Cigarette smoking and glaucoma in the United States population

PurposeTo evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and glaucoma in the United States population.Patients and methodsUS civilian, non-institutionalized population from 2005 to 2008 administrations of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that were ≥40 years of age with visual fields and optic disc photographs were included. Diagnosis of glaucoma was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the association between glaucoma and smoking history, while controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, household income, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension.ResultsIn 3864 participants, 212 (5.5%) had glaucoma (corresponds to a population weighted glaucoma prevalence of 3.7% in a total of 83 570 127 subjects). Population weighted proportion of current smokers was 20.6% and ex-smokers was 28.3%. Participants with glaucoma were older (63.0±11.6 vs 56.1±11.2, P=0.002), likely to be male (57.1% vs 49.2%, P=0.03), to be Black (36.3% vs 20.7%, P<0.001), and to have diabetes (18.9% vs 12.4%, P=0.006) and hypertension (50.5% vs 39.7%, P=0.003). Current smokers had a lower odds of glaucoma compared to non-smokers (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41-0.88, P=0.009), and ex-smokers (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.28-0.76, P=0.002). The effect estimates were similar in adjusted models, but not statistically significant. Among smokers, greater pack/day of smoking history was associated with statistically significantly higher odds of glaucoma (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.08-2.67, P=0.02).ConclusionsAmong cigarette smokers, heavy smoking defined by greater number of pack of cigarettes smoked per day is associated with higher odds of glaucoma. Health care providers should include this association when counseling patients on their smoking habit.

EZH2 Impairs Human Dental Pulp Cell Mineralization via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of PRC2 (polycomb repressor complex 2). It mediates gene silencing via methyltransferase activity and is involved in the determination of cell lineage. However, the function of EZH2 and the underlying mechanisms by which it affects the differentiation of human dental pulp cell (hDPC) have remained underexplored. In this research, we found that EZH2 expression decreased during the mineralization of hDPCs, with attenuated H3K27me3 (trimethylation on lysine 27 in histone H3). Overexpression of EZH2 impaired the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, while EZH2 without methyltransferase activity mutation (mutation of suppressed variegation of 3 to 9, enhancer of zeste and trithorax domain, EZH2ΔSET) did not display this phenotype. In addition, siRNA knockdown studies showed that EZH2 negatively modulated hDPC differentiation in vitro and inhibited mineralized nodule formation in transplanted β-tricalcium phosphate / hDPC composites. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we explored the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in view of the fact that previous research had documented the essential role that it plays during hDPC mineralization, as well as its links to EZH2 in other cells. We demonstrated for the first time that EZH2 depletion activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced the accumulation of β-catenin in hDPCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis suggested that these effects are attributable to the level of the EZH2-regulated H3K27me3 on the β-catenin promoter. We conclude that EZH2 plays a negative role during the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs. Suppression of EZH2 could promote hDPC mineralization by epigenetically regulating the expression of β-catenin and activating the Wnt canonical signaling pathway.

[Polymorphisms of 19 STR Loci in Guizhou Han Population and Their Forensic Application]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the allelic distribution of 19 autosomal STR loci in Guizhou Han population, and to estimate the forensic application value.

METHODS

The 19 autosomal STR loci in 520 unrelated healthy individuals from Guizhou Han population were studied using Goldeneye™ 20A kit. The 310 genetic analyzer was used for capillary electrophoresis, and the GeneMapper®ID v3.1 for genotyping.

RESULTS

The heterozygosis, the discrimination power, the probability of exclusion, the polymorphism information content, the cumulative discrimination power and the cumulative probability of exclusion of the 19 STR loci were 0.603 8-0.916 4, 0.790 0-0.985 6, 0.295 5-0.826 9, 0.553 5-0.908 9, 1-1.230 0×10⁻²² and 0.999 999 99, respectively. Compared with other five Han populations in pairwise allelic frequencies, Guizhou Han only had significant differences with Shandong Han, Liaoning Han and Shanxi Han.

CONCLUSIONS

The 19 autosomal STR loci such as D19S433 have a highly genetic polymorphic in Guizhou Han population, which have application values in the researches of population genetics and forensic genetics.

[Impact on the incidence of postoperative ventricular arrhythmias after cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator with quadripolar lead]

Objective: To evaluate incidence of postoperative ventricular arrhythmias in patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D ) with left ventricular quadripolar lead. Methods: The patients received CRT-D who had complete follow-up data in Anhui Provincial Hospital from June 2013 to June 2016 were included and divided into quadripolar lead group and bipolar lead group according to the type of left ventricular lead. And ventricular arrhythmia (VA), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks treatment, antitachycardia pacing therapy (ATP), and other indicators of the two groups were compared. Prognosis of the two groups was assessed by re-hospitalization for heart failure and cardiac death. Results: Of the 220 patients enrolled in the study, 58 patients were in quadripolar lead group and 162 in bipolar lead group, and there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The VA episode per patient was not significantly different between the two groups [(0.60±2.38) VA per person vs (0.93±2.24) VA per person, P=0.055]; the quadripolar lead group had significantly lower burden of VA compared with bipolar lead group [(0.22±0.91) per person-year vs (0.46±1.13) per person-year, P=0.044]. Compared with bipolar lead group, there were significant reduction in both the ICD shocks per patient and the burden of ICD shocks in quadripolar lead group: [(0.12±0.36) shocks per person vs (0.23±0.52) shocks per person, P=0.034] and [(0.04±0.17) per person-year vs (0.12±0.46) per person-year, P=0.029], respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in both the ATP per patient and the burden of ATP: [(1.07±3.77) ATP per person vs (1.26±3.01) ATP per person, P=0.073] and [(0.38±1.39) per person-year vs (0.63±1.48) per person-year, P=0.058], respectively. And there were no significant differences between the two groups for the survival (P=0.496). Conclusion: Compared with bipolar lead group, the burden of VA could be significantly reduced after CRT-D in the quadripolar lead group.

[Investigation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by cisplatin on human laryngeal resistant cancer cells]

Objective:To investigate the mechanism between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cisplatin induced resistant cell subline and the malignant biological characteristics, to explore EMT in human hep-2 laryngeal resistant cells. Method:Using cisplatin-resistant cells (hep-2/CDDP) and non-resistant cells (hep-2) established in our previous study; the invasion and migration biological behaviors were detected by transwell and scratch assay; the expressions of E-cadherin, Zo-1, Snail, Slug, Twist1, Vimentinon in the mRNA level were detected by RT-qPCR and the protein level by Western blot. Result:Transwell and scratch assay show the invasion and migration behaviors were increased in hep-2/CDDP cells (P<0.05), the epithelial marker E-cadherin and Zo-1 were downregulated in hep-2/CDDP cells (all P<0.05), transcription factor Snail, Slug were upregulated in mRNA and protein level (all P<0.01) while Twist1 had no significant changed in protein level (P>0.05), the expression of mesenchymal marker Vimentin was also increased in mRNA and protein levels in cisplatin resistant cells (P<0.01). It was confirmed that the hep-2/CDDP cells possessed EMT phenotypes. Conclusion:The cisplatin resistant laryngeal cancer cells perform higherinvasion and migration biological behaviors,and the mechanisms of increased ability of invasion and migration induced by cisplatin was associated to eEMT, study on signal path related to EMT may overcome cisplatin resistance and reduce invasion and migration behaviors.

Plasma ADAMTS-13 activity in proliferative lupus nephritis: a large cohort study from China

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate plasma ADAMTS-13 activity in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis and to evaluate the role of clinical, laboratory and pathological features, especially the vascular lesions in lupus nephritis.

Methods

Plasma samples from 163 class III and IV lupus nephritis patients confirmed by biopsy examinations and 98 normal controls were collected. ADAMTS-13 activity was evaluated by a residual collagen binding assay. IgG autoantibodies against ADAMTS-13 were detected by ELISA using recombinant ADAMTS-13 as a solid-phase ligand. Levels of vWF were measured by ELISA. Their associations with clinical, laboratory and pathological features were further assessed.

Results

Plasma ADAMTS-13 activity in lupus nephritis patients was significantly lower than that in normal controls (84 ± 21% vs. 90 ± 13%, p = 0.005). IgG ADAMTS-13 autoantibodies were detected in only three patients. The plasma level of vWF was significantly higher in the lupus nephritis group than in normal controls (1.00 ± 0.79 vs. 0.70 ± 0.30, p = 0.025). Plasma ADAMTS-13 activity was negatively correlated with the level of serum creatinine and proteinuria ( r = –0.354, p < 0.001; r = –0.200, p = 0.011, respectively). Patients with a higher level of ADAMTS-13 activity had significantly higher levels of factor H (401.51 ± 183.01 µg/ml vs. 239.02 ± 155.45 µg/ml, p = 0.005). Plasma ADAMTS-13 activity was negatively associated with total pathological AI scores ( r = –0.326, p < 0.001), endocapillary hypercellularity ( r = –0.419, p < 0.001), cellular crescents ( r = –0.274, p < 0.001), subendothelial hyaline deposits ( r = –0.266, p = 0.001), interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration ( r = –0.304, P < 0.001), tubular atrophy ( r = –0.199, p = 0.011), acute glomerular vascular lesions ( r = –0.344, p < 0.001) and acute renal vascular lesions ( r = –0.338, p < 0.001). No association was found between level of vWF and plasma ADAMTS-13 activity ( r = 0.033, p = 0.671). Low level of ADAMTS-13 activity was a risk factor for renal outcomes ( p = 0.039, HR = 0.047, 95% CI: 0.120–1.005).

Conclusions

Decreased ADAMTS-13 activity was found in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, and plasma ADAMTS-13 activity was closely associated with renal injury indices, especially pathological vascular scores. The role of ADAMTS-13 in the disease remains to be further investigated.

Physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of an experimental resin-based pulp capping material containing the quaternary ammonium salt and Portland cement

AIM

To evaluate in vitro the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and calcium phosphate nucleation of an experimental light-curable pulp capping material composed of a resin with antibacterial monomer (MAE-DB) and Portland cement (PC).

METHODOLOGY

The experimental material was prepared by mixing PC with a resin containing MAE-DB at a 2 : 1 ratio. Cured pure resin containing MAE-DB served as control resin. ProRoot MTA and Dycal served as commercial controls. The depth of cure, degree of monomer conversion, water absorption and solubility of dry samples, calcium release, alkalinizing activity, calcium phosphate nucleation and the cytotoxicity of materials were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using anova followed by Tukey's HSD test (equal variance assumed) or Tamhane test (equal variance not assumed) and independent-samples t-tests.

RESULTS

The experimental material had a cure depth of 1.19 mm, and the mean degree of monomer conversion was 70.93% immediately post-cure and 88.75% at 24 h post-cure. The water absorption of the experimental material was between those of MTA and Dycal, and its solubility was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that of Dycal and higher than that of MTA. The experimental material exhibited continuous calcium release and an alkalinizing power between those of MTA and Dycal throughout the test period. Freshly set experimental material, control resin and all 24-h set materials had acceptable cytotoxicity. The experimental material, MTA and Dycal all exhibited the formation of apatite precipitates after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental material possessed adequate physicochemical properties, low cytotoxicity and good calcium phosphate nucleation.

Genetic variants in FH are associated with renal histopathologic subtypes of lupus nephritis: a large cohort study from China

Objective Genetic variants in FH (complement factor H) were reported to associate with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study proposed that the genetic defects of FH in the susceptibility and in the development of lupus nephritis might be different. Methods This study enrolled 334 lupus nephritis patients, 269 SLE patients without clinical renal involvement and 350 controls. Two-step genotyping was performed. First, all the exons of the FH gene were fully sequenced in 100 lupus nephritis patients and 100 healthy controls. Second, genotyping of three common variants reported to be functional, rs1061170, rs800292 and rs6677604, was conducted in all the recruited individuals. Further, analysis of their associations with SLE/lupus nephritis susceptibility and the clinico-pathological parameters in the lupus nephritis group was performed. Results No significant differences were observed in allele and genotype frequencies of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms between lupus patients and controls. There was a significantly higher ratio of CC/CT genotypes of rs1061170 in lupus nephritis patients with class III than in the other two classes (class III vs. class IV vs. class V: 21.0% vs. 9.7% vs. 9.4%; P = .044). The rs6677604-GG genotype was observed to be associated with the absence of anti-ds DNA antibody ( P = .021), and the rs800292-TT genotype was associated with a higher level of circulating C3 ( P = 0.20) in lupus nephritis. Conclusion In an independent cohort, this is the first genetic association analysis focusing on FH genetic variants in Chinese lupus nephritis patients. It was found that the variants in the FH gene might affect the histopathologic subtypes and some clinical features of the disease.

Experimental study on 1,25(OH)2 D3 amelioration of oral lichen planus through regulating NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the protective function of vitamin D (VD)/vitamin D receptor (VDR) on the development of oral lichen planus (OLP) and elaborate the underling mechanism of it.

METHODS

H&E staining, myeloid peroxidase (MPO) assays, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and Elisa were used to test the human biopsies and serum. QPCR, Western blotting, Elisa, and siRNA transfection were also performed in LPS-induced keratinocytes to observe the functions of vitamin D and VDR.

RESULTS

The lack of VDR in the diseased biopsies from OLP patients was associated with activated helper T-cell type 1 (Th1)-driven inflammatory response. Importantly, the status of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D of OLP patients was reduced consistently. In a cultured cell model, 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ could downregulate excessive production of pro-inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in keratinocyte HaCat cells. Mechanistically, even though LPS-induced cytokines in keratinocytes were inhibited both by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor and by activator protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitor, VDR-dependent 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ blocked the activation of phosphorylated-NF-κB p65 rather than c-Jun/c-Fos in the presence of LPS stimulation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ plays an anti-inflammatory role in OLP by mediating NF-κB signaling pathway but not AP-1 signaling pathway with a VDR-dependent manner, predicting vitamin D supplement may be a potential strategy for the OLP management.

Endoscopic sensing of alveolar pH

Previously unobtainable measurements of alveolar pH were obtained using an endoscope-deployable optrode. The pH sensing was achieved using functionalized gold nanoshell sensors and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The optrode consisted of an asymmetric dual-core optical fiber designed for spatially separating the optical pump delivery and signal collection, in order to circumvent the unwanted Raman signal generated within the fiber. Using this approach, we demonstrate a ~100-fold increase in SERS signal-to-fiber background ratio, and demonstrate multiple site pH sensing with a measurement accuracy of ± 0.07 pH units in the respiratory acini of an ex vivo ovine lung model. We also demonstrate that alveolar pH changes in response to ventilation.

[Monitoring and research on pathogen spectrum in patients with acute diarrhea from sentinel hospital of Zhejiang Province during 2009 to 2014]

Objective: To explore pathogen spectrum constitution of acute diarrhea in outpatient and emergency of Zhejiang Province, and provide basis for treatment, prevention and control of the disease. Methods: During January 2009 to December 2014, we selected seven sentinel hospitals in different regions of Zhejiang, monitored and researched on pathogen spectrum in patients with acute diarrhea from outpatient and emergency. We recorded patients' personal basic information, the main symptoms and signs, and collected stool samples (5 g). Eight kinds of bacteria (Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Diarrheagenic E. coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia enterocolitica and Plesiomonas shigelloides) and five kinds of viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus, Sappovirus, Astrovirus and Adenovirus) were detected. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact probability method were used to compare different characteristics of patients with single bacterial infection, single virus infection and multiple infection (bacteria-bacteria, bacteria-viruses, virus-virus). Results: During 2009 to 2014, 9 364 fecal samples from acute diarrhea patients were collected and tested, among which 3 500 cases were tested positive, with total positive rate of 37.38%. Positive rates of bacteria and viruses were 13.14% (1 230 cases) and 20.75% (1 943 cases), respectively. Mixed infection positive rate of multiple pathogens was 3.49% (327 cases). Positive rate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (5.96% , 558 cases) was the highest among bacterial pathogens, followed by pathogenic Escherichia coli (3.86%, 361 cases). Viruses were mainly Norovirus (10.73%, 1 005 cases) and rotavirus (8.35%, 782 cases). A big difference existed in diarrheogenic pathogen spectrum between patients less than 15 years old and patients equal or older than 15 years old. Pathogens for patients less than 15 years old were mainly virus, with the positive rate of 32.69% (1 014 cases). However, the positive rate of bacteria was 16.86% (1 056 cases) in patients equal or older than 15 years old. Single bacterial infection was highest in age group of 25-34 years old (18.62%, 302 cases) , single virus infection was highest in age group of 1-4 years old (41.12%, 435 cases) , and mixed infections of multiple pathogens were mainly existed in age group of 1-4 years old (7.37%, 78 cases) . Pathogen positive rate were increasing year by year. Pathogen positive rate of patients with acute diarrhea has obvious seasonality, with single bacterial infection being highest during July to September and single virus infection being highest during December to March. Pathogen spectrum of outpatient and emergency patients with acute diarrhea in Zhejiang Province changed a little from 2009 to 2014, mainly rotavirus (22.34% (782/3 500)), norovirus (28.71% (1 005/3 500)), vibrio parahaemolyticus (15.92% (558/3 500)) and Escherichia coli (10.31% (361/3 500)). However, pathogen spectrums in different years owned different features. Conclusion: Common pathogens in outpatient and emergency patients with acute diarrhea in Zhejiang Province were tested with significant seasonal epidemic law. The composition of pathogenic spectrum was variant in different age group. Constitutes of major pathogen spectrum in different years differed a little.

[Expression of thrombus regulatory protein and myeloperoxidasein peripheral blood of adult with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the expression of serum TM and MPO in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Method: Ninety OSAHS patients who confirmed by PSG as OSAHS group. According to AHI, the patients were divided into 3 groups include heavy, medium and light, and 30 healthy outpatients were control group. The serum TM and MPO were determined by ELISA; TM and MPO were measured after comprehensive treatment in patients with severe OSAHS, and the correlation between TM, MPO and PSG were analyzed. Result: ①With the severity of OSAHS patients increased, the serum levels of TM and MPO increased gradually（F=20.761,21.433；P<0.01). There was no significant difference about the concentration of TM and MPO between light and control group（P>0.05）；The concentration of TM and MPO was significantly higher in heavy and medium group compared with light and control group（P<0.01）.②There was no correlation between serum levels of TM, MPO, BMI, age and sex in OSAHS patients(P>0.05). The serum concentration of TM was positively related to MPO. The serum concentrations of TM and MPO were positively correlated with AHI, but negatively with LSaO₂ (P<0.05). ③LSaO₂ was significantly increased, AHI and peripheral blood TM, MPO levels were significantly reduced in thirty severe OSAHS cases received the combined treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion:The increase of TM and MPO concentration in peripheral blood is one of characteristics of cardiovascular damage in patients with OSAHS. Combined detection of serum TM and MPO concentrations in patients with the disease is helpful for evaluation and risk assessment of cardiovascular disease.

[Inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus combined with endostatin on growth and metastasis of hepatoma xenograft]

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene-7(Mig-7)interfered with retrovirus-mediated RNA(shRNA)combined with recombinant human endostatin(ES)on the growth and metastasis of subcutaneous xenograft of human hepatoma cells in nude mice. Methods: Two Mig-7-mRNA oligonucleotide sequences(Mig-7-shRNA-1 and Mig-7-shRNA-2)and one sequence as a negative control(Mig-7-shRNA-N)were designed. The specific Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus expression vector plasmid was constructed and used for the transfection of human hepatoma MHCC-97H cells with high expression of Mig-7. The subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in nude mice was established, and according to the condition of transfection and administration, the nude mice were divided into pSIREN-M1 group, pSIREN-MN group, ES group, and pSIREN-M1+ES group. The xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis were compared between groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the formation of vasculogenic mimicry(VM)in xenograft tumor and the difference in tumor microvascular density(MVD), and Western blot was used to measure the expression of Mig-7 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in each group. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups. Results: Compared with the pSIREN-MN group, the pSIREN-M1 group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, Mig-7 expression, and formation of VM(P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher VEGF expression and MVD(P < 0.05). Compared with the pSIREN-MN group, the ES group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, VEGF expression, and MVD(P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher Mig-7 expression and formation of VM(P < 0.05). Compared with the pSIREN-M1 group and the ES group, the pSIREN-M1+ES group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, Mig-7 expression, formation of VM, VEGF expression, and MVD(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus combined with ES has a better inhibitory effect on the growth and metastasis of HCC xenograft tumor than Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus or ES alone. The anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy alone, which targets vascular endothelial cells in vivo, has a limited effect, since it may promote the formation of VM.

Association study between single nucleotide polymorphisms in leptin and growth traits in Cyprinus carpio var. Jian

Leptin is a hormone that affects the regulation of body weight, energy expenditure, fat metabolism, food intake, and appetite. In this study, we cloned the jlLEP-A1 and jlLEP-A2 genes in Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) and performed an association analysis between identified polymorphisms and growth traits. Three polymorphisms in exons of jlLEP-A1 (A1-T113C) and jlLEP-A2 (A2-G415A and A2-G427A) were identified, and genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 263 female and 294 male Jian carp. All three SNPs were missense mutations. Association analysis revealed that the three SNPs were significantly associated with growth traits in male Jian carp. Only SNP A1-T113C was significantly associated with growth traits in female Jian carp. Analysis of diplotypes derived from jlLEP-A2 SNPs revealed an association with growth traits in male but not female Jian carp. These results demonstrate that polymorphisms in the leptin gene are associated with growth traits and may be used for marker-assisted selection programs in Jian carp breeding and production.

A New Method of Heparinizing PLLA Film by Surface Entrapment

A new method of surface heparinizing biodegradable polymers was designed. A heparin-modified poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) system was developed by physically entrapping the heparin on the PLLA surface. The surface characterization and biological performance of these materials were carried out by SEM, attenuated-total-reflection spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and platelet adhesion evaluations. The modification strategy was performed by reversible swelling of the PLLA surface following exposure to a solvent–nonsolvent mixture. This process resulted in the localized physical entrapment of the diffused heparin. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to confirm that control over the heparin surface density can be achieved by using set polymer treatment times. Platelet adhesion tests showed significant improvement in blood compatibility by the PLLA surfaces after modification.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kampo: A Review from the Distant past for the Future

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete system of healing that developed in China about 3000 years ago, and includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and massage, etc. In recent decades the use of TCM has become more popular in China and throughout the world. Traditional Japanese medicine has been used for 1500 years and includes Kampo-yaku (herbal medicine), acupuncture and acupressure. Kampo is now widely practised in Japan and is fully integrated into the modern health-care system. Kampo is based on TCM but has been adapted to Japanese culture. In this paper we review the history and characteristics of TCM and traditional Japanese medicine, i.e. the selection of traditional Chinese herbal medicine treatments based on differential diagnosis, and treatment formulations specific for the ‘Sho’ (the patient's symptoms at a given moment) of Japanese Kampo - and look at the prospects for these forms of medicine.