Spectrometric analyses of larotaxel and larotaxel liposomes quantification by high performance liquid chromatography / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#Larotaxel is a new chemical structure drug, which has not been marketed worldwide. Accordingly, the standard identification and quantification methods for larotaxel remain unclear. The spectrometric analyses were performed for verifying weight molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel. Besides, a quantification method was developed for measuring larotaxel in the liposomes.@*METHODS@#The molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel were studied by using mass spectrometry (MS), infra-red (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometric techniques. The absorption wavelength of larotaxel was investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry full-wavelength scanning. Besides, a quantification method was developed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and then validated by measuring the encapsulation efficacy of larotaxel liposomes.@*RESULTS@#The four spectral characteristics of larotaxel were revealed and the corresponding standard spectra were defined. It was confirmed that larotaxel had the structure of tricyclic diterpenoids, with the molecular formula of C45H53NO14, the molecular weight of 831.900 1, and the maximum absorption wavelength of 230 nm. The quantitative method of larotaxel was established by using HPLC with a reversed phase C18 column (5 μm, 250 mm×4.6 mm), a mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (75:25, volume/volume), and a detection wavelength of 230 nm. The validation study exhibited that the established HPLC method was stable, and had a high recovery and precision in the quantitative measurement of larotaxel in liposomes. In addition, a new kind of larotaxel liposomes was also successfully prepared. The particle size of the liposomes was about 105 nm, with an even size distribution. And the encapsulation efficiency of larotaxel in the liposomes was above 80%.@*CONCLUSION@#The present study offers reference standard spectra of larotaxel, including MS, IR, NMR, and UV-vis, and confirms the molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel. Besides, the study develops a rapid HPLC method for quality control of larotaxel liposomes.

Urinary metabolomics study of the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi ethanol extract on D-galactose-induced rats / 药学学报

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-aging effects and reveal the underlying mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi ethanol extract (SBG) in D-galactose-induced rats. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group, D-galactose group, and D-galactose combined with 50, 100, 200 mg·kg-1 SBG. A rat aging model was induced by injecting subcutaneously D-galactose (100 mg·kg-1) for ten weeks. At the tenth week, the locomotor activity (in open-field test) and the learning and memory abilities (in Morris water maze test) were examined respectively. The urine was collected using metabolic cages and analyzed by high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analyses. The SBG at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg·kg-1 treatments groups could significantly ameliorate aging process in rats' cognitive performance. The 50, 100, 200 mg·kg-1 SBG regulated citrate, pyruvate, lactate, trimethylamine (TMA), pantothenate, β-hydroxybutyrate in urine favorably toward the control group. These biochemical changes are related to the disturbance in energy metabolism, glycometabolism and microbiome metabolism, which is helpful to further understanding the D-galactose induced aging rats and the therapeutic mechanism of SBG.

Staged retrograde flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy versus miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter: a randomized controlled trial / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy and safety of staged retrograde flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURS) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) for treatment of renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 patients with renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter admitted in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015. The patients were randomized to receive staged FURS (35 cases) or m-PCNL (35 cases), and the total treatment time, total hospital stay after procedure, total medical cost, treatment success, decrease in hemoglobin level and complications were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The treatment success rate was 100% in both groups, but the complete stone-free rate was significantly lowered in FURS group than m-PCNL group (65.71% vs 94.29%, P<0.01). The average decrease in hemoglobin level was 3.37∓1.56 g/L in FURS group and 11.93∓2.24 g/L in m-PCNL group (P<0.01). The overall complication rates in the two groups were 6.25% and 9.37%, respectively (P>0.05). Minor complications (grade I by Clavien-Dindo classification) occurred in one case in FURS group (fever) and two cases in m-PCNL group (self-limiting hematuria); major complications (grade II) occurred in one case in FURS group (steinstrase) and one case in m-PCNL group (blood transfusion). In staged FURS and m-PCNL groups, the mean total treatment time was 4.06∓1.11 vs 1.26∓0.47 weeks (P<0.01), the mean hospital stay after procedure was 3.66∓1.29 vs 5.13∓0.43 days (P<0.01), and the mean total medical cost was 54 291.00 RMB ∓6149.00 vs 23 482.00 RMB ∓2317.00 (P<0.01), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FURS is safe and effective for treatment of renal stones of 2-4 cm in diameter, and a staged procedure is necessary to achieve a stone-free status for large calculi. Both sophisticated equipment and rich surgical experience are essential to ensure treatment success.</p>

Urinary metabolomics study of the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi ethanol extract on D-galactose-induced rats / 药学学报

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-aging effects and reveal the underlying mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi ethanol extract (SBG) in D-galactose-induced rats. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group, D-galactose group, and D-galactose combined with 50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1) SBG. A rat aging model was induced by injecting subcutaneously D-galactose (100 mg x kg(-1)) for ten weeks. At the tenth week, the locomotor activity (in open-field test) and the learning and memory abilities (in Morris water maze test) were examined respectively. The urine was collected using metabolic cages and analyzed by high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analyses. The SBG at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg x kg(-1) treatments groups could significantly ameliorate aging process in rats' cognitive performance. The 50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1) SBG regulated citrate, pyruvate, lactate, trimethylamine (TMA), pantothenate, β-hydroxybutyrate in urine favorably toward the control group. These biochemical changes are related to the disturbance in energy metabolism, glycometabolism and microbiome metabolism, which is helpful to further understanding the D-galactose induced aging rats and the therapeutic mechanism of SBG.

Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbit

Objective: To observe the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbit. Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, including the autogenous iliac observation group, artificial bone observation group, artificial bone control group and autogenous iliac control group according to the different bone grafting. The posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbits in each group was analyzed and compared. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment using the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, the fusion in the bone grafting area of observation group was good. There was the relatively dense fusion area between the right transverse process and artificial bone. The left transverse process had been completely fused, with the clear bone trabecula through the fusion area. There was no significant fusion sign in the control group. According to the fusion comparison between two groups, the fusion rate of the observation group was 83.3% and it was significantly higher than the one of the control group (37.5%). Results of the comparison were statistically significant (. P<0.05). The number of chondrocytes and the increase in the relative gray-scale in the fusion area of the iliac observation group were significantly higher than ones of the iliac control group (. P<0.05). The number of chondrocytes and the increase in the relative gray-scale in the fusion area of the artificial bone observation group were significantly higher than ones of the artificial bone control group (. P<0.05). The expression of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-17 4 weeks after the treatment of the observation group was significantly lower than the one of the control group, with the statistical significance (. P<0.05). It indicated that the treatment of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound could reduce the expression level of inflammatory factors. Conclusions: The low-intensity pulsed ultrasound can significantly increase the bone grafting fusion rate of the rabbit's posterolateral lumbar fusion. The possible mechanism is that it promotes the lumbar posterolateral endochondral ossification and reduces the inflammatory reaction.

Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbit

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in the posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbit.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, including the autogenous iliac observation group, artificial bone observation group, artificial bone control group and autogenous iliac control group according to the different bone grafting. The posterolateral lumbar fusion of rabbits in each group was analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment using the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, the fusion in the bone grafting area of observation group was good. There was the relatively dense fusion area between the right transverse process and artificial bone. The left transverse process had been completely fused, with the clear bone trabecula through the fusion area. There was no significant fusion sign in the control group. According to the fusion comparison between two groups, the fusion rate of the observation group was 83.3% and it was significantly higher than the one of the control group (37.5%). Results of the comparison were statistically significant (P<0.05). The number of chondrocytes and the increase in the relative gray-scale in the fusion area of the iliac observation group were significantly higher than ones of the iliac control group (P<0.05). The number of chondrocytes and the increase in the relative gray-scale in the fusion area of the artificial bone observation group were significantly higher than ones of the artificial bone control group (P<0.05). The expression of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-17 4 weeks after the treatment of the observation group was significantly lower than the one of the control group, with the statistical significance (P<0.05). It indicated that the treatment of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound could reduce the expression level of inflammatory factors.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The low-intensity pulsed ultrasound can significantly increase the bone grafting fusion rate of the rabbit's posterolateral lumbar fusion. The possible mechanism is that it promotes the lumbar posterolateral endochondral ossification and reduces the inflammatory reaction.

Protective effect of oxiracetam on traumatic brain injury in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of oxiracetam on traumatic brain injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group, model group and treatment group. Feeney method were used to establish traumatic brain injury (TBI) model in rats in model and treatment group, and rats in sham group were only broached without hydraumatic fitted. Rats in treatment group were successive administration for 21 days with oxiracetam (100 mg/kg, ig). Neurologic impairment scores were undertook after operation of 1 d, 4 d, 7 d, 14 d and 21 d, and Morris water maze test were proceeded during 15 to 19 days after operation. Average escape latency, searching time in target quadrant and number of crossing target platform in rats were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Neurologic impairment scores of rats in treatment group were significantly less than those of model group after operation of 7, 14 and 21 d (P < 0.05). Average escape latency of model group were significantly higher than those of sham operation group and treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Searching time in target quadrant and number of crossing target platform of model group were lower than those of sham operation and treatment group (P < 0.05)).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oxiracetam could decrease neural injury and increase ability of learning, memory and space cognition in traumatic brain injury rats.</p>

Clinical application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of adult refractory cardiogenic shock / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for adult refractory cardiogenic shock.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2003 to January 2011, patients with refractory cardiogenic shock required veno-arterial ECMO by failure of conventional therapy and intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation therapy were retrospectively studied. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury, advanced malignancies and multiple organ failure were excluded. Patients were divided into weaned group (n = 31) and not weaned group (n = 23) according to the ECMO weaning.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The duration of ECMO was 24.16 (14.12, 56.75) hours. Twenty-two out of 31 patients in the weaned group survived and were discharged, 9 patients died after successfully weaned from ECMO (5 due to multisystem organ failure, 2 due to reoccurred cardiogenic shock, 1 due to infectious shock and 1 due to disseminated or diffuse intravascular coagulation). Pre-ECMO mean arterial pressure, ejection fraction, the duration of ECMO were significantly higher while pre-ECMO blood lactate [(8.64 ± 3.17) vs. (14.44 ± 2.52) , P < 0.01], the duration of ROSC [ (16.70 ± 5.29) vs. (35.64 ± 5.89), P < 0.01] and multisystem organ failure [0 vs. 17.4% (4/23) , P < 0.05] were lower in weaned group than in not wean group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ECMO is an effective mechanical assistant therapy strategy for adult refractory cardiogenic shock patients. Timely applying this strategy on suitable patients is crucial for the success of ECMO. Cardiac function and reversibility of heart failure are key factors determine the fate of weaned or not weaned ECMO in adult refractory cardiogenic shock patients.</p>

Cardiovascular disease risk and vascular damage status in pre- and hypertension population in coastal areas of Fujian province / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the cardiovascular risk factors and vascular damage status of pre- and hypertensive population in the coastal areas of Fujian province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This cross-sectional study surved 3344 Fujian coastal people aged older than 30 years. Glycolipids, uric acid, urine, microalbumin, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) and central retinal arteriolar equivalent(CRAE) measurements were performed. Variance analysis and binary logistic regression were applied to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and vascular damage of prehypertensive as well as hypertensive population.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The morbidity of prehypertension as well as hypertension was 30.0% in coastal population of Fujian Province, there were more than 3 cardiovascular risk factors in 65.5% (909/1388) of the hypertensive population and 37.5% of the prehypertensive population.(2) The abnormal rates of creatinine ratio(UACR), baPWV, and CRAE in hypertensive [25.7% (357/1388) , 84.2% (1169/1388) , 29.5% (409/1388) ] and prehypertensive population [20.0% (176/880) , 29.1% (256/880) , 25.6% (225/880)] were significantly higher than those of normotensive individuals [8.5% (91/1076), 8.9% (96/1076), 18.8% (202/1076), all P < 0.05].(3) Prehypertension and hypertension served as independent risk factors of UACR, baPWV and CRAE according to logistic regression analysis. The odds ratios (OR) value and 95% confidence intervals were 1.496 (1.095-2.044) , 2.477 (1.815-3.381) , 0.700 (0.549-0.891) in prehypertensive population, and 1.976 (1.454-2.686) , 7.707 (12.938-24.235) , 0.591 (0.474-0.736) in hypertensive population.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple cardiovascular risk factors coexist in prehypertensive and hypertensive population in the coastal area of coastal areas of Fujian province and there is more morbidity of vascular damage in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals compared to normotensive subjects in these areas.</p>

The clinical application of the intra-operative radiation for patients with breast cancer receiving breastconserving surgery / 肿瘤

Objective: To evaluate the safety and operablility of intra-operative radiotherapy plus post-operative whole breast radiotherapy instead of post-operative whole breast radiotherapy with a boost to the tumor bed in patients with early-stage breast cancer patients receiving breast-conserving surgery. Methods: A total of 30 patients with early-stage breast cancer were included in this study, and they received breast-conserving surgery plus intra-operative radiotherapy and post-operative whole breast radiotherapy (n = 15, study group) or breast-conserving surgery plus post-operative whole breast radiotherapy with a boost to the tumor bed (n = 15, control group). The clinical measurements including the external drainage of residual cavity in 24-48 h, first stage of wound healing, duration of hospitalization, satisfaction with breast shape and the interval between breast-conserving surgery and the chemotherapy were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in external drainage of residual cavity, first stage of wound healing duration of hospitalization and the interval between breast-conserving surgery and the chemotherapy (P >0.05). The short-term follow-up revealed that the patients in both two groups kept breast in good shape. Conclusion: Intra-operative radiotherapy is safe and operable in patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving breast-conserving surgery. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.

Treatment of large circular soft tissue defect in lower extremities with a combination of bridge flaps and free skin graft covered by vacuum sealing drainage / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the surgical technique and clinical value of treatment for posttraumatic large circular soft tissue defect in the lower extremities using a combination of posterior tibial vascular bridge flap in the unaffected leg and skin graft covered by vacuum sealing drainage (VSD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2008 to June 2010, 11 cases with posttraumatic large circular soft tissue defects with deep tissue exposed or partial necrosis in the lower extremities were treated by bridge flaps and combined with free skin graft covered by VSD. There are 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 32.5 years (range from 15 to 52 years). The size of wound varied from 24 cm × 13 cm to 45 cm × 24 cm. After the wound were completely debrided, the external fixation or internal fixation was conducted for the patients with unstable fracture. Then VSD were used to covered the wound for 1-2 times with a period of 5 to 7 days according to the wound condition. After granulation tissue grew, bridge flap transplantation was performed to repair tissue defect and cover the exposed bone, which combined with skin graft covered by VSD was used to cover the residual wound. Survival rate and quality healing of the flaps were followed up postoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The granulation growth of 11 cases with large circular soft tissue defect in the lower extremities associated tissue exposure was good after the application of VSD. All the cases were covered by free flap transplantation and skin grafting except for 6 cases due to large defect. The wound was covered by skin re-grafting in 4 cases and frequently dressing change in 2 cases. All the flaps were successful with good infection control and no sinus. The average period of follow-up was 10.6 months (5 - 24 months). All the patients were satisfied with the good outline and good function of the affected limb.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients with posttraumatic large circular soft tissue defect in the lower extremities can be effectively treated with a combination of bridge flaps and free skin graft covered by VSD, which can shorten the course of treatment, and restore the function of affected extremities as much as possible.</p>

In vitro chondrogenesis of the goat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells directed by chondrocytes in monolayer and 3-dimetional indirect co-culture system / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cartilage injury has a very poor capacity for intrinsic regeneration. The cell-based treatment strategy for the cartilage repair using differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is, however, a promising approach to the chondral repair. This study was aimed to explore the chondrogenic potential of the goat BMSCs in the Transwell co-culture system and the poly-laetide-co-glycolide (PLGA) scaffolds.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The BMSCs were isolated from the goat iliac crest while the chondrocytes were obtained from the goat's last costal cartilage. In the Transwell co-culture system, the BMSCs co-cultured with chondrocytes were designed as group A, whereas the goat's BMSCs induced with the chondrogenic medium were group B. Both groups A and B were the experimental groups, while group C that only contained BMSCs was the control group. In the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system, BMSCs were seeded into the PLGA scaffolds, which were suspended in the 24-well plate, and the control group was established by presence or absence of chondrocytes at the bottom of the 24-well plate. Toluidine blue staining, Alcian blue staining, collagen II immunofluoresence, collagen II immunochemical staining, collagen I, collagen II, COL2a Q-PCR and osteopontin Q-PCR were used to examine the chondrogenic conditions as well as the expressions of chondrogenic and osteogenic genes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cells isolated from the aspirates of the goat bone marrow proliferated rapidly and gained characteristics of stem cells in Passage 4. However, the differentiations of chondrocytes were not apparent in Passage 3. The results from Toluidine blue staining, collagen II immunofluoresence and PCR showed the transformation of BMSCs to chondrocytes in the Transwell co-culture system and PLGA scaffolds. Although the cartilage gene expressions were upgraded in both chondrogenesis group and co-culture system, the osteopontin gene expression, which represents osteogenic level, was also up-regulated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The Transwell co-culture system and the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of the goat's BMSCs, while up-regulated osteopontin gene expression in the Transwell co-culture system implies the osteogenic potential of BMSCs.</p>

Differential diagnosis between intestinal stromal tumor and intestinal carcinoma by color doppler ultrasonography / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the features of tumor appearance on transabdominal color doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and its diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis between intestinal stromal tumor and intestinal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The preoperative features of the tumor mass on CDUS were reviewed retrospectively in 25 patients with intestinal stromal tumor and in 30 with intestinal carcinoma. All the cases were confirmed by surgery and pathological examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 25 cases with intestinal stromal tumor, 23 (92%) were found to be located in the small intestine and the majority presented as a hypoechoic solid mass with clear demarcation and rich color flow signals on CDUS, not growing around the intestinal cavity. A heterogeneous echogenic mass with anechoic space was shown in some stromal tumors. The CDUS showed that carcinoma were all in the colon or the rectum, and showed heterogeneous echoic solid masses with ill-defined margin, few color flow signals and pseudokidney sign was often observed in intestinal carcinoma because the mass grew around the intestinal cavity. Internal echo pattern, the relation between mass and intestinal cavity, and color doppler flow signal of intestinal stromal tumors were significantly different from those of intestinal carcinomas (all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in lymphatic metastasis (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CDUS is an effective method to differentiate intestinal stromal tumor from carcinoma.</p>

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on DNA excision repair-related proteins of bone marrow cell in cyclophosphamide-induced mice / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular biological mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for relieving myelosuppression and increasing white blood cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and twenty-four clean male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a moxibustion group, 56 mice in each group. The model of myelosuppression was made with Cyclophosphamide. In the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group, acupoints "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Geshu" (BL 17), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) were used for treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, respectively, while, in the control group and the model group, there were no treatment carried out except catching and fixing. The changes of bone marrow cell DNA pol beta and XPD between the 2nd and 7th day were examined with immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Acupuncture and moxibustion markedly up-regulated the expression of bone marrow cell DNA pol beta and XPD, and promoted the base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, which leads to the relieving Cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression and increasing the number of white blood cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For acupuncture and moxibustion, one of the bone major mechanisms in relieving post-chemotherapy myelosuppression, protecting hemopoietic function and increasing the white blood cells is that it can promote the repair of the bone marrow cell DNA excision and protect hemopoietic cells from injury by chemical drugs.</p>

Isolation, culture and chondrogenic differentiation of goat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the isolation, in vitro culture and chondrogenic differentiation of goat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow was harvested from a 10-month-old Chinese goat for adherent culture of the BMSCs in vitro. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell surface markers of the BMSCs of the fourth generation. The induction medium (containing 10% fetal bovine serum, high-glucose DMEM, 6.25 microg/ml insulin, 6.25 microg/ml transferrin, 50 microg/ml vitamin C, 100 nmol/L DXM and 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta1) was then applied for chondrogenic differentiation. Cytochemical staining, RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the expressions of type II collagen and aggrecan in the cells at the time points of 0, 1, 2 and 4 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The goat BMSCs grow well in vitro with a high purity in the fourth generation. The expression of chondrocyte phenotypes were observed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, which became more obvious as the culture prolonged. The mRNA and protein expression of type II collagen and aggrecan in the BMSCs increased obvious after the induction and had reached a satisfactory level by 2 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Goat BMSCs have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes in vitro, and the results of this study provide the experimental basis for application of goat BMSCs in bone and cartilage tissue engineering in vivo.</p>

Three-dimensional reconstruction technique in gastrocnemius flap surgery: initial clinical application / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the experience with three-dimensional reconstruction technique in initial clinical application in gastrocnemius muscle flap surgery.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>From 2007 to 2008, 7 patients received gastrocnemius muscle flap surgeries to repair the wounds. Preoperative CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed after injection of the contrast media for individualized three-dimensional gastrocnemius muscle flap reconstruction using Amira4.1 software. According to the size of the defect in the wound, individualized three-dimensional gastrocnemius muscle flap was designed and harvested from the posterior leg.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Individualized three-dimensional reconstruction of the gastrocnemius flap was performed in 7 cases, and the reconstructed flaps clearly displayed the blood vessels, skin and the adjacent three-dimensional structures. In 6 cases the main perforating branched and trunk of the blood vessels in the designed flap were consistent with the surgical findings; in 1 case, the perforating branches failed to be clearly displayed in the designed flap, and surgical examination identified perforating branches with an average diameter of 0.5 mm (minimally 0.3 mm). The flaps survived in all the 7 cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Three-dimensional reconstruction of the gastrocnemius flap based on the lower limb CT angiography or MRI allows three-dimensional observation of the anatomy of the flap and accurate marking of the extent of the flap to be harvested, therefore avoiding intraoperative injuries to the blood vessels to better survival of the flaps.</p>

The effect on DNA quantification and STR typing from cigarette butts collected at various time points / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect on DNA quantification and STR typing from cigarette butts collected at different time points.@*METHODS@#Forty "Hongshuangxi" brand cigarette butts smoked by ten different individuals (4 cigarettes per individual) were collected. DNA was extracted from the outer layer and the sponge of the cigarette butts using chelex-100 extraction kit, as well as STR typing and DNA quantitation were simultaneously performed in 1, 4, 7 and 10 weeks, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The DNA quantities extracted from the outer layer at the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th week were 0.104-2.52, 0.110-2.41, 0.0960-2.32 and 0.085 0-2.28 ng/microL, while the detection rates for 16 loci by STR typing were 100%, 90%, 75% and 62.5%, respectively. The DNA quantities extracted from the sponge were 0.0180-2.40, 0.0171-2.25, 0.0165-2.15 and 0.0160-2.15 ng/microL, while the detection rates for 16 loci by STR typing were 97.5%, 82.5%, 50% and 12.5%, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#There is little difference in DNA quantity between the outer layer and the sponge of butts during 10 weeks, but there is an obvious effect on STR typing with prolonged extracting time. There is a much more effect on the sponge than on the outer layer, and the longer the standing time is, the lower the detection rate is.

Mutations of ACVRL1 gene in a pedigree with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the activin A receptor type II-like 1 gene (ACVRL1) mutations in a Chinese family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT2).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The exons 3, 7 and 8 of ACVRL1 gene of the proband and her five family members were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the PCR products were sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proband had obvious telangiectasis of gastric mucosa, and small arteriovenous fistula in the right kidney. All the patients in the HHT2 family had iterative epistaxis or bleeding in other sites, and had telangiectasis of nasal mucosa, tunica mucosa oris and finger tips. ACVRL1 gene analysis confirmed that there is frameshift mutation caused by deletion of G145 in exon 3 in the 4 patients, but the mutation is absent in 2 members without HHT2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The HHT2 family is caused by a 145delG mutation of ACVRL1 gene, resulting in frameshift and a new stop codon at codon 53.</p>

Early intervention of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

A total of 160 type 2 diabetic patients were divided into microalbuminuria(42 cases)and normoalbuminuria(118 cases)groups.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of microalbuminuria was independently associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV)and intima-media thickness(both P