In order to explore the mechanism of cardiac damage by PTH, the release of PGI2 from heart cells was measured. The results showed that bPTH ( 1-34) increased the release of 6-keto-PGFla from heart cells in a dose dependent manner. Calcium inophone A23187 also increased the 6-keto-PGF1? release, while EDTA and verapamil reduced it. These suggest that the PGI2 synthesis in heart cells was affected by intra and extracellular calcium. The significance of bPTH( 1-34) induced increase of PGI2 synthesis might be associated with interference of energy metabolism, and then, cell damage.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of child-onset relapsing polychondritis (CORP). Methods The clinical manifestations of 11 CORP cases were analyzed retrospectively. Results Eleven cases of CORP were collected with Male to Female ratio of 5 ∶6; the mean age of disease onset was (11±4)(3-15) years; and the mean age of final diagnosis was(16±5)(6-22) years-old. The mean time of delay of diagnosis was(55±46)(2-144) month. Nine cases were simple CORP and 2 cases were concurred with SLE and pSS respectively. Laryngotracheal symptoms as initial presentation was seen in 7/11(64%) of cases, followed by rhinitis, eye involvement and arthritis. Laryngotracheal involvement occurred in 10/11 (91%) cases and 6/11(55%) underwent trachectomy when the diagnosis was made, followed by eye and nose involvement (saddle nose)(46% each), involvement of auricular cartilage,vestibule disorder and arthritis (36% each). Elevation of ESR or CRP(36%) were observed and positive autoantibody(18%) were detected in serology study; 9/11 (82%) were treated with steroid combined immunosuppressant. All cases were improvedor stable except 2 cases with exacerbation after upper respiratory infection during the follow-up of mean(27±15)(4-48) month. Conclusion Laryngopharyngeal involvement is the most common phenomenon in CORP and is associated with poor prognosis due to diagnosis delay. Imaging investigation may provide useful evidence for early diagnosis. Aggressive treatment is helpful in improving outcome.

Objective To provide theoretical reference for clinical therapy of pulmonary adenocarcinoma by evaluating the effects of polysaccharides and pioglitazone on mouse model of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and to explore the relationship between inflammation and pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Methods One hundred mice were averagely divided into five groups, including control group, model group, polysaccharides group, pioglitazone group, polysaccharides and pioglitazone group (unite group). Polysaccharides solution (500 mg/kg) was given to polysaccharides group, pioglitazone solution (15 mg/kg) was given to pioglitazone group, polysaccharides solution (500 mg/kg) and pioglitazone solution (15 mg/kg) were given to unite group;and the equal volume of saline (10 mL/kg) was given to control and model group (1 t/d, 5 d/w, continuously 20 w ). The pulmonary adenocarcinoma induced by urethane was evaluated in each group at different time points. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured in each group at the 12th week and the 20th week respectively. Results The body weights were increased in the control group, which were decreased in other groups during urethane-injection, but increased continuously after the injection. At the 20th week, nodules were found in lung surfaces in all mice except mice of control group. The lung index was higher in all mice except mice of control group. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 were significantly higher at 12th week and 20th in model group, polysaccharides group, pioglitazone group, polysaccha?rides and pioglitazone group than those of control group. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 were significantly lower in polysaccharides group, pioglitazone group, polysaccharides and pioglitazone group than those of model group. Con?clusion Sustained inflammatory response is one of the risk factors for the development of lung adenocarcinoma. Polysaccha?rides and pioglitazone can reduce the level of inflammation in mouse lung adenocarcinoma, suggesting that both of them can be used as potential adjuvant in the clinical treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of ocular involvement and the application of Rose criteria in patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP).Methods:The data from RP patients with ocular involvement were collected and analyzed. Patients included must have at least one major criteria of Michet criteria and the application Rose criteria was also investigated. Demographic data of these patients was presented as percentages. The difference between types of disease onset was tested by Mann-Whitney U and comparison among groups was tested by False Discovery Rate. Results:A total of 192 patients were enrolled 98 males and 94 females. The mean age of disease onset was (42±14) (0.5-79) years old, the median disease duration (DD) was 13(0.5, 600) months. The median RP disease activity index (RPDAI) was 39(9-74) and the median RP organ damage index (RPODI) was 2.5(0.1, 108). The median RP damage index (RPDAM) was 3(1-6). The statistical significant difference was identified in median DD between groups of nose and pinna ( Z=10.775, P<0.01), nose and OEH ( Z=9.277, P<0.01), in RPODI between groups of nose and pinna ( Z=7.999, P=0.031), nose and and extra-cranial organs ( Z=8.115, P=0.030) and eye and airway involvement of RPDAM could be seen between groups ( Z=7.683, P=0.037) respectively. Ocular involvement(50.0%), auricular chondritis(21.4%) and airway chondritis(13.5%) were the top three most common symptoms at disease onset. The ocular involvement(100%), airway chondritis (75.0%) and inner ear involvement(69.3%) were the top three most frequent affected organs. All parts of eye could be involved in RP ocular damage. Single-organ involvement was 59.9%; and multi-organ involvement could be seen in 40.1% patients. Diagnostic strength was enhanced by application of Rose criteria in 171 cases fulfilled Michet criteria and 21(10.9%) cases partially fulfilled Michet criteria fulfilled Rose criteria. Active screening for organ (especially inner ear and airway) involvement would improve the rate of early diagnosis. The pinna and airway involvement suggested nose and middle-ear might be involved. Conclusion:Ocular involvement in RP can involve all parts of the eye ball. Examining the inner ear and airway may help to confirm the diagnosis. It is worthy to apply this to clinical practice.

Objective To study the feasibility and accuracy of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D-TEE) in measuring the aortic annulus dimension(AAD),and compared with CT measurements.Methods The AAD was measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE),transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) and RT 3D-TEE in 26 cases who were refered to our center for transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI).Cross-sectional RT 3D-TEE can offer the AAD derived from the aortic annulus area,the maximal AAD,the minimal AAD and the eccentric index(the maximal AAD/the minimal AAD).The echo dimensions were compared with the CT measurements.Results No statistically significant differences were found between RT 3D-TEE and CT,and they have the best correlation(r =0.92,P ＜ 0.05).Meanwhile,There was no statistically significant difference in the eccentric index of the AAD between RT 3D-TEE and CT(1.25± 0.12 vs 1.28± 0.13,P ＞0.05).Conclusions RT-3D TEE imaging not only measure the AAD accurately,but also provide the maximal AAD,minimal AAD and the eccentric index for TAVI.

To study the effect of endotoxin on liver apoptosis, L02 liver cells were cultured and passaged in vitro, and then stimulated by endotoxin at 10 mg/mL for 4, 8, 16 and 24 h respectively. Liver apoptosis was flow cytometrically and fluorescently detected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the delivery of smac and caspase9. The delivery of liver cell smac and the activity of caspase3 were measured by caspase3 assay kit. The hepatic failure models of rats were established by using D-galactosamine. The blood serum and liver tissues were collected for the detection of the liver function, the level of endotoxin and the activity of caspase3 by using chromogenic substrate limulus amebocyte lysate method (LAL) and caspase3 active assay kit. The expression of smac and caspase9 in liver cells was detected by Western blotting. With in vitro study, the L02 cells stimulated by LPS condensed into conglobation and formed apoptotic bodies. After those cells were stained by hoechst, the apoptotic cells displayed blue color under the fluorescent microscope. The apoptosis rate was increased over time and the apoptosis was mainly of advanced stage. Meanwhile, the rate of smac delivery and activity of caspase9 and caspase3 were increased on L02 cell membrane. In vivo, hepatic failure and obvious endotoxemia were induced by injection of more than 200 mg/kg D-GalN. Hepatic mitochondria smac was reduced with dosage of D-GalN and, on the contrary, the activity of caspase3 was increased. D-GalN at 200 mg/kg increased Caspase9 while D-GalN at 300 mg/kg decreased caspase9. Mitochondria signal channel plays an important role in the endotoxin-induced apoptosis of hepatic cells by promoting the release of smac from mitochondria to cytoplasm and activating caspase9 and caspase3 in its low-level channel.
Apoptosis/*drug effects ; Carrier Proteins/*metabolism ; Caspase 3/metabolism ; Caspase 9/metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Endotoxins/*pharmacology ; Liver/cytology ; Liver/*metabolism ; Liver/pathology ; Liver Failure/chemically induced ; Liver Failure/pathology ; Mitochondrial Proteins/*metabolism ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To understand the present status of human parasitic infections and their characteristics in rural areas of the southern part of Jiangsu Province, to provide basis of making practical control measures.Methods Four thousand and eighty-two people were examined with stool tests and those people were distributed in 8 slected spots in the southern part of Jiangsu Province,according to the methods of national investigation scheme on human principal parasites. Results The avarage infection rate of parasites was 6.71%. The male and female infection rates of parasites were 4.77% and 8.42%,respectively. There were significant differences (P

Objectives To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of bortezomib based combination therapy for Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(MM),and to determine the combination regimen,dosage and cycles in application of bortezomib for MM therapy.Methods Forty-six patients with refractory or relapsed myeloma were treated with bortezomib(1.3 mg/m2)as an intravenous bolus twice weekly for 2 weeks on day 1,4,8,and 11 in a 3-4 week cycle,in combination with dexamethasone,dexamethasone plus thalidomide, CD(C-cytoxan,D-dexamethasone),MD(M- mitoxsnteone),DCEP(E-etoposide,P-platinol),and DT-PACE regimens(T-thalidomide,A-adriamycin). Response to bortezomib was evaluated according to the criteria of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG)before initiation of each cycle.Adverse events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria,version 3.0.Forty-nine matched patients with relapsed and refractory MM who received thalidomide based combination therapy were used as a historical control group.Results Among 43 of the 46 patients whom could be evaluated,the overall response rate was 72.1%(the control group was 51.0%,P＜0.05),including complete response in 5 patients(11.6%),very good partial response in 12 patients(27.9%),and partial response in 14 patients(32.6%).The overall response rate after one and two cycles was 30.2%and 58.1%(P＜0.05),respectively.The frequent adverse events were thromboeytopenia(62.8%),fatigue(55.8%),nausea(51.2%)and peripheral neuropathy (30.2%);all of the events could be tolerated.The most common adverse event in the control group was constipation(69.4%),followed by fatigue(59.2%)and dizziness(46.9%).Conclusions Bortezomib based combination therapy is a new effective therapy in relapsed or refractory myeloma patients with a higher response rate and difierent toxicities as compared with thalidomide based combinations.

Objective: To investigate the impact of thyroid hormone on atrial ifbrillation (AF) prevalence in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
Methods: A total of 322 non-valvular heart disease CHF patients treated in our hospital from 2011-0-01 to 2012-10-01 were retrospectively studied. Based on previous history and the ECG at admission, the patients were divided into 2 groups: AF group,n=187 and Sinus rhythm group,n=135. The proifle of serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), hyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and LDL-C were examined within 24 hours of admission; 12 lead ECG and echocardiography were conducted to analyze the related factor for AF occurrence.
Results: Compared with Sinus rhythm group, AF group had increased FT4 level as 14.52 (12.74, 15.85) pmol/L vs 13.11 (11.68, 14.85) pmol/L,P<0.001, while FT3 level was similar between 2 groups as 4.06 (3.76, 4.44) pmol/L vs 4.1(3.80, 4.52) pmol/L,P=0.250. Spearman related analysis indicated that FT4 level was positively related to left atrial dimension (LAD) (r=0.134,P=0.016), FT3 level was positively related to LDL-C (r=0.235,P<0.001) and negatively related to age (r=-0.268, P<0.001). Taking FT4 as the continuous variable, Logistic regression analysis indicated that FT4 level [OR=1.227, 95% CI (1.112-1.354),P<0.001], LAD [OR=1.154, 95% CI (1.105-1.205),P<0.001], age [OR=1.038, 95% CI (1.012-1.064),P=0.003], CHF duration [OR=1.111, 95% CI (1.021-1.209),P=0.015], LDL-C level [OR=0.689, 95% CI (0.493-0.963),P=0.029] were related to AF prevalence in CHF patients.
Conclusion: High serum level of FT4 may increase the risk AF occurrence in CHF patients.

[ABSTRACT]AIM:Toexploretheeffectoftheelasticmodulusandsizesofliquidcrystal(LC)phasesonosteo-genic differentiation based on OPC/PU composite substrate by mimicking the microenvironment in rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs).METHODS: A series of composite substrates with different elastic modulus were constructed via modulation of LC content in the composites .The surface phase structure was observed by polarized microscopy , and the mechanical property was measured by a universal material testing machine .Furthermore, the laser confocal microscope was employed to observe the spreading , polarization and the cytoskeleton arrangement of the rBMSCs .The proliferation of rBM-SCs was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.The specific mRNA expression of osteogenic differentiation such as collagen Ⅰ, and osteopontin on the composite membranes was detected by real-time PCR.RESULTS:The size and number of LC phase in-creased and the elastic modulus of the composite substrates decreased with the increase of the LC content .The rBMSCs ex-hibited better characteristics of initial adhesion , spreading and proliferation on the OPC 10-PU and OPC30-PU in the early and medium culturing .The rBMSCs displayed higher expression of collagen Ⅰ and osteopontin on the OPC10-PU in the early and medium osteogenic induction , while the high expression of these osteogenic genes occured on the OPC 30-PU and OPC50-PU in later osteogenic induction .The emphasis of genetic expression was switched from collagen Ⅰin the early and medium osteogenic induction to osteopontin in the later stage .CONCLUSION:When the content of LC remained low in the composite substrates , rBMSCs mainly responded to the mechanical stimuli induced by substrate stiffness and exhibited distinguished cellular behaviors;with the increase in the LC content , rBMSCs had strong interactions with LC by sensing the viscoelasticity of LC , probably resulted from the contribution of both substrate stiffness and the viscoelasticity of LC phase .