BMI and BMI Changes to All-cause Mortality among the Elderly in Beijing: a 20-year Cohort Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality among the elderly in Beijing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This analysis was based on the Beijing multidimensional longitudinal study of aging (BLSA), which included 2,090 subjects over 55 years old and was followed-up from 1992 to 2012. BMI-mortality curves were drawn to find the optimal BMI range with the lowest mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain the hazard ratios (HRs) for BMI and BMI changes in the overall population and in specific stratified populations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During follow-up, 1,164 deaths were recorded; BMI-mortality curve was U-shaped, with the lowest mortality at a BMI of approximately 25 kg/m2. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, drinking and some pre-existing diseases, HRs for underweight, overweight and obesity compared with normal weight were 1.372 (95% CI: 1.154-1.631), 0.767 (95% CI: 0.666-0.884) and 0.871 (95% CI: 0.830-1.246), respectively. HR for BMI drop was 3.245 (95% CI: 0.824-12.772) in the underweight group and 1.892 (95% CI: 0.830-1.246) in the normal weight group, HR for BMI rise was 1.795 (95% CI: 1.243-2.591) in normal weight group and 1.962 (95% CI: 1.202-3.203) in the overweight group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Keeping BMI in an overweight status and stable is related to a reduced mortality.</p>

Meta-analysis of blood system adverse events of Tripterygium wilfordii / 中国中药杂志

A systematic review was undertaken, including studies that evaluated the incidence of the blood system adverse events of Tripterygium wilfordii (TWP). Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched for relevant studies, including RCT, cohort studies and case series, of patients treated with TWP published in English and Chinese from inception up until May 25th, 2013 with the keywords including "Tripterygium wilfordii", "toxicity", "reproductive", "side effect", "adverse", "safety" and "tolerability". Relevant information was extracted and the incidence of the blood system adverse events was pooled with MetaAnalyst software. Besides, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed based on age, mode of medicine, observation time and disease system. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 49 articles were included in the meta-analysis, they were split into 54 researches incorporated in the analysis. There is a large degree of heterogeneity among the studies, so data was analyzed using random-effects model and the summary estimates of incidence of the blood system adverse events was 6.1%. The weighted combined incidence of three major blood system adverse events were white-blood cells decreasing 5.6% (95% CI, 4.3% - 7.3%), hemoglobin decreasing 1.7% (95% CI, 0.5% - 5.0%) and platelet decreasing 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0% - 3.1%), respectively . Sensitivity analyses based on 45 studies with high quality showed the combined value was close to the summary estimate of total 54 studies. The current evidence indicates that the incidence of the blood system adverse events induced by TWP was high; attentions should be paid on to the prevention and treatment of the blood system adverse events.

Relationship between Migration and HIV Risky Behavior: a Comparative Study of Returning Migrants and Non Migrants Based on Rural Out-of-school Youth in Jilin, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To estimate the relationship between migration and HIV risky behavior when controlling for gender, age, and educational levels and to evaluate the gender differences in migration, HIV knowledge, and HIV risky behaviors among rural youth in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional, anonymous, investigative questionnaire for 1710 unmarried, out-of-school rural youth, aged between 15 and 24 years, was handed out in Gongzhuling county of Jilin province, China.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>58.5% of participants had a history of migration, irrespective of gender. There were gender differences observed in other factors such as drug abuse (4.3% for males and 5.5% for females, P<0.01), multiple sexual partners (24.1% for males and 44.1% for females, P<0.01), and HIV knowledge rate (35.2% for males and 25.5% for females, P<0.001). While controlling for gender, age, and educational levels, the relationships between migration and drug abuse, selling sex, and non usage of condoms during last instance of sexual activity were found to be significant. The cases of premarital sex and multiple sexual partners were both not found to be related to migration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Among rural youth, the HIV risky behavior such as drug abuse, selling sex, and lack of condom use, is significantly related to migration, while premarital sex and multiple sexual partners seem unrelated to migration.</p>

Setting up a risk prediction model on metabolic syndrome among 35-74 year-olds based on the Taiwan MJ Health-checkup Database / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective This study aimed to provide an epidemiological modeling method to evaluate the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) development in the coming 5 years among 35-74 year-olds from Taiwan.Methods A cohort of 13 973 subjects aged 35-74 years who did not have metabolic syndrome but took the initial testing during 1997-2006 was formed to derive a risk score which tended to predict the incidence of MS.Multivariate logistic regression was used to derive the risk functions and using the ‘check-up center' (Taipei training cohort) as the overall cohort.Rules based on these risk functions were evaluated in the remaining three centers (as testing cohort).Risk functions were produced to detect the MS on a training sample using the multivariate logistic regression models.Started with those variables that could predict the MS through univariate models,we then constructed multivariable logistic regression models in a stepwise manner which eventually could include all the variables.The predictability of the model was evaluated by areas under curve (AUC) the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) followed by the testification of its diagnostic property on the testing sample.Once the final model was defined,the next step was to establish rules to characterize 4 different degrees of risks based on the cut points of these probabilities,after being transformed into normal distribution by log-transformation.Results At baseline,the range of the proportion of MS was 23.9％ and the incidence of MS in 5-years was 11.7％ in the non-MS cohort.The final multivariable logistic regression model would include ten risk factors as:age,history of diabetes,contractive pressure,fasting blood-glucose,triglyceride,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol,body mass index and blood uric acid.AUC was 0.827 (95％ CI:0.814-0.839) that could predict the development of MS within the next 5 years.The curve also showed adequate performance in the three tested samples,with the AUC and 95％ CI as 0.813 (0.789-0.837),0.826(0.800-0.852) and 0.794(0.768-0.820),respectively.After labeling the degrees of the four risks,it was showed that over 17.6％ of the incidence probability was in the population under mediate risk while over 59.0％ of them was in the high risk group,respectively.Conclusion Both predictability and reliability of our Metabolic Syndrome Risk Score Model,derived based on Taiwan MJ Longitudinal Health-checkup-based Population Database,were relatively satisfactory in the testing cohort.This model was simple,with practicable predictive variables and feasible form on degrees of risk.This model not only could help individuals to assess the situation of their own risk on MS but could also provide guidance on the group surveillance programs in the community regarding the development of MS.

Reconstruction of upper lip defect / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical experience for the reconstruction of upper lip defects in different degrees.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Different treatment methods were selected to reconstruct the upper lip defects according to the subunit, size or location of defects on the upper lip. The therapeutic results were analyzed and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From Jan. 1998 to Apr. 2012, 243 cases with upper lip defects were treated, including 85 cases of traumatic defects, 110 cases of defects secondary to lip cleft and 48 cases of defects after tumor resection. 48 cases were treated with direct closure, 69 cases with cross-lip flaps, 5 Cases with orbicularis oris muscle flaps, 53 cases with unilateral labial flaps, 42 cases with bilateral labial flaps, 22 cases with lower lip flaps, and 1 case with forehead flap, 1 case with forearm flap and 2 with nasolabial fold flaps. The patients were followed up for 3-18 months with satisfactory results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Satisfactory results could be achieved for upper lip defects with appropriate treatment methods according to the defects degree and characters.</p>

Estimation on the risk of 5-years obesity development among adults aged 30-59, based on the Taiwan MJ Health-checkup Database / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective This study aimed to provide an epidemiological modeling in evaluating the risk of developing obesity within 5 years in Taiwan population aged 30-59 years.Methods After excluding 918 individuals who were obesitive at baseline,a cohort of 14 167 non-obesity subjects aged 30-59 years in the initial year during 1998-2006,was formed to derive a Risk Score which could predict the incident obesity (IO).Multivariate logistic regression was used to derive the risk functions,using the check-up center (Taipei training cohort,n=8104) of the overall cohort.Rules based on these risk functions were evaluated in the left three centers (testing cohort,n=6063).Risk functions were produced to detect the IO on a training sample using the multivariate logistic regression models.Starting with variables that could predict the IO through univariate models,we constructed multivariable logistic regression models in a stepwise manner which eventually could include all the variables.We evaluated the predictability of the model by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and to testify its diagnostic property on the testing sample.Once the final model was defined,the next step was to establish rules to characterize 4different degrees of risk based on the cut points of these probabilities after transforming into normal distribution by log-transformation.Results At baseline,the range of the proportion of normal weight,overweight and obesity were 50.00％ 60.00％,26.47％-31.11％ and 5.76％-7.24％ respectively in tour check-up centers of Taiwan.After excluding 918 obesity individuals at baseline,we ascertained 386 (2.73％,386/14 167) cases having IO and 2.66％-2.91％ of them having centered obesity in the four check-up centers respectivcly.Final multivariable logistic regression model would include five risk lactors:sex,age,history of diabetes,weight deduction ≥4 kg within 3 months and waist circumference.The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.898 (95％CI,0.884-0.912) that could predict the development of obesity within 5 years.The curve also had adequate performance in testing the sample [AUC=0.881 (95％CI,0.862 0.900) ].After labeling the four risk degrees,16.0％ and 2.9％ of the total subjects were in the mediate and high risk populations respectively and were 7.8 and 16.6 times higher,when comparing with the population at risk in general.Conclusion The predictability and reliability of our obesity risk score model,derived based on Taiwan MJ Longitudinal Health-checkup-based Population Database,were relatively satisfactory,with its simple and practicable predictive variables and the risk degree form.This model could help individuals to self assess the situation of risk on obesity and could also guide the community caretakers to monitor the trend of obesity development.

Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β by epidermal growth factor in wound tissue of mice with full-thickness skin defect / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of freeze-dried mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPAR-β) in mice during wound healing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Full-thickness skin defect with area of 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm was reproduced on both sides of the back of 70 BALB/c mice (2 wounds in each mouse). The wound on the left side in each mouse was treated with 5 µg/mL mEGF solution (experiment group), and that on the right side in each mouse was treated with saline (control group). On post injury day (PID) 7, 11, and 16, 20 mice were used for determination of wound healing rate at each time point. On PID 1, 3, 7, 11, 14, and 18, specimens of wound edge were harvested for determination of protein and gene expression of PPAR-β with immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization, with 10 specimens at each time point (denoted as integral absorbance value). Data were processed with t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Wound healing rate. The wound healing rate in experiment group on PID 7, 11, and 16 was respectively higher than that in control group (with t value respectively 3.03, 6.05, 11.9, P values all below 0.01). (2) Immunohistochemical observation. In both groups, the PPAR-β proteins highly expressed in fibroblasts of wound granulation tissues and nuclei of keratinocytes located in wound edge at early stage after injury, and they highly expressed in newly formed epidermis and their fibroblasts in the lower layer after wound epithelization. The expression of PPAR-β protein was gradually decreased after wound healing. The expression of PPAR-β protein at each time point in experiment group was respectively higher than that in control group (with t values from 2.15 to 7.37, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of PPAR-β protein peaked on PID 3 in experiment group [(3.46 ± 1.33) × 10(3)], which was (2.35 ± 1.09) × 10(3) in control group. (3) In situ hybridization. The expression levels of PPAR-β mRNA in both groups were up-regulated after injury, which were mainly observed in fibroblasts of wound and cytoplasm of KC in wound edge, but they were down-regulated after wound epithelization. The expression of PPAR-β mRNA at each time point in experiment group was respectively higher than that in control group (with t values from 2.35 to 6.64, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of PPAR-β mRNA in both groups peaked on PID 3 [(7.3 ± 2.6) × 10(6), (4.5 ± 3.0) × 10(6), respectively].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>mEGF can up-regulate the expression of PPAR-β in wound tissue of mice and promote wound healing.</p>

Anatomic basis of the accompanying pattern of the superficial temporal arterial branches and veins and its clinical application / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the course of branches of the superficial temporal artery (BSTA) and the accompanying pattern of their veins in order to provide anatomic basis for flap design.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Head and facial part of ten adult corpses (19 sides) were dissected and photographed. The coordinate system was set up with external auditory foramen as the point of origin, aided by the graph analysis software Digimizer. The course of the frontal branch and parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA), and the accompanying pattern between the BSTA and the veins were measured and analyzed. The STA and its branches were located by Ultrasonic Doppler, and the corresponding branches of the superficial temporal vein (BSTV) were disclosed by bowing patient's head with breath holding or cerclaging the basement of the patient's skull. And then 10 sides of transposition (fascia) flaps with axis at the angular bisector between BSTA and BSTV were devised to repair wounds of 9 patients that hospitalized from February 2008 to December 2009. Data were processed with test of variance homogeneity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Frontal BSTV absence was found in 6 head sides, and the maximum distance between artery and vein was (2.1 ± 1.2) cm. Parietal BSTV absence was found in 3 head sides, and the maximum distance was (1.4 ± 0.7) cm. The distance between frontal BSTA and BSTV was larger than that between parietal BSTA and BSTV, and the dispersion degree of the former was higher than that of the latter (F = 0.0404, P = 0.0475). All the (fascia) flaps survived without congestion or necrosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>When branch of the superficial temporal vessel was selected as the axial vessel of flap, the flap design shall depend on the accompanying pattern of BSTV to avoid the flap necrosis due to poor venous return after surgery. The superficial temporal vein and its branches can be well disclosed by bowing head or cerclaging skull. The approach is simple, useful, safe, and reliable.</p>

Development of an indicator system for recognizing the sub-health status and study on the related reliability and validity / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To establish a subjective indicator system for the evaluation of sub-health status and study on its reliability and validity. Methods Based on the basic features of general malice and losing ability of workforce, the indicator system for sub-health status evaluation was developed according to the chronic stress on human body' s main systems. The items were adjusted according to the experience from experts and the results of the pilot study. Indices as Chronbach' s a, IIC and ICC were used to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. Factor analysis and ANOVA were used to evaluate the construct validity and discriminative ability of the questionnaire. Results The formal sub-health survey questionnaire would include five domains and 25 questions in total. The whole questionnaire' s Chronbach's α coefficient was 0.92. Cronbach's α of the four domains, including cardiovascular, digestive tract, immunity and mental health were no less than 0.7 while IIC ranging from 0.51 to 0.72 and ICC ranging from 0.89 to 0.98. The five extracted common factors which contributed 62.35% to the total variation were basically consistent with the five dimensions. ANOVA showed significant differences among different groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The questionnaire appeared reliable and valid for measurement of sub-health status.

Effect of lentiviral vector encoding on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 on expression of inflammatory cytokine in septic mice infected by Bacteroides fragilis / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) vshRNA vector on expression of inflammatory cytokines and survival rate in septic mice infected by Bacteroides fragilis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) TREM-1 vshRNA vector was constructed. Bacteroides fragilis (2.5 x 10(9) CFU/mL, 0.5 mL) was intraperitoneally injected in each mouse, and septic model was reproduced after 12 hours. (2) One hundred and fifteen mice were divided into healthy control group (n = 3, HC), sepsis group (n = 28, S), TREM-1 vshRNA group (n = 28, T), TREM-1 vshRNA hd group (n = 28, Th), GFP group (n = 28, G) according to random number table. Mice in S, T, Th, G groups were firstly injected with isotonic saline, TREM-1 vshRNA 2 x 10(8) TU, TREM-1 vshRNA 1 x 10(8) TU, GFP siRNA through tail vein, and then sepsis was induced after 1 hour. Mice in HC group were injected with equal volume of isotonic saline through tail vein. Three mice in each group were sacrificed after 12 hours for determination of plasma level of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6, and level of TREM-1mRNA and its protein in hepatic tissue. The survival rate of other mice in each group was monitored for 72 hours. (3) In 125 mice sepsis was reproduced, among them 100 mice were injected with TREM-1 vshRNA 2 x 10(8) TU after 1, 2, 4, 6 hours through tail vein (25 mice at each time point), other 25 mice were injected with equal volume of isotonic saline as control. The survival rate of mice in each group was recorded 72 hours after injection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with those in S group, the plasma level of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 lowered in T and Th groups (P < 0.05), especially in T group, while those in G group showed no obvious difference (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with those in G group, the level of TREM-1mRNA and its protein in hepatic tissue in T and Th groups decreased (P < 0.01), especially in T group. (3) The survival rate of mice in S and G group was 16%, which was obviously lower than that in T and Th groups (76%, 44%, respectively, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (4) The survival rate of mice at 1, 2, 4, 6 hours after injection was 72%, 56%, 40%, 16%, respectively, while all that except at 6 hour after injection were higher significantly than that of control (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The intervention with TREM-1 vshRNA can effectively decrease hepatic level of TREM-1 in septic mice induced by Bacteroides fragilis, inhibit inflammatory response, and improve the survival rate.</p>

Pathological experimental study of autologous skin transplant on retained denatured dermis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the pathological character of denatured dermis,and its turnover after autologous skin transplant.@*METHODS@#Deep partial thickness burn wounds whose diameter was 2.5 cm were produced on the back of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After simple debriding,xenogenic skin was transplanted. Superficial tangential excision was performed on the burn wounds on 48 hours postburn with the preservation of denatured dermis. Split thickness autologous skin was grafted on the wounds immediately. Tissue samples of whole layer of the skin were harvested from the grafted sites at different time points after the skin grafting. Pathological observation on the denatured skin and the transplanted skin was carried out with HE and Massonos trichrome blue.@*RESULTS@#The superficial cells of the denatured dermis necrotized largely with few cells alive,collagen denatured,and many inflammatory cells infiltrating. Necrosis tissue and inflammatory cells could be found in the denatured skin in the early period after the skin transplant. There were infiltrated inflammatory cells in the transplanted skin 3 days after the skin transplant. On the 10th day,the necrotized tissue diminished markedly,and red cells were found in its upper stratum. On the 21st day, the morphology and structure of the transplanted skin were similar to those of the normal skin.@*CONCLUSION@#The retained denatured dermis has little effect on the survival of the transplanted skin. The necrosis components can be absorbed and replaced by the tissue alive after the autologous skin is transplanted.

Repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore methods of repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-seven patients with high-voltage electrical burn in neck hospitalized since 1985 were enrolled in this study. After debridement, the wounds were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, trapezius myocutaneous flap, platysma myocutaneous flaps, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Necrosis occurred at edge of flap (about 1 - 2 cm in breadth) in 3 patients, and the other flaps survived well with perfect appearance and local function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To repair with pedicled myocutaneous flaps and combined flaps after early debridement can be safe, effective and reliable in the management of patients with high-voltage electrical burn in the neck.</p>

Repair of large defects in upper extremities with pedicled combined flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the flap transposition for repairing large defects in upper extremities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>12 cases with large defects in elbow, forearm, wrist or palm caused by high-voltage electricity, hot-pressure or crush, were treated. 4 cases were treated with latissimus dorsal myocutaneous flaps combined iliolumbar flaps. 2 cases were treated with latissimus dorsal myocutaneous flaps combined lateral thoracic flaps. 6 cases were treated with large combined thoracic-abdomen flaps.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the flaps survived except for one flap with 2 cm distal necrosis and sub-flap infection. Satisfactory results were achieved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Early debridement and reconstruction with pedicled combined flaps are feasible and reliable for large defects in the upper extremities.</p>

Inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor on apoptosis in HaCaT keratinocytes induced by TNF-alpha / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha and the expression of PPARbeta in HaCaT keratinocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HaCaT keratinocytes were cultured and randomly divided into A (normal control), B (with treatment of 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha for 24 hours), C (with treatment of 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha for 24 hours), D (with treatment of 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha after 20 ng/ml EGF treatment for 4 hours), E (with treatment of 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha after 20 ng/ml EGF treatment for 4 hours) groups. The apoptosis of HaCaT keratinocytes was observed by flow cytometry. The proliferative activity of HaCaT keratinocytes was evaluated by MTT method. The activity of caspase-3 was analyzed with caspase colorimetric assay Kit. The changes in the mRNA and protein expression of PPARbeta in HaCaT keratinocytes were observed by RT-PCR and western-blotting after treatment with different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40 ng/ml) of EGF for 4 or 24 hrs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with A and B groups [(32 +/- 6)%, (57 +/- 6)%], the apoptosis of HaCaT keratinocytes in D and E groups were significantly increased [(20 +/- 3)%, (28 +/- 4)%, respectively, P < 0.01], while the survival rate of HaCaT keratinocytes in D and E groups increased, and the caspase-3 activity were decreased (P < 0.01). The expression of PPARbeta mRNA and protein in HaCaT keratinocytes reached the peak with the treatment of 20 ng/ml EGF.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EGF can inhibit the apoptosis of HaCaT keratinocytes induced by TNF-alpha, and it can also increase the expression of PPARbeta.</p>

Study on the antisense oligonucleotide against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors promoting TNF-alpha mediated apoptosis of HaCat cells / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARbeta) in the TNF-alpha mediated apoptosis of HaCat cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HaCat cells were resuscitated and randomly divided into normal control (without transfection), sham (merely with liposome transfection), scrODN (with transfection of 4 micromol/L PPARbeta scrODN), asODN (with transfection of 4 micromol/L PPARbeta asODN), TNF-alpha with transfection of 10 micromol/L TNF-alpha), scrODN + TNF-alpha with 10 micromol/L TNF-alpha stimulation after transfection of 4 micromol/L PPARbeta scrODN), asODN + TNF-alpha with 10 micromol/L TNF-alpha stimulation after transfection of 4 micromol/L PPARbeta asODN) groups. The mRNA and protein levels of PPARbeta were determined with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The changes in cell morphology were observed with Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining to quantitate apoptotic rate of nuclei. The effect of PPARbeta asODN on HaCat cell viability was assayed with MTT method. Activation of caspase-3 was evaluated with caspase colorimetric analysis kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein expression of PPARbeta in normal control, sham, scrODN groups were similar, but it decreased obviously in asODN group. The nuclear apoptotic rate in normal control, scrODN and asODN groups were rather low, and the caspase-3 activity in these groups was also low. After 24 hours of culture, the nuclear apoptotic rate in TNF-alpha and scrODN + TNF-alpha groups were (33.1 +/- 2.7)% and (32.9 +/- 3.0)%, respectively, while that in asODN + TNF-alpha group was obviously increased (58.8 +/- 4.6)%, with the caspase-3 activity significantly higher, but the number of live cells markedly lower than that in the former 2 groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPARbeta expression can promote the apoptosis of HaCat cells mediated by TNF-alpha.</p>

Repair of the scar in the midface by skin expansion with parallel juxtaposed skin expanders / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore a new method for the repair of the scar in the midface.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Parallel juxtaposed expansion of the skin and soft-tissue of jaw, face, neck and posterior aspect of auricle was performed to repair the scar in the midface of 15 patients. The operation consisted of two steps. In the first step, two expanders were placed subcutaneously under the subskin of jaw, face, neck and posterior aspect of the auricle, respectively, and they were expanded timely to create adequate superfluous skin and soft tissue. In the second step, the expanded skin flap was rotated and advanced to repair the the scar in the midface.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Parallel juxtaposed expansion was performed to repair the scar in the midface of 15 patients. The incision was comparatively concealed, the colour and elasticity of the skin transplant, and the facial contours were satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Parallel juxtaposed expansion of the skin soft-tissue of jaw, face, neck and posterior auricular is beneficial for the repair of the scar in the midface.</p>

Effect of antisense oligonucleotide against Smac/DIABLO on inhibition of hydrogen peroxide induced myocardial apoptosis of neonatal rats / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides against Smac/DIABLO (asODN) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced myocardial apoptosis in neonatal rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primary myocardial cells from neonatal rats were cultured in vitro, and randomly divided into A (normal control, without transfection), B (with treatment of single liposome), C (with transfection of scrODN), D (with transfection of asODN), E (with H2O2, stimulation), F (with H2O2 stimulation after scrODN transfection), and G (with H2O2 stimulation after asODN transfection) groups. The expression of asODN mRNA and protein were determined with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The changes in cellular nuclear morphology were observed with 33258 fluorescent staining, and the percentage of nuclear apoptosis was calculated. DNA fragmentation was observed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were evaluated by caspase colorimetric analysis kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of Smac/DIABLO mRNA and protein was obviously inhibited by asODN, which was about 80% percent lower than the protein level in A,B and C groups, but there was no difference noted among A,B and C groups( P > 0.05). Not only the nuclear apoptotic percentage, but also the activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in A, C and D groups were in very low levels. But these indices in G group 24 hours after H2O2 stimulation were obviously lower than that in E and F groups [the nuclear apoptotic percentage were (19 +/- 5) %, (52 +/- 3) %, (55 +/- 5) %, respectively, P < 0.01)]. The DNA ladders in G group were also decreased markedly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Myocardial apoptosis induced by H2O2 can be inhibited by asODN in rat.</p>

Interchange of facial scar flap with upper arm subdermal vascular network skin flap to improve facial appearance / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the result of subdermal vascular network skin flap raised from the upper arm to interchange with a facial skin flap carrying a scar resulted from previous burn.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A transit flap was designed in the anterior medial aspect of the upper arm according to the reverse design method. The subdermal vascular network flap in the upper arm with length-width ratio less than 1.5:1 was raised with the pedicle located outside of the intermuscular septum of musculus biceps/triceps brachialis. The length-width ratio of the facial scar flap should be less than 1.2:1. The two flaps were cross-grafted to repair the facial wound left by raising the scar flap. The pedicles of the flaps were divided on 14 approximately 15 post-operative days (PODs).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The two flaps survived with satisfactory appearance in 9 patients with this method.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Interchange of facial scar flap with subdermal vascular network skin flap from the upper arms could be a new, reliable and effective method for the facial plastic surgery.</p>

The use of composite sodium lactate and sorbitol composition in fluid resuscitation for shock in patients with major burn / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of the use of sodium lactate and sorbitol (CISS) in the fluid resuscitation for shock in patients with major burns.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty - three adult patients with major burns (hospitalized within 6 hours after burns) were randomly divided into A (n = 24, with i.v. infusion of 50 g/L CISS, 2 000 ml per day) and B (n = 29, with i. v. infusion of 50 g/L glucose, 2 000 ml per day) groups. The amount of electrolytes and colloid as the main resuscitation fluids was calculated according to the formula in both groups. Meanwhile, additional electrolytes and insulin were supplemented to the patients in the B group. The result of combating shock, energy supply, and side effects in the two groups were observed. The changes in hepatic and renal function, and the changes in electrolytes were monitored. The amount of fluid supplementation and urinary volume were recorded. The level of blood glucose of each patient was determined at the admission time and 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No obvious difference was found in control of shock and energy supply between A and B group. There was no side effects or damage to hepatic and renal function related to infused fluids in A group. But the patients of the B group required supplementation of exra electrolytes and insulin during the fluid resuscitation period in order to maintain the normal levels of electrolytes and blood glucose, and this was not necessary in group A. The diuretic effect in group A was better than that in group B (average urinary volume in the first two 24 hours: group A: 1.9 +/- 0.6 and 3.3 +/- 0.8 L; group B:1.0 +/- 0.5 and 2.3 +/- 0.8 L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The use of CISS during shock stage of the patients with major burns could be beneficial to the replenishment of blood volume, control of shock, promotion of diuresis and subsidence of edema. It could also provide electrolytes and energy, without the influence on the level of blood glucose.</p>

Experimental study of autologous skin grafting on retained denatured dermis for the treatment of partial thickness burn wound / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide experimental evidence for the feasibility of repair of deep partial thickness burn wounds with autologous skin grafting on retained denatured dermis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Deep partial thickness burn wounds 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm in size were produced on the back of SD rats. Superficial tangential excision was performed on the burn wounds on 2 - 5 postburn days with the preservation of denatured dermis. Split thickness autoskin was grafted on the wounds immediately. Tissue samples of whole layer of the skin were harvested from the grafted sites at different time points after the skin grafting, with 8 rats in each group. The morphology and the changes in the collagen fibres in the above tissue samples were observed by light microscopy (LM) and the changes in the biodynamics were determined. The normal skin from the same rat receiving skin grafting was employed as the control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Vitreous degeneration was observed in the preserved denatured dermis. (2) The grafted skin was fused to the burn wound on the 7th day after autoskin grafting in rats. The dermal papillae and reticular layer could be discernible under LM. The thickness, structure and morphology of the skin on the grafted area were similar to normal tissue on the 21st day after grafting with atrophic hair follicles. The density of collagen fiber cord increased gradually, and almost fused at last. (3) The tensile strength, and maximum strain value of the rat skin after operation increased gradually, approaching normal on 60 post-operational day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The denatured dermis can recover gradually with normal structure and morphology after the application of autoskin on it for the repair of deep partial thickness burn wounds.</p>