Objective To construct and to identify eukaryotic expression vector expressing Islet-brain 1(IB1) gene.Methods Total RNA was extracted from human insulinoma.IB1 gene was amplified by PCR from human IB1cDNA library.The eukaryotic expression vector encoding IB1 was constructed by inserting the IB1 cDNA into EcoR I/Kpn I sites of the pEGFP-N1 vector with the green fluorescent.The construct was transfected into RINm5F cell line,screened by G418.The phase contrast fluorescence microscope,flow cytometer,and Western blot were used to identify the recombinant plasmid and transfeced cell line.Results The RT-PCR products for IB1(AA1-280)generated from human insulinoma was 840 bp.Sequence analysis proved the same sequence as published in Gen-Bank.Two bands showed that pEGFP-N1 vector encoding IB1 digested by EcoR I or Kpn I.Western blot showed IB1 gene was expressed in RINm5F cells.Conclusion The recombinant prokaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-N1-IB1 has been successfully constructed.

Objective To develop a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of forsklin in rat plasma.Methods After extraction with methyl tert-butyl ether,chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with the mobile phase consisting of water ( 0.1％ formic acid)-acetonitrile in a gradient elution mode.A tandem mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI) source was used as detector in the positive ion mode.Quantification was performed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with the precursor product combination ions of m/z 411→375.3 and 285→193 for forsklin and diazepam.Results Good linearity was obtained in the 0.5-1000 ng/ml range for the analyte and the analytical method was validated in terms of specificity,precision,accuracy,recovery,stability and matrix effect.These assays gave RSD values always lower than 14.4％ and RE values between -3.5 ％ and 3.8％.In addition,the specificity,extraction recovery,stability and matrix effect were satisfactory.Conclusion Due to its high sensitivity,specificity and simplicity,the method could be used for pharmacokinetic studies of forsklin.

Objective: To study the feasibility of evaluating the adequacy of hemodialysis using neural calculating method. Methods: The adequacy of hemodialysis patients were evaluated using Daugirdas, TACurea and neural calculating method respectively, the results of the 3 method; were compared with the clinical assessment of the patients. Results: The coincidence rate among the 3 methods was 84.6%, coincidence rate between neural calculating method and the clinical outcome of the patients was 92.3%, which was significantly higher than that of Daugirdas method (76.9%) and of TACurea (80.8%). Conclusion: Neural calculating method has higher accuracy in assessing the adequacy of hemodialysis patients and is clinically practical.

Objective To study the effect of different approach on myocardial contractile force, angiogenesis and collagen renovation in acute myocardial infarct site by implantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods 32 Gui-zbou Xiang porcine were randomly divided into control group (group C), intra-coronary arterial injection group (group A) ,topical injection group (group T) and intra-coronary arterial + topical injection group( group A + T). 3 ml bone marrow was extracted. MSCs were cultured according to the methods of Wakitani's. After being co-cultured with 5-azacytidine for 24 hours, these cells were labelled with bromodeoxyuridine ( BrdU ). Autologus MSCs were implanted into the acute myocardial infarct site via the distal segment of the ligated left anterior descending artery (LAD) ,topical injection and both. Specimens and muscle strip were harvested in 3 and 6 weeks after MSCs implantation for microvessel count, P Ⅲ NP activity and contractile force measurement. Results The contractile force(48.6±5.9) %, (42.1±6.2 ) %, ( 56.9±5.1 ) %, microvessel count ( 19.6±4.3,17.1±4.0, 23.2±5.5 ) and collagen renovation (4.6±0.5 ) μg/L, ( 5.9±0.7 ) μg/L, ( 3.9±0.3 ) μg/L in the cell implant groups was better than that in the control group(37.9±5.4)% ,13.2±3.8,(8.7±0.8) μg/L,(P <0.01) ,espe-cially in group A + T. Conclusions Implantation of MSCs through intra-coronary arterial plus topical injection of MSCs maybe an ideal approach for infracted myocardium.

Objective To evaluate the effect of nicotine pretreatment on cardiac function following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each):sham operation group (group S),group I/R and nicotine pretreatment group (group N).The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 20％ urethane 1 g/kg,tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated.Myocardial ischemia was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion.The left anterior descending branch of coronary artery was only exposed,but not occluded in group S.Nicotine 400 μg/kg was injected intravenously via the right jugular vein at 30 min before myocardial ischemia in group N.The equal volume of normal saline was injected instead in groups S and I/R.Before ischemia,at 30 min of ischemia and at 30 and 120 min of reperfusion,10 rats from each group were chosen for record of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP),left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP),± dp/dtmax,HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP).Blood samples were collected from the right carotid artery of the left 10 rats in each group at 60 min of reperfusion to measure plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations.Results Compared with group S,MAP and LVSP at T2,3 and HR,LVDP and ± dp/dtmax at T1-3 were significantly decreased,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were increased in group I/R,and LVDP at T1,2 and HR and ± dp/dtmax at T1-3 were significantly decreased,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were increased in group N (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group I/R,MAP,HR,LVSP,LVDP and ± dp/dtmax were significantly increased at T3,and the plasma CK-MB activity and cTnI and TNF-α concentrations were decreased in group N (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Nicotine pretreatment can reduce myocardial I/R injury through activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway,thus improving cardiac function in rats.

We have designed and carried out problem based learning (PBL) pedagogy since 2004. According to clinical eases, students learnt the pathophysiology of heart failure knowledge by themselves. Each group recommen-ded one student to make an oral presentation and wrote a review about heart failure. Preparing clinical cases and group discussions are very important. At the same time we should pay attention to the change in role of the teacher in PBL and cooperation with other disciplines.

Objective To investigate the effects of Sini decoction on function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with sepsis.Methods A prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.60 septic patients were divided into three groups with the method of random number table,20 cases in the control group,20 in the Chinese herb group,and 20 in corticoid group.All of them received routine treatment.Patients in Chinese herb group were given Sini decoction in addition (decoction of monkshood 15 g,dried ginger 15 g,honey-fried licorice 10 g) 100 mL/d orally or by nasal feeding,while patients in corticoid group were given hydrocortisone 200 mg/d intravenously instead,both for 7 days.Before the treatment,3 days and 14 days after treatment,blood was collected to determine the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol,and the result of ACTH stimulating test was observed.At the same time,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score was recorded,and 3-day shock recovery rate and 28-day death rate were also compared among these groups.Results None of the three groups showed different result in ACTH stimulating test (x2=1.101,P=0.605).ACTH in three groups was gradually decreased.Compared with that before treatment,ACTH in Chinese herb group and corticoid groups began to decrease obviously on day 3 (ng/L:29.90 ± 3.31 vs.33.10 ±.3.31,28.20 ±.2.45 vs.33.30 ± 3.84,both P＜0.01),while in control group declined ACTH appeared later (on day 14) compared with before treatment (ng/L:29.40 ±5.63 vs.33.50 ±4.89,P＜0.05).No obvious difference in ACTH level was showed between the Chinese herb group and the cortical group (both P＞0.05).Cortisol level in both Chinese herb and cortical groups showed a raise-fall biphase trend while there was no change in the control.The cortical levels on day 3 in Chinese herb and cortical groups were much higher than that before treatment (μg/L:343.04 ± 31.20 vs.294.70 ±42.10,331.25 ±42.80 vs.280.36 ± 38.10,both P＜0.01) and that of control group (μg/L:291.61 ± 41.50,both P＜0.01),though no significant statistical difference was observed between two groups (both P＞0.05).APACHE Ⅱ score on day 14 in control,Chinese herb and cortical groups was significantly lower than that before treatment (16.8 ± 5.1 vs.20.1 ± 4.3,13.4 ± 3.2 vs.18.3 ± 3.8,15.1 ± 2.5 vs.19.5 ± 4.0,all P＜0.01),and the score was much lower in Chinese herb group comparing with that of control group (P＜0.05).No statistical difference was observed among control,Chinese herb and cortical groups in lowering 28-day death rate [35.0％ (7/20),25.0％ (5/20),20.0％ (4/20)] and improving 3-day shock recovery rate [40.0％ (8/20),70.0％ (14/20),60.0％ (12/20),all P＞0.05].Conclusions Sini decoction could elevate cortisol while lower ACTH at the early stage of sepsis.Sini decoction could also effectively improve symptoms and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in septic patients without affecting death rate.

Objective To evaluate the imaging diagnosis of anomalous origin of coronary artery from the pulmonary artery(ACAPA).Methods A total of 11 cases with ACAPA were included in the present study.Chest films,echocardiography,cardioangiography,and electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) were employed as diagnostic modalities.Macroscopic anatomy at operation was referred. Results Ten cases were classified as anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery(ALCAPA) and 1 case as anomalous origin of right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery(ARCAPA).They could not be diagnosed by chest films,but could be diagnosed by echocardiography in 3 cases,by EBCT in 1 case,and by cardioangiography in all cases.In ALCAPA,cardioangiography showed that the left coronary arteries arising from the posterior sinus or posterior wall of the pulmonary artery were perfused retrogradely via the collaterals from the dilated right coronary artery.In ARCAPA,the right coronary artery originated from the right sinus of the pulmonary artery.Gross anatomy at operation showed that the sites of the anomalous origins were the same as that of cardioangiography.Ischemic fibrosis of the anterior papillary muscles,mitral valve annulus enlargement,and prolapse of mitral valve,which led to mitral valve insufficiency,were found in 3 cases.Conclusion Chest film has limitation in the diagnosis and echocardiography should be further improved.Cardioangiography remains the “gold standard” of the preoperative diagnosis.

Objective To explore the prognostic value and immune infiltration landscape of anoikis-related long noncoding RNAs (arlncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods RNA-seq and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the TCGA database, and anoikis-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards and Harmonizome databases. Coexpression, differential, and WGCNA analyses were performed to screen differentially expressed arlncRNAs closely related to the occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. A prognostic risk model was then constructed based on the arlncRNAs, and its predictive efficacy was further validated. Finally, consensus clustering was used to identify the molecular subtypes associated with anoikis in lung adenocarcinoma. Results Seven prognostic arlncRNAs were identified, and the prognostic risk models established based on them had AUC values of ROC curves greater than 0.7. Survival and immune infiltration analyses revealed that low-risk patients had high overall survival and immune infiltration, implying that they experienced good immune treatment effects. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that the high-risk patients were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents than the low-risk patients. According to the expression of model genes, subtypes C1 and C2 were identified through consensus clustering, and C1 showed a good prognosis. Conclusion The prognostic risk model based on the seven arlncRNAs can effectively predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. The results of immune-related and drug sensitivity analyses provide a reference for the precise individualized treatment of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Objective Comparison of the levator ani muscles in three-dimensional (3D) MRI-based models in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse at rest to analyze the morphological characteristics of levator ani muscles in women with POP. Methods Twenty-five women with POP and 22 women with normal pelvic support were selected from Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Axial, sagittal, and coronal T2-weighted pelvic magnetic resonance scans were obtained with the women in the supine position.The 3D models were reconstructed from the source images. Morphological changes was compared within the two groups of levator ani muscles, and the 3D models were measured to determine the levator ani muscle volume (LVOL), levator plate angle (LPA), levator hiatus width (LH-W) and length (LH-L), distance between symphysis and levator sling muscle (LSG). Results There were no puborectalis avulsions in control, in POP, 3 cases of avulsions just in left, 3 cases of avulsions just in right, 7 cases in bilateral. The shape of iliococcygeus were all dome-shaped in control, 11 cases were U-shaped and 14 cases were dome-shaped in POP. The shape of levator hiatus were 7 cases of U-shape, 12 cases of V-shape, 3 cases of irregular in control; 5 cases of U-shape, 4 cases of V-shape, 16 cases of irregular in POP. POP versus control: LH-L: (68.0 ± 8.9) versus (61.6 ± 7.2) mm (P<0.05); LH-W: (41.4 ± 3.9) versus (38.0 ± 3.2) mm (P<0.05); LSG-L: (29.6 ± 7.4) versus (24.6 ± 3.7) mm (P<0.05); LSG-R: (28.4 ± 6.8) versus (23.9 ± 3.2) mm (P<0.05); LPA: (51.0 ± 11.3)° versus (40.6 ± 6.3)° (P<0.05); LVOL: (23.7 ± 5.8) versus (24.6 ± 5.0) cm3 (P>0.05). Conclusions It is possible to assess the morphologic changes of levator ani by using 3D MRI models objectively, our 3D data demonstrate larger in LVOL, LPA, LH-W, LH-L, LSG, and the changes in shape. It is helpful to diagnose and assess the specific situation of patients POP in clinic.