The preparation, characterization and evaluation of regenerated cellulose/collagen composite hydrogel films.

Porous structured regenerated cellulose films were oxidized by periodate oxidation to obtain 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DARC) films, which were then reacted with collagen to obtain DARC/Col composite films. The subsequent FT-IR spectra indicated that collagen was immobilized on the DARC matrix via the Schiff base reaction between NH2 in collagen and CHO in DARC backbone. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that DARC/Col exhibited a refined 3D network structure and its porosity and pore size decreased with increasing of collagen concentration.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using the FLUENCY expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts using FLUENCY expanded polytetraf luoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents and the effect on the patency rate. A total of 114 cirrhotic patients who were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) placement using a FLUENCY expanded, PTFE-covered stent were enrolled in the present study. Of the patients, 15 underwent an additional bare metal stent implantation on the portal side of the covered stent, simultaneously.

Impact of two common xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene polymorphisms on risk of prostate cancer.

Background: DNA repair genes (EG: xeroderma pigmentosum group D, XPD) may affect the capacity of encoded DNA repair enzymes to effectively remove DNA adducts or lesions, which may result in enhanced cancer risk. The association between XPD gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility of prostate cancer (PCa) was inconsistent in previous studies.

Methodology/principal Findings: A meta-analysis based on 9 independent case-control studies involving 3165 PCa patients and 3539 healthy controls for XPD Gln751Lys SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) and 2555 cases and 3182 controls for Asn312Asp SNP was performed to address this association.

The binding characteristics of a cyclic nonapeptide, c(CGRRAGGSC), in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated that interleukin-11 (IL-11) and the IL-11 receptor (IL-11R) are associated with the regulation of tumor progression and may play a significant role in bone metastases. The nonapeptide structure c(CGRRAGGSC) is a phage display-selected IL-11 mimic, which binds to IL-11R. The aim of this study is to investigate the binding characteristics of a cyclic nonapeptide c(CGRRAGGSC) in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

[Effect of salvia miltiorrhiza and Ligustrazine injection on the early myocardial damage of patients with severe burn].

Objective: To observe the effect of salvia miltiorrhiza and ligustrazine injection on the early myocardial damage of severely burned patients.

Methods: Twenty severely burned patients hospitalized from January 2010 to August 2011, with burn area equal to or more than 50% TBSA, were divided into two groups following hospitalization sequence, with odd number patients entering treatment group (T, n = 10) and even number patients entering control group (C, n = 10). Patients in C group were treated with routine methods, including fluid resuscitation based on the Third Military Medical University formula, anti-infection treatment, support treatment, and organ-protection treatment, etc.

Yizhi Xingnao prescription improves the cognitive function of patients after a transient ischemic attack.

Patients with mild cognitive impairment after a transient ischemic attack were included in this study. They were treated with Yizhi Xingnao prescription, ergoloid mesylates or aspirin for 60 days. Evaluation using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale showed that cognitive function was significantly improved in all patients, especially after the combined treatment of Yizhi Xingnao and aspirin.