Objective To assess the left ventricular systolic asynchronicity in chronic ischemic model with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE), and to explore the affection of low-dose dobutamine to it. Methods A chronic ischemic model was induced by placing an Ameroid constrictor in the left circumflex(LCX) in swines,then full volume RT-3DE was performed by Philips iE33 with X3-1 probe combining rest and stress(dobutamine stress echocardiography, DSE) every week after LCX constriction.Ten normal pigs before operation served as controls (group A). Examination of all the models post operation were grouped into group B (mild stenosis, LCX stenosis＜50% ), group C (moderate stenosis, LCX stenosis 50%～75%) and group D (severe stenosis, LCX stenosis≥75%) according to the results of coronary angiography. Images were copied to QLAB 5.2 postprocess workstation,and 3DQA software was used to analyze the full volume data sets. The time to the point with minimal systolic volume (Tmsv) in each segment was taken to derive the following indexes of systolic synchrony: the maximum difference of Tmsv (Tmsv-dif) and standard deviation(Tmsv-SD) among various segments and standard index (Tmsv-dif% and Tmsv-SD%), to evaluate left ventricular dyssynchrony. Tmsv3-6 represented the maximum difference of Tmsv between lateral segment and posterior septum (Tmsv3-5: between lateral segment and inferior) in basal level. Results Tmsvl2-Dif%, Tmsv6-Dif%, Tmsv3-6% and Tmsv3-5% under stress condition in group C and D were significantly higher than those at rest;all the data in group D were significantly higher than in group A and B, and in group C higher than group A ( P ＜0.05,0.01 ). Compared with group A,Tmsv6-Dif,Tmsv3-6 and Tmsv3-5 in group B were significantly increased under stress condition,and so did their standardize data under both rest and stress conditions ( P ＜ 0.05, 0. 01 ). Conclusions RT-3DEcombined with DSE could display sensitively the left ventricular asynchrony caused by chronic ischemia,and that will be more significant in lateral wall in LCX stenosis than in normal segments.

Objective To investigate the status and influencing factors of cooperation of doctors and nurses in the nutritional support of critically ill patients, and provide the basis for future improve the physician-nurse collaboration in the nutritional support. Methods Doctors and nurses who from ICU in Soochow were investigated by the Nurse-Physician Collaboration Scale (NPCS). Results The doctors′score of physician-nurse collaboration in the nutritional support of critically ill patients was 87.42 ±15.73, which was significantly higher than 80.97 ± 13.80 the nurses′(t=3.279, P= 0.001).In addition, under the item 1, 3, 5 in the dimension one as well as the total items in the dimensions two and three, the doctors′score was similarly higher than the nurses, and the differences are also statistically significant (Z=-3.894--1.964, all P<0.01 or 0.05). Technical titles, educational level and age was significantly related to the cooperative level between doctors and nurses respectively (χ2=11.037, P=0.012;F=3.488, P=0.037; F=3.499, P=0.016). Conclusions Doctors have higher levels of perceived collaboration than nurses in the nutritional support of critically ill patients, while both require further improvement. We should highlight the physician-nurse collaboration in feeding critically ill patients, and should improve the nutrition quality through standardized process management and active team cooperation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate performance of a biotinylated imaging probe 3a for targeted imaging of breast cancer cells.

METHODSUltraviolet absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum were employed to analyze the spectral characteristics of 3a. The fluorescence spectrums of 3a treated with different concentrations of glutathione (GSH) were obtained to determine the sensibility of 3a to GSH. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cellular uptake of 3a by MCF-7 cells, MDA-MB-231 cells and Hs 578Bst cells in the presence or absence of biotin, and the imaging performance of 3a in the 3 cell lines was assessed under an inverted fluorescent microscope. The toxicity of 3a to the cells was evaluated using MTT method.

RESULTS3a showed the strongest absorption peak at 510 nm, and its fluorescence emission signal was the strongest at 544 nm. As the concentration of GSH increased (0-6 mmol/L), 3a exhibited an increasing fluorescence signal at 544 nm. The cellular uptake of 3a was markedly higher in MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells than in Hs 578Bst cells. The imaging studies showed that 3a had a good breast cancer cell-targeting property and produced clear images under fluorescent microscope. MTT assay demonstrated no obvious toxicity of 3a in Hs 578Bst cells even at the concentration of 20 µmol/L, but MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to 2-20 µmol/L 3a showed a lowered cell viability.

CONCLUSION3a is capable of targeted imaging of breast cancer cells mediated by biotin. 3a at the concentration of 2-20 µmol/L has minimal cytotoxicity to normal breast cells but can lower the viability of breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUNDThis study was designed to investigate the potential pathogenicity of Mycoplasma penetrans (M. penetrans) and its molecular mechanisms responsible for the induction of iNOS gene expression in mouse macrophages stimulated by lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) prepared from M. penetrans.

METHODSMouse macrophages were stimulated with M. penetrans LAMPs to assay the production of nitric oxide (NO). The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and the effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, on the production of nitric oxide and the expression of iNOS were also assessed in mouse macrophages treated with M. penetrans LAMPs by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting.

RESULTSM. penetrans LAMPs stimulated mouse macrophages to produce nitric oxide in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein levels of iNOS were also upregulated in response to LAMP stimulation and inhibited by PDTC treatment. M. penetrans LAMPs were found to trigger NF-kappaB activation, a possible mechanism for the induction of iNOS expression.

CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that M. penetrans may be an important etiological factor of certain diseases due to the ability of M. penetrans LAMPs to stimulate the expression of iNOS, which is probably mediated through the activation of NF-kappaB.

Animals ; Bacterial Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Enzyme Induction ; Lipoproteins ; pharmacology ; Membrane Proteins ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Mycoplasma penetrans ; chemistry ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the distribution and synthesis of pericellular matrix (PCM) molecules (collagen Ⅵ, collagen Ⅳ and laminin) in rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and (2) investigate the effects of PCM molecules on chondrocytes against inflammation in osteoarthritis. Four zones (fibrous, proliferating, mature and hypertrophic) of condylar cartilage and three bands (anterior, intermediate and posterior) of disc were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of PCM molecules in rat TMJs. Isolated chondrocytes were pre-treated with PCM molecules before being subjected to interleukin (IL)-1β treatment to stimulate inflammation. The responses of the chondrocytes were analysed using gene expression, nitric oxide release and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 production measures. Histomorphometric analyses revealed that the highest areal deposition of collagen Ⅵ (67.4%), collagen Ⅳ (45.7%) and laminin (52.4%) was in the proliferating zone of TMJ condylar cartilage. No significant difference in the distribution of PCM molecules was noted among the three bands of the TMJ disc. All three PCM molecules were expressed intracellularly by chondrocytes cultured in the monolayer. Among the PCM molecules, pre-treatment with collagen Ⅵ enhanced cellular proliferation, ameliorated IL-1β-induced MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13 and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression, and attenuated the downregulation of cartilage matrix genes, including collagen Ⅰ, aggrecan and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Concurrently, collagen Ⅵ pretreatment inhibited nitric oxide and MMP-13 production. Our study demonstrates for the first time the distribution and role of PCM molecules, particularly collagen Ⅵ, in the protection of chondrocytes against inflammation.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of coronary slow flow (CSF) in relevant patients.Methods:A total of 1 530 patients received coronary angiography (CAG) in our hospital from 2008-01 to 2010-09 were retrospectively studied.According to corrected TIMI frame counts,2 groups were established:CSF group,n=139 patients without obvious coronary artery stenosis but with CSF and Control group,n=232 patients without obvious coronary artery stenosis and with normal coronary blood flow.Basic clinical condition,risk factors and routine laboratory tests were compared between 2 groups;the influencing factors of CSF were evaluated by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:① The following parameters were different between 2 groups:age,gender,histories of smoking and diabetes;red blood cells (RBC),hemoglobin,mean hemoglobin concentration,hematocrit (HCT),mean RBC volume,RBC distribution width;neutrophils,monocytes,basophilic granulocyte,the ratios of lymphocytes/monocytes (LMR),neutrophils/monocytes (NMR),neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) and platelet/lymphocytes (PLR);glutamic oxalacetic transaminase,creatine kinase and total bile acid,P＜0.05.② Correlation analysis showed that RBC (r=0.191,P＜0.01),hemoglobin (r=0.184,P＜0.01),neutrophils (r=0.218,P＜0.01),mean hemoglobin concentration (r=0.151,P＜0.01),mean RBC volume (r=-0.138,P＜0.01),total bile acid (r=-0.172,P＜0.01),NLR (r=0.231,P＜0.01),LMR (r=-0.157,P＜0.01) and NMR (r=0.121,P＜0.01)were related to 3-branch mean flow frame.③ Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that total bile acid (partial regression coefficient=-0.102,P＜0.01),LMR (partial regression coefficient =-0.381,P＜0.01) and NMR (partial regression coefficient =0.489,P＜0.01) were the independent influencing factors of coronary slow flow.Conclusion:Total bile acids,LMR and NMR were the influencing factors of coronary slow flow in relevant patients.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanisms of G(2)/M checkpoint initiated by diallyl disulfide (DADS) in HL-60 cells.

METHODSCell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle was assayed by flow cytometry. The expression of phospho-p38, Cdc25B and Cdc2, and p38 mRNA were measured by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTSAfter treatment with DADS at 5 - 160 micro mol/L for 0 - 72 h, the growth of HL-60 cells were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner and the inhibitory effect of DADS (20 micro mol/L) was similar to that of ATRA (10 nmol/L) (P > 0.05). Incubation of HL-60 cells with DADS (20 micro mol/L) for 12 h could activate G(2)/M checkpoint and increase the expression of phospho-p38 MAPK, followed by the expression of phospho-Cdc25B and phospho-Cdc2 (P < 0.05). SB202190, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, markedly blocked the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, Cdc25B and Cdc2 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDADS could induce the G(2)/M arrest in HL-60 cells which may be involved in the activation of p38 MAP kinase.

Allyl Compounds ; pharmacology ; Blotting, Western ; CDC2 Protein Kinase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Disulfides ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme Activation ; drug effects ; Flow Cytometry ; G2 Phase ; drug effects ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; cdc25 Phosphatases ; genetics ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the specific clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11) on premature heartbeat.

METHODSSeventy-two cases of premature heartbeat were randomized into an observation group and a control group. In the observation group, electroacupuncture was applied at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11). In the control group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Xuanzhong (GB 39). The treatment was given once a day and 10 times made one session in both groups. Respectively, the dynamic electrocardiogram detection was done before treatment and after one session of treatment in each group.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 47.1% (16/34) in the observation group and 6.5% (2/31) in the control group. The efficacy in the observation group was superior to that in the control group, presenting the statistical significant difference in comparison (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11) has specific clinical efficacy on premature heartbeat.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus medication in treating chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Method By using the random number table, sixty-eight patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group of 34 cases and a medication group of 34 cases. The clinical efficacies were compared after 2 courses of treatment, and the symptoms and body signs scores and syndrome score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were also compared. Result There was a significant difference in comparing the therapeutic efficacy between the acupuncture-medication group and the medication group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the symptoms and body signs scores and TCM syndrome score dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.05), indicating that the two groups both had improvement in the symptoms, body signs and TCM syndrome; there were significant between-group differences in comparing the score differences in the symptoms and body signs scores and TCM syndrome score after the treatment (P<0.05), and the acupuncture-medication group was higher than the medication group. Conclusion Acupuncture plus medication can better ameliorate the symptoms and body signs and TCM syndrome in chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.

To reveal the epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Hainan province in 2010, epidemiology data of HFMD reporting cases were analyzed, clinical specimens from 1346 HFMD cases were collected for enterovirus (EV) detection. Viral isolation was performed for EV nucleic acid positive samples. Complete VP1 encoding region of EV71 were sequenced and analyzed with Sequencher (version 5.0) and MEGA software (version 5.0). The epidemiology data showed that all 18 prefectures in Hainan had reporting cases during 2010, with higher incidence in the northeast; and the children less than 4 years old accounted for the majority of the suffered; the epidemic reached peak during September to October, which was different from other Provinces in China. The laboratory results indicated that EV71 and CA16 were identified as the major causative pathogens in Hainan in 2010, however, EV71 infection was absolutely dominant among severe and fatal cases. In addition, some HFMD cases were identified associated with other serotypes of EV infections. Molecular epidemiological analysis showed that all the EV71 strains belonged to C4a evolutionary branch, which is the dominant evolutionary branch in China in recent years, and at least three transmission chains existed. This study has an important information in clarifying the characteristics of epidemics and transmission of HFMD in Hainan, and to provide the guidance for HFMD prevention and control in the future.
Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Enterovirus A, Human ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Seasons