Background Statistic data revealed that different retinopathy of pre-term infants have different susceptibility to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP),which may be associated with polymorphism of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) gene.Objective This study was to determine the association of polymorphisms of VEGF gene with the risk for ROP.Methods This research was approved by Ethics Committee of Hunan Children's Hospital,and written informed consent was obtained from the parents of patients.A prospective case-controlled study was designed.Ninety-nine ROP patients in Hunan Children' s Hospital and 88 pre-termed children without ROP were included from January,2006 to December,2009.Thirty-nine patients who received retinal photocoagulation or cryotherapy were included as the treatment group,and 60 untreated but spontaneously regressed ROP patients as the non-treatment group.No significant differences were seen in demography between with the ROP group and the without ROP group,or between the treatment group and the non-treatment group (all P＞0.05).2 mL of peripheral blood was collected for the extraction of DNA.Gene polymorphisms of VEGF-A+405 and VEGF-A936 were detected using the pyrosequencing method.Results No significant difference was found in the frequencies of the VEGF-A+405 gene polymorphisms between the ROP group and without ROP group (P =0.071,OR =0.675,95 ％ CI =0.444-1.026).Also no significant difference was found in the frequencies of the VEGF-A936 gene polymorphisms between with the ROP group and without the ROP group (P =0.118,OR =0.768,95 ％ CI=2.823-4.614).However,the frequencies of the VEGF-A+405 gene polymorphisms were significantly higher in the ROP treatment group than the non-treatment group (P＜0.01,OR--0.857,95 ％ CI =5.239-14.024),and VEGF-A936 gene polymorphisms was also significantly higher in the ROP treatment group than the non-treatment group (P =0.000,OR =3.609,95 ％ CI =0.711-0.829).Conclusions There is no association between the VEGF-A+405/VEGF-A936 single nucleotide polymorphism with the risk of ROP,but polymorphisms of VEGF gene may be correlated with the prognosis of ROP.The carrier of VEGF-A +405 /VEGF-A936 allele is more susceptible to ROP progression.

The essence of endogenous turbidity in Chinese medicine (CM) is different from cream, fat, phlegm, retention, damp, toxicity, and stasis. Along with the development of modern scientific technologies and biology, researches on the essence of endogenous turbidity should keep pace with the time. Its material bases should be defined and new connotation endowed at the microscopic level. The essence of turbidity lies in abnormal functions of zang-fu organs. Sugar, fat, protein, and other nutrient substances cannot be properly decomposed, but into semi-finished products or intermediate metabolites. They are inactive and cannot participate in normal material syntheses and decomposition. They cannot be transformed to energy metabolism, but also cannot be synthesized as executive functioning of active proteins. If they cannot be degraded by autophagy-lysosome or ubiquitin-prosome into glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, and other basic nutrients to be used again, they will accumulate inside the human body and become endogenous turbidity. Therefore, endogenous turbidity is different from final metabolites such as urea, carbon dioxide, etc., which can transform vital qi. How to improve the function of zang-fu organs, enhance its degradation by autophagy-lysosome or ubiquitin-prosome is of great significance in normal operating of zang-fu organs and preventing the emergence and progress of related diseases.
Autophagy ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors for coronary artery lesions (CAL) secondary to Kawasaki disease (KD) in children.

METHODSThe medical data of 895 children with KD were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of CAL: CAL (n=284) and control (n=611). The clinical and laboratory indices were compared between the two groups. The risk factors for the development of CAL in children with KD were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSMale gender (OR=1.712), occurrence of non-CAL complications (OR=2.028), atypical KD (OR=3.655), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance (OR=2.912), more than 5 days of fever duration before IVIG treatment (OR=1.350), and increased serum procalcitonin (PCT) level (OR=1.068) were the independent risk factors for the development of CAL in children with KD (P<0.05), whereas increased serum albumin (Alb) level was a protective factor (OR=0.931, P<0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum PCT and ALB for prediction of the development of CAL in children with KD were 0.631 and 0.558, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSMale gender, atypical KD, occurrence of other non-CAL complications, long duration of fever and IVIG resistance are associated with an increased risk for CAL in children with KD. Serum PCT and ALB have little value in the prediction of CAL in children with KD.

Adolescent ; Calcitonin ; blood ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Coronary Artery Disease ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous ; therapeutic use ; Infant ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; complications ; Protein Precursors ; blood ; Risk Factors

ObjectiveTo study the quality control methods for 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 kit and injection.MethodsThe appearance,pH,contents of the bases,the labeling yield,asepsis and bacterial endotoxins of 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 kits from three different batches were examined.The kit stability was estimated under different conditions.The transparence,pH,radiochemical purity,half-life,asepsis and bacterial endotoxins of 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 injection were tested.ResultsThe 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 kit and injection were both achromous and transparent,with pH values being 5.9 ± 0.1 and 5.5 - 7.0 respectively.The contents of stannous chloride and TRODAT-1 were stable.The labeling yield of the kit and the radiochemical purity of the injection were both ≥95％.The asepsis test demonstrated that the characters of 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 kit and injection were qualified.TRODAT-1 kit was stable at 0 -4 ℃ for 6 months or at room temperature (20 -25 ℃ )for 10 days,and the radiochemical purity of the injection was still ＞ 90％ at room temperature for 8 hours.ConclusionsThe quality control methods for 99Tcm-TRODAT-1 kit are simple and practical.The kit and injection are qualified and can be used for clinical application.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of dynamic change in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level with the disease severity and related laboratory markers in infants/toddlers with severe pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 132 infants/toddlers with severe pneumonia who were hospitalized between March 2017 and March 2018 were enrolled as the severe pneumonia group. According to the disease severity on admission and after one week of treatment, they were further divided into non-critical group (41 children on admission and 78 after one week of treatment), critical group (59 children on admission and 35 after one week of treatment), and extremely critical group (32 children on admission and 19 after one week of treatment). A total of 142 infants/toddlers who underwent physical examination during the same period of time were enrolled as the healthy control group. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, procalcitonin (PCT), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured on admission and after one week of treatment for the severe pneumonia group, and the serum level of 25(OH)D was measured on admission for the healthy control group. According to the 25(OH)D level after one week of treatment, the children with severe pneumonia were divided into increased vitamin D (VD) group with 81 children and reduced VD group with 51 children, and a comparative analysis and a correlation analysis were performed. RESULTS: The severe pneumonia group had a significantly lower mean 25(OH)D level than the healthy control group (P<0.05), and all the three subgroups of different severities had significantly lower 25(OH)D level than the healthy control group (P<0.05). On admission and after one week of treatment, the non-critical group had a significantly higher 25(OH)D level than the critical and extremely critical groups (P<0.01), and the critical group had a significantly higher 25(OH)D level than the extremely critical group (P<0.05). The extremely critical and critical groups had significantly higher serum levels of PCT and NT-proBNP than the non-critical group on admission and after one week of treatment (P<0.05). After one week of treatment, compared with the reduced VD group, the increased VD group had a significantly less serious condition. At discharge, the increased VD group had a significantly better outcome compared with the reduced VD group (P<0.01). In the children with severe pneumonia, the change value of serum 25(OH)D level after treatment was negatively correlated with the change values of PCT and NT-proBNP (r=-0.597 and -0.404 respectively; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The change in VD level is correlated with the severity of severe pneumonia in infants/toddlers and can be used as an index for disease monitoring. VD supplementation may help with disease recovery.
Calcifediol ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Infant ; Pneumonia ; Procalcitonin ; Vitamin D ; Vitamin D Deficiency

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for detecting common chromosome aneuploidies in interphase nuclei of amniotic fluid cells.

METHODSEighty two uncultured amniotic fluid samples and supernatants from 2 successfully and 5 unsuccessfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were analyzed with FISH. Results from standard cytogenetic analysis of 79 uncultured amniotic fluid samples and 2 successfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were compared with FISH results.

RESULTSAll of the 89 samples were succeeded analyzed with FISH. Positive findings included 3 cases with trisomy 21, 1 case with 47, XYY and 1 case with 69, XXX, which were consistent with results of karyotype analysis.

CONCLUSIONFISH is a rapid and accurate method for prenatal diagnosis, and can also provide a remedy to failed amniotic fluid cells culture.

Adult ; Amniotic Fluid ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Karyotyping ; Pregnancy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of cytochrome P450 isozymes on aristolochic acid induced cytotoxicity on renal proximal tubular epithelial cell (cell line HK-2).

METHODHuman renal tubular cells (cell line HK-2), were treated with aristolochic acid (AA) alone or in combination with cytochrome P450 isozymes inhibitors, including alpha-naphthoflavone (CYP450 1A1 and 1 A2 inhibitors), ketoconazole (CYP450 3A4 inhibitor), sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (CYP450 2A6 and 2E1 inhibitors), quinidine (CYP450 2D inhibitor), alpha-lipoic acid (NADPH: P450 reductase inhibitor), sulfaphenazole (CYP450 2C inhibitor) in the presence or absence of liver microsome(S9). The inhibition of cell proliferation rate was studied by MTT assay and the lactate dehydrogenase release rate was determined with continuous monitoring method.

RESULTAA inhibits cell proliferation and promotes the release of LDH over the range of 12.5-100 mg x L(-1), in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of S9 into the culture system reduced AA cytotoxicity, with the cell proliferation inhibition reducing and the release of LDH decreasing (AA + S9 group vs the same concentration of AA alone group, P < 0.05). In the absence of S9, ketoconazole or alpha-naphthoflavone has no obvious effect on AA cytotoxicity, however,under the conditions of adding S9, ketoconazole or alpha-naphthoflavone enhances AA cytotoxicity. Other inhibitors of CYP450 isozymes has no distinct effect on AA cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONThe microsomal enzyme of Liver can reduce the AA cytotoxicity, and CYP450 3A, CYP450 1A may be the major cytochrome P450 isozymes which impact AA cytotoxicity.

Animals ; Aristolochic Acids ; toxicity ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; metabolism ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; drug effects ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules ; drug effects ; enzymology ; immunology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical therapeutic results of allograft tendon for anatomical reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of patellar dislocations.

METHODSFrom September 2008 to June 2013, 16 patients with patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstructions. There were 2 males and 14 females, aged 11 to 27 years old (16 years old on average). Patellar dislocations occurred in 11 left and 5 right knees. The disease course ranged from 3 to 10 years. The frequency of dislocation ranged from 9 to 33 times (19 times on average). Affected knee joints showed patellar instability; the range of action for patella obviously increased. The X-ray films showed patellar dislocation. The preoperative Q angle was (36 ± 9)°, and the congruence angle was (63 ± 18)°. Reconstruction was performed via allograft tendon. Allograft tendon was fixed through the superomedial pole of the patella, and the other end was fixed at the natural MPFL insertion site near the medial femoral condyle with an interference screw in a bone tunnel. All the patients were evaluated postoperatively; Kujala patellofemoral scores, objective knee function, complications, and reoperations were assessed.

RESULTSPrimary healing was achieved in all cases. No infection or necrosis and absorption of grafts was observed. All the patients were followed up for an average of 16.4 months (ranged, 10 to 24 months) postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, all the patients had no pain, swelling and patellar instability; neither patella redislocation nor fracture occurred. The X-ray films showed good position of tunnel 6 months after operation, and the congruence angle was (5 ± 9)°, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). The postoperative Q angle was (17 ± 8)°, the Kujala knee function score improved significantly from 45.20 ± 9.20 to 89.30 ± 6.40 at the latest follow-up, showing statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMPFL reconstruction improves clinical symptoms. Anatomical MPFL reconstruction is effective for patellar dislocation, and it offers good recovery of the premorbid patella mechanics. The interference screw provides firm fixation. Allograft can avoid the graft harvest site morbidity, but it increases the cost of the surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Allografts ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; surgery ; Male ; Patellar Dislocation ; surgery ; Patellofemoral Joint ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tendons ; transplantation

OBJECTIVETo survey the dose of glucocorticosteroids administered in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and assess the effect of glucocorticosteroid doses in improving the patients' lung function.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted among 225 SARS patients treated in our in 2003. Oxygenation index was used as the effectness index, and the criteria for effectiveness was defiend as increase of the value of OI by 20% or above.

RESULTSGlococoticostecoids were used in 59.56% of the SARS cases. The average value of OI before intravenous use of glucocorticosteroids was 237.08 mmHg, and that after the administration was 335.08 mmHg. The glucocorticosteroid doses that produce better effects were 1-3 mg/kg and 160-240 mg daily, with the total accumulative dose of 1000-2000 mg. The optimal duration of glucocorticosteroid use was 8-14 days.

CONCLUSIONSFor SARS treatment, Glucocorticosteroids can effectively ameliorate the SARS patients' lung symptoms and improve the lung function. The appropriate daily dose of glucocorticosteroids is 1-3 mg/kg or 160-240 mg/d for a duration of 8-14 d; the accumulative dose should be controlled around 1500 mg.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; drug therapy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between inflammation and traumatic deep vein thrombosis (TDVT).

METHODSA rat model of deep venous thrombosis was established by directly clamping femoral vein. Based on the different biological situations of femoral vein thrombosis and observation phases, 150 SD rats were divided into 7 groups. Inflammatory cells in vein wall of each group were counted. The fold change and cluster analysis were applied to study the change of gene expression during the development of venous thrombosis. Especially, the genes related to inflammation, fibrinolysis, coagulation of endothelium were analyzed in detail.

RESULTSThe inflammation cells in femoral vein wall were mostly neutrophilic granulocytes in Groups B, C and D, while they were lymphocytes in Groups E, F and G. Compared with Groups A, B, E and G, the inflammation cell counts in Groups C, D and F were much higher (P less than 0.05). The results of fold-change analysis showed that 2 504 genes (Log 2 ratio > or = 1 or < or = 1) presented different expressions in the process of TDVT. Most of these genes'functions were not clarified so far and the genes with known functions were involved in inflammation, DNA-dependent transcription regulation, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, etc. Among them, 23 genes related to inflammation had different expressions during TDVT. The cluster analysis showed that the expression changes of several genes, such as IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, Cinc2, corresponded with the development of femoral vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONThere is a close relationship between the genes related to inflammation and deep vein thrombosis induced by direct vascular trauma.

Animals ; Gene Expression ; Inflammation ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Venous Thrombosis ; genetics ; pathology