Objective To investigate the dose and mechanical properties of medical electron linear accelerators in grass-roots radiotherapy units in Sichuan Province,China via sampling and inspection.Methods A total of eight radiotherapy units in Sichuan Province were selected by sampling,and the tests were performed for the dose and mechanical properties of the medical electron linear accelerators in use.Among these accelerators,there were 5 imported accelerators and 3 domestic accelerators.The test items and methods were determined according to the requirements in GB15213-94.Results Among the 14 test items,the items related to the flatness,symmetry,and overlap of radiation field.The other tests of dose accuracy and mechanical precision achieved good results.Conclusions There is a need to strengthen the daily quality control work for dose and mechanical accuracy of medical electron linear accelerators in grass-roots radiotherapy units in Sichuan Province and perfect the allocation of professional equipment and personnel and training of related personnel.With the support of Sichuan Radiotherapy Quality Control Center,quality control supervision and guidance should cover the whole province.

Objective To report one case with congenital ichthyosiform eruption, neurosensory deafness and vascularizing keratitis. Methods The overall clinical and laboratory examinations were conducted to confirm the diagnosis of keratitis, ichthyosis and deafness (KID) syndrome. Results The case presented with the typical hypotrichosis features of the eye lashes and eyebrows, alopecia of the scalp, and ophtalmological lesions. The keratotic plaques over the face, nose, ears, and the extremities were characterstic, and the skin of the trunk was leather-like, dry and hyperkeratotic. Dysplasia of cerebellum, and cystic enlargement of the fourth ventricle of cerebrum, and Dandy Walker syndrome were observed on MRI scanning. Treatment with oral acitretin for 3 weeks cleared the hyperkeratotic ichthyotic lesions on her posterior scalp and also improved other lesions on the extremities and the trunk. Conclusion Acitretin seems to be promising in the treatment of keratotic skin lesions in KID syndrome.

OBJECTIVETo provide new germplasm materials for breeding new varieties of Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

METHODThe method of single plant selection was adopted, with the comparative experiments being carried out under the same conditions in Shibing county. The 8 plants of Shibing SB-4 were compared respectively with factor analysis for 27 phenotypic traits and 8 yield traits, and single factor variance analysis for the contents of polysaccharides.

RESULTUsing factor analysis, 27 phenotypic traits were classified into 7 principal divisors and 8 yield traits were simplified into 3 principal divisors. The 4 strains of P. heterophylla, ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-06 and ZT-07, performed better than others in the phenotypic traits, and ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-03 and ZT-07 in the yield traits. The contents of polysaccharides of ZT-01, ZT-02, ZT-05 and ZT-08 showed significantly higher value.

CONCLUSIONThere is significant difference among the 8 strains of P. heterophylla in phenotypic traits, yield traits and quality traits, making it possible to select certain strains for different purposes. ZT-01 and ZT-02 can be breaded further. ZT-06 and ZT-07 were used as ornamental cultivars for its great phenotypic traits. ZT-03 with good resistance and high yield was taken as resistant variety, and ZT-05 would face next selection on the basis of its high content of polysaccharide.

Breeding ; Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Phenotype ; Polysaccharides ; analysis

Background:Accurate evaluation of the plain radiography of lower limb is critical for preoperative planning of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to investigate the effect of femoral lateral bowing and rotation on the radiographic measurements of distal femoral condyle resection thickness (DRT) and the distal femoral resection valgus angle (FVA). Methods: We analyzed 246 three?dimensional femoral models generated from computed tomography images of 123 patients, acquiring projected contours in seven positions – 20° and 10° internal rotation; 0° rotation; 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° external rotation – for each model. Medial and lateral condyle DRTs, femoral shaft lateral bowing angle (FBA), and distal FVA were determined for each position. Linear mixed effect model was used to determine the effect of degree of femur rotation on repeated measurements of DRT or FVA. Results: FBA significantly affected the FVA and DRT (Pearson's R = 0.767 and ?0.408, respectively; P < 0.000). Samples were divided into three groups according to the FBA measured in neutral position: FBA <0°: DRT 3.75 ± 1.30 mm, FVA 4.53° ± 1.27°; FBA >0° but <3°: DRT 3.39 ± 1.31 mm, FVA 5.92° ± 1.31°; FBA >3°: DRT 2.22 ± 1.31 mm, FVA 7.37° ± 1.31°. From simulated 20° internal rotation to 40° external rotation in each femoral model, the average variation ranges of radiographically measured DRT, FVA, and FBA were 0.50 ± 0.28 mm, 2.93° ± 0.96°, and 10.33° ± 1.90°, respectively, with no significant differences among the FBA groups. The degree of femoral rotation significantly affected the FVA (F = 62.148, P < 0.000), whereas there was no effect on condyle resection thickness (F = 0.4705, P = 0.494). Conclusions: Axial femoral rotation has less effect on radiographic measurements of differences in the DRT than on those of the distal FVA.

Objective To study the effect of curcumin on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)in high glucose condition and its mechanism.Methods The cultured hBMSCs were divided into the normal group,high glucose group,and high glucose+curcumin group.The early osteogenic differentiation level of the cells in each group was assessed by detecting alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity.Alizarin red staining was used to evaluate the formation of mineralized nodules in the late stage of osteo-genic differentiation.The expression of osteogenic-related genes,including Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),osteocalcin(OCN),and type Ⅰ collagen(COL-1),was detected by RT-PCR after 21 days of osteogenic induction.Western blot was used to detect the expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in each group.Furthermore,an HO-1 small interfering RNA(siRNA)model was constructed and its interference efficiency was assessed.The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins(Runx2,OCN,and COL-1)between the high glucose+curcumin group and high glucose+curcumin+siHO-1 group were compared.Results Compared with the normal group,the high glucose group showed decreased ALP activity,reduced formation of mineralized nodules,decreased expression of osteogenic-related genes(Runx2,OCN,and COL-1),and inhibited expression of HO-1(P＜0.05).Compared with the empty vector group,the siHO-1 group showed significantly reduced expression of HO-1 in cells,indicating successful siRNA interference(P＜0.01).Compared with the high glucose+curcumin group,the expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins(OCN,COL-1,and Runx2)were all decreased in the high glucose+curcumin+siHO-1 group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Curcumin can promote osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs under high glucose environment,which is related to the expression of HO-1.

OBJECTIVEThis study was to investigate the condom use and its factors on sex workers in Shandong province, and to provide effective suggestions for AIDS prevention strategies and interventions.

METHODSFrom April to July in 2009, 4732 female sex workers were investigated through anonymous questionnaires from 11 cities which were selected based on the AIDS epidemic, geographic location, economic conditions in Shandong province. Serum samples were collected and antibodies were tested by ELISA and TPPA from 4641 people.

RESULTS4732 female sex workers who were 15 - 58 years old were investigated and the majority belonged to the low age group (≤ 24 years old) which accounted for 61.5% (2912/4732). Among the 4732 female sex workers, the unmarried, the divorced, or the widowed females accounted for 72.8% (3441/4725) and 72.0% (3403/4726) of them were poorly educated.42.3% (1994/4719) of them were found from other provinces. The right answers for knowledge of AIDS accounted for 45.7% (2164/4732). 80.6% (3416/4236) of these females were found to used condoms in the most recent commercial sex activity. The rate of consistently using condoms in sex activity during the last month was 58.4% (2467/4221). In this survey, 7.3% (337/4637) of investigated females had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, 30.7% (1449/4726) of them had received HIV antibody test, 70.4% (3323/4732) of these people had received the AIDS intervention services, and 3.6% (167/4668) of them had ever used drug. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high education level (junior high school or lower vs senior high school or higher, adjusted OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.67 - 0.90), having received the HIV intervention (received vs unreceived, adjusted OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.17 - 1.58), antibody detection (done vs not done, adjusted OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.15 - 1.55), and good knowledge about AIDS (low score group vs high score group, adjusted OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.32 - 0.44) were independent factors that increased safe sex behavior; while using drug (drug vs not drug, adjusted OR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.15 - 0.31) was a negative factor.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence rate of HIV infection among female sex workers was low in Shandong province. However, the low rate of condom use and the high prevalence of self-reported STD-related symptoms suggested that more attentions should be paid to the factors of risk behaviors, and more targeted interventions are critically needed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; prevention & control ; Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; Condoms ; utilization ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Population Surveillance ; Prevalence ; Safe Sex ; statistics & numerical data ; Sex Workers ; statistics & numerical data ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; prevention & control ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of plasmaslyte A on the liver function of patients receiving cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

METHODSSixty patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized to receive plasmaslyte A (group P, n=30) and ringer lactate solution (group R, n=30). The two agents were used in priming heart-lung machine and intra- and postoperative crystal solution. All the patients were examined for the levels of AST, ALT and Lac the day before and at 2 h and 1, 3 and 7 days after the surgery. The time of extubation and length of stay at the ICU were record.

RESULTSThe levels of ALT, AST and Lac in group P were significantly lower than those in group R (P<0.05), and the duration of intubation and stay at the ICU was shorter in group P (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONPlasmaslyte A can markedly reduce the level of AST, ALT and Lac and protect the liver function of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

Adult ; Aged ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Extracorporeal Circulation ; Female ; Humans ; Isotonic Solutions ; pharmacology ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged

Replication of duck plague virus(DPV) in artificially infected ducks were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) which employed a 37bp oligonucleotide as probe designed according to DPV DNA sequence in GenBank. The results indicated that DPV DNA was detected in liver, intestine and bursa Fabricius at 4 h, in spleen and esophagus at 6h, in thymus at 12h post infection; DPV DNA in lung and kidney was detected only in dead ducks and no positive signal was detected in muscle, heart, cerebrum and pancreas. DPV DNA was distributed in cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Hepatocytes, sinus endodermal cells and Kuffer's cells were the mainly infected cell types in liver. DPV DNA was mainly detected in epithelium of villi, in lamina propria of intestinal villi of duodenum, in stratum spinosum of esophagus, and in epithelium, cortex, medulla of bursa Fabricius. The positive signals were mainly detected in medulla of thymus, lymphocytes and macrophages of spleen. The research suggests that ISH is a direct and specific method in detecting DPV DNA in paraffin sections and it's also a good method for virus diagnosis and DNA location of DPV.
Animals ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Ducks ; virology ; In Situ Hybridization ; Influenza A virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Virus Replication

Eight full-length genes of an avian influenza virus Chinese isolate of H9N2 subtype, A/Chicken/Guangdong/HL/2006 (H9N2) (abbreviated as Ck/GD/HL/06), were amplified by RT-PCR, including the 5' and 3' non-coding region. All the genes were cloned and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis results showed the HA gene of Ck/GD/HL/06 was located in the same phylogenetic clade as Dk/HK/Y280/97 (H9N2), while the Dk/HK/Y280/97-like viruses had been predominately isolated from chickens in mainland China. After the analysis of glycosylation sites and receptor-binding sites in the HA, it was shown that the HA of Ck/GD/HL/06 exhibited the common feature of H9 subtype avian influenza virus isolated from China, but the leucine (Leu) residue at the amino acid position 226 indicated the potential of binding with SA alpha,2-6 receptor. The three internal genes of Ck/GD/HL/06 (PB1, PA and NP) had the highest nucleotide identity with A/Viet Nam/1203/2004 (abbreviated A/VN/1203/04) isolate, which was shown to be transmitted from chickens to human and caused lethal infection in human. No analogous H9N2 strains was reported in previous studies. Based on the high similarity of Ck/GD/HL/06 three genes to A/VN/1203/04, it was suggested that the possibility of generating new highly pathogenic H5N1 AIVs by recombination was worthy of our attention. Further studies should be needed for molecular epidemiologic surveillance of H9N2 AIV in the south China for a long time.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Chickens ; China ; Cloning, Molecular ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genes, Viral ; genetics ; Genomics ; Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds ; virology ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; Viral Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics

Objective To explore the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)on the blood coaguable states and the clinical value of perioperative plasma D-dimer.Methods The plasma level of D-dimer was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)in blood samples of 30 children who were undertaken RFCA.Blood samples were consecutively obtained before cannulating,after electrophysiologic(EP)study,immediately after RFCA,the second day and the seventh day after RFCA.The centrifuged spead was 3 000 r/min,keep it for 10 minutes to obtain the upper plasma,and the crvopreserve.Results The plasma levels of D-dimer was highest at the time point when RFCA was successfully accomplished and restored to preoperative level in the seventh day after RFCA.There were statistically significant difference in the paried values at different time points(Pa