Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Brain ; drug effects ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; drug therapy ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVE: To analyze external factors affecting auditory ability of infants and toddlers after cochlear implantation in the first year of switch-on. METHOD: Seventy-five infants and toddlers after cochlear implantation were selected as subjects, using LittlEARS Auditory Questionnaire to assess and analyze the correlations with auditory ability and external factors (including gender, cochlear implanted age, pre-implant hearing aid fitting, caregivers' education background, household income and rehabilitation modes) in different stages (before switch-on, and 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months after switch-on). RESULT: The mean scores of LittlEARS were significantly different in cochlear implanted age group, pre-implant hearing aid fitting group and rehabilitation modes group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in other groups such as external factor gender, caregivers' education background and household income (P > 0.05). The correlations with the mean scores of LittlEARS and cochlear implantation age or pre-implant hearing aid fitting were significant at 3 months or 6 months after switch-on(/r/ ≥ 0. 3, P < 0.01). However, the correlation with the mean scores of LittlEARS and rehabilitation modes was significant at 12 months after switch-on(/r/ > ≥ 0.3, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Cochlear implanted age and pre-implant hearing aid fitting were the important factors affecting auditory ability of infants and toddlers after cochlear implantation in the first year of switch-on. The effect of rehabilitation modes on auditory ability of infants and toddlers after cochlear implantation was slow.
Age Factors ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Deafness ; rehabilitation ; Hearing ; Hearing Aids ; Humans ; Infant ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(MPCNL)in the treatment of lower caliceal calculi.Methods We retrospectively re- viewed the clinical outcomes and complications of 33 patients who underwent MPCNL for lower caliceal cal- culi from March 2001 to April 2005.The average diameter of the calculi was 2.8 cm.Single tract nephrosto- my was performed in all 33 cases;among them renal access was obtained through a middle calyx in 10 cases and a lower calyx in 23.Nine cases had F14 renal access;and 24 cases,F16.Results Of 33 cases,28 (85%)achieved stone-free at 1 session.A second-look was needed in 3 cases due to intraoperative bleed- ing;ESWL,in 1 case with residual,calculi;no treatment,in 1 case with residual calculi＜4 ram.The mean operative time was 93 min;mean blood loss was 113 ml;mean hospital stay was 11 d.Blood transfusion was needed in 1 patient who suffered from hepatic cirrhosis preoperatively;another experienced severe bleeding 7 d after operation and was cured with hyperselective spongia gelatinosa embolization of the renal artery.Fol- low-up was available in 19 cases for 2-48 months,and no recurrence of renal calculi was noted.Conclu- sions Minimally invasive percutaneous nepbrolithotomy has advantages of safety,less invasion,and easy re- covery for the treatment of lower caliceal calculi.

Objective A resistin binding peptide (RBP) was selected by phage display in our previous work. Studies had shown that RBP could antagonize the role of resistin on the lipid metabolism and endocrine function of adipose tissue, but whether RBP affects the insulin secretion of pancreatic cells is still unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of RBP on basal insulin secretion in RINm5F insulinoma cells. Methods The cell viability was measured by 3-[4,5-dimethyhhiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay. The supernatants were assayed for insulin content by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reverse transcriptase-PCR assay and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) involved in insulin secretion. Cytosolic Ca2+, the trigger of insulin exocytosis, was analyzed with the fluorescent probe FURA-3/AM. Results RBP did no effect on the cell viability with a concentration of 10-8-10-12mol/L of 2 hours intervention. But it stimulated basal insulin secretion of RINm5F cells, accompanied by up-regulated increased expression of GLUT2 and elevated concentration of cytosolic Ca2+. Conclusion RBP could stimulate basal insulin secretion without affecting the cell viability.

OBJECTIVESecond mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) is a recently identified, novel pro-apoptotic molecule, which is released from mitochondria into the cytosol during apoptosis. Smac promotes activation of caspases by neutralizing members of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family, such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). The objective of the study was to examine the pro-apoptotic effect of human Smac gene on Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells.

METHODSThe full length cDNA of human Smac gene was amplified by reverse transcription-PCR from total RNA of HEK-293 cells. The PCR product was ligated with linearized vector pGEM-T-easy supplied in the TA cloning kit and sequenced. The correct cDNA of full length Smac was subcloned into eukaryocytic expression vector pcDNA3.1/myc-his and transfected into human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji by lipofectamine-mediated transfection. The expression of full length Smac was determined by Western blot. Morphological observation was done with the laser scanning confocal microscope by double staining the Raji cells with Hoechest 33,258 and propidium iodide. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis. Relative caspase-3 activity was determined by colorimetric assay.

RESULTSRecombinant eukaryocytic expression vector pcDNA3.1/Smac, which contained full length Smac, was successfully constructed. After pcDNA 3.1/Smac was transfected into human Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cell line for 24 hours, Raji cells showed apparent apoptosis with a percentage of (43.7 +/- 2.5)%, which was higher than that of non-transfected group and free vector-transfected group (P < 0.05). Compared with non-transfected group (0.136 +/- 0.036) and free vector-transfected group (0.138 +/- 0.026), the relative caspase-3 activity of Raji cells transfected by pcDNA3.1/Smac (0.936 +/- 0.041) was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransfection and expression of human Smac gene could significantly induce apoptosis of human Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells. The mechanism is associated with the increase of caspase-3 activity.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Blotting, Western ; Burkitt Lymphoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA, Complementary ; Flow Cytometry ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; methods

Objective To observe serum uric acid (UA) level distribution and explore risk factors of hyperuricemia (HUA) in a large cohort of active and retired employees underwent physical examination.Methods Physical examination was arranged for 21 700 active and retired employees from May 2010 to September 2011,16 416 employees were examined and complete examination data were obtained in 14 044 subjects.The distribution characteristics of UA level and correlations of UA level and HUA prevalence rate with gender,age,body mass index (BMI),systolic pressure (SBP),diastolic pressure (DBP),fasting blood-glucose (FPG),serum total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were analyzed.Results HUA prevalence rate was 11.2％ in this cohort,which was significantly higher in males (15.8％) than in females (4.1％,P ＜ 0.05).The UA level and the HUA prevalence rate presented a “J” curve relationship with aging and positively correlated with BMI,SBP,DBP,TG,LDL-C,TC and FPG while negatively correlated with HDL-C.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SBP,BMI,FPG,TG,and LDL-C were independent risk factors while HDL-C and female gender were the protective factors of HUA(all P ＜0.01).Aging and high DBP were independent risk factors of HUA for females (all P ＜ 0.05)and LDL-C was risk factor of HUA for males (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Serum UA level presents a “J” wave relationship with aging.The risk factors of HUA are increased SBP,BMI,FPG,TG,LDL-C while the protective factors of HUA are female gender and high HDL-C.

OBJECTIVESTo identify serum biomarkers associated with early gastric cancer.

METHODSSerum proteins or peptides were purified with weak cation exchange magnetic beads in 433 patients with gastric cancer and 120 healthy subjects. Distinct peaks were selected using Biomarker Wizard software. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) was generated to analyze discrimination capability of peaks between gastric cancers and health people.

RESULTSThirteen distinct peaks were identified between 42 gastric cancer and 42 health people matched by age and gender(P<0.001). There were 5 peaks (2745, 2768, 6629, 3402, and 6436 m/z) with AUC greater than 0.8. Peak of 6629 m/z was identified to be transthyretin. The sensitivity and specificity of 6629 m/z were 65.5% and 92.0%. The sensitivity of 6629 m/z was 59.4% in I(A gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONTransthyretin precursor may be of value in the early diagnosis of gastric cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Proteins ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Protein Array Analysis ; Proteomics ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood ; Young Adult

To study the expression of lung resistance protein (LRP) and multidrug resistance protein (MRP) genes in bone marrow cells in patients with acute leukemia and its clinical significance, expression of LRP and MRP mRNA in bone marrow cells from 47 cases of acute leukemia, including 10 refractory or relapsed cases, and 7 normal individuals were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The result s showed that expression of LRP gene was negative in normal individuals. LRP mRNA level in newly treated cases of acute myelocytic leukemia and refractory or relapsed cases was significantly higher than that in normal individuals, increased LRP mRNA level has correlation with lower sensitivity to initial chemotherapy and was associated with reduced overall survival rate. Complete remission (CR) rate in LRP positive patients was lower than that in negative cases. The level of LRP expression was correlated with that of MRP mRNA. In conclusion, the expression of LRP mRNA can predict the treatment outcome and prognosis for acute myelocytic leukemia, prognosis was even worse in LRP and MRP linked expression cases, therefore, LRP was an important resistant factor, determination of LRP and MRP expression can help us to evaluate the prognosis and choose chemotherapy program.
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Vault Ribonucleoprotein Particles ; genetics

We identified the Beijing family strains of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis and find out the distribution of second-line injectable drugs resistance-associated nucleotide alteration among the MDR strains in Ningbo.The 106 MDR isolates were selected from the first drug resistant survey in Ningbo during 2014 and 2016.The conventional drug susceptibility testing was used to detect the drug-resistant profiles against 3 second-line injectable drugs (kanamycin,amikacin,capreomycin).The RD105 deletion-targeted multiplex PCR method was used to distinguish the genotype among 106 MDR strains.The gene mutations of second-line injectable drugs resistance-associated among MDR-TB strains were detected by direct DNA sequencing.Results showed that out of the 106 MDR isolates,83(78.3％,83/106) belonged to Beijing genotype,while the other 23(21.7％,23/106) were non-Beijing genotype.There were 10 strains with second-line injectable drugs resistance in 83 Beijing genotype MDR strains and there were no strains with second-line injectable drugs resistance in 23 non-Beijing genotype MDR strains.The Beijing MDR strains had significantly higher proportions of second-line injectable drugs resistance than non-Beijing strains.There were 4 with mutations in 10 MDR-TB with second-line injectable drugs resistance and there were 24 with mutations in 96 MDR-TB without second-line injectable drugs resistance (x2=1.048,P＞0.05).Beijing genotype MDR strains revealed a significant association with second-line injectable drugs resistance.The mechanism of second-line injectable drugs resistance in MDR-TB is mainly in no connection with the mutation of the genes.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and mechanism of arsenic trioxide on hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 and observe the effect and best administration method of arsenic trioxide on hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were not suitable for operation.

METHODSThe cell activity and morphologic changes were studied after being treated with arsenic trioxide in different concentrations. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay and DNA fragmentation assay. The caspase-3 level of mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluoro-spectrophotometer. The growth inhibition of implant tumor was observed in nude mice treated with arsenic trioxide in different concentrations. Arsenic trioxide was used in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by intravenous dropping and continuous regional infusion through hepatic artery.

RESULTSThe effect of arsenic trioxide on hepatoma cell lines was dependent on the time and concentration obviously. The decrease in cell number was preceded by morphological changes in the treated BEL-7402 cells that were characteristic of apoptosis, including membrane blebbing, shrunken cytoplasm, nuclear condensation and loss of adhesion. Flow cytometry assay showed an arrestment at G(2)/M phase and sub-G(1) cell peak. DNA fragmentation assay showed a marked DNA ladder. The mRNA level of caspase-3 was no change in RT-PCR whereas the protein of caspase-3 was increased after added As(2)O(3) 1 - 36 h. Caspase-3 activity began to increase after 2 h and reached a maximal level after 12 h in a linear fashion. Then, the level of caspase-3 was decreased, but still in a high level. The growth inhibition of implant tumors was obviously in nude mice. The intravenous usage of arsenic trioxide could improve the quality of life with low toxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma patients not suitable for operation. The tumor size decreased in 30 patients and AFP value decreased in 19 patients by continuous regional infusion through hepatic artery.

CONCLUSIONSArsenic trioxide can obviously inhibit the growth of hepatoma cell line BEL-7402 through inducing hepatoma cell apoptosis. The activation and increase of Caspase-3 is the possible mechanism of apoptosis, and the acting point is in pro-enzyme level. The best result of arsenic trioxide on non-operative patients should be gotten in continuous infusion through hepatic artery.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Middle Aged ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use