AIMTo elevate the encapsulation efficiency, decrease the burst release and improve the release of protein entrapped in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) composite microspheres of alginate-chitosan-PLGA were prepared and the release characteristics of BSA from this composite microspheres were studied.

METHODSThe much smaller calcium alginate microcapsules were first prepared by a modified emulsification method in an isopropyl alcohol-washed way and coated with chitosan, then the alginate-chitosan microcapsules were further entrapped in PLGA to form the composite microspheres. The protein concentration was determined using a BCA protein assay kit. The release profiles were changed with various formulation factors.

RESULTSThe average diameter of the composite microcapsules was about 30 microm. Comparing with 60% to 70% of the conventional PLGA microspheres, the average encapsulation efficiency was more than 80%, and the burst releases in phosphate buffer solution of the composite microspheres decreased from 40% and 50% to 25% and further to 5% in saline solution.

CONCLUSIONThe novel composite microspheres were prepared, the drug encapsulation efficiency increased and the burst release decreased. The desired release profiles could be obtained by regulating the ratios of PLG and PLA in the composite microspheres.

Alginates ; chemistry ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; methods ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; chemistry

Objective To improve the level of early detection and treatment of pyonephrosis. Methods This study included 41 cases(17 men and 24 women;mean age,49 years)of pyonephrosis.A variety of examinations,including urinary analysis,blood analysis,kidney nuclear medicine scan,ultrasonog- raphy,intravenous urography(IVU),and CT were used for the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis.Pereutaneous nephrostomy(PCN)drainage was done for the interim management of pyonephrosis,then phase 2 operation was performed in 28 cases.The double-J tube was placed in ureter by ureteroscope for drainage,and then phase 2 operation was done in 2 cases.Emergency operation was done in 10 cases.The remaining 1 case un- derwent ESWL after anti-infective therapy.Results Definite diagnosis of pyonephrosis before operation was made by invasive examinations in 31 cases(75.6%),and by percutaneous drainage in 4 cases;the other 6 cases were detected during operation.Only 6 cases(14.6%)underwent nephrectomy;the other 35 cases (85.4%)underwent kidney-sparing operation.Follow-up of 3 months to 9 years was available in 37 cases. No nephrectomy was needed in 33 cases with spared kidney.Serum creatinine was normal in the 4 cases un- dergoing nephrectomy.Conclusions The key to the treatment of pyonephrosis by kidney-sparing surgery is early diagnosis,timely drainage and relief of obstruction.Ultrasonography plays an important role in the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis,and CT has a high sensibility in the diagnosis.Pereutaneons nephrolithotomy (PCNL)secondary to drainage through pereutaneous nephrostomy was beneficial to the patients with kidney stones or upper ureter stones.

In this paper we introduce a new algorithm about ST-segment--Triangle way. At the same time, based on analyzing all kinds of algorithms, we have summarized a compositive algorithm used to detect the emulating data. The testing result shows that the algorithm, which is easy to use, has a high speed and a good accuracy.
Algorithms ; Electrocardiography ; methods

The objective of this study was to detect the level of plasma stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and the expression of CXCR4 (SDF-1 receptor in bone marrow cells) in children with Acute Leukemia (AL) and to investigate the relationship between the expression of CXCR4 and extramedullary infiltration. 48 children with acute leukemia and 20 with non-hematologic malignancies were selected into the AL group and the control group respectively. The peripheral plasma and bone marrow cells were collected. The level of SDF-1 in peripheral plasma was detected by ELISA and the expression of CXCR4 in bone marrow cells was determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that the levels of SDF-1 in peripheral plasma and the expression of CXCR4 in bone marrow cells of AL group was significantly higher than that of control group, among which the level of SDF-1 of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) group was also higher than that of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) group, the expression level of CXCR4 in the bone marrow cells of the extramedullary infiltration (EI) group was higher than that of the non-extramedullary Infiltration (NI) group, and all the differences between the both groups were significant. It is concluded that SDF-1 and CXCR4 express a high level in children with AL, which closely relates with the type of leukemia and the migration and infiltration of leukemia cells in bone marrow.
Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Bone Marrow ; metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; blood ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the morphological, ultramicrostructural and pathological changes of tissues from a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODSOne autopsy case of diagnosed SARS was investigated. Lung puncture was performed immediately after the patient died, and the autopsy was done after 12 h. The specimens from lymph nodes, spleen, small intestine, colon and bone marrow were studied by immunohistochemical technique. The antibodies used included CD20, CD45RO (UCHL-1), CD4, CD8, CD68 and CD34.

RESULTSThe principal lesions of the SARS case consisted of acute lobular intrastitial pneumonia, hyaloid membranes of pulmonic alveoli and hyperplasia and shedding of alveolar epithelium of. Virus-like inclusions occasionally contained cytoplasm of the alveolar epithelium, which were positive by histochemical staining. The adjacent blood-vessels were changed by hyperplasia and enlargement. The structures of lymph nodes and spleen were damaged with lymph follicles depletion and splenic nodules atrophy. The specific changes included reduction of lymphocytes and hyperplasia of histiocytes, depletion of the follicles of small intestine and colon wall, decreased hyperplasia of the bone marrow and increased number of the megakaryocyte. Meanwhile, in the immunohistochemical study, CD(20)(+) B cells were fully expressed in lymph nodes and spleen, and the CD45RO (UCHL-1)(+) T cells were scatteredly expressed. The number of CD4(+) help T cell was markedly decreased, while the number of CD8+ poisonal T cells increased, and the ratio of the former and latter was no more than 0.5. Under the electronic microscopy observation, virus-like particles with 80 - 160 nm diameter and halo or garland envelope were found in mononuclear macrophage and cytoplasm of alveolar epithelium.

CONCLUSIONThe specific lesions of SARS consist of lobular intrastitial pneumonia with the formation of hyaline membranes of lung, haemorrhage, necrosis, inflammation of blood vessels and the damages of extralung lymphohemopioetic system. The damages were very similar to the pathological features of tissues infected by human immunodeficiency virus, in which numbers of T cells decreased and CD(4)(+) T cell/CD(8)(+) T cell ratio was no more than 0.5. According to the virus-like particles found in lung of the SARS case, it is considered that these virus-like particles may be a new kind of coronavirus which caused the "atypical pneumonia".

Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung ; pathology ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo summarize our experience on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic serous cystadenoma.

METHODData from 20 patients with pancreatic serous cystadenoma in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1994 to 2004 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSUltrasound test was a good choice for primary diagnosis, while computed tomography scan and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were better choice for the suspected cases. Most tumors (60%) were located in the body and tail of pancreas. The distal pancreatectomy was the commonest operation procedure. The main complications were pancreatic leakage (35%). The symptoms were resolved after surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment of pancreatic serous cystadenoma depends on the accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound and computed tomography are useful diagnostic methods. Surgical operation is the treatment of choice. Long-term follow-up has shown satisfactory outcomes if the tumors are resected completely.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

Abstract?AIM: To investigate mechanism of bradykinin ( BK) on inflammations of retinal pigment epithelium ( RPE) cells.?METHODS: ARPE -19 cells were cultured in vitro, stimulated by 100nM BK for 24h. Cell morphology changes were observed by microscope, and BK receptor localization was detected through cell immunofluorescence. Changes of Ca2+in BK and BR antagonist stimuli were detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy.The expressions of COX-1, COX-2, eNOS and iNOS protein in control group and BK group were detected by Western Blot.?RESULTS: After the stimulation of BK, there was no significant changes of ARPE-19 cells in morphology.Kinin B1 receptors ( B1R ) and B2 receptors ( B2R ) could be detected in ARPE-19 cells.Compared with control group, Ca2+concentrations significantly increased in BK group; in B1R antagonist group and B2R antagonist group Ca2+concentrations increased less than BK group; B1R and B2R antagonist group showed no obvious changes in Ca2+concentrations.Compared with control group, COX-2 and iNOS protein concentrations were significantly increased in BK group (P<0.001).?CONCLUSION:BK induces the increasing expression of COX-2 and iNOS in the cultured ARPE cells through binding with either B1R or B2R.

Objective To conduct research of β-Thalassemia incidence and genotypes on children below 7 years of age in Nanning, Liuzhou and Baise areas, Guangxi province. Methods A total of 2261 children aged below 7 in Nanning, Liuzhou and Baise areas were studied. Venous blood was detected by routine blood test, hemoglobin analysis and β-Thalassemia genotyping. Results Among 2261 samples, 125 showed high level of HbA2 and were diagnosed as β-Thalassemia (5.53%). Genotypes of the patients were classified as: 59 cases with β-globin gene eondon (CD) 41-42 mutation, 33 cases CD17 mutation, 18 cases with TA TA box nt-28 mutation, 7 with IVS-Ⅱ-654 mutation, 3 with CD43 mutation, 3 with HbE mutation, one with CD71-72 and TATA box nt-29 mutation, respectively. The genotyping frequencies of β-Thalassemia were as follows: 47.20% for CD41-42 mutation, 26.40% for CD17 mutation, 14.40% for TATAbox nt-28 mutation, 5.60% for IVS-Ⅱ -654 mutation, 2.40% for CD43 mutation, 2.40% for HbE mutation, 0.80% for CD71-72 mutation and TATAbox nt-29 mutation respectively. Conclusion This study on children in the area with high incidence of β-Thalassemia reflected the incidence and characteristics of genotypes in this area. Our data also provided evidence for the development of a program on genetic counseling and prevention for thalassemia.

OBJECTIVETo determine differences in adherence to secondary prevention guidelines (pharmacological interventions) among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients between a Chinese medicine (CM) hospital and a general hospital in a Chinese city.

METHODSMedical records of 200 patients consecutively discharged from the CM hospital and the general hospital for CHD were reviewed to determine the proportions of eligible patients who received antiplatelet agents, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and statins at discharge. The effects of patient characteristics and hospital type on the use of these medicines were estimated using logistic regression models.

RESULTSPatients discharged from the CM hospitals were older; more likely females; had greater history of hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular diseases and less smoker (P<0.01 or P<0.05). They were less likely to receive coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, and had a longer length of stay than those discharged from the general hospital (P<0.01 or P<0.05). There were no significant differences in antiplatelet agents (96% vs. 100%, P=0.121) or statins (97.9% vs. 100%, P=0.149) use between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for patient characteristics and hospital type, there was no significant difference in use of β-blockers between the CM hospital and the general hospital. In contrast, patients discharged from the CM hospital were less likely to receive ACE inhibitors/ARBs compared with those discharged from the general hospital (odds ratio: 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.105-0.854).

CONCLUSIONIn this study, the CM hospital provides the same quality of care in CHD for prescribing evidence-based medications at discharge compared with another general hospital except for ACE inhibitors/ARBs use.

Aged ; Coronary Disease ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Female ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Secondary Prevention

OBJECTIVETo build an epidemic model of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to be used to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of intervention measures.

METHODSFollowing the nature of SARS epidemics, an epidemic model of SARS based on SEIR model of infectious disease was built, in which case management group was set up and some parameters related to control measures were included. As an example, data gathered from Beijing was fitted to illustrate its application to quantitatively evaluate the intervention measures.

RESULTSIn the newly developed model of epidemics, parameters related to control measures could easily be modified. When scenario assumption was used, a model on SARS outbreak under various circumstances of intervention measures could be set. Thus, quantitative evaluation of intervention measures could perfectly be caried out. Pilot study revealed that the fitness existed in modeling the outbreak of SARS in Beijing and the intervention measures implemented around April 20, 2003, had major contribution to the control of SARS.

CONCLUSIONThe model of SARS epidemics seemed to be stable and reliable to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention measures implemented during the SARS outbreak in a quantitative way.

China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; statistics & numerical data ; Epidemiologic Methods ; Humans ; Models, Biological ; Models, Statistical ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; epidemiology ; therapy ; transmission