Objective To investigate the association between resting heart rate(RHR)and dyslipidemia. Methods A total of 772 subjects(average age:40. 1 ± 11.8 years;male:74. 7%)were recruited by random sampling method from medical checkup population. The survey data included resting heart rate,blood lipid and other metabolic parameters. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the RHR,as RHR ＜ 70 bpm,70 bpm ≤ RHR ＜ 80 bpm,RHR ≥ 80 bpm groups. Results RHR were positively correlated with triglyceides (TG),as well as total cholesterol(TC)(r = 0. 316 and r = 0. 110 respectively,all P value ＜ 0. 05). Low RHR had no significant correlation with HDL-C or LDL-C. The prevalences of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia increased significantly with RHR elevation(χ2 = 7. 214 and 5. 285 respectively,all P value ＜ 0. 05). By logistic regression analysis,adjusted for BMI,gender,serum creatinine,serum uric acid,fasting blood glucose and age,we found that compared with RHR ＜ 70 bpm group,the odds ratio(OR)values for hypertriglyceridemia was 1. 540 (95%CI:1. 086-2. 185,P=0. 016)in 70 bpm≤RHR ＜80 bpm group and 1.640(95% CI:1.067 -2.523,P =0. 024)in 80 bpm ≤ RHR group,and the OR values for hypercholesterolemia was 1.197(95 % CI: 0.749 - 1.913,P=0.453)in70 bpm≤RHR ＜80 bpm group and 1.814(95% CI:1. 036-3. 177,P =0.037)in 80 bpm≤RHR group. Conclusions RHR is independently and positively correlated with the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia and the blood levels of both lipid. RHR has no significant correlation with HDL-C or LDL-C level.

Relapse, which puzzled several generations of hematologists, is the bottle-neck of radical treatment for leukemias. The progress of Human Microbiome Project at the beginning of 21st century suggested that human body was a super-organism constituted by the core of human cells and symbiotic microorganisms. The elucidation and characterization of endogenous retrovirus and prion protein suggested the possible effects of co-evolutional microorganisms on human health. Recently, the elucidation of the roles of tunneling nanotubes in intercellular communication and transportation suggested a novel way for cellular communication and transport of oncogenic materials. The role and significance of in vivo cell fusion have been studied in more detail. On the other hand, donor cell leukemia was reported. All of these approaches provide novel insights for studying the mechanism of leukemia relapse. Based on previous work, the authors suggest the hypothesis: there are two possible mechanisms for the relapse of leukemias: the minimal residual disease (MRD) and intercellular transportation of oncogenic materials.
Cell Fusion ; Humans ; Leukemia ; pathology ; Neoplasm, Residual ; pathology ; Recurrence

Objective To investigate the relationship of stress hyperglycemia,cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with short-term prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.Methods 242 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were divided into two groups according to age:the elderly group (n=182),and the non elderly group (n=60).The clinical data including cystatin C (Cys C),eGFR and stress hyperglycemia levels were collected.The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were observed during hospitalization and 30 days after discharge.Results The incidences of stress hyperglycemia,the levels of creatinine,Cys C and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP),as well as the total MACE were higher and eGFR was lower in elderly group than in non-elderly group (all P＜0.05).Cys C level was positively correlated with age,body mass index and levels of creatinine and BNP (all P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with fasting glucose and eGFR in elderly group (both P＜0.05).The eGFR was positively correlated with body mass index (P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with age,creatinine and BNP levels in elderly group (all P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that stress hyperglycemia [OR=1.871,95％CI:1.071-3.269,P=0.03],Cys C [OR=7.093,95％CI:2.261-22.249,P=0.00] were the independent risk factors for MACE.Conclusions Cys C level and eGFR can predict the early renal dysfunction and its prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.The incidence of stress hyperglycemia is higher in the elderly,and stress hyperglycemia and Cys C level are the independent risk factors for MACE.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of shengxuening (SXN) in treating iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and to explore its molecular mechanism on iron metabolism balance regulation.

METHODSPatients with IDA were randomly divided into the treated group and the control group, 50 in each group. They were treated with SXN (0.1 g, three times per day) and ferrous gluconate (0.1 g, three times per day) respectively, for 30 days. Levels of serum iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS), serum ferritin (SF), transferrin (Tf), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and blood routine test, as well as scoring of TCM qi-blood deficiency Syndrome were conducted before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe total effective rate in the treated group reached 92%, it was shown that SXN could improve the iron metabolism, increase levels of Fe, TS, SF and reduce levels of TIBC, Tf, sTfR, it has obvious effect in promoting erythrocyte generation and could promote formation of leucocytes and platelets. The total effective rate in the control group was 32%, which was significantly lower than that in the treated group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe effect of SXN in treating IDA and qi-blood deficiency Syndrome is evident, it could improve the iron metabolism, increase levels of Fe, TS, SF and lower levels of TIBC, Tf, sTfR.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; blood ; drug therapy ; Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Ferritins ; blood ; Humans ; Iron ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Receptors, Transferrin ; blood

Objective To clone cDNA encoding troponin T of Schistosoma japonicum(SjTnT),and evaluate the protective efficacy induced by recombinant SjTnT in BALB/c mice against S. japonicum challenge infection. Methods The SjTnT gene was amplified from 28-day-schistosome cDNAs by PCR and then subcloned into pET28a(+). The recombinant SjTnT protein (rSjTnT)was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)cells. The serum specific to rSjTnT was prepared by immunized BALB/c mice with the recombinant antigen,and the immunogenicity of rSjTnT was detected by Western blotting and ELISA. The immuno-protective efficacy induced by rSjTnT in BALB/c mice was evaluated according to the reduction in worm and egg counts. Results The cDNA encoding SjTnT was successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli. Western blotting showed that rSjTnT had a good immunogenicity. The high level of specific IgG antibodies was detected,and 33.89% worm reduction and 43.94% liver egg reduction were obtained in mice vaccinated with rSjTnT combined with Seppic 206 adjuvant compared with those in the adjuvant control group. Conclusions rSjTnT could induce partial immuno-protection against S. japonicum infec-tion in BALB/c mice. This study provided a basic for understanding the biological function of SjTnT.

Objective To discuss the semilateral supine position for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2008, 36 patients (20 males and 16 females with mean age of 43 years) underwent retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in 60° -70° semilateral supine position. There were adrenal cortex adenomas in 18 cases, pheochromocytoma in 6 cases, adrenal cysts in 3 cases, myelolipoma in 2 cases, gangliocytoma in 1 case, lymphangioma in 1 case, metastatic tumor in 1 case and corticohyporplasia in 4 cases. The mean diameter of the tumors was 2.6 cm( 0.5 - 7.7 cm ). The tumors were superior to the renal pole in 5 cases, anteromedial in 10 cases and superomedial in 17 cases. The three ports that were usually used in lateral position and were placed anteriorly to create retroperitoneal place: the first port was placed 2 -4 cm superior to the iliac crest along the anterior axillary line, the other two were placed just below the costal margin along the midaxillary line and at the same level along the midclavicular line, and dissected along the anterior surface of kidney to its superomedial aspect, so as to avoid the hampering of the kidney in the exposing of the diseased adrenal gland. Results The procedure was completed successfully in all of the cases with the operating time of 37 - 145 min ( mean 69 min) and intraoperative blood loss of 30 - 100 ml (mean 48 ml). Six cases had rupture of peritoneum, which were sutured and the procedure was continued to completion. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 -8 d (mean 5 d ). Thirty-five patients were available for follow-up of 3 - 28 months ( mean 14 months). The case of metastatic tumor died of the primary diseases in the 12th month postoperatively. No other complication was found. Conclusion With this alternative position and ports' location, the procedure of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy could be easier and safer than the conventional position.

OBJECTIVETo assess the reliability and validity of Chinese version of the Abbreviated Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS-A).

METHODSBSHS-A was translated into Chinese and revised. Eighty-two former burn patients discharged from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College, and now in rehabilitation stage, were surveyed with the Chinese version of BSHS-A according to the simple random sampling. The psychometric properties of the scale, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity and discriminant validity, were analyzed.

RESULTSOne hundred and sixty-seven scales were sent to 82 participants and all of them were completed and returned. The rate of eligible questionnaire was 98.2% after eliminating 3 ineligible questionnaires. The Crobach's alpha coefficient of total score of questionnaire was 0.97, and in all domains and sub-domains ranged from 0.83 to 0.96. The test-retest coefficients from 20 participants retested within one week were between 0.74 and 0.98 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Forty-eight participants surveyed within 6 months after burn were divided into mild/moderate burn group and severe burn group. The total scores of questionnaire, scores in all domains and sub-domains of patients in the latter group were lower than those in the former group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe Chinese version of BSHS-A shows satisfactory reliability and validity, and it can be used to investigate quality of life of Chinese burn patients in rehabilitation stage.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Burns ; rehabilitation ; Female ; Humans ; Injury Severity Score ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of glypican-3 (GPC3) mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and peripheral blood cells (PBCs), and to determine the values of GPC3 mRNA in the diagnosis of HCC and HCC micrometastasis.

METHODSUsing semi-quantitative and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR), we detected the expressions of AFP and GPC3 genes in the tissues of 41 HCC, 41 paracancer and 52 non-HCC liver samples (41 far from HCC tissues and 11 normal liver tissues), and in the PBCs of 67 specimens from subjects.

RESULTSThe semi-quantitative RT-PCR displayed GPC3 mRNA was expressed in all samples of tissues and PBCs, and the relative intensities of its expressions in HCC, paracancer, non-HCC liver tissues were 78.9 +/- 35.5, 30.6 +/- 21.6, 23.8 +/- 15.5 respectively. The AFP mRNA expression values were 61.2 +/- 32.6, 31.5 +/- 23.6, and 21.2 +/- 15.9 respectively. The expression of each gene in HCC differed significantly from those in other two kinds of tissue samples (P < 0.01). The expressions of GPC3 mRNA and AFP mRNA, accounting for 80.5% and 63.4% in all the HCC tissues, were higher than their respective peak values in the tissues of non-HCC liver (+1.96s), but the expressions of at least one of the two genes was elevated in 92.7% of all the HCC tissues. There was a significant difference between combined detection of two genes and single AFP mRNA detection in HCC tissues (P < 0.01). Clinicopathologically, AFP mRNA was related with the grade of HCC and serum AFP, while GPC3 mRNA was related with not only the grade of HCC but also the invasion of HCC. The relative intensities of GPC3 mRNA expressions in PBCs of 67 specimens was 15.9 +/- 9.0, and GPC3 mRNA expressed in three kinds of tissue samples were all stronger than its counterparts in PBCs (P < 0.01). The GPC3 mRNA expression values in PBCs of the HCC group and the non-HCC group were respectively 16.1 +/- 8.3, 15.6 +/- 10.2, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Of the HCC metastasis group and the HCC non-metastasis group, the respective GPC3 mRNA expression values in PBCs were 16.0 +/- 9.0 and 16.3 +/- 7.7, there was also no significant difference between the two groups. The nested RT-PCR showed that the positive rates of AFP mRNA expressions in PBCs from the HCC group and the non-HCC group were 56.1% and 23.1%, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.011). The positive rates of AFP mRNA expressions in PBCs from the HCC metastasis group and the HCC non-metastasis group were 80.9% and 30.0%, and there was also a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONSAlthough GPC3 mRNA is expressed broadly, it still may serve as a potential tissue biomarker in the diagnosis of HCC. Detecting the expression of the two genes in the tissues will improve the screening and diagnosis of HCC. GPC3 is prevalently transcribed in the PBCs, but we have not found any relationship between the GPC3 expression in PBCs and the metastasis or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, thus we can not identify HCC micrometastasis with GPC3 mRNA.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Glypicans ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between the stage of hepatic fibrosis and ultrasonographic findings of the liver, spleen and gallbladder and establish a sensitive ultrasonographic semi-quantitative scoring system for screening compensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODSTotalling 248 patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection underwent liver biopsy and ultrasonic examination. The images of the liver surface, parenchymal echo, intrahepatic vessels, gallbladder, spleen and diameter of portal vein were analyzed.

RESULTSThe stages of hepatic fibrosis were not correlated to ultrasonographic findings of the liver surface or diameter of portal vein, but hepatic fibrosis of different stages showed significant differences in parenchymal echo, intrahepatic vessels, gallbladder and splenomegaly. In cases with normal liver parenchymal, intrahepatic vessels, gallbladder and spleen, the negative predictive value of the ultrasonographic semi-quantitative scoring system for diagnosing compensated liver cirrhosis amounted to 96.3%. The sensitivity of a score not lower than 5 was 90% for detecting compensated cirrhosis. With a score not lower than 7, the diagnostic accuracy and specificity was 85.9% and 95.2%, respectively, but the sensitivity was lowered to 37.5%.

CONCLUSIONThe ultrasonic images of the liver parenchyma, intrahepatic vessels, gallbladder and spleen in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis vary significantly in patients with hepatic fibrosis of different stages, and this ultrasonographic scoring system allows for a sensitive diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis.

Female ; Fibrosis ; Gallbladder ; diagnostic imaging ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; Hepatitis C ; complications ; Humans ; Liver ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; virology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; Male ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spleen ; diagnostic imaging ; Splenomegaly ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of exendin-4 on vascular endothelial cells and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODSHuman umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in the presence of high glucose and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 10 ng/ml) with or without exendin-4. The level of nitric oxide (NO) in the cell culture supernatant was measured using a nitrate reductase method. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA was measured by real-time PCR, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 translocation was detected using immunofluorescence assay. Western blotting was employed to measure the expression of p38 MAPK protein in the treated cells.

RESULTSIn the presence of high glucose and TNF-α, treatment of cells with exendin-4 did not obviously affect the cellular synthesis of NO, but significantly down-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA (P<0.01). The nuclear fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 and the expression level of p38 MAPK protein in the cells were significantly lowered by exendin-4 treatment (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONExendin-4 ameliorates high glucose- and TNF-α-induced HUVEC-12 cell damage by inhibiting the expression of p38 MAPK protein and translocation of NF-κB p65.

Cell Line ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Glucose ; adverse effects ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; adverse effects ; Venoms ; pharmacology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism