ObjectiveTo detect the serum level of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its expression in renal biopsy tissues in lupus nephritis (LN) patients as well as its clinical significance were analyzed.MethodsThe serum concentration of FSTL1 in 54 SLE patients and 27 healthy controls was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The distribution of FSTL1 in renal biopsy tissues was stained by immune-histochemical method.Mann-Whitney U test,t test,X2test and Pearson test were selected to compare the changes and data analysis.ResultsThe serum FSTLI level was significantly higher in SLE patients(26±21) μg/L than those of healthy controls ( 12± 14) μg/L (P＜0.01).The level of serum FSTL1 was significantly higher in SLE patients with hypertension than in patients without hypertension.The serum FSTL1 level had statistically significant changes between SLE patients with disease duration ≥ 5 years and ＜5 years.The level of serum FSTL1 correlated positively with SLEDAI score (r=0.319,P=0.022),age (r=0.700,P＜0.01),disease duration (r=0.513,P＜0.01),complement C4 level (r=0.443,P=0.004),and total serum cholesterol level (r=0.460,P=0.001 ).FSTL1 correlated inversely with platelet count (r=-0.422,P =0.001 ),anti-dsDNA antibody levels (r=-0.276,P=0.046).FSTL1 expression was evident in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of kidney tubules.ConclusionThe level of serum FSTL1 is significantly increased in SLE patients.FSTL1 concentration correlats positively with disease activity.These data indicate that FSTL1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Objective To investigate the combined biological effects of low dose radiation,carbon monoxide,benzene and noise on rats.Methods Sixteen male SD rats were randomly divided into experiment group and control group.The experiment group was exposed to carbon monoxide,benzene,low dose radiation and noise daily,the control group was in common environment.Peripheral blood,organ index,and marrow DNA content were detected.Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed on serum protein analysis.Differential expressed proteins were identified by a matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MAIDI-TOF-MS).Results Compared to control group,the liver index,spleen index,thymus index,leukocytes,platelets count,and marrow DNA content of the experiment group were decreased significantly (t =2.732,4.141,3.053,2.211,2.668,11.592,P ＜0.05).12 altered proteins were detected and through identification,3 proteins were definite in terms of serum amyloid A-4 protein (SAA4),trichoplein keratin filament-binding protein (TCHP) and tubulin alpha-4A chain (TUBA4A).Conclusions The hematopoietic system and immune system of rats are damaged significantly with the changes of several serum protein expressions by the combined exposure of low dose radiation,carbon monoxide,benzene and noise.This study may provide new information for the mechanism of the combination effects.

Objective To review the clinical experiences of modified Nuss procedure and technique for complicated pectus excavatum. Methods From September 2006 to October 2009,45 children (27 boys and18 girls), aged 3 - 16 years [mean (6.4 ± 3.5 )years] with complicated pectus excavatum underwent modified Nuss procedure. VATS was used in 6 cases. 3 patients associated with lung cyst were treated by open surgery and 1 case with ASD was treated by Hybrid procedure.Results The surgery was successfully performed in all patients. The mean operative time was 54 minutes and the average hospital stay was 7 days. Postoperative evaluation was"excellent"in 30 cases , "good"in 13, and"moderate"in 2. Conclusion Modified Nuss procedure is a safe and effective method for correction of complicated pectus excavatum.

Objective To sum up the clinical information and outcomes of one-stage surgical repairs for interrupted aortic arch (IAA) associated with cardiac defects through median stemotomy in infant.Methods From August 2005 to January 2012,23 IAA patients,aged 18 days to 3 years [mean age (8.61 ± 11.81) months],body weight 3.3-13.0 kg [mean (6.61 ± 3.26) kg] were reviewed underwent one-stage repair.There were 12 male and 11 female.The anatomic subtype ineluded type A 20 (87.0％),type B 3 (13.0％),and no type C in the records.All cases included ventricular septal defect and patent ductus artefious,some also with artirical-pulmonary window,aterical septal defect,bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valve,and subvalvular aortic stenosis.Diagnosis was determined in of the patients and suspected in by echocardiography.Also,64 layers helico-CT was employed to make a definite diagnosis for 18 patients and cardiac catheterization was used for 4 patients.All patients with cardiac anomalies underwent one-stage repair through median sternotomy.The aortic continuity was reestablished by anastomosis between the descending aortic segment and aortic arch.Results In all 23 cases,21 were successful.There was 2 (8.69％) postoperative death:one was due to surgical hemorrhage and severe low cardiac output during perioperative stage and the other was 2-month old due to crisis of pulmonary hypertension.CPB time was ranged from 53-215 min [(129.76 ± 38.98) min],and aortic crossclamp time was 34-125 min[(74.47 ± 24.30) min].The length of stay in ICU postoperatively was 96h averagely.The postoperative complications included severe low cardiac output syndrome in 3 patients,hypoxemia in 13,pneumonia in 7,and supraventricular tachycardia in 12.21 patients were followed up from 2 months to 6 years and were in good condition without recoactation.Conclusion The outcomes of early and medium term for one-stage repair of IAA and associated cardiac anomalies through median stemotomy is excellent.Technique of extended anastomosis between the descending aortic segment and aortic arch may reduce the incidence of recoarctation.It is simplified the procedure and improved life quality of patients.

AIM: To compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of the domestic and imported sustained-release tablets of gliclazide in healthy volunteers. METHODS:The study was performed by an four-period crossover design with singledose and multiple-dose administration. The plasmadrug concentrations of twenty male healthy volunteers were determined by liquid chromatography with mass spectrum detector method (LC-MS). RESULTS:The pharmacokinetic parameters after a single oral dose of the domestic and imported gliclazide tablets were (7.2+s 1.5) h and (6.9 +1.4) h for tmax, (13.4 ±1.2) h and (13.7 +1.3) h for t1/2, (2.4 +0.8) mg ·L-1and (2.3 ±0.6) mg· L-1 forcmax, (48 ±14)mg · h · L-1 and (48 +14) mg· h · L-1 forAUC0-60,(51+15) mg· h· L-1 and (50±14) mg· h· L-1for AUC0-∞, (22.4 ± 1.9 ) h and (22.8 ± 1.9 ) h for MRT, respectively. The steady state pharmacokinetic parameters after multiple doses of the domestic and imported gliclazide tablets were (6. 1 ± 1.4) h and (6.5+1.4) h for tmax, (4.6±0.9) mg· L-1 and (4.7±1.1) mg· L-1 for cmax, (0.23 ±0.08) mg ·L-1and (0.26±0.08) mg· L-1 forcmin, (1.6±0.3) mg·L-1 and (1.6±0.3) mg · L-1 for mean value of steady plasma-drug concentration (cav),(94±19) mg· h · L-1 and (95 ±20) mg · h · L-1forAUCss, (282 ±33)% and (283 ±43)% for degree of fluctuation DF ), respectively. The relative bioavailability of the domestic gliclazide tablet to the imported gliclazide tablet following a single and multiple dose were ( 102 ± 9) % and (99 ± 10 ) %, respectively. Main pharmacokinetic parameters between the two formulations in both single and multiples dose studies showed no statistical difference ( P >0.05 ). CONCLUSION: The result of two one side t-test shows that the two formulations are bioequivalent.

Objective To summarize the technique and clinical experience of hybrid procedure under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children with muscular ventricular septal defect (mVSD). Methods From January 2006 to June 2010, 45 cases of mVSD underwent hybrid procedure with CPB. mVSDs were closed with devices under direct vision in 45 cases. Of them, there were 20 males and 25 females. They ranged from 52 days to 12 years [mean (2.05 ±2.48) year] in age and from 3 to 30 kg [(11.93 ±7.70)kg] in body weight. Preoperatively, most of children were highly susceptible to respiratory tract infections. The hybrid approach was used in all patients with CPB under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The diameter of mVSDs ranged from 2 to 7 mm under TEE. Of 45 cases, 40 patients had increased rates of pulmonary blood flow. 29 patients had left axis deviation and 12 cases had sinus arrhythmia on electrocardiography (ECG). 19 had other congenital heart lesions, including transposition of great arteries in 1 case, tetralogy of Fallot in 2, pulmonary artery stenosis in 3, patent ductus arteriosus in 6, atrial septal defects in 6) and aorta coactation in 1. The quantity of VSDs were from 1 to 7 (single, in 7; two, in 24 case; three, in 8 case; four, in 5 case and seven, in lease. 37 patients were combined with pulmonary hypertension in our cohort. 38 patients with another large VSD and 19 with other congenital heart lesions were required surgical repair at sometime. Results The hybrid procedures were undertaken in all 45 cases of this cohort. All cases were successful and no deaths occurred during operation. A total of 48 devices were implanted in 45 patients, including single devices in 42 cases (device size ranged from 4 to 10 mm) and two devices in 3 cases (device size ranged from 4 -7 mm). The average time on CPB was (58.28 ±20.70) min , while aortic crossclamp time was(34. 94 ± 14.75) min. In addition, the time on mechanical ventilation postoperatively ranged from 2 hours to 6 days. Compared to the older children, 20 infante aged less than 8 monhad a significant difference in cardiac function in the early postoperative period. One infant was given up treatment because of serious infection. Anather cases recovered with the use of supportive treatment, such as using vasoactive agents, digoxin, inhaling nitric oxide, diuresis, and so on. The enteric-coated aspirin was given at dose of 5 mg ? kg -1. day -1 for a period of 3 to 6 months as usual postoperatively. All patients attended follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-procedure. No major complications were encountered during this period. All cases were no instance of migration of any of the devices, residual shunt, aortic regurgitation, atrioventricular valve dysfunction, Ⅲo atrial-ventricular conduction block, new arrhythmia, and so on. There are no death in long-term follow-up. Conclusion Hybrid procedure is safe and effective for the closure of congenital heart defects in children.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the common resource of Chinese herbal medicine in western of Luoding City, Guangdong Province, and propose pertinent suggestions concerning the exploitation,utilization and conservation of the medicinal resources.

METHODSWith plant taxonomy method, we selected the JiaYi town as the center for local common Chinese herbal medicine resources, ecological environment and non-governmental investigation of medicinal.

RESULTSThere were 123 species of medicinal plants in Jiayi Town, including pteridophyte 11 species, gymnosperm 5 species, dicotyledon 97 species,and monocotyledon 12 species.

CONCLUSIONThis region has an excellent ecological environment and forest plant communities preserved relatively intact suitable for the growth of Lingnan Chinese herbal medicine, as well as a profound cultural background of folk medicine. The resources should be actively protected for further rational development and utilization.

China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

OBJECTIVETo establish a routine procedure for the detection of p53 mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical resections using the FASAY (functional analysis of separated alleles of p53 on yeast) procedure.

METHODSp53 status was analyzed by FASAY and cDNA sequencing in 50 cases of HCC. After the extraction of RNA from the frozen tumor and corresponding normal tissues, reverse transcription RT-PCR was carried out using these samples. The assay can detect mutations of p53 mRNA between codons 67 and 347 by the DNA-binding activity of the protein and reveal them as red colonies.

RESULTSOf the 50 specimens, 29 (58%) were positive (mutant) by FASAY. Sequencing analysis confirmed that all 29 FASAY positive tumors harbored mutations, and that no mutations were detectable in any FASAY negative tumors. In 29 p53 mutations, 22 mutations were point missense mutation, 5 were deletions and 2 were splicing mutations. A novel splice mutation on splice donor of intron 6 was reported, which could produce two different mRNAs, respectively using the nearest upstream and downstream recessive splice donor sites.

CONCLUSIONFASAY is a sensitive method for detecting the various types of p53 mutations in HCC, suggesting that the yeast functional assay for the detection of p53 mutations may be essential for elucidating their clinical significance.

Alternative Splicing ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; Mutation ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics

BACKGROUNDIt was reported that telomerase expression is closely associated with cellular immortality and cancer. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between telomerase expression and the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer, the possible use of telomerase as a marker of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) progression or regression, and the natural history of CIN.

METHODSTelomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay was used to measure telomerase activity in cervical scrapings and biopsy samples obtained from 105 cases affected with various cervical conditions, including chronic cervicitis (n = 20), CIN (n = 64, 16 cases of CIN I, 20 cases of CIN II, and 28 cases of CIN III), and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (n = 21).

RESULTSIn exfoliated cell samples, telomerase activity was detected in 5 of 20 (25.0%) cases of cervicitis, 10 of 16 (62.5%) cases of CIN I, 11 of 20 (55.0%) cases of CIN II, 23 of 28 (82.1%) cases of CIN III, and 13 of 21 (61.9%) cases of carcinoma. In cervical biopsy samples, telomerase activity was detected in 6 of 20 (30.0%) cases of cervicitis, 8 of 16 (50.0%) cases of CIN I, 9 of 20 (45.0%) cases of CIN II, 27 of 28 (96.4%) cases of CIN III, and 20 of 21 (95.2%) cases of carcinoma. Telomerase activation was significantly higher in CIN samples than in cervicitis samples. Telomerase activity was detected at similar frequency in samples from cervical scrapings and cervical biopsies.

CONCLUSIONThese results seem to suggest that telomerase expression may be associated with carcinogenesis of the cervix. TRAP assay of cervical scraping samples could be used to monitor and predict the development of CIN in clinical practice.

Adult ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; enzymology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Telomerase ; metabolism ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Uterine Cervicitis ; enzymology