Objective To observe the effects of calcitonin on osteoclast activity and expressions of osteoprotegrin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-?B ligand (RANKL) in vitro. Methods Osteoclasts and their precursors were mechanically isolated from long bones of SD rats and incubated on bone sheet in MEM with different concentration of calcitonin. Number, morphology of the osteoclasts were detected with tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Image-Pro Plus counted the resorption pits and areas on slices, stained by toludine blue. RT-PCR was used to examine the expressions of OPG and RANKL of osteoclast. Results Number of osteoclasts were decreased with increasing CT concentrations. After incubation for 5 days, resorption pits were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner (P

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive strategy of leflunomide (LEF) combined with calcineurin inhibitor and prednisone in Chinese renal transplant recipients.Methods Prospective clinical study was performed in 16 stable renal transplant recipients treated with calcineurin inhibitor, prednisone and either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (Aza), and MMF or Aza was replaced by LEF afterward. The loading dose of LEF was 50 mg/day for 3-5 days, and the maintenance dose was 20 mg/day. Prednisone was maintained 10 mg/day. The doses of CsA were adjusted according to its blood concentration.Results One patient dropped due to economic reason 1 mouth later, and continued to take Aza. Another one patient switched back to MMF due to a slight increase of serum creatinine (from 130 ?mol/L to 143 ?mol/L) 6 months after conversion. The remaining 14 patients were still on LEF. The mean observation time under LEF was (8.7?7.2) months (1～18 month). The mean serum creatinine was (103?24) ?mol/L before conversion, (95?26) ?mol/L at 6th month, and (108?27) ?mol/L at one year post-conversion. There was one episode of biopsy proved reversible acute rejection. The observed side effect was tolerable alopecia in 2 cases and rash in 1 case, but there were no significant increases in liver function, decrease of blood WBC count, deterioration of anemia, or any serious infection in any of the patients.Conclusion Immunosuppressive strategy of LEF+calcineurin inhibitor and prednisone is effective and safe in stable Chinese renal transplant recipients.

Objective To investigate the application of expanded p01ytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE)grafts in upper arm to build arteriovenous aCCeSS for hemodialysis. Methods ePTFE graft vascular access was built in the upper arm in 20 uremia patients.Three operation strategies were applied according to the reference,including loop grafts connected axillary artery and axillary vein,straight graft connected axillary artery and elbow basilic vein,and bridge connected elbow brachial artery and axillary vein. Results Twenty operations were successful and after 6-8 weeks the fistula of all cases were used in hemodialysis.The blood flows were 220-300 ml/min without re-circulation found.Conclusion ePTFE graft arteriovenous vascular access in the upper arm could be an alternative for hemodialysis patients who are difficult to build native arteriovenous fistula.

Objective To explore the effects of residual renal function (RRF) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD),and analyze the factors influencing QOL.Methods One hundred and eighteen patients treated with CAPD for at least 3 months in No.455 Hospital of People's Liberation Army were enrolled.All patients were divided into two groups according to residual glomerular filtration rate (rGFR):the group with RRF [rGFR≥ 1 ml·min-1 · (1.73 m2)-1],and the group without RRF [rGFR ＜ 1ml · min-1 · (1.73 m2)-1].The demographic characteristics,laboratory data,cardiothoracic ratio,dialysis adequacy parameters,rGFR,blood pressure,urine volume,ultrafiltration volume and dialysis prescription were investigated.Patient's QOL was evaluated by Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).Results There was no significant differences between the groups with and without RRF in the age,gender,causes of disease,complication,body mass index (BMI),systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),haemoglobin (Hb),cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein,low-density lipoprotein,normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and cardiothoracic ratio (all P ＞ 0.05).Compared with the patients with RRF,PD duration,ultrafiltration volume,serum creatinine (Scr),calcium,phosphorus,C-reactive protein (CRP),parathyroid hormone (PTH) and peritoneal dialysis dose in the patients without RRF were significantly higher,and urine volume,serum albumin (Alb),potassium,and urea total Kt/V were significantly lower (all P ＜ 0.05).The patients without RRF had a significantly lower score in physical function and physical component summary as compared to the patients with RRF (all P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant differences in role physical,bodily pain,general health,vitality,social function,role emotional,mental health,mental component summary and SF-36 scores (all P ＞ 0.05).Simple linear regression showed that there was no correlation between rGFR and SF-36 scores (β=1.330,P=0.070).Multiple linear regression revealed that SF-36 scores were correlated with CRP (β=-0.477,P ＜ 0.001),Scr (β=0.020,P ＜ 0.001),cardiothoracic ratio (β=-57.823,P=0.004),Alb (β=0.772,P=0.016) and ultrafiltration volume (β=-0.006,P=0.031),but not correlated with rGFR (β=0.099,P=0.302).Conclusions PD patients without and with RRF perceived different scores in physical health,but their scores were similar in mental health and QOL.RRF was no related to QOL in PD patients.Chronic inflammation,fluid overload and malnutrition were the main factors that affect QOL.

Objective To evaluate and compare the clinical effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade (PFNA) with reverse less invasive stabilization system-distal femur (LISS) in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures associated with coxa vara. Methods From June 2007 to June 2010, A retrospective study with more than 10 months follow-up of 46 patients with proximal femoral fractures associated with coxa vara underwent PFNA or reverse LISS were carried out, including 24 with PFNA and 22 patients with reverse LISS. The physical status of patient was evaluated according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. After the operation, the operation duration and volume of blood loss were assessed in the two groups, respectively. At the last follow-up, full weight bearing time, fracture healing time, and neck-shaft angle discrepancy related to contralateral side without fracture of the each group were assessed, respectively.Functional recovery was evaluated according to Parker and Palmer mobility score. Results The average follow-up period was 11.2 months (range, 10-12). All the fractures healed successfully and reached bony union.There were no significant differences between PFNA group and reverse LISS group for the average ASA score, the average operating time, the average volume of intraoperative bleeding and Parker and Palmer mobility score. The patients were allowed full weight-bearing from 9.33 weeks after surgery in PFNA group and from 16.95 weeks in reverse LISS group. The patients reached bony union after 17.21 weeks after surgery in PFNA group and from 30.73 weeks in reverse LISS group. Comparing with PFNA group, neck-shaft angle discrepancy decreased in reverse LISS group. Conclusion The results of PFNA and reverse LISS in the treatment of proximal femoral fracture were satisfactory. The fracture treated by PFNA allowed earlier weight bearing. Reverse LISS could provide better support for neck-shaft angle to avoid coxa vara more effectively.

Objective To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of monotherapy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LAM),or ADV administered in combination with LAM,in order to find the effective and secure therapy for decompensated cirrhosis patients following chronic hepatitis B. Methods Totally 64 decompensated cirrhosis patients following chronic hepatitis B were divided into 2 groups by using a prospective randomized grouping method. In group A,patients received the therapy of adefovir dipivoxil (10mg/d) combined with lamivudine (100mg/d); and in group B,a monotherapy of adefovir dipivoxil (10mg/d) was used. The period of treatment was 48 weeks. Levels of serum ALT,HBeAg and HBV-DNA were detected in week 12,24,36 and 48 respectively. The liver function was evaluated with Child scores on these time points. Data were analyzed by a blinded independent investigator. Results After 48 weeks treatment,HBV DNA negative conversion rate of the two groups were 87.1%and 78.8%.The virtual rate were 96.8% and 87.9%;HBeAg negative conversion rate were 83.9%,and 57.6%. HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion rates of the two groups were 41.9%and 24.2%. Normalization of serum ALT levels were observed in 96.8% patients of group A and 97.0% of group B. Conclusion The combination therapy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LAM) could reduce the occurrence of drug resistance,and increase the anti-viral effect. It is a secure management for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Objective:To study the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and traditional cardio‐vascular risk factors among community 35~64‐year‐old residents .Methods :A total of 1884 residents (548 males and 1336 females) from urban Shenyang city received baseline condition questionnaire on cardiovascular diseases and re‐lated diseases from Apr 2011 to Feb 2012. According to presence of cardiovascular risk factors or not ,subjects were divided into healthy control group (n=675) and risk factor group (n=1209);according to number of risk factors , risk factor group was further divided into one risk factor group (n=491) ,two risk factors group (n=263) and ≥3 risk factors group (n=455) .Morning blood sample and urine sample were retained to measure blood and urine rou‐tine ,blood glucose and blood lipid profile etc in all subjects .N/L was compared and analyzed among all groups .Re‐sults:Among patients with only one of following risk factors [hypertension ,diabetes mellitus (DM) ,dyslipidemia and obesity] ,N/L levels of patients with hypertension or DM were significantly higher than that of healthy control group [1.55(1.15 ,1.95) ,1.60(1.21 ,2.07) vs .1.45(1.09 ,1.91)] , P<0.05 both ,and there were no significant difference between any other one risk factor group and healthy control group , P>0.05 all .Among risk factor sub‐groups ,N/L level of ≥3 risk factors group was significantly higher than that of two risk factors group [1.57(1.16 , 2.04) vs .1.41(1.07 ,1.89) ,P<0.05] ,and there was no significant difference between any other two groups (P>0.05) .Conclusion:N/L significantly related to hypertension or DM ,and N/L level of ≥3 risk factors group was sig‐nificantly higher than that of two risk factors group ,N/L is helpful to assess risk of cardiovascular diseases .

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin on the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer in vivo.

METHODSMetastatic model simulating human gastric cancer was established by orthotopic implantation of histologically intact human tumor tissue into gastric wall of nude mice. Endostatin was administered sc at dose of 0 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 10.0 mg/kg and 20.0 mg/kg every other day for seven weeks. Eight weeks after implantation, the tumor size and inhibition rates and intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and apoptotic index (AI) and the presence of metastasis are evaluated respectively after the mice were sacrificed.

RESULTSCompared with the untreated controls, growth of the orthotopically implanted tumor was significantly reduced in size in mice treated with endostatin with an inhibition rate 0, 62.7%, 95.8% and 99.9% at the dosage of 0 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 10.0 mg/kg, and 20.0 mg/kg, respectively. The MVD was also decreased significantly in the treated mice [(13.7 +/- 3.90) versus (5.73 +/- 2.36), (2.17 +/- 1.28) and (0.66 +/- 0.25)]. The AI was increased significantly in the treated mice [(3.91 +/- 2.58)%, versus (6.76 +/- 5.03)%, (18.92 +/- 6.75)% and (28.57 +/- 10.34)%]. The incidences of peritoneal metastases was also significantly inhibited in the treated mice (87.1% versus 54.5%, 16.7% and 0). The incidences of liver metastases was also significantly inhibited in the treated mice (83.9% versus 27.3%, 8.3% and 0). The growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer implanted in nude mice were significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAngiogenesis inhibitor endostatin can induce apoptosis in gastric cancer by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and has strong inhibitory effect both on tumor growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer implanted in nude mice.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Collagen ; therapeutic use ; Endostatins ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; prevention & control ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; prevention & control ; Peptide Fragments ; therapeutic use ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood supply ; drug therapy ; pathology

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical promoting effect of crossing nape electroacupuncture on the recovery of swallowing function and recovery from pulmonary infection in post-cerebral infarction patients with tracheotomy.MethodSixty post-cerebral infarction patients with cough reflex disorder and swallowing dysfunction associated with pulmonary infection receiving tracheotomy and tracheal intubation were subjects. They were allocated, using a random number table, to three groups, 20 cases each. In each group, the patients were enrolled in order of visits. The three groups were given the same basic treatment for fighting inflammation, resolving phlegm and improving blood supply. The crossing nape electroacupuncture group received bilateral points Fengchi (GB20), Yifeng (TE17), Dicang (ST4)-to-Jiache (ST6) and Lianquan (CV23) acupuncture with electrodes connected by left-right crossing. The acupuncture group received bilateral points Fengchi, Yifeng, Dicang-to-Jiache and Lianquan acupuncture without electrodes connected. The control group received basic treatment with Western drugs without acupuncture therapy. Observations were carried out using the Kubota’s water drinking test, the Toshima Ichiro Swallowing Assessment and the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the three groups.ResultThe therapeutic effects evaluated using the Kubota’s water drinking test and the Toshima Ichiro Swallowing Assessment were better in the crossing nape electroacupuncture group than in the acupuncture group and better in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P<0.05). The score of the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score decreased in all the three groups. The promoting effect on recovery from pulmonary infection was marked in the crossing nape electroacupuncture group (P<0.01).ConclusionCrossing nape electroacupuncture has a marked improving effect on dysphagia in post-cerebral infarction patients with tracheotomy and tracheal intubation. It can promote recovery from pulmonary infection in post-cerebral infarction patients with cough reflex disorder receiving tracheotomy and tracheal intubation.

The present study was intend to clone and express the cDNA encoding Cyclophilin B (CyPB) of Schistosoma japonicum, its preliminary biological function and further immunoprotective effect against schistosome infection in mice. RT-PCR technique was applied to amplify a full-length cDNA encoding protein Cyclophilin B (Sj CyPB) from schistosomula cDNA. The expression profiles of Sj CyPB were determined by Real-time PCR using the template cDNAs isolated from 7, 13, 18, 23, 32 and 42 days parasites. The cDNA containing the Open Reading Frame of CyPB was then subcloned into a pGEX-6P-1 vector and transformed into competent Escherichia coli BL21 for expressing. The recombinant protein was renaturated, purified and its antigenicity were detected by Western blotting, and the immunoprotective effect induced by recombinant Sj CyPB was evaluated in Balb/C mice. The cDNA containing the ORF of Sj CyPB was cloned with the length of 672 base pairs, encoding 223 amino acids. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the gene had the highest expression in 18-day schistosomula, suggesting that Sj CyPB was schistosomula differentially expressed gene. The recombinant protein showed a good antigenicity detected by Western blotting. Animal experiment indicated that the vaccination of recombinant CyPB protein in mice led to 31.5% worm and 41.01% liver egg burden reduction, respectively, compared with those of the control. A full-length cDNA differentially expressed in schistosomula was obtained. The recombinant Sj CyPB protein could induce partial protection against schistosome infection.
Animals ; Antigens, Helminth ; immunology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cyclophilins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Immunization ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Schistosoma japonicum ; genetics ; immunology ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; prevention & control ; Vaccines, Synthetic ; biosynthesis ; immunology