Objective To evaluate the role of postoperative electron beam radiotherapy in the management of ke-loids. Methods Between January 2004 and December 2006,116 cases of keloids were treated with 6 MeV electron beam radiotherapy within 24 h after surgical resection of the keloids. All patients had received a total of 21 Gy in seven daily 3-Gy fractions. Treatment was started at the 24th h after surgery. Patients were followed up and the information regarding treatment results, early and late radiation toxicity,and the satisfaction level by self-assessments was recorded. Results Recurrence occurred in 17 cases of keloids(14. 7%),and was correlated with site of the lesions(χ~2 =29. 91,P<0. 01). Most recurrences were observed at site of sternum (10/43) and shoulder (5/13 ). Keloid associated symptoms, e. g. itching and pain, were improved in 88. %%. For early toxicity outcomes, 100% had grade 1～2 skin erythema,7. 8% had wound delayed union,and 4. 3% had infection. For late toxicity outcomes, 30. 2% reported grade 1～2 hyperpigmentation, 11. 2% grade 1～2 hypopigmentation, and 5. 2% grade 1 telangiectasia. No severe complications or secondary malignancies were observed. 72. 4% patients described the results of treatment as excellent or good,and 15. 5% patients were not satisfied with the treatment results. Conclusion Postoperative electron radiotherapy is well tolerated and effective in preventing keloid recurrence.

Objective To investigate the effect of luxS inactivation on the oxidative stress of Streptococcus mutans and perform preliminary analysis of potential mechanism.Methods Strains were grown to mid-logarithmic phase and divided into three groups,one was used as control and inoculated into normal TPY medium,and the other two groups were experimental groups,and there were separately inoculated into TPY containing 58.8 mmol/L hydrogen peroxideor TPY containing 58.8 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 mmol/L 2,2'-dipyridyl.The survival rate of strain was calculated at 0.5,1,and 2 h.All the data were statistically analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,the survival rate of luxS mutation was always higher than standard strain at all pre-determined time inexperimental groups (P＜0.05),and compared with experimental group without iron chelator,the survival rate of strains was not raised with the added of iron chelator (P＞0.05).Conclusion luxS gene is involved in oxidative stress tolerance of Streptococcus mutans,and the oxidative stress tolerance is not achieved by avoiding the toxic effects of the Fenton reaction

Objective To observe any influence of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on the formation of glial scars,and to explore how HBO suppresses the inflammatory reaction to injury.Methods A total of 96 healthy,adult,male,Sprague-Dawley rats were used to model cerebral puncture injury.They were then randomized into a control group and a treatment group,with 48 rats in each group.The treatment group received HBO treatment,while the control group received no special treatment.At 1,3,7,14 and 28 days after the puncture injury,the rats' right brain tissues were harvested and immunohistochemical staining was employed to compare the changes in number of astrocytes and microglial cells around the injury in the two groups.The level of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 β (IL-1β) in the cerebral tissue was examined using ELISA.Results Among the control group the average wound areas after 7,14 and 28 days were (2.73 ± 0.05)μm2,(3.42 ± 0.18)μm2 and (2.41 ± 0.09) μm2,a significant reduction after 28 days compared with 7 and 14 days.The corresponding average wound areas of rats in the treatment group were (2.78±0.12)μm2,(2.59 ±0.08)μm2 and (1.20 ±0.06)μm2.There the average wound area had decreased significantly after 14 days,and the further reduction after 28 days was also significant.The numbers of GFAP-positive astrocytes at 14 and 28 days had increased significantly compared with after 7 days in both the control group and the treatment group.The average number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the control group at 28 days had decreased significantly compared with after 14 days.Compared with the control group at the same time points,the number of GFAP-positivc astrocytes in the treatment group was significantly less.After modeling,the number of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule Ⅰ (Ibal)-positive microglial cells increased significantly,but there was a significant decrease in both the control and treatment groups by 7 days.The average number of Ibal-positive microglial cells in the treatment group was significantly less than in the control group at all of the time points.Compared with the first day after modeling,the TNF-α concentration of the controls at 3 and 7 days was significantly higher,but by the 7th day it was significantly lower than it had been after 3 days.The average IL-1β concentration in the control group and TNF-α concentration in the treatment group had increased by day 3,but then decreased by day 7.The IL-1β concentration of the treatment group declined gradually.The average TNF-α and IL-1 β concentrations of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group at all of the time points.Conclusion HBO treatment has a relatively good curative effect on cerebral puncture injury.It can accelerate wound healing and reduce the formation of glial scars.Its mechanism could be related to the deactivation of astrocytes and microglia cells and reducing the levels of cell factors that promote inflammation.

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of glycogen synthase 3β (GSK-3β) in the regula-tion of NLRP3 inflammasome activation after acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Sprague Dawley(SD) rats. METHODS Ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) in SD rats was used to establish an acute myocardial infarction model. SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10, each group):sham group,MI group,and MI+SB group:the GSK-3β inhibitor(SB216763)was given 1 h by intrave-nous injection(0.6 mg·kg-1·d-1)before surgery.The serum and heart tissue were collected to measure lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and IL-1β content and mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Cas-pase-1,IL-1β and GSK-3β after 2 days and 7 days operation,respectively.RESULTS The serum levels of LDH and IL-1β in the MI group were significantly higher than those in the sham group(P<0.01),and the MI+SB group was obviously lower than the MI group(P<0.01).In addition,mRNA and protein levels of NNLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and GSK-3β expressions in MI group were clearly increased (P<0.01) compared with those in sham group.These indicators were significantly decreased in SB+MI group (P<0.01). Interestingly, the indicators were all higher at 7 days than 2 days. CONCLUSION GSK-3β inhibition induces cardioprotection via attenuating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome after the acute myocardial infarction in rats.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of IL-6 mAb on experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats, and search the mechanism of the role of IL-6, helper T cells 17 (Th17) and regulative T cells (Treg) in EAM pathogenesis.

METHODSThirty-four Lewis rats were divided into three groups randomly, i.e. control group (n = 6), EAM group (n = 12), and IL-6 mAb intervention group (n = 16). Rats in EAM group and IL-6 mAb intervention group were injected intracutaneously with myosin to establish EAM model. Rats in IL-6 mAb intervention group were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mg IL-6 mAb on 1st, 7th to 20th day after cardiac myosin immune injection. Myocardial inflammation was examined by HE stain, Masson stain, and TdT assay (TUNEL reaction) on 21st and 84th day after IL-6 mAb therapy in order to assess the therapeutic role. Spleen cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to illustrate Th17 and Treg cells? number and function. The serum concentration of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TGF-beta in each group was measured by ELISA, concentration of STAT3, RORgammat, and Foxp3 mRNA in each group was determined with RT-PCR. Spleen cells derived from EAM were stimulated by IL-6 mAb in vitro, and the concentration of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-beta was measured by ELISA.

RESULTSInflammation score, fibrosis score, and apoptosis index in IL-6 mAb intervention group were significantly decreased as compared with those in EAM group (P < 0.01). The number of Th17 and Treg cells in EAM group on the 21st day (experimental acute peak stage) were increased, and those in intervention group on the 21st day were significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). The concentration of serum IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-beta in intervention group on the 21st day was decreased dramatically in comparison with that in EAM group on the same day (P < 0.01). The levels of peripheral blood STAT3, RORgammat, Foxp3 mRNA in intervention group on the 21st day was decreased significantly as compared with that in EAM group (P < 0.01). The expression of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-beta was increased significantly (P < 0.01) by stimulation of IL-6 mAb on spleen cells derived from EAM in vitro.

CONCLUSIONSIL-6 mAb could neutralize IL-6, and ameliorate myocarditis and reduce heart autoimmune responses. IL-6 mAb has significantly protective effects on EAM by suppressing Th17 and Treg cells.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; Autoimmune Diseases ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-17 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; immunology ; Male ; Myocarditis ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Th17 Cells ; immunology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE To discuss the characteristics and risk factors of nosocomial infection inpatients with chronic kidney disease.METHODS The data from chronic kidney disease(CKD) patients retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS The nosocomial infection rate of CKD patients was 14.73%,urinary tract was the most comun site,The main-pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria,and then Gram-positive bacteria and fungii.The patients with diabetic nephropathy,lupus nephritis,aging,lower glomerular filtration rate,hypoproteinemia,anemia,and long time duration were easy to get nosocomial infection.CONCLUSIONS Nosocomial infection in CKD patients is related to underlying diseases,age,kidney function,serum albumin level,hemoglobin level,duration time in the hospital.

OBJECTIVE To discuss the clinical traits,pathogenesis and TCM stepwise treatments of fungal urinary tract infection.METHODS According to the risk factors and clinical character of fungal urinary tract infection,we clarified the mechanism of the disease.The principal aspect was spleen-kidney vacuity detriment and the secondary incidental was accumulated damp-heat and static blood in the lower burner,viz weaken healthy qi and excessive pathogenic factor.Hence during the clinical treatment we should regulate faculty condition.In the acute infection period we should give priority to dispel evils supplemented by the recovery of right qi.In the convalescence we should pay more attention to support right supplemented by dispelling.RESULTS The most common pathogen of fungal urinary tract infection was Candida albicans.The TCM stepwise treatments of fungal urinary tract infection together with regulatiy entire faculty condition had the characteristics of high efficacy and few side effects.CONCLUSIONS The TCM stepwise treatments of fungal urinary tract infection has more potentiality which deserves further study.

Objective To investigate the impact of tube current and tube voltage on CT attenuation,the correlation between CT attenuation and iodine concentration,as well as the percentage of reducing dosage for contrast agent while reducing the tube voltage.Methods A total of 100 saline solutions with decreasing dilution of contrast medium,in which concentration was between 0.5 to 50.0 mg/ml with the interval of 0.5 mg/ml,was produced.Each of the 25 syringes with a 4 ml sample was fixed on a cylindrical CT calibrated water phantom with an equal distance used the tape.CT scans were performed with a total of 15 scanning methods of the combination of the different tube voltages (70,80,100,140 kV) and tube current (100,200,280 mA).All of the CT attenuations were measured and recorded.The differences of CT attenuations under different scanning tube currents and tube voltages were compared with one-way ANOVA.The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between CT attenuation and iodine concentration,and linear correlation equations were calculated and shown by regression analysis.According to the equations,the changes of contrast medium dosage were calculated with the changes of tube voltage.Results There was no significant difference in CT attenuations on different tube currents when the tube voltage was fixed (all P＞0.05),while when the tube current was fixed,the difference of CT attenuations on different tube voltages was statistically significant (all P＜0.05).Under different scanning conditions,the CT attenuations was linearly related to the iodine concentration (r2 was 0.953 to 0.997,all P＜0.01).While the tube voltage was reduced from 140 kV to 120 kV,100 kV,80 kV,70 kV,respectively,the iodine concentration of the samples were reduced by 15.4％,33.7％,53.4％,64.7％ respectively.While the voltage was reduced from 120 kV to 100 kV,80 kV,70 kV,respectively,the iodine concentration were rednced by 21.6％,44.9％,58.2％,respectively.While the voltage was reduced from 100 kV to 80 kV and 70 kV,the iodine concentration was reduced by 29.7％ and 46.7％,respectively.While the voltage was reduced from 80 kV to 70 kV,the iodine concentration was reduced by 24.1％.Conclusion CT attenuation can keep constant in low tube voltage setting by reducing the dosage of contrast agent,which can achieve a low radiation dose and low contrast agent dosage.

Objective To evaluate the effect of pregnancy and delivery after renal transplantation (RT)on recipients,graft and offspring.Methods Clinical data of 6 pregnancies in 5 recipients were retrospectively studied and literature was reviewed.Results Among them,6 pregnancies and 4 deliveries occurred in 5 female RT recipients.The mean age at pregnancy was 31.1 years,with a mean interval between RT and pregnancy being 3.6 years.Preeclampsia developed in two pregnancies and hyperlipemia in one pregnancy.One RT recipient who discontinued immunosuppressant following pregnancy on her own exhibited subsequent renal failure.She underwent a second RT and delivered a healthy baby two years following the second RT.One RT recipient decreased the immunosuppressant dose to half after the pregnancy on her own and developed renal failure thereafter.Four patients underwent a Cesarean section at 38 th,35 th,35 th,and 38 th week,respectively.The mean birth weight was 3262.5 g with all Apgar scores of 10.Conclusion Our data coupled with prior reports suggest that for the recipients with normal renal function,successful pregnancy is achievable if immunosuppressant was taken correctly,but the pregnancy is at high risk,and careful monitoring is needed.

OBJECTlVE To investigate the inhibition of Radix lsatidis and its major constituents indigo and indirubin on three principal subtypes of organic anion transporters ( OATs) , Oat1, Oat2 and Oat3 in vivo in mice. METHODS Granules of Radix lsatidis ( GRl) 0.615 and 2.46 g·kg-1 , decoction of Radix lsatidis ( DRl) 1.6 and 6.4 g·kg-1 , indigo 0.008 and 0.64 mg·kg-1 and indirubin 0.0192 and 1.536 mg·kg-1 were ig given to the NlH mice (60 mice per group), twice a day, for 5 d while four control groups were set up, including vehicle of water, 0.5%sodium carboxymethyl cellulose ( CMC) , positive control probe-necid (0.05 g·kg-1) and additives of sucrose plus dextrin (1.5 g·kg-1 each) groups. After the last dosing of the test samples, para-aminohippuric acid ( PAH) clearance test was conducted. All the mice were iv given PAH 0.03 g·kg-1 and 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 20 min later before 10 mice per group were euthanized to collect whole blood and the kidneys were quickly removed. Each right kidney was homoge-nized to analyze the PAH accumulations and each left kidney to extract total mRNA for analysis of Oat1, Oat2 and Oat3 gene expressions using quantitative real-time PCR. The concentrations of PAH in sera and in kidney homogenates were determined by the method of Kiguchi. Major pharmacokinetic parame-ters of PAH in sera were calculated by pharmacokinetic software ( DAS2.0) . PAH uptake test for kidney slices was performed on another group of NlH mice according to the method of Nakakariya. RESULTS There was no significant difference between water control group and 0.5%CMC group in all the examined items. Compared with the vehicle control groups ( water and 0. 5%CMC group ) , elimination half time ( t1/2β) of PAH in GRl 2.46 g·kg-1 ,indigo 0.64 mg·kg-1 and indirubin 1.536 mg·kg-1 groups was signifi-cantly prolonged (P<0.05), the total clearance (Cl) and volume of distribution (Vd) were obviously reduced ( P<0.01) and the area under the curve ( AUC0-20 min ) of PAH in all the tested groups was signifi-cantly increased ( P<0.01) . AUC0-20 min obtained from renal PAH accumulations within the checked time was significantly higher ( P<0.05, P<0.01) than in the vehicle control group. But there was in no signifi-cant difference between all the study groups in kidney-to-plasma AUC ratios. PAH uptake results by kidney slices were significantly lower ( P<0. 05, P<0. 01 ) than in vehicle control group in every two dosages of all the four samples tested. Compared with vehicle control group, the mRNA expressions of Oat1, Oat2 and Oat3 were obviously ( P<0.05, P<0.01) and abnormally regulated in the groups of GRl 2.46 g·kg-1, DRl 6.4 g·kg-1, indigo 0.64 mg·kg-1 and indirubin 1.536 mg·kg-1. CONCLUSlON The renal Oat1, Oat2 and Oat3 of mice are significantly inhibited by GRl, DRl, indigo and indirubin. The inhibitory function of Radix lsatidis probably stems from indigo and indirubin contained in it.