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Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the value of comfort nursing in light curing resin-treated dental caries by means of patient satisfaction survey., Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight cariogenic patients, who were treated from January 2017 to December 2017 in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, were enrolled and randomly assigned as experimental group and control group, respectively(n=64). Cariogenic lesions were treated with light-cured resin, patients in the control group received conventional four-handed operation nursing, while patients in the experimental group received modified comfortable nursing throughout the entire treatment course. The self-designed satisfaction questionnaires were issued, and the patients were required to fill them out after the treatment and nursing were definitely completed. The designed questionnaire was divided into two major parts, including nursing care and nursing operation, which was further subdivided into 10 detailed scoring items. The satisfaction survey of nursing was analyzed between two groups statistically to evaluate the effort of comfort nursing using SPSS 19.0 software package., Results: No significant differences in the treatment environment was observed between the two groups(P＞0.05), while upgraded satisfaction were observed in patients from the experimental group compared to those from the control group on the aspects of nursing care, namely, appearance, service attitude, explanation and health knowledge promotion(P＜0.05). Among the five scoring standards of nursing operation, which was consist of timely initiative nursing, position nursing, eye nursing, effective nursing and nursing procedures, the satisfaction scores from the experimental group were significantly higher than those from the control group(P＜0.05). The total collected data demonstrated that the overall satisfaction of the experimental group was significantly improved compared to that of the control group (94% vs 75%, P＜0.01)., Conclusions: Comfort nursing not only strengthens the professionalism of oral operation, but also improves the patient's experience, facilitating to promote the harmony between doctors and patients.

R2 R3-MYB transcription factors are ubiquitous in plants, playing a role in the regulation of plant growth, development, and secondary metabolism. In this paper, the R2 R3-MYB transcription factors were identified by bioinformatics analysis of the genomic data of Erigeron breviscapus, and their gene sequences, structures, physical and chemical properties were analyzed. The functions of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors were predicted by cluster analysis. Meanwhile, the expression patterns of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors in response to hormone treatments were analyzed. A total of 108 R2 R3-MYB transcription factors, named EbMYB1-EbMYB108, were identified from the genome of E. breviscapus. Most of the R2 R3-MYB genes carried 2-4 exons. The phylogenetic tree of MYBs in E. breviscapus and Arabidopsis thaliala was constructed, which classified 234 MYBs into 30 subfamilies. The MYBs in the five MYB subfamilies of A.thaliala were clustered into independent clades, and those in E. breviscapus were clustered into four clades. The transcriptome data showed that MYB genes were differentially expressed in different tissues of E. breviscapus and in response to the treatments with exogenous hormones such as ABA, SA, and GA for different time. The transcription of 13 R2 R3-MYB genes did not change significantly, and the expression patterns of some genes were up-regulated or down-regulated with the extension of hormone treatment time. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the mechanisms of R2 R3-MYB transcription factors in regulating the growth and development, stress(hormone) response, and active ingredient accumulation in E. breviscapus.

According to a document issued by the General Office of National Health Commission, "one person, one diagnosis, and one room" is required in the process of outpatient consultation. However, the patient will need to go to another room for dressing change after the doctor checks the wound if sticking to the conventional layout of current wound repair specialist outpatient clinic in hospitals and following the regulation of "separation of diagnosis and treatment". To allow a patient walking back and forth with the exposed wounds to different clinics or going to another clinic for dressing change with the original dressing reapplied to the wound is against the regulation of nosocomial infection control and the principle of sterility. To ensure that the layout of the outpatient clinic in the wound repair outpatient department not only conforms to the principle of "one person, one diagnosis, and one room", but also meets the characteristics of the diagnosis and treatment process of chronic wounds, this paper proposes the layout of "large space and small partition" in the wound repair clinic.

Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by SRCAP mutation. This article reports the clinical features of a boy with FHS. The boy, aged 11 years and 7 months, attended the hospital due to short stature for more than 8 years and had the clinical manifestations of unusual facial features (triangularly shaped face, thin lips and long eyelashes), skeletal dysplasia (curvature finger), expressive language disorder, and retardation of bone age. Genetic detection revealed a novel heterozygous mutation, c.7330 C>T(p.R2444X), in the SRCAP gene. The boy was diagnosed with FHS based on these clinical manifestations and gene detection results. FHS is rare in clinical practice, which may lead to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and gene detection may help with the clinical diagnosis of FHS in children.

Cortical neuron migration in the developing mouse forebrain is a complex process, which contains several steps related to cytoskeleton dynamics and remodeling. Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP), a member of the WASP-WAVE family, regulates actin cytoskeleton reorganization through the binding of its VCA domain to the Arp2/3 complex. Here we report expression patterns of N-WASP gene in the mouse developing embryonic cortex (E12.5~ E18.5) and find its expression levels are decreased during embryonic development. By using in utero electroporation (IUE) method, we find that either N-WASP overexpression or knockdown impairs cortical neuron migration, and the defects of cortical neuron migration caused by N-WASP overexpression are much more severe than that by its knockdown. N-WASP protein contains four domains: WH1, GBD, polyPro, and VCA. We generated a series of dominant negative N-WASP mutants by modifying these domains. Overexpression of N-WASP mutant lacking domain polyPro, VCA, or WH1, impairs cortical neuron migration. However, overexpression of N-WASP with the H208D point mutation, which abolishes the Cdc42 binding to N-WASP, causes only a marginal defect of cortical neuron migration. Finally, overexpression of the individual domain polyPro or VCA, but not WH1, can recapitulate the defects by N-WASP overexpression. However, overexpression of WH1-GBD fragment has no apparent effect on cortical neuron migration. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that N-WASP regulates cortical neuron migration mainly through its polyPro and VCA domains.

The development of science and technology has fundamentally changed people's lives and the way that medical systems function. Increasingly, mobile technologies are being introduced and integrated into classroom teaching and clinical applications, resulting in healthcare providers introducing innovative applications into health education. These applications enhance the clinical, education, and research expertise of medical staffs and nurses, while improving quality of care and providing new experiences for patients. In order to understand the current situation and trends in nursing education, the present study adopted literature analysis to explore the influence and effect of mobile technologies that have been introduced into nursing education from the school and clinical environments. The results found that students hold positive attitudes toward introducing these technologies into their curricula. Although these technologies may increase the work efficiency of nurses in the workplace, questions remain user perceptions and professional expression. Therefore, securing patient agreement and healthcare system approval were major turning points in the introduction of mobile technologies into nursing education. In the future, adapting mobile technologies for use in teaching materials and courses may be further developed. Moreover, empirical studies may be used in future research in order to facilitate the increasingly successful integration of relevant technologies into nursing education.

The waste dump of an iron mine in Anhui Province has been abandoned for several decades. Pyrite in the exposed waste ores is oxidized by acidophiles and large amounts of metal ions and H 2 SO 4 are released, resulting in the formation of an acid mine drainage (AMD) lake since 1970s. Besides the lake, there are also some small-scale AMD adjacent to the newly deposited waste ore. In order to study the acid generation potential of the waste ore and the related microbial communities, soil samples were taken from beside the AMD lake (1LL) and small-scale AMD (5J, 5Y, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3) and the physicochemical properties and microbial community of these samples were analyzed. The results reveal that all of samples were highly acidic and the pH of the 1LL sample was 2.77, while the other samples were even more acidic, at less than 2.6. The electrical conductivity (EC) (0.32 mS·cm -1 ) of the 1LL sample was obviously lower than the other samples (2.25-7.08 mS·cm -1 ), which indicates that the newly deposited waste ore contains higher ion concentrations. The Fe 2+ concentration of the 1LL sample was only 0.80 mg·kg -1 but the other five samples were as high as 2.91-33.40 mg·kg -1 . This suggests that most of the Fe 2+ in the 1LL sample has been converted to Fe 3+ after long-term oxidization. High-throughput sequencing results showed that most acidophiles in 1LL sample were Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi but the microbes in the remaining five samples were γ -Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Nitrospira. The iron-sulfur oxidizing bacteria, such as Sulfobacillus , Leptospirillum , Acidithiobacillus, were scarce in the 1LL sample, while they highly abundant in the other five samples, which proves that the acid-generation process of the newly deposited waste ore is strong. However, the reduced iron and sulfur in the 1LL sample has nearly been depleted. Statistical analysis shows that the microbial composition of the 1LL sample is significantly different to that of the five newly deposited samples, illustrating that microbial community composition is remarkably influenced by physicochemical conditions.

In the study, rubber accelerator tetrabenzylthiuramdisulfide (TBzDT) was synthesized with two-step method with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant firstly. TBzDT was detected and characterized with XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTA. Its micro-structure was revealed. Chemical bond types into TBzDT molecule were revealed with FT-IR. TBzDT phase composition and structure were given by crystallographic data from XRD detecting such as cell parameters, crystal face index. The phase composition and qualitative identification of TBzDT structure were completed. Two kinds of information were detected with TG-DTA as to quality change and thermal effect. TBzDT phase transition and decomposition temperature were 142.5, 200.9 ℃ respectively. The decomposition temperature of TBzDT was relevtively high. It could provided reference with research on rubber vulcanizing properties by TBzDT on rubber vulcanizing machine. A little SC2 contained into TBzDT was revealed by FTIR, TG-DTA from different sides.

As an important part in the modern warfare, camouflage technology plays a critical role in the battlefield, and the results of detection of camouflage target directly affect the results of war. However, there is little paper to detect camouflage paint by depolarization characteristics, so it is of great significance to use the depolarization technology to study the distinguishment of camouflage paints. To address this issue, we studied the mechanism of the scattering of electromagnetic wave, and analysed the relationship between the characteristics of depolarization and mechanism of scattering. Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix were used to set up the physical model, and the Mueller-Jones Matrix was decomposed with the characteristics of polarization, then the depolarization coefficients(ωd) of the surfaces of the samples was acquired. In this experiment, we measured soil and three kinds of camouflage yellow paints in seven different incident angles to analyze the characteristics of depolazation of the soil and three kinds of camouflage yellow paints’ surfaces. Finally, we applied the theory of Fresnel formulas to verify the theoretical model. The results showed that: the depolarization coefficients of the samples’ surfaces were related to the scattering, and with the increase of the incident angles, the depolarization coefficients were decline. But in the whole measurement process, the depolarization coefficients of the soil were far above the camouflage paints’. Research indicated that: this article was the first paper which used the depolarization coefficients as an important parameter to identify the camouflage targets, and could identify the camouflage yellow paints in the soil-background accurately and effectively. The processes of the experiments were simpler, and the time was shorter. In modern battlefield, it could identify the camouflage targets quickly and easily, and furnish the precious time for the victory of the war. Therefore, the depolarization technology had a great application value, and the paper had very important significance on the development of camouflage recognition technology.

Purpose: To identify the practice scope of dental nurses under the new situations., Methods: The draft of scope of practice for dental nurses was based on theoretical analysis, literature review and consultation of advisory panel, and the final scope of practice for dental nurses was established by using the Delphi method. Statistical analysis was implemented using coefficient of variation, Kendall W with SPSS 17.0 software package., Results: Thirty experts were consulted twice by using the Delphi method. The effective rates of two rounds of questionnaire were 100% and 73.3%, respectively. The authority coefficient was 0.837, and the P value of expert coordination coefficients W was less than 0.05. There were totally 116 suggestions from the experts, and 96 were accepted. The scope of practice for dental nurses was finally established, including 4 primary indexes and 25 secondary indexes., Conclusions: The scope of practice for dental nurses under the new situations is established in China through scientific methods. It is favorable for position management of dental nurses and may promote the development of nurse specialists in dental clinic.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients typically self-manage their disease-care program. Self-management requires the investment of considerable time and energy in health management and in following the multifaceted CKD treatment regimen. CKD, a progressive disease, is classified into five stages that correspond to the five stages of decline in kidney function, as measured using the glomerular filtration rate (GRF). Each of these stages requires that a patient modify his / her lifestyle and shoulder the responsibility for day-to-day health management tasks. Key to promoting self-management is the partnership and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients. Tasks in this partnership include patient assessment and communication, regimen adherence, emotional management, negotiation of care plans, and the enhancement of self-efficacy, with the aims of creating positive changes in behavior, promoting correct symptoms interpretation and reporting, and promoting the appropriate use of resources. Nurses may help patients maneuver this initially frightening and sometimes difficult terrain with strategies that are tailored to each CKD stage.

Four kinds of thinning treatments were designed including thinning from below, thinning from above, mechanical thinning and crop tree release with the same thinning intensity on the 14-year-old pure Cunninghamia laceolata and Pinus massoniana plantations in Guangxi, and 6 kinds of size inequality indices were applied including stand deviation, variation coefficient, skewness, Gini coefficient, Kuznetz coefficient and Lorenz asymmetry coefficient to evaluate the change of individual volume inequality after the 4 kinds of thinning regimes applied. The results showed that stand deviation, variation coefficient, Gini coefficient and Kuznetz coefficient decreased and skewness increased after thinning from below or above compared with before thinning, while after crop tree release these four indices increased and skewness was uncertain. Lorenz asymmetry coefficient increased after thinning from below while it decreased after thinning from above or crop tree release compared with before thinning. There was no distinct rule for the 6 kinds of size inequality indices after mechanical thinning. The size inequality increased after crop tree release while it decreased af- ter thinning from above or below. The study suggested that Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient and Lorenz asymmetry coefficient could be used to compare the size inequality statically and dynamically among different stands, and could be discriminated the difference of size inequality caused by the different thinning regimes. Lorenz asymmetry coefficient even could be applied to tell the size inequality was mainly from the larger or smaller individuals. Crop tree release method in close-to-nature management could lessen the competition pressures of crop trees and increase the size inequality of the stand effectively which would be helpful to maintain the dominant position of crop trees.

Regional Nutrient Management (ReNuMa) was applied to estimate dissolved nitrogen (DN) load and perform source apportionment in Shuaishui watershed during 2000-2010. Satisfactory performance of ReNuMa was revealed by the E(ns) and R2 of greater than 0.9 in calibrating and validating streamflow and DN. The average nonpoint DN load in this watershed was 1.11 x 10(3) t x a(-1), with the load intensity of (0.75 +/- 0.22) t x km(-2). Among all the land uses, paddy field had the largest DN load intensity [28.60 kg x (hm2 x a)(-1)], while forest had the least [2.71 kg x (hm2 x a)(-1)]. Agricultural land (including paddy, grain, cash crop, tea plant and orchard) contributed most to DN load in Shuaishui watershed, indicating that the human dominated agricultural activities was the major contributor of nonpoint source pollution. Land use structure optimization for Shuaishui watershed in 2015 was conducted under the rule of reducing pollutants loads and maximizing the agricultural output value. The results demonstrated that agricultural monetary growth was accompanied with the increasing DN load at the optimal level, although output increment was higher than that of DN load.

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnostic strategies and surgical techniques of hemangioblastoma (HB) in medulla oblongata., Methods: The clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic processes and outcomes of 12 HB cases treated at our department from 2002 to 2012 were studied by retrospective analysis., Results: Headache, somatic numbness and limb muscle weakness were the major symptoms of oblongata HB. Magnetic resonance imaging before surgery revealed a total of 12 single tumors. Among these tumors, upper (n = 1), middle (n = 7) and lower (n = 4) parts of medulla oblongata were involved. The locations were surface (n = 9) and intramedullary (n = 3). Three tumors had cyst. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed on 5 cases and it revealed that the main blood supply arteries of tumors were branches of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA).One case underwent pre-surgical embolism during angiography. Eleven tumors were totally resected and 1 was fulgurized.Symptoms improved (n = 8) and worsened (n = 2). And two patients died. All survivors were followed up for 3 months to 10 years and had a McCormick functional grading of I-II.One case relapsed 7 year later., Conclusion: For Cystic HB, small or medium sized substantial HB in middle and lower part of oblongata, surgical removal is often safe and symptoms may be lessened.It can be used as a first-line treatment. For large ( ≥ 3 cm) substantial HB or HB in upper part of oblongata, serious postoperative complications such as respiratory failure, neurogenic pulmonary edema or acute obstructive hydrocephalus may occur. Thus surgical resection should be prudently considered and possible consequences thoroughly discussed with the patients.

Objective: To investigate the anticancer effect of curcumin Solid Dispersions (SDs)., Methods: Curcumin SDs were prepared by patent technology. The anticancer effect of curcumin SDs were investigated by vivo and vitro tests of SCG-7901, BEL-7402, S-180 and Ehrlich ascites tumor models., Results: The results showed that Curcumin SDs had markedly anticancer effect and could improve the anticancer effect of cisplatin., Conclusion: Curcumin SDs could be developed into one kind of adjuvant drug for anticancer, as it has markedly anticancer effect, and could improve the anticancer effects of cisplatin.

Objective: To quantitatively detect circulating DNA levels in the plasma of patients withcervical lesion and to determine the value for diagnosis of cervical lesion and cervical cancer., Methods: Preoperative blood samples were collected from 53 cases of low-grade lesions, 49 cases of high-grade lesions, 44 cases of cervical invasive cancer and 70 cases of healthy women. Plasma DNA was extracted by magnetic bead method (BILATEST DNA kit). The quantity of plasma DNA was determined by duplex real-time quantitative PCR., Results: Median plasma DNA level of invasive cervical cancer patients was 61.59 mg/L (32.06-162.16 mg/L), which was significantly higher than that of healthy women [16.35 mg/L (11.98-22.71 mg/L), P<0.01]. Among invasive cervical cancer patients, median plasma DNA level of squamous carcinoma patients was slightly higher than that of adenocarcinoma (50.43 versus 47.31 mg/L, P>0.05). Median plasma DNA level of stage I patients was lower than that of stage II-III patients (46.02 versus 71.35 mg/L, P<0.05)., Conclusion: Quantitatively detecting plasma circulating DNA may be with some application prospect in the diagnosis of cervical diseases.

Background and Objective: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive system. Imaging examination plays an important role in preoperative diagnosis and postoperative evaluation for it. This study was to describe the multi-slice spiral computed tomographic (MSCT) findings and pathologic features of GIST, and to analyze their correlation., Methods: MSCT and pathologic reports of 49 patients with 53 pathologically confirmed GIST lesions were reviewed and compared., Results: Of the 53 GIST lesions, 14 were at very low biological risk, 11 at low risk, ten at moderate risk and 18 at high risk; 36 (67.9%) were found in first visit by CT scans. On CT images, the GIST lesions with maximal diameter of > or =50 mm showed irregular shape, invasive growth, presence of cystic area and heterogeneous enhancement, and most of them were at high risk; the lesions with maximal diameter of <50 mm showed regular shape, expansive growth, and homogeneous enhancement, and most of them were at risk of moderate or below. No lymph node metastasis was found. Only three lesions showed S100-positive, which presented infiltration along the gastric wall or bowel ring on CT images., Conclusions: CT examination is helpful in risk prediction for GIST, but it is difficult to detect small lesions (< 2 cm) by CT scans. Due to the infiltrative growth of GIST with neural differentiation (S100-positive), it is difficult to distinguish GIST from gastric cancer on CT images.

Aim: To study the effects of curcumin on TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in serum and lung tissue of SiO2-induced fibrosis in mice., Methods: 75 mice were divided into five groups. After treated with curcumin 6 and 9 mice of each group were sacrificed on day 14 and 42 respectively to take their blood and lung tissue. The level of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 was observed by ELISA., Results: The infection reaction of lung tissue and fibrosis in model group was obvious. Compared with sham operation group, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in serum and lung tissue increased significantly(P<0.01), but decreased in different degrees after treated with curcumin(P<0.05)., Conclusion: Curcumin can decrease the level of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in serum and lung tissue of SiO2-induced fibrosis in mice and have the anti-fibrosis role by deregulating cytokine level.

Hyperspectral data of thin oil slicks have some spectral response characteristics, and an experiment of offshore thin oil slicks was designed to measure and analyze their reflectance by using ASD hyperspectral instrument. With the oil slick thickness changing, its color varied from rainbow sheen slick to fuchsine sheen slick, kelly sheen slick, aqua sheen slick, silver sheen slick and light sheen slick. The result suggested that different thin oil slicks have different characteristics, some thin oil slicks could change the reflectance at 440 nm which is the spectral absorption peak value of chlorophyll, and the best hyperspectral band to distinguish the different offshore thin oil slicks is located in the range between 350 and 440 nm. The reflectance of thin oil slicks is higher than that of seawater in the hyperspectral data range from 440 to 900 nm, but has no absorption or reflection characteristics compared to seawater's. It could not be detected in the range of near infrared from 900 to 2,500 nm of offshore thin oil slicks because of high noise, low signal and influence of the atmosphere. Finally, the spectral response theory of offshore thin oil slicks was analyzed, and the results indicated that the interference phenomenon of offshore thin oil slicks could add reflected light and change the reflectance of seawater, hence, increase the feasibility of offshore oil slick remote sensing.

Objective: To investigate the microsurgical strategies of glioma located in lateral fissure area., Methods: The clinical data of 123 patients with glioma located in lateral fissure area confirmed by pathology, 76 males and 47 females, aged 46.2 (4-75), were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal surgical approach and comprehensive therapeutic strategies were selected according to the imaging features and pathological properties of tumors. Resections were performed by the pterion approach in all cases to remove the tumors, navigational orientation was used in 17 cases, and supervision by B mode ultrasonography was used in 12 cases. The branches of middle cerebral artery and fissure vein were protected carefully. The patients with tumors above grade U, confirmed pathologically after resection, underwent chemotherapy ( teniposide + semustine or temozolomide) and radiotherapy that was designated individually according to the pathological grade and distribution of the tumors. Follow-up was conducted by telephone, mail or outpatient department visit on 102 of the 133 patients (82.9%)., Results: 82 patients (66.7%) underwent total resection, 18 (14.6%) underwent subtotal resection, 16 (13.0%) underwent major resection, and 7 (5.7%) underwent partial resection. Postoperatively cerebral vasospasm in 8 cases, brief aphasia and reaction clumsily in 4 cases, muscle strength decline in 3 cases, and epilepsy in 1 case, these patients were submitted to symptomatic treatment with progressive improvement of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms. One patient died of malignant intracranial hypertension. The follow-up showed that 97 patients survived over 1 year, the 5-year survival rate was 25.6%, and the average survival time was 21.7 months., Conclusion: The lateral fissure area glioma can be treated through proficient microsurgical technique after the anatomic training. It is the key in the surgery on the lateral fissure glioma to protect the main branches of middle cerebral artery, trunk of middle cerebral vein, and important brain functional areas.

Objective: To compare the effects of treatment of spasmodic torticollis (ST) by neurovascular decompression, myotomy, and botulinum toxin type A and to investigate the mechanism of ST., Methods: Nine ST patients who failed to respond to other conservative treatment methods underwent neurovascular decompression of accessory nerve. The effect of decompression was compared with that by botulinum toxin in 22 patients and that by myotomy in 13 patients., Results: The symptoms and signs were improved to a certain degree by botulinum toxin treatment at first, but recurred and gradually worsened in several months. None of the 22 patients had reached a real cure by botulinum toxin type A treatment. Four of 13 patients undergoing myotomy improved a lot in the symptoms and 9 improved only a bit. However, weakness in neck movement was found in all patients after myotomy. Neurovascular decompression was performed on 9 patients, 5 of which had botulinum toxin treatment and 1 had undergone myotomy, and found that all of them had severe vascular compression in the accessory nerve. Obvious alleviation of symptoms was achieved 2 - 14 days after the operation in 8 patients, and 3 months later in 1 patient. All of the 9 patients resumed their nonenal work and life 6 months after the operation. No complication, such as nerve damage, infection, hemorrhage, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and weakness of neck, was found., Conclusions: Neurovascular compression may be the most important cause of ST. Microneurovascular decompression is effective for some patients. However, it is still difficult to judge its indication.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and strategy of transarterial embolization of dural carotid-cavernous fistulas., Methods: The clinical data of 19 patients with dural carotid-cavernous fistulas treated by transarterial embolization, including clinical presentations and patterns of angioarchitecture were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was conducted for 7 months to 4 years., Results: Clinical cure was achieved in 15 cases, significant improvement of symptoms in 3 cases, and failure in 1 case. Complete angiographic obliteration was documented in 12 patients (63%) right after the embolization. Residual shunting was left in 6 patients, and disappeared in 5 cases one month to half a year later by manual compression of the carotid artery. The patient on which transarterial embolization failed received embolization via the bilateral cavernous later, and clinical cure was achieved. Headache and vomiting were the most common symptoms after embolization. There was no permanent procedure-related morbidity. No recurrence was seen during the follow-up., Conclusion: Transarterial embolization is a safe, efficient and economical method for part of the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula patients.

Background & Objective: It is difficult to discriminate progressive gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma by CT imaging, because incrassate gastric wall, lump in gastric cavity, confined gastric cavity, intumescent lymph node, and distant metastasis can be displayed in both of them. This study was to compare the CT findings between gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma to improve diagnosis of gastric tumors, especially for gastric lymphoma., Methods: CT images of 27 patients with pathologically proved progressive gastric cancer and 25 patients with pathologically proved gastric lymphoma were reviewed. Tumor location, appearance, scope of involvement, gastric wall thickness, mucous membrane, mucosal fold, serosa membrane, necrosis, enhancement degree and uniformity, involvement of other organs, and abdominal lymph nodes were observed., Results: White line sign was observed in 23 cases (85.2%) of gastric cancer, but not in the 25 cases of gastric lymphoma. The extent of white line sign in gastric cancers was larger in portal vein phase than in arterial phase. Enhancement degree outside the white line was higher in portal vein phase than in arterial phase in 13 cases (48.1%) of gastric cancer. The extent of involved gastric wall was smaller than 50% of the whole gastric wall in all the 27 cases of gastric cancer, while it was larger than 75% in 23 cases (85.2%) of gastric lymphoma. Gastric mucous membrane ulcer was found in all of the 27 cases (100%) of gastric cancer, while it was found in only 1 case (4.0%) of gastric lymphoma. Intumescent lymph nodes in two or more areas were found in 11 cases (40.0%) of gastric lymphoma, but not in gastric cancer. Intumescent lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal space below renal hilum were found in 8 cases (32%) of gastric lymphoma, but not in gastric cancer., Conclusion: There are some different CT features between gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma, such as white line sign, gastric mucous membrane ulcer, extent of involved gastric wall, location of intumescent lymph nodes surrounding the stomach and in retroperitoneal space below renal hilum, and so on, which could be helpful in differential diagnosis of these two diseases.

Background & Objective: Most parotid tumors grow slowly. It is difficult to evaluate their malignancy. This study was to analyze the CT features of parotid tumors., Methods: CT images of 133 patients with 157 lesions of parotid tumors, confirmed by histopathology, were reviewed. The location, contour, margin, enhancing type, necrosis and liquefaction, and adjacent structure involvement were analyzed., Results: Among the 157 lesions, 110 (70.1%) were benign tumors, 18 (11.5%) were borderline tumors, and 29 (18.5%) were malignant tumors; 80 (72.7%) benign lesions and 14 (77.8%) borderline lesions located in the superficial lobe, whereas 7 (24.1%) malignant lesions located in the deep lobe and 10 (34.5%) in both the superficial lobe and the deep lobe; 99 (90.0%) benign lesions had sharp margins, 8 (44.4%) borderline lesions had sharp margins and 10 (55.6%) had partly unsharp margins, 10 (34.5%) malignant lesions had partly unsharp margins and 11 (37.9%) had unsharp margins. Most benign lesions were round (68/110, 61.8%) or oval (23/110, 20.9%), while malignant lesions were often irregular (14/29, 48.3%). Eleven lesions, including 2 borderline tumors and 9 malignant tumors, involved the adjacent subcutaneous fat. All the lesions which involved the bed of parotid gland were malignant. No benign tumor involved adjacent structures., Conclusion: On CT images, a parotid tumor located in the superficial lobe, with a round or oval contour and sharp margin, is more likely to be a benign tumor; otherwise, it might be a malignant tumor.

Background & Objective: Malignant epithelial parotid tumors have various histopathologic types. Computed tomography (CT) has been widely used to detect parotid masses. This study was to analyze CT features of malignant epithelial parotid tumors to evaluate the diagnostic value of CT in the characterization of malignant epithelial parotid tumors., Methods: CT reports of 29 patients with malignant epithelial parotid tumors (8 at low grade and 21 at intermediate or high grade), confirmed by histopathology in Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University, were reviewed. The localization, contour, margin, enhancing type, homogeneity, infiltration into the adjacent structures, and lymph node metastasis detected by CT scan were compared with relevant pathologic results., Results: Of the 8 cases at low grade, 4 were well-differentiated mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 3 were acinic cell carcinoma, and 1 was epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma; 3 had sharp margin, 3 had partly unsharp margin, and 2 had unsharp margin; 5 had regular contour, and 3 had irregular contour; all were enhanced obviously; 2 showed homogeneous appearance, and 6 showed inhomogeneous appearance with low-density areas; none had adjacent infiltration; 3 had lymph node metastasis. Of the 21 cases at intermediate or high grade, 5 were poorly-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, 8 were malignant pleomorphic adenoma, 2 were adenocarcinoma, 1 was lymph-epithelial carcinoma, 4 were mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and 1 was adenoidcystic carcinoma; 5 had sharp margin, 7 had partly unsharp margin, and 9 had unsharp margin; 10 had regular contour, and 11 had irregular contour; 17 were enhanced obviously, and the 4 cases of malignant pleomorphic adenoma were enhanced slightly; 9 showed homogeneous appearance, and 12 showed inhomogeneous appearance with low-density areas; 8 had adjacent infiltration (the fat space between tumor and the parotid bed disappeared); 6 had lymph node metastasis., Conclusions: To some extent, CT features of malignant epithelial parotid tumors are correlated to the differentiation of tumor cells. Moreover, tumor size and histologic subtype should be considered to make a more accurate imaging diagnosis.

Aim: To explore the value of detecting hepatitis C virus core antigen in HCV infected diseases., Methods: The HCV-RNA was tested by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR). The core antigens of HCV and anti-HCV were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: The positive rate of HCV-RNA in 191 patients was 71.2%, about 136 in 191. The positive rate of anti-HCV was 97.4%, about 186 in 191. The positive rate of HCV core antigen was 33.0%, about 63 in 191. After antiviral therapy for 2 patients,their HCV-RNA and anti-HCV were detected negative but their HCV core antigen was detected positive. In another patient, his anti-HCV was negative but his HCV core antigen was positive., Conclusion: As a supplemental test for anti-HCV examination the detection of HCV core antigen is of important clinical value in HCV infection diagnosis.

Background & Objective: The helical double-phase CT scan imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overlap those of other hepatic lesions. This study was to investigate the helical double-phase CT scan imaging features of HCC to improve diagnosis accuracy., Methods: Double-phase CT data and pathologic data of 52 HCC patients, received resection in Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University from Dec. 2000 to Dec. 2002, were analyzed. The double-phase CT features of HCC lesions were summarized. The pathology of false-positive lesions was analyzed., Results: CT scan showed 56 lesions in the 52 patients: 51 were cancer lesions, including 49 HCC lesions and 2 mixed lesions of HCC and cholangioma, 5 were false-positive lesions. Arterial phase of these HCC lesions showed obvious heterogeneous enhancement, and the portal vein phase showed heterogeneous low dense. Necrosis was seen in all massive lesions, but was seldom seen in nodular and small lesions. Most lesions had clear borders and amicula. The pathologic diagnoses of the 5 false-positive lesions were hepatic cirrhosis with hepatocellular nodular hyperplasia, regenerative nodule, hepatic cirrhosis, bile duct calculus companied with inflammatory reaction, and fibrosis hyperplasia., Conclusions: Helical double-phase CT scan can be used to diagnose typical HCC lesions. There are no obvious differences in helical double-phase CT scan between HCC lesions and false-positive lesions. The diagnosis of HCC must be based on clinical information, follow-up or biopsy.

Objective: To observe the changes in the amount of epidermal growth factor (EGF) immunopositive neurons in ventral horn and contralateral cortex motor area of rhesus following hemisection spinal cord injury (hSCI)., Methods: Eighteen adult healthy rhesus were randomly divided into six groups: Sham-operation group; Day 7, Day 14, Month 1. Month 2 and Month 3 hemisection spinal cord injury groups. In the hSCI groups, the monkeys were subjected to left hemisection of T11 spinal cord, and then were put to death at the corresponding time after operation. The rostral part 5 mm proximal to the lesioned point of spinal cord and the caudal part 5 mm distal to the lesioned point were taken from each monkey. The contralateral cortex motor area was taken out, too. Frozen sections were incubated in specific polyclonal anti-EGF antibody; the immunohistochemical SP method was adopted in the study., Results: In 3 months after hSCI, the number of EGF immunopositive neurons in the ventral horn of spinal cord near the lesion and in the contralateral cortex motor area of brain decreased as compared with those of the sham-operation group (P<0.05). The number of positive neurons decreased first, then came back, and later after hSCI, decreased again (P<0.05). Besides this, the number of positive neurons varied in different parts at the same time point., Conclusion: The EGF immunopositive neurons decreased apparently in the ventral horn of spinal cord near the lesion and in the contralateral cortex motor area in 3 months after hSCI. Hemisection spinal cord injury affected the expression of EGF for motor neurons in ventral horn on the lesioned side as well as on the intact side. Early after hSCI the number of positive neurons decreased sharply and then came back spontaneously in the ventral horn of spinal cord near the lesion and in the contralateral cortex of brain.

Background & Objective: Blood flow patterns with CT perfusion imaging (CTPI) had been innovated to delineate abnormal hemodynamic lesions in the liver, brain, and kidney. This study was to evaluate the blood flow patterns of pulmonary masses by CTPI, and determine the value of CTPI in differential diagnosis among benign, malignant, and inflammatory masses., Methods: Fifty-two patients with previously diagnosed pulmonary masses (37 with malignant masses, 7 with benign masses, and 8 with inflammatory masses) underwent dynamic CTPI. Time-density curves (TDC) of artery, vein, and pulmonary masses as well as mass perfusion images and parameters including perfusion volume (PV), peak height (PH), mean transit time (MTT) and blood volume (BV) were obtained by Phlips CT-perfusion software., Results: The values of PV, PH, and BV were significantly higher in malignant masses and active inflammatory masses than in benign masses [(27.63+/-15.06) ml.min(-1).ml(-1) and (30.80+/-20.33) ml.min(-1).ml(-1) vs. (11.81+/-3.74) ml.min(-1).ml(-1), (28.46+/-12.07) Hu and (32.15+/-15.89) Hu vs. (10.41+/-3.77) Hu, (21.64+/-10.97) ml/100 g and (28.38+/-14.55) ml/100 g vs. (10.61+/-5.33) ml/100 g, P<0.01]. However, the differences of MTT among malignant, inflammatory, and benign masses were not significant [(28.39+/-21.66) s, (25.91+/-14.57) s, and (29.86+/-13.57) s, P=0.928]. No significant differences in the 4 parameters were found between malignant and inflammatory masses. When PV >20 ml.min(-1).ml(-1) and pH >15 Hu were set as a diagnostic threshold (excluded active inflammatory masses), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 91.9%, 100%, and 84.1%, respectively., Conclusion: CT perfusion imaging provides quantitative information about blood flow patterns of pulmonary masses and is an applicable diagnostic method for differentiating pulmonary masses.

Objective: To compare the regional specificity in proliferation capacity of neural stem cells derived from hippocampus and epithalamus: study with rats., Methods: Neural stem cells (NSCs) were separated mechanically from the hippocampus and the epithalamus of an embryo of SD rat respectively and cultured in serum-free medium to observe the growth status dynamically and their in vitro growth curves were drawn. Single cell clones were established and identified by immunofluorescence staining. The surface morphology of the clone balls were observed by using scanning electron microscope. The ultrastructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The 3D morphology was observed under a laser confocal microscope. NSCs were co-incubated with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe their in vitro proliferation potentials. Studies on., Results: The in vitro growth of the hippocampus-derived NSCs was basically the same as that of the epithalamus-derived NSCs, however, the culture fluid of the epithalamus-derived NSCs became yellowish 18 hours after the inoculation, significantly earlier than that of the hippocampus-derived NSCs. Showing a faster multiplication rate of the latter. Scanning electron microscopy showed that these two types of NSCs had a similar ultrastructural feature. Phase contrast microscopy and laser confocal microscopy showed similar form in the NSCs from two different sources. Co-incubation with found that the Brdu positive rate of the epithalamus-derived NSCs was 74.87%, significantly higher than that of the hippocampus-derived NSCs (63.07%, P < 0.05). The cell growth curves of the NSCs from both sources displayed the same multiplication trend, however, the NSC count of the epithalamus-derived NSCs at the 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, and 24th days after culture were all higher than those of the corresponding hippocampus-derived NSCs at the same time-points (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Both embryonic hippocampus-derived and epithalamus-derived NSCs can be acquired by using mechanical separation and serum-free culture method. The two types of cells have a similar morphological structure and possess the in vitro multiplication capacity. However, the multiplication rate of the epithalamus-derived NSCs is higher than that of the hippocampus-derived NSCs.

Background & Objective: Based on biological behavior and histopathologic characteristics, ameloblastomas in the maxillomandibular region can be divided into several subtypes with different prognosis. This study was to explore the clinical and CT imaging features of solid or multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA), unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), and malignant ameloblastoma (MA), and thus to improve the CT diagnostic accuracy for these diseases., Methods: Clinical and CT features of 25 histologically proven ameloblastomas in the maxillomandibular region, including 14 SMAs, 6 UAs, and 5 MAs were analyzed retrospectively., Results: The median age of the patients initially diagnosed as SMA, UA, and MA were 33.5, 20.5, and 56 years, respectively. The mean maximal transverse diameters on CT images were 33 mm for SMA, 46 mm for UA, and 59 mm for MA. Of the 14 SMAs, 11 (79%) showed low to intermediate density as compared with muscles, 3 (21%) showed homogenous and intermediate density; 12 (86%) appeared as lobulate lesions; 10 (71%) had incomplete bone septa; 9 (64%) showed root resorption of the neighboring teeth; 13 (93%) showed cortical perforation; 6 (43%) had soft tissue masses; all SMAs showed well-defined margins. Of the 11 SMAs examined by enhanced studies, 9 (82%) showed strong enhancement. CT images of the 6 UAs showed homogenous and low density in comparison with muscles. Of the 6 UAs, 2 (33%) were lobulate, 4 (67%) were regularly round or oval; 1 (17%) had bone septa, 2 (33%) had root resorption of the neighboring teeth, 3 (50%) had cortical perforation. All UAs showed well-circumscribed margins without soft tissue masses. Three UAs were examined by enhanced studies and showed mild to moderate enhancement of the wall. Of the 5 MAs, 3 (60%) showed low to intermediate density as compared with muscles, 2 (40%) showed homogenous and intermediate density; 3 (60%) had bone septa; 3 (60%) showed root resorption or destruction of the neighboring teeth. All 5 MAs were lobulate with cortical perforation, soft tissue masses, and ill-defined margins. All 3 MAs examined by enhanced studies showed strong enhancement., Conclusions: SMAs are usually seen in middle-aged patients. CT images of SMAs frequently show lobulate lesions with strongly enhanced solid and cystic components. UA occurs mostly in young patients, and typically appears as cystic lesion with mild to moderate enhancement of the wall on CT images. MA often appears in old patients, and shows extensive bone destruction, soft tissue mass, ill-defined margin, and strong enhancement on CT images. Combined analysis of CT images and clinical data is helpful in differentiating these 3 subtypes of ameloblastoma.

Objective: To explore the protective effect of glial growth factor-2 (GGF2) on brain injury., Methods: Thirty-four SD rats underwent lateral fluid percussion to establish brain injury models and then were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment group (n = 10, the plasmid pEGFP-N1-GGF2 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), vector control group (n = 10, the vector pEGFP-N1 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), liposome control group (n = 10, liposome was injected), and sham operation group (n = 4). Three assessment tasks were performed for neurobehavioral evaluation: Clivas Test, Beam Balance Test and Beam Walking Test. 10 days after brain injury, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were embedded in paraffin for HE staining, Nissle staining and immunohistochemical examination of MBP, NSE, and GFAP., Results: The Clivas test score of the treatment group was 66.25 +/- 3.54, significantly higher than those of the vector control group and. liposome control group (58.31 +/- 3.72 and 57.21 +/- 3.93 respectively, both P < 0.05). The beam test score of the treatment group was 2.59 +/- 0.21, significantly lower than those the vector control group and liposome control group (3.41 +/- 0.25 and 3.24 +/- 0.22 respectively, both P < 0.05). The walking test score of the treatment group was 20.15 +/- 2.59, significantly lower than those of control group and liposome control group (27.00 +/- 3.47 and 27.80 +/- 3.00 respectively, both P < 0.05). The improvement in beam walking test was the greatest. The neuron number in the external granular layer and external pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 98 +/- 10, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (75 +/- 7 and 67 +/- 8, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the internal pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 37 +/- 4, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (19 +/- 3 and 23 +/- 4 respectively, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the CA1 region in hippocampus of the treatment group was 102 +/- 11, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (67 +/- 8 and 58 +/- 9 respectively, both P < 0.01). Higher level of immunoreactivity with MBP was also detected in the cortex in the rats of the treatment group., Conclusion: Cationic liposome-mediated GGF2 gene therapy effectively promotes the recovery of brain injury.

The failure of axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury in mammals is closely related to nonpermissive microenvironment in central nervous system as well as to the low regenerative ability of retinal ganglion cells. Myelin associated inhibitors produced by oligodendrocytes are major elements of this nonpermissive microenvironment. Three major inhibitors, Nogo, myelin-associated glycoprotein and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, have been identified, which lead to signal inhibition through the same receptor complex. Blocking the inhibitors and their receptors or changing the intrinsic state of the neuron to overcome the inhibition may promote retinal ganglion cell axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury, which bring a hope to solve the problem of repair of injured optic nerve.

Objective: To establish an animal model of chronic optic nerve injury which is suitable for experimental research., Methods: Dil, a tracer, was injected through the bone windows into the brain of 48 cats so as to mark the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Two weeks later the 48 cats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. The normal group did not receive any other treatment. Other 8 cats underwent sham operation. Imitating the clinical pterional approach, a balloon was implanted into the place under the optic nerve and chiasm in the other 32 cats, then the volume of the balloons were increased by injecting contrast agent at different times to cause the optic nerve and chiasm compressed chronically for 1, 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Flash-visual evoked potential (F-VEP) was measured before operation and at the corresponding observation times in different groups. By the end of the experiment the cats were killed with the specimens of retina and optic nerve taken out to undergo light microscopy and electron microscopy to observe the pathological changes. Eight eyes were taken out from each group to calculate the number of RCGs 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after operation respectively., Results: Microscopy showed retina showed profound morphological changes 8 weeks after compression; Demyelination of optic nerve began to occur 2 weeks after compression and progressed later. Axonal degeneration was found 4 week after compression and became more significant 8 weeks later. Under electron microscopy, pathological changes of retina was found 4 weeks and more prominent 8 weeks after compression; Slight demyelination and disorganized of cytoskeleton in the optic nerve were shown 2 weeks after compression, and became more profound later; Myelin regeneration was found 8 weeks after compression. The number of RGCs was reduced significantly by 37% (293/465) since 8 weeks after compression. F-VEP recording showed an extension of latency and depression of amplitude 4 weeks after compression, and the changes were more significant 8 weeks later., Conclusion: An animal model of chronic optic nerve injury by compression has been established which is stable and well repeatable. The pathological changes of compressed optic nerve are aggravated gradually as the compression lasts and the volume increases. Degeneration of RGCs occurs secondarily and obviously later than the axonal degeneration.

Objective: To investigate the clinical applied anatomy in the region of anterior clinoid process, and to improve the therapeutic efficacy of clinoidal tumors., Methods: Twelve patients with large meningiomas located in clinoid were surgically treated via the extended anterior and middle fossa combined with epidural approach between January 1998 and August 2004. The surgical outcome and follow-up results were reviewed retrospectively. Supraorbital-posterional approach and cranioorbital zygomatic approach were used when tumors involved cavernous sinus. Anterior clinoid process was grinded with high-speed drilling. Supply of tumors were blocked extradurally. Tumors were resected intradurally., Results: Of the 12 cases in large meningiomas located in clinoid, 8 cases had total removal of tumors, 3 patients had subtotal removal. Of the 10 patients with pre-operative severe visual deterioration, 6 patients was markedly improved, one patient unchanged and one patient worsened post-operatively. No death was found in this group., Conclusions: Using epidural approach for clinoidal meningiomas and grinding anterior clinoid process was advantageous to block tumors base blood supply and detach infraclinoidal tumors from internal carotid artery. Supraorbital-pterional approach could minimize brain retraction and was advantageous to expose superior pole of giant tumors.

Objective: To clone and identify expression pattern of the novel LNX gene, and characterize its molecular mechanism in all grades of human gliomas., Methods: From a fetal brain cDNA library, we isolated the novel human LNX gene. The expression pattern of LNX gene in 16 normal tissues was examined by MTC panel (Clontech). Microarray were adopted and hybridized with LNX probes to examine the expression of novel gene in gliomas. Northern hybridization was used for verifying expression of LNX gene in gliomas. Two-hybrid screen in yeast was used to identify human LNX interacting proteins. Pull-down assays and Co-immunoprecipitation were transfected in HEK293 cells according to the lipofectAMINE protocol., Results: We isolated a 3.7 kb cDNA containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,899 bp and a putative 632 amino acids protein, which was located on 4q12. cDNA microarray showed LNX was down-regulated in all 18 glioma samples and it was testified by Northern-blot. The MTC panel showed a ubiquitous expression pattern which highly expressed in adult brain, kidney and pancreas, while weak expression in heart, lung, etc. The two-hybrid screen in yeast revealed that LNX interacted with SKIP (Ski interacting protein) via PDZ domains. The co-immunoprecipation suggested that LNX interacted with SKIP in HEK293 cells and could affect the subcellular localization of Numb, which indicated that LNX might function as a molecular anchor that localized Numb to the subcellular site of its interaction with Notch., Conclusion: cDNA microarray technology is a powerful technique in screening and locking differentially expressed genes in gliomas, LNX was closely related to human gliomas and suggested playing an important role in gliomas by notch signal approach.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the CNS of adult rhesus monkey., Methods: Frozen sections were incubated in specific polyclonal anti-EGF antibody by the immunohistochemical SP method., Results: The EGF immunopositive reaction was observed in the plasma of neurons. The neurons with strong positive immuno-reaction signals were detected in cerebral cortex, cerebellar Purkinje cells, cerebellar nuclei, pyramidal neurons of hippocampus, caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, claustrum, nuclei in diencephalons, substantia nigra, cranial nerve nuclei, reticular formation in brain stem, pontine nuclei, red nucleus, superior and inferior olivary nucleus, gracile nucleus, cuneate nucleus, also the ventral horn, lateral horn, dorsal horn and the central gray matter in spinal cord. Furthermore, a few EGF immunopositive glias and fibres were observed in some white matter of central nervous system., Conclusion: EGF immunoreactive material was extensively distributed in the CNS of the adult rhesus monkey. The results suggest that EGF may be concerned with various types of neurons and other cells.

Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Dengue fever (DF) during the Dengue-1 epidemic in Guangzhou., Methods: Clinical and epidemiological data of 1032 patients with DF from May 2002 to November 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. Dengue virus were isolated by cell culture and typed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: Age of the patients ranged from 55 days to 91 years old (average 34.7 +/- 13.2 years) with sex ratio 1.03:1. Incubation period ranged from 2 to 12 days with mean periods of 5.3 +/- 2.4 days. Most (45.0%) cases appeared in September and the epidemic last from July to November. Dengue outbreak had involved 675 cases in 26 common places. The common manifestations were seen as fever (100%), headache (90.9%), myalgia (68.4%), bone soreness (48.8%), fatigue (79.3%), skin rash (60.1%), positive tourniquet test (45.3%), leukopenia (63.3%) and thrombocytopenia (60.8%), respectively. Dengue virus was isolated from serum of 19 out of 54 patients' and identified as Dengue virus type 1. DNA sequence analyzes on rates of nucleotide homology were 97%, 97% and 98% compared with those of Dengue virus type 1 strain of DF outbreak in Cambodia, in 1997 and 1999 in China., Conclusion: The epidemic of DF in Guangzhou in 2002/2003 was caused by Dengue virus type-1 with most patients showing classic type of the disease. Date suggested that change can happen from non-endemic to hypoendemic regions in Guangdong province.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of Fas and FasL in the CNS of adult rhesus., Methods: Frozen sections were incubated in polyclonal anti-Fas and anti-FasL antibody by the immunohistochemical SP method., Results: The Fas and FasL immunopositive neurons were observed in many areas. Fas immunoreactivity could be seen in the cytoplasm and processes of Purkinje cells and in the brain stem nuclei, including vestibular nucleus, dorsal nucleus of vagus and spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve. FasL immunopositive neurons were observed in cerebral cortex, especially in pyramidal neurons of lamina I and V, cerebellar nuclei, diencephalon, and brain stem nuclei involving pontine nucleus, vestibular nucleus, cochlear nucleus, spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve, hypoglossal nucleus, nucleus ambiguous and reticular formation. Fas and FasL immunoreactivity mainly distributed in motor neurons of spinal ventral horn and neural fibers and glia cells in white matter. They all took on brown staining in the cytoplasm and process., Conclusion: The distribution profiles of Fas and FasL in various areas of CNS indicate that they may fill some roles in the immune and physical function of the aforesaid anatomic

Objective: To construct a dually targeting gene therapy system for pituitary adenomas and investigate its effect., Methods: Promoter hGHp containing human growth hormone gene was obtained from human genome and cloned into the plasmid pcDNA3.1/His A with the promoter cut to construct the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp. HSV-TK gene was obtained from the plasmid pcDNA3.1/His A-TK and integrated into the plasmid pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp to construct the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp-TK. A GE7 gene delivery system-mediated human growth hormone promoter controlled gene therapy system was constructed by adding the mixture of GE7-polylysine and HA20-polylysine into the DNA solution. Human growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma cells of the GH3 line, human myeloma cells of the U-2OS line, and human oophoroma cells of the HO8910PM line were cultured and transfected with PBS or GE7 packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-TK or pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of PBS or GE7 packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-TK or pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK protein, MTT method was used to detect the cell survival rate. Another GH3, U-2OS, and HO8910PM cells were cultured and transfected with PBS or GE7 packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-TK or pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK and then ganciclovir (GCV) was added. MTT method was used to examine the cell survival rates. GH3 cells were injected subcutaneously into the right axilla of 200 SD nude rats loaded with human pituitary adenoma. Three weeks after the rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups: PBS group in which PBS was injected into the tumor and GCV was injected peritoneally; GE7 group in which GE7-polylysine and HA20-polylysine were injected into the tumor and GCV was injected peritoneally; without TK group in which GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp was injected into the tumor and GCV was injected peritoneally; without GCV group in which GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp-TK was injected into the tumor and PBS was injected peritoneally; and treatment group in which GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/His A-hGHp-TK was injected into the tumor and GCV was injected peritoneally. Peritoneal injection lasted 21 days for all groups. On the days 3, 7, 14, and 21 eight rats from each group were killed to measure the volume of tumor. The survival rate of the rest 8 rats was observed., Results: A dually targeting gene therapy system for pituitary adenoma was composed successfully. HSV-TK protein was expressed in the GH3 cells but not in the U-2OS and HO8910PM cells after transfection of GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK; and was expressed in the GH3 and HO8910PM cells but not in the U-2OS cells after transfection of GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-TK. Transfection of GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK and addition of GCV significantly decreased the survival rate of the GH3 cells, but did not influence the survival rates of the U-2OS and HO8910PM cells. Transfection of GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-TK and addition of GCV significantly decreased the survival rate of GH3 and HO8910PM cells but did not influence the survival of the U-2OS and HO8910PM cells. When the GH3 cells were transfected with GE7-packaged pcDNA3.1/HisA-hGHp-TK with the addition of GCV of the concentration of 4 mg/L the survival rate decreased to 10%, when the GCV concentration was raised to 8 mg/L the survival rate of the GH3 cells was < 5%. Three days after the beginning of treatment the tumor volume of different groups of rats increased at different degrees and the tumor was smallest in the treatment group in comparison with the other groups (all P < 0.05). Seven days after the beginning of treatment the tumor volume of the treatment group significantly decreased and the tumors of the other groups still increased (all P < 0.001). The survival time of the treatment group was over 120 days, significantly longer than those of the other groups (all about 40 days)., Conclusion: GE7 system-mediated hGHp controlled gene therapy system is hopeful to be the targeted therapeutic strategy for pituitary adenomas.

Objective: To explore the temporospatial changes of IGF-I expression in the spared dorsal root ganglia (DRG, L6) on the operated side and un-operated side, in the spinal lamina II (L3, L5, L6) and Clarke's nucleus (L3) of the adult cats that have undergone partial dorsal rhizotomy, and compare them against those of the normal adult cats so as to unveil the relation between IGF-I and the plasticity of spinal cord., Methods: Fifteen male adult cats were divided into three groups. The cats of two groups were subjected to unilateral partial dorsal root rhizotomy (L1-L5, L7-S2 DRG were sectioned, but L6 was spared) and were sacrificed at 7 days and 14 days after operation. The bilateral L6 dorsal root ganglia and L3, L5, L6 spinal cord of all groups were made into frozen sections 20 microm thick. Then, the sections were stained by the immunohistochemistry ABC method using IGF-I (1:200, Santa Cruz) antibody. The distribution and the number of IGF-I positive neurons in bilateral spared DRG (L6) on the operated/un-operated side, in spinal lamina I (L3, L5, L6) and in Clarke' nucleus (L3) of each animal were observed and counted. All data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, SNK-q test and paired-t test., Results: (1) Seven days after partial dorsal root rhizotomy, the number of IGF-I positive neurons in spared DRG on the operated side declined as compared with that of normal group (P<0.05), but it was not significantly different from that of L6 spared DRG on the un-operated side (P>0.05). On the 14th day, the IGF-I expression in neurons of L6 DRG on the operated side was significantly lower than that of normal group and that of L6 spared DRG on the unoperated side (P<0.01), but it was not significantly different from that of the 7th day group (P>0.05). (2) There was no difference in number of IGF-I positive neuron in L3, L5, L6 spinal lamina II between normal group, 7th day post-operation group and 14th day post-operation group (P>0.05). After operation, IGF-I expression in Clarke's nucleus declined on the 7th day (P<0.05) and came back to normal level on the 14th day (P>0.05)., Conclusion: Partial dorsal root rhizotomy can lead to the change of IGF-I expression in bilateral DRG and Clarke's nucleus, which suggests that IGF-I be related with spinal cord plasticity.

The twenty-first century is the era of the knowledge-based economy. Its information networks developing rapidly, Taiwan has already entered an age of liberalization, diversity and globalization. Competition and change will be the norm. As globalization continues it will pose substantial problems for nursing education. Nursing is a service-oriented activity which has to develop constantly to meet the changing demands of the public as people start to live longer, society becomes more multi-cultural, the nature of diseases and other health problems changes and public policy, such as that on National Health Insurance, is modified. This article outlines the problems currently facing nursing education (i.e., the complexity of the educational system, shortcomings in the learning environment, curriculum design, the quality of faculty, evaluation methods, and the quality of students' English and Mathematics) to predict likely difficulties (i.e. student recruitment, the running of schools and the quality of clinical nurses) and trends in nursing education. (i.e. changes in the way schools are run in line with the impact of globalization, new teaching methods; faculty training and development, lifelong learning, and the internationalization of education.) The article should be of interest to nursing educators.

Objective: To screen differentially expressed genes in the development of human glioma and establish molecular classification of glioma preliminary based on gene expression using cDNA microarray., Methods: Brain specimens were obtained from 18 patients with glioma, 10 males and 8 females, aged 14 approximately 62 with an average age of 44.4. The total RNAs of these glioma specimens and 2 specimens of donated brain of normal adults were extracted. BioStarH140S microarray (including 8347 old genes and 5592 novel genes) were adopted and hybridized with probes which were prepared from the total RNAs. Differentially expressed genes between the normal tissues and glioma tissues were assayed after scanning cDNA microarray with ScanArray 4000. Northern hybridization, and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to identify the functions of novel genes. Those differentially expressed genes were studied with Hierarchical method and molecular classification of glioma was preliminarily carried out., Results: Among the 13 939 target genes, there were 1200 (8.61%) differentially expressed genes and 395 (2.83%) novel genes. 348 genes were up-regulated and 852 genes were down-regulated in glioma. The results of bioinformatical analysis, Northern hybridization and ISH revealed that those novel genes were highly associated with glioma. There were multiple genes which were relevance to classification by Hierarchical method, such as MAP gene, cytoskeleton and matrix motility genes, etc. Molecular classification of glioma with Hierarchical cluster was in accordance with pathology and revealed internal essence in tumorigenesis and development., Conclusion: Multiple genes play important roles in development of glioma. cDNA microarray technology is a powerful technique in screening for differentially expressed genes between two different kinds of tissues.

At important life turning points, middle-aged adults face many physiological changes (e.g., aging, changes in hormone levels) and alterations in family structure (e.g., children growing up and leaving home). In addition to facing these changes and their impacts, adults must also take on challenges in terms of self-concept, body image, life goals, and life meaning. Illnesses that commonly occur during this life stage include menopausal depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Traditional treatment models are medical-oriented, but curative effects are limited and hospital visits still occur at high frequencies, resulting in increased medical expenses and disruptions in family life. The authors review the current literature on curative models in this area, and discuss the potential of a combination of physical therapy, cognitive, and existential-humanistic therapy to improve patients' physical strength, self-concept, self-esteem, and self-confidence in an effort to overcome physio-psycho-social disorders and to increase vitality.

Objective: To study the epidemiological features and relevant risk factors of hospital workplace violence., Methods: A retrospective study using logistic regression on hospital staff was carried out. Based on WHO's last definition for workplace violence from "new research showing workplace violence threatening health services" issued on May 10th, 2002., Results: Among 4062 staff members investigated, 2619 had been subjected to workplace violence in the last 12 months preceding the survey, with a rate of 64.48% which was accounted for 49.12% of psychological and 15.36% of physical violence respectively. Male staff were more vulnerable to physical violence against female. Those victims aged 30 - 39 years were at greatest risk. Doctors and nurses were leading victims of workplace violence. Most of workplace violence happened during day shift, in the ward. The main risk factors contributing to workplace violence would include: unreasonable demand from patients or their relatives, late recovery as expected, and expensive cost. Patients' relatives often took the leading role as perpetrators and followed by patients themselves., Conclusion: Magnitude of hospital workplace violence in hospitals in Guangzhou asked for comprehensive measures to improve staff-patient relationship for the prevention and control of violence.