BACKGROUND:Chitin has been found to be a good biomaterial, but research on chitin carrying corneal epithelial cel s for rabbit corneal epithelial injury is little reported. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair outcomes of chitin hybrid membrane carrying corneal epithelial cel s in the rabbit corneal epithelial injury.METHODS:Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were enrol ed and made into left corneal epithelial injury models, and then randomized into two groups and treated with chitin hybrid membrane carrying corneal epithelial cel s (experimental group) and chitin hybrid membrane (control group), respectively. The damage area, histological changes and ultrastructure of the cornea were observed at 1, 3, and 7 days after implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Damage area of the cornea in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group at 1 and 3 days after implantation (P<0.05), and the cornea in both two groups healed wel at 7 days after implantation. At 7 days after implantation, in both two groups, the corneal epithelium with six layers adhered to the corneal stroma closely, which was repaired completely and regularly. Comparatively speaking, the cornea in the experimental group possessed smooth outer layer. Besides, in the experimental group, the hexagonal corneal epithelial cel s arranged closely with flat surface;while the hexagonal corneal epithelial cel s in the control group showed no smooth surface and gaps between cel s. These results indicate that chitin hybrid membrane carrying corneal epithelial cel s promotes the repair of rabbit corneal epithelial injury.

BACKGROUND:Chitosan nanoparticles-encapsuled sodium hyaluronate is an effective drug for the burned cornea. OBJECTIVE:To verify the effect of sodium hyaluronate/chitosan nanoparticles on the neovascularization in burned cornea. METHODS:Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, and the model of burned cornea caused by base was established in the rats of model and experimental groups, fol owed by respectively treated with 10μL sodium hyaluronate/chitosan nanoparticle suspension and normal saline, once daily, for consecutive 4 weeks. Rats only given normal saline were used as controls. Four weeks later, the dynamic growth of newly formed blood vessels in the cornea was observed using silt lamp. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-6 were detected by ELISA, histological changes of the cornea were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxygenase 2 were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, the area of the newly formed blood vessel and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxygenase 2 were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the experimental group, al above indicators were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). There were a large number of inflammatory cel s and neovascularization in the model group, but only few inflammatory cel s in the experimental group. These results show that sodium hyaluronate/chitosan nanoparticles can inhibit the neovascularization in the burned cornea.

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of biofeedback therapy on constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-C).Methods 30 patients with IBS-C were given to biofeedback therapy,5 times every treatment course.and then their clinical symptoms,mental state and quality of life before the treatment and at the end of treatment with biofeedback therapy were respectively evaluated by symptom scores,self-rating anxiety scale (SAS),self-rating depression scale (SDS),and short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36).Results Post-treatment with biofeedback therapy,there were very significant decrease in total and subscales scores of bowel symptom including abdominal pain/discomfort,abdominal distension,abnormal appearance of defecation,abnormal process of defecation((12.31±2.01) vs (19.16±2.17),(2.95±0.57) vs (5.04±1.04),(2.64±0.92) vs (4.25±1.09),(3.66±1.09) vs (5.10±0.57),(3.06±1.08) vs (4.77±0.95) respectively,P＜0.01).The integration of SAS and SDS were obviously decreased after treatment((39.53±6.39) vs (44.43±7.89),P＜0.05;(40.70±8.38) vs (46.46±8.74),P＜0.05),the SF-36 scores were also improved in five dimensions including rolephysical,social-functioning,vitality,role-emotional and mental health((74.16±21.25) vs (57.0±39.40),(86.21±13.54) vs (75.54±20.96),(75.16±13.42) vs (64.66±20.54),(78.87±28.36) vs (57.76±46.26),(81.60±16.08) vs (71.20±22.04) respectively,P＜0.05).Conclusion Biofeedback therapy can improve the clinical symptoms,alleviate the moods of anxiety and depression,and improve the quality of life in patients with IBS-C.

To improve the clinical teaching work, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was first introduced into the periodontal clinical assessment held by Departments of Periodon-titis and Mucosal Disease. With the OSCE exam station and item pool established, standardized pa-tients tralned, the examination form reformed, the knowledge, skill, and attitude of the examinee were assessed comprehensively. Compared with traditional exam,the OSCE evaluated the examinee's skills on clinical admissions, history collection, treatment plan development better. Most examinee have got satisfactory result (pass rate: 86.4 %, 19/22; good rate: 36.4%, 8/22; excellent rate: 9.1%, 2/22). The feedback of the following questionnalre also showed that most of the candidates thought the OSCE helpful to promoting the learning of theoretical knowledge (87.5%, 14/16) and good for converting the learned knowledge and skills into occupation ability (87.5%, 14/16).

Objective To investigate the imaging findings of pelvic lipomatosis in 4 cases with clinical correlation.Methods The imaging data of 4 cases with pelvic lipomatosis proved clinically and pathologically were retrospectively analyzed.CT scan,intravenous urography(IVU)or cystography were performed in all cases.MRI was done in one case,barium enema in one case and urinary cystoscopy in 3 cases.Results Hyperlucent areas in the pelvis("transparent pelvis"sign)were demonstrated on plain X-ray film,CT,IVU and barium enema studies.IVU showed bilateral hydronephrosis,stenosis of lower segment of ureter and dilatation of proximal ureter.The bladder was elevated,simulating an inverted pear. Barium enema study revealed that the rectum and the sigmoid colon were pushed laterally and upwards. Three cases had associated with cystitis cystica by pathology.Conclusion The imaging findings of pelvic lipomatosis,together with clinical information,are helpful to establish the diagnosis.

Objective To observe the antioxidative dosage-effect relationship of Marigold lutein, and provide experimental data for clinical use. Methods The mice were randomly divided into seven groups:blank control group, model control group, 1 mg/kg lutein group, 5 mg/kg lutein group, 25 mg/kg lutein group, 125 mg/kg lutein group and 625 mg/kg lutein group. The mice in blank control group were dealt with saline solution by intraperitoneal injection, the others were dealt with D-galactose (120 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for seven weeks to make oxidative damage model, meanwhile the mice were given corresponding dose of the drug. Subsequently, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum were measured, and the antioxidative dosage-effect relationship was observed. Results The 1, 5, 25 mg/kg lutein reduced the MDA level and increased SOD activity, and the 125, 625 mg/kg dose of lutein did not show significant antioxidant activity. Conclusion Lutein has significant antioxidant activity in mouse dealt with D-galactose within the dose range of 1-25 mg/kg. The results suggest that the clinical dosage range of lutein should be kept within reasonable limits.

Objective To observe the antioxidative dosage-effect relationship of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE). Methods The mice were randomly divided into seven groups:blank group, model group, 5 mg/kg GSPE group, 15 mg/kg GSPE group, 45 mg/kg GSPE group, 135 mg/kg GSPE group and 405 mg/kg GSPE group. The mice in blank group were dealt with saline solution by intraperitoneal injection, the others were dealt with D-galactose (120 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for seven weeks to make oxidative damage model. Meanwhile, the mice were given corresponding dose of the drug. Subsequently the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum were measured to observe the antioxidative dosage-effect relationship of GSPE. Results The 45, 135, 405 mg/kg GSPE group reduced the MDA level, and the 15, 45, 135, 405 mg/kg GSPE group increased the SOD activity. Conclusion GSPE has significant antioxidant activity on mice dealt with D-galactose above the dose of 15 mg/kg, suggesting that the clinical use of GSPE should guarantee a certain dose to play a good antioxidant effect.

OBJECTIVETo screen and identify differentially expressed proteins of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) during endothelial differentiation.

METHODSMSCs were induced to endothelial differentiation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epithelial growth factor (EGF) mixture. The whole cell proteins were extracted and isolated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. After gel was analyzed by Imagemaster 5.0 software, differentially expressed proteins were partially selected and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS.

RESULTSThe differentiated MSC highly expressed endothelial cells related markers, CD31, CD34 and FVIIIAg were 56.8%, 38.8% and 14.5% respectively by flow cytometer. Compared with the primary cultured MSC, the differentiated cells differentially expressed 91 proteins. Among the 19 identified proteins, 11 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated, which include cytoskeletal proteins, such as myosin, filamin, vimentin and vinculin; cell metabolism enzymes, such as ORP-150, ERO1-α, Delta(3,5)-Delta(2,4)-dienoyl-CoA isomerase, protein disulfide-isomerase A3, FAS and enolase 3; nuclear factors, such as TAR DNA binding protein, guanine nucleotide binding protein and hypoxia up-regulated protein 1; VEGF receptors, such as KDR and so on.

CONCLUSIONSCytoskeletal proteins, metabolism enzymes and KDR were all involved in endothelial differentiation of MSC. These proteins may be the regulatory targets for endothelial differentiation of MSC.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Proteome ; analysis ; Proteomics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo analyze the frequency of thyroid dysfunction and determine its influencing factors in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with pegylated-interferon alpha (peg-IFNa)-2a and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy.

METHODSA total of 194 CHC patients were treated with peg-IFNa-2a and RBV for 48 weeks. Development of thyroid dysfunction was recorded. Clinical and biological factors from pre-treatment (baseline) to post-treatment were statistically analyzed to determine correlation with thyroid dysfunction in this patient population.

RESULTSFifty-two (26.80%) of 194 peg-IFNa-2a/RBV-treated patients developed thyroid dysfunction. Dysfunction severity ranged from hyperthyroidism (n = 1, 0.52%) and hypothyroidism (n = 10, 5.15%) to subclinical hyperthyroidism (n = 4, 2.06%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 37, 19.07%). The dysfunction rate was significantly higher after peg-IFNa-2a/RBV treatment (26.80% vs. 12.37% at baseline, x2 = 12.829, P less than 0.05, odds ratio (OR) = 0.386, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.226-0.657), in females (33.00% vs. 20.21% in males, P less than 0.05, 95% CI: 1.016-3.040), and in thyroid auto-antibody positive patients (64.29% vs. 23.89% in negative patients, P less than 0.05, 95% CI: 1.681-36.183). Early virological response did not have any significant effect on dysfunction rate (23.00% vs. 30.85% no early virological response, x2 = 1.522, P more than 0.05) nor did end of treatment response (27.19% vs. 26.25% no response at end of treatment, x2 = 0.021, P more than 0.05). Patients who developed thyroid dysfunction had higher interleukin (IL)-6 at baseline (i.e. before peg-IFNa-2a/RBV treatment) (27.08+/-14.90 vs. 11.65+/-5.46 in patients who maintained normal thyroid function, t = 3.127, P less than 0.05, 95% CI: 5.28-25.58). IL-6 levels were not significantly different between the two groups at 24 weeks (6.30+/-2.47 vs. 6.81+/-2.80, t = 0.352, P more than 0.05). IL-6 levels before and after 48 weeks of treatment in normal thyroid function patients were 27.08+/-14.90 and 6.30+/-2.47, t = 3.632, P less than 0.05, and in thyroid dysfunction patients were 11.65+/-5.46 and 6.81+/-2.80, t = 1.997, P more than 0.05.

CONCLUSIONPeg-IFNa-2a/RBV combination therapy may cause thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, in CHC patients. Female sex and thyroid auto-antibody positivity may put CHC patients at higher risk of developing thyroid dysfunction during peg-IFNa-2a/RBV therapy. Elevated IL-6 may be a predictive marker of peg-IFNa-2a/RBV-induced thyroid dysfunction.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Ribavirin ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Thyroid Diseases ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Thyroid Gland ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study is to analyze the family's clinical data of 22 children who were given an intended clinical diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and to explore the clinical value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the molecular diagnosis of DMD. The probands were simultaneously tested by NGS for a gene panel associated with hereditary neuromuscular disease and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for the Dystrophin gene. The exon deletion/repetition mutations of the Dystrophin gene determined by both methods were compared and the point mutations of the Dystrophin gene were verified by Sanger sequencing. Dystrophin gene mutations were found in all the 22 probands, including 14 exon deletion/repetition mutations and 8 point mutations/minor variations. The results of MLPA detection were consistent with those of NGS. The results of Sanger sequencing showed that the point mutations and minor variations determined by NGS were correct. One missense mutation (c.6290G>T), 1 nonsense mutation (c.3487C>T) and 4 minor deletion-induced frameshift mutations (c.1208delG, c.7497_7506delGGTGGGTGAC, c.9421_9422delAA and c.8910_8913delTCTC) had not been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database, and thus were considered as novel mutations of the Dystrophin gene. The results of this study showed that NGS can detect variations in the Dystrophin gene, including exon deletion/repetition, point mutation, minor deletion and intron mutation. Therefore, NGS is of certain clinical value in the molecular diagnosis of DMD and is worthy of recommendation.
Dystrophin ; Exons ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne ; Mutation