AIM: A capillary electrophoresis fingerprints(CEFP) method of Fructus Gardeniae was established to evaluate its quality. METHODS: The background electrolyte(BGE) was 25 mmol/L sodium borate solution containing 10% acetonitrile.The detection wavelength was 228 nm and 24 kV was applied.Fructus Gardeniae was extracted by water and injectded for 15 s(9 cm).Some parameters were used to evaluate the similarities.(RESULTS): 24 co-possessing peaks were selected as the fingerprint peaks of Fructus Gardeniae taking chlorogenic acid peak as the reference peak.The similarities between each of the ten places and the standard CEFP of Fructus Gardeniae were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.The CEFP was also evaluated by the information index(I) and the relative information index(I_r). CONCLUSIONS: The CEFP has acceptable precision,reproducibility and can be used to control the quality of Fructus Gardeniae.

BACKGROUND:Thrombus formation and neointimal hyperplasia still limit the use of small-caliber expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) vascular prosthesis with a diameter less than 6 mm for revascularization in the coronary or peripheral circulation. Bioactive surface heparin coating is one conceivable path for above-mentioned problems.OBJECTIVE: To elevate the anticoagulant property of ePTFE, this study promoted the patency of a novel small-caliber ePTFE vascular graft by modifying its luminal surface with covalently crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/ p-diazonium diphenyl amine polymer/heparin gel (PVA/PA/Hep gel) and examined the hemocompatibility of the graft.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Observational experiments were performed at the Nanomedicine and Biosensor Lab,Biomedical Engineering Center, Harbin Institute of Technology from May 2006 to June 2007.MATERIALS: The ePTFE vascular grafts (diameter of 4 mm), Nafion (Naf) and Poly(vinyl alcohol) (Aldrich, USA), heparin (Mw 12 000- 14 000) (Calbiochem, USA), p-diazonium diphenyl amine polymer (PA) (this lab, China) were used in this study.METHODS: ①The vascular graft surface was firstly modified with Nafion. ②Following the impregnation of the mixture of PVA/PA/Hep, covalent crosslinking between polyvinyl alcohol and heparin was performed using crosslinker PA under ultraviolet radiation.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Contact angles, ②Attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ③Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothromhin time (PT), ④hemolysis test, ⑤platelet adhesion test and ⑥thrombosin inactivation test.RESULTS: ①The water contact angle of the vascular graft surface was greatly decreased after modifying. ATR-FTIR revealed the disappearance of diazonium groups at 2 172 cm-1 and 2 224 cm-1. Vascular prosthesis after modifying had prolonged APTT and PT, low percent hemolysis and low amount of platelet adhesion. Modified vascular prosthesis had inhibitory effect on thrombosin activity and good coating stability.CONCLUSION: Converage of PVA/PA/Hep has good antithrombotic function and low percent hemolysis, resulting in improving hemocompatibility of vascular prosthesis.

Objective To compare the perinipple round-block technique with the conventional periareolar round-block technique in areolar reduction operations.Methods A total of 37 patients who underwent areolar reduction operations in our department were randomly allocated into two groups:Group A (19 patients) received a conventional periareolar round-block technique,while group B (18 patients) through a new perinipple round-block technique.In the latter approach,an intraareolar donut of pigmented skin was deepithelialized,and the exposed areolar dermis was then telescoped inward and stretch-anchored to an imaginary circular line situated beneath the breast skin areola junction.The roundblock technique was then utilized to approximate the skin edges,resulting in a minimal scar,totally inconspicuous,confined to the immediate perinipple area.The operative time,perioperative complications,scars,absorption time of the skin folds,the sensation of the nipple-areolar complex and the patients' satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results The mean operative time of group A and group B was 40.5 min and 45.8 min,respectively (P＜0.05).No perioperative complications were found in these two groups.No patient had experienced permanent nipple sensory changes.The skin folds absorption time of group A was 4.34 months,while the time of group B was 8.78 months (P＜0.01).The perinipple round-block technique produced a more inconspicuous scar with a better aesthetic results.Conclusions The traditional periareolar round-block technique leaves a sharply demarcated areola by a circular scar which has a totally unnatural and artificial look.As for the perinipple round-block technique,the incision as well as any residual cutaneous wrinkling or puckering is well concealed by the dome of the nipple and the areolar,but it needs a longer skin folds absorption time.

Objective To explore the safety of fat reduction treated by non invasive focused ultrasound.Methods A randomized double-blind and negative control clinical trial was carried out on the excess fat of 40 subjects' abdomen by a JCS-01 non-invasive focused ultrasound device.Subjects received treatments with the device on day 1 and day 7.Observations on the area treated and inquiries on feelings were conducted during treatments.Before the first treatment and 14 days after the treatment,laboratory examinations were performed,including liver function,blood lipid tests,etc.Results 40 subjects participated in the trial and 36 subjects (18 each in both treatment and control groups) accomplished 2 times of treatments,all followed-up and laboratory examinations.During the process of treatments,4 subjects in the experimental group complained about feelings of tepidity or pricking.One subject on blood test of triglyceride showed slightly higher than her early normal result,which fell to the normal level at reexamination.Conclusions Subjects treated by non-invasive focused ultrasound at the area of no more than 500 cm2 every time and at an interval of 6 days manifest little changes on the blood test results,with slightly local reactions but no complaints during follow-up.

Objective To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on acute lung injury induced by hind limb ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods Sixty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: group C(control), group I-R(ischemia-reperfusion), group Pre-Dex(dexmedetomidine)and group Post-Dex. The morphological changes of the lung tissues were observed under light microscope , and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in alveolar septum were counted. Meanwhile, lung coefficient, arterial partial PaO2, lung levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-10, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results Rats in the I-R group were resulted in the damage of the lung tissues. The rats in group Pre-Dex and group Post-Dex were featured with obvious mild lung injury. TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10 and MDA in lung levels were significantly increased in group I-R , Pre-Dex and Post-Dex. TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA in the lung were significantly decreased in group Pre-Pex and group Post-Dex. IL-10 was increased in group Pre-Dex and group Post-Dex. Conclusions Inflammatory response and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury induced by hind limb ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Dexmedetomidine attenuated the lung injury through anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation.

Objective To explore the clinical effect of the modified rhytidectomy technique with hidden temporal and buccal incision.Methods 26 cases of aging face were collected.The operation was performed with modified preauricular incision which was the leading edge of the cartilage of helix and hair line.Preauricular remporal fascia was modified as suspended vertically and SMAS superficial to parotic gland was suspended vertically to nasolabial sulcus.Results All the patients reported fine rejuvenescent effects,the satisfaction rate was 100％ without any severe complications,such as scar,hair loss on temperal incision.Conclusions This surgical technique may maintain natural configuration of preauricular area,result in invisable incision scar with no obvious baldness,and avoid important nerves or vessel injury.

AIM: To investigate the changes of current and gene expression of acetylcholine sensitive K~+ channel (K_ ACh ) in chronic human atrial fibrillation (AF) and to evaluate the roles of K_ ACh expression in the occurring and maintenance of AF. METHODS: Acetylcholine sensitive K~+ currents (I_ KACh ) were recorded with the whole-cell patch clamp technique in single atrial myocyte of AF group and normal sinus rhythm group (SR group). The current densities-voltage relations were analyzed. The Kir3.4 mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: (1) Compared with SR group, acetylcholine sensitive K~+ current densities in AF group were reduced under testing potential between -80 mV and -120 mV . Acetylcholine sensitive K~+ current density was ( -11.665 ?1.027) pA/pF (n=11) in AF group vs ( -19.486 ?0.766) pA/pF (n=11) in SR group at -100 mV testing potential (P

Objective To compare the application value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography ( CEMRA ) in the diagnosis of carotid plaque characteristics . Methods Fourty-six patients ( 48 carotid plaques) were performed with carotid CEUS and CEMRA examination prior to carotid endarterectomy . The following characteristics of plaque including the surface of the plaque ,the presence of calcification ,the internal composition and the diameter stenosis were observed and measured ,which were compared with pathologic and digital subtraction angiography ( DSA ) results . Results There were 42 vulnerable plaques and 6 stable plaques in the 48 plaques . Fourty-seven carotid plaques had been correctly diagnosed by CEUS and CEMRA ,and one plaque had been misdiagnosed . The sensitivity ,specificity and accuracy between CEUS and CEMRA had no obvious differences in terms of the overall evaluation of plaque vulnerability ( P > 0 .05) ;CEUS and CEMRA in the diagnosion of the plaque surface situation had no statistical difference in terms of sensitivity ,specificity and accuracy compared with pathological results( P > 0 .05) ;There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy rate between two modalities ( P < 0 .05) ;In the diagnosis of plaque internal composition ,they had statistically differences in terms of specificity and accuracy ( P < 0 .05) ,while sensitivity had no obvious difference ( P > 0 .05) . With DSA examination results as the gold standard ,the accuracy of CEUS in the diagnosis of the diameter stenosis was 97 .92% (47/48) ,CEMRA was 100% (48/48) ,they had no significant difference between two groups ( P > 0 .05 ) . Conclusions CEUS and CEMRA in carotid plaques characteristic evaluation have respective advantages ,are highly complementary ,and combining two methods can systematically evaluate for plaque characteristics .

Objective To evaluate the method for vaginal treconstruction with muscle sparing verti-cle rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(MS-VRAM flap). Methods From September 2006 to April 2008, MS-VRAM flaps were used for vaginal reconstruction in 9 patients (20 to 35 years old), ancl all ca-ses were congenital absence of vagina. Before operation, the inferior epigastrie arteries were detected by the Doppler and the flaps based on the perforators ranged from 6 cm×20 cm. MS-VRAM flaps were ele-vated and then transferred to reconstruct the vagina. Results All 9 cases of MS-VRAM flaps survived completely. No complications occurred at donor site of abdominal wall. With 2-12 months' follow-up, the patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusion Despite technical difficulties in elevating the MS-VRAM flap, the flap is a good choice for vaginal reconstruction.

Objective Thermal burns of the anterior chest disfigure the female breast, and the postburn breast deformity is a sequela of severe scar contraction of the burned chest. For deformities that affected the mammary development, museulocutaneous flaps were used. Here we introduce our experience in using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous island flap in burned breast reconstruction. Methods During the past 7 years, 7 female patients with such deformities required reconstruction, the expanded or unex-panded latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flaps were used in the partial reconstruction of burned breast. In the mild deformities group (2 cases), unexpanded latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flaps were used. For patients with undeveloped mammary glands (5 cases), expanded latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flaps were used. Results The procedure was performed in 7 patients and all the flaps were alive, with significant improvement of breast appearance. The complication rate was low. There were no deformity and dysfuction in the donor site. Conclusions The technique has many advanta-ges: beautiful contour of breast, good blood supply of the flap, no donor site morbidity. It provides the plastic surgeon with an excellent, safe and consistently successful method for burned breast reconstrue-tion. This experience has led to development of surgical principles and techniques tailored to this particu-larly difficult problem.