The paper is aimed to establish a methods for identication of pearl powder and conch powder from different origins. Hermetic aluminum pan was used to encapsulate samples. The optimal testing conditions were: heating rate 10 degrees C x min(-1), sample weight 3 mg and nitrogen gas flow rate 40 mL x min(-1). The enthalpy values of pearl powder and conch powder was obvious different. Identication of pearl powder and conch powder by DSC is a practical method for its accuracy, convenience and practificality.
Animal Shells ; chemistry ; Animals ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; methods ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Pinctada ; chemistry ; classification ; Powders ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience in diagnosis and surgical treatment of giant intrathoracic solid tumors.

METHODSThe data of surgically treated 36 patients with giant intrathoracic solid tumors were analyzed, including 19 males and 17 females. Complete resection was achieved in 34 cases with superior vena cava angioplasty in 3 cases and ligation of the left anonymous vein in 2 cases. Six patients received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTSThe symptoms in 32 cases were significantly improved. Two patients (5.6%) died of postoperative respiratory infection and failure. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 14.2 days. Pulmonary edema occurred in 6 cases due to rapid decompression of the lung. Pathological results showed that 25 cases had benign tumors and 11 had malignancy. During the follow-up of 1 to 22 years, all patients with benign tumors were still alive, but the patients with malignant tumors had a mean survival time of only 2.1 years.

CONCLUSIONSurgical treatment for giant intrathoracic solid tumors is suggested whenever technically possible. Even though a tumor can not be completely resected, satisfied results could still be achieved if combined with postoperative radiotherapy. Proper anesthesia, satisfied exposure with a suitable incision, appropriate resection pattern and hemostatic method are the keys for successful surgical treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurilemmoma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Neurofibroma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Pulmonary Edema ; etiology ; Survival Rate ; Thoracic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods ; Tumor Burden

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between phospholipase D (PLD) activation and neutrophil priming induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and try to clarify whether CPB-induced systemic inflammatory response can be attenuated by inhibiting neutrophilic PLD activation.

METHODSNeutrophils were isolated from arterial blood of 8 patients undergoing valve replacement before operation and 30 min after initiation of CPB respectively. Both the preoperative and CPB-stirred neutrophils were subdivided into 5 groups by receiving different experimental interventions: (1) bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng x ml(-1)), (2) N-formylmethionylphenylalanine (fMLP, 1 micromol x L(-1)), (3) LPS+fMLP, (4) 1-butanol (0.5%)+LPS+fMLP, (5) vehicle. Elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release was measured for the parameters of neutrophil activation, neutrophil PLD activity was determined by quantitation of choline produced from the stable product of phosphatidylcholine catalyzed by PLD.

RESULTS(1) Preoperative neutrophils treated with LPS+fMLP presented significantly higher PLD activity (13.48+/-2.61 nmol choline x h(-1) x mg(-1)) and released more elastase and MPO than cells treated with vehicle (PLD activity 3.70+/-0.49 nmol choline x h(-1) x mg(-1)), P<0.01), LPS (P<0.01) and fMLP respectively. In 1-butanol+LPS+fMLP group, PLD activity of preoperative neutrophils was lower than that in LPS+fMLP group (P<0.01), besides the release of elastase and MPO decreased sharply below both LPS+fMLP and fMLP groups (P<0.01). In LPS group, PLD activity was higher (P<0.01), while elastase and MPO release did not differ from control. fMLP group presented PLD activity, elastase and MPO release higher than control (P<0.01); nevertheless, lower than LPS+fMLP group (P<0.01). (2) CPB-stirred neutrophils presented prominent PLD activity increment, and even the control level was 3.59-fold of the pre-operative control (P<0.01). PLD activity in LPS+fMLP group was higher than that in other groups. Notably, PLD activity was even nonstatistically lower in 1-butanol+LPS+fMLP group than that in LPS or fMLP group. CPB-stirred neutrophils in LPS+fMLP group released more elastase and MPO than control, LPS, and 1-butanol+LPS+fMLP groups did (P<0.01); however, neither of the release was statistically different from that of fMLP group.

CONCLUSIONSCardiopulmonary bypass enables neutrophil priming accompanied with significant increase in PLD activity. Inhibition of neutrophil PLD activation attenuates its priming and may alleviate CPB-induced systemic inflammatory reaction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophil Activation ; physiology ; Phospholipase D ; pharmacology ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; etiology ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo assess the influence of mimic cardiac rate on hydrodynamics of different mechanical prosthetic cardiac valves.

METHODSUS-made CarboMedics bileaflet valve, China-made Jiuling bileaflet valve and C-L tilting disc valve were tested via a pulsatile flow simulator in the aortic position. Testing conditions were set at mimic cardiac rates of 55 bpm, 75 bpm, 100 bpm with a constant mimic cardiac output of 4 L/min. The mean pressure differences (deltaP), leakage volumes (L(E)V) and closing volumes (C(L)V) across each valve, and effective orifice areas (EOA) were analyzed.

RESULTSWithin physiological range, deltaP, L(E)V, and C(L)V decreased as mimic cardiac rate increased, with a large extent of variance. EOA increased along with an increase in mimic cardiac rate. It was a different response in terms of cardiac rate alteration for different types of mechanical prosthetic cardiac valves.

CONCLUSIONMimic cardiac rate change affects hydrodynamics of mechanical prosthetic cardiac valves. Within physiological range, the hydrodynamic of prosthetic bileaflet valve is better than that of tilting disc valve.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cardiac Output ; Cardiac Volume ; Heart Rate ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Hemodynamics ; In Vitro Techniques ; Prosthesis Design ; Pulsatile Flow

BACKGROUND:Autologous platelet rich plasma and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have certain effects on bone repair,but there are rare reports on the clinical treatment of long shaft fracture bone nonunion using autologous platelet rich plasma combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect of autologous platelet rich plasma combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on long shaft fracture bone nonunion.METHODS:Forty-seven patients with long shaft fracture bone nonunion were randomly divided into two groups:monotherapy group (n=22) and combination group (n=25).In the monotherapy group,autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation was performed in the bone nonunion site.In the combination group,autologous platelet rich plasma combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation was implemented in the bone nonunion site.Callus score,clinical healing time,local complications and limb function grade were recorded and compared between the two groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The healing properties and limb function in the combination group were significantly superior to those in the monotherapy group [healing time:(4.2±1.5) vs.(5.6±1.1) months,P ＜ 0.05;healing rate:92％ vs.86％,P ＜ 0.05;callus score:2.74±0.36 vs.2.32±0.53,P ＜ 0.05;limb function recovery rate:77％ vs.84％,P ＜ 0.05].Complications like local skin redness or infection were not found in the two groups.In conclusion,both of the two methods can promote bone healing,but autologous platelet rich plasma combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has a better clinical effect on bone healing.

BACKGROUND: Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells are relatively primitive stem cells that are ideal vectors for gene therapy. However, there is a lack of studies on the conditions for the electrotransfection of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, exploring the optimal conditions for the electrotransfection of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells occupies an important position. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different electroporation conditions on the transfection efficiency of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and to explore the optimal conditions for cell electroporation. METHODS: By controlling the transfection conditions such as voltage, pulse duration and cell status, EEV-EGFP plasmids were transfected into Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells by electroporation under different conditions. Transfection efficiency was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The transfection efficiency was intended to increase when the voltage ranged from 125 V to 150 V, and the maximum transfection efficiency was obtained when the voltage was 150 V. However, when the voltage was further increased to 170 V, the transfection efficiency began to decrease considerably. (2) The maximum transfection efficiency was obtained when the pulse duration was 5.0 ms, while it was certainly decreased when the pulse duration was 2.5 and 7.5 ms. (3) The transfection efficiency of the cells cultured under normoxia was higher than that under hypoxic culture. These findings reveal that normally cultured Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells can achieve higher electroporation efficiency via two pulse sessions at a voltage of 150 V, pulse duration of 5.0 ms, and pulse interval time of 50 ms.

OBJECTIVETo study the frequency distribution in polymorphism of the apoprotein B 3' variable number tandem repeat (ApoB3'VNTR) and influence factors on hyperlipemia in civil aircrew.

METHODSApoB genotypes were determined by PCR technology and agarose gel electrophoresis. The blood lipids were measured by routine kits. Personal information of flight personnel was collected by questionnaire.

RESULTSPrevalence of the total dyslipidemia (49.5%) and overweight (55.6%) of flight personnel were much higher than that of domestic general population (29.2% and 49.1%) respectively (P < 0.05). There were 16 alleles and 54 kinds of genotypes of ApoB3'VNTR in the 682 flight personnel. The frequency distribution of alleles and genotypes of aircrew in the two air companies had same trend, which was different from the general population. The frequency of the homozygote was 76.54%, which was much higher than that of the other peoples home and abroad (21.50%). The frequency of the big allele (VNTR > or =39) in hyperlipemia groups were higher than that of normal groups. By analysis of co-variance, the body mass index (BMI), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the total cholesterol(TC) increased with the cumulate flight hours (P < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the BMI was the only factor influencing blood lipids, and the cumulate flight hours was only factors affecting the BMI. Taking the cumulate flight hours logarithm as the independent variable(X), and the BMI as dependent variable(Y), the linearity equations was: Y = 2.730X + 13.584 (R2 = 0.159, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThere are perhaps special genetic characteristics in the polymorphism of the ApoB3'VNTR in the aircrew. The big allele is correlated with the hyperlipemia. The flight burden not only directly affects the BMI and blood lipids levels, but also it can indirectly affect the lipids levels by BMI.

Adult ; Apolipoproteins B ; genetics ; Aviation ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minisatellite Repeats ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Objective To explore the influence of drug dosage, solvent and other main influencing factors on the successful establishment of alloxan-induced hyperglycemia mouse model and the effect on the stability of this model. Methods 160 6-8-week-old Kunming mice ofSPF grade, (male:female=1:1) were used in this study.The influences of different dosages of alloxan and solvent combinations on the successful establishment rate of the model, survival rate, body weight, fasting blood glucose, blood glucose area under curve, serum insulin level and their stabilities were dynamically observed for six weeks.Results By single intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg bw alloxan ( pH 4.5 citrate sodium as solvent) , we were able to obtain a stable experimental hyperglycemic mouse model with higher levels of successful establishment rate (70%), survival rate (75%), fasting blood glucose (15-20 mmol/L), glucose area under the curve (55-65 mmol/L) and a lower but not loss of serum insulin levels (21 mIU/L).Conclusions In the present study we have carefully considered the influence of main factors such as drug dosages, solvent, etc., on the alloxan-induced experimental hyperglycemic mouse model, and successfully established this model after 6-week period observation of its stability.This model may provide a useful tool in the research of experimental diabetes and hypoglycemic functional studies.

Adult ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yangxueqingnao particles on rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).

METHODSThe amount of (3)H-TdR ((3)H-thymidine) admixed in cultured rat VSMC was measured and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the VSMC were assayed.

RESULTS1x10(-9), 1x10(-8), 1x10(-7) mol/L LPA in a concentration dependent manner, induced the amount of (3)H-TdR admixed, MAP kinase activity, and MDA content of the cultured rat VSMC to increase. However, 5%, 10%, and 15% Yangxueqingnao serum preincubation resulted in a decrease of 23.0%, 42.0%, and 52.0% (P<0.01) respectively in the amount of (3)H-TdR admixed, a decline in VSMC MAP kinase activity of 13.9% (P<0.05), 29.6% (P<0.01), and 48.9% (P<0.01) respectively, and also, a decrease in MDA content of VSMC of 19.4%, 24.7%, and 43.2% (P<0.01) respectively, in the 1x10(-7) mol/L LPA-treated VSMC.

CONCLUSIONSLPA activates the proliferation and lipid peroxidation of VSMC in a concentration dependent manner. The LPA-induced VSMC proliferation is related to the activity of MAP kinases, enzymes involved in an intracellular signalling pathway. The results of the present study showed that Yangxueqingnao particles can effectively inhibit LPA-induced VSMC proliferation, MAP kinase activation, and reduce lipid peroxidative lesion.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Lysophospholipids ; pharmacology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley