Objective To investigate the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the up-regulation of peripheral blood somatic stem cells after acute myocardial infarction in rats. Methods The models of acute myocardial infarction were established in 16 rata by ligation of left anterior descending branch of left coronary artery through chest incision, and the animal were divided into control group(n=8) and experiment group (n=8). The hearts of another 2 rats were obtained for normal myocardial tissue sections as controls. Monoclonal antibody of ICAM-1 was infused from the caudal vein in experimental group, and no invervention was conducted for control group. Blood samples were obtained from caudal vein on the first, third, seventh and fourteenth day after operation in these two groups. Serum concentration of ICAM-1 was measured by ELISA, positive rate of CD34 cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry, and the parameters of concentration of ICAM-1 and positive rate of CD34 cells at each time point were compared between groups. Results The concentration of ICAM-1 in peripheral blood of experiment group reached the lowest of (59.01±2.22) pg/mL on the seventh day. The concentrations of ICAM-1 in peripheral blood of experiment group were lower than those in control group, and there were significant differences between these two groups on the seventh and fourteenth day(P < 0.01). The positive rate of CD34 cells in peripheral blood of experiment group reached the highest of (12±2.11)% on the seventh day. The positive rates of CD34 cells in peripheral blood of experiment group were higher than those in control group, and there were significant differences between these two groups on the third, seventh and fourteenth day(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion ICAM-1 can inhibit the up-regulation of peripheral blood somatic stem cells after acute myocardial infarction in rats.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic significance of endoscopic findings in Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP),especially when abdominal pain preceded the cutaneous lesions.Methods The clinical data and gastroscopic findings in 37 cases of children with HSP were studied and analysed retrospectively in order to detect the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa.The biopsy was taken in the pathological changeing place,and the relationship between clinical and endoscopic findings was analyzed.Results Detection rate of the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa was 62.2%,31.3% of which experienced only cutaneous lesions,100% of which presented the acute abdominal pain.Three patients were not checked up the pathological changes.Of them,1 had arthritis,2 had Henoch-Schonlein nephritis.Characteristically endoscopic findings in the stomach and duodenum mucosa were found.The endoscopic findings included anabrosis,hyperemia,edema and hemorrhage.Conclusions Detection rate of the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa is higher.Endoscopy is very helpful to the early diagnosis of HSP in children,especially abdominal pain presented firstly.

Thirteen novel oleanolic acid (OA) derivatives were designed and synthesized with modification at positions of C-3, C-12 and C-28 of OA. Their structures were confirmed by MS, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. Their in vitro cytotoxicities against various cancer cell lines (SGC7901, MCF-7 and A549) were evaluated by MTT assay. The results indicated that the tested derivatives were found to have stronger cell growth inhibitory activity than OA. Among them, compounds II2 and II3 showed more potent cytotoxicity on MCF-7 and A549 tumor cells than gefitinib (positive control). They are worthy to be studied further.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; Drug Design ; Humans ; Oleanolic Acid ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology

BACKGROUND:At present,experimental animal models of primate idiopathic scoliosis with erect feet have not been established.With rapid development of computer and imaging,we can use computer software to simulate models of human idiopathic scoliosis,and do relevant biomechanical analysis and provide instructions for clinical surgery operation.OBJECTIVE:To research the best surgical fusion level for the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) of PUMC Ⅱ d_2 with the finite element model (FEM).DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:The compadson observation was performed at the Department of Orthopedics,Beijing Union Hospital from May 2007 to May 2008.PARTICIPANTS:One female patient with PUMC Ⅱ d_2 scoliosis (double curve malformation) was included.METHODS:FEM (T5-S) of PUMC Ⅱ d_2 idiopathic scoliosis was used to simulate upper thoracic curve,lower lumbar curve and double curve fusion manners.Hollow lateral curvature pedicle of vertebral arch received 50,100,150 N load.Displacement of T_5 and T_(11) on upper sagittal plane (displacement of Z axis positive value on upper sagittal plane,displacement of negative value on lower sagittal plane) and their difference value were compared.T_5 displacement represented outcomes of double curve orthopaedics.T_(11) displacement represented outcomes of lower lumbar curve orthopaedics.Their difference value (T5-T11) represented outcomes of upper thoracic curve orthopaedics.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Different fusion segments and displacement of T_5 and T_(11) under different orthopedic forces were measured.RESULTS:In PUMC Ⅱ d_2 lateral curvature,T_5 displacement on Z axis:fusion displacement of double curves was greater compared with upper curve alone or lower curve alone (P < 0.01 ).Difference of T_5-T_(11) displacement:double curves orthopaedics > upper thoracic curve orthopaedics alone > lower lumbar curve orthopaedics alone (P < 0.01).Displacement of T_(11) on Z axis:double curves orthopaedics > lower lumbar curve orthopaedics alone > upper thoracic curve orthopaedics alone (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:Fusing two curves would get the best effect on the AIS of PUMC Ⅱ d_2 compared with upper curve alone or lower curve fusion alone.Effects of 3 kinds of load on correction of upper thoracic curve:double curve orthopaedics < upper thoracic curve orthopaedics alone > lower lumbar curve orthopaedics alone.Effect of 3 kinds of load on correction of lower lumbar curve orthopaedics alone:double curve orthopaedics > lower lumbar curve orthopaedics alone > upper thoracic curve orthopaedics alone.Three-dimensional finite element analysis is an effective method to analyze biomechanics of scoliosis deformity correction and provides a virtual non-invasive verification manner,and can optimize surgery scheme.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of chitosan on the capsule inside the expanded flap.

METHODSThe expanders were implanted in animals with the treatment of chitosan(experimental group, n = 15) or without (control group, n = 15). After taking out the expanders, the flap contraction rate was calculated. The samples were observed through HE, Masson dyeing and CD34 immunohistochemical study. The thickness of capsule inside the expanded flap was measured under microscope. The samples were also studied under electron microscope.

RESULTSThe thickness of capsule was 516.000 +/- 128.491 microm in the experimental group, and 833.000 +/- 227.379 microm in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of microvessels was 8.200 +/- 2.150 per visual in experimental group, and 7.900 +/- 1.729 per visual in control group (P > 0.05). Under the electron microscope, the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in the capsule in experimental group decreased and enlarged with degranulation. The mitochondria emerged or disappeared. The number of ribosome was reduced. In the control group, the RER enlarged without degranulation, the mitochondria was intact. The number of ribosome was not reduced.

CONCLUSIONSThe chitosan can effectively reduce the contraction of expanded flap through collagen secretion of fibroblast, delaying the differentiation from fibroblast to fiber cell, inhibiting thansform from fibroblast to myofibroblast. It has no effect on the microvascular generation and expansion, so the flap blood supply will not be affected with thicker capsule.

Animals ; Chitosan ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Rabbits ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Tissue Expansion

The non-covalent interactions between 18-crown-6 (18c6) and 20 common types of protonated amino acids were explored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).The mass spectra showed the formation of 1:1 stoichiometric non-covalent complexes between 18c6 and amino acids.The calibration curves and linear equations for the complexes of L-Phe,L-Tyr,L-Lys and L-Asp with 18c6 were established by mass spectrometric titration and used as reference values for competitive ESI-MS.Through competitive equilibrium,the binding constants for the complexes of 18c6 with other L-amino acids and their D-isomers were derived.It was found,as a general trend,lgKa for the complexes of 18c6 with the basic amino acid and the amino acid with alkyl side chain were larger than other complexes,and among the amino acids with alkyl side chain,Gly and Ala exhibited greater 18c6 binding affinities.As for Ser and Thr,the intramolecular hydrogen bond between the nitrogen atom from terminal NH2and the oxygen atom from carboxyl may impede their protonated amino-group to attack the 18c6.Furthermore,Gln and Asn exhibited lower 18c6 binding affinities probably due to effects of electron-withdrawing group of acylamide.Finally,the chiral selectivity of 18c6 for 19 L-,or D-amino acids was measured by ESI-MS,indicating 18c6 could only recognize some neutral amino acid isomers.

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate and compare thoracic vertebrae morphology between patients with idiopathic and normal adolescents through MRI.

METHODSTwo-dimensional sagittal MRI of the spine was performed in 10 normal adolescent, 10 patients with mild idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (Cobb angle 15 degrees - 39 degrees ) and 10 patients with moderate thoracic scoliosis (Cobb angle 40 degrees - 75 degrees ), all of them were female and between 13 - 14 years old. Sagittal imaging was reconstructed on image working station (Easy Vision, Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). Anterior height, posterior height and width of vertebral body as well as length between spinous process were measured on each thoracic spine.

RESULTSAnterior height, posterior height and width of vertebral body increased from T(1) to T(12) with the values from scoliotic groups larger than normal group. The anterior height/width ratio and anterior/posterior column ratio were also larger in scoliotic group especially at apical area.

CONCLUSIONThe thoracic vertebrae are higher and slimmer in scoliotic patient than in normal age-matched girls which implied that there is abnormal endochondral ossification on spine during adolescent growth spurt.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Scoliosis ; pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; pathology

Background and Purpose:Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Europan and North American males.The incidence of prostate cancer has also been increasing during the past few decades in China.It is widely accepted that this heterogeneity,which results from the tumor progression driven largely by genomic instability(genetic and/or epigenetic alterations)of tumor cells in primary tumor,endows specific populations of tumor cells with the unique character needed for invasion,migration,and metastasis colony formation in other organs and only these subpopulations possessing thost character can survive the potentially destructive journey from the primary tumor to the sites of metastases.The purpose of the present study was to explore the genes associated with invasion and metastasis of human prostate cancer cell line PC-3M in nude mice.Methods:After PC-3M cells were inoculated into orthotopic site(prostate) in a male nude mouse for two months,tumor cells were isolated from the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis,separately.Cell invasion and adhesion ability in vitro were first compared between two cells.Then metastasis-related genes differentially expressed between them were analyzed by utilizing cDNA microarray technique.Results:The in vitro cell invasion and adhesion potential of tumor cells from lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than those from primary tumor by 2.5 fold and 1.5 fold,respectively.Metastasis-related genes differentially expressed between those two sublines were identified,all of them were up-regulated in the tumor cells from lymph node metastasis and could be categorilized: 1.genes encoding cellular matrix-degrading proteolytic enzyme including cathepsin and MMP.2.genes encoding transcription factors.3.genes related to heterotypic adhesion of tumor cells.4.genes encoding cell surface receptors.Conclusions:There are significant differences in invasion and adhesion potential between cells from primary tumor and those from lymph node metastasis.Some differentially expressed molecules might be playing pivotal roles in promoting tumor cells to migrate from primary tumors to distant metastases,which may be helpful to elucidate the possible mechanism of metastasis in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the first and second assay kits currently used in blood centers for screening HCV infected blood, and to provide basis for a better match of the two assay kits.

METHODSUsing the newly developed multi-recombinant-HCV-antigen supplementary assay kit, the authors evaluated concurrently the specificity and sensitivity of two domestic and one imported anti-HCV detection kits.

RESULTSDiscrepancy in specificity and sensitivity existed among the two domestic HCV kits, and overall quality was slightly below that of leading or main stream imported HCV kit.

CONCLUSIONThe newly developed multi-recombinant-HCV-antigen supplementary assay kit is useful in the evaluation of HCV antibody detection kit currently in use. It provides qualified assessing kit to capture antibodies against various HCV antigens. The present paper provided guidance for selecting a better match of the two screening kits and improved screening efficiency.

Blood Donors ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; immunology ; Hepatitis C Antibodies ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis C Antigens ; genetics ; immunology ; Humans ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; standards ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective To investigate the 16S rRNA methylase genes and Aminoglycoside modifying enzymes(AMEs)genes in Enterobacter cloacae isolated from the People's Liberation Army 98th Hospital,Huzhou district,Zhejiang province,China.Methods 40 strains of Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from the inpatients between September,2003 and November,2004.5 kinds of 16S rRNA methylase gene (including armA,rmtA,rmtB,rmtC and rmtD)and 9 kinds of AMEs gene[including aac(3)-Ⅰ,aac(3)-Ⅱ,aac(3)-Ⅲ,aac(3)-Ⅳ,aac(6')-Ⅰ b,aac(6')-Ⅱ,ant(3'')-Ⅰ,ant(2'')-Ⅰ and aph(3')-Ⅵ]were analyzed by PCR and verificated by DNA sequencing.Results In 40 strains of Enterobacter cloacae,the positive rates of genes of rmtB,aac(3)-Ⅱ,aac(6')-Ⅰ b,ant(3'')-Ⅰ,ant(2'')-Ⅰ and aph(3')-Ⅵ were 12.5%(5/40),27.5%(11/40),72.5%(29/40),32.5%(13/40),5.0%(2/40)and 5.0%(2/40),respectively.8 kinds of the rest of genes were all tested negative.The total positive rate of AMEs gene was 85.0%(34/40).Among 29 strains of Enterobacter cloacae that the aac(6')-Ⅰ b gene was positive,through PCR and verification by DNA sequencing,7 strains(24.1%)were confirmed to take the aac(6')-Ⅰ b-cr(the GenBank register number:EF375620,EU159121)alone,18 strains(62.1%)were confirmed to take the aac(6')-Ⅰ b-Suzhou(EU085533)alone,3 strains(10.3%)were confirmed to take both aac (6')-Ⅰ b-Suzhou and aac(6')-Ⅰ b-cr while only 1(3.4%)was aac(6')-Ⅰ b(the classical type).Conclusion There was lower positive rate of 16S rRNA methylase gene but very high AMEs genotypes in Enterobacter cloacae isolated from inpatients and the finding of rmtB gene was reported for the first time in the world.At least 5 kinds of AMEs gene existed in Enterobacter cloacae were isolated and they were the new host of both gene of aac(6')-Ⅰ b-cr and aac(6')-Ⅰ b-Suzhou,with aac(6')-Ⅰ b-Suzhou gene was the predominance subtype in aac(6')-Ⅰ b.