Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from inpatients and outpatients at Beijing Children's Hospital

Abstract Background Understanding the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) isolates is important for pneumonia treatment and prevention. This research aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of S. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric inpatients and outpatients during the same period. Methods S. pneumoniae were isolated from unsterile samples of inpatients and outpatients younger than five years old between March 2013 and February 2014. The serotypes were determined using diagnostic pneumococcal antisera. The resistance of each strain to 13 antibiotics was tested using either the E-test or the disc diffusion method. The Sequence Types (STs) were analyzed via Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Results The dominant serotypes obtained from inpatients were 19F (32.9 %), 19A (20.7 %), 23F (10.7 %), 6A (10.0 %), and 14 (8.6 %), while those from outpatients were 19F (13.6 %), 23F (12.9 %), 6A (10.0 %), 6B (10.0 %), and 19A (7.9 %). The coverage rates of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) formulations were high in both groups. The nonsusceptibility to penicillin, cefuroxime, imipenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among the inpatient isolates was 7.1 %, 92.8 %, 65.7 %, 100 %, and 85.0 %, respectively, while that among the outpatient isolates was 0.7 %, 50.0 %, 38.6 %, 96.4 %, and 65.7 %, respectively. There were 45 and 81 STs detected from the pneumococci isolated from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. CC271 was common among both inpatients and outpatients (43.6 % and 14.3 %). Conclusions Pneumococcal vaccine-related serotypes are prevalent among both inpatients and outpatients, especially among inpatients, who exhibit more severe antibiotic resistance. Therefore, universal immunization with PCV13 would decrease the hospitalization rate due to S. pneumoniae and the antibiotic resistance rate of S. pneumoniae.

Interaction between BCSG1 and Hsa-circ-0026352 in genetic susceptibility to invasive breast cancer / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨乳腺癌特异基因1（BCSG1）与Hsa-circ-0026352在浸润性乳腺癌（IBC）遗传易感性中的交互作用。方法：选取2019年6月至2022年5月间武汉市中西医结合医院收治的100例IBC患者作为研究对象，采用免疫组化法检测IBC组织及其相应癌旁组织中BCSG1的表达，将研究对象按照IBC组织中BCSG1蛋白表达的高低分为阴性、弱阳性和强阳性组，统计三组患者的临床病理特征及雌激素受体（ER）、孕激素受体（PR）、表皮生长因子受体-2（HER2）、Hsa-circ-0026352的表达情况，采用Logistic回归方程和最大似然法分析BCSG1表达与上述参数的趋势性和交互作用。结果：与癌旁组织比较，IBC组织中BCSG1蛋白呈高表达（P<0.05）；BCSG1蛋白强阳性表达与淋巴结转移、分化程度、临床分期、HER2表达、 Hsa-circ-0026352表达有关联（P<0.05）；BCSG1强阳性表达与IBC存在交互作用（P<0.05）；BCSG1表达与IBC的交互作用在Hsa-circ-0026352阳性表达中最为显著（趋势P<0.001）；BCSG1表达与IBC的交互作用在临床分期Ⅲ期、低分化程度中最为显著（趋势P<0.001）。结论：BCSG1与IBC患病密切相关，且与Hsa-circ-0026352、临床分期、分化程度存在交互作用，可共同增加IBC患病风险性。

Mechanismof reproductive toxicity of sub-chronic exposure to nickel oxide nanoparticles in male SD rats / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To investigate the effects of sub-chronic exposure of nickel oxide nanoparticles （Nano NiO） on endocrine function of male SD rats，and to analyze the toxicity and mechanism of Nano NiO on testicular cells. Methods The specific pathogens free male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups with ten rats in each group. Rats in low-，medium and high-dose groups were given Nano NiO suspension with the mass concentration of 0.16，0.80 and 4.00 g/L，respectively； rats in blank control group were given equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution；rats in positive control group were given micron nickel oxide suspension with the mass concentration of 4.00 g/L. Drip every three days for nine weeks. After the Nano NiO exposure，atomic fluorescence spectrometry was used to determine the levels of nickel in the blood and testicular tissue. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum level of sex hormone. The ploidy ratio，cell cycle and apoptosis rate of testicular cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the relative expression of apoptosis related proteins in the testis. Results The level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats in positive control group and the three doses groups were higher than that of blank control group（all P<0.05）. The level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats in the medium-dose and high-dose groups were higher than that in the positive control group（all P<0.05）. There was a positive correlation between the level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue（P<0.01）. The serum levels of testosterone，follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）and luteinizing hormone（LH）in the medium- and high- dose groups were lower than that in blank control group（all P<0.05）. However，there was no significant difference in serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone among all groups（P>0.05）. Compared with the blank control group，the proportion of haploid and diploid cells and the ratio of cells in G0/ G1 and S phase decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups（all P<0.05），the tetraploid cell ratio，G2/M cell ratio and early apoptotic rate of testicular cells increased（all P<0.05）. Compared with the blank control group，the relative expression of B-cell lymphoma-2（BCL-2）protein and the ratio of BCL-2/BCL-2-related X protein（BAX）in testicular cells of rats decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups（all P<0.05），the relative expression of BAX and caspase-3 protein were increased（all P< 0.05）. Compared with the positive control group，the level of nickel in blood and testicular tissue of rats was increased in the high-dose group（all P<0.05），the ratio of haploid cells and the ratio of testicular cells at G0/G1，S phase and BCL-2 /BAX ratio in testicular tissue decreased（all P<0.05），the tetraploid ratio，G2/M phase ratio，early apoptotic rate and total apoptotic rate of testicular cells increased（all P<0.05）. Conclusion Exposure to Nano NiO could inhibit the secretion of FSH，LH and testosterone in male rats. Nano NiO can cross the blood-testosterone barrier，interfere with the proliferation of testicular cells， induce apoptosis of testicular cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway，inhibit the formation of haploid sperm cells， resulting in disorders of spermatogenesis.

Research status of dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture driving methods / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: In vitro models are widely used in toxicology, pathology, and pharmaceutical research due to their short experimental cycles, low cost, and small species differences compared with animal models. Dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture mode is an important trend in the development of in vitro models. Dynamic three-dimensional culture in vitro models can be achieved by means of driving fluids in microfluidic systems. OBJECTIVE: To describe the microfluidic driving methods in the field of microfluidics, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and the application of different driving methods to different tissue culture requirements. METHODS: A computed-based retrieval of CNKI and Web of Science databases was performed for the articles concerning dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture and microfluidic driving methods to achieve dynamic culture of cells or tissues. The search terms were “microfluidic; micropump; organ-on-chip; three-dimensional tissue culture” in English and Chinese, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The microfluidic driving methods include passive driving and active driving. Whereas passive driving includes surface tension pump, osmotic pump and gravity pump. Active driving includes syringe pump and peristaltic pump. Each driving method has its advantages and disadvantages. To achieve accurate control of the medium flow rate in a dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture system, the best choice is to use syringe pumps or valve-type peristaltic pumps. To achieve closed-loop flow of culture medium in a dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture system, the best choice is to use gravity pumps or peristaltic pumps. To fulfill the need for a sterile environment in the experimental process in a dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture system, the best choices are surface tension pumps, gravity pumps, and pneumatic peristaltic pumps. To achieve high-throughput culture in dynamic three-dimensional tissue culture systems, the best choices are surface tension pumps, gravity pumps and pneumatic peristaltic pumps.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Mandarin Chinese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale - Second Edition

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale - Second Edition (Y-BOCS-II). Method: A total of 86 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ranging in age from 15 to 78 years, participated in the study. Participants were administered the Y-BOCS-II by a trained clinician who also rated overall illness severity on two additional measures. Patients completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Results: Results indicated high internal consistency and fair 1-week test retest reliability. The Y-BOCS-II scales correlated strongly with clinician-rated obsessive-compulsive severity and modestly with self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom frequency and distress. The relationship between Y-BOCS-II total score and depressive and anxiety symptoms was strong, which may reflect high rates of comorbid conditions in this sample or the linkage between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and distress. Factor analysis demonstrated a two-factor structure consisting of obsession and compulsion factors, with interference due to obsessions cross-loading. Conclusions: Overall, these results support the use of the Y-BOCS-II among individuals from China. Future study by an independent group is necessary to replicate these findings, as well as investigate interrater reliability and treatment sensitivity.

Expression and clinical significance of microRNA and its target gene EZH2 in breast cancer / 医学研究生学报

Objective Recently, the incidence of breast cancer has been the highest among female malignant tumors. Therefore, potential biomarkers are urgently needed to predict and prevent breast cancer. This study was aimed to explore the expression and clinical significance of differential miRNAs and their target genes in breast cancer by establishing miRNA expression profile in breast cancer tissues. Methods From January 2015 to December 2018, a total of 137 cases of breast cancer tissues with paired paracancerous tissues and 20 cases of breast fibroadenoma tissues were collected from the department of breast surgery, affiliated hospital of Guizhou Medical University. The tissues were divided into breast cancer group, paracancerous group, breast fibroadenoma group and lymph node metastasis group. High-throughput sequencing technique was used to detect the miRNAs in breast cancer tissues and paired paracancerous tissues. Real-time PCR verified the expressions of the three miRNAs with the most significant expression differences in different groups. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the target genes and investigate the expression of miRNAs and proteins of target genes in different breast diseases. Results A total of 157 upregulated and 162 downregulated miRNAs were screened by high-throughput sequencing. Mir-hsa-miR-532-3p and hsa-miR-1260b were the most significant in upregulated miRNAs while has-let-7c-5p was the most significant in downregulated miRNAs. Meanwhile, bioinformatics analysis showed that their target gene was EZH2. Compared with para-cancerous group, expressions of hsa-miR-532-3p and hsa-miR-1260b were significantly upregulated while hsa-let-7c-5p was significantly down-regulated in breast cancer group and lymph node metastasis group (all P<0.05). The miRNA expressions of target gene EZH2 in breast cancer group, breast fibroadenoma group and lymph node metastasis group (1.24±0.01, 4.02±0.01, 15.97±0.01, respectively) were upregulated when compared with the para-cancerous group (1.00±0.00), and the similar conclusion could be drawn in EZH2 protein expression. Conclusion Hsa-miR-532-3p, hsa-miR-1260b and hsa-let-7c-5p were closely related to breast cancer, which may promote the occurrence and development of breast cancer by inducing the transcriptional expression of EZH2. HsamiR-532-3p, hsa-miR-1260b, hsa-let-7c-5p and EZH2 may be potential tumor biomarkers of breast cancer.

Prognostic factors for mortality due to pneumonia among adults from different age groups in Singapore and mortality predictions based on PSI and CURB-65

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Pneumonia is associated with considerable mortality. However, there is limited information on age-specific prognostic factors for death from pneumonia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of pneumonia through the emergency department were stratified into three age groups: 18-64 years, 65-84 years and ≥ 85 years. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to evaluate prognostic factors for mortality and the performance of pneumonia severity scoring tools for mortality prediction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1,902 patients were enrolled (18-64 years: 614 [32.3%]; 65-84 years: 944 [49.6%]; ≥ 85 years: 344 [18.1%]). Mortality rates increased with age (18-64 years: 7.3%; 65-84 years: 16.1%; ≥ 85 years: 29.7%; p < 0.001). Malignancy and tachycardia were prognostic of mortality among patients aged 18-64 years. Male gender, malignancy, congestive heart failure and eight other parameters reflecting acute disease severity were associated with mortality among patients aged 65-84 years. For patients aged ≥ 85 years, altered mental status, tachycardia, blood urea nitrogen, hypoxaemia, arterial pH and pleural effusion were significantly predictive of mortality. The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) was more sensitive than CURB-65 (confusion, uraemia, respiratory rate ≥ 30 per minute, low blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years) for mortality prediction across all age groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The predictive effect of prognostic factors for mortality varied among patients with pneumonia from the different age groups. PSI performed significantly better than CURB-65 for mortality prediction, but its discriminative power decreased with advancing age.</p>

The analysis on the expression of gasotransmitters in early trauma patients

Summary Objective: Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were endogenously-generated molecules gas. They owned important biological activity and participated in many pathophysiological processes. This study aimed to examine the levels of three gasotransmitters in the early phase of trauma patients. Method: Blood samples were collected from 60 trauma patients and ten healthy volunteers. Concentration of serum iNOS and HO-1 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and plasma H2S was determined by colorimetric method. Meanwhile, the occurrence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was also monitored. Results: The levels of iNOS, HO-1 and endogenous H2S in the patients group were significantly different from the healthy control group, and the difference was more obvious with the increase of ISS score. iNOS levels were positively correlated with ISS scores and blood lactic acid values, and HO-1 and endogenous H2S were negatively correlated with ISS scores and blood lactic acid values. Of 60 trauma patients, eight (13.33%) developed MODS. The level of iNOS in the MODS group was higher than that in non-MODS group, while HO-1 and H2S were significant lower in the MODS group. Conclusion: The three gasotransmitters participated in systemic inflammatory responses during early trauma and could be used as important indicators for trauma severity. Their measurements were meaningful for evaluating the severity and prognosis of trauma.

Contralateral C7 Nerve Root Transfer for Function Recovery in Adults: A Meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Root avulsion to all 5 roots of the brachial plexus is a common presentation and keeps a major reconstructive challenge. The contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer has been used in treating brachial plexus avulsion injury (BPAI) since 1986. However, the effectiveness of the procedure remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to study surgical outcomes regarding motor and sensory recovery after CC7 nerve transfer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chinese or English (i.e., "contralateral c-7", "contralateral c7", "c7 nerve root", and "seventh cervical nerve root") keywords were used for a literature search for articles related to CC7 nerve transfer in several databases (i.e., PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang Data). Clinical research articles were screened, and animal studies as well as duplicate publications were excluded. Muscle strength and sensory recovery were considered to be effective only when the scores on the United Kingdom Medical Research Council scale were equal to or higher than M3 and S3, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall ipsilateral recipient nerve recovery rates were as follows: the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery after CC7 nerve transfer was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.66) and for sensory recovery was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.46-0.58). When the recipient nerve was the median nerve, the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.39-0.61) and for sensory was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.50-0.63). When the recipient nerve was the musculocutaneous nerve and the radial nerve, the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65-0.82) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.31-0.70), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transfer of CC7 nerves to musculocutaneous nerves leads to the best results. CC7 is a reliable donor nerve, which can be safely used for upper limb function reconstruction, especially for entirely BPAI. When modifying procedures, musculocutaneous nerves and median nerve can be combined as recipient nerves.</p>

Hepato-protective effect of thymoquinone against acetaminophen induced liver injury is associated with regulation of JNK and AMPK signaling pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the hepato-protective mechanism of thymoquinone (TQ) onthe development of acetaminophen (APAP)- induced liver injury. METHODS In vivo, male kunming mice were injected with a single dose of 300 mg·kg-1 APAP. Some mice were pretreated with TQ (5 or 20 mg·kg-1) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 300 mg·kg-1) 2 h before APAP injection. Mice were euthanized at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h after APAP treatment. In vitro, human Chang liver cells were incubated with 3.125, 6.25 or 12.5 μmol·L-1 TQ, 10 μmol·L-1 SP600125 and 500 μmol·L-1 AICAR in the presence of APAP for 24 h. Cell viability were analyzed by MTT assay, protein expressions were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS TQ pretreatment significantly reduced serum aminotransferase and increased hepatic gluta?thione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, while significantly inhibited interleukin-1β(IL-1β) levels. TQ significantly inhibited c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and P38 phosphorylation induced by APAP. Moreover, TQ inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling activation and activated AMPK phosphorylation induced by APAP. In addition, TQ inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation on APAP-induced liver injury. In vitro, APAP enhanced JNK phosphorylation and attenuated AMPK phosphorylation in Chang liver cells, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with TQ, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and AICAR (AMPK activator). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that TQ may actively prevent APAP-induced liver injury, and this effect may be mediated by JNK and AMPK signaling pathways.

Studies on the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Normal human Chang liver cells and human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2 cells were treated with SRT1720 (10 μmol·L-1) and AICAR (500 μmol·L-1) prior to ethanol (50 mmol·L-1) for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. SIRT1, AMPK and p-AMPK mRNA levels for 24 h and 48 h were analyzed by RT-PCR, SIRT1, AMPK and p-AMPK protein expressions in the supernatant at 24 and 48 h was detected by Western blot. RESULTS SRT1720 and AICAR effectively decreased LX-2 cell viabilities and exhibited scarcely little toxicity in human Chang liver cells. SRT1720 and AICAR attenuated collagen-I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, activated liver kinase B-1 (LKB1) and AMPK phosphorylation in ethanol treated LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, SRT1720 and AICAR enhanced SIRT1 expression mediated by ethanol both in Chang liver cells and LX-2 cells. Furthermore, SRT1720 and AICAR suppressed the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) to regulate fatty acid synthesis. CONCLUSION SIRT1 agonist and AMPK agonist blocked the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs via SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway to modulate hepatocytes accumulation of lipid and HSCs activation.

Determination of 240 Pu/ 239 Pu in Plutonium-containing Particle by Laser Ablation Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

The isotopic fingerprints of plutonium are extremely important for nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensics. An analytical method was developed for direct determination of 240 Pu / 239 Pu ratio in plutonium-containing particles by laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( LA-MC-ICP-MS). The risk of ablated particles leakage was reduced by leak detection, exhaust hood, and swiping the laser cell. Scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) was used to measure the effect of ablation parameters on the size distribution of ablated particles. The results showed that the majority of ablation material presented as particles from 40 -500 nm and the sweep time after laser ablation should be longer than 15 min. The particle size was evaluated to guide LA-MC-ICP-MS system. By using external normalization method for correction of the mass fractionation correction factor and ion counter efficiencies measured by nebulizer-coupled MC-ICP-MS, a LA-MC-ICP-MS method was established for analysis of 239 Pu / 240 Pu ratio in plutonium particles. Spot size, ablation rate and laser dwell time were set at 30 μm, 5 Hz and 5 s, respectively. Laser energy density was controlled to ensure that the intensities of 239 Pu for plutonium-containing particles were about 2×104 cps and 2×105 cps, respectively. The analytical results showed that the relative uncertainties for 239 Pu / 240 Pu was less than 1. 4% ( n = 6), and the measured value deviated by less than 4. 7% from the reference value. The time for adjusting system and determining 239 Pu / 240 Pu ratio in single plutonium particle was 9 h and 0. 5 h, respectively. The results demonstrated that this technique was rapid, precise and accurate, and could be used for determination of 239 Pu / 240 Pu in plutonium-containing particles.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Baihui,Dazhui and Shenshu Acupoints on Ability of Learning and Memory and Synapses of Neurons in Hippocampal CA1 in SAMP8 Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14) and Shenshu (BL23) acu-points on cognitive function and the synapse of neurons in hippocampal CA1 in SAMP8 mice,to explore the mechanism of EA in the treat-ment of Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A total of 24 seven-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group(n=12) and EA group (n=12), and the same age SAMR1 mice were as control group (n=12).The EA group accepted EA at Baihui, Dazhui and Shenshu for 30 days.They were assessed with Morris maze test.The expression of synaptophysin(SYN)and postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD95)in hippocampal CA1 region were detected with immunohistochemistry.The morphology and density of synapse in hippocampal CA1 region was observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results Compared with the model group,the latency of Morris maze de-creased in EA group(P<0.05),the time staying in the quadrant of the platform increased(P<0.05),as well as the number passing the origi-nal platform(P<0.05),with the more expression of SYN and PSD95 in hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.001),and more and completed syn-apse.Conclusion EA can improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice by increasing the expression of SYN and PSD95 to pro-tect the ultrastructure of synapses in hippocampal CA1 region.

S100A8 inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells dependent on the receptor for advanced glycation end-products

BACKGROUND: Airway remodeling is a key feature of asthma, characterized by increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). S100A8 is a calcium-binding protein with a potential to regulate cell proliferation. Here, the effect of exogenous S100A8 protein on the proliferation of ASMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. METHODS: Rat ASMCs were cultured with or without a neutralizing antibody to the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), a potential receptor for S100A8 protein. Purified recombinant rat S100A8 protein was then added into the cultured cells, and the proliferation of ASMCs induced by PDGF was detected by colorimetric-based WST-8 assay and ampedance-based xCELLigence proliferation assay. The expression levels of RAGE in ASMCs were analyzed using western blotting assay. RESULTS: Results showed that exogenous S100A8 inhibited the PDGF-induced proliferation of rat ASMCs in a dose- dependent manner with the maximal effect at 1 µg/ml in vitro. Furthermore, when ASMCs was pre-treated with anti-RAGE neutralizing antibody, the inhibitory effect of S100A8 on PDGF-induced proliferation was significantly suppressed. In addition, neither the treatment with S100A8 or PDGF alone nor the pre-treatment with rS100A8 followed by PDGF stimulation affected the expression levels of RAGE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that S100A8 inhibits PDGF-induced ASMCs proliferation in a manner dependent on membrane receptor RAGE.

Standardized management of acupuncture-moxibustion clinic in Singapore General Hospital / 中国针灸

The standardized management of acupuncture-moxibustion in Singapore General Hospital is introduced. With gradual improvement of outpatient infrastructure, re-training of medical staff, strict disinfection of manipulation, periodical inspection of medical instruments, unified management of writing, saving and processing in medical records and public education of TCM knowledge, a standardized management system in accordance with modernized hospital is gradually established. As a result, efficiency and quality of clinical treatment is continuously increasing. From April of 1998 to December of 2012, a total of 74 654 times of treatment were performed, and treatment amount per day is gradually increased. The unusual condition of acupuncture is avoided. Periodical strict inspection of joint committee authenticated by domestic and overseas medical health organization is repeatedly passed and accepted. Additionally, three clinical researches funded by Singapore Health-care Company are still in progress in acupuncture-moxibustion department.

Simultaneous application of BrdU and WST-1 measurements for detection of the proliferation and viability of airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: BrdU is a commonly used reagent in cell proliferation assays, and WST-1 measurement is widely used to detect cell viability. However, no previous study has formally reported the combination of the two assays, which may be used to detect the proliferation and viability simultaneously. In this study, we examined the effect of adding BrdU 2 h prior to the WST-1 assay and tried to test the possibility of the combined detection using rat airway smooth muscle cells. RESULTS: The WST-1 measurements obtained from the combined detection were consistent with those obtained from the separate detection, which suggested that the addition of BrdU 2 h prior to the WST-1 analysis did not affect the WST-1 results. The BrdU measurements obtained from the combined detection also demonstrated the same trend as that obtained from the separate detection, and dosages of 200, 400 and 800 ng/ml testing reagent significantly inhibited the proliferation of rat airway smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the BrdU and WST-1 measurements can be applied simultaneously without mutual interference, which may increase the efficacy and consistency of these measurements to a certain extent.

The value of narrow band imaging laryngoscope for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the value of narrow-band imaging (NBI) laryngoscope for the diagnosis and therapy of the laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).@*METHOD@#Analyzed the NBI laryngoscope characteristic findings of the throats of 46 LPRD patients which confirmed the diagnosis according to the reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) both positive and the proton pump inhibitor therapy effective.@*RESULT@#The NBI laryngoscope findings as follows: erythema and edema between the arytenoid cartilages (71.7%), the epiglottis congestion (67.4%), pharyngeal isolation/integration erythema (65.2%), pharyngeal pebbles--like changes (65.2%), hypertrophy of the posterior commissure (52.2%), vocal cord erythema and edema (47.8%), vocal nodules or vocal polyps with erythema, or edema (39.1%), arytenoid cartilages edema and erythema (21.7%), ventricular edema, erythema and laryngeal ventricle disappeared (17.4%), granuloma (6.5%), ulcers (4.3%), false vocal cord ditch (4.3%).@*CONCLUSION@#LPRD has characteristic findings. NBI laryngoscope is easy to operate and has a high value on the diagnosis and the treatment of the LPRD.

Minimally invasive treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with locking compression plate in the elderly / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of minimally invasive treatment with the locking compression plate (LCP) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly age.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-eight cases of intertrochanteric fracture were retrospective studied from August 2007 to January 2009, included 13 males and 15 females with an average age of 78.6 years ranging from 70 to 102 years. All the 28 patients were treated with minimally invasive operations with locking compression plates. The time from injury to operation was ranged from 3 to 8 days (with an average of 4.5 days).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operation time was from 40 to 90 minutes (with an average of 55 minutes). The average bleeding volume during the operation was 70 ml (from 50 to 150 ml). One patient died during hospital stay. Twenty-five patients were followed up from 6 months to 2 years with an average of 15 months after operation. The fracture healing time was from 10 to 12 weeks (10.4 weeks in average). According to an evaluation standard of HUANG Gong-yi, the results were excellent in 20 cases,good in 4 cases, poor in 1 case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Minimally invasive approaches with LCP could treat the elder intertrochanteric fractures with the advantages such as minimal invasive, stable fixation and less blood loss.</p>

In Vitro Study on the Vaporization Ratio of 2-μm Laser in Human Prostatic Tissue / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In this study,the vaporization ratio of the 2-μm laser in the prostatic tissue with benign prostatic hyperplasia was examined in vitro,to explore a technique to estimate the clearance rate of prostatic tissue during the transurethral vaporesection of the prostate.A total of 9 fresh prostatic tissue specimens were obtained by open surgery and the wet weight of the prostatic tissue were measured immediately after the sample collection.Under the simulated conditions of transurethral vaporesection of the prostate by 2-μm laser,each prostate gland was completely vaporesected into fragments with a diameter of less than 1.0 cm in vitro.After the vaporesection,the whole fragments of prostatic tissue were collected and measured.Then the lost weight of prostatic tissue,the weight of the collected prostatic tissue and the ratio of the lost weight of prostatic tissue to the wet weight of the prostate glandular organ specimen were calculated.The correlation between the weight of collected prostatic tissue and the weight of the whole glandular organ was analyzed.All the experimental procedures were carried out by one operator.Wet weight of the prostatic gland specimen and the weight of the harvested prostatic tissues after the procedure were recorded.With respect to the wet weight of prostate gland specimen,the percentage of the weight of collected prostatic tissue was(34.45±1.51)%,and the percentage of the lost weight of prostatic tissue was(65.55±1.51)%.Satisfactory linear relationship was observed between the weight of collected prostatic tissue and the wet weight of prostate gland specimen[y=3.245x-6.475(t=15.097,P=0.000)].It is concluded that under the simulated conditions of transurethrai vaporesection of the prostate by 2-μm laser,the vaporization ratio of prostatic tissue can be calculated on the basis of the weight of collected prostatic tissue,and thereby the clearance of prostatic tissue during the formal operation by 2-μm laser could be quantitatively determined.

Unique nucleotide polymorphism of ankyrin gene cluster in Arabidopsis.

The ankyrin (ANK) gene cluster is a part of a multigene family encoding ANK transmembrane proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, and plays an important role in protein-protein interactions and in signal pathways. In contrast to other regions of a genome, the ANK gene cluster exhibits an extremely high level of DNA polymorphism in an approximately 5-kb region, without apparent decay. Phylogenetic analysis detects two clear, deeply differentiated haplotypes (dimorphism). The divergence between haplotypes of accession Col-0 and Ler-0 (Hap-C and Hap-L) is estimated to be 10.7%, approximately equal to the 10.5% average divergence between A. thaliana and A. lyrata. Sequence comparisons for the ANK gene cluster homologues in Col-0 indicate that the members evolve independently, and that the similarity among paralogues is lower than between alleles. Very little intralocus recombination or gene conversion is detected in ANK regions. All these characteristics of the ANK gene cluster are consistent with a tandem gene duplication and birth-and-death process. The possible mechanisms for and implications of this elevated nucleotide variation are also discussed, including the suggestion of balancing selection.