Objective To explore the perinatal outcomes of women with pulmonary hypertension complicating congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods Clinical data of 45 cases of pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension complicating CHD from Apr 1995 to May 2007 were analyzed and they were divided into three groups:29 cases of slight group[pulmonary hypertension of 30 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) to 49 mm Hg],8 cases of moderate group(pulmonary hypertension of 50 mm Hg to 79 mm Hg)and 8 cases of severe group(pulmonary hypertension equal to or higher than 80 mm Hg).The types of CHD,cardiac functional status(New York heart association,NYHA),gestational weeks of pregnancy termination,mode of delivery,pregnancy after CHD operation and outcomes of infants were compared between the groups. Results(1)The highest incidence of CHD were atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect(58%, 26/45).The rate of pregnant women after CHD operation was 29%(13/45),they were mainly in slight group and their NYHA class were in Ⅰ-Ⅱ.(2)The occurrence rate of NYHA class Ⅲ-Ⅳ was 7/8 in severe group.The rate of NYHA class Ⅰ-Ⅱ as 6/8 in moderate group.The rate of NYHA class Ⅰ- was 97%(28 /29)in slight group.(3)The rate of term delivery was 93%(27/29),preterm labor 3% (1/29),abortion 3%(1/29),and the birth weight was(3153?399)g on average in slight group.The rate of term delivery was 5/8,preterm labor occurred in 3 cases in moderate group.The rate of term delivery was 5/8,preterm labor occurred in 2 cases,and iatrogenic abortion in 1 case in severe group.The average birth weight between slight group and moderate or severe group had a significant difference.(4)Caesarean section rate was 78 %(35/45)among all patients.The rate of cesarean section delivery was 76%(22/29)in slight group,6/8 in moderate group,and 7/8 in severe group.(5)The rate of pregnant women who had portent heart failure or heart failure was 24%(11/45),overall maternal mortality was 4%(2/45).Conclusions The higher the pulmonary hypertension,the worse the outcome of the mother and fetus;The pregnant women with good heart function after cardiac operation would have a good perinatal outcome.Cesarean section is more suitable for those women.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur) on radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-2 and its mechanism.

METHODThe effect of curcumin on radiosensitivity was determined by the clone formation assay. The cell survival curve was fitted by Graph prism 6. 0. The changes in cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The differential expression of long non-coding RNA was detected by gene chip technology. Part of differentially expressed genes was verified by Real-time PCR.

RESULTAfter 10 micro mol L-1 Cur had worked for 24 h, its sensitization enhancement ratio was 1. 03, indicating that low concentration of curcumin could increase the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; FCM displayed a significant increase of G2 phase cells and significant decrease of S phase cells in the Cur combined radiation group. In the Cur group, the GUCY2GP, H2BFXP, LINC00623 IncRNA were significantly up-regulated and ZRANB2-AS2 LOC100506835, FLJ36000 IncRNA were significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONCur has radiosensitizing effect on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells. Its mechanism may be related to the changes in the cell cycle distribution and the expression of long non-coding IncRNA.

Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; genetics ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects

The influencing factors on cord blood storage after collection and mononuclear cell separation as well as cryopreservation were studied. The mononuclear cell are separated from blood after blood collection, then cryopreserved and washed after thawed. Results showed that the cord blood kept at 4 degrees C or room temperature less than 24 hours after blood collection, mononuclear cell separated by hydroxyethylstarch and 2 centrifugations, mononuclear cell cryopreserved with 50% DMSO and autoplasma from cord blood as protectives and washing the cells after thawing. In conclusion, the optimal project in this study can effectively preserve cord blood mononuclear cells.
Blood Preservation ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cryopreservation ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; physiology

Objective To study the characteristics and influencing factors on hearing impairment among elderly population in the community of Taiyuan city. Methods 384 ageing people above 60 years old were selected from Chaoyang and Guandi community in Taiyuan city by multi-stage sampling. Data on influencing factors of hearing impairment were collected by questionnaire. 5 ml fasting blood samples were drawn to detect the level of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterin in the blood samples. All the objects were tested with binaural hearing. The level of binaural hearing threshold at 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz were measured by GVSLN-TC-GK2000 hearing-assistant evaluative apparatus. The level of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, average hearing threshold from ear with better audition was chosen as dependent variable. Socio-demographic data, environmental factors and biochemical indicator were chosen as independent variables, t test, ANOVA and accumulative logistic regression were performed to analyze the influencing factors on hearing impairment by software SPSS 13.0. Results The prevalence of hearing impairment among elderly population was 90.9%. The hearing disorder was 78.6% with 1.3% of them using hearing-assistant apparatus. Results from single factor analysis showed that the average levels of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz hearing thresholds were significantly different among elderly with different age, sex, education background and the levels of glucose and cholesterin (P<0.01). Results of accumulative logistics regression showed that except glucosein which was the only one included in regression model of lower median frequency group, all the others were included in regression model of frequency group. Being male, older age and with higher level of glucose and cholesterin in blood were risk factors causing hearing impairment. Higher education level seemed to be a preventive factor. Conclusion Hearing impairment appeared in higher prevalence among the elderly population, suggesting that proper measures should be taken. It is beneficial for abating hearing impairment to decrease the level of glucose and cholesterin in blood.

OBJECTIVETo genotype the RHCE gene of Hans, Xinjiang's Uigurs and Kazakstans in China, and to compare the results of RHCE genotyping with that of RhCc/Ee phenotyping.

METHODSRHCE genes of 98 Hans with RhD positive and 230 Hans, 72 Uigurs and 18 Kazakstans with RhD/RHD negative were genotyped with PCR-sequence specific primer (SSP) technique.

RESULTSThe results of RHE/RHe genotyping from samples with RhD positive and negative were in accord with that of phenotyping. It would result in 4.44% error using C-->G polymorphism at nt48 of RHCE gene to genotype RHCE, and 4.05% failure of detection using the 109 bp insertion to detectRHCE gene in Chinese Hans. The results of RHE/RHe genotyping in unrelated 72 Uigurs and 18 Kazakstans with RhD phenotype were consistent with that of phenotyping, and false positive and false negative were not found in genotyping in Uigurs and Kazakstans tested.

CONCLUSIONThe results of RHE/RHe and RHc genotyping were correct with PCR-SSP and accordant with that of phenotyping. Using the C48G polymorphism in exon 1 of RHCE to genotype RHC gene would result in false positive resulting from RHc mutation at this locus, and using the 109 bp insertion to genotype RHC gene would result in false negative because of the absence of the 109 bp. Therefore it is necessary to genotype RHC gene using more than two polymorphic loci.

Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; blood ; genetics ; Serologic Tests ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the factors of post pancreatoduodenectomy hemorrhage.

METHODSThe clinical data of 263 cases between January 1998 and April 2008 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy were analyzed prospectively.

RESULTSThe overall mortality rate was 4.94% (13/263). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 23 patients (8.75%), with 8 episodes ending fatally (34.8%). The tumor size, Child classification, caput total resection and pancreatic leakage were identified as significant risk factors for post pancreatoduodenectomy hemorrhage by means of univariate analysis. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that all of the five factors turned out to be the independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONSThe prevention of these bleeding complications depends in the first place on meticulous hemostatic technique. The pancreatic leakage is also one of the most important factors due to postoperative bleeding. The prophylactic use of somatostatin is not necessary.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the specific antitumor immune response induced by idiotype protein (Id)-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) in vitro.

METHODSDC was generated from peripheral blood monocytes of the multiple myeloma (MM) patients using GM-CSF, IL-4, and TNF-alpha. The DCs were pulsed with idiotypic fragment, the F(ab')2 fragment of M protein from MM patient at the immature stage. The morphologic characteristics of the cells were observed with light and electron microscopes. The phenotypic features were analyzed with FACS, MTT assay was employed to evaluate the proliferation of autologous T cells and the inhibition rate of MM cells.

RESULTSDC precursors in peripheral blood could be induced to typical mature DC in medium containing GM-CSF, IL-4 and TNF-alpha. Mature DC with Id could increase the proliferation of the autologous T cells and activate naive T cells to become tumor specialized cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The CTL at different doses showed significant inhibition on or killing ability to autologous MM cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONSIn a suitable cytokine environment, the DC precursors from peripheral blood of MM patients could be induced to functional DC, and vaccination of Id-pulsed DC could induce active antitumor immune response.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; immunology ; Cancer Vaccines ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunotherapy, Active ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; immunology ; therapy ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology

BACKGROUNDLaminopathies are a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by multiple-tissue degeneration. We describe a new laminopathy with ovarian cystadenoma and explore its molecular etiology.

METHODSThe case is a 15-year-old girl who presents the prominent progeroid disorders, multiple system degeneration and early-onset cystadenoma of the ovary. Candidate genes including LMNA, ZMPSTE24, PPAR G, INSR and WRN were sequenced to screen for DNA variants. The mRNA and protein expression levels of LMNA were examined in primary fibroblasts. The pathophysiological events such as morphologic alterations, cell senescence, cell proliferation, apoptosis and pRb as well as p53 protein expressions were also investigated in primary fibroblasts.

RESULTSNo mutation was identified in the candidate genes screened. Nuclear abnormalities including nuclear blebs, mislocalization of lamin A/C were evident in the patient fibroblasts. Ultrastructurally, nucleus exhibited nuclear herniation and almost complete loss of peripheral heterochromatin. In addition, lamin C protein expression was markedly reduced whereas lamin A protein level was normal and no prelamin A was detected in the primary fibroblasts. Although the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining of patient' cells was negative, cells in S phase increased in accompany with a decrease in pRb protein expression. Furthermore, increases in apoptotic cell death and p53 expression were observed.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that selective deficiency of lamin C protein is associated with a case of laminopathy with ovarian cystadenoma. The abnormalities in nuclear structure and alterations in gene expression such as the decrease in pRb and increase in p53 may be responsible for the multiple tissue degeneration.

Adolescent ; Apoptosis ; genetics ; physiology ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; genetics ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cystadenoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lamin Type A ; deficiency ; genetics ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo study the effects and mechanism of Yishenjiangyafang, a prescription of Chinese traditional herbs used for renal hypertension, on blood pressure and protecting renal function of RPH rats.

METHODThe 5/6 kidney of rat was resected to set up the RPH rat model. Blood pressure, Cr(creatinine), Ccr(creatinine clearance) and BUN(urea nitrogen) were measured dynamically. After eight weeks treatment, plasma content of PAR A II TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1 were measured. At same time, The change of renal pathology was observed.

RESULTYishenjiangyafang could reduce blood pressure Cr, but had no effect on BUN of RPH rat. The indexes of PAR, A II of each different dosage group of Yishenjiangyafang were decreased. At the same time, it reduced plasma content of TXB2, and increased 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Glomerulosclerosis and atrophy of renal tubule in Yishenjiangyafang group RPH rats were better than those of the contrast group and the Capten group.

CONCLUSIONYishenjiangyafang can reduce blood pressure of RPH rats and has protective effects on its kidney. Yishenjiangyafang can perform its effects of reducing blood pressure and protecting kidney by influencing the RAS of RPH rats.

Angelica sinensis ; chemistry ; Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hypertension, Renal ; blood ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male ; Paeonia ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUNDThe potential application of retinoic acid receptor activators, such as all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), for treating various cancers have been studied both pre-clinically and clinically. Whether ATRA has an anticancer effect on human esophageal squamous cancer cell (ESCC) is still unknown. We have explored the anticancer effect of ATRA in ESCC, and in this study, the effects of ATRA on levels and patterns of expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signal transduction pathway in transplantable tumor growth of the human ESCC cell line, EC9706, in nude mice.

METHODSThe animal model of the ESCC xenograft was made by subcutaneous implantation of tumor cells into nude mice. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical assays were used to detect the expression of the VEGF signal transduction pathway in ESCC xenograft tissues.

RESULTSCompared to the control group, the tumor inhibition rates in the low dose ATRA, high dose ATRA, and 5-FU groups were 83.21%, 88.32%, 91.02%, respectively. The protein and mRNA levels of VEGF were down-regulated after being treated with ATRA and 5-FU compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The study also revealed that ATRA specifically down-regulated VEGF and the component of the VEGF signal transduction pathway of CD31, CD34, and CD105 (component of the TGF-β receptor) in ESCC xenograft tissues (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSATRA can significantly inhibit tumor growth and has anticancer effects on transplantable tumor growth of human ESCC cell line EC9706 in nude mice. These findings indicate that ATRA specifically down regulated VEGF and the components of VEGF signal transduction, which may be an important mechanism responsible for the neoangiogenesis inhibition of ESCC cells.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tretinoin ; therapeutic use ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays