The aim of this study was to fabricate biomatrix/polymer hybrid scaffolds using an electrospinning technique. Then tissue engineered heart valves were engineered by seeding mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) onto the scaffolds. The effects of the hybrid scaffolds on the proliferation of seed cells, formation of extracellular matrix and mechanical properties of tissue engineered heart valves were investigated. MSCs were obtained from rats. Porcine aortic heart valves were decellularized, coated with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) using an electrospinning technique, and reseeded and cultured over a time period of 14 days. In control group, the decellularized valve scaffolds were reseeded and cultured over an equivalent time period. Specimens of each group were examined histologically (hematoxylin-eosin [HE] staining, immunohistostaining, and scanning electron microscopy), biochemically (DNA and 4-hydroxyproline) and mechanically. The results showed that recellularization was comparable to the specimens of hybrid scaffolds and controls. The specimens of hybrid scaffolds and controls revealed comparable amounts of cell mass and 4-hydroxyproline (P>0.05). However, the specimens of hybrid scaffolds showed a significant increase in mechanical strength, compared to the controls (P<0.05). This study demonstrated the superiority of the hybrid scaffolds to increase the mechanical strength of tissue engineered heart valves. And compared to the decellularized valve scaffolds, the hybrid scaffolds showed similar effects on the proliferation of MSCs and formation of extracellular matrix. It was believed that the hybrid scaffolds could be used for the construction of tissue engineered heart valves.

A complete framework of acupuncture reinforcement-reduction manipulations in Neijing was outlined to reflect the features according to the train of thought from purpose, principle, judgement, manipulation and curative effect through the analysis on the records of acupuncture reinforcement-reduction manipulations in Neijing. The result of the research showed that the basic purpose of reinforcement-reduction manipulations was the regulation of qi, and the core connotation was the regulation of the mind in Neijing. The key points included reinforcing deficiency before reducing excess and reinforcement or reduction manipulated according to 25 types of constitutions, pulse changes and skin conditions based on the general principle of reinforcing deficiency and reducing excess. Neijing recorded 7 kinds of acupuncture reinforcement-reduction manipulations and influenced their development in later age, which put the attention to the changes and regulation of the spirit, mind and mindwill. The feeling of patient and changes of pulse and skin temperature were taken as the review criterion of curative effect.

Objective To know the contract nurses'professional pressure features in one 3A hospital, nd analyze the factors of influencing the contract nurses'professional pressure.Methods 235 contract nurses ere randomly investigated by a nurse working stress scale and a self-designed general information questionnaire. Nother 125 registered nurses were regarded as the controls.Results The score of contract nurses'working ressure was(85.32±20.49),with low wage and other welfare for ranking first in priority.There was a tatistical meaning compared to the registered nurses(P<0.05).The difference had statistical meanings in the cores of different departments,reasons for selecting the nursing work,attitude to present department,work atisfactory,attitude for switching to another trade,satisfaction degree of wage,numbers of night shift among the ontract nurses(P<0.05).Conclusions The contract nurses'working pressure belongs to the middle level. He stressors for ranking first in priority are low wage and other welfare.Attitude to work.attitude to present epartment,satisfaction degree of wage and objective support have obvious inflences to contract nurese'working ressure.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in children without underlying diseases.

METHODSThe clinical data of 49 children without underlying diseases who were diagnosed with IFD were retrospectively studied.

RESULTSFungal pathogens were detected in 37 (76%) out of 49 patients, including Cryptococcus neoformans (17 children, 46%), Candida albicans (10 children, 27%), Aspergillus (3 children, 8%), and Candida parapsilosis (3 children, 8%). Fungal pneumonia (17 children, 46%) was the most commonly seen disease, with Candida albicans as the major pathogen (9 children, 53%). The 49 children had at least one high-risk factor for infection, including the use of antibiotics, a long length of hospital stay, and invasive procedures. Of all the children, 82% did not respond well to antibiotic treatment or experienced recurrent pyrexia. Among the 24 children who underwent G tests, 17 (71%) showed positive results. All the children were given antifungal therapy, and among these children, 37 (75%)were cured, 3 (6%) were still in the treatment, 5 (10%) died, and 4 (8%) were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSIn IFD children without underlying diseases, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida are the main pathogens, and lung infection is the most common disease. Long-term use of high-dose antibiotics may be an important risk factor for fungal infection. The IFD children without underlying diseases are sensitive to antifungal drugs and have a satisfactory prognosis.

Adolescent ; Antifungal Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Invasive Fungal Infections ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prevalence of nasal carriage of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in healthy children from Chengdu.

METHODSStrains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from nasal swabs of healthy children from five kindergartens in Chengdu from September, 2005 to December, 2005 and questionnaires were obtained. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed with agar disk diffusion and Bauer-Kirby on Mueller-Hinton medium method to determine CA-MRSA. mecA and PVL genes were detected with PCR in all of the CA-MRSA isolates.

RESULTSA total of 801 children were enrolled. Overall 147 children (18.4%) were carried with Staphylococcus aureus and 9 (1.1%) were carried with CA-MRSA. All CA-MRSA isolates were positive for mecA gene, and 5 CA-MRSA isolates were positive for PVL gene. Of the 9 CA-MRSA isolates, 6 were multiresistant.

CONCLUSIONSCA-MRSA nasal colonization is present among Chengdu healthy children. The CA-MRSA isolates are multiresistant and parts of CA-MRSA isolates carry PVL gene. The nasal carriage of CA-MRSA in healthy children should be a concerned issue.

Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Carrier State ; microbiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Community-Acquired Infections ; microbiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Nose ; microbiology ; Penicillin-Binding Proteins

The female sex is traditionally considered a favorable prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, no particular study has reported this phenomenon. To explore the prognostic impact of gender on patients with NPC after definitive radiotherapy, we reviewed the clinical data of 2063 consecutive patients treated between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2003 in the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The median follow-up for the whole series was 81 months. The female and male patients with early stage disease comprised 49.4% and 28.1% of the patient population, respectively. Both the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of female patients were significantly higher than those of male patients (OS: 79% vs. 69%, P < 0.001; DSS: 81% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). For patients with locoregionally advanced NPC, the 5-year OS and DSS rates of female vs. male patients were 74% vs. 63% (P < 0.001) and 76% vs. 64%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for the 5-year OS and DSS of NPC patients. The favorable prognosis of female patients is not only attributed to the early diagnosis and treatment but might also be attributed to some intrinsic factors of female patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEIn order to study the diagnosis and treatment of HBV and HCV infection.

METHODSWe retrospectively analysed clinical data of 680 patients with cholangiocarcinoma from 1995 to 2001 and stated by SPSS software.

RESULTS(1) The fastigium of cholangiocarcinoma was 60 - 65 years old. The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma was higher in aged males and the sex ratio (male:female) was 1.36:1. (2) The proximal cholangiocarcinoma was most (41.6%) and distant cholangiocarcinoma was secondly (28.7%). (3) Most patients of cholangiocarcinoma were late. The resection rate was low and the rate of radical operation was 21.6% (147/680). (4) The incidence of proximal cholangiocarcinoma was higher in the positive Serologic marks for HBV and HCV and course of diseases was short. Moreover, the pathology of. positive Serologic marks for HBV and HCV trended to low-differentiation and invasion, metastasis and the resection rate was lower.

CONCLUSIONSCholangiocarcinoma is common in the aged males. The infection of HB(C)V and hilar cholangiocarcinoma are correlated and incline to the proximal bile duct. The hilar cholangiocarcinoma infected HB(C)V may have higher malignant degree in biological characteristics and more badly prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; Hepatitis C ; complications ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

The aim of this study was to fabricate biomatrix/polymer hybrid scaffolds using an elec-trospinning technique. Then tissue engineered heart valves were engineered by seeding mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) onto the scaffolds. The effects of the hybrid scaffolds on the proliferation of seed cells, formation of extracellular matrix and mechanical properties of tissue engineered heart valves were investigated. MSCs were obtained from rats. Porcine aortic heart valves were decellularized, coated with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) using an electrospinning technique, and reseeded and cultured over a time period of 14 days. In control group, the decellularized valve scaffolds were re-seeded and cultured over an equivalent time period. Specimens of each group were examined histologi-cally (hematoxylin-eosin [HE] staining, immunohistostaining, and scanning electron microscopy), bio-chemically (DNA and 4-hydroxyproline) and mechanically. The results showed that recellularization was comparable to the specimens of hybrid scaffolds and controls. The specimens of hybrid scaffolds and controls revealed comparable amounts of cell mass and 4-hydroxyproline (P>0.05). However, the specimens of hybrid scaffolds showed a significant increase in mechanical strength, compared to the controls (P<0.05). This study demonstrated the superiority of the hybrid scaffolds to increase the me-chanical strength of tissue engineered heart valves. And compared to the decellularized valve scaffolds,the hybrid scaffolds showed similar effects on the proliferation of MSCs and formation of extracellular matrix. It was believed that the hybrid scaffolds could be used for the construction of tissue engineered heart valves.

OBJECTIVE Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only approved pharmaco-logical therapy for acute brain ischaemia;however,a major limitation of tPA is the haemorrhagic trans-formation that follows tPA treatment. Here, we determined whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a key intermediate of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, affects tPA-induced haemorrhagic transformation. METHODS Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was achieved in CD1 mice by introducing a filament to the left MCA for 5 h.When the filament was removed for reperfusion, tPA was infused via the tail vein.A single dose of NMN was injected i.p.(300 mg·kg-1).Mice were killed at 24 h post ischaemia, and their brains were evaluated for brain infarction, oedema, haemoglobin content, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, the expression of tight junction proteins(TJPs)and the activity/expression of MMPs. RESULTS In the mice infused with tPA at 5 h post ischaemia, there were significant increases in mortality, brain infarction, brain oedema, brain haemoglobin level, neural apoptosis, Iba-1 staining (microglia activation) and myeloperoxidase staining (neutrophil infiltration). All these tPA-induced alterations were significantly prevented by NMN administration. Mechanistically, the delayed tPA treatment increased BBB permeability by down-regulating TJPs, including claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludens-1,and enhancing the activities and protein expression of MMP9 and MMP2. Similarly, NMN administration partly blocked these tPA-induced molecular changes. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that NMN ameliorates tPA-induced haemorrhagic transformation in brain ischaemia by maintaining the integrity of the BBB.

Objective To investigate the level and relevant factors of pyrethroid pesticide exposure among pregnant women during the first trimester in rural areas of Yunnan province,and to provide basic data for further study and provide a basis for the formulation of intervention measures to reduce exposure.Methods According to the birth cohort of rural Yunnan built in 2014, pregnant women in the first trimester were recruited in two townships of an agricultural county who were confirmed pregnant and continued pregnancy in antenatal clinics. The concentration of the metabolites of the pesticides in the urine of women was determined by super high performance liquid chromatography and the contact status of pyrethroid pesticides was analyzed using a questionnaire survey. Results A total of 419 women in the first trimester were surveyed and 94.51% of women detected at least one of the pyrethroid metabolites, among which the detection rates of 3－Phenoxybenzoic acid (3－PBA), cis－/trans－3－ (2, 2－Dichloroethenyl)－2, 2－dimethyl－cyclopropanecarboxylate (cis－/trans－DCCA) and 4－fluoro－3－phenoxybenzoic acid (4－F－3－PBA) were 79.47%, 62.05% and 24.58%,and the median concentrations were 3.53 ng/mL, 14.80 ng/m L and less than the minimum detection limit 0.4 ng/m L.Only 12 people (2.95%) reported that they had exposure to pesticides.Self－reported exposure rate was not consistent with the actual exposure rate.Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the season was a factor affecting the level of three metabolites in women in the first trimester. Higher lever was found in women in spring (t=2.147,P=0.032), summer (t=2.144,P=0.035) and winter (t=2.453,P=0.015) compared to those in autumn.Conclusion Pyrethroid pesticides were widely exposed in the pregnant women in rural areas of Yunnan province. Some women have higher exposure level, which is related to the season.