Needle retention duration, as an essential link in acupuncture treatment, has always been valued by physicians in all ages of the Chinese history. In this article, related literatures in recent years on influence fact...Needle retention duration, as an essential link in acupuncture treatment, has always been valued by physicians in all ages of the Chinese history. In this article, related literatures in recent years on influence factors of needle retention duration have been collected and reviewed in terms of duration, type and state of illness, point selection and so on. Modern related researches, to a certain extent, have approved and advanced the viewpoints of the previous physicians. However, few of the studies are randomized controlled trials of evidence-based medicine. Most of them still remain in observation stage. Therefore, scientific designing methods should be adopted in the future for researching approaches of TCM. Systematic and through studies should be carried out on needle retention duration, so as to comprehend the principle and define the optimal duration for different diseases. In this way, a standardized and systematic model on acupuncture treatment can be established.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the main factors associated with mortality in patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer referred to an academic department of general surgery in a large southern Italian city. METHODS:One...AIM:To evaluate the main factors associated with mortality in patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer referred to an academic department of general surgery in a large southern Italian city. METHODS:One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients (M:F ratio=110:39,mean age 52 yrs,range 16-95) with peptic ulcer disease were investigated for clinical history (including age,sex,previous history of peptic ulcer,associated diseases,delayed abdominal surgery,ulcer site,operation type,shock on admission,postoperative general complications, and intra-abdominal and/or wound infections),serum analyses and radiological findings. RESULTS:The overall mortality rate was 4.0%.Among all factors,an age above 65 years,one or more associated diseases,delayed abdominal surgery,shock on admission, postoperative abdominal complications and/or wound infections,were significantly associated (x^2) with increased mortality in patients undergoing surgery (0.0001<P<0.03). CONCLUSION:Factors such as concomitant diseases,shock on admission,delayed surgery,and postoperative abdominal and wound infections are significantly associated with fatal outcomes and need careful evaluation within the general workup of patients admitted for perforated peptic ulcer.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the optimal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment time in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME)scheduled for cataract surgery.METHODS:The study was designed to include 4 groups....AIM:To investigate the optimal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment time in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME)scheduled for cataract surgery.METHODS:The study was designed to include 4 groups.Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with diabetes but no retinopathy(DR;group 1),17 eyes of 17 patients with DR but no DME(group 2),and 19 eyes of 19 patients with DME who received anti-VEGF therapy concurrently with cataract surgery(group 3),and 21 eyes of 21 patients who received anti-VEGF therapy for DME 1wk before cataract surgery(group 4).The patients’best corrected visual acuity,intraocular pressure,central and mean macular thickness(CMT and MMT)values were noted on the day of surgery,postoperative day 1,week 1,and month 1.RESULTS:There was a significant increase of CMT after cataract surgery in groups 1,2,and 3(P<0.001,P=0.044,and P=0.034,respectively)but not in group 4(P=0.948).The change in MMT was the same as CMT(P=0.009,P=0.006,P=0.011,and P=0.172,respectively).There was a higher increase in CMT and MMT in group 2 compared to group 1 at the 1st month after surgery(P=0.002 and P=0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION:In eyes with DME undergoing cataract surgery,preoperative anti-VEGF treatment may be more effective than simultaneous intravitreal anti-VEGF with surgery.展开更多
Purpose: To study the time-effect relationship of action of acupuncture on the satiety center of ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) in rats with experimental obesity. Methods: Microelectrode recording method o...Purpose: To study the time-effect relationship of action of acupuncture on the satiety center of ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) in rats with experimental obesity. Methods: Microelectrode recording method of nerve cells and stereotaxic technique for brain were adopted with discharge frequency (Hz/s) of nerve impulse in VMH as the index, and the time-effect of acupuncture action in different periods between groups were observed. Results: Electric activity in acupuncture group was higher than that in the obesity model group (P<0.001) and the normal group (P<0.01) respectively, and the curve of acupuncture action within 2 hours showed irregular fluctuation. Conclusion: Acupuncture can increase excitability of the satiety center, with a better long-term effect.展开更多
Taken as an example the Upper Permian reef section on the carbonate platformmargin at Ziyun, Guizhou, the paper discusses the missing time of a hiatus surface, an impor-tant problem in chemical sequence stratigraphy, ...Taken as an example the Upper Permian reef section on the carbonate platformmargin at Ziyun, Guizhou, the paper discusses the missing time of a hiatus surface, an impor-tant problem in chemical sequence stratigraphy, with the concept of cosmic chemistry. Then thepaper proposes a series of new concepts for chemical sequence stratigraphy, including the con-densation surface, relative compaction factor and time missing factor. Finally a quantitativecurve of Late Permian relative sea-level change in the Ziyun area is presented with timecoordinates.展开更多
This paper discussed the current of works on computerisation of all problems related to mining subsidence, including the time factor,carried out in the Division of Mining Geodesy of Technical University of Silesia, Po...This paper discussed the current of works on computerisation of all problems related to mining subsidence, including the time factor,carried out in the Division of Mining Geodesy of Technical University of Silesia, Poland. First, the formulas implemented in the programs were presented. These formulas considerably increase the description accuracy of final deformations by taking into uncaved strip along extraction rib (extraction margin). They also improve the deformation description of areas located far from the extraction place. Then, the research results aiming to improving the description of deformation with time were introduced. Finally, the Windows based version of the program for the creation of mining geological opinions were presented in the form accepted by Mining Offices of Poland.展开更多
The middle class in metropolitan Chinese cities has become an important social group. With the rapid development of urbanization and constant advancement of suburbanization, the middle class has increasingly come to i...The middle class in metropolitan Chinese cities has become an important social group. With the rapid development of urbanization and constant advancement of suburbanization, the middle class has increasingly come to influence city traffic. Research into middle-class commuting activities thus has practical significance for improving traffic congestion and reducing the commuting burden in metropolitan cities. Based on a dataset formed by 816 completed surveys, this paper analyzes the commuting mode, time and distance of middle-class residents in Guangzhou City using the descriptive statistical method. The results indicate that private cars are the main commuting mode, followed by public transport. Meanwhile, middle-class residents mainly undertake medium-short time and medium-short distance commuting. The study subsequently uses multilevel logistic regression and multiple linear regression models to analyze the factors that influence commuting mode choice, time and distance. The gender, age, number of family cars, housing source and jobs-housing balance are the most important factors influencing commuting mode choice; housing, population density, jobs-housing balance and commuting mode significantly affect commuting time; and transport accessibility, jobs-housing balance and commuting mode are the notable factors affecting commuting distance. Finally, this paper analyzes what is affecting the commuting activities of middle-class residents and determines the differences in commuting activity characteristics and influence factors between middle-class and ordinary residents. Policy suggestions to improve urban planning and urban management are also proposed.展开更多
Based on the Gauss linear frequency modulated wavelet transform, a new characteristic index is presented, namely time frequency energy attenuation factor which can reflect the difference features of waveform in earthq...Based on the Gauss linear frequency modulated wavelet transform, a new characteristic index is presented, namely time frequency energy attenuation factor which can reflect the difference features of waveform in earthquake focus mechanism, wave traveling path and its attenuation characteristics in focal area or near field. In order to test its validity, we select the natural earthquakes and explosion or collapse events whose focus mechanisms vary obviously,and some natural earthquakes located at the same site or in a very small area. The study indicates that the time frequency energy attenuation factors of the natural earthquakes are obviously different with that of explosion or collapse events, and the change of the time frequency energy attenuation factors is relatively stable for the earthquakes under the normal seismicity background. Using the above mentioned method, it is expected to offer a useful criterion for strong earthquake prediction by continuous earthquake observation.展开更多
According to the traditional immunization procedure, after the first injection of the sample A (emulsion of aimed antigen and Freund's complete adjuvant) to immunize rabbit, successive injections of the sample B (...According to the traditional immunization procedure, after the first injection of the sample A (emulsion of aimed antigen and Freund's complete adjuvant) to immunize rabbit, successive injections of the sample B (emulsion of aimed antigen and Freund's incomplete adjuvant) were followed every 2-4 weeks. In general,high titer of the corresponding polyclonal antisera will be observed after 4-5 injections of sample B in 3-4months. This report presents a simply modified procedure that was able to stimulate the antisera formation in one month and achieve enough avidity to satisfy either Western blot or immunohistochemistry analysis.It just applied an additional injection of the sample A to the rabbit at the 3rd day after the primary immunization injection. You could gain the high titer of the antisera right after the first sample B injection in one month. This method has produced the desired results in three different recombinant antigens with different molecular weight (5.9 KD-55 KD) expressed from prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.展开更多
AIM: The existence and properties of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) receptor on the surface of NIH 3T3 cells and the effects of AFP on cellular signal transduction pathway were investigated. METHODS: The effect of AFP on the...AIM: The existence and properties of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) receptor on the surface of NIH 3T3 cells and the effects of AFP on cellular signal transduction pathway were investigated. METHODS: The effect of AFP on the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells was measured by incorporation of 3H-TdR. Receptor-binding assay of 125I-AFP was performed to detect the properties of AFP receptor in NIH 3T3 cells. The influences of AFP on the [cAMP]i and the activities of protein kinase A (PKA) were determined. Western blot was used to detect the change of K-ras P21 protein expression. RESULTS: The proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells treated with 0-80 mg/L of AFP was significantly enhanced. The Scatchard analysis indicated that there were two classes of binding sites with KD of 2.722 x 10(-9)M (Bmax=12810 sites per cell) and 8.931 x 10(-8)M (Bmax=119700 sites per cell) respectively. In the presence of AFP (20 mg/L), the content of cAMP and activities of PKA were significantly elevated . The level of K-ras P21 protein was upregulated by AFP at the concentration of 20 mg/L. The monoclonal antibody against AFP could reverse the effects of AFP on the cAMP content, PKA activity and the expression of K-ras p21 gene. CONCLUSION: The effect of AFP on the cell proliferation was achieved by binding its receptor to trigger the signal transduction pathway of cAMP-PKA and alter the expression of K- ras p21 gene.展开更多
AIM： To study the relationship between interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） up-regulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMMP-1） mRNA expression and phosphorylation of both c-jun N-terminal kinase （INK）...AIM： To study the relationship between interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） up-regulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMMP-1） mRNA expression and phosphorylation of both c-jun N-terminal kinase （INK） and p38 in rat heffatic stellate cells （HSC）. METHODS： RT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA in rat HSC. Western blot was performed to measure IL-1β-induced JNK and p38 activities in rat HSC. RESULTS： TIMMP-1 mRNA expression （1.191± 0.079） was much higher after treatment with IL-1β （10 ng/mL） for 24 h than in control group （0.545±0.091） （P〈0.01）. IL-1β activated INK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-1β for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min, the INK activity was 0.982±0.299, 1.501±0.720, 2.133±0.882, 3.360±0.452, 2.181±0.789, and 1.385 ± 0.368, respectively. There was a significant difference in JNK activity at 15 min （P〈 0.01）, 30 min （P〈 0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） in comparison to that at 0 min. The p38 activity was 1.061±0.310, 2.050±0.863, 2.380±0.573, 2.973±0.953, 2.421±0.793, and 1.755 ± 0.433 at the 6 time points （0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min） respectively. There was a significant difference in p38 activity at 5 min （P〈0.05）, 15 min （P〈0.01）, 30 min （P〈0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） compared to that at 0 min. TIMMP-1 mRNA expression trended to decrease in 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SP600125 （10 μmol/L, 1.022±0.113; 20 μmol/L, 0.869±0.070; 40 μmol/L, 0.666±0.123）. Their decreases were all significant （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, P〈0.01） in comparison to control group （without SP600125 treatment, 1.163±0.107）. In the other 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SB203580 （10 μmol/L, 1.507±0.099; 20 μmol/L, 1.698±0.107; 40 μmol/L, 1.857±0.054）, the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA increased. Their levels were higher than those in the control group （without SB203580 treatment, 1.027 ± 0.061） with a significant statistical significance （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： IL-1β has a direct action on hepatic fibrosis by up-regulating TIMMP-1 mRNA expression in ratessionin in rate HSC.JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） are involved in IL-1β-induced TIMMP-1 gene expression, and play a distinct role in this process, indicating that p38 and .INK pathways cooperatively mediate TIMP-1 mRNA expression in rat HSC.展开更多
AIM:Gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone migrated through a cholecystoduodenal fistula has been referred as Bouveret's syndrome.Endoscopic lithotomy is the first-step treatm...AIM:Gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone migrated through a cholecystoduodenal fistula has been referred as Bouveret's syndrome.Endoscopic lithotomy is the first-step treatment, however,surgery is indicated in case of failure or complication during this procedure. METHODS:We report herein an 84-year-old woman presenting with features of gastric outlet obstruction due to impacted gallstone.She underwent an endoscopic retrieval which was unsuccessful and was further complicated by distal gallstone ileus.Physical examination was irrelevant. RESULTS:Endoscopy revealed multiple erosions around the cardia,a large stone in the second part of the duodenum causing complete obstruction,and wide ulceration in the duodenal wall where the stone was impacted.Several attempts of endoscopic extraction by using foreign body forceps failed and surgical intervention was mandatory.Preoperative ultrasound evidenced pneumobilia whilst computerized tomography showed a large stone,5 cm×4 cm×3 cm,logging at the proximal jejunum and another one,2.5 cm×2 cm×2 cm, in the duodenal bulb causing a closed-loop syndrome.She underwent laparotomy and the jejunal stone was removed by enterotomy.Another stone reported as located in the duodenum preoperatively was found to be present in the gallbladder by intraoperative ultrasound.Therefore, cholecystoduodenal fistula was broken down,the stone was retrieved and cholecystectomy with duodenal repair was carried out.She was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course.CONCLUSION: As the simplest and the least morbid procedure, endoscopic stone retrieval should be attempted in the treatment of patients with Bouveret's syndrome.When it fails, surgical lithotomy consisting of simple enterotomy may solve the problem. Although cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenal fistula breakdown is unnecessary展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the natural history of subepithelial lesions.METHODS:We reviewed the medical records of 104 159 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Center for Health Promotion of Samsung Med...AIM:To evaluate the natural history of subepithelial lesions.METHODS:We reviewed the medical records of 104 159 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Center for Health Promotion of Samsung Medical Center between 1996 and 2003.Subepithelial lesions were detected in 795 patients(0.76%);252 patients were followed using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for 82.5 ± 29.2 mo(range,12-160 mo;median,84 mo;1st quartile,60 mo;3rd quartile,105 mo).The median interval of follow-up endoscopy was 12 mo(range,6-105 mo;1st quartile,12 mo;3rd quartile,24 mo).RESULTS:The mean patient age was 53 years(range,22-80 years),and the male-to-female ratio was 2.36:1(177/75).The lesion size at initial measurement averaged 8.9 mm(range,2-25 mm;median,8 mm;1st quartile,5 mm;3rd quartile,10 mm).Of the 252 lesions,244(96.8%) were unchanged and 8(3.2%) were significantly increased in size(from 12.9 ± 6.0 to 21.2 ± 12.2 mm) after a mean interval of 59.1 ± 27.5 mo(range,12-86 mo).Surgical resection of lesions was performed when the lesions were ≥ 3 cm in diameter.Two lesions were diagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors with an intermediate or high risk of malignancy and one lesion was classified as a schwannoma.CONCLUSION:Most small subepithelial lesions do not change as shown by endoscopic examination,and regular follow-up with endoscopy may be considered in small,subepithelial lesions,especially lesions < 1 cm in size.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effects of varying ischemic durations on cirrhotic liver and to determine the safe upper limit of repeated intermittent hepatic inflow occlusion. METHODS: Hepatic ischemia in cirrhotic rats was in...AIM: To evaluate the effects of varying ischemic durations on cirrhotic liver and to determine the safe upper limit of repeated intermittent hepatic inflow occlusion. METHODS: Hepatic ischemia in cirrhotic rats was induced by clamping the common pedicle of left and median lobes after non-ischemic lobes resection. The cirrhotic rats were divided into six groups according to the duration and form of vascular clamping: sham occlusion (SO), intermittent occlusion for 10 (IO-10), 15(IO-15), 20(IO-20) and 30(IO-30) minutes with 5 minutes of reflow and continuous occlusion for 60 minutes (CO-60). All animals received a total duration of 60 minutes of hepatic inflow occlusion. Liver viability was investigated in relation of hepatic adenylate energy charge (EC). Triphenyltetrazollum chloride (TTC) reduction activities were assayed to qualitatively evaluate the degree of irreversible hepatocellular injury. The biochemical and morphological changes were also assessed and a 7-day mortality was observed. RESULTS: At 60 minutes after reperfusion following a total of 60 minutes of hepatic inflow occlusion, EC values in IO-10 (0.749 +/- 0.012) and IO-15 (0.699 +/- 0.002) groups were rapidly restored to that in SO group (0.748 +/- 0.016), TTC reduction activities remained in high levels (0.144 +/- 0.002 mg/mg protein, 0.139 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein and 0.121 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein in SO, IO-10 and IO-15 groups, respectively). But in IO-20 and IO-30 groups, EC levels were partly restored (0.457 +/- 0.023 and 0.534 +/- 0.027) accompanying with a significantly decreased TTC reduction activities (0.070 +/- 0.005 mg/mg protein and 0.061 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein). No recovery in EC values (0.228 +/- 0.004) and a progressive decrease in TTC reduction activities (0.033 +/- 0.002 mg/mg protein) were shown in CO-60 group. Although not significantly different, the activities of the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on the third postoperative day (POD(3)) and POD(7) and of the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on POD(3) in CO-60 group remained higher than that in intermittent occlusion groups. Moreover, a 60% animal mortality rate and more severe morphological alterations were also shown in CO-60 group. CONCLUSION: Hepatic inflow occlusion during 60 minutes for liver resection in cirrhotic rats resulted in less hepatocellular injury when occlusion was intermittent rather than continuous. Each period of 15 minutes was the safe upper limit of repeated intermittent vascular occlusion that the cirrhotic liver could tolerate without undergoing irreversible hepatocellular injury.展开更多
To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation, we establishe...To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation, we established an in vitro transfection of human HO-1 gene into rat VSMC mediated by a retroviral vector. The results showed that the profound expression of HO-1 protein as well as HO activity was 1.8- and 2.0-fold increased respectively in the transfected cells compared to the non-transfected ones. The treatment of VSMC with different concentrations of H2O2 led to the remarkable cell damage as indicated by survival rate and LDH leakage. However, the resistance of the HO-1 transfected VSMC against H2O2 was significantly raised. This protective effect was dramatically diminished when the transfected VSMC were pretreated with ZnPP-IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, for 24 h. In addition, we found that the growth potential of the transfected cells was significantly inhibited directly by increased activity of HO-1, and this effect might be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK. These results suggest that the overexpression of introduced hHO-1 is potentially able to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis, partially due to its cellular protection against oxidative injury and to its inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation.展开更多
We report a rare case of postoperative pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery following radical gastrectomy.Surgical trauma to the gastroduodenal artery during regional lymphadenectomy was considered as the cause...We report a rare case of postoperative pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery following radical gastrectomy.Surgical trauma to the gastroduodenal artery during regional lymphadenectomy was considered as the cause of the postoperative pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed by ligating the bleeding vessel. We should consider the possibility of pseudoaneurysm formation in a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding in the postoperative period following radical gastrectomy with regional lymph node and perivascular lymphatic dissection.展开更多
Toxic effects of inhaled sulfur mustard (SM) on the histology of visceral organs was investigaed by exposing mice to 84. 6mg/m3 for 1h duration, using controlled single exposure conditions. A progressive fall in body...Toxic effects of inhaled sulfur mustard (SM) on the histology of visceral organs was investigaed by exposing mice to 84. 6mg/m3 for 1h duration, using controlled single exposure conditions. A progressive fall in body weight from third day onwards was noticed. Light microscopic examination of the pulmonary tissue of these animals at 6 h post exposure revealed that the tracheobronchial epithelium remained intact, but was infiltrated by inflammatory cells. By 24 h post exposure, the mucosecretory cells were destroyed. The indanunatory reaction was maximum at 48 h. By 7th day post exposure there was swelling and vacuolation of lung parenchymal cells and thrombi formation. In addition SM caused congestion and hemorrhage at alveolar level. SM also caused granulovacuolar degeneration with perinuclear clumping of the cytopasm of hepatocytes and renal parenchymal cells. Renallesions were chazacterized by congestion and hemorrhage. Among visceral tissues, maximum atrophywas observed in spleen. Distribution of lesions increased with post exposure period. The maximum lesions were observed at 7th day post-exposure.展开更多
AIM:To determine the long-term prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis in patients after partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer,and to compare the severity of Hpylori-positive gastritis in the corp...AIM:To determine the long-term prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis in patients after partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer,and to compare the severity of Hpylori-positive gastritis in the corpus mucosa between partial gastrectomy patients and matched controls. METHODS:Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from 57 patients after partial gastric resection for histological examination using hematoxylin/eosin and Warthin-Starry staining.Gastritis was graded according to the updated Sydney system.Severity of corpus gastritis was compared between Hpylori-positive partial gastrectomy patients and Hpylori-positive duodenal ulcer patients matched for age and gender. RESULTS:In partial gastrectomy patients,surgery was performed 20 years(median)prior to evaluation.In 25 patients(43.8%)Hpyloriwas detected histologically in the gastric remnant.Gastric atrophy was more common in H pylori-positive compared to H pylori-negative partial gastrectomy patients(P<0.05).The severity of corpus gastritis was significantly lower in Hpylori-positive partial gastrectomy patients compared to duodenal ulcer patients (P<0.01).There were no significant differences in the activity of gastritis,atrophy and intestinal metaplasia between the two groups. CONCLUSION:The long-term prevalence of Hpylorigastritis in the gastric corpus of patients who underwent partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer disease is comparable to the general population.The expression of Hpylorigastritis in the gastric remnant does not resemble the gastric cancer phenotype.展开更多
The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was ...The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.展开更多
基金Supported by Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation:200801054Program of National Natural Science Foundation:30801483
文摘Needle retention duration, as an essential link in acupuncture treatment, has always been valued by physicians in all ages of the Chinese history. In this article, related literatures in recent years on influence factors of needle retention duration have been collected and reviewed in terms of duration, type and state of illness, point selection and so on. Modern related researches, to a certain extent, have approved and advanced the viewpoints of the previous physicians. However, few of the studies are randomized controlled trials of evidence-based medicine. Most of them still remain in observation stage. Therefore, scientific designing methods should be adopted in the future for researching approaches of TCM. Systematic and through studies should be carried out on needle retention duration, so as to comprehend the principle and define the optimal duration for different diseases. In this way, a standardized and systematic model on acupuncture treatment can be established.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the main factors associated with mortality in patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer referred to an academic department of general surgery in a large southern Italian city. METHODS:One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients (M:F ratio=110:39,mean age 52 yrs,range 16-95) with peptic ulcer disease were investigated for clinical history (including age,sex,previous history of peptic ulcer,associated diseases,delayed abdominal surgery,ulcer site,operation type,shock on admission,postoperative general complications, and intra-abdominal and/or wound infections),serum analyses and radiological findings. RESULTS:The overall mortality rate was 4.0%.Among all factors,an age above 65 years,one or more associated diseases,delayed abdominal surgery,shock on admission, postoperative abdominal complications and/or wound infections,were significantly associated (x^2) with increased mortality in patients undergoing surgery (0.0001<P<0.03). CONCLUSION:Factors such as concomitant diseases,shock on admission,delayed surgery,and postoperative abdominal and wound infections are significantly associated with fatal outcomes and need careful evaluation within the general workup of patients admitted for perforated peptic ulcer.
文摘AIM:To investigate the optimal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment time in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME)scheduled for cataract surgery.METHODS:The study was designed to include 4 groups.Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with diabetes but no retinopathy(DR;group 1),17 eyes of 17 patients with DR but no DME(group 2),and 19 eyes of 19 patients with DME who received anti-VEGF therapy concurrently with cataract surgery(group 3),and 21 eyes of 21 patients who received anti-VEGF therapy for DME 1wk before cataract surgery(group 4).The patients’best corrected visual acuity,intraocular pressure,central and mean macular thickness(CMT and MMT)values were noted on the day of surgery,postoperative day 1,week 1,and month 1.RESULTS:There was a significant increase of CMT after cataract surgery in groups 1,2,and 3(P<0.001,P=0.044,and P=0.034,respectively)but not in group 4(P=0.948).The change in MMT was the same as CMT(P=0.009,P=0.006,P=0.011,and P=0.172,respectively).There was a higher increase in CMT and MMT in group 2 compared to group 1 at the 1st month after surgery(P=0.002 and P=0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION:In eyes with DME undergoing cataract surgery,preoperative anti-VEGF treatment may be more effective than simultaneous intravitreal anti-VEGF with surgery.
文摘Purpose: To study the time-effect relationship of action of acupuncture on the satiety center of ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) in rats with experimental obesity. Methods: Microelectrode recording method of nerve cells and stereotaxic technique for brain were adopted with discharge frequency (Hz/s) of nerve impulse in VMH as the index, and the time-effect of acupuncture action in different periods between groups were observed. Results: Electric activity in acupuncture group was higher than that in the obesity model group (P<0.001) and the normal group (P<0.01) respectively, and the curve of acupuncture action within 2 hours showed irregular fluctuation. Conclusion: Acupuncture can increase excitability of the satiety center, with a better long-term effect.
基金This study was supported by the National Climbing Project "Sequence Stratigraphy and Sea-level Eustasy on the Margins of the Chinese Palaeocontinent"(No.8502208)and the China Postdoctoral Foundation.
文摘Taken as an example the Upper Permian reef section on the carbonate platformmargin at Ziyun, Guizhou, the paper discusses the missing time of a hiatus surface, an impor-tant problem in chemical sequence stratigraphy, with the concept of cosmic chemistry. Then thepaper proposes a series of new concepts for chemical sequence stratigraphy, including the con-densation surface, relative compaction factor and time missing factor. Finally a quantitativecurve of Late Permian relative sea-level change in the Ziyun area is presented with timecoordinates.
文摘This paper discussed the current of works on computerisation of all problems related to mining subsidence, including the time factor,carried out in the Division of Mining Geodesy of Technical University of Silesia, Poland. First, the formulas implemented in the programs were presented. These formulas considerably increase the description accuracy of final deformations by taking into uncaved strip along extraction rib (extraction margin). They also improve the deformation description of areas located far from the extraction place. Then, the research results aiming to improving the description of deformation with time were introduced. Finally, the Windows based version of the program for the creation of mining geological opinions were presented in the form accepted by Mining Offices of Poland.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41271182)
文摘The middle class in metropolitan Chinese cities has become an important social group. With the rapid development of urbanization and constant advancement of suburbanization, the middle class has increasingly come to influence city traffic. Research into middle-class commuting activities thus has practical significance for improving traffic congestion and reducing the commuting burden in metropolitan cities. Based on a dataset formed by 816 completed surveys, this paper analyzes the commuting mode, time and distance of middle-class residents in Guangzhou City using the descriptive statistical method. The results indicate that private cars are the main commuting mode, followed by public transport. Meanwhile, middle-class residents mainly undertake medium-short time and medium-short distance commuting. The study subsequently uses multilevel logistic regression and multiple linear regression models to analyze the factors that influence commuting mode choice, time and distance. The gender, age, number of family cars, housing source and jobs-housing balance are the most important factors influencing commuting mode choice; housing, population density, jobs-housing balance and commuting mode significantly affect commuting time; and transport accessibility, jobs-housing balance and commuting mode are the notable factors affecting commuting distance. Finally, this paper analyzes what is affecting the commuting activities of middle-class residents and determines the differences in commuting activity characteristics and influence factors between middle-class and ordinary residents. Policy suggestions to improve urban planning and urban management are also proposed.
文摘Based on the Gauss linear frequency modulated wavelet transform, a new characteristic index is presented, namely time frequency energy attenuation factor which can reflect the difference features of waveform in earthquake focus mechanism, wave traveling path and its attenuation characteristics in focal area or near field. In order to test its validity, we select the natural earthquakes and explosion or collapse events whose focus mechanisms vary obviously,and some natural earthquakes located at the same site or in a very small area. The study indicates that the time frequency energy attenuation factors of the natural earthquakes are obviously different with that of explosion or collapse events, and the change of the time frequency energy attenuation factors is relatively stable for the earthquakes under the normal seismicity background. Using the above mentioned method, it is expected to offer a useful criterion for strong earthquake prediction by continuous earthquake observation.
基金We would like to thank Peifang Ping,BaozhenPeng and Dr.Xinxiu Yang for their helps in im-munization and ELISA.This work was funded bythe National Natural Sciences Foundation of China,No.39893320,the"973"Basic Research FundingScheme of China(G 199905590
文摘According to the traditional immunization procedure, after the first injection of the sample A (emulsion of aimed antigen and Freund's complete adjuvant) to immunize rabbit, successive injections of the sample B (emulsion of aimed antigen and Freund's incomplete adjuvant) were followed every 2-4 weeks. In general,high titer of the corresponding polyclonal antisera will be observed after 4-5 injections of sample B in 3-4months. This report presents a simply modified procedure that was able to stimulate the antisera formation in one month and achieve enough avidity to satisfy either Western blot or immunohistochemistry analysis.It just applied an additional injection of the sample A to the rabbit at the 3rd day after the primary immunization injection. You could gain the high titer of the antisera right after the first sample B injection in one month. This method has produced the desired results in three different recombinant antigens with different molecular weight (5.9 KD-55 KD) expressed from prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.
基金This work was supported by National NaturalScience Fundation of China(No.39760077).
文摘AIM: The existence and properties of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) receptor on the surface of NIH 3T3 cells and the effects of AFP on cellular signal transduction pathway were investigated. METHODS: The effect of AFP on the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells was measured by incorporation of 3H-TdR. Receptor-binding assay of 125I-AFP was performed to detect the properties of AFP receptor in NIH 3T3 cells. The influences of AFP on the [cAMP]i and the activities of protein kinase A (PKA) were determined. Western blot was used to detect the change of K-ras P21 protein expression. RESULTS: The proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells treated with 0-80 mg/L of AFP was significantly enhanced. The Scatchard analysis indicated that there were two classes of binding sites with KD of 2.722 x 10(-9)M (Bmax=12810 sites per cell) and 8.931 x 10(-8)M (Bmax=119700 sites per cell) respectively. In the presence of AFP (20 mg/L), the content of cAMP and activities of PKA were significantly elevated . The level of K-ras P21 protein was upregulated by AFP at the concentration of 20 mg/L. The monoclonal antibody against AFP could reverse the effects of AFP on the cAMP content, PKA activity and the expression of K-ras p21 gene. CONCLUSION: The effect of AFP on the cell proliferation was achieved by binding its receptor to trigger the signal transduction pathway of cAMP-PKA and alter the expression of K- ras p21 gene.
文摘AIM： To study the relationship between interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） up-regulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMMP-1） mRNA expression and phosphorylation of both c-jun N-terminal kinase （INK） and p38 in rat heffatic stellate cells （HSC）. METHODS： RT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA in rat HSC. Western blot was performed to measure IL-1β-induced JNK and p38 activities in rat HSC. RESULTS： TIMMP-1 mRNA expression （1.191± 0.079） was much higher after treatment with IL-1β （10 ng/mL） for 24 h than in control group （0.545±0.091） （P〈0.01）. IL-1β activated INK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-1β for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min, the INK activity was 0.982±0.299, 1.501±0.720, 2.133±0.882, 3.360±0.452, 2.181±0.789, and 1.385 ± 0.368, respectively. There was a significant difference in JNK activity at 15 min （P〈 0.01）, 30 min （P〈 0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） in comparison to that at 0 min. The p38 activity was 1.061±0.310, 2.050±0.863, 2.380±0.573, 2.973±0.953, 2.421±0.793, and 1.755 ± 0.433 at the 6 time points （0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min） respectively. There was a significant difference in p38 activity at 5 min （P〈0.05）, 15 min （P〈0.01）, 30 min （P〈0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） compared to that at 0 min. TIMMP-1 mRNA expression trended to decrease in 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SP600125 （10 μmol/L, 1.022±0.113; 20 μmol/L, 0.869±0.070; 40 μmol/L, 0.666±0.123）. Their decreases were all significant （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, P〈0.01） in comparison to control group （without SP600125 treatment, 1.163±0.107）. In the other 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SB203580 （10 μmol/L, 1.507±0.099; 20 μmol/L, 1.698±0.107; 40 μmol/L, 1.857±0.054）, the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA increased. Their levels were higher than those in the control group （without SB203580 treatment, 1.027 ± 0.061） with a significant statistical significance （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： IL-1β has a direct action on hepatic fibrosis by up-regulating TIMMP-1 mRNA expression in ratessionin in rate HSC.JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） are involved in IL-1β-induced TIMMP-1 gene expression, and play a distinct role in this process, indicating that p38 and .INK pathways cooperatively mediate TIMP-1 mRNA expression in rat HSC.
文摘AIM:Gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone migrated through a cholecystoduodenal fistula has been referred as Bouveret's syndrome.Endoscopic lithotomy is the first-step treatment, however,surgery is indicated in case of failure or complication during this procedure. METHODS:We report herein an 84-year-old woman presenting with features of gastric outlet obstruction due to impacted gallstone.She underwent an endoscopic retrieval which was unsuccessful and was further complicated by distal gallstone ileus.Physical examination was irrelevant. RESULTS:Endoscopy revealed multiple erosions around the cardia,a large stone in the second part of the duodenum causing complete obstruction,and wide ulceration in the duodenal wall where the stone was impacted.Several attempts of endoscopic extraction by using foreign body forceps failed and surgical intervention was mandatory.Preoperative ultrasound evidenced pneumobilia whilst computerized tomography showed a large stone,5 cm×4 cm×3 cm,logging at the proximal jejunum and another one,2.5 cm×2 cm×2 cm, in the duodenal bulb causing a closed-loop syndrome.She underwent laparotomy and the jejunal stone was removed by enterotomy.Another stone reported as located in the duodenum preoperatively was found to be present in the gallbladder by intraoperative ultrasound.Therefore, cholecystoduodenal fistula was broken down,the stone was retrieved and cholecystectomy with duodenal repair was carried out.She was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course.CONCLUSION: As the simplest and the least morbid procedure, endoscopic stone retrieval should be attempted in the treatment of patients with Bouveret's syndrome.When it fails, surgical lithotomy consisting of simple enterotomy may solve the problem. Although cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenal fistula breakdown is unnecessary
文摘AIM:To evaluate the natural history of subepithelial lesions.METHODS:We reviewed the medical records of 104 159 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Center for Health Promotion of Samsung Medical Center between 1996 and 2003.Subepithelial lesions were detected in 795 patients(0.76%);252 patients were followed using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for 82.5 ± 29.2 mo(range,12-160 mo;median,84 mo;1st quartile,60 mo;3rd quartile,105 mo).The median interval of follow-up endoscopy was 12 mo(range,6-105 mo;1st quartile,12 mo;3rd quartile,24 mo).RESULTS:The mean patient age was 53 years(range,22-80 years),and the male-to-female ratio was 2.36:1(177/75).The lesion size at initial measurement averaged 8.9 mm(range,2-25 mm;median,8 mm;1st quartile,5 mm;3rd quartile,10 mm).Of the 252 lesions,244(96.8%) were unchanged and 8(3.2%) were significantly increased in size(from 12.9 ± 6.0 to 21.2 ± 12.2 mm) after a mean interval of 59.1 ± 27.5 mo(range,12-86 mo).Surgical resection of lesions was performed when the lesions were ≥ 3 cm in diameter.Two lesions were diagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors with an intermediate or high risk of malignancy and one lesion was classified as a schwannoma.CONCLUSION:Most small subepithelial lesions do not change as shown by endoscopic examination,and regular follow-up with endoscopy may be considered in small,subepithelial lesions,especially lesions < 1 cm in size.
基金This Work was supported by the grant from the Science and Technology Committee of Zhejiang Province,No.971103132
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effects of varying ischemic durations on cirrhotic liver and to determine the safe upper limit of repeated intermittent hepatic inflow occlusion. METHODS: Hepatic ischemia in cirrhotic rats was induced by clamping the common pedicle of left and median lobes after non-ischemic lobes resection. The cirrhotic rats were divided into six groups according to the duration and form of vascular clamping: sham occlusion (SO), intermittent occlusion for 10 (IO-10), 15(IO-15), 20(IO-20) and 30(IO-30) minutes with 5 minutes of reflow and continuous occlusion for 60 minutes (CO-60). All animals received a total duration of 60 minutes of hepatic inflow occlusion. Liver viability was investigated in relation of hepatic adenylate energy charge (EC). Triphenyltetrazollum chloride (TTC) reduction activities were assayed to qualitatively evaluate the degree of irreversible hepatocellular injury. The biochemical and morphological changes were also assessed and a 7-day mortality was observed. RESULTS: At 60 minutes after reperfusion following a total of 60 minutes of hepatic inflow occlusion, EC values in IO-10 (0.749 +/- 0.012) and IO-15 (0.699 +/- 0.002) groups were rapidly restored to that in SO group (0.748 +/- 0.016), TTC reduction activities remained in high levels (0.144 +/- 0.002 mg/mg protein, 0.139 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein and 0.121 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein in SO, IO-10 and IO-15 groups, respectively). But in IO-20 and IO-30 groups, EC levels were partly restored (0.457 +/- 0.023 and 0.534 +/- 0.027) accompanying with a significantly decreased TTC reduction activities (0.070 +/- 0.005 mg/mg protein and 0.061 +/- 0.003 mg/mg protein). No recovery in EC values (0.228 +/- 0.004) and a progressive decrease in TTC reduction activities (0.033 +/- 0.002 mg/mg protein) were shown in CO-60 group. Although not significantly different, the activities of the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on the third postoperative day (POD(3)) and POD(7) and of the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on POD(3) in CO-60 group remained higher than that in intermittent occlusion groups. Moreover, a 60% animal mortality rate and more severe morphological alterations were also shown in CO-60 group. CONCLUSION: Hepatic inflow occlusion during 60 minutes for liver resection in cirrhotic rats resulted in less hepatocellular injury when occlusion was intermittent rather than continuous. Each period of 15 minutes was the safe upper limit of repeated intermittent vascular occlusion that the cirrhotic liver could tolerate without undergoing irreversible hepatocellular injury.
基金This work was kindly supported by Na-tional Natural Science Foundation of China(No.39670308)
文摘To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation, we established an in vitro transfection of human HO-1 gene into rat VSMC mediated by a retroviral vector. The results showed that the profound expression of HO-1 protein as well as HO activity was 1.8- and 2.0-fold increased respectively in the transfected cells compared to the non-transfected ones. The treatment of VSMC with different concentrations of H2O2 led to the remarkable cell damage as indicated by survival rate and LDH leakage. However, the resistance of the HO-1 transfected VSMC against H2O2 was significantly raised. This protective effect was dramatically diminished when the transfected VSMC were pretreated with ZnPP-IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, for 24 h. In addition, we found that the growth potential of the transfected cells was significantly inhibited directly by increased activity of HO-1, and this effect might be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK. These results suggest that the overexpression of introduced hHO-1 is potentially able to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis, partially due to its cellular protection against oxidative injury and to its inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation.
文摘We report a rare case of postoperative pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery following radical gastrectomy.Surgical trauma to the gastroduodenal artery during regional lymphadenectomy was considered as the cause of the postoperative pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed by ligating the bleeding vessel. We should consider the possibility of pseudoaneurysm formation in a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding in the postoperative period following radical gastrectomy with regional lymph node and perivascular lymphatic dissection.
文摘Toxic effects of inhaled sulfur mustard (SM) on the histology of visceral organs was investigaed by exposing mice to 84. 6mg/m3 for 1h duration, using controlled single exposure conditions. A progressive fall in body weight from third day onwards was noticed. Light microscopic examination of the pulmonary tissue of these animals at 6 h post exposure revealed that the tracheobronchial epithelium remained intact, but was infiltrated by inflammatory cells. By 24 h post exposure, the mucosecretory cells were destroyed. The indanunatory reaction was maximum at 48 h. By 7th day post exposure there was swelling and vacuolation of lung parenchymal cells and thrombi formation. In addition SM caused congestion and hemorrhage at alveolar level. SM also caused granulovacuolar degeneration with perinuclear clumping of the cytopasm of hepatocytes and renal parenchymal cells. Renallesions were chazacterized by congestion and hemorrhage. Among visceral tissues, maximum atrophywas observed in spleen. Distribution of lesions increased with post exposure period. The maximum lesions were observed at 7th day post-exposure.
文摘AIM:To determine the long-term prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis in patients after partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer,and to compare the severity of Hpylori-positive gastritis in the corpus mucosa between partial gastrectomy patients and matched controls. METHODS:Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from 57 patients after partial gastric resection for histological examination using hematoxylin/eosin and Warthin-Starry staining.Gastritis was graded according to the updated Sydney system.Severity of corpus gastritis was compared between Hpylori-positive partial gastrectomy patients and Hpylori-positive duodenal ulcer patients matched for age and gender. RESULTS:In partial gastrectomy patients,surgery was performed 20 years(median)prior to evaluation.In 25 patients(43.8%)Hpyloriwas detected histologically in the gastric remnant.Gastric atrophy was more common in H pylori-positive compared to H pylori-negative partial gastrectomy patients(P<0.05).The severity of corpus gastritis was significantly lower in Hpylori-positive partial gastrectomy patients compared to duodenal ulcer patients (P<0.01).There were no significant differences in the activity of gastritis,atrophy and intestinal metaplasia between the two groups. CONCLUSION:The long-term prevalence of Hpylorigastritis in the gastric corpus of patients who underwent partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer disease is comparable to the general population.The expression of Hpylorigastritis in the gastric remnant does not resemble the gastric cancer phenotype.
基金This work was supported by a grant from 863High Technology Program,Chinese Ministry of Sci-ence and Technology
文摘The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.
