ObjectiveTo investigate the prevention and treatment of pneumonia in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI).MethodsData of 278 patients with acute traumatic CSCI admitted from 1988 to 2004 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Pneumonia was the major complication following acute CSCI and discovered by radiography during the first 3—33 days after injury. The all cases were nosocomial pneumonia and G- bacilli were main pathogens, particularly pseudomonas aeruginosa. The incidence of pneumonia of patients with score ≤6 according to the criteria of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) was significantly higher than those with ASIA score >6 (P<0.001).ConclusionThe high incidence of pneumonia in the CSCI is associated with the level and completeness of the injury. The G- bacilli causing nosocomial infection are main pathogens.

OBJECTIVETo observe mainfestations of syndrome and biochemical indices of hypertensive model rats with excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (EAPDS), and to explore its possible pathological mechanism.

METHODSEAPDS rat model was prepared in 50 Wistar rats by feeding with high fat forage. Meanwhile, a normal control group consisting of 10 Wistar rats was set up by feeding with normal forage. After 25-week continuous feeding, 22 rats with body weight (BW) and blood pressure (BP) exceeding 25% those of the control group were selected as a model group. BW, BP, blood lipids, and related serological indicators were detected in all rats. Morphological changes of target organs were observed. mRNA expression levels of leptin receptor (LepR), Janus kinase2 (Jak2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (Socs3), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (P13K), serine threonine kinase (Akt), nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κBp65), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α (IKKα), NF-kappa-B inhibitor β (lKKβ), NF-kappa-B inhibitor α (IKBα), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Expression levels of AT1 and LepR in aorta were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, BW, BP, and blood lipids increased; serum levels of leptin (Lep) , Ang II, Hcy, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and p2-MG increased, but NO decreased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Aortal endothelial injury and smooth muscle cell proliferation occurred in the model group, accompanied with heart and renal injury. Compared with the control group, mRNA expression levels of LepR, Jak2, Stat3, Socs3, AT1 , PI3K, Akt, NF-κB p65, IKKβ, IKBα, and AMPK in aorta were up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05), while the expression of IKKa decreased (P < 0.05). Immunohistochem- ical staining showed, brownish yellow deposit of AT1 and LepR was obviously increased, with more extensively positive distribution. Western blot results showed, as compared with the control group, protein expression levels of AT1 and LepR obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSModel rats exhibited typical syndromes of EAPDS. They put up weight with fat abdomen, gloomy hair, poor appetite, hypersomnia, lowered activities , reduced food intake, loose stool, dark red tongue, white tongue with white, thick, greasy fur. Lep could be taken as one of objective indicators for evaluating hypertension rat model with EAPDS.

Animals ; Aorta ; Cell Proliferation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; I-kappa B Proteins ; Interleukin-6 ; Leptin ; blood ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; NF-kappa B ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins ; Transcription Factor RelA ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Objective To study whether carbon dioxide used to establish pneumoperitoneum has an influence on port-site and intraperitoneal implantation and metastasis of tumor cells. Methods R 15 hepatic cancer cells were injected into 30 Wistar rats’ peritoneal cavities 1 hour before operation, then the 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: gasless group, helium group and carbon dioxide group. The suspension was exposed to the gas environment for 2 hours, all animals were killed after 28 days and the port-site and intraperitoneal implantation and metastasis of tumor cells were examined.Results On port-site, intestinal serous coat, mesentery, greater omentum and diaphragm, the weights of tumor cells, in carbon dioxide group were (326.7?230.3) mg, (626.2?215.9) mg, (476.2?204.8) mg,(2 536.5?906.7) mg and (384.5?149.9) mg respectively; in helium group were (235.6?107.3) mg, (414.2?148.4) mg, (261.8?92.6) mg, (1 633.4?247.3) mg and(220.0?57.9) mg; in gasless group were (145.0?42.4) mg, (221.5?108.2) mg, (212.5?109.6) mg, (797.5?335.9) mg and 113.0 mg.The weights of carbon dioxide group showed a significant increase, compared with helium group and gasless group (P 0.05). Conclusion The insufflation of carbon dioxide promotes intraperitoneal tumor implantation and growth compared with helium and gaslessness in a rat model.

A in vitro platelet aggregation bioassay was developed for the quality control of XST capsules. The in vitro anti-platelet aggregation effect in rats was observed to detect the bioactivity of XST capsules. Panax notoginseng saponins and Xuesaitong lyophilizedpowder for injection were taken as standard control substances to determine the potency. According to the results, XST capsules showeda significant inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. The in vitro anti-platelet activity oflyophilized powder for injection was stabler than that of Panax notoginseng saponins, and so suitable to serve as a standard control substance. The biological potency of XST capsules compared with standard control substance was detected by using parallel line assay. According to the results, the established bioassay method had a good repeatability (RSD 2.92%). The sample test results could pass thereliability test(linear deviation P > 0.05, parallel deviation P > 0.05). This bioassay method could be used as one of the complementary quality control methods for XST capsules.
Animals ; Capsules ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Saponins ; pharmacology

Objective To evaluate the pattern of energy metabolism and nutrients intake in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and posthepatitic cirrhosis to effectively direct their nutrition therapy.Methods Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured with open-circuit indirect Jorimetry in 60 patients with chronic viral hepatitis and 60 patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis.Their normal basal energy expenditure (BEE) was predicted by Harris-Benedict equation and energy intake (EI) was determined by diet recall. Correlation between REE and indicators for nutrition assessment was analyzed.Results REE was (77? 21) kJ?kg~(-1)?d~(-1) in 60 patients with pusthepatitic cirrhosis,significantly lower than BEE[(95?16) kJ? kg~(-1)?d~(-1)(P0.05,and their EI was (127?34) kJ?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),1.41?0.43 times as REE,in which PROI was (1.02?0.29) g?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),1.31?0.61 times as PROE (0.87?0.34) g?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),also indicating a negative nitrogen balance (-2.02?4.07).REE,EI and intake of three nutrients,serum level of albumin and prealbumin (PA) and body weight significantly decreased in patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis,as compared to those in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (P

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

Objective To investigate the status and influencing factors of the pressure of hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods A self-imposed pressure to self-assessment questionnaire to 158 patients were investigated. Results The major stress in patients with infectious diseases were following: worring about affecting his family, concerning to hinder his social interaction, fearing not to continue to work or be unemployment, and high cost to withstand the difficulties, fearing disease discussion by others, etc. Pressure factors were included gender, age, education, duration of illness, and so on. Conclusions In hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis there are different degrees of psychological stress, so nurses should address the characteristics of different patients to provide effective care measures to help them to increase their adaptability for disease.

BACKGROUNDConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) contributes greatly to renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which is the final event leading to end-stage renal failure. This study was designed to investigate the effects of CTGF antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on the expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibronectin in renal tubular cells induced by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in addition to the role of CTGF in the accumulation and degradation of renal extracellular matrix (ECM).

METHODSA human proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HKC) was cultured in vitro. Cationic lipid-mediated CTGF antisense ODNs were transfected into HKC cells. After HKC cells were stimulated with TGF-beta1 (5 microg/L), the mRNA levels of PAI-1 and fibronectin were measured by RT-PCR. Intracellular PAI-1 protein synthesis was assessed by flow cytometry. The secreted PAI-1 and fibronectin in the medium were determined by Western blot and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTSTGF-beta1 was found to induce tubular CTGF, PAI-1, and fibronectin mRNA expression. PAI-1 and fibronectin mRNA expression induced by TGF-beta1 was significantly inhibited by CTGF antisense ODNs. CTGF antisense ODNs also inhibited intracellular PAI-1 protein synthesis and lowered the levels of PAI-1 and fibronectin protein secreted into the medium.

CONCLUSIONSCTGF may play a crucial role in the accumulation and degradation of excessive ECM during tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and transfecting CTGF antisense ODNs may be an effective way to prevent renal fibrosis.

Cells, Cultured ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Fibronectins ; genetics ; secretion ; Humans ; Immediate-Early Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Kidney Tubules ; metabolism ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; genetics ; secretion ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Adult ; Female ; Hemangioma ; surgery ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spleen ; surgery ; Splenectomy ; methods ; Splenic Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo confirm whether human MHC class I chain-related A (MICA) induces the amplification of V delta 1 gamma delta tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in vitro and to identify the cytotoxicity of MICA-reactive V delta 1 gamma delta TILs towards epithelial tumor cells.

METHODSMICA protein was prokaryoticly expressed and purified by molecular cloning technology. The purified recombined MICA (rMICA) was used to induce V delta 1 gamma delta T cells from tumor tissues in vitro and the cytotoxicity of these V delta 1 gamma delta TILs were tested by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT).

RESULTSThe rMICA was expressed in prokaryocyte with pET30 as a vector. The immobilized rMICA protein could markedly induce the amplification of V delta 1 gamma delta T cells from tumor tissue in vitro. These V delta 1 gamma delta T cells showed strong cytolytic activities towards tumor cell lines expressing MICA.

CONCLUSIONThe MICA-reactive V delta 1 gamma delta T cell may be a candidate for adoptive cellular therapy of tumors.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; HeLa Cells ; pathology ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunotherapy, Adoptive ; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating ; immunology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; immunology ; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta ; immunology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic