OBJECTIVETo explore the value of electrocardiographic (ECG) Cornell criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in elderly Chinese men.

METHODSSince 1990, 244 autopsies were performed in our hospital in elderly men, LVH was determined in these autopsy hearts and correlated to ECG LVH signs recorded within 3 months before death according to Cornell (SV3+RaVL) and Sokolow-Lyon criteria (SV1+RV5 or RV6). The reference value of Cornell criteria was obtained based on values from autopsied healthy hearts, the sensitivity and specificity of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in these elderly men were calculated.

RESULTSThere were significantly correlations between QRS amplitudes of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria and autopsy left ventricular wall thickness in these hearts. The reference value of Cornell criteria (SV3+RaVL) was 2.9 mV. The sensitivity of Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria for detecting LVH was 25.4% and 34.3% (P<0.05 vs Sokolow-Lyon criteria), respectively.

CONCLUSIONVoltage (SV3+RaVL)>or=2.9 mV might be a suitable diagnostic value for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in Chinese elderly men.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electrocardiography ; standards ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reference Values ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo construct a multiple myeloma (MM)-specific APE1siRNA expression vector, and detect the specific knock-down effect of the siRNA on expression of APE1 protein.

METHODSAPE1siRNA cDNA sequence was designed, synthesized and inserted into pSilencer 2.0-U6 linear expression vector. pSilencer APE1siRNA was digested by enzyme EcoRI and BamHI, then linear vector and IgP fragments were conjugated by T4 DNA ligase. pSilencer IgP-APE1siRNA and pSilencer IE-IgP-APE1siRNA were digested by enzyme EcoRI or XhoI. Linear vector and IE or Kappa fragments were conjugated by T4 DNA ligase. Then a MM specific pSilencer K-IE-IgP-APE1siRNA was cloned. The recombinant products were identified by DNA sequencing and enzyme digestions at each step. pSilencer K-IE-IgP-APE1siRNA plasmid was transfected to KM3, HOS, MDA-231 cells by liposome. APE1 gene silence induced by RNAi was analysed by Western blot.

RESULTSAPE1 protein in KM3 cells could be knocked down effectively and specifically by pSilencer K-IE-IgP-APE1siRNA vector. After 2 days, the level of APE1 protein in KM3 cells transfected with siRNA was 0.118 +/- 0.047, while that transfected with plasmid only was 0.988 +/- 0.029. The efficiency of gene silence was 90%.

CONCLUSIONA MM specific APE1siRNA expression vector was successfully constructed.

Base Sequence ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Multiple Myeloma ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo understand the rate of viral carrying status among rodents as well as genotypes and distribution of Hantaviruses (HV) isolated in Hunan province.

METHODSWith DFA, the HV antigen in lung tissues of rodents was detected. The total viral RNA was extracted from the lung tissues of the HV infected rats and amplified with reverse transcrition-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using the HV genotype specific primers. The amplified genes were then sequenced and subjected to genotyping and homologic analysis.

RESULTSThe average density of rodents was 3.15% and the virus carrying rate among rodents was 1.31%. Data from genotype analysis showed that the HV isolated from seven lung specimens taken from Rattus norvgicus, Apodemus agraius, Mus musculus, Rattus flavipectus among indoor rodents in Shaodong and Liuyang belonged to HV type II (SEOV), and one isolated from Apodemus agraius in Shaungfen belonged to HV type I (HTNV) among outdoor rodents. Six strains were sequenced successfully and the homology between six srains was 88.3%-100%. The homology of HN1, HN2, HN4, HN6 came from Liuyang and the HN7 and HN8 from Shaodong were both 100% while the homology between L99 and the strains from Liuyang and Shaodong were 94.4% and 88.3% respectively.

CONCLUSIONHV type II (SEOV) and the HV type I (HTNV) were all existed in Hunan province while SEOV was the main genotype.

Animals ; Genotype ; Hantavirus ; classification ; genetics ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; virology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; Rats ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of montelukast on atherosclerosis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model.

METHODSThirty four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into four groups including normal control group (n = 6), placebo group (n = 8), atorvastatin group (1.5 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10) and montelukast group (1 mgxkg(-1)xd(-1), beginning at 8(th) weeks for 4 weeks, n = 10). Rabbits except those in normal control group were fed a high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Serum lipids were measured at 0, 8 and 12 weeks after intervention. The intima/media ratio, percentages of macrophages or smooth muscle cells in intima and the expression of MCP-1 mRNA were examined.

RESULTSAtherosclerosis was evidenced in placebo group and atorvastatin or montelukast treatment significantly reduced neointima (0.32 +/- 0.12 and 0.34 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.36, P < 0.05) and macrophage content [(9.8 +/- 4.6)% and (11.2 +/- 3.7)% vs. (34.6 +/- 8.8)%, P < 0.05], increased SMC content [(18.6 +/- 6.9)% and (19.2 +/- 8.6)% vs. (5.2 +/- 2.3)%, P < 0.05] and inhibited expression of MCP-1 mRNA (0.42 +/- 0.08 and 0.40 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.48, P < 0.01). Montelukast had similar anti-atherogenetic effects as atorvastatin but had no influence on plasma lipids.

CONCLUSIONSMontelukast could attenuate atherosclerosis in this hypercholesterolemic rabbit model which might be attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; metabolism ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tunica Intima

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of frontal recess cells in Chinese patients who did not have frontal sinus disease related symptoms.

METHODSForty-nine Chinese patients without frontal sinus disease symptoms were undergone spiral computed tomography (CT). Then multiplanar reconstruction images were evaluated using a standard triplanar reconstruction protocol on a computer workstation.

RESULTSThe prevalence of agge rnasi cell was 94% (92/98). Sixty-four uncinate processes (65%, 64/98) had one superior attachment for each uncinate process, the other thirty-four uncinate processes (35%, 34/98) had two superior attachments for each uncinate process. The uncinate process' single superior attachment into the surrounding structures was identified to have the following distribution: 53% (52/98) to the lamina papyracea, 9% (9/98) to the middle turbinate, 3% (3/98) to the skull base. Most of the uncinate process' two superior attachments were either into the lamina papyracea and the skull base (24%, 23/98) or into the lamina papyracea and the middle turbinate (10%, 10/98). Only one uncinate process (1%) superiorly attached to the skull base and the middle turbinate. The prevalence of recessus terminalis was 87% (85/98). Of all the frontal cells identified in 32 sides (33%) of frontal recesses, the prevalence of type I, type II, type II and type IV cells were 23% (23 sides), 2% (2 sides), 7% (7 sides) and 0% (0 side) respectively. Supra bullar cell, frontal bullar cell and interfrontal septal cell were identified in 30 sides (31%), 7 sides (7%) and 7 patients (14%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe result characterized normal frontal recess pneumatization in Chinese. That, together with the variations of the uncinate process' superior attachment emphasized the roles of agger nasi cell and the uncinate process in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery.

Adult ; Anatomy, Regional ; Female ; Frontal Sinus ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Young Adult

Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Endocardium ; pathology ; Heart Aneurysm ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; complications

BACKGROUNDTo evaluate expression of human lactoferrin gene by high-density fermentation in recombinant Pichia pastoris on the premise of maintaining its biological activities.

METHODSThe neutrophil was isolated from human peripheral blood and its total RNA was prepared. Full-length cDNA of human lactoferrin gene was then obtained by RT-PCR, cloned into expression vector pPIC 3.5 K and transformed into Pichia pastoris strain KM71. With two-layer filter method, the transformants with high-productivity of human lactoferrin were screened out into fed-batch high-density fermentation. And later, the physical, chemical and biological activities of fermentation product were detected preliminarily.

RESULTSThe strain p3.5-k-7 with better productivity of human lactoferrin was screened out into fed-batch high-density fermentation. The fermentation lasted nearly for nine days, with A-600 of culture once above 260 and the highest productivity of human lactoferrin being 115 mg/L, 7.67 times the amount of that in shake flask cultivation.

CONCLUSIONThe authors successfully realized high-density fermentation expression of human lactoferrin gene in recombinant Pichia pastoris.

Cloning, Molecular ; Fermentation ; Humans ; Lactoferrin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo explore the method of inducing and building pancreatic cancer cell sublines with radiation resistance.

METHODSSimulating the clinical radiotherapy, the pancreatic cell lines SW1990, Capan-1 (Cap), AsPC-1 (ASPC), P3, PANC-1 (Pan-1) and MIAPaCa-2 (MIA) were repeatedly given individual dose of X-rays with liner accelerator to induce radiation resistance, the changes of cell morphology, cell cycle and radio sensibility in the induced cell lines were compared with the parental cell lines at the end of inducing course.

RESULTSCompared with the parental cells, there were significant changes in morphology in the pancreatic cancer cell sublines after the radiation. Cell cycle analysis suggested that SW1990-R, ASPC-R, MIA-R, PAN-R and P3-R had lower G(2)/M and greater SF(2) (survival fraction after 2 Gy irradiation) compared with the parental cell lines.

CONCLUSIONSThe method of radiating cells step by step and repeatedly is viable to establish radio-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Cycle ; radiation effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; radiation effects ; Cell Shape ; radiation effects ; Cell Size ; radiation effects ; Cell Survival ; radiation effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Humans ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Radiation Tolerance

BACKGROUNDRadial artery spasm (RAS) is the most common complication in transradial coronary angiography and intervention. In this study, we designed to investigate the incidence of RAS during transradial procedures in Chinese, find out the independent predictors through multiple regression, and analyze the clinical effect of RAS during follow-up.

METHODSPatients arranged to receive transradial coronary angiography and intervention were consecutively enrolled. The incidence of RAS was recorded. Univariate analysis was performed to find out the influence factors of RAS, and logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the independent predictors of RAS. The patients were asked to return 1 month later for the assessment of the radial access.

RESULTSThe incidence of RAS was 7.8% (112/1427) in all the patients received transradial procedure. Univariate analysis indicates that young (P = 0.038), female (P = 0.026), small diameter of radial artery (P < 0.001), diabetes (P = 0.026), smoking (P = 0.019), moderate or severe pain during radial artery cannulation (P < 0.001), unsuccessful access at first attempt (P = 0.002), big sheath (P = 0.004), number of catheters (> 3) (P = 0.048), rapid baseline heart rate (P = 0.032) and long operation time (P = 0.021) were associated with RAS. Logistic regression showed that female (OR = 1.745, 95%CI: 1.148 - 3.846, P = 0.024), small radial artery diameter (OR = 4.028, 95%CI: 1.264 - 12.196, P = 0.008), diabetes (OR = 2.148, 95%CI: 1.579 - 7.458, P = 0.019) and unsuccessful access at first attempt (OR = 1.468, 95%CI: 1.212 - 2.591, P = 0.032) were independent predictors of RAS. Follow-up at (28 +/- 7) days after the procedure showed that, compared with non-spasm patients, the RAS patients had higher portion of pain (11.8% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.043). The occurrences of hematoma (7.3% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.518) and radial artery occlusion (3.6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.534) were similar.

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of RAS during transradial coronary procedure was 7.8%. Logistic regression analysis showed that female, small radial artery diameter, diabetes and unsuccessful access at first attempt were the independent predictors of RAS.

Age Factors ; Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; adverse effects ; Coronary Vasospasm ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radial Artery ; Sex Factors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of topical steroid treatment of nonpolypoid chronic sinusitis.

METHODSTwo cohorts of adult and children with nonpolypoid chronic sinusitis were investigated. The first cohort consisted of 11 pediatric patients [mean age, (11.8 +/- 3.2) years] with a mean Lund score of 10.3 +/- 5.7 (x +/- s). The second cohort consisted of 13 adult patients [mean age, (36.7 +/- 11.0) years] with a mean Lund score of 12.2 +/- 5.7. The mean duration of the nasal budesonide (Rhinocort) treatment was (7.5 +/- 3.2) weeks for adult patients (256 microg/d) and (7.0 +/- 3.4) weeks for pediatric patients (128 microg/d). Each Lund score and the patient's assessment of nasal symptoms were evaluated after treatment.

RESULTSThe average Lund score was significantly decreased to 6.5 -/+ 7.5 (t = 3.82, P < 0.01) in adult patients and to 2.6 +/- 3.7 (t = 5.08, P < 0.01) in pediatric patients after treatment. Thirty-eight percent of the adult patients and 73% of the pediatric patients were cured on CT images. The patient's self-assessment of efficacy was positively correlated with pretreatment Lund score in adult patients (r = 0.676, P < 0.05), but not so in pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings demonstrate that most of patients with nonpolypoid chronic sinus did well with topical steroid treatment. Therefore, surgery was required in few patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paranasal Sinuses ; diagnostic imaging ; Sinusitis ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Steroids ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome