Objective To compare the effect of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and right ventricular apex (RVA) pacing on ventricular systolic synchrony using gated blood pool SPECT (GBPS).Methods A total of 50 patients implanted with pacemaker due to high degree or complete atria-ventricular block were enrolled in the study. Twenty-three patients were RVOT paced ( Group A, n = 23) and 27 were RVA paced (Group B, n=27). Twenty-four patients with malignancy, normal echocardiographic findings and no history of cardiac diseases were scheduled for pre-chemotherapy evaluation of cardiac structure and function and were enrolled as control group ( Group C, n = 24). All patients underwent GBPS imaging and the values of phase angle (PS), mean phase of each wall, standard deviation (SD) of mean phase of each wall, lateral-septal motion delay of left ventricle ( LV Sep-Lat Delay), septal-right ventricular (RV) delay of LV ( LV Sep-RV Delay) and LV-RV Delay were acquired. The parameters of ventricular systolic synchrony among the three groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. Results The mean phase of LV lateral wall in Groups A and B were significantly higher than that in Group C: Group A (120.50 ±40.58) ms; Group B (103.23±28.34) ms; Group C (84.63 ±22.38) ms (F=7.72, P ＜0.05). There was no significant difference between Groups A and B ( t = 1.30, P ＞ 0.05 ). The mean phase of RV in Group A was significantly larger than those in Groups B and C: Group A ( 137.05 ± 39.27) ms, Group B ( 100.85 ± 23.79) ms,Group C (59. 13 ±30.52) ms (F=35.55, P＜0.05). PS, SD and LV Sep-Lat Delay in Groups A and B were significantly higher than those in Group C: (85.73 ± 12.00)°vs (89.85 ± 15.61 )°vs (58.95 ±9.87)°, (27.68±10.66) ms vs (26.15 ±13.02) ms vs (15.63 ±8.35) ms, (25.06±34.23) ms vs (2. 62 ± 60. 31 ) ms vs ( - 23.66 ± 31.39) ms, F = 41.54,8.55,6.81, all P ＜ 0.01 ), however, there was no significant difference between Groups A and B ( t = 0. 68, 0.68, 1.30, all P ＞ 0.05 ). LV Sep-RV Delay and LV-RV Delay were significantly different among the three groups ( LV Sep-RV Delay: Group A (57.60 ±56.77) ms, Group B (6.36 ±61.88) ms, Group C ( -41.89 ±35.78) ms; LV-RV Delay:Group A (47.36 ±42.59) ms, Group B ( 3.08 ± 38.81 ) ms Group C ( - 26.50 ± 20.99 ) ms, F = 20. 32,25.38, both P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusion Both RVA and RVOT pacing increase the segmental phases detected by GBPS, causing inter- and intra- ventricular asynchrony compared with patients without pacemakers.

Electromagnetic Fields ; Magnetic Fields ; Microwaves ; adverse effects ; Television

Background TLR-4 is a natural immunity receptors in immunity,and it plays an important role in the repair of central nervous system damage.But its effect in glaucoma optic nerve injury is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the expression of TLR-4 in retina with high intraocular pressure(IOP)in genetic and Drotein level and therefore explore the mechanism of TLR-4 on retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)injury. Methods Chronic ocular hypertension models were established in the right eyes of 150 clean purebred Sprague-Dawley rats by cauterizing the 3 sallow sclera veins.IOP was measured before and after 2 h,1 day,3,7,14,28,56 days after operation by PEN Ⅱ TONO-type pen tonometer.The expression of TLR-4 protein in rat retina was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot,and expression of TLR-4 mRNA was assayed by real time-PCR.This experimental procedure foliowed the Statement of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Results The IOP was elevated in various time points after operation in experimental group,showing significant differences in comparison with control group(P<0.01).The immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of TLR-4 protein in rat retina with chronic hypertension in 2 h,1 day,3,7,14,28,56 days after operation with the high A298 values in comparison with control eyes(P<0.05-0.01).Increased levels of TLR-4 mRNA in rat retinas were detected by RTPCR in high IOP eyes compared with control eyes in all time points after operation,presenting statistically significant differences between two groups(P<0.05-0.01).Western blot detection displayed the high expression of TLR-4 in retina in high IOP eyes early after operation with statistically significant results between model group and control group (P<0.05-0. 01). Conclusion TLR-4 is up-regulated in rat retina with chronic high IOP,suggesting that TLR-4 plays an immunoregulatory effect in glaucomatous eye.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of the extensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation for the treatment of stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus.

METHODSFrom March 2007 to March 2010, 7 patients with stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus were treated. Among the patients, 3 patients were male and 4 patients were female with a mean age of 34.6 years (ranged, 18 to 49 years). The mean course of disease was 19 months (ranged, 6 to 35 months). All the patients were confirmed to suffer stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus by pathology and X-ray examinations. Clinical manifestations of the patients included persistence aggravated pain of the shoulder, swelling in the proximate arm with obviously tenderness, activity limited of the joint. All the patients were treated with extensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation. CMS and OSIS score system were used to evaluate shoulder function and shoulder stability.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 14 to 35 months, with an average of 17 months. There were no serious complications or recurrence in all cases. One year after the surgery CMS and OSIS score system were 70.7 scores (ranged,63 to 82 scores) and 25.1 scores (ranged, 18 to 29 scores) respectively. According to evaluation for shoulder function, 2 patients got an excellent result and 5 good. According to evaluation of shoulder stability, 1 patient got an excellent result and 6 good.

CONCLUSIONExtensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation for the treatment of stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus would not only preserve the upper extremity but also preserve the function of upper extremity.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone ; pathology ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Humans ; Humerus ; surgery ; Limb Salvage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of MK2 gene with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-Α) between different gender in Xinjiang Uygur population.

METHODSA total of 350 Uygur males and 595 females were recruited randomly from Hetian area. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (44890c/t, rs 45514798) in MK2 gene were selected and genotyped by Taqman-PCR in these subjects. All subjects underwent questionnaire-based survey, physical examination, measurement of lipid profiles and plasma TNF-Α determination.

RESULTSAmong the male subjects, the concentration of total cholesterol (TC) [TT vs. CT vs. CC: (4.35±1.20) mmol/L vs. (4.69±1.34) mmol/L vs. (4.83±1.44) mmol/L, P=0.033]and TNF-Α [TT vs.CT vs.CC: (106.63±62.39) ng/dL vs. (128.44±86.15) ng/dL vs. (153.06±82.99) ng/dL, P=0.001]were significantly different in 3 genotypes of 44890c/t. However, the LDL-C levels in TT, CT, and CC genotypes of 44890c/t were not different neither in males nor in females [males: (2.64±1.16) mmol/L vs. (2.81±1.28) mmol/L vs. (3.04±1.32) mmol/L, P>0.05; females: (2.42±1.11) mmol/L vs. (2.36±0.99) mmol/L vs. (2.43±1.05) mmol/L, P>0.05]. None of the allele and genotype frequencies of 44890c/tand rs 45514798 were different between high LDL-C group and control group. Linear regression analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI) (beta=0.089) and TNF-Α (beta=0.092) were significantly associated with LDL-C levels in males (P<0.05), while the age, BMI, and waist/hip ratio with LDL-C levels in females (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe nucleotide polymorphisms (44890c/t and rs 45514798) in MK2 gene may not be associated with LDL-C in both males and females in the Uygur population in Hetian, Xinjiang.

Adult ; Aged ; China ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minority Groups ; statistics & numerical data ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Derris eriocarpa, a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the family of Leguminosae, is widely distributed mainly over Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou of China. Modern pharmacological researches on this herb showed that it had extensive bioactivities, such as promoting urination, removing dampness and cough and reducing inspissated mucus and other biological activities. The extensive studies on the chemical constituents of this plant have resulted in the isolation of triterpenoids, steroids, fatty acid and others, but the flavone compounds haven't reported before. In our further research on the ethyl acetate of this plant, nine flavone compounds were obtained by column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, semi-prep HPLC, polyamide column chromatography and recrystallization for separation and purification. The structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including MS, NMR experiments and comparison with spectroscopic data in the literature, respectively, as diosmetin (1), 3, 3'-di-O-methylquercetin (2), afromosin (3), 6, 3'-dihydroxy-7, 4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (4), odoratin (5), 7, 3'-dihydroxy-8, 4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (6), 6, 4'-dihydroxy-7, 3'-dimethoxyisoflavone (7), 5, 7, 4'-trihydroxy-3, 3', 5'-trimethoxyflavone (8), and alpinumisoflavone (9). All these compounds were isolated from Derris eriocarpa How for the first time. And the in vitro assays showed that compound 2 possessed moderate inhibitory activity against human cancer cells K562 and HEL.
Derris ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; K562 Cells

OBJECTIVETo use a new kind of fixing material, i.e. Sol-Gel organic-inorganic hybridized material to immobilize bacterium to detect Biochemical oxygen demand quickly.

METHODSThe biosensor was fabricated using a thin film in which Hansenula anomala was immobilized by sol-gel and an oxygen electrode. The optimum measurement for biochemical oxygen demand was at pH 7.0; 28 degrees C; response time 3 - 12 min. Pure organic compound, sewage and rate of recovery were detected with the biosensor.

RESULTSIt shows that the BOD biosensor can be used to detect many organic compounds such as amino acid, glucide. It is suitable to monitor sewage and industrial waste water which has low level alcohols and phenols. The microbial membrane can work 3 months and remain its 70% activity. It is measured that the rate of recovery of BOD is between 90% to 105% in sewage.

CONCLUSIONThe study confirmed the effectiveness and usefulness of BOD sensor, which is quick, convenient, low cost and reliable with little interference.

Bacteria ; Biosensing Techniques ; instrumentation ; Cells, Immobilized ; Gels ; Membranes, Artificial ; Nylons ; Oxygen ; analysis ; Sewage ; analysis ; microbiology

OBJECTIVERett syndrome (RTT, MIM 312750) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that affects females almost exclusively, caused by mutations in MECP2 gene on chromosome Xq28, with symptoms such as autism, severe mental deficiency, deceleration of head growth, ataxia, loss of purposeful hand function and characteristic stereotypic hand movements. Over 80% MECP2 mutations located in the exon 3 and exon 4 were confirmed by our work and large-scale studies. RTT is defined based on clinical presentation. It is difficult to diagnose in the early life without definite biochemical abnormality, but genetic test is helpful for this. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of applying long range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to RTT diagnosis and establish a simple, economic, efficient method of genetic diagnosis.

METHODGenomic DNA was extracted using standard procedures from the peripheral blood leukocytes of each patient. Long range polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and DNA direct sequencing were employed to analyze the exon 3 and 4 of MECP2 gene simultaneity in 40 patients with RTT. The PCR products were checked by using 1.5% agarose gel.

RESULTIn total, 18 different MECP2 mutations were identified in 33 of the 40 diagnosed sporadic female patients with RTT. Missense mutations were 16, followed by 14 nonsense mutations and 3 deletions. The 314 base pairs large deletion was identified. The p. T158M mutation (21%, 7/33) was the most common, followed in order of frequency by p. R255X (12%, 4/33), p. R168X and p. R106W (9%, 3/33) respectively, p. R270X and p. Y141X (6%, 2/33) respectively, p. R133C, p. D156H, p. P157L, p. P225R, p. Q244X, p. Q262X, p. R294X, p. R306C, P322L, c. 1005del G, c.1005-1318del 314 bp and c.1127-1179del 53 bp (3%, 1/33), respectively.

CONCLUSIONLong range PCR is a simple, economic, quick, precise method of genetic diagnosis and was able to find 83% MECP2 gene mutations in RTT patients in this study. It is helpful for RTT clinical diagnosis in early stage. On the other hand, it may detect recurrent mutations and large deletions at the same time.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA ; analysis ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Rett Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of Fas mRNA and protein expression and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODSNorthern blot and flow cytometry (TUNEL method) were used to detect the expression of Fas mRNA and Fas protein, cell cycle and apoptotic level in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The relationship between Fas gene expression and OSCC apoptosis was analyzed statistically.

RESULTSFas mRNA and protein could be detected in all five normal oral mucosa specimens. There was positive correlation between expression of Fas mRNA/protein and cell differentiation as well as apoptosis in OSCC (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of Fas gene was highly correlated with the differentiation and apoptosis in OSCC.

Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; Humans ; Mouth Neoplasms ; metabolism ; fas Receptor ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of fas gene transfection and monoclonal anti-fas antibody on tumorigenicity and proliferation of transplanted tumor of Tca8113 cell.

METHODSPlasmid including fas gene was transfected into Tca8113 cell by lipofectamine kit. Some transfected cells were treated by monoclonal anti-fas antibody after 48 hours since transfection. Untransfected cell (control), fas-tansfected cell and fas-transfected cell treated with antibody were transplanted to nude mice subcutaneously. Growth of transplanted tumor was observed and recorded regularly. Animals were sacrificed and tumor samples were harvested at the end of experiment. Fas expression in each neoplasm was assessed by RT-PCR. Apoptosis, proliferation and expression of fas protein in tumor tissue were measured by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTSTumor occurred much later in fas-transfected group and fas-transfected plus antibody treated group. Growth arrest was found in them. RT-PCR and FCM suggested that fas-transfection up-regulated the expression of fas mRNA and protein, increased apoptosis index (AI). But no effect on proliferation index (PI) was observed. Monoclonal anti-fas antibody did not effect the expression of fas mRNA and protein, but increased AI and decreased PI.

CONCLUSIONFas-transfection suppressing tumorigenesis of Tca8113 cell transplanted in nude mice might be caused by up-regulation of expression of fas gene and enhancement of apoptosis. However, anti-fas antibody suppressing tumorigenesis might be associated with activation of apoptosis and repression of proliferation.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Fas Ligand Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mouth Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection