Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of depression and quality of life(QoL)in lung cancer patients before and after diagnosis , and to investigate the potential related factors. Methods The subjects consisted of 115 consecutive adult patients newly diagnosed for lung cancer in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between April 2008 and October 2008. Depression and QoL were evaluated before the diagnosis for baseline; the same evaluation was repeated after surgery. The median interval was 34.6 days (ranged 28-44 days). Patients' biomedical characteristics were noted from patients' medical records, while the demographic factors were obtained during the interview at the out-patients department. Statistical analysis was used to identify the significant predictors. Results The overall incidence of depression before final diagnosis and after surgery was 22.6% and 17.4 %, respectively. No significant change in the prevalence of depression was found in our study. Education, cost of hospitalization, and smoking status were associated with an increased risk of depression before final diagnosis. Age, having confidant, performance status, and type of surgery were found related with postoperative depression. Patients' QoL had a decrease in every subscale after surgery. Changes in role, social functioning scales and fatigue, pain symptom scales were found significantly. In QoL subsc ales, preoperative dyspnea, postoperative role functioning, fatigue , and pain were associated with changes of depression. Conclusion Depression may be present prior to final diagnosis in lung cancer patients and it does not seem to decrease significantly after surgery, indicating the need for psychological screening and appropriate intervention during theperioperative period. A poorer QoL was detected after surgery, which maybe partly contributed to depression symptoms.

ObjectiveTo study the cardioprotective effects of ischemic post-conditioning on elderly patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEM1).MethodsConsecutive 215 patients with STEMI undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) were randomly assignedto receive ischemicpost-conditioningorconventional PCItreatment.The ischemic postconditioning (n=38) were conducted by 3 episodes of 30-second occlusion followed by 30-second reperfusion, while the control group (n= 46) was without any intervention after PCI.Reperfusion arrhythmias, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG)were compared between the two groups, respectively.Results The incidence of reperfusion arrythmias was less frequent in ischemic postconditioning group (21.1％ ,8/38) than in control group (45.7％ ,21/46) after PCI (x2 = 5.571, P＜0.05). The TIMI grade 3 flow was similar between two groups [(94.7％(36/38) vs. 82.6％( 38/46), x2= 2.919, P＞0.05], the cTFC levels (23.6±3.7vs. 26.1 ±5.9) and TMPG 3 perfusion [ 89.5％ (34/38) vs.69.6％ (32/46)] were significantly different (t= 5.434, P＜0.05; x2 = 4.899, P＜0.05, respectively) between two groups.ConclusionsIschemic postconditioning may reduce myocardial reperfusion injury in elderly patients with STEMI undergoing emergent PCI.

BACKGROUND:Endogenous stem cells have no repair effects on the process of disc degeneration. Authors assumed that this maybe associate with abnormal effects of related etiological factor, resulting in an inhibitory effect on the function of nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1βon biological characteristics of nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells of rats. METHODS:Lumbar spinal nucleus pulposus was obtained from 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured with col agenase and sequential trypsin digestion. The expression of CD24, CD34, CD45, CD90 and CD105 was detected using flow cytometry. Stem cellgene SOX2 and Nanog expression was measured using RT-PCR. Adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic abilities of nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells were observed. The apoptotic rate of interleukin-1β-treated nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells was detected using flow cytometry. Fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of SOX9, proteoglycan, type II col agenase and caspase-3 gene after nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells were treated with interleukin-1β.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese herbal extract HuNan A-1 (HNA-1) on the thymic output function in Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) chronically infected rhesus macaques.

METHODSEight Chinese rhesus macaques had been infected by SIVmac239 for 16 to 21 months, and then they were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, 4 in each group. Monkeys in the treatment group were administered with HNA-1 by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive months, while those in the control group were administered with equal volume of normal saline by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive months. The general condition and body weight of monkeys were observed. Plasma viral loads were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR assay. CD4 percentages and counts, as well as naive CD subsets were detected using flow cytometry. T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR assay. The thymus tissue was pathologically observed using routine HE staining. The correlation between lesions of the thymus tissue, CD4 counts, naive CD counts, and TREC were analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in body weight, viral loads, absolute CD ratios between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The altered TREC multiple showed an obvious decreasing tendency in the control group, while it showed an increasing tendency in the treatment group (P < 0.05). In both groups, destroyed structures of the thymus tissue could be seen, filled with pink unstructured material. Increased connective tissues, lowered connective cell density, and confused arrangement could also be seen in the two groups, with no obvious difference. TREC contents were positively correlated with naive CD4 counts after removing extremum (r = 0.926, P = 0.001). Naive CD4 counts were positively correlated with CD4 counts (r = 0.961, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONSTREC content determination, as a marker of newly thymic emigrants, could be taken as a testing method for evaluating the thymic output function. Besides, HNA-1 treatment increased the thymic output significantly in SIV chronically infected monkeys. Correlation existed among TREC contents, naive CD4 counts, and pathologies of thymus tissues, especially in late infection stage.

Animals ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Macaca mulatta ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Simian Immunodeficiency Virus ; Thymus Gland ; drug effects ; Viral Load

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are very important extracts from roots of medicinal herb Sanchi Ginseng which is highly regarded in China for its therapeutic ability to meliorate blood-circulation, anti-anoxia, improve memory, and anti-caducity effects. In this study, we used blind whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings to detect the effects of PNS on long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and investigated the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying potentiating effects of PNS on learning and memory. Wistar rats (3-4 weeks) were decapitated and hippocampal slices (400 microm thick) were cut coronally. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded by patch clamp technique in whole-cell configuration. The Schaffer collateral/commissural pathway was stimulated by high frequency stimulation (HFS: 100 Hz) pulses to induce LTP. The findings showed that 0.1 - 0.4 g x L(-1) PNS significantly depressed the amplitude of EPSCs (P < 0.05) and had no facilitative effects on LTP of pyramidal neurons located in the CA1 region. PNS in the concentrations of 0.04 - 0.05 g x L(-1) did not appreciably affect the amplitude of EPSCs (P > 0.05) but markedly increased the amplitude of LTP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.04 - 0.05 g x L(-1) PNS could facilitate LTP in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus and it is reasonable to suggest that this action may contribute to its potentiating effects on learning and memory.
Animals ; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials ; drug effects ; Ginsenosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; physiology ; Long-Term Potentiation ; drug effects ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Pyramidal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

BACKGROUNDDiabetic nephropathy is a major cause of renal failure in diabetes mellitus (DM). It has been known that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers have a renal protective effect. This study aimed to investigate whether treatment with angiotensin II receptor blocker, olmesartan, could modify renal hemodynamic variables and vascular structural properties, then attenuate renal injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rats.

METHODSDM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ. The rats were then randomized to a DM group and an olmesartan treatment (OLM + DM) group. The normal group (non-DM) were administered only citrate buffer. At the end of the 14th week, blood glucose, kidney weight/body weight and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio were determined. Further, the flow-pressure and pressure-glomerular filtration rate (GFR) relationships were determined for maximally vasodilated, perfused kidneys. From the relationship, 3 indices of vascular structural properties were estimated: slope of flow-pressure (minimal renal vascular resistance, reflecting overall luminal dimensions of preglomerular and postglomerular vasculature), slope of pressure-GFR (glomerular filtration capacity against pressure) and threshold pressure for beginning filtration at pressure-GFR (preglomerular to postglomerular vascular resistance ratio). Kidneys were then perfusion fixed for histological analysis. The renal histopathology was observed by light microscopy.

RESULTSThe body weight of DM rats was lower than that of non-DM rats. Blood glucose, kidney weight/body weight, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio were significantly greater in DM rats than in non-DM rats. The parameters such as kidney weight/body weight, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio in OLM + DM rats had dramatically decreased compared with those in DM rats. However, the treatment with olmesartan had no effect on blood glucose levels. The slope of flow-pressure relationship was greater in DM rats than that in non-DM rats (P < 0.05). But the slope of the pressure-GFR relationship was lower in DM rats than that in non-DM rats (P < 0.05) with the x-intercept of the line similar between the two groups. The slope of the flow-pressure relationship was decreased in DM rats group treated with olmesartan (P < 0.05). Moreover, olmesartan significantly increased the slope of the pressure-GFR relationship in DM rats (P < 0.05). The x-intercept of the pressure-GFR relationship reduced following olmesartan in DM rats.

CONCLUSIONSTreatment with olmesartan reduced urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio independent of blood glucose and increased average renal vessel lumen diameter in the perfused kidneys of STZ-induced DM rats, predominantly in preglomerular vessels, and then improved renal excretory capability. These findings were consistent with remodeling of the preglomerular vasculature in our hisological measurements.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; drug effects ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Imidazoles ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tetrazoles

Objective To explore the curative effect of tirofiban treatment on high-risk acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in elderly patients receiving an early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment. Methods The 162 elderly cases including unstable angina pectoris and non-ST -segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing early PCI were enrolled in this study.And they were assigned to early treatment group (n=82) and deferred selective group (n=80)according to the time of using tirofiban (Gp Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a inhibitor) treatment. The effectiveness of either strategic option on tissue-level perfusion was evaluated using the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) before and immediately after PCI. The corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) was also used to assess coronary artery flow and myocardial perfusion. Bleeding complications and the composite end point events at 30 days were also evaluated. Results Of all the 162 patients, the TMPG 0-1 perfusion was observed in 65 patients (40.1%). The TMPG 0-1 perfusion was significantly less frequent in early treatment group (32.9%) than in deferred selective group (47.5%) before PCI (x2=3.58, P＜0.05); while the results of TIMI grade 0-1 flow (26.8% vs. 25.0%) and cTFC levels (34.2±11.8 vs. 34. 9±12. 7) before PCI were similar between the two groups (x2 =0. 07, P=0.47; t= 0.13, P=0.71, respectively). No differences were seen both in composite end point events at 30 days and bleeding complications (x2 = 0.31, P＞0.05; x2=0.004, P＞0. 05). Conclusions High -risk ACS patients treated with an early invasive strategy, routine upstream use of tirofiban are associated with improved tissue-level perfusion before PCI and does not increase bleeding complications when bleeding risks are carefully evaluated before enrollment.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different spinal rotation manipulations for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom September 2011 to April 2013,180 patients diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into seat fixed rotation group (A), lateral position rotation group (B) and supine position rotation group (C) by using a digital table. Finally 10 patients were excluded and dropped, 170 patients were included in the study. There were 57 patients in group A, 57 patients in group B and 56 patients in group C. Baseline demographic characteristics of patients, clinical findings and indexes of health status had no statistically differences among three groups (P > 0.05). The manipulation was performed every other day, and the treatment duration for all patients was 3 weeks. Body pain (BP), Physical function (PF) in SF-36, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and adverse reactions were observed statistically 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, one year and two years after finishing treatment.

RESULTSBP, PF scores in 3 groups were significantly improved and ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05); However, there was no significant difference among three groups in the BP, PF and ODI scores (P > 0.05). There were no obvious and serious adverse reactions among these groups.

CONCLUSIONBased on the theory of dislocation of bone joints in TCM, three kinds of spinal rotation manipulations can be used safely for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, and the efficacy was similar.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Rotation ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To research the curative effect of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine on Kashin-Beck disease(KBD). Methods According to Diagnosis for Kashin-Beck disease,80 patients of adult KBD were detected from Guanghui village Shangzhi city Heilongjiang province in July,2007,and they divided into treatment group and control group according to their condition,age and sex,40 person in each group. Treatment group was given chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate,and control group was given placebo(equivalent amount of starch). Bilateral knees X-ray films were shot before and after treatment (8th month),scale division magnifying glass was used to measure the width of joint space on X-ray films. Results The width of joint space respectively was (4.30±2.14) and (4.10±2.07)mm in control group before and after treatment,and treatment group respectively was (4.17±2.15),(4.16±2.11)mm. Medicine had no obviously role on joint space (F = 0.50,P > 0.05),Time and both of time and medicine had obvious role on joint space(F= 67.66,46.74,all P< 0.05). Joint space of treat group was thinner than control group(P < 0.05) before treatment,but thicker after treatment(P < 0.05). To compare with the width of before treatment,joint space width of control group became obviously narrow(P < 0.05). Conclusions Experimental group taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate alleviated knee joint space narrowing process of adults KBD patients compared with control group. It plays a protection role in articular cartilage and provides evidences for choosing drug and evaluating effect in the treatment of adults KBD.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of VP1 gene hypervariable region in hu-man enterovirus type 68(HEV68)strains isolated in China. Methods Nucleotide sequences of the VP1 gene in the Chinese strains and strains isolated in other countries were aligned by using Clustal W in the MEGA6 program. The phylogenetic trees were constructed by using Neighbor-Joining(NJ)method in the MEGA6 program. Sequence of the amino acids encoded by that region was analyzed by compared with that of the standard strain Fermon. Results A total of 80 strains of EV68 had been isolated in China by the end of 2015. Most of the mutations occurred in BC and DE loops. The mutation sites lied in the VP1 gene of Chi-nese isolates were at 83,89,91,94,96,97,98,102,109,139,141,142,143,144 and 147. Glycine was missing from most of the amino acid sequences encoded by the VP1 gene of Chinese strains. The phylo-genetic analysis indicated that 53 and 21 EV68 strains isolated in China belonged to B and C clades,respec-tively. Conclusion Compared with the standard strain Fermon,the Chinese strains changed a lot in BC-loop and DE-loop,which were associated with the antigenicity and virulence of EV68. The EV68 strains iso-lated in China belonged to B and C clades.