Objective To observe the histopathological features of early skin lesions and serum inflammatory mediators changes in the diabetes mellitus(DM) rats.Methods A total of 50 Wistar rats at 8 to 10 weeks of age were divided into normal control group(C group,n=25) and diabetic group(DC group,n=25).The rats of DC group were given a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 2 weeks to induce insulin resistance and then an intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin.All 25 rats were identified to be diabetic models with their fasting blood glucose over ≥7.0 mmol/L.Four rats of C group or DC group were killed to take the skin tissues in the 4th,8th and 12th weekend.In the 16th week,the heart blood samples of the left 13 rats of C group and 10 rats of DC group were collected to measure TNF-?,IL-6 and C-RP levels,and the skin samples were also taken for pathological observation and full-thickness and dermal thickness measurement.Results In the 16th week,the TNF-?,IL-6 and C-RP levels of DC group were significantly higher than the normal group(P

Objective To investigate the effects of rosiglitazone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?),interleukin-6 (IL-6),C-reactive protein (C-RP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD),and early skin changes in the diabetic rats.Methods The rats were divided into normal control group (C group,n=13),diabetic control group (DC group,n=13),diabetes and insulin treatment group (DI group,n=13),diabetes and rosiglitazone treatment group (DR group,n=13).The diabetic rat models were established with high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin injection,the rats were idenfied as diabetic when their fasting blood glucose (FBG) over 7.0 mmol/L.The living rats were given corresponding treatment,subcutaneous injection of 1 to 2 U/d insulin,intragastric injection of 5 mg/(kg?d) rosiglitazone,or sterile water.Heart blood samples of rats from each group were collected to measure TNF-?,IL-6,C-RP and SOD levels in the 16th weekend.Also the skin was taken for pathological observation and full-thickness as well as dermal thickness measurements.Results The serum levels of IL-6,TNF-? and C-RP in diabetic group were significantly higher than those in normal group (P

Objective To study the protective effects of rosiglitazone against early skin changes in experimental diabetic rats. Methods Diabetic models were established in male Wistar rats aged 8 to 10 weeks by using streptozotocin (STZ). Then, 39 experimental diabetic rats were equally divided into insulin-treated diabetic group (DI group), rosiglitazone-treated diabetic group (DR group), diabetic control group (DC group),and 13 normal rats served as the control (C group). The rats were given subcutaneous insulin (1 - 2 U) twice daily in DI group, intragastric rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg) once daily in DR group, and intragastric sterile water in DC and C groups. Sixteen weeks later, heart blood samples were collected from all the rats for the measurement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, C reactive protein (CRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and P substance (SP) levels, then the rats were killed and tissue samples were obtained from the medial area of the dorsal skin and subjected to pathological observation, measurements of skin as well as dermal thickness, and immunohistochemical examinations for the expression of advanced glycation end products(AGEs) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Results The levels of IL-6, TNF-α and CRP in the DC group were significantly higher than those in the C group (135.05 ± 43.39 ng/L vs. 99.92 ±32.36 ng/L, 1.45 ± 0.67 μg/L vs. 0.86 ± 0.60 pg/L, 3.51 ± 0.62 mg/L vs. 2.54 ± 1.31 mg/L, all P < 0.05),while no significant difference was found between C group and DI group or DR group (all P> 0.05). Decreased levels of SOD and SP were noted in the DC group (70.71 ± 37.52 U/ml, 22.22 ± 7.93 ng/L), compared withthe C group (137.76 ± 27.6 U/mL, 29.57 ± 3.74 ng/L, both P< 0.01), DI group (149.96 ± 13.25 U/mL, P<0.01; 29.79 ± 5.21 ng/L, P< 0.05) and DR group (128.50 ± 38.27 U/mL, P< 0.01; 33.35 ± 15.0 ng/L, P<0.05 ). Micrometer measurements indicated that the skin thickness was significantly lower in the DC group than in the C group, DI group and DR group (0.77 ± 0.18 mm vs. 1.59 ± 0.26 mm, 1.47 ± 0.50 mm and 1.22 ±0.47 mm, P < 0.01, 0.01, 0.05 respectively). Histological observation found a mild disarrangement of epidermal cells, shrinkage, swelling and degeneration of dermal collagen as well as progressive atrophy or disappearance of subcutaneous fat in the DC group. No obvious histological changes appeared in the DI or DR group. Immunohistochemistry indicated that AGEs and PPAR-γ proteins, which were stained into brown granules, were located in the vascular basement membrane, stromal cells, etc, of skin. The DC group showed the highest expression of AGEs but lowest expression of PPAR-γ. Conclusions There is an accumulation of AGEs and elevated expressions of inflammatory factors in the skin of experimental diabetic rats, and rosigLItazone shows a protective effect against the early skin changes.

Objective To explore the curative effect of headless compression screws in treatment of avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal .Methods 37 cases of patients with avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base were treated by internal fixation with headless compression screws from January 2008 to January 2011 .X-ray films after operation were taken to evaluate the bone healing time and the foot function was evaluated according to AOFAS .Results The 37 cases were followed up from 10 to 24 months (mean 13 months) .The X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 6 to 12 weeks(mean 8 .1 weeks) .Wound infection occurred in one case with open fracture ,which was healed by therapy .According to AOFAS ,the scores after operation ranged from 86 to 100 (mean 94 .5) .Conclusion Headless compression screws in treatment of avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal has the advantages of easy manipulation ,stable fixation and few complications .

Objective To investigate the relationship between acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) and anomalous pancreaticobiliary duetal union (APBDU). Methods 131 patients with ABP were enrolled to test the serum total bilirubin (TB), alanine amintransferase (ALT), aspartate amintransferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). All the patients received medical treatment, and then these tests were performed again. Thereafter, all the patients underwent selective surgery and intra-operative cholangiography was performed to observe the pancreaticobiliary duetal union. Results 27 patients (20.6%) with APBDU were found in 131 patients. Among them, 8 cases (29.6%) was B-P subtype (TypeⅠ), 16 cases (59.3%) was P-B subtype (TypeⅡ) , and the remaining 3 cases was mixed subtype (TypeⅢ). A significant decrease of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT after non-surgical treatment in both group of APBDU and NAPBDU was noted (P＜0.05). The serum levels of ALT, AST,γ-GT in APBDU patients were (71.81± 23.19) U/L, (47.85±27.87) U/L, (52.86±31.49) U/L, respectively; and in NAPBDU patients were (51.96±15.40) U/L, (40.77±16.58) U/L, (34.86±26.47) U/L. The difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). Condusions APBDU is an important etiology of ABP.

BACKGROUND: Placenta and fetal membrane play an important role In maternal-fetal homeostasis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying water transfer across placenta and amniotic membrane remain unknown. It is hypothesized that maternal-fetal fluid exchanges via aquaporin (AQP) water channels in the placenta and fetal membrane.OBJECTIVE: To investigate AQP8 protein expression in normal human placenta and fetal membrane.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A control observation was performed at the Central Laboratory of Guangzhou Medical College from July to December 2005.MATERIALS: Human placenta and fetal membrane tissues from 5 elective cesarean section deliveries of normal term pregnancies (range 37-42 weeks) were studied. Maternal age averaged (27?) years old. Experimental protocol was approved by the Hospital's Ethics Committee.METHODS: Thirty minutes after delivery, fetal membrane and placenta were dissected and washed with sterile physiological saline. Some were frozen at -80?, and the remaining tissues were fixed for 24-48 hours with 10% neutral formalin and paraffin embedded for immunohistochemical staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AQP8 expression and distribution in human placenta and fetal membrane were detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analysis.RESULTS: RT-PCR results showed that AQP8 mRNA was expressed in both placenta and fetal membrane tissues. Western blotting analysis also yielded positive results in placenta and fetal membrane with a specific band site at approximately 45 000.Immunohistochemistry results revealed that AQP8 protein was expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts, amniotic epithelial cells, and chorion cytotrophoblasts.CONCLUSION: At protein level, AQP8 is expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts, amniotic epithelial cells, and chorion cytotrophoblasts.

Objective To review the literature and synthesize current evidence on the use of kidneys with small renal cancer as donor kidneys.Method To locate eligible studies,four bibliographic databases including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened,while key informants were collected and bibliographies of included studies were scrutinised.Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion,extracted data.Data were synthesised as a narrative review.Results 1680 articles were found while eventually 15 studies were selected for this systematic review.All of the 15 included studies were case reports or case series.Totally 96 documented cases of donor kidneys after resection of small renal cancer were transplanted and no definite recurrence happened.Conclusion It is suggested from current limited evidence that cancer recurrence rate of allotransplanting kidney after resection of SRC was relatively low,thus it deserved much more well-designed clinical trials and clinical use.

Objective To investigate clinical features and immunologic status in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/hepatitis C virus(HCV)co-infected and HIV mono-infected patients,and to assess the possible interactions between HCV and HIV.Methods Fifty-nine patients with HIV/HCV co infection were enrolled.The control group was consisted of 38 patients with HIV monoinfection.The liver function,peripheral blood T cell subgroups(CD4+and CD8+)cell count and HIV RNA level were compared between these two groups.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) were analyzed by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot(ELISPOT)using a panel of HIV antigens.Results The frequency of HIV/HCV co-infection was 60.8%.Both alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in HIV/HCV co-infection group were significantly higher than those in HIV mono infection group(49.8 U/Lvs 23.6 U/L,49.1 U/L vs 32.3 U/L,P=0.000,0.013).Platelet count was lower in HlV/HCV co-infection group than in HIV group[(167.3±59.2)×109/Lvs(198.0±63.9)×109/L,P=0.040].CD4+cell and CD8+cell counts were not significantly different between co-infection group and HIV group.The HIV RNA level was lower in HIV/HCV co-infection group than in HIV group [(4. 046 ± 0. 541 ) log10 copy/mL vs (4. 394 ± 0. 507) log10copy/mL, P=0. 018]. The intensity of HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to HIVGag overlapping peptides in HIV/HCV co-infection group (mean bank 30.85) was lower than HIV group (mean bank 44.34). The number of the HIV-specific CTL cell in HIV/HCV co-infection group (4.60±5.52) was slightly lower than HIV group (6.24±6.93) without significant difference.Albumin was negatively correlated with HCV RNA in HIV/HCV co-infection group (r=-0. 540). A positive correlation was found between platelet and peripheral blood CD4+ cell counts (P=-0. 040). No linear correlation was found between HCV viral load, HIV viral load and peripheral blood CD4+ cell counts. Conclusions The prevalence of HCV co-infection is relatively high. The cellular immunity status in these co-infected patients is relatively poor.

Objective For selecting and developing the excellent Bupleurum chinense to mass-produce seedlings and seeds in high quality.Methods B.chinense was picked from eight different areas,such as Lingchuan and Wanrong county in Shanxi Province,Longxi county in Gansu Province,and Shangluo in Shaanxi Province,etc.Rapid propagation was done.The testa of Zhongchai No.1 was scrapped or seeds were soaked in different phytohormones.The effects on germination rates of seeds were compared.ResultsThe optimum medium for bud propagation was B5supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L KT.The optimum medium for root induction of test-tube plantlets was 1/2 MS added with 0.1 mg/L NAA,0.5 mg/L IBA,and 1.0 mg/L DSC.The annual propagation coefficient of B.chinense plants was more than 1?108,and the survival rate of transplantation reached to 94%—97%.The phytohormone has little effect on seed germination of B.chinense,but scraping the testa could increase the germination percentage of seeds to 20% and shorten the germinating time greatly.Conclusion By tissue culture of excellent B.chinense,a great deal of plants and seeds could be produced in short time.By scrapping testa in a certain extent,the germination of seeds could be increased.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific protein adsorption resistance is the most important factor for biocompatibility; pre-adsorption of hydrophilic polymer on artificial material surface is one of the effective methods to inhibit protein adsorption. OBJECTIVE: To study pre-adsorption and protein adsorption resistance of poly (isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based amphiphilic comb-block copolymers on polystyrene (PS) surface, and to understand the effect of the copolymer structure, i.e. the chain length and the number of hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyethylene oxide (PEO) comb-branches, on protein adsorption resistance. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An observational study was performed at College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology from November 2007 to November 2008. MATERIALS: Monodisperse PS microsphere was employed to simulate surface of hydrophobic materials, and lysozyme was used as protein model. METHODS:① Qualitative analysis: Aqueous suspension of PS microspheres (0.1 g/L) was treated with PNIPAM-based copolymer (0.1 g/L) at room temperature for 24 hours to allow pre-adsorption of the copolymer on PS surface to build up a hydrophilic layer. Lysozyme (0.1 g/L) was mixed with the PS suspension at 37 ℃ and the mixture was kept for 24 hours. Apparent particle size and turbidity of the suspension were measured at 37C to observe coagulation or flocculation of PS microspheres, which related to the extent of protein adsorption on PS surface. ②Quantitative analysis of protein adsorption: The PS suspension containing lysozyme was subjected to ultracentrifuge (15 000 r/min) to collect clear aqueous solution. The lysozyme concentration in the clear solution was measured by spectrophotometry at 280 nm. The amount of protein adsorbed on PS surface was calculated based on the decrease in the protein concentration in the supernatant solution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apparent particle diameter, turbidity, mass concentration of aqueous phase residual protein. RESULTS: ① Suspension of bare PS microspheres flocculated in the presence of lysozyme at 37℃ due to protein adsorption,which caused significant decrease in the turbidity of the suspension. Bare PS surface could adsorb 25.5 mg lysozyme per square meter.② PS microsphere surface pre-adsorbed by PNIPAM-based amphiphilic comb-block copolymer adsorbed much less protein. No flocculation and only limit coagulation was observed when the suspension of the surface modified PS microspheres was mixed with lysozyme, due to less protein adsorption on the PS surface. CONCLUSIONS: ① Pre-adsorption of water-soluble PNIPAM-based comb-block copolymer on PS microsphere surface can inhibit protein adhesion on the surface. ② The structure of the copolymer strongly affects the performance of protein resistance. A proper amount of hydrophilic branch unit, VP or EO, is required to exhibit good protein resistance of the copolymer. However, excess hydrophilic branches in the copolymer results in worse protein resistance probably due to less stability of the pre-adlayer of the copolymer on PS surface.