OBJECTIVETo study the response of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a single period of mechanical strain and expression patterns of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) after mechanical stretch.

METHODSBone marrow MSCs were isolated from SD rats and cultured in vitro. A four-point bending apparatus were used to perform a single period of mechanical strain (2000 microepsilon, 40 min) on MSCs. Cellular proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MSCs were examined and gene expression patterns of TGF-beta and IGF-II were detected by SYBR green quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTSCell proliferation, ALP activity and expression of TGF-beta and IGF-II were all significantly up-regulated in stretched MSCs when compared with their controls. The mRNA levels of TGF-beta and IGF-II got top increase immediately after mechanical loading and increased about 51.44 and 8.92 folds, respectively, when compared with control cells. Expression of TGF-beta and IGF-II decreased with time and returned to control level at 12 h after mechanical stimulus, despite of a small increase at 6 h.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanical stretch can promote MSCs proliferation, up-regulate its ALP activity and induce a time-dependent expression increase of TGF-beta and IGF-II which in turn result in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Mechanical stimulus is a key stimulator for osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and vital for bone formation in distraction osteogenesis.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Osteogenesis ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Somatomedins ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

AIMUnderstanding the response of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to mechanical strain and their consequent gene expression patterns will broaden our knowledge of the mechanobiology of distraction osteogenesis.

METHODOLOGYIn this study, a single period of cyclic mechanical stretch (0.5 Hz, 2,000 microepsilon) was performed on rat bone marrow MSCs. Cellular proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was examined. The mRNA expression of six bone-related genes (Ets-1, bFGF, IGF-II, TGF-beta, Cbfa1 and ALP) was detected using real-time quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe results showed that mechanical strain can promote MSCs proliferation, increase ALP activity, and up-regulate the expression of these genes. A significant increase in Ets-1 expression was detected immediately after mechanical stimulation, but Cbfa1 expression became elevated later. The temporal expression pattern of ALP coincided perfectly with Cbfa1.

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study suggest that mechanical strain may act as a stimulator to induce differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, and that these bone-related genes may play different roles in the response of MSCs to mechanical stimulation.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; analysis ; Animals ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Marrow Cells ; physiology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cell Proliferation ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit ; analysis ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; analysis ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II ; analysis ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Osteoblasts ; physiology ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Pluripotent Stem Cells ; physiology ; Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1 ; analysis ; Rats ; Stress, Mechanical ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; Up-Regulation ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo explore the response of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs and calvarial osteoblasts to mechanical strain and the consequent changes of cytoskeleton F-actin.

METHODSBone marrow MSCs and calvarial osteoblasts were isolated from SD rats and cultured in vitro. Mechanical stretch was performed on passage 3 cells at 2 000 microepsilon for 0, 2, 6 and 12 hours using four-point bending system. The response of cells and the distribution of F-actin were observed using fluorescent staining under laser scanning confocal microscope and the morphological parameters were quantified using image analysis software Laserpix.

RESULTSUnder mechanical stretch, the fluorescent staining decreased obviously at both MSCs and osteoblasts, and F-actin filaments were rearranged and became tenuous, thinner, and abnormally distributed. The outline of nucleus became unclear and apoptotic changes were observed at some of both cells. Cellular size decreased more significantly in MSCs than in osteoblasts. Quantity analysis showed that total area of cells, total fluorescent density and green fluorescent density (F-actin) were all significantly decreased in MSCs (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and total fluorescent density, green fluorescent density and red fluorescent density (nuclei) did also in osteoblasts (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMechanical stretch caused extensive response on both MSCs and osteoblasts which led to the rearrangement of F-actin filament and apoptosis in some of these cells. MSCs were more sensitive to mechanical strain than osteoblasts.

Actin Cytoskeleton ; metabolism ; Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytoskeleton ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Microtubules ; Osteoblasts ; Rats ; Stress, Mechanical

Objective To determine factors affecting postoperative survival of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive 54 elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from Jan 1995 to Dec 2002 was performed. The data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Results Univariate analysis and Cox regression showed Child Pugh grading, vessel invasion, satellite nodule formation, Edmondson Steiner grading, intrahepatic recurrence and distant metastasis all related to postoperative overall survival or disease-free survival of the elderly with hepatocellular carcinoma (all P

The standardized management of acupuncture-moxibustion in Singapore General Hospital is introduced. With gradual improvement of outpatient infrastructure, re-training of medical staff, strict disinfection of manipulation, periodical inspection of medical instruments, unified management of writing, saving and processing in medical records and public education of TCM knowledge, a standardized management system in accordance with modernized hospital is gradually established. As a result, efficiency and quality of clinical treatment is continuously increasing. From April of 1998 to December of 2012, a total of 74 654 times of treatment were performed, and treatment amount per day is gradually increased. The unusual condition of acupuncture is avoided. Periodical strict inspection of joint committee authenticated by domestic and overseas medical health organization is repeatedly passed and accepted. Additionally, three clinical researches funded by Singapore Health-care Company are still in progress in acupuncture-moxibustion department.
Acupuncture Therapy ; standards ; Hospitals, General ; manpower ; organization & administration ; standards ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; standards ; Practice Management, Medical ; organization & administration ; standards ; Reference Standards ; Singapore

This study aimed to compare the clinical presentations of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae monomicrobial bacteremia by a retrospective method at three hospitals in Taiwan during an 8-yr period. There were 87 patients with A. hydrophila bacteremia, 45 with A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia and 22 with A. caviae bacteremia. Compared with A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia, A. caviae bacteremia was more healthcare-associated (45 vs 30 and 16%; P = 0.031). The patients with A. caviae bacteremias were less likely to have liver cirrhosis (27 vs 62 and 64%; P = 0.007) and severe complications such as shock (9 vs 40 and 47%; P = 0.009) and thrombocytopenia (45 vs 67 and 87%; P = 0.002). The APACHE II score was the most important risk factor of Aeromonas bacteremia-associated mortalities. The APACHE II scores of A. caviae bacteremias were lower than A. hydrophila bacteremia and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia (7 vs 14 and 16 points; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the clinical presentation of A. caviae bacteremia was much different from A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia. The severity and mortality of A. caviae bacteremia were lower than A. hydrophila or A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia.
APACHE ; Adult ; Aeromonas caviae/drug effects/*pathogenicity ; Aeromonas hydrophila/drug effects/*pathogenicity ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bacteremia/complications/drug therapy/*microbiology/mortality ; Cross Infection/microbiology ; Female ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/complications/drug therapy/*microbiology/mortality ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/microbiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Shock, Septic/microbiology ; Taiwan ; Thrombocytopenia/complications ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of interferon (IFN)-γ on biological characteristics and immunomodulatory property of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC). hUC-MSC were treated with IFN-γ 10 ng/ml (IFN-γ group) or without IFN-γ (control group). The phenotype of hUC-MSC was detected by flow cytometry. The proliferation status was detected by CCK-8 method, and its differentiation ability was assessed by oil red O and von Kossa staining. The production of PGE-2 was measured by ELISA, and the mRNA expression levels of COX-2, IDO-1 and IDO-2 in hUC-MSC were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMNC) was evaluated after co-culture with hUC-MSC, IFN-γ pretreatment or not. The results showed that after IFN-γ stimulation, the expression of SSEA-4 on hUC-MSC decreased significantly [(8.15 ± 2.94) vs (16.42 ± 8.5), P < 0.05], and the expression of CD54 increased [(96.64 ± 3.29) vs (84.12 ± 10.73), P = 0.051]. The immunomodulatory property of hUC-MSC on the proliferation of hPBMNC was enhanced (P < 0.05). All the above mentioned effects were IFN-γ concentration-dependent. When hUC-MSC were stimulated by IFN-γ for 24 h, the production of PGE-2 secreted by hUC-MSC decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression level of COX-2 also decreased though the difference did not reach to statistically significant level. Compared with control group, IDO-1 expression level in IFN-γ group increased significantly (P < 0.01), and the mRNA expression level of IDO-2 remained unchanged. It is concluded that IFN-γ can influence the phenotype of hUC-MSC and enhance the immunomodulatory property of hUC-MSC.
Cells, Cultured ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase ; metabolism ; Interferon-gamma ; pharmacology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; immunology ; Umbilical Cord ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of compound whole grain complex antioxidant chain on oxidative stress to the hyperlipidemia population.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to March 2009, 418 hyperlipemia residents (45 to 75 years of age) of Han group were screened from 3 main districts in Nanjing, according to the community, blood lipids and oxidative indicators, stratified into intervention and control group by quasi-experimental design. The intervention group (212 individuals) were provided with compound whole grain and health education while only health education was provided for the control group (206 individuals). Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and oxidative indicators (including T-AOC, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px) were measured before and after the one-year intervention period. Analyses of the correlation between posture, biochemical markers and oxidative stress indicators before and after intervention were carried out.

RESULTSAfter intervention, BMI ((25.53 ± 2.77) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.82 ± 0.03), TC ((4.60 ± 0.98) mmol/L), TG ((1.26 ± 0.88) mmol/L) in the intervention group were decreased significantly compared to the levels of BMI ((26.60 ± 3.18) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.93 ± 0.05), TC ((4.97 ± 1.02) mmol/L), TG ((1.98 ± 1.11) mmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while HDL-C ((1.34 ± 0.26) mmol/L) in the intervention group was increased significantly compared to the level of HDL-C ((1.18 ± 0.17) mmol/L) in the control group (P < 0.05); After intervention, levels of T-AOC (19.52 ± 0.81), SOD ((85.42 ± 21.65) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((128.26 ± 33.65) µmol/L) were increased significantly compared to the levels of T-AOC (11.11 ± 1.30), SOD ((78.68 ± 30.48) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((118.48 ± 24.19) µmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while MDA ((1.78 ± 1.16) nmol/ml) decreased significantly compared to the level of MDA ((2.12 ± 1.37) nmol/ml in the control group (P < 0.05); Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that: T-AOC with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.258, -0.266, -0.230, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.194, P < 0.05); SOD with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.282, -0.311, -0.217, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.169, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompound whole grain could improve lipid metabolism to the hyperlipidemia population. There was a correlation between common human metabolism and the levels of oxidative stress.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antioxidants ; China ; epidemiology ; Diet ; Diet Surveys ; Edible Grain ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Lipid Metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxidative Stress

Objective To evaluate the effect of early high -volume hemofiltration in the treatment and prognosis of post -resuscitation syndrome( PRS).Methods A total of 44 patients wiht PRS were ran-domly divided into the trial group and the control group, and all patients were treated by conventional treatment.The patients in the trial group were treated by early high-volume hemofiltration within 6 h, while the patients in the control group were treated by high-volume hemofiltration after 6 h.Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation ( APACHEII) , multiple organ dysfunction syndrome evaluation ( MODS ) , C -reactive protein(CRP), procalcitonin(PCT), dopamine dosage, mean arterial pressure(MAP), and oxygenation index were recorded.Results The APACHE Ⅱ score, MODS score, serum CRP and PCT level improved and dopamine dosage decreased after treatment in two groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), but the parameters in trial group were significantly lower than those in control group ( P<0.05) , and MAP and oxygenation index in the trial group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P <0.05 ) . Conclusion Early high-volume hemofiltration is effective in the treatment and prognosis of PRS with positive significance.

This study was aimed to investigate various factors influencing long-term survival in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. A single institutional retrospective study with long-term follow-up was performed to better define the prognostic factors and a rationale for the use of ATRA, chemotherapy, and As(2)O(3) in the treatment of newly diagnosed APL patients. Newly diagnosed patients with APL entering complete remission (CR) were followed up for 6 to 185 months (n = 170) from January 1990 to December 2004. Univariate and multivariate analysis of 8 potential factors influencing survival and prognosis were carried out with Log-Rank and Cox regression method, including sex, age, initial WBC count, the level of lactic hydrogenase (LDH), first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, post-remission therapy, negative or positive rate of PML-RAR alpha and follow-up of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 80.9% +/- 4.0% and 71.0% +/- 4.0% respectively. The 23 patients relapsed at the median time of 15 months (6 - 70) after CR. Univariate analysis revealed that initial WBC count, first induction regimen, time from induction therapy to CR, type of post-remission therapy and persistent negative RT-PCR in remission were important prognostic factors for long-term survival. Multivariate study demonstrated that only type of post-remission therapy was associated with RFS and OS. It is concluded that the post-remission treatment combining ATRA, As(2)O(3) and chemotherapy would significantly improve the long-term survival of APL patients entering CR(1).
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Arsenicals ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; metabolism ; Oxides ; administration & dosage ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Survival Rate ; Tretinoin ; administration & dosage