Hoxa3-Pax1/Pax9-Eya1-Six1/4 regulatory pathway seems to be operating during forming the bilateral parathyroid/thymus common primordial in early embryonic development.The specification of the parathyroid domain in the parathyroid/thymus primordial is regulated through a Shh-Tbx1-Gcm2 pathway.Gcm2 also may play roles in later steps of parathyroid development,including CaSR and PTH gene expression.MafB and Gcm2 interact with each other and synergistically activate PTH transcription.Genetic basis and the etiology of some hypoparathyroid disorders in man are involved defects in transcription factors that include GCMB,GATA3,Tbxl,SOX3 and GNA11.This marker expression in thymus and parathyroid primordium includes HoxA3,Pax1,Eya1,and Six1;and expression of parathyroid cell-like cells includes Gcm2,CaSR,and PTH.These expressions may serve as markers of stem cell differentiation into parathyroid cell-like cells.

Objective To investigate the survival status of liver cirrhosis patients without upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).Methods From 2004 to 2013,15 liver cirrhosis patients without upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage volunteered received TIPS treatment were followed up to find out the difficulty and the success rate of TIPS procedure,the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy,upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and improving of hypersplenism.Results The success rate of operation was 100％.The average of operation time was 60 minutes.During follow-up,no stent angulation occurred,no gastrointestinal hemorrhage happened and no one died in all 15 patients after TIPS operation.There were four patients with hepatic encephalopathy in eight weeks after operation.The anemia of four patients improved compared with that before operation.Conclusions TIPS is a safe and effective threapy in the prevention of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied with severe gastroesophageal varices.It may become the primary prophylaxis for liver cirrhosis patients without upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristic and prognosis of Serratia infections in newborn infants and increase awareness of Serratia infections.Methods The clinical manifestations,diagnosis,complications,treatment and prognosis of Serratia infections were analyzed in 4 hospitalized newborn infants in neonatology center from Jul.2008 to Feb.2009.Results Among the 4 cases,blood culture revealed Serratia marcescens in 3 cases(1 case was preterm infant),cerebral spinal fluid culture revealed Serratia liquefacien in the fourth case.The main clinical manifestations were fever,convulsion and poor response,WBC and CRP were much higher,while obvious thrombocytopenia was only found in the preterm infant.Two cases of septicemia infection alone recovered after the treatment of the third-generation cephalosporin for at least 2 weeks,while the other 2 cases of septicemia infection combined with purulent meningitis,included 1 case of preterm infant and 1 case of Serratia liquefacien infection,developed meningoencephalitis and brain abscess confirmed by serial imaging,both of which had poor neurological sequelaes.Conclusions As a opportunistic pathogen,Serratia can cause severe infection in newborns.The patients complicated with meningitis should be followed up and pay more attention to the high incidence of neurological sequelaes.

Objective To explore the clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) pneumonia in full-term neonatal patients.Methods All 422 full-term newborns diagnosed as pneumonia in NICU of Shenzhen Children's Hospital during January 2014 to January 2015 were included in this study.They had been detected for RSV in the way of direct immunofluorescence assay.According to the detection results, they were divided into RSV positive group and RSV negative group, the clinical data in two groups were analyzed.Results Forty-five cases were RSV positive,377 cases were RSV negative.The proportion of breast feeding was 42.22％ vs.65.25％ ,the proportion of cesarean section was 20.00％ vs.76.12％ in two groups,there were significant differences between the two groups.Hospitalization time, birth weight, gestational age, the age of admission showed no difference between two groups.The incidencs of cough (100％), shormess of breath (88.89％), three depressions (48.89 ％), fine rales (66.67 ％), wheezing (22.22％) in RSV positive group were higher than those in the RSV negative group(84.88％ ,42.44％, 13.26％, 13.53％ ,3.98％ respectively), there were significant differences between the two groups.The incidences of fever, saliva, nasal showed no significant difference between the two groups.There was significant difference in the X-ray chest film performance between two groups,RSV positive group was more emhrysema(71.11％ vs.6.9％) ,and less patch shadow(88.89％ vs.93.10％).The laboratory examination of blood routine test, C-reactive protein,respiratory failure, the positive rate of sputum culture, pneumothorax, pleural effusion were without differences.Conclusion RSV is an important pathogen of full-term neonates with infectious pneumonia.Breastfeeding and eutocia can reduce the incidence of RSV infection.Cough, shortness of breath, pulmonary rales, and emphysema in X-ray were common in RSV pneumonia.

Objective To discuss the feasibility of Monte Carlo N-particle transport code(MCNP)simulated calculation.Methods The calculation in water phantom was contrasted with the practical measurements and the reported values using the percent depth dose(PDD)curve and normal peak scatter factor.Results There Was no significant difference between calculated and measured results in the 10 cm×10 cm field(t＝-0.41,P>0.05),however,there were significant differences in the 5 cm×5 cm field(t=7.2,P<0.05)and in the 12 cm×12 cm field(t=-4.6,P<0.05).There was no significant difierence between the calculated results and the reported values(t=-1.91,P>0.05).In the same radiation field,the PDD decreased as the depth increased,but increased as the size of the radiation field increased at the same depth.PDD and normal peak scatter factor were both important parameters for calculation of prescribed dose.Conclusions It is possible to establish a set of accurate and comprehensive percent depth doses and normal peak scatter factor parameters so as to provide the basis of clinical use, quality assurance and quality control for radiotherapy.

Paeoniflorin is the main active ingredient of Chinese herbaceous peony. This study is to investigate the protective effect of paeoniflorin (Pae) on acute brain damage induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. The mice were randomly assigned to the normal control, model control (LPS), as well as groups of paeoniflorin and lipopolysaccharide (Pae + LPS). Then the mice were administered intraperitioneally with normal saline or Pae (10, 30 mg · kg(-1)) once daily for 6 d. One hour after intrapertioneally treatment on the seventh day, each group were injected LPS (5 mg · kg(-1)) to establish the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide inflammation model except the normal group. The mice were sacrificed after 6 h and the brain homogenates were prepared and measured. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), succinatedehydrogenase (SDH), Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase were dectected by the colorimetric method. The levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein in subcellular fractions of brain tissue were detected by Western blot. The results demonstrated that the administration with paeoniflorin reduced the levels of the MDA production; significantly increase the activities of antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GSH-PX). In addition, paeoniflorin could enhance the total antioxidant capacity, decrease the level of H2O2, and increase the activities of SDH, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase. Furthermore, paeoniflorin can increase the expression of HO-1 and activate the nuclear transfer of Nrf2. Taking together, these findings suggest that paeoniflorin alleviate the acute inflammation in mice brain damage induced by LPS, which is related with its antioxidant effect and improvement of energy metabolism.
Animals ; Energy Metabolism ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Monoterpenes ; pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase ; metabolism

Objective Evaluate the effects of venous-arterial modified ultrafiltration on hemodynamics compared to arterial-venous in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for repair of congenital heart defects. Methods Forty patients underwent MUF randomly divided into two groups,group V-A MUF (n =20) and group A-V MUF (n =20) for 10 min after CPB. They were studied before CPB, after CPB, 10 min after CPB, and 30 min after CPB. Haemodynamic data including heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure and hematocrit were recorded. Transoesophaegeal echocardiography determined left ventricular posterior wall thickness in end-systole ( LVPWs) and end-diastole (LVPWd) , end diastolic volume (EDV) , end systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured and compared in two groups. Results Patients in V-A MUF maintained better systolic arterial blood pressure at 10 min and 30 min compared with 0 min values after CPB. A significant decrease in EF were observed in both groups immediately after CPB ( P < 0.05 ). Significant increase in EF was observed at 10 min (60% ) and 30 min (46% ) after CPB compared with 0 min value after bypass in V-A MUF (P <0.001 ). In A-V MUF, no such increase in EF was observed. EF were significantly higher at 10 min and 30 min in V-A MUF as compared with A-V MUF (P < 0. 001). There was also significant improvement in posterior wall thickness in V-A MUF (P <0.05). Haematocrit values were not different in duration of postoperative between two groups. Conclusion Veno-arterial modified ultrafiltration is a safe and effective method of improving hemodynamics in children following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in diffuse brain injury (DBI) of rats and to explore the corresponding effect of AQP4 for brain edema. METHODS: The rat model of DBI was established using Marmarou's impact-compression trauma model. Brain water content was measured by dry-wet weight method. Blood-brain barrier permeability was evaluated by Evans blue (EB) staining. Immunohistochemical method was used to observe the expression of AQP4. RESULTS: Brain water content increased after 3 h and peaked at 24 h after DBI. Brain EB content significantly increased and peaked at 12 h after DBI. The expression of AQP4 significantly increased after 3 h and peaked at 24 h after DBI, and the number of AQP4 positive astrocytes increased. CONCLUSION The increment of the permeability of blood-brain barrier and the expression of AQP4 may contribute to the development of brain edema in rat DBI. The change of AQP4 expression in astrocytes may also contribute to determine DBI.
Animals ; Aquaporin 4/metabolism* ; Astrocytes ; Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism* ; Brain ; Brain Edema/metabolism* ; Brain Injuries/metabolism* ; Cell Membrane Permeability/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Permeability ; Rats ; Water

Objective To evaluate effects of chronic arsenic exposure and arsenic exposure time on oxidative DNA lesions in humans. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 108 subjects exposed to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water and 75 control subjects. A cohort study was conducted in 64 subjects exposed to high levels of arsenic in drinking water for 7 or 9 years. Urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydredeoxygnanine(8-OHdG) levels were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit(ELISA). Urinary arsenic concentration was detected with hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results In the cross-sectional study, the median of urinary arsenic concentration was 484.17 mg/kg Cr for the arsenic-exposed group, and 13.80 mg/kg Cr for the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=32.57, P<0.01). The median of urinary 8-OHdG levels was 16.60 and 21.88 mg/kg Cr for arsenic-exposed children and adults respectively, much higher than control children(10.50 mg/kg Cr) and adults (9.11 mg/kg Cr), and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.049, 6913, all P<0.01). Urinary 8-OHdG levels were signifieandy lower for children than adults in the exposed group(t=-1.997, P<0.05). In the cohort study, the median of urinary arsenic concentration was 461.3 mg/kg Cr for the 7-year-exposed subjects and 422.90 mg/kg Cr for the 9-year-expesed subjects, and no significant difference was observed(t=-0.250, P 0.05). The median of urinary 8- OHdG levels for 9-year-exposed children and adults were 23.46 and 24.30 mg/kg Cr respectively, significantly increased compared with those of 7-year-exposed(14.29 and 18.38 mg/kg Cr), and the difference had statical signhqcanees (t= -2.949,-3.055, all P<0.01). Conclusions Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to oxidative DNA lesions in humans. The arsenic-induced DNA lesions may aggravate with the exposure time in a certain period.

Objective To investigate the effects of different culture conditions on the isolation and expansion of stem cells from second-trimester amniotic fluids.Methods Amniotic fluids were obtained from 15 pregnant women undergone amniocenteses for medical indications between 16-24 gestation weeks by transabdominal amniocenteses from September 2007 to June 2008.Amniotic fluids(10-20 ml)samples were collected and each WaS cultured under different conditions or groups.(1)Low-glucose DMEM(LD) medium supplemented with 10%of fetal bovine serum(group of 10% FBS);(2)LD medium with 20%of FBS(group of 20%FBS);(3)LD medium with 15%of FBS and 4 ng/ml of basic fibroblast growth factor (group of bFGF);(4)LD medium with 10%of FBS as well ag the culture plate coated with gelatin(group of gelatin).The effects of different conditions were evaluated by comparing the number of primary colonies,the cell morphology and the ability of expansion.The isolated stem cells were identified by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and differentiation ability to edipocyte.Resuits (1)The success rates of primary culture of the group of 10%FBS,20%FBS,bFGF and gelatin were 60%,73%,73%and 60% respectively(P>0.05).The numbers of colonies were 0.9±0.5,2.6±1.5,2.9±1.5,1.1±0.8(P<0.01 when group of 10%FBS and gelatin compared with group of 20%FBS and bFGF);among the primary colonies,fibroblast-like colonies accounted for 46%,49%,64%.44%respectively(P>0.05).(2)The second passage cells obtained from all of these four groups could difierentiate into adipocyte after induction.(3)In the group of bFGF,stem cells were isolated from 5 samples and expanded to nearly 107 cells after 5 passages(P<0.01 compared with other groups).(4)Karyotype were normal in all samples.(5)Stem cells from bFGF group showed positive expression of SSEA-4.Oct-4 and Nanog gene detected by flow cytometry and RT-PCR.Conclusion Stem cells can be isolated from second-trimester amniotic fluids;moderate serum concentration and supplementation of bFGF can improve the efficiency of isolation and expansion of amniotic fluid of stem cells.