Objectives: To analyze the strategies of the diagnosis and treatment in patients with the pulmonary infection after renal transplantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on 28 cases of pulmonary infections among 285 patients undergoing renal transplantation. Results: The morbidity of pulmonary infection was 9.82%(28/285). The majority pathogens of pulmonary infection in this study were pseudomonas, staphylococcus epidermidis, canadida and cytomegalovirus. Chest X ray was important in the diagnosis, but there was no specificity to determine the pathogens. The mortality in 28 pulmonary infection patients was 32.1%(9/28). Most of the patients suffered from pulmonary infection within 4 months after the operation, and the postoperative period from 2 months to 4 months was a high risk time window for death caused by pulmonary infections. Conclusions: The morbidity and mortality of pulmonary infections, especially severe pneumonia, in patients with renal transplantation, are higher than healthy people. Treatment following clinical epidemiology and strategy of microbiology play a very important role to reduce the mortality in those patients.

Objective To study the effect of magnesium citrate combined with compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder in bowel preparation before colonoscopy.Methods One hundred and six colonoscopy patients with lower digestive tract symptom were divided into study group (54 cases) and control group (52 cases) by random digits table method,the bowel preparation in study group was magnesium citrate combined with compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder,in control group was compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder.The lesions detection rate,bowel preparation quality,time of first defecation,number of defecation,time of colonoscopy,results of the electrolyte level and liver and kidney function after medication and adverse reaction were compared between two groups.Results There were no statistical differences in lesions detection rate,time of colonoscopy,results of the electrolyte level and liver and kidney function after medication between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).The total effective rate of bowel preparation quality in study group was significantly higher than that in control group [96.3％(52/54) vs.82.7％ (43/52)],the time of first defecation was significantly shorter than that in control group [(32.5 ± 26.1) rmin vs.(47.2 ± 22.4) min],the number of defecation was significantly much than that in control group [(8.2 ± 2.9) times vs.(6.2 ± 2.6) times],there were statistical differences (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of nausea in study group was significantly lower than that in control group [22.2％ (12/54) vs.48.1％ (25/52)],there was statistical difference (P ＜ 0.05).There were no statistical differences in the incidences of vomiting,abdominal distention and abdominal pain between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Magnesium citrate combined with compound polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder used in preoperative bowel preparation for colonoscopy has better clinical application value.

To study the compatible mechanisms and compatible proportion of Shaoyao Gancao decoction, the intestinal absorption of main ingredients in Shaoyao Gancao decoction SG11 (Baishao-Zhigancao 1: 1) , SG31 (Baishao-Zhigancao 3: 1), Baishao water decoction S and Zhigancao (G) were investigated and compared using in vitro everted intestinal sac model and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. The concentration of paeoniflorin (PF), liquiritin (LQ) and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate (GL) in test samples and samples of intestinal sac and intestinal perfusion was determined by HPLC. The intestinal absorptive amount and absorption parameters were calculated. Results showed that in the everted intestinal sac model, three ingredients could be absorbed by duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the absorption in the jejunum was best for all 3 ingredients. The absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 was significantly higher than that in single decoction (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference compared with SG31. In SPIP model, the absorption rate constant K(a), the apparent absorption coefficient P(app) and the absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 were significantly higher than those in single decoction. Parameters of PF and GL in SG11 were significantly higher than those in SG31, but had no differences of LQ. It proved that the compatibility of Baishao and Zhigancao could improve the intestinal absorption of PF, LQ and GL. The absorption of each ingredient in SG11 was better than that in SG31.
Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; Intestinal Absorption ; drug effects ; Intestines ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Background The visual system of animal have to optimally adjust in various environmental conditions in order to obtain stable and effective visual funetion.However,the color vision system of animals which encounter uncertainty of spectral signals should be plastic.Whether the densities of various cones and expression of opsins change with long-time spectral deprivation is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the changes of cone density as well as the expression of corresponding opsin and mRNA following the long-term illumination of monochromatic light.Methods Thirty 3-day-old guinea pigs were randomized into 3 groups and exposed tO the 530 nm green light,400 nm purple light and white light for consecutive 8 weeks respectively.The flat-mounted retinal sample was prepared and divided into dorsal zone,ventral zone and mixed zone anatomically according to the distribution of difierent light-sensitive cone.The changes in density of cone cells sensitivited to different colored light were detected by single-1abel or double-label immunocytochemistry.The levels of opsin and its mRNA were determined using Western-blot and real-time PCR respectively.Results The density of green-sensitivity cones was significantly different in the dorsal zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group (F=234.28,P<0.01).Compared with white light group,the density of green-sensitive cones in dorsal retina of green light group was obviously higher but that of purple light group wag evidently lower(q=389.68,P<0.01；q=67.11,P<0.01).No significant difference was found in the density of purple-sensitive cones in the ventral zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group(F=3.14,P>0.05).The density of coexpression of the mixed cone cells was increased in green light group(q=157.55,P<0.01)but decreased in purple light roup (q=254.85,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.The expression levels of green-opsin and green-opsin mRNA in green light group was significantly elevated(q=184.45,P<0.01；q=4.71,P<0.05),but those of purple light group were evidently declined(q=5.87,P<0.05；q=346.66,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.There was no statistically significant differences were found in the expression of purple-opsin and its mRNA among all the groups(F=1.24,P>0.05；F=3.27,P>0.05).Conclusion After the exposure of long-time monochromatic light illumination,monochromatic cones density and its opsin in guinea pig occur the corresponding alteration to gain good spatial vision as a compensatory reaction.These outcomes imply that there is some plasticity during the development of color vision.The increase of green-sensitive cones might be from the differentiation of coexpression cones in transition region.

OBJECTIVETo explore the methods of isolation, cultivation, purification, identification of the fetal mice testis Leydig cell and to observe its biological characteristics in vitro.

METHODSLeydig cells were isolated by 0.03% collagenase (type I) from fetal mice testis and cultured in DMEM/F12 medium. The identity and purity of Leydig cell were assessed by 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase delta4-delta5 isomerase (3beta-HSD). Cell viability was measured by trypan blue. Testosterone level in the medium of cultured Leydig cells was measured in various culture phases and cell density by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSThe purity of Leydig cell was (45.10 +/- 1.66)% before culture, and (81.17 +/- 2. 32)% 72 h after culture. The level of testosterone secreted by Leydig cells could be detected in the medium and its level was associated with the density and time of cultured Leydig cells. The secretion capacity of testosterone by single Leydig cell decreased gradually during the culturing period.

CONCLUSIONThe fetal Leydig cells isolated from fetal mice testis have high purity. It can be cultured and kept the secretion ability of testosterone for a few days in vitro. This system can provide a valuable model for further study on the cellular function of the Leydig cells of fetal mice.

Animals ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Leydig Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Testis ; embryology ; Testosterone ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with potential hyperglycemia.

METHODSA total of 221 patients were recruited among those with potential hyperglycemia. All participants underwent physical examination, medical history interview, and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous blood was sampled for measurement of insulin and cholesterol levels. The intima-media thickness (IMT) in bilateral common carotid arteries was observed by B-mode ultrasound. Insulin resistance index was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Subjects were stratified in quintiles according to HOMA-IR values. Risk factors and atherosclerotic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTSWith HOMA-IR value increase, incidence of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease increased, the levels of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose, 2 hour plasma glucose, and fasting insulin increased as well, while the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Meanwhile, all atherosclerotic parameters increased. Multivariate regression analysis showed that TG, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C levels, and ln(HOMA-IR) were related to IMT, hence were risk factors for IMT increase.

CONCLUSIONInsulin resistance is implicated in atherogenesis.

Aged ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; blood ; etiology ; Carotid Artery, Common ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; blood ; Insulin ; blood ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Tunica Media ; pathology

To study the expressions of CD34 and CD117 in the tissues of hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the relationship with clinical pathology and it's evaluation on the prognosis of HCC patients. The expressions of CD34 and CD117 were examined by two-step methods of PV-9000 of immunohistochemistry in 55 HCC cases, 10 liver cirrhotic specimens and 6 normal liver specimens. Clinical-pathological data, tumor recurrent rate and survival rate after hepatectomy were recorded and analyzed with Fisher's Exact Test, Pearson X2 Test, Kaplan-Meier, Log-Rank Test and Cox Regression. The positive expression of CD34 was found in 65.4% of HCC, 20% of cirrhostic liver specimens and 16.7% of normal liver specimens, respectively. Significant differences found among the three groups, and the CD34 expression was significantly associated with vessel embolus (X2 = 4.000, P = 0.046) and the histological grades (X2 = 11.008, P = 0.001). The positive expression of CD117 was 47.3%, 10% and 0% in HCC, cirrhotic liver specimens and normal liver tissues, respectively, and statistical differences esxisted among the three groups. The CD117 expression was dramatically related to the histological grades (X2 = 5.115, P = 0.024) and clinical stages (X2 = 15.459, P = 0.000). Median disease free survival time after hepatectomy was significantly shorter in the group with positive-expression of CD34 (X2 = 4.105, P = 0.043) and CD117 (X2 = 28.023, P = 0.000) than the negative-expressed groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that CD117 expression status, serum AFP levels and the size of tumor were independently prognostic factors for HCC patients. Tthe results demonstrated that CD34 and CD117 might play an important role in liver carcinogenesis and the progression of HCC, and they might potentially serve as markers for HCC prognosis.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local

BACKGROUNDUnder an insulin resistance (IR) state, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be playing a major role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Recently, increasing attention has been drawn to the beneficial effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HO-1 on vascular function of thoracic aorta in IR rats and demonstrate the probable mechanisms of HO-1 against endothelial dysfunction in IR states.

METHODSSprague-Dawley (SD) rats fed with high-fat diet for 6 weeks and the IR models were validated with hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test. Then the IR rat models (n = 44) were further randomized into 3 subgroups, namely, the IR control group (n = 26, in which 12 were sacrificed immediately and evaluated for all study measures), a hemin treated IR group (n = 10) and a zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX) treated IR group (n = 8) that were fed with a high-fat diet. Rats with standardized chow diet were used as the normal control group (n = 12). The rats in IR control group, hemin treated IR group and ZnPP-IX treated IR group were subsequently treated every other day with an intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, hemin (inducer of HO-1, 30 micromol/kg) or ZnPP-IX (inhibitor of HO-1, 10 micromol/kg) for 4 weeks. Rats in the normal control group remained on a standardized chow diet and were treated with intraperitoneal injections of normal saline every other day for 4 weeks. Systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) was measured by tail-cuffed microphotoelectric plethysmography. The blood carbon monoxide (CO) was measured by blood gas analysis. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), blood glucose (BG), insulin, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in serum, and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the aorta were measured. The expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein in aortal tissue were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. The vasoreactive tensometry was performed with thoracic aortic rings (TARs).

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the levels of SABP, BG, insulin, TC, TG, NO, iNOS and MDA were higher, while the levels of CO, TAOC, SOD and eNOS were lower in IR control rats. After treatment of IR rats for 4 weeks a more intensive expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein were observed in hemin treated IR group compared with the normal control group. And compared with 4-week IR control rats, the levels of CO, TAOC, SOD and eNOS were increased, while the levels of SABP and iNOS activity were lower in the hemin treated IR group. Administration of hemin in IR rats appeared to improve the disordered vasorelaxation of TARs to acetylcholine (ACh). Alternatively, the reverse results of SABP, CO, TAOC, SOD, iNOS and vasorelaxation responses to ACh were observed in IR rats with administration of ZnPP-IX.

CONCLUSIONSThe endothelial dysfunction in the aorta is present in the IR state. The protective effects of HO-1 against aortic endothelial dysfunction may be due to its antioxidation and regulative effect of vasoactive substances. It is proposed that hemin, inducer of HO-1, could be a potential therapeutic option for vascular dysfunction in IR states.

Animals ; Aorta ; drug effects ; physiology ; Carbon Monoxide ; blood ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; physiology ; Enzyme Induction ; drug effects ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; analysis ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Systole ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression dynamics and significance of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) membrane type-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MT-MMP-2) in hepatic fibrosis and its reversal counterpart.

METHODSAn experimental CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis rat model was established by intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks, and normal rats were used as a control group. The immunohistochemical methods and in situ hybridization were used to detect MMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens in the liver.

RESULTSMMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens were expressed in mesenchymal cells and parts of hepatocytes besides active pathological changes, especially in the fibrous septum and portal area. Expression of MMP-2,MT-MMP-2 mRNA and related antigens were increased in hepatic fibrosis and decreased gradually in its reversal counterpart.

CONCLUSIONThis study suggested that mesenchymal cells are the main cellular origins of MMPs. The levels of MMP-2 and MT-MMP-2 antigens and gene expression were closely related to hepatic fibrosis. MMP-2 and MT-MMP-2 may play important roles in hepatic fibrosis and its reversal counterpart.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; Hepatocytes ; enzymology ; Liver ; enzymology ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; enzymology ; etiology ; pathology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; enzymology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo observe response characteristics of human brain to acupuncture of corresponding channel point selection and probe into the central nervous mechanism of acupuncture at the points selected along channel.

METHODSSix cases of chronic migraine were treated with acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Waiguan (TE 5), Yang-lingquan (GB 34) on the Shaoyang Channel. Positron emission computerized tomography (PET-CT) was used for scanning and statistic parameter map (SPM 2) software was used to analyze the data and compare with healthy human brain function imaging and investigate the changes of metabolism of glucose in the brain of the patient of migraine before and after acupuncture.

RESULTSAfter acupuncture, excitation areas of the pain brain regions such as the brain stem, insula, etc. obviously reduced, and the brain function-reducing area turned from the right temporal lobe as main to bilateral temporal lobes with symmetry.

CONCLUSIONThe pons, insula, anterior frontal gyrus, etc. possibly are the target points of analgesic effect of acupuncture at the Shaoyang Channel on chronic migraine, and the change of metabolism reduction on bilateral temporal lobes induced by acupuncture possibly is one of the mechanisms for acu-puncture at points on the Shaoyang Channel for treatment of migraine. Acupuncture achieves whole and beneficial therapeutic effect possibly through coordination and redistribution of energy metabolism in the brain.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Brain ; metabolism ; Cerebrum ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Chronic Disease ; therapy ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Migraine Disorders ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Treatment Outcome