ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between liver stiffness and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in chronic heptatitis B patients with negative α-fetoprotein (AFP) tests. MethodsFrom September 2012 to August 2014, this study enrolled a total of 82 HBV-relative native HCC patients as the case group. During the same period, a total of 253 chronic hepatitis B patients were also include in this study as the control group. These 253 patients were followed up for six months. All of the two groups were AFP-negative. Liver stiffness was measured in all patients by transient elastography device Fibroscan?. Logistic regression was applied to assess the risk of HCC incidence, and stratum-specific likelihood ratios (SSLR) was calculated.ResultsThe age, liver stiffness measurements and plasma albumin of patients in case group were 53 years old (44-61), 12.00 kPa (7.50-20.75), 43.14 g/L (39.50-46.75) respectively. The age, liver stiffness measurements and plasma albumin of patients in control group were 45 years old (38-56), 8.40 kPa (5.40-13.50), 46.40 g/L (43.75-48.50) respectively. The variables were compared between two groups with unpaired studentt test, and the results were statistically significant (t=4.33, 3.56,
-4.48,P=0.00, 0.00, 0.00). The patients in case group were older, and had higher liver stiffness measurements and lower plasma albumin than that of the patients in control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that HCC incidence was associated with age,male-gender and liver stiffness, and the odds ratios (OR) was 1.053, 2.432, 6.803 respectively. When liver stiffness was<10 kPa, 10.1-15 kPa, 15.1-25 kPa,>25 kPa, SSLR for HCC presence was 0.67, 1.02,1.44, 3.98 respectively.ConclusionsLiver stiffness measured by transient elastography is useful in predicting the risk of HCC incidence in AFP-negative chronic heptatitis B patients. Clinicians needed to carry out close follow-up and appropriate intervention for these patients.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of repeated trans-cranial magnetic stimulation ( rTMS) in relieving post-stroke depression ( PSD). Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP were searched for reports of randomized, controlled trials of rTMS treatment of PSD published before June 2015. Crude standardized mean differences ( SMDs) and odds ratios with 95% confidence in-tervals ( CIs) were calculated for depression intensity and effectiveness rate after treatment using random or fixed effects models. Results Twenty-four studies involving 856 rTMS-treated patients and 802 control patients were in-cluded in the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with the control group, PSD patients showed significant reductions in depression after rTMS treatment ( SMD=-1.36;95% CI-1.6 to-1.12;P≤0.05) . The total effective-ness rate in the treated group was 85% with a reduction in NIHSS score ( SMD=-0.82;95% CI-1.2 to-0.44;P≤0.05) . Subgroup analysis showed that neither the frequency of rTMS stimulation, the site stimulated, nor time after stroke had a significant influence on the effectiveness of rTMS. Additionally, a few studies reported adverse reactions after rTMS. Conclusion rTMS appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PSD. Further well-controlled trials may elucidate the mechanism underlying the placebo effects of the sham rTMS observed among PSD patients.

Objective To construct and express the recombinant plasmid pET28α-Sj26GST-Sj32 of Schistosoma japonicum(Sj) in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Methods Total RNA was extracted from Sj adult worms by ultrasound-breaking, Sj26GST and Sj32 antigen gene was respectively amplified by RT-PCR from the total RNA; Sj26GST-Sj32 fusion gene obtained with gene splicing by overlap extension(SOEing) was cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pET28α and transformed into Escherichia coli BL2 (DE3) to construct pET28α-Sj26GST-Sj32;BL21 (pET28α-Sj26GST-Sj32) was induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG), and the expressed products were analyzed and identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electropheresis (SDS-PAGE)and Western blotting. Results The 1991 bp Sj26GST-Sj32 fusion gene was successfully amplified by gene SOEing and cloned into pET28α by restriction analysis and PCR identification, the recombinant plasmid pET28α-Sj26GST-Sj32 was successfully constructed; the relative molecular mass of the expressed recombinant protein was approximately 69 × 103 by SDS-PAGE, and the amount of the expressed protein was 25% of the total bacterial proteins; the fusion protein could be recognized by sera from rabbits infected with Sj by Western blotting.Conclusions The recombinant plasmid pET28α-Sj26GST-Sj32 is successfully constructed and highly expressed in Escherichia coli in fused form with His-tag, and the expressed fusion protein shows specific antigenicity.

Objective To construct and express the recombinant plasmid pET32α-Sj26GST of Schistosoma japonicum(sj)in Escherichia coli(E.coli)B121(DE3).Methods The total RNA was extracted from sj adult worms by ultrasound-breaking,Sj26GST antigen gene was amplified by RT-PCR from the total RNA,then cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pET32α(+) and transformed into E.coli B12(DE3)to construct pET32α-Sj26GST;BL21(pET32α-Sj26GST)WaS induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranosid(IPTG),and the expressed products were analyzed and identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.Results The 676 bp Sj26GST gene was successfully amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pET32α(+)by restriction analysis and PCR identification,the recombinant plasmid pET32α-Sj26GST was successfully constructed;the relative molecular mass of the expressed recombinant protein was approximately 49×103 by SDS-PAGE,and the amount of the expressed protein was 24%of the total bacterial proteins;the fusion protein could be recognized by sera from rabbits infected with sj by Western blot.Conclusions The recombinant plasmid pET32α-Sj26GST is successfully constructed and highly expressed in E.coli in fused form with Trx-tag and His-tag,and the expressed fusion protein shows specific antigenicity.

BACKGROUND: At present, the researches on murine model of acute radiation encephalopathy are still in investigation, and mature model making method is not clear.OBJECTIVE: To establish a murine model of acute radiation encephalopathy in order to provide a good foundation for further researches of radiation encephalopathy(REP) mechanism and therapy.DESIGN: Randomized controlled study based on the experimental animals.SETTING: Animal laboratory in a university hospital. The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.MATERIALS: The experiment was completed in the Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2001 to August 2002. Totally 30 female and 30 male SD rats, weighted(300 ± 30) g, were selected from the Animal Experiment Center of Sun Yat-sen University, and randomly divided into blank control group with 20 rats and experimental group with 40 rats.METHODS: Fourty rats' brain received 60Co γ-ray irradiation with the dosage of 7 Gy/time per day for 6 consecutive days with the total dosage of 42 Gy. The amount of ingestion and drinking, general activities, central nervous system(CNS) symptoms and signs were recorded every day. The hairs and skin of irradiated field and weight were checked and recorded weekly. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 30th days after radiation, the brain tissue was collected and the histopathologic changes were examined.Histopathologic changes after radiation.RESULTS: Since the third day, the ingestion and drinking amount of irradiated rats were decreased. The general activities were increased for the first two days, but decreased without abnormal nervous signs on the 3rd day. The rats in experimental group had a slower weight gain than those of control group, and the difference between them was of no statistical significance. All rats had slight alopecia and neuronal necrosis 2 weeks after irradiation.CONCLUSION: The irradiation method is reliable, practical and good for modeling REP process, which can be used in preventing or reducing the harm effect of radiation therapy on brain tissue.

Object To prepare Heart protecting Musk Pellet (HPMP). Methods The HPMP was prepared by using a centrifugal granulator. The effect of formulation and technology on the yield of pellets was investigated. The optimal conditions of technology were selected by the uniform design. Results The yields of core pellets were affected significantly by the rotating rate of plate, amount of adhesive agent, the added speed of adhesive agent and the conditions of nebulization. The spraying rate of binder solution and feeding rate of powder were found to have significant influences on pelletizing. The process parameters established by the uniform design were as follows: the ratio of fine intermediate product and MCC was 1∶1, the adhesive agent was 3% HPMC solution. The rotating rate of plate was 200 r/min, the blower rate was 10?20 L/min, the rate of air flow was 15 L/min, the spray air pressure was 0 5 MPa, the rotating rate of spray solution pump was 14 r/min and the rotating rate of powder feed machine was 18 r/min. Conclusion Under the optimal conditions, the pellets prepared by using centrifugal granulator have perfect shape and surface characteristics and the yield of 1 000 700 ?m pellets could reach to 90 4%.

BACKGROUNDTenidap is a liposoluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is easily distributed in the central nervous system and also inhibits the production and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines in vitro. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap in a pilocarpine rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

METHODSTenidap was administered daily at 10 mg/kg for 10 days following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in male Wistar rats after which prolonged generalized seizures resulted in TLE. After tenidap treatment, spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) were recorded by video monitoring (for 7 hours per day for 14 days). The frequency and severity of the SRSs were observed. Histological and immunocytochemical analyses were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of tenidap and detect COX-2 expression, which may be associated with neuronal death.

RESULTSThere were 46.88 ± 10.70 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 27.60 ± 5.18 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA3 area. There were 37.75 ± 8.78 survival neurons in tenidap-SE group, while there were 33.40 ± 8.14 survival neurons in saline-SE group at -2.4 mm field in the CA1 area. Tenidap treatment significantly reduced neuronal damage in the CA3 area (P < 0.05) and slightly reduced damage in the CA1 area. Tenidap markedly inhibited COX-2 expression in the hippocampus, especially in the CA3 area.

CONCLUSIONTenidap conferred neuroprotection to the CA3 area in a pilocarpine-induced rat model of TLE by inhibiting COX-2 expression.

Animals ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Indoles ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Pilocarpine ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo create an integrated digital maxillodental model and to apply it in computer aided design (CAD) of individualized lingual brackets in order to align both crowns and roots without fenestration and dehiscence.

METHODSCone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT)-based maxillodental model and laser-scanned dental model were integrated by auto registration in 10 patients with malocclusions. The registration error was calculated automatically. Three observers tested the method independently. The inter-observer difference was investigated. An integrated model was selected randomly and the setup was created with roots and jaws in good relationship without fenestration and dehiscence. The individualized lingual brackets were designed by CAD on the setup.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in inter observers (P > 0.05). The registration errors of maxilla and mandible were (0.144 ± 0.020) mm and (0.141 ± 0.022) mm, respectively. The digital individualized lingual brackets based on the virtual treatment in integrated digital maxillodental model were produced.

CONCLUSIONSAn integrated digital maxillodental model was created in good accuracy. By applying the integrated model, individualized lingual brackets were designed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Computer-Aided Design ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dental Models ; Dentition ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Malocclusion ; therapy ; Mandible ; diagnostic imaging ; Maxilla ; diagnostic imaging ; Orthodontic Brackets ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of endophytic fungi.

METHODA. formosanus, harvested after having been cultured for age, statistics were taken, fresh weight and dry weight were gained, and enzyme activities of chitinase, beta-1,3-glucase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and polyphenoloxidase were determined.

RESULTThe survial rates of A. formosanus inoculated with endophytic fungi was 100%. The effect of fungi on fresh weight was very significant (P < 0.01). The effect of fungi on dry weight was significant (P > 0.05). The four enzyme activities were enhanced by endophytic fungi, comparision with the controls.

CONCLUSIONSurvial rates of A. formosanus can be increased by using endophytic fungi in vitro culture.

Catechol Oxidase ; analysis ; Chitinases ; analysis ; Mycorrhizae ; physiology ; Orchidaceae ; enzymology ; growth & development ; microbiology ; Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; enzymology ; growth & development ; microbiology ; Symbiosis ; beta-Glucans ; analysis

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to analyze the biomechanical effects of four sutures that are related to maxillary growth during a maxillary protraction treatment cycle based on labiolingual appliance.

METHODSA three-dimensional simulation of labiolingual appliance was performed based on a three-dimensional finite-element maxillofacial model combined with solid-modeled sutures.

RESULTSThe displacement and stress distributions were calculated. The labiolingual appliance was suitable for patients with underbites or deep overbites. Sutura frontomaxillaris and sutura zygomaticomaxillaris were vital to the forward displacement and counterclockwise rotation of the maxillary. The changes in sutura zygomaticotemporalis and sutura palatine were not significant.

CONCLUSIONThe influences of the labiolingual appliance on the sutures during the treatment cycle of maxillary protraction can be effectively simulated by the three-dimensional finite-element maxillofacial model.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Cranial Sutures ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; Maxilla ; growth & development ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Skull