Mesenteric Arteries ; drug effects ; physiology ; Nitroprusside ; pharmacology ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Vasoconstrictor Agents ; pharmacology ; Vasodilation ; physiology ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

As an important neurotransmitter, adenosine displays its functions by acting on the adenosine receptors. Recent studies have shown that the distribution, expression and balance among subtypes of adenosine receptors are closely related with cognitive activities, and changes of adenosine receptors play key roles in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. It has been pointed out that prolonged activation of adenosine receptors by high level adenosine may lead to the disturbance of balance among adenosine receptor subtypes. This imbalance mainly performed as increased expression of A2a receptor and decreased expression of A1 receptor, and enhancement of the excitatory signals mediated by A2a receptor and weakened inhibitory signals mediated by A1 receptor. Changes of these two subtypes of adenosine receptors may lead to a lot of disorders of neurological activities which developed into dysfunction of cognition to the end. These findings imply that the potential of maintaining the balance among adenosine receptors on the treatment of AD would facilitate both the revealing of the mechanism and the cure of AD.
Adenosine ; physiology ; Alzheimer Disease ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; physiology ; Receptors, Purinergic P1 ; classification ; physiology

OBJECTIVESK channels are existed in hearts of mouse, rat, and human. Biochemical evidence indicates that SK2 channels are expressed more in atrial than in ventricular tissue. SK channels are highly sensitive to the calcium concentration of the pipette solution. In the present study, performed whole-cell patch clamp was used to detect the calcium sensitivity of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (SK) currents between sinus ryhthm (SR) and auricular fibrillation (AF).

METHODSThe patients who accepted cardiopulmonary bypass were divided into two groups: 21 patients with SR and 8 patients with AF. The enzymatic dissociation method was improved according to the previous research by our lab. The performed whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record SK2 currents in both SR and AF groups at room temperature.

RESULTSThe SK2 current density was (-2.92 +/- 0.35) pA/pF in SR group (n = 6) vs (-6.83 +/- 0.19) pA/pF in AF group at -130 mV (n = 3, P < 0.05). In SR group, the SK2 current densities in calcium concentration of the pipette solution are (-1.43 +/- 0.33) pA/pF (n = 7), (-2.92 +/- 0.35) pA/pF (n = 6), (-10.11 +/- 2.15) pA/pF (n = 8, P < 0.05); In AF group, the SK2 current densities are (-2.17 +/- 0.40) pA/pF (n = 4), (-6.83 +/- 0.19) pA/pF (n = 3), (-14.47 +/- 2.89 pA/pF) (n = 4, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe SK2 currents recorded in this experiment are voltage-independent, inwardly rectifying and apamin-sensitive. When the calcium concentration of the pipette solution is 5 x 10(-7) mol/L, SK2 current density in AF group are significantly larger than those in SR group. It suggests that SK currents involve the cardiomyocytes electric remodeling in AF. In AF group, the SK2 currents are more sensitive to free calcium ion. It shows that the increased sensitivity of SK2 currents to the calcium contribute to the occurrence and maintenance of AF.

Atrial Fibrillation ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Heart Atria ; metabolism ; Humans ; Membrane Potentials ; physiology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated ; physiology

This study investigated the effects of hyperoxia on dynamic changes of thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) and thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) in alveolar type II epithelial cells (AECII) of premature rats. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed on day 19 of gestation. AECII were isolated and purified from the lungs of premature rats. When cultured to 80% confluence, in vitro cells were randomly divided into air group and hyperoxia group. Cells in the hyperoxia group were continuously exposed to 95% O(2)/5% CO(2) and those in the air group to 95% air/5% CO(2). After 12, 24 and 48 h, cells in the two groups were harvested to detect their reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, TrxR1 activity and the expressions of Trx1 and TrxR1 by corresponding protocols, respectively. The results showed that AEC II exposed to hyperoxia generated excessive ROS and the apoptosis percentage in the hyperoxia group was increased significantly at each time points as compared with that in the air group (P<0.001). Moreover, TrxR1 activity was found to be markedly depressed in the hyperoxia group in comparison to that in the air group (P<0.001). RT-PCR showed the expressions of both Trx1 and TrxR1 mRNA were significantly increased in AECII exposed to hyperoxia for 12 and 24 h (P<0.01), respectively. At 48 h, the level of Trx1 mRNA as well as that of TrxR1 mRNA in the hyperoxia group was reduced and showed no significant difference from that in the air group (P>0.05). Western blotting showed the changes of Trx1 protein expressions in the hyperoxia group paralleled those of Trx1 mRNA expressions revealed by RT-PCR. It was concluded that hyperoxia can up-regulate the protective Trx1/TrxR1 expressed by AECII in a certain period, however, also cause dysfunction of the cytoplasmic thioredoxin system by decreasing TrxR1 activity, which may contribute to the progression of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis and finally result in lung injury.

Objective To evaluate the conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in diagnosis of splenic trauma including its grading diagnosis. Methods US and CEUS in 42 patients with splenic trauma confirmed by CT and/or operation were performed during 9.2004-10.2007. All the data were compared and analyzed retrospectively. Results Of 42 patients with splenic trauma, 28 cases were detected and 14 cases were missed on US examination, whereas, 40 cases were detected and only 2 mild cases were missed on CEUS examination. The detection rate of lesions with CEUS was significantly higher than that of US (P<0.001) . Ten cases in grading the injury were underestimated by US, however, none of them were underestimated by CEUS. CEUS had good concordance with CT and/or operation in grading diagnosis of 42 cases except two mild cases. Conclusions CEUS has very good concordance with CT and/or operation in detecting injury and grading the splenic trauma compared with conventional US. CEUS as a new imaging technology has made great advance of ultrasoongraphy in evaluation of splenic trauma including injury grading,and it is very useful in clinical application.

Objective To comprehensively study the oxidative stress of bone tissue in rats with chronic fluorosis treated with anti-oxidant,the oxidative damage of lipid,protein and DNA.Methods Forty Wistar rats weaned 2 weeks were randomized by weight and divided into 4 groups according to body weight,control group (treated with tap water) and 3 NaF (sodium fluoride) exposure groups (treated with NaF at 50,150 and 250 mg/L),5 female rats and 5 male rats in each group.NaF was given through drinking water.After 6 months of treatment,a 12-hour urine samples were collected,then rats were killed,serum was collected,right rear tibiofibula was separated.Bone and urinary fluoride content and incidence rate of dental fluorine were studied and the levels of bone tissue suppression function of hydroxy free radical,superoxide dismutase (SOD),catalase (CAT),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG),protein carbonyls (PCO),and malonaldehyde (MDA) were assayed.Results ① Results of suppression function of hydroxy free radical:The difference of bone tissue suppression function of hydroxy free radical among control [(22.99 ± 4.31)U/mg prot],low-excess dose [(22.76 ± 8.11)U/mg prot],medium-excess dose [(13.47 ± 4.56)U/mg prot] and high-excess dose [(19.40 ± 5.92)U/mg prot] groups was statistically significant (F =5.01,P ＜0.05).②Results of SOD:The difference of bone tissue SOD among control [(5.06 ± 1.16)U/mg prot],low-excess dose [(5.32 ± 1.18)U/mg prot],medium-excess dose [(3.71 ± 0.72)U/mg prot] and high-excess dose [(4.80 ± 1.10)U/mg prot] groups was statistically significant (F =4.44,P ＜0.05).③ Results of CAT:The difference of bone tissue CAT among control [(25.20 ± 5.91)U/mg prot],low-excess dose [(22.53 ± 7.10) U/mg prot],medium-excess dose [(17.96 ± 4.71)U/mg prot] and high-excess dose [(19.52 ± 5.52)U/ mg prot] groups was statistically significant (F =2.85,P ＜0.05).④Results of GSH-Px:The differences of bone tissue GSH-Px among control [(52.86 ± 12.88)U/mg prot],low-excess dose [(70.05 ± 15.72)U/mg prot],medium-excess dose [(51.55 ± 6.97)U/mg prot] and high-excess dose [(57.47 ± 10.99) U/mg prot] groups was statistically significant (F =4.89,P ＜0.05).⑤Results of PCO:The differences of bone tissue PCO among control [(58.73 ± 20.86)ng/L],low-excess dose [(89.41 ± 26.20)ng/L],medium-excess dose [(97.07 ± 22.24)ng/L] and highexcess dose [(83.96 ± 29.55)ng/L] groups was statistically significant (F =4.43,P ＜0.05).⑥Results of 8-OHdG:The differences of bone tissue 8-OHdG among control [(87.66 ± 6.32)ng/L],low-excess dose [(86.31± 6.30)ng/L],medium-excess dose [(92.17 ± 4.28)ng/L] and high-excess dose [(88.02 ± 6.14)ng/L] groups was not statistically significant (F =1.88,P ＞ 0.05).⑦Results of MDA:The differences of bone tissue MDA among control [(3.70 ± 1.73) nmol/mg prot],low-excess dose [(2.10 ± 0.95)nmol/mg prot],medium-excess dose [(3.32± 2.20)nmol/mg prot] and high-excess dose [(2.71 ± 2.18)nmol/mg prot] groups was not statistically significant (F =1.37,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The activity of SOD and CAT of bone tissue are inhibited and suppression function of hydroxy free radical is decreasing under fluorosis influence,which results in protein damage.Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the mechanisms of skeletal fluorosis.

Objective:We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in women. Methods:The clinical data of 1,034 female patients with thyroid nodules between January 2003 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were from Yunnan Province, China. A database was established in Excel. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted by using SPSS 17.0. Results:Female patients with DTC were younger than those with thyroid nodule disease or benign thyroid disease (BTD). The results of univariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative mean level of serum thyrotropin was higher in patients with DTC than in patients with BTD (P=0.034). The positive ratios of thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), and thyrotrophin receptor antibody (TRAb) were higher in patients with DTC than in patients with BTD (P<0.001). The positive ratio of the coexistence of DTC with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT;13.3%) or with lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT;4.2%) was higher in patients with DTC than in patients with BTD and HT/LT (P<0.001). The ratio of the patients whose age of menarche was≤13 years, with≤2 of births, or were in pre-menopausal condition in the DTC group was higher than that in the BTD group. The results of multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that age<45 years, nodal size<1 cm, and thyroglobulin increase were protective factors of DTC with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.06, 0.377, and 0.431, respectively. An abnormal increase in TGAb and TRAb was an independent risk factor of female patients with DTC with ORs of 4.949 and 23.001, respectively. Conclusion:Female patients aged 35 years to 44 years and with thyroid nodules were included in a high-risk group of DTC. Serous thyroid-stimulating hormone 1evel and coexistence with HT were positively correlated with the risk of DTC in females. Early menarche, late menopause, and low number of births were associated with the incidence of DTC in females. Age<45 years, nodal diameter<1 cm, and increase in thyroglobulin were protective factors of DTC in female. An abnormal increase in TGAb and TRAb was an independent risk factor of female DTC.

Objective To study the applicability of a new analytical specification defined in WS/T 403-2012 in the external quality assessment schemes and the external comparision of internal quality control .Methods It was a quality management method study.Total error allowable criterions listed in WS/T 403-2012 and GB/T 20470-2006 were selected to assess the results of 23 analytes in the 1st challenge of 2013 routine chemistry external quality assessment.The acceptable rate of 23 analytes were calculated with the two specifications.Criterions of imprecision derived from the two standards were applied to assess the coefficient of variation with internal quality control data.Results With the specification based on WS/T 403-2012, the ratio of laboratories that all five samples were passed in the 1st challenge for 23 analytes ranged from 55.5%to 94.7%.The ratio of laboratories with 80%or more samples passed in 2013 EQA ranged from 73.9%to 98.5%.While ratios of two kinds described above evaluated based on GB /T 20470-2006 ranged from 63.0%to 99.2%, and from 90.0% to 99.7%, respectively.The acceptable rate of CV according to the two criterions ranged from 55.5% to 94.7% and 63.0% to 99.2%, respectively.Conclusions As evaluation criterions of external quality assessment allowable total error and internal quality control imprecision in routine chemistry , the specification in WS/T 403-2012 can be used to assess the analytical performance of clinical laboratory more objectively and comprehensively.It can help laboratories to identify the latent problems for further quality improvement.