Air Pollution, Indoor ; analysis ; Anesthetics ; analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Isoflurane ; analysis ; Methyl Ethers ; analysis ; Operating Rooms

Objective To explore the incidence and risk factors of bacterial infection after othtotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods Altogether 56 OLT recipients from January 2005 to October 2007 were included in the study. The incidents and the related variables of the infection were analyzed retrospectively. The related variables were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression model to identify the significant risk factors. Results Bacterial infection was confirmed in 29 recipients (51.8%). Among them, the lung infection was the most common site (53.7%). The Gram-positive cocci were 46.3%, while the Gram-negative bacilli were 53.7%. The risk factors for bacterial infection included duration of the operation and detained respirator using. Conclusion Bacterial infection is a major complication following OLT. Surveillance for the risk factors, enhancement the skill of operation, and improving the recovery of respiratory function is the key to decreasing the incidence of bacterial infection after transplantation.

A novel amplifier system was proposed for low-noise recording of pico-ampere current in nanopore experiment (<100 pA). As an example, the amplifier system was applied in α-hemolysin based nanopore detection of DNA-PEG-DNA conjugate to record the signals of translocation and bumping events in buffer solution (1 mol/L KCl, 10 mmol/L Tris--HCl, 1 mmol/L EDTA and pH=8. 0). The amplified current signal was filtered by a 3 kHz Bessel filter and sampled by a 100 kHz analog-digital convertor. As a result, the presented amplifier system could lower the noise in recording the current. The current blockages (<10 pA) of single molecules with low amplitude were recovered due to the high signal-to-noise ratio.

The continuous cultivation of Rehmannia glutinosa causes the accumulation of phenolic acids in soil. It is supposed to be the reason of the so called "continuously cropping obstacle". In this study, phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, eugenol, vanillin and ferulic acid) were degraded by the extracta of all the tested spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and the maximal degradation rate was 75.3%, contributed by extraction of SMS of Pleurotus eryngii. Pot experiment indicated that hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillin in soil were also degraded effectively by SMS of P. eryngii. The employment of SMS enhanced ecophysiology index to near the normal levels, such as crown width, leaves number, leaf length, leaf width and height. At the same time, the fresh and dry weight and total catalpol concentration of tuberous root weight of R. glutinosa was increased to 2.70, 3.66, 2.25 times by employment of SMS, respectively. The increase of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes numbers in rhizosphere soil were observed after the employment of SMS by microbial counts. The employment of SMS also enhanced the enzyme activity in soils, such as sucrase, cellulase, phosphalase, urease and catelase. These results indicated that the employment of SMS alleviated the continuously cropping obstacle of R. glutinosa in some extent.
Agaricales ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Agriculture ; methods ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; metabolism ; Rehmannia ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Soil ; chemistry ; Soil Microbiology

OBJECTIVETo present a method of quantitative diagnosis of craniofacial skeleton deformities based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT).

METHODS20 cases with facial asymmetric deformities underwent 3D CT and the 3D images were reconstructed by Mimics 10.0 (Belgium). Anatomical landmarks were located and the coordinate of the landmarks obtained. Axial images of 1 patient with Romberg disease was used as representative case. The differences in the distance between the right landmarks and the left were calculated and analyzed.

RESULTSThe measurement results were not significantly different between two stages with an interval of 4 weeks ( P > 0.05), showing a reproducible resutls. The deviation of landmarks at facial midline increased gradually from upward to downward, reaching (2.63 +/- 0.54) mm at menton point. Paired landmarks showed asymmetry in three dimensions, especially gonion point on the left side, which was deviated 10.21 mm inward, 9.26 mm forward, 6.30 mm upward, compared to the opposite side.

CONCLUSIONSThe method of 3D CT quantitative analysis can provide precise information in the diagnosis and treatment planning of facial asymmetry deformity.

Anatomic Landmarks ; diagnostic imaging ; Cephalometry ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Facial Asymmetry ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

Objective To investigate the predictive factors of virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB)patients treated with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).Methods A total of 203 HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV (Mingzheng)10 mg once daily for 48 weeks were recruited.The gene polymorphisms at positions-238 and-308 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α promoter region were determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism assay of products amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP).The serum levels of TNF-a at baseline were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Hepatitis B virus (HBV)genotypes were tested by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and HBV subgenotypes were tested by HBV S gene sequencing.Factors related to ADV response were determined by Logistic regression analysis.Results The HBV DNA negative rate,alanine aminotransferase (ALT)normalization rate,HBeAg loss rate and seroconversion rate,and combined response rate at week 24 and 48 of treatment in 203 patients were 31.5% (64/203),59.1% (120/203),15.8% (32/203),8.9% (18/203),13.3% (27/203)and 58.6% (119/203),78.3% (159/203),29.6% (60/203),16.7% (34/203),25.6% (52/203),respectively.HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 was higher in patients with HBV genotype B,that was higher in patients with TNF-α-308G/A genotype,and that was higher in patients with higher baseline ALT level or lower baseline HBV DNA level [OR = 0.405,95 % CI (0.191 - 0.859),P =0.019;OR=0.292,95%CI(0.132-0.643),P=0.002;OR=0.933,95%CI(0.989-0.997),P＜0.01 ;OR=2.089,95%CI (1.412-3.092),P＜0.01].Meanwhile,HBV DNA negative rate at week 48 were higher in patients with higher HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 or higher baseline ALT level [OR=0.029,95%CI(0.007-0.126),P＜0.01;OR= 0.995,95%CI(0.991-0.999),P=0.016].Conclusions HBV genotype,TNF-α-308 genotype,baseline levels of ALT and HBV DNA are predictors of virological response at week 24 in HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with ADV.And the HBV DNA negative rate at week 24 and baseline ALT level are predictors of virological response at week 48.

OBJECTIVETo clone and screen genes related to multidrug resistance (MDR) in leukemia.

METHODSSuppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed to profile differentially expressed genes between a MDR leukemia cell line (K562/DOX, as tester) and its parent cell line (K562, as driver). Reverse Northern dot blot was carried out to further screen the subtracted cDNA library. The overexpressed cDNA fragments in K562/DOX cells were sequenced and compared with known genes in Genbank. RT-PCR and Northern blot were employed to confirm the differential expression of some identified genes.

RESULTSEleven genes were identified being overexpressed in K562/DOX, including S3 ribosomal protein (S3rp) gene, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene and My023 gene, which have not been reported to be related to MDR in cancer.

CONCLUSIONSeveral genes, which might be involved in MDR were identified, indicating novel mechanisms of MDR in leukemia.

Blotting, Northern ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Gene Library ; Genes, MDR ; genetics ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; NADH Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Ribosomal Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo analyze the effects of long-term microwave exposure on hippocampal structure and function in the rat.

METHODSExperiments were performed on 184 male Wistar rats (three exposure groups and a sham group). Microwaves were applied daily for 6 min over 1 month at average power densities of 2.5, 5, and 10 mW/cm2. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus. Hippocampal structures were observed by histopathological analysis.

RESULTSFollowing long-term microwave exposure there was a significant decrease in learning and memory activity in the 7 d, 14 d, and 1 m in all three microwave exposure groups. Neurotransmitter concentrations of four amino acids (glutamate, aspartic acid, glycine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid) in hippocampus were increased in the 2.5 and 5 mW/cm2 groups and decreased in the 10 mW/cm2 group. There was evidence of neuronal degeneration and enlarged perivascular spaces in the hippocampus in the microwave exposure groups. Further, mitochondria became swollen and cristae were disordered. The rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited sacculated distension and there was a decrease in the quantity of synaptic vesicles.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that the hippocampus can be injured by long-term microwave exposure, which might result in impairment of cognitive function due to neurotransmitter disruption.

Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cognition ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microwaves ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of acupuncture for glaucoma.

METHODSThe search was conducted through database to identify randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for glaucoma until September 2010. The quality assessment, data extraction and Meta-analysis were performed by Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Re views of Interventions.

RESULTSEight articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure compared with eye drops [SMD = -0.1 66, 95% CI (-1.45, 0.13)]. However, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 4.45, 95% CI (1.96,10.09)]. Compared with placebo, acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure 20 min after acupuncture (P = 0.13) and 24 hours after acupuncture (P = 0.21). Nonetheless, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 45.00, 95% CI (9.73, 208.08)]. Compared with acupuncture, quantitative acupuncture manipulation increased the effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 2.23, 95% CI (1.14, 4.36)].

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture therapy has potential to increase effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma. It lacks reliable evidence to prove that acupuncture decreases intraocular pressure. More trials with high quality are needed to estimate adverse effects and cost effectiveness of acupuncture therapy.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Glaucoma ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Humans ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate clinical symptoms,pathophysiology and brain imaging features of Chinese familial cerebral cavernous angiomas.Methods Head MRI examination,clinical and pathophysiological examination were performed in a Chinese family with one proband of cerebral cavernous malformation.The disease atlas of the family was drawn.The patients indicative of a surgery underwent resection of hemangioma whose pathophysiology and microstructure were observed.Results Nine familial cerebral cavernous angiomas patients were found to have multiple intracranial lesion in the 18 family members,the penetrance being 50%,conforming to the feature of autosomal incomplete dominance inheritance.Four patients with skin cavernous hemangioma had familial cerebral cavernous angiomas.MRI was the most sensitive modality for the diagnosis of cavernous angioma.With T_2-Weighted sequences,the lesion was typically characterized by an area of mixed signal intensity,with a central reticulated core and a peripheral rim of decreased signal intensity related to deposition of hemosiderin.Gradient-echo(GRE)MRI could find microcavernous hemangiomas that would not be found in other sequences.Cavernous angiomas were typically discrete multilobulated berrylike lesions that contained hemorrhage in various stages of evolution.Histological homogeneity and overlap with other vascular malformations such as capillary telangictasia was common.Cavernous angiomas were composed of endothelial-linked sinusoidal spaces not separated by significant amounts of neural tissue.Hemorrhagic residua were common.Clots at different stages of evolution within the lesion were seen.The basic membranes of sinus became thick and soft.Parts of it were layered.Conclusions Familial cerebral cavernous angiomas is an autosomal incomplete dominance inheritance disease.Cavernous angiomas are composed of endothelial-linked sinusoidal spaces not separated by significant amounts of neural tissue.There are more than one focus in every patients and the skin cavernous angiomas is the foundation of diagnosing familial cerebral cavernous angiomas.Gradient-echo imagine sequence MRI(3.0 T)could be the"golden standard".