Atomic force microscope(AFM) has one important feature that it is used to scan the samples with non-modified and modified probes to obtain sample appearance,and force-distance curve at certain point,based on which the adhesion,bond force and mechanical properties of the sample can be obtained.Until recently,the application of the AFM to measure the mechanical properties of biological sample is very extensive,which is significant in biomedicine and clinical medicine.This paper introduced the force curve theory of AFM,and reviewed the application of AFM to measure the mechanical properties of biological sample including elasticity,adhesion,stiffness,the interaction between antibody and antigen of the cell.In addition,we prospected the application and development of AFM to analyze cell mechanical properties.

Objective To investigate the curative effect of modified tracheal catheter in acute respiratory failure caused by central airway stenosis.Methods 16 cases inpatient with acute respiratory failure caused by central airway stenosis were involved.Found out the position and range of stenosis of central airway by X-ray and CT of chest and fiberbronchoscope,chose the suitable silicon suction tube and cut it to make a tracheal catheter,then guided the catheter through the stenosis by fiberbronchoscope to construct artificial airway.Results The dyspnea of all 16 cases of acute respiratory failure caused by central airway stenosis could by relieved in short time,the PaO_2 raised from(39?12)mm Hg to(72?10)mm Hg,SaO_2 raised from(75?13)% to(93?3)%,PaCO_2 dropped from(102?21)mm Hg to(62?13)mm Hg after therapy.The effective rate is 100%.There was no other serious complication except for 2 cases of little amount of bleeding in trachea.15 cases survived and one died of serious muhisystem organ failure.Conclusions The use of modified tracheal catheter in treatment of acute respiratory failure caused by central airway stenosis can relieve the acute dyspnea in short time,it also can dilate central airway,save the cost of tracheal balloon dilatation for the follow-up therapy.

Objective To discuss the feasibility and curative effect of broncho-alveolar lavage(BAL)through bronchofiberscope in the treatment of severe toxic pulmonary edema caused by irritative gas.Methods 16 cases se- vere toxic pulmonary edema caused by irritative gas were performed BAL through bronchofiberseope.The index of oxygen in arterial blood,clinical and radiological changes before,during and 2 hours after BAL were observed.Results 2 hours after BAL through bronchofiberscope,the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood(PaO2)obviously in- creased,the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood(PaCO_2)did not change much.PaO_2 and PaCO_2 had no obvious change before and during BAL.The shadow area in the X-ray film of chest obviously decreased 24 hours af- ter BAL.In all 16 cases,13 cases were cured,1 case got improvement,and 2 cases died.The curative rate was 81%. Conclusion BAL through bronchofiberscope could clear the noxious substance in airway and improve the ventilation function.It was safe and had confirmed curative effect.

OBJECTIVETo explore the inflammatory cascade mechanism through Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) pathway after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, and to study molecular mechanisms of Guanmaitong (GMT) Tablet for protecting brain damage.

METHODSWe used bolt-line method to block/release the middle cerebral artery, causing cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model. GMT Tablet was given by gastrogavage. Rats were then divided into the high dose GMT group (1200 mg/kg), the middle dose GMT group (600 mg/kg), the low dose GMT group (300 mg/kg), the positive control group (Tanakan, 20 mg/kg). Their right brain tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin. TLR2 expressions were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The total protein was extracted from right brain tissues by ultrasonica- tion. Expression levels of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK), p38-mitogen activated protein kinases (p-ERK), phospho-p38-mitogen activated protein kinases [p-p38-MAPKs(p-p38)] were assessed by Western blot. Abdominal aortic blood was withdrawn. IL-6 and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA in brain tissues and serum.

RESULTSCompared with the sham-oepration group, expression levels of TLR2, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38 protein were up-regulated (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and contents of IL-6 and IL-1β in brain tissues and serum were increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Expression levels of TLR2, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38 were down-regulated (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and contents of IL-6 and IL-1β were reduced in brain tissues and serum in middle and high dose GMT groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTLR2 pathway was involved in cerebral I/R injury. GMT protected neurons by down-regulating protein expressions of TLR2, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38 and contents of IL-1β and IL-6.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; Cerebral Infarction ; Down-Regulation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; Tablets ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects on the phenotype, especially the mineralization ability of human embryonic lung fibroblasts(HELFs) by transfection with adenovirus vector ecoding human bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene (Ad-BMP-2).

METHODSThe HELFs were primarily cultured, then transfected with Ad-BMP-2. The morphologic characteristics of the cells were observed. The cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activities, BMP-2 protein expression, and the mineralization ability were detected with the methods of MTT, ALP staining, Western blot, and alizarin red S staining, respectively.

RESULTSAfter transfection, the shape of HELFs changed from silm spindle to multifigure, the cells became bigger than before. The colonies changed from unilaminar into multilaminar. The proliferation of HELFs was severely inhibited after transfection. An obvious BMP-2 lane was shown in Western blotting. Most cells presented positive in ALP staining, and large number of nacarat mineralized nodes were observed after alizarin red S staining.

CONCLUSIONHELFs were capable of transforming into osteoblast-like phenotype, and were endowed with the ability of mineralization while being transfected with Ad-BMP-2.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; Cell Proliferation ; Fibroblasts ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Phenotype ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Objective To investigate the relationship between maternal weight gain and the increasing speed of weight in different pregnant terms and macrosomia.In order to reasonably manage pregnancy and decrease the morbidity of maerosomia.Methods 106 newborns whose birth weights were equal to or greater than 4000 g were specified as macrosomia,while 106 newborn with birth weights lying in 2500-3999 g were under the control group.A case-control study was conducted to compare the corresponding factors such as maternal BMI.weight before pregnancy and the change of weight during pregnancy respectively.Results Indicated by both simple and multiple unconditional logistic regression analysis,the cause of fetal macrosomia Was mainly associated with the factors including the maternal weight before pregnancy(OR=2.204,95％CI:1.377-3.529),matemal weight gain in 12-pregnant weeks(kgper week)(OR=1.961,95％CI:1.204-3.194),maternal weight gain in 20-gestation weeks(kg perweek)(OR=1.811,95％CI:1.078-3.041),maternal weight gain in 30-pregnant weeks(kg per week)(OR=1.858,95％CJ:1.095-3.153)and virile newborn(OR=2.630,95％CJ:1.420.4.850.When in 30-pregnant weeks.the pregnant women with 0.5-1.0 kg weight gain per week had 1.13 fold risks comparing to those whose weight gains were lexq than 0.5 kg per week.Conclusion Maternal weight before pregnancy,weight gain during pregnancy and fetal sex appeared a closer relation to macrosomia.It is necessary to monitor the change of maternal weight during different pregnancy periods,especially for the 30th-pregnant weeks.

OBJECTIVETo assess the results of multi-technique with intact canal and scute rebuild operation for middle ear cholesteatoma.

METHODSAnalysis of 113 cases (males 60, females 53, with mean 42.7 years old), of which with double ears of 11 cases, and totally 124 ears (11 ears for one review, an ear for third time review, and totally 137 operations) was retrospectively performed. Ten cases less than 19 years old were operated from September 2001 to January 2006 for middle ear cholesteatoma as well as ossiculoplasty with intact canal and scute rebuild etc multi-technique. All cases were followed up for a mean (36.58 +/- 20.47) months.

RESULTSThere were 118 ears (95.2%) without cholesteatoma recurrence. Six ears were found cholesteatoma recurrence. Other 6 post-operation ears with drum re-perforation and hearing drop were re-operated. The pre-operation air-bone gap (ABG, average of 0.5, 1, 2 kHz) of 124 ears, with in initial 112 ears, was (33. 61 +/- 12.35) dB, while that of post-operation ABG was (13.58 +/- 9. 27) dB, by partnership t test, t = 18.35, P < 0.01. The pre-operation ABG in reviewed 12 ears at the first pre-operation was (38.83 +/- 12.43) dB, but post-operation ABG (10.38 +/- 8.99) dB, by partnership t test, t = 5.38, P = 0.00022. The ABG closure to within 20 dB was tested in 100 ears while ABG over 20 dB but air conduct (AC) in 40 dB was in 6 ears, and then as succeed was in 106 ears (85.5%). ABG closure within 10 dB was in 50 ears and though ABG over 10 dB but ABG reduced over 30 dB was in 9 ears (59/124, 47.6%) as which as best result. Bone conduct (BC) threshold was tested of 21 ears (16.93%) with raise 1-9 dB, of 42 ears (33.9%) with no change and of 61 ears (49.2%) with descend 1-28 dB. Of 10 cases less than 19 years old post-operation ABG was (8.80 +/- 5.27) dB, which indicated that all cases was as succeed.

CONCLUSIONSUsing intact canal and scute rebuild etc multi-technique a normal canal, hearing improvement and very low recurrent could be gained for middle ear cholesteatoma, especially in juvenile and children. The multi-technique should be almost no damage for hearing bone conduct.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Otologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEQuercetin, a widely distributed natural flavonoid with a variety of biological functions, can reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) in leukemia according to recent researches. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of reversal of multi-drug resistance by quercetin mainly in respect of membrane transporters.

METHODSMTT cell viability assay was used to verify the chemo-sensitization to daunorubicin (DNR) by quercetin in HL-60/ADM cell line and determine the effective reversal concentration, the expression of MRP(1) gene and its protein product, multidrug resistant associated protein 1 by RT-PCR and flow cytometry By confocal laser scanning microscopy, the subcellular distribution of DNR in HL-60/S and HL-60/ADM cells was examined before and after quercetin exposure.

RESULTSCompared with HL-60/S, 20-40 micromol/L quercetin in vitro remarkably enhanced the sensitivity of HL-60/ADM cells to daunorubicin, down-regulated the expression of MRP(1) gene and its protein product MRP(1), restored the abnormal subcellular distribution of daunorubicin, so as to reverse MDR. Moreover, such an effective concentration of quercetin was non-toxic to the cells.

CONCLUSIONQuercetin could be a candidate of effective multidrug resistance-reversing agent with low toxicity in leukemia chemotherapy.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; drug effects ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; drug effects ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Daunorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Quercetin ; pharmacology

AIMTo study the chemical constituents of the stems and leaves of Aconitum coreanum (Lèvl.) Rapaics.

METHODSThe constituents of Aconitum coreanum were isolated by using various kinds of modern chromatographic methods. The new alkaloid was identified on the basis of spectral analysis.

RESULTSTwo compounds were isolated and identified as: 13-dehydro-1beta-acetyl-2alpha,6beta-dihydroxyhetisine (I) and Guanfu base G (II).

CONCLUSIONCompound I is a new alkaloid.

Aconitum ; chemistry ; Diterpenes ; Heterocyclic Compounds, Bridged-Ring ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVEAlthough most of nerve injuries associated with Monteggia fracture-dislocation in children are neurapraxias and will recover spontaneously after conservative treatment, surgical exploration of the involved nerve is always required in the cases with the entrapment of posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). However, the necessity and time frame for surgical intervention for specific patterns of nerve dysfunction remains controversial. The aim of the report is to observe and understand the pathology of PIN injury associated with Monteggia fracture-dislocation in children, and to propose the possible indication for the exploration of nerve.

METHODSEight cases, six boys and two girls, with Monteggia fracture-dislocation complicated by PIN injury, managed operatively at the authors?Hospital from 2007 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients underwent the attempted closed reduction before they received exploration of PIN, with open reduction and internal fixation or successful closed reduction.

RESULTSThe PIN was found to be trapped acutely posterior to the radiocapitellar joint in 4 out of 5 Type III Bado's Monteggia fractures. In the remaining cases, since there were longer time intervals from injury to operation, chronic compressive changes and epineural fibrosis of radial nerve were visualized. After a microsurgical neurolysis performed, the complete recovery in the nerve function was obtained in all the cases during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONThe findings from this study suggest that every case of type III Monteggia fracture-dislocation with decreased or absent function of muscles innervated by PIN and an irreducible radial head in children should be viewed as an indication for immediate surgical exploration of the involved nerve to exclude a potential PIN entrapment.

Female ; Fingers ; innervation ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Male ; Monteggia's Fracture ; complications ; Muscle, Skeletal ; innervation ; Nerve Compression Syndromes ; etiology ; surgery ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Thumb ; innervation ; Wrist ; innervation