Objective To create a model with simple expression of mechanical characteristics of the human chest for the development of a manikin. Methods A simplified Gruben-model was proposed based on the anatomical structure and physical characteristics of the materials, and perfect coefficients were computed. The model feasibility was proved by the coefficient of determination and residual analysis.Results The mathematic form of the model provided had three fewer terms than Gruben′s. The coefficient of determination approximated 1, the residue was small, and the perfect coefficients of "a typical human" were determined.Conclusion The hypothesis of the model makes the coefficients physically meaningful, which provides a new method to study the force-displacement relationship of the thorax. Also the simple form makes it easy to create the model and provide some guidance for the design of a manikin′s chest.

OBJECTIVETo study the promoter activity in HepG2 cells of the DNA sequence corresponding to the HCV 5'UTR.

METHODSPlasmids, 5'UTR-Luc(+) and 5'UTR-Luc(-) carrying the forward and reverse DNA sequences corresponding to the HCV 5'UTR respectively were constructed, and subsequently transfected into HepaG2 cells. The luciferase activity and the mRNA of the luciferase gene were then detected. The 5'UTR sequence was cloned into a GFP vector to make 5'UTR-EGFP, and then the GFP expression was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS5'UTR-Luc(+) had an obvious luciferase activity whereas 5'UTR-Luc(-) had nearly no luciferase activity. The former had a high level of luciferase mRNA while the latter could not be detected. An intense green fluorescence expression was observed in the cells transfected with the plasmid of 5'UTR-EGFP.

CONCLUSIONThe forward DNA sequence corresponding to HCV 5'-UTR had an obvious promoter activity in hepG2 cells. It may play an important role in the replication of HCV.

5' Untranslated Regions ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; virology ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; Hepacivirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; virology ; Luciferases ; metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective To explore the insulation effect of the coating so as to relieve the influence of solar overtemperature on the tent system.Methods The tent had an integrated structure with multi cavity and air column support,and the confined space was composed of the dual-layer tent body.There were 4 measuring points in the tent,of which,one was at the filter vent,two ones at the ceiling lamp and the remained one above the curtain in the buffer area.The tent was deployed in summer outdoor environment,four thermographs were used for real-time recording of intemal temperature changes in the tents with or without coating,and the recording began at 8:00 am and stopped at 5:00 pm.Comparison proved there was no significant differences between the measured values by the four thermographs (P＞0.05),and correlation analysis was executed based on numerical trend and variance analysis.Results The coating tent had the internal temperature lower than that in the non-coating tent,which had low mean temperature and low temperature range.The internal temperature in the coating tent was lower than ambient temperature at noon and afternoon,which meant the coating tent could lower the temperature effectively even in the duration at high temperature.Concusion Thermal insulation coating applied to the tent relieves the solar overtemperature effect effectively,and thus enhances the the tent's thermal environment adaptability.

OBJECTIVETo study CXCR3 and CCR5 chemokine receptor expression in spleens of patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and its clinical significance.

METHODSThe splenectomy specimens from 10 ITP patients (ITP group) and 8 patients with traumatic splenic rupture (normal control group) were studied. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to study the positive rate of CXCR3 and CCR5. Western blot was performed to detect CXCR3 and CCR5 protein expression, while real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to analyze their mRNA expression.

RESULTSThe positive rate of CXCR3 and CCR5 were both higher in ITP group (90% and 100%, respectively) than those in control group (75% and 87.5%, respectively)(P < 0.05). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Protein and mRNA level of CXCR3 in ITP group were 3.0 and 3.5 times as high as those in control group, respectively. Those of CCR5 in ITP group were 1.2 and 1.7 times as high as those in control group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONHigh expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 may play a part in the splenic immune disorders in patients with ITP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, CCR5 ; metabolism ; Receptors, CXCR3 ; metabolism ; Spleen ; metabolism ; Thrombocytopenia ; immunology ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To establish a method to isolate single sinoatrial node cells of adult rats and observe the cells'morphological structure and the expression of sodium channel subtype so as to provide experimental basis for further research on the role of sodium channel in sinoatrial node function.Methods We isolated adult rat sinoatrial node tissue and cut it into slices about 2 mm in width,digested the slices with type Ⅱ collagenase combinate protease, and observed the cells' morphological structure. We then performed immunofluorescence staining with HCN4 and laser confocal imaging to identify cells and observe the expressions of Nav1 .1 ,Nav1 .2 , Nav1.3,Nav1.5,Nav1.6,Nav1.7,Nav1.8 and Nav1.9.Results The isolated cells had spindle-like,arc-like, and slender and curved shapes,but were mainly spindle-shaped.The stripes of the cells were clear,had good bioactivity and could survive 6-8 hours.Sodium channels Nav1.1,Nav1.5,Nav1.6,Nav1.7,Nav1.8,and Nav1.9 were positively expressed in adult rat sinoatrial node cells,while Nav1 .2 and Nav1 .3 were negatively expressed. Conclusion The method of digesting and isolating adult rat sinoatrial node cells with type Ⅱ collagenase combinate protease is reliable,and sodium channel subtypes are differently expressed in sinoatrial node cells.

Multiple methods of attitude measureinent based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) were summarized.The single sensor's means of attitude measurement and it's relative merits were introduced.What's more,the combined method applied to attitude measurement were highlightedly mentioned.In addition,the ways of attitude measurement with multi-sensors units were listed.It also gave useful recommendations for better selection with regard to specific application.The prospect of IMU applied on human bodies was analysed.

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction usually exhibits an irreversible course,and available treatments for delaying the progression to end-stage renal disease are limited.This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine,Niaoduqing particles,for delaying renal dysfunction in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.Methods:The present study was a prospective,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trial.From May 2013 to December 2013,300 CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 20 and 45 ml,min-1· 1.73 m-2,aged 18-70 years were recruited from 22 hospitals in 11 Chinese provinces.Patients were randomized in a 1∶1 ratio to either a test group,which was administered Niaoduqing particles 5 g thrice daily and 10 g before bedtime for 24 weeks,or a control group,which was administered a placebo using the same methods.The primary endpoints were changes in baseline serum creatinine (Scr) and eGFR after completion of treatment.The primary endpoints were analyzed using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.The present study reported results based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.Results:A total of 292 participants underwent the ITT analysis.At 24 weeks,the median (interquartile range) change in Scr was 1.1 (-13.0-24.1) and 11.7 (-2.6-42.9) μmol/L for the test and control groups,respectively (Z =2.642,P =0.008),and the median change in eGFR was-0.2 (-4.3-2.7) and-2.2 (-5.7-0.8) ml·min-1.1.73 m-2,respectively (Z =-2.408,P =0.016).There were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups.Conclusions:Niaoduqing particles safely and effectively delayed CKD progression in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.This traditional Chinese medicine may be a promising alternative medication for patients with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction.

Obtaining high-quality embryos is one of the key factors to improve the clinical pregnancy rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). So far, the clinical evaluation of embryo quality depends on embryo morphology. However, the clinical pregnancy rate is still low. Therefore, new indicators are needed to further improve the evaluation of embryo quality. Several studies have shown that the decrease of sperm-specific protein actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) leaded to low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, and even infertility. The aim of this study was to study whether the different expression levels of ACTL7A on sperm can be used as a biomarker for predicting embryo quality. In this study, excluding the factors of severe female infertility, a total of 281 sperm samples were collected to compare the ACTL7A expression levels of sperms with high and low effective embryo rates and analyze the correlation between protein levels and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcomes. Our results indicated that the ACTL7A levels were significantly reduced in sperm samples presenting poor embryo quality. Furthermore, the protein levels showed a significant correlation with fertilization outcomes of ART. ACTL7A has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting success rate of fertilization and effective embryo and the possibility of embryo arrest. In conclusion, sperm-specific protein ACTL7A has a strong correlation with IVF laboratory outcomes and plays important roles in fertilization and embryo development.
Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Female ; Fertilization ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Spermatozoa/metabolism*

BACKGROUNDA multi-center large scale study is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of domestic peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Some researchers believe that 6 L/d is enough for adequate dialysis, but there is no multi-center prospective study on Chinese population to confirm this. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of domestic PD solution (Changfu) and its difference between 6 L and 8 L dosage.

METHODSAdult PD patients who had taken PD therapy for at least one month were selected and divided into four groups according to two dialysis solution brands and two dialysis dosages, i.e., 6 L dose with Changfu dialysis solution, 6 L dose with Baxter dialysis solution, 8 L dose with Changfu dialysis solution, and 8 L dose with Baxter dialysis solution. After 48 weeks, the changes of primary and secondary efficacy indices were compared between different types and different dosages. We also analyzed the changes of safety indices.

RESULTSChanges of Kt/V from baseline to 48 weeks between Changfu and Baxter showed no statistical differences; so did those of creatinine clearance rate (Ccr). Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) from baseline to 48 weeks between Changfu and Baxter showed no statistical differences; so did those of net ultrafiltration volume (nUF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Changes of nPCR from baseline to 48 weeks between 6 L and 8 L showed no statistical differences; so did those of nUF and eGFR. The decline of Kt/V from baseline to 48 weeks in 6 L group was more than that in 8 L group. Change of Ccr was similar. During the 48-week period, the mean Kt/V was above 1.7/w, and mean Ccr was above 50 L×1.73 m(-2)×w(-1). More adverse events were found in Changfu group before Changfu Corporation commenced technology optimization, and the statistical differences disappeared after that.

CONCLUSIONSThe domestic PD solution (Changfu) was proven to be as effective as Baxter dialysis solution. During 48-week period, a dosage of 6 L/d was enough for these patients to reach adequate PD. Clinical study promotes technological optimization, further helps to improve the safety indices of the medical products.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Dialysis Solutions ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; methods ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDData on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

METHODSThe survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Trained physicians collected demographic and clinical data and measured blood pressure (BP) using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medications. BP < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg were used as the 2 thresholds of hypertension control. In multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for sex and age, we analyzed the association between CKD stages and uncontrolled hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients.

RESULTSThe analysis included 8927 non-dialysis CKD patients. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients were 67.3%, 85.8%, and 81.0%, respectively. Of hypertensive CKD patients, 33.1% and 14.1% had controlled BP to < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg, respectively. With successive CKD stages, the prevalence of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients increased, but the control of hypertension decreased (P < 0.001). When the threshold of BP < 130/80 mmHg was considered, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 stages increased 1.3, 1.4, 1.4, 2.5, and 4.0 times compared with CKD 1 stage, respectively (P < 0.05). Using the threshold of < 140/90 mmHg, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased in advanced stages (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of hypertension Chinese non-dialysis CKD patients was high, and the hypertension control was suboptimal. With successive CKD stages, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased.

Adult ; Aged ; Awareness ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; complications