AIM: To investigate the level of ET-1 produced by cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) under injury and the effects of injured HBECs on ET-1 production in sub-epithelial fibroblasts. The interaction between ET-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) was detected in HBECs under damage. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of injured HBECs related to ET-1 release on airway remodeling in asthma. METHODS: ET-1 level was detected in supernatants from cultured HBECs 12 h after being treated with either mechanical scraping or LPS stimulation or mechanical scraping plus LPS, as well as from subepithelial fibroblasts cocultured with mechanical damaged HBECs. It was also measured in the supernatant from HBECs transfected with MMP-9 expression plasmid. MMP-9 activity was assessed in supernatants from HBECs stably transfected with pEGFPc1 -antisense-ET-1 converting enzyme(ECE) RNA. RESULTS: It was found that there was an increase in ET-1 level in supernatants from HBECs either treated with mechanical scraping plus LPS or transiently transfected with MMP-9 plasmid, as well as from sub-epithelial fibroblasts cocultured with mechanical scraping HBECs compared with that in controls. Gelatin zymography showed a obviously attenuated gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 in conditioned media of HBECs expressing antisense ECE RNA after mechanical damage. CONCLUSIONS: Airway epithelial cells under injury are able to overproduce ET-1 as well as initiate ET-1 release from sub-epithelial fibroblasts, MMP-9 produced by injured bronchial epithelial cells may also increase ET-1 processing leading to ET-1 production further. The interaction between ET-1 and MMP-9, both of which enhanced in damaged HBECs, may play an important role in airway inflammation related to airway remodeling in asthma.

Objective To clarify the relationship between the first metatarsal web space and associated vessels and its application in dissection of the toes for thumb and finger reconstruction. Methods The relationships of the first dorsal metatarsal artery to the first deep transverse metatarsal ligament and the extensor expansion were observed on 42 adult cadaver lower limbs. Clinically 36 cases of thumb defects were reconstructed using the method of tracing the first dorsal metatarsal artery around the space of extensor expansion to dissect toes. Results The distal segment of the first dorsal metatarsal artery of Gilbert type I and type Ⅱwas located superficially to the layer of the extensor expansion.The time of harvesting the toe was shortened from 90 minutes to 50 minutes with 100%survival of reconstruction. Conclusions The distal segment of the first dorsal meatarsal artery lies constantly to the superficial layer of the extensor expansion.Consequently the location of the first metatarsal artery of Gilbert type I and type Ⅱbecomes much easier, by adopting the method of combination of sequential dissection and reverse dissection around the space of the extensor expansion.

Objective To clone and analyze the cDNA of major allergen Der f 2 of Dermatophagoides farinae in south China. Methods cDNA of Der f 2 was cloned by RT-PCR, screened and their sequences were analyzed. Results cDNAof Der f 2 was cloned. The sequence of the cloned Der f 2 was different with that published (D10448) in GenBank, with 87 additional nucleotides inserted into the 62th nucleotide of the original one. According to the original ORF, the deduced amino acids that were located prior or after the inserted 29 amino acid sequence showed no changes. Conclusion The cDNA of Der f 2 was cloned from Dermatophagoides farinae and its sequence showed significant difference with that reported in the GenBank.

Objective To study of applied anatomy of the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap and to repair of pulp defect of thumb by free the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap. Methods The distributions of vascularis and nerves of the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap were observed on 30 upper limbs which were injected red latex. Nine cases who sufferd from pulp defects of thumb were treated by free the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap. Results There were four sources of blood supply to palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap ;ulnar arterial trunk,musculocutaneous and cutaneous branches of superficial palmar branch,the musculocutaneous branches from pro fund branch of ulnar artery and the proper volar ulnar digital artery of little finger..The venous drainages of the flap were venae comitantes of arteries mentioned above, nine cases who suffered from pulp defects of thumb were treated by free the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap successfully. Conclusions The palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap and pulp of thumb have similar characteristics. The blood supply to the palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap was rich,it could be used as a sensory flap and was one of good donor regions for repairing large pulp defects of thumb.

Objective:To construct and evaluate a Salmeterol lungs-specific liposomal delivery system.Methods:①Liposome were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method and instilled into the tracheas of SD strain rats.The influence of Salmeterol on the uptakes of liposome was evaluated.②pEGFPC1(25 ?g/rodent) encapsulated in lungs-specific liposome were administered intravenously into Guinea pigs,GFP expression were observed by means of fluorescent microscopy 24h and 48h after administration.Results:①2,4,8,12,16 hours after instillation,lungs-specific liposome uptake were significantly higher than nonspecific liposome uptake(P

Purpose:To establish a human large cell lung cancer multi-drug resistance cell line H460/cDDP and explore its biological characteristics. Methods:A resistant human larget cell lung cancer cell line (H460/cDDP) was established by intermittent high dose cisplatin selection from the parental cell line H460. Drug sensitivity was detected by MTT assay. The changes of its biological characteristics were determined using light microscopy, Trypan Blue staining rejection, cell counting, chromatosome analysis; Neoplasia formation test in nude mouse was performed to investigate its in vivo characteristic. Results:H460/cDDP cell line was developed after about 6 months and the resistance index to cisplatin was 10.21. H460/cDDP cells exhibited cross-resistance to 5-Fuorouracil, adriamycn, etoposide and methotrexate. Compared with the parent cells, the morphology wac changed; doubling time prolonged (from 20.78h to 36.46h), while the chromatosome number and caryotype were similar. After being frozen, deposited and resuscitated repeatedly, its biological characteristics remained stable. It had neoplasia formation ability in vivo, but the forming time was longer than its parental cell. Conclusions:The newly established multi-drug resistant large cell lung cancer cell line H460/cDDP cell line possessed the typical multi-drug resistant phenotype. It was stable and had neoplasia formation ability in vivo,suitable for research.

Objective Respiratory variations in the pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude (△POP) have been popularly studied as a dynamic indicators for fluid responsiveness assessment.The authors hypothesized that △POP can indicate fluid responsiveness in septic shock patient in emergency department.Methods A prospective study of 28 patients with septic shock was carried out in Emergency Room and Emergency Intensive Care Unit from 1 October,2010 to 30 September,2011.Hemodynamic data including cardiac index,stroke volume Variation (SVV) and △POP were recorded before and after volume expansion treatment.Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in cardiac index of 15％ or greater.Results Changes in △POP after volume expansion were greater in responders than that in non-responders (P ＜ 0.01).There was a significant relation between △POP and SVV before volume expansion (r =0.900,P ＜ 0.0001).Conclusions △POPcan indicate fluid responsiveness non-invasively in septic shock patient in emergency department.This marker has potential clinical application with high sensitivity and reliability.

Objective To assess the effects of eszopiclone (ESZ) on the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time and spontaneous activity in mice exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia.Methods 120 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups by using two factors 2×3 levels factorial design,in which two factors were interventions (ESZ and 0.9％ sodium chloride,2 levels) and altitudes (800 m,3500 m and 6000 m,3 levels).The pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping test and the open field test were engaged to assess the effects of ESZ on sleeping time and spontaneous activity.Results (1) The drug and altitude had no interaction in the results of both the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping test and the open field test(P＞0.05).(2)The time of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping of mice in the groups of ESZ at each altitudes were (37.77± 18.22) min,(37.02± 13.67) min,(95.67±47.68)min and in the groups of NS were(17.78± 14.10) min,(15.09± 12.46) min,(39.54±28.24) min respectively,and the sleep time in ESZ groups were significantly longer than those in the groups of NS (P＜0.05).The time of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping were longer in group of 6000 m than those in the other two groups,both the ESZ and NS groups (P＜0.05).(3)No significant difference was found in the open field test between the ESZ and NS groups in the same altitude(P＞0.05) ; while the mice at the altitude of 6000 m in groups of ESZ and NS decreased compared with the groups at the altitude of 800 m after the relevant drugs intra-perineally for 6 h (P＜0.05).Conclusion ESZ may prolong pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time especially at the altitude of 6000 m and with no influence on the spontaneous activity in mice exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia.High altitude at 6000 m may prolong the sleep time induced by pentobarbital sodium and reduce the spontaneous activities.

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and MR imaging features of olivopontocerebellar atrophy(OPCA).Methods The clinical data and MR findings of 8 patients with OPCA (OPCA group) were retrospectively analyzed,and 75 cases of healthy physical examination people were chosen as control group (they were divided into 21-30 years group,31-40 years group,41-50 years group,51-60 years group,61-70 years group,and 15 cases in each group),all subjects under went pons measurement.Results All 8 patients with OPCA were sporadic cases.The cerebellar symptom,autonomic symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms were common manifestations.The head MR imaging of OPCA presented with cerebellum and brain stem atrophy,cross sign was the characteristic appearance.Vertical diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the pons in OPCA group patients was (20.63 ± 2.16) and (16.74 ±4.37) mm,compared with control group [(27.14 ±1.73) and (22.28 ± 1.49) mm],there was significant difference (P ＜ 0.01).In control group,vertical diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the pons maximum in 21-30 years group and 31-40 years group,increased with age,the value had been reduced,but there was no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion MR is the first choice for the diagnosis of OPCA,combine with clinical manifestations may improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Objective To study the risk factors associated with death of patients suffered from acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia (AE-IP) with very high mortality and very difficult to handle so as to find the most suitable treatment strategy for these patients.Methods The data of 26 patients with AE-IP admitted to Emergency Intensive Care Unit in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2010 to September 2013 were restrospectively analyzed.Comparison of general condition of patients,treatment strategy and response to non-invasive ventilation of patients was made between survival group and death group.Results There was no significant difference in general condition of patients between death group and survival group.But compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),connective tissue disease-related interstitial pneumonia had a tendency to accounting for higher proportion in the survival group.The rats of endotracheal intubation and invasive ventilation were significantly increased in death group (14％ vs.84％,P ＜ 0.05).There was significant improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after non-invasive ventilation for 2 hours in the survival group (176 ± i10 vs.218 ±64,P ＜0.05) while the death group had no significant improvement.Conclusions In patients with AE-IP,connective tissue disease associated interstitial pneumonia might have better outcome than IPF.AE-IP patients have a very high mortality rate once patients intubated,thus the decision of intubation in such patients needs to be very cautious.The patients with negligible improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after non-invasive ventilation for 2 hours may have a poor prognosis.