Objective To study the effect of dialysis adcquacy,microinflammation and residual renal function on nutritional status of hemodialysis patients.Methods One hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled in this study.Kt/V,?_2-MG and serum iPTH were measured as markers of hemodialysis adequacy.Nutritional evaluation included MQSGA,Alb,Hb,TF,IGF-1,IGFBP-3 and anthropometrics such as HGS,BSF,TSF,MAC,MAMC and AMA.Serum IL-6,TNF-?and CRP were detected to assess microinflammation.Urinary volume of 24 hours was measured to investigate the residual renal function (RRF).Results (1)There were different correlations and regressive associations of Kt/V,iPTH and?_2-MG with HGS,MAMC,AMA,Alb,Hb,nPCR,IGF-1 and MQSGA respectively.(2) There were significant correlations and regressive associations of RRF to HGS,TSF,MAMC,Alb,nPCR and IGF-1 within the first year of hemodialysis.(3) There were different correlations and regression relationships of IL-6,TNF-?and CRP with HGS、MAMC、AMA、Alb、TSF、Hb、nPCR、IGF-1 respectively.(4) Multivariate analysis showed that Kt/V,iPTH,IL-6, TNF-?,?_2-MG and RRF were influencing factors,among them,Kt/V,iPTH,IL-6 and TNF-?were independent predictors of nutritional status.Conclusions Hemodialysis adequacy and micruinflammation may impact on nutritional status.Residual renal function may be involved in nutritional status in the first year of hemodialysis.Kt/V,iPTH,IL-6 and TNF-?are independent factors affecting nutritional status.

Aim To ascertain whether defibrase has the protective effect against reperfusion injury after cerebral ischemia.Methods 70 renovascular hypertensive rats(RHR) were randomly divided into defibrase group, control group and sham-operated group.Reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) models were produced by the modified. Longa's method,and reperfusion was begun 2 hours after occlusion.Rats in the defibrase group were given defibrase 10 U?kg-1 body weight via femonal intraveneous injection, and in the control group with the same amount of saline. The brain pieces were processed by TTC and HE staining and the infarct size,brain microvessels damage and secondary bleeding were compared between the two groups. Results The volume of infarction in the defibrase group was obviously smaller than in the control group, the damage of brain microvessels was less severe, and the bleeding lesions under optical microscope were less than in the control group. Conclusion Defibrase has protective effect against reperfusion injury post cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (rhein) inhibits oxidoreduction induced by reducing nicotingamide adenine dinucleotide in the mitochondria and reducing reactive oxygen species, it also suppresses lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates. This study was to assess the effects of anthraquinone derivatives, rhein on synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer by intracellular recording.

METHODSThe excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) evoked by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals in the presence of bicuculline (15 micromol/L) was depressed by application of rhein (0.3 - 30 micromol/L). The amplitude of the EPSP was restored within 20 minutes after removal of rhein from the supernatant. At a concentration of 30 micromol/L, rhein reduced the amplitude of the EPSP to 42% +/- 3.7% (n = 24) of the control. Subsequently, wavelet spectral entropy was used to analyze the EPSP.

RESULTSA strong positive correlation was observed between the wavelet spectral entropy and other parameters such as amplitude, slope of rising phase and slope of descending phase of the EPSP. The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) of the EPSP was significantly increased by rhein (30 micromol/L). The inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) recorded in the presence of CNQX (20 micromol/L) and APV (40 micromol/L) is not altered by rhein (30 micromol/L).

CONCLUSIONSRhein (30 micromol/L) can decrease the frequency but not the amplitude of the miniature EPSP (mEPSP). It is suggested that rhein inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission by decreasing the release of glutamate in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Entropy ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials ; drug effects ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; physiology ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Synaptic Transmission ; drug effects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atherothrombotic cerebral infarction [atherothrombotic stroke (ATS)] shares common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms with coronary artery disease (CAD), and both diseases appear to have common susceptibility loci. The muscle RAS oncogene homolog gene (MRAS) has been identified as a susceptibility locus for CAD and is implicated in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of MRAS are associated with increased risk of ATS in a population of Han Chinese. METHODS: A case-controlled association study was conducted in which only patients with ATS (identified as a major subtype in the Korean modification of the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification) were enrolled. Subgroup analyses were carried out to determine whether the effect of the MRAS polymorphism was specific to age and gender among the subjects. RESULTS: In total, 194 ATS and 186 control subjects were included in the present study. Two tagging SNPs were identified in MRAS (rs40593 and rs3755751). A multivariate regression analysis revealed a positive association between rs40593 and ATS under dominant and additive models after adjustment for covariates. Subgroup analyses revealed that there were no gender differences with respect to allele or genotype frequencies between the groups. The AG genotype for rs40593 (p=0.028), the CT genotype for rs3755751 (p=0.036), and G-allele carriers (AG plus GG) for rs40593 (p=0.015) exhibited a significant protective effect among those aged > or =45 years. For the haplotype analysis, ATS subjects aged > or =45 years had a higher frequency of the ACAC haplotype (76.0%) than the controls (68.1%; p<0.05); that haplotype was associated with an increased risk of ATS. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data suggest a positive association between MRAS and ATS among the Han Chinese. Further studies should be performed with larger sample and among different ethnic populations, and gene-gene or gene-environment interactions should be considered.
Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Atherosclerosis ; Case-Control Studies ; Cerebral Infarction ; Chondroitin Sulfates ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Dermatan Sulfate ; Gene-Environment Interaction ; Genes, ras ; Genetic Variation* ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Heparitin Sulfate ; Humans ; Muscles ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Stroke*

OBJECTIVETo assess the characteristics of enhanced magnetic resonance image with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) in the inflammatory and tumor metastatic rabbit model, and explore its relevance with histologic ultrastructural findings.

METHODSTotally 36 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into lymphadenitis group and metastatic group. Complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the bilateral dorsal footpads of 18 rabbits to set up ipsilateral lymphadenitis model. The other 18 rabbits received a subcutaneous implantation of VX2 tumor cell suspension (1.5 x 10(7) cells/ml) in both thighs to set up metastatic lymph node model. Magnetic resonance scan were performed 24 hours before and after USPIO (90 micromol Fe/kg) injection. T2 values of each lymph node were measured and lymph node T2 enhancement rate was calculated as well. HE staining, Prussian blue staining, and electronic microscopy were performed to observe the pathological microstructure changes and the distribution of the iron particle in lymph node. Relationship between lymph nodes USPIO enhancement and its microstructures were further analyzed. Results Thirty-six lymph nodes in lymphadenitis group showed different degrees of reactive hyperplasia. Twenty-six lymph nodes in metastatic group were invaded by tumor cell. Non-enhanced scan showed mild difference between T2 signal intensity of the two pathological lymph node types. After USPIO enhancement, inflammatory lymph nodes showed distinct T2 signal reduction at the center, and metastatic lymph nodes showed homogenous and faint T2 signal reduction. Enhancement rate of benign and malignant lymph nodes were 57.39% and 29.45% respectively (P < 0.01). HE staining and Prussian blue staining indicated USPIO particles located mainly in the macrophages at inflammatory lymphatic medulla, while paracortical area and cortical area contained relatively much less USPIO particles due to less macrophages distribution. MRI findings were correlated with the pathological results. Electronic microscopy also verified that the majority of USPIO particles were located in the numerous cytophagic bubbles of macrophages. Lymph nodes metastasis including 4 lymph nodes with completed structure destruction due to entire tumor infiltration, 19 lymph nodes with partially lymph node structure destruction but reduced USPIO-contained macrophage numbers or reduced USPIO particles in macrophages, and 3 lymph nodes with only localized foci tumor metastasis at subcapsular area. Conclusions USPIO enhancement pattern of different lymph nodes is closely related to distribution and functional status of the intra-node macrophages. It may affect the accuracy of the lymph node property diagnosis based on USPIO enhanced image.

Animals ; Dextrans ; metabolism ; Female ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Lymph Nodes ; ultrastructure ; Lymphadenitis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; diagnosis ; ultrastructure ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Magnetics ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects and mechanisms of hawthorn leaves flavonoids (HLF) on acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in anesthetized dogs.

METHODSThe acute ischemia models were prepared by ligating left anterior descending (LAD) artery for 60 min. Qualified 15 male dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups with 5 in each group: blank control (treated with normal saline 3 mL/kg) group, HLF low dosage (5 mg/kg) group and high dosage (10 mg/kg) group, with an once injection through a femoral vein 5 min before reperfusion. Epicardial electrocardiogram was adopted to measure the scope and degree of myocardial ischemia. Simultaneously, neutrophil infiltration in infarct (Inf) and remote site (RS) of myocardial tissue was measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. The serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) content were quantified by radioimmuno-assay. Furthermore, expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in Inf and RS tissue were detected by Western blotting technique.

RESULTSIschemia and reperfusion increased the MPO activity and IL-1 and TNF-α content. HLF (10 and 5 mg/kg) could significantly decrease the degree and scope of myocardial ischemia; markedly inhibit the increase of MPO activity, and IL-1 and TNF-α content induced by myocardial ischemia/infarction. Furthermore, HLF increased GRK2 expression and inhibited NF-κB expression in Inf tissue.

CONCLUSIONHLF could improve the situation of acute myocardial ischemia and inhibit the inflammation in anesthetized dogs, which might be due to its increasing effect on the GRK2 and NF-κB expressions.

Anesthesia ; Animals ; Crataegus ; chemistry ; Dogs ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Inflammation ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Myocardial Ischemia ; complications ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; complications ; drug therapy ; Neutrophil Infiltration ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Random Allocation

Objective To investigate the effect of green light laser in complex posterior urethral stricture after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods Green light laser was applied in treating 20 cases of complex iatrogenic posterior urethral stricture.Of these cases,12 had false passages,5 had more than 2 strictures and 5 had concurrently urethratresia.The scar tissues were transure- thrally vaporized and resected.The in-dwelling urethral catheter time was 1-2 months after operation. Results All the patients were initially cured without serious complications.The mean operative time was 39 rain (range,30-65 min).During the follow-up of 2-10 months,1 case had mild incontinence:another case (Q_(max)＜9ml/s 2 weeks after surgery) got satisfactory results(Q_(max)＞15ml/s)after the scheduled urethral dilatation.The other 18 cases were treated successfully and voided fluently with postoperative Q_(max)＞15ml/s in all.Conclusions It is suggested that transurethral green light laser procedure is not only safe and ef- fective,but also simple and minimally iuvasive for complex posterior urethral stricture following surgical treat- ment of BPH.

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.

OBJECTIVETo study the human myxovirus resistant protein A (MxA), a specifically induced peptide by interferon I, and to use its level as a diagnostic criterion for viral infections.

METHODSAnti-MxA antisera from immunized mice were prepared with the expressed MxA protein of pET32a-MxA in E. coli BL-21(DE3). To confirm the antiserum activity and specificity, the expression product of BL21, wild type MxA pEGFP-C1-wMxA and site-directed mutant MxA pEGFP-C1-mMxA(N589S) stably transfected 3T3 cells and induced A549 cells were detected by Western blot with the antisera using non-MxA transfected or non-IFN-beta induced cells, intact A549, NIH 3T3 cells transfected with pEGFP-C1 and pET32a (+)-transformed BL-21 as controls.

RESULTSThe antisera had specific positive immunoreactivity to the NIH3T3 cells transformed with pEGFP-C1-wMxA and pEGFP-C1-mMxA, INF-beta induced A549 cells and BL21 proteins expressed with pET32a (+)-MxA. The hybridization signals from IFN-beta induced A549 cells depended on the IFN-beta inducing concentrations. Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay showed that NIH 3T3 cells with pEGFP-C1-wMxA and pEGFP-C1-mMxA had > 98% of positive cells at 1:50 dilution of the serum and A549 cells induced by 20 ng/mL IFN-beta for 48 h showed 95% positive cells. pEGFP-C1-transfected NIH 3T3 cells were all negative.

CONCLUSIONAnti-sera are highly specific to diversified MxAs. The antibody is detectable by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence assay.

Animals ; Antibody Specificity ; Cell Line, Tumor ; GTP-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Mice ; Myxovirus Resistance Proteins ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Species Specificity

Female ; Humans ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery ; Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes ; surgery