Objective To study the role of cell density in the tyrosol production and morphology for Candida albicans biofilms. Methods C. albicans SC5314 and clinical isolates were propagated in yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) medium. Cells were collected by centrifugation and washed twice in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) before this study, then resuspended in RPMI 1640 supplemented with L-glutamine and adjusted to a desired concentration of 5 × 10~6 cells/ml, 5×10~5 cells/ml, 5 × 10~4 cells/ml, 5 × 10~3 cells/ml after counting with a hematocytometer. Standardized C. albicans cells were prepared as above description and 2000 μl of this standardized cell suspension was dispensed into the wells, then C. albicans biofilms were formed on the bottom of the polystyrene wells. In this study, tyrosol synthesized by SC5314 and clinical isolates of C. albicans biofilm was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of tyrosol on morphology of C. albicans biofilms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Tyrosol production of C. albicans biofilms was affected by cell densities. At lower inoculation size(5 μ 10~3 cells/ml), there was too less tyrosol production to be detected at the early stage of the biofilms formation. At higher inoculation size (5 μ10~6 cells/ml), tyrosol can be detectable at the early stage or at the mature stage of biofilms formation. There was a sharp increase in tyrosol concentration at 24 h, while there was a decrease in tyrosol concentration after that time from the strains when the strains were at an inoculation size of 5 × 10~6 cells/ml and 5 × 10~5 cells/ml. Cell densities affected the morphology formation of the C. albicans biofilms. At the early stage of the biofilms formation, C. albicans grew less germ tube at lower cell densities than that at the higher cell densities. With the mature of the biofilms, C. albicarts grew more hyphae at higher cell densities than that at the lower cell densities. All these above showed that cell densities played an important role in the propagation for the C. albi-cans in the biofilm formation. Conclusion Cell density play an important role in the formation of the C. albi-cans biofilms and the production of the tyrosol.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with infusion of propofol in anodynia bronchoscopy.

METHODSNinety patients who received selective bronchoscopy were randomized into a group of compound TEAS with infusion of propofol (group A), a group of compound fentanyl with propofol (group B) and a group of simple propofol (group C). In group A, the plaster electrode stimulation was applied at bilateral Hegu (LI 4), Laogong (PC 8), Neiguan (PC 6) and Waiguan (TE 5). The anesthesia was induced after 20 min of stimulation till the end of examination. In group B and group C, the electric stimulation was not adopted. In group B, before anesthesia, fentanyl 1 microg/kg was injected intravenously. Afterwards, the intravenous infusion of propofol was used in the the three groups for anesthesia. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), saturation of pulse oximetry (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded at different time points. The induced dosage and total dosage of propofol, examination time, the awakening time and adverse reactions were observed in the patients of each group.

RESULTSThe difference in examination time was not significant among the three groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative awakening time in group A was earlier than that in group B and group C [(220.3 +/- 110.5) s vs (285.6 +/- 109.4) s, (290.1 +/- 105.1) s, both P < 0.05]. The total dosage of propofol in group C was larger than those in group A and group B [(288.5 +/- 26.7) mg vs (225.1 +/- 30.2) mg, (230.4 +/- 29.3) mg, both P < 0.05]. The induced dosage in group C was larger than those in group A and group B [(193.7 +/- 42.3) mg vs (152.3 +/- 36.1) mg, (155.4 +/- 40.5) mg, both P < 0.05]. Every life physical sign in group A during examination was more stable as compared with that in group B and group C. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia in group A were lower than those in group C [3.3% (1/30) vs 26.7% (8/30), 0% (0/30) vs 20.0% (6/30), both P < 0.05]. The adverse incidence of oxygen supply in group A was lower than that in group B [6.7% (2/30) vs 33.3% (10/30), P < 0.05]. Intraoperative awareness and improper memory did not happen in postoperative investigation.

CONCLUSIONIn the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with infusion of propofol in anodynia bronchoscopy, the physical sign of patient is stable with less adverse reactions. This method reduces anesthetic dosage and shortens the postoperative awakening time, which can be effectively applied in bronchoscopy.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Analgesia ; Anesthetics, Intravenous ; administration & dosage ; Bronchoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Management ; Propofol ; administration & dosage ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

Objective To observe the effect of ischemic postconditioning on neuron structure plasticity and memory after global cerebral ischemia injury in rats and discuss the protection mechanism from aspect of Morphology. Methods A total of 36 SD male rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, global cerebral ischemia for 15 min group and global cerebral ischemia plus postconditioning group, 12 rats per group. The pullsinelli 4 vessel occlusion was applied to produce the models of global cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, common carotid arteries (CCA) occlusion with 15 min and postconditioning with three cycles, of 15 sec release and 15 sec occlusion (15s/15s). Six rats from each group were evaluated by Morris Maze test for the ability of space learning and memory and the other six rats were evaluated by golgi stain for morphologic change of neuron. Results The ischemic postcondtioning group showed significant shorter mean escape latency compared with the sham operated group ( at day 3, P =0. 014; at day 4, P =0.040; at day 5, P =0.001 ). The density of dendritic spine in ischemic postcondtioning group was increased more significantly compared with ischemic group ( F = 562. 820,P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion Ischemic postconditioning has obvious protective effect on cerebral ischemiainduced memory impairment, which may be related to alleviation of dendritic spine injury.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation of hydroxycamptothecine (HCPT)-loaded cubic crystal liquid embolic precursor solution, and evaluate its in vitro embolic efficiency. Phytantriol was used as cubic crystal liquid embolic material, and the optimal formulation was selected according to ternary phase diagram. Polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to characterize the cubic crystal structure. High performance liquid chromatography and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to investigate the lactone ring of HCPT. In vitro dissolution was preliminary evaluated, and the simulation embolic model was constructed to evaluate the embolic efficiency of precursor solution. Meanwhile, the gelation time and adhesion force were investigated. The results showed that HCPT-loaded precursor solution for embolization had been successfully prepared with low viscosity which was injectable. The precursor solution could transform into Pn3m structure liquid crystal phase gel rapidly when contracting with excess water. The formed HPCT gel remained its lactone form as the same in precursor solution, and expressed the good ability to block the saline flow, and HCPT could keep sustained releasing drug over 30 days. The prepared drug-loaded embolic precursor solution showed a promising potential for vascular embolization and application in clinical treatment of tumor.

A(p.G888S)were detected in POLG1 gene.Sequence analysis of parental blood DNA revealed that her father carried L83P and her mother carried G888S.Conclusions The characteristics of clinical manifestation,electrophysiology,pathology and POLG1 gene mutation of the patient were highly consistent with Alpers syndrome.The prominent white matter change and increased immunological factors in CSF were first reported in Alpers syndrome.Alpers syndrome should be considered for those patients whose liver function were severely impaired after exposure to valproic acid.

Objective To study the effcet of necrosis and apoptosis induced by Brucea javanica oil emulsion on bladder cancer BIU-87 cells. MethodsBrucea javanica oil emulsion of different concentration was added to the bladder cancer BIU-87 cell cultured in vitro. The ratio of apoptosis/necrosis cells and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) were detected with flow cytometer. The dissipation of cytochrome C was observed with confocal microscopy. ResultsHigh concentration brucea javanica oil emulsion reduced MMP which led cell necrosis, while that of low concentration diffused the cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm which induced cell apoptosis. ConclusionHigh concentration brucea javanica oil emulsion mainly causes BIU-87 cells to necrosis, low concentration induces cell to apoptosis.

Objective To compare the rate of blood transfusion and hospitalization duration between the occlusion of ventricular septal defect through transesophageal echocardiography and the repair of ventricular septal defect.Methods A total of 131 consecutive patients were included in the study from July of 2011 to December of 2011,75 patients of them received the occlusion of ventricular septal defect through transesophageal echocardiography,and 56 patients of them received the repair of ventricular septal defect.Results All of 131 patients had discharged without death.The group of receiving the repair of ventricular septal defect presented the higher rate of blood transfusion(x2 =81.83,P ＜ 0.01) and longer hospitalization duration than the other(t =46.57,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The group of receiving the occlusion of ventricular septal defect through transesophageal echocardiography had the lower rate of blood transfusion and shorter hospitalization duration.

BACKGROUND:Several researches have highlighted the selective dissolution of Ni ion from the nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy during the corrosion process,which can lead to potential damage to human body.Different surface treatments will improve the corrosion resistance of NiTi implants.In modern medicines,it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of surface modified NiTi implants.OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of coated and uncoated materials made by elastic nickel-titanium alloy internal fixator on fracture healing and to compare the effects of continuous compressive stress after internal fixator of different types on fracture healing by setting up control group of bone nail internal fixation.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A randomized,controlled,animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Tissue Engineering,Institute of Orthopedics,Second Hospital Affiliated to Lanzhou University between September 2004 and March 2005.MATERIALS:Diamond-like carbon coated and nickel-titanium alloy and uncoated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator (type 4H8-40) were provided by Lanzhou Ximai Memory Co.,Ltd.,China.Intramedullary nails (type ZQY-01) were purchased from Tianjin Jinxingda Industries Co.,Ltd.,China.METHODS:Thirty Chinchilla rabbits of 4-6 months old were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10):diamond-like carbon coated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator (group A),uncoated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator (group B),and intramedullary fixator (group C).Following anesthesia by injection of 1% sodium pentobarbital (25 mg/kg),transverse fracture models in middle part of the femur were made through a lateral femoral incision and fixed with diamond-like carbon coated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator,uncoated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator,and intramedullary fixator respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The inorganic substance level,osteocalcin,alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression in callus surrounding fracture site were detected 4 weeks postoperatively.Ni ion level in muscles surrounding fracture site,live tissue,and brain tissue were also detected.RESULTS:Inorganic substance level and ALP,osteocalcin,and TNF expression were significantly higher in the groups A and B than in group C (P＜0.05).Ni ion level in the liver tissue,brain tissue,and muscles surrounding the fracture were significantly lower in the groups A and C than in group B (P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Elastic fixation promotes fracture healing.Diamond-like carbon coated nickel-titanium alloy embracing fixator has a better histocompatibility than uncoated group.

BACKGROUND: Although shape memory alloy has been extensively used in modem medicine, including orthopaedics and dental surgery, the body fluid could influence the stability of biomaterial and some ions released by materials may cause toxic and side effect to human body. The technology for the modification of shape-memory materials is of crucial importance for clinical use of shape memory alloy.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy and uncoated shape memory alloy with osteoblasts cultured in vitro. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A comparative observation. The study was performed at the Institute of Othopaedics of Lanzhou University from March to June 2005.MATERIALS: A total of 30 DLC-coated Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy disks, 6 minx7 mmx0.5 mm, and the same amount of uncoated ones of equal size were provided by College of Materials, Lanzhou University. METHODS: Rabbit osteoblast suspension of the third passage at density of 10 × 108/L were incubated with DLC-coated Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy disks and uncoated shape memory alloy in 12-well culture plate in 5% CO2 at 37 ℃.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Culture media were counted at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days of culture to determine alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and nickel (Ni2+) concentration.RESULTS: The proliferation of osteoblasts and the concentration of AKP in DLC- coated group were greater than uncoated group; while the uncoated group released more Ni2. into the cells culture media than coated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DLC-ceated Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy appears to have better biocompatibility with osteoblast cultured in vitro compared to uncoated ones.

AIM: To observe the influence of gold nanoparticles combined with Endostar (AuNPs-Endostar) on the melanoma lung metastasis of mice and the underlying mechanism.METHODS: C57BL/6 mice (n=24) were selected for constructing the model of spontaneous lung metastasis of melanoma B16-F10 cells.Subsequently, the mice were randomly divided into Endostar group, AuNPs group, AuNPs-Endostar group and model group.After the formation of melanoma, the mice in each group were injected with different drugs through tail vein for 0.1 mL daily.After 9 d, the mice were narcotized for cutting the tumors in situ.After the operation, they were raised for 2 weeks before killed for obtaining the lung tissues to observe the situation of the metastasis.HE staining was utilized for observing the necrosis status of the tumors in situ, while immunostaining was applied for testing the expression of CD31, carbonic anhydrase-IX (CA-IX), vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the tumors.RESULTS: Compared with model group, the pulmonary metastasis in the groups with medical treatment was obviously reduced.In AuNPs-Endostar group, the metastasis inhibition rate was the highest, and the tumor necrosis was also decreased obviously, with the significant reduction of CD31, CA-IX and vimentin expression in the tumors and significant increase in ZO-1 expression.CONCLUSION: Compared with using Endostar or AuNPs alone, the combination of AuNPs with Endostar significantly improves the curative effect of inhibiting the pulmonary metastasis of melanoma in the mice.The mechanism may be related to reducing the tumor angiogenesis, norma-lizing the blood vessels and improving tumor hypoxia, thus inhibiting the tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, increasing the tight junctions between tumor cells and decreasing the invasiveness.