Objective To investigate correlation between post-stroke depression (PSD) and multiple factors during onset of acute cerebral infarction. Methods Depression was measured with Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HAMD) in 58 patients with acute cerebral infarction, and their neurological function were evaluated by neurological function defect (NFD) score. Their immunoglobulin G (IgG) index was calculated and level of nitric oxide (NO) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured. Lesion and nature of cerebral infarction in 58 patients with acute stroke were located by CT. All the data were statistically analyzed with student-t test and ? 2 test, as well as linear regression model. Results Seventeen of 58 patients of stroke appeared PSD with an occurrence rate of 29.3%. Occurrence rate of PSD was significantly higher in patients with cerebral infarction than in those with cerebral hemorrhage  2=4.86, P

Objective To test the RET-proto-oncogene in a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2( MEN2) family for confirming the diagnosis and classification , guiding treatment and prevention , and improving the prog-nosis.Methods There were 2 patients of MEN2 with clinical diagnosis and 1 asymptomatic first-degree relative in the pedigree .PCR and direct gene sequencing of PCR produces were used to scan the entire 21 exons of RET-proto-oncogene in the 3 members of the pedigree and 3 normal controls .Results The 2 patients and 1 asympto-matic first-degree relative in the pedigree all had a mutation of the codon 634 in exon 11.It was a heterozygous missense mutation C634R(TGC → CGC).The 3 normal controls showed no abnormalities .Conclusion The gene test of RET proto-oncogene helps to confirm the diagnosis of the pedigree as MEN 2, which can guide the treatment and help identify one asymptomatic mutation carrier .

There are various causes for male osteoporosis. The low testosterone level is one of the important reasons. Androgen does not only play an important role in gaining the peak bone mass and maintaining the bone mass, but also has an intimate correlation with the bone loss with ageing. Androgen affects osteoblasts through androgen receptors. Various local cell factors play regulating roles. The partial testosterone replacement therapy in aging men could elevate the bone mass density, but the advantages and the disadvantages should be observed further. The function of the estrogen in male osteoporosis is being noted as well.
Age Factors ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Testosterone ; metabolism ; therapeutic use

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of ghrelin of spleen-qi-deficiency rats and the intervention effects ofSijunzi Decoction.Methods Experimental rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group andSijunzi Decoction group. Except for normal control group, spleen-qi-deficiency model was copied through the two-factor methods of breaking qi by bitter cold and swimming exhausted. Meanwhile,Sijunzi Decoction group was given 20 g/(kg?d)Sijunzi Decoction intervention. The activities of GAS, MTL, SS and VIP at different time points (14, 21, 28 d) in intestine and serum were detected by ELISA and RIA. At the same time the intervention effect of Sijunzi Decoction was studied.Results Compared with normal control group, GAS and MTL in intestine and serum of model rats decreased, while SS and VIP increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with model group, GAS and MTL in intestine and serum of rats in theSijunzi Decoction group increased, while SS and VIP decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Ghrelin in intestine and serum of spleen-qi-deficiency rats shows dynamic coincidental changes.Sijunzi Decoction can treat spleen qi deficiency by regulating the activities of rat ghrelin.

OBJECTIVEHematologic relapse remains the greatest obstacle to the cure of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), especially T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in children. Recent studies have shown that patients with increased risk of relapse can be identified by measuring residual leukemic cells, called minimal residual disease (MRD), during clinical remission. Current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, however, for measuring MRD are cumbersome and time-consuming. To improve and simplify MRD assessment, the author developed a real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) assay for the detection of leukemic cells that harbor the tal-1 deletion. In addition, the author discussed the significance of MRD levels at different stages in treatment and prognosis of children with T-ALL.

METHODSA total of 50 consecutively enrolled patients with T-ALL were analysed for detection of leukemic cells harboring the most common tal-1 deletion. Serial dilutions of leukemic DNA were studied to find the sensitivity of detection with RQ-PCR assay. The MRD of 28 samples in clinical remission from 10 patients were quantified by RQ-PCR assay and limiting dilution assay. The results detected by both methods were compared statistically with correlation analysis.

RESULTS(1) A total of 10 patients presented tal-1 deletion involving the sildb1 breakpoint rearranged to tal1db1 in 50 cases with T-ALL. The breakpoints of relapsed samples are the same as those of the corresponding diagnostic samples; (2) The RQ-PCR assay had a sensitivity of detection of one leukemic cell among 100,000 normal cells. In 24 samples, MRD levels > 10(-5) could be detected with both methods. The percentages of leukemic cells measured by the two methods correlated well (r = 0.898, P < 0.001); (3) The MRD levels of 3 patients out of the 8 cases undergoing disciplinary regimen were over 10(-4) at the end of induction chemotherapy. They all relapsed in bone marrow during chemotherapy. The higher the MRD levels, the earlier the relapse. The other 5 patients with MRD levels < 10(-4) had been relapse-free survival (RFS) for 4-59 months, one of whom with increased MRD levels > 10(-4) for twice at the continuation stage had been RFS for 27 months till now.

CONCLUSIONSThe sildb1-taldb1 deletion presents in 20% of T-ALL, and is an ideal PCR marker for its specificity, uniform and stability; The tal-1 RQ-PCR can be used for the rapidly, sensitively and accurately quantitative assessment of MRD in T-ALL with the tal-1 deletion. MRD levels at different stages of chemotherapy have different significance in prognosis and treatment.

Adolescent ; Base Sequence ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Neoplasm, Residual ; diagnosis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; genetics ; mortality ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Protein 1

OBJECTIVETo observe the dynamic time-phase expressions of key genes of brain-gut CaM signal pathway of spleen Qi deficiency rats and the intervention effect of Sijunzi decoction.

METHODMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, model 14 d, 21 d, 28 d groups, and Sijunzi decoction 14 d, 21 d, 28 d groups. Except for the normal control group, the remaining groups were included into the spleen Qi deficiency model with the bitter cold breaking Qi method (ig 7.5 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹ of Rheum officinale, Fructus aurantii immaturus, Magnolia officinalis preparation) and the exhaustive swimming method. On the 7th day after the modeling, the Sijunzi decoction groups were orally administered with Sijunzi decoction 20 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹. The expressions of key genes CaM/CaMK II of CaM signaling pathway in hippocampus and intestine at different time points by immunohistochemical method and Western blot. At the same time, the intervention effect of Sijunzi decoction on spleen Qi deficiency rats and its mechanism were analyzed.

RESULTSpleen Qi deficiency rats showed higher intestinal CaM/CaMK II expression and lower hippocampus CaM/CaMK II expression than normal rats (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After the treatment of Sijunzi decoction, spleen Qi deficiency rats showed reduction in intestinal CaM/CaMK II expression and increase in hippocampus CaM/CaMK II expression (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe formation of spleen Qi deficiency syndrome may be related to the high expression of CaM/CaMK II in small intestine tissues and its low expression in hippocampus tissues. Sijunzi decoction may achieve the therapeutic effect in spleen Qi deficiency syndrome by reducing the CaM/CaMK II expression in intestinal tissues and increasing it in hippocampus tissues.

Animals ; Brain ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Calmodulin ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Intestines ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Male ; Qi ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spleen ; drug effects ; Splenic Diseases ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of serum sex hormones and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with the biochemical markers of bone turnover in aged men.

METHODSWe collected the laboratory data of 465 men aged 60- 93 (73. 1 +/- 8. 3) years old, who came for routine physical examinations in our hospital. We obtained the levels of serum follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), PTH, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH) D3), and bone turnover markers C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin (OC) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP). We also determined free testosterone (FT) , bioactive testosterone (BT) , testosterone secretion index (TSI) and FT index (FTI), and analyzed the correlation of each index with the biochemical markers of bone turnover.

RESULTSThe concentrations of serum FSH, LH, and SHBG increased, while the levels of FT, BT, TSI, FTI, PTH, CTX, OC and PINP decreased with age, especially in those over 80 years old (P <0.05). PTH was positively correlated with CTX, OC and PINP (r =0. 227, 0. 269 and 0. 162, P <0. 01), even after the adjustment for age, while SHBG negatively correlated with OC (r = -0. 100, P <0.05). The bone turnover markers increased with the elevation of the PTH quartiles, with significant differences between the first and the fourth quartile (P <0. 01). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that age was correlated inversely with CTX, OC and PINP ( beta = -0. 126, -0. 141 and -0. 122, P <0.05) , PTH positively with the three markers (beta = 0. 196, 0.279 and 0.189; P <0. 001), and SHBG negatively with OC ( beta = -0. 100, P <0.05) .

CONCLUSIONAging is the fundamental cause of reduced bone turnover in aged men. The levels serum PTH and SHBG are significantly associated with the biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; Bone Density ; Bone Remodeling ; physiology ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; Estradiol ; blood ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parathyroid Hormone ; blood ; Testosterone ; blood

Objective To etiologically diagnose and analyze a patient with suspected cases of brucellosis,and to provide a experimental basis for the confirmation of the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.Methods Conventional and molecular techniques [genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR)and Brucella suis species-specific PCR (AMOS-PCR)] were used to identify suspicious bacteria strains isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis.Results The results showed that the Brucella suspicious colonies were identified as Brucella melitensis biotype 3 using conventional tests and were further identified as Brucella spp.by genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR) and classified as Brucella melitensis with Brucella abortus,Brucella melitensis,Brucella ovis,Brucella suis species-specific PCR(AMOS-PCR).Conclusions Laboratory diagnostic results show that the bacteria strain isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis is Brucella melitensis biotype 3.It is the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.

Objective To explore the application of event-related potentials (ERP) by positive, negative, and neutral face expression images in the evaluation of mood disorders in brain traumatic patients.Methods ERP was tested by face expression images in 24 patients mainly with anxiety and depression symptoms (depression group) and 19 patients mainly with hostile and suspicion symptoms (hostile group), respectively.The findings were compared with those of the control group.Results There were no significant differences, between the depression group and the hostile group, on latencies and amplitudes of late positive potential (LPP) induced by the three types of face expression images, except the amplitude induced by negative face expression image.Compared with the control group, the latencies were extended and the amplitudes were lower in both depression and hostile groups.Within each group, the difference of latencies induced by the three images was not significant.The amplitudes induced by negative face expression image was higher than those induced by positive and neutral face expression images, with significant differences in the hostile group and the control group (P＜0.05) but not in the depression group.Conclusion Changes in latencies and amplitudes of LPP could be an objective indicator in the evaluation of mood disorders of brain traumatic patients.The LPP induced by negative face expression images could be more meaningful for patients mainly with anxiety and depression symptoms.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare, distinct subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, possessing an aggressive course and poor prognosis with no standard therapy. Twelve patients who have failed at least two initial CHOP or CHOP-like regimens were enrolled in this study and treated with individualized cyclosporine (CsA), prednisone (PDN), and monthly, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (HDIVIG). The dose of CsA was adjusted individually based on the blood trough concentration of CsA and renal function. All patients were examined for response, toxicity and survival. The most significant toxicities (≥ grade 2) were infection (16.7%), renal insufficiency (8.3%), hypertension (8.3%), diabetes (8.3%) and insomnia (16.7%). Discontinuation of treatment occurred in one patient (8.3%) due to grade 3 renal toxicity and subsequent grade 4 pulmonary infection. Treatment-related death was not observed. The overall response rate was 75.0% (complete response, 33.3%; partial response, 41.7%). With a median follow-up of 25.5 months, the median duration of response was 20 months (range, 12 to 49 months) and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.5 months (range, 10 to 56 months). The 2-year PFS rate was 81.5%. Our findings indicate the combination of CsA, PDN and HDIVIG is an effective salvage regimen for refractory or relapsed AITL with predictable and manageable toxicity.
Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Doxorubicin ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Prednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Remission Induction ; Salvage Therapy ; Vincristine ; therapeutic use