BACKGROUND: Paraquat (PQ) is an effective herbicide and is widely used in agricultural production, but PQ poisoning is frequently seen in humans with the lung as the target organ. Currently, there are many studies on lung injury after PQ poisoning. But the kidney as the main excretory organ after PQ poisoning is rarely studied and the mechanisms of this poisoning is not very clear. In this study, we observed the expression of caspase-3 and livin protein in rat renal tissue after PQ poisoning as well as the therapeutic effects of ulinastatin. METHODS: Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups: control group (group A), paraquat poisoning group (group B) and ulinastatin group (group C), with 18 rats in each group. Rats in group B and group C were administered intragastrically with 80 mg/kg PQ, rats in group C were injected peritoneally with 100000 U/kg ulinastatin once a day, while rats in group A were administered intragastrically with the same volume of saline as PQ. At 24, 48, 72 hours after poisoning, the expression of livin in renal tissue was detected by Westen blotting, the expression of caspase-3 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the rate of renal cell apoptosis was tested by TUNEL detection. The histopathological changes were observed at the same time. RESULTS: Compared to group A, the expression of caspase-3 in the renal tissue of rats in groups B and C increased significantly at any time point. Compared with group B, the expression of caspase-3 in renal tissue of rats in group C decreased. Compared with group A, the expression of livin in renal tissue in rats of groups B and C increased significantly at any time point (P<0.01), especially in group C (P<0.01). TUNEL method showed that the rate of renal cell apoptosis index was higher in group B at corresponding time points than in group A (P<0.01), and was lower in group C at corresponding time points than in group B (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: UTI has a protective effect on the renal tissue of rats after paraquat poisoning through up-regulating the expression of livin and down-regulating the expression of caspase-3, but the regulation path still needs a further research.

A white-rot fungi Rigidoporus sp.W-1 which could produce laccase was isolated. The fermentation conditions in shaking flasks were investigated. The optimal carbon source was wheat bran and (NH 4) 2SO 4 was the optimal nitrogen source. The components of the medium were optimized by orthogonal experiment. When W-1 was cultured under the optimum conditions, the activity of laccase could get to 7.1U/mL in 7 days.A great amount of crude laccase could be obtained by adding fresh medium to the 7 days old mycelium.

Objective To elucidate the immunologic mechanism and clinical effect of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with dendritic cell and cytokine induced killer cell (DC-CIK) immunotherapy on patients with pancreatic cancer.Methods Seventy-two pancreatic cancer patients were divided randomly into 2 equal groups,one treated with HIFU only the other treated with HIFU and DC-CIK immunotherapy.Ultrasound imaging and a variety of immunological indexes were recorded before and after treatment and the clinical effects in the two groups were compared.Moreover,autogenous tumor cells were isolated from the combination therapy group and the killing activity of DC-CIK which loaded tumor antigen processed by HIFU on autogenous tumor cells was observed.Results Tumor antigen processed by HIFU can improve the killing activity of DC-CIK on autogenous tumor cells.After treatment,the immunological indexes,of all patients were better than before treatment.(58.26 ± 17.97 versus 52.15 ± 14.22 pg/ml with IL-12 22.14 ± 6.39 versus 17.36 ± 5.73 ng/ml with HSP70 and 0.94 ± O.34 versus 1.32 ± O.61 ng/ml with TGF-β,P ＜ 0.05 ) ; The combination group was significantly better than the HIFU group with regard to the average scores of quality of life (75.89 ± 19.65 versus 67.22 ± 16.34,P＜0.05),pain (3.15 ±0.82 versus 3.59 ± 1.04,P ＜0.05),tumor markers (107.55 ±27.58 versus 123.63 ±34.12 U/ml) and survival time (18.92±6.47 versus 13.36 ±5.78 mos).Conclusion HIFU can improve the immunologic status and anti-tumor response in patients with pancreatic cancer.HIFU combined with DC-CIK has good synergistic therapeutic effect for treating pancreatic cancer.

Objective To compare the surgical outcome and long-term follow-up after mitral valve replacement through either minimally invasive(MI) or traditional median stemotomy(ST) surgery.Methods All 1 096 patients who received either MI or ST mitral valve replacement surgery,between January 1,2012 and July 30,2015 were analyzed for outcome differences due to surgical approach using propensity score matching(MI group n =405,ST group n =691).Find out the best matched with the 202 cases of the two groups.The clinical data of patients were collected including operativedata,postoperativecomplications,and follow-up.Results MI Group was longer in CPB time [(145.97 ±34.65)min vs.(92.24 ±25.58)min,(P ＜ 0.001)],aortic clamping time [(93.89 ± 25.25) min vs.(56.42 ± 18.09) min,(P ＜ 0.001)],and operating time[(237.49 ± 47.48) min vs.(217.31 ± 55.95) min,(P ＜ 0.001)].The MI group was associated with more less in transfusion(24.26％ vs 33.66％ P=0.037),mechanical ventilation[(15.29 ±11.45)h vs.(21.34 ±40.36)h,(P=0.041)],ICU stay[(44.12 ±39.51)h vs.(61.15 ± 106.01) h,(P =0.033)],volume of thoracic drainag[(404.11 ±485.84)ml vs.(674.82 ±585.37)ml,(P＜0.001)],postoperative drainage time[(2.59 ±1.75)d vs.(4.25 ±1.91)d,(P ＜0.001)],hospital stay [(5.64 ± 3.07) d vs.(1 1.44 ± 6.71) d,(P ＜ 0.001)].There were no significant difference in the complications of follow-up(P ＞ 0.05).SF-36 score had no significant difference either(P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The minimally invasive thoracoseopic has longer in CBP time and cross-clamp time,;but it didnot increase the risk of mortality and complications.What's more,havingless trauma,fewer transfusions,lcss wound infection,faster rccovcry,and high satisfaction with the incision in long-term follow up and other advantages.Minimally invasive thoracoscopic cardiac surgery is safe,effective and feasible.

Diastole ; physiology ; Exercise ; physiology ; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Systole ; physiology ; Young Adult

Objective To analyze the viral genetic characteristics of hantaviruses carried by Microtus maximowixzii in Yakeshi of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and its relationship with Hantaan virus (HTNV) and Seoul virus (SEOV) viruses as well as to identify the natural host of Khabarovsk virus (KHAV).Methods HV specific RNAs were detected by RT-PCR.Complete S and M segment were amplified from the RNA-positive samples.Phylogenetic analysis were performed to estimate the genetic characterization and the relationship with other hantaviruses.Results Fifty two Microtus maximowixzii voles were captured in Yakeshi areas.Of those voles,hanta-viral RNA was tested positive in 5 samples (9.62％).Complete S and M segments sequences were obtained from 5 and 2 lung samples,respectively.The complete S segment was consisted of 1848 to 1861 bp,and the M segment consisted of 3662 bp.These viruses were closely related to each other with 92.5％-96.4％ for the S segment sequences and 88.9％-95.4％ for the M segment sequences.They shared a higher identity with KHAV found previously in Yakeshi and KHAV of Russia.However,they were obviously different from the other hantavirus species.The 5 strains had the consistent secondary structure of nucleocapsid protein (NP) and glycoprotein (GP).When further comparing their secondary structures with those of HTNV and SEOV,our results indicated that there were no obvious differences in NP between KHAV and both HNTV,SEOV but with obvious difference in GP.Based on the S and M segment sequences,phylogenetic analyses revealed that these 5 strains clustered together with KHAV and formed a distinct lineage.Furthermore,all known KHAV strains could be divided into two small branches with a nucleotide divergence more than 5.3％.Conclusion Our research data revealed that KHAV was highly endemic among Microtus maximowixzii in Yakeshi area which supported the notion that Microtus maximowixzii had been the natural host of KHAV in the area.

Objective To explore errors and their causes in setting up the retroperitoneal cavity for peritoneoscopy. Methods The clinical data of 450 patients who were performed the laparoscopic surgery in our hospital from May 2009 to December 2016 were collected. According to the trocar puncture points, patients were divided into lumbar group (n=193) and iliac flap group (n=276). The problems were summarized and analyzed in the process of setting up the retroperitoneal cavity. Results The mistakes existed in setting up the retroperitoneal cavity including peritoneum rupture (10 cases), error in balloon expansion clearance (5 cases), homemade balloon rupture and fall off (7 cases), poor position of puncture port (34 cases), bleeding of puncture channel (6 cases), leaking around the trocar and subcutaneous emphysema. After peritoneal patching, re-establishment of the expansion of the gap, adjusting the trocar position and other appropriate measures for treatment, the operations were successfully in 450 patients. Conclusion We should choose the appropriate method for building cavity according to different conditions of patients, and know well the anatomy of the peritoneal cavity. All details should be emphasized in the process of building cavity to reduce the occurrence of errors.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between infection burden and coronary atherosclerosis and the plaque feature.

METHODSOne hundred and eighty two patients underwent coronary angiography in Zhongshan Hospital from 2002 - 2003. Atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque were determined by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Seropositivity of cytomegalovirus, helicobacter pylori, chlamydia pneumonia, hepatitis B virus, EB virus, CoxB virus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus and mycobacterium tuberculosis were determined by ELISA. The serum hs-CRP was detected by Dade Behring prospect (Immuno-nehelomitery). Patients were divided into three groups according to the pathogen burden: group A, n or= 6.

RESULTSThe pathogen burden was independent of the C-reactive protein level. Increasing pathogen burden was significantly associated with increasing atherosclerosis risk, the prevalence of atherosclerosis was 44.4%, 70.6% and 76.7% in group A, B and C. The risk associated with elevated pathogen burden was much higher when CRP was also elevated (> 5.0 mg/L) (43.8%, 70.0%, 70.8%) vs (45.5%, 63.7%, 96.8%). The positively of vulnerable plaque increased significantly when the pathogen burden was high (n > 5) (33.3%, 32.4% and 51.7% P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOur data suggested that infection burden was associated with prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, and it was particularly important when C-reactive protein was elevated. The high level infection burden could predict vulnerable plaque.

Aged ; Atherosclerosis ; microbiology ; pathology ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Chlamydophila pneumoniae ; Cytomegalovirus ; Female ; Helicobacter pylori ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Influenza B virus ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Viral Load

Using the electron spin resonance (ESR) and probe technique, the species of reactive oxygen free radicals and the oxygen consumption were observed in the metabolic process of oxygen of leukocytes from leukemia patients and healthy persons. Results showed that weak ESR spectrum of hydroxyl radical ((*)OH) signal was detected in the leukemia patient's leukocytes, there was no significant difference in oxygen consumption with or without PMA stimulation; superoxide anion (O(2)) in normal leukocytes was detected, and oxygen consumption increased markedly compared to the normal respiration without PMA stimulation (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in oxygen consumption between leukemic and normal leukocytes without PMA stimulation; however, it was higher in normal leukocyte than in leukemic leukoeytes after PMA stimulation (P < 0.001). These observations suggest that dysfunction of respiratory burst is existed in leukemic leukocytes, and their oxygen consumption is markedly lower than that of normal leukocytes.

BACKGROUNDAngiogenesis occurs commonly in various physiological and pathological processes. Improving blood supply through promoting angiogenesis is a novel approach for treating ischemic diseases. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) dominate the management of hypertension, but evidence of their role in angiogenesis is contradictory. Here we explored the angiogenic effects of ARBs through characterizing gene expression of the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926 exposed to irbesartan.

METHODSThe human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was grown for 72 hours after treatment with different concentrations of irbesartan. The cell proliferative capacity was assessed by CCK8 assay at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Gene expression levels in EA.hy926 cells responding to irbesartan were measured under optimal proliferation conditions by microarray analysis using Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0. The differential expression of genes involved in angiogenesis was identified through cluster analysis of the resulting microarray data. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were used to validate differential gene expression related to the angiogenesis process.

RESULTSIn the 10(-4), 10(-5), 10(-6) mol/L treatment groups, cell proliferation studies revealed significantly increased proliferation in EA.hy926 cells after 24 hours of irbesartan treatment. However, after 48 and 72 hours of treatment with different concentrations of irbesartan, there was no significant difference in cell proliferation observed in any treatment group. We selected the group stimulated with irbersartan at a concentration of 10(-6) mol/L for microarray experiments. Statistical analysis of the microarray data resulted in the identification of 56 gene transcripts whose expression patterns were significantly correlated, negatively or positively, with irbesartan treatment. Cluster analysis showed that these genes were involved in angiogenesis, extracellular stimulus, binding reactions and skeletal system morphogenesis. Of these 56 genes we identified seven genes (VEGF, KDR, PTGS2, PLXND1, ROBO4, LMO2, and COL5A1) involved in the angiogenesis process. qRT-PCR analysis of these genes confirmed the microarray results. Protein expression of three VEGF pathway genes (VEGF, KDR, and PTGS2) was further confirmed by Western blotting.

CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that irbesartan may induce angiogenic effects in vascular endothelial cells. It suggested that the mechanism of angiogenic effects of ARBs might be attributed to the signaling cascade from angiotensin receptors in the VEGF pathway. It also provided evidence indicating that ARBs could be used as a novel therapeutic approach to treat chronic ischemic heart disease as well as anti-hypertensive agents.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Biphenyl Compounds ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Myocardial Ischemia ; drug therapy ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use