AIM: To study the instant effect of circumstance temperature on mechanical properties of single living intact human red blood cell. METHODS: The shape, size, membrane bending elastic modulus and shear elastic modulus of single living intact red blood cell was determined with non-invasive, in situ, real time by employing a static micro-image analyzing and a dynamic micro-image analyzing system. RESULTS: The contact area and diameter of red blood cells were decreased as the temperature increased from 35 ℃ to 43 ℃. The membrane bending elastic modulus and shear elastic modulus of single living intact red blood cell were the least at physiological temperature 37 ℃. CONCLUSION: Red blood cells are easy to carry out their physiological functions such as carrying oxygen to all of the body with the best shape and mechanical deformation at 37 ℃.

Objective To evaluate the clinical,neuroimaging and electrophysiology features of 62 patients with multiple system atrophy(MSA).Methods Sixty-two cases with diagnosis of probable MSA were recruited in a retrospective studied.Clinical,neuroimage and external anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG)data was retrospectively analyzed.Results In 62 cases(44 male and 18 female),the onset age was between 37 and 76.Among them,29 cases(46.8 % )were MSA-A,with orthostatie hypotension as the main clinical manifestation;24 cases(38.7 % )were MSA-C,with cerebellar ataxia ag the main chnical manifestation;9 cases(14.5 % )were MSA-P,with extrapyramidal symptoms as the main clinical manifestation.MRI showed that main lesion of MSA-A was in the cerebellum:that of MSA-C was in the cerebellum,pons and medulla;and that of MSA-P was in the putamen.Fifty-one cases did EAS-EMG and 46 cases showed neurogenie impairments.Nineteen cases were initially misdiagnosed with other diseases.Conclusions MSA is easy to be omitted or misdiagnosed at early stage.The diagnostie rate of MSA can be increased by the combination of clinical expressions,neuroimage,EAS-EMG and other necessary examinations.

Objective To analyze diagnostic evaluation of urethral sphincter electromyography (US-EMGs) for patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA).Methods Totally 15 patients who were diagnosed as MSA were examined as treatment group while 17 non-MSA patients were examined as controls.US-EMGs were performed in the both groups.Spontaneous activities when relax,parameters of motor unit potentials(MUPs) mean duration and amplitude,percentage of polyphasic ware,satellite potential,recruitment potentials and amplitude when strong contraction were recorded and analyzed.Results USEMGs changes of various abnormalities were found in 13 cases (86.7％) in MSA group.There were significant differences of electromyographic findings between the MSA group and control group including MUPs mean duration[(12.79 ±3.18)ms vs (9.49 ± 1.51)ms] and amplitude[(828.53 ±459.89) μV vs (378.76 ± 152.26) μV] as well as recruitment potentials [(11.47 ± 21.55) ％ vs (8.23 ± 10.74) ％] and amplitude [(2.19 ± 1.24) mV vs (0.75 ± 0.42) mV] when strong contraction (all P values ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is certain value of US-EMGs for the diagnosis of MSA.It could be used as a routine electrophysiological method for the patients who are suspected of MSA.It could be a supplement of externalanal sphincter electromyography.

Objective To investigate the clinical, electrophysiological and pathological features of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM). Methods The clinical outcomes, electromyogram Results as well as pathological features in nerves and muscles of 3 patients with CIPNM were investigated and analyzed. Results 3 patients were all provided with assisted respiration after tracheal intubation. 7～10 d after intubation, all the patients emerged muscle strength and tendon reflexes of extremities weakening; while 14 days after that, 2 patients appeared amyotrophy of extremities. Electromyogram showed that the conduction of many motor and sensory nerves for extremities decreased, while the amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of part of motor nerves decreased. Biopsy for nerves revealed decreased medullated nerve fibers and regeneration phenomenon of auxiliary fibers; while that for muscles showed neuralgic damage and myopathy-like changes. Conclusion CIPNM can complicate after tracheal intubation. The electrophysiological and pathological examinations for nerves and muscles can be helpful for the diagnosis.

Objective To evaluate the treatment of bilateral hydronephrosis caused by prostate cancer. Methods Twenty-four eases with mean age of 71 years old (ranging from 64--81 years old) were diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis caused by prostate cancer and treated with complete androgen deprivation. Surgical castration plus Bicalutamide 50 mg/d was offered to 18 eases and medical castration (Goserelin, 3. 6 mg/month) plus Bicalutamide 50 mg/d was offered to 6 cases. There were 19 cases developed severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Among these 19 cases, 13 cases had accepted Foley catheter and 6 cases accepted suprapubic tube drainage. Results Before and after the treatment, the prostate volume decreased from (70. 3±11.2)ml to (42.6±15.8)ml(P=0. 001). Total PSA decreased from (40. 3±27.2)ng/ml to (9.5±8.3)ng/ml(P=0.02). Of the 24 cases, hydrone phrosis improved in 18 cases, remained unchanged in 3 cases and deteriorated in 3 cases. There were 14 patients developed renal insufficiency. After the treatment, Serum urea nitrogen decreased from (12. 8±6. 5) mmol/L to (6. 3 ± 4. 2) mmol/L (P = 0. 004) and serum ereatinine decreased from (206.8±152.3)μmol/L to (85.3±43.6)μmol/L(P=0.03), respectively. For those 6 cases with hy dronephrosis unchanged or deteriorated during the treatment, 4 cases accepted percutaneous nephros tomy and 2 cases accepted chtaneous ureterostomy. Conclusion The combination of complete androgen deprivation and bladder drainage through Foley catheter or suprapubic tube is an effective option in the treatment of bilateral hydronephrosis caused by prostate cancer.

Objective To assess the significance of urethral sphincter electromyography (US-EMG) and external anal sphincter electromyography (EAS-EMG) for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA).Methods US-EMG and EAS-EMG were performed in 9 patients who were diagnosed as MSA.Duration,motor unit action potentials amplitude,polyphasicity,as well as recruited pattern and amplitude during powerful contraction were recorded and analyzed.Results Among 9 patients who were diagnosed as MSA,7 cases showed neural injury by both US-EMG and EAS-EMG.There was significant difference of electromyographic findings between US-EMG group and EAS-EMG group (average volatility (μV):1063.44 ±499.92 vs 634.89 ±265.07; polyphasic wave:0(0,20％ ) vs 57％ (28％,63％ ) ; t =2.567,P=0.033;t =2.833,P=0.012).Conclusions Although US-EMG may be difficult to perform,US-EMG may have the same specificity as EAS-EMG for the diagnosis of MSA,especially for the diagnosis of MSA patients only with urination disorders,who are involved in Onuf neclear according to some of the abnormal indexes.

AIM: To investigate the pharmacological effects of recombined basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rats. METHODS: Using calibrated cross-action forceps a moderate crush injury was inflicted on the nerve. After crush injury, rbFGF, saline and VB 12 were administered by retrobublar injection. Four weeks after injury , the apoptosis of RGCs was measured with flow cytometer. RESULTS: Four weeks after operation, it was shown that the rbFGF, but not saline or VB 12 injection could significantly improve the maintainance of RGCs of rats. After 800 U, 1600 U and 2400 U rbFGF injection, the injured RGCs were rescued by 24.5%, 27.3% and 28.5% respectively. Furthermore, it was also found that rbFGF injection could effectively prevent the axons from injury. The flow cytometer showed that the rate of apoptosis was reduced markedly on 7 days at rbFGF group. CONCLUSION: rbFGF can significantly promote the functional repair of injured optic nerve. [

Objective To investigate the special expression and diagnostic value of anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) in the muscle tissues of patients with mitochondria encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). Methods All cases including 10 cases of MELAS, which were diagnosed definitely by clinical, pathological and DNA analysis, and 2 cases of normal control and 3 cases of necrotic muscle fibers, underwent muscle biopsies in order to carry out AMA staining. At the same time the original MGT staining was observed. Results A large number of ragged brown fibers (RBF) were observed under light microscopy with AMA immunohistochemical staining in the muscle tissues of patients with MELAS. But no RBF were observed in control groups. Conclusion RBF might be the specific performance of paraplastic mitochondrial, which was similar to the ragged red fibers, so RBF might be a pathological index in evaluating abnormal mitochondrial function and in diagnosing mitochondriopathy.

BACKGROUND: It has been proved that the application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with Brucea Javanica oil emulsion can accelerate wound healing and inhibit scar formation.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of bFGF plus Brucea Javanica oil emulsion cream on accelerating the skin wound healing of rabbits.DESIGN: A randomized controlled observation.SETTING: Center of Biotechnological Research and Development, Jinan University; College of Pharmacy, Jinan University.MATERIALS:The experiment was carried out in the College of Pharmacy, Jinan University from June to September in 2004. Eight Beijing big-ear white rabbits (4 males and 4 females) of 2.0-2.5 kg were provided by the experimental animal center of Southern Medical University (certification number: SoKx-2002-010). bFGF sterile freeze dried powder agent,provided by Guangzhou Changsheng Gene Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd (batch number: 20040219; specific activity was 6 000 U/bottle), was prepared to solution with water for injection before application. Brucea Javanica oil emulsion (manufactured by Zhejiang 999 Bang'erkang Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.) was provided by Professor Yao from staff Room of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University.METHODS: The rabbits were anesthetized and disinfected, 5 round wounds with diameter of 1.8 cm and area of 2.54 cm2were induced from front to back by bilateral incision at 1.5 cm from middle spine of rabbit. The 5 wounds of each rabbit were randomly divided into bFGF-treated group (90 U/cm2), bFGF+Brucea Javanica oil emulsion group [the wound was smeared with Brucea Javanica oil emulsion (30 mg/cm2) 30 minutes after bFGF (90 U/cm2)], Brucea Javanica oil emulsion treated group [the wound was smeared with Brucea Javanica oil emulsion (30 mg/cm2)], blank emulsion group (30 mg/cm2) and blank control group (the wound was smeared with saline). The medication was give immediately after injury, and changed once a day for 16 days. At 4, 8, 12 and 16 days after injury, the wound areas were recorded with the method of hyaline membrane tracing (the wound was covered with clean saran wrap, the size of wound was traced,and then sheared to be weighed, and converted to calculate the area), and the volume of wounded cavity was measured by infusing water. At 8 and 16 days, the wound tissue was removed, stained after routine tissue sections, and the conditions of growth of granulation tissue and reepithelization on the wound surface were observed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The wound area, volume of wounded cavity, and the conditions of growth of granulation tissue and reepithelization on the wound surface were obviously at different time points after injury in each group.RESULTS:All the 8 rabbits were involved in the analysis of results. ① Wound areas at different time points in each group: The wound areas in the bFGF+Brucea Javanica oil emulsion group at 4, 8 and 12 days after medication were smaller than those in the blank control group at corresponding time points [(2.05±0.35), (1.59±0.25), (0.55±0.25) cm2;(2.53±0.30), (2.41±0.19), (1.09±0.34) cm2, P＜0.05-0.01]. The wound areas in the bFGF group at 8 and 12 days after medication were (1.71±0.31) and (0.51±0.10) cm2, which were significantly smaller than those in the blank control group at corresponding time points (P＜0.05-0.01). ② Volume of the wounded cavity in each group: The wound volume in the bFGF group at 4 days after injury was markedly smaller than that in the blank control group at corresponding time point [(0.49±0.12), (0.59±0.1) mL, P＜0.05]. The wound volumes in the bFGF+Brucea Javanica oil emulsion group at 4 and 8days after injury were significantly smaller than those in the blank control group at corresponding time points [(0.47±0.12), (0.30±0.08) mL; (0.59±0.1), (0.41±0.07) mL, P＜0.05, 0.01]. ③ Growth of granulation tissue and reepithelization on the wound surface in each group: At 8 days after injury, the inflammatory reaction was milder and fibroblasts proliferated significantly in the bFGF+Brucea Javanica oil emulsion group, and the numbers of capillary plumules and fibroblasts were significantly more than those in the blank control group. The conditions in the blank control group and blank emulsion group were generally the same that there were severe inflammatory reactions, obvious increase of granulation tissue, fewer new capillaries, and unobvious proliferation of epidermic cells. At 16 days after injury, the contraction and reepithelization on the wound surface were obvious, and the new epithelia went towards the wound center rapidly in the bFGF+Brucea Javanica oil emulsion group.CONCLUSION : The application of Brucea Javanica oil emulsion plus bFGF can obviously accelerate the repair of incised wound on the back of rabbits.

Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis ( MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) for better diagnosis and differential diagnosis of them. Methods The characteristics of 40 MS and 38 NMO cases were retrospectively studied on clinic manifestations, electroneurophysiology,some laboratory indices, imaging characteristics and so on. Results The ratios of male to female were 1: 1. 35 and 1:4. 43 respectively in patients with MS and NMO, so patients with NMO were more likely to be female as compared with MS ( P < 0. 05 ). The mean onset age was ( 35. 5 ±13. 9 ) years in MS patients and (30. 6 ± 15. 6) years in NMO patients, but no significant difference was found (P>0. 05). The cases of visual acuity ≤0.1 in patients NMO was 13, which of MS was merely 1. The cases of visual acuity less than 0. 5 after treatment in NMO patients was 19, which in MS was only 1. The cases of cognitive impairment in NMO was 3, which of MS was 10. The cases of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands in MS was 16, which in NMO patients was 9. The lesions of spinal cord shown in MRI of MS patients were typically oval, peripheral and asymmetric, but those in NMO patients extended longitudinally and converged centrally. The mean number of involved vertebral segments in NMO patients was significantly greater than that in MS patients ( 6. 6 vs 2. 2, P < 0. 01). Furthermore, the number of spinal cord lesions in MS patients was alse remarkably greater than that in NMO patients (2. 0vs1.2, P <0. 01). Conclusions NMO may be a distinct clinical entity, which is likely to be differentiated from MS by its tendency to affect women, younger age at onset, and other features clinical manifestations, electroneurophysiology, laboratory parameters, neuroimaging show..