Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Tracheostomy ; adverse effects ; Young Adult

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. Methods:Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system. Results:The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (allP<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid containing glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cysteine protease inhibitor ( CPI ) gene from periodic Brugia malayi (Bm) and to lay foundation for studying multivalent vaccines. Methods Total RNA was extracted from periodic Bin. The BmGAPDH and BmCPI genes were amplified by RT-PCR. The PCR product was cloned and then subeloned into eukaryotic recombinant plasmid vector pcDNA3.1 (+). pcDNA3.1 (+)/BmGAPDH/BmCPI was constructed. The recombinant plasmids were screened and identified by digestion with restriction enzyme and PCR amplification, and were transformed into HeLa cell subsequently. The transient expression of BmGAPDH and BmCPI were examined by RT-PCR. The expressed protein was identified by sodium dodeeylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE). Results Two specific bands of around 877 bp of BmGAPDH and 621 bp of BmCPI were amplified, consistent with the expected value. The same bands were obtained by double restriction enzyme digestion of recombinant plasmids or PCR using recombinant plasmid as template. BmGAPDH and BmCPI mRNA were highly expressed in transfeeted HeLa cell. The relative molecular mass (Mr) of the recombinant protein was about 54 × 103. Conclusion The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1 (+)/BmGAPDH/BmCPI has been constructed successfully and the protein is expressed correctly in mammalian cell.

Pseudomonas sp. M18 is one of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria capable of producing two kinds of anti-fungal agents: phenazine-1-carboxilic acid (PCA) and pyoluteorin (Plt). The pqsR gene, which encodes a LysR family member PqsR, was amplified from chromosomal genome of strain M18. Using the homologous recombination technique, a chromosomal pqsR inactivated mutant strain M18PRG was constructed in Pseudomonas sp. M18. To study the effect of pqsR gene on Plt biosynthesis, the dynamic curves of Plt production by strains M18 and M18PRG was measured in KMB media. As a result, Plt production of the pqsR mutant was three to four folds higher than that of its parent strain M18. The Plt production was restored to the wild-type level when strain M18PRG was complemented with pqsR gene in trans. The regulation of pqsR gene on Plt production was further confirmed by the pltA′-′lacZ translational fusion analysis. These results indicate that pqsR gene negatively controls the Plt biosynthesis. Additionally, by analyzing the growth curves of wild type strain M18 and pqsR mutant, wecan readily find that PqsR has a negative influence on cell growth. It was also shown that the production of red pigments in strain M18 required the expression of pqsR gene. In conclusion, the data presented in this study clearly demonstrate that PqsR acts as a global regulator involved in many physiological activities in Pseudomonas sp. M18.

Objective To clone and sequence the cysteine protease inhibitor gene of periodic Brugia malayi(BmCPI) and predict B-cell epitopes in amino acide sequence of BmCPI in order to provide basis for further study the expression of BmCPI and its function. Methods Total RNA was extracted from periodic Brugia malayi.A couple of specific primers were designed on the basis of known sequences of cysteine protease inhibitor gene from BmCPI. The desired gene was amplified by PCR technique from cDNA. The PCR products were purified and cloned into plasmid pGEM-T by T-A cloning method, transformed into Escherichia coli(E, coli) strain DH5α. The recombinant plasmids were screened and identified by digestion with restriction enzyme and PCR amplification. Five parameters and methods were used to predict B-cell epitopes in amino acide sequence of BmCPI. Results For RT-PCR, a specific band of around 621 bp was amplified. The same band was obtained by double restriction of recombinant plasmids or PCR using recombinant plasmid as template. The result of DNA sequencing showed that BmCPI shares 99% nucleotide sequence identity with that of published sequence. It showed that B-cell epitopes were probably at or adjacent to 23 - 32, 50 - 79 and 117 - 126 in its amino acide sequence. Conclusions pGEM-BmCPI is successfully constructed and sequenced, anticipated objective is reached and conditions is provided for further study of BmCPI expression and its function.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of erythromycin on apoptosis and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of epithelial cell in nasal polyps.

METHODSEpithelial cells from thirty nasal polyps and fifteen inferior turbinates were cultured in Dulbecco Eagle and Ham F12 (1:1) and divided into two groups (one group were treated with Erythromycin). Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax detected by immunohistochemistry at 1, 3, 5 days after culture.

RESULTSThe apoptosis indexes (AI) of epithelial cell in nasal polyps after cultured for 1, 3, 5 days with erythromycin were (33.23 +/- 6.50)%, (38.21 +/- 7.22)% and (52.63 +/- 7.86)% respectively. The AI of epithelial cell in inferior turbinates were (31.02 +/- 5.60)%, (32.13 +/- 7.15)% and (39.64 +/- 7.48)% respectively. There was significant difference between two groups at 5 day after culture (P < 0.05). Expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of epithelial cell was significantly higher in nasal polyps than that in inferior turbinates (P < 0.01). Expression of Bax of epithelial cell cultured with erythromycin was significantly higher than that in the controls (P < 0.05). Apoptosis was clearly promoted after 5 day culture with Erythromycin (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSErythromycin promoted expression of Bax and apoptosis of epithelial cell in nasal polyps.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Erythromycin ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Polyps ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Young Adult ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo analyze the clinical features of acute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in younger children, in order to improve the levels of early recognition, diagnosis and management of this disease.

METHODClinical data of 8 patients aged below 15 months who were diagnosed as acute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from August 2010 to February 2011 in general pediatric wards in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed for the high-risk factors of the hosts, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and lung CT imaging, the processes of diagnosis and treatment, and the outcomes.

RESULTFive cases were tested for serum GM test absorbent index (GMI) ranged from 1.92 to 3.27; in 2 cases sputum culture was positive for Aspergillus fumigatus for twice, and 1 infant was serum GMI 2.85 and a sputum culture was positive for Aspergillus fumigatus positive, all these findings were accordant with the clinical diagnosis. Seven cases had a history of receiving intravenously broad-spectrum antibiotics or plus corticosteroids (6 hospitalized, 1 out-patient), and one was only 1 month old, whose parents had severe tinea pedis. 4 patients of high-fever type had sustained high temperature, severe changes of lungs without obvious respiratory symptoms and signs in early phase, and significant increase of the rod granulocyte rate (0.25 - 0.68), which was apparently discordant with the normal WBC count and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) value. Another 4 cases of non-high-fever type were present with normal WBC count, hs-CRP value and the percentage of rod granulocyte. Among them, 3 infants had low-grade fever, with serious respiratory symptoms and signs and changes of lungs CT. Another 1-month-old case only showed lower vigor and response. Lung CT imaging often showed multiple irregular large nodules, patches and streaks of density (6 cases) and unilateral lobar consolidation (1 case), with some involving the pleura; one appeared severe peri-main bronchus lesions with stenoses of bilateral main bronchi. The first case died of multiple organ failure because of severe sepsis complication. Another 7 cases were treated with voriconazole promptly after clinical or suspected diagnosis, and the state of patients relieved rapidly within 1 - 3 d.

CONCLUSIONThe abuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids may increase the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in younger children. There may be the risk of nosocomial infection and spread of aspergillus in general pediatric wards. Cases of high-fever type in early period of disease had two inconsistency: few symptoms and signs, while severe changes of lungs CT; apparent increase of peripheral rod granulocyte, while normal WBC count and hs-CRP value. Preemptive voriconazole therapy could obtain significant effect and reduce the mortality rate.

Acute Disease ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; adverse effects ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; adverse effects ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Objective To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread embedding in treating bronchial asthma in remission stage and how it controls the acute attack, the length of interval, and severity of symptoms during the attack. Method Thirty subjects were selected as the treatment group by using the random number table following the visiting sequence, to receive acupoint thread embedding plus Western medication; thirty cases in the control group were given Western medication alone, both for 3 months. The pulmonary function and eosinophil count were compared before and after the intervention, as well as the symptoms scores during the acute attack. Result There were significant differences in most parameters between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupoint thread embedding can produce a positive effect in preventing and treating bronchial asthma in remission stage.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) and multimodal navigation in surgical resection of glioblastoma.

METHODSBetween February 2009 and July 2010, 76 glioblastoma patients underwent surgical resection guided by iMRI and multimodal navigation. The cohort consisted of 43 male and 33 female patients, with a mean age of 49 years (range: 14-79 years). Rates of gross total resection (GTR) and extent of resection (EoR) were calculated at first and final iMRI scans.Pearson χ(2) test was used to compare the rates of GTR.

RESULTSiMRI and multimodal navigation were successfully implemented in all cases. Rates of GTR were misestimated by neurosurgeons in 24 cases (31.6%), which were confirmed by first iMRI. Total tumor resection were achieved in 20 cases (26.3%) as a result of iMRI scan, increasing the rates of gross total resection from 52.6% to 78.9% (χ(2) = 11.692, P = 0.001). Extent of resection in 28 patients who underwent further tumor resection were increased from 81.5% to 98.1%, leading to the overall extent of resection improved from 92.3% to 98.4%. At 3-month follow-up, 3 cases (3.9%) developed permanent neurologic deficits. The mean clinical follow-up was 15.6 months (range 3.0-45.0 months). The 2-year overall survival rate was 19.7%. The median progression-free survival of gross total resection group was 12 months (95% CI: 10.1-13.9 months), compared with 9 months (95%CI: 7.9-10.1 months) of the subtotal resection group (χ(2) = 4.756, P = 0.029). The overall survival of gross total resection group was 16 months (95% CI: 13.7-18.3 months), compared with 12 months (95% CI: 9.7-14.3 months) of the subtotal resection group (χ(2) = 7.885, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONCombined with multimodal navigation, iMRI helps maximize surgical resection of glioblastoma, preserving neurological function while increasing progression-free survival and overall survival.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Glioblastoma ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Intraoperative ; methods ; Neuronavigation ; Young Adult

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and related factors of corticosteroid induced adrenal crisis (AC) in children with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods: Case control study. The case group included 7 children aged 1 to 18 years with NS combined with AC hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to May 2021 (AC group). According to the ratio of case group: control group 1: 4, 28 children aged 1 to 18 years who were diagnosed with NS without AC during the same period were matched as controls (non-AC group). Clinical data were collected. The clinical characteristics of AC were described. The clinical parameters were compared between the 2 groups by t test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the cutoff values of clinical parameters for prediction of AC. Results: The AC group included 4 boys and 3 girls aged 6.9 (4.6, 10.8) years. The non-AC group included 20 boys and 8 girls aged 5.2 (3.3, 8.4) years. All AC events occurred during the relapse of NS with infection. Seven children had gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Six children had poor mental state or impaired consciousness. No significant differences in NS course, corticosteroid treatment course, corticosteroid type, steroid dosage, steroid medication interval, the proportion of gastroenteritis and fever existed between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the non-AC group, the duration from the onset of the relapse of NS until hospitalization in the AC group was significantly shorter (0.2 (0.1, 0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.4, 5.0) month,U=25.50, P=0.005). The 24 h urinary total protein (UTP) level was significantly higher in the AC group (193 (135, 429) vs. 81 (17, 200) mg/kg, U=27.00,P=0.036) than the non-AC group. The serum albumin level in the AC group was significantly lower((13.1±2.1) vs. (24.5±8.7) g/L,t=-6.22,P<0.001) than the non-AC group. There were significantly higher total white blood cell counts ((26±9)×10⁹ vs. (11±5)×10⁹/L,t=4.26,P=0.004), percentage of neutrophils (0.71±0.08 vs. 0.60±0.19,t=2.56,P=0.017) and the proportion of children with C reactive protein level≥8 mg/L (3/7 vs. 0,P=0.005) in the AC group than in the non-AC group. ROC curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of 24 h UTP was 122 mg/(kg·d) with a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 70.4%. The cutoff value of serum albumin was 17.0 g/L with a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 82.1%. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal symptoms and poor mental state were prominent manifestations of AC in children with NS. High 24 h UTP level, low serum albumin level, high peripheral white blood cell counts, high neutrophils percentage, and high C-reactive protein level during the early stage of NS relapse may be related to the occurrence of AC in children with NS.
Nephrotic Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Child ; Adolescent ; Male ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis* ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use* ; Nausea/chemically induced* ; Vomiting/chemically induced* ; Abdominal Pain/chemically induced* ; Mental Processes/drug effects* ; China