Animals ; China ; Elapidae ; Humans ; Male ; Snake Bites ; Snake Venoms ; poisoning ; Young Adult

Background Our previous study determined that expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs)change in the conjuntival fibroblasts of conjunctivochalasis in vitro.To seek a suitable drug is very important in the prevention and treatment of conjunctivochalasis.Objective This study was to explore the effect of qijingmingmu soup on the expressions of MMPs and TIMPs in human conjunctival fibroblasts of conjunctivochalasis.Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomized into two groups.Qijingmingmu soup was administration gastrically for consecutive 3 days,and normal saline solution was given in the same way in the control group.The blood was collected from aortaventralis and drug serum was prepared.Human conjunctival samples were obtained during the surgery of conjunctivochalasis relaxation and cultured in the DMEM containing 10％ fetal bovine serum,20％,15％,10％,5％ of drug serum and 8 ml/L epidermal growth factor(EGF) was added into the medium respectively.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expressions of MMP1,MMP3,TIMP1 and TIMP3in conjunctival fibroblasts.Results Cultured cells grew well with the fusiform shape and showed the positive response for vimentin.The expression value of MMP1 (A value)in the cells was declined after administration of qijingmingmu soup.A significant difference was found in the expression of MMP1 among the control group,20％,15％,10％,5％ drug serum groups and EGF group(F=466.664,P＜0.05),and that in the 10％ ([9.92±0.14] mg/L) and 20％ ([11.87 ±0.11] mg/L) drug serum groups was significantly lowed in comparison with the control group([16.31±0.10] mg/L)(t=99.974,87.394,P＜0.05).The expression value of the MMP3in the cells in the various drug serum groups,EGF group and the control group was significantly different(F=158.168,P＜0.05),with a lower value in the 20％ drug serum group compared with the control group ([3.50±0.03] mg/L vs.[4.44 ± 0.11] mg/L) (t =21.991,P ＜ 0.05).Also,the significantly different expressing value of TIMP1 was seen among all the groups (F=183.508,P＜0.05),and expressing value of TIMP1 in the 15％ drug serum group was(1.88±0.06)mg/L,which was lower than(3.20±0.32) mg/L of the control group(t=10.353,P＜0.05).Furthermore,the expressing value of the TIMP3 in the cells was significantly different among the various groups(F=54.503,P＜0.05),and that of the 20％ drug serum group was (1.743±0.065)mg/L and it was significantly higher than (1.54 ± 0.05) mg/L of the control group (t =5.046,P =0.004).However,the expressing value of TIMP3of the 15％,10％ and 5％ drug serum groups was lower than that of the control group,respectively all at(P＜0.05).Conclusions Qijingmingmu soup drug serum at the concentration of 20％ can down-regulate the expressions of MMP1,MMP3,TIMP1 and up-regulate the expression of TIMP3 in human conjunctivochalasis bulbar conjunctival fibroblastsin vitro,which probably plays preventive and therapeutic effects on conjunctivochalasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the construction of urothelial structure by tissue engineering. METHODS: Fresh bladder of New Zealand white rabbits were processed to prepare the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG) as the scaffold, which was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining and the scanning electronic microscope. Bladder epithelia were obtained by enzymatic digestion and were proliferated in vitro. Growth of cells was observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope, and cells were identified by immunohistochemical method. The bladder epithelia were seeded on BAMG, and the epithelia/BAMG composites were observed by HE staining and the scanning electronic microscope. The composites fabricated in vitro were implanted into nude rats, and were retrieved in 4 and 8 weeks, which were observed by general observation, histological and immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: White semi-transparent membrane appeared in the prepared BAMG, and a fibre mesh structure of the material without residual cells was observed under the scanning electronic microscope. Bladder epithelia cultured in vitro showed a paving stone structure. Immunohistochemical staining with cytokeratin was performed, and brown cellular plasma staining was observed as positive reaction. After the epithelia were seeded on BAMG in vitro for 7 days, the cells fully covered the surface of the framework, showing a single-layer cellular structure. After being implanted into nude rats for 4 weeks and 8 weeks, the epithelia seeded on the BAMG formed a multi-layer structure. CONCLUSION Urothelial structures can be constructed in vitro and in vivo by tissue engineering, which lays a technical foundation for further tissue engineered urinary tract reconstruction experiments.
Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Extracellular Matrix ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Urinary Bladder ; cytology ; Urothelium

OBJECTIVETo assess the biocompatibility of a urethral acellular matrix graft (UAMG) and evaluate its effect in repairing urethral defect in rabbit models.

METHODSThe UAMG was prepared and its structural features were observed using optical and electron microscopy. In vitro cultured rabbit bladder smooth muscle cells were seeded on UAMG and the cell proliferation was observed. The cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract of the UAMG against the cells was evaluated by MTT assay, and its biocompatibility was assessed by implanting the grafts subcutaneously on the back of the rabbits. In 24 male rabbits, a 2-cm urethral defect was induced and repaired with UAMG (experimental group, n=12) or left untreated (control group, n=12). In both groups, the rabbits were sacrificed 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the operation for histological and immunohistochemical examination of the tissue regeneration.

RESULTSThe UAMG had a reticular fibrous structure without cell residues. The bladder smooth muscle cells showed normal proliferation on UAMG with normal cell morphology. The rabbits receiving the implants showed no abnormal response, and the UAMGs gradually degraded in vivo with grade 0 or 1 cytotoxcity showing satisfactory cytocompatibility. In the experimental group, new urethral tissues that were histologically compatible with normal urethral tissues were regenerated in the defect area 12 weeks after UAMG implantation.

CONCLUSIONAs a tissue engineered scaffold material for urethral reconstruction, the UAMG possesses good biocompatibility and can induce the regeneration of urethral epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells.

Animals ; Extracellular Matrix ; transplantation ; Male ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Regeneration ; physiology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Urethra ; injuries ; surgery

Objective To confirm the species of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB)strains collected from our hospital by specific PCR amplification,and further investigate their distribution,antibiotic resistance and molecular classification characteristics.Methods We collected 47 MRAB clinical strains which had been identified by VITEK-2 system,followed by species confirmation using specific primers sp2F,sp4F and sp4R through PCR amplification.Antibiotic resistance characteristics were detected using VITEK-2 system.And the homology of MRAB isolates was analyzed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST).Results We confirmed 46 out of 47 strains as A .baumannii .All of them were multidrug-resistant strains,and the majority of them were found in sputum samples from patients in intensive care units (ICUs).MLST analysis found 4 ST types,namely ST195,ST218,ST368 and ST208.The last two types had the closest genetic relationship.Conclusion SpecificPCR amplification is a rapid and accurate method to identify A .baumannii .The MRAB strains in our hospital are mainly distributed in ICUs and are susceptible to only a few antibiotics such as tigecycline.

Purpose: This study assessed the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) biomarkers and the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system and the prognostic values of IgG antibodies against replication and transcription activator (Rta-IgG), IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1, and BamH1 Z transactivator (Zta-IgA) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Materials and Methods: Serum EBV antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 435 newly diagnosed stage III-IVA NPC patients administered intensity-modulated radiation therapy±chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Rta-IgG and Zta-IgA levels were positively correlated with the N category and clinical stage. Patients with high Rta-IgG levels (> 29.07 U/mL) showed a significantly inferior prognosis as indicated by PFS (77% vs. 89.8%, p=0.004), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) (88.3% vs. 95.8%, p=0.021), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (91.2% vs. 98.3%, p=0.009). High Rta-IgG levels were also significantly associated with inferior PFS and LRFS in multivariable analyses. In the low-level EBV DNA group (≤ 1,500 copies/mL), patients with high Rta-IgG levels had significantly inferior PFS and DMFS (both p < 0.05). However, in the high-level EBV DNA group, Rta-IgG levels were not significantly associated with PFS, DMFS, and LRFS. In the advanced T category (T3-4) subgroup, high Rta-IgG levels were also significantly associated with inferior PFS, DMFS, and LRFS (both p < 0.05). Conclusion Rta-IgG and Zta-IgA levels were strongly correlated with the TNM classification. Rta-IgG level was a negative prognostic factor in locoregionally advanced NPC patients, especially those with advanced T category or low EBV DNA level.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) with the polymorphism of the CYP2E1 gene, smoking and drinking, and to explore the joint role of genes and living habits in PCa pathogenesis.

METHODSWe conducted a case-control study on 109 PCa patients and 202 age-matched non-PCa male controls, and detected the polymorphisms of CYP2E1 Rsa I and Pst I sites by PCR-RFLP using DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes.

RESULTSThe history of deep smoking (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.28 - 4.09) or heavy smoking (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02 - 3.22) was a risk factor. The CYP2E1 C1/C1 genotype significantly increased the risk of PCa (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.82) and apparently interacted with drinking (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.06 - 4.59). Heavy smokers with the C1/C1 genotype showed an increased risk of PCa (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.20 - 6.56), as compared with non-smokers carrying the genotype of C1/C2 or C2/C2.

CONCLUSIONThe risk of PCa obviously increases in individuals with both the CYP2E1 C1/C1 genotype and the habit of smoking or drinking, and it has a significant positive correlation with the dose of tobacco exposure.

Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Smoking ; epidemiology ; genetics

The study was to investigate the hemorheologyic changes of group A blood recipient transfused with large amounts of group O whole blood, by erythrocyte count, sympexis index, erythrocyte deformation index, erythrocyte rigid index and whole blood reduced viscosity, 60 ml of group A whole blood were added with 9, 12, 15 and 18 ml of group O whole blood (which corresponds to the 4 000 ml whole blood added with 600, 800, 1 000 and 1 200 ml whole blood). The mixed blood was incubated at 37 degrees C with mixing at 80 times per minute. Samples were taken from the mixed blood at 30 minutes, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after culture, and the hemorheology of the mixed whole blood was determined by FASCO-series type 3020B automatic rheograph apparatus. The results showed that there were no differences of erythrocyte count, sympexis index, erythrocyte deformation index, erythrocyte rigid index and whole blood reduced viscosity among all different kinds of mixed whole blood, and there was no difference of sympexis index at different times, but there were obvious differences of erythrocyte count, erythrocyte deformation index, erythrocyte rigid index and whole blood reduced viscosity. It is concluded that blood transfusion of 1,200 ml group O whole blood to a recipient with 50 kg of body weight but with different blood type in emergent situation may exert no harm to the erythrocytes of recipient in a short term.
ABO Blood-Group System ; Blood Group Incompatibility ; blood ; prevention & control ; Blood Transfusion ; Erythrocyte Count ; Erythrocytes ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; instrumentation ; methods ; Hemodynamics ; Hemorheology ; Humans

To investigate the changes of free hemoglobin (FHb) content after mixing type B whole blood with different amounts of type O whole blood at room temperature and at 37 degrees C, two lots of type B whole blood stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours were randomly taken as recipient blood, and were packed as 60 ml respectively. Type O blood was taken as donor blood. 60 ml type B whole bloods were mixed with different amounts of type O whole blood, i.e. with 9, 12, 15 and 18 ml. The mixed blood was packed into 100 ml plastic blood bags and stored at 37 degrees C or room temperature, shaken once every 15 minutes. Free hemoglobin content was determined for the harvested samples at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours after store. The results showed that there was no significant elevation of FHb within 12 hours after mixing B whole blood with different amounts of type O whole blood. In another lot, there was obvious difference in FHb after 1 hour store along with the prolongation of store at either room temperature or 37 degrees C. In one lot, there was no difference of FHb (P > 0.05) during 1 - 8 hours of store at room temperature or 37 degrees C, but significant difference at 12 hours of store (P < 0.001). In another lot, there was no difference of FHb (P > 0.05) within 1 hour of store at room temperature and at 37 degrees C, but significant difference during 2 approximately 8 hours of store (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the FHb would not change significantly within 12 hours after type B blood was mixed with 1 200 ml of type O whole blood, but when the mixed blood was placed at room temperature or at 37 degrees C for 8 hours, the FHb content approaches, even exceeds 170.4 mg/L which was observed in the blood stored for 2 days. It suggests that freshly collected blood must be put into refrigerator of 2 approximately 4 degrees C for storing as soon as possible, so as to decrease the catabolism of erythrocyte and the releasing of FHb and other metabolites which are deleterious to the recipients.
ABO Blood-Group System ; metabolism ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Erythrocytes ; metabolism ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Time Factors

INTRODUCTIONHypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism may be associated with hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and blood pressure, as well as the relationship between thyroid function and insulin resistance in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

METHODSThis was a cross-sectional, community-based study. Serum TSH, fasting glucose and insulin were measured in 2,988 subjects aged 35-80 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for hypertension. Analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to characterise the relationship among TSH, insulin resistance and blood pressure.

RESULTSHigher serum TSH concentration was found to be an independent risk factor for hypertension in females (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.93; p-value = 0.039). The female group with subclinical hypothyroidism and high normal TSH (2.5-4.8 mIU/L) were more susceptible to high blood pressure than those with low normal TSH (0.3-2.5 mIU/L) (p-value < 0.05). After adjustment for waist-hip ratio and body mass index, neither the correlation between blood pressure and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) nor the correlation between TSH and HOMA-IR were found to be significant in this study.

CONCLUSIONThis study provides evidence that both subclinical hypothyroidism and high normal TSH are independent risk factors for hypertension in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; physiopathology ; Hypothyroidism ; blood ; physiopathology ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyrotropin ; blood