OBJECTIVETo develop a novel scaffolding method for the copolymers poly lactide-co-glycolide acid (PLGA) to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) scaffold and explore its biocompatibility through culturing Schwann cells (SCs) on it.

METHODSThe 3-D scaffolds were made by means of melt spinning, extension and weaving. The queueing discipline of the micro-channels were observed under a scanning electronic microscope (SEM).The sizes of the micropores and the factors of porosity were also measured. Sciatic nerves were harvested from 3-day-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats for culture of SCs. SCs were separated, purified, and then implanted on PLGA scaffolds, gelatin sponge and poly-L-lysine (PLL)-coated tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) were used as biomaterial and cell-supportive controls, respectively. The effect of PLGA on the adherence, proliferation and apoptosis of SCs were examined in vitro in comparison with gelatin sponge and TCPS.

RESULTSThe micro-channels arrayed in parallel manners, and the pore sizes of the channels were uniform. No significant difference was found in the activity of Schwann cells cultured on PLGA and those on TCPS (P larger than 0.05), and the DNA of PLGA scaffolds was not damaged.

CONCLUSIONThe 3-D scaffolds developed in this study have excellent structure and biocompatibility, which may be taken as a novel scaffold candidate for nerve-tissue engineering.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Lactic Acid ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Polyglycolic Acid ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Schwann Cells ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

OBJECTIVETo study how CCR5delta32, CCR5m303, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3'A gene polymorphisms affect the prognosis of Chinese HIV-1 carrier.

METHODSEpidemiologic survey was done to the HIV-1 carriers who were found in Shenzhen area. PCR/RFLP technology was applied to analyze CCR5delta32, CCR5m303, CCR2-64I, SDF1-3'A gene polymorphisms of the HIV-1 carriers. The plasma virus load and CD4+ cell counting was assayed. The incubation period of some carriers was estimated. SPSS11.0 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSNo persons with CCR5delta32 and CCR5m303 mutation genotype were found from 189 HIV-1 carriers. SDF1-3'A allele frequency was 26.14% and CCR2-64I allele 19.82%. The carriers were divided into high virus load group (virus load < 20,000 copies/ml) and low virus load group (virus load > or =20,000 copies/ml). It was found by one-way ANOVA analysis on the logarithm of virus load that there was no significant difference between CCR2-64I wild genotype and cross bred genotype (P=0.272). One-way ANOVA analysis on delitescence of some carriers showed that there was not significant difference between CCR2-64I wild genotype and cross bred genotype (P=0.662). One-way ANOVA analysis on the logarithm of virus load showed that there was significant difference among SDF1-3'A wild genotype, cross bred genotype and pure mutation genotype (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONCCR2-64I gene mutation may not significantly affect virus load of Chinese HIV-1 carriers, nor it affect the incubation period of HIV-1 carriers. SDF1-3'A gene mutation can decrease virus load, but it may not prolong the incubation period of HIV-1 carriers.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Carrier State ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; China ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; HIV-1 ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Prognosis ; Receptors, CCR5 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Prostate Water Pellets (PWP) on serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in rats with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP).

METHODSFifty healthy, adult, male Wistar rats with the weight of 180 - 220 g were divided into five groups of ten rats each at random: the control group, model group, high dosage of PWP group, low dosage of PWP group and levofloxacin group. The CBP rat model were created by injecting Escherichia coli (0.2 ml/rat, 10(7)/ml) into prostates. A month later after the model creation, high and low dosage of PWP suspension were used by gavage in CBP rats for 30 days, respectively. Levofloxacin tablets were used by gavage as the positive control, and distilled water was used by gavage in the control and model group. After thirty days, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured with radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha of rats in high and low dosage PWP groups were lower and the difference was significant statistically (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIt has effect to treat CBP rat with the PWP and its mechanism may relate with the decreasing levels of proinflammatory cytokines(IL-6 and TNF-alpha) in blood.

Animals ; Bacterial Infections ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Chronic Disease ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Prostatitis ; blood ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective To learn the spatial and temporal patterns of primary syphilis and secondary syphilis in Shenzhen and to provide evidence for carrying out further research on syphilis.Methods Primary syphilis and secondary syphilis cases among residents in Shenzhen between 2005and 2009(n=11 303) were geocoded at street office level (n=55) based on residence at the time of diagnosis. Both spatial and space-time scan statistics were used to identify clusters of street office by using SaTScan software. Results In the purely spatial analyses, clusters were seen in the junction of the Baoan district and Nanshan district (Xinan, Xixiang, Nanshan and Nantou street office) and in the region near Hong Kong (Dongmen, Shekou, and Futian street office), as well as in the other streets where entertainment industry was relatively developed (Longhua, Huafu, Huangbei and Cuizu street office). The clusters had not changed much in the first four years, but nine clusters appeared in 2009.Annually, the most likely clusters were located in Longhua (2005, P≤0.001, RR=3.34), Bamboo (2006, P≤0.001, RR=9.59), Huafu (2007, 2008 years, P≤0.001, RR values were 4.18 and 4.75)and Cuizu (2009, P≤0.001, RR=8.02). In the space-time scan analysis, we found 16 significant clusters, which were similar to the pure spatial analyses. However, regional difference were also found, with the most likely cluster was the Guiyuan street office in 2006. Conclusion Spatial and space-time scan statistics seemed to be effective ways in describing the circular disease clusters. We have had a better understanding on spatial and temporal patterns of primary syphilis and secondary syphilis in Shenzhen through spatial and space-time scan statistics of syphilis surveillance data in the recent years. The changes of spatial and temporal patterns of primary syphilis and secondary syphilis were also described by SaTScan software, which also provided useful reference for the preventive strategies on sexually transmitted diseases as well as on HIV. Useful information was also provided for financial investment and cost-effective studies.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of HW-1 subtype in Shenzhen from 1992 to 2008.Methods 489 HIV-1 positive plasma samples were collected from 1992 to 2008 in Shenzhen.HIV-1 env genes were amplified by nested-PCR from RNA.Phylogenetic analysis was performed on data regarding the nucleotide sequence.Results A total of 464 sequences were amplified and genotyped.Data from this study revealed that CRF01_AE was a predominant HIV-1 subtype in Shenzhen (64.4％,299/464),followed by subtypes CRF_BC( 17.5％,81/464),B'( 14.7％,68/464) and B (2.4％,11/464).Subtype C (0.4％,2/464),A1 (0.2％,1/464),CRF02_AG(0.2％,1/464) and CRF06_cpx (0.2％,1/464) were also prevalent in Shenzhen.CRF01_AE and CRF_BC were predominant among heterosexuals,homosexuals and injection drug users,while B'was predominant among blood donors.Results from phylogenetic tree analysis showed that some of the HIV-1 clusters had been defined in CRF01_AE strains at different time or groups with different transmission routes.Cross-infections were also seen.Conclusion CRF01_AE was the predominant HIV-1 subtype in Shenzhen while CRF_BC,B,B',C,A1,CRF02_AG and a small amount of CRF06_cpx or recombinant subtypes were prevalent in this city.Different subtypes showed great variation in the process of epidemics.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in the activity of Escherichia coli asparaginase (L-asp) and the concentration of asparagines (ASN) in the plasma of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) children receiving L-asp containing chemotherapeutic protocol to explore more reasonable usage of L-asp in the treatment of childhood ALL.

METHODSL-asp containing hemotherapy regimen of VDLP was used, in which L-asp (10,000 U/m(2)) was administered intravenously every other day for 10 doses in 15 children with ALL. A total of 340 peripheral blood samples were collected at scheduled time points during the therapy and plasma L-asp activity (by spectrophotometric assay) and asparagines concentration (by RP-HPLC) were measured.

RESULTSDuring the administration of L-asp, the plasma L-asp activity was increasing gradually peaked after eight doses and then decreased gradually, while the plasma concentration of asparagines maintained in complete or nearly complete depletion status. After the therapy courses finished, a plasma L-asp activity above 100 U/L with asparagines almost complete depletion status was lasting for about seven days.

CONCLUSIONThe current L-asp containing chemotherapeutic protocols in which L-asp was administered in a dose of 10 000/m(2) intravenously every other day, are efficient enough for the depletion of plasma ASN.

Adolescent ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Asparaginase ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Asparagine ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; blood ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Primer Express 2.0 software was used to design the primers and the MGB probe. With the plasmid pHaMDR1/A containing mdr1 cDNA as the template, we established a real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction system, which, at the template concentration of 3.061 x 10(3) to 3.061 x 10(9) cps/ml, had a correlation coefficient of 0.988243 between template concentration and threshold cycle value. This PCR method allows sensitive, specific and quantitative detection of human mdr1 gene.
ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; analysis ; genetics ; DNA Primers ; Female ; Fluorescent Dyes ; Fluorometry ; methods ; Genes, MDR ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Taq Polymerase

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEMost patients with esophageal carcinoma have disease in the locally late stage (stage III) when first diagnosed, with surgery as the first treatment of choice. This study analyzed the clinical data of patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma after radical esophagectomy and investigated prognostic factors.

METHODSThe data of 361 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma who underwent radical esophagectomy and were hospitalized at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 1997 and March 2004 were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze prognosis, log-rank test was used to compare the groups, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTSThe 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates were 67.7%, 40.6%, 27.5%, 23.4%, and 20.1%, respectively. Based on univariate analysis, the degree of invasion, rate of lymph node metastasis, number of metastatic regions, number of metastatic lymph nodes, postoperative complications, and duration of surgery were prognostic factors. Based on multivariate analysis, the degree of invasion, rate of lymph node metastasis, and postoperative complications were independent factors for the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONSOf all clinical and pathologic factors, the degree of invasion, rate of lymph node metastasis, and postoperative complications were independent prognostic factors for the patients with stage-III esophageal squamous carcinoma after radical esophagectomy.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Postoperative Complications ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and CT in the prediction of the resectability of esophageal carcinoma.

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out in 746 patients with esophageal carcinoma. These patients were divided into CT group (480 cases), EUS group (151 cases) and EUS+CT group (115 cases). Images of EUS and CT were double-blindly reviewed by radiologists. Relationship of EUS and CT images with surgical and pathological findings was examined.

RESULTSResection rates in the EUS group, CT group and EUS+CT group were 93.4%, 91.0% and 93.9%, respectively (chi(2)=1.551, P=0.484). Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in the CT group were 81.7%, 87.4%, 23.3%, 92.0% and 15.4%, respectively; 94.7%, 98.6%, 40.0%, 95.9% and 66.7% in the EUS group; and 96.5%, 99.1%, 57.1%, 97.3% and 80.0% in the EUS+CT group, respectively. When assessing aortic invasion, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.3%, 33.3%, 93.1%, 13.5% and 97.7%, in the CT group, respectively; 98.7%, 87.5%, 99.3%, 87.5% and 99.3% in the EUS group, respectively,and 98.3%, 85.7%, 99.1%, 85.7% and 99.1% in the EUS+CT group, respectively. In assessing tracheobronchial invasion, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.3%, 20.8%, 95.0%, 17.9% and 95.8% in the CT group, respectively; 96.0%, 20.0%, 98.6%, 33.3% and 97.3% in the EUS group, respectively; and 98.3%, 66.7%, 99.1%, 66.7% and 99.1% in the EUS+CT group. Differences in assessing resectability were significant between CT group and EUS group (chi(2)=15.131, P=0.000), between CT group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=15.662, P=0.000), and between EUS group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=0.502, P=0.346). Differences in assessing aortic invasion were significant between CT group and EUS group (chi(2)=9.764, P=0.000), and between CT group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=6.659, P=0.004), but were not significant between EUS group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=0.076, P=0.581). Differences in assessing tracheobronchial invasion were significant between CT group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=6.659, P=0.004), but were not significant between CT group and EUS group (chi(2)=3.729, P=0.034) and between EUS group and EUS+CT group (chi(2)=1.117, P=0.248).

CONCLUSIONSEUS is a better procedure than CT in the prediction of the resectability and aortic invasion in esophageal carcinoma. There is limited value for EUS and CT in assessing tracheobronchial invasion. Combination of CT and EUS does not improve the prediction of resectability significantly.

Adult ; Aged ; Endosonography ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF) combined with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion(ACCF) and cervical posterior single open-door laminoplasty with mini-titanium plate fixation in treating three-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSThe clinical data of 63 patients (39 males and 24 females) with three-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent surgical treatment from March 2014 to March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 43 cases were treated by ACDF combined with ACCF(anterior group), and 20 cases were treated by cervical posterior single open-door laminoplasty with mini-titanium plate fixation(posterior group). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications were compared between two groups. And according to JOA score to evaluate the clinical effect.

RESULTSAll the patients were follow-up from 16 to 40 months with an average of 25.8 months. Operative time of anterior group and posterior group were (123.70±6.21) min and(118.70±5.41) min, respectively, there was no significant difference between two groups(>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss of anterior group and posterior group were (85.23±7.51) ml and (107.18±9.41) ml, respectively, there was significant difference between two groups(<0.05). In anterior group, axial symptoms occurred in 6 cases, dysphagia in 1 case, and no C₅ nerve root palsy, hoarseness and choking cough were found, the incidence rate of complication was 16.3%(7/43); and in posterior group, axial symptoms occurred in 5 cases, C5 nerve root palsy in 1 case, and no dysphagia, hoarseness and choking cough were found, the incidence rate of complication was 30.0%(6/20); there was significant defference in incidence rate of complication between two group(<0.05). At 1 week after operation and final follow-up, the JOA scores of anterior group were obviously better than that of posterior group(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAbove-mintioned two surgical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy can provide instantly stability, the method of ACDF combined with ACCF was obviously better that of the method of cervical posterior single open-door laminoplasty in intraoperative blood loss, the incidence rate of complications, clinical effect.Thus, for the treatment of three-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the method of ACDF combined with ACCF would be firstly chosen.