Objective To investigate the expression and variation of MIP 1β,MIP-2,and IL-12p70 in mice with bloodstream infection caused by 4 kinds of bacteria.Methods CD-1 (ICR) mouse models of bloodstream infection with Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus),Enterococcus f aecalis (E.f aecalis),Escherichia coli (E.coli),and K lebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) were established.After mice in each trial group and PBS control group were infected by bacteria for 0.5h,1h,3h,6h,12h,24h,and 48h,concentrations of MIP-1β,MIP-2,and IL-12p70 were detected by Luminex liquid suspension chip system.Results Concentrations of MIP-1β increased significantly 1h after bacteria was in blood,S.aureus,E.faecalis,E.coli,K.pneumoniae,and control groups were (134.5 ± 18.3),(61.5 ± 15.4),(3 354.0 ±809.0),(6 888.4 ± 1 100.2),and (28.9 ± 4.6) pg/mL respectively;the peak values of IL-12p70 were (389.3 ± 118.1),(127.6 ± 10.0),(42.2 ± 3.5),(62.8 ± 8.4),and (4.8 ± 0.3) pg/mL respectively.Concentrations of MIP-1β and MIP-2 in E.coli and K.pneumoniae groups were significantly higher than other trial groups and control group (all P＜0.01),while concentrations of IL-12p70 in S.aureus and E.faecalis groups were both significantly higher than E.coli,K.pneumoniae,and control groups (all P＜0.01).Conclusion Concentrations of MIP-1β and MIP-2 in E.coli and K.pneumoniae groups were both significantly higher than those in S.aureus and E.faecalis groups,while concentrations of IL-12p70 in S.aureus and E.faecalis groups were both significantly higher than those in E.coli and K.pneumoniae groups.The combination detection of multiple cytokines or chemokines are valuable in predicting gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial infection,and can provide basis for treatment of early infection.

BACKGROUNDNon-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke; however, the appropriate intensity of anticoagulation therapy for Chinese patients has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and the efficacy of standard-intensity warfarin therapy, low-intensity warfarin therapy, and aspirin therapy for the prevention of ischemic events in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODSA total of 786 patients from 75 Chinese hospitals were enrolled in this study and randomized into three therapy groups: standard-intensity warfarin (international normalized ratio (INR) 2.1 to 2.5) group, low-intensity warfarin (INR 1.6 to 2.0) group and aspirin (200 mg per day) group. All patients were evaluated by physicians at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months after randomization to obtain a patient questionnaire, physical examination and related laboratory tests.

RESULTSThe annual event rates of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or systemic thromboembolism were 2.6%, 3.1% and 6.9% in the standard-intensity warfarin, low-intensity warfarin and aspirin groups, respectively (P = 0.027). Thromboembolic event rates in both warfarin groups were significantly lower than that in the aspirin group (P = 0.018, P = 0.044), and there was no significant difference between the two warfarin groups. Severe hemorrhagic events occurred in 15 patients, 7 (2.6%) in the standard-intensity warfarin group, 7 (2.4%) in the low-intensity warfarin group and 1 (0.4%) in the aspirin group. The severe hemorrhagic event rates in the warfarin groups were higher than that in the aspirin group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.101). The mild hemorrhagic and total hemorrhagic event rates in the warfarin groups (whether in the standard-intensity warfarin group or low-intensity warfarin group) were much higher than that in the aspirin group with the annual event rates of total hemorrhages of 10.2%, 7.6% and 2.2%, respectively, in the 3 groups (P = 0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in all cause mortality among the three study groups.

CONCLUSIONIn Chinese patients with NVAF, the warfarin therapy (INR 1.6 - 2.5) for the prevention of thromboembolic events was superior to aspirin.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Aspirin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Atrial Fibrillation ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Warfarin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use

Adenocarcinoma ; genetics ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Base Sequence ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sequence Deletion ; Smoking ; genetics

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of losartan on atheroscleorsis and T cell (Treg/Th17) immune balance of CKD apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.Methods The model of CKD was induced by a 5/6 nephrectomy (SNx) in male ApoE-/-mice.ApoE-/-mice were randomly allocated into 3 subgroups:the control group,SNx group and losartan group.The fifth week after building model the mice in losartan group were taken losartan at a dose of 30 mg/(kg · d) by intragastric administration for 12 weeks.While the other mice were treated with the same volume of 0.5％ sodium carboxymethylcellulose.Sixteen weeks after nephrectomy,the serum levels of urea and creatinine were determined.Haematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the general morphology changes of atherosclerotic plaque.Flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportion of T cells (Treg/Th17) in spleen.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the level of cytokines in serum such as interleukin (IL)-17,IL-6,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and IL-10.Results Sixteen weeks after nephrectomy,the result of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen showed the CKD animal model established successfully.Losartan could improved the renal function of CKD mice.The size of aortic root plaques in control group,SNx group,and losartan group are (16.35 ± 3.72) × 104 μm2,(28.64 ± 5.86) × 104 μm2 and (22.76 ± 3.97) × 104 μ m2 respectively,indicating that losartan treatment significantly decreased the size of aortic root plaques of the CKD mice (P ＜ 0.05).The proportion of Treg cells in the spleen of control group,SNx group,and losartan group are (4.34 ± 0.93) ％,(1.78 ± 0.56) ％,and (2.68 ± 0.58)％ respectively,indicating that losartan treatment significantly increased the proportion of Treg cells of CKD mice (P ＜ 0.01).The proportion of Th17 cells in the spleen of control group,SNx group,and losartan group are (0.11 ± 0.06) ％,(0.67 ± 0.12) ％,(0.37 ± 0.08) ％ respectively,indicating that losartan treatment significantly decreased the proportion of Th17 cells of CKD mice (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with control mice,the level of cytokines TGF-β1 and IL-10 in the serum of the SNx group mice significantly decreased (P ＜0.01),and the level of cytokines IL-17 and IL-6 in the serum of the SNx group mice significantly increased (P ＜0.01),indicating that such effects could be significantly regulated by losartan (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Losartan inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cell subsets,promoted the differentiation of Treg,and alleviated atherosclerosis in CKD ApoE-/-mice by modulating the immune imbalance of the Treg/Th17 cell.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the clinical manifestation and treatment of malignant tumors of the external and middle ear. METHOD: The study reviewed 39 patients between 1994-2011 in our hospital, including 15 pinna tumors, 18 external canal tumors and 6 middle ear tumors. 23 males and 16 females were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 59. Radiotherapy or radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the only possible treatment in 6 cases. Thirty-three patients were treated surgically, and 9 patients also received radiotherapy after surgery. RESULT: All of the patients had been followed up over 3 years, except for 1 case of external canal and 1 case of middle ear tumor. The 3-year survival of pinna, external canal and middle ear tumors were 86.7%, 82.4% and 60.0% respectively. At the last follow up, the pinna tumors showed that the survival rate was 100% in T1, T2 and Tx stage, and 0% in T4 stage; the external canal tumors showed that the survival rate was 90% in T1 stage, and 66.7% in T2, T3 stage; the middle ear tumors showed that the survival rate was 100% in T1 and T2 stage, 0% in T3 stage. CONCLUSION The T staging system is for an important prognostic factor, and it is important for an early diagnosis and radical surgery to achieve a better therapeutical result.
Ear Auricle ; pathology ; Ear Canal ; pathology ; Ear Neoplasms ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the distribution and quantity of CD44+/CD24- cells in breast cancer tissue and the cell lines, and as well as its correlation with the expression of various breast cancer markers and molecular subtyping of breast carcinoma.

METHODSThe expression of CD44/CD24, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, human estrogen-induced protein PS2, bcl-2 and nm23 in 60 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast were studied by either single or double immunohistochemical staining. The co-expression of CD44 and CD24 in 3 breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231) was also examined.

RESULTSThe quantity and distribution of CD44+/CD24- cells varied greatly and no specific patterns were identified. The percentage of CD44+/CD24- in breast cancer was 65%. The amount of CD44+/CD24- cells did not correlate with the age of patients, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, molecular subtypes and expression of various breast cancer markers in breast carcinoma. The proportion of CD44+/CD24- cells in MCF-7, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was <1%, 5% and >80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSCD44+/CD24- cells are demonstrated in certain breast cancer tissues and cell lines. However, there is no relationship obtained between the quantity or the distribution of these cells and the molecular subtyping or the clinicopathologic parameters in breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Breast Neoplasms ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; CD24 Antigen ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Progesterone ; metabolism ; Trefoil Factor-1 ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo prevent chronic severe hepatitis, even more fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) occurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis B of severe degree using steroid.

METHODS120 patients were randomized into conventional supporting treatment and steroid treatment groups. The latter, 62 patients were given intravenously hydrocortisone sodium succinate at the dose of 150 mg to approximately 200 mg everyday plus support care.

RESULTSThe rate of deteriorating to chronic severe hepatitis in steroid treatment group was significantly lower than that of conventional group (22% vs 48%, x(2) =7.60, P<0.01). 53.6% (15/28) patients with chronic severe hepatitis in conventional group died, while only 28.6% (4/14) in steroid treatment group succumbed to terminal liver disease (x(2)=0.02, P>0.05). There was no difference between the two groups regarding to complications incidence: gastrointestinal bleeding and infections except for some controllable serious reverse events, such as candidiasis, diabetes, herpes zoster and pulmonary tuberculosis found in some patients in steroid-treated group.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that steroid administration with improved support care not only is likely to prevent chronic severe hepatitis occurrence in patients with chronic viral hepatitis of severe degree, but also shows some efficacy for FHF, which warrant further investigation.

Adult ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Liver Failure ; prevention & control ; Male

OBJECTIVEThis study examined whether the two polymorphisms of GPX1 (198Pro--> Leu) and TXNRD2 (370Lys-->Arg) contributed alone or in combination, to the risk of gastric cancer development.

METHODSA total of 361 patients with gastric cancer and 363 cancer-free controls were recruited and their genotypes of the two polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-based restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using unconditional logistic regression model.

RESULTSGPX1 and TXNRD2 polymorphisms individually were not associated with the risk of gastric cancer. Gene-gene interaction of GPX1 and TXNRD2 polymorphisms decreased the risk of gastric cancer. Carrying the protective genotype might decrease the risk at 62% (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.26-0.55, P < 0.001) as compared with the risk genotype.

CONCLUSIONThe GPX1 198 Pro/Pro and TXNRD2 370Arg/Arg genotypes might be associated with the genetic susceptibility of gastric cancer.

Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; Thioredoxin Reductase 2 ; genetics

Objective To investigate the synergistic antihypertensive effect of Dilong Jiangya Capsules on patients with essential hypertension with subclinical atherosclerosis of liver yang hyperactivity type and its effect on arteriosclerosis. Methods Totally 120 patients with essential hypertension with subclinical atherosclerosis were randomly divided into treatment group (60 cases) and control group (60 cases). Control group received antihypertensive treatment by following the individual, low-dose, long-term, combined principle, while treatment group was given Dilong Jiangya Capsules on the basis of control group, one capsule per time, twice a day, orally taken during early morning and bedtime. The treatment for both groups lasted for six weeks. Blood pressure, carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were observed before and 2, 4 and 6 weeks after treatment. Blood pressure clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results Two and three cases were lost in the treatment group and control group, respectively. The total effective rate was 91.38% (53/58) in the treatment group and 82.46% (47/57) in the control group, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the blood pressure of the two groups was significantly lower (P<0.05), and the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of IMT and PWV in both groups significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and ABI at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment decreased significantly (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in IMT and PWV between the two groups at 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in ABI between the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). There was statistical difference in IMT, PWV and ABI between the two groups at 6 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Dilong Jiangya Capsules combined with conventional antihypertensive treatment of essential hypertension with subclinical atherosclerosis can enhance the antihypertensive effect, and improve IMT, PWV and ABI to some extent.

·AIM: To study the mechanism and effect of Qingxuan decoction on evaporative dry eye in rabbit model. ·METHODS: Totally 25 healthy male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, western medicine group, high dose of Qingxuan decoction group, low dose of Qingxuan decoction group. The blank control group did not do any treatment. The improved dry eye model of rabbit was prepared by the improved method of glandular burning of the eyelid plate. The high and low dose group were given daily 27. 2mg/kg, 6. 8mg/kg Qingxuan decoction by gavage. The model group was intragastric with the same amount of normal saline every day. The western medicine group with tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment 1 drops, once a day. The treatment were administered continuously for 28d. At 14d before the experiment, 7d before the experiment, 7d after the model, and 14d after the model, all the rabbits were tested by Schirmer Ⅰ test ( SⅠt) and break-up time (BUT). On the 15d after modeling, the animals were sacrificed by excessive anaesthesia. Rabbit ocular surface tissue sections were prepared. Hematoxylin - eosin staining method was used to observe the corneal morphological changes in each group. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in the ocular surface of rabbits were detected by ELISA. ·RESULTS: (1) BUT, SⅠt: 7d after the model had been prepared, BUT and SⅠt of the model group and the western medicine group, high dose and low dose of Qingxuan decoction group was improved ( P< 0. 05 );Those of western medicine group, high dose and low dose of Qingxuan Decoction group compared with the model group, were significantly different (P<0. 05). (2) TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6: The ELISA assay showed that TNF-α and IL-1, IL-6 concentration in the model group rabbits was significantly higher than those of the control group, TNF-α and IL-1, IL-6 concentration in western medicine group and high dose group of rabbits was significantly lower than those in the model group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0. 05), and in high dose group the effect was better than that of Western medicine group. ( 3 ) Histopathological examination: on the 14d after the model, the corneal epithelium in the blank control group was stratified well. The cells in the base were columnar, near the surface, the cornea epithelium showed a squamous change. Conjunctiva showed complete epithelial layer and subconjunctival tissue layer, and goblet cells arranged closely. The number of corneal epithelial cells in model group was reduced or even stripped, and the matrix layer was disorder; Irregular loss of conjunctival epithelial cell layer and a large decrease in goblet cells. The corneal morphology of the rabbits in the western medicine group and the high dose group was close to the normal group, and the number of conjunctival goblet cells was not significantly different from that in the blank control group. ·CONCLUSION: The expression of Qingxuan decoction can inhibit the inflammatory reaction through down -regulation of TNF-α and IL-1, IL-6 and in evaporative dry eye rabbit cornea and conjunctiva, so as to improve the ocular symptoms, increase tear secretion, prolong the time of BUT.