Search

BACKGROUND The common analysis methods of marine sediments, such as open digestion or high-pressure closed digestion combined with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) determination, and pressed powder pellet or fusion tablets combined with XRF determination, have a low efficiency of sample pretreatment and less detectable elements. The disadvantages of incomplete digestion, slow speed and high detection limit contribute to the inefficiency of the method. OBJECTIVES To develop a rapid method for the determination of 48 elements in marine sediments by ICP-MS. METHODS Lithium metaborate was used as a flux to decompose the sample. The obtained sample was leached with 5% nitric acid and determined by ICP-MS. An analytical method for the rapid determination of 48 elements in marine sediments was established. Using the national standard references materials of marine sediment as the high point, the standard working curve was drawn. The amount of flux LiBO2, dilution ratio, analytical isotope and internal standard elements of each element to be measured, instrument measurement mode and interference correction equation of individual elements were determined, an optimal decomposition conditions and measurement conditions were obtained. RESULTS The results showed that the accurate results of P, As, Se, Cd, Hg cannot be obtained due to high temperature loss, yet microwave digestion or other methods could be used for pretreatment to avoid loss before determination. The accurate results of 48 elements may be obtained by this method, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of each element was less than 9.7%. The measured values of the national standard references of marine sediments GBW07333, GBW07314, GBW07335 and GBW07336 were consistent with the certified values. The recoveries of each element in marine sediment samples ranged from 83.6% to 118.6%. CONCLUSIONS This method greatly improves the analysis efficiency, and can analyze more elements, suitable for the analysis of large numbers of samples.

MgO-Al2 O3-SiO2 (MAS) glass-ceramics were prepared by sintering method. The effects of different Al2 O3/SiO2 mass ratios on the microstructure and physicochemical properties of MAS glass-ceramics were studied. The structure and surface morphology of parent glass and glass-ceramics were characterized by XRD, DSC, FTIR and FESEM. The density, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, thermal properties and dielectric properties of glass-ceramics were tested. The results show that as the mass ratio of Al2 O3/SiO2 increases from 0.52 to 0.64, the glass transition temperature Tg of the parent glass increases and the crystallization peak temperature Tp of the parent glass decreases, promoting the precipitation of α-cordierite crystal phase. The density of the samples fluctuates in the range of 2.52 ~increases from 1.73 to 4.51, thermal expansion coefficient decreases from 4.46 x10-6 to 2.38 x10-6°C-1, dielectric loss tan δ fluctuates in the range of 8.4 x 10-3 ~ 3.7 x 10-3, and the flexural strength fluctuates in the range of 80 ~120 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the background, connotation and mechanism of the policy of "the mutual development of house renting and purchasing", and identifies the primary participants and influencing factors in real estate market. Based on multi-agent simulation, this paper transforms the decision-making model of government agent into various policy scenarios and control measures, classifies the consumer agents, and models the utility function. After model development, this work uses questionnaire survey and empirical research to evaluate the relevant parameters of the model, and the Netlogo platform is selected for performing simulation experiments. The simulation results show that the public service policy represented by the same right of rent and purchase, real estate tax and purchase restriction measures can inhibit the housing price and investment behavior to some degree. Meanwhile, the land supply policy will also affect the change of the housing price and the ratio of the leaseholders through the linkage of the leasehold market. Based on the simulation results, the corresponding policy recommendations are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution in the surrounding soil of a typical pyrite concentrated mining area in Anhui Province, the pH value and the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Hg, and As in 42 surface soil samples and 16 soil samples from two vertical sections in the study area were collected and measured. The distribution characteristics, pollution assessment, and source analysis of heavy metal elements were conducted using the ArcGis inverse distance weight interpolation method, Nemero comprehensive index method, principal component analysis method, and absolute factor score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model. The results showed that the average concentration of the eight heavy metals was 1.03-13.14 times the background value in the Tongling area. The local enrichment of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As was obvious, and the spatial distribution was basically consistent with the location of man-made mining activities. The single-factor pollution index evaluation showed that Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As had different degrees of pollution risk, and the pollution degree of Cd and Cu was the most serious, accounting for 47.62% and 42.86% of moderate pollution, respectively. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index evaluation showed that 61.90% of the soil samples in the study area were moderately polluted. The ground accumulation index evaluation showed that the pollution degree of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As in the study area was mainly from light pollution to strong pollution. In the vertical soil profile variation, heavy metals were easily enriched in the surface layer of the soil but migrated slowly to the deep layer, with concentrations mainly above 1 m. The results of source analysis showed that the high geological background and mining contribution rates of Zn, Pb, and As were 37.82%, 43.49%, and 46.63%, respectively. The natural contribution rates of weathering of parent material were 34.02%, 40.88%, and 38.52%, respectively. The sources of Cr and Ni were mainly natural sources of weathering of the parent material, with contribution rates of 91.95% and 73.68%, respectively. Geological high background and mining activities contributed 41.91% of the Cu sources, and atmospheric sedimentation and agricultural comprehensive sources contributed 41.30%. There were many sources of Hg. The natural source of weathering of soil parent material contributed 35.60%, geological high background and mining activities contributed 29.87%, and unknown sources contributed 34.05%. The main source of Cd was atmospheric sedimentation and agricultural comprehensive sources, contributing 81.81%.

Suanzaoren Decoction(SZRD) is a classical formula for the clinical treatment of insomnia. This study analyzed the effect of SZRD on endogenous metabolites in insomnia rats based on metabonomics and thereby explored the anti-insomnia mechanism of SZRD. To be specific, DL-4-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA) was used to induce insomnia in rats. Then pathological changes of the liver and brain were observed and biochemical indexes such as 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), dopamine(DA), glutamate(Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA), and norepinephrine(NE) in the hippocampus and prostaglandin D2(PGD2), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and IL-6 in the serum of rats were detected. On this basis, the effect of SZRD on PCPA-induced insomnia rats was preliminarily assessed. The metabolic profile of rat serum samples was further analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were combined with t-test and variable importance in projection(VIP) to identify differential metabolites, and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was employed for pathway analysis. The results showed that SZRD could improve the pathological changes of brain and liver tissues, increase the levels of neurotransmitters 5-HT, DA, and GABA in hippocampus and the level of PGD2 in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPA axis), and reduce the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum of insomnia rats. Metabonomics analysis yielded 12 significantly changed potential metabolites: 5-aminovaleric acid, N-acetylvaline, L-proline, L-glutamate, L-valine, DL-norvaline, D(-)-arginine, pyroglutamic acid, 1-methylguanine, L-isoleucine, 7-ethoxy-4-methylcoumarin, and phthalic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester(MEHP), which were related with multiple biochemical processes including metabolism of D-glutamine and D-glutamate, metabolism of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate, metabolism of arginine and proline, arginine biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism. These metabolic changes indicated that SZRD can improve the metabolism in insomnia rats by regulating amino acid metabolism.

To explore the effects of diameter class on the climate-growth relationship of trees, the width chronologies of ringwood, earlywood, and latewood of Quercus variabilis were established in the low altitude area of the south aspect of the Taihang Mountains. We estimated the sensitivity of radial growth of two diameter classes of Q . variabilis plantation to climate. The effects of drought events on Q . variabilis plantation was quantified by superimposed time analysis. Under climate change, we aimed to provide reference data for sustainable management of Q . variabilis . Our results showed that the mean sensitivity of ringwood and latewood of large diameter classes were higher than small diameter classes. The mean sensitivities of earlywood of small diameter classes were higher than large diameter classes. The latewood was the most sensitive component of tree-ring. The responses of the standard chronological indices of two diameter classes to climate factors were similar. The growth of ringwood and latewood of small diameter classes were more sensitive to the climatic factors from June to August. The earlywood was more sensitive to the climatic factors before the growing season (from January to February). Furthermore, the earlywood of large diameter classes was more sensitive to the climatic factors of the last year, with a stronger hysteresis effect. It suggested that Q . variabilis was sensitive to drought. The radial growth of Q . variabilis of ringwood and latewood in drought year was significantly lower than that of last year. The reduction of Q . variabilis with large diameters was higher than that of small diameters, but with higher growth recovery degree after drought.

Objective: To observe the effects of Shenmai injection(SM) on p38MAPK and the apoptosis-related genes in lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in rats and to investigate the protective mechanism of SM., Methods: Rat model of intestinal I/R injury was established with clamping of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 60 min and then clamping was relieved for 60 min. Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into three groups with eight rats in each: control group, intestinal ischemia/reperfusion group(I/R group), Shenmai injection treated group (SM+I/R group). Lung wet/dry weight ratio(W/D), the contents of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and total phospholipid(TPL) which are the major ingredients of pulmonary surfactant were measured, as well as the expression levels of p38MAPK, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in lung tissue were examined by using immunohistochemical method., Results: Compared with control group, lung W/D was significantly increased, the contents of PC and TPL were significantly decreased, the protein expression levels of p38MAPK, Bcl-2 and Bax were significantly increased in I/R group (all P＜0.01). But Bax protein expression was much greater than Bcl-2 protein expression, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax were significantly decreased in I/R group than that in control group (P＜0.01). Compared with I/R group, lung W/D was significantly decreased, while the contents of PC and TPL were significantly increased, the p38MAPK and Bax protein expression levels were significantly decreased in SM+I/R group (all P＜0.01); both Bcl-2 protein expression and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax were significantly increased in SM+I/R group than those in I/R group (P＜0.01). The correlation analysis indicated that the expression level of p38MAPK protein in lung tissue was negatively correlated with the contents of PC and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax (r is -0.787 and -0.731, all P＜0.01)., Conclusion: SM can protect the lung injury induced by intestinal I/R injury, which may be mediated by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK, improving the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax to inhibit lung apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Lando ® dermal scaffold for promoting repair of acute full-thickness skin defects in pigs and explore the possible mechanism., Methods: Three 5 cm×5 cm full-thickness skin defects were created on the left dorsal skin (control group) and another 3 on the right dorsal skin (treatment group) of each of 6 Tibetan pigs. The wounds in the treatment group were covered with a bilayer artificial skin (Lando) and the control wounds with vaseline gauze. In both groups, autogenous split-thickness skin were grafted to the wounds 2 weeks later (with the silicone rubber membrane removed before grafting in the treatment group). At 3 days and 2 and 10 weeks after the injury, the wounds were assessed for general condition and contraction, and tissue samples were collected from the wounds to examine the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) using immunohistochemistry and the expressions of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA using RT-PCR., Results: At 3 days after the injury, the wounds in the 2 groups showed no significant differences in the results of any examinations. At 2 weeks after the injury, the wounds in the treatment group showed rich and more smooth granulation tissues with more regular wound edges compared with the control wounds. At 2 and 10 weeks after the injury, the wound contraction rates in the treatment group were (30.5∓3.4)% and (39.2∓2.8)%, respectively, significantly lower than the rates of (51.8∓2.6)% (t=-29.840, P=0.000) and (60.7∓2.2)% (t=-50.213, P=0.000) in the control group. At 2 weeks, the wound tissues in the treatment group expressed significantly higher levels of α-SMA (t=15.921, P=0.000) and TGF-β1 (t=29.995, P=0.000) than the control wounds, but at 10 weeks, the expressions of α-SMA (t=-41.823, P=0.000) and TGF-β1 (t=-99.777, P=0.000) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Compared with those in the control group, the expression of MMP-1 mRNA in the treatment group was significantly lower at 2 weeks (t=-45.412, P=0.000) but significantly higher at 10 weeks (t=78.769, P=0.000), and the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in the treatment group was significantly lower both at 2 weeks (t=-27.064, P=0.000) and at 10 weeks (t=-40.535, P=0.000)., Conclusions: Lando ® dermal scaffold can promote granulation tissue growth possibly in relation with increased TGF-β1 and decreased MMP-1 expression in the wounds. This scaffold material also reduces wound contraction and lessens scar hyperplasia and contracture after wound healing, probably as a result of decreased α-SMA, TGF-β1, and TIMP-1 and increased MMP-1 expressions.

To assess the clinical efficacy of Chinese medical injection (CMI) for heart failure by using network Meta-analysis method. The relative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CMI for heart failure were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMbase in July 2017. RCTs on the comparison of two kinds of CMIs for heart failure were included. Two researchers independently completed the literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the results were crossed checked. The data were analyzed by Win Bugs, and STATA software was used for plotting. Finally, 13 RCTs were included, involving 5 kinds of CMIs and 1 538 patients. According to the quality evaluation, the appropriate random dividing methods were reported in only two RCTs, double-blindness was used in only one RCT, and even none of the RCTs mentioned allocation concealment. Network Meta-analysis showed that Shenmai injection had the greatest effect in the clinical efficacy for patients with heart failure, which was followed by Shenfu Injection. However, Shenfu Injection was most effective in improving the patients' left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which was followed by Shenmai Injection. Therefore, Shenfu Injection and Shenmai Injection had certain advantages in treating heart failure. However, due to the limited sample size and the poor literature quality, more studies were required to verify the strength of evidence. We suggest that further studies shall pay more attention to the improvement of the methodological quality, increase the follow-up period, and strengthen the observation of cardiovascular end points., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

The study aims at investigating the ecological environment Adiantum reniforme var. sinense of in Three Gorges Reservoir region, and providing a reference basis for the protection of resources and artificial cultivation of A. reniforme var. sinense. By using the method of investigation, field survey and experimental analysis, the vegetation, natural geographical environment, climate, soil nutrients of A. reniforme var. sinense were studied and analyzed. The survey found that A. reniforme var. sinense distribution area reduced fast in Three Gorges region, a lot of distribution has diminished and vanished due to excessive digging, currently only in 3 towns of Wanzhou there exist 4 wild distribution areas. The growth of A. reniforme var. sinense needs an environment with low altitude, steep slope and thin soil, northeast slope, canopy height and warm and humid climate characteristics, and the soil in distribution has the characteristics of high organic matter, available nitrogen, available potassium, and low available phosphorus content., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of closed vacuum drainage combined with heparin irrigation in the treatment of scald burns with seawater immersion in rabbits., Methods: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were subjected to deep partial-thickness scald burns in 4 regions on the bilateral skin of the spine. The wounds were managed with common dressing (group A), common dressing after seawater immersion (group B), closed vacuum drainage after seawater immersion (group C), or closed vacuum drainage combined with heparin irrigation after seawater immersion (group D). Wound effusion and tissue necrosis were observed at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after the burns. Tissue samples were collected from the wounds for HE staining and immunohistochemistry for VEGF and CD31, and the changes of capillary endothelial cells in the wound were observed using electron microscopy. The water content in the wound tissues was determined, and the wound healing rate was calculated after the injury., Results: Sea water immersion of the wound results in earlier onset of edema and more extensive tissue necrosis in the scalded rabbits. The mean necrotic area in groups C and D was smaller than that in group B early after the burns, and vacuum drainage promoted necrotic tissue elimination and accelerated wound healing. Early after the burns, water content in the tissues increased with time in all the groups and reached the highest level at 3 days, and was significantly lower in groups C and D than in group B. Pathologically, vascular endothelial cell damage at the wound site was worsened after seawater immersion. In group D, the basement membrane damage was milder and the endothelial cell membrane remained intact at the wound site, where new blood vessels occurred at 3 days after the burns, a time earlier than that in the other 3 groups with also the highest vascular density., Conclusions: Closed vacuum drainage combined with heparin irrigation can relieve edema at the scald wound with seawater immersion, improve microcirculation, accelerate the removal of necrotic tissue, and promote the growth of new blood vessels.

Objective: To study on the pharmacognostical characteristics of cultivated Fritillaria taipaiensis for providing basis for further development and research., Methods: Botanical, macroscopic and microscopic identifications, and determination of the content of extract, total saponins and total alkaloids were carried out., Results: Because of various growing years, cultivated Fritillaria taipaiensis had diffferent properties,in addition to tip slightly resembling songbei's tip "embracing the moon", there were greatly different characteristics in the rest of specifications comparing with the traditional Fritillaria cirrhosa. Some were shallow conical or cylindrical, some had slightly rough surface,and some bases were constricted, bitter in taste. There were great differences in its extract and total alkaloids con-tent,and no obvious differences in the content of total saponins., Conclusion: The experimental results show that the extract,total saponins and total alkaloids content are not positively correlated or relevant with the current classification of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus. To consider the medicinal appearance diameter and length, the grade classification should be based on different application requirements, and combined with the evaluation of active ingredients.

Objective: To investigate the changes in aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) expression in myocardium of scalded rats in early stage of a burn injury, and to analyze its relationship with myocardial edema., Methods: Thirty-six healthy Wistar rats were divided into normal control (n = 6, without scald) and scald (n = 30) groups according to the random number table. Rats in scald group were inflicted with 30%TBSA full-thickness scald on the back, and intraperitoneally injected with Ringer's solution for antishock treatment. Myocardium tissue from left ventricle and serum specimen in rats of scald group were collected at post scald hours (PSH) 2, 8, 12, 24, and 48 (with 6 rats at each time point). Myocardial water ratio was determined by dry-wet weight method. The distribution of AQP-1 protein in myocardium was observed with immunohistochemical staining. The expression of myocardial AQP-1 mRNA was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR. The serum content of cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) was determined with ELISA. The rats in normal control group were detected with above-mentioned method. Data were processed with one way analysis of variance and LSD test. Correlation analysis was performed between AQP-1 mRNA and myocardial water ratio, AQP-1 mRNA and the serum content of cTnI in scald group at each time point., Results: Compared with that in normal control group, the myocardial water ratio in scald group was markedly increased during PSH 8-48 (P values all below 0.01), and it peaked at PSH 12 [(80.79 ± 0.12)%]. In both groups, AQP-1 was mainly expressed in endothelial cells of capillaries and pericellular membrane of myocardial cells. The expression of AQP-1 in scald group was markedly increased from PSH 2 to PSH 48. The expression of myocardial AQP-1 mRNA in scald group was markedly higher from PSH 2 to PSH 48 than that in normal control group (P values all below 0.01), and it peaked at PSH 12 [(6.2 ± 0.7)%]. The serum content of cTnI in scald group was obviously higher from PSH 2 to PSH 48 than that in normal control group (P values all below 0.01), and it peaked at PSH 12 [(5.83 ± 0.51) µg/L]. There were statistically positive correlations between AQP-1 mRNA expression and myocardial water ratio (r = 0.849, P < 0.01), AQP-1 mRNA expression and the serum content of cTnI (r = 0.973, P < 0.01) in scald group., Conclusions: AQP-1 may play a key role in the development of myocardial edema in rats with scald.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acellular tissue engineering dermal matrix (ATDM) in repairing wounds of skin graft donor site., Methods: Sixty patients with burn or chronic wounds hospitalized from January 2011 to April 2012 received autologous skin grafting. One wound [with size larger than 55 cm(2), and thickness of (0.33 ± 0.03) mm] out of multiple skin graft donor sites of every patient was selected, and it was divided into two parts in accordance with self-control principle. A part of wound close to the wound edge with diameter of 5 cm was taken as trial area (treated with ATDM), and the remaining wound was taken as control area (treated with vaseline gauze) according to the random number table. Blood and urine routine, liver and kidney function, and levels of IgG and IgM in blood of patients were measured one day before operation and on the 1st day after wound healing. Vital signs of patients were recorded on the operation day and the wound healing day. Gross condition of the wounds was observed during dressing change. Wound healing time was recorded. The healed wound was observed histologically. Data were processed with Log rank test or t test., Results: Leucocyte count was lowered on the 1st day after wound healing [(7.1 ± 1.2)×10(9)/L] as compared with that one day before operation [(10.1 ± 1.5)×10(9)/L, t = -12.10, P < 0.01]. The differences were not statistically significant in red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, platelet count, urine routine, levels of indexes of liver and kidney function, levels of IgG and IgM in blood between one day before operation and the 1st day after wound healing, or in vital signs (including body temperature, pulse, respiration, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure) between the operation day and the wound healing day (with t values from -1.43 to 1.88, P values all above 0.05). No adverse effects such as abnormal exudation, itching, redness and swelling, and exanthema were observed in the wound. The median wound healing time in trial area was 12 d (95% confidence interval: 11 - 13 d), which was significantly shorter than that in control area [17 d (95% confidence interval: 16 - 18 d), χ(2) = 24.9, P < 0.01]. The healed wound of trial area was closer to the normal skin than that of control area in the shape and distribution of Fb and vascular endothelial cell, and the shape of the basilar membrane and the epidermal layer., Conclusions: ATDM can accelerate healing of wound of skin graft donor site, and no adverse reactions were observed.

This article analyzed the medical records of a patient with 90% TBSA unhealed wound accompanied with wound sepsis 50 days post burn (PBD) and to discuss the ideal strategies of treatment for such patients in such condition. This was a 24-year-old male patient suffering from flame burn with 95% TBSA wound and severe inhalation injury. Meek skin grafting with autologous scalp was performed once to the thoracic and abdominal regions; intermingled skin grafting of autologous scalp microskin and large sheet of allograft was performed twice to the limbs within PBD 31. The patient was transferred to our hospital on PBD 50 with 90% TBSA wound unhealed, leaving a vast amount of necrotic tissue and allografts. Furthermore, he was complicated by sepsis, pulmonary infection, and gastric ulcer. Debridement and allogenic skin grafting were performed on the first day after hospitalization. When the condition of wounds was improved, transplantation of a large sheet of allogenic skin with inlaid small pieces of autologous skin, intermingled skin grafting of autologous and allogenic skin, and small pieces of autologous skin grafting were performed. Because of the shortage of donor area, the exposed wounds were temporarily covered with allogeneic skin. Epidermal growth factor was used to promote the healing of autologous skin donor site and deep partial-thickness burn wound. Autologous skin grafting was performed whenever source of healthy skin was available. Systemic use of effective antibiotics, nutritional support and therapy, and other comprehensive measures also contributed to the success of treatment of this patient suffering from wound sepsis. The patient was cured and discharged on PBD 145.

Objective: To observe the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on insulin resistance and cell differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to explore the mechanisms., Methods: 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with glucose (25 mmol/L) and insulin (10(-6) mol/L) to induce insulin resistance. After culture, glucose consumption of the adipocytes was detected by glucose oxidase method and glucose uptake was detected by using tritium-marked glucose. Drug concentration for following test was determined through detecting the effects of different concentrations of UA on the activity of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) staining. 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance were cultured with DMEM, rosiglitazone, and low- and high-dose UA, and then, glucose uptake and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes were detected. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot methods were used to detect the effects of UA on expressions of adipocyte lipid binding protein (aP2), c-Cbl-associated protein (CAP) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in 3T3-L1 cells with insulin resistance., Results: After dealing with high glucose/hyperinsulin for 24 h, insulin resistance was induced successfully in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The concentrations of UA were defined to be 4 to 20 μmol/L. Compared with the model group, the glucose uptake was significantly increased in the rosiglitazone group and groups treated with low- and high-dose UA (P<0.01). The differentiation levels of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the UA groups were lower than those in the control group and the rosiglitazone group. Effects of UA on the expressions of aP2 and MMP-1 were not obvious, but UA could up-regulate expression of CAP both in mRNA and protein levels (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Low- and high-dose UA can improve the glycometabolism and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance by up-regulating the expression of CAP.

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanism of ursolic acid in improving hepatic insulin resistance in KKAy mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes., Methods: Thirty-five KKAy mice were divided into five groups according to the randomized block design, namely, control, rosiglitazone, fenofibrate, and high- and low-dose ursolic acid groups with seven mice in each group. C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control group. At the end of the 4th week, free fatty acid (FFA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin contents in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the protein expressions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and glucose transport factor-2 (GLUT-2) were detected by Western blot method; the mRNA expressions of PEPCK, IRS-2 and GLUT-2 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction; the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method., Results: After four weeks of intervention, the contents of FFA, TNF-α and adiponectin in serum of the high-dose ursolic acid group had changed, showing statistically significant difference compared to those of the control group (P<0.01); high dose of ursolic acid had depressant effect on the expressions of PEPCK protein and PEPCK mRNA (P<0.01); low dose of ursolic acid depressed the expression of PEPCK mRNA and induced phosphorylation of IRS-2 in the liver (P<0.05); both high and low dose of ursolic acid improved the expression of PPARα in the liver (P<0.01)., Conclusion: The effects of ursolic acid in improving hepatic insulin resistance in KKAy mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes may be closely related to affecting the contents of FFA, TNF-α and adiponectin, improving the expression of PPARα protein, regulating transcription of PEPCK protein and inducing phosphorylation of IRS-2.

Objective: To observe the effect of exendin-4 on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the early stage after scald injury in rats and explore the mechanisms., Methods: Fifty-four healthy adult SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=6), scald group (n=24) and scald with exendin-4 treatment group (n=24). In the latter two groups, the rats were subjected to 30% TBSA full-thickness scald burns on the back, and Parkland formula was used for determining the resuscitation fluid volume. In exendin-4 treatment group, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of 5 µg/kg exendin-4 after the scald. Apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes from the left ventricle was determined by TUNEL assay and the activity of caspase-3 in the myocardium was assessed., Results: In the scald group, the apoptotic index of the cardiomyocytes was increased at 6 h post-burn, reaching the peak level at 12 h, and maintained a significantly higher level than that in the normal control at 48 h (P<0.05). Myocardial caspase-3 activity in the scald group was increased at 6 h post-burn and reached the peak at 12 h, still maintaining a high levels at 24 h (P<0.05). In exendin-4 treatment group, the apoptotic index of the cardiomyocytes was significantly lower than that in the scald group at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-burn (P<0.05), and so was the caspase-3 activity at 6, 12 and 48 h (P<0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between the apoptotic index of the cardiomyocytes and myocardial caspase-3 activity in the rats (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Exdendin-4 can inhibit rat cardiomyocyte apoptosis early after scald injury possibly by suppressing caspase-3 activity in the myocardium.

Objective: To study the effect of cotransfection of genes of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) on wound healing., Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were inflicted with 30% TBSA full-thickness scald. They were then divided into A group (4.6 microg pcDNA3.1/IGF-I+Lipofectamine 2000+saline), B group (3.6 microg pcDNA3.1/HSV-tk+Lipofectamine 2000+saline), C1 group and C2 group (2.3 microg pcDNA3.1/IGF-I+1.8 microg pcDNA3.1/HSV-tk+Lipofectamine 2000+saline), and D group (3.0 microg pcDNA3.1+Lipofectamine 2000+saline) according to the random number table, with 6 rats in each group. The above-mentioned mixtures were subcutaneously injected into left back of each rat the moment after injury and on post scald day (PSD) 7, 14, 21, and 28. Gancyclovir (2.5 mg/100 g) was hypodermically injected into rats in C2 group on PSD 29, 30, 31, 32. Changes in body weight of rats were measured. Wound healing rates were calculated. On PSD 35, the expressions of IGF-I gene in local wound and liver tissue were determined with immunohistochemical staining. The serum expression of IGF-I was determined with radioimmunoassay. Expression of HSV-tk gene in local wound was determined with RT-PCR. Apoptosis of fibroblast in C1 and C2 groups was observed under transmission electron microscope. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Turkey method., Results: Body weight of rats in A, C1, and C2 groups increased from PSD 7 through 35, and the difference between former three groups and B, D groups was statistically significant (with F value respectively 2.764, 4.519, 5.009, 13.449, 5.877, P values all below 0.05). Wound healing rates of rats in A, C1, and C2 groups were higher than those in B, D groups (with F value respectively 5.286, 100.880, 152.380, 127.850, 147.750, P values all below 0.05). IGF-I gene was positively expressed in wound fibroblast in A, C1 and C2 groups, but negatively in liver tissues of all the rats. There was no significant statistical difference among groups in serum content of IGF-I [from (1185+/-170) to (1270+/-130) ng/mL, F=0.355, P=0.838]. HSV-tk gene was positively expressed in rat skin tissue in B, C1 and C2 groups. Fibroblast apoptosis was observed under transmission electron microscope in C2 group, but it was not observed in C1 group., Conclusions: Cotransfection of pcDNA3.1/IGF-I and pcDNA3.1/HSV-tk mediated by liposome can promote wound healing, and inhibit the scar proliferation to some extent.

Objective: To investigate the changes in the myocardial expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) protein and its association with myocardial edema in rats with severe burns., Methods: Forty-eight healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=6) and burn injury group with third degree burn of 30% total body surface area, and the latter group was further divided into 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h groups. The changes of myocardial water content were investigated by dry-wet weight methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the changes in AQP1 expression at different time points after sever burns., Results: The myocardial water content and AQP1 expression increased significantly 2 h after the burn injury, reaching the peak levels at 12 h and remaining higher than the normal level at 48 h. A significant positive correlation was found between myocardial water content and AQP1 expression in the rats (r=0.868, P<0.01)., Conclusion: The severity of myocardial edema after severe burn is correlated to the expression level of AQPl protein, suggesting the important role of AQPl protein in pathological progression of myocardial edema.

Objective: To investigate the changes in the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP-1) in edematous small intestinal tissues of rats after severe burn and the effect of early enteral feeding on its expression., Methods: Ninety normal adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=6), burn model group (n=42, with 30% TBSA III degrees) and early feeding group (n=42). Dry weight method, ELSIA and immunohistochemistry were used to observe and detect the water content and expression of AQP-1 in the intestinal tissue at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the burns., Results: In the burn model group, the water content in the intestinal tissue increased at 4 h after the injury, reaching the peak level at 48 h; AQP-1 expression decreased at 8 h after severe burn and reached the lowest level at 48 h. AQP-1 expression level showed a significant inverse correlation to the water content (P<0.01). Compared with the burn model group, the rats in the early feeding group showed increased AQP-l expression and lessened edema in the small intestines, also demonstrating an inverse correlation between water content and AQP-l expression (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Intestinal AQP-1 expression gradually decreased and edema worsened in rats early after severe burn, reaching the lowest or the peak levels 48 h after the injury with an inverse correlation between them. Early enteral feeding can increase the expression of AQP-l in the small intestine to ameliorate the intestinal edema in rats with severe burn injury.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of HSV-tk gene transfer on the apoptosis of fibroblast in rats with scald injury., Methods: The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1/tk was transfected via liposome in the skin of rats with scald injury. The expression of tk gene was detected by RT-PCR technique, and after GCV injection, the apoptosis of the fibroblasts positive for tk gene was observed under transmission electron microscope., Results: Liposome-mediated HSV-tk gene transfection of the rat skin resulted in the positive expression of tk gene in the fibroblasts in the burn wound. GCV injection induced the apoptosis of the positively transfected fibroblasts., Conclusion: HSV-tk gene transfer mediated by liposome can promote the apoptosis of the fibroblasts in rats with scald injury.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of early local treatment with cooling and spray film on scald burn injury in rats., Method: Seventy-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including the sham-scalded group, untreated scald group, cooling group, spray film group, and cooling plus spray film group with corresponding treatments. After gross observation of the wounds, the tissues at the wounds were sampled at different time points after the injury to determine the total water content (wet: dry weight ratio) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels using radioimmunoassay (RIA)., Results: Treatment with cooling and spray film significantly alleviated the swelling and effusion of the scald burns. At each of the time points, the water content and PGE(2) levels in the cooling group, spray film group and cooling plus spray film group were all lower than those in untreated scald group (P<0.01), but all higher than those in the sham-scalded group (P<0.01). The water content and PGE(2) levels were the lowest in cooling plus spray film group, and a significant correlation was noted between the water content and PGE(2) levels in the untreated scald group, cooling group, spray film group and cooling plus spray film group (P<0.01)., Conclusions: Local treatment with cooling and spray film can alleviate the edema of superficial II degree scald burns in rats probably by reducing the levels of the inflammatory cytokines in the local tissues.

Objective: To investigate the effect of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the lung tissues of rats with early-stage burn injury., Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely the normal control, burn, burn and PDTC treatment groups, and in the latter two groups, the rats were subjected to 35% TBSA full-thickness burns. Activation of pulmonary NF-kappaB at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 postburn hour (PBH) was tested by electrophoretic mobility shift assay , and the expressions of pulmonary tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNAs at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h were detected by RT-PCR., Results: Compared to that of the control group, activity of pulmonary NF-kappaB in burned rats was markedly increased within 1 PBH and kept increasing till 24 h. Expressions of pulmonary TNF alpha and IL-8 mRNAs increased gradually, reaching the peak level at 6 PBH, and PDTC could effectively inhibit pulmonary NF-kappaB activation and expression of the pulmonary cytokines induced by the burn injury., Conclusion: Severe burn injury may activate pulmonary NF-kappaB, which ultimately leads to secretion of cytokines in the lung tissues.

Objective: To investigate the influence of epidermis from different sources on the proliferation and metabolism of fibroblasts (Fb), and to explore its cause., Methods: In a co-culture system, normal Fb (A group) and cicatricial Fb(B group) from 10 patients with scar during proliferative stage were co-cultivated with own normal skin epidermis (NSE), respectively, without direct contact. In control groups (C group), cicatricial Fb was cultured alone. Normal Fb and cicatricial Fb from 10 patients with scar during maturation period were co-cultured with own normal skin epidermis as mentioned above, and divided into D, E and F groups. The cell number of FB, the amount of type I and III procollagen (PC I, PC III) in the supernatants and the PC I to PC III ratio were determined., Results: To compare the C with A group and the F with D group, Fb in C and F groups exhibited increased cell number and PC I , PC III amounts (P < 0.05), and decreased ratio of PC I to PC III (P < 0.05). To compare the B with C group, PC III contents in the cell supernatant was increased (P < 0.05), and the ratio of PCI to PC III decreased in B group (P < 0.05), there were no obvious difference in Fb cell number and the amount of PC I contents between B and C group. To compare the E with F group, the cell number of Fb, as well as PC I and PC III contents in cell supernatant were obviously decreased in E group (P < 0.05), but no obvious decrease was observed in the ratio of PC I and PC III. To compare the B with A group and the E with D group, the cell number and the PC I and PC III contents in B and E groups were evidently increased, while the ratio of PC I to PC III decreased markedly (2.20 +/- 0.27 vs 1.16 +/- 0.21 in A, B group, P < 0.05; 2.18 +/- 0.14 vs 1.93 +/- 0.26 in D, E group, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Normal epidermis may play an important role in preventing hypertrophic scar by producing some bioactive substances.

Objective: To seek a sequential method for the management of residual wounds in burn patients., Methods: Three chronic residual wounds on each of 25 burn patients were either covered with vaseline gauze (A group), human tissue-engineered active skin (Active Skin, B group) or Active Skin after rinsing with fluid containing oxygen and vacuum assisted drainage ( C group) on wounds. The contents of (TNF)a in granulation tissue were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNA in granulation tissue was determined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, quantity of wound bacteria in the wounds and wound healing rate were determined with usual method., Results: The quantities of wound bacteria in C group on 3,6,9, 12 post-treatment day( PTD) were (5.30 +/- 1.60), (1.30 +/-0.80) , (1.70 +/- 0. 60)and (0.60 +/-0. 10)clone formation unit/ml( CFU/ml) , respectively, which were obviously lower than those in A and B groups. The contents of TNFa and expression of metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNA in granulation tissue in C group on 6 PTD were [ (0. 650 +/- 0. 040) ng/mg and 0. 210 +/- 0. 010,] ,respectively, and they were evidently lower than those in A group [(1.550 +/-0. 370)ng/mg,1. 040 +/- 0. 050, P <0.01] and B group (0. 810 +/- 0.080) ng/mg, 0.640 +/- 0.030, P <0.01]. Meanwhile, the contents of (TNF)a and expression of MMP-13 mRNA in B group were also obviously lower than those in A group. The wound healing ratio in C group on 15 and 30 PTD were markedly higher than those in A or B group ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: Covering the residual burn wounds with Active Skin after rinsing with fluid containing oxygen followed by vacuum assisted drainage can improve repairing of residual burn wounds.

Objective: To probe into the effect of IGF-I gene transfer on wound healing of scald rats., Methods: Eukaryotic recombinant plasmid of pcDNA3.1/ IGF-I (successfully constructed by our study group earlier) transported by liposome were injected subdermally in wound region of scald rats. Changes of body weight and tendency of wound healing were observed carefully within 5 weeks postburn. The expression of IGF-I gene transfer in serum and liver was observed with immunohistochemical staining., Results: The results of animal experiment showed that IGF-I gene transported by liposome expressed positively in fibroblast in burn wound, but expressed negatively in liver tissue with immunohistochemical staining, There were no significant differences for IGF-I concentrations in serum among treatment group and control group (P > 0.05). The speed of wound healing for animals injected with IGF-I reconstruct was faster than those which didn't injected IGF-I (P < 0.05); The body weight of the animals in the group injected with IGF-I hadn't a loss in 5 weeks postburn, but those which didn't injected IGF-I had a loss in body weight during postburn days ( P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Gene transfer of IGF-I transported by liposome can promote wound healing, and it also could avoid some adverse effect brought by application of IGF-I systematically .

Objective: To investigate the effect of NF-kappaB activation on the early expression of proinflammatory cytokines in myocardium and early myocardial dysfunction in burn rats., Methods: One hundred and seventy Wistar rats were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into three groups, i. e. control( C, n = 20, with isotonic saline solution) , burn ( B, n = 90, with isotonic solution after burns) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, n =60, with isotonic saline and 250 mg/kg PDTC after burns) groups. The rats in B and PDTC groups were inflicted with 35% TBSA full-thickness burns on the back. The activity of myocardial NF-kappaB was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay at 1 , 3, 6, 12,24 postburn hours (PBH), with expression of integral absorbance ( A ) value . The expression of myocardial tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-alpha) mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization at 6, 12 PBH, with expression ofA value. The left ventricular systolic pressure( LVSP) , the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) ,the maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure ( +/- dp/dt max) were also observed at 3, 6, 12,24 PBH. RESULTS The activity of myocardial NF-KB in B group was markedly increased at 1 PBH [ (20. 3+/-3. 4) x 104A ] ,which was obviously higher than that in C group (2. 2 +/- 0. 4) x 104A , P <0.01]. It peaked at 3 PBH, and was still evidently higher than that in C group at 24 PBH ( P <0. 01). The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA was obviously higher than that in C group at 3 PBH ( P < 0. 01) , peaking at 6 PBH, and it was mainly expressed in myocardium. The expression of LVSP and +/- dp/dt max were lower, but LVEDP was higher than that in C group during 3 -24 PBH ( P <0.01).

Objective: To explore the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the burn serum induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1) in endothelial cells., Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro and divided into control (with normal serum stimulation), burn serum (B, with burn serum stimulation) and PDTC (with burn serum and PDTC stimulation) groups. The NF-kappaB activity in endothelial cells was determined with electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 post-stimulation hour (PSH). The expression of ICAM-1 at 3.0, 6.0, 12. 0, 24.0 PSH was detected by flow cytometry., Results: The NF-kappaB activity in endothelial cells in burn serum group and PDTC group were markedly higher than that in control group (P <0.01), and it reached the peak at 1.0 PSH [(21.03 +/- 4.87), (7.44 +/- 0.60) x 10(4) A], respectively, then gradually decreased. But it was obviously lower in PDTC group than that in burn serum group ( P <0. 01 ). The expression of ICAM-1 was gradually increased in both burn serum group and PDTC group, reaching the peak level at 12.0 PSH [(327 +/- 37), (142 +/- 31) mean fluorescence intensity], respectively, which were significantly higher than that in control group (P <0.01). But it was evidently lower in PDTC group than that in burn serum group at 12.0 and 24.0 PSH (P <0.01)., Conclusion: Burn serum can initiate the synthesis and release of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells through activation of NF-kappaB, indicating that NF-kappaB plays an important role in the process of burn serum induced endothelial secretion of adhesion molecules.

Objective: To further explore the effects of substance P on the proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblasts obtained from pathological scars in vitro., Methods: Fibroblasts from keloid (KSF) , hypertrophic scar (HSF) and normal dermis (NDF) of 12 burn patients were cultured in vitro and divided into control, SP (with 1 x 10 (-6) mol/L SP added to the culture medium) , and SP + spantide( with 1 x 10 (-6) mol/L SP and 3 x 10 (-5) mol/L spantide added to the culture medium) groups. MTT method or flow cytometry assay was used for the determination of the proliferative activities or apoptotic rate of fibroblasts obtained from KSF, HSF and NDF with SP or Spantide. And then the fibroblasts in SP group were subdivided into 1 x 10( -9) -1 x 10 (-5) mol/L groups to examine the time-or dose-effect of SP to fibroblasts from different sources., Results: In control group, different types of fibroblasts exhibited similar proliferative activities and apoptotic rates. But there was significant difference in these indices between control and SP group (the proliferative activity of KSF, HSF, NDF was 0. 656+/-0. 071, 0. 525 +/-0. 064, 0. 404+/-0. 063, respectively; and the apoptotic rate of KSF, HSF, NDF was [( 1.5+/-0.3) % , (4.0+/-0.5) % , (5.5+/-0.7) % , respectively],( P < 0. 05). SP had stronger effect on KSF than it did to HSF, as well as it had stronger effect on HSF than it did to NDF. In SP + spantide group, the effect of SP on KSF was partially inhibited, while it was completely inhibited in cultures of HSF and NDF. KSF was more sensitive to SP and the effect was longer when compared with HSF., Conclusion: SP may play an important role in the process of pathological scar formation due to its diverse effects on fibroblasts from different sources.

Objective: To investigate the influence of sea water immersion on inflammation and healing of the wounds in scalded rats., Methods: One hundred and forty-four male Wistar rats with 10% TBSA superficial partial-thickness scald were randomly divided into A (n=72, with scald) and B (n=72, with seawater immersion for 4hrs immediately after scald) groups. The serum contents of K+, Na+, Cl- were determined at 0 post-scald hour (PSH), 6PSH, 12PSH and 24 PSH with electrocyte analysis apparatus, and the changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) levels were determined at 0 PSH, 6PSH and 12 PSH with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The histopathological changes in the rats of the two groups were observed, and wound healing time was respectively calculated., Results: The serum contents of K+, Na+, Cl- in B group were obviously higher than those in A group. And the serum content of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in B group at 6 PSH [(140 +/- 22) ng/L, (160 +/- 41) ng/L] were significantly higher than those before scald [(29 +/- 15) ng/L, (62 +/- 17)] ng/L and in A group [(120 +/- 12) ng/L, (124 +/- 22) ng/L, ( P < 0.05)]. Compared with A group, re-epithelization of the wound differentiation in all layers of epidermis were delayed in B group, with more severe wound swelling, exudation, and topical inflammatory response. The wound healing time in B group was (16.3 +/- 1.6) d, which was obviously longer than that in A group [(14.1 +/- 1.8) d, P < 0.05)]., Conclusion: Sea water immersion combined with scald injury can aggravate the inflammatory response of the wound and delay the wound healing process.

Objective: To investigate the effects of NF-kappaB activation on the expression of cytokines in monocytes stimulated by burn serum, so as to explore the mechanism in monocyte activation by burn serum., Methods: Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) isolated from healthy volunteers were employed as the target cells. The cells were stimulated by serum from healthy volunteers (control), by serum from burn patients (burn serum), and by burn serum with addition of PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate). Activation of monocytic NF-kappaB before stimulation and at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 poststimulation hours (PSH) was assessed with electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Expression of TNF-alpha and IL-8 mRNA at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 PSHs was assayed with in situ hybridization (ISH). Meanwhile, the contents of TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the supernatants were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: The monocytic NF-kappaB activity in burn serum group increased significantly and reached the peak level at 1 PSH [(30.2 +/- 3.5) x 10(4) integration gray scale value] after the PBMCs were stimulated by burn serum, and it was obviously higher than that in control group [(4.4 +/- 0.8) x 10(4) integration gray scale value], (P < 0.01). It gradually decreased and returned to the pre-stimulation state at 2 PSH. The monocytic NF-kappaB activity in PDTC group decreased to [(6.8 +/- 0.9) x 10(4) integration gray scale value at 1 PSH] after the stimulation. The expression of TNF-alpha mRNA of the monocytes and the TNF-alpha level in the supernatant of the cultured PBMCs reached peak level at 1 PSHs after being stimulated by burn serum, and they were obviously higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). While the expression of IL-8 mRNA and the IL-8 level in the supernatant of the cultured PBMCs reached peak level at the 4 PSHs after being stimulated by burn serum, which were obviously higher than those in control group (P < 0.01) too. In addition, the synthesis and release of TNF-alpha (peaked at 1 PSH: 0.52 +/- 0.06 microg/L) and IL-8 (peaked at 4 PSH: 239 +/- 20 ng/L) in the supernatant of PBMCs in PDTC group were evidently higher than those in control group [(0.13 +/- 0.07) microg/L, < 156 ng/L] (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Burn serum can induce the activation of NF-kappaB which lead to the synthesis and release of cytokines from PBMC. This result indicates that the activation of NF-kappaB plays important role in the secretion of cytokines from PBMCs induced by the burn serum.

Objective: To investigate the effects of topical application of emu oil on wound healing in scalded rats., Methods: In 144 male Wistar rats with 10%; total body surface superficial II degree scald treated on a random basis with physiological saline, povidone iodine and emu oil, respectively, the changes of the wound were observed and the wound tissue and blood samples harvested at different times after injury for evaluation of histopathological changes, total tissue water content (measured by wet:dry weight ratios), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels in the wound tissue and plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The general condition of the wound healing was also observed., Results: After application of emu oil, the swelling and effusion of the burn wound were alleviated and evidences of wound infection or adverse effects were not observed. Pathological examination showed that emu oil could alleviate topical inflammation, which was particularly obvious on days 1 and 3 after injury as compared with the other two groups. On day 3 after injury, water content and TNF-alpha level in the tissues was markedly decreased with the application of emu oil (P<0.05), with a significant correlation between their changes (P<0.001) and shortened wound healing time (P<0.05). Pathological examination showed that emu oil could promote epithelialization and differentiation of various epidermal layers., Conclusion: Emu oil has topical anti-inflammatory activity in rats with superficial II degree scald, possibly in association with decreased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in the tissues and can promote wound healing by inhibiting local secondary inflammation.

Objective: To explore the relationship between neuropeptide substance P (SP) and wound healing in scalded rats., Methods: (1) Scalded rats with different degrees of scald injury were employed as the experimental model and were sacrificed at 24 post scald hour (PSH), and on 3, 7 and 14 post scald days (PSD). The SP content in the wound was detected with radioimmunoassay method. (2) The murine granulation tissue fibroblasts (GTF) were cultured with different culture media, and divided into control, SP and Spantide (SP receptor antagonism) groups. The effects of SP and Spantide on the cellular activity and apoptotic rate of murine GTF were assessed in vitro., Results: There was significant difference of the SP content among the superficial (145 +/- 78) ng/g, partial (94 +/- 48 ng/g) and full thickness (53 +/- 27 ng/g) scald wounds at 24 PSH (P < 0.01), while the SP content in partial thickness burn wound on 3 and 7 PSD obviously increased; and that in deep partial thickness burn wound obviously increased on 7 and 14 PSD. But the SP content remained unchanged in full thickness scald wound. (2) SP could promote the activity of GTF and inhibit its apoptosis (The GTF activity in control, SP groups were 0.21 +/- 0.05, 0.36 +/- 0.07, respectively, P < 0.01). Spantide could inhibit the interaction between SP and GTF., Conclusion: SP can promote GTF proliferation, and the SP content in wound is closely associated with the depth of the injury and wound healing capacity.

Objective: To explore the dynamic changes in the expression of c-fos, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bax in the intestinal tissue of scalded rats before and after resuscitation., Methods: Wistar rats inflicted with 30% TBSA full thickness scald were employed as the model and randomly divided into four groups with 8 in each group, i.e. 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 6.0 postscald hour (PSH) groups. Rats in each group received routine fluid infusion at 2 PSH, and were sacrificed at 2, 2.5, 4, 6 PSH, respectively. Then the intestinal tissue of the rats was harvested for the detection of the expression of c-fos, PCNA and Bax., Results: The expression of c-fos, PCNA and Bax at 2.0 PSH group (65.8 +/- 4.2%, 74.5 +/- 2.4%, 26.3 +/- 5.7%, respectively) significantly increased when compared with those in 2.5 PSH group (92.4 +/- 5.7%, 85.6 +/- 4.5%, 67.1 +/- 6.6%, respectively) (P < 0.01). The expression of 3 genes increased dramatically at 2.5 and 4.0 PSH, and reached the peak at 2.5 PSH. There was no obvious difference in the gene expression between 4 PSH and 2 PSH groups., Conclusion: The expression of apoptotic genes in the intestinal tissue of scalded rats increased significantly during early resuscitation stage after burn injury.

Objective: To investigate the effects of the serum from burned patients (burn serum) on inhibitor of kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) degradation and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in the endothelial cells in order to explore the role of burn serum on endothelium activation., Methods: Cultured endothelial cells (ECV-304) were stimulated by the serum from healthy volunteers, burn serum and burn serum with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), respectively. Activation of endothelial NF-kappaB at 30, 60, 120, 240 min after stimulation was tested by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and the degradation of endothelial IkappaBalpha at these time points determined by Western blotting., Results: Compared with that in the control group, cytosolic IkappaBalpha degradation in the endothelial cells occurred within 30 min after burn serum stimulation, and peaked at 60 min, followed by gradual recovery in the cytoplasm till reaching the pre-stimulation level at 2 h. Meanwhile, the activity of endothelial NF-kappaB was markedly increased, reaching the peak at 30 to 60 min with subsequent gradual decrease 2 h after stimulation. PDTC could effectively inhibit endothelial IkappaBalpha degradation and activation of NF-kappaB induced by the burn serum., Conclusion: Burn serum might induce the degradation of IkappaBalpha to activate NF-kappaB, which ultimately leads to cytokine release from the endothelium.

Objective: To study the changes in subeschar fluid and plasma TNF-alpha in rabbits with severe burns in response to early administration of imipenem (IPM)., Methods: Sixteen rabbits with severe burns were randomized into 2 two equal groups to receive treatment with 100 mg (100 ml) of IPM q8 hx3 days and equivalent volume of saline , respectively. The levels of TNF-alpha in the subeschar tissue fluids and plasma were determined by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after the first initial dose of 100 mg of imipenem/cilastatin, lasting 3 days., Results: The plasma TNF-alpha levels in rabbits increased after the burn injury, reaching the peak level 16 h postburn and sustained the high levels till 72 h. At the same time point, TNF-alpha levels in the subeschar tissue fluids increased evidently in comparison with the plasma level, but both were lowered with early administration of imipenem (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Subeschar and plasma levels of TNFalpha can be significantly lowered with early-stage administration of imipenem, suggesting that IPM inhibits the release of TNFalpha and endotoxin to relieve or prevent endotoxemia after sever burn injury in rabbits.

Objective: To observe the effect of topical emu oil on wound healing in scalded rats., Methods: Thirty Wistar rats with second degree scald were randomized into emu oil group, povidone iodine group and liquid paraffin group. The times of twisting of the rat body, water content and effusion of the scald wound and the percentage of wound healing were observed., Results: Compared with povidone iodine and liquid paraffin, emu oil reduced the times of body twisting of the scalded rats, the water content and effusion of the scald wound, and increased the percentage of wound healing., Conclusion: Emu oil can alleviate inflammation in the scald wound and promote wound healing in rats.

Objective: To investigate the effects of burn serum on nuclear translocation of monocytic NF-kappaB heterodimers p50/p65 and the degradation of inhibiting kappaB (IkappaBalpha), so as to further explore the role of burn serum on the activation of monocytes., Methods: Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) isolated from healthy volunteers were employed as the target cells. The cells were stimulated by the serum from healthy volunteers and burn patients, and by burn serum together with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Sera from normal healthy volunteers were taken as control. The nuclear translocation of monocytic p50 and p65 at 30th, 60th, 120th and 480th post stimulation minutes (PSM) was observed with laser confocal microscopy. The degradation of monocytic IkappaBalpha protein at 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th PSM was determined by Western blot., Results: Compared to that in control group, the nuclear translocation of monocytic p50 and p65 took place 30 min after the PBMCs were stimulated by burn serum, peaking at 30 to 60 min, but it gradually recovered to pre-stimulation state at 2 hrs with decreased intra-nuclear collection. Meanwhile, the IkappaBalpha degradation occurred within 30 min after PBMCs being stimulated by burn serum, and it peaked at 60 mins. However, IkappaBalpha gradually reappeared in the cytoplasm after 2 hrs of stimulation. PDTC (an antioxidants) could effectively inhibit monocytic IkappaBalpha degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB induced by burn serum., Conclusion: Burn serum could induce nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 components of NF-kappaB in monocytes into the nucleus and degradation of IkappaBalpha, leading ultimately to the secretion of cytokines from the PBMCs.

Objective: To review our clinical experiences in the treatment of extensive burn accompanied by severe inhalation injury., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 18 such cases admitted from 2000 to 2003 in light of the curative rate, mortality rate and measures for effective management., Results and Conclusions: Fifteen patients (83.3%) were cured and 3 (16.7%) died. The curative rate of extensive burn accompanied by severe inhalation injury can be enhanced by combining various treatments, including early preventive tracheostomy, appropriate tracheobronchial lavage, humidification and application of ambroxol; protective lung ventilation, and administration of growth hormones should be done as early as possible.

C-ring flap is currently an advanced means for repair of degloving injuries of the fingers. From May, 1999 to September, 2002, we used reversed C-ring flap middle and ring finger for repairing distal degloving injury to the thumb and forefinger in 9 cases. All flaps survived with satisfactory appearance. This operation can be easily and conveniently performed that allow early resection of the pedicle, but its application is relatively limited and the transferred flap usually hasa poor sensory function, with also obvious damage to the appearance of the donor finger.