Many drugs were used in the treatment of SARS. Ribavirin,an antiviral drug, was also used to combat the SARS virus. Combination of ribavirin and corticosteroid was effective in treatment of SARS,but there were side effects.This paper reviewed its application protocol,efficacy,adverse effects and precautions.

Sepsis is featured with acute onset, rapid progress and high mortality.Because its clinical manifestations is very similar to noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome, it is difficult to diffferentiate the two diseases, which results in delayed use or abuse of anti-infective drugs.Procalcitonin is widely recognized as a sepsis biomarker, but it has its limits.Procalcitonin must be interpreted cautiously, in conjunction with the clinical picture.Dynamic monitoring of procalcitonin can give clinicians more help.

Objective To establish a framework of indexes for assessing the composite results in TCM hospitals so as to promote their development. Methods Such methods and techniques as literature review, descriptive study, Delphi expert consultation, step analysis, composite index, weighted rank sum ratio, and correlation analysis as used by Kendall and others were adopted. Results The current situation regarding the allocation and utilization of health resources in a certain city was found out and a framework of indexes for assessing the composite results in TCM hospitals and the demarcation line for dividing the results into grades were defined. Conclusion The development of TCM hospitals in the city has reached a certain scale, the feature of TCM specialties forms a new growth point, and the framework of indexes for the assessment of composite results in TCM hospitals needs constant perfection.

BACKGROUND: The transplantation of allogeneic cartilage has local immunological rejection, and it is necessary to further reduce the rejection to promote its application in clinic, thus it is significant to perform a series of experiments to induce local immune privilege.OBJECTIVE: To observe the in vivo growth of tissue engineered allogeneic cartilage reconstructed by chondrocytes transfected with recombinant retroviral vector pLNCX2-FasL.DESIGN: A randomized controlled observation.SETTING: Shanghai Jiao Tong University.MATERIALS: Thirty-six allogeneic New Zealand rabbits as recipients and 45 1-week-old chinchillas as donors, either sex,were purchased by the experimental animal center of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Amphotropic recombinant retrovirus coated cell line PT67 was purchased from Clontech Company; Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM), fetal bovine serum (FBS), G418 and Polybrene were bought from GIBCO BRL.METHODS: The experiment was carried out in original Shanghai Second Medical University from January 2000 to July 2005. The New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: FasL-transfected group (n =12), untransfected group (n =12) and blank control group (n =12). The rabbit allogeneic cartilages were constructed by the compound of pLNCX2-FasL transfected chondrocytes and tissue engineered material of pluronic F-127. ① Gross observation and mass changes of the grafts: Corresponding materials were infused subcutaneously, the grafts were removed at 1, 2 and 3 months after transplantation for gross observation and the mass changes. ② Staining observation: The grafts were removed at 1, 2 and 3 months after transplantation, then prepared into sections, and observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Safranin'O and Masson's trichrome stainings. ③ Antibody detection: Blood samples (1 mL) were collected at 1 and 2 months after transplantation, the chondrocytes of the chinchillas were lysed freezingly with lysis antigen as the mixed antigen, and separated by electrophoresis in agarose medium, then acted with serum of recipient to observe whether corresponding antibody generated. ④ Complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) test: The chondrocytes of chinchillas were prepared into cell suspension (2×109/L), and then seeded into 96-well plate, attached grew for 24 hours, then recipient serum was added for the CDC test, and the percentage of apoptotic cells was counted under microscope.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Gross observation and mass changes of the grafts;② Histological changes; ③ Results of the antibody detection; ④ Percentage of apoptotic cells.RESULTS: All the 81 rabbits were involved in the analysis of results. ① Gross observation and mass changes of the grafts: Two weeks after inoculation, there were obvious nod formations at the inoculated sites, but no nod formed in the blank control group. The new cartilage tissues became smaller gradually and completely disappeared at 4 months in the untransfected group, whereas those in the FasL-transfected group became smaller, but still existed after 7 months. The masses of grafts in the FasL-transfected group were higher than those in the untransfected group (P ＜ 0.05). ②Histological observation: Plenty of lymphocytic infiltrations around cartilage tissue could be observed in the untransfected group, and obviously decreased in the FasL-transfected group. No lymphocyte was observed inside the chondrocytes.Masson's trichrome staining was performed, and it was observed under light microscope that the small white parts in the middle were immature chondrocytes, and there were green collagen around most of the mature chondrocytes. Safranin O staining showed strong positive reaction, suggested that there were rich glycosaminoglycan in matrix. ③ Antibody detection: The chondrocytes of the chinchillas were lysed freezingly with lysis antigen as the mixed antigen, then acted with serum of recipient, and the results showed that no corresponding antibody generated. ④ Percentage of apoptotic cells: The percentages of serum CDC apoptotic cells in the FasL can ransfected group, untransfected group and blank control group were 5%, 6% and 1%, which were all negative.CONCLUSION: Rabbit allogeneic chondrocytes transfected with recombinant retroviral vector pLNCX2-FasL can reconstruct tissue engineered cartilage, and can postpone the degeneration by 3 months.

BACKGROUND: At present,enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)is proved to be the best labeled molecule,with unique advantages,such as high fluorescence specificity,easy to be detected,and so on.Recombined retroviral vector EGFP-pLNCX2,which can stably express EGFP,can be construct using gene-engineering technique.Transfecting allogenic chondrocytes is indeed very useful to investigate the target gene expression and process of constructing tissue engineered cartilage in vivo.OBJECTIVE:To construct recombined retroviral vector EGFP-pLNCX2 which can stably express EGFP,and investigate optimal conditions for retrovirus transfection of chondrocytes.DESIGN:Randomized controlled observation.SETTING:Shanghai Jiao Tong University.MATERIALS:Thirty New Zealand rabbits of either gender,1 week of age,were purchased from Experimental Animal Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences.Amphotropic retrovirus package cell line PT67 pLNCX2 and pEGEP-C1 were purchased from Clontech Company;NIH 3T3 cell line was purchased from ATCC Company;DH5a Bacterium coli was preserved by the laboratory of Shanghai Jiao Tong University;Retroviral vector pLNCX2 was purchased from Clontech Company;pEGFP-C1 plasmid with EGFP were donated by professor Cong Xiao-qian from Chinese Academy of Sciences.METHODS:This experiment was carried out in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in August 2005.Chondrocytes of New Zealand rabbits were isolated and cultured.The recombinant retroviral vector EGFP-pLNCX2,which can stably express EGFP,was constructed to transfect cultured chondrocytes from New Zealand rabbits by using gene engineering technique.Transfection results were observed under fluorescence microscope.Altogether 6×105 chondrocytes incubated in 10 cm-diameter flat plate were used to transfect retrovirus-EGFP immediately and at 12,24 and 48 hours after inoculation.One week later,EGFP expression efficiency was measured with flow cytometer,and best occasion for retrovirus transfecting primary chondrocytes.Enzyme-digested chondrocytes were inoculated for 24 hours to transfect retrovirus.After 250 mg/L G418 was added,chondrocytes were screened on the 2nd,3rd,4th,5th and 6th days separately.After phosphate buffer solution(PBS)washings,the transfection efficiency of chondrocytes was detected by flow cytometer,and the best occasion for G418 screening was observed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:①EGFP-pLNCX2 transfection efficiency.②The best occasions for retrovirus transfecting primary chondrocytes and G418 screening.RESULTS: ①Retroviral vector EGFP-pLNCX2 transfected primary chondrocytes of rabbits,and high expression of transfected chondrocytes could be obtained through preliminary screening of G418.After being screened and expressing EGFP,chondrocytes kept normal morphology,with pseudopod adhering to the wall and matrix secreting vigorously.②The best occasion for retrovirus transfecting primary chondrocytes was at 24 hours after cell inoculation.The transfection efficiency determined with flow cytometer was 19.14% on the 5th day.The best occasion for G418 screening was on the 5th day after culture.Transfection efficiency of G418 screening was 55.75% on the 7th day.CONCLUSION:Recombinant retroviral vector EGFP-pLNCX2 can effectively transfect chondrocytes.The best occasion for retrovirus transfecting primary chondrocytes is at 24 hours after inoculation, and the best occasion for G418 screening is on the 5th day after culture.

Objective:To investigate the metabolism changes in corpus striatum of hemiparkinsonian monkeys after chronic high frequency stimulation in subthalamic nucleus (STN) by SPECT and PET imaging. Methods: Two hemiparkinsonian monkeys, induced by unilateral internal carotid artery infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropy-rindine (MPTP), were implanted with stimulation electrodes in STN of lesioned side according to stereotaxic atlas of the monkey brain. SPECT and PET examination were performed before and 1, 3 months after stimulation. Results: PD symptoms of monkeys, including rigidity, bradykinesia and gait abnormality, were significantly improved. SPECT imaging indicated that dopamine transporter (DAT) binding to corpus striatum in stimulated side increased and D 2 receptor (D 2 R) decreased to the level of unlesioned side after stimulating. PET imaging showed that right corpus striatum had lower density than left corpus striatum before stimulation. One month after chronic high frequency stimulation, bilateral corpus striatum had low density, but the right was slightly higher than that of the left;3 months after stimulation the right was obviously higher than the left . Conclusion: The symptoms of hemiparkinsonian monkeys can be obviously improved by STN deep brain stimulation(DBS). The increased DAT binding and glucose metabolism of corpus striatum in stimulated side and the decreased D 2 R binding after stimulation suggest that the activity of striatal dopaminergic system may be promoted by STN DBS.

Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in rats.AMI rats and normal rats were administered with protocatechuic aldehyde(Pal) at a single dose of 20 mg/kg through peritoneal injection.Concentrations of Pal,protocatechuic acid (PAC) and vanillic acid (VAC) in plasma were determined by HPLC to evaluate the effect of AMI on pharmacokinetics of Pal in rats.Pal was quickly metabolized to PAC,which was then methylated into VAC.Compared to the normal group,AUC_(0-∞) of PAC significantly increased from 14.01 ±3.11 to 22.31 ±4.96 μg·h/mL in AMI group (P ＜ 0.01),and AUC_(0-∞) of VAC markedly elevated from 19.64 ±4.36 to 38.76±5.75 μg·h/mL (P＜0.01).Both MRT of PAC and VAC increased (0.43 ± 0.08 h vs 0.27 ± 0.04 h,0.61 ± 0.11 h vs 0.38 ± 0.05 h,P ＜ 0.01).Metabolic ratio M/P of PAC increased from 1.43 ±0.31 to 1.77 ±0.22 (P ＜0.05).Results indicated that AMI status had great influence on pharmacokinetic behavior of Pal.Meanwhile,the level of methylation was greatly increased.

Objective To explore how medical staff in the oncology department understand management of cancer related fatigue (CRF), and explore what factors influencing the effective practice of CRF management. Methods Qualitative inquiry was adopted. Ten medical staffs in the oncology department were selected for in- depth interview. Generic analysis was applied to code, categorize and interpret the qualitative data. Results Participants believed that many factors influenced the CRF, which hadn′t been assessed as an independent symptom and lacked the systematic, effective and specific interventions. The medical staff, patients and their families neglecting the CRF management was the main barrier. Strengthening system construction and staff training was mentioned as major area which needed to be improved. Conclusions CRF management guideline should be formulated according to our national situations based on the clinical practices, besides, the training of correlated clinical knowledge and skills of medical staff should be strengthened and eventually promote the cancer patients′quality of life.

Objective To assess the clinical and histopathological features as well as treatment of Wells syndrome.Methods The clinical and pathological findings from 7 patients with Wells syndrome were retrospectively reviewed.Results Lesions were located on both lower extremities in 4 patients,on the back in 1 patient,on the face and trunk in 1 patient,and on the buttocks in 1 patient.Clinical manifestations included cellulitis (n =3),urticaria (n =1 ),annular plaques (n =1 ) and papulonodules (n =2).Histopathological examination of skin biopsies showed an infiltrate of numerous eosinophils with occasional flame figures in the dermis of all the patients.Leucocytoclastic vasculitis was found in 3 cases.No triggering factors were found in any of the 7 cases.The lesions nearly subsided in 3 patients after 2-week treatment with oral small-dosage prednisone and tripterygium glycosides.Conclusions Wells syndrome shows a wide diversity of clinical manifestations with distinct histological features.Systemic glucocorticoids and tripterygium glycosides are effective for the control of this condition.

Objective To measure the placing position error of different body position by analog positioning machine in patients with different body mass index (BMI) during radiotherapy for rectal cancer, then calculate the clinical target volume (CTV) to plan target volume (PTV) margins (Mptv). Methods Thirty-six patients with rectal cancer were selected, and the patients were divided into vacuum bag group (18 cases) and routine belly board group (18 cases) according to method of placing position. The BMI was calculated. Each patient was treated with positive and lateral position X-ray film before treatment and once a week during the radiotherapy. The data were contrasted with digitally rendered radiographs (DRR) of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plan system, then the placing position error on X, Y and Z axis was calculated, and the Mptv on X, Y and Z axis of patients with different BMI was calculated. Results The placing position error on X, Y and Z axis gradually increased with the increase of BMI in vacuum bag group and routine belly board group, and there were statistical differences (P<0.01 or <0.05). The Mptv on X, Y and Z axis in patients with normal BMI were 4.60, 5.51 and 5.29 mm respectively. The Mptv on X, Y and Z axis in patients with overweight were 5.48, 6.81 and 6.16 mm respectively. The Mptv on X, Y and Z axis in patients with obesity were 8.92, 8.59 and 7.02 mm respectively. Conclusions The rectal cancer patients with overweight and obesity have more placing position error. The influence of BMI should be considered when the patient's Mptv is determined.