Brucella organisms are facultative intracellular bacteria capable of surviving inside professional and non-professional phagocytes.Upon cell contact the bacteria is internalized via receptor molecules.Once inside cells,Brucella localizes in early phagosomes,where it avoids fusion with late endosomes and lysosomes.Then,the bacterium redirects its trafficking to autophagosomes and finally reaches the endoplasmic reticulum,the replicating niche.Once inside the endoplasmic reticulum,Brucella extensively replicates without restricting basic cellular functions or inducing damage to cells.Invasion,intracellular trafficking and replication of Brucella organisms in professional and non-professional phagocytes and the molecular determinants involving Brucella intracellular life are reviewed in this article.

Objective To compare the effects of every-other-day dose simvastatin administration with that of daily therapy of same dose.Methods This was a randomized,prospective,nonblinded clinical trial.The 186 patients with high low-density lipoproteim cholesterol(LDL-C) and/or high total cholesterol (TC),triglycerides (TG),low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)was studied.All patients were randomized into two groups.The every-other-day do- sing group recerived 20mg of simvastatin in alternate-day and daily dosing group received 20mg of simvastatin every day.Before and after 6 weeks,12 weeks of treatment,serum lipoprotein,Live function tests and ereatine kinase con centra- tion and so on were drawn and bad-side effect were studies.Results The two groups significantly reduce LDL-C,TC, TG and a little increased HDL-C compared with baseline.No stalistically significant differences existed between the two groups in percentage in decrease in lipoprotain at 6 weeks,12 weeks compared with baseline.The bad-side effect in the two groups also had not a singnificant different.Conclusion The every-other-day dose of simvastatin have similar effi- cacious and safe to daily dosing in patients with hyperlipidemia and some cost savings.It can take a primary prevention to coronary heart disease in patients with relatively low-risk hyperlipidemia.

Adolescent ; Bronchoscopy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infection ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Pulmonary Atelectasis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Therapeutic Irrigation

ObjectiveTo study the expression changes of peripheral blood monocyte human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) in patients with severe craniocerebral injury,and investigate the correlation between HLA-DR expression and infection and prognosis.MethodsNinety patients with craniocerebral injury were selected as experimental group and were divided according to the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score after hospitalization into experimental group 1 (GCS score 13-15 scores ),experimental group 2 (GCS score 9-12 scores) and experimental group 3 (GCS score 3-8 scores) with 30 patients each,which were moderate,medium,severe craniocerebral injury,respectively.Thirty healthy people were chosen at the same period as control group.The HLA-DR expression of experimental group was detected after 1,3,7 and 14 d of admission by flow cytometry,and the HLA-DR expression of control group was detected on the day they got physical examination.The rates of infection,cure,disability,vegetative state and mortality were counted after 30 d of admission.ResultsThe HLA-DR expressions in experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 after 1,3,7,14 d of admission were (28.11 ± 2.37),(26.45 ± 1.63),(27.75 ± 1.83),(27.15 ± 2.17) MCF and (29.34 ±2.07),(27.55 ± 1.63),(28.42 ± 1.94),(29.46 ±2.12) MCF,which had no statistical difference compared with that in control group [(29.18 ± 1.91 ) MCF](P＞ 0.05).The HLA-DR expressions in experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 after 1,3,7 d of admission and control group had statistical differences compared with those in experimental group 3 after 1,3,7 d of admission [(18.02 ± 1.78),(16.05 ± 1.97 ),(20.76 ± 1.65) MCF ] (P ＜ 0.05).The HLA-DR expressions in experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 after 14 d of admission and control group had no statistical significance compared with that in experimental group 3 after 14 d of admission [ (26.13 ± 2.15) MCF](P＞ 0.05).The infection rates of experimental group 1,experimental group 2 and experimental group 3 were 0,3.6％(1/28),82.8％(24/29),respectively,while the cure rates were 100.0％ (30/30),100.0％ (28/28),10.3％ (3/29),the disability rates were 0,0,41.4％ (12/29),the vegetative state rates were 0,0,20.7％ (6/29),and the mortality were 0,0,27.6％ (8/29).There was no statistical significance in the rates of infection,cure,disability,vegetative state and mortality between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 (P＞ 0.05 ).While there was statistical differences in the rates of infection,cure,disability,vegetative state and mortality among experimental group 1,experimental group 2 and experimental group 3 (P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsThe HLA-DR expression changes of patients with moderate and medium craniocerebral injury after 1,3,7,14 d of admission are not significant.The HLA-DR expression of patients with severe craniocerebral injury begins to decline from 1 d after injury,declines obviously at 3 d,increases from 7 d,returns to normal level at 14 d.The decline of HLA-DR expression in patients with severe craniocerebral injury is correlated with the infection,and predicts poor prognosis.

In this study, a rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed for the determination of 10 major compounds (procyanidin B1, catechin, procyanidin B2, rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, astragalin, quercitrin, quercetin, and kaempferol) in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. UPLC-MS/MS assay with negative ion mode was performed on a Waters CORTECS C18 (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.6 μm) with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile (A) and 0.1% aqueous formic acid (B) in gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.25 mL · min(-1) and the column temperature was set at 45 °C. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, good separation for 10 target compounds were obtained including chiral isomer procyanidins B1 and B2 were completely separated within 8.5 min. Satisfactory linearity was achieved with wide linear range and fine determination coefficient (r > 0.996 6), the overall recoveries were ranged from 95.44%-110.40% with the RSD ranging from 2.37%-8.69%. It is the first report about simultaneous analysis of 10 major flavonoids components in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum by using UPLC-MS/MS method, which affords highly sensitive, specific, speedy and efficient method for quality control of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Acetonitriles ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; Kaempferols ; Quercetin ; analogs & derivatives ; Rutin ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Vitaceae ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the resistance index (RI) of the renal artery and serum creatinine (Cr) level in patients early (within one month) after renal transplantation.

METHODSA total of 123 patients receiving renal transplantation underwent examinations by color Doppler ultrasound for measurement of the RI of the renal artery within one month after the operation. According to the results of RI measurement, the patients were divided into RI≥0.75 and RI<0.75 groups for analyzing the correlation between RI and serum Cr level measured at the same time points.

RESULTSThe RI and Cr levels in patients with RI≥0.75 showed a significant positive correlation (P<0.05), whereas they showed an inverse correlation in patients with RI<0.75 (P<0.05). The patients with RI≥0.75 had significantly lower RI of the renal artery and Cr level than those with RI≥0.75.

CONCLUSIONRI is significantly correlated to Cr, and may serve as an indicator for predicting renal graft function after transplantation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Creatinine ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Renal Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Ultrasonography, Doppler ; Vascular Resistance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of a 24-hour esophageal combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (24 h our MII-pH) monitoring in children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease and recurrent pneumonia.

METHODSA total of 17 cases with a suspected diagnosis of GER disease children with unexplained recurrent pneumonia underwent a 24-hour MII-pH monitoring to analysis of the nature and characteristics of reflux.

RESULTSIn the 17 cases of GER disease with recurrent pneumonia, 11 (65%) were confirmed positively by a 24-hours of MII-pH monitoring. A total of 853 reflux cycle were detected, of which 65.3% were acid refluxes predominantly occurring within 2 hours after meal, and 71.6% were mixed refluxes. Refluxes occurred most frequently in the supine position, followed by the lateral position and the prone position. Distal reflux was the predominant form of reflux. According to the Biox-Ochoa classification, 73% of cases (8/11) were severe GER.

CONCLUSIONSMII-pH monitoring may effectively characterize refluxate properties and thereby increase the detection rate of GER disease.

Child, Preschool ; Electric Impedance ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infant ; Male

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution and drug resistance of the isolated bacteria from children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Dalian.

METHODSBetween January 2006 and February 2007, 930 children with ARI were enrolled, including 364 with acute upper respiratory infection (AURI), and 566 with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). The AURI children, who did not receive antimicrobial agent treatment or received oral antimicrobial agents 1-2 times, had bacterial cultures of pharyngeal swab. The ALRI children, who received intravenous antibacterial agents more than 3 days, had bacterial cultures of sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Isolated bacteria were identified by the ATB system (Bio-Merieux, France). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by means of Kirby-bauer.

RESULTSA total of 404 isolates (43.4%) were identified. Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 22.5%, 12.1% and 7.4% respectively. In the isolates from AURI, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 43.9%, 22.0% and 9.1% respectively; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Nonfermenters accounted for 4.5%, 8.3% and 3.0% respectively. In the isolates from ALRI, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 12.1%, 7.4% and 6.6% respectively; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Nonfermenters accounted for 16.9%, 13.2% and 21.8% respectively. The resistant rates of Haemophilus to ampicillin and TMP-SMZ were 29.3% and 32.9% respectively, and to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefalotin, cefaclor, cefuroxime and cefotaxime were 12.1%, 10.0%, 10.0%, 11.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The resistant rate of Haemophilus to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefaclor, tetracycine and TMP-SMZ in the ALRI group were significantly higher than that in the AURI group (P<0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSIn Dalian, Haemophilus was the main isolate of children with ARI. The distribution of bacteria was different between ALRI and AURI. In ALRI, Gram-negative bacilli were in a higher proportion, and the resistant rates of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefaclor were higher.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology

Objective To investigate the expression of Wnt7b, β -catenin, and c-Myc in asthmatic mice and the intervention of the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast on airway remodeling. Methods The asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) induction. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissue. Serum OVA-sIgE levels were determined by ELISA. The level of Wnt7b, β -catenin, and c-Myc protein and mRNA in the lung tissue of mice was analyzed by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The basement membrane perimeter (PBM), wall area of bronchial tube (WAt), wall area of bronchial smooth muscle (WAm), and the number of smooth muscle cells were measured using medical image analysis software and standardized based on the PBM. Results The amount of OVA-slgE in the asthma group was significantly higher than in the control and montelukast groups (P ＜ 0. 05). Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the expression of Wnt7b, β -catenin, and c-Myc in the asthma group was higher than the expression in the control and montelukast groups (P ＜ 0. 05). Image analysis showed that the WAt/PBM and WAm/PBM ratios in the montelukast group were significantly lower than those in the asthma group (P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion The Wnt/ β -catenin signaling pathway may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of asthma; montelukast may attenuate airway remodeling in asthmatic patients by decreasing the expression of Wnt7b, β -catenin, and c-Myc.

Objective To probe the clinic significance ofintraopcrative ultrasonography in brain tumor resection. Methods The intraoperative ultrasonography, adopted in the brain tumor resection of 29 cases, assisted the brain mantle operative approach and the rumor resection monitoring through acquiring the tumors' position, the hemisphere, the internal structure and the adjoining with blood vessels.After the operation, ultrasonography was performed again to observe the tumor surviving. Results The tumor detection rate with intraoperative ultrasound in 29 cases was 100% and best approach was chosen to accurately locate the tumor according to the tumors' position and the hemisphere. Meningiomas got abundant blood supply and were often closely correlated to the sinuses, therefore, preoperative detections of the blood supply and the possible erosion of the sinus wall of meningiomas was performed to provide basis for rapid repair and to shorten the operation time. Repeated detection on the surgery hemisphere and residue detection were performed to help maximize the glioma resection, particularly the functional glioma resection. Conclusion Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound can accurately locate tumor tissue, suggesting the best surgical approach; intraoperative ultrasonography, assisting in the resection of brain tumors, can improve the operation safty and decrease the happening of trauma.