Improvement in the Appearance of Wrinkles with Topical Transforming Growth Factor β1 and l-Ascorbic Acid

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Facial rhytides are a common cosmetic concern. Surgical treatment effects dramatic improvement; however, the associated risk and cost may be prohibitive. Recent focus is on developing topical products containing biologically active ingredients for at-home therapy. Our study examines the effects of a topical cream containing transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), l-ascorbic acid, and Cimicifuga racemosa extract (CRS) (Topix Pharmaceuticals, North Amityville, NY, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first arm of the study, 12 subjects were randomized to apply CRS to the left or right side of their face and a cream containing l-ascorbic acid and C. racemosa in silicone base (vitamin C [Vit C]) to the contralateral side twice daily for 3 months. In the second arm of the study, 20 subjects were randomized to apply CRS to the left or right side of their face and Tissue Nutrient Solution Recovery Complex (TNS) (SkinMedica, Carlsbad, CA, USA), a product containing a variety of growth factors including VEGF, PDGF-A, G-CSF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-beta(1) (Nouricel-MD) without l-ascorbic acid, C. racemosa extract, or silicone base, to the contralateral side of their face twice daily for 3 months. Digital photographs were scored by study-blinded physicians, and self-assessments were completed by all subjects at baseline and at the conclusion of the protocol. RESULTS: CRS and TNS were well tolerated, and all subjects completed the 3-month protocol for the CRS versus Vit C arm of the study. Physicians rated success in facial wrinkling scores on the CRS-treated side of the face for 27 of 31 subjects. Responders showed, on average, 21.7% improvement in physician-rated wrinkle scores. The mean improvement in the group of 31 patients as a whole was 12%. Eighteen of 31 subjects reported a noticeable improvement on their CRS-treated side. Both CRS and TNS demonstrate significant success between baseline and 3-month scores, and both growth factor products are superior to Vit C. Patients preferred CRS over TNS. CONCLUSION: CRS is effective in minimizing the appearance of facial rhytides. The success of the CRS product is largely attributable to the incorporation of TGF-beta(1).     

New scoring matrix for amino acid residue exchanges based on residue characteristic physical parameters

Based on residue characteristic physical parameters, a new scoring matrix, called EMPAR, for amino acid exchanges in proteins was obtained. When comparing protein sequences for detecting homologies, the use of this matrix in place of the Dayhoff log-odds matrix yields results that reflect the topological similarities in the proteins. The use of EMPAR is equivalent to the parametric correlation coefficient approach of Ooi and his colleagues. This matrix correlates at 0.63 with the Dayhoff matrix.     

Goldenhar 综合征家系的临床表型和遗传学分析

目的分析1组Goldenhar综合征家系的临床表现及遗传学特征。方法我们随访到1组4代33人的Goldenhar综合征家系，对目前存活的29人进行了临床表型和遗传学的初步分析。结果家系内有Goldenhaar综合征患者5人．临床表现具高度多样性，累及眼、耳、脊柱、颜面、口腔等多个器官和系统的发育不良，在遗传方式上属于常染色体显性遗传。从细胞遗传学水平对家系中成员进行染色体检查，未发现核型异常。结论该Goldenhar综合征家系属常染色体显性遗传，染色体检查未发现核型异常。     

小儿急性肺损伤的短期肺功能随访

Objective To study the pulmonary functions of pediatric ALI/ARDS(acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome) survivors. Method A prospective cohort study of all survivors of ALI/ARDS in the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital was performed. Patients were divided into three groups(0-3 years of age,3 ～ 7 years of age, and over 7 years of age) and followed up three months after diagnosis. Results There were 36 survivors in total of 44 ALl patients, three patients lost follow-up, 12 died and 21 survived. Five survivors refused to participate in the study because of asymptomatic, and one was unable to participate because of lymphoma com-bined with sepsis. A total of 15 children completed the whole survey (11 patients were less than 3 years old, andfour were over 7 years of age). Twelve patients had no discomfort in their respiratory tracts. Three months after be-ing enrolled, the pulmonary functions of all children improved, especially in terms of tidal volume and respiratory compliance (P<0.05). Conclusions The abnormal respiratory symptoms and signs in most children disap-peared three months after discharge. Most survivors still have pulmonary dysfunction at 3 monthes after discharge, but better than discharge.     

血管紧张素系统基因多态性和原发性肾病综合征的关系研究进展

肾素-血管紧张素系统(RAS)是人体内调节血压、水电解质平衡的重要系统之一,在肾脏疾病的发生和发展中占重要地位.近年来随着分子生物学等研究手段的成熟和深入,一些研究结果显示:RAS基因多态性与肾病综合征的易患性、激素疗效、疾病复发、病理进展及预后有明显相关性.探讨它们之间关系已成为肾脏病领域中新的研究热点.该文将对近年来涉及到RAS基因中三个主要基因:血管紧张素原、血管紧张素转换酶、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1基因多态性与肾病综合征的相关性研究进行综述.     

全肺放疗治疗双肺多发转移癌24例分析

目的:探讨全肺放疗治疗肺转移癌的价值.方法:1999年3月～2003年5月我院肿瘤科收治24例双肺多发肺转移癌患者,均给予全肺放疗.现对这些患者的临床资料进行总结分析.结果:本组放疗结束时转移瘤CR率为37.5%(9/24),PR率为50.0%(12/24),有效率(PR+CR)达87.5%.原发肿瘤为鼻咽癌、乳腺癌、肝癌、结直肠癌的中位生存期分别为13.5、22.0、10.5月、8.5月.1～2级放射性肺炎发生率为25.0%(6/24);3级为16.7%(2/24);4～5级为0.结论:恶性肿瘤肺多发转移可以采用全肺放疗+局部小野补量治疗,尤其适用于原发肿瘤对放疗中高度敏感、化疗无效的患者,可获得较好疗效.毒副作用可耐受.     

超声检查在男性创伤性尿道狭窄诊断中的价值

目的探讨超声检查对男性创伤性尿道狭窄的诊断价值。方法对21例男性创伤性尿道狭窄患者进行超声检查,14例同时联合尿道造影检查,结果与术中所见进行对比分析。结果21例超声结果与术中所见一致。14例联合检查中,造影检查有2例前尿道狭窄漏诊,2例狭窄近侧结石未发现,2例正常后尿道误诊为狭窄,2例后尿道狭窄长度不能估计;2例会阴部瘘管造影清晰显示而超声显示不佳。结论超声在狭窄定位、长度测量、瘢痕范围估测及显示继发结石等方面优于造影,造影显示瘘管清晰,必要时两者应联合应用。     

Urinary levels of taurine in mentally retarded children

ABSTRACT. Urinary taurine levels were estimated in 29 mentally retarded children. These levels were then compared with those of normal healthy children. The urinary taurine levels were significantly higher in the mentally retarded subjects. There is probably an intriguing relationship between taurine levels and mental retardation.     

T7 RNA聚合酶体外转录合成siRNA的方法

目的：建立一种应用T7 RNA聚合酶体外转录合成大量siRNA的方法。方法：以萤火虫荧光素酶为靶标，应用T7 RNA聚合酶体外转录合成siRNA，脂质体转染法将其导入HepG2细胞中，通过测定荧光素酶的量，评价siRNA对萤火虫荧光素酶基因表达的抑制作用。结果：合成了以萤火虫荧光素酶为靶标的siRNA，合成的siRNA能特异性地抑制荧光素酶基因的表达，抑制率为80％。结论：建立了一种经济简便的体外合成siRNA的方法。     

转基因食品的快速PCR鉴定

用十六烷基-二甲基-乙基-溴化铵(CTAB)法快速高效地从样品中提取了可供分析的基因组DNA,经PCR扩增,鉴定了含有35S启动子和NOS终止子的转基因样品.该方法的灵敏度可达0.1%,并且具有很好的稳定性.