Objective To further research the urinary monitoring of the maternal thyroid functional status ,the levels of urine thyroid hormones were analyzed during pregnancy .Methods This study recruited 30 cases of healthy pregnant women at 9-12 ges-tational weeks .Their random urine specimens were collected every four weeks until delivery .The concentrations of urine thyrotro-pin(uTSH) ,urine free triiodothyronine(uFT3) and urine free tetraiodothyronine(uFT4) were detected by electrochemical lumines-cence immunoassay(ECLIA) .The urine retinol binding protein(uRBP) was detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) .After correc-ted by uRBP ,the statistical analysis was done to analyze the variation of the ratio of uTSH and uRBP (uTSH/uRBP) ,the ratio of uFT3 and uRBP(uFT3/uRBP)and the ratio of uFT4 and uRBP(uFT4/uRBP)during pregnancy .Results The median levels of u-rine thyroid hormone parameters were obtained from the healthy pregnant women every four weeks and were compared among dif-ferent stages .The difference of uFT3/uRBP and uFT4/uRBP was statistically significant (F= 6 .222 ,P< 0 .05 ;F= 5 .078 ,P<0 .05) ,and the levels of them varied linearity during pregnancy (F=27 .480 ,P<0 .05 ;F=23 .959 ,P<0 .05) .The difference of uT-SH/uRBP had no statistical significance(F=2 .731 ,P=0 .054) .Conclusion After corrected by uRBP ,the levels of uFT3 and uFT4 of healthy pregnant women decreased linearity among different gestational stages ,and the levels of uTSH had no noticeable change .

Objective To study the clinical features, effects of therapeutic regimen and prognosis of patents with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Methods Clinical data of 27 MCL patients admitted in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute&Hospital from January 2008 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors of prognosis of MCL. Results The median age was 68 years old for 27 patients, and the male-to-female ratio was 4.4∶1. Ann Arbor staging showed that 25 cases were stageⅢ-Ⅳ(92.6%), 8 cases were heptosplenomegaly (29.6%), 7 cases showed extranodal involvement (25.9%). ECOG scoring showed that 4 cases with scores of 2-4 (14.8%), 8 cases were 0-3 (29.6%), 14 cases were 4-5 (51.9%) and 5 cases were 6-11 (18.5%). The Ki-67 index≤30%was found in 9 cases (33.3%), and>30%was found in 18 cases (67.7%). Patients with B symptom was found in 10 (37.0%). The elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was found in 17 cases (63.0%). The increased Beta 2- microglobulin was found in 8 cases (29.6%). Seven patients were found with bone marrow involvement. The total effective rate (ORR) was 81.8%in group with R-CHOP method, and the ORR was 68.8%in group with CHOP method. Multivariate analysis showed that age, LDH and Ki-67 were independent factors influencing the prognosis of MCL (P<0.05). Conclusion Most patients with MCL are found in advanced stage. Patients with age>60 years, elevated LDH and Ki-67 index>30%are with poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo tentatively establish a diagnosis and treatment mode for effectively controlling the progress of cerebral microlesions (CM) and preventing the incidence of cerebral infarction (CI) by comparing different intervention modes for treating CM.

METHODSUsing a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial, 408 subjects with multiple CM were assigned to the Chinese medical pharmacy intervention group (Group A, 100 case), the aspirin intervention group (Group B, 104 cases), the negative control group (Group C, 100 cases), and the non-intervention group (Group D, 104 cases). No intervention was given to those in Group D. Patients in the other 3 groups were intervened by life style and routine therapies of vasculogenic risk factors. Those in Group A took Guizhi Fuling Pill (GFP) and earthworm powder additionally. Those in Group B took aspirin additionally. They were routinely followed-up. The CM, the changes of vasculogenic risk factors, and the incidence rate of CI were compared among the 4 groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate of CM was 66.67% in Group A, obviously higher than that of Group B (52.32%), Group C (42.86%), and Group D (37.04%), respectively. It was obviously higher in Group B than in Group D, showing statistical difference (P <0.01, P <0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of LDL-C, TC, and TG were obviously lower in Group A than in Group B (P <0.05); the serum levels of LDL-C and TC were obviously lower in Group A than in Group C (P <0.01); the systolic pressure was obviously lower in Group A than in Group D (P <0.05). The systolic pressure and the serum TC level were obviously lower in Group C than in Group D (P <0.05). The incidence rate of CI was 2.17% (2/92 cases) in Group A, obviously lower than that of Group C (11.36% ,10/88 cases) and Group D (14.44%, 13/90 cases), showing statistical difference (P <0.05). But there was no statistical difference between Group A and Group B (6.74% ,6/89 cases) (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONSGFP combined earthworm powder could treat CM, control vasculogenic risk factors, and finally prevent the incidence of CI. Standard Chinese medical intervention mode showed the optimal effects in treating CM and preventing the incidence of CI, and perhaps it could be spread clinically.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aspirin ; therapeutic use ; Brain ; pathology ; Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

Objective　To investigate the expression of TGF-β and TGF-β receptor in human breast cancer cell Bcap-37 inhibited by soybean isoflavones. Methods　mRNA and protein of TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅠ in Bcap-37 cells were examined with reverse transcription ploymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry after cells were treated with daidein or genistein for 1-4 d.The expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 was determined with TGF-β resistance test. Results　The TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β recepor increased in Bcap-37 cells at a concentration of 3×10-5 mol/L of genistein. No changes was found when treated with daidzein. Conclusion　Genistein may inhibit the proliferation of Bcap-37 cells and accompany with increasing expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β receptor.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the vascular activity of extract from mulberry leaves (EML) on rat thoracic aorta and the underlying mechanism.

METHODSIsolated thoracic rings of Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted on the organ bath and the tension of the vessel was recorded.

RESULT(1) EML produced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of aorta preconstricted by high K(+) (60 mmol/L) or 10(-6) mol/L phenylephrine (PE) in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries. (2) EML at EC(50) concentration reduced the calcium dose-response curve. (3) After incubation of aorta with verapamil, EML induced vasocontraction of aorta preconstricted by PE, which was abolished by ruthenium red.

CONCLUSIONThe vascular effect of EML is biphasic, the vasorelaxation is greater than the vasocontraction. The vasorelaxation induced by EML may be mediated by inhibition of voltage-and receptor-dependent calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, while the vasocontraction is via activation of ryanodine receptor in endoplasmic reticulum.

Acetates ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Morus ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Potassium ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel ; physiology ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

AIMTo investigate the effect of three types of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on the changes of hemodynamic parameters and thoracic aorta tension induced by septic shock in rats.

METHODSWe used cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method to establish septic shock in rats, and the three types of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors were injected after CLP. The carotid artery was cannulated and connected to a pressure transducer to determine mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). Ventricular dynamic parameters were determined following intraventricular cannulation via the carotid artery, including heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximal rise/fall velocity of ventricular pressure (+/- dP/dt(max)). Isolated thoracic rings were mounted on an organ bath and the tension of the vessel was recorded.

RESULTS(1) After using L-NAME, AMG and 7-NI the mortality decreased to 50.0%, 37.5%, and 42.1%, respectively (from 65.2% in septic shock rats); (2) The MABP in septic shock rats partly recovered after using the NOS inhibitors, all ventricular dynamic parameters partly recovered after using the inhibitors; (3) The hyporeactivity of endothelium-denuded aortic rings to vasoconstrictors induced by septic shock was partly recovered by pretreatment with the inhibitors. However, only L-NAME or 7-NI could inhibit the decrease of vasoconstriction induced by septic shock in endothelium-intact aortic rings.

CONCLUSIONThe three types of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors can improve the hemodynamic parameters and vasoconstriction responsiveness of endothelium-denuded aorta of septic shock rats. Furthermore, L-NAME and 7-NI improve the responsiveness of endothelium-intact aorta.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; physiopathology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Indazoles ; pharmacology ; Male ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Shock, Septic ; physiopathology

To determine the optimal condition of pollen germination. The pollen of Prunella vulgaris was cultured in vitro. Pollen germination rates were recorded using 10% H3BO4, 30% Ca(NO3)2, 20% MgSO4 and 10% KNO3 as the basic mineral medium with PEG of different molecular weight, sucrose of various density and multiple pH value. The rates were also measured under different cultivation temperature and pollen acquisition time. The optimal condition of pollen germination is 10% H3 BO4, 30% Ca(NO3)2, 20% MgSO4, 10% KNO3, and 25% PEG-4000 as the medium, with pH about 6. 5 and pollen acquired at the beginning of blossom.
Flowers ; physiology ; Pollen ; physiology ; Prunella ; physiology

The research was conducted to study the breeding system of Prunella vulgaris L. Flowering dynamics was observed. Pollen viability, stigma receptivity, pollen-ovule ratio (P/O), out-crossing index (OCI) were measured. Bagging experiments were conducted. The results showed that the life span of one single flower was 1-2 days, the flowering span for the inflorescence of stalk was 7-14 days, the P/O was 1 046+/-148. 26, the OCI was 2. Combined with results of bagging experiment, the breeding system of P. vulgaris L. was mixed with cross-polination and self pollination. In the absence of pollination insects, the pollination and fertilization can be accomplished with high seed setting rate, and the seeds have a relatively high germination rate.
Breeding ; Pollen ; growth & development ; physiology ; Pollination ; Prunella ; growth & development ; physiology ; Tissue Survival

Background: and Purpose We aimed to determine the clinical features of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) in southern China and compare them with those presenting in other countries. Methods: We collected the medical records of patients diagnosed with MFS during 2013–2016.We analyzed the age, sex, onset season, precursor events, clinical symptoms and signs, findings of nerve conduction studies (NCS), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), therapeutic remedies, nadir time, and length of hospital stay of patients with MFS in southern China. We concurrently compared the differences between urban and rural areas and between patients with incomplete ophthalmoplegia (IO) and complete ophthalmoplegia (CO). Results: The study enrolled 72 patients: 36 from rural areas and 36 from urban areas, and 50 males and 22 females. The mean age at onset was 47.72 years, and 30 (41.7%) and 21 (29.2%) patients developed MFS in spring and winter, respectively. The typical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia was observed in 50 (69.4%) patients. A history of upper respiratory tract infection 1 week before onset was found in 52.8% of the patients, while 5.6% experienced gastrointestinal infections and 48 (73.8%) exhibited albuminocytological dissociation in the CSF study. Only 26 (36.1%) patients presented abnormalities in NCS. Moreover, restricted outward eyeball movement presented in 83.5% of the patients with classic MFS and acute ophthalmoplegia, and bilateral symmetrical ophthalmoplegia presented in 64.2%. With the exception of the higher proportion of NCS abnormalities in urban areas (47.2% vs. 25.0%), urban and rural differences were insignificant regarding sex ratio, age at onset, high-incidence season, precursor events, disease characteristics, and albuminocytological dissociation in the CSF. Furthermore, patients with CO were older than those with IO (64.53±7.69 vs. 43.19±14.40 years [mean±standard deviation], p<0.001). Conclusions The patients with MFS were mostly male and middle-aged, and most presented in winter and (especially) spring. More than half of the patients had clear precursor events, most of which were classic MFS with the typical triad. More than 70% of the patients presented albuminocytological dissociation in the CSF. NCS abnormalities were uncommon in MFS. The age at onset was lower in patients with IO than in patients with CO; bilateral symmetrical extraocular muscle paralysis was the most common symptom, and the external rectus was the most frequently involved muscle.

OBJECTIVETo establish an improved three-dimension (3D) and serum-free approach to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into endothelial cells, and detect the endothelial functions of the obtained cells.

METHODSWe cultured undifferentiated H9 human embryonic stem cell line in low-adhesion dishes to form embryonic bodies (EBs). After 12 days, EBs were harvested, re-suspended into rat tail collagen type I, and put into the incubator (37℃). After 30 minutes, EGM-2 culture medium was added to the solidified collagen, and the EBs were cultured for another 3 days to form embryonic body-sproutings (EB-sproutings). EB-sproutings were digested with 0.25% collagenase I and 0.56 U/ml Liberase Blendzyme for 20 minutes respectively, and the CD31(+) cells were sorted by FACS. The endothelial functions were tested by Dil-ac-LDL uptake assay and tube formation assay.

RESULTSThis approach raised the efficiency of endothelial differentiation to 18%, and also avoided the contamination with animal materials. The obtained hESC-derived endothelial cells (hESC-ECs) had the similar pattern of surface biomarkers as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and their endothelial functions were confirmed by the uptake of Dil-ac-LDL and the tube formation on Matrigel.

CONCLUSIONSThe improved 3D approach can enhance the efficiency of differentiation from hESCs into endothelial cells. Furthermore, serum free differentiation system may be applied in future hESC-based therapies for various ischemic diseases.

Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Collagen Type I ; Culture Media ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; cytology ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans