Objective To investigate the association between morning blood pressure surge(MBPS)and the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters on carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT)in hypertensive patients.Methods Based on the occurrence of MBPS two hundred twenty six hypertensive patients were allocated as MBPS(n=51)or non-MBPS(n=175).However,based on the IMT,226 patients were stratified as IMT increased(n=94)or group normal IMT(n=132).Plasma lipids,24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)and ultrasound examinations of the IMT of carotid arteries were determined.Results 1)The value of MBPS,mean arterial pressure(MAP),morning pulse pressure(MPP),carotid artery IMT,carotid artery crouse score in MBPS group were significantly higher than that in no MBPS groups(P

Objective To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise during chemotherapy on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients, and related mechanism thereof. Methods Sixty breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgery were randomly assigned to exercise group and control group, 30 patients for each group. Patients in exercise group received regular nursing care plus aerobic exercise during chemotherapy, while patients in control group only received regular nursing care. The revised Piper fatigue scale (RPFS) was used to assess the fatigue degree. Values of hemoglobin concentration(Hb), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and RPFS scores were detected before chemotherapy, at the end of chemotherapy and 4 weeks after chemotherapy, respectively. Results There was no significant difference in Hb concentration before chemotherapy, at the end of chemotherapy and 4 weeks after chemotherapy between two groups (P>0.05). The level of Hb was significantly lower at the end of chemotherapy and 4 weeks after chemotherapy than that before chemotherapy in two groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in VO2max and RPFS score before chemotherapy between two groups (P>0.05). At the end of chemotherapy and 4 weeks after chemotherapy, there were no significant differences in VO2max and RPFS scores than those before chemotherapy in exercise group (P>0.05). In control group, value of VO2max was significantly lower at the end of chemotherapy and 4 weeks after chemotherapy than that before chemotherapy (P<0.05), RPFS score was significantly higher than that before chemotherapy (P<0.05). Conclusion Aerobic exercise during chemotherapy can be effectively against cancer-related fatigue, which may be related to the inhibitory effect of aerobic exercise on debasement of VO 2max.

BACKGROUND: In patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA),the degree of severity of OSA is mostly related to the sleep time spent in the supine position. According to the apnea-hypopnea index(AHI), positional and n onpositional OSA has been distinguished.OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics of positional and nonpositional OSA and investigatethe relationship between sleep position and respiratory function of patients with OSA.DESIGN: A comparative clinica] observation based on the OSA patients.SETTING: Center of Sleep Disorders,Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Area Command of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: From October 1998 to May 2002,225 patients were examined with overnight polysomnography in the Center of Sleep Disorders,Department of Respiratory Disease, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command. According to the inclusion criteria of ① AHI≥10 times/hour;② Sleep time in supine and lateral positions≥30 minutes; ③ Over 20years of age; 225 patients were selected from the total of 415 consecutive patients,including 63 with positional and 162 with nonpositional OSA.METHODS: All patients received overnight monitoring with HMS-5500polysomnography system(Respironics Inc USA) in the sleep laboratory. Queries for a detailed case history and physical examination were performed with the pulmonary functions evaluated with body p lethysmography. The clinical data and results of polysomnographic and pulmonary function tests were compared between the two groups of patients and a multiple stepwise regression analysis was employed to evaluate the determinant factors for sleep position dependence of the patients' condition.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome: Comparisons of the clinical data,polysomnographic result and pulmonary function between the two groups. Secondary outcome: Correlation between classification of OSA and the clinical data.RESULTS: Totally 63 (28%) of the 225 OSA patients were identified as the positional type,who had significantly greater body mass index (BMI)then the nonpositional type patients [(43.46 ± 16.43) kg/m2 vs (23.90 ± 12.36) kg/m2,t =3. 977,P<0.01]. Except for sleeping time in lateral and supine positions, minimal SatO2 and basic SatO2 before the matching for BMI,all the other factors in polysomnograms of the two groups were significant different(P<0.05 or P<0.01). After BMI matching,all the measurements were identical to those recorded for the primary grouping with the exception of nocturnal limb movement frequency,which differed but insignificant between the two groups. The pulmonary function in the two groups was no significant difference(P>0.05) . Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that AHI and BMI were the two determinant factors for positional dependence of OSA with a predictive power of 26. 2%. Linear correlation analysis showed correlation of AHI and SatO2 with BMI in the whole group and nonpositional group(P<0.05 or P<0.01),but not in the positional group (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: About one-third of the OSA patients shows sleep position dependence,who may respond favorably to sleep position training. Sufficient patency can be retained in the upper airway of these patients to relieve respiratory obstruction during sleep and improve the respiratory function.

Objective To analysis the relationships between bone markers, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and cross-linked telopeptide of type Ⅰ collage (ICTP), and bone metastasis of breast cancer.Methods A total of 217 patients' serum were collected.The 217 cases were divided into two groups:109 cases with bone metastasis, 108 cases without bone metastasis. Serum BAP and ICTP was measured by ELISA. The relationships between factors of bone metastasis and serum levels of BAP, ICTP were analyzed.Results The levels of serum BAP and ICTP in bone metastases group were significantly higher than those in non-bone metastasis group[BAP:24.8 μg/L(7.60-213.70 μg/L) vs 21.2 μg/L(7.3～68.8 μg/L),ICTP:7.0μg/L(1.4～32.4 μg/L) vs 4.1 μg/L(0.0～15.8 μg/L) (P=0.003,P=0.000)].The level of serum BAP and ICTP in patients with multiple bone metastasis was significantly higher than that in patients with single bone metastasis[BAP:32.3 μg/L(9.A～213.7 μg/L) vs 18.1 μg/L(7.6～60.0 μg/L),ICTP:7.6 μg/L(1.4～32.4 μg/L) vs 4.9 μg/L(1.8～10.5 μg/L),(P=0.001,P=0.010)].The sensibility of BAP and ICTP was 45.0 ％ (49/109)and 46.8 ％ (51/109),respectively.The specificity of ICTP and BAP was 83.3 ％ (90/108)and 84.3 ％ (91/108),respectively.Joint detection of BAP and ICTP had improved sensibility in the diagnosis of bone metastasis in breast cancer patients. Conclusion Joint detection of serum bone biochemical markers ICTP and BAP have a little values for diagnosing bone metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Objective To analyze the clinical, radiological, pathological and microbiological features of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) to improve clinical management.Methods Retrospective analysis of 20 pathologically and/or microbiologically confirmed IPA cases in our hospital from January 2005 to August 2008. Results Group A (with underlying diseases) included 13 patients (underlying malignancy in 9 patients, including 5 cases of hematological malignancy, COPD in 2 patients, pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchiectasis in 1 each). Group B (without underlying disease) included 7 patients (2 patients with a long time of fluffy toy contact, another 1 had exposure to moldy rice, and 3 had exposure to polluted water). All these 20 patients had pulmonary invasion revealed by CT imaging. Multiple changes were identified in 16 patients. Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and/or consolidation were revealed in 7 patients. Multiple nodules were seen in 9 patients. Four patients had solitary lesions, including isolated nodules in 2 patients and segment consolidation in the other 2 patients. Pulmonary cavity without fluid level was found in 8 patients (40.0%). Eighteen cases received antifungal therapy. The overall efficacy rate was 55.6%. The efficacy rate in group A and B was 45.5% and 5/7 respectively. The average time to symptomatic relief was (12.0±2.8) days. The time to lung lesion improvement on CT was (17.4±2.9) days. The time to significant CT improvement was (34.3±9.9) days. The time to the resolution of active lesion was (56.4±6.2) days.Conclusions IPA may occur in immunocompetent patients without underlying disease. Most IPA patients have bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules and cavities on CT. The time to the resolution of active pulmonary lesions is about 6 weeks.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in children with MP pneumonia(MPP).Methods From Jun.2008 to Jan.2009,153 cases hospitalized with pneumonia were enrolled,and 30 cases without respiratory infection were enrolled as control group.Their respiratory secretion (including nasopharyngeal secretion,sputum,bronchialalveolar lavage fluid or pharyngeal swab) samples were collected for fluorescent quantitative PCR for MP.And their single or paired serums were collected for specific MP antibody detection.Results There were 123 cases confirmed with MPP by serology,among whom 114 cases were MP PCR positive.The quantitation of MP DNA was among 1.20?106-3.66?1010 gene copys/L. There were 30 cases with pneumonia negative with MP by the paired serum serology,among whom 2 cases were MP PCR positive,and the quantitation of MP DNA was (1.08-3.02)?107gene copys/L.All cases of control group were MP PCR negative.During the first and second weeks of the MPP onset,the sensitivity of MP-IgM from the first single blood samples were 66.7% and 83.9%,respectively.While the sensitivity and specificity of MP PCR were 92.7% and 93.3%,respectively.From the third week of the disease onset,the sensitivity of MP-IgM from the first single blood samples increased to 90.9%-100%.The clinical manifestations of MPP were nonspecific.Conclusions PCR is superior to serology for early diagnosis on MP infection.Combination of the 2 methods may be helpful to early and accurate diagnosis on MP infection.

Objective To investigate the in vitro effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSCs) on the replication of HBV with the participation of lymphocytes and to analyze the possible mechanism.Methods The HBV genomic DNA transfected HepG2.2.15 cell line was used to evaluate the HBV replication.Bone marrow and spleen samples were collected from BN rats for the isolation of BM MSCs and T lymphocyte cells, respectively.Five groups of co-culturing with different cells were designed in this study.The cellular activities of lymphocytes and HepG2.2.15 cells were detected at the time of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after co-culturing by using MTT method.The levels of HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) .T cell subsets in co-culture were measured by using fluores-cence labeled antibodies and flow cytometry analysis.ELISA was used to detect the levels of cytokines in the supernatant of cultured cells.Results Compared with HepG2.2.15 cells group, BM MSCs+HepG2.2.15 cells and splenic lymphocytes+HepG2.2.15 cells co-culture groups, the levels of HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were significantly decreased in splenic lymphocytes+BM MSCs+HepG2.2.15 cells co-culture group after 48 h of culture [ HBV DNA: ( 181.000 ±14.731 ) IU/ml vs ( 6270.000 ±300.450 ) IU/ml, (2564.000±231.058) IU/ml, (2433.300±302.379) IU/ml;HBV cccDNA: (4.330×105 ±0.464×105 ) IU/ml vs (11.100×105±0.375×105) IU/ml, (8.930×105±0.778×105) IU/ml, (9.850×105±0.810× 105) IU/ml;P<0.01].The secretion of IFN-γin the supernatant of co-cultured cells was negatively corre-lated with HBV DNA level, but the levels of IL-10 and IL-22 were positively correlated with HBV DNA.The ratio of CD4+/CD8+cells was increased in splenic lymphocytes+BM MSCs+HepG2.2.15 cells co-culture group.The percentage of CD8+cells showed a positive correlation with HBV DNA.Conclusion BM MSCs could inhibit the expression of HBV DNA to enhance the clearance of HBV strains.It might be possibly due to rebalancing of Tc1/Tc2 cells and regulating the expression of autocrine agents and cytokines.

Objective To evaluate the effects of sufentanil on regeneration and repair after single sciatic nerve injury in mice. Methods Seventy?five healthy male BALB∕c mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weig?hing 18-22 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table: peripherial nerve injury group (group PNI), low, medium and high doses of sufentanil groups (L, M and H groups) and cyclosporine A group ( group C) . The model of unilateral sciatic nerve transection was established in the 5 groups. In L, M and H groups, sufentanil 2?5, 5?0 and 10?0 μg∕kg were injected intraperitoneally, re?spectively, once a day for 3 consecutive days. Cyclosporine A 50 mg∕kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 consecutive days in group C. The equal volume of normal saline was given once a day for 3 con?secutive days in group PNI. Neurophysiological monitoring was performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after opera?tion, the amplitude of compound muscle action potentials of the sciatic nerve was recorded, and the nerve conduction velocity was measured. At 8 weeks after operation, 5 mice were sacrificed, the sciatic nerve 0?5 cm of the upper and lower the anastomosed site was removed for examination of the morphology of myelin sheath with light microscope, and the number of nerve fibers was calculated. Results Compared with group PNI, the amplitude of compound muscle action potentials of the sciatic nerve, nerve conduction ve?locity and the number of nerve fibers was were significantly increased in M, H and C groups ( P<0?05) , and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group L ( P>0?05 ) . Myelin sheath arrangement was severely irregular, and more vacuoles were found in group PNI. Myelin sheath ar?rangement was irregular, and more vacuoles were found in group L. Myelin sheath arrangement was mainly regular, and vacuoles were found occasionally in group M. Myelin sheath arrangement was regular, and no vacuoles were observed in H and C groups. Conclusion Sufentanil can promote regeneration and repair af?ter peripheral nerve injury in mice.

This paper described the results of the optimal method for preparation and extraction of lectin from Phaeoporus obliquus(Pers ex Fr).(J.Schroet).We determined the optimal buffer solution using the ag-glutination test with 2% hare blood cells.The optimal extraction process included the following parameters that were conformed by optimization analysis: material-water ratio,extraction time,concentration of sodium chloride and the pH value.The results are that the agglutination indexes of POL using TBS and PBS extrac-tion buffer were 64 and 16,respectively.The optimal extraction process is that,the material-water ratio was 1:50,the extraction time was 20 h,while the concentration of sodium chloride was 0 mol/L and pH was 8.0.The agglutinability of POL was 256 examined by this method.The optimized extraction process is stable and practicable,which may supply some basis for the application of the lectin from Phaeoporus obliquus in immunoregulation.

OBJECTIVETo establish a reliable model for drug screening and therapy by culturing rat femoral head and inducing cartilage degeneration quickly in vitro.

METHODSThe femoral heads from the same SD rats of two-month old were divided into control group and experimental group respectively. They were cultured with DMEM medium plus 10% fetal bovine serum or DMEM medium plus 10% fetal bovine serum plus 50 ng/ml IL-1β for three days. Femoral heads were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, decalcified, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin and cut into slices. Specimens were stained with Toluidine blue and Safranine O-Fast Green FCF. The protein expression levels of type II collagen, MMP13, Sox9 and ADAMTS5 were analyzed by immunofluorescence.

RESULTSBoth the Toluidine blue and Safranine O staining were pale in the margin of femoral heads which were stimulated with IL-1β for three days compared to that in control group. The Fast Green FCF staining was positive at the edge of the femoral head in experimental group, which indicated that cartilage became degenerated. The expression levels of both type H collagen and Sox9 were decreased significantly while the expression levels of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 were increased in experimental group.

CONCLUSIONThe model of cartilage degeneration is established by culturing and inducing the degeneration of the femoral heads quickly in vitro.

Animals ; Cartilage Diseases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Collagen Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Femur Head ; metabolism ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; SOX9 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism