Effect of large volume red blood cell apheresis on cardiovascular functions in healthy donors.

BACKGROUND: Requirements of blood transfusions rise rapidly in China. Improving the efficiency of blood donation could help maintaining sufficient blood supplement. We conducted a pilot research to investigate the reliability and safety of collecting more units of red blood cell by apheresis. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male volunteers were randomized into two groups: red blood cell apheresis (RA) (n = 16) and whole blood (WB) donation (n = 16). RA group donated individualized RBC volumes by apheresis according to the volunteers' basal total blood volumes and haematocrit levels, WB group donated 400 mL whole blood. All volunteers were scheduled seven visit times in 8 weeks' study period. The cardiovascular functions were assessed by laboratory examinations, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary functional tests. All results were compared between groups at the same visit time and compared between visit 1(before donation) and other visit times within the same group. RESULTS: The average donated RBC volume in RA group and in WB group was 627.25 ± 109.74 mL and 175.28 ± 8.85 mL, respectively(p < 0.05); the RBC, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels changed significantly between times and between groups (p < 0.05). Cardiac biomarker levels such as NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and CK-MB did not change significantly between times or between groups (p > 0.05). The echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary results did not change significantly between times or between groups during the whole study period(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We provided an efficient and secure method for RBC apheresis. By harvesting more RBC volumes at one single-time, the cardiovascular functions did not change significantly compared with traditional whole blood donation.

Serum extracellular vesicle microRNA dysregulation and childhood trauma in adolescents with major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) seriously endangers adolescent mental and physical health. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cellular communication and are involved in many physiological brain processes. Although EV miRNAshave been implicated in adults with major psychiatric disorders, investigation into their effects in adolescent MDDremains scarce. In discovery set, we conducted a genome-wide miRNA sequencing of serum EVs from 9 untreated adolescents with MDD and 8 matched healthy controls (HCs), identifying 32 differentially expressed miRNAs (18 upregulated and 14 downregulated). In the validation set, 8 differentially expressed and highly enriched miRNAs were verified in independent samples using RT-PCR, with 4 (miR-450a-2-3p, miR-3691-5p, miR-556-3p, and miR-2115-3p) of the 8 miRNAs found to be significantly elevated in 34 untreated adolescents with MDD compared with 38 HCs and consistent with the sequencing results. After the Bonferroni correction, we found that three miRNAs (miR-450a-2-3p, miR-556-3p, and miR-2115-3p) were still significantly different. Among them, miR-450a-2-3p showed the most markeddifferential expression and was able to diagnose disease with 67.6% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity. Furthermore, miR-450a-2-3p partially mediated the associations between total childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and physical neglect and adolescent MDD. We also found that the combination of miR-450a-2-3p and emotional abuse could effectively diagnose MDD in adolescents with 82.4% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. Our data demonstrate the association of serum EV miRNA dysregulation with MDD pathophysiology and, furthermore, show that miRNAs may mediate the relationship between early stress and MDD susceptibility. We also provide a valid integrated model for the diagnosis of adolescent MDD.

Efficacy of fire needle on acute gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate in rat.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect and inflammatory mechanism of fire needles on gouty arthritis. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, that is, control group, the model group, the colchicine group, and the fire needle treatment group. Acute gouty arthritis was prepared by injection of monosodium urate in the ankle joint. The inflammation-related protein [toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1ß, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factorkappa B (NF-κB), phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), caspase-1, and p-caspase-1] in swollen tissues, the inflammation-related mRNAs indicators (TLR4, NLRP3, NF-κB, and caspase-1) and the inflammatory factors [IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP)] in the serum were detected by Western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: The fire needle treatment could reduce joint swelling, increase mechanical pain threshold and decrease the inflammation index score in the fire needle treatment group. It could also significantly decreased the protein expression of IL-1ß, TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κB and NLRP3 in joint tissue, markedly downregulated the mRNA levels of TLR4 and NLRP3 in joint tissue, and significantly reduce serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CRP. CONCLUSION: The fire needle treatment had positive effect of treating gouty arthritis, and its under- lying mechanism might be associated with NF-κB activation and related inflammatory response.

Influences of personality characteristics and coping modes on anxiety in primary glaucoma patients.

AIM: To examine the influences of personality characteristics and coping modes on the anxiety of primary glaucoma patients. METHODS: A total of 200 individuals, including 50 with primary angle-closure glaucoma, 60 with primary open angle glaucoma and 90 control participants, filled out the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Sociodemographic information was also collected. Data were analyzed via the Spearman rank correlation test and stepwise regression. RESULTS: The personality and coping variables are predictive and jointly account for a significant amount (45.3%-54.2%) of variance across the two subscales of anxiety measures. Notably, neuroticism seems to be most closely related to anxiety disturbances in glaucoma patients. The level of resignation is positively linked to anxiety scores. CONCLUSION: Some personality factors and coping modes help to predict the process of anxiety disorders in primary glaucoma patients. Recognizing the predictive role of these variables in the patients may further enrich clinical research in glaucoma and help to design more effective interventions involving both ophthalmology and psychiatry.

Ion-Exchangeable Microporous Polyoxometalate Compounds with Off-Center Dopants Exhibiting Unconventional Luminescence.

The synthesis of luminescent polyoxometalates (POMs) typically relies on the assembly of POM ligands with rare earth or transition metals, placing significant constraints on the composition, structure, and hence the luminescence properties of the resultant systems. Herein, we show that the ion-exchange strategy can be used for the synthesis of novel POM-based luminescent materials. We demonstrate that introducing bismuth ions into an ion-exchangeable, microporous POM compound yields an unconventional system luminescing in the near-infrared region. Experimental characterization, coupled with quantum chemical calculations, confirms that bismuth ions site-specifically occupy an off-center site in the lattice, and have an asymmetric coordination geometry unattainable by other means, thus giving rise to peculiar emission. Our findings offer an effective strategy for the synthesis of POM-based luminescent materials, and the design concept may potentially be adapted to the creation of POM-based systems with other functionalities.

Association between abnormal default mode network activity and suicidality in depressed adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds in China, and 60 % of suicidal patients have a history of depression. Previous brain imaging studies have shown that depression and suicide may be associated with abnormal activity in default mode network (DMN) regions. However, no study has specifically investigated the relationship between DMN functional activity and suicidal behavior in depressed individuals. Therefore, in the present study, we directly investigated features of DMN brain activity in adolescent patients with histories of depression and attempted suicide. METHODS: A total of 35 sex- and age-matched suicidal depressed patients were compared with 18 non-suicidal depressed patients and 47 healthy controls. We explored functional activity changes in DMN regions that could be associated with suicidal behavior by comparing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) signals using independent component analysis (ICA). Scores on six clinical scales that measure depression severity (Hamilton Depression Scale (HDRS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)) and suicidal traits (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Suicide Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI)) were compared in the three groups. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy controls, all of the evaluated depressed patients showed increased functional connectivity in select DMN regions. The suicidal patients showed increased connectivity in the left cerebellum and decreased connectivity in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), whereas the non-suicidal depressed patients showed increased connectivity in the left superior frontal gyrus, left lingual gyrus and right precuneus and decreased connectivity in the left cerebellum. Compared to the non-suicidal patients, the suicidal patients showed increased connectivity in the left cerebellum and the left lingual gyrus and decreased connectivity in the right precuneus. No differences in the scores of any clinical scales were found between the suicidal and non-suicidal depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results highlight the importance of the DMN in the pathophysiology of depression and suggest that suicidal behavior in depressed adolescents may be related to abnormal functional connectivity in the DMN. In particular, abnormal connectivity in the PCC/precuneus and left cerebellum might be a predictor of suicidal behavior in depressed adolescent patients.

Hydrogen-rich saline promotes motor functional recovery following peripheral nerve autografting in rats.

Despite the application of nerve grafts and considerable microsurgical innovations, the functional recovery across a long peripheral nerve gap is generally partial and unsatisfactory. Thus, additional strategies are required to improve nerve regeneration across long nerve gaps. Hydrogen possesses antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, which could be neuroprotective in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury; however, such a possibility has not been experimentally tested in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of hydrogen-rich saline in promoting nerve regeneration after 10-mm sciatic nerve autografting in rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups and intraperitoneally administered a daily regimen of 5 ml/kg hydrogen-rich or normal saline. Axonal regeneration and functional recovery were assessed through a combination of behavioral analyses, electrophysiological evaluations, Fluoro-Gold™ retrograde tracings and histomorphological observations. The data showed that rats receiving hydrogen-rich saline achieved better axonal regeneration and functional recovery than those receiving normal saline. These findings indicated that hydrogen-rich saline promotes nerve regeneration across long gaps, suggesting that hydrogen-rich saline could be used as a neuroprotective agent for peripheral nerve injury therapy.

Abnormal regional homogeneity in young adult suicide attempters with no diagnosable psychiatric disorder: a resting state functional magnetic imaging study.

Many young adults who attempt suicide have no discernible mental illness, suggesting an etiology distinct from other psychiatric disorders. Neurological anomalies associated with a history of suicidal behavior may predict future risk. In the present study, we explored changes in neural circuit organization associated with suicidal behavior by comparing local synchronization of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging signals in suicide attempters without a psychiatric diagnosis (SA group, 19.84±1.61 years, n=19) with those in healthy controls (HC group, 20.30±1.72 years, n=20) using regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis. The SA group exhibited significantly lower mean ReHo in the left (L) fusiform and supraorbital inferior frontal gyri, L hippocampus, bilateral parahippocampal and middle frontal gyri, right (R) angular gyrus, and cerebellar lobules RVIII, RII, and LVI compared with the HC group. Conversely, in the SA group, ReHo was higher in the R supraorbital middle frontal gyrus, R inferior parietal lobe, and L precuneus. The SA group also had significantly higher total Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scores compared with the HC group. Local functional connectivity is altered in multiple regions of the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and cerebellum of suicidal young adults. Elucidating the functional deficits associated with these ReHo changes may clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of suicidal behavior and assist in identifying high-risk individuals.

Triptolide improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery following crush injury to rat sciatic nerve.

Recently, accumulating data have demonstrated that triptolide exhibits neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. However, the role of triptolide in repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) has rarely been performed. The current study was designed to observe the possible beneficial effect of triptolide on promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. Rats with sciatic nerve crush injury were administered daily with triptolide for 7 days. Axonal regeneration was evaluated by morphometric analysis and Fluoro-gold retrograde tracing. Motor functional recovery was evaluated by walking track analysis, electrophysiological assessment and histological appearance of target muscles. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within injured nerves were also determined. The results demonstrated that triptolide was capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Additionally, triptolide significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within injured nerves. These findings indicate the possibility of developing triptolide as a therapeutic agent for PNI. The neuroprotective effects of triptolide might be associated with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Evaluation of the combined application of ultrasound imaging techniques for middle cerebral artery stent surveillance and follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, cerebral artery stenting has become an effective method for the treatment of cerebral artery stenosis. However, methods for assessing efficacy and techniques for follow-up imaging still need to be developed. This study was designed to evaluate the application of transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) in assessing stenting of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. And, two new imaging techniques (vascular enhancement technology (VET) and 3-dimensional (3D) imaging) were tried out and evaluated. METHOD: We enrolled 43 patients with cerebral artery stenosis for vascular stent implantation. All patients were examined by ultrasonography and confirmed through digital subtraction angiography. The stenosis was imaged and blood flow parameters were analyzed before and after the procedure using TCCS. VET and 3D imaging model were used in part of the patients. Important postoperative hemodynamic changes were noted. RESULTS: 1) Adequate stent image was present in 41 out of 43 patients as detected by postoperative 2-dimensional imaging. Images lacking clarity were obtained in 2 patients. 2) The perioperative and postoperative (one week follow-up) instantaneous blood flow velocity at the site of stenosis was significantly decreased (P<0.05) when compared with preoperative levels. Differences between postoperative (one week follow-up) and preoperative blood flow velocity were significant (P<0.05). Differences in blood flow velocity at long-term follow-up (six months and two years) compared to one-week values were not statistically significant (P>0.05). 3) VET imaging visualizes the MCA lumen and stent morphology clearly. 3D ultrasound can be used for imaging of the stent shape as well as its inner surface. CONCLUSION: TCCD can be considered a quick and effective clinical detection method to evaluate the intracranial arterial hemodynamics changes before and after stenting treatment for MCA stenosis. New imaging technologies 3D and VET can achieve additional image information.

[Study on the attitudes toward suicide among university students in Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the attitudes on suicide and their related factors among university students in Chongqing. METHODS: A total of 9808 students from 11 universities in Chongqing, were chosen under stratified cluster random sampling method and had completed a questionnaire survey through the Scale of Public Attitudes on Suicide(SPAS). RESULTS: Data showed that the scores of university students having negative or neutral attitudes towards questions including "suicide is not preventable", "suicidal behavior is not controllable or is caused by outside forces" and "suicidal behavior can(or is used to)affect the behavior of others'" were 34.28±16.44, 35.64±19.14 and 36.94±16.05 respectively. The scores of students taking neutral attitude towards questions as:"similarity of attempted and completed suicide", "negative attitudes on the behavior or on the person him/her self", "positive aspects of suicide and positive feelings about suicides"were 47.38±22.01, 51.78±17.05 and 37.77±18.12 respectively but 70.77±17.21 went to the students who had agreed with "suicide is an important social/health problem". Factors as gender, nationality, religion, history of attempted suicide and suicide exposure to others appeared having had important effects on the attitude towards suicide among college students. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to consider above mentioned factors when developing related suicide crisis intervention strategy.

Circadian rhythm of TSH levels in subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

OBJECTIVES: The circadian rhythm of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease was measured by means of a case-control study. METHODS: Serum samples from cases and controls were collected continuously for 2 days, and then once every 2 h (even number time-point during the first day and odd number time-point in the second). TSH was detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: AD patients had no significant circadian rhythm in serum TSH levels, whereas normal controls did. In normal controls, serum TSH levels from 19:00 to 20:00 were the lowest (19:00, 3.89 ± 0.97 mIU/L; 20:00, 3.76 ± 0.84 mIU/L) and those in the period 2:00-4:00 were the highest (2:00, 6.15 ± 0.94 mIU/L; 3:00, 6.32 ± 1.04 mIU/L; 4:00, 6.39 ± 1.13 mIU/L; F = 6.762, df = 23, P = 0.002). However, in AD patients, 24-h serum TSH levels were 3.80-4.03 mIU/L (F = 0.897, df = 23, P = 0.996). At the 24 time-points, except for the four time-points from 16:00 to 19:00, TSH levels in AD patients were significantly lower than those in normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: The circadian rhythm of serum TSH levels in AD patients did not appear, and their serum TSH levels were significantly lower than those in normal controls. SIGNIFICANCE: The circadian rhythm in serum TSH levels in AD patients differs greatly from that of the general population.

[Study on the chemical constituets in ethyl acetante extraction from semen litchi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in ethyl acetate extraction of Semen Litchi. METHODS: The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 coupled with preparative silica gel TLC, their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectrum analysis. RESULTS: Five compounds were isolated and identified as stigmasterol (1), P-hydroxy-benzaldehyde (2), protocatechuic acid (3), daucosterol (4) and kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5). CONCLUSION: Compounds 2 and 5 are obtained from this plant for the first time.

[Prevalence of social distance and restriction among college students with suicide attempts in Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the attitude towards 10 different populations with different characteristics on their social distance and acceptance among those people with or without suicidal attempts among college students in Chongqing. METHODS: 9808 college students were randomly selected from 11 universities in Chongqing and administered a self-constructed questionnaire "Suicide Attitude and Mental Health Status Questionnaire". A t-test was employed to analyze the social distance and degree of acceptance of college students with or without suicide attempts towards different groups as criminals, hypertensive, with suicide actions, homosexuals, depressive disorder, HIV infection, drug addiction, death of family members, hospitalization history in mental service and alcohol addiction. RESULTS: 169 college students had suicide attempts; the reporting rate of suicide attempts was 1.7%. Among college students, the scores higher than 50 on nine items related to social distance towards strangers with those 10 different characteristics and the top three were on those with HIV infection, drug addiction and hospitalization history in mental service. There were differences (P < 0.05) in scores of social distance attitude towards strangers with drug addiction (with suicide attempts 83.38 ± 21.82, without suicide attempts 78.55 ± 21.55, t = 2.88), hospitalization history in mental service (79.27 ± 21.23, 75.67 ± 21.31, t = 2.17), homosexuality (66.87 ± 24.77, 74.14 ± 21.94, t = -4.25), alcohol addiction (66.72 ± 21.80, 61.00 ± 22.80, t = 3.23) and hypertension (56.65 ± 20.40, 53.36 ± 21.05, t = 2.01) between college students with or without suicide attempts. College students scored higher than 50 in 7 items of social rejective attitudes towards acquaintances, of those with hospitalization history in mental service, drug and alcohol addiction ranked the top three. It showed statistical significances in social rejection attitudes towards acquaintances with homosexuality (35.28 ± 30.38, 42.83 ± 30.76, t = -3.14), severe depression (56.59 ± 28.49, 61.64 ± 25.56, t = -2.53) and suicide behaviors (51.46 ± 28.19, 56.56 ± 26.35, t = -2.48) between students with or without suicide attempts. CONCLUSION: College students in Chongqing kept quite far social distance and restrictive behaviors in college students with or without suicide attempts. Targeted interventions on suicide attempters should be carried out accordingly.

Olfactory ensheathing cells enhance Schwann cell-mediated anatomical and functional repair after sciatic nerve injury in adult rats.

Sciatic nerve injury results in axon damage, muscle degeneration, and loss of function. We compared the potential of Schwann cell (SC), olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC), or mixed SC/OEC transplants for anatomical and functional restoration after adult rat sciatic nerve transection. The cells were seeded into a 20mm long macroporous poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) acid conduit and grafted between the sciatic nerve stumps. Some rats received a conduit without cells (controls) or an autologous nerve graft, the clinical standard of care. Compared with SC transplants, axon regeneration was 25% less with OEC transplants but 28% more with SC/OEC transplants. Gastrocnemius muscle restoration was similar with a SC or OEC transplant and 35% better with a SC/OEC transplant. With SC transplants, motor and sensory function recovery and electrophysiological outcomes were similar as with OEC transplants and 33% better with SC/OEC transplants. Compared with the mixed SC/OEC transplants, axon regeneration was 21% better and gastrocnemius muscle restoration was 18% better with autologous peripheral nerve transplants, but these improvements did not translate into increased function and electrophysiological outcomes. Our results revealed that OEC synergistically improve SC mediated sciatic nerve repair. The data emphasized the promise of SC/OEC transplants as artificial nerves for peripheral nerve repair. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Understanding olfactory ensheathing glia and their prospect for nervous system repair.

[Study on the related factors to suicidal behavior between two groups in university students].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of self-reported suicidal behavior in university students and to compare the related risk factors between two selected groups. METHODS: A questionnaire survey on situation of suicidal behavior and risk factors was conducted among 9808 university students. RESULTS: The overall rate of suicide attempts among university students was 1.7%. Factors as suicidal attitude, having associates who had suicidal experience and negative life events, were significantly different between groups with or without suicide attempts. Risk factors on suicidal behavior were as follows: high frequency of feeling hopeless in the last year (OR = 4.23, 95%CI: 3.05 - 5.85), first degree relatives with suicide behavior (OR = 2.85, 95%CI: 1.72 - 4.73), having associates with suicide behavior (OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 2.05 - 3.88), having had sexual experience (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.88 - 3.96), daily live being influenced by the existing psychological problems in the last month (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.80 - 3.56), being female (OR = 2.47, 95%CI: 1.77 - 3.45) and having other relatives with suicide behaviors (OR = 2.36, 95%CI:1.63 - 3.41). CONCLUSION: Psychological, biological and social factors had influenced on suicidal behaviors among university students which all called for effective intervention to be implemented.

[Suicide ideation among college students in Chongqing.].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and risk factors for suicide ideation among college students in Chongqing city. METHODS: Data on suicide ideation and related factors were collected from 9808 college students at 11 colleges randomly selected in Chongqing. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for suicide ideation. RESULTS: 1279 (13.0%) of the 9808 students reported suicide ideation and the constituent ratio of boys and girls was 3:4 while risk factors for suicide ideation were ranked as follows: high frequency of feeling hopeless in prior year (OR = 5.07, 95%CI: 4.27 - 6.02); having psychological problems in recent 1 month that affecting daily lives and learning (2.07, 1.79 - 2.38); relatives having suicide behavior (1.77, 1.52 - 2.08); having had sexual experience (1.95, 1.65 - 2.30); being female (1.66, 1.45 - 1.90) and friends who had had suicide attempts (1.46, 1.28 - 1.67); having diseases in the last 1 month that affecting daily lives and learning (1.29, 1.08 - 1.52). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of suicide ideation among these college students was high that calls the development, implementation and assessment of suicide prevention plans for college students that focusing on the risk factors identified for suicide ideation.

PLGA conduit seeded with olfactory ensheathing cells for bridging sciatic nerve defect of rats.

PLGA is thought to be a promising material for nerve scaffold. OECs have been shown to promote axon outgrowth and myelination following peripheral nerve transection. This study assessed the compatibility between PLGA and OECs in vitro, and evaluated the effect of PLGA conduit filled with OECs and extracellular matrix gel (ECM) (POE group) on 10 mm-defect sciatic nerve of rats. Silicon-OECs-EMC (SOE group), PLGA-ECM (PE group), and silicon-ECM (SE group)-were used as the controls. The survival and distribution of OECs in vivo, neurohistology and neurofunction of the bridged nerve, were quantitatively evaluated from 1 week to 12 weeks after surgery. PLGA possessed complete compatibility with OECs. After implantation, OECs migrated along the axis of the nerve and survived longer in the POE group than in the SOE group. Gross recovery of the animal, like ulcerious and autophagical rate as well as relative diameter recovery rate of the fiber, was more successful in the POE group than in other groups. The number of the fiber in the middle and distal segments of bridged sites and neurons in anterior horn of the spinal cord was increased in both OECs-contained groups, but the diameter and the myeline thickness of the fiber were increased only in the POE group. The nerve conduction velocity and the amplitude of compound muscle active potential were improved much successfully in the PLGA-guided group than in the silicon-guided group, but the best improvement was encountered in the POE group. Sciatic function index was not improved in all groups at 12 weeks after surgery due to the injury model. These results suggested that PLGA filled with OECs is a significant alternative to conventional autograft in repairing peripheral nerve defects, and OECs are potential seed cells for peripheral nerve tissue engineering.

[Effects of Erigeron breviscapus injection on TNF-alpha, PAI-1 and tPA in rats with acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To research the effects of Erigeron breviscapus injection (EBI) on TNF-alpha, PAI-1 and tPA in rats with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)were produced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery, then rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups, then respectively gavaged NS, and the low, middle and high dosage of EBI for one week. The cardiac function index and the expression of TNF-alpha, tPA and PAI-1 were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the NS group, the cardiac function LVEDP, MAP, LVPmax, +/- dp/dt of AMI rat was improved by EBI in all dosage range, and the expression of TNF-alpha and PAI-1, LVEDP were decreased (P < 0.05), the expression of tPA, MAP, LVPmax and +/- dp/dt were increased obviously (P < 0.05) and had a dose-effect relationship. CONCLUSION: EBI can inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha and PAI-1, increase the expression of tPA,which can prevent the ongoing thrombopoiesis after AMI and improve the cardiac function. This maybe attributes to the inhibition of the overexpression of TNF-alpha.

[Analysis on factors affecting the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder in transferred casualty after Earthquake].

OBJECTIVE: To investigated the related factors which affecting the severity degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in transferred casualty after Wenchuan Earthquake. METHODS: Taking PTSD symptoms self-assessment scale (PCL-C) to involve 386 wounded who suffered 40 days after the earthquake disaster, from 11 hospitals and were transferred to Chongqing city. Multi-stage cluster sampling method was used. 354 valid questionnaires were recovered to explore the relevant factors affecting the severity on the symptoms of PTSD. RESULTS: This survey contains 354 subjects, with male 154 (43.6%), female 200 (56.4%), age 43.76 +/- 21.22, nation alities: Han people 236 (66.7%), Qiang people 114 (32.2%), others 4 (1.1%), and marriage status as unmarried 92 (26.1%), married 253 (71.7%), others 9 (2.2%). The wounded women PTSD have more serious symptoms than men, and there were differences between them in repeated and disturbing dreams of this stressful experience (t = 2.46, P = 0.014), a strong sense of psychological suffering annoyance (t = 2.02, P = 0.044), having difficulty concentrating (t = 2.04, P = 0.042), being "super-alert" (t = 2.465, P = 0.014) etc, also in the total scores (t = 2.489, P = 0.013) (P < 0.05). The PTSD symptoms of wounded degree in who had been buried in Earthquake were more serious than those not been buried. There were significant differences between them in the items as: avoid thinking about or talking about a stressful experience (t = 2.661, P = 0.008), avoid activities or situations that could recall the stressful experience (t = 2.705, P = 0.007), trouble remembering important parts of a stressful experience (t = 2.775, P = 0.006), feeling emotionally numb or being unable to have loving feelings for those close to you (t = 3.017, P = 0.003), feeling as if your future will somehow be cut short (t = 2.979, P = 0.003) and total scores (t = 3.175, P = 0.002). The wounded that witnessed someone be buried or died in earthquake, in PTSD symptoms, were more serious than those without. In the items of feeling distant or cut off from other people, feeling emotionally numb or being unable to have loving feelings for those close to you, feeling irritable or having angry outbursts, there were significant difference (P < 0.05 - 0.01). There were significant differences among the average score of the three core symptoms (F = 3.350, P < 0.001), among the three core symptoms as well as between the three core symptoms and total score respectively. CONCLUSION: There were differences in the severity degrees of PTST in transferred casualty under different exposed conditions. Correlations were also found between each of the symptoms.