OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of simvastatin on the proliferation, cell cycle and expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 protein in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells in vitro.

METHODSHepG2 cells were administrated with simvastatin. Proliferation of the cells was detected by MTT assay, cell cycle was measured by flowcytometry and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 protein expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. The results were evaluated by factorial design and one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTSSimvastatin inhibited HepG2 cells growth in vitro (F(concentration) = 1264, P value less than 0.001; F(time) = 17.466, P value less than 0.001; F(concentration*time) = 35.053, P value less than 0.001) and could arrest HepG2 cells in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. However, apoptosis of HepG2 cells was not obvious. Simvastatin could also increase cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 protein expression (F = 512.133, P value less than 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSimvastatin can inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro, which may be explained by its effects of enhancing cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 protein expression and arresting HepG2 cells at G0/G1 phase of cell cycle.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Simvastatin ; pharmacology

Objective To explore the experience of developing evidence-based nursing (EBN) course in postgraduate nursing program in order to improve the quality of course.Methods A comprehensive project on developing EBN course for postgraduate nursing students was initiated in School of Nursing Fudan University.59 postgraduate nursing students in school of nursing, Fudan University were conveniently classified into EBN teaching group (n = 33) and control group (n = 26).The students in the EBN teaching group received 54 credit hours evidence-based nursing education.The teaching and learning experience were reflected through faculty interview and student interview. The teaching and learning outcome were evaluated by self-designed questionnaires.Results Students considered EBN course as a challenge.They experienced both positive and negative feelings during learning EBN.The critical appraisal, data extraction, Meta analysis and evidences utilization were seen as bigger challenges. However, they valued the experience of learning EBN as the opportunity for them to integrate knowledge and skill of literature searching, clinical epidemiology, health statistics, and nursing research into the learning of EBN course. Students in EBN teaching group had significantly higher score on evidence-based nursing knowledge than control group (z = 3.582, P < 0.01).Students in EBN teaching group had significantly higher scores on critical appraisal at post-course than at pre-course(t = 3.674,P < 0.01).Most of the students in EBN teaching group were satisfied with course content, teaching materials and teaching methods.In addition, they proposed constructive suggestions on credit hours and teaching arrangement for further implementing of evidence-based nursing course.Conclusions It is suggested that EBN can be developed as a course in postgraduate nursing program.The knowledge and skills on critical appraisal of literature and conducting systematic review can be improved by learning a comprehensive EBN course.However,the course content and teaching methods need further explore.

Objective To evaluate the outcome of the comprehensive evidence-based nursing course on Postgraduate training courses students. Methods Postgraduate training courses students in school of nursing of Fudan University were conveniently assigned to experimental group ( n =22) and control group ( n = 26). The students in the experimental group received 36 hours evidence-based nursing education. The teaching and learning outcome were evaluated by self-designed questionnaires. Results After 36 hours teaching and learning, Students in experimental group got significantly higher score on evidence-based nursing knowledge and literature criticism than control group(Z =3. 582,P<0. 01; t =3. 674,P<0. 01) ; There was no statistical difference on evidence-based nursing attitude score of students in experimental group and control group after evidence-based nursing course(t = 0. 310,P >0. 05); The results of course feedback questionnaire suggested that most of the students in experimental group were satisfied with course content, teaching materials and teaching methods. Interview results showed that students can develop system evaluation and practice Evidence-based nursing. In addition, they proposed constructive suggestions on credit hours and teaching arrangement for further implementing of evidence-based nursing course. Conclusions The knowledge and skill of EBN could be significantly improved by learning a comprehensive evidence-based nursing course for nurses studied in postgraduate nursing Program. Further study is needed to explore the effect of EBN course on students' attitude to evidence-based nursing.

OBJECTIVETo identify and clone the gene named pfstom gene which encoding the protein belonging to band 7 family and to do primary research on its function.

METHODSBased on the finished data in international public malaria database, coding sequence of pfstom cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR from FCC1/HN. Its phylogenetic profiles and the homogeny were analyzed by some softwares. After Prokaryotic expression, C terminal of Pfstom protein was expressed by Pet30a system. Recombinant Pfstom protein was used to immol/Lunize rabbit and then serum was harvested and the IgG was purified for Western blot.

RESULTSThe coding sequence of pfstom is 1,125 bp which encoding 374 amino acids with C-terminal fragment being homogenous to stomatin-like protein which belongs to band 7 family. Phylogenetic profiles analysis revealed its homogeny to stomatin. Western blot showed its stage-specific expression in trophozoite.

CONCLUSIONPfstom belongs to band-7 family. It was expressed specifically in trophozoite in erythrocyte stage of plasmodium falciparum. It was not expressed in ring stage. And it is membrane-related protein. All these results provided the foundation for further research on pfstom.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Blood Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Membrane Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Plasmodium falciparum ; chemistry ; genetics ; pathogenicity ; Protozoan Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the value of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile ((99)Tc(m)-MIBI) imaging in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and prognosis in patients with operable breast cancer.

METHODSSixty five patients with breast cancer underwent (99)Tc(m)-MIBI scintimammography before NCT, and static planar images were taken at 10 min and 180 min after scintimammography. The clearance rate was calculated in each patient, correlation between the clearance rate and efficacy of NCT, and the disease free survival rate were analyzed.

RESULTSThe mean clearance rate of 65 patients was (17.4 ± 6.8)%. The efficacy of NCT was 86.2% (CR 4 cases, PR 52 cases, SD 8 cases, and PD 1 case), and the mean clearance rate of patients with good response or poor response of chemotherapy were (15.5 ± 5.0)% and (29.2 ± 3.2)%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups. The average disease free survival rate in the group with low clearance rate was (75.8%, P = 0.046), significantly higher than that in the group with high clearance rate (53.1%).

CONCLUSIONScintimammography of (99)Tc(m)-MIBI may be used to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of NCT for patients with operable breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Carcinoma, Lobular ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Epirubicin ; therapeutic use ; Etoposide ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; therapeutic use ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Remission Induction ; Taxoids ; therapeutic use ; Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of methylprednisolone (MP) on cellular component in donor graft and on H-2 haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in mice.

METHODSA murine model of H-2 haploidentical HSCT was established by using of c57BL/6J male mouse as donor and (c57BL/6J x LB/C) F1 female mouse as recipient. The donor mouse received peripheral-blood (PB) progenitor cells mobilization regimens consisted of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhGCSF) alone (control group) or combined with MP in dose of 2 mg/kg daily [small-dose (SD) group], 10 mg/kg daily [middle-dose (MD) group], and 50 mg/kg daily [large-dose (LD) group] respectively. Percentage of T cell subsets, DC1 (HLA-DR+CD11c+) and CD34+ cell in the grafts were detected by flow cytometry. Transplant rejection,severity of GVHD and survival time were observed.

RESULTSThe percentages of CD3+ T cell in donor grafts in the three groups were significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3+ CD4+ T cells decreased more significantly than that of CD3+ CD8+ T cells, and CD4/CD8 ratios decreased significantly. The percentage of CD4+ CD25+ T cells increased significantly, the percentage of DC1( HLA-DR+CD11c+) decreased and the percentage of CD34+ cells increased in all the three groups than in control group. There were significant differences in the percentage of CD3+ T cells, CD3+ CD4+ T cells and CD34+ cells in donor grafts among SD group, MD group and LD group (P < 0.05). The engraftment rates in control, SD, MD and LD groups were 90%, 100%, 100% and 80% respectively. Severity of aGVHD in each study group decreased significantly compared with that in control group (P < 0.05). There were statistical differences among different dosage groups (P < 0.05). Survival time after transplantation in all study groups were significantly longer than that in control group (P < 0.05), and in MD group was significantly longer than in SD group and LD groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAddition of methylprednisolone to routine donor mice HSC mobilization regimen has a definite effect in alleviating aGVHD and prolonging survival time of mouse after H-2 haploidentical HSCT. With a suitable dosage addition of methylprednisolone to donor mice HSC mobilization regimen could avoid the increasing risk of graft rejection.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; immunology ; Female ; Graft Rejection ; prevention & control ; Graft vs Host Disease ; prevention & control ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; administration & dosage ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; drug effects ; immunology

Objective To investigate the effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in palients with resistant hypertension (RH).Methods UPPP and modified UPPP were performed on 36 moderate and severe OSAHS patients,who also suffered from RH [ who taking more than three kinds of antihypertensive drugs ( including diuretics ) and still not able to control blood pressure at 140/90 mm Hg (1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa)]. Polysomnography monitoring,ambulatory blood pressure monitoring,apnea hypopnea index ( AHI ),lowest saturation of blood oxygen ( SaO2 ) and the changes of antihypertensive medication dosage were performed to the patients before and 6 months after the surgery.Results Six months after surgery,the total efficiency was 61.1％ (22/36).The AHI median [ 25 quantile; 75 quantile] from 37.5 [26.0; 48.3 ]/h to 9.5 [9.0 ; 21.3 ]/h,the lowest the SaO2 average ( x ± s,the same below ) increased from 0.655 ± 0.114 to 0.860 ± 0.037,the differences were statistically significant (P value ＜ 0.05 ).24 h systolic blood pressure,daytime systolic blood pressure,night contraction,diastolic and mean arterial pressure decreased from ( 160.8 ± 6.8 ),( 170.5±2.5 ),(163.6±10.5),(100.8 ±5.6) and (96.8 ±7.5) mm Hg to (142.5 ±7.3),(150.8 ±7.6),(140.1 ±6.4),(81.8 ± 7.4) and (93.7 ± 2.4) mm Hg,the differences were statistically significant ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The degrees of AHI descent and the average SaO2 improvement were concerned with the degree of systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure decent (r ＞0.80 and r2 ＞0.50).The average numbers of antihypertensive drugs decreased form ( 3.6 ± 0.5 ) to ( 2.9 ± 0.5 ) compared preoperatively and postoperatively,the difference was statistically significant (t =5.537,P ＜ 0.01 ). The use of antihypertensive medication reduced in 23 cases (23/36,63.8％ ) compared preoperatively and postoperatively.Conclusions The blood pressure of the patients with OSAHS and RH dropped significantly after UPPP surgery. Recent follow-up shows that the varieties of antihypertensive drugs taken in these patients are reduced significantly after operation.

Objective To understand the schistosomiasis control knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP),and influenc-ing factors of behaviors among residents in Jiangsu Province,so as to provide the evidence for making effective health education and health promotion models. Methods The probability proportionate to size sampling(PPS)and multi-stage sampling meth-ods were adopted to sample the research objects. A questionnaire survey of schistosomiasis control KAP was conducted in the res-idents of 16 to 69 years old in schistosomiasis endemic areas of Jiangsu Province,and the results were statistically analyzed. Re-sults The total awareness rate of the participants was 95.98%for schistosomiasis control knowledge. The correct rates of atti-tude and practice were 89.06%and 77.43%,respectively. The awareness/correct rates of knowledge,attitude and practice re-duced in turns significantly(χ2=1282.96,P<0.01). The knowledge awareness rate of fishermen and boatmen was 90.98%, but their attitude correct rate was only 53.81%(χ2=120.52,P<0.01). The unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that with the education level increasing,their practice correct rate rose,and the participants with the college degree or above had a higher correct rate compared to illeterate ones(OR=6.411,95%CI:4.896-8.395). The practice correct rate of the fisher-men and boatmen was only 5.1%of the rate of the farmers(OR=0.051,95%CI:0.029-0.091). Conclusions The total aware-ness rate of basic knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the residents of Jiangsu Province has reached the re-quirements in the"National Schistosomiasis Control Long-term Planning Outline(2004-2015)",but the correct rate of behav-iors is low. The education level,occupation and residential areas affect the health behaviors of schistosomiasis prevention and control. Therefore,it is necessary to carry out targeted health promotion activities to promote the formation of healthy lifestyle and behaviors.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence rates of snoring disease and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and their risk factors among truck drivers in Guangzhou, China.

METHODSA questionnaire survey was conducted in 374 truck drivers who were selected from 5 logistics companies in Guangzhou by cluster sampling. Those who had potential snoring disease or OSAHS underwent polysomnographic monitoring at night. The obtained data were analyzed to calculate the prevalence rates of snoring disease and OSAHS and determine the risk factors for OSAHS.

RESULTSA total of 335 subjects completely questionnaires, with a response rate of 90%. Among the 335 subjects, 125 (37.3%) had habitual snoring, and 42 (12.5%) had OSAHS according to the diagnostic criterion (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 times/h). The multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the risk factors for OSAHS were age, alcohol use, family history of snoring, body mass index, and upper airway abnormality. Of the subjects with grade ≥ 2 snoring and OSAHS, 65.4% often felt sleepy when driving during daytime, and 42% had suffered or nearly suffered traffic accidents due to sleepiness when driving. Moreover, 95.5% (320) of the 335 truck drivers did not consider snoring a disease, and 98% did not think traffic accident might be related to snoring.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence rates of snoring disease and OSAHS among truck drivers are 37.3% and 12.5%, respectively. Therefore, prevention measures should be established according to the epidemiological characteristics to help the truck drivers realize the hazards of snoring disease and OSAHS, thus minimizing the prevalence and hazards of the diseases.

Adult ; Automobile Driving ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; epidemiology ; Snoring ; epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the management of cerebral ischemia caused by Takayasu's arteritis.

METHODSOne hundred and three cases treated from 1984 to 2003 were reviewed including 92 females. Seven cases underwent ascending aorta to bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) bypass, 38 cases to the axillary artery with graft to single ICA bypass. Six cases underwent ascending aorta to axillary bypass with 3 graft to single ICA bypasses as the second stage surgery. Three cases underwent ascending aorta to right ICA bypass with 2 graft to left ICA bypasses as well as 6 subclavian to carotid bypass, PTA in 5 and stenting in 3 cases, etc.

RESULTSTwenty-seven patients with less clinical severity received conservative therapy, 9 of them had mostly temporarily improvement, 15 had slight improvement or basically no change, 1 had hemiplegia and 2 died of stroke and myocardial infarction respectively. Surgically, the short-term effective rate was 87% and operative death 7.8%. Fifty-five patients were followed up, a mean follow-up time was 48 months, and the follow-up rate was 80.9%. The excellently, good, fair, no change and death rate were 36.4%, 38.2%, 20.0%, 3.6% and 1.8% respectively. All patients with PTA or stent had an immediate good response and all recurred within 3 to 5 months.

CONCLUSIONSFor treating severe cerebral ischemia caused by Takayasu's arteritis, the ascending aorta to axillary and single ICA reconstruction or the ascending aorta-bilateral axillary bypass for patients with subclavian steal syndrome is advocated; second stage operation from graft to contralateral ICA can be carried out if necessary.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Brain Ischemia ; etiology ; therapy ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; surgery ; Cerebral Revascularization ; methods ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stents ; Takayasu Arteritis ; complications ; Treatment Outcome ; Vascular Surgical Procedures