Epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of 151 cases of melioidosis in Hainan Province / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 151 cases of melioidosis and the drug resistance of Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP), in order to provide the basis for diagnosis, treatment and reasonable prevention of melioidosis. Methods　A total of 151 inpatients and outpatients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from January 1, 2013 to August 31, 2022 were collected, and clinical specimens were submitted for examination to isolate and identify BP strains. The clinical data of 151cases of melioidosis and the drug resistance characteristics of pathogenic bacteria were retrospectively analyzed, and using SPSS26.0 software for statistical analysis. Results　Among 151 cases with BP infection, there were 138 males (91.4%) and 13 females (8.6%); the most patients were aged from 45-<60 years old, accounting for 74 cases (49.0%); melioidosis incidence was concentrated in October (19.2%), November (19.2%), August (9.9%) and July (8.6%), and; the number of confirmed cases showed an increasing trend and the time for confirmation was <10 d; Internal medicine system (31.1%), surgery system (26.5%) and intensive care department (20.5%) were the common departments for treating melioidosis; blood (49.0%), sputum (9.9%) and wound secretion (8.6%) were the main clinical specimens for detecting BP; pulmonary infection (68.2%), sepsis (35.1%) and local suppurative infection (23.8%) were the top clinical manifestations in patients with BP infection; the effective rate of treating melioidosis was 74.8%; abnormal liver function was a risk factor for the curative effect of melioidosis (χ2=5.010, P<0.05); the sensitivity rates of BP strains to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT), doxycycline (DOX), imipenem(IPM), ceftazidime (CAZ), amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMC) and tetracycline (TCY) were generally more than 90%, with sensitivities of 98.7%, 97.2%, 96.7%, 94.0%, 93.2% and 90.7%, respectively. Conclusions　It can be concluded that misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of melioidosis is easy to occur, and the understanding of the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors in this area should be strengthened. The sensitivity of BP to commonly used antibiotics has shown a certain downward trend, clinical use should be standardized, and drug resistance monitoring should be strengthened to improve the efficacy of melioidosis treatment.

Preparation and osteogenic properties of hydrogel scaffolds with different concentrations of laponite / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To prepare the hydrogel scaffolds with different concentrations of laponite and compare their osteogenic properties.Methods:The scaffolds of gelatin/sodium alginate hydrogel into which laponite was added according to the mass ratios of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% were assigned into groups T0, T1, T2, and T3. In each group, the compressive modulus was measured and the leaching solution for 24 h extracted to measure the ion release. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured in the extract medium from each group and common medium (blank group) ( n=3) in the in vitro experiments to determine the expression of osteogenic genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type I collagen after 7 days of culture. In the in vivo experiments, the scaffolds were implanted into the femoral condyle defects in rats, and a blank group with no scaffolds was set. The bone repair in each group was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results:The compressive modulus in group T2 [(139.05±6.43) kPa] was significantly higher than that in groups T0, T1 and T3 [(68.83±3.76) kPa, (101.18±3.68) kPa and (125.40±3.28) kPa] ( P<0.05). The ion contents of lithium, magnesium and silicon released from the 24 h leaching solution in group T2 were (0.031±0.005) μg/mL, (3.047±0.551) μg/mL and (5.243±0.785) μg/mL, insignificantly different from those in group T3 ( P> 0.05) but significantly larger than those in group T1 ( P>0.05). The in vitro experiments showed that the expression levels of Runx2, ALP and type I collagen in group T2 were 1.59±0.11, 2.02±0.08 and 1.06±0.17, significantly higher than those in the other groups ( P<0.05). HE staining showed that the implanted hydrogel was tightly bound to the bone tissue. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the numbers of Runx2 and osteocalcin positive cells in group T2 were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Conclusions:With ideal biocompatibility, hydrogel scaffolds with different concentrations of laponite can slowly release the decomposed ions of lithium, magnesium and silicon to promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the repair of bone defects in vivo. A 2% concentration of laponite in the hydrogel scaffolds may result in the best results.

Effect of 3D bioprinting on osteogenic differentiation of gelatin/sodium alginate/laponite composite cellular hydrogel scaffolds / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To prepare biomimetic tissue engineering scaffolds of gelatin/sodium alginate/laponite composite hydrogel loaded with BMSCs by 3D biological printing technique，and explore the osteogenic effect of 3D printing on hydrogel scaffolds containing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（BMSCs）.Methods:BMSCs were routinely extracted and identified by flow cytometry. Gelatin，sodium alginate and laponite were mixed and then BMSCs were added to prepare cell-containing composite hydrogel scaffolds using 3D bioprinting. Non-printed scaffolds containing cells were prepared by injection molding method. In vitro，the prepared scaffolds were divided into the printing group with cells and non-printing group with cells according to whether they were printed，with 12 samples per group. Another simple cell culture group was set as control. Then，the internal structure of the composite hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscope，and the expansion rate and water content of the scaffolds were measured by freeze-drying method. At day 3 after culture，the growth status of BMSCs was observed by phalloidine staining. cell counting kit（CCK）-8 assay was used to detect cell activity in scaffolds at days 1，3，and 7 after culture and RT-PCR to detect the expression of osteogenesis related genes Osterix，osteocalcin（OCN）and collagen I at days 7 and 14 ofter culture. In vivo，four groups were set according to printing or not and whether containing cells or not：printing implant group with cells，non-printing implant group with cells，printing implant group without cells and non-printing implant group without cells，with 9 samples per group. Scaffolds in four groups were implanted to the posterior gluteal muscle pouches（random on left or right）of 36 8-week-old SD rats，respectively. The samples were taken X-ray images at 2，4 and 8 weeks after operation，respectively. The osteogenic differentiation of tissues at 8 weeks was observed by HE and Masson staining. Results:The flow cytometry showed that the cells were BMSCs. Internal pores of hydrogels were obvious，and cells stretched freely in the pores. Differences of the swelling rate and water content were not statistically significant between printing group with cells［（1，039.37±30.66）%，（91.21±0.26）%］and non-printing group with cells［（1，032.38±35.05）%，（91.16±0.28）%］（ P>0.05）. At day 3 after culture in vitro，the cells grew well in the hydrogel. After culturing for 1 day in vitro，there was no significant difference in absorbance between printing group with cells and non-printing group with cells（ P>0.05）. At day 3 after culture，there was no significant difference in absorbance between printing group with cells and non-printing group with cells，but both groups showed a higher level than simple cell culture group（ P<0.05）. At day 7 after culture，the absorbance in printing group with cells（2.72±0.17）was higher than that in non-printing group with cells（2.35±0.11），and both of which were higher than that in simple cell culture group（1.95±0.12）（ P<0.05）. At day 7 after culture in vitro，there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related genes between printing group with cells and the non-printing group with cells（ P>0.05），but they were all higher than those in simple cell culture group（ P<0.05）. At day 14 after culture in vitro，the expression of osteogenesis-related genes Osterix（1.650±0.095），OCN（2.725±0.091），collagen I（2.024±0.091）in printing group with cells were higher than those in non-printing group with cells（1.369±0.114，2.174±0.198，1.617±0.082，respectively）and those in simple cell culture group（1.031±0.094，1.116±0.092，0.736±0.140，respectively）（ P<0.05）. After implantation for 2 weeks in vivo，with no statistically significant difference in the gray values of X-ray films in each group（ P>0.05）. At weeks 4 and 8 after implantation，the gray values of X-ray films in printing implant group with cells and non-printing implant group with cells were higher than those in printing implant group without cells and non-printing implant group without cells（ P<0.01）. At 8 weeks after implantation，HE staining showed that the scaffolds were degraded in different degrees and immersed with cells，with collagen production seen in Masson staining as well. Conclusions:Composite hydrogel scaffolds can provide a good three-dimensional environment for BMSCs growth. 3D bioprinting can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in hydrogel scaffolds. In addition，BMSCs-loaded scaffolds can be degraded slowly in vivo with good ectopic osteogenic ability.

Carriage of drug resistance genes and homology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from respiratory intensive care unit / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate drug resistance genes and epidemic characteristics of β-lactamase carried by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in the respiratory intensive care unit(RICU) in a hospital.Methods Clinically isolated CRAB from RICU patients in October-December 2015 were collected.Five drug resistance genes (KPC-2,IMP,VIM,NDM-1,OXA-23) were specifically amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR),amplified products were performed agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing analysis,the homology was analyzed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).Results A total of 22 CRAB strains were isolated in October-December 2015,19 (86.36％) of which were isolated from sputum.The resistance rate of 22 CRAB strains to compound sulfamethoxazole was 59.09 ％,resistance rate to minocycline was 9.09 ％,all were sensitive to polymyxin B,resistance rates to other antimicrobial agents were more than 80％.Three kinds of resistance genes KPC-2,IMP and NDM-1 were not found by PCR amplification,positive rates of VIM and OXA-23 were both 100％.PFGE homology analysis revealed that 22 strains were divided into 13 different types,each type contained 1-5 strains,9 types(69.23％) contained only 1 strain respectively,the other 4 types (30.77％) contained 2-5 strains.A5,A7,and A8;A9,A11,A14,A19 and A22;A4,A10 and A12;A16 and A18 were of the same type respectively.Conclusion The main types of β-lactamase-resistant genes of CRAB in RICU are VIM and OXA-23.Homology analysis shows a small parts are of the same clone strains,which reveals epidemic of a small scale.

External Quality Analysis of Quality Indicators on Specimen Acceptability / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To analyze the status of quality indicators(QI) on specimen acceptability and establish preliminary qual ity specification.Methods Web based External Quality Assessment system was used to collect data of laboratories partici pated in "Medical quality control indicators in clinical laboratory" from 2015 to 2017,including once in 2015 and 2017 and twice in 2016.Rate and sigma scales were used to evaluate incorrect sample type,incorrect sample container,incorrect fill level and anticoagulant sample clotted.The 25th percentile (P25) and 75th percentile (P75) of the distribution of each QI were employed to establish the high,medium and low specification.Results 5 346,7 593,5 950 and 6 874 laboratories sub mitted the survey results respectively.The P50 of biochemistry (except incorrect fill level),immunology and microbiology reach to 6σ.The P50 of clinical laboratory is 4 to 6σ except for incorrect sample container.There is no significant change of the continuous survey results.Based on results in 2017 to establish the quality specification,the P25 and P75 of the four QIs is 0 and 0.084 4 ％,0 and 0.047 6 ％,0 and 0.114 2 ％,0 and 0.078 4 ％,respectively.Conclusion According to the results of the survey,most laboratories had a faire performance in biochemistry,immunology and microbiology,and clinical laboratory needs to be strengthened.Laboratories should strengthen the laboratory information system construction to ensure the actual and reliable data collection,and make a long time monitoring to achieve a better quality.

In situ absorption of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of Diospyros kaki L. f. extract in rats' intestine / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intestinal absorption behaviors of Diospyros kaki L.f. extract (PLE) in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). METHODS: The concentration of quercetin, kaempferol and phenol red in rat intestinal perfusion solution was determined by HPLC. Rat single-pass intestinal perfusion technique was employed to assay the effects of concentrations of PLE in perfusion solution, intestinal segments and different formulations on the drug percentage absorbed (P) and the absorption rate constant (Ka). RESULTS: No significant changes of Ka and P were observed in different PLE concentrations. The main absorption segments of SMEDDS in rat intestines were the duodenum and ileum. The values of Ka and P of SMEDDS were significantly higher than the PLE solution (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The absorption mechanism of PLE conforms to passive diffusion. The PLE SMEDDS presented the high absorption rate than conventional solution in rat intestine, which illustrates the potential use of SMEDDS for the delivery o f PLE by the oral route.

1,25(OH)(2)D(3) influences endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression of aorta in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study possible influences of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression of aorta in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice and to explore the relationship between vitamin D and atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Endothelial cell of aorta in apoE(-/-) mice were isolated and cultured, and the influence of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on endothelial cell proliferation were observed by MTT, apoptosis of cells were quantitated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling, Bcl-2 mRNA, fas mRNA and eNOS mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Endothelial cell proliferation rate of aorta did not significantly change in the two control groups (0.162 ± 0.031 vs. 0.158 ± 0.006, P > 0.05). Compared with control groups, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulated endothelial cell proliferation of aorta (P < 0.05), but endothelial cell proliferation rate did not significantly change in different 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentration groups [1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentration: 10(-4)mol/L, 10(-5) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L, 10(-7) mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L, endothelial cell proliferation rate: 0.189 ± 0.013 vs. 0.285 ± 0.011 vs. 0.296 ± 0.026 vs. 0.284 ± 0.017 vs. 0.233 ± 0.010, P > 0.05]. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) research concentration as chosen as 10(-6) mol/L. In 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) 10(-6) mol/L group, the expression of Bcl-2, eNOS mRNA was significantly increased (0.78 ± 0.16 vs. 0.46 ± 0.21 vs. 0.42 ± 0.17, 0.56 ± 0.16 vs. 0.39 ± 0.13 vs. 0.35 ± 0.11, 0.46 ± 0.2 vs. 10.42 ± 0.17 vs. 0.78 ± 0.16, 0.79 ± 0.21 vs. 0.81 ± 0.20 vs. 0.43 ± 0.12), apoptotic index, Fas mRNA was significantly decreased (15.14 ± 3.19 vs. 18.94 ± 4.22 vs. 19.27 ± 4.58, 0.43 ± 0.12 vs.0.79 ± 0.21 vs. 0.81 ± 0.20)(P < 0.05). The quantity of eNOS gene expression was inversely associated with apoptosis index and Fas mRNA, was positively associated with Bcl-2 mRNA (r = -0.676, -0.758, 0.762, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and increased eNOS expression of aorta in apoE(-/-) mice. These results may deepen understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.</p>

A pilot study of the effect of pressure-driven lidocaine spray on airway topical anesthesia for conscious sedation intubation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Difficult airway remains not only a challenge to the anesthesiologists, but also a life-threatening event to the patients. Awake intubation is the principal choice to deal with difficult airway, and a key point for awake intubation is airway topical anesthesia. Yet, so far there is no ideal topical anesthesia approach for awake intubation. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of pressure-driven (by 10 L/min oxygen flow) lidocaine spray on airway topical anesthesia in order to find a powerful and convenient method for airway topical anesthesia for conscious sedation intubation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty adult patients referred for elective surgery under general anesthesia, aged 18 - C60 years and Mallampati class I or II, were recruited for the study. Before topical anesthesia, the observer's assessment of alert and sedation (OAA/S) scale was controlled between 3 and 4 by intravenous midazolam (0.03 mg/kg), propofol (2 mg×kg(-1)×h(-1)) and remifentanil (0.05 µg×kg(-1)×min(-1)). Ten minutes after sedation, topical anesthesia was performed with the pressure-driven lidocaine spray; the driving pressure was achieved by an oxygen flow of 10 L/min. After topical anesthesia, tracheal intubation was performed and the intubation condition was assessed with modified the Erhan's intubation condition score by an experienced anesthesiologist, and a score of less than 10 was considered to be satisfactory. Attempts to intubate the patient were recorded, and the complications such as local anesthetic toxicity, mucosa injury, and respiration depression were also recorded. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded at different time points before and after intubation. Patients were asked 24 hours after the operation whether they could recall the events during intubation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were intubated at the first attempt, the average intubation condition score was 7.0 ± 1.1, from 6 to 10, satisfied intubation condition. MAP and HR increased significantly but mildly immediately after the tracheal intubation (P < 0.05), and decreased to the pre-intubation level soon after intubation. There were no related complications and patients had no recall of the intubation procedures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Topical anesthesia with pressure driven 2% lidocaine spray, where pressure is achieved by 10 L/min oxygen flow, can offer satisfactory intubation conditions for conscious sedation intubation.</p>

Characteristics and risk factors of lymph node metastases in esophageal carcinoma / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the status of lymph node metastases (LNM) of esophageal carcinoma and to identify the risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 308 patients who underwent esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy during January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. Characteristics of LNM were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average number of dissected lymph nodes was 35.6 ± 14.5 in 308 patients. There were 197 patients(64%) had LNM. Logistic regression analysis showed that lymphatic vessel invasion(P=0.019) and deep tumor invasion(P<0.001) were risk factors of LNM. The highest LNM site was paratracheal node(25.0%). The incidence of cervical LNM was 14.1% in the middle thoracic carcinoma, higher than that of upper thoracic (7.3%) and lower thoracic (8.3%). Rate of LNM was lower in upper thoracic carcinomas than that in middle or lower ones(P=0.001). No significant difference of LNM was found among upper, middle and lower thoracic carcinoma for cervical or thoracic nodes. Lymphatic vessel invasion(P<0.001) and metastases in paratracheal lymph nodes (P=0.014) were risk factors for cervical LNM.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LNM of esophageal carcinoma can be found in both directions vertically and skipped metastasis. Paratracheal lymph nodes involvement is an indicator for cervical lymphadenectomy in thoracic esophageal carcinoma.</p>

Construction and confirmation of a recombinant adenovirus vector of survivin / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a recombinant adenovirus of survivin vector and provid valuable reference for gene therapy of laryngeal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The survivin gene was cloned by PCR. After confirmation by enzyme restriction analysis and sequencing, the gene and the adenovirus vector were recombined together to construct the recombinant adenovirus vector. The recombinant adenovirus vector was confirmed via both sequencing and digestion restriction analysis, and then linearized and transfected into the HEK 293 cell line to generate recombinant adenovirus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sequence analysis demonstrated that the survivin gene sequence was the same as published in the literature, suggesting that a recombinant adenovirus vector has been successfully constructed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A survivin recombinant adenovirus has been successfully constructed.</p>

Identification of the new allele D18S1364-10 by sequence analysis / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify a new allele by analyzing the polymorphism of D18S1364 in Power Plex(TM)16.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An abnormal band was found in paternity test by short tandem repeat-PCR, and collected by gel extraction. Then the DNA was amplified, cloned and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A fragment containing eight bases less than the minimal allele in the D18S1364 ladder, was found with the core sequence of (ATCT)₆(ATGT)₁(ATCT)₃. The allele was D18S1364-10.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The D18S1364-10 allele was found and reported for the first time in China.</p>

Imageology change of the intervertebral foramen degenerative intervertebral disc in different degrees and its clinical / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the imageology change of the intervertebral foramen degenerative intervertebral disc in different degrees and explore its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The imageology data (MRI and CT) of 37 patients with degenerative disc disease of L4,5 (male 23, female 14, age from 28 to 62 years with an average of 41.6 years)were investigated. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the mean signal intensity rate of degenerative disc and cerebrospinal fluid:light degenerative group (group A) of 11 cases, intermediate degenerative group (group B) of 13 cases, and severe degenerative group (group C) of 13 cases. The extreme altitude, maximum width and areas of the intervertebral foramen were measured from the CT 1.25 mm scan reconstitution. The changes of the intervertebral foramen were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) 1. The extreme altitude and areas of the intervertebral foramen gradually diminished among the light degenerative group, intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group, there was no significant deviation between intermediate degenerative group and the light degenerative group (P > 0.05), there was statistical significance between severe degenerative group and intermediate degenerative group (P < 0.05), there was statistical significance between severe degenerative group and light degenerative group (P < 0.01). (2) There was no statistical significance of the maximum width of intervertebral foramen among three groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The extreme altitude and areas of the intervertebral foramen gradually diminished when the disc are differently degenerative. But there was not significant correlation to width of the intervertebral foramen; the dimin height and area of intervertebral foramen should result in root compression.</p>

Three-dimensional CT imaging in the treatment of children's developmental dislocation of hip / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of 3-dimensional CT in the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip (DDH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2003.6 to 2007.6, the femoral neck anteversion (FNA) and morphology of acetebulum in 53 patients with DDH (61 hips) were studied by three-dimensional CT imaging. Among the patients, 12 patients were male and 41 patients were female, ranging in age from 3 to 16 years (mean 5.6 years). Thirty-four patients had dislocation in left hip joint, 11 patients had dislocation in right hip joints, and 8 patients had double dislocations. The patients were treated with Pemberton or Chiari acetabuloplasty and femoral osteotomy. After operation all the cases were obeserved by 3-dimensional CT again. The femoral neck anteversions were measured and the shapes of new acetabulum were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 61 hips of DDH, the maximum femoral neck anteversion was 90 degrees. The minimum was 35 degrees and the average was (45.6 +/- 11.4) degrees. Among 45 normal hips, the average femoral neck anteversion was (23.5 +/- 10. 2) degrees. The acetabulum were dysplastic according with what were found in the operation. After operation the femoral neck anteversions decreased and averaged (15.6 +/- 5.8) degrees. The femoral head containment improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The advantages of 3D CT scan includes manifestation of acetebular morphology, correct measurement of femoral neck anteversion and evaluation of operative procedure and efficacy. The 3-dimensional CT method is deserved to use widely in the treatment of developmental dislocation of hip in children.</p>

Study on the expression of survivin mRNA and protein in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between survivin mRNA and protein expression and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Survivin mRNA and protein were detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical S-P staining respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 64 cases of NPC, 42 cases (65.6%) were positive for survivin mRNA expression, 30 cases (46.9%) had high expression level. In 46 cases (71.9%) of NPC were positive for survivin protein expression, and 38 cases (59.4%) had high expression level. In 22 cases of NPC with detailed clinical information, the positive expression rates of survivin mRNA and protein in stages III+ IV of NPC were 66.7% and 61.1% respectively, which were higher than those in stages I+ II of NPC (50.0% and 50.0% respectively). There was no significant difference between survivin mRNA and protein expression regarding age or gender of NPC patients (all P> 0.05). The positive expression rates of survivin mRNA and protein in chronic nasopharyngitis group were 33.3% and 23.3% respectively, which were lower than those in NPC group (chi (2)= 12.04, P< 0.01 and chi (2)= 19.57, P< 0.01, respectively). In 64 cases of NPC, 36 cases were positive for both survivin mRNA and protein, and the expression of survivin mRNA and protein showed positive correlation (phi = 0.43).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of survivin gene may play some roles in the pathogenesis of NPC. Detection of survivin mRNA and protein will be helpful for diagnosis, clinical staging and prognosis of NPC.</p>

Expression and implication of angiotensin II type 1 receptor in myocardial fibrosis of rats / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and pathobiological implications of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in development of myocardial fibrosis of rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat myocardial necrosis model was established using isoproterenol injection (15 mg/kg). Rat serum aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) were detected by MD-100 automatic biochemical analyzer. Masson staining was used to evaluate the morphological changes. The expression of AT1R protein was determined by immunohistochemistry and its mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of collage type I and III was determined by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum LDH, CK and CK-MB reached their peaks at 4 h (chi2 = 16.90, P < 0.05), and AST achieved its peak in 6 h (chi2 = 16.90, P < 0.05). AT1R mRNA expression was increased 2 - 12 h after isoproterenol injection, but no statistical significance (P > 0.05) was observed comparing with the control. However, a significant AT1R mRNA increase was present at 24 h and decreased gradually after 48 h, and back to the control level after 3 weeks. Protein expression of AT1R increased proportionally with the severity of the fibrosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AT1R mRNA and protein expressions increase significantly during myocardial ischemia, and is closely correlated with the fibrosis. These findings indicate that AT1R may play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis.</p>

Imageology change of degenerative cartilage endplate to different degree and its clinical significance / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the imageology changes of degenerative cartilage endplate to different degree, and to explore its clinical significances.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The imageology data (MRI or CT) of 58 patients with degenerative disc disease of L4, 5 (including 34 patients with lumbar disc herniation). The patients were divided into three groups depending on the mean signal intensity rate of degenerative disc and cerebrospinal fluid: light degenerative group of 17 cases, intermediate degenerative group of 17 cases, and severe degenerative group of 24 cases. The signals of intervertebral disks on T2WI of sagittal magnetic resonance imaging were inputted into the computer and the concave angles of endplate were measured. Anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the endplate were measured from the CT scan of L4, 5, and then the relative curvature of endplate was got. The change patterns of the concave angle and the relative curvature of vertebral endplates were analyzed when the lumbar disc was differently degenerative.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The concave angle of endplate (L4 inferior endplate, L5 superior endplate) gradually increased among the light degenerative group, intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.01). (2) The relative curature of endplate (L4 inferior endplate, L5 superior endplate) gradually increased. There was significant difference between the light degenerative group and intermediate degenerative group (P < 0.0l), and there was significant difference between the light degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.0l). There were no significant difference between intermediate degenerative group and severe degenerative group (P < 0.05). (3) The concave angle of endplate had positive correlation with relative circularity (r = 0.786, 0.490).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concave angle and relative curvature of endplate generate corresponding changes when the lumbar disc are differently degenerative. The changes of concave angle and relative curvature of endplate are important factors of lumbar disc hernia and lower back pain, which may evaluate the probability of intervertebral disk hernia.</p>

Effect of verapamil on pharmacokinetics of puerarin in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of puerarin in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Puerarin with or without verapamil was administered intravenously or orally to rats. The concentration of puerarin in serum was determined by HPLC.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>No significant difference was found between the control and 0.5 microg x g(-1) verapamil combined groups for intravenous administration, and there was significant difference between the control and 2. 5 microg x g(-1) verapamil combined groups (P < 0.05). When puerarin was administered orally with verapamil, significant difference was found between the control and combined groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Verapamil inhibited puerarin metabolism when puerarin was coadministered with verapamil, so it is necessary to change the therapeutic dose of puerarin.</p>

Comparison of mini-probe endoscopic ultrasonography with computed tomography in preoperative staging of esophageal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare mini-probe endoscopic ultrasonography (MCUS) with computed tomography (CT) in preoperative T and N staging of esophageal cancer, and to find out the MCUS parameters to judge lymph node metastasis for esophageal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five patients received both MCUS and CT preoperatively, on both of which the T and N stages were determined. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predicting value and negative predicting value were compared with the postoperative pathological results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The accuracy of MCUS was 85.7% in T staging and 85.7% and 80.0% in N staging by the two different methods, which were 45.7% and 74.3%, respectively, by CT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MCUS is better than CT in preoperative staging for esophageal cancer. The ratio of short to long axis (S/L) combined with short axis is a useful way to determine lymph node metastasis.</p>

Ameliorative effect of ginseng glycopeptide on cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the ameliorative effect of ginseng glycopeptide on cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>ELISA was used to determine the inhibitory effect of ginseng glycopeptide on cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen in vitro. After ginseng glycopeptide was intraperitoneally administrated to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 12 weeks, the acid solubility, limited pepsin degradation properties and solubility in SDS-2-mercaptoethanol of the rat tail tendon collagen were determined, and the effect of ginseng glycopeptide on the tail tendon collagen cross-linking was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Ginseng glycopeptide inhibited significantly the cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen in vitro. The solubility of the tail tendon collagen (in acid, pepsin and SDS-2-mercaptoethanol) was markedly decreased in diabetic rats and ginseng glycopeptide-treated diabetic rats had significantly an increase in the collagen solubility in the above-mentioned solutions, suggesting that ginseng glycopeptide decreased severity of the collagen cross-linking.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ginsengglycopeptide exhibits an significantly ameliorative effect on cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen.</p>

Apolipoprotein E gene expression in peripheral blood monocyte in children with obesity / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Some studies suggested that CHD begins in childhood. Obesity and dyslipidemia are important risk factors of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein (apo)E gene associated with dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease. The present study was designed to investigate the expression status of apoE gene in peripheral blood monocyte and association of apoE gene expression with lipids in children with obesity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among 32 children with obesity and 32 healthy children without obesity or overweight, ApoE gene expressions were determined by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood monocyte. The concentrations of plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apoA I, apoB(100) and apoE were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Expression of apoE gene was detected in peripheral blood monocyte. Expression of apoE gene was significantly reduced in children with obesity as compared with control group (0.29 +/- 0.14 moles/mole GAPDH mRNA vs. 0.36 +/- 0.10 moles/mole GAPDH mRNA, t = 2.15, P < 0.05). The more severe was the degree of obesity, the more significantly reduced the expression of apoE gene; the degree of obesity was negatively correlated with the levels of expression of apoE gene (correlation coefficient = -0.40, P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and apoB(100) were higher, and those of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apoA I and apoE were lower in children with obesity [(1.68 +/- 0.50) mmol/L vs. (0.99 +/- 0.54) mmol/L, (4.47 +/- 0.91) mmol/L vs. (3.33 +/- 0.90) mmol/L, (2.23 +/- 0.71) mmol/L vs. (1.13 +/- 0.96) mmol/L, (94.48 +/- 9.97) mg/dl vs. (83.81 +/- 15.64) mg/dl, (1.47 +/- 0.39) mmol/L vs. (1.73 +/- 0.36) mmol/L, (112.71 +/- 27.86) mg/dl vs. (134.80 +/- 45.36) mg/dl, (24.50 +/- 10.92) mg/L vs.(35.07 +/- 9.79) mg/L, respectively, P < 0.05]. ApoE gene expression was associated with plasma lipids metabolism in children with obesity. The quantity of apoE gene expression was inversely associated with low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, positively correlated with apoE (correlation coefficient = -0.33, 0.35, respectively, P < 0.05). The quantity of apoE gene expression was not associated with total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apoA I, and apoB(100) (correlation coefficient = -0.19, -0.11, 0.16, 0.09, 0.18, 0.22, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Expression of apoE gene was significantly reduced in peripheral blood monocyte in children with obesity. The quantity of apoE gene expression was associated with degree of obesity and abnormality of blood lipids.</p>