Objective:To establish an analytical method for measuring the concentration of glucose in saliva by ion chromatography.Methods:The proteins in saliva were removed by thermal denaturation method, CarboPac PA20 (3×30 mm) was used as a protective column and CarboPac PA20 (3×150 mm) was used as an analytical column for ion chromatography analysis. Gradient elution was carried out with A: ultra-pure water, B: 250 mmol/L NaOH solution and C: 500 mmol/L NaAc solution. Pulsed ampere detector was used for detection.Results:This method had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.04 to 0.12 mg/L, with a linear relation coefficient of 0.9967. The detection limit of glucose was 2 μg/L, the mean value of the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the repeatability measurement was 0.75%, and the average spike recovery was 103.07%.Conclusion:This method is simple, sensitive, accurate and stable, and can be used for the determination of glucose concentration in saliva.

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of absorbable bandage wrapping in the treatment of cases of severe liver trauma.

METHODSElectric firecrackers were detonated in 16 miniature swine to produce a severe blast liver injury. After fluid resuscitation, the animals were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8 each) and were either treated with absorbable bandage wrapping of the injured lobe of liver (Group B) or hepatic lobectomy (Group H). Time to hemostasis, blood loss during the treatment period, and other parameters were compared, including postoperative serum total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

RESULTSBlood loss during the treatment period was significantly lower in Group B than that in Group H ((81.3 ± 26.0) ml vs. (130.8 ± 29.5) ml, P = 0.0031). Serum AST and ALT were transiently increased post-surgically. These transient increases were significantly higher in Group B. No difference in time to hemostasis was noted ((8.70 ± 2.27) minutes vs. (10.28 ± 1.93) minutes, P = 0.1559) in Groups B and H, respectively. Two pigs were humanely euthanized 28 days post-surgically and the wrapped liver lobes appeared atrophies. Microscopically, there was evidence of emerging and mature fibrous tissue.

CONCLUSIONAbsorbable bandage wrapping is both feasible and effective in the treatment of severe blast liver injury.

Animals ; Bandages ; Female ; Liver ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of arresten on the growth of SGC-7901 tumor xenograft nude mice model with the localized expression of arresten.

METHODSThe secretable eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+)-ss-arresten was constructed by molecular clone strategy, and then was transfected into human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 using liposome. The Western blot method was used to examine whether the protein was secreted into cell medium, and the biological behaviors of genetically modified SGC-7901 cell clone was further investigated with MTT and flow cytometry analysis system (FCAS). At last, the SGC-7901 cells expressing arresten were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice, and the weights of tumor xenografts were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTSThe eukaryotic expression vector containing secretable arresten cDNA was constructed successfully. The SGC-7901 cell line with the character of expression of arresten was obtained. The growth of arresten cDNA genetic-modified SGC-7901 tumor xenograft was suppressed.

CONCLUSIONSThe anti-tumor effect of arresten in the SGC-7901 xenograft is by inhibition of the proliferation of vascular endothelial cell of the tumor.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The objective of this study was to investigate the methylation status of zonula occluden protein-1 (ZO-1) gene in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and to identify its roles in pathogenesis, development and classification of MDS. 85 patients with MDS and 30 healthy individuals were tested by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). The results indicated that no ZO-1 promoter methylation could be detected in healthy controls. methylation of ZO-1 gene promoter of bone marrow was found in 56.5% (48/85) MDS patients. The difference between these two kinds of subjects was statistically significant (p<0.05). The methylation status of ZO-1 gene promoter region in the subtypes of MDS was as following: RA (18/37, 48.6%), RAS (4/6, 67%), RCMD (19/30, 63%), RAEB (7/12, 58%). Every subtype of MDS patients had statistical difference from healthy people (p<0.05), but between the subtypes of MDS there were no significant statistical differences in the methylation status of ZO-1 gene, while the level of ZO-1 promoter methylation in group of RA was lower than that in other groups. It is concluded that the ZO-1 promoter region in bone marrow of MDS patient shows a hypermethylation status, which is specific for MDS. MDS is a common hematologic malignancy with clonal proliferation, it is difficult to differentiate from many other hematologic malignancies in clinical diagnosis. However, the change of ZO-1 gene methylation status is closely related to pathogenesis of MDS, therefore the ZO-1 gene as valuable diagnostic marker has important clinical significance. The ZO-1 gene may be a potential gene related to hematologic malignancies.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; genetics ; Phosphoproteins ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Young Adult ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein

Objective:To study the levels of Th1 and Th2 in spleen lymphocyte of TNBS and OXZ colitis without or with Trichinella spiralis(T.spiralis)infection.Methods:Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:50％ Ethanol,TNBS or OXZ,T.spiralis+TNBS or OXZ(at least 6 in each group when mice were killed).The ratio of Th1/Th2 lymphocyte in spleen was detected by FCM with three color intracellular cytokine staining.Results:In spleen lymphocyte of TNBS colitic mice with prior nematode infection,the ratio of Th1/Th2 were not significantly different compared with that seen in colitic mice without prior nematode infection on day 3 post-induction of colitis(P＞0.05),the ratio of Th1/Th2 was significantly lower than which on day 7 post-induction of colitis (P＜0.05).In spleen lymphocyte of OXZ colitic mice with prior nematode infection on days 3 and 7 post-induction of colitis,the ratio of Th1/Th2 was significantly higher than that seen in colitic mice without prior nematode infection(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Infection of mice with T.spiralis distracts the mucosal immune system response from a Th1 response toward a protective Th2 response and up-regulate Tr1-cytokines with an attendant reduction in the severity of colonic damage and balance of Th1/Th2.Prior T.spiralis infection doesn't reduce the severity of OXZ-induced colitis,but without aggravating colitis.

UNLABELLEDOBJECTIVE To verify the correlation between the points of eye acupuncture and zang-fu function so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the principle of point selection in eye acupuncture therapy.

METHODSSixty cases of cerebral infarction were treated with different points according to syndrome differentiation of Chinese medicine.

MAIN POINTSupper energizer area and lower energizer area. Supplementary points: liver area, kidney area and spleen area for hyperactivity of wind, phlegm and fire; liver area and spleen area for blockage of wind, phlegm and stasis; stomach area and large intestine area for excess fu syndrome due to phlegm heat; heart area and spleen area for qi deficiency and blood stasis; liver area and kidney area for yin deficiency and wind stirring. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was adopted to observe the changes in blood flow in local foci before and after treatment with eye acupuncture.

RESULTSAfter the treatment with eye acupuncture therapy, the intake ratio of region of interest (ROI) between the lesion area and corresponding area on the opposite side was 0.74 +/- 0.12 before eye acupuncture and was 0.91 +/- 0.08 after treatment, indicating significant statistical difference in comparison (P < 0.05). After eye acupuncture, cerebral blood flow increased apparently.

CONCLUSIONThe point selection according to syndrome differentiation in eye acupuncture therapy may increase local brain blood flow in the patients with cerebral infarction and improve the state of brain ischemia so that the correlation can be proved between the points of eye acupuncture and zang-fu function.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain ; diagnostic imaging ; Cerebral Infarction ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the predictive value of admission plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure.

METHODSPlasma NT-proBNP levels were measured in patients with decompensated heart failure within 24 hours after admission with ELISA method. The NT-proBNP levels were compared between survivals and dying patients in hospital. ROC analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of admission plasma NT-proBNP on in-hospital mortality and to identify the optimal NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality. A binary logistic regress analyses was used to evaluate if NT-proBNP was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality.

RESULTSA total of 804 patients with decompensated heart failure were enrolled in his study (293 valvular heart diseases, 219 ischemic cardiomyopathy, 141 dilated cardiomyopathy, 14 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 21 restrictive cardiomyopathy, 39 hypertensive heart disease, 41 chronic pulmonary heart disease and 36 adult congenital heart disease) and 96 patients were in class II, 450 in class III and 258 in cases IV according to NYHA Classification. During hospitalization, 64 deaths were recorded and the on admission plasma NT-proBNP levels of patients died during hospitalization were significantly higher than those of survivals [4321.1 (3063.8, 6606.5) pmol/L vs. 1921.6 (873.9, 3739.2) pmol/L, P<0.01]. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of NT-proBNP to predict in-hospital death was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.718 - 0.825, P<0.01), the optimal plasma NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality was 3500 pmol/L, with a sensitivity of 70.3%, a specificity of 72.0%, an accuracy of 71.9%, a positive predictive value of 17. 8% and a negative predictive value of 96.6%. Patients whose NT-proBNP levels were equal or more than 3500 pmol/L had a much higher in-hospital mortality (17.8%) compared with those with NT-proBNP levels of less than 3500 pmol/L (3.4%), P<0.01. Binary logistic regress analyses demonstrated that admission plasma NT-proBNP, pneumonia, heart rate and NYHA class were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure (P<0.05 or 0.01) and admission plasma NT-proBNP was the strongest predictor for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONSAdmission plasma NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. The optimal NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality was 3500 pmol/L in this patient cohort.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Heart Failure ; blood ; mortality ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of (99m)Tc-N-NOET ((99m)Tc-N-ethoxy-N-ethyl dithiocarbamato-nitrito) myocardial perfusion SPECT for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

METHODSA total of 42 patients [mean age (54 +/- 9) years, 35 men] with suspected chest pain were included in this study. 740 MBq of (99m)Tc-N-NOET was injected intravenously during bicycle exercise when the heart rate attained reached more than 85% of the expected maximum, or in cases of angina pectoris, severe arrhythmias and ischemic ST segment changes. (99m)Tc-N-NOET 740 MBq, SPECT myocardial imaging acquisitions were obtained at 15 minutes and 2 hours after (99m)Tc-N-NOET injection. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients.

RESULTSCoronary artery stenosis was detected in 26 patients and normal coronary angiography was shown in 16 patients. (99m)Tc-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging was abnormal in twenty-one patients out of the 26 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis (sensitivity, 81%); 14 out of 16 patients with normal angiography had a normal myocardial perfusion imaging (specificity, 88%). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value and predictive accuracy of (99m)Tc-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging for detection of CAD was 91%, 74% and 83%, respectively. The sensitivity of the imaging for detecting single vessel, double vessels and triple vessels disease were 60% (6/10), 86% (6/7) and 100% (9/9), respectively. There was mild (99m)Tc-N-NOET lung uptake in patients with coronary artery stenosis 15 minutes post (99m)Tc-N-NOET injection.

CONCLUSIONSPECT myocardial perfusion imaging with (99m)Tc-N-NOET supplied an important diagnostic tool for detecting coronary artery disease. Lung uptake with stress (99m)Tc-N-NOET might be related to coronary artery disease.

Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Artery Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organotechnetium Compounds ; Thiocarbamates ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Objective:To analyze the correlation between saliva glucose and blood glucose level by measuring the concentration of saliva with high-precision ion chromatograph, and further to provide the clinical data for saliva glucose as an auxiliary index of blood glucose monitoring.Methods:A total of 268 subjects with normal glucose metabolism (NGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were enrolled and fasting venous blood and saliva samples were collected at the same time. The levels of saliva glucose, blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured by ion chromatograph, automatic biochemical analyzer and glycosylated hemoglobin analyzer, respectively. Methods of Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between groups, and the Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis. Results:The mean values of blood glucose, saliva glucose and HbA1c in the DM group are all higher than those in the NGT group, and the differences are all statistically significant ( P<0.05). Saliva glucose cut-off points are set at 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/L, respectively. When the saliva glucose concentration is greater than or equal to the above cut-off points, the saliva glucose level are positively correlated with the blood glucose level ( r=0.321, 0.379, 0.509 and 0.428, respectively, P<0.05) . Conclusion:The level of saliva glucose in DM is significantly higher than that in NGT. When the concentration of saliva glucose is greater than 20 mg/ L, there is a significant positive correlation between saliva glucose and blood glucose, and the max correlation coefficient r is 0.509.

This study aimed to explore the potentiating effect and mechanism of the extract of Jingfang Granules(JFG) on the activation of macrophages. The RAW264.7 cells were treated with JFG extract and then stimulated by multiple agents. Subsequently, mRNA was extracted, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to measure the mRNA transcription of multiple cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. The levels of cytokines in the cell supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). In addition, the intracellular proteins were extracted and the activation of signaling pathways was determined by Western blot. The results showed that JFG extract alone could not promote or slightly promote the mRNA transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MIP-1α, MCP-1, CCL5, IP-10, and IFN-β, and significantly enhance the mRNA transcription of these cytokines in RAW264.7 cells induced by R848 and CpG in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, JFG extract also potentiated the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and IFN-β by RAW264.7 cells stimulated with R848 and CpG. As revealed by mechanism analysis, JFG extract enhanced the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, IRF3, STAT1, and STAT3 in RAW264.7 cells induced by CpG. The findings of this study indicate that JFG extract can selectively potentiate the activation of macrophages induced by R848 and CpG, which may be attributed to the promotion of the activation of MAPKs, IRF3, and STAT1/3 signaling pathways.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Plant Extracts/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Macrophages ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*