Treatment of persistent congenital chylothorax with intrapleural injection of sapylin in infants.

Test the therapeutic efficacy of Sapylin in resolving persistent Congenital Chylothorax (CC) in four infants who failed to respond to conservative medical therapy including Erythromycin and/or Octreotide management. All cases were cured and have no adverse reactions during follow-up. The result shows Sapylin is effective in reducing chylous production.

[The enrichment characteristic and mechanism of gold-silver minerals in submarine hydrothermal sulfides from the ultra-slow-spreading SWIR].

In the present study, content and occurrence of Au, Ag in three submarine hydrothermal sulfide samples from the ultra-slow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) were studied by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of ICP-AES show that all of the samples have signs of Au-Ag enrichment. By SEM/EDS, we discovered a mass of gold-silver minerals in the samples. In S27-4, gold occurs as irregular-shaped native gold and electrum grains in sulfides or between crystal particles. However, we discovered lots of Au-independent silver minerals except parts of electrum in S35-22. EDS results of silver minerals indicate that silver minerals closely related with halogen element, inferring that silver minerals may be silver halides. Electrum in S35-22 can be absorbed at the surface or crystal edge of pyrite besides occurring in or between sulfides as S27-4, supposed to be related to surface defect in pyrite. Electrum is the only Au-Ag mineral discovered in S35-17. These electrum gains occur as inclusion gold, absorbed gold or fissure gold. In addition, there are different Au-Ag mole ratios of electrum in three samples, indicating distinct hydrothermal conditions. In the base of research before, we consider that AgCl2(-) is the dominant complex of silver in ore-forming fluid of S27-4, however, gold is transported as AuCl2(-) transforming to AuHS(0), indicating that hydrothermal fluids decreased from high-moderate to moderate-low temperature and conductive cooling played an important role in this process. Similar enrichment mechanism happened in S35-22, but silver halides discovered in S35-22 suggest a higher temperature and chloride in the early stage. However, The enrichment of electrums in black smoke sample (S35-17) relates to mixing of hydrothermal fluids and seawater.

Assessment of released acrosin activity as a measurement of the sperm acrosome reaction.

AIM: To develop a method for assessing sperm function by measuring released acrosin activity during the acrosome reaction (AR). METHODS: Human semen samples were obtained from 24 healthy donors with proven fertility after 3-7 days of sexual abstinence. After collection, samples were liquefied for 30 min at room temperature. Standard semen parameters were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Calcium ionophore A23187 and progesterone (P4) were used to stimulate the sperm to undergo AR. After treatment, sperm were incubated with the supravital dye Hoechst33258, fixed in a glutaraldehyde-phosphate-buffered saline solution, and the acrosomal status was determined by fluorescence microscopy with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA). The percentage of sperm undergoing AR (AR%) was compared to sperm acrosin activities as assessed by spectrocolorimetry. The correlation between AR% and acrosin activity was determined by statistical analysis. RESULTS: The AR% and released acrosin activity were both markedly increased with A23187 and P4 stimulation. Sperm motility and viability were significantly higher after stimulation with P4 versus stimulation with A23187 (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between released acrosin activity and AR% determined by FITC-PSA staining (r=0.916, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spectrocolorimetric measurement of released acrosin activity might serve as a reasonable alternative method to evaluate AR.

[Quantitative analysis of two-component polymer blends (PEG/PE) by infrared spectroscopy].

The concentration of the camponent of PEG/PE blends was analyzed quantitatively by infrared spectroscopy. The absorption peak area ratio of the selected mixture peaks used as the calibrating basis for the quantitative analysis was more reasonable than the peak area ratio of the pure peaks. The theoretical equation deducted by Beer-Lamber law was used to establish the working curve to calculate the composition of the responding functional groups in the film of the PEG/PE blends. The characteristic peaks of the crystal can not be selected as the calibrating basis for the quantitative measurement, because the crystallization has a great effect on the intensity of the absorption peaks.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: To compare surgical and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. RESULTS: A total of 14 retrospective studies with 1679 colorectal liver metastases patients were analyzed: 683 patients treated with laparoscopic liver resection and 996 patients with open liver resection. With respect to surgical outcomes, laparoscopic compared with open liver resection was associated with lower blood loss (MD, -216.7, 95% CI, -309.4 to -124.1; P < 0.00001), less requiring blood transfusion (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.55; P < 0.00001), lower postoperative complication morbidity (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P = 0.003), and shorter hospitalization time (MD, -3.85, 95% CI, -5.00 to -2.71; P < 0.00001). However, operation time and postoperative mortality were no significant difference between the two approaches. With respect to oncological outcomes, laparoscopic liver resection group was prone to lower recurrence rate (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99; P = 0.04), but surgical margins R0, overall survival and disease-free survival were no significant difference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for all relevant studies. All statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3. Dichotomous data were calculated by odds ratio (OR) and continuous data were calculated by mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases have the same effect on oncological outcomes, but laparoscopic liver resection achieves better surgical outcomes.

Short interfering RNA directed against the GOLPH3 gene enhances the effect of chemotherapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating Caspase3, Bcl2 and cytochrome-c expression.

Growing evidence reported that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) was involved in the progression of several human cancers. To determine whether knockout of GOLPH3 enhances the effect of Chemotherapy against cell growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. OSCC cells were transfected with Golph3 plasmid, Golph3-RNAi and the relative control plasmids. Transfected Tca-8113 cells treated with cis-Dichlorodiamineplatinum (DDP; 0, 0.05, 0.25, 1.25, 6.25 and 31.25 ug/ml) or Paclitaxe (0, 2, 10, 50, 250 and 1250 nM) or Adriamycin (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 ug/ml) for 24 h, respectively, was determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis-related protein expression Cytochrome-C, Caspase3 and Bcl-2 was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blots. Result of MTT showed that Golph3-RNAi transfected Tca-8113 cells enhanced the effect of chemotherapy, and the effect was strengthened with the increasing concentration of drugs, and the Golph3 plasmid transfected Tca-8113 cells showed the opposite effect. RT-PCR and western blots assays revealed that expression of cytochrome-C and caspase3 were up-regulated, while Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in Golph3-RNAi transfected Tca-8113 cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated that GOLPH3 had potent pro-tumor growth and decreased the effect of Chemotherapy, and its mechanism is primarily via cell anti-apoptosis, down-regulating the expression of cytochrome-C and caspase3, up-regulating Bcl-2 expression.

Hypertension management and lifestyle changes following screening for hypertension in an Asian low socioeconomic status community: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effect of an access-enhanced intervention on hypertension screening and management, as well as on health behaviours among newly diagnosed hypertensives, in a multi-ethnic low socioeconomic status (SES) community. Factors associated with hypertension screening, treatment, and control in the community were also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved all residents aged ≥40 years in 2 public rental housing precincts (low SES), between 2009 and 2011, who were followed-up prospectively for 1 year after a 6-month community-based intervention comprising a 3-month access-enhanced screening component and a 3-month follow-up (outreach) component. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression determined predictors of hypertension management at follow-up. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 80.9% (467/577). At baseline, 60.4% (282/467) were hypertensive; 53.5% (151/282) were untreated; 54.2% (71/131) uncontrolled. One year later, postintervention, 51.6% (78/151) of untreated hypertensives were treated; combined with treated hypertensives previously uncontrolled, 53.0% (79/149) achieved control. Older age independently predicted treatment (adjusted relative risk, aRR = 1.98, CI, 1.08 to 3.65); majority ethnicity (aRR = 1.76, CI, 1.05 to 2.96), employment (aRR = 1.85, CI, 1.26 to 2.80) and newly treated hypertension (aRR=1.52, CI, 1.01 to 2.32) predicted control. A total of 52.4% (97/185) were irregularly screened at baseline; at follow-up 61.9% (60/97) were regularly screened. Cost and misperceptions were common barriers to screening and treatment. Newly diagnosed hypertensives were also less likely to go for additional cardiovascular screening (aRR = 0.54, CI, 0.29 to 0.99). CONCLUSION: An access-enhanced intervention had some success in improving hypertension management within low SES communities; however, it was less successful in improving cardiovascular risk management, especially in encouraging lifestyle changes and additional cardiovascular screening amongst newly diagnosed hypertensives.

[Effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on the photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Tripterygium wilfordii seedlings exposed to low temperature].

Taking one year-old Tripterygium wilfordii cutting seedlings as test materials, this paper studied the effects of foliar spraying 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg x L(-1) of abscisic acid (ABA) on the leaf photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of the seedlings under low temperature stress. Spraying 20 mg x L(-1) of ABA increased the cold- resistance of the seedlings significantly, manifesting in the slowing down of the decrease amplitudes of leaf net photosynthetic rate (P(n)), transpiration rate (T(r)), stomatal conductance (g(s)), and intercellular CO2 concentration (C(i)) and the increase of photosynthetic capacity. After 6 days exposure to low temperature, the initial fluorescence (F(o)) decreased with increasing concentration of applied ABA, the maximum fluorescence (F(m)) and maximal photochemical yield (F(v)/F(m)) increased, the actual photochemical efficiency of system II (phi(PSII)) and photochemical quenching coefficient (q(P)) increased after an initial decrease, and the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (q(N)) showed a 'decreasing-increasing-decreasing' trend. The P(n), g(s), q(P), F(m), and F(v)/F(m) reached their peak values at 20 mg x L(-1) of ABA. In all treatments, with the increase of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the relative electron transport rate (rETR) increased first and decreased then, reached the peak when the PAR was 395 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1), and the peak value of the rETR in treatments 25 and 20 mg x L(-1) of ABA was 17.1% and 5.2% higher than that of the control, respectively. The light response curves of the psi(PSII) decreased with increasing PAR, whereas those of q(N) performed in adverse.

The effective and specific isolation of antibodies from human serum by using thiophilic paramagnetic polymer beads.

A rapid and effective method to specifically isolate immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum by thiophilic paramagnetic polymer beads was developed. The thiophilic paramagnetic beads were synthesized with vinyl acetate and divinylbenzene by microsuspension polymerization in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles. Divinylsulfone and 2-mercapto-benzothiazole were subsequently used to modify the surface of these beads, resulting in thiophilic particles that exhibited a high specificity to the antibodies in serum at low salt concentration. The adsorbed IgG was eluted by 0.8M KCl and 72% of the IgG in the serum was recovered. The purity of the isolated IgG reached 98.4% and the bioactivity was fully maintained (>99%). The high efficiency, mild conditions and simplicity make this technology suitable for the economic purification of antibodies in a large scale.

[Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in dental pulp of immature and mature permanent teeth in human].

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression and distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in human dental pulp of immature and mature permanent teeth, and the relationship between VEGF and root development of human permanent teeth. METHODS: The normal teeth extracted for orthodontic or impacted reason were divided into two groups: group 1 contained 10 immature permanent teeth and group 2 contained 15 apical closed mature permanent teeth. The pulps were processed with immunohistochemically staining of VEGF. Image pro-plus 5.1 software was used to evaluate the histological sections and the data was analyzed by Chi-square test, Students't test, one-way ANOVA and SNK-q test with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF was strongly positive in the cytoplasma of pulp fibroblasts and odontoblasts in immature permanent teeth,significantly higher than in mature permanent teeth (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF was demonstrated most strongly positive in fibroblasts in the top area of apical pipe socket of immature root pulp, and gradually weakly positive toward the coronal and apical direction. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of VEGF in dental pulp of immature and mature permanent teeth shows different characteristics. VEGF may play a role in permanent tooth development and maturation.

[Biocompatibility of chitosan-carboxymethylchitosan as membrane for periodontal guided tissue regeneration].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of chitosan-carboxymethylchitosan as membrane for periodontal guided tissue regeneration (GTR). METHODS: Chitosan-carboxymethylchitosan blending membrane was prepared by freeze-drying and tests including cytotoxicity test, inserting the membrane into the rabbits, muscles, were employed to investigate its biocompatibility. RESULTS: Chitosan-carboxymethylchitosan blending membrane showed no toxicity. In early period after the insertion of the membrane, inflammatory processes with macrophages were observed, but the processes reduced with the membrane degradation. CONCLUSION: Chitosan-carboxymethylchitosan blending membrane has desirable biocompatibility.