OBJECTIVETo develop a follicular unit-like construct with allogeneic hair, evaluate its histocompatibility and long-term stability after transplantation, and explore the possibility of its clinical application.

METHODSHuman hair and medical polypropylene was processed according to the structure of follicular units and prepared into hair prostheses for transplantation. The histocompatibility of polypropylene and human hair in New Zealand rabbits was observed by HE staining and scanning electron microscope, and the loss rate of the hair was recorded to evaluate the long-term result of transplantation.

RESULTSMild inflammatory cell infiltration around polypropylene and human hair was observed early after the transplantation, accompanied with local epithelial cell proliferation. The prosthesis mimicking the follicular units still showed good histocompatibility one year after the transplantation without degradation of the hair. The loss rate of the hair was averaged (4.1∓4.0)% at one year after the transplantation, and the total appearance of the prosthesis remained satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONAllogeneic human hair and polypropylene in the hair prosthesis show good histocompatibility in rabbits. The prosthesis allows good cosmetic effect after transplantation with low rate of hair loss, demonstrating its potential in clinical application.

Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; Female ; Hair ; transplantation ; Hair Follicle ; transplantation ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; Polypropylenes ; Rabbits

Objective To explore the risk factors of cerebral infarction in youth,and to provide evidence for prevention and control. Methods A total of 105 patients aged 35 -45 years old with cerebral infarction in the affiliated hospital of Shaoxing University from January 2010 to October 2014 were recruited as the cerebral infarction group . The healthy people without neurological symptoms were recruited as the control group. The two groups were compared for the risk factors of cerebral infarction in the youth. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that high blood pressure,diabetes,lipid disorders, smoking,obesity,unstable plaque,high homocysteine and anti - cardiolipin antibodies were the risk factors for cerebral infarction in the youth. The value of ORs and 95% CIs interval value for high blood pressure,diabetes,lipid disorders, smoking,obesity,unstable plaque,high homocysteine and anti - cardiolipin antibodies was 14. 614(0. 469 -47. 273),5. 129 (1. 541 -28. 466),44. 970(2. 789 -101. 549),26. 180(1. 085 - 51. 912),45. 196(2. 572 - 205. 674),258. 786(4. 892 -367. 678),14. 585(1. 770 - 49. 662)and 5. 145(1. 005 - 20. 293),respectively. Conclusion High blood pressure, diabetes,lipid disorders,smoking,obesity,unstable plaque,high homocysteine and anti - cardiolipin antibodies were closely related with cerebral infarction in the youth,and it is necessary to prevent and control the influencing factors and diseases.

BACKGROUNDMycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) can cause a variety of human infections, involving the lung, skin and soft tissues, and is generally believed to be acquired from environmental sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of M. abscessus isolates as the basis for strategies to improve control and management of infection.

METHODSSeventy M. abscessus isolates from patients attending the Guangzhou Thoracic Hospital were identified from 2003 to 2005 by biochemical tests, gas chromatography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction analysis (PRA) of heat shock protein gene hsp65, and sequencing of the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA. Susceptibilities to six antibiotics were determined by micro-broth dilution. Isolates were genotyped using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

RESULTSMost isolates (63/70; 90%) were susceptible to amikacin but rates of susceptibility to other antibiotics varied from moderate, clarithromycin (60%) and imipenem (43%), to low for ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (3%), and 87% of isolates had intermediate susceptibility to cefoxitin. RAPD analysis showed that the 70 clinical isolates displayed 69 unique RAPD patterns.

CONCLUSIONSThe high genetic diversity of isolates suggests that they are not transmitted from person to person but, presumably, are acquired independently from environmental sources. M. abscessus isolates displayed variable levels of susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, other than amikacin, indicating a need for routine susceptibility testing to guide treatment.

Amikacin ; pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Cefoxitin ; pharmacology ; China ; Chromatography, Gas ; Ciprofloxacin ; pharmacology ; Clarithromycin ; pharmacology ; Imipenem ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mycobacterium ; drug effects ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique

This study is to determine age-specific prostate-specific antigen (PSA) distributions in Chinese men without prostate cancer (PC) and to recommend reference ranges for this population after comparison with other studies. From September 2003 to December 2006, 9 374 adult men aged from 18 to 96 years agreed to participate in the study. After all cases of PC were excluded, 8 422 adult men participated in statistical analysis and were divided into five age groups. Simple descriptive statistical analyses were carried out and quartiles and 95th percentiles were calculated for each age group. The age-specific PSA reference ranges are as follows: 40-49 years, 2.15 ng mL(-1); 50-59 years, 3.20 ng mL(-1); 60-69 years, 4.10 ng mL(-1); 70-79 years, 5.37 ng mL(-1). The results indicate that the ethnic differences in PSA levels are obvious. The currently adopted Oesterling's age-specific PSA reference ranges are not appropriate for Chinese men. The reference ranges of this study should be more suitable to Chinese men.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; blood ; ethnology ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; diagnosis ; ethnology ; Reference Values ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD-2) gene expression in deep caries and the effects of NOD-2 agonist muramyl dipeptide (MDP) on the differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPC).

METHODSNOD-2 gene level in deep caries and healthy pulp tissue was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (realtime-PCR). Realtime-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate NOD-2 gene and protein expression. Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) protein level was assessed when hDPC were challenged by different concentrations of MDP for 24 hours, and sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA and osteopontin (OPN) protein level were detected at different time points after incubation with 0.1 mg/L MDP.

RESULTSNOD-2 mRNA level was higher in pulp tissue of deep caries (0.2610 ± 0.0824) than that in healthy controls (0.0024 ± 0.0002), P < 0.05. The expression of NOD-2 gene and protein increased in a time denpendent manner upon stimulation with MDP. Immunofluorescence confirmed that NOD-2 protein was located in cytoplasm. Moreover, 0.1 mg/L MDP augmented DSP protein level. DSPP and OCN mRNA were elevated with time and reached the peak at 12 h and down-regulated. OPN protein level also increased with time.

CONCLUSIONSDental pulp NOD-2 expression are up-regulated in pulp tissue of deep caries. MDP may be related to the differentiation of hDPC.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine ; pharmacology ; Adjuvants, Immunologic ; pharmacology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dental Caries ; pathology ; Dental Pulp ; cytology ; metabolism ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteopontin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Phosphoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Sialoglycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the pattern of the alterations of blood glucose, insulin and insulin sensitivity after traumatic brain injury in rats, and verify the occurrence of insulin resistance after the injury.

METHODSBased on Feeney's model of brain injury, the blood glucose and insulin concentration of the dogs measured 30 min before and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h after injury. BG60-120, GIR60-120, and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) reflecting the insulin sensitivity were measured at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours following severe traumatic brain injury using euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp.

RESULTSBoth the blood glucose and insulin concentration increased markedly in rats following moderate and severe brain injury. BG60-120 increased markedly, and GIR60-120 and ISI decreased significantly 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after severe brain trauma as compared with those of the sham operation group. Blood glucose concentration of rats following severe injury was positively correlated with insulin concentration and BG60-120 at the corresponding time points, but negatively with GIR60-120 and ISI.

CONCLUSIONBoth the blood glucose and insulin concentration increase markedly in rats following severe brain injury. Increased blood glucose even in the presence of high-level insulin is due to acute insulin resistance occurring after traumatic brain injury.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Brain Injuries ; blood ; complications ; physiopathology ; Hyperglycemia ; etiology ; Insulin ; blood ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

This study was aimed to explore the effect of BCL11A gene on transcription of γ-globin gene in K562 cells. B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) gene was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vectors in K562 cells (human erythroblastic leukemia cell line). Gamma-globin mRNA level in K562 cells was determined by RT-PCR. Association between the BCL11A gene and γ-globin gene transcription was explored by comparison of mRNA levels. The results indicated that the silence rate of the BCL11A gene in K562 cells by 4 siRNA expression vectors was 49.7%, 55.4%, 78.2%, and 84.1%, respectively. The siRNA expression vector with 84.1% silence rate was transfected into K562 cells, transcription level of γ-globin mRNA in K562 cells transfected with siRNA expression vector increased 2.4 times as compared with control K562 cells. It is concluded that level of γ-globin mRNA increases when the BCL11A gene is silenced. It indicates that the BCL11A gene may be a negative regulator for γ-globin gene expression.
Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Genes, Regulator ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Transfection ; gamma-Globins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and the role of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) in the earlobe keloid and find a valid way to treat the keloid with gene therapy.

METHODSThe expression of SFRP2 mRNA and protein was tested with in situ hybridization and Western Blot Analysis method in the different period of earlobe keloid.

RESULTSThe SFRP2 mRNA and protein expression at the keloid edge was significantly high in 12 month group than in 3 or 6 month groups (P < 0.01), but not than in 24 month group. The SFRP2 expression started to decrease in the keloid center 12 month later (P < 0.01). The SFRP2 expression was always higher in edge than in center during all the period (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that SFRP2 may play an important role in the development of keloid, especially at the keloid edge. The high SFRP2 expression in endothelial cells and surrounding tissue is also important. It may be a new way for gene therapy of keloid by decreasing the SFRP2 expression.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Ear ; Female ; Humans ; Keloid ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the expression of annexin II in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its relation with clinicopathological data.

METHODSThe expression of annexin II mRNA and protein in paired cancer tissues and their adjacent quasi-normal tissues were detected by RT-PCR, immunohistochemical method and densitometric scanning. The relation between annexin II expression and the status of tumor differentiation was analyzed.

RESULTSThe expression of annexin II was significantly lower in the tumor tissue than that in its paired normal counterpart both in mRNA and protein level (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The protein expression of annexin II was significantly lower in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors than those in well differentiated ones (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDown-regulation of annexin II in esophageal carcinogenesis may play an important role in squamous cell differentiation.

Annexin A2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Down-Regulation ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors of prostate cancer in urban Qingdao and provide some theoretical evidence for the scientific prevention and treatment of the disease.

METHODSWe performed a hospital-based matched case-control study in Qingdao Municipal Hospital. The cases and controls were matched in age, gender, nationality and the place of residence. All the subjects were interviewed face to face in the hospital using a questionnaire, and the data analyzed by the conditional logistic regression method.

RESULTSAccording to the 258 valid questionnaires collected, the prostate cancer risk was significantly higher in the cases with a family history of cancer than in those without (OR = 2.58), and so was it in the men with the first spermatorrhea at the age of < or = 15 years than in those at the age of > or = 18 years (OR = 2.27). A decreased risk of prostate cancer was found among the men with the first experience of sexual intercourse between 25 to 30 years of age (OR = 0.76). An increased risk was shown in those with sexual intercourses > or = 4 times per week before 35 years old (OR = 2.57), masturbations > or = 3 times per week (OR = 2.30) and a drinking history (alcohol > or = 150 g/d) of > or = 10 years (OR = 2.83).

CONCLUSIONPositive family history of cancer, earlier age of the first spermatorrhea, sexual intercourses > or = 4 times per week before 35 years old, frequent masturbations, and heavy drinking for more than 10 years are risk factors for prostate cancer.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires