AIM:To compare the effects of alcohol and aqueous extracts from Huiyang shengji gao(HYSJG),a Chinese medicine,on proliferation of human fibroblasts derived from normal and ulcer margin skin.METHODS:Using explant culture techniques,we obtained populations of normal human fibroblast(nHFB)and ulcer marginal fibroblast(uHFB).Alarmar blue assay was used for observing cell proliferation,and flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis.RESULTS:After cultured with aqueous extracts and alcohol extracts of HYSJG for 24 hours,the proliferation rates of the two cell lines were both elevated.For alcohol extract,obvious proliferation-promoting concentrations on nHFB and uHFB were 0.027-0.425 mg/L and 0.027-0.213 mg/L,respectively(P

AIM:To investigate peripapillary vessel density and its relationship with other ocular parameters in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC), and to analyze risk factors for PICC.METHODS:Cross-sectional study.A total of 35 highly myopic eyes with PICC, 40 highly myopic eyes without PICC and 35 normal eyes were included in this study.All participants underwent fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).OCT angiography was also performed to image the retinal vasculature in the peripapillary areas of different sectors, including the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and optic nerve head (ONH) layer.The difference of morphology changes in optic disc and peripapillary vessel density between these three groups were compared.Correlations between peripapillary vessel density and PICC and risk factors for the presence of PICC were analyzed.RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the three groups in spherical equivalent refraction (SER), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length, peripapillary atrophy β-zone (β-PPA) area, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the presence of tilted optic disc, posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy (MMD) (P<0.05).There were significant differences among the three groups in the peripapillary vessel density both in RPC (54.34±5.58, 57.54±7.44, 64.42±3.50) and ONH (51.24±7.43, 52.75±9.96, 61.25±4.15) layers (P<0.001).In highly myopic eyes, vessel density was significantly lower in eyes with PICC than in those without in inferotemporal area both in the RPC (56.76±6.62,63.84±6.02,67.52±4.78) and ONH (56.47±5.79,60.38±4.72,64.18±4.37) layers.The vessel density was significantly correlated with the presence of MMD, β-PPA area and RNFL thickness in the RPC layer, whereas correlated with the presence of MMD, PICC and RNFL thickness in the ONH layer (P<0.05).Tilted optic disc and posterior staphyloma were independent risk factors for the presence of PICC (OR=8.007, 95%CI: 2.045-31.348;OR=7.558, 95%CI: 1.398-50.026).CONCLUSION:Highly myopic eyes with PICC had relatively lower peripapillary vessel densities, especially in the temporal area, than those without.Tilted optic disc and posterior staphyloma were independent risk factors for the presence of PICC.

The aerolysin genes (aerA) of BZ and NK isolates were cloned and sequenced. The sequence analysis showed that the partial aerA of BZ and NK isolates consisted of 1393 bp, encoding a protein of 464 amino acids. The similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of aerA between BZ and NK isolates was 97.6% and 98.3% respectively. The nucleotide sequence of aerA of BZ strain exhibited 71.6% to 97.5% homology with other Aeromonas isolates, and the amino acid sequence exhibited 68.0% to 98.9% homology. The phylogenetic tree based on aerA nucleotide sequences from Aeromonas isolates was constructed with neighbor-joining method. It showed that there were three branches of aerolysin genes, and a close relation- ship among Aeromonas hydrophila isolates which were clustered into the same branch.

Objective To explore the feasibility,safety and efficacy of laparoscopy assisted ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beneath the diaphragm.Methods Twentythree consecutive patients with solitary HCC beneath the diaphragm were treated by laparoscopy assisted ultrasound guided RFA in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2013 to March 2016.We observed the p erioperative complications and followedup long-term effect.Results All the 23 patients successfully underwent laparoscopy assisted ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation.No serious complications such as massive hemorrhage,biliary fistula and severe pleural effusion,hemopneumothorax occurred in the patients during perioperative period.CT examination 2-3 days after the operation revealed that the tumor was completely covered by the ablation area.Besides,the survival condition was satisfactory during follow-up period of 9-38 months.Conclusion Laparoscopy-assisted ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is effective and safe for HCC beneath the diaphragm.

BACKGROUNDSacral nerve injury is a common complication of pelvic or sacral fractures. As the sacral nerve courser within the sacrum and has a complex relationship with the surrounding tissues, different parts of the sacral plexus injury have similar clinical symptoms and signs. Since lack of specific imaging technique in the diagnosis of sacral nerve injury, especially on multi-segment, multi-site, how to determine the preoperative location and extent of the sacral nerve injury accurately becomes a concern of the general orthopaedic and images practitioners. This study was conducted to gain an insight into the overall anatomical features of the sacral nerve (SN) on the same slice in high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) reconstruction and to determine the value of this information for the clinical diagnosis of related diseases.

METHODSFifty healthy volunteers and 30 patients (40 sides) with SN lesions confirmed by surgery were scanned using a 16-slice helical CT scanner (Light Speed, GE, USA). Among the patients, 6 with intervertebral disk hernia (6 sides), 8 with spinal stenosis (12 sides), 11 with pelvic trauma (14 sides), 4 with pelvic malignancies (6 sides), and 1 with sacral vertebral tuberculosis (2 sides). The SN multiplanar reconstruction was performed using a UNIX-based SCD4.1 workstation where the image was set on the same slice. All images were stored in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. The display of nerves in different sections was analyzed using a five-graded scale with coordinate curves of each individual score. The overall anatomic features visible on the slice were analyzed and the abnormalities of the lesions were studied.

RESULTSThe image of the same slice clearly revealed the shape, running direction, thickness, tension and adjacent anatomy of the S1-S4 nerves. The rank of display rates in different sections was: outward-rotated oblique sagittal > outward-rotated oblique coronal > oblique coronal plane > coronal > sagittal > transverse section. The S5 nerve was partially displayed from the starting point to the segment around the posterior sacral foramen. The overall anatomy of the triangular sacral plexus was only revealed in the oblique outward-rotated sagittal section, while 100% of its individual rami, as well as two or three of the adjacent rami, were displayed from their starting points to the anterior border of the piriformis. The abnormalities included 39 sides of morphological change (97.5%), 38 sides of compression (95.0%), 35 sides of adhesion (87.5%), 32 sides of displacement (80.0%), 34 sides of shrinkage (85.0%), 6 sides of thickening (15.0%), and 2 sides of abruption (5.0%).

CONCLUSIONSThe 16-slice CT multiplanar reconstruction was able to reveal the overall anatomic features of the SN on the same slice. The section of reconstruction was a crucial factor in determining the display capability of various sacral nerves. This technology was valuable in the diagnosis and management of related diseases.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sacrum ; innervation ; Spinal Nerves ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Trauma, Nervous System ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

Objective To assess the efficacy of two antibiotic prophylactic regimens in a prospective randomized trial in 1 year for patients undergoing insertion of catheters,and to provide the evidence for uniform consensus existing on the timing,route,and choice of antibiotic.Methods During a period of 12 months,78 patients,who consecutively entered the peritoneal dialysis programme,[45 women and 33 men,mean age (48.2?15.7)years] were included.The prophylactic regimens were a single dose of ceftriaxone (1.0 g) given intravenously 30 minutes before surgery (Group A) and given cefazolin (0.25 g/L) i.p.in the each dialysis bag for 3 days postoperatively (Group B).All operations were performed in one room.The wound was observed every day,and body temperature,Count of white blood corpuscle and type,dialysate were examined every day. Results In Group A and B,none of the patients showed peritonitis or wound infection during the post-operative period (within 10 days).One of 39 patients(2.5%) in the group A,and 2 of 39 patients (5.1%) in the group B had exit site infection (P＞0.05).Conclusions There is no significant difference in the incidence of peritonitis and wound infection between two groups. Prophylactic preoperative single-dose antibiotics intravenously do as well as antibiotics given intraperitoneally for peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion,but is much more convenient.

BACKGROUNDCalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a sensory neuropeptide, affects osteoblast proliferation and bone formation. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that stimulates the migration of monocytes and plays important roles in regulating bone remolding during fracture repair. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGRP on proliferation and MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

METHODSPrimary rat osteoblasts were isolated from fetal rats calvariae. Cells were exposed to gradient concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L) of CGRP. Protein and mRNA levels of MCP-1 were quantified by Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The protein level of MCP-1 was investigated and compared in cell culture media by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferative activity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and BrdU assay. The effects of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)-inhibitor U0126 on CGRP-induced MCP-1 expression in primary rat osteoblasts were examined.

RESULTSCGRP effectively enhanced primary rat osteoblast proliferation and led to significant increases in the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in time- and dose-dependent manners. CGRP activated the ERK pathway. Pretreatment of cultured rat osteoblasts with MEK inhibitor U0126 resulted in dose-dependent inhibitions of CGRP-induced MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels. Thus, CGRP promoted cell proliferation and stimulated MCP-1 expression in cultured rat osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONThese studies document novel links between CGRP and MCP-1 and illuminate the effects of CGRP in regulating bone remodeling.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Butadienes ; pharmacology ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats

OBJECTIVESTo study the contact allergenic activities of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its three metabolites trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate.

METHODSA modified guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) was adopted. The skin sensitization (edema and erythema) was observed in trichloroethylene, trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol, chloral hydrate and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene.

RESULTSThe allergenic rate of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 71.4%, 58.3% and 100.0% respectively, and that of trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate was 0%. The mean response score of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 2.3, 1.1, 6.0 respectively. The histopathological analysis also showed an induction of allergenic transformation in guinea pig skin by both TCE and trichloroacetic acid.

CONCLUSIONTCE appears to be a strong allergen while trichloroacetic acid a moderate one. On the other hand, both trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate are weak sensitization potentials. Immunologic reaction induced by TCE might be postulated as the pathological process of this illness. Consequently, it is suggested that in the mechanism of Occupational Dermatitis Medicamentose-Like (ODML) induced by TCE, the chemical itself might be the main cause of allergy. As one of its metabolic products, trichloroacetic acid might be a subordinate factor.

Allergens ; toxicity ; Animals ; Chloral Hydrate ; toxicity ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; etiology ; immunology ; Dermatitis, Irritant ; etiology ; immunology ; Ethylene Chlorohydrin ; analogs & derivatives ; toxicity ; Guinea Pigs ; Skin ; drug effects ; immunology ; Toxicity Tests ; Trichloroacetic Acid ; toxicity ; Trichloroethylene ; metabolism ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo explore the possibilities of bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) to adopt Schwann cell phenotype in vitro and in vivo in SD rats.

METHODSMSCs were obtained from tibia and femur bone marrow and cultured in culture flasks. Beta-mercaptoethanol followed by retinoic acid, forskolin, basic-FGF, PDGF and heregulin were added to induce differentiation of MSCs'. Schwann cell markers, p75, S-100 and GFAP were used to discriminate induced properties of MSCs' by immunofluorescent staining. PKH-67-labelled MSCs were transplanted into the mechanically injured rat sciatic nerve, and laser confocal microscopy was performed to localize the PKH67 labelled MSCs in the injured sciatic nerve two weeks after the operation. Fluorescence PKH67 attenuation rule was evaluated by flow cytometry in vitro.

RESULTSMSCs changed morphologically into cells resembling primary cultured Schwann cells after their induction in vitro. In vivo, a large number of MSCs were cumulated within the layer of epineurium around the injured nerve and expressed Schwann cell markers, p75, S-100, and GFAP.

CONCLUSIONMSCs are able to support nerve fiber regeneration and re-myelination by taking on Schwann cell function, and can be potentially used as possible substitutable cells for artificial nerve conduits to promote nerve regeneration.

Animals ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Fluorescent Dyes ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; analysis ; Morphogenesis ; Organic Chemicals ; analysis ; Phenotype ; Rats ; Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor ; analysis ; S100 Proteins ; analysis ; Schwann Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Sciatic Nerve ; cytology ; injuries ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; transplantation

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of natural killer (NK)-cell on reconstitution of hematopoiesis and immunity in mouse allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT).

METHODSLethally irradiated BALB/c (H-2(d)) mice were transplanted with C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) bone marrow plus peripheral T cells and/or NK cells. Recipients CD34(+) cells and H-2K(b+), CD3(+) and CD19(+) cells were detected by flow cytometry, peripheral white blood cell (WBC) by auto-cytometry, and the survival rates, engraftment, hematopoietic and immune recovery were observed.

RESULTSIn the transplantation with NK cell infusion group, the survival rates, the WBC and CD34(+) cell counts, and the H-2(b+) and CD19(+) cells were significantly higher than that in without NK cell infusion group (P < 0.01). Twenty-eight days after transplantation, the CD3(+) cells in the NK cell infusion group [(33.69 +/- 3.36)%] were lower than that in without [(50.4 +/- 5.06)%] (P < 0.01), and there was no longer difference between these groups 60 days after transplantation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn mouse allo-BMT, alloreactive NK cell enhances engraftment, promotes reconstitution of hematopoiesis and immunity and increases survival rates.

Animals ; Antigens, CD19 ; analysis ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; immunology ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Graft Survival ; immunology ; Hematopoiesis ; immunology ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; immunology ; transplantation ; Lymphocyte Transfusion ; methods ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Transplantation, Homologous