Objective To investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin and metabolic syndrome(MS) in children and adolescents with obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods Four elementary schools and 4 middle schools were selected from Haidian district in Beijing with representative cluster sampling.Two hundred and eighty obese children(obese group),65 obese children with NAFLD(NAFLD group) and 264 normal weight children(healthy control group) aged 7 to 18 years were recruited from the 8 schools with uncompletely randomized sampling.Data including questionnaire,anthropometric measurements,B type ultrasonographic examination for liver were collected and fasting blood laboratory assay were determined.Variables including triglyceride(TG),adiponectin,alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were skewed distribution and natural logarithmical transformations were performed.Chi-square test for category and multiple binary Logistic regression analysis were used to statistical analysis.Results Body mass index(BMI) and waist circumference(WC) in obese group and NAFLD group were higher than those in healthy control group.All the chi-square tests for trend among the 3 groups were statistically significant(P

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a new ,effective and radical method to cure atrial fibrillation .Within a period after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) ,coagulation system is activated in patients ,then thrombus incident such as cerebral embolism may happen .The present article made a review on its mechanism .

This study aimed to examine whether ophiopogonin D (OP-D) is capable of protecting cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced injury and the mechanisms involved. H9c2 cells were cultured. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability and toxicity. Mito-tracker as fluorescence probe was used to measure ROS content raised from mitochondria. The mRNA and protein expression of ATF6alpha, GRP78 and CHOP were analyzed using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that a significant endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was induced upon exposure of H9c2 cells to DOX as indicated by the increase in the expression of ERS related proteins, which was paralleled with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in the viability of H9c2 cells. Whereas, DOX-induced ROS accumulation and up-regulation of ERS related proteins were partially abolished by pretreatment with OP-D. Consequently, a DOX-induced ERS was mitigated by application of OP-D. Similarly, DOX-induced decrease in cell viability was partially attenuated by either inhibiting CHOP or pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant. Moreover, cardiac ultrastructural abnormalities seen in mouse receiving DOX injections were obviously ameliorated by pretreatment of OP-D. Taken together, the present study proved that OP-D protects cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced injury, at least in part, through reducing ROS accumulation and alleviating ERS.

Background:Pioglitazone may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis.However,based on the effectiveness and safety considerations,it has not been widely used.To fully evaluate the strength of evidence supporting psoriasis treatment with pioglitazone,we conducted a meta-analysis of existing published studies.Methods:PubMed,Ovid,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,and Web of Science databases were systematically searched before February 2019.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pioglitazone administration compared with placebo,administered to patients with psoriasis for at least 10 weeks,and published in English were included.Quality of the included RCTs was identified by the modified Jadad scale.The quality of evidence for each outcome was evaluated using the GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool online software.Primary outcomes were proportion of patents showing psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score improvement (＞75％) and the mean percent change in PASI score from baseline to the end of treatment.Dichotomous data were analyzed using odds ratios (ORs) corresponding to the 95％ confidence interval (CI),whereas continuous variables,expressed as mean and standard deviation,were analyzed using the mean differences (MD) with the 95％ CI.Results:Six RCTs were analyzed.Meta-analysis showed that pioglitazone reduced the PASI scores in patients with psoriasis compared with the control group when administered at 30 mg per day (P ＜ 0.001,MD =-3.82,95％ CI =-5.70,-1.93) and at 15 mg per day (P =0.04,MD =-3.53,95％ CI =-6.86,-0.20).The PASI-75 of the pioglitazone group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 30 mg per day (P ＜ 0.001,OR =8.30,95％ CI =3.99,17.27) and at 15 mg per day (P =0.03,OR =2.96,95％ CI =1.08,8.06).No statistically significant differences in total adverse events were observed between the groups.There were no significant differences in common adverse reactions such as weight gain and elevated liver enzymes between the two pioglitazone groups.Conclusions:Use of pioglitazone in the current treatment of psoriasis is beneficial.The therapeutic effect of the daily 30 mg dose may be greater than that of the 15 mg dose per day with no significant change in the frequency of adverse reactions.

This study was aimed to explore the applicable value of multiplex nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (multiplex nested RT-PCR)for the detection of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) fusion gene in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Bone marrow or peripheral blood samples from 146 patients with MPN were analyzed by using a novel multiplex nested RT-PCR. The result showed that PDGFRα fusion gene was found in 6 out of the 146 bone marrow or peripheral blood samples, the positive rate was 4.11%, 4 from the 6 patients received treatment with imatinib and showed therapeutic effect. It is concluded that the multiplex nested RT-PCR has a series of advantages such as high sensitivity, specificity, and time-saving, and can be applied for determination of the molecular type of MPN, and also for the diagnosis and therapy of MPN.
Bone Marrow Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Gene Fusion ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods

In order to explore the value of reverse transcription(RT)-multiplex nested PCR for detecting PDGFRB gene rearrangement in myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), the PDGFRB rearrangement was detected qualitatively in 146 MPD cases by reverse transcription multiplex nested PCR. The results showed that 8 cases with PDGFRB fusion gene were found in 146 cases, the positive rate was 5.5%. Out of 8 cases with PDGFRB fusion gene, TEL-PDGRB fusion gene was found in 3 cases; HIP1-PDGFRB fusion gene in 2 cases; GIT2-PDGFRB, TP53BP1-PDGFRB and WDP48-PDGFRB fusion gene in 1 case, respectively. It is concluded that RT-multiplex nested PCR is a powerful tool for the detection of PDGFRB rearrangement, which helps to tentatively diagnose MPD and to provide the clues for targeting therapy.
Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlations between MELD score and left ventricular function in patients with end-stage liver disease.

METHODSA total of 92 patients who prepared for orthotopic liver transplantation from January 2002 to May 2008 were enrolled in this study. Of these Patients, 75 were males and 17 were females, and the mean age was 50.3+/-9.5 years; 85 were cirrhosis, 7 were cirrhosis with primary liver cancer. Preoperative information, including biochemical parameters, coagulation parameters, indicators of hepatitis virology, two-dimensional echocardiography and electrocardiogram were collected. According to MELD (the Model for End-stage Liver Disease) scoring system, these subjects were categorized into three groups: MELD score is less than or equal to 9 points (31 cases, 33.7%); 10 is less than or equal to MELD score is less than or equal to 19 points (45 cases, 48.9%); MELD score is more than or equal to 20 points (16 cases, 17.4%). The relationships between MELD score and classification and cardiac function were determined by chi-square test, analysis of variance, rank sum test and correlation analysis, et al.

RESULTSMELD score was significantly correlated with left atrial diameter (LAD), interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), aortic flow (AF), cardiac output (CO), QRS interval (QRSI) and corrected QT interval (QTc) (r = 0.317, 0.341, 0.228, 0.387, 0.325, 0.209 and 0.347, respectively; P value less than 0.01, respectively); except QRSI, these variables and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) were also correlated with INR (a MELD component) (r = 0.282, 0.319, 0.322, 0.435, 0.275, 0.320 and 0.237, respectively; P value less than 0.01, respectively); LAD, LVEDD, AF, CO and QTc were correlated with serum total bilirubin (r = 0.241, 0.219, 0.357, 0.246 and 0.253, respectively; P value less than 0.05, respectively); IVST and E/A ratio (A blood flow [from left atrium to left ventricular] velocity ratio between early diastole [E wave] and late diastole[A wave] ) were correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.216 and -0.343; P value less than 0.05 and 0.01); the proportion of E/A is less than or equal to 1 in all subjects was 46.7% (43/92), and 48.4% (15/31), 35.6% (16/45) and 75.0% (12/16) in each group, besides, there was statistically significant difference between 10 is less than or equal to MELD score is less than or equal to 19 points group and MELD score is more than or equal to 20 points group (X2 = 7.359, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONSThere are different degrees of left ventricular structure, function and electrophysiological changes in patients with end-stage liver disease, these anomalies also will be increased with the MELD score increasing.

Adult ; End Stage Liver Disease ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Liver Failure ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Liver Neoplasms ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ventricular Function, Left

This study aimed to examine whether ophiopogonin D (OP-D) is capable of protecting cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced injury and the mechanisms involved. H9c2 cells were cultured. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability and toxicity. Mito-tracker as fluorescence probe was used to measure ROS content raised from mitochondria. The mRNA and protein expression of ATF6alpha, GRP78 and CHOP were analyzed using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that a significant endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was induced upon exposure of H9c2 cells to DOX as indicated by the increase in the expression of ERS related proteins, which was paralleled with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in the viability of H9c2 cells. Whereas, DOX-induced ROS accumulation and up-regulation of ERS related proteins were partially abolished by pretreatment with OP-D. Consequently, a DOX-induced ERS was mitigated by application of OP-D. Similarly, DOX-induced decrease in cell viability was partially attenuated by either inhibiting CHOP or pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant. Moreover, cardiac ultrastructural abnormalities seen in mouse receiving DOX injections were obviously ameliorated by pretreatment of OP-D. Taken together, the present study proved that OP-D protects cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced injury, at least in part, through reducing ROS accumulation and alleviating ERS.
Acetylcysteine ; Activating Transcription Factor 6 ; metabolism ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Doxorubicin ; adverse effects ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; drug effects ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mitochondria ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Spirostans ; pharmacology ; Transcription Factor CHOP ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

BACKGROUNDTamsulosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated effective in promoting distal ureteral stone passage and in reducing pain associated with stone expulsion. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin in comparison with nifedipine and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the expulsion rate of distal ureteral stones at different sizes.

METHODSWe assigned 314 patients to three categories: I, the stone with maximal diameter of 4.0 - 5.9 mm; II, 6.0 - 7.9 mm, and III, 8.0 - 9.9 mm. Patients in each category were randomly subdivided into three treatment subgroups: group A (nifedipine group), group B (tamsulosin group), and group C (ESWL group). Stone-free rate and the dose of analgesics were recorded weekly during the 4-week follow-up period.

RESULTSThree hundred and three patients completed the study. The results showed that nifedipine and tamsulosin treatments promoted a small (4 - 8 mm, categories I and II) stone expulsive rate that was comparable with ESWL treatment. Nonetheless, when the stone diameter was 8.0 - 9.9 mm, ESWL showed a greater stone free rate than nifedipine and tamsulosin treatments; no significant difference existed between the latter two therapies. Although the ESWL treatment group required the least analgesics, tamsulosin treatments required less pain medication than nifedipine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTamsulosin treatment is recommended for patients with the stone diameter smaller than 8 mm because of its feasibility, effectiveness and safety. ESWL is more appropriate than tamsulosin therapy for the patients whose stones are larger than 8 mm.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Adult ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Lithotripsy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nifedipine ; therapeutic use ; Sulfonamides ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Ureteral Calculi ; drug therapy ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo compare the pathologic diagnosis and immunohistochemistry of small cell malignant tumors (SCMT) of bone using both core needle biopsy and surgical specimen.

METHODSSeventy-seven cases of SCMT with core needle biopsies and surgical specimens available were respectively analyzed by histologic examination and immunohistochemical study, with literature review.

RESULTSThe male-to-female ratio was 48:29. The age of the patients ranged from 6 to 73 years. The tumors studied included Ewing sarcoma/PNET (n = 38), myeloma (n = 23), lymphoma (n = 10), small cell osteosarcoma (n = 2), small cell carcinoma (n = 2) and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (n = 2). The tumors involved limbs, axial skeleton and flat bones. Microscopically, the tumors shared similar histology, with small round cells and spindly cells arranged in diffuse sheets. The pathologic diagnosis by core needle biopsies correlated with that by surgical specimens in 84.4% (65/77) of the cases.

CONCLUSIONSSCMT represents a heterogeneous group of malignancy. Correlations with clinicoradiologic findings and application of ancillary investigations including immunohistochemistry and molecular study are important for definitive diagnosis. Pathologic diagnosis using core needle biopsies shows good results and provides useful information for surgical planning.

12E7 Antigen ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle ; Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; metabolism ; Osteosarcoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plasmacytoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1 ; metabolism ; RNA-Binding Protein EWS ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcoma, Ewing ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Vimentin ; metabolism ; Young Adult