Development and application of the Chinese version of the adult strabismus quality of life questionnaire (AS-20): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with strabismus experience visual dysfunction, self-image disorders, low self-esteem, and social and emotional barriers, which adversely influence their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Currently no strabismus-specific questionnaire is available in China to identify patients' quality of life and to evaluate the effectiveness of strabismus treatment. The aims of the present study were to validate the Chinese-language version of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) and to evaluate the impacts of strabismus on the quality of life among Chinese strabismus patients. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five Chinese adults with strabismus, one hundred visually normal adults and one hundred patients with other eye diseases completed the Chinese version of AS-20. Psychometric properties of the Chinese AS-20 were examined by Cronbach's α coefficient, test-retest and split-half reliability, and construct and criterion-related validity. Independent-samples t test and one-way ANOVA analyses were conducted to explore the impact of demographic factors and clinical characteristics on HRQoL in Chinese strabismic adults. RESULTS: The final AS-20 in Chinese (AS-C) included 18 items and two subscales: psychosocial (12 items) and function (6 items). The Cronbach's α was 0.908 for overall scale, with 0.913 and 0.808 for 'psychosocial' and 'function' subscales respectively, indicating high internal consistency reliability. The mean of the overall AS-C score among strabismus patients was 62.80 ± 18.94, significantly lower than that in visually normal adults (t = -18.693, P < 0.001), and in patients with other eye diseases (t = -5.512, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The AS-C is a culturally appropriate tool to evaluate the HRQoL in Chinese strabismus adults. The psychosocial health well-being and overall quality of life in strabismic patients should receive greater emphasis.

Effects of preoperatively selected gut decontamination on cardiopulmonary bypass-induced endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of preoperatively selected gut decontamination (SGD) on intestinally derived endotoxemia(ETM) in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement operation with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly divided into control group and SGD group. The patients in control group underwent preoperative bowel preparation, i.e, diet preparation and enema. The patients in SGD group were administrated 100 mg Tobramycin, 40 mg garlicin and 20% Lactulose for 10 ml three times per day for 3 days besides routinely preoperative bowel preparation. Bacteria cultivation and identification and Gram staining of feces in both groups were used to evaluate species of intestinal flora and their ratios. The levels of endotoxin, D-lactate, TNF-alpha and complement 3 were determined at four time points of anesthetic induction, CPB end, 2 h after CPB, 24 h after CPB. And the related clinical biochemical and clinical markers were recorded. RESULTS: Aerobic gram-negative bacilli (AGNB) ratio in post-SGD group decreased significantly as compared with that in control group and pre-SGD group (P less than 0.05). The level of D-lactate reduced significantly at time points of anesthetic induction and 2 h after CPB (P less than 0.05). Endotoxin levels of patients in both groups elevated significantly after CPB (P less than 0.05), and endotoxin levels of the patients in SGD group decreased significantly at points of CPB end (P less than 0.01) and 24 h after CPB (P less than 0.05) compared with those in control group. The levels of TNF-alpha and complement 3 were similar in both groups as well as clinical and biochemical markers. CONCLUSIONS: CPB induces endotoxemia, while the regime of SGD is an effective way to prevent endotoxemia but may not affect activation of inflammatory media and clinical outcomes.

[Effect of oxygen therapy for injury of intestinal mucosal barrier of rabbits in high altitude hemorrhagic shock].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of oxygen therapy on gut barrier function of rabbits after hemorrhagic shock at high altitude. METHODS: Fifteen rabbits were exposed to a simulated 4000 m high altitude in a hypobaric chamber, and they were randomly divided into two groups of treatment and control. Then hemorrhagic shock was induced through bleeding to mean artery pressure 40 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). After 1 hour, the rabbits were resuscitated with infusion of total volume of shed blood and balanced saline equivalent to 1.5 times of the shed blood. In addition, the animals of the treatment group were given oxygen therapy. RESULTS: After 4 hours treatment, the mean arterial pressure of the treatment group was increased significantly in comparison with the control group, and the concentrations of plasma lactate in the former were significantly decreased after treatment for 4 hours and 8 hours. The plasma lipopolysaccharide levels in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control after treatment, and the histologic evidence of damage to the intestinal mucosa of the rabbits in the treatment group was less marked than that in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hemorrhagic shock at high altitude may cause disruption of the intestinal mucosa barrier and oxygen therapy could afford protection to the intestinal mucosa barrier in such circumstance.

Thermal stress can inhibit proliferation of ECV304 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of thermal stress on proliferation of human vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and explore its significance. METHODS: Changes of VECs proliferation were investigated with (3)H-TdR incorporation method after ECV304 was treated at 43 degrees for 2 hours, while expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), inhibitor of differentiation-1 (ID1), and P16 and P21 proteins were determined by Western Blotting. RESULTS: The effect of inhibition of VECs growth after thermal stress was detected by (3)H-TdR incorporation experiment. Western blotting showed ICAM-1, a marker of activated endothelial cells, was increased markedly after thermal stress. Expression of ID1 protein declined gradually with increasing expressions of its downstream genes, P16 and P21 following the thermal stress. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal stress could strongly activate VECs and inhibit proliferation of VECs through ID1, thus down regulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, P16 and P21, which might be an essential pathway for recovery of VECs after thermal stress.

[Advances in the research of fluid resuscitation and its monitoring in burn patients].

Shock is the one of the most serious complications during the early stage of burn injury. Early effective fluid resuscitation, enabling the burn patient to pass through the shock stage smoothly and uneventfully, plays a necessary and essential role in the prevention of the subsequent organ complications, reduction of mortality and morbidity, and improvement in life quality. Rapid restoration of blood volume is the fundamental measure to prevent burn shock. In this review, the history and the current status of several important issues related to burn shock resuscitation, including the fluid replacement formula, quality of fluids, and monitoring of physiological parameters, were over viewed. The authors also proposed that a new therapeutic strategy to prevent microvascular permeability should be emphasized and developed in future, which may hopefully act as the most basic approach to prevent burn shock and its related complications.

A Disaster Response and Management Competency Mapping of Community Nurses in China.

BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted in many parts of the world thatcommunity nurses are of vital importance in various phases of disaster response and management. In China, however, it is not clear whether the Chinese community nurses are able to assume disaster-related duties due to the lack of a systematic assessment. METHODS: A pre-designed and well-tested questionnaire was employed to evaluate the competency in disaster response and management among 205 valid registered Chinese community nurses between September and October 2009. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Version 13.0 using one way ANOVA, Least Significant Difference (LSD) and multiple stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: This group of Chinese community nurses scored at an intermediate level of competency (a score of 3.68 (SD 0.48) out of a perfect score of 5) in disaster response and management, suggesting that they have the basic ability to participate in disaster-related nursing. Four factors, namely, Experiences in Disaster Relief, Participation in Disaster Training, the Age and Duration in Job, were identified to be the predominant factors contributing significantly to the integrated competency in disaster response and management of an individual. CONCLUSION: Most of the Chinese community nurses have basic qualifications and competencies to undertake the responsibilities of disaster response and management. However, more targeted disaster training including virtual-reality based drills should be provided in order to improve their competency.

[Influence of histatin 1 on the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of histatin 1 (Hst1) on the proliferation and migration of human epidermal cell line HaCaT. METHODS: (1) HaCaT cells were routinely cultured and divided into control group, 100, 30, and 3 µg/mL Hst1 groups, 10 ng/mL recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) group, and 30 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group, according to the random number table (the same dividing method used for following grouping), with 27 samples in each group. NO stimulating factor was added in control group, while Hst1 and(or) rhEGF in corresponding concentration(s) was (were) added in the latter 5 groups. Cell proliferation was assayed by cell counting method at post culture hour (PCH) 24, 48, and 72. (2) HaCaT cells were divided into control group and 100, 30, and 3 µg/mL Hst1 groups, with 27 samples in each group. NO stimulating factor was added in control group, while Hst1 in corresponding concentration was added in the latter 3 groups. Cell cycle was assayed with flow cytometry at PCH 24, 48, and 72, and PI was calculated. (3) HaCaT cells were divided into control group, 30 µg/mL Hst1 group, 10 ng/mL rhEGF group, 30 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group, 15 µg/mL Hst1 + 5 ng/mL rhEGF group, and 15 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group, with 10 samples in each group. NO stimulating factor was added in control group, while Hst1 and(or) rhEGF in corresponding concentration(s) was (were) added in the latter 5 groups. Cells in each group were divided into two portions: cells in one portion were treated by mitomycin C for 2 hours, while cells in the other portion were not. Scratching assay was conducted in both portions of cells. Cell migration was measured at post scratching hour (PSH) 0, 16, and 24, and the wound-area healing rate was calculated. Data were processed with analysis of variance, and LSD- t test or Dunnett t test was applied in paired comparison among groups. RESULTS: (1) At PCH 24, the cell numbers in 10 ng/mL rhEGF group and 30 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group were significantly higher than that in control group (with t values respectively 3.813, 5.410, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Except for cell numbers in 30 µg/mL Hst1 group and 3 µg/mL Hst1 group at PCH 48, cell numbers in the other groups as treated by Hst1 and (or) rhEGF were significantly higher than those in control group at PCH 48 and 72 (with t values from 7.754 to 24.979, P values all below 0.01). At PCH 72, the cell number was obviously higher in 100 µg/mL Hst1 group [(19.21 ± 0.59)×104] than in 30 µg/mL Hst1 group [(16.19 ± 0.53)×104)] and 3 µg/mL Hst1 group [(15.38 ± 0.13)×104], with t values respectively 11.391, 19.017, P values all below 0.01. The cell number was higher in 30 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group than in 30 µg/mL Hst1 group, 3 µg/mL Hst1 group, and 10 ng/mL rhEGF group (with t values from 4.579 to 34.884, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Cell numbers in all groups increased with prolongation of time. (2) Compared with those in control group at PCH 24 and 48, the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase was decreased, the percentage of cells in S phase was increased (except for cell percentage of 30 µg/mL Hst1 group at PCH 24), and PI value was significantly increased in 100 µg/mL Hst1 group and 30 µg/mL Hst1 group (with t values from 4.752 to 16.104, P values all below 0.01). The PI value in 3 µg/mL Hst1 group was obviously higher than that in control group only at PCH 48 (t = 4.609, P < 0.01). At PCH 72, only the PI value in 100 µg/mL Hst1 group was higher than that in control group (t = 8.005, P < 0.01). Compared among the groups treated by Hst1, the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase showed an elevating trend, and the percentage of cells in S phase and the PI value showed a declining trend along with the decrease in Hst1 concentration at each time point. Compared within each group treated by Hst1, the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase declined first and then elevated, while the percentage of cells in S phase and the PI value elevated first and then declined along with prolongation of time. (3) Without treatment of mitomycin C, the wound-area healing rate in 30 µg/mL Hst1 group (75.9 ± 3.9)% at PSH 16 was significantly higher than those in control group and 10 ng/mL rhEGF group [(53.0 ± 3.5)%, (61.7 ± 2.5)%, with t values respectively 12.241, 7.598, P values all below 0.01], but lower than those in 30 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group, 15 µg/mL Hst1 + 5 ng/mL rhEGF group, and 15 µg/mL Hst1 + 10 ng/mL rhEGF group [(95.0 ± 4.1)%, (97.0 ± 3.7)%, (80.5 ± 5.9)%, with t values from -11.324 to -2.502, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. After being treated by mitomycin C, the wound-area healing rate in 30 µg/mL Hst1 group at PSH 16 [(54.1 ± 4.5)%] was higher than that in control group [(35.8 ± 5.7)%, t = 7.790, P < 0.01], but lower than that in the same Hst1 concentration but without mitomycin C treatment group (t = -10.863, P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the wound-area healing rate between 30 µg/mL Hst1 group and other groups treated by Hst1 and rhEGF at PSH 16 (with t values from 0.061 to 2.030, P values all above 0.05). Compared within each group with or without treatment of mitomycin C, the wound-area healing rate at PSH 16 was not significantly different from that at PSH 24 (with F values from 0.856 to 3.062, P values all above 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hst1 can promote the proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells. It has synergic effect with rhEGF on the promotion of cell proliferation, but their synergic effect on cell migration is not obvious.

[Expression of B7-H1 protein in human pancreatic carcinoma tissues and its clinical significance].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: B7-H1, a member of B7 family, is expressed in tumor cells and has emerged as an important immune modulator capable of suppressing host immunity by inhibiting T cells function. This study was to probe into the correlation between the expression level of B7-H1 protein in pancreatic carcinoma tissues and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: The expression of B7-H1 was measured in 40 cases of pancreatic carcinoma tissues and 10 cases of normal corresponding paracarcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression level of B7-H1 and clinicopathological characteristics and survival was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rate of B7-H1 was significantly higher in the tumor tissues [45.00% (18/40)] than in the normal corresponding paracarcinoma tissues [0(0/10)] (P<0.05); moreover, B7-H1 expression was significantly associated with the staging of tumor and preoperative serum CA19-9 level (P<0.05). The multivariate cox proportional hazards regression analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival and relapse-free survival showed that the expression of B7-H1 was an independent factor for poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: B7-H1 protein was expressed in human pancreatic carcinoma tissues, and was associated with the prognosis.

[Expression and significance of membrane skeleton protein 4.1 family in non-small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Protein 4.1, a component of cell membrane skeleton, plays a role in maintaining the shape and mechanical stability of erythrocytes. Recent researches showed that protein 4.1 may be associated with the development of tumors. This study was to investigate the expression and significance of membrane skeleton protein 4.1 family members (4.1B, 4.1R, 4.1N and 4.1G) in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The expression of proteins 4.1B, 4.1R, 4.1N and 4.1G in 147 specimens of NSCLC was detected by EnVision plus immunohistochemistry. The correlations of 4.1B, 4.1R, 4.1N and 4.1G expression to clinicopathologic features of NSCLC were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test and Spearman rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: The protein levels of 4.1B, 4.1R and 4.1N were significantly lower in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01). The protein levels of 4.1B, 4.1R, 4.1N and 4.1G were significantly lower in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The protein levels of 4.1B and 4.1G were significantly lower in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues than in lung adenocarcinoma tissues (P<0.05). Protein 4.1G expression in squamous cell carcinoma was positively correlated to tumor cell differentiation (rs=0.386,P<0.01). In adenocarcinoma, the expression of proteins 4.1B, 4.1N and 4.1G were positively correlated to tumor cell differentiation (rs=0.276, P<0.05; rs=0.248,P<0.05; rs=0.268, P <0.05). The expression of protein 4.1s in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were not related to lymph node metastasis, tumor size, patients'age and sex (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Protein 4.1s are weakly expressed in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. The expression of proteins 4.1B, 4.1N and 4.1G are related to tumor cell differentiation.

Identification of a new broad-spectrum CD8+ T cell epitope from over-expressed antigen COX-2 in esophageal carcinoma.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been found to be over-expressed in esophageal carcinoma (EC) and it could be considered as a potential tumor-associated antigen (TAA). In the present study, six candidate peptides from COX-2 were firstly predicted and synthesized. Among them, P(479) had the highest affinity and stability toward both HLA-A *0201 and HLA-A *03 molecules and it could significantly promote the IFN-gamma release. The cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induced by P(479) could specifically lyse COX-2-expressed EC cell lines, EC-1 (HLA-A3 supertype) and EC-9706 (HLA-A2 supertype). These results suggested that P(479) as a novel broad-spectrum T cell epitope would be very useful in immunotherapy against esophageal carcinoma.

[Clone, expression and identification of penicillin binding protein 2a of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients].

OBJECTIVE: To clone, express and identify the mecA fragment which encoded penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a) from methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from patients by gene recombination method. METHODS: According to the sequence of mecA gene recorded in GenBank, the primer of mecA fragment which encoded amino acids 25 - 668 of PBP2a was designed. Then the mecA fragment was amplified by PCR and cloned into pQE30 plasmid. After being identified by enzyme digestion and sequencing, the recombinant plasmid was transferred into E. coli M15 [pREP4], and then its expression was induced by 1 mmol/L Isopropy-beta-D-Thiogalactoside (IPTG). The expression product was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, protein sequencing and mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: The recombinant pQE30- mecA had been successfully constructed. The result of sequencing showed that the mecA fragment had 1932 bases, including 9 bases undergoing mutation. After being induced for 6 hours by IPTG, the soluble protein in M15 (pQE30- mecA), with a relative molecular weight of 74 x 10(3), was found by SDS-PAGE. The soluble protein had been confirmed to be PBP2a after identification. CONCLUSION: The soluble PBP2a of MRSA isolated from patients is expressed successfully by gene recombinant technology.

[Effects of soybean isoflavones on the cell cycles, the cell apoptosis and the proliferation of spleen in radiated mice].

AIM: To study effect of soybean isoflavones (SI) on spleen in radiated mice. METHODS: 90 male mice were randomly divided into control group, radiated group, radiated plus 0.5% dose SI group. After 2-week feeding, the mice received 4.0 Gy 137Cs gamma-radiation, the cell cycles, cell apoptosis and proliferation on the spleen and the spleen index were observed in radiated after 12 h, 24 h, 1 week and 2 weeks. RESULTS: After the mice were radiated, the spleen were significantly atrophy, the rate of the cell apoptosis and the cell cycles of G0-G1 phase in splenocytes were significantly increased (P < 0.01), the cell cycles rate of S phase and the proliferation index were significantly decreased in spleen (P < 0.05). Compared with radiated group, the spleen atrophy and the rate of the cell cycles of G0-G1 phase were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell cycles of G2-M phase and the proliferation index were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the mice supplied 0.5% soybean isoflavones. CONCLUSION: The soybean isoflavones could significantly increase spleen radioprotective effect in mice.

[Effects of genistein on bone mineralization in ovariectomized rats].

AIM: To investigate the effects of genistein on bone mineralization in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Forty-seven Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: sham-operated (sham), ovariectomized (ovx), ovariectomized supplied with diethyl stilbestrol (E, 20 microg x kg bw(-1) x d(-1)) or genistein (25, 50, 100 mg x kg bw(-1) x d(-1)). After the rats had been fed for three months, analysis of the bone mineral density, parameters related to mineralization, bone content of Ca, P, Mg, Mn and Zn and serum concentration of parathyroid calcitonin and estrogen was performed. RESULTS: Bone mineral density, bone Ca, P, Zn and Mg content and serum estrogen concentration in ovariectomized rats were significantly decreased, but mean osteoid width increased, mineralization lag time and osteoid maturation period prolonged compared with sham animals. After three months supplementation to ovariectomized rats, bone Ca, P and Mg content increased, mean osteoid width decreased, mineralization lag time and osteoid maturation period shortened compared with ovariectomized animals. CONCLUSION: Genistein promotes bone mineralization by increasing bone Ca, P, Mg and adjusting serum calcitonin to prevent osteoporosis.

[Effects of Momordica saponins on endocrine function in senile mice].

AIM: To study the regulation effects of Momordica saponins on endocrine function in senile mice. METHODS: 15-month Kunming mice (female), were divided into senile control group (SC), experimental group 1 and 2 (E1 and E2). 10 4-month mice were as young control group (YC). All mice were fed with general foodstuff, SC and YC drank tap water, while two experimental groups drank tap water supplied to 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L Momordica saponins respectively. Serum was assayed after 5 weeks. At the same time, levels of estrogen receptor and its mRNA were assayed in cultured thymocyte from 12-month rat. RESULTS: Serum ACTH and estradiol levels declined markedly in senile mice compared with young mice. ACTH levels increased in some extent in two experimental groups, while there had significant difference only in E2. Serum estradiol increased obviously, but there was no significant distinct between E1 and E2. The most important was that ER levels increased obviously, and there was no any change of ER mRNA levels in rat thymocyte cultured in medium contained different content of Momordica saponins. CONCLUSION: Momordica saponins could improve endocrine function in senile mice by increasing ACTH level and expression of ER.

[Isolation and analysis of the drug resistance of the flavobacterium and its production of beta-lactamases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the drug resistance of flavobacterium and its ability to produce BLA (beta-lactamases) and ESBLs (Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases). METHODS: The production of BLA and ESBLs from 6 clinical isolated flavobacterium strains was determined by nitrocefin disc test and double-disc synergy method, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibilities of the strains were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test and the agar dilution method and the MIC was assessed. RESULTS: All the six flavobacteria were BLA-producing strains and more than 80% of them were ESBLs-producing, and they were highly resistant to beta-lactamase antibiotics (MIC 32 - 256 mg/L), but susceptible to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporin with beta-lactamase inhibitors (MIC 0.125 - 8 mg/L). CONCLUSION: Most of the flavobacteria in nosocomial infections were beta-lactamase-producing and were highly resistant to beta-lactamase antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones and beta-lactamase antibiotics with lactamase inhibitors should be the first choice for the management of infection caused by flavobacterium.

[Prospective study on the gastro-pulmonary infection route of ventilator-associated pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of gastro-pulmonary infection route in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), so as to improve the management of VAP. METHODS: Forty-three patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) were enrolled in the study. Intra-gastric contents were labeled with (99)mTc-DTPA. Randomized two-period crossover trial was employed to determine the radioactive level in the oropharyngeal and bronchial secretion when patients were in supine or semi-reclining position. Gastric juice, oropharyngeal secretion and tracheal lavage fluid were collected for bacterial culture every other day. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was harvested from those suspected of VAP for quantitative bacterial culture. Infrequent-restriction site amplification (IRS-PCR) was employed in the identification of the identity of the bacteria from intra-gastric colonization with those causing VAP. The sIgA content in the BALF was determined. RESULTS: The gastroesophageal regurgitation rate was higher (89.7%) with lower aspiration rate (28.5%) in patients receiving MV. Moreover, the aspiration rate and the radioactivity of deep tracheal aspirates in patients in supine position were significantly higher than those in semi-reclining position (P < 0.01). There was high homology of the bacteria isolated from intra-gastric colonization with that causing VAP (55.8%). The sIgA content in BALF in VAP patients was evidently lower than that in non-VAP patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents are very common in patients receiving MV. Intra-gastric colonized bacteria might be one of the important origins causing VAP. The lowering of sIgA in BALF in patients with MV could be a risk factor for VAP.

[Effects of genistein on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast].

AIM: To study the effects of genistein on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in neonatal rat calvaria cultures. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated from neonatal rat calvaria through trypsin and collagenase digestion, and cultured in the presence of different doses of genistein (10(-5) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L and 10(-7) mol/L). The proliferation and DNA and collagen synthesis of osteoblasts were assayed by MTT method and 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation. The activity of ALP were measured by ALP assay kit. RESULTS: Genistein significantly increased osteoblast 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation and MTT, 10(-6) mol/L genistein increased ALP activity. CONCLUSION: Genistein increased osteoblast DNA and collagen synthesis in neonatal rat calvaria cultures, and promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.