Objective To investigate the relatio nship between the DNA methylation status of gluco-corticoid receptor (GR) gene promoter and mRNA expression level of GRα gene of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Fifteen new onset SLE patients and fifteen healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The DNA methylation status of GR gene promoter 1 of PBMCs was detected through bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA expression of GRα, DNA methyltransferases, growth arrest and DNA damage-induced 45α (GADD45α) of PBMCs was detected using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. T-test and χ2-test were used to detect the differences between the two groups, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the linear correlation between two variables. Results Compared with healthy controls, the mRNA expression of GRα was signi-ficantly declined in SLE patients (10±5, 17±7, t=2.69, P<0.05), and the mRNA expression of DNMT1 and GADD45α was significantly elevated in SLE patients (t=3.11, P<0.05 and t=2.98, P<0.05). The overall mean methylation status of the 142 CpG islands of the four promoters was significantly elevated in SLE patients [(16±8)%vs (11±6)%, t=2.75, P<0.05]. The global methylation status of PBMCs in SLE patients was obviously lower than healthy controls (t=4.39, P<0.05). Conclusion Hypermethylation of GRα promoter may result in GRαgene low expression in PBMCs of patients with SLE.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the synergistic effects of tetrandrine (TET) on the antifungal activity of topical ketoconazole (KCZ) in the treatment of dermatophytoses.

METHODSThe minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for KCZ and combined KCZ and TET were compared in vitro. A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted among 97 patients with dermatophytoses who were assigned to 3 groups and received: treatment with combination of 2% KZC and 2% TET cream (KCZ + TET group), or only 2% KZC cream (KCZ group), or 2% TET cream (TET group). Patients with tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris were treated for 2 weeks, separately. The patients with tinea pedis and/or tinea manuum were treated for 4 weeks.

RESULTSCompared with KZC alone, combined use of KZC and TET showed lower MICs against clinical isolates of dermatophytes (P<0.05 for all). In the patients with tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris, the rates of overall cure (clinical cure plus mycologic clearance) were 81.25% vs. 33.33% for combined treatment and KZC monotherapy, respectively, after 4 weeks. All clinical indices were significantly different between the combination therapy and only KCZ therapy groups (P<0.05). Among the patients with tinea pedis and/or tinea manuum after 4 weeks treatment, the overall cure rates in the KCZ + TET group and KCZ group were 75.00% vs. 40.00%, respectively. In the KCZ + TET group, all the clinical indices were significantly better than those in the KCZ group and TET group (P<0.05). The rates of overall efficacy in the TET group were all zero. No local skin redness or itching was observed during TET treatment. No clinically significant changes were found in post-treatment routine blood, urine, or stool tests, ECG, or tests for liver and kidney function; no serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONTET synergistically enhanced the clinical efficacy of topical KZC cream in the treatment of dermatophytoses.

Administration, Topical ; Adult ; Antifungal Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Benzylisoquinolines ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Drug Synergism ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ketoconazole ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Tinea ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo analyze the influence of included angle between the anterior aspects of S2 and S vertebral bodies on pelvic inlet imaging in the pelvic midline sagittal plane.

METHODSTotally 58 axial pelvic CT scans were chosen as study objects including 43 males and 15 females,with an average age of 40.7 years old (ranged,18 to 68 years old). The angles between the anterior aspects of S2 and S1, vertebral bodies and the horizontal plane on midline sagittal CT reconstruction were measured to simulate the optimal S2 and S1 inlet angles. The included angle between the anterior aspects of S2 and S1 vertebral bodies was calculated by subtrocting the S1,inlet angle from the S2 inlet angle defined as a base number. Then, the impact of the calculated included angles on the pelvic inlet imaging was analyzed. Results:The S2 inlet angles averaged (30.5±6.5) degrees; the S inlet angles averaged (25.7±5.9) degrees. The difference between them was significant (t=3.35, P=0.001). Ten patients had zero angle between the anterior aspects of S2 and S1 vertebral bodies; 14 patients had negative angle, averaged-(8.9±8.1) degrees; 34 patients had positive angle,averaged (11.8+6.4) degrees.

CONCLUSIONThe difference of included angle between the anterior aspects of S2 and S1 vertebral bodies leads to the difference between S1 inlet view and S2 inlet view in most cases, complicating the pelvic inlet imaging,and affecting the reliability of the application of pelvic inlet view. Utilizing the angles measured on the preoperative midlihe sagittal CT reconstruction to obatin the patient-customized S1 and S2 inlet views could accurately guide the S1 and S2 iliosacral screw insertion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvis ; anatomy & histology ; injuries ; Spine ; anatomy & histology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo find the function and functioning mechanism of Yiqi Qingwen Jiedu Heji in resisting influenza immune damage by studying its effect on the expressions of cytokine.

METHODTaking IV FM1 infected mice as its model and doing ELISA (double antibody sandwichenzyme linked immunosorbent assay), we dynamically observed the change of cytokine TNF-alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma and IL-10 after giving Yiqi Qingwen Jiedu Heji treatment.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONAfter the mice are infected by influenza virus, their protein expressions of the model group are higher than those of the control group, of which TNF-alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma reach the peak in three days. The three expressions of Yiqi Qingwen Jiedu Heji treated group are decreased and the decrease becomes remarkable on the third day, compared with those of the model group. However, the expression of IL-10 of the treated group is remarkably increased. It indicates that Yiqi Qingwen Jiedu Heji can resist the expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma pro-inflammatory cytokine,increase the expression of IL-10, and thus, alleviate inflammatory injury. So the clinical application of such medicine can shorten the course of disease.

Animals ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections ; metabolism ; virology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective:To detect the expression of six miRNAs for miR-146a,miR-224,miR-34c,miR-200a,miR-148b,miR-375 level in primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients tissues and serum,and to explore the correlation between the expression of miRNA and inflammatory factors,in the hope of verification whether circulating miRNA could be used as an ideal blood borne biomarker for early detection of primary liver cancer.Methods:Venous blood samples were collected from patients with primary liver cancer,hepatitis,cirrhosis and healthy controls,cancer tissues and para cancerous tissues were collected from patients with cancer.After the total RNA was extracted,the relative expression levels of miRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR,and the relationship between the expression level of miRNA and the expression of serum tumor markers AFP,CEA,CA19-9 and CA125 was detected.The correlation between the expression level of miRNAs and the expression of HBsAg,anti-HBs,HBeAg,anti-HBe,anti-HBc and inflammatory factors IL-12,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,IFN-γ,TNF-α was detected as well.Results:Compared with the healthy group,the expression of miR-34c,miR-224 and miR-146a in serum and tissues of PHC group was significantly up-regulated,and the expression of miR-200a,miR-148b and miR-375 in serum and tissues of PHC group was significantly down regulated.The difference was statistically significant.There was a regression relationship between HBsAg and serum miR-375 and miR-146a,and miR-375 decreased with the increase of HBsAg expression,while miR-146a increased with the increase of HBsAg.There was a regression relationship between IFN-γ and miR-146a,miR-146a increased with the decrease of IFN-γ expression.The diagnostic ability of miR-375 and miR-146a was greater than that of CA19-9 and AFP.Conclusion:MiR-146a,miR-224,miR-34c,miR-200a,miR-148b,miR-375 in serum and tissue of primary hepatocellular carcinoma are differentially express,among them,the diagnostic ability of miR-375 and miR-146a is better than that of AFP and CA19-9,and serum miR-375 and miR-146a may be the new markers for early diagnosis of PHC.

ObJective To summarize the microsurgieal techniques through direct Sylvian fissure approach. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 62 patients undergoing microsurgeries through direct Sylvian fissure approach, including 4 with cavernous angioma in the Sylvian fissure, 5 with insular lobe tumors, 33 with middle cerebral artery aneurysms, 15 with glioma spanning or invading the Sylvian fissure, 1 with metastatic tumor, 2 with arteriovenous malformations, and 2 with temporal lobe epilepsy. Results All the vascular lesions were exposed satisfactorily and managed appropriately. Of the 19 cases ofgliomas and metastatic tumors, total resection was achieved in 13 cases, and subtotal resection in 6 cases. Transient aphasia or hemiparesis occurred postoperatively in a few patients but all recovered within 1 or two months. Conclusions The Sylvian fissure provides a good surgical route as a subarachnoid space between the frontal, parietal, temporal and insular lobes. The Sylvian fissure should be carefully separated under the operating microscope with high-power magnification, and tension-free retaction is critical in important language areas. In the management of tumors involving the Sylvian fissure, we recommend that extended resection be performed after exposure and appropriate preservation of important blood vessels in the fissure.

Objective To observe the prevalence and distribution of ideal cardiovascular health behavior.Methods Health examination data between 2008 to 2009 from the employees of Kailuan Group were analyzed.Results A total of 101 333 subjects took part in the health examination,subjects with previous myocardial infarction(n =871),stroke(n =2255),myocardial infarction and stroke(n =162)and subjects with incomplete examination data(n =9311)were excluded and 88 534 subjects were included for final analysis[mean age(50.6 ± 12.3)years,male 69 916].(1)Body mass index(B MI),systolic and diastolic pressure,cholesterol(TC)and triglyceride were significantly higher in males than in females (all P ＜0.05),women's income and the education lever were significantly higher than men(P ＜ 0.05).(2)The distribution of ideal cardiovascular health behavior(smoking,BMI,physical exercise,salt intake)was 55.8％,41.4％,18.9％ and 14.0％ respectively among the population; the ideal cardiovascular factors(fasting blood glucose,TC,blood pressure)was 80.9％,61.8％ and 18.5％,respectively.(3)The subjects with distribution of seven,six,five,four ideal cardiovascular health behavior and factors was 0.1％,1.9％,9.1％,20.3％,respectively.(4)Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female,age ＜ 55 and high education level were associated with the ideal cardiovascular health status with a RR value (95 ％ CI)of 4.52(4.32-4.72),1.46(1.39-1.53)and 2.23(2.10-2.37),respectively.Conclusion The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health is extremely low in the study population,most persons were notin the ideal cardiovascular health behavior and factors and female,age ＜ 55 and high education level arelinked with ideal cardiovascular health status.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of daily low-dose tadalafil on erectile dysfunction (ED) induced by pelvic fracture urethral disruption (PFUD).

METHODSThis study included 46 cases of PFUD-induced ED treated from Jan 2008 to Dec 2011. The patients were aged 33.9 +/- 7.2 years (range 25 -51 yr), and the interval between injury and treatment was 19.6 +/- 12.7 months (range 3 - 72 mo), all with normal erectile function before PFUD. Based on the nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) recorded by erectometry without medication of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5I), the patients were divided into an abnormal nocturnal erection group and a non-nocturnal erection group, and treated with tadalafil 10 mg once daily for 3 months. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by IIEF-5 scores and the rate of yes responses to questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP).

RESULTSTotally 38 (82.6%) of the patients accomplished the treatment and follow-up, 26 (68.4%) in the abnormal nocturnal erection group and 12 (31.6%) in the non-nocturnal erection group. After 3 months of daily tadalafil treatment at 10 mg, the IIEF-5 scores were significantly improved in the abnormal nocturnal erection group than in the non-nocturnal erection group (P < 0.05), and the rate of yes responses to SEP2 and SEP3 was remarkably higher in the former than in the latter (76.9% vs 41.7% and 65.4% vs 25.0%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSDaily low-dose tadalafil can effectively improve the erectile function of PFUD-induced ED patients, particularly in those with nocturnal erection.

Adult ; Carbolines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Fractures, Bone ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvis ; injuries ; Penile Erection ; Tadalafil ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethra ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo establish an easily reproducible animal model of hypospadias and to test whether Atrazine can induce hypospadias in animal experiment.

METHODSFrom the 11th to 16th day after conception, 120 conceived SD rats were divided randomly into 6 groups: one coin oil group (1 ml/kg/d), two finasteride groups (10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d), three Atrazine groups (25 mg/kg/d, 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d). When all pregnant rats had delivered, the new born rats were counted and the penis appearance, urethral orifice position and micturition were observed with magnifying lens and anatomy microscope.

RESULTSHypospadias were found in new born male rats treated prenatally with Finasteride (10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d) and 200 mg/kg/d Atrazine groups. The incidence was 28.30%, 67.03%, 10.23% respectively. Embryotoxic effects were observed at 25 mg/kg/d Atrazine group in 2 rats and associated with no severe maternal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS(1) A hypospadias SD rats model can be established by Finasteride and it is easily reproducible. (2) The Atrazine was teratogenic to the SD rats, embryotoxic effects were observed at the low dose level and associated with no severe maternal toxicity.

Animals ; Atrazine ; adverse effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Finasteride ; adverse effects ; Hypospadias ; chemically induced ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Teratogens

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and relationship of programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) and cell apoptosis in the parotid gland after leading duct ligation in rat and elucidate the role of PDCD5 on the atophy of parotid gland.

METHODSThe Wistar rat model of leading duct ligation was established, and the samples of parotid gland were obtained from different time point (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90 and 120 d). The expression of PDCD5 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTSThe distribution of PDCD5 protein in normal parotid was in cytoplasm with uniformity. The expression of PDCD5 protein was significantly increased and reached the peak at 3 d (1.261 ± 0.048) following main duct ligation. PDCD5 was located both in cytoplasm and nuclear of parotid gland cells. The PDCD5 density in acinar cells was higher than that in duct cells at day 1 and 3 after duct ligation (P < 0.01). The apoptotic cells were obviously upregulated at 3 d after duct ligation. The apoptosis index observed in acinar cells [(21.750 ± 0.119)%] was more than that in duct cells [(5.720 ± 0.205)%]. The difference of apoptosis index between acinar cells and duct cells was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The increased PDCD5 levels were positively correlated with cell apoptosis induced by duct ligation.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of PDCD5 is associated with the atophy of the parotid gland after rat parotid duct ligation, indicating that PDCD5 might play an important role in apoptotic pathways after parotid duct ligation.

Acinar Cells ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Atrophy ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Ligation ; Male ; Parotid Gland ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Salivary Ducts