Abstract:Objective To identify the conditions for co-culturing embryonic rat spinal motoneurons and C2C12 myotubes, establish a stable co-culture system, and to form functional neuromuscular junction in vitro. Methods The C2C12 myoblasts were cultured to 60%-70% confluence and then were induced by differentiation medium. The embryonic spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons were obtained from 15-16 d pregnant SD rats, and were implanted in the myotubes after differentiating for 5 days; the products were co-cultured in the basic serum-free culture medium Neurobasal+2% B27. The neuronal morphology and projection length at each stage, myotube morphological and contraction characteristics, and formation of the neuromuscular junction were observed under an inverted microscope. The α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), which can specifically bind to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) of the postsynaptic membrane, was examined by immunofluorescence technique and the muscle contraction in the co-culture system was recorded by screen recording technology. Results Both the primal spinal motoneurons and the C2C12 myotubes survived in the co-culture system, with further differentiation and maturation. On day 3 the axons extended to the myotube membrane surface or surrounded the myotubes. On day 7 the myotubes were arranged in the same direction, with wide rhythmic contraction, and immunofluorescence showed that α-BTX specifically bound to AChR of the postsynaptic membrane. On day 10 of co-culture, the motor neurons began to have apoptosis and the myotube cells gradually shrank. Conclusion Under in vitro culture condition, motor neurons and skeletal muscle cells can co-exist and grow, establishing synaptic connections, triggering a series of neuromuscular junction signal transduction, and causing rhythmic contraction of the myotubes.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the pathogenic role of melioidosin in pathogenicity of Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei). Methods A synthetase gene associated with melioidosin synthesis in B. pseudomallei was inactivated by homologous recombination. Melioidosin producting ability and the virulent effects of the wild-type and mutant B. pseudomallei upon microorganisms (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger spp., Streptococcus faecalis spp. and Staphyloccocus aureus spp.), C. elegans and BALB/c mice were compared. Results The mutant B. pseudomallei underwent notable morphology change, lost the ability to form bacterial membrane and the virulent effects to microorganisms, C. elegans and BALB/c mice. Conclusion It suggests that melioidosin is one of the main virulent factors of B. pseudomallei.

Abstract:Objective To study the protective effects of the resveratrol on bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice and its underlying mechanism. Methods Male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): control group, bleomycin group, resveratrol group, and bleomycin+resveratrol group. Mice were anesthetized and infused intratracheally with 3 mg/kg bleomycin to create lung injury model. Resveratrol (0.3 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally before bleomycin infusion. The severity of pulmonary injuries was evaluated 24 h after inducing lung injury. H-E staining was used to assess the lung pathology. The levels of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA), neutrophil infiltration marker myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were determined by commercial kits. Results Resveratrol treatment improved the bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice by significantly inhibiting the oxidative stress and decreasing lipid peroxidation marker MDA level (P<0.01). Resveratrol treatment also attenuated the bleomycin-induced pulmonary infection by significantly decreasing MPO activity (P<0.01) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (P<0.01) and IL-8 (P<0.05) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production (P<0.01). Conclusion Resveratrol can protect against bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice, probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) over-expression on ventricular remodeling in rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the related mechanisms. Methods Totally 75 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=15): Sham group, AMI group, AMI+normal saline (AMI+NS) group, AMI+adenovirus-EGFP (AMI+AdEGFP) group, and AMI+adenovirus-ACE2 (AMI+AdACE2) group. AMI models were established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats. Rats in the AMI+NS, AMI+AdEGFP and AMI+AdACE2 groups received intramyocardial injection of NS, AdEGFP and AdACE2 in five different infarction border zones, respectively. Rats in the Sham and AMI groups received no injection intervention. Four weeks later, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) were examined. Myocardial structure changes and collagen deposition were evaluated histopathologically. The expression of angiotensin (Ang) Ⅱ (AngⅡ), Ang-(1-7) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) proteins was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The relative protein expression of ACE2, Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p38, p-p38, α-SMA and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) was measured by Western blotting analysis. Results (1) Compared with the other four groups, the protein expression levels of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) were significantly increased in myocardial tissues in AMI+AdACE2 group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with the Sham group, LVEDP, the values of HW/BW, collagen deposition, and the expression levels of AngⅡ, Ang-(1-7), SHP-1, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-p38/p38, α-SMA and TGF-β₁ were all signficantly upgraded in AMI, AMI+NS and AMI+AdEGFP groups (P<0.05). (3) Compared with AMI, AMI+NS and AMI+AdEGFP groups, the expression levels of Ang-(1-7) and SHP-1 were significantly increased in AMI+AdACE2 group (P<0.05); while p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-p38/p38, α-SMA and TGF-β₁ protein expression levels were significantly decreased in AMI+AdACE2 group (P<0.05). Conclusion This study suggests that over-expression of ACE2 can improve ventricular fibrosis and ameliorate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats, which may be due to that ACE2 increases SHP-1 protein expression, and the latter negatively regulates renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAKPs) pathway.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of silencing osteopontin (OPN) expression by short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference on chemotherapy sensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells and the possible mechanism. Methods HeLa cells were transfected with eukaryotic expression vector pGCsi3.0 carrying OPN shRNA via liposome (shOPN group). Untransfected HeLa cells (Con group) and those transfected with empty plasmids (shNon group) served as controls. HeLa cells in all the groups were treated with different concentrations of cisplatin (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/mL) and paclitaxel (0, 50, 100, and 500 nmol/L) for 24 h, respectively; the apoptosis in Hela cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expressions of apoptosis related protein cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-x_L, Bcl-2, and Bax were examined by Western blotting analysis. Results The apoptotic rate in shOPN group (\[44.53±2.78\]%) was significantly higher than those in shNon group (\[15.34±2.18\]%) and Con group (\[15.37±1.03\]%) after treatment with 2 μg/mL cisplatin (P<0.05); and significant difference was also found between the apoptotic rates after treatment with 500 nmol/L paclitaxel (shOPN group: \[51.46±1.49\]%, shNon group: \[19.16±1.87\]%, Con group: \[17.03±2.37\]%; P<0.05). Down-regulating OPN expression significantly enhanced the cisplatin-induced activation of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.01), and it also resulted in inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-x_L expression and up-regulation of Bax expression. Conclusion OPN silencing can sensitize cervical cancer HeLa cells to chemotherapeutic agents by promoting HeLa cells apoptosis. RNA interference mediated depletion of OPN may be a promising strategy for the new adjuvant chemotherapy treatment of cervical cancer.

Abstract:Objective To compare the reprogramming efficiencies of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). Methods BMSCs, BM-MNCs and MEFs were infected with lentivirus (LV-ef1a-mOct4-IRES-EGFP, LV-ef1a-mSox2-IRES-EGFP, LV-ef1a-mKlf4-IRES-EGFP and LV-ef1a-mc-Myc-IRES-EGFP) at a multiplicity of infection. Reprogramming efficiencies of BMSCs, BM-MNCs and MEFs were compared by counting the number of alkaline phosphatase (AP)-positive clones. Pluripotency of the clones was evaluated by detecting the expression of embryonic stem cells markers and assessing their ability to form embryoid bodies and teratomas. Results iPS cells derived from BMSCs, BM-MNCs and MEFs were all able to grow into clones with clear borders, to express enbryonic stem cell-specific cell surface markers (Nanog, Rex-1 and SSEA-1), and to express characteristic genes of all three germ layers both in vitro and vivo.The AP-positive clones derived from BMSCs were notably less than those from BM-MNCs and MEFs. Conclusion BMSCs, BM-MNCs and MEFs can all reprogram into iPS cells, but the reprogramming efficiency of BMSCs in adherent culture is lower than those of BM-MNCs and MEFs.

Abstract:Objective To quantitatively analyze the changes of ovarian artery blood flow volume during whole pulsation cycle in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by pulsed Doppler. Methods The ovarian arteries of 80 PCOS patients were examined by transvaginal color Doppler flow image (TV-CDFI). After examination of the parameters of pulsed Doppler, the ovarian artery blood flow volume in whole pulsation cycle was calculated with velocity-time integral while considering the internal diameter of the blood vessels. The results were compared with those of 80 healthy women of childbearing age in the control group. Results The typical spectrum of ovarian artery blood flow in PCOS patients was high-speed low-resistance waveform. The changes of blood flow volume and resistance index (RI) value were not significantly different at different times of the menstrual cycle (P>0.05). However, the changes of blood flow volume and RI value in the control group were significanly different at different times of the menstrual cycle (P<0.05). The blood flow volume of PCOS patients was significantly increased compared with those of the control group at different times of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). The RI value of ovarian artery in PCOS patients was significantly lower than those in the control group during menstrual cycle 3-9 days and 26-32 days (P<0.05), but showing no significant difference during menstrual cycle 11-15 days and 18-23 days (P>0.05). Conclusion Quantitative determination of ovarian blood flow volume using blood flow whole pulsation period method can provide a relatively accurate and reliable quantitative assessment of the ovarian perfusion in PCOS patients.

Abstract:Objective To analyze the polymorphism of the T-cell receptor (TCR) beta chain variable region(BV) gene family spectratyping of peripheral blood CD4⁺ T cells in tuberculosis patients by gene melting curve spectratyping (GMCS) technique combined 24 h fluorescence quantitative (FQ)-PCR. Methods The total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15 healthy blood donors and 30 tuberculosis patients were used to obtain the cDNA. The cDNAs were amplified by FQ-PCR using 26 different forward primers and the same reverse primer, and the spectratype was analyzed by DNA melting curve. Results The DNA melting curves of each TCR BV family in 15 healthy donors showed the same spectratype. However, the DNA melting curves of 26 TCR BV families showed different spectratypes in 30 tuberculosis patients compared with healthy blood donors, and the different rate was from 6.7% to 33.3%. The result indicated that the difference rate of 26 TCR BV families in tuberculosis patients was significantly different from that of healthy blood donors (P<0.05, P<0.01).In addition, the different rates of 13 TCR BV families (totally 26 families) in tuberculosis patients were more than 20%. Conclusion This study suggests that FQ-PCR combined with GMCS is a convenient and stable method for detecting the TCR beta gene repertoire in the peripheral blood of tuberculosis patients.

Abstract:Objective To construct a sirolimus loaded drug-eluting stent (DES) using chitosan/heparin coating membrane and to explore its effect on anticoagulation and early re-endothelialization in porcine coronary artery.Methods Chitosan/heparin layer-by-layer self-assembly coating was applied to sirolimus DES, and the asymmetric applicator was used to allow for the stent blood surface to be chitosan/heparin coated and the stent vascular surface to be polylactic acid (PLA)-sirolimus. The experiment was divided into bare metal stent (BMS) group, chitosan/heparin stent group, sirolimus DES group and chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES group.The anticoagulation effect of chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES was tested by arteriovenous shunt model and high load thrombosis model. The effect of chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES on early re-endothelialization was tested by 1-week long balloon injury to porcine coronary artery. Results No thrombus was found on the surfaces of chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES and chitosan/heparin stent in the arteriovenous shunt model, while the surfaces of BMS and sirolimus DES were covered with thrombus. No stent thrombosis was found in the high load thrombosis model test of chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES and chitosan/heparin stent within 6 hours, and stent thrombosis was found in BMS at (59.0±8.5) min and in sirolimus DES at (67.0±7.8) min (P<0.01). The early re-endothelialization test showed endothelial coverage rates of chitosan/heparin sirolimus DES and chitosan/heparin stent after 7 d implantation were (82.7±16.4)% and (80.7±14.1)%, significantly higher than those of BMS and sirolimus DES (\[64.3±11\]% and \[59.8±8.4\]%, respectively; P<0.01).Conclusion Chitosan/heparin-coated-sirolimus DES has satisfactory anticoagulation property and it can accelerate early re-endothelialization.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the incidence and possible influencing factors of secondary relative hypoparathyroidism (SRHOP) in the patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods Totally 182 stable chronic renal failure patients with MHD for more than 3 months were selected from the Blood Purification Center of Shanghai 7^th People’s Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012. The status of plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was analyzed according to the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines. The patients were divided into two groups according to plasma iPTH concentrations: SRHOP group (iPTH<150 pg/mL, n=73) and non-SRHOP group (iPTH ≥ 150 pg/mL, n=109). The influencing factors for the SRHOP of MHD patients were investigated by Spearman correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis. Results The average concentration of plasma iPTH of 182 MHD patients was (173.5±114.3) pg/mL, and the concentration decreased gradually with age. According to KDIGO guidelines, the concentrations of plasma iPTH reached the standard in 83 cases (45.6%), lower than the standard in 73 cases (40.1%), and higher than the standard in 26 cases (14.3%). The concentrations of plasma iPTH were not significantly different between the genders. The age, incidence of diabetes, and plasma corrected calcium concentration of the SRHOP patients were significantly higher, while the plasma phosphorus, albumin and normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA) levels were significantly lower than those of the non-SRHOP patients (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in gender composition, duration of dialysis, blood pressure, plasma urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, urea clearance index (Kt/V), numbers of patients with oral calcium or vitamin D, and hemoglobin between the two groups. Spearman analysis showed that age, diabetes, plasma corrected calcium, and phosphorus and albumin levels were associated with SRHOP, and Logistic regression analysis indicated that the age and plasma phosphorus level of MHD patients were independent risk factors for SRHOP. Conclusion SRHOP, rather than secondary hyperparathyroidism, often occurs in MHD patients. The patient age and plasma phosphorus level are the independent risk factors for SRHOP.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the appropriate cut-off point of CA19-9 level for predicting the prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) after radical surgery, and to discuss other potential prognostic factors that may affect their prognosis. Methods Totally 168 patients who had undergone radical surgery for HC in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital were selected for this study. The relationship of preoperation serum CA19-9 level with the clinicopathological characteristics of HC patients was analyzed, and ROC curve was used to determine the appropriate cut-off point of CA19-9 level. The potential factors influencing the prognosis were analyzed by univariate model and the independent factors were analyzed by multivariate methods. Results Preoperative serum CA19-9 level was related to pathologic stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size in HC patients. The strongest univariate predictor among the categorized preoperative CA19-9 measures was CA19-9 level less than 150 U/mL (P=0.000). In univariate analysis, the age, tumor size, differentiation degree, Bismuth-Corlette classification, portal vein invasion, hepatic artery invasion, liver invasion, preoperative biliary drainage, lymph node metastasis, and resection margin were identified as significant prognostic factors of HC. Multivariable analysis showed that the differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, hepatic artery invasion, resection margin and preoperative serum CA19-9 level were the independent prognostic factors of HC, with the OR values and 95%confidence interval (CI) being 3.359 (1.440-7.837), 2.973 (1.927-4.587), 2.096 (1.271-3.455), 2.238 (1.356-3.694), and 2.954 (1.890-4.618), respectively. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that preoperative serum CA19-9 level is an independent prognostic factor for HC patients, and the most discriminative cut-off point of CA19-9 level for prognosis is 150 U/mL. The differentiation degree, lymph node metastasis, hepatic artery invasion, and resection margin are also the independent prognostic factors of HC.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the clinical value of whole-brain CT perfusion combined with ankle-brachial index (ABI) in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Methods A total of 105 patients who were suspected of having cerebral ischemia were selected in this study, including 33 patients in the abnormal ABI group and 72 patients in normal ABI group. Examination by a 320-detector row whole-brain computed tomography (CT) scan with CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion was given to all the patients with stable symptoms. The perfusion parameters, including cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and delay time, were obtained. The brain perfusion images were evaluated by two experienced physicians, and then the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of ABI in predicting brain CT perfusion abnormalities were calculated. Results Sixty-eight patients showed brain CT perfusion abnormalities, manifested as prolonged MTT and TTP, increased, normal or reduced CBV, and normal or reduced CBF. The 68 patients included 25 with abnormal ABI and 43 with normal ABI. The rate of positive CT perfusion in the abnormal ABI group (75.8%,25/33) was significantly higher than that in the normal ABI group (59.7%,43/72; P=0.039); the relative MTT and the relative TTP in the abnormal ABI group were also significantly longer than those in the normal ABI group (P<0.05). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of ABI predicted brain CT perfusion abnormalities were 75.8%, 40.3%, 36.8%, and 78.4%, respectively. Conclusion Whole-brain CT perfusion can accurately evaluate the hemodynamic changes at an early stage; simple ABI examination has certain predictive value for brain perfusion abnormalities; and the combination of them may facilitate the earlier detection and treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the sleep quality and personality of staffs suffering long-term chronic stress. Methods A total of 100 staffs working in a showcase unit in Shanghai for over 1 year (with long-term chronic stress) were assessed with Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ) and self-rating symptom scale (SCL-90). The sleep quality and mental health status were compared between staffs with different personalities. Results Totally 97 valid questionnaires were collected and the valid response rate was 97%. (1) Under long-term chronic stress the mean score of PSQI was (2.76±1.85) for the 97 staffs, and 18.6% (18/97) of them had sleeping disorders (PSQI ≥5). Staffs of different genders, ages, educational backgrounds and seniorities showed no significant difference in sleeping disorder incidence (P>0.05). (2) The psychoticism and neuroticism scores of EPQ in the 97 staffs were significantly lower than the norms, while their extraversion-introversion dimension of EPQ was significantly higher than the norms (P<0.05). (3) The emotion stable staffs (66) had significantly lower PSQI and SCL-90 scores compared with the intermediate staffs (31, P<0.05); the extravert staffs (72) also had significantly lower PSQI and SCL-90 scores compared with the intermediate staffs (25, P<0.05). (4) Compared with the norms, the total scores and the scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal relationship, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, and paranoid ideation of SCL-90 were significantly lower in staffs under long-term chronic stress (P<0.05). (5) It showed that the score of extraversion-introversion dimension of EPQ was negatively correlated with the scores of obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal relationship, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation and psychoticism factors of SCL-90, while the neuroticism score of EPQ was positively correlated with all factors of SCL-90 (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of sleep disorder of staffs under the long-term chronic stress is 18.6% in our study. The personality of staffs under the long-term chronic stress is extravert and emotionally stable. Staffs with extravert personality and stable type are less likely to have psychological and sleep quality problems.

Abstract:Objective To establish a method for isolation, purification of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and for their differentiation into vascular endothelial cells, and to observe the regulatory role of microRNA126 expression during the differentiation. Methods MSCs were isolated from normal rat bone marrow using gradient density centrifugation and repeated attachment method. CD34, CD105 and CD73 expressions in MSCs were detected with immunofluorescent staining. MSCs were cultured with MEF medium for differentiating into endothelial cells; CD34, VE-cadherin and microRNA126 expressions were examined by qRT-PCR at different time points. Results Immunofluorescent detection demonstrated that MSCs have been isolated and purified successfully, with MSCs negative for CD34, strongly positive for CD105 and positive for CD73. The purified MSCs had a good uniformity and a purity above 90%. qRT-PCR examination revealed that CD34 and VE-cadherin expressions were not detected on day 1-4 of induction, strongly positive on day 5-6, and on day 7-9, VE-cadherin was still positive, CD34 decreased on day 7, and increased again on day 8-9. Interestingly, the expression of CD34 and microRNA126 mRNA was consistent during the differentiation. Conclusion We have successfully established a method for MSCs isolation and differentiation into endothelial cells; microRNA126 may play a regulatory role in MSCs differentiation into endothelial cells.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the feasibility of per-left auricle suture of mitral valve using modified vascular closure device via in vitro experiment, so as to search for new technique for treatment of mitral regurgitation. Methods The market vascular closure device was modified by cutting the tip of extension tube, while reserving the marking hole for passing the puncture wire and broadening the needle pitch. Twenty goat hearts were obtained and the pericardium was opened to expose the left auricle. After puncture of the left auricle with the Cordis needle, a “J” type guide wire was inserted through the needle sheath. It was confirmed that the “J” type guide wire must be in the left ventricle through cutting the left ventricle along the interventricular groove. Then the modified vascular closure device was introduced into the left ventricle along the “J” wire. The anterior leaflet and posterior leaflet of mitral valve were sutured together by the vascular closure device in ventricular side of the mitral valve. Results Our modified vascular closure device could successfully suture the anterior leaflet and posterior leaflet of mitral valve, without damaging the valve structure. Conclusion The modified vascular closure device is well designed and can be used for suturing anterior leaflet and posterior leaflet of mitral valve.

Abstract:Objective To establish a Bayesian classifier-based lung cancer prediction model, and to discuss its predictive efficiency. Methods Using the reaction data of previously screened 6 phage peptide clones with the sera of 90 lung cancer patients and 90 healthy controls, we established a Bayesian classifier-based lung cancer prediction model, with the data analyzed by BinReg 2.0 software. The predictive efficiencies of different models (Bayesian classifier-based prediction model，Logistic regression, principal component regression, and support vector machine) were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results The sensitivity and specificity of Bayesian classifier-based lung cancer prediction model were 92.00% and 96.00%, respectively. And the model satisfactorily distinguished lung cancer patients and healthy controls. Conclusion Our Bayesian classifier-based lung cancer prediction model can accurately predict the risk of lung cancer.

Abstract:MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA which exert post-transcriptional gene regulation activity by targeting messenger RNAs. miRNAs have been found involved in a great variety of fundamental biological processes, and deregulation of miRNAs is known to be closely related to morbidity. Recent studies have confirmed that several miRNAs were differentially expressed after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and some of them might be involved in IRI regulation. miRNAs can influence the expression of inflammatory mediators in endothelial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages,and thus regulate inflammatory response during renal IRI. miRNAs might also influence genes related to apoptosis and proliferation, and thus regulate apoptosis and proliferation of tubular epithelial cells. miRNAs could also induce accumulation of endothelial progenitor cells in renal tissue and facilitate angiogenesis and injury repair. Extracellular studies have also showed that instant change of some miRNAs in serum and urine might reflect the degree of renal IRI. Therefore, miRNAs might serve as new biomarkers as well as potential therapeutic targets for renal IRI.

Abstract:Hypertension disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) can be associated with multiple organ dysfunction or failure, even convulsions, coma and death in severe cases. HDCP poses a serious threat to maternal and fetal health, and is one of the important reasons for maternal and perinatal infant mortality. However, the etiology of HDCP remains largely unknown. Recently many studies have found HDCP is accompanied by changes of some hormones, including progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, thyroid hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone. In this review we delineated the fluctuations of the above four common hormones in HDCP patients and their relation with HDCP, hoping to cast new sights for its etiology and prediction.

Abstract:Objective To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determining furfural in dextran 40 raw material and its sodium chloride injection. Methods The chromatographic conditions adopted were as follows: a MACHEREY-NAGEL C₁₈ (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm), a mobile phase of methanol-water (pH=3.0, VV=1090), the column temperature at (35±5)℃, the flow rate at 1.0 mL/min, and the detection wavelength at 275 nm. Results The calibration curve was linear within the concentration range of 0.01-10.10 μg/mL, with the regression equation being Y=192 440.8X-3 711.6 (R=0.999 9), and the inter-day RSD was 0.5%; the average recovery rate was 98.1% (RSD being 0.3%), with the limit of detection (LOD) being 0.003 μg/mL. The level of furfural was 0.071 10-1.306 0 μg/g in dextran 40 raw material and 0.018 0-0.198 8 μg/mL in the dextran 40 sodium chloride injection. Conclusion The method of this study is simple and accurate, and can be used for determining the levels of furfural in dextran 40 raw material and its sodium chloride injection.

Abstract:Objective To discuss the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral flexible ureteroscopy (SBFU) with holmium laser lithotripsy for bilateral renal or ureteral calculi. Methods The clinical data of 78 patients (51 males, 27 females; average age \[43±12\] years, range 22 to 74 years) who underwent SBFU with holmium laser lithotripsy for bilateral renal or ureteral calculi in our hospital between January 2004 and February 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean number of stones per case was 3.0±0.5 (range 2 to 5), and the mean diameter of the largest stone was (2.5±1.2) cm (range 1.0 to 5.0 cm). The operation was conducted under intravenous anesthesia. The upper ureteral calculi was removed firstly by ureteroscopy with holmium laser when it existed. After the ureteral access sheath was placed, flexible ureteroscopy was inserted into the renal pelvis, and then a 200 μm holmium laser fiber was used for fragmentizing stones and the large pieces was removed by stone basket. The operation was considered successful if no residual stone existed or residual stones were less than 4 mm in diameter during postoperative examination. Clinical data including operation time, stone-free rate and complications were analyzed. Results The flexible ureteroscopy was successfully placed in all the 78 cases, and the average operation time per case was (74.0±40.4) min (range 40 to 312 min), with no bleeding, ureteral perforation, avulsion or rupture during operation. The success rate of stone fragmentation was 93.6% (146/156) and the stone-free rate was 86.0% (134/156). Seven cases (9.0%, 7/78) required a second stage flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy. The postoperative fever (>38℃) was found in 2 cases (2.6%, 2/78). Conclusion SBFU with holmium laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment for bilateral renal or ureteral calculi. This procedure is a reliable treatment option for bilateral renal or ureteral calculi.

Abstract:Abstract: Objective: The pathology and orthodontic mechanism of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are always concerned by scholars and experts of medical profession and engineering community. The structure of spine is complex, and the establishment of the spine model is more difficult. With the combination of mechanical thoughts, spine biomechanics and medicine, one new modeling method which is fast and effective was explored. The effectiveness of this method was verified in the paper. Methods: The vertebra, intervertebral discs, small joint of spinal were regarded as the mechanical parts in the study. According to the data which is provided by literature and medical school, the models was established and they were combined into a whole in the light of certain assembly relation. Then the simplified model was imported into ANSYS and the finite element model of L1～L5 segment lumbar was established. Results: The 3D simplified geometry model of L1～L5 section lumbar was established by the mechanical methods and its effectiveness was verified in this paper. Conclusion: The simplified model of L1～L5 section lumbar which was built by mechanical method was effective. The model was similar to the real spinal. The critical sizes, mutual connection relationship and sports relationship were grasped accurately. The modeling cycle was short and it could be modified conveniently. It is hoped that this modeling method can provide some convenience for exploring the etiology and pathology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in future.

Abstract:Objective：To estimate the effect of docetaxel combined with cyclopamine on the treatment of glioma. Methods The anti-proliferation efficiency of DOC combined with cyclopamine was evaluated by MTT assay. Tumor spheroids were used to evaluate anti-tumor ability of DOC DOC combined with cyclopamine. U87 cells were xenografted in athymic nude mice to establish the animal model, which were used to evaluate the effect of anti-glioma. Results The anti-proliferative activity against U87s and tumor spheroids confirmed strong inhibitory effect of docetaxel combined with cyclopamine. The combination of DOC and cyclopamine can prolong the median survival time of U87 bearing nude mice than other groups significantly. Conclusion the DOC and cyclopamine can inhibit the growth of gioma, and the combination of DOC and cyclopamine may be a potentially effective treatment for glioma.

Abstract:目的 建立反相高效液相色谱法测定肝力保胶囊中虎杖苷、白藜芦醇和大黄素含量。方法 使用Agilent SB-C18 (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5µm)，用0.1%甲酸和乙腈为流动相梯度洗脱，流速1.0 ml/min，柱温25℃，检测波长305nm。 结果 虎杖苷在12.5~125.4 µg/ml （r=0.9996），白藜芦醇在 5.0~50.0 µg/ml（r=0.9998），大黄素2.37~23.65 µg/ml （r=0.9994）浓度范围内呈良好线性关系，回收率分别为99.93% (RSD=2.96%)、101.47%（RSD=2.96%）及99.29% (RSD=2.18 %)。8批肝力保胶囊中虎杖苷含量为（1071.69±13.90）~（2942.58±14.30）µg /g，白藜芦醇含量为（131.50±0.78）~（292.83±0.65）µg /g，大黄素含量为（130.54±0.99）~（376.64±0.92）µg /g。结论 该方法简便、准确，重复性好，可用于肝力保胶囊的质量控制。