Rapid species identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by rpoB gene micro array.Based on the gene micro array of rpoB,the standard strains of 21 mycobacteria and 8 non-mycobacteria,126 clinical isolated of mycobacteria were detected by PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization assay.360bp DNA fragment was amplified from all mycobacteria tested and was not found in all nonmycobacteria except Hemolytic streptococcus and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum.The result of specimens were detected by the probe which is composed of 21 oligonucleotide was that probe-Mycobacterium fortuitum cross hybridizated with Mycobacterium platypoecilus while the other probes were specific.The 89 strains of the all 126 strains isolated from clinical specimens were identified to be mycobacterium tuberculosis,the percentage was 70.6%(89/126),while the other 9 strains were identified to be unmycobacterium tuberculosis and the the percentage was 9.2%(9/98).Identification of Mycobacteria by rpoB gene micro array is a rapid and effective method which is of considerable value in clinical territory.

Objective To explore the differences of systolic segmental motion of left ventricle (LV) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using illustration of the bull eye (IBE) from real-time three-dimensional echoeardiography(RT-3DE). Methods Quantitative analysis of LV segmental function was made in 43 patients with DCM by IBE. Percentage of compensated segments(PCS) was determined according to the segmental distribution by different color from IBE. Maximal exeursion(Emax),minimal excursion(Emin), average excursion (EA), standard difference of excursion(SD) and dispersion of excursion(Edis) were calculated. Results PCS in patients with DCM was 27.22%. Significant differences between DCM group and control group in Emax, Emin, EA,SD and Edis were observed( P <0. 001 ). Significant difference in segmental motion of LV was existed in patients with DCM and its distribution of motion seems tendency of irregularity. Conclnsions PCS and Edis from IBE might provide a convenient and macroscopic modality in selection of treatment and evaluation of prognosis in patients with DCM.

OBJECTIVETo assess the reliability and validity of the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale in the male population of Shanghai.

METHODSWe enrolled 973 males aged 40 years and over in a community of Shanghai, China. Using the AMS scale, we calculated the split-half reliability coefficient and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, assessed the validity through confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis, and obtained the domain scores of different people by analysis of variance and independent sample test.

RESULTSThe split-half reliability was > 0.78 (P < 0.01) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients of all the dimensions > 0.82 (P < 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis showed 3 domains in the AMS scale, Pearson correlation coefficients of all the items to their domains were > 0.49 (P < 0.01), and the total testosterone level was not correlated with AMS scores, with Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.04 (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in AMS scores among different age groups as well as among those with different chronic disease histories, but not in the psychological domain among different age groups.

CONCLUSIONThe reliability and validity of the AMS scale are acceptable in assessing aging males'symptoms among the male population of Shanghai, but further studies are needed to determine whether it could be used as a tool for screening late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in males.

Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To analyze risk factors for delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (DPPB) of colorectal polyps. Methods We reviewed 1 098 patients (2 169 polyps) who accepted endoscopic polypectomy from July 2014 to July 2017. Evaluate the risk factors for DPPB. Results DPPB occurred in 18 (1.6%) cases. Univariate analysis revealed that history of hypertension (P = 0.007), polyp size ≥10 mm (P = 0.009), right hemicolon location (P = 0.015) and adenomatous polyp (P = 0.045) were risk factors for DPPB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that history of hypertension (P = 0.002, O(R) = 4.654, 95%CI: 1.755 ~ 12.343), polyp size ≥10 mm (P = 0.009, O(R) = 3.637, 95%CI: 1.390 ~ 9.517), location in the right hemicolon (P = 0.016, O(R) = 3.656, 95%CI:1.273 ~ 10.504) were independent risk factors for DPPB. Conclusion Patients with history of hypertension, polyp size ≥10 mm, polyp location in the right hemicolon are prone to DPPB. We should take effective measure to prevent DPPB.

Objective?To investigate the efficacy and safety of dental floss traction assisted technique in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early rectal cancer and precancerous lesions.?Methods?57 patients recived ESD for early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions from September 2014 to June 2017 were randomly divided into dental floss traction group (n = 28) and routine group (n = 29). To compare the average operation time, the amount of supplementary submucosal injection, and frequency of supplementary submucosal injection, complete resection rate, R0 resection rate, complications and follow-up results of the two groups.?Results?All 57 cases were treated with ESD successfully. The average operation time, the amount of supplementary submucosal injection and the frequency of injection were significantly less in the dental floss traction group than in the conventional group [(55.11 ± 10.44) vs (74.72 ± 14.47) min; (5.80 ± 1.80) vs (10.00 ± 5.70) ml; frequency (1.10 ± 0.90) vs (1.70 ± 0.90)]. The average operation time (P = 0.000), the amount of supplementary submucosal injection (P = 0.001) and the frequency of supplementary submucosal injection (P = 0.022) were significantly different between the two groups. The complete resection rate and R0 resection rate were 100.0% in both groups. There was no bleeding or perforation in the dental floss traction group, and 1 cases (3.4%) in the conventional group had delayed bleeding after operation, and 2 cases (6.9%) perforation occurred during the operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). No recurrence was found in the two groups during follow-up period.?Conclusions?Dental floss traction assisted technique can significantly shorten the operation time of ESD, reduce the amount and frequency of supplementary submucosal injection and ensure good therapeutic effect for early colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions.

OBJECTIVETo provide experimental data for the quality control of processed Paeonia lactiflora, a Chinese herbal medicine.

METHODTraditional processing of P. lactiflora was simulated, content of paeoniflorin and water extracts among different preparations were assayed by HPLC; The quantitative correlations among different processing conditions were analyzed, the effects of processing parameters on the contents of paeoniflorin and water extracts were assayed and analysed.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe controlled processing parameters were correlated with covariables which showed that processing procedures was controllable, and the heating temperature was a factor impacting the content of paeoniflorin.

Caffeic Acids ; analysis ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Ecosystem ; Lycopus ; chemistry ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Seasons ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUNDT-lymphoma and metastasis gene 1 (Tiam1) produces a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GNEF) that regulates guanosine triphosphatase, which transforms guanosine diphosphate to guanosine triphosphate. Recently published data indicate that Tiam1 was associated with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate biological effects and potential mechanisms of Tiam1 in gastric carcinoma.

METHODSWe analyzed the expression of Tiam1 in 114 pair-matched gastric neoplastic and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. We investigated Tiam1 expression and its prognostic value for gastric cancer. Furthermore, the functions of Tiam1 over-expression were analyzed with stable-expression Tiam1 plasmid in human gastric cancer cell lines.

RESULTSTiam1 expression was significantly associated with cell differentiation and lymphatic metastasis; expression of Tiam1 mRNA was up-regulated in gastric cancer compared to pair-matched adjacent non-tumor tissues. Analyses of surgical tissue samples and 5-year survival of gastric cancer patients showed that those with strong Tiam1 expression had significantly shorter overall survival time than those with negative Tiam1 expression. Ectopic expression of Tiam1 promoted cell growth, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONSIn gastric cancer cells, Tiam1 affects multiple properties associated with acquisition of the metastatic phenotype, and may be a marker of gastric cancer progression and metastasis in a subset of cancer.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Proliferation ; Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; T-Lymphoma Invasion and Metastasis-inducing Protein 1

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of excessive intake of fluoride on the expression of type II collagen gene and types and morphological change of collagen fiber in the bone tissues of rats.

METHODSA rat model with fluorosis was established by adding 221 mg/L of sodium fluoride (NaF) to drinking water for the rats for 15 days, 30 days and two months, respectively. Type II collagen alpha1 (II) cDNA probe was prepared, and cDNA-mRNA in-situ hybridization was employed to detect change in expression of type II collagen mRNA in the bone tissues of rats with excessive intake of fluoride (221 mg/L NaF). Picrosirius-polarization method was used to observe types of collagen and morphology of collagen fiber in the bone tissues.

RESULTSChondroblasts were found in the femur and other bone tissues of the rats after exposure to fluoride. cDNA-mRNA in-situ hybridization showed that expression of type II collagen gene could be observed in the cytoplasm of chondrocytic lacuna and chondrified bone tissues. mRNA in collagen of chondrocytes of the rib cartilage reached the peak level 15 days after exposure to fluoride, and decreased gradually one month and two months after exposure. Polychromatic type II collagen, breakage of collagen fiber, disorder array and reduced content of type II collagen could be found in the bone tissues with picrosirius-polarization method.

CONCLUSIONSExcessive intake of fluoride could lead to changes in types and structure of collagen (cross-linkage) of bone tissues, which caused expression of type II collagen gene in the chondrified bone tissues and enhanced its expression in the rib cartilage tissues.

Animals ; Bone Diseases ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chondrocytes ; metabolism ; Collagen Type II ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Fluoride Poisoning ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSWe conducted a multi-centered open clinical study on 165 BPH patients treated with Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules at a dose of 160 mg qd for 12 weeks. At the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of medication, we compared the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, urinary flow rate, quality of life scores (QOL), and adverse events between the two groups of patients.

RESULTSCompared with the baseline, both IPSS and QOL were improved after 6 weeks of medication, and at 12 weeks, significant improvement was found in IPSS, QOL, urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine. Mild stomachache occurred in 1 case, which necessitated no treatment.

CONCLUSIONSaw Palmetto Extract Capsules were safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.

Capsules ; Humans ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; Quality of Life

BACKGROUNDOne effect of solid tumors is severe hypoxia of local tissues. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is highly expressed in a variety of human tumor tissues; its induction and activity are closely related to growth of solid tumors. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor that regulates hypoxia signal transduction and plays a central role in tumor hypoxia regulation. However, whether and how changes in HO-1 activity affect HIF-1 gene expression has not been reported previously.

METHODSHypoxia-inducible models were established using gastric cancer cell lines (SGC-7901) in a hypoxia incubator. Cells were placed in four groups: Group A, transfected by plasmid harboring HO-1 shRNA; Group B, transfected with scrambled shRNA vector; Group C, treated with hemin; and Group D, exposed to hypoxia only. Expressions of HO-1 and HIF-1 mRNAs were quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of HO-1 and HIF-1 proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTSmRNA and protein levels of HO-1 and HIF-1 in the control group were significantly higher than in Group A (P < 0.01), but lower than in Group C (P < 0.01). Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that HIF-1 was identified as the direct HO-1 target gene.

CONCLUSIONWhile affected by HIF-1, HO-1 up-regulation promotes the expression of HIF-1 and the down-regulation of HO-1 suppresses the expression of HIF-1 gene.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Hypoxia ; genetics ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction