Objective Antimicrobial peptides are the focus of recent research in oral microbiology .This study aimed to eval-uate the activity of a novel antimicrobial peptide pm 11 against oral microorganisms and its action mechanisms . Methods We ana-lyzed the effect of pm11 on oral microorganisms and determined its antimicrobial activity in the saliva environment by measuring its min -imal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericide concentration (MBC), and bactericidal kinetics.We observed its bacteri-cidal activity on the biofilms of streptococcus mutans by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the structural changes in the bacterial membrane by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results The antimicrobial activity of pm11 varied greatly against dif-ferent oral microorganisms , with its MIC values ranging from 2 μg/mL to 256 μg/mL and its MBC values from 2 μg/mL to >256μg/mL.The bactericidal kinetics showed a decreasing survival rate of bacteria with the lengthening of the intervention time .The inhib-itory-zone diameters exhibited no significant indifference between the water solution and the sterile saliva solution .CLSM revealed an increased number of dead bacteria in the pm 11-treated biofilms , while SEM manifested obvious changes in the shape of the bacteria membrane treated with pm11. Conclusion Our findings suggest that pm11 has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities on oral mi-croorganisms and a potential value of clinical application .

Objective Streptococcus sanguis is a possible candidate bacterium for the caries replacement therapy, which has no advantages in the acidic environment.The aim of the study was to construct acid-resistant strains of Streptococcus sanguis, determine its acid tolerance, and explore the mechanism of its antagonism against Sterptococcus mutans.Methods By gradually reducing the pH value of the medium, we constructed acid-resistant strains of Streptococcus sanguis, observed their growth and measured their acid tolerance according to their survival rate against lethal pH.We evaluated the competitive relationship between Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans by plate experiment and detected the changes of related acid resistance genes by real-time quantitative PCR.Results The growth of Streptococcus sanguis and its acid-resistant strains were limited by the pH value, and that of Streptococcus sanguis was better in either acidic or normal environment.The lethal pH value of Streptococcus sanguis was 3.6, that of its acid-resistant strains was 2.3, and the survival rate of the acid-resistant strains was 66.59% in the pH 3.6 environment.In comparison, the lethal pH value of Streptococcus mutans was 2.5, that of its acid-resistant strains was 2.1, and the survival rate of the acid-resistant strains was 2.55% in the pH 2.5 environment.In the presence of chloramphenicol, the acid-resistant strains could not survive in the original lethal pH.In the sub-lethal pH environment, the expressions of the acid resistance-related genes Groel and Dnak in the acid-resistant strains were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the original Streptococcus sanguis (P<0.05).Conclusion Streptococcus sanguis has an acid adaptability and can enhance acid resistance in the sub-lethal pH environment.Acid-resistant Streptococcus sanguis in the replacement therapy may provide some new ideas for the treatment of dental caries.

Objective To study the safety,feasibility and efficacy of thoracoscopic hepatectomy for liver carcinoma. Methods Thoracoscopic hepatectomy was performed in 3 cases with single liver neoplasm from 2007 to 2011,including hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ) in one case and metastatic liver cancer in 2 cases.By preoperative imaging the tumor was located accurately to simulate the port position in operation.Patients were placed in a left lateral decubitus position,and 3 ports were inserted into the chest wall surrounding the tumor. Through the use of intra-operative thoracoscopic uhrasonography (IOTU),the diaphragm just above the tumor was opened.IOTU was performed on the liver surface and the resection line was marked.Throughout the course of parenchymal transection,IOTU was performed repeatedly to guide the resection line,and ensure the complete removal of the tumor.After meticulous hemostasis of the resection surface,the diaphragm was closed. A thoracic drain was left. Results Thoracoscopic hepatectomy succeeded in all 3 cases,the median total operating time was 150 min (110 -210 min),and the medianblood loss was 297 ml (130 -600 ml). Patients recovered quickly and had no major post-operative complications.During 9 to 42 months' follow-up,one patients died of other cause,no relapse of the diseases was found. Conclusions Thoracoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible operation in selected patients and has advantages in post-operative morbidity and in hospital time.

The isolate GN52 of Riemerrella anatipestifer was passaged on the Martin Medium successively according to the optimum condition. The experiments included Gram staining, biochemical test, drug sensitivity test and animal experiments were carried out on the bacteria of 3rd, 11th, 21st, 31st, 41st, 51st and 61st generations. It indicated that the bacterial morphs, biochemical character, drug resistance of the strain had no obvious change, but the virulence showed a trend of reduction.

This study was purposed to investigate the inhibition of hTERT antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) on the proliferation and telomerase activity in HL-60 cells and to explore the relativity between the telomerase activity and the expression of hTERT gene in HL-60 cells. After treated by hTERT ASODN the expression of hTERT was detected by RT-PCR, the morphological changes of HL-60 cells was observed with inverted microscopy, the cell proliferation was measured by MTT method, and the telomerase activity was determined with TRAP-ELISA and TRAP-PAGE. The results showed that after sealing hTERT gene with ASODN for 72 hours, the expression of hTERT gene was significantly inhibited, the cell growth was repressed and the ability of proliferation decreased, and the effect was specific in sequence and dependent in dose and time. OD(450-690) values were 2.648 +/- 0.42, 1.504 +/- 0.47, 1.223 +/- 0.39, 0.944 +/- 0.16 respectively, as the cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, 30 micromol/L ASODN for 72 hours. The difference was significant as compared 10, 20, 30 micromol/L groups with 0 micromol/L ASODN group respectively (P < 0.05), but the difference was no significant when compared 20 micromol/L SODN group (2.376 +/- 0.65) with untreated group (2.648 +/- 0.42) (P > 0.05). TRAP-PAGE detection revealed that comparing ASODN groups with SODN groups the telomerase image bands were decreased and least was found in groups of 30 +/- mol/L. It is concluded that the hTERT ASODN may inhibit the proliferation and down-regulate the telomerase activity in HL-60 cells by sealing the expression of hTERT gene.
Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Telomerase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVEFive heavy metals (Hg, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr) and arsenic (As) contents in 57 samples of from 19 localities in Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu of Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii sourcing from two plants Notoperygium incusum and N. forbesii has been analyzed to evaluate the content standard of heavy metal and arsenic for drafting the herbal medicine quality.

METHODICP-AES method was applied to determine As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr and CAAS method was applied to determine Hg.

RESULTHg can not be determined through CAAS, and little Pb was determined except in limited N. forbesii samples from certain sites, while the contents of Cu in most samples are higher than 20 mg x kg(-1). As in N. forbesii samples, and Cd in N. incisum samples are higher or approximate the limitation of related standard of medicinal plants and production. Cr varies from different localities, ranging from 0.48 to 8.36 mg x kg(-1) for N. incisum and 1.44-8.03 mg x kg(-1) for N. forbesii.

CONCLUSIONReferring to the related standards of medicine and vegetable, the heavy metals and arsenic contents of Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii samples from traditional producing areas are confirmed the propositional standard, i. e., Pb < or = 5.0 mg x kg(-1), Cd < or = 0.3 mg x kg(-1), Hg < or = 0.2 mg x kg(-1), Cu < or = 28.0 mg x kg(-1), As < or = 2.0 mg x kg(-1), and Cr < or = 1.0 mg x kg(-1). Of these five heavy metals, Cu is much over the limitation standard, which suggested that GAP base of Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii must be selected in lower Cu environmental condition in main producing area.

Apiaceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Arsenic ; analysis ; Cadmium ; analysis ; China ; Chromium ; analysis ; Copper ; analysis ; Ecosystem ; Metals, Heavy ; analysis ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the cost-effectiveness and economic efficiency of integrated prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in four high-incidence counties.

METHODSData of local resource investment and total cost for PMTCT in 4 counties in China from 2003 to 2006 were collected. Cost analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted. Average costs of a confirmed HIV case, a prevented case and a disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) saving were calculated.

RESULTSAverage cost of identifying one HIV-infected mother was yen5512. Costs of a pediatric HIV case prevention and per DALY saving were yen46 747 and yen1870 ($231), respectively, based on the total cost perspective.

CONCLUSIONThe cost of integrated prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV was low. The PMTCT program was economical efficiency.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; prevention & control ; transmission ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; prevention & control ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ; prevention & control ; Universal Precautions ; economics

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) construction with different transplants.

METHODSFrom March 2006 to April 2009, 86 patients including 60 male and 26 female undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were prospectively randomized consecutively into autograft group (44 patients, using autogeneic hamstring tendons) and allograft group (42 patients, using allogenic lower extremity tendons). The age of those patients were 22 - 56 years, averaging (32 ± 7) years. The operations were made by the same doctor with the standard technology. The postoperative effects were assessed by the range of motion and tibia forward distance, Lachman test, pivot shift test, Daniel test, IKDC scores systems, Lysholm-Tegner scores.

RESULTSSeventy-nine patients were followed up, 41 patients in autograft groups averaged 39.6 months and 38 patients in allograft group averaged 37.4 months. The operation time of autograft group was (87 ± 11) minutes, that of allograft group was (55 ± 10) minutes (t = 15.732, P < 0.05). The time of postoperative fever of autograft group was (3.2 ± 1.4) days, that of allograft groups was (7.6 ± 5.3) days (t = 5.740, P < 0.05). The Lysholm scores of autograft group was 42 ± 7 before operation, and 89 ± 8 at final follow-up. The Lysholm scores of allograft group was 44 ± 6 before operation, and 87 ± 9 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 13.534 and 17.768, P < 0.05).But no statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Tegner scores of autograft group was 2.9 ± 2.1 before operation, and 7.7 ± 1.2 at final follow-up. The Tegner scores of allograft group was 2.7 ± 1.4 before operation, and 7.1 ± 1.6 at final follow-up. There was statistic difference in both groups between before operation and final follow-up (t = 16.004 and 12.338, P < 0.05).No statistic difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The KT2000 results showed that the anterior displacement of autograft groups was (10.7 ± 3.5) mm before operation and (5.0 ± 2.7) mm at final follow-up, the anterior displacement of allograft groups was (10.9 ± 2.9) mm before operation and (6.5 ± 2.4) mm at final follow-up, there was statistic difference between before and after operation in anterior displacement in two groups (t = 16.354 and 13.296 P < 0.05). There was no difference between two groups before operation and at final follow-up. Compared to before operation, the IKDC scores were improved greatly after operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of arthroscopic ACL construction with allograft transplants is near to autograft.

Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Arthroscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tendons ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the efficacy of stenting followed by laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of obstructing left-sided colon cancer.

METHODSForty-nine patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer were prospectively randomized into two groups. Twenty patients received emergent open surgery, while 15 underwent laparoscopic surgery 3 days after placement of the self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) and 14 of them received laparoscopic surgery 10 days after placement of SEMS. Outcomes evaluated included 1-stage operation rate, conversion rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, postoperative pain score and use of analgesics, rates of permanent stoma, and postoperative complications.

RESULTSCompared with emergent open surgery, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery had significantly less blood loss(P=0.000), lower permanent stoma rate (P=0.024), less pain(P=0.000), and lower incidence of postoperative complications. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a significantly higher rate of 1-stage operation(P=0.004). Compared with patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery 3 days after SEMS placement, patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery 10 days after SEMS placement had a significantly higher 1-stage operation rate(P=0.001) and a lower conversion rate(P=0.046).

CONCLUSIONSSelf-expanding metal stenting is a safe and effective bridge to laparoscopic surgery in patients with obstructing left-sided colon cancer. Laparoscopic surgery 10 days after SEMS placement may be more appropriate.

Adult ; Aged ; Colonic Neoplasms ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; etiology ; surgery ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical characteristics of alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC).

METHODSThe clinical data of 13 children with AHC were analyzed. Cranial MRI, EEG, analysis of serum amino acids and urinary organic acids, measurement of plasma lactate and pyruvate levels were done in all patients. Other laboratory examinations such as magnetic resonance angio-imaging (MRA), digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) and Video-EEG were also performed in some patients.

RESULTSOf the 13 patients, 12 were male, and 1 was female. The age of onset was from 2 days to 55 months (average 13.1 months). The initial symptoms were abnormal ocular movements (AOMs) consisting of ocular deviation, gaze or nystagmus in 2 cases, AOMs and dystonic posturing in 9 cases, hemiplegia in 2 cases. All patients had recurrent alternating hemiplegic episodes. The hemiplegic attacks lasted from a few minutes to 10 days. The occurrence of the attacks ranged from 8 times daily to one time every 2 months. In 10 patients the abnormal eye movements or dystonic posturing, at times, recurred intermittently during the hemiplegic attack. Choreoathetosis was present in 2 cases. Ataxia was present in 1 case; 7 patients also had the episodes of quadriplegia. During the episodes of quadriplegia, dysarthria or aphasia was present in 4 cases, dyspnea and dysphagia was present in 2 cases, respectively. Sleep could relieve both weakness and associated paroxysmal symptoms. Mental retardation was present in 9 cases, seizures in 3 cases. Except for EEG or Video-EEG was abnormal in 3 patients, other laboratory investigations were normal in all patients. Twelve patients received flunarizine therapy. Flunarizine reduced the severity, duration, or frequency of hemiplegic attacks in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that AHC is characterized by frequent episodes of alternating hemiplegia with extrapyramidal symptoms and mental retardation, flunarizine is effective in treating some AHC patients.

Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Flunarizine ; therapeutic use ; Hemiplegia ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Treatment Outcome