ObjectiveTo observe the effect of digital auditory activation and touching intervention on infants with cerebral dysfunction.Methods388 infants with perinatal high-risk factors and abnormal result of Denver Development Screening Test (DDST) were randomly divided into group A (n=135), group B (n=128) and group C (n=125), and treated with digital auditory activation combined with touching (group A), simple touching (group B) and simple drug (group C) with 10 days as a course. All infants were tested with DDST after one therapeutic course, and tested again with DDST after the infants of group B and group C treated continuously for six therapeutic courses; and all infants were assessed with the Gesell development quotient (DQ) after six months.ResultsAfter one therapeutic course, normal rate of DDST was 71.11% in group A, 26.69% in group B and 20.00% in group C. After six therapeutic courses, that was 90.37 % in group A, 62.50 in group B and 40.00% in group C. After six months, the children with the Gesell DQ over 86 scores was 125 (92.60%) in group A, 90 (70.31%) in group B and 62 (49.60%) in group C. There were significant differences among three groups ( P<0.01).ConclusionThe digital auditory activation combined with touching has short therapeutic course and high efficacy, so it is a good therapeutic method for infants with cerebral dysfunction.

According to the constructivism approach, instructors have to adapt to the role of fa-cilitators but not teachers. Whereas a teacher gives a didactic lecture that covers the subject matter , a fa-cilitator helps the learner to get to his or her own understanding of the content. In the former scenario the learner plays a passive role and in the latter scenario the learner plays an active role in the learning pro-cess. Under the guidance of this theory, a multi-dimension teaching model based on classroom teaching, network platform and innovate experiments has been established in the course of basis of clinical labora-tory. It has been found that this model is conducive to raising students' interests in learning and to culti-vating student's comprehensive quality.

The relationship of nutrients and microorganisms in soils with polyphenols and total flavonoids of Houttuynia cordata were investigated by measuring nutrients, enzyme activity, pH, concentrations of microbe phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) in soils, and determining concentrations of polyphenols and total flavonoids of H. cordata. The research is aimed to understand characteristics of the planting soils and improve the quality of cultivated H. cordata. The soils at different sample sites varied greatly in nutrients, enzyme activity, pH, microbic PLFAs and polyphenols and all flavonoids. The content of total PLFAs in sample sites was following: bacteria > fungi > actinomyces > nematode. The content of bacteria PLFAs was 37.5%-65.0% at different sample sites. Activities of polyphenol oxidease, concentrations of available P and content of PLFAs of bacteria, actinomyces and total microorganisms in soils were significantly and positively related to the concentrations of polyphenols and total flavonoids of H. cordata, respectively (P < 0.05) . The Content of fungi PLFAs in soils was significantly and negatively related to concentrations of polyphenols and total flavonoids of H. cordata, respectively (P < 0.05). This study provides evidence that effectiveness of the soil nutrient, which may be improved due to transformation of soil microorganisms and enzymes to N and P in the soils, was beneficial to adaptation of H. cordata adapted to different soil conditions, and significantly affects metabolic accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids of H. cordata.
Bacteria ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; metabolism ; Fatty Acids ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; metabolism ; Fungi ; metabolism ; Houttuynia ; chemistry ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Phospholipids ; metabolism ; Polyphenols ; analysis ; metabolism ; Soil ; chemistry ; Soil Microbiology

OBJECTIVETo construct adenoviral vectors expressing mature miRNA-30a and miRNA-30e.

METHODSThe target mmu-miR-30a and mmu-miR-30e genes amplified from mouse genome were digested and linked to the shuttle plasmid pSES-HUS, which was then transformed into competent AdEaseier cells for recombination. The confirmed recombinant plasmids were transfected into Hek-293 cells for production of the adenoviruses pAd-mmu-miR-30a and pAd-mmu-miR-30e. The obtained adenoviruses were used to infect Mefs cells, and the cellular expressions of mmu-miR-30a and mmu-miR-30e were detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSmmu-miR-30a (357 bp) and mmu-miR-30e (324 bp) containing the restriction sites were amplified and linked to the shuttle plasmid pSES-HUS, which was successfully recombined with AdEasy1. After packaging in Hek-293 cells, the adenoviral vectors were obtained, which caused an increase of mmu-miR-30a expression by 26.46∓7.46 folds and mmu-miR-30e expression by 2.76∓0.25 folds in transfected Mefs cells.

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully constructed the adenoviral vectors expressing the mature miRNAs.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Genetic Vectors ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Plasmids

BACKGROUND: Many studies have showed that apoptosis of endothelial cells plays a curial role in the progress of sepsis. But the role of simvastatin in apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by sepsis is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of simvastatin in apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by sepsis and its mechanism. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, sepsis serum intervention group (sepsis group) and simvastatin+sepsis serum intervention group (simvastatin group). After 24-hour incubation with corresponding culture medium, the relative growth rate of HUVECS in different groups was detected by MTT assay; the apoptosis of HUVECs was detected by Hoechst33258 assay and flow cytometry; and the expression of the Bcl-2 and Bax genes of HUVECs was detected by PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the sepsis group, HUVECs in the simvastatin group had a higher relative growth rate. Apoptotic HUVECs decreased significantly in the simvastatin group in comparison with the sepsis group. Expression of the Bcl-2 gene in HUVECs decreased obviously, but the expression of the Bax gene increased obviously after 24-hour incubation with sepsis serum;however, the expression of the Bcl-2 and Bax genes was just the opposite in the simvastatin group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that simvastatin can inhibit apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by sepsis through upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax. It may be one of the mechanisms for simvastatin to treat sepsis.

OBJECTIVEA pot experiment with variable fertilizer treatments was carried out to study the influence of fertilization on the concentration and accumulation of polyphenols, scopoletin, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetin in roots, stems and leaves and their antioxidant activities. The main aims were to fertilize scientifically in cultivation of Artemisia annua and improve the quality of the harvest organs.

METHODThese active components in leaves, stems and roots in the squaring stage were analyzed by HPLC and antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by ultraviolet visible light colorimetric method.

RESULTThe result showed the highest concentration of polyphenols, scopoletin, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetin was in leaves, followed by stems and the lowest in roots. The antioxidant activities of the leaf extracts correlated positively with the concentrations of polyphenols, scopoletin, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetin. Furthermore, fertilization promoted significantly the growth of A. annua, the biomass was increased by 57.37% (chemical fertilizer), 91.63% (mixture of chemical fertilizer and manure) and 92.27% (manure), respectively, compared to the blank control (without fertilizer). Fertilization, particularly mixture fertilization of chemical fertilizer and manure, increased generally the concentration and accumulation of polyphenols, scopoletin, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetin as well as DPPH x scavenging ratio.

CONCLUSIONScopoletin, chrysosplenol-D and chrysosplenetin could be synthesized and stored mainly in leaves. The leaves might thus be the chief organ of A. annua for medical treatment. Finally, the mixture fertilization of chemical fertilizer and manure should be used to increase the yield and quality of A. annua.

Antioxidants ; analysis ; metabolism ; Artemisia annua ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Fertilizers ; analysis ; Phenols ; analysis ; metabolism ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo study the clinicopathologic features of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), expression of various antigens, human herpes virus type 8 (HHV8), human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-mRNA, and compare the findings with those in the literature.

METHODSThe clinicopathologic findings of 16 Rosai-Dorfman disease cases were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for S-100 protein, CD68 (PG-M1), CD163, CD21, CD1a, CD20, CD45RO, CD4, CD8, M-CSF and HHV8 was carried out in 9 of the 16 cases. In-situ hybridization for EBV-mRNA and HPV-DNA was also performed.

RESULTSThe male-to-female ratio of the patients was 4.33:1. Amongst the 16 cases studied, 62.5% (10/16) presented nodal RDD, with cervical lymph node predominantly involved. Half of these cases had affected lymph nodes in more than one anatomic site. Extranodal RDD represented 37.5% (6/16) of the cases. The relapse rate of extranodal RDD was higher than that of nodal RDD. Histologically, nodal RDD was characterized by dilated sinuses filled with large polygonal histiocytes which contained lymphocytes and plasma cells. For extranodal lesions, various degrees of stromal fibrosis were seen in association with mixed inflammatory cells (especially plasma cells). The large polygonal histiocytes varied in number and were distributed in clusters or patches. Immunohistochemical study showed that the abnormal histiocytes were strongly positive for S-100 protein. They also expressed CD68, CD163 and M-CSF, but were negative for CD1a, CD21 and HHV8. The lymphocytes in cytoplasm of these histiocytes were positive for both T and B cell markers (with T cell predominance, including a mixture of CD4- and CD8-positive cells). HPV-DNA and EBV-mRNA were not detected by in-situ hybridization. To date, 62 cases of RDD have been reported in mainland China, including 34 cases of nodal RDD and 18 cases of extranodal RDD. The remaining 10 cases involved both lymph nodes and extranodal sites. Compared with overseas reports, RDD occurring in China tended to affect older patients and with slight male predilection.

CONCLUSIONSRosai-Dorfman disease is relatively rare in China. Pathologic diagnosis of extranodal RDD may be difficult. The demographic data of RDD in China, including age and sex of patients, are different from those in the literature.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; Bone Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Child ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Herpesvirus 8, Human ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Histiocytosis, Sinus ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nose Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; RNA, Viral ; analysis ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Skin Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDThe activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in the presence of microbial components amplifies the inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the modulation of the TREM-1 pathway during empyema in rats.

METHODSAdult male Wistar rats were subjected to empyema induced by intrapleural injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The animals were treated with LP17 (a synthetic TREM-1 inhibitor), a control peptide, or a vehicle (normal saline). Differential cell count, flow cytometry and histological examination were performed to evaluate local inflammatory alterations. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 in both pleural effusion and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSAlthough differential counts of each type of leukocytes in pleural effusion were not affected by LP17, a marked reduction in neutrophil numbers was seen in LP17 treated rats due to the reduction of both pleural effusion volume and total cell numbers. LP17 administration impaired concentration elevation in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 in both pleural effusion and serum. It was found that survival rate in LP17 treated rats was much higher than that in control rats.

CONCLUSIONThe modulation of the TREM-1 pathway by the use of LP17 appears to be beneficial during empyema in rats in attenuating pleural and systemic inflammatory responses.

Animals ; Empyema ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Male ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; immunology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Immunologic ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Staphylococcus aureus ; immunology ; Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1

OBJECTIVETo identify factors that can effectively predict the efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODSFrom January 2007 to September 2012, 78 patients with ITP underwent laparoscopic splenectomy were retrospectively analyzed. According to the postoperative platelet (PLT) count and haemorrhagic manifestations, they were divided into effective group and ineffective group. Nine influencing factors were univariate analyzed and multivariate analyzed.

RESULTSIn effective group (65 cases) and ineffective group (13 cases), average PLT count of 1 day before surgery was 47×10(9)/L vs. 21×10(9)/L, average operative time was (166 ± 46) minutes vs. (139 ± 29) minutes. Univariate analysis result: PLT count of 1 day before surgery (Z = -2.776, P = 0.005) and operative time (t = 2.723, P = 0.011) was statistically significant in 2 groups, the rest factors did not significantly influence the result. Multivariate analysis revealed that only PLT count of 1 day before surgery was statistically significant (OR = 0.964, 95%CI: 0.932-0.997, P = 0.031) in 2 groups, but operative time (P = 0.051) was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONSPLT count of 1 day before surgery is a predict factor in LS for ITP. Because of the limited sample number, further multi-center prospective study with large sample is warrant.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Splenectomy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective:To analyze clinical manifestations, pathological features and prognosis of patients with stage Ⅰ cutaneous melanoma.Methods:Clinical data were collected from 163 patients with stage Ⅰ cutaneous melanoma in Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital from January 2010 to January 2020, and clinical manifestations, pathological features, treatment methods and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 163 patients with stage Ⅰ cutaneous melanoma, 56 (34.36%) were males, and 107 (65.64%) were females, with a median age of 53 years at the clinic visit. Primary skin lesions were most frequently located on the extremities in 104 cases (63.80%) , of which 39 presented with lesions on the finger or toe nails and 65 with lesions on the other parts of the extremities; skin lesions were located at sun-exposed sites such as the head and face in 29 (17.79%) cases, and at non-sun-exposed sites such as the trunk and extremities except the hands and feet in 30 (18.40%) . Of the 163 patients, 56 (34.36%) were pathologically diagnosed with stage ⅠA cutaneous melanoma, and 107 (65.64%) with stage ⅠB cutaneous melanoma. According to a pathological staging system, 104 (63.80%) patients suffered from acral lentiginous melanoma, 23 (14.11%) superficial spreading melanoma, 15 (9.20%) nodular melanoma, 14 (8.59%) malignant lentigo-maligna melanoma, and 7 (4.29%) other rare or difficult-to-determine types. All the 163 patients received surgical treatment at least once, of whom 15 underwent finger or toe amputation, 94 extended resections, and 54 unextended resections; 35 received secondary surgeries, of whom 33 underwent extended resections and 2 finger amputation. Seven patients developed postoperative lymph node and/or distant organ metastases, 2 of whom died after distant organ metastases. The 5-year survival rate of the 163 patients was 98.00%.Conclusion:Stage Ⅰ cutaneous melanoma commonly has favorable prognosis, and 7 patients developed postoperative lymph node and/or distant organ metastases in this study, suggesting that long-term follow-up of patients with acral melanoma and early intervention of those with metastatic melanoma should be strengthened.