ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupoints stimulation with silver spike point therapy on insomnia.Methods60 patients with insomnia were randomly divided into the trial group and control group with 30 cases in each group. Patients of the trial group were treated by acupoints stimulation with silver spike point therapy and patients of control group were treated only with Clonopin. All patients of two groups were tested with Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS) before and after treatment.ResultsThe curative effect rate of the trial group was 86.6%; that of the control group was 60%; the curative effect of the trial group was superior to the control group (P<0.05). SRSS difference of the trial group pre-and post-treatment was 12.79±3.20; that of the control group was 10.1±3.89. There was also a significant difference between two groups (P<0.01).ConclusionThe silver spike point therapy has the better curative effect on insomnia than Clonopin.

Background and purpose:The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor. This study aimed to evaluate the value of pancreatic CT perfusion on biological behavior assessment in pancreatic cancer. Methods:This study collected 78 cases of pancreatic cancer which diagnosed by the method of pancreatic CT perfusion, and detected the differences of the values of blood lfow (BF), blood volume (BV), permeability (per), peak value (PE) and time to peak (TTP) between normal pancreatic tissues and tumor tissues. Combined with clinical and pathological data. Besides, this study evaluated the relationship between perfusion parameters of tumor tissues and tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, preoperative serum CA199 level, Ki-67, p53, CEA, CA199, CD34 expression of tumor tissues. Results:The values of BF, BV, per and PE in pancreatic tumor tissue were signiifcantly lower than those in normal pancreatic tissue. The BF values of cases with high levels of serum CA199 and with CA199 positively expressed tissues were signiifcantly higher than those with negative expression. The PE values of cases with positive tissue expression of Ki-67 were significantly higher than those with negative expression. The TTP values of cases with positive tissue expression of CEA were signiifcantly lower than those with negative expression. The per values of well differentiated cases was signiifcantly higher than those of moderately/poorly differentiated cases. Conclusion:CT perfusion may have its value on assessment of tumor biological behavior in pancreatic cancer.

Objective:To observe the outcome of posterior staphyloma (PS) marginal retinal photocoagulation in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for high myopia macular hole retinal detachment eyes accompanied with PS.Methods:From January 2017 to June 2019, 49 patients (49 eyes) with high myopia macular hole retinal detachment accompanied with PS who were undergone PPV operation from Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study. There were 13 males (13 eyes) and 36 females (36 eyes). All patients underwent best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography examinations. The standard logarithmic visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, and the visual acuity was converted to minimum resolution angle in logarithmic (logMAR) when recorded. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to surgical options: conventional PPV with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (group A, 24 eyes), PS marginal retinal photocoagulation in PPV with ILM peeling (group A, 25 eyes). The mean preoperative logMAR BCVA of group A and B were 1.87±0.28 and 1.80±0.37, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.604, P=0.551). The patients in the group A received 23G PPV, triamcinolone acetonide staining during the operation, the epiretinal membrane was peeled off, indocyanine green assisted staining, the posterior macular ILM was peeled off, and the peripheral retina was examined in detail during the operation. Areas with retinal degeneration were reinforced by laser photocoagulation, and the subretinal fluid was drained through the macular hole and filled with silicone oil. The eyes of the group B were subjected to retinal photocoagulation for 2 to 3 rows at the edge of the PS in addition to the usual surgical procedures. The average follow-up time was 8.34±3.21 months. Surgical outcome were estimated by the average number of operation, retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure rate and BCVA. The χ2 test or Fisher exact probability was used to compare the count data. Independent sample t test was used to compare the measurement data. Results:Retinal reattachment was obtained in 17 eyes (70.8%, 17/24) and 24 eyes (96.0%, 24/25) in group A and B after first surgery respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.984, P=0.046). Final retinal reattachment was obtained in all 49 eyes. Final macular hole closure was in 15 eyes (62.5%, 15/24) and 19 eyes (76.0%, 19/25) in group A and B, respectively, the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=1.051, P=0.305). The mean postoperative logMAR BCVA of group A (1.20±0.47) and B (1.08±0.39) were all improved than preoperative BCVA, the differences were all statistically significant ( t=2.899, 5.327; P=0.001, 0.000), the differences of mean postoperative logMAR BCVA between two groups was not statistically significant ( t=0.675, P=0.506). The mean number of operation of group A (2.63±0.88) was more than group B (2.08±0.28), the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.003, P=0.006). Conclusion:In comparison with conventional PPV, combined PS marginal retinal photocoagulation can improve retinal reattachment rate after first surgery, and reduce the number of reoperations.

Objective To evaluate the effect of different regimens of antiplatelet drugs on the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in elderly patients undergoing selected percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in direction of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) -induced platelet aggregation index. Methods The 1230 cases aged 60-80 years, mean (67. 2±10. 2) years undergoing selected PCI with the drug eluting stent were enrolled. The 615 cases of the ADP guided group according to the ADP-induced platelet aggregation index. After the first loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg) , once the decrease of ADP-induced platelet aggregation index was more than 50% as compared with the basic level, the dose of 75 mg each day would be maintained for one year. If the decrease of the index was less than 50%. the another 300 mg of clopidogrel would be given again, until up to 900 mg on the 3th day. If the decrease of the index was still not enough, the combination of clopidogrel 75 mg, cilostazol 100 mg and aspirin 100 mg each day would be suggested. The rest 615 patients in the routine dosage group took the routine dose of clopidogrel (the first loading dosage 300 mg was taken, then 75 mg each day for one year ) . The MACEs, including cardiac death, myocardium infarction, revascularization and stent thrombosis, were observed for 12 months. Results After the first 300 mg of clopidogrel, only 45% of patients reached the standards. Until reaching 900 mg, 67.5% of patients in the ADP guided group were eligible. The tailored clopidogrel loading dose in the ADP guided group yielded a better effect on the inhibition of platelet aggregation (the routine dose vs. the tailored loading dose: 45% vs. 67. 5% , P=0. 028). After one year follow up, the MACEs were less in ADP guided group than in routine dosage group (2. 8% vs. 4. 9% , P = 0. 035). All of patients had no major bleeding, and the minor bleeding and other drug adverse events in two groups had no significant differences. Conclusions The patients undergoing selected PCI should receive ADP -induced platelet aggregation test in order to assess the inhibition effect of clopidogrel on the platelet aggregation. It is safe and effective to modify the antiplatelet drugs regimen during the peri-PCI procedure in direction of ADP-induced platelet aggregation.

Objective To study the changes of plasma cystatin C level (PcyC),and evaluate the effects of the joint use of atorvastatin and probucol on PcyC and severity of coronary lesion in patients with borderline lesion of coronary artery.Methods One hundred and thirty consecutive patients with borderline coronary lesion assessed by quantitative coronary angiography were enrolled into borderline coronary lesion group (BCL),and another 136 subjects without coronary lesion were enrolled as controls (CTR).And in the meantime,the subjects in BCL group were randomized (closed envelope method) into routine treatment subgroup ( RTT,n =60),and combined treatment subgroup in which patients were treated with atorvastatin 20 mg plus probucol 1.0 g daily in addition to routine medication ( CBT,n =70) for 6 months.There were no statistical differences in basic clinical features between two subgroups.PcyC,high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) and triglycerides (TG) were determined.Of them,104 patients in BCL group rechecked by coronary angiography.Comparison of biomarkers carried out between two groups by using a number of independent-sample t-test and analysis of variance.For enumeration data,chi-square test was used to compare mean values of biomarkers between groups. P ＜ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results PcyC levels were significantly higher in BCL group than those in CTR group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with RTT subgroup,levels of PcyC,TC,LDL-C,TG and hs-CRP were more significantly decreased in CBT subgroup (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01 ).Moreover,there was a trend of slight decrease in the mean percent of stenosis (MPS) of coronary artery with borderline lesion in RTT subgroup treated for 6 months,whereas more marked decrease in the MPS of coronary artery with borderline coronary lesion in CBT subgroup treated for 6 months ( P ＞ 0.05 ; P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions Cystatin C plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery,and PcyC is associated with severity of coronary lesion,the combination of atorvastatin and probucol decreases the PcyC level,and it may be the treatment of choice for borderline lesion of coronary artery.

An expression plasmid carrying anthrax protective antigen (PA) gene was constructed, which has an OmpA signal sequence attached to the 5' end of PA gene. The plasmid was transformed into E. coli and induced to express recombinant PA (rPA) . The recombinant protein, about 10% of the total bacterial protein in volume, was secreted to the periplasmic space of the cell. After a purification procedure including ion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and gel filtration, about 15 mg of 95 % pure rPA was obtained from 1-liter culture. The bioactivity of rPA was proved by in vitro cytotoxicity assay. The polyclonal antiserum from rabbits immunized with rPA could inhibit the action of anthrax lethal toxin in vitro, which suggests that antibodies against rPA can provide high passive protection against anthrax. The results reported here may be helpful to develop a safe and efficacious recombinant PA vaccine against anthrax.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Anthrax Vaccines ; immunology ; Antigens, Bacterial ; chemistry ; genetics ; immunology ; toxicity ; Bacterial Toxins ; chemistry ; genetics ; immunology ; toxicity ; Base Sequence ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmids ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Vaccines, Synthetic ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) on monocytes chemotaxis ability in vitro.

METHODSTranswell chemotaxis assay was used to evaluate the changes of chemotactic ability of THP-1 monocytes in each group treated with CRP in different concentration.

RESULTSCRP increased the number of attracted monocytes in response to MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). When treated with CRP concentration at 2 microg x mL(-1), the number of chemotactic monocytes increased (P < 0.05). The number of attracted monocytes increased as CRP concentration was elevated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCRP can increase chemotactic ability of THP-1 monocytes in concentration dependent manner.

C-Reactive Protein ; Chemokine CCL2 ; Chemotaxis ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Monocytes

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between plasma levels of fibrinogen, the-beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and the severity of periodontal inflammation and to explore the possible role of fibrinogen in the association of periodontitis with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODSA total of 121 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected and the plasma fibrinogen levels were determined by the clotting method of Clauss. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with Hae III were used to examine the -beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism.

RESULTSFibrinogen levels were significantly higher in moderately or severely chronic periodontitis patients [(3.45 +/- 0.68) g/L] than periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls [(2.47 +/- 0.42) g/L, P < 0.001]. The carrier status of the A allele at position -455 in the beta fibrinogen gene was associated with elevated fibrinogen levels and the frequency of the-A455 allele in the beta fibrinogen gene in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.032). Carriers of the -A455 allele were about 3-fold more likely to have moderate or severe periodontitis as compare to individuals without the -A455 allele( OR = 3. =135, P= 0.008).

CONCLUSIONSFg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may contribute to the elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and put individuals at higher risk of having severe periodontitis. As the independent risk factor of CHD, fibrinogen levels and Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Adult ; Alleles ; Case-Control Studies ; Chronic Periodontitis ; genetics ; Coronary Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; analysis ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective To evaluate the relationship between plasma cystatin C concentration (PcyC) and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Method A total of 126 subjects with CAD evidenced by coronary angiography admitted from April 2007 to March 2009 were divided into three groups: stable angina pectoris (SAPs, n = 34),unstable angina pectoris (UAPs, n = 56) and acute myocardial infarction (AMIs, n = 36), according to the diag-nostic criteria of CAD set by WHO. Another 34 subjects without CAD were taken as controls. There were no statis-tical differences in demographics among four groups. Serum lipids profile, uric acid (UA), PcyC and high-sensi-tive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined. And in the meantime, all patients were followed up for six months and adverse cardiovascular events were recorded. Comparisons were made between groups with a number of independent-sample t -tests. Data were processed with analysis of variance to test the differences in means among four groups, and the means were compared with chi-square test. Statistical significance was established at a P val-ue of less than 0.05. Results Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in UAPs than that in SAPs and in controls (P < 0.05), but were much lower than that in AMIs (P < 0.05). And much higher concentration of hs-CRP was found in UAPs (P < 0.05) and in AMIs (P < 0.01). Cystatin C was positively and significantly corre-lated with age, hs-CRP, WBC, creatinine and UA (r > 0, P < 0.05), whereas a significantly negative correla-tion with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was found (r = - 0.227, P < 0.05). These coefficients were obvi-ously high for creatinine (r = + 0. 612), and WBC (r = + 0.459). During the period of six-month follow-up, 26 patients with adverse cardiovascular events were found, and had significantly higher cystatin C levels than 22 con-trols at admission (P < 0.01). Conclusions Cystatin C plays a pivotal role in the course of CAD, and the PcyC is a strong predictor for the risk of cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 in periodontal tissues of rat periodontitis model at different stages of inflammation of varied severity.

METHODSThe periodontal tissues were immunohistochemically stained by antibody of MMP-2 and MMP-3.

RESULTSMMP-2 and MMP-3 were both strongly positive in gingival epithelia and fibroblasts in periodontal ligament in rat periodontitis model. And chronic periodontitis showed lower expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 than that of acute gingivitis and acute peridontitis.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 varies in different stage of periodontitis. MMP-2 and MMP-3 may play an important role in development of periodontitis.

Animals ; Chronic Periodontitis ; Fibroblasts ; Gingivitis ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; Periodontal Ligament ; Periodontitis ; Rats