Objective To investigate the significance of EGF in the in vitro maturation, fertilization, and pre-implantation development of the immature oocytes. Methods The immature oocytes were isolated from the ovaries of the rats. The germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were cultured in the EGF solutions at concentrations of 0(control), 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 ng/ml Ham’s F10 culture media. The status of germinal vesicle break-down(GVBD) and the extrusion of the first polar body (PB1) were observed. The achieved MⅡoocytes were then inseminated in vitro; and the pronuclei (PN) and the pre-implantaon development were observed. The gradeⅠ-Ⅱ4-cell embryos were selected and implanted into the fallopian tube of the rats with the 1 day pseudogestation. Follow-up observations were made till the delivery. Results After GV oocytes were treated with EGF solutions at concentration of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 ng/ml for 12, 16, 20, and 24 h, the GVBD in the GV cumulus-oocyte complexs(COC) have better outcomes than that of the control group(P

Objective To compare the ability of the fourth and the third generation HIV assay kits available in Chinese market to detect early HIV infection.Methods 8 BBI HIV seroconversion panels (PRB924,930,940,942,943,944,946 and 948) and 2 National AIDS Reference Lab's HIV seroconversion panels (2004XJ727 and 20505217) were respectively detected with one HIV antigen assay kit,2 fourth generation HIV assay kits and 4 third generation HIV assay kits.The ability of these kits to detect early HIV infection was analyzed and compared.Results For every panel,the fourth generation HIV assay kits could detect HIV-1 infection 4 to 8 days earlier than the third generation kits,and 2 to 4 days later than the antigen kit.The detection ability of different brands of kits was different.Conclusions The fourth generation HIV assay kits could reduce the window period to detect HIV infection.It's meaningful for diagnosing early HIV infection,blood safety and etc.

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 study the effect of acupuncture on the immune function of sepsis patients.

METHODSNinety sepsis patients were assigned to the control group, the thymosin a1 group, and the acupuncture treatment group according to random digit table, 30 patients in each group. Patients in the control group were treated according to the guideline of Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). Patients in the control group received routine treatment. Those in the thymosin alpha1 group additionally received subdermal injection of thymosin alpha1 (1.6 mg), once per day for 6 successive days. Needling at related points such as Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34), Neiguan (PC6), Guanyuan (RN4), and so on, was performed in patients of the acupuncture treatment group, once per day for 6 successive days. T cell subgroups (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ /CD8+) and immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) were detected. The length of ICU hospital stay, hospital readmission rate, and 28-day mortality were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSAfter six days of treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA, IgM, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio of three groups were all significantly increased (P < 0.01). Of them, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA, and IgM increased more significantly in the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the ICU hospitalization length was significantly shortened, the hospital readmission rate and the 28-day mortality were lower in the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in each index between the thymosin alpha1 group and the acupuncture treatment group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture could adjust the immune function of sepsis patients, improve their immunological indicators and prognoses.

Acupuncture Therapy ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Prognosis ; Sepsis ; diagnosis ; immunology ; therapy ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; Thymosin ; analogs & derivatives

Objective To evaluate the effect of co -administration of the loop diuretic furosemide (Fur) and kanamycin (KM ) in the rats in order to establish a reliable animal model of sensorineural hearing loss .Methods Thirty -two Sprague-dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 rats in each group .Rats in group A ,B and C received a single intraperitoneal injection of kanamycin sulfate (KM ,500 mg/kg) ,followed by an-other intraperitoneal injection of furosemide (Fur ,0 .2 ml/kg ) 30 minutes later .While ,rats in control group D re-ceived same doses of normal saline .Auditory brain responses (ABRs) were recorded at 1 ,7 and 14 day after the in-jections ,which were group A ,group B and group C ,respectively .Hair cell loss ,the spiral ganglions and microstruc-ture were observed by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy .Results The ABR thresholds in group A ,B and C were significantly higher than that of in control group D (P<0 .05) .There were no differences of ABR thresholds among group A ,B and C(P>0 .05) .Immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy showed obvi-ous hair cell loss in the basal turn in each kanamycin groups ,with cilia disarrangement and fusion ,compared to the same areas in animals from the control group .The expression of cleaved caspase -3 significantly increased in each experimental group than that of in the control group(P<0 .05) .Conclusion Co -administration of furosemide and kanamycin intraperitoneally induces profound hearing loss in rats and is an effective method of establishing acute hearing loss model in animal experiments .

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-proliferation of three different structural curcumin pigmen monomers on the bovine VSMC stimulated by ox-LDL and the effect on the expression of LDL-R.

METHODMTT and FCM were used to observe the anti-proliferation of three different on the bovine VSMC stimulated by ox-LDL and the effect on the expression of LDL-R.

RESULTox-LDL(2.5,5, 10 mg x L(-1)) had obvious proliferative effect on VSMC, P < 0.05, curcumin (16.5,33,66 micromol x L(-1)), demethoxycurcumin (33,66 micromol x L(-1)) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (66 micromol x L(-1)) had obvious inhibition effect on the proliferation of VSMC stimulated by 10 mg x L(-1) ox-LDL (P < 0.05, curcumin > demethoxycurcumin > bisdemethoxycurcumin) . Three curcumin (16.5,33,66 micromol x L(-1)) could obviously activate the expression of LDLR of VSMC.

CONCLUSIONThe three different structural curcumin pigmen monomers can not only inhibit the proliferation of bovine VSMC obviously stimulated by ox-LDL, but also promote the expression of LDL-R on bovine VSMC, that may be the mechanism of delaying the development of arteriosclerosis.

Animals ; Aorta ; cytology ; Cattle ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Curcuma ; chemistry ; Curcumin ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Receptors, LDL ; metabolism ; Structure-Activity Relationship

Background: Current treatments for scoliosis have some defects and complications. To study spinal deformities and test novel scoliosis treatments, many animal models of scoliosis have been developed. These models applied a single load to the spine and could not precisely modulate the spinal growth in different dimensions. In this study, we applied posterior tethering in various directions with the application of nickel?titanium (NT) coil springs in dog's spine to modulate spinal growth in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes and create a scoliosis model possess curves that mimic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) three dimensionally. Methods: Scoliosis was surgically induced in eight 8?week?old female dogs (weight: 1.95–2.30 kg) using bone screws and NT coil springs. The deformity was induced through the placement of posterior NT coil springs that tethered the spine by bone screw fixation. All dogs were monitored with serial radiographs to document changes in deformities. Results: All experimental animals developed scoliotic curves convex to the left in the lumbar segment. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 18.0° immediately postoperatively and 54.5° at 22 weeks. The mean lordosis increased from 6.2° postoperatively to 35.0° at final follow?up. Apical axial rotation increased from 4.5° postoperatively to 31.2° at 22 weeks. Conclusions: With the application of NT springs in dogs that allowed posterior tethering in various directions, lumbar spinal deformity was achieved in three planes: coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Notably, the lumbar spine in surgically treated dogs developed lordoscoliosis with obvious rotation and the curves mimic AIS three dimensionally well. This method allows lumbar scoliosis to develop without deep dissection of muscle and maintains the essential anatomical elements along the spinal curve. Moreover, the spinal growth modulation technique could yield information that would provide a basis for developing novel early?stage treatments for children with scoliosis.

The effective components in COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) can act on SARS-CoV-2. The therapeutic effect of CCP is still controversial, but it has positive significance under specific circumstances. As a special blood product, its collection and use for clinical treatment are different from those of conventional blood components. In addition to limited supply, sociological and ethical issues involved in blood collection, clinical care and treatment should also be considered. This article briefly introduces the mechanism of action of CCP, the current situation of CCP treatment, collection and supply, and provides relevant suggestions for the clinical treatment with CCP.

Objective To establish a method for studying molecular mechanism of Rhubarb inhibiting anti-Yersinia pesti based on DNA microarray.Methods A whole genome DN A microarray containing 4005 annotated genes of Yersiniapesti Was used.The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)of Rhubarb to Yersiniapestiwas determined by liquid dilution method.The gene expression profile of Yersinia pesti was performed after the exposure to Rhubarb at a concentration of 10×MIC for 30 minutes.The total RNA extracted and purified from Yersinia pesti Was reversely transfected to cDNA and labeled by Cy3-Cy5 dye.The labeled probes were hybridized to the microarray anti the results were obtained by a laser scanner and the microarray data was confirmed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.Results The platform of the DNA microarray-based bacteria transcriptional profile was established.A total of 498 genes of Yersinia pesti changed significantly in response to Rhubarb.Among them.358 genes were up-regulated,140 down-reguated.Conclusions The whole genome DNA microarray can be used in the studying of molecular anti-Yersinia pesti mechanism of Rhubarb.

Objective To improve the level of early detection and treatment of pyonephrosis. Methods This study included 41 cases(17 men and 24 women;mean age,49 years)of pyonephrosis.A variety of examinations,including urinary analysis,blood analysis,kidney nuclear medicine scan,ultrasonog- raphy,intravenous urography(IVU),and CT were used for the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis.Pereutaneous nephrostomy(PCN)drainage was done for the interim management of pyonephrosis,then phase 2 operation was performed in 28 cases.The double-J tube was placed in ureter by ureteroscope for drainage,and then phase 2 operation was done in 2 cases.Emergency operation was done in 10 cases.The remaining 1 case un- derwent ESWL after anti-infective therapy.Results Definite diagnosis of pyonephrosis before operation was made by invasive examinations in 31 cases(75.6%),and by percutaneous drainage in 4 cases;the other 6 cases were detected during operation.Only 6 cases(14.6%)underwent nephrectomy;the other 35 cases (85.4%)underwent kidney-sparing operation.Follow-up of 3 months to 9 years was available in 37 cases. No nephrectomy was needed in 33 cases with spared kidney.Serum creatinine was normal in the 4 cases un- dergoing nephrectomy.Conclusions The key to the treatment of pyonephrosis by kidney-sparing surgery is early diagnosis,timely drainage and relief of obstruction.Ultrasonography plays an important role in the early diagnosis of pyonephrosis,and CT has a high sensibility in the diagnosis.Pereutaneons nephrolithotomy (PCNL)secondary to drainage through pereutaneous nephrostomy was beneficial to the patients with kidney stones or upper ureter stones.