OBJECTIVETo investigate the sociopsychological basis of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) and explore a new pathway for etiological study of HDP.

METHODSA prospective investigation was conducted in 1154 women in second trimester pregnancy and 9 factors were surveyed using Olson marital quality questionnaire (ENRIC). The discrepancy between the norms and factor scores of ENRIC was analyzed, and the scores of ENRIC were compared between normal gravidas and patients with HDP. The correlation between ENRIC scores and the severity of the condition was also evaluated.

RESULTSThe score of the 1124 gravidas for marital satisfaction was significantly higher than the norm (P<0.05), but the scores for relationship with relatives and sexual life were significantly lower (P<0.05). The other 6 factors had similar scores with the norms (P>0.05). Patients with HDP had significantly lower scores for 7 factors than the normal gravidas (P<0.05), but had comparable scores for financial arrangement and sexual life (P>0.05). The severity of HDP was not found to associate with variation of the scores for the 9 factors (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMarital quality is an important social and psychological basis of HDP, and this study provides some evidence for the social and psychological investigation of the etiology of HDP.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Marriage ; psychology ; Pregnancy ; psychology ; Quality of Life ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

Leaf senescence is often caused by water deficit and the chimeric gene P(SAG12)-IPT is an auto-regulated gene delaying leaf senescence. Using in vitro leaf discs culture system, the changes of contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble protein and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and antioxidant enzymes activities were investigated during leaf senescence of P(SAGl2)-IPT modified gerbera induced by osmotic stress compared with the control plant (wild type). Leaf discs were incubated in 20%, 40% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 nutrient solution for 20 h under continuous light [130 micromol/(m(2) x s)]. The results showed that the contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids and soluble protein were decreased by osmotic stress with the decrease being more pronounced at 40% PEG, but that, at the same PEG concentration the decrease in the transgenic plants was significantly lower than that in the control plant. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalases (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) were stimulated by PEG treatment. However, the increases were higher in P(SAG12)-IPT transgenic plants than in the control plants, particularly at 40% PEG treatment. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS content) was increased by PEG treatment with the increase being much lower in transgenic plant than in the control plant. It could be concluded that the increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT, APX, GPX and DHAR were responsible for the delay of leaf senescence induced by osmotic stress.
Alkyl and Aryl Transferases ; genetics ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins ; genetics ; Ascorbate Peroxidases ; Asteraceae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Carotenoids ; metabolism ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Chlorophyll ; metabolism ; Cysteine Endopeptidases ; genetics ; Genes, Bacterial ; Genes, Plant ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Osmotic Pressure ; Oxidoreductases ; metabolism ; Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Peroxidases ; metabolism ; Plant Leaves ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Solubility ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on body fluid compartments and water-sodium retention in severe burn patients.

METHODSThirty adult patients with severe burn were divided into treatment (T) and control (C) groups by block randomized design. Patients in both groups were subcutaneously injected with same amount of rhGH (12 IU/d) or isotonic saline during 7 - 21 post burn day (PBD). The total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) on 7, 14, 21 PBD. The 24 h urinary output of Na+ was determined by ion selective electrode method (ISE).

RESULTSThere were no significant difference in levels of TBW, ICW, ECW and 24 h urinary output of Na+ between two groups on 7, 14, 21 PBD (P > 0.05). No difference in results was found between groups at different time points (P > 0.05). After the data were analyzed, the level of TBW (36 +/- 6 L), ICW (21 +/- 4 L) on 21 PBD were evidently lower than those on 7 PBD (38 +/- 6 L, 23 +/- 7 L, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe level of ICW and TBW in severe burn patients decreased along with the time. Proper dosage of rhGH has no significant effect on body fluid compartments and water-sodium retention.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Body Fluid Compartments ; Body Water ; Burns ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Edema ; etiology ; Electric Impedance ; Extracellular Space ; Female ; Human Growth Hormone ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sodium ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the relationship between collagen degradation and cervical ripening by detecting dynamic expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 8 (MMP-8) in rat cervix.

METHODSPF rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6), namely non-pregnancy estrus interval group, gestational days 10, 16, and 19 groups, and immediately postpartum group. The wet weight of the cervix was measured and HE staining was used to display the general structure of the cervix. VG staining was applied to visualize the collagen fibers and muscular fibers. Immunohistochemistry was performed to observe the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-8 in the cervix.

RESULTSHE staining showed that the rat uterine cervix consisted mainly of fibroblasts and fibrous connective tissues. A small quantity of neutrophils could be seen in the cervix stroma of the rats immediately after immediately parturition, but not at the other time points. The wet weight of the antepartum cervix had increased, and a more obvious increase was seen in the wet weight of the cervix immediately after parturition. The collagen fibers of the cervix consisted of collagen fibers and smooth muscle fibers, and their proportions showed no significant variation at the time points around the parturition. Immediately after parturition, the collagen fibers and muscular fibers in the cervix became loosened as compared with that before parturition. MMP-2 expression was found in the cervical stroma but not in the squamous epithelium in nonpregnancy, term pregnancy, and immediately after parturition; the smooth muscle cells, vascular wall, and stromal fibroblasts showed positive expression of MMP-2. Enhanced intensity of MMP-2 staining was seen in term pregnancy and postpartum group in comparison with that in the other groups. MMP-8 expression was observed in the cervix of rats immediately after parturition, with scattered neutrophils positive for MMP-8 spotted in the stroma of the ripened cervix. MMP-8 expression was not detected in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONRipened cervical fibrous tissue becomes loose and broken, and cervical ripening is accompanied by infiltration of neutrophils from exogenous vessels. These changes are particularly evident after parturition. MMP-2 and MMP-8 cooperate to degrade the cervical fibers, leading to cervical softening and expansion.

Animals ; Cervical Ripening ; metabolism ; Cervix Uteri ; enzymology ; Female ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the killing effect of human herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) system combined with allitride and the possible apoptosis mechanism in BIU87 cells.

METHODSThe cytotoxicity after combination were estimated by theamine blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The morphological changes were observed with inverted microscope and in-situ cell apoptosis detection kit. Changes of apoptosis rate and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry. B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), bax, caspase-3 (cysteine aspartate specific proteinase) mRNA changes were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and caspase-3 activity was estimated with colorimetry.

RESULTSFor combination group, the cell killing rate was raised to 72.50% to compare with 35.00% of GCV and 37.00% of allitride separately and there was a synergistic effect between these two drugs. The cell apoptosis was induced in all three groups and for the combination group the time of S-phase and G(2)-phase arrest were earlier than other two groups. Both drugs could inhibit the expression of bcl-2 and promote the expression and activity of caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of HSV-TK/GCV system with allitride can inhibit the proliferation of BIU87 cells congenerously through apoptosis, which may be correlated with S- and G(2)-phase arrest, down-regulation of bcl-2 and increased caspase-3 expression and its activity.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Ganciclovir ; pharmacology ; Genetic Therapy ; Herpesvirus 1, Human ; enzymology ; genetics ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Sulfinic Acids ; pharmacology ; Thymidine Kinase ; genetics ; Transfection ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy

Objective To investigate the difference of late-phase of limb ischemia preconditioning (L-LIP) verse early-phase (E-LIP) on patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods A total of 160 patients with unstable angina pectoris who were planned to undergo PCI were divided equally into two groups at random.The late-phase of limb ischemia preconditioning group (80 patients) were provided with L-LIP (three 5-minute inflations up to 200mmHg by applying the sphygmomanometer cuff around the right upper arm,followed by 5-min intervals of reperfusion,twice a day) 3 days before PCI.The Earlyphase of limb ischemia preconditioning group (80 patients) were provided with E-LIP (method as above)2 hours before PCI.Comparison of procedural parameters during PCI and the levels of cTnT,CK-MB,hs-CRP were made 24 hours after PCI.Estimation of the rate of adverse events at 1 year between the two groups was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results Compared to the E-LIP group,the rates of angina,arrhythmia and TIMI flow ≤ 2 during PCI were significantly lower in the L-LIP group (all P ＜ 0.05).At 24 hours after PCI,the levels of cTnT and CK-MB were declined more significantly in the L-LIP group[(11.52±2.41) pg/ml vs.(27.53±4.78)pg/ml,P =0.021;(14.11±2.87)Iu/L vs.(30.23±5.17)Iu/L,P =0.032].There was no difference in the level of hs-CRP between the 2 groups [(128±0.71)mg/dl vs.(1.33±0.69)mg/dl,P =0.742].The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the incidence rate of adverse events in the L-LIP group at l year was lower than the E-LIP group (3.75％ vs.13.75％,P =0.024).Conclusions L-LIP is more effective to in protecting myocardial cell in patients with unstable angina pectoris undergoing elective PCI and may reduce the rate of future adverse event.

OBJECTIVETo study the growth and differentiation of adult canine autologous skeletal myoblasts after being transplanted into acute myocardial infarction (AMI) region by intramyocardium injection (IMI) and intracoronary infusion (ICI).

METHODSAutologous skeletal myoblasts were procured by a modified method. AMI model of adult canine was obtained through left anterior descending branch ligation and was divided into 4 groups (n = 5 for each group). Autologous skeletal myoblasts (1.0 - 1.4 x 10(8) cells) were injected locally into AMI region or infused into infarction-related coronary artery. Specimens were harvested 4 weeks after cellular transplantation for histological study including HE, PTH, immunochemical stain and transmission electronmicroscope.

RESULTSIn both two transplantation groups, newborn muscle-derived cells, striated muscle tissue and mature skeletal myofibril were demonstrated existing in MI region by electronmicroscope, PTH stain or anti-skeletal myosin heavy chain (slow) immunochemical stain, respectively. Newborn striated muscle tissues arranged in order of consistency with host myocardial fibers in two treatment groups. Newborn striated muscle tissue was more inclined to gather in MI region in the local injection group but distracted from each other in the intracoronary infusion group.

CONCLUSIONAutologous skeletal myoblasts appears to live and differentiate into mature striated muscle tissue after transplanting into AMI region by IMI or ICI routes.

Animals ; Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Dogs ; Female ; Male ; Myoblasts, Skeletal ; cytology ; transplantation ; Myocardial Infarction ; surgery ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo measure the correlative parameters of vertebral pedicles from L₁ to S₁ by CT scan in the patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis(AS) and disc degenerative disease(DDD), and analyze their anatomical difference in order to provide the selection and placement of pedicle screw during operation.

METHODSThe clinical data of 30 male AS patients (AS group) with the mean age of(35.7±9.5) years (ranged, 23 to 51) and 30 male DDD patients (DDD group) with the mean age of(52.4±8.9) years(ranged, 39 to 64) underwent surgery in our institution from March 2012 to November 2014 were analyzed. The CT scans of lumbar and sacrum were performed before surgery. The parameters of vertebral pedicle from L₁ to S₁ were measured and compared, including pedicle width (PW), pedicle screw path length (PL), pedicle height (PH), pedicle transverse angle (EA), and pedicle inclined angle (FA). Paired sample t-test was used to detect the divergence in the above-mentioned data between left and right sides. In addition, results between two groups were compared using independent sample t-test.

RESULTSThe study showed that a gradual increase in the average pedicle width both AS group and DDD group from L₁ to S₁. The average PW of AS group was bigger than DDD group in L₅ and S₁(<0.05), it was(16.47±2.66) mm and (21.76±2.97)mm vs. (14.51±2.11)mm and (18.87±2.14) mm respectively;the average PL of DDD group was smaller than AS group from L₁ to S₁(<0.05); the both maximum of PL were in L₃ segment; the average EA of AS group was smaller than DDD group from L₁ to S₁; the average FA of AS group was significantly smaller than DDD group from L₃ to S₁, (<0.05), was(-2.88±10.24)°, (-7.88±10.22)°, (-7.70±10.40)°, (-5.15±10.25)° vs. (4.05±2.21)°, (7.79±4.38)°, (7.07±3.21)°, (12.62±3.21)°, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSIncreasing the strength of internal fixation is feasible to insert the larger and bigger pedicle screws in low lumbar and S₁ among AS patients, while the EA should be decreased properly and the direction on the sagittal plane should be adjusted.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations in medical institutions are an important source of research and development(R&D) of TCM new drug. With years of usage in therapy, these preparations' safety and effectiveness have generally been validated in clinic. However, there are still a few disadvantages in TCM new medicine development, such as similar prescriptions, excessive prescription ingredients, too broad clinical orientation, lack of solid clinical data, issue in pharmaceutical quality control, and intellectual property disputes. Nowadays, the Three-Combined Evaluation System has strengthened policy support for the new TCM R&D. In order to improve the success rate of TCM R&D, due to the difficulties within, this paper proposes the process of transforming TCM preparations in medical institutions into new TCM and advocates the evaluation for druggability based on Human Use Experience(HUE). The potencial preparations ought to follow traditional Chinese Medical theory, sufficient HUE data in indication, syndrome type of TCM, target population, usage, dosage, and course of treatment are required. Particular attention should be paid to the source, evolution, and improvement process of prescription, and evaluate the dosage, ingredients, and herb resources of prescription. To assess the feasibility of mass production, it is necessary to determine whether the pharmaceutical process is mostly consistent with the new drug and whether the dosage form is reasonable. By summarizing the clinical application of the preparations, the whole picture of its clinical application would be reveal as much as possible. It is beneficial to evaluate its clinical value and R&D prospect. In consideration of the lack of clinical safety data of preparations, safety profile needs to be collected according to the prescription. The quality of clinical data needs to be evaluated by focusing on the integrity and accuracy of data to reduce bias and confusion. Significant care should be paid to intellectual property protection to avoid legal disputes.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Prescriptions ; Quality Control ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVETo screen the differential methylation patterns of tumor suppressor gene DAPK and evaluate its value as a biomarker for the diagnosis of leukemia.

METHODSThe methylation status of DAPK gene promoter's CpG island was analyzed in the genomes of normal human white blood cells and HL-60, U937 and Jurkat cell lines by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). The effectiveness of differential methylation patterns of DAPK gene for diagnosis of leukemia was verified in the leukemia cell lines and peripheral blood samples by methylation specific PCR (MSP).

RESULTSThe methylation pattern of DAPK gene in different cell genomes displayed that the degree of unmethylation in normal cell genome was higher than that of leukemia cell lines. The differential CpG sites were found and could be used to differentiate HL-60 and the other 3 cell lines by MSP. Meanwhile, the differential methylation patterns in clinical specimens could distinguish acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and other types of leukemia by MSP. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 59.1%, 100% and 82.7% respectively. No relationship was found between MSP diagnosis results and clinical pathological typing.

CONCLUSIONThe differential methylation patterns of DAPK gene as potential tumor biomarker for diagnosis of leukemia can enrich the means of diagnosis of leukemia, provide idea and basis for finding all kinds of tumor's DNA methylation biomarkers in the future.

Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; Death-Associated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; Leukemia ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Promoter Regions, Genetic