Graduate education is the maln approach to cultivate advanced medical talents. However, the current clinical research ability tralning for postgraduate students is poor. This article discusses about four possible reasons: the misunderstanding of the medical research, system defects of the endowment of scientific research fund, drawbacks of evaluation criteria, and deficiency of grad-uate student curriculum. In order to improve the clinical research ability of medical graduates, this article also discusses the possible solutions: clarifying the understanding, strengthening policy support, im-proving the evaluation methods, and perfecting the tralning course of the clinical medical research.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect and relevant mechanism of shuxuening Injection (SI) in treating patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODSTotally 91 patients with active UC were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 44 in the control group and 47 in the treatment group. Patients in the control group received routine treatment, while patients in the treatment group additionally received intravenous injection of SI (15 mL), twice daily for 14 days in total. Colonoscopy was performed before and after treatment. The therapeutic effect was assessed by Mayo scoring system and the grading of activities evaluated by Baron endoscope. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The activity of SOD was detected by xanthine oxidase method. The content of MDA was detected by thiobarbituricacid (TBA). Besides, 20 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group.

RESULTSTotally 82 patients completed the study (40 in the control group and 42 in the treatment group). There was no statistical difference in serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, SOD, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading between the two groups before treatment (P >0. 05). Compared with the healthy control group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA significantly increased (P <0.01), and the serum SOD level decreased (P < 0. 05) in the treatment grup and the control group before treatment. Compared with before treatment in the same group, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased in the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P <0. 01, P <0. 05). Compared with the control group after treatment, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, the Mayo score and endoscope grading all decreased (P <0.01, P <0.05), the serum SOD level increased (P <0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. The serum SOD level was obviously negative correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-a, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r = -0. 621, -0.638, -0. 509, -0.787, P <0.01). The serum MDA level was obviously positive correlated with serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, Mayo score, and endoscope score (r =0.711, 0. 882, 0. 525, 0. 639, P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONSI could improve inflammatory injury and clinical symptoms of patients with active UC, and its mechanism might be associated with antioxidant and scavenging oxygen free radicals.

Colitis, Ulcerative ; blood ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective To evaluate carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) and elasticity in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) using ultrasound radio-frequency data(RF-data) technology.Methods Twenty-seven PIH women(mean brachial blood pressure:108 mm Hg,1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)were included and thirty age- and gestational week-matched normal pregnant women served as controls.Carotid IMT and stiffness were evaluated using quality IMT(QIMT) and quantitative artery stiffness(QAS)techniques with color Doppler.Results Carotid IMT and elasticity parameters,including pulse wave velocity,pressure at T1,arterial augmented pressure(AP) and arterial augmented pressure index(AIx) were significantly higher in PIH group than in the normal group[IMT:(466.84±118.50)μm vs (386.58±125.79)μm;PWV:(7.09±1.97)m/s vs (5.95±1.11) m/s;PT1:(127.50±14.29) mm Hg vs (105.89±11.02)mm Hg;AP:(5.14±3.39) mm Hg vs (1.98±2.19)mm Hg;AIx:(7.58±8.73)% vs (-4.79±7.92)%)], and there were significant differences(t=2.660,2.660,3.460,3.460,3.460,all P＜0.01).Conclusions PIH women have significantly increased carotid IMT and decreased elasticity compared with normal pregnant women.Radio-frequency technique could reliably reflect the changes of the carotid arterial structure and elasticity in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Objective In this paper we analyzed the major risk factors of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS) as well as its clinical manifestation,so as to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and effective control of HFRS in Xi'an.Methods The method of retrospective study was used to collect clinical data of hospitalized patients with HFRS between 2005 and 2010 in the Hospitals for Infectious Diseases in Xi'an city,Zhouzhi and Huxian counties and then clinical manifestations of the patients with HFRS were analyzed and classified according to the national standards for clinical symptoms and test indicators of HFRS.HFRS patients matched by the ratio of 1 ∶ 2 healthy human controls were retrospectively investigated in order to obtain risk factors relevant to HFRS incidence using casecontrol study.Odds ratio(OR) method was used for single factor study.While for the multifactor study,we took the conditional Logistic regression approach.We also built models for both studies.Factor with OR ＞ 1 and P ＜ 0.05 was judged to be a risk factor.Results A total of 3090 cases information of patients with HFRS and 6018 healthy controls were collected.Of the 3090 cases of HFRS patients,sixty vaccinated patients showed atypical clinical manifestations and they were mild or moderate cases and no deaths.A total of 3030 nonvaccinated patients had obvious clinical symptoms.Severe or critical cases accounted for 39.07％(1184/3030)and 60 patients died and the fatality rate was 1.98％ (60/3030).The results of single factor Logistic regression analysis showed that of the 16 factors analyzed,the difference of 11 risk factors between the case group and the control group was statistically significant.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that of the 11 factors,the difference of six factors between the case group and the control group was statistically significant.The main risk factors of suffering HFRS in the order were:exposure to rat pollutants,living in the affected areas,sitting or lying on grass fields in the affected areas,working in the affected areas,house rat infestation,and domesticated cats or dogs(OR =6.826,5.764,4.882,4.857,3.126 and 2.875; P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Vaccines are very useful in the sense that vaccinated HFRS patients tend to have mild symptoms and good prognosis.Health education in this area should be focused on the six risk factors in order to prevent the spreading of HFRS.

This paper reviewed application of chitin and its derivatives in pharmaceutical industry of traditional Chinese medicine in recent years. Chitin and its derivatives could be used as a clarificant, retaining active substances, stabiliting preparation, reducing the heavy metals of traditional Chinese medicine extraction. Because of their churacteristics in biodegradation, biocompatibility and its tendency to film easily, chitin and its derivatives was ideal assistant materials in traditional Chinese medicine. Its application was largely enhanced after chitosan was modified. The problems and prospects of the application of chitin and its derivatives were also discussed.
Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic ; Chitin ; chemistry ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Carriers ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pharmaceutical Preparations

OBJECTIVETo compare the anti-rotation biomechanical performances of wire and various cable fixation devices currently used in the posterior Brooks instrumentation for atlantoaxial instability.

METHODSIn this experiment,six specimens of the atlantoaxial complex (Occipital-C3) were used. The models of the normal complex,unstable complex (type II odontoid fracture) and fixed complex were established. On the WD-5 mechanics experimental machine,the parameters including the strength and rigidity of anti-rotation were quantified for the normal complex (group N),the atlantoaxial instability complex (group M), the new type Titanium cable (group A), Atlas titanium cable (group B), Songer Titanium cable (group C), stainless wire(group D).

RESULTSThe max strength of A, B, C, D groups was 12.5, 11.3, 11.52, 11.55 N x m respectively, the max rigidity was 58.81, 53.17, 54.11, 54.35 N x cm/deg respectively. The strength and rigidity of anti-rotation, compare to the unstable atlantoaxial complex which were fixed by the new double locking Titanium cable fixation system were superior to those of normal complex, instability complex, Songer or Atlas Titanium cable (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHaving been changed the locking method, the anti-rotation biomechanical characteristics of the new type double locking Titanium cable fixation system are superior or similar to the traditional Songer or Atlas Titanium cable.

Atlanto-Axial Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Wires ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Orthopedic Fixation Devices ; Rotation

Objective To explore the value of quantitative measurement of carotid intima-media thickness and elasticity for evaluating the degree of coronary heart disease by radio frequency ultrasonography. Methods From February 2011 to June 2012, a total of 142 subjects in cardiovascular internal medicine of the fourth military medical university Tangdu hospital with suspected CAD were enrolled in this study and were divided into non CAD group (n=35), atherosclerosis group in which coronary stenosis rate was less than 50%and no hemodynamic changes were detected (n=33), single artery involved group in which coronary stenosis rate was more than 50% (n=36) and multi-artery involved group in which coronary stenosis rate was more than 50%(n=38) based on the results of the coronary angiography (CAG). Measure the left common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and blood vessel elasticity index including the left common carotid artery pulse wave velocity (PWV) and stiffness index (β). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate and compare the degrees of coronary heart disease, area under the curve of the left carotid artery elasticity parameters, cut-off value,sensitivity, speciifcity and Youden's index. Results LIMT, LPWV and Lβhad statistical signiifcance differences among four groups (F=3.621, 4.769 and 4.756, all P<0.05). The maximum values of parameter area under ROC curve were all observed in multi-artery involved groups and were 0.759 (LIMT), 0.770 (LPWV) and 0.764 (Lβ). The maximum value of Youden's index of the left common carotid artery intima-media thickness was observed in the coronary atherosclerosis group and was 0.513. The maximum value of Youden's index of the left common carotid artery pulse wave velocity and stiffnessβwere both observed in the multi-artery involved group and were 0.524 and 0.469. For diagnosing multivessel lesions, the sensitivities of LIMT, LPWV and Lβwere 71.0%, 77.4%and 71.0%, and the speciifcities were 73.4%, 74.7%and 75.9%. Conclusions The carotid elastic parameters have better predictive value for multivessel lesions. LPWV and Lβhave higher predictive value for coronary arterial disease than LIMT.

The fusion protein of Humanized mouse anti-human fibrin ScFv and the low molecular weight urokinase (IIn-UK) contained seven disulfide bonds and formed inclusion body while expressing in normal E. coli strain. By coexpressing DsbC and using the special E. coli strain Origami(DE3) which was trxB/gor double mutant, the fusion protein IIn-UK was functionally expressed in the cytoplasm of E. coli. The expressed fusion protein in the soluble fraction was purified by using affinity chromatography specific against urokinase. The purified fusion protein could combine the thrombus in vitro, and the specific activity of urokinase reached 80,000 IU/mg fusion protein. The result showed that the fusion protein retained the activity of two moieties, and this study laid a foundation for further research of targeting thrombolytic agent.
Animals ; Chromatography, Affinity ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fragments ; genetics ; Mice ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role and significance of P38-MAPK in the pathological process of hypoxic hypercapnia pulmonary hypertension in rats, and the protection of panax notoginoside (PNS).

METHODS(1) To set up rat pathological model of hypoxic hypercapnia pulmonary hypertension: seventy two male SD rats (200 280 g) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12), which were normal group (N group), hypoxic hypercapnia for 3-day group (H3d), hypoxic hypercapnia for 1-week group(H1w), hypoxic hypercapnia for 2-week group (H2w), hypoxic hypercapnia for 4-week group (H4w) and PNS-injected group (Hp). The rats of PNS -injected group were injected PNS before being placed in the chamber (50 mg/(kg x d), ip), and other groups were injected normal sodium (2 ml/kg, ip). (2) The shapes of pulmonary artery were detected by HE staining. (3) Western blot was used to study the protein expression of p38-MAPK. The expression of p38-MAPK in lung tissue and pulmonary blood vessel was investigated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS(1) The ratio of vessel wall area/total area (WA/ TA) in H1w, H2w, H4w and Hp group was higher than that of N group (P < 0.05), but that of H3d group did not change obviously (P > 0. 05 vs N group). The ratio of WA/TA in Hp group was obviously lower than that of H4w, group (P < 0.05). (2) The levels of P-p38 protein was markedly ascended in H3d group (0.225 +/- 0.071) compared with N group (0.012 +/- 0.006), and expression of P-p38 protein was significantly positive in H1w, H2w, H4w groups. (P < 0.05). (3) As P-p38 protein in pulmonary arterial tunica intima and tunica media, sterile expression in N group (0.099 +/- 0.015) and H3d group (0.107 +/- 0.013) contrasted to H4w group (0.124 +/- 0.025, P < 0.05), then tended to rise in H2w, H4w group (P < 0.05). (4) In pulmonary tissue, the levels of P-p38 protein in PNS-injected group were lower 53.02% (P < 0.05) than those in H4w group. In pulmonary arterial tunica intima and tunica media the levels of P-p38 protein in PNS-injected group were lower 87.33% (P < 0.05) than those in H4w group.

CONCLUSIONp38-MAPK as a signal transduction may play an important role in the development of hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension. The effect of PNS on reducing pulmonary hypertension and improving pulmonary vascular wall remodeling may be related to its inhibiting expression of p38 MAPK.

Animals ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Hypoxia ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Male ; Panax notoginseng ; Phytotherapy ; Pulmonary Artery ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequency, type and distribution of PTCH mutations in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and to analyze the molecular pathological relationship between sporadic OKC and OKC associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS).

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from 8 cases of OKC lesions (4 sporadic OKCs and 4 NBCCS-related OKCs). PTCH gene mutations were detected by PCR-direct sequencing.

RESULTSSix novel PTCH mutations were identified in 6 out of 8 cases (2 sporadic and 4 NBCCS-related OKCs). Two of these were missense mutations leading to substitution of an amino acid residue respectively. The other 4 mutations were identified as insertion or deletion ranging from one single base to 7 bases, three of which caused frame-shift leading to premature truncation of PTCH protein and one resulted in an insertion of 2 amino acid residues. All these identified mutations were novel and have not been previously described.

CONCLUSIONSPTCH gene mutation is a common event in NBCCS-related OKCs and could also be detected in some sporadic OKCs. Abnormalities of PTCH gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of OKC.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; complications ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Odontogenic Cysts ; complications ; genetics ; Patched Receptors ; Patched-1 Receptor ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; Young Adult