OBJECTIVEThe aim of the present study was to detect the expression of calpain-I, calpastatin, caspase-3 and apoptosis in the left atria of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and to find the association of these factors. Also, it was intended to investigate the effect of the above factors on the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS43 patients with RHD undergoing valve-replacement were included, 15 patients with regular sinus rhythm (Group RSR), 8 patients with paroxysmal AF (Group AF1) and 20 patients with permanent AF (Group AF2). Western blot was used to examine the content of calpain-I, caspase-3 and calpastatin. The apoptosis index (AI) was measured by TUNEL.

RESULTS(1) Expression of calpain-I in group AF2 was increased to (344.0 +/- 101.9)%, and caspase-3 was increased to (394.0 +/- 99.4)% compared to group RSR (P < 0.01, respectively). Amount of calpastatin was reduced to (27.0 +/- 12.8)% (P < 0.01). The expressions of these proteins were unchanged in group AF1. (2) AI in group AF2 was higher than that in groups RSR and AF1 (P < 0.01). (3) In group AF2, the levels of calpain-I, caspase-3 and AI were positively relative to left atrial dimension and AF duration, P < 0.05 - 0.01, respectively, whereas calpastatin was negatively correlated with left atrial dimension and AF duration (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). (4) The protein content of calpain-I was positively related with that of caspase-3 and AI (P < 0.01, respectively), and the content of calpastatin was negatively related with that of calpain-I and caspase-3 (P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSApoptosis of atrial cell increased in left atria and the protein contents of calpain-I, caspase-3 and calpastatin significantly altered during AF in humans with RHD. The observed interactions suggest that these factors compose a system to cause the structural remodeling and dysfunction of atria. The course may play a key role in promoting the onset and maintenance of AF.

Adult ; Apoptosis ; Atrial Fibrillation ; etiology ; metabolism ; Atrial Function ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Calpain ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Female ; Heart Atria ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Rheumatic Heart Disease ; complications ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: At present, finite element analysis can be used to judge intertrochanteric fractures, but mostly limited in the distribution of stress. Finite element model of various intertrochanteric fractures has not been reported in detail.OBJECTIVE: To build various types of intertrochanteric fracture models with Hypermesh 14.0 and LS-DYNA software to simulate the falling-induced external force on proximal femur, and to evaluate the effect of models, and to analyze the biomechanical mechanism of intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: Normal side CT image data of one case of elderly intertrochanteric fracture were collected and imported into Mimics software to establish the proximal femur geometric models, were then analyzed and operated by LZ-DYNA solver after imported into Geomagic studio 2013 and Hypermesh 14.0 for smoothing and meshing. Before analysis, the material parameters were set, the boundary conditions were confirmed, and given the loading parameters. The operating results were checked in Hyper View. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The distribution of stress of proximal femur exactly matched to the previous study. EvansⅠtype intertrochanteric fracture model was obtained under continuous shear stresses, and six types of fractures were obtained by adjusting the load. (2) These results manifest that based on the Hypermesh 14.0 and LS-DYNA software, the finite element can well simulate the intertrochanteric fractures, and shear stress plays an important role in intertrochanteric fractures, which can provide experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

Objective To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of white matter fiber tracts and the important structures of the temporal lobe,and analyze its functional and clinical implications.Methods Ten formalin (100 g/L)-fixed human brain hemispheres were dissected using the Klingler fiber dissection technique,with the aid of an operating microscope at 4-25 magnification; the microsurgical anatomy of white matter fiber tracts and the important structures of the temporal lobe was observed.Results In the temporal lobe,a large number of complex white matter fiber tracts were noted locating lateral to the lateral wall of the temporal horn of lateral ventricle and superior to the roof wall.The vertical segment of the superior longitudinal fasciculus,occipitotemporopontine tract,inferior occipitofrontal fascicle,anterior and middle tracts of the optic radiation were located from lateral to the lateral wall of the temporal hom in turn; claustro-opercular and zinsulo-opercular fibers of the external and extreme capsules,auditory radiations,uncinate fasciculus,part of occipitotemporopontine tract,part of inferior occipitofrontal fascicle,anterior commissure,anterior and middle tracts of the optic radiation(including Meyer's loop),the ansa peduncularis and the stria terminalis were located from superior to inferior to the lateral wall of the temporal horn in turn.The lateral wall of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle was composed of corpus callosum radiation,whose roof wall composed of the tail of caudate nucleus.Furthermore,amygdala composed of the anterior,tip and medial wall of the temporal horn,and the hippocampus constituted the medial wall of the temporal horn.The cerebral foot loop was an important medial structure of the temporal horn.Conclusion It's important in the clinical diagnosis and treatment to improve the knowledge and understanding of white matter fiber tracts and important structures of the temporal lobe.

OBJECTIVETo compare indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA).

METHODSA total of 125 serum samples were obtained from patients with established or suspected autoimmune disease, and 82 samples were used for ANA detection and 57 for anti-dsDNA detection using both IIFA and ELISA. Fourteen samples were examined for both ANA and anti-dsDNA. In cases where discrepancy occurred in the results by the two methods, extractable nuclear antigens were detected using immunoblotting.

RESULTSThe positivity rate of ANA detected by IIFA and ELISA was significantly different (87.8% and 73.17%, respectively, P<0.01), but the positivity rate of anti-dsDNA was similar between IIFA and ELISA (77.19% and 71.93%, respectively, P>0.05). The percent agreement between the two testing methods with different cutoff values of ANA and anti-dsDNA showed significant differences (P<0.01), and for some uncommon patterns, the percent agreement of the two methods was lowered in ANA detection but remained unchanged for anti-dsDNA with different ANA patterns. High percent agreements of the two methods were obtained with the cutoff ANA titer of 1:100 and the cutoff anti-dsDNA value of weak positivity, but they demonstrated a significant difference in testing low-titer ANA and anti-dsDNA.

CONCLUSIONIIFA is more sensitive than ELISA in detecting the total ANA and anti-dsDNA. ELISA prescreening combined with IIFA can obtain the information of the nuclear pattern and allow the observation of the titer alterations. The combination of two or more testing methods can greatly enhance the accuracy of the results.

Antibodies, Antinuclear ; analysis ; DNA ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Humans

BACKGROUNDCurrent surgical practice for nephron sparing surgery allows at least 1 cm margin of normal tissue around the tumour. However, recent studies show that the width of the margin is not important, even simple enucleation is as effective as partial nephrectomy. We explored whether margin size has significant impacts on clinical outcomes in nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma of 4 cm or less.

METHODSBetween 1998 and 2006, 115 patients with sporadic, pathologically confirmed, renal cell carcinoma 4 cm or less (T1a) and normal contralateral kidney were treated by nephron sparing surgery using a margin less than 5 mm. The surgical margin status was evaluated from frozen and permanent paraffin sections.

RESULTSMean and median tumour diameter were 3.3 cm and 3.5 cm (range 1.0-4.0). The mean margin width was 2.2 mm (median 2.0, range 0-6). In addition, 114 cases had margins 5 mm or less (99.1%), 97 cases (84.3%) had margin 3 mm or less, and 26 cases had margin zero (22.6%). None of the patients had positive surgical margins. No patients died during follow-up (mean 65 months). There were no any major surgical complications and no distant metastasis was detected. Local recurrence was detected in one case (0.9%) at a different site of the kidney.

CONCLUSIONSFor early localized renal cell carcinoma of 4 cm or less, as long as tumour is completely excised, the size of margin in nephron sparing surgery is not important. Nephron sparing surgery with 5 mm margin is enough for tumour control. It provides excellent renal function preservation, favourable long term progression free survival and is not associated with an increased risk of local recurrence.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephrons ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo develop a new method for the detection of male human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and to investigate its clinical application value.

METHODSWith computer assistance and based on the classical common primers MY09/11, modified PGMY09/11 with 23 HPV subtypes for PCR and Genbank data on HPV, we designed probes for the simultaneous detection of 18 high-risk subtypes (HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, 83 and MM4) and 5 low-risk subtypes (HPV-6, 11, 42, 43 and 44) and fixed them to the special membrane to make a DNA chip. A total of 112 male urethral samples were collected with swabs and studied for the clinical value. Meanwhile the single subtypes of HPV positive were sequenced and the standard samples detected for their sensitivity.

RESULTSOf the total number, 25 samples were found to be HPV positive, 13 single HPV infection and 12 multiple infection. Nine HPV gene subtypes were noted in the samples: 6, 11, 16, 18, 33, 35, 43, 56 and 73, with sensitivity up to 10 copies of HPV DNA.

CONCLUSIONHuman papillomavirus genotyping by the membrane DNA chip is applicable to the diagnosis of male HPV infection as well as to the related epidemic and etiological investigation.

Adult ; Aged ; Base Sequence ; DNA Probes, HPV ; genetics ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Genotype ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Papillomaviridae ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Papillomavirus Infections ; diagnosis ; virology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence and risk factors of sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease (ScGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

METHODSThe clinical data of 259 patients undergoing allo-HSCT in Nanfang Hospital between January, 2012 and December, 2014 were analyzed.

RESULTSChronic GVHD following allo-HSCT occurred in 134 (51.7%) cases, among whom 22 patients showed sclerodermatous features at a median of 12.5 months (range 4-28 months) after the transplantation. The overall incidence of ScGVHD was 8.49% (22/259) in the recipients and 16.4% (22/134) in those with cGVHD. Univariate analysis showed that the conditioning regimen with total body irradiation (P=0.031), GVHD prophylaxis with MMF (P=0.046), presence of chronic GVHD (P=0.008), and donor lymphocyte infusion (P=0.001) were all closely associated with the occurrence of ScGVHD. Multivariate analysis identified chronic GVHD (RR=3.512, 95%CI: 1.235-9.987, P=0.018) and donor lymphocyte infusion (RR=5.217, 95%CI: 1.698-16.029, P=0.004) as the independent risk factors of ScGVHD.

CONCLUSIONScGVHD following allo-HSCT is not a common complication, and cGVHD and donor lymphocyte infusion are the independent risk factors for ScGVHD.

Graft vs Host Disease ; epidemiology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Transplantation Conditioning

OBJECTIVEPituitary prolactinoma with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) as the initial symptom is often misdiagnosed. This article explores the diagnosis and treatment of severe ED caused by pituitary prolactinoma.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the diagnosis and treatment of 4 cases of pituitary prolactinoma with severe ED (IIEF-5 score 5 - 7) as the initial clinical symptom confirmed by MRI.

RESULTSThe 4 cases of pituitary prolactinoma-induced severe ED, with serum prolactin 10 times above the maximum normal level, were misdiagnosed for 2 years. All failed to respond to the PDE5 inhibitor therapy, and then 3 of them underwent transnasal hypophysectomy. Twenty-four months of follow-up found the level of prolactin restored to normal in 1 case (IIEF-5 = 19), and reduced to 600 and 768 IU/L respectively (IIEF-5 = 15) in the other 2. Then administration of the PDE5 inhibitor was followed, which produced satisfactory efficacy. One case was treated with oral bromocriptine, which restored the prolactin level to normal at 12 months (IIEF-5 > 21).

CONCLUSIONProlactin detection and brain MRI can help to confirm pituitary prolactinoma with severe ED at the onset. As for its treatment, in case of an extremely high level of prolactin, simple administration of the PDE5 inhibitor is ineffective. When the prolactin level is reduced after surgery or medication, the symptom of ED can be improved and, in case of no obvious relief, administration of the PDE5 inhibitor can be followed, which may achieve satisfactory results.

Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Prolactinoma ; complications ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies

Aim of this study was to develop the detection method of soluble human leukocyte antigens I (sHLA-I) and to explore sHLA-I level alteration in storage blood and its significance. sHLA-I level in sera of 60 Guangdong normal individuals and sHLA-I concentration in blood components from 20 donors quantitatively were detected by sandwich ELISA. The results showed that sensitivity of this assay was 2.84 ng/ml. Coefficients of variation were 5.80% within assays and 9.00% between assays respectively. The recovery rate was >/= 98.57%. The sHLA-I level of normal individuals in Guangdong was (699.54 +/- 360.10) ng/ml. sHLA-I in red blood cells stored for 28 days and in random-donor platelets were significantly higher than that in other blood components and their amount was proportionate to the number of residual donor leukocytes and to the length of storage. In conclusion, sandwich ELISA assay for detection of sHLA-I is a sensitive, specific and stable technique. Blood components with different concentration of sHLA-I may be chosen for clinical transfusion.
Apoptosis ; Blood Preservation ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; blood ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the early intellectual developmental outcome of late preterm infants.

METHODSA total of 106 late preterm infants with a gestational age of 34-36weeks who were admitted to the neonatal ward between January 2012 and January 2015, cured, discharged, and regularly followed up at the outpatient service for high-risk children were enrolled as the preterm group. A total of 120 healthy full-term infants during the same period were randomly selected as the term group. Neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) was performed for late preterm infants at a corrected gestational age of 40 weeks and full-term infants at a gestational age of 40 weeks. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used for late preterm infants at a corrected age of 3, 6, and 12 months and full-term infants at an age of 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTSThe preterm group had an NBNA score of <37 and a significantly lower NBNA score than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 3 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of gross motor, fine motor, and social competence than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 6 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of adaptability, gross motor, and fine motor than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 12 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of adaptability, gross motor, and social competence than the term group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLate preterm infants have early intellectual developmental delay. It is necessary to perform neurodevelopmental monitoring for late preterm infants.

Child Development ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; growth & development ; Intelligence ; Male