Objective: To find out the relationship between the use of different dosages of mannitol and the changes of cerebral blood flow in patients with stroke at the peak of edema formation. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with hemispheric stroke were treated with 20% mannitol solution for reduction of increased intracranial pressure, at the dosages of 125 ml or 250 ml. Transcranial Doppler was used to monitor the blood flow of the bilateral middle cerebral arteries before and after the treatment. The monitoring parameters included peak systolic velocity (Vs), end diastolic velocity (Vd), mean velocity (Vm), and pulsatility index (PI), and percentage rate (PR) of change in each parameter. At the same time, the blood pressure of brachial artery was monitored. Results: Vs, Vd, and Vm on the affected and unaffected sides were improved significantly in patients using 125 ml mannitol. The PI on the affected sides decreased markedly (P = 0.002, P = 0.028) from 45 min to 60 min; the PI on the unaffected sides did not decrease significantly (P > 0.05); there were no significant differences in the PR of Vs, Vd, Vm and PI on both sides (P > 0.05). Vs, Vd, and Vm on the affected and unaffected sides were improved fluctuatly in patients using 250 ml mannitol. The PI on the affected sides did not decrease markedly (P > 0.05 ); the PI on the unaffected sides decreased significantly (P = 0.005) 60 min after mannitol infusion; the PR of PI at 60 min had significant difference between two sides (P = 0.006). The peaks of the velocity of blood flow increasing and PI decreasing on the affected sides occured later than that on the unaffected sides in patients both using 125 ml and 250 ml mannitol. Conclusion: The improvement of cerebral hemodynamics on the affected sides is more significant than that on the unaffected sides with 125 ml mannitol, and the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics on the unaffected sides is more significant than that on the affected sides with 250 ml mannitol.

OBJECTIVE To study the isolation and resistance tendency of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii to antimicrobial agents from 1998 to 2004 to provide valuable data for infection prevention and therapy. METHODS We reviewed the isolation rates,distribution in clinical specimens and wards,and the resistance rates of(A.calcoaceticus-baumannii)to 14 kinds of antimicrobial agents from 1998 to 2004. RESULTS There was an increasing tendency of isolation rates of A.calcoaceticus-baumannii every year,which was 0.18% in 1998 but 1.48% in 2004.In the seven years,there was the highest isolation rate of 70.58% in specimens from respiratory tract,the next was from the urine(9.42%),and blood(4.63%).Concerning the wards distribution,ICU had the highest rate of 47.28%.In 1998,A.calcoaceticus-baumannii had resistance rates more than 50% only to one kind of antimicrobial agents(aztreonam),but in 2004,it had increased to thirteen kinds(except cefoperazone/sulbactam).About the fourteen kinds of antimicrobial agents we inspected,that were increased in their resistance rate.The highest increasing of resistance rate was ceftazidime from 11.1% in 1998 to 88.9% in 2004,the imipenem was second for 0.0% to 64.8%,and the third was sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim form 0.0% to 64.0%,while there still was an increasing resistance tendency to them. CONCLUSIONS The clinical isolation rate of A.calcoaceticus-baumannii is increasing,and it has higher resistance rates to many antimicrobial agents as well as an increasing resistance tendency to relatively susceptive antimicrobial agents every year.So physicians should prescribe on the basis of antimicrobial agents susceptibility tests in vitro.

Objective To explore the correlation between induced abortion and reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Methods On the basis of keeping the representation of cities under study,53 652 fertile women aged 15-49 were surveyed by using a stratified-cluster-random sampling.Investigation and gynecological examination were conducted by two steps - firstly converging at the clinics, and then visiting those households for someone who did not show up at the clinics. Results Among all the 32.0% (n=16 800) women ever having experienced the history of induced abortion,21.1%(n= 11 090) of them had one, 7.6%(n=3976) women had two, and 4.1%(n=1734) women had at least three events. 59.0%(n=30 959) women among our studied samples had ever had RTI,with 30.9% ( n = 16 215 ) of them had only one 20.0% (n = 10 494 ) women had two and 8.1% (n =4250) had three or more RTIs. Data from x2 text and ordinal regression analysis revealed that the rural married women who underwent more induced abortions were more likely to suffer from RTIs,especially cervical infection and PID. Conclusion Our study showed that the rates of induced abortion and reproductive tract infections among married women in Anhui province were both high.Women who underwent induced abortions had a higher prevalence rate of reproductive tract infections.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of Ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid (5F), a compound isolated from Pteris semipinnata L (PsL), on human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells and explore its mechanism.

METHODSThe inhibitory effect of 5F on SGC7901 cells was observed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, and the changes of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in SGC7901 cells following 5F exposure were evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS5F inhibited the proliferation of SGC7901 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and the cell apoptosis induced by 5F was confirmed by Annexin V-EGFP staining and caspase-3 activation assay. The cell apoptosis induced by 5F was associated with decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax expressions.

CONCLUSION5F exposure induces apoptosis in SGC7901 cells by activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Diterpenes ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Pteris ; chemistry ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDComa after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is commonly seen in daily clinical practice. How to objectively evaluate brain function after CPR is essential to the following treatment. Coma patients after CPR had been studied prospectively at the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit of Xuanwu Hospital since 2002. In this study, we focused on the topic of how to evaluate the severity of coma after CPR.

METHODSFrom April 2002 to November 2004, patients in coma 24 hours after CPR were monitored, the evaluation methods included Glasgow coma score (GCS), brain stem reflection, and spinal reflection. Laboratory evaluation included electroencephalography (EEG), brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), short latency somatosensory evoked potential (SLSEP), and transcranial Doppler (TCD).

RESULTSTwenty-four of 35 patients (68.57%) were in deep coma. The GCS was 3 except for 2 patients; EEG was evaluated not less than grade IV except for 4 patients, BAEP was evaluated as grade III except for 3 patients, and SLSEP was evaluated as grade III except for 1 patient. Twenty-four patients died within 1 month and 11 of them (45.83%) were determined as brain death. Glasgow outcome score (GOS) was evaluated as grade I. Eleven of the 35 patients survived and their consciousness changed from deep coma to coma vigil. EEG was evaluated as gradeIin 5 patients, BAEP and SLSEP were evaluated as grade I in 3 patients, and GOS was all evaluated as grade II among the 11 patients. Two patients (18.18%) regained consciousness in 35 and 90 days after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and GOS was evaluated as grade IV and III, respectively.

CONCLUSIONCombined or continuous evaluation of clinical examinations and laboratory tests can accurately and objectively determine brain function after CPR.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain ; physiopathology ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Coma ; physiopathology ; Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory ; Female ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial

Objective:To investigate the expression of Fas、FasL and the apoptosis of liver cancer cell line HepG2 transfected with LIGHT and IFN-? gene mediated by Cationic liposome.Methods:HepG2 cells were divided into two groups(the solo transfection of LIGHT gene and the combined transfection of LIGHT and IFN-? genes) and the control groups(no transfection).HepG2 cells were cellected at 12h,24h and 48h after transfection.The apoptosis of HepG2 cells and the expression of Fas and FasL of the HepG2 cells were investigated with flow cytometry.Results:After transfection,the apoptosis of HepG2 cells increased,and the apoptosis of combined transfection group was higher than the solo transfection of LIGHT(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of activator protein-1 (AP-1) decoy-oligodeoxynucleotides (Decoy-ODNs) on the expression of fibroblast alpha2 type I collagen, so as to explore the gene therapy of pathologic scar.

METHODSDecoy-ODNs targeting AP-1 were designed and synthesized. NIH3T3 cells were transfected by cationic liposomes. The distribution of Decoy-ODNs in the cells was investigated. The inhibiting effects of Decoy-ODNs on AP-1 were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). And the effects of Decoy-ODNs on the collagen synthesis in the cells were analyzed by RT-PCR.

RESULTSAP-1 Decoy-ODNs could competitively inhibit the AP-1 in vitro activity. Cationic liposomes could play roles by effectively transfecting Decoy-ODNs into the plasma and nucleus. The mRNA expression of fibroblast alpha2 type I collagen decreased evidently after 24 hours of Decoy-ODNs action.

CONCLUSIONDecoy-ODNs could inhibit the mRNA expression of fibroblast alpha2 type I collagen by antagonizing AP-1.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; biosynthesis ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides ; genetics ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of 8-prenylnaringenin (PNG) and naringenin (NG) on the activity and apoptosis of osteoclasts cultured in vitro, in order to study physiological activity of 8-prenyl perssad.

METHODOsteoclasts were separated from long-limb bones of newly born rabbits, cultured in alpha-MEM containing 10% FBS, and then added with PNG and NG with the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1). They were stained with TRAP and determined for enzymatic activity with TRAP after 4 d, and analyzed by toluidine blue staining after 7 d. The apoptotic osteoclasts were analyzed by Annexin V-FITC staining after 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours, to observe their apoptosis. Their total RNAs were extracted, and analyzed for TRAP and Cathepsin K expressions by Real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTCompared with the control group, both of the PNG group and the NG group showed much less osteoclasts (TRAP positive cells), lower TRAP activity and TRAP and Cathepin K (CTSK) expression, and smaller number of bone resorption pits and areas. The PNG group show lower indexes than the NG group. Additionally, the PNG group reached the apoptotic peak of osteoclasts at 12 h after drug administration, whereas the NG group reached after 24 h. And the former had more apoptotic cells than the latter.

CONCLUSION8-PNG is much more active than NG in inhibiting the resorption of osteoclasts and inducing apoptosis of osteoclasts. Their only difference lies in 8-prenyl perssad, which is proved to be able to enhance the anti-bone resorption activity of 8-prenylnarigenin.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bone Resorption ; prevention & control ; Cathepsin K ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Flavanones ; pharmacology ; Osteoclasts ; drug effects ; Rabbits

OBJECTIVETo report the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of two Chinese families with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

METHODSOphthalmological examinations showed that only probands in two families exhibited visual loss at the age of 10 and 17 years respectively. The entire mitochondrial genome of two probands was PCR amplified in 24 overlapping fragments using sets of oligonucleotide primers.

RESULTSMutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in these pedigrees revealed the absence of three common LHON associated G11778A, G3460A and T144484 mutations but the presence of homoplastic LHON associated ND4 G11696A mutation, which was present in one out of 167 Chinese healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONSequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in two pedigrees showed the distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphisms, belonging to Eastern Asian haplogroup D4. The incomplete penetrance of visual loss and the presence of one in 167 controls suggested that this mutation itself is insufficient to produce a clinical phenotype and other modifier factors play a role in the phenotypic manifestation. The lack of functional mtDNA variants in these pedigrees ruled out the role of mitochondrial background in the phenotypic expression of visual loss. Therefore, nuclear modifier gene(s) or environmental factor(s) may play a role in the phenotypic expression of the LHON-associated G11696A mutation in two Chinese pedigrees.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Family ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Phenotype

OBJECTIVETo study the potential risk factors of human infecting with Streptococcus suis.

METHODS1: M matched case-control study was conducted. 29 human cases of Streptococcus suis infection in the early phase were included in the case group, Patients' family members, neighbors and peoples who had worked together with patients to handle deceased or sick pigs in the last week were recruited as matched controls. There were 147 controls in total. Both cases and controls received questionnaire investigation including the ways to contact sick/dead pigs. Conditional logistic regression was employed to analyze matching data.

RESULTSAccording to the results of multivariate analysis, slaughtering (OR = 11.978, 95% CI: 3.355-42.756), carcasses cutting and processing (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.022-8.849) sick/dead pigs were associated with cases related to human Streptococcus suis infection. The attributable risk proportion were 91.65% and 66.76% respectively. The other types of exposures to sick/ dead pigs, including feeding, selling, burying and eating, were not associated with the human Streptococcus suis infection in our study population.

CONCLUSIONSlaughtering, carcasses cutting and processing sick/dead pigs were important risky behavior for humans to be infected by Streptococcus suis.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; Streptococcal Infections ; epidemiology ; etiology ; microbiology ; Streptococcus suis ; physiology