AIMTo explore the causes of the difference in spermatogenic suppression between responders and non-responders in Chinese men treated with levonorgestrel (LNG) implants plus testosterone undecanoate (TU) injectable.

METHODSThe 16 Chinese volunteers treated were divided into two groups in regard to the sperm count during the treatment period, 7 men in the responder group (Group R), including 6 azoospermia and one severe oligozoospermia, and the remaining 9 in the non-responder group (Group N), including 4 oligozoospermia and 5 with sperm counts greater than 20 x 10(6)/mL. The differences in serum profiles of FSH, LH, T, LNG and T/LH ratio were compared between the two groups and the correlation between the seminal fluid parameters and serum reproductive hormones was analyzed.

RESULTSThe serum FSH level was lower in Group R than that in Group N (P<0.05), while the serum LH and LNG levels were higher in Group R than those in Group N (P<0.05). The sperm density (P<0.01, r=0.235), motility(P<0.01, r=0.326) and vitality (P<0.01, r=0.219) showed significantly positive correlation with the serum FSH level.

CONCLUSIONThe blood LNG and T levels, the degree of FSH inhibition and/or the sensitivity of the pituitary-testis axis to exogenous steroids, as well as the individual spermatogenetic potential and the functional status of the Leydig cells may be factors bringing about individual differences in spermatogenic suppression in Chinese men treated with LNG and TU.

Adult ; Contraceptive Agents, Male ; administration & dosage ; Drug Implants ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Injections ; Levonorgestrel ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Leydig Cells ; physiology ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Sperm Count ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects ; Testosterone ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; blood

A series of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2) RGD peptide conjugates with coupling RGD peptides to 3- position or 17-position of 2-MeO-E2 through space linker were synthesized. Their antiangiogenic properties were preliminarily evaluated by cell migration scratch assays against HUVECs. Compound 26c binding RGDV peptide showed the best inhibitory effect. In addition, all 2-MeO-E2 RGD peptide conjugates exhibited obvious activity. These results demonstrate that conjugates with RGD peptides represent a promising means for targeting angiogenesis in cancer therapy.

Objective To evaluate the effect of BML-111 on NF-κB pathway during acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats.Methods Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation group (group HSR),BML-111 group,and BML-111 + BOC-2 (lipoxin A4 receptor antagonist) group (group BOC-2).The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbital sodium.Hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood letting and maintained for 30 min.The animals were then resuscitated for 30 min by infusion of the shed blood and lactated Ringer's solution.In group BOC-2,BOC-2 (50 μg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally before blood letting.In BML-111 and BOC-2 groups,BML-111 (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at the beginning of resuscitation.The rats were sacrificed at 2 h after the end of resuscitation and lungs were removed for determination of pathological changes,myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression (by immunohistochemistry),tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) content (by ELISA),and NF-κB p65 and IκB-α expression (by Western blot).Results Compared with group S,the MPO activity,ICAM-1 expression,and TNF-α content were significantly increased,NF-κB p65 expression was up-regulated,and IκB-α expression was down-regulated in group HSR.Compared with group.HSR,the MPO activity,ICAM-1 expression,and TNF-α content were significantly decreased,NF-κB p65 expression was down-regulated,IκB-α expression was up-regulated,and pathological changes of lung were attenuated in group BML-111.Compared with group BML-111,the MPO activity,ICAM-1 expression,and TNF-α content were significantly increased,NF-κB p65 expression was up-regulated,and lκ:B-α expression was down-regulated,and pathological changes of lung were aggravated in group BOC-2.Conclusion BML-1 11 inhibits activation of NF-κB pathway and inflammatory responses,thus mitigating acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats.

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to detect the expression of livin in human gastric carcinoma and analyze the relationship between livin expression and cliniopathologic features. To explore the feasibility of small interference RNA (siRNA) in inhibition of livin gene expression and to investigate the apoptosis susceptibility of SGC-7901 cells by siRNA-mediated silencing of the livin gene.

METHODSThe expression of livin at mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. The relationship between livin expression and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Two siRNAs specifically targeting livin gene were designed and synthesized in vitro, and were transfected into the gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. The expression of livin mRNA was assayed by RT-PCR. Cell growth state and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 5-Fu and cisplatin on SGC-7901 cells were determined by MTT method. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTSThe expressions of livin mRNA and protein were detected in 19 of 40 gastric carcinoma cases (47.5%). No expression of livin was detected in tumor-adjacent tissues and benign gastric lesion. A positive correlation was found between livin expression and poor differentiation as well as lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). The level of livin mRNA was decreased in the SGC-7901 cells transfected by si-livin1 for 48 hours, with inhibition of cell growth. IC50 of si-livin-treated SGC-7901 cells to 5-Fu and cisplatin was decreased (P < 0.05) and the cells were more susceptible to proapoptotic stimuli (5-Fu and cisplatin) than control groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLivin is overexpressed in gastric carcinoma with a correlation to tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that it may be as one of molecular prognostic factors for some cases of gastric cancer. SiRNA can inhibit livin expression of SGC-7901 cells and induce cell apoptosis. Livin might serve as a new target for apoptosis-inducing therapy of gastric cancer. Livin;

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cisplatin ; pharmacology ; Fluorouracil ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the possible association between C-reactive (CRP) and insulin resistance (IR) as well as the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes macrovascular complication.

METHODSSerum CRP was measured by ultrasensitive immuoturbidimetric, which was determined on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with or without macrovascular complication (70 and 60 cases respectively) and on normal controls (90 cases). IR was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR).

RESULTSResults showed that the concentration of CRP was higher in T2DM with or without macrovascular complications than that in the healthy subjects (P < 0.01), while it was higher in diabetic patients with macrovascular complications than that in diabetic patients without macrovascular complications (P < 0.01). In diabetic patients with macrovascular complications, person correlation analysis indicated that there existed positive correlations between CRP and FINS, HOMA-IR, triglyceride (TG) while stepwise linear regression showed that usCRP and HOMA-IR, TG having linear correlation.

CONCLUSIONCRP seemed to play a role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes, possibly was by the way of IR.

C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Diabetes Complications ; blood ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Female ; Homeostasis ; Homocysteine ; blood ; Humans ; Inflammation Mediators ; metabolism ; Insulin Resistance ; Linear Models ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experience of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the patients with groupment acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

METHOD172 patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning were received hyperbaric oxygen therapy besides some other regular therapies from january 2007 to december 2011. The clinical effect were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS160 patients were cured (93%), 12 cases improved (7%), the total effective rate was 100%. The cure rate of the patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 6 hours after the poisoning for 100% (115/115), It was significantly higher than that of patients treated for more than 6 hours [The cure rate was 78.9% (45/57)], The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTreated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy early enough in the patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning, can prevent or reduce the occurrence of delayed encephalopathy, decreasing disability and mortality.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; therapy ; Humans ; Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Chinese.

METHODSUsing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the authors analyzed eight microsatellite markers closely linked to PKD1 or PKD2 genes respectively in a Chinese ADPKD family.

RESULTSSeven informative markers were found in this family, including KG8, SM6, CW4 and CW2 which are tightly linked to PKD1, and D4S1563, D4S414 and D4S423 which are linked to PKD2. After the process of genotyping, the haplotypes were estimated with Cyrillic 2.0, and the linkage-based analysis suggested that the disease is not linked to PKD1 other than PKD2.

CONCLUSIONIn China this non-PKD1 family is the second one, but it is the first reported PKD2 family showing the genetic heterogeneity of ADPKD in Chinese. In the family the affected mother transmits the disease and the affected members' phenotypes are eterogeneous. In addition, the existing "anticipation" and the presence of the disease in a child of this family suggest that non-PKD1 linked families may have early-onset of the disease in child.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Family Health ; Female ; Haplotypes ; genetics ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree ; Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant ; ethnology ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; TRPP Cation Channels ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study HIV, HBV and HCV infections in intravenous drug users.

METHODS2025 blood samples from intravenous drug users were collected from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi and Xinjiang regions, and tested for anti-HIV, anti-HCV, HBsAg using enzyme-linked immuno-sobent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTSThe positive rates of anti-HIV,anti-HCV and HBsAg were14.7%-30.4%, 60.7%-85.5% and 6.6%-22.4% in the intravenous drug users, respectively. The co-infection rates of HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV were 0%-0.4%, 11.6%-27.2%, 2.3%-14.3% and 1.6%-4.8% respectively in this population.

CONCLUSIONThe infection rates of HIV, HBV and HCV were higher in the intravenous drug users than that in general populations in the same regions, and HIV/HCV co-infection appeared most frequent in this population.

China ; epidemiology ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; Hepatitis C ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of treadmill aerobic exercise for eight weeks on cardiopulmonary fitness and functional mobility in stroke patients METHOD: Twenty one stroke patients who could walk independently and had MMSE score of 24 or higher were included. We used maximal exercise test by means of modified Harbor protocol before and after eight weeks' treadmill aerobic exercise. We monitored patients' status with EKG, heart rate, blood pressure and Borg rating of perceived exertion, and measured maximal O2 consumption, maximal heart rate, blood pressure, minute ventilation, rate pressure product and respiratory exchange ratio during maximal exercise test. We also assessed functional mobility by Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, Berg balance scale, five times sit to stand test, timed up & go test, dynamic gait index scale, activities-specific balance confidence scale and Korean-modified Barthel index before and after 8 weeks' training. RESULTS: Twenty one patients completed treadmill aerobic exercise training. After eight weeks' treadmill aerobic exercise, the cardiopulmonary fitness, measured by maximal O2 consumption, maximal heart rate, minute ventilation, systolic blood pressure, functional mobility measured by Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, Berg balance scale, five times sit to stand test, timed up & go test, dynamic gait index scale, activities-specific balance confidence scale and Korean-modified Barthel index showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Eight weeks' treadmill aerobic exercise improved the cardiopulmonary fitness and functional mobility in ambulatory stroke patients.
Blood Pressure ; Electrocardiography ; Exercise ; Exercise Test ; Gait ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Stroke ; Ventilation

The aim of this study were to measure and compare the stress level on three type brackets and each other material (stainless steel, ceramic) with tipping and torquing forces by using the finite element analysis and to design bioniechanically favorable brackets. For this study, three kinds of brackets were selected(A:Transcend-RMO, B:Signature-Unitek, C:PAW plain archwire appliance-applied for a patent in Yonsei University). The slot size of bracket was 0.022inch and the size of archwire was 0.0175x0.025inch and taper shaped archwire was used in PAW. Loading force in tipping was 4.27N and torquing force was 32.858N applied by archwire torsion with 19.7degree and 113 degree in C type bracket. The conclusions were that (1) The finite element method proved to be a useful tool in the stress analysis of orthodontic bracket subjected to various forces. (2) With tipping, the stresses were concentrated at the gingival wall of the wire slot where it meets the mesial bracket surface and the incisal wall of the wire slot where it meets the distal bracket surface and with torquing, the stresses were concentrated at the junction of the gingival or incisal wall and base of the slot. (3) The maximum stress value was higher in torquing force than tipping force and therefore it is desirable to design on the basis of torquing force. (4) It was considered that the change in material might be affect on the diminish of stress value in the place of stess concentration. (5) The maximum stress value was highest on PAW bracket when the tipping and torquing force was applied and therefore it would be desirable to use mechanically favorable material on PAW bracket.
Finite Element Analysis ; Orthodontic Brackets* ; Steel