Objective To explore the correlation between cytomegalovirus pneumonia (CMV-IP) and viral load in renal transplant recipients and to find out the threshold value of viral load for predicting CMV-IP. Methods The blood samples of 56 renal transplant recipients were taken weekly for the first 2 months and every 2 weeks for 2-6 months after transplantation.Real-time PCR were used to quantify the plasma CMV DNA.The mean viral loads of CMV-IP group and non-CMV-IP group in each time were compared using Wilcoxon test.Different cut-off values were tested to find the suitable values to predict the CMV-IP. Results Of the 56 recipients,8 (14.3%) developed CMV-IP.The viral loads were near zero in the first 4 weeks in both groups;from week 5 the viral load of CMV-IP group increased gradually and reached the climax at week 8 and then declined,but the load of non-CMV-IP group fluctuated at a low level.During weeks 5-11,the viral loads of CMV-IP group were higher than those of non-VMV-IP group.At 5,7 and 9 weeks,the differences of the viral loads between the 2 groups were significant (P

Objective To investigate the correlation between QRS amplitudes and left ventricular wall thickness in autopsy specimens of elderly men.Methods The data of autopsy cases in our hospital since 1990 were retrospectively analyzed.The cases with QRS duration≥0.12 s and the pacing electrocardiogram were excluded.QRS amplitudes of standard 12-lead electrocardiography in 3 months before death were measured and the correlation between QRS amplitudes and left ventricular wall thickness was analyzed in the elderly men.Results Correlations were found between the amplitudes of the R waves in leads V5 ,V6, Ⅰ ,aVL[(1.1±0.7) mV, (0.95±0.6) mV, (0.44±0.3)mV and(0.35±0.3)mV] and left ventricular wall thickness[(13.6±5.4)mm;r=0.22,0.14,0.22,0.23,all P<0.05], and between the combination of QRS amplitudes SV1 +RV5 or RV6(1.9±1.2) mV] and left ventrieular wall thickness [(13.8± 5.4) mm; r = 0.23, P < 0.05].The correlationbetween the combination of QRS amplitudes (SV1 + RV5 or RV6 ) and left ventricular wall thickness was the strongest in 60-79 years old cases (r=0.48, P<0.01) ,and was decreased in 80-89 years old cases (r= 0.23, P<0.05).There was no correlation between the combination of QRS amplitudes (SV1+RV5or RV6) and left ventricular wall thickness in 90-101 years old cases (r= 0.03, P> 0.05).Conclusions Electrocardiogram is a reliable method for diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly men aged < 90 years.

Objective To investigate the feature of diabetic foot ulcer and the relative mechanism, and to analyze its predilection site. Methods The precipitating factors and the areas of ulcer were analyzed in 121 diabetic patients with foot ulcer. The peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed by measuring the skin sensation, tendon reflex, electromyogram or vibration perception threshold (VPT). The diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was evaluated by positive symptoms, ultrasound or magnetic resonance angiography. According to morbid changes, the patients were divided into neuropathic ulcer group (n = 33), ischemic ulcer group (n = 27), and mixed type ulcer group (n = 61). Results The ulcers of 97 cases (80. 2%) were distributed in digital pedis and plantar pedis. In neurogenic ulcer group, there were 48.5% lesion at planta pedis, 30.3% at dorsum pedis, and 21.2% at digiti pedi. In ischemie ulcer group, there were 59.3% at digiti pedis, 29.6% at dorsum pedis, and 11.1% at planta pedis. In mixed type ulcer group, there were 49. 2% at digiti pedis, 41% at planta pedis, and 9.8% at dorsum pedis. The difference of ulcer distribution was apparent in these groups. Among these three groups, patients in mixed type ulcer group was the oldest, and had the longest duration of diabetes (P<0.05) and the largest area of ulcer at diagnosis. However, the BMI and blood pressure in isehemic ulcer group were higher than those of the other groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The difference of lesion basis affects the position of diabetic foot ulcer, and the thumbs and plantar pedis are the predilection area of diabetic foot.

Objective:To investigate the expression of HIF-1?and its relationship with angiogenesis in osteosarcoma.Methods: Osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were cultured in vitro under hypoxia and mimic hypoxia conditions.Thirty paraffin-embedded osteosarcoma tissues and 20 fresh frozen osteosarcoma specimens were collected.The mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1?and VEGF were detected by RT-PCR,Western blotting,ELISA,and immunohistochemistry methods.The mean vessel density(MVD)were also calculated.Results:The mRNA level of HIF-1?had no change under hypoxia and minic hypoxia conditions,whereas the protein expression was increased dramaticaly.The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF was significantly increased under hypoxia and minic hypoxia conditions.The positive rate of HIF-1?mRNA(90%)and VEGF(100%)in 20 fresh frozen tissues were higher than those of the para-tumor tissues(P

Objecttve To explore the value of electrocardiographic(ECG)Cornell criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH)in elderly Chinese men.Methods Since 1990,244 autopsies were performed in our hospital in elderly men,LVH was determined in these autopsy hearts and correlated to EGG LVH signs recorded within 3 months before death according to Comer(Sv3+RIvL)and Sokolow-Lyon criteria(Svl+Rvs or RV6).The reference value of Comell criteria was obtained based on valUes from autopsied healthy hearts,the sensitivity and specificity of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in these eldedy men were talculated.Results There were significantly correlations between QRS amplitudes of Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria and autopsy left ventricular wall thickness in tllese hearts.The reference value of Comer criteria(SV3+RaVL)was 2.9 mV.The sensitivity of Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria for detecting LVH Wag 25.4%and 34.3%(P＜0.05 vs Sokolow-Lyon criteria),respectively.Condusion Voltage(SV3+R.RavL)≥2.9 mV might be a suitable diagnostic value for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in Chinese elderly men.

BACKGROUNDIntratracheal instillation of blood induces self-repaired acute lung injury. However, the mechanism of repair has been unclear. Heme-oxygenase (HO)-1, which catalyzes heme breakdown, acts as an inducible defense against oxidative stress and plays an important role in inflammation. The objective of this study was to test the role of HO-1 in lung injury caused by intratracheal instillation of red cells.

METHODSForty healthy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal group, saline group, erythrocyte group, erythrocyte+zinc-protoporphyrin (ZnPP, HO-1 inhibitor) group and saline+ZnPP group. At 2 days after intratracheal instillation of red cells, lung tissues and lavage samples were isolated for biochemical determinations and histological measurements.

RESULTSHistological analysis revealed that administration of ZnPP worsened the acute lung injury induced by instilled erythrocytes. HO-1 was over-expressed in the erythrocyte group and in the erythrocyte + ZnPP group. Compared with the erythrocyte + ZnPP group, the levels of total protein, lactate dehydrogenase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lavage were lower (P < 0.01), while the level of interleukin-10 was higher in the erythrocyte group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONHO-1 protects against erythrocyte-induced inflammatory injury in lung.

Animals ; Erythrocytes ; physiology ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; analysis ; physiology ; Interleukin-10 ; analysis ; Lung ; pathology ; Lung Injury ; prevention & control ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of miR-124 inhibiting the proliferative activity of prostate cancer PC3 cells.

METHODSLuciferase reporter gene assay was used to examine the specific binding ability of miR-124 to PKM2 mRNA 3'-UTR. After miR-124 was transfected mimic to PC3 cells, the expression levels of PKM2 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The effects of miR-124 mimic and PKM2 siRNA on the proliferative activity of the PC3 cells were determined by MTT assay.

RESULTSThe expressions of PKM2 mRNA and protein were upregulated (5.12 +/- 0.35) times and (4.05 +/- 0.20) times respectively in the PC3 cells as compared with those in the RWPE-1 cells (P < 0.05). Luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR-124 targeted PKM2 3'-UTR. At 24 hours after transfection with miR-124 mimic, the PKM2 protein expression in the PC3 cells was downregulated (0.16 +/- 0.04) times (P < 0.05), while the PKM2 mRNA level was not changed significantly (P > 0.05), as compared with the control group. MTT assay showed that both miRNA-124 mimic and PKM2 siRNA could inhibit the proliferation of the PC3 cells, but the former exhibited a greater inhibitory effect than the latter. After transfection with miR-124 mimic and PKM2 siRNA, the cell growth rates were (66.20 +/- 5.10)% vs (82.10 +/- 6.35)% at 24 hours (P < 0.05) and (49.34 +/- 2.37)% vs (70.10 +/- 5.80)% at 48 hours (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONmiR-124 can suppress the proliferation of PC3 cells by regulating the PKM2 gene.

Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Thyroid Hormones ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

Objective To compare mobilization effects of endogeneous MSCs in the treatment of ulcerative colitis rats by Shenling Baizhu Powder and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction. Methods Twenty SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Shenling Baizhu Powder group and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction group. TNBS/ethanol method was used to build the ulcerative colitis model. Administration groups were given Shenling Baizhu Powder and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction for gavage and model group and blank group were given normal saline for gavage. After gavage, MSCs from peripheral blood and bone marrow were extracted for primary culture. MSCs of bone marrow and peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. Results MSCs from bone marrow showed: Compared with the blank group, the percentage of positive cells in the model group decreased (P<0.05); Compared with the model group, the percentage of positive cells in Shenling Baizhu Powder group and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction group increased, and the expression of Shenling Baizhu Powder group was more obvious (P<0.05). MSCs from peripheral blood showed: Compared with the blank group, the percentage of positive cells in the model group increased (P<0.05); Compared with the model group, the percentage of positive cells in Shenling Baizhu Powder group and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction group decreased, and the expression of Shenling Baizhu Powder group was more obvious (P<0.05). Conclusion Shenling Baizhu Powder and Tongxie Yaofang Decoction have the function of promoting the increase of bone marrow-derived MSCs and the reduction of peripheral blood source of MSCs in model rats, and Shenling Baizhu Powder is better than Tongxie Yaofang Decoction.

Objective To dig the correlation between genes and four TCM constitutions (phlegm-dampness, blood stasis, allergy, and dampness-heat); To analyze microscopic mechanism of constitution formed and constitution-disease correlation; To provide biological basis for TCM constitution classification and constitution-disease correlation theory. Methods Literature about TCM constitutions and gene expressions in CNKI and Wanfang Database were retrieved by computers from the establishment of database to 31, December 2016. Differentially expressed genes of four TCM constitutions were collected, and DAVID database was used for enrichment analysis, including gene tissue enrichment analysis, disease analysis, GO analysis, and pathway analysis. The results of DAVID database analysis were downloaded and analyzed. Results Four TCM constitutions had differences in gene level, and each constitution had the specificity in significantly enriched gene function, activity, pathways, related diseases, and expression locations. Different patterns of gene expression led to the constitution differences in disease susceptibility and tendency. Conclusion The essence of TCM constitution formation is the change of gene expression patterns, and the pathological changes are also caused by the change.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of serum cytokines concentrations and A- PACHE scores in evaluating the illness state for critical trauma patients.Methods A clinical prospective self-control trial was performed,in which 36 patients admitted to ICU by SIRS were enrolled.Objects were divided into mild and severe trauma group according to APACHE score.The TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations were determined on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of admission,the APACHE score were assessed at the same time.Statistic analysis was performed according to this group.Results The TNF-?concentrations decreased continuously in the following days while IL-6 decreased from the 7th day in the mild trauma group.In the severe trauma group the TNF-?and IL-6,APACHE score concentrations kept increasing.There was a significant difference of TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations between severe trauma and mild trauma group.Conclusion Dynamic measurement of TNF-?and IL-6 concentrations with APACHE score provide great help to evaluate the illness state and predict the prognosis.