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 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 .

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 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.

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 investigate the possibility of using the results of breast ultrasound and Cohen-classification to determine the gynecomastia patients' subtype, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different surgical methods based on the classification. Methods In the past 3 years, 40 patients with gy-necomastia were treated in this hospital. The patients" age ranged from 18 to 50 years, with an average of 21.38. All the patients had the bilateral lesions, and their pathological diagnosis was gynecomastia. The mammary gland resected from each side weighted from 30 to 180 grams. The total fat volume liposucted ranged from 200 ml to 1 200 ml. As a routine, we performed breast ultrasound examination before the op-eration on each patient. According to the different echo, we marked the extent of breast gland on the chest walls and determine the Cohen classification of the patients. For breast tissue hyperplasia, we only resected the gland under the direction of the chest wall marks. For fat tissue hyperplasia, we just per-formed liposuction. For patients with mixed fat and gland hyperplasia, we combined these two methods rationally. If necessary, the procedures was repeated. Results With the help of breast ultrasound exami-nation, the operating procedure was more accurate and simple, as a result, our treatments had less injury and no severe complications. After a following-up of 6-36 months, satisfactory results were achieved, with normal male chest appearance and small obscure scar. Conclusions Male breast surgery is totally different from the females. The Cohen classification has been determined for each gynecomastia patient, based on the results of breast ultrasound examination, which helps choose the surgical methods and procedures and decrease surgical injuries and complications, with satisfactory results.

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.

BACKGROUND: For decades, liposome drug carrier has been used to enhance drug stability and efficacy, reduce drug toxicity and adverse effects. However, they fail to provide long-term delivery due to insufficient stability. Studies have demonstrated that silica is not toxic, with chemically inert and biological compatibility, and can be used as modified material. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the silica coated liposome and investigate the controlled release property. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: In vitro observation. The study was performed at the Nanomedicine and Biosensor Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Center, Harbin Institute of Technology from May 2007 to June 2008. MATERIALS: Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was purchased from Nanjing Kangsente Chemical Engineering Company; tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) was purchased from Aldrich, USA. Doxorubicin (DOX) was purchased from Beijing Huafeng United Technology Company; Sephadex G-50 was purchased from Amersham Biosciences, Sweden. All other chemical agents were of analytical purity. METHODS: Liposome was formed from DPPC following the precipitation of silica by sol-gel method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Zeta-potential and dynamic light scanning were used for zeta-potential measurement and particle size distribution; transmission electron microscopy was used to collect the image of particle morphology; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to display chemical characteristics of Si-O-Si structure; Spectrophotofluorimetry was used to determine DOX regression equation and was further used for calculation in drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release.　RESULTS: ①Silica coated liposome was successfully prepared. ②FTIR proofed the presence of Si-O-Si at 1 166, 1 080, 859 and 526 cm-1. ③The DOX encapsulated silica coated liposome had encapsulation efficiency of 72.4%. ④Drug release profiles showed that sustained release of DOX was achieved after modification of silica on liposome. CONCLUSION: With Si-O-Si as protective layer, the liposome has increased stability and prolonged drug release.