Objective To explore the effect of Rhizoma Polygonati(RP)on arterial aging in naturally aging Wistar rats.Methods SPF Wistar rats aged 72 weeks were divided randomly divided into 4 groups:an old group and RP low,medium,and high-dose groups(n=14 rats per group).Another 14 male SPF Wistar rats aged 8～12 weeks were selected as the young group.Rats in the RP high,medium,and low-dose groups were administered with 4,2,and 1 g/kg RP,respectively,by gavage,and rats in the old and young groups were given the same amount of distilled water once a day for 12 weeks.Seven rats from each group were sacrificed under anesthesia at weeks 4 and 12 and aortas were isolated.The relative smooth muscle cell(SMC)and collagen fiber(CF)contents were analyzed,total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels were measured,and the expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins in arterial tissue were detected by Western Blot.Results Rats in the old group showed obvious signs of vascular aging but there was no significant changes in arterial vascular tissue indexes in the old group with increased age.Aortas were obviously injured,relative contents of SMC and CF were significantly increased(P＜0.01),T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-Px contents were significantly decreased and MDA was increased(P＜0.01)in the old group compared with the young group at 4 and 8 weeks,and expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).RP intervention significantly decreased the relative SMC and CF contents and MDA levels(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01)and significantly increased T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-Px(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins were also significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).High-dose RP had the greatest effect.Conclusions Arterial aging is relatively stable in the short term in naturally aging rats.RP could delay arterial aging in naturally aging rats by regulating the level of oxidative stress and the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins.

Objective To explore the effect of Rhizoma Polygonati(RP)on arterial aging in naturally aging Wistar rats.Methods SPF Wistar rats aged 72 weeks were divided randomly divided into 4 groups:an old group and RP low,medium,and high-dose groups(n=14 rats per group).Another 14 male SPF Wistar rats aged 8～12 weeks were selected as the young group.Rats in the RP high,medium,and low-dose groups were administered with 4,2,and 1 g/kg RP,respectively,by gavage,and rats in the old and young groups were given the same amount of distilled water once a day for 12 weeks.Seven rats from each group were sacrificed under anesthesia at weeks 4 and 12 and aortas were isolated.The relative smooth muscle cell(SMC)and collagen fiber(CF)contents were analyzed,total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels were measured,and the expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins in arterial tissue were detected by Western Blot.Results Rats in the old group showed obvious signs of vascular aging but there was no significant changes in arterial vascular tissue indexes in the old group with increased age.Aortas were obviously injured,relative contents of SMC and CF were significantly increased(P＜0.01),T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-Px contents were significantly decreased and MDA was increased(P＜0.01)in the old group compared with the young group at 4 and 8 weeks,and expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).RP intervention significantly decreased the relative SMC and CF contents and MDA levels(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01)and significantly increased T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-Px(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins were also significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).High-dose RP had the greatest effect.Conclusions Arterial aging is relatively stable in the short term in naturally aging rats.RP could delay arterial aging in naturally aging rats by regulating the level of oxidative stress and the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins.

Objective To establish a rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct amplification re-al-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)technique.Methods A direct amplification RT-PCR technique for the rapid detection of zika virus in 5 samples(whole blood,serum,saliva,throat swab and urine)was established by using a special function DNA polymerase and a preferred PCR enhancer.Results The detection limits of the 5 samples were 103 PFU/mL in serum,102 PFU/mL in urine,throat swab,and saliva,and 104 PFU/mL in whole blood.The coefficient of goodness-fit of stand-ard curves was above 0.98,and the amplification efficiency was 90％-110％.Zika virus nucleic acid was suc-cessfully amplified,but non-zika virus nucleic acid was not amplified.Based on the repeatable detection of sam-ples from urine,whole blood,and saliva,the variation coefficient of 6 repeated Ct values at 106 PFU/mL and 102 PFU/mL concentrations were all＜5％.The zika virus detection method established by the direct amplifi-cation RT-PCR technique was consistent with the detection results of conventional RT-PCR technique.Only two serum samples were detected in eight zika virus samples,and the remaining 62 non-zika virus samples and 12 negative samples were not amplified.Conclusion A rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct ampli-fication RT-PCR technique is successfully established.The method is simple,rapid,sensitive and specific.

Objectives To establish a cost-effective and reproducible procedure for induction of chronic left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) in rabbits. Methods Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in 35 rabbits via concomitant ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and the circumflex (Cx) branch at the middle portion. Development of AMI was co n-firmed by ST segment elevation and akinesis of the occluded area. Echocardiography, pathological evaluation, and agar i n-tra-chamber casting were utilized to validate the formation of LVA four weeks after the surgery. Left ventricular end systolic pressure (LVESP) and diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured before, immediately after and four weeks after ligation. D i-mensions of the ventricular chamber, thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) and the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and systolic volume (LVESV), and ejection fraction (EF) were recorded by echo-cardiography. Results Thirty one (88.6%) rabbits survived myocardial infarction and 26 of them developed aneurysm (83.9%). The mean area of aneurysm was 33.4% ± 2.4% of the left ventricle. LVEF markedly decreased after LVA formation, whereas LVEDV, LVESV and the thickness of IVS as well as the dimension of ventricular chamber from apex to mitral valve annulus significantly increased. LVESP immediately dropped after ligation and recovered to a small extent after LVA formation. LVEDP progressively increased after ligation till LVA formation. Areas in the left ventricle (LV) that underwent fibrosis included the apex, anterior wall and lateral wall but not IVS. Agar intra-chamber cast showed that the bulging of LV wall was prominent in the area of aneurysm. Conclusions Ligation of LAD and Cx at the middle portion could induce develo pment of LVA at a mean area ratio of 33.4%±2.4%which involves the apex, anterior wall and lateral wall of the LV.

Objective To investigate the effect of self-designed closed negative pressure drainage combined with sponge dressings on refractory wounds.Methods Sixty patients with phase III-IV pressure ulcers were randomly divided into experiment group and control group in equal number.The self-designed closed negative pressure drainage combined with sponge dressing was applied in the experiment group and in the control group the conventional dressings were used.The two groups were compared in terms of hyperplasia of fresh granulation tissue,time for filling the defect and the healing time and the medical expense.Results Compared to the control group,the time for hyperplasia of fresh granulation tissue,the time for filling the defect and the healing time in the experiment group were all significantly shorter,and the medical expense of the experiment group was significantly less(all P<0.01). Conclusion The self-designed closed negative pressure drainage combined with sponge dressings in the treatment of phase III-IV refractory pressure ulcers may effectively shorten the healing time,improve the curative effects and reduce the economic burden of patients.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic ERCP for patients above 90 years of age.Methods The data of 37 patients of above 90 years who underwent 42 ERCP procedures from January 2001 to December 2009 were studied retrospectively and compared with those of 152 matched patients ( 168 procedures) below 65 years old at a 1∶4 ratio for success rate and complications.Results The rate of complete success,partial success,and failure in observation group was 73.81％ (31/42),19.05％(8/42) and 2.38％ (1/42),respectively,which were similar (P ＞0.05) with those in control group,with complete success rate at 85.12％ ( 143/168),partial success rate at 12.50％ (21/168) and failure rate at 2.38％ (4/168).The rate of terminated operation in observation group (4.76％,2/42) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.00％,0,P =0.039).The overall rate of complication in observation group was 7.14％ ( 3/42 ),slightly higher than that of the control group ( 6.55％,11/168,P ＞0.05 ).There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the rates and severity of such complications as pancreatitis,hemorrhage and infection ( P ＞ 0.05 ).No perforation or death was observed.Conclusion Therapeutic ERCP for patients of 90 years or older is safe and effective.Adverse events related to chronic concomitant diseases need early detection and proper management.

The preparation of collagen sponges was studied in order to develop tissue engineering scaffolds. Collagen solutions with varying concentrations were obtained by condensing the initial collagen with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 4 degrees C for different periods of time, and then were freeze-dried to make collagen scaffolds. The porous characteristics of the prepared scaffolds were characterized by use of different methods, including laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests. All collagen sponges were shown to have similar interconnected porous structures but were found to have different pore size, porosity, water capacity and the mechanical property, depending on the concentration of collagen solutions. These findings indicate that the way of controlling the concentration of collagen solutions with PEG permits the freeze-drying fabrication of collagen sponges with varying porous features suitable for different tissue engineering purposes.
Collagen ; chemistry ; ultrastructure ; Freeze Drying ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Porosity ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Scaffolds

BACKGROUND: Simple polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has limited ability to cell adhesion. There are not generally accepted studies on improved effects of collagen protein modified polyvinyl alcohol on cell adhesion and proliferation.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of PVA/type Ⅰ college (COL-Ⅰ) as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) scaffolds in tissue engineering.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The controlled observation experiment was performed at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Medical College. Ji'nan University, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery from August 2006 to October 2007.MATERIALS: COL-Ⅰ gel was produced by Guangzhou Institute of Trauma Surgery.METHODS: PVA filature was used to weave fascicular scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells were in vitro incubated, amplified, and then implanted on the PVA/COL scaffolds.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The growth of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds and the secretion of extracellular matrix were observed using scanning electron microscope. Cell compatibility of PVA/COL scaffolds was assessed. Mechanics characteristic of PVA/COL scaffolds was measured by using the electric. tensile force apparatus. Mechanical property of PVA/COL scaffolds was analyzed using the SPSS 11.5 software package.RESULTS: NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds adhered, proliferated, and secreted extracellular matrix. NIH-3T3 cell line highly grew compared with human ACL cells on the PVA/COL scaffolds. The adhered number of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells was significantly increased on the PVA/COL scaffolds. NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells presented well morphology on the PVA/COL scaffolds. COL-Ⅰ could promote the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3 cells, but its effects on human ACL cells were not significant. Tensile force test showed that load-extension curve of the materials was identical to ACL of human and rabbits, and the scaffolds possessed strong flexibility. The maximal load, ultimate stress and elastic modulus were respectively 52.61 N, 14.96 MPa and 202.08 MPa.CONCLUSION: COL-Ⅰ accelerates the adhesion and proliferation of NIH-3T3 cell line and human ACL cells on the surface and in the pore of the PVA/COL scaffolds, promotes the secretion of extracellular matrix from NIH-3T3, and PVA filature material has mechanical property and good cell compatibility.

BACKGROUND: Fibronectin(FN) plays the role of repair in the inflammation. There is no confirmed conclusion whether it can be applied to the refractory corneal epithelial defect.OBJECTIVE: To observe the repair effect of the human plasma FN for the refractory corneal epithelial defect.DESIGN: A controlled experimental study.SETTING: Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Children's Hospital, Guangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Guangzhou Second People's Hos pital.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 383 eyes with the refractory corneal epithelial defect were chosen, of which 309 were in the therapy group, and 74 in the control group.METHODS: The therapy group: Human plasma FN was administered by dropping it into the eyes once every two hours. The controlgroup: 10 g/L celacol M was administered by its dribbling into the eyes once every two hours. Weilesheng was taken orally in both groups, two pills once, three times per day. According to the state of illness, both groups received anti-bacterial or anti-viral treatment and reexamination was given every day or every other day after administration. 10 g/L fluorescein sodium was used to observe the changes of cornea.MAIN OUTCOSE MEASURES: The symptoms, results of staining using fluorescein sodium as well as the corneal epithelial healing of both groups.RESULTS: The symptoms, the results from staining using the fluorescein sodium and the corneal epithelial healing were used for the evaluation. In the therapy group, 309 eyes were followed up and the cure rate was 69.9%. The average therapeutic period was 6.5 days, while those of the control group were 58.1% and 8.7 days respectively. The difference in the curative effect between the two groups was significantly different( P＜0.01 ).CONCLUSION: The application of FN for the refractory corneal epithelial defect displays a more significant effect than conventional treatment.

In search of the optimal preparation method for large-scale purification of human plasma fibronectin, we adopted affinity chromatography with gelatin and the Sepharose 4B activated with cyanogen bromide to purify fibronectin from type "C" plasma of healthy males, and scanned the best method under the conditions of different amount of plasma loading and different residence time in column. In a given column volume of gelatin, the absorbent was related with the plasma residence time in column and the total amount of plasma loaded. As a result, the optimal loading amount of plasma is 150 ml, and the residence time is 20 minutes. The preparation method, herein, has been proved to require small amount of plasma and yield large amount of fibronectin.
Chromatography, Affinity ; methods ; Cyanogen Bromide ; chemistry ; Fibronectins ; blood ; isolation & purification ; Gelatin ; Humans ; Male ; Sepharose ; chemistry ; Wound Healing