Objective To detect the type of gene mutation of thalassemia in Kunming city.Methods Sixty-three cases highly suspec-tive of thalassemia were determined with the methods of ploymerase chain reaction(PCR) and reverse dot blot(RDB) for the type of gene mutation.Results According to gene analysis,35 cases were final diagnosed from 63 cases suspective of thalassemia.Among the total,4 cases were gene deficiency ?-thalassemia,and 30 cases were gene deficiency ?-thalassemia,and there was 1 case both ?-thalassemia and ?-thalassemia.There were 9 types of gene mutation with 15 gene combinations in 35 samples.The main type of ?-thalassemia was--SEA/??,there were 6 types with 11 gene combinations from the types of genes of ?-thalassemia,the highest incidence of gene mutation was 17 site,including 17 site homozygote,heterozygote and double heterozygote.Conclusions The thalassemia invasion of Yunnan has its characters,and it is valuable to launch further research.In the same patient,there are ?-thalassemia and ?-thalassemia,it signifies that those 2 types should be diagnosed in the same time,to prevent missed diagnosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of serum soluble CD 163 (sCD 163) level, to assess the severity of critical illness and to evaluate the immune status of sepsis or severe sepsis in children.

METHODA prospective study was conducted. The sCD 163 was determined in 50 cases with sepsis or severe sepsis in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and 23 cases of age- and gender-matched healthy children were enrolled as control during the period from April 2010 to March 2011. Double-antibody sandwich ELISA was used for sCD 163 measurement. The relationship with sCD 163 level and disease severity score (pediatric critical illness score, PCIS; and pediatric risk of mortality III, PRISM III), lymphocyte subsets, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were analyzed.

RESULTThe sCD 163 in sepsis/severe sepsis groups (171.04 ± 177.85) mg/L was significantly higher than that in control group (44.19 ± 86.48) mg/L (P < 0.01).sCD 163 in sepsis group [(105.32 ± 145.87) mg/L] was significantly lower than that of severe sepsis group [(233.32 ± 171.78) mg/L] (P < 0.05). sCD 163 level was significantly higher in lower PCIS score patients. (P < 0.01). The sCD 163 levels was higher in PRISM III ≥ 10 than the PRISM III < 10 group. The sCD 163 levels were higher in death group than the survival group. The sCD 163 was negatively correlated with CD4 +, CD4 +/CD8 + (R = -0.820, P < 0.05; R = -0.839, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONDetection of sCD 163 was helpful in predicting the severity of sepsis and severe sepsis, and sCD 163 may reflect the immune status of critically ill children with sepsis.

Adolescent ; Antigens, CD ; blood ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; blood ; Biomarkers ; blood ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Critical Illness ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology ; Male ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; blood ; Sepsis ; blood ; immunology ; mortality ; Severity of Illness Index ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

AIM:To observe the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) , vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) in cultured rat renal glomerular endothelial cells (rRGECs) exposed to glucose at different concentrations in vitro, and to verify the hypothesis that salidroside attenuates high glucose (HG) -induced injury of rRGECs by boosting HIF-1αlevel.METHODS:rRGECs were divided into 4group:normal glucose (NG) group, HG groups, hypertonic group and salidroside+HG group.The viability of rRGECs was measured by MTT assay.The mRNA expression of VEGFA, VE-cadherin and HIF-1αwas detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression of HIF-1αwas determined by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with NG group, the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1αwas increased when the rRGECs were treated with glucose at concentration of 20 mmol/L for 24h (P<0.01).Compared with NG group, the mRNA expression of HIF-1αwas decreased in HG groups for 120 h (P<0.05).Compared with NG group, the mRNA expression of VE-cadherin was significantly down-regulated in HG groups for24 h or 120 h (P<0.05).Compared with NG group, the mRNA expression of VEGFA was increased in HG groups at 24h (P<0.05) , while the mRNA expression of VEGFA was decreased at 120 h (P<0.05).Compared with NG group, no statistical difference in the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VE-cadherin and VEGFA in DM group was observed.Compared with HG group, salidroside promoted the viability of rRGECs (P<0.01) , and up-regulated the mRNA expression of HIF-1αand VE-cadherin, and the protein expression of HIF-1α (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:High glucose regulates HIF-1αexpression in rRGECs in connection with cell viability, the concentration of glucose, the culture time and HIF/VEGF signaling.Salidroside promotes rRGEC growth against high glucose-induced cell apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of HIF-1α.

OBJECTIVETo compare the characteristics of interbody fusion achieved using hat type cervical intervertebral fusion cage (HCIFC) with those of an autologous tricortical iliac crest graft, Harms cage and Carbon cage in a goat cervical spine model.

METHODSThirty-two goats underwent C(3, 4) discectomy and fusion in which the following were used: Group 1, autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft (8 goats); Group 2, Harms cage filled with autologous iliac crest graft (8 goats); Group 3, Carbon cage filled with autologous iliac bone (8 goats); Group 4, HCIFC filled with autologous iliac graft (8 goats). Radiography was performed pre- and postoperatively and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At the same time points, disc space height, intervertebral angle, and lordosis angle were measured. After 12 weeks, the goats were killed and fusion sites were harvested. Biomechanical testing was performed in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending to determine the stiffness and range of motion. All cervical fusion specimens underwent histomorphological analysis.

RESULTSOne week after operation, the DSH, IVA and LA of HCIFC and Carbon cage were statistically greater than those of autologous iliac bone graft and Harms cage. Significantly higher values for disc space height, intervertebral angle and lordosis angle were shown in cage-treated goats than in those that received bone graft over a 12-week period. The stiffness of Harms cage in axial rotation and later bending were statistically greater than that of other groups. Radiographic and histomorphologic evaluation showed better fusion results in cage groups than in autologous bone group.

CONCLUSIONSHCIFC can provide a good intervertebral distractability and enough biomechanical stability for cervical fusion.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Goats ; Ilium ; transplantation ; Internal Fixators ; Male ; Materials Testing ; Radiography ; Random Allocation ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Transplantation, Autologous

BACKGROUNDDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely known for its beneficial effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis, although the underlying mechanisms remain mainly unclear. In this study, we tried to determine the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathways during DHEA treatment and the indirect role of osteoblasts (OBs) on osteoclasts under the DHEA treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODSPrimary human OBs and osteoclast-like cells were cultured and, we pretreated OBs with or without U0126 (a highly selective inhibitor of both MEK1 and MEK2). The OBs were treated with DHEA. We then tested the effects of DHEA on human osteoblastic viability, osteoprotegerin production and the expression of phosphor-ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase). In the presence or absence of OBs, the function of osteoclastic resorption upon DHEA treatment was calculated.

RESULTSDHEA promoted the human osteoblastic proliferation and inhibited the osteoblastic apoptosis within the concentration range of 10(-8) - 10(-6) mol/L (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Within the effective concentration range, the expression of phosphor-ERK1/2 and osteoprotegerin was increased by DHEA and blocked by U0126. In the presence of OBs, DHEA could significantly decrease the number and the area of bone resorption lacuna (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Without OBs, however, the effects of DHEA on the bone resorption lacuna were almost completely abolished.

CONCLUSIONSDHEA could indirectly inhibit the human osteoclastic resorption through promoting the osteoblastic viability and osteoprotegerin production, which is mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases signal pathway involving the phosphor-ERK1/2.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Butadienes ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dehydroepiandrosterone ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteoclasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Osteoprotegerin ; metabolism ; RANK Ligand ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo establish an efficient genetic transformation system of Pinellia ternata.

METHODWith petioles from test-tube seedlings of P. ternata as explants, Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediation method was adopted to explore the effect of phenolic substances, A. tumefaciens's concentration, infection time, pre-incubation time and co-cultivation time on genetic transformation efficiency of P. ternata.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe genetic transformation efficiency could be effectively enhanced by infecting in A. tumefaciens culture containing AS 40 mg x L(-1) for 15 min for three days. The petioles were put into the differentiation medium containing 150 mg x L(-1) Kan and 350 mg x L(-1) Carb to screening and cultivation. After around 30 days, microtubers could be observed at both sides of the petioles. Gus staining and PCR verification on the regenerated plants showed that the exogenous gene sHSP had been integrated into genome of P. ternata.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Genetic Engineering ; methods ; Glucuronidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Heat-Shock Proteins, Small ; genetics ; Pinellia ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plant Leaves ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reproducibility of Results ; Tissue Culture Techniques ; methods ; Transformation, Genetic

Objective To evaluate the reasonable individual program for upper urinary tract calculi in minimally invasive treatment. Methods From January 2013 to June 2016, 147 patients (sides) with upper urinary calculi who had some characteristics received laparoscopic nehprectomy or corresponding surgical treatment. The number of cases of postoperative stagnation, the average hospitalization time and the average cost of treatment were compared with those of 147 patients (lateral) who underwent PCNL and URSL with the similarity, shape and load of stones before June 2016, respectively. Results The removal rate of stage I was 100.00％ (147/147) in laparoscopic group, which was significantly higher than that in PCNL and URSL group (91.84％, 135/147), the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001); Laparoscopic group postoperative blood transfusion (0/147) and interventional hemostasis (0/147) were significantly lower in 6 cases (6/147) and 4 cases (4/147) in PCNL and URSL groups,the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.013, P = 0.044). There was no postoperative severe infection in laparoscopic group (0/147), which has no significant difference (P = 0.156) in postoperative severe infection between PCNL and URSL group (2/147). There were 9 cases of 134 cases of postoperative (9/134) fever at ≥ 38℃ in laparoscopic group, which was significantly lower than that in PCNL and URSL group (28/147), the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002); Laparoscopic group of postoperative urinary tract stenosis in 3 cases (3/114), which was significantly lower than that of PCNL and URSL group (9/101), the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.045). The average length of stay in laparoscopic group was (10.12 ± 0.29) d, which was significantly lower (P = 0.011) than that in PCNL and URSL group (13.97 ± 0.38) days. The average cost of treatment in laparoscopic group (12541.84 ± 181.54) yuan was significantly lower than that in PCNL and URSL group (18124.65 ± 302.32) yuan, the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.018). Conclusion In some cases, when the upper urinary tract calcuci are suitable for 'cut out', the use of laparoscopic treatment is more secure; when there is a need for surgical treatment of complications, can be treated simultaneously. Laparoscopic technique is one of the important methods of minimally invasive treatment for upper urinary calculi.

Background Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is widely known for its beneficial effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis,although the underlying mechanisms remain mainly unclear.In this study,we tried to determine the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathways during DHEA treatment and the indirect role of osteoblasts (OBs) on osteoclasts under the DHEA treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.@@Methods Primary human OBs and osteoclast-like cells were cultured and,we pretreated OBs with or without U0126 (a highly selective inhibitor of both MEK1 and MEK2).The OBs were treated with DHEA.We then tested the effects of DHEA on human osteoblastic viability,osteoprotegerin production and the expression of phosphor-ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase).In the presence or absence of OBs,the function of osteoclastic resorption upon DHEA treatment was calculated.@@Results DHEA promoted the human osteoblastic proliferation and inhibited the osteoblastic apoptosis within the concentration range of 108-10-6 mol/L (P <0.05,P <0.01,respectively).Within the effective concentration range,the expression of phosphor-ERK1/2 and osteoprotegerin was increased by DHEA and blocked by U0126.In the presence of OBs,DHEA could significantly decrease the number and the area of bone resorption lacuna (P <0.05 and P <0.01,respectively).Without OBs,however,the effects of DHEA on the bone resorption lacuna were almost completely abolished.@@Conclusions DHEA could indirectly inhibit the human osteoclastic resorption through promoting the osteoblastic viability and osteoprotegerin production,which is mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases signal pathway involving the phosphor-ERK1/2.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical and laboratory features and diagnosis of the patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)encephalitis in children.

METHODThe data of clinical feature, laboratory findings, and radiological manifestation were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTOf the 7 patients, 4 were female and 3 were male. The age of onset was from 6.6 to 15.5 years (average 9.5 years). The onset of 4 cases started with convulsion. Six cases had seizures which was difficult to control by antiepileptic drugs. All patients had psychiatric symptoms and speech disorder. Six cases had different levels of decreased consciousness and dyskinesias. 6 cases had autonomic nerve instability, and 7 cases developed sleep disorders. The results of MRI examination were normal in all patients. The EEG of most patients showed focal or diffuse slow waves. Six cases had oligoclonal bands. All cases were confirmed to have the disease by detection of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies. No tumor was detected in any of the patients. All patients received immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONAnti-NMDAR encephalitis is a severe but treatable disorder that frequently affects children and adolescents. Pediatric patients had clinical manifestations similar to those of adult patients. But children have a lower incidence of tumors and hypoventilation also occurs less frequently in children. Most of children had a good prognosis.

Adolescent ; Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; cerebrospinal fluid ; Autonomic Nervous System ; physiopathology ; Brain ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Child ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Movement Disorders ; etiology ; Radiography ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; immunology ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures ; etiology

ObjectiveTo study the correlation of the inner diameter parameters of the spermatic vein in different positions and states of the varicocele (VC) patient with the results of seminal examination.

METHODSA total of 149 VC patients underwent ultrasonography, routine semen examination, and sperm morphological analysis. The parameters obtained from ultrasonography included the bilateral testis volume in a supine position, the largest spermatic vein diameter in a supine position at rest (DSR), the largest spermatic vein diameter in a supine position following Valsalva manoeuvre (DSV), the largest spermatic vein diameter in an upright position at rest (DUR), and the largest spermatic vein diameter in an upright position following Valsalva manoeuvre (DUV). Then we calculated the parameters △DS=DSV－DSR, △DU=DUV－DUR, △DR=DUR－DSR, and △DV=DUV－DSV and analyzed the correlation of the above parameters with the results of semen examination using the ROC curve.

RESULTSBased on the results of semen examination, 119 (79.87%) of the patients were allocated to the abnormal group and the other 30 (20.13%) to the normal group. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in △DU (P=0.007), △DR (P=0.0001), and △DV (P=0.04), but not in DSR (P=0.35), DSV (P=0.34), DUR (P=0.06), DUV (P=0.12), and △DS (P=0.64), nor in the volume of the testis affected (P=0.323). The area under the ROC curve was 0.55 for DSR, 0.57 for DSV, 0.64 for DUR, 0.62 for DUV, 0.49 for △DS, 0.28 for △DU, 0.86 for △DR, and 0.69 for △DV. The corresponding cutoff values were 2.25, 2.51, 2.48, 2.63, 0.30, 0.23, 0.25, and 0.20, the corresponding sensitivities of semen detection were 50.42%, 65.55%, 60.50%, 60.50%, 49.90%, 29.41%, 79.83%, and 65.55%, and the corresponding specificities were 56.67%, 63.33%, 63.33%, 63.33%, 56.67%, 33.33%, 80%, and 63.33%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe difference between the largest spermatic vein diameters in supine and upright positions at rest provides a high diagnostic accuracy for semen detection and helps to predict abnormality in seminal examination for VC patients.

Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Organ Size ; Posture ; ROC Curve ; Semen Analysis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Supine Position ; Testis ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography ; Valsalva Maneuver ; Varicocele ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Veins ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology