ObjectiveTo establish the human periodontal ligament fibroblasts(HPDLFs)that express BMP2 and observe their biologicl characterization. MethodsA phagemid expression vector for BMP2 (pBK-B2) was transfected into HPDLFs by using LipofectAMINE. The BMP2 expression was determined by the immunohistochemical ABC method. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production and capacity of mineralization were measured in the transfected cells. ResultsBMP2 protein was expressed in HPDLFs after gene transfection. The BMP2 gene transfected cells showed prominently elevated ALP activity, OC production and increase in mineralized nodules. ConclusionThe results indicate that BMP2 is expressed in HPDLFs and is involved in inducing differ- entiation of HPDLFs into osteoblast-like cells.

Background Central corneal thickness (CCT)is an important parameter to evaluate corneal healthy status and is crucial for surgical planning.However,clinical study found that the center of cornea does not correspond to the thinnest point of cornea.Thus,it is essential to characterize the minimum corneal thickness(MCT) and its location.Objective Present study was to determine the thickness and location of MCT and its relationship to the fellow eye using Pentacam High Resolution technique.Methods The 564 eyes from 282 Chinese myopic patients were reviewed in this study.The CCT,MCT,pupillary central corneal thickness(PCT) and x-y coordinate of thinnest point were bilaterally measured.Written informed consent was obtained prior to the ocular biomedical measurement.Results CCT was (540.07±31.78) μm in the right eyes and (539.24±31.06) μm in the lefi eyes; PCT was (540.25±30.75)μm in the right eyes and (539.48±31.00)μm in the left eyes.MCT was (537.87± 31.91)μm in the right eyes and (536.35±31.24)μm in the left eyes,showing significant differences in all the parameters between the right eyes and left eyes expect for PCT(CCT:P=0.046;PCT:P=0.065 ;MCT:P=0.000).The C CT,PCT and M CT were significantly correlated between the right eyes and left eyes (r =0.97,0.97,0.98,P＜ 0.01).Bland-Altman plot showed a good consistence between the both eyes.The mean distance from the center was (0.50±0.21) mm in the right eyes and (0.56±0.22)mm in the left eyes,showing a significant difference (P =0.000).The difference between CCT and MCT was approximately (2.20±1.74)μm in the right eyes and (2.88±1.75) μm in the left eyes.The location of MCT in both the right eyes and left eyes tended to symmetry along the vertical midline.The distance between the R (x,y) to transformed L (x,y) was (0.29 ± 0.17)mm and the angular distance was (28.28±28.21)degree.Conclusions This study offers a range of MCT and its location in Chinese myopic patients.The difference exists between the CCT and MCT in bilateral eyes.The location of the thinnest point tends to be symmetrical along the vertical midline between the both eyes.The changes of these parameters may be helpful for the diagnosis of some corneal diseases.

Fourteen compounds were isolated from 95% ethanol extract by silica gel, MCI, and ODS column chromatography. These compounds were respectively identified as quercetin (1), kaempferol (2), (+)-catechin (3), fraxin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), gallic acid (6), methyl gallate (7), ethyl gallate (8), apocynol A (9), baccatin (10), cerevisterol (11), ellagic acid (12), 3, 3',4'-tri-0-methylellagic acid(13) and N-benzoyl-L-phenylalaninyl-N-benzoyl-L-phenylalaninate(14) by analyzing their spectral data and comparing with the previously reported literatures. Except for gallic acid (6), all other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 1, 2 and 6 showed moderate anti-proliferation activities on tumor cells.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Euphorbiaceae ; chemistry ; Humans ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

Cardiomyopathies ; complications ; Diverticulum ; complications ; Hematoma ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

AIM　To discuss the intraspecific relationship in Magnolia officinalis and the genuineness of Cortex Magnoliae officinalis, and to find some DNA characters of certified “Houpo”. METHODS　Thirty-three samples from eleven locations, which can represent most of the distribution of M.officinalis, were selected. The total DNA was extracted. Severty-four random primers were tried to get good amplification. RESULTS One hundred and sixteen bands amplified from seventeen primers, were clustered by NTSYS-pc software. Three branches were obtained. Some distinctive primers and bands, which represent certified species or fine breed, were obtained also. CONCLUSION　1) M.officinalis should be divided into three geographic clans instead of two subspecies or varieties, they are, a) typical officinalis, b) typical biloba and c) Middle type. This conclusion agrees with the leaf form and other characters. 2) The genetic difference between “Chuanpo” and “Wenpo” is evident and the difference is in correspondence with the quantities of their chemical constituents. So, the genetic difference is the main reason of the genuineness of Cortex Magnoliae officinalis. 3) These results may be used to establish DNA database for identification of Cortex Magnoliae officinalis.

Objective To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging in detecting local recurrence in patients with T3N0M0 prostate cancer after cryotherapy.Methods Sixty-five patients with T3N0M0 prostate cancer underwent cryotherapy.The preoperative data of conventional MRI,MRS,transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy were collected.After cryotherapy,the prostate specific antigen (PSA) of all patients was detected monthly.If PSA ＞5 μg/L,MRI,MRS,and TRUS-guided prostate biopsy were planned within a week.If PSA was unremarkable,MRI,MRS,and TRUS-guided prostate biopsy were planned 12 months after cryotherapy.The prostate was divided 6 regions and the cancerous and noncancerous were marked.The signal-to-noise ratio(S/N) of choline (Cho),citrate (Cit)and the ratios of Cho + creatine ( Cre)/Cit of each regions were measured in pre-operation and postoperation.The patients were divided into non-recurrence and recurrence group according to TRUS-guided biopsy.The S/N of Cho,Cit,and the ratio of Cho + Cre/Cit were compared between the groups before and after cryotherapy by using independent samples t-test.Results ( 1) Fifteen patients were confirmed local recurrence 12 months after cryotherapy,including 11patients with an evaluate PSA level and 4 patients with PSA umemarkable.(2) The S/N of Cho,Cit and the ratios of Cho + Cre/Cit in the cancerous and noncancerous regions before cryotherapy in the sixty-five patients were 25 + 9,11+ 5,and 18 + 5,and 39 ±12,2.33 +0.60,and 0.53 ± 0.19.There had significant difference between that of two groups ( t values were 11.36,9.81,and 13.39,respectively,P =0.00).(3) In the patients with non-recurrence,The S/N of Cho,Cit in the cancerous and noncancerous regions were 4 ± 2 and 3 ± 2 ( t =1.024,P =0.305 ),and 2 +2 and 4 ±3 (t =1.147,P =0.178) and no difference was found.In necrotic area,the ratios of Cho + Cre/Cit could not be calculated because of low level of the S/N of Cho and Cit.(4)In the patients with local recurrence after cryotherapy,the S/N of Cho and Cit in the cancerous and noncancerous regions were 17 ±3 and 3 ± 2 ( t =17.24,p =0.00 ),9 ± 2 and 3 ± 3 ( t =23.66,P =0.00 ) and a significant difference was found.The ratio of Cho + Cre/Cit in the recurrent area was no significant different compared with that of preoperation(t =1.214,P =0.256 ).In necrotic area,the ratios of Cho + Cre/Cit could not be calculated because of low level of the S/N of Cho and Cit.Conclusions MRS is a useful tool to evaluate the changes of the S/N of Cho and Cit,the ratios of the Cho + Cre/Cit and help diagnosis of local recurrence.

Objective To understand the correlative factors of impacting schistosomiasis prevalence so as to provide the scientific evidence for drawing up the control project in Three Gorges Reservoir areas.Methods The report system of schistosomiasis was set up,and the cases were investigated.The population were screened by indirect haemagglutination test(IHA),and the serum-positive people were examined with Kato-Katz technique.The livestock and plants imported from the schistosomiasis endemic areas were investigated.Results Eighty-eight floating people returning from schistosomiasis endemic areas and 107 floating persons from endemic areas were investigated,and the serum positive rates were 1.14% and 1.87%,respectively.No schistosome eggs were found in stool examinations.There was no livestock and plant imported from schistosomiasis endemic areas.The production of local inhabitants depended on mainly cattle,and the river water contact was popular.Conclusions There are infection resources of schistosomiasis imported from endemic areas,which has a potential risk of schistosomiasis prevalence.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of the combined detection of Golgi protein 73 (GP73),alpha-fetoprotein variant-L3 (AFP-L3)and transforming growth factorβ1(TGFβ1)in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Meth-ods 48 cases of healthy control,42 cases of hepatitis B,50 cases of posthepatitic cirrhosis and 58 cases of HCC were selected and detected GP73,AFP-L3 and TGFβ1.The detection results were compared among 4 groups.Results (1)The levels of GP73,AFP-L3 and TGFβ1 had statistical differences among 4 groups(P <0.05 );(2 )The positive rate of the 3-marker combined detection reached 96.55%,which was higher than that of the 2-marker combined detection and the single marker detection.Conclusion (1) GP73,AFP-L3 and TGFβ1 may be used as the serum indicators for the early diagnosis of HCC;(2)Compared with the traditional HCC marker AFP,AFP-L3 has relatively high sensitivity and specificity and has the important role in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant diseases of the liver,which is considered as a better serum marker in the HCC diagnosis;(3)The 3-indicator combined detection can significantly improve the positive detection rate of HCC and has better application value.

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach ( HAS) belongs to one of the rare cases in gastric cancer types ,which has extremely high malignant degree and poor prognosis .Lymph node metastasis and liver me-tastasis are common in HAS.In this article,we reported alpha-fetoprotein-high-producing hepatoid adenocar-cinoma of the stomach(HAS),and reviewed the related literature at home and abroad in order to improve clinical physicians understanding of these diseases and treatment experience .

Objective To explore the relationship of the severity of coronary-artery stenosis with plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and Meprin-α.Methods Totally 237 patients in our hospital were divided into control group (CON group), stable angina group (SA group) and acute coronary syndrome group (ACS group), according to coronary artery angiography.Patients with acute coronary syndrome were divided into 3 subgroups: unstable angina (UA) group, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) group and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group.Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were divided into 3 subgroups: low-score, medium-score and high-score groups, according to coronary angiography and Syntax score.BNP and Meprin-α levels were determined in patients with coronary artery disease, and the degree of coronary artery stenosis was evaluated.The differences in above indexes were analyzed and compared among the three groups.Results Plasma levels of BNP and Meprin-α were higher in ACS group than in CON group [(233.16± 78.22)ng/L vs.(33.48 ± 13.71)ng/L, (26.89 ± 6.45) nmol/L vs.(12.83±0.66)nmol/L, both P＜0.05].Compared with UA group, plasma levels of BNP and Meprin-α were increased in NSTEMI and STEMI groups (all P＜0.05).Compared with the control group, plasma levels of BNP and Meprin-α in the Syntax scores-divided subgroups were increased (all P＜ 0.05).The plasma levels of BNP and Meprin-α in CAD patients were significantly increased along with the increase of Syntax Score.Spearman correlation analysis showed that low density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, BNP and Meprin-α levels had positive correlations with the occurrence of coronary heart disease, while high density lipoprotein level was negatively correlated with the occurrence of coronary heart disease (all P＜0.05).Conclusions BNP and Meprin-α levels in peripheral blood are significantly elevated in patients with coronary heart disease, and they are correlated with Syntax score.The risk of ACS is increased along with the increased BNP and Meprinα levels.